Photogenerating system with optical patterns that provide system information

JP2026530404APending Publication Date: 2026-09-08SIGNIFY HOLDING BV
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2026511894
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-08-21
Filing Date
2024-08-12
Publication Date
2026-09-08

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a system (1000) comprising a photogenerating device (100), a first location (10), and a second location (20), wherein the first location (10) and the second location (20) are spatially separated, the first location (10) includes a first optical pattern (15) that provides or provides access to first information, the second location (20) includes a second optical pattern (25) that provides or provides access to second information, and the first information includes or provides access to a first part of system information. The system provides a system in which the first and second parts do not overlap at least partially, the first and second parts together provide a third information, the third information includes or provides access to a third part of the system information, at least a portion of the system information is included in the third part but excluded from the first and second parts, and the system information includes one or more of product information, history information, maintenance information, location information, and access information.
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system including a light-generating device. The present invention further relates to a lighting device. The present invention still further relates to a method for accessing part of system information of a system. [Background Art]

[0002] Methods for accessing information via an optical pattern are known in the art. For example, US Patent Publication No. 2020184169A1 describes that information is recorded in a quick response code. A hologram is made from the quick response code, and provides three-dimensional information in a two-dimensional hologram. The hologram is used to record information in two dimensions. A plurality of quick response codes containing a large amount of information are created using different light wave frequencies in different quick response encoders. These plurality of quick response codes are combined into a two-dimensional hologram used for a label. The hologram is read by a hologram reader. Each quick response frequency layer is separated from the hologram. A quick response code is extracted from each layer. A quick response reader provides the recorded information. [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0003] Lighting products, or other products, or their packaging, may include optical patterns, such as Quick Response (QR) codes, that provide access to product-related information. Typically, if a product includes multiple such codes, these codes provide the same information. This information is useful, for example, (a) for consumers to understand product characteristics before purchase, (b) for installers to access assembly or installation instructions, and (c) for maintenance engineers to troubleshoot, obtain appropriate spare parts, or change system settings. However, in these examples, it may be preferable for different people to be presented with information tailored to their specific circumstances.

[0004] For example, installers may use QR codes to connect products to existing networks, such as Wi-Fi® networks, or to configure product settings, such as location settings based on local GPS coordinates. However, while such QR codes are intended for use at the final usage location, they are often actually used during assembly in the workshop. As a result, for example, the GPS coordinates encoded in a system, such as a street lighting pole, may incorrectly indicate the GPS coordinates of the workshop where the system was assembled, rather than the location where the system operates. Such incorrect encoding of GPS coordinates can hinder not only system maintenance but also location-based control of light-generating devices such as street lighting poles.

[0005] Furthermore, it may not be desirable for everyone who has access to the product to have access to the same information. For example, in the case of systems placed in public places, such as streetlights, it may be convenient for maintenance engineers to access lighting control settings via QR codes, but it would be undesirable for passersby to have access to the same lighting control settings.

[0006] Furthermore, code reuse can complicate future updates or extensions of rights regarding specific components of a product.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a system that facilitates the installation of lighting devices and / or provides appropriate system information to different users.

[0008] Therefore, one aspect of the present invention preferably further provides an alternative system that at least partially eliminates one or more of the disadvantages described above. The present invention may also aim to overcome or improve upon at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] Accordingly, the present invention is defined in the attached set of independent and dependent claims.

[0010] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a (lighting) system comprising a photogenerating device, a first location and a second location, wherein the first and second locations are spatially separated and, in particular, are located on different surfaces of the photogenerating device. In one embodiment, the first location includes a first optical pattern that provides or provides access to first information, wherein the first information includes or provides access to a first portion of system information (about the system). Similarly, in one embodiment, the second location includes a second optical pattern that provides or provides access to second information, wherein the second information includes or provides access to a second portion of system information. Alternatively, the second location includes a radio transmitter having a transmission range (R) configured to provide a radio signal containing the second information. The first and second portions (of the system information) do not have to overlap at least partially, i.e., they do not have to overlap at least partially in terms of the content of the system information. In one embodiment, the first and second information may be provided together with, for example, a third information, which may be encoded, and in particular, the third information may include a third part of the system information or provide access to a third part of the system information. In particular, at least a portion of the system information may be included in the third part but excluded from the first and second parts, that is, at least a portion of the contents of the third part of the system information may not be included in either the first or second part of the system information. In one embodiment, the system information may include one or more of the following: product information, history information, maintenance information, location information, and (control) access information.

[0011] In one embodiment, the present invention may provide a system comprising a photogenerating device, a first location and a second location, wherein the first and second locations are spatially separated, the first location includes a first optical pattern that provides or provides access to first information, the second location includes a second optical pattern that provides or provides access to second information, the first and second information together provide third information, the third information includes or provides access to a third part of system information, and the system information includes one or more of product information, history information, maintenance information, location information and access information. In particular, at least a portion of the third part of the system information does not need to be accessible through only one of the first and second information.

[0012] In one embodiment, the third part of the system information is different from the first and second parts of the system information. In one embodiment, the third information may be provided together with the first and second information when they are scanned sequentially or simultaneously.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first part of the system information is a first type of information (e.g., product information), the second part of the system information is a second type of information, and the first and second types of information are the same or different, and the third part of the system information is a third type of information (e.g., history information, maintenance information, etc.), and the third type of information is different from the first and second types of information. In one embodiment, the third part of the system information is, for example, maintenance information relating to a photogenerating device. In one embodiment, the third part of the system information is, for example, control information for controlling a photogenerating device.

[0014] In certain embodiments, the present invention may provide a system comprising a photogenerating device, a first location and a second location, wherein the first location and the second location are spatially separated, the first location includes a first optical pattern that provides or provides access to first information, the second location includes a second optical pattern that provides or provides access to second information, the first information includes or provides access to a first part of system information, the second information includes or provides access to a second part of system information, the first and second parts do not overlap at least partially, the first and second information together provide a third information, the third information includes or provides access to a third part of system information, at least a portion of the system information is included in the third part but excluded from the first and second parts, and the system information includes one or more of product information, history information, maintenance information, location information and access information.

[0015] Such a system allows for selective access to system information, including optional access to system control settings, based on the system state and physical access to the system.

[0016] This allows system information, such as production information, to be selectively accessed at the appropriate time. For example, product information (or part of it), such as installation-related information or assembly information, may be selectively accessible before and / or during installation / assembly. For example, optical patterns may be (visually) accessible before assembly, but not (visually) accessible after the system is fully assembled. Alternatively or additionally, accessing installation-related information may require information encoded in optical patterns placed on the packages of other system components. Furthermore, particularly in modular systems, scanning the optical patterns of different system components may provide installation-related information specific to that combination of components.

[0017] As a further example, late-stage configuration setting may be accessed only during or after the installation of the system at the target site. For example, in the case of a lighting pole in a public place, the system may prompt the input of coordinate settings only after the system has been installed. This may be achieved, for example, by requiring access to an optical pattern that is (essentially) only available during or after installation, either through a movable part or by bringing two parts together.

[0018] Therefore, the present invention can facilitate the differentiation of access to lighting settings based on (physical) access. For example, in the context of a lighting pole (including a lighting fixture) with an optical pattern including a QR code: QR code on the package - only standard information including factory settings; QR code on the pole - only type information, no driver setting information; QR code inside the lighting fixture - access to lighting sub-circuit (LSC) information, sensitive information (e.g., the identity of the lighting fixture owner, and / or component information); access to both the QR code on the package and the QR code inside the lighting fixture - access to the lighting fixture's control settings.

[0019] For example, different authentication levels may be defined by using different combinations of optical patterns, particularly combinations of QR codes. For instance, a first level may only adapt to time schedules that may occur twice a year, typically for winter and summer schedules. A second level may also adapt to the color temperature of the light or other higher-level driving settings (such as dimming schedules or how the system responds to movement sensor inputs).

[0020] Furthermore, different optical patterns, such as QR codes, can be used to distinguish between different types of connectivity or different levels of the pole hierarchy. For example, only one of ten poles may be connected to an external city network as a "master," while the other nine "client" poles are connected only locally to this "master" pole (e.g., via BT, Zigbee®, or another mesh network). The optical patterns of the "client" poles may provide less (access) privileges than the optical patterns of the master pole (the optical patterns of the master pole may be hidden behind a lockable door on the pole). This makes the present invention easier to install, use, and maintain the system (or associated lighting devices), and also makes it easier to secure access to confidential information, such as secure access to control information.

[0021] Accordingly, the present invention may provide a system including a light generating device. Such a system may be referred to herein as a lighting system or a light generating system. The term “light generating device” may, in this specification, refer to a device configured to generate device light (or “lighting device light”), particularly for outdoor lighting, such as garden lighting, street lighting, park lighting, etc. The system may be configured in particular to generate system light, which may include at least a portion of the device light.

[0022] In some embodiments, the system includes a first location and a second location, which are spatially separated. For example, the first and second locations may be located in different components of the system, for example, at the base of a lighting pole and inside a lighting fixture, or in a system component and in the package of that system component or another system component. The term “component” as used herein may refer to any part of the system, such as a housing, light source, pole, mounting means, etc. Thus, the first location may be located in a first (physical) component of the system, and the second location may be located in a second (physical) component of the system. In some embodiments, the first and second components may be physically connected (directly or indirectly) in at least one assembly of the system.

[0023] In further embodiments, the first location may include, in particular, a first optical pattern. Similarly, in further embodiments, the second location may include a second optical pattern. Thus, in some embodiments, the first location may include a first optical pattern, and the second location may include a second optical pattern.

[0024] The term "optical pattern" as used herein may refer to any visible pattern suitable for providing, in particular encoding, information based for example on an image of the optical pattern. The optical pattern may be at least partially non-verbal in essence, in particular essentially non-verbal. That is, the first optical pattern and the second optical pattern may be at least partially non-verbal, in particular essentially non-verbal. For example, the optical pattern may comprise a barcode. The optical pattern may include, for example, a pattern of dots, lines and / or colors. The optical pattern may particularly comprise a two-dimensional optical pattern, such as a two-dimensional barcode, in particular a QR code (Quick Response code).

[0025] For convenience of description, the present invention may be primarily discussed herein in the context of an optical pattern including a QR code. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to such embodiments.

[0026] Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the first optical pattern may include a two-dimensional optical pattern, in particular a QR code, configured such that encoded information can be obtained based on a (camera) image of the first optical pattern.

[0027] Similarly, in certain embodiments, the second optical pattern may include a second two-dimensional optical pattern, in particular a second QR code, configured such that encoded information can be obtained based on a second (camera) image of the second optical pattern.

[0028] For example, in certain embodiments, the information encoded in the first optical pattern and / or the second optical pattern may be obtained (or "decoded") using a smartphone, such as via a typical QR code scanner, or via a dedicated smartphone application (or "app").

[0029] In a further embodiment, the system comprises a scanner and a user interface, wherein the scanner may comprise the user interface or be functionally coupled to the user interface. In particular, the first optical pattern and the second optical pattern may be scannable by the scanner. Accordingly, the scanner may be configured to scan the first optical pattern and the second optical pattern. In particular, the user interface may be configured to provide, in particular display, a third portion of system information (see also below) when the scanner scans (sequentially) the first optical pattern and the second optical pattern, particularly within a predetermined time window. In an embodiment, the predetermined time window may be selected from the range of 1 to 600 seconds, for example from the range of 1 to 300 seconds, particularly from the range of 2 to 120 seconds. In a further embodiment, the user interface may be configured to provide, in particular display, the third portion of system information when the first optical pattern and the second optical pattern are scanned together.

[0030] In particular, the first optical pattern may provide first information or provide access to first information. Specifically, the first optical pattern may (directly) encode the first information or encode a link to the first information.

[0031] Similarly, in an embodiment, the second optical pattern may provide second information or provide access to second information. Specifically, the second optical pattern may (directly) encode the second information or encode a link to the second information.

[0032] Since the first optical pattern and the second optical pattern provide access to the first and second information, respectively, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the first optical pattern is different from the second optical pattern. Therefore, in some embodiments, the first optical pattern is different from the second optical pattern.

[0033] The first and second pieces of information may each include or provide access to each of the system information. In particular, in some embodiments, the first piece of information may include or provide access to the first piece of system information. For example, the first piece of information may include a link suitable for accessing the first piece (of system information), or a passcode suitable for accessing the first piece. Similarly, in some embodiments, the second piece of information may include or provide access to the second piece of system information. The first and second pieces do not have to overlap, at least partially.

[0034] In further embodiments, only one of the first and second pieces of information may include a portion of the system information or provide access to a portion of the system information. In yet another embodiment, the first and second pieces of information may not, individually, include a portion of the system information or provide access to a portion of the system information. In particular, in such embodiments, the first and second pieces of information may together provide a third portion of the system information (via a third piece of information; see below).

[0035] The term "system information" as used herein may refer to any information relating to a system, particularly an optical generating device. In some embodiments, system information may include one or more of the following: product information, history information, maintenance information, location information, and (control) access information.

[0036] Therefore, in some embodiments, the system information may include product information, particularly relating to the photogenerating device. The term "product information" may include, for example, one or more of the following: product type, product number, product identification code, batch number, etc. The product information may be suitable, for example, for identifying the product and for ordering replacement products and / or replacement product parts. In some embodiments, the product information may include installation (related) information. In further embodiments, the product information may include assembly information.

[0037] In further embodiments, system information may include historical information, particularly relating to photogenerating devices. The term “historical information” may, as used herein, refer to information relating to the history of a particular system (or device). For example, historical information may include information relating to (a) shipment of the system (or its components), (b) assembly of the system, optionally including information relating to the date, time, location, and assembler, (c) operational performance, (d) maintenance events, for example, information relating to what was repaired / replaced by whom and when, and (e) failure events. Historical information may be useful, for example, for troubleshooting, identifying faulty components, and evaluating overall performance.

[0038] In further embodiments, system information may include maintenance information, particularly relating to photogenerating devices. The term "maintenance information" as used herein may refer to information relating to the maintenance of the system. For example, maintenance information may include information relating to the status of components, such as expected remaining lifespan. Maintenance information can be particularly useful in helping maintenance engineers determine appropriate actions when performing maintenance on the system.

[0039] In further embodiments, system information may include location information, particularly relating to a photogenerating device. The term "location information" as used herein may refer to information relating to the location and / or intended location of the system. For example, location information may include coordinates, such as Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates, or relative positioning information. Location information can facilitate determining whether the correct system is being checked and can facilitate location-specific control of the system. As described above, prior art systems may often be incorrectly assigned the coordinates of the assembly location rather than the coordinates of the (intended) operating location. A mismatch between the coordinates in the system information and the actual location of the system can lead to improper system operation, for example, in the context of streetlights being activated at the wrong time (streetlights in a bright, open space may operate on a different time schedule than streetlights in a relatively dark space, such as along a forest trail), or in the context of traffic signals.

[0040] In further embodiments, system information may include access information, particularly relating to the photogenerating device. The term “access information” (or “control access information”) as used herein may mean information that grants (partial) access to the system, in particular to the system’s operating settings, such as the operating settings of the photogenerating device. In one embodiment, access information may include information that grants (partial) access to a control system (see below). For example, the control system may be configured to (adjust) the photogenerating device (or “adjust settings”) when it receives a corresponding control input, including an access key, and the access information may include such an access key. For example, the control system may be configured to control, in particular adjust, the settings of the photogenerating device when it receives a control input, and the settings may include one or more of the following: intensity, time schedule, color temperature, etc.

[0041] Those skilled in the art will see that the categories of system information described herein may partially overlap. For example, historical information may include information about maintenance events, which are related to maintenance and thus may also be included as maintenance information.

[0042] In one embodiment, the first information and the second information may (furthermore) provide, for example, a third information together, or encode it. The third information may include a third part of the system information or provide access to a third part of the system information. In particular, at least a portion of the system information is included in the third part but excluded from the first and second parts. Thus, the combination of the first and second information may provide additional (third) information that is not included in either the first or second information. In particular, the third part may include access information, and in particular, at least a portion of the access information may not be included in either the first or second part.

[0043] For example, the first and second pieces of information may each include a link requiring an access code and the corresponding access code (or vice versa). Alternatively, for example, the first and second pieces of information may each include an encoding key and a decoding key (or vice versa). Furthermore, both the first and second pieces of information may include partial encodings, and these encodings may be combined into a combined encoding that provides access to the third piece of information. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that many variations are possible without departing from the concept that the first and second pieces of information together provide the third piece of information.

[0044] In one embodiment, the first information includes or provides access to the first encoding, the second information includes or provides access to the second encoding, and the first and second encodings together provide the third information.

[0045] In a further embodiment, the first information includes a first encoding, i.e., the first information includes (directly) a first encoding. Similarly, in a further embodiment, the second information includes a second encoding.

[0046] In a further embodiment, the first information includes a first link to a first encoding. In a further embodiment, the first information includes a first access code for accessing the first encoding.

[0047] Similarly, in further embodiments, the second information includes a second link to a second encoding. In further embodiments, the second information includes a second access code for accessing the second encoding.

[0048] As described above, in some embodiments, the system may include a control system. The control system may be configured to control the system, in particular the photogenerating device. The term "controlling" and similar terms particularly mean, at least, determining the behavior of an element or supervising the execution of an element. Accordingly, in this specification, "controlling" and similar terms may also mean imposing behavior on an element (determining the behavior of an element or supervising the execution of an element), such as measuring, displaying, operating, opening, shifting, changing temperature, etc. In addition, the term "controlling" and similar terms may also include monitoring. Accordingly, the term "controlling" and similar terms may include imposing behavior on an element, and imposing behavior on an element and monitoring the element. Control of an element can be performed using a control system. Thus, the control system and the element may be functionally coupled, at least temporarily or permanently. In some embodiments, where the element may include a control system, the control system and the element may not be physically coupled. Control may be performed via wired and / or wireless control. The term “control system” may also refer to several different control systems that are functionally coupled, where, for example, one of the control systems may be a master control system and one or more other control systems may be slave control systems. The control system may include a user interface, or may be functionally coupled to a user interface.

[0049] The control system may also be configured to receive and execute commands from a remote control. In one embodiment, the control system may be controlled via an app on a portable device such as a smartphone or iPhone, tablet, etc. Thus, the device may not necessarily be coupled to the (lighting) system, but may be functionally coupled to the system (temporarily). In particular, in one embodiment, the control system may be configured to receive control inputs, in particular control inputs including an access key. In particular, the control system may be configured to control the photogenerating device (its lighting parameters) based on control inputs including an access key. That is, the access key can facilitate the adjustment of the control system's (thus, the operation settings of the photogenerating device).

[0050] For example, in one embodiment, the control system may be configured to control the operating parameters of the system, particularly the photogenerating device, based on a control input. The operating parameters may be selected from a group including, for example, lumen settings (or "brightness setting"), dimming profiles, time profiles, color profiles, beam width and beam direction, and sensor input responses such as programmed responses to ambient light levels or motion.

[0051] In further embodiments, the control system may be configured to control driver settings based on a control input, including an access key.

[0052] In further embodiments, the third part (of the system information) may include an access key.

[0053] Accordingly, in a particular embodiment, the system includes a control system, the control system is configured to control a photogenerating device, the control system is configured to receive a control input including an access key, a third part includes system information including the access key, and the control system is configured to control the photogenerating device (its illumination parameters) based on the control input including the access key.

[0054] Therefore, in one embodiment, the control system may also be configured to be controlled by an app on a remote device. In such an embodiment, the control system of the lighting system may be a slave control system or may be controlled in slave mode. For example, the lighting system may be identifiable by a code, in particular a unique code for each lighting system. The control system of the lighting system may be configured to be controlled by an external control system that accesses the lighting system based on knowledge entered by a user interface equipped with an optical sensor (e.g., a QR code reader) of the (unique) code. The lighting system may also include means for communicating with other systems or devices, such as based on Bluetooth®, Thread, WIFI®, LiFi, ZigBee®, BLE or WiMAX, or other wireless technology.

[0055] Therefore, in one embodiment, the control system may be controlled by relying on one or more of the following: input signals from a user interface, sensor signals (from a sensor), and timers. The term "timer" may refer to a clock and / or a predetermined time scheme.

[0056] In a further embodiment, the control system may be configured to control a group of photogenerating devices (included in the photogenerating system). In such an embodiment, the control system may be configured to control the group membership of the group based on control inputs, particularly control inputs including access keys. For example, the control system may be configured to control a group of photogenerating devices in a building, such as an office building or a hotel, and newly installed photogenerating devices may be added to the group via control inputs including access keys. For example, in one embodiment, a first location may be located in the control system, and a second location may be located in the photogenerating device or its package (to be added), particularly in the photogenerating device or particularly in the package of the photogenerating device.

[0057] As described above, the first location and the second location may be spatially separated. The first location may, in particular, include a first surface (or part thereof), and the first optical pattern may be arranged on the first surface. Similarly, the second location may, in particular, include a second surface (or part thereof), and the second optical pattern may be arranged on the second surface. In the context of optical patterns, the expression "arranged on a surface" may also refer to the optical pattern being embedded in a surface, for example, by etching. The first surface and the second surface may, in particular, be different surfaces of a system, for example, different system components, or different sides of a system component. For example, in one embodiment, both the first location and the second location may be located on a photogenerating device. In particular, in one embodiment, the first location may include a first surface (or part thereof) of the photogenerating device, and the second location may include a second surface (or part thereof) of the photogenerating device.

[0058] Furthermore, the first and second surfaces may include, for example, packaging material, stickers (e.g., with QR codes), metal pieces, or plastic pieces.

[0059] In particular, in one embodiment, the system may include a compartment, especially a closed compartment, where the first location is located outside the compartment and the second location is located inside the compartment. In particular, the second optical pattern may be located on the (second) surface inside the compartment. In such an embodiment, the second information may include at least some system information, such as access information, which is not included in the first information.

[0060] For example, in the context of a lighting pole, the first location may be located on the pole and may be relatively easily accessible, while the second location may be located inside an internal compartment of the light-generating device and may only be accessible by opening up and / or partially dismantling the light-generating device, for example, in the context of maintenance activities. As a further example, the second location, including, for example, a QR code, may be located inside the lighting pole, behind a (small) panel (or "door"). Another system architecture is to combine streetlights with a cabinet in the street that switches the entire street on / off (or dims the lights of all poles in the street). The second optical pattern may also be located inside this cabinet, which is typically sealed and not easily accessible. Such an optical pattern may also provide more confidential (second) information about the system, such as, for example, complete street installation.

[0061] In particular, in one embodiment, the system may include a lighting pole, the lighting pole, and especially the elongated pole element of the lighting pole, defines an extension axis A (of the light-generating device), and along the extension axis A, the first location and the second location may be separated by a distance d1 (from end to end). Generally, the extension axis A may be perpendicular to the ground. In one embodiment, the distance d1 may be at least 0.5 m, for example at least 1 m, and especially at least 2 m. In a further embodiment, the distance d1 may be at most 14 m, for example at most 12 m, and especially at most 8 m.

[0062] The lighting pole may have a height H selected from a range of 0.5 to 15 m, for example, a range of 1 to 12 m, and especially a range of 2 to 9 m. In a further embodiment, d1 may be selected from a range of 0.1*H to 0.99*H, for example, a range of 0.2*H to 0.9*H. The height H may be defined in particular parallel to the extension axis A. Furthermore, the height H may be measured in particular from ground level.

[0063] In further embodiments, the system, in particular a street lighting system, includes a lighting pole, which may include a device support section, a base, and (elongated) pole elements. The device support section may be configured to support a light-generating device. The base may be configured to structurally support the lighting pole (in particular the pole elements). For example, the base may be configured to be partially inserted into the ground.

[0064] In further embodiments, the first optical pattern may be arranged on the outer surface of the base, and the first and second optical patterns may be physically separated by a distance d1, where d1 ≥ 0.3*H, particularly ≥ 0.5*H, for example ≥ 0.7*H, particularly ≥ 0.8*H.

[0065] In particular, in one embodiment, the first location may be positioned closer to the base of the pole than the second location.

[0066] In further embodiments, the first location may be an externally accessible location. In particular, the first location may be a system component of the system, especially the external surface of a photogenerating device.

[0067] In further embodiments, as described above, the system may include a compartment, the compartment including an internal compartment of the photogenerating device, and the second location may be located within the internal compartment. In further embodiments, the photogenerating device includes closing means configured to close the internal compartment, the closing means in particular may include one or more of a seal, a lock, a (screwed) fastener, and an adhesive.

[0068] Alternatively, compartments may be defined by packages. That is, the system includes packages such as boxes, and packages may include (or "define") compartments. For example, in one embodiment, the system includes (closeable) compartments, a first location located outside the compartment, and a second location located inside the compartment, and the system includes packages, and packages may define the compartments. In particular, the second location may be the (second) (internal) surface of the package. Placing a second optical pattern (inside) the package (of the system components) can facilitate access to system information when assembling or installing the system. Similarly, such embodiments can facilitate restricting access to system information to those who have access to the (original) package.

[0069] In one embodiment, the system may include a transmitter configured to provide a radio signal, particularly during system power-up, for example, during the initial startup of the system or during normal system startup. The radio signal may be selected from the group including Bluetooth® signals, near-field communication signals, WiFi® signals, and LiFi signals. The radio signal may be a short-range communication signal in particular. In particular, the radio signal may be configured to provide or provide access to a fourth type of information.

[0070] The fourth piece of information may differ from each of the first, second, and third pieces of information. The fourth piece of information may include (part of) location information, or provide access to the fourth piece of system information. In particular, the fourth piece may differ from each of the first, second, and third pieces of information. In particular, the fourth piece of information, along with one or more of the first, second, and third pieces of information, may together provide, in particular encode, the fifth piece of information, which may include the fifth piece of system information, or provide access to the fifth piece of system information, and in particular, the fifth piece may include (part of) access information. The fifth piece may differ from each of the first, second, third, and fourth pieces of information.

[0071] Restricting access to parts of the system information, particularly the fifth part, based on access to (short-range) radio signals can facilitate requiring spatial proximity to the system, especially to the transmitter, for access to (part of) the system information. Furthermore, since the transmitter may require power, the radio signals can facilitate restricting access to (part of) the system information when the system is powered, which can facilitate restricting access to system configuration input at an appropriate point in time during installation, for example, at the target location, rather than during pre-assembly in the workshop. Specifically, the transmitter can facilitate access to system information during specific periods, such as during start-up time, for example, during initial start-up, or during typical maintenance time.

[0072] Accordingly, in a particular embodiment, the system includes a transmitter configured to provide a radio signal that provides or provides access to a fourth information, the radio signal being selected from the group including Bluetooth® signals, near-field communication signals, WiFi® signals, and LiFi signals, the fourth information providing a fifth information together with one or more of the first and second information, the fifth information including or providing access to a fifth part of system information.

[0073] Additionally or alternatively, the first optical pattern and / or the second optical pattern may include a digital pattern. For example, the system may include a screen, such as a user interface screen, which may display the first optical pattern (or the second optical pattern). The digital optical pattern may facilitate updating the information encoded in the pattern. Furthermore, similar to radio signals, the digital optical pattern may facilitate restricting access to (part of) system information when the system is powered.

[0074] Therefore, in some embodiments, the first optical pattern may include a (first) digital pattern. Similarly, in some embodiments, the second optical pattern may include a (second) digital pattern.

[0075] In further embodiments, the first optical pattern may include a (first) non-digital pattern. Similarly, in further embodiments, the second optical pattern may include a (second) non-digital pattern.

[0076] In a second aspect, the present invention may provide a lighting device selected from the group of lamps and luminaires, wherein the lighting device includes a system of the present invention.

[0077] In one embodiment, the lighting device may include a lighting fixture. In such an embodiment, the system information may include, in particular, lighting fixture information, which may be selected from the group including lighting fixture component type information, lighting fixture component replacement information, lighting fixture component history information, lighting fixture component maintenance information, lighting fixture component location information, and lighting fixture component (control) access information.

[0078] In one embodiment, the luminaire may further include a housing, optical elements, louvers, etc. The lamp or luminaire may further include a housing surrounding a light-generating system. The lamp or luminaire may have a light window or housing opening in the housing, and system light may escape from the housing through the light window or housing opening.

[0079] The present invention may further provide a lighting device, selected from the group consisting of lamps, luminaires, projector devices, disinfection devices, photochemical reactors, and optical wireless communication devices, comprising a system as defined herein. The lighting device may include a housing or carrier configured to house or support one or more elements of the system. For example, in one embodiment, the lighting device may include a housing or carrier configured to house or support one or more of a first location and a second location.

[0080] The lighting device may include a light source. In one embodiment, the device light may include one or more of the light source light and converted light source light (e.g., light from a light-emitting material).

[0081] In further embodiments, the present invention may provide a method for accessing a portion (a third portion) of system information of the system of the present invention. The method may include obtaining first information from a first optical pattern, in particular decoding the first optical pattern to provide the first information. Similarly, the method may include obtaining second information from a second optical pattern, in particular decoding the second optical pattern to provide the second information. In one embodiment, the method may include combining the first and second information to provide third information. As described above, the first and second information may include, for example, a combination of link and passcode, an encoding key and a decoding key, or a partial encoding that together forms a combined encoding to provide the third information. The method may further include accessing a portion (a third portion) of system information based on the third information.

[0082] Accordingly, in a particular embodiment, the present invention may provide a method for accessing a portion (a third portion) of system information of a system according to the present invention, the method comprising decoding a first optical pattern to provide first information, decoding a second optical pattern to provide second information, combining the first and second information to provide third information, and accessing a portion (a third portion) of system information based on the third information.

[0083] In one embodiment, the method may include scanning a first optical pattern to provide first information. Similarly, in one embodiment, the method may include scanning a second optical pattern to provide second information.

[0084] In further embodiments, the method may include obtaining first information from a first image of a first optical pattern. In further embodiments, the method may include taking a first image of the first optical pattern using, for example, a (smartphone) camera.

[0085] Similarly, in one embodiment, the method may include obtaining second information from a second image of the second optical pattern. In a further embodiment, the method may include taking a second image of the second optical pattern using, for example, a (smartphone) camera.

[0086] The method may further include providing the first and second information in order to provide the third information. As described above, the first and second information may (furthermore) provide the third information together, for example, encoded. The third information may include a third part of the system information or provide access to a third part of the system information. For example, the first and second information may each include a link and a corresponding access code (or vice versa) that require an access code for access. Alternatively, for example, the first and second information may each include an encoding key and a decoding key (or vice versa). Furthermore, the first and second information may each include partial encodings, and these encodings may be combined with a combined encoding that provides access to the third information. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many variations are possible without departing from the concept that the first and second information together provide the third information.

[0087] For example, in one embodiment, the method may include providing a first image of a first optical pattern, decoding the first image to provide first information, obtaining a first (partial) encoding based on the first information, providing a second image of a second optical pattern, decoding the second image to provide second information, obtaining a second (partial) encoding based on the second information, and combining the first and second encodings to provide third information.

[0088] In one embodiment, the method may include scanning a first optical pattern and a second optical pattern within a predetermined time window. In one embodiment, the predetermined time window may be selected from a range of 1 to 600 seconds, for example, from 1 to 300 seconds, and particularly from 2 to 120 seconds.

[0089] In one embodiment, the method may further include accessing a portion (the third portion) of system information based on the third information.

[0090] In particular, in one embodiment, the method may include, for example, displaying a portion of the system information (a third portion) on a user interface.

[0091] In further embodiments, the third part may include (control) access information, in particular an access key, and the method may include controlling the system (operating parameters), in particular the photogenerating device (operating parameters), based on the third part (of system information). In particular, the third part may include an access key, and the method may include controlling the system using the access key.

[0092] In embodiments where the system includes a transmitter (see above), the method may include detecting a radio signal to provide a fourth piece of information. In particular, in such embodiments, the method may include combining the fourth piece of information with one or more of the first, second, and third pieces of information to provide a fifth piece of information. The fifth piece of information may include, in particular, a fifth piece of system information or provide access to a fifth piece of system information, and in particular, the fifth piece of information may include (control) access information, such as an access key.

[0093] Therefore, in further embodiments, the method may include controlling the system (operating parameters), in particular the photogenerating device (operating parameters), based on a fifth part (of the system information). In particular, the fifth part may include an access key, and the method may include controlling the system using the access key.

[0094] In a further embodiment, the present invention may provide a kit of parts for assembling a system of the present invention. The kit of parts may include a photogenerating device, a first surface including a first location, and a second surface including a second location. The first location may include a first optical pattern that provides or provides access to first information. Similarly, the second location may include a second optical pattern that provides or provides access to second information. In some embodiments, the first information may include or provide access to a first part of system information, and the second information may include or provide access to a second part of system information. In particular, the first and second parts do not have to overlap at least partially. In some embodiments, the first and second information may together provide, for example, encoded, a third information, and the third information may include or provide access to a third part of system information. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the system information is included in the third part but excluded from the first and second parts. System information may include one or more of the following: product information, history information, maintenance information, location information, and (control) access information.

[0095] Accordingly, in a particular embodiment, the present invention may provide a component kit for assembling a system of the present invention, the component kit comprising a photogenerating device, a first surface including a first location, and a second surface including a second location, wherein the first location includes a first optical pattern that provides or provides access to first information, the second location includes a second optical pattern that provides or provides access to second information, the first information includes or provides access to a first part of system information, the second information includes or provides access to a second part of system information, the first and second parts do not overlap at least partially, the first and second information together provide third information, the third information includes or provides access to a third part of system information, at least a portion of the system information is included in the third part but excluded from the first and second parts, and the system information includes one or more of product information, history information, maintenance information, location information, and access information.

[0096] In one embodiment, the photogenerating device may include a first surface. In a further embodiment, the photogenerating device may include a second surface.

[0097] In further embodiments, the component kit, in particular the photogenerating device, may include a compartment. In particular, in one embodiment, the first location may be located outside the compartment, and the second location may be located inside the compartment.

[0098] In further embodiments, the component kit may include a package, in particular a package for a system component, such as a photogenerating device. In some embodiments, the package may define compartments. In further embodiments, the package may include a first surface. In further embodiments, the package may include a second surface.

[0099] In further embodiments, the component kit may include a control system.

[0100] In further embodiments, the component kit may further include a transmitter.

[0101] The embodiments described herein are not limited to a single aspect of the present invention. Embodiments describing a system, such as those relating to first and second optical patterns and their locations, may further relate to embodiments of methods and component kits.

[0102] In a further embodiment, the present invention provides a system comprising a photogenerating device, a first optical pattern located at a first location (or surface portion) of the photogenerating device, a second optical pattern located at a second location (or surface portion) of the photogenerating device, and a scanning device, wherein the first and second locations are spatially separated, the scanning device is configured to scan the first optical pattern to obtain or access to first information, the scanning device is configured to scan the second optical pattern to obtain or access to second information, the first and second information being at least partially different, and the scanning device is configured to scan the first and second optical patterns simultaneously or sequentially within a predetermined period to obtain or access to third information, the third information being at least partially different from the first and second information.

[0103] The predetermined period may be up to 5 minutes, for example, if an engineer needs to scan a first optical pattern (e.g., a QR code) at a lower location of the photogenerating device (e.g., the pole of an outdoor light fixture) and a second optical pattern (e.g., a QR code) at a higher location of the photogenerating device (e.g., the head of an outdoor light fixture). However, the predetermined period may preferably be up to 1 minute, most preferably up to 20 seconds, or in some examples up to 4 seconds.

[0104] The first, second, and third pieces of information may include one or more of the following: product information, history information, maintenance information, location information, and access information.

[0105] In one embodiment, a scanning device is configured to scan a first optical pattern to obtain or access a first type of information, and the scanning device is configured to scan a second optical pattern to obtain or access a second type of information, wherein the first type of information and the second type of information are at least partially different, and the scanning device is configured to scan the first optical pattern and the second optical pattern simultaneously or sequentially within a predetermined period to obtain or access a third type of information, wherein the third type of information is at least partially different from the first type of information and the second type of information.

[0106] Embodiments of the system according to the initial aspect of the present invention may be applied to further aspects of the present invention with appropriate modifications.

[0107] In a further aspect of the present invention, a lighting system may be provided, the lighting system comprising a photogenerating device, a first location and a second location, the first location and the second location being spatially separated (for example by distance (D)), the first location comprising a first optical pattern that provides or provides access to first information, the second location comprising a radio transmitter having a transmission range (R) configured to provide a radio signal comprising second information, the first information comprising or providing access to a first part of system information, the second information comprising or providing access to a second part of system information, the first and second parts not overlapping at least partially, the first and second information together providing, for example, encoded, a third information comprising or providing access to a third part of system information, at least a portion of the system information being included in the third part but excluded from the first and second parts, and the system information comprising one or more of product information, history information, maintenance information, location information and access information.

[0108] Embodiments of the system according to the initial aspect of the present invention may be applied to further aspects of the present invention with appropriate modifications.

[0109] The wireless signal may be a short-range communication signal, such as a wireless signal selected from the group including Bluetooth® signals, RFID, near-field communication signals, WiFi® signals, and LiFi signals. The transmission range may be, for example, at most 10 meters. The transmission range may also be, for example, at most twice the maximum dimensions of the photogenerating device.

[0110] The wireless transmitter may be configured to provide a wireless signal during the activation of the photogenerating device.

[0111] Thus, this system facilitates the installation of lighting devices and / or provides appropriate system information to different users, such as installers, maintenance personnel, and road users. This enables different levels of access information appropriate for each type of user, for example, different in a workshop and a field. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0112] Herein, embodiments of the present invention will be described merely as examples with reference to the accompanying schematic diagrams, in which corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts. The schematic diagrams are not necessarily to scale. [Figure 1] Figures 1A to 1D schematically show an embodiment of the system. [Figure 2] Figures 2A and 2B schematically show embodiments of the lighting device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0113] Figure 1A schematically shows an embodiment of system 1000, which includes a photogenerating device 100, a first location 10, and a second location 20, wherein the first location 10 and the second location 20 are spatially separated. In the illustrated embodiment, the first location 10 includes a first optical pattern 15 that provides or provides access to first information, and the second location 20 includes a second optical pattern 25 that provides or provides access to second information. In particular, the first optical pattern 15 is located on a first surface 11 of the first location 10, and the second optical pattern 25 is located on a second surface 21 of the second location 20. In particular, the first information includes or provides access to a first part of system information, and the second information includes or provides access to a second part of system information, and the first and second parts do not overlap at least partially. System information relating to system 1000 includes, in particular, one or more of the following: product information, history information, maintenance information, location information, and (control) access information. In particular, the first and second information together provide, for example, the third information, which includes the third part of the system information or provides access to the third part of the system information, and at least a portion of the system information is included in the third part but excluded from the first and second parts.

[0114] For visualization purposes, the system 1000 is shown to generate a system light source 1001, which includes device light 101 provided by the photogenerating device 100.

[0115] In the illustrated embodiment, the system 1000 includes a lighting pole 400 which includes an elongated pole element 430 (or “main pole element”) and a device support section 410. The lighting pole 400, in particular the elongated pole element 430, defines an extension axis A, and along (or parallel to) the extension axis A, the first location 10 and the second location 20 are separated by a distance d1. The extension axis A may, in particular, be positioned perpendicular to (essentially) the ground 80. In one embodiment, the distance d1 may be at least 2 m. As shown in Figure 1A, the first location 10 may be positioned closer to the base of the pole 420 (or “pole base”) than the second location 20. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the first location 10 is located at an externally accessible location 50 on the elongated pole element 430, and the second location 20 is located on the photogenerating device 100.

[0116] In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the system 1000 includes a street lighting system 1100 including a lighting pole 400, the lighting pole 400 including a device support section 410 and an elongated pole element 430, the device support section 410 configured to support a light-generating device 100, the lighting pole 400 having a height H, a first optical pattern 15 arranged on the outer surface of the elongated pole element 430, the first optical pattern 15 and the second optical pattern 25 being physically separated by a distance d1, where d1 ≥ 0.7 * H. The height H may be determined in particular to be perpendicular to the ground 80.

[0117] The first optical pattern 15 may include a 2D optical pattern configured such that encoded information can be obtained based on a (camera) image of the first optical pattern 15. Similarly, the second optical pattern 25 may include a second 2D optical pattern configured such that encoded information can be obtained based on a (second) camera image of the second optical pattern 25.

[0118] In the illustrated embodiment, the system further includes a scanner 60 and a user interface 65, wherein the scanner 60 includes the user interface 65. In particular, the first optical pattern 15 and the second optical pattern 25 are scannable by the scanner 60. In particular, in one embodiment, the scanner 60 may be configured to scan the first optical pattern 15 and the second optical pattern 25. In a further embodiment, the user interface 65 may be configured to provide, for example, display a third portion of system information when the scanner 60 scans the first optical pattern 15 and the second optical pattern 25, for example, within a predetermined time window.

[0119] Figure 1B schematically shows an embodiment in which the system 1000 includes a (closed) compartment 220, a first location 10 is located outside the compartment 220, and a second location 20 is located inside the compartment 220. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the first location 10 is an externally accessible location 50, and the compartment 220 includes an internal compartment 120 for the photogenerating device 100.

[0120] Figure 1B further schematically illustrates an embodiment of a component kit for assembling the system 1000 of the present invention, the component kit comprising a photogenerating device 100, a first surface 11 including a first location 10, and a second surface 21 including a second location 20, wherein the first location 10 includes a first optical pattern 15 that provides or provides access to first information, and the second location 20 includes a second optical pattern 25 that provides or provides access to second information. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the first location 10 is located on the first surface 11 of the package 200, in particular of the box 205, and the second location 20 is located within the internal compartment 120 of the photogenerating device 100. Such embodiments may be particularly suitable for providing access to appropriate system information, such as a first part, a second part, or a third part, etc., during the assembly of the system, i.e., via first information, second information, and / or third information, in particular via at least third information.

[0121] Figure 1C schematically shows a further embodiment of the system 1000, in which a first location 10 is located on a first external surface 11 of the photogenerating device 100, and a second location 20 is located on a second internal surface 21 of the internal compartment 120 of the photogenerating device 100. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the photogenerating device 100 further includes closing means 130 configured to close the internal compartment 120, the closing means in particular including one or more of a seal, a lock, a (screwed) fastener, and an adhesive.

[0122] In the illustrated embodiment, the system 1000 further includes a transmitter 40 configured to provide a radio signal 45 that provides or provides access to a fourth piece of information. The radio signal 45 may be a short-range communication signal, such as a radio signal selected from the group including Bluetooth® signals, near-field communication signals, WiFi® signals, and LiFi signals. Thus, the transmitter may be configured to provide a radio signal selected from the group including Bluetooth® signals, near-field communication signals, WiFi® signals, and LiFi signals. In a further embodiment, the fourth piece of information may be combined with one or more of the first and second pieces of information (optionally via the third piece of information) to provide a fifth piece of information, the fifth piece of information may include or provide access to a fifth piece of system information. For example, in one embodiment, the fourth information may include or provide access to the fourth (partial) encoding, and the fourth partial encoding and the first (partial) encoding and / or the second (partial) encoding may together provide the fifth information. As described above, the transmitter 40 can easily restrict access to the system information, in particular to the fifth part of the system information, to the vicinity of the system 1000, in particular to the vicinity of the transmitter 40.

[0123] Figure 1D schematically shows an embodiment of system 1000 in which the system includes a control system 300, which is configured to control the photogenerating devices 100. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the control system 300 is configured to control a group 150 comprising a plurality of photogenerating devices 100. Reference numeral 30 indicates the ceiling.

[0124] The control system 300 may be configured to receive a control input that includes an access key. In particular, if the control input includes an access key, the control system 300 can facilitate the control of the operating parameters of one or more photogenerating devices 100 based on the control input. In one embodiment, a third part of the information may include an access key. Thus, the system may be configured to facilitate the control of (multiple) photogenerating devices 100 (and their operating parameters) by obtaining first information and second information from a first optical pattern 15 and a second optical pattern 25, respectively.

[0125] Alternatively or additionally, the control system 300 may be configured to control the group membership of group 150 based on a control input including an access key. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the system 1000 includes a package 200, in particular a box 205, which determines a compartment 220 containing photogenerating devices 100 to be installed and added to group 150. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the first location 10 is located inside the compartment 220, and the second location 20 is located on the control system 300.

[0126] Figures 2A and 2B schematically show embodiments of a lighting device 1200 including the system 1000 of the present invention.

[0127] Specifically, Figure 2A schematically illustrates an embodiment of a lighting fixture 2 including the (photogenerating) system 1000 described above. Reference numeral 301 indicates a user interface that can be functionally coupled to a control system 300 included in or functionally coupled to the photogenerating system 1000. Figure 2A also schematically illustrates an embodiment of a lamp 1 including the photogenerating system 1000. Reference numeral 3 indicates a projector device or projector system that can be used to project an image onto a wall or the like, and the projector device or projector system may also include the photogenerating system 1000. Accordingly, Figure 2A schematically illustrates an embodiment of a lighting device 1200, selected from the group consisting of lamp 1, lighting fixture 2, projector device 3, disinfection device, photochemical reaction apparatus, and optical wireless communication device, including the photogenerating system 1000 described herein. In some embodiments, such a lighting device 1200 may be lamp 1, lighting fixture 2, projector device 3, disinfection device, or optical wireless communication device. The illumination device light may essentially consist of system light 1001, and thus, in certain embodiments, it may be system light 1001. Reference numeral 1205 indicates the light-emitting surface of the illumination device 1200. Reference numeral 30 indicates the ceiling.

[0128] Figure 2B schematically shows an embodiment of the lamp 1, including the system 1000 and lighting pole 400 of the present invention.

[0129] The term "plural" refers to two or more items.

[0130] The terms “substantially” or “essentially” as used herein will be understood by those skilled in the art. The terms “substantially” or “essentially” may also include embodiments with “entirely,” “completely,” “all,” and so on. Therefore, in embodiments, the adjectives “substantially” or “essentially” may be omitted. Where applicable, the terms “substantially” or “essentially” may also relate to 90% or more, including 100%, such as 95% or more, 99% or more, and even more specifically 99.5% or more.

[0131] The term "comprise" also includes embodiments in which the term "comprise" means "consists of".

[0132] The term "and / or" specifically relates to one or more of the items mentioned before or after it. For example, the phrase "item 1 and / or item 2," and similar phrases may relate to one or more of item 1 and item 2. The term "comprising" may, in one embodiment, mean "consisting of," but in another embodiment, it may also mean "including at least the defined species, and optionally one or more other species."

[0133] Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" in the text and claims are used to distinguish similar elements and are not necessarily used to describe a sequential or chronological order. Such terms are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and it should be understood that embodiments of the invention described herein may operate in other orders than those described or illustrated herein.

[0134] Devices, apparatus, or systems are described herein, in particular, in their operation. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the present invention is not limited to methods of operation or devices, apparatus, or systems in operation.

[0135] It should be noted that the embodiments described above are illustrative and not limiting to the present invention, and that those skilled in the art can design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0136] In a claim, no reference numeral in parentheses should be construed as limiting the claim.

[0137] The use of the verb "to comprise" and its conjugations does not preclude the existence of elements or steps other than those described in the claims. Unless the context makes it clear that there is a different meaning, terms such as "comprise" and "comprising" throughout the specification and claims should be interpreted in an inclusive sense, i.e., "including, but not limited to," rather than in an exclusive or exhaustive sense.

[0138] The singular notation of an element does not exclude the possibility of multiple instances of that element.

[0139] The present invention may be implemented by hardware comprising several individual elements and by a suitably programmed computer. In device, apparatus, or system claims that enumerate several means, some of these means may be embodied by the same hardware item. The mere fact that certain means are enumerated in different dependent claims does not imply that combinations of these means cannot be used advantageously. Thus, in yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a software product that, when run on a computer, can implement one or more of the methods described herein.

[0140] The present invention also provides a control system capable of controlling a device, apparatus, or system, or performing a method or process described herein. Furthermore, the present invention also provides a computer program product that, when executed on a computer functionally coupled to or included in a device, apparatus, or system, controls one or more controllable elements of such device, apparatus, or system.

[0141] The present invention further applies to devices, apparatus, or systems that include one or more of the features described in the text of the specification and / or the features shown in the accompanying drawings. The present invention further relates to methods or processes that include one or more of the features described in the text of the specification and / or the features shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0142] The various embodiments discussed in this patent can be combined to provide further advantages. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments can be combined, and that three or more embodiments can be combined. Moreover, some of the features can form the basis for one or more divisional applications.

Claims

1. A lighting system including a light-generating device, a first location and a second location, The first location and the second location are spatially separated and are both located on different surfaces of the photogenerating device. The first location includes a first optical pattern that provides first information, The second location includes a second optical pattern that provides second information, or The second location includes a radio transmitter having a transmission range configured to provide a radio signal containing the second information, The first information includes or provides access to a first part of the system information, and the second information includes or provides access to a second part of the system information. The first and second parts described above do not overlap in any way, The first and second pieces of information mentioned above are provided together with the third piece of information. The third information includes or provides access to the third part of the system information, and at least a portion of the system information is included in the third part but excluded from the first and second parts. The aforementioned system information includes one or more of the following: product information, history information, maintenance information, location information, and access information, in a lighting system.

2. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the first information includes or provides access to a first encoding, the second information includes or provides access to a second encoding, and the first and second encodings together provide the third information.

3. The lighting system according to claim 2, wherein one or more of the following apply: - The first information includes the first encoding, - The second information includes the second encoding.

4. The lighting system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein one or more of the following apply: - The first information includes a first link to the first encoding, - The first information includes a first access code for accessing the first encoding. - The second information includes a second link to the second encoding, - The second information includes a second access code for accessing the second encoding.

5. The lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the lighting system includes a control system, the control system is configured to control the photogenerating device, the control system is configured to receive a control input including an access key, the third part includes the access key, and the control system is configured to control the photogenerating device based on the control input.

6. The lighting system according to claim 5, wherein the control system is configured to control a group of photogenerating devices, and the control system is configured to control the group membership of the group based on the control input.

7. The lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the lighting system includes a compartment, the first location being located outside the compartment, the second location being located inside the compartment, the first location being an externally accessible location, and the compartment including an internal compartment of the photogenerating device.

8. The lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the wireless transmitter is configured to provide the wireless signal while the photogenerating device is activated.

9. A lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein one or more of the following applies: - The first optical pattern includes a 2D optical pattern configured such that encoded information can be obtained based on an image of the first optical pattern. - The second optical pattern includes a second 2D optical pattern configured such that encoded information can be obtained based on a second image of the second optical pattern.

10. The lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the lighting system includes a scanner and a user interface, the scanner includes or is functionally coupled to the user interface, the first optical pattern and the second optical pattern are scannable by the scanner, and the user interface is configured to provide the third portion of the system information when the scanner scans the first optical pattern and the second optical pattern.

11. The lighting system according to claim 10, wherein the user interface is configured to provide the third portion of the system information when the scanner scans the first optical pattern and the second optical pattern together or within a predetermined time window.

12. The lighting system according to claim 11, wherein the predetermined time window is selected from the range of 1 to 300 seconds.

13. A lighting device selected from the group of lamps and luminaires, comprising a lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The lighting device according to claim 13, wherein the lighting device includes a lighting fixture, and the system information includes lighting fixture information selected from the group including lighting fixture component type information, lighting fixture component replacement information, lighting fixture component history information, lighting fixture component maintenance information, lighting fixture component location information, and lighting fixture component access information.

15. A method for accessing a portion of the system information of a lighting system described in any one of claims 1 to 13, the method being: Decoding the first optical pattern in order to provide the first information, Decoding the second optical pattern in order to provide the second information, To provide the third information, the first and second information are combined, Accessing a portion of the system information based on the third piece of information, Methods that include...