Lighting device, system with lighting devices and method for operating the system

Abstract

Lighting device, comprising: - a light source (2) for producing light, - a control electronics unit (3) for controlling the light source (2), at least one radar sensor (4) for detecting presence information, wherein the radar sensor (4) is equipped with at least one RF emitter and at least one RF receiver, and wherein the RF emitter and the RF receiver are configured to be used as a communication channel for transmitting data to other lighting devices, and wherein the control electronics unit (3) is configured to control the light source (2) based on the presence information and / or on the transmitted data, wherein the lighting device comprises a sensor for detecting at least one sensor signal, wherein the sensor includes an air pressure sensor for detecting a current air pressure, and wherein the control electronics unit is configured to determine the air pressure value via the air pressure sensor of the sensor, to transmit it to another lighting device (1') orto receive from the other lighting device (1') and to identify the relative position of the lighting devices (1) and (1') to each other by comparing the two air pressure values, based on the comparison of the air pressure determined by the user and the air pressure transmitted.

Description

[0001] The invention relates generally to lighting devices. In particular, the invention relates to lighting devices for forming systems of lighting devices and to methods for operating the system of lighting devices.

[0002] Lighting devices equipped with motion sensors are known that can switch on and off depending on the presence or absence of people. When a person enters a room equipped with such lighting devices, for example, a stairwell, the lighting devices switch on after presence is detected. Upon presence detection, the light switches on locally, so that the person walks towards a dark area until another lighting device detects their presence. Lighting devices are also known that illuminate a room, for example, a stairwell, with a single switch. In this case, the light is also switched on in those areas of the room where it is not needed, or not needed to the same extent, as in the immediate vicinity of the person, thus wasting electrical energy.

[0003] Document US 2013 / 0270424A1 describes a system with multiple devices and object detection modules that detect objects from radiation within a specific wavelength range and can be switched to a master mode to emit probing radiation when needed. Document GB 3444734A describes a street lighting system that uses predictive control based on sensor-detected objects to control remote control devices in order to selectively illuminate ahead streetlights and thus save energy. Document US 2016 / 0105943A1 describes a control component and / or power source integrated into an LED-based light source to wirelessly control and / or power the LED light source.Document US 2013 / 0063032A1 describes a ballast for regulating the power supply of a light source, wherein the ballast has a controller coupled to a power converter to increase or decrease the power supplied to a light source.

[0004] One object of the present invention is to provide a lighting device which makes it possible to form energy-saving systems of lighting devices.

[0005] To solve this problem, a lighting device is proposed, based on a first aspect. The lighting device comprises a light source for generating light, control electronics for controlling the light source, and at least one radar sensor for detecting presence information. The radar sensor is equipped with an RF emitter / RF receiver as a communication channel for transmitting data to other lighting devices. The control electronics are configured to control the light source based on the presence information and / or the transmitted data.

[0006] The lighting device can be designed, in particular, as an LED lighting device with an LED light source and an LED driver. The LED driver can be designed as part of the control electronics or as a separate module. In particular, the control electronics can be at least partially integrated into the separate module (control module). The control electronics for controlling the light source can include a processor, memory, and switching electronics for controlling the light source, such as switching on / off, dimming, flashing, etc. The control electronics can be configured so that the light source is controlled based on the presence information detected by the radar sensor and / or on the data transmitted by other lighting devices. By taking the presence information into account, the control electronics can be configured to determine the appropriate lighting effect.Based on the data transmitted by the other lighting devices, the lighting device can be controlled situationally and in a coordinated manner with other lighting devices. Using the RF emitter / RF receiver as a communication channel between the lighting devices eliminates the need for cabling between the luminaires and additional lighting management components such as gateways or application controllers. The communication channel has a range or communication radius. The range of the radar sensor can be easily preset at the factory so that the transmitted data typically only reaches the adjacent rooms or areas.

[0007] The radar sensor can be configured to detect directional and / or speed information from one or more people, and the control electronics can be configured to control the light source based on this directional and / or speed information. By detecting the direction and / or speed of the people, it is possible to determine which light source they are approaching, allowing one or more light sources to be controlled proactively, particularly before the people reach the area illuminated by the light source. The radar sensor can be integrated as part of the sensor system, as part of the control module, or as a separate component, and can be invisibly integrated into the light source.

[0008] The lighting device includes a sensor for detecting at least one sensor signal, wherein the sensor includes an air pressure sensor for detecting the current air pressure. The control electronics are configured to determine the air pressure value via the sensor's air pressure sensor, transmit it to another lighting device or receive it from the other lighting device, and, by comparing the two air pressure values, identify the relative position of the lighting devices and to each other based on the comparison of their own measured air pressure and the transmitted air pressure. The sensor can, in particular, be at least partially housed in a sensor module.

[0009] The sensor system can be configured to acquire, convert, and / or process environmental information. Furthermore, the sensor system can be configured to transmit data to other functional units or modules of the lighting device and / or to other lighting devices. In some embodiments, the sensor system can include a daylight sensor, a humidity sensor, a microphone, an ultrasonic sensor, a UV light sensor, and / or other sensors. Sensors can be configured to acquire environmental information and convert it into data. The data or signals, in particular control signals or sensor signals, can be generated by the sensors or by the control electronics and forwarded to other modules of the lighting device or to other modules of other lighting devices.From the perspective of the control electronics, the system's own sensors are those installed in the same lighting device as the control electronics themselves.

[0010] The environmental information can include presence information and, optionally, further information from the lighting device's surroundings, such as temperature, air pressure, etc., depending on the sensor configuration. In principle, any type of environment in which the lighting devices could be located is eligible. The presence information can specifically include information about the presence, movement, direction, speed of movement, number of people, or other information about people in an environment.

[0011] In a system of lighting devices, the lighting device can assume the role of a subordinate lighting device without sensors (slave), which cannot independently acquire environmental information but relies on environmental information from a superior lighting device with sensors (master) for its control behavior. The lighting device can be dynamically controlled depending on the situation using environmental information.

[0012] The sensor system can include an air pressure sensor to detect the current air pressure. This sensor can be configured to respond to changes in air pressure, particularly those caused by the presence of people or by entering or leaving the environment, such as a building section or stairwell. These air pressure changes can include characteristic pressure fluctuations and signals caused by opening or closing a door. By evaluating the pressure sensor signal, the control electronics can draw conclusions about the opening or closing processes of a door. In combination with the radar signal indicating whether a person is present or not, it can also be determined whether a person is entering or leaving the room or stairwell.This data can be transmitted to other lighting devices, so that the control electronics of the other lighting devices can control the light sources of the other lighting devices accordingly.

[0013] The sensor system can include a daylight sensor. The control module and the LED driver can be designed to dim the light source based on the detected daylight level. Adding a daylight sensor to the sensor system and the dimming capability of the light fixture allows it to operate at a reduced power level. By dimming the light fixture according to the daylight level, unnecessarily bright illumination can be avoided, thus reducing electrical energy consumption.

[0014] The lighting device, in particular the sensor or sensor module, may include a communication module with at least one wireless communication method such as ZigBee, DALI, Bluetooth, WiFi, or other methods. ZigBee® is a registered trademark of the ZigBee Alliance. Bluetooth® is a registered trademark of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group. DALI® (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) is a registered trademark of the international standardization consortium for lighting and building automation networks. WiFi® is a registered trademark of the WiFi Alliance. The communication module allows the simple exchange of additional information between the lighting devices based on a standard protocol.

[0015] The control electronics and the light source can be designed to allow changes to the color temperature and / or color of the light source. Extending the control module and the light source to enable changes in color temperature and / or color allows for the adjustment of color temperatures / colors according to occasion, mood, or personal preferences.

[0016] The lighting system can be modular in design. In particular, the individual functional units, such as control electronics, light sources, and sensors, can be designed as separate or interchangeable modules. The modular design of the lighting system allows for flexible configuration. For example, cost-effective lighting systems for smaller rooms, corridors, or stairwells can be provided without sensors or other components. If needed, these components can be retrofitted modularly, thus expanding the functionality of the lighting system. The lighting system is therefore fundamentally suitable for all rooms or outdoor areas such as long corridors, hallways, halls, underground parking garages, storage areas, etc.

[0017] A second aspect is addressed by proposing a system of lighting devices. This system comprises at least one first lighting device and at least one second lighting device, each with at least one radar sensor for detecting presence information. Each radar sensor is equipped with at least one RF emitter and at least one RF receiver, the RF emitter and receiver configured to function as communication channels for transmitting data to other lighting devices. The control electronics are configured to control the lighting device based on the presence information and / or the transmitted data. The system can include a plurality of lighting devices and be part of a Light Management System (LMS). An LMS can, in particular, comprise multiple luminaires connected to a network.By taking into account presence information or data transmitted between the lighting devices, the lighting device can be controlled situationally and in a coordinated manner with other lighting devices. Using the RF emitter or RF receiver as a communication channel between the lighting devices eliminates the need for a separate communication module.

[0018] The first lighting device can include sensors for acquiring environmental information and a radar sensor as a communication channel for transmitting this information. The control electronics can be configured to control the second lighting device, at least partially, based on the transmitted environmental information. The lighting device can be dynamically controlled depending on the situation using sensor signals.

[0019] The first and second lighting devices can each include a communication module configured such that communication between the first and second lighting devices can take place at least partially via the communication module. In particular, communication between the lights can be wireless. Communication between the lighting devices via the communication module allows communication to be maintained even if radar communication between the lighting devices is impaired.

[0020] A third aspect proposes a method for operating a system of lighting devices, wherein the system comprises a first and a second lighting device. Each lighting device includes a light source, control electronics for controlling the light source, and at least one radar sensor for detecting presence information. The radar sensor is equipped with an RF emitter / receiver as a communication channel for transmitting data between the first and second lighting devices. The control electronics are configured to control the respective light source based on presence information and / or on the transmitted data, such as control signals.The method comprises acquiring presence information with the radar sensor of the first and / or second lighting device, transmitting data between the first and second lighting devices, and controlling the first and / or second lighting device by the control electronics of the first and / or second lighting device, at least partially, based on the transmitted data. The method further comprises determining the air pressure value via the respective air pressure sensor of the respective lighting devices, transmitting the respective air pressure values ​​to each other, comparing the two air pressure values, and identifying the relative position of the lighting devices to each other by comparing their own determined air pressure with the transmitted air pressure.

[0021] By taking into account environmental information, presence information, or data transmitted between lighting devices, the lighting device can be controlled in a situation-dependent manner and in a coordinated way with other lighting devices.

[0022] The first lighting device can include sensors, and the method can further include acquiring environmental information using the sensors of the first lighting device. The method can also include generating data based on this environmental information, transmitting the data to the control electronics of the second lighting device, and controlling the second lighting device by its control electronics. Because of the environmental information, presence information, or data transmitted between the first lighting device (master) and the second lighting device (slave), the second lighting device does not require its own sensors, thus reducing the overall system costs.

[0023] The first and second lighting devices can each be equipped with sensors, in particular with a sensor module. The method can further include determining environmental information via the respective sensors of the first and second lighting devices, generating data based on the environmental information, and controlling the lighting device by the control electronics based at least partially on the transmitted control signals. In particular, several master lighting devices, optionally with their respective slave lighting devices, can communicate with each other in a lighting management system (LMS), so that even larger rooms or outdoor areas can be equipped with master-slave systems.

[0024] The first and second lighting devices can each be equipped with at least one barometric pressure sensor. The method can include determining the barometric pressure value via the respective barometric pressure sensor of the lighting devices and transmitting the respective barometric pressure value to each other. The method can further include comparing the two barometric pressure values ​​and identifying, particularly by the control electronics, the relative position of the lighting devices to each other by comparing their own measured barometric pressure with the transmitted barometric pressure. In a monitoring system (LMS), the barometric pressure values ​​can be transmitted between lighting devices located within a communication radius. For example, if the first lighting device is located at a higher elevation than the second lighting device, the barometric pressure of the first lighting device will be lower than the transmitted barometric pressure, and vice versa.By comparing air pressure, conclusions can be drawn about the relative position of lighting fixtures, which can then be taken into account by the respective control electronics when controlling each light source. In particular, lighting fixtures in stairwells, halls, etc., can automatically configure themselves, making the process possible without significant, time-consuming, and expensive manual configuration.

[0025] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. The same reference numerals are used in the figures for identical or equivalently functioning parts. Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a lighting device according to an exemplary embodiment, Fig. Figure 2 shows a modular lighting device according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 3 shows a lighting device according to a further embodiment, Fig. 4 shows a lighting device according to another embodiment, Fig. Figure 5 shows a first and a second lighting device according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 6 shows a flowchart of a process according to an exemplary embodiment, Fig. Figure 7 schematically shows a system of lighting devices in an environment according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 8 schematically shows a system of lighting devices in an environment according to an exemplary embodiment, and Fig. Figure 9 shows an exemplary embodiment of the method for controlling the lighting devices.

[0026] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a lighting device according to an exemplary embodiment. The lighting device 1 comprises a light source 2, control electronics 3 for controlling the light source 2, and a radar sensor 4 for detecting presence information, wherein the radar sensor 4 is configured with an RF emitter / RF receiver as a communication channel for communication with other lighting devices. The lighting device 1 can, in particular, be configured as an LED lighting device with an LED light source and an LED driver. The LED driver can be configured as part of the control electronics or as a separate module.

[0027] Fig. Figure 2 shows a modular lighting device according to an exemplary embodiment. The lighting device 1 comprises an LED light engine 5 with the light source 2, which is designed as an LED light source. The lighting device 1 includes an LED driver 6 for driving the LED light engine 5, a control module 7, and a sensor module 8 with a radar sensor 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the radar sensor 4 is designed as part of the sensor module 8. In this exemplary embodiment, the lighting device 1 is designed as a luminaire and has a luminaire body 9. The LED driver 6, the control module 7, the sensor module 8, and the LED light engine 5 are located within the luminaire body 9 of the lighting device 1. The LED driver 6 has a primary side with contacts L and N for connection to the power supply and a secondary side with contacts LED+ and LED- for connection to the LED light engine 5.

[0028] The control module 8 can preferably be connected to the secondary side of the LED driver 6. In some embodiments, the control module 8 is designed as an integrated component of the LED driver 6. The control module 8 can receive data and control the LED driver 6 of the lighting device or luminaire, and thus the brightness and, if applicable, the color temperature of the luminaire. The LED driver 6 can preferably be dimmable and offer interfaces for power supply and for controlling a control module.

[0029] Fig. Figure 3 shows a lighting device according to a further embodiment. The lighting device 1 of the Fig. 3 essentially corresponds to the embodiment of the Fig. 2, wherein the LED driver 6, the control module 7 and the sensor module 8 with the radar sensor 4 (not shown) are located outside the luminaire body 9. The LED light engine 5 is located inside the luminaire body 9.

[0030] Fig. Figure 4 shows a lighting device according to another embodiment. The lighting device 1 of the Fig. 4 essentially corresponds to the embodiment of the Fig. 3, wherein the LED driver 6 and the control module 7 are formed outside the luminaire body 9.

[0031] The LED light engine 5 and the sensor module 8 are formed within the luminaire body 9.

[0032] Fig. Figure 5 shows a first and a second lighting device according to an exemplary embodiment. The first lighting device 1 and the second lighting device 1' essentially correspond to the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 2, wherein the second lighting device 1' does not have a sensor module. The information or data detected by the sensor module 8 of the first lighting device 1 is forwarded by the control module 7 of the first lighting device 1 to the control module 7' of the second lighting device 1'. In some embodiments, the detected information is forwarded by the sensor module 7 of the first lighting device 1 to the control module 7' of the second lighting device 1'.

[0033] Fig. Figure 6 shows a flowchart of a method according to an exemplary embodiment. The method 100 shown can be carried out with a first and a second lighting device according to the first aspect.

[0034] In step 110, presence information is acquired using the radar sensor of the first and / or second lighting device. For example, a person can be detected by the radar sensor of one lighting device. Data relating to the person's detection can then be stored in a memory of the control electronics. In a further step 120, the data representing the presence information is transmitted from the first lighting device to the second lighting device. In a subsequent step 130, the second lighting device is controlled, at least partially, based on the transmitted data.

[0035] The method can include identifying the relative position or height of the lighting devices to each other. This information, combined with the presence information of the person, makes it possible to control only the lighting device located in the direction of the person's movement.

[0036] Fig. Figure 7 schematically shows a system of lighting devices in an environment according to an exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, environment 1000 is selected as a stairwell. The stairwell comprises several areas and is divided into floors X-1 to X+2. In this embodiment, each floor has a lighting device Y-1 to Y+2. In this embodiment, the lighting devices Y-1 to Y+2 each have a radar sensor with a range or communication radius. The range of the radar sensor can be factory preset so that the transmitted data typically only reaches the adjacent floors.

[0037] The light device Y detects the presence of a person. The corresponding data is transmitted to other lights – here Y+1 and Y-1 – within the range of the signal from the radar sensor of light device Y. Lights Y+1 and Y-1 are controlled accordingly by their respective control electronics. The lines radiating from the lights indicate that they are illuminated.

[0038] Fig. Figure 8 schematically shows the system of lighting devices in an environment according to another embodiment, wherein the identification of the relative position of the lighting devices to each other is as described in the description to Fig. 6 has already been explained.

[0039] The Fig. Figure 8 shows floors X-1 to X+2 of a stairwell, each floor illuminated by light fixtures Y-1 to Y+2. As soon as the radar sensor on floor X detects a person with light fixture Y, it can transmit data to all neighboring light fixtures, including information about the person's direction of movement and the relative height of the light fixture. By comparing its own relative height with the relative height contained in the data, light fixture Y+1 determines whether it needs to be switched on, while light fixture Y-1 determines whether it needs to be switched off or can remain dimmed.

[0040] Fig. Figure 9 schematically shows the system of lighting devices according to Fig. 8 in a different switching state. As soon as the radar sensor on floor X+1 detects the person with the light fixture Y+1, the radar sensor of light fixture Y+1 sends a signal to all neighboring light fixtures containing information about the person's direction of movement and the relative height of the light fixture. By comparing its own relative height with the relative height contained in the signal, light fixture Y+2 recognizes that it needs to be switched on, and light fixture Y recognizes that it needs to be switched off or dimmed. Targeted activation of the light fixtures is thus possible, eliminating the need to set fixed follow-up times for the light fixtures. This allows the number of illuminated lights in the vicinity of the person to be reduced by one-third, from three to two, thereby also reducing power consumption by one-third.

[0041] The above-described implementation examples allow for targeted activation of the lights only in the direction in which the person is moving – i.e., only on floor X-1 or X+1. Fig. 8, Fig. 9).

[0042] The radar sensor can not only detect presence but also determine the direction and speed of a person. This makes it possible to determine whether the person is going up or down stairs. This information is initially useless, as the lights are explicitly not intended to be configured by the installer to store information such as the number of floors. However, by integrating an air pressure sensor into the light fixture, it becomes possible to differentiate the relative installation height (i.e., the relative number of floors) of the lights. With this information, each light can then decide whether to switch on at full brightness or not.

[0043] In another embodiment, the data transmitted by the lighting device Y can be supplemented with a range number N of the lights to be activated in the direction of movement. The lighting device Y+1 can forward the data with the range number N-1 to the lighting device Y+2, and so on, until the data reaches the lighting device Y+N. The light Y+N is switched on, but no longer transmits the data.

[0044] It should be noted that this communication can take place via the previously mentioned communication via radar antennas, but also via established systems such as ZigBee or DALI.

[0045] Although at least one exemplary embodiment has been shown in the preceding description, various changes and modifications can be made. The embodiments mentioned are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present disclosure in any way. Rather, the preceding description provides the person skilled in the art with a plan for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, whereby numerous changes can be made to the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of protection of the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Furthermore, according to the principles described herein, several modules or several products can also be combined to obtain additional functions. Reference symbol list 1 Lighting device 2 light bulbs 3 Control electronics 4 radar sensor 5 LED light engine 6 LED drivers 7 Control module 8 Sensor module 9 light fixtures 100 procedures 110 Procedure step 120th process step 130 Procedure step 1000 surroundings N Power grid connection L Power grid connection LED + Contact LED contact X-1 Floor X Floor X+1 Floor X+2 Floor Y-1 Lighting device of floor X-1 Y Lighting device of floor X Y+1 Lighting device of floor X+1 Y+2 Lighting device of floor X+2

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