A method and controller for controlling a lighting unit group

Abstract

A method for controlling a first lighting unit in a group of lighting units is disclosed. The method includes: receiving a first signal transmitted between a portable device and the first lighting unit; determining a first signal strength of the received first signal; if the first signal strength exceeds a threshold, setting the portable device to a first control mode in which only the first lighting unit in the group of lighting units is controlled by the portable device; and if the first signal strength does not exceed the threshold, setting the portable device to a second control mode in which the lighting units in the group are controlled by the portable device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for controlling a first lighting unit in a lighting unit group. The present invention also relates to a computer program product for executing the method. The present invention also relates to a controller for controlling the first lighting unit in a lighting unit group, and to a portable device comprising the controller. Background Art

[0002] Current smart lighting systems allow users to control lighting units via different types of control interfaces. One of these control interfaces is a software application running on a smartphone, personal computer, tablet, or the like. This provides users with a rich user interface with a variety of lighting control options. Another type of control interface uses an accessory device, such as a light switch. This type of light switch offers more limited lighting control options. For example, a light switch may include a limited number of buttons or other user input elements.

[0003] The number of connected lighting units in a home or even a room is increasing, which makes it more cumbersome for users to manually control each individual lighting unit. When all controllable devices are shown, the user interface (e.g., presented on a display of a portable device) may become complex and cluttered.

[0004] US 2016 / 0150624 A1 discloses a lighting system for controlling a lighting device via a control device. The lighting system includes a lighting device, and the control device includes a first user interface configured to receive a first user input. The lighting system also includes a proximity detector configured to detect the proximity between the control device and the lighting device. In an embodiment, a processor can adjust a control parameter of the lighting device only when the control device is within a predefined proximity of the lighting device. The user interface can also be configured to receive another user input for adjusting the proximity range within which the control device can control the lighting device.

[0005] US 2016 / 0021716 A1 discloses controlling lighting based on at least one of a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and a preset lighting mode. The brightness and / or color temperature of a lighting device can be automatically controlled to two or more levels based on the RSSI and a user's preference. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The inventors have recognized that, due to the large number of controllable lighting units in a lighting system, the user interface for controlling these lighting units becomes more complex. The inventors have also recognized that lighting control can be simplified by adapting the user interface or control functionality based on the user's most likely control needs. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a lighting system that simplifies the control of lighting units.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the object is achieved by a method for controlling a lighting unit group, the method comprising:

[0008] - receiving a first signal transmitted between the portable device and a first lighting unit of the group of lighting units,

[0009] - determining a first signal strength of the received first signal,

[0010] - if the first signal strength exceeds a threshold, setting the portable device to a first control mode in which only the first lighting unit of the group of lighting units is controlled by the portable device, and

[0011] - If the first signal strength does not exceed the threshold, setting the portable device to a second control mode, wherein the lighting units in the group are controlled by the portable device.

[0012] The first signal is a signal transmitted between the portable device and the first lighting unit. The first signal can be transmitted from the portable device to the lighting unit, or vice versa. The method may further include the step of determining whether the strength of the first signal exceeds a threshold. If the first signal strength exceeds the threshold, the portable device is set to a first (individual) control mode, in which only the first lighting unit in the lighting unit group is controlled by the portable device. The signal strength of the received first signal can indicate the distance between the portable device and the lighting unit. Therefore, if the portable device is within the threshold range, it is set to the first control mode. If the signal strength does not exceed the threshold (and the portable device is outside the threshold range), the portable device is set to a second (group) control mode, in which the lighting units in the group are controlled by the portable device. The lighting unit group may, for example, be a group of lighting units located in a space (such as a room). In other words, the portable device automatically switches between the (individual) lighting unit control mode and the group control mode based on the signal strength of the signal transmitted between the lighting unit and the portable device. This simplifies user control of the lighting unit, for example, by enabling the user to bring the portable device into (close) proximity of the lighting unit to control it.

[0013] The method may further comprise:

[0014] - receiving user input via the portable device indicating a lighting control setting,

[0015] - if the portable device has been set to the first control mode, controlling the first lighting unit according to the lighting control setting, and

[0016] If the portable device has been set to the second control mode, the lighting unit group is controlled according to the lighting control settings. Thus, when the user positions the portable device within a threshold range of a first lighting unit, the user can use the portable device to control only the first lighting unit (and not other lighting units outside the threshold range). If the user positions the portable device outside the threshold range of the first lighting unit, the user can use the portable device to control all lighting units in the group (e.g., all lighting units located in the space). This simplifies user control of the lighting units because it enables the user to bring the portable device into (immediate) proximity of a lighting unit in order to control that lighting unit.

[0017] The method may further include indicating the current control mode of the portable device via a user interface. The user interface of the portable device (e.g., a display, an indicator LED, an audible user interface, a tactile user interface, etc.) may be controlled to indicate which current control mode (i.e., the first or second control mode) is active. This is advantageous because by conveying to the user that the portable device is set to the first control mode in which the first lighting unit is controlled, the usability of the lighting control is improved.

[0018] The portable device may include a display for presenting a user interface. The method may further include:

[0019] - if the portable device has been set to the first control mode, presenting a first user interface on the display, the first user interface being configured to receive user input for controlling the first lighting unit, and

[0020] If the portable device has been set to the second control mode, a second user interface is presented on the display, the second user interface being configured to receive user input for controlling the lighting unit group. In other words, the user interface is adapted based on the active control mode. For example, the portable device may be a personal device such as a smartphone, a tablet, a pair of smart glasses, etc. This is beneficial because it further simplifies user control of the lighting units.

[0021] Alternatively, the portable device may be a light switch, and user input may be received via a button on the light switch. The user may press / touch / rotate the button on the light switch to control the light (e.g., turn the light on, off, cycle through light scenes, etc.). The light switch may include multiple buttons for receiving user input associated with different lighting control commands. When the user positions the light switch within a threshold range of a first lighting unit, the user may control the first lighting unit by pressing / touching the button. If the user positions the light switch outside the threshold range of the first lighting unit, the user may control all lighting units in the group (e.g., all lighting units located in the space) by pressing / touching the button. This is advantageous because it implements advanced yet simplified control functionality using a light switch.

[0022] The portable device may include attachment means for attaching the portable device to a docking object, the docking object being configured to receive the portable device. The method may further include:

[0023] - detecting whether the portable device is attached to a docking object, and

[0024] If the portable device is attached to a docking object, the portable device is set to a second control mode. The docking object (e.g., a docking station, a wall plate, etc.) may include means for accommodating a portable device (e.g., a smartphone, a home remote control device, a light switch, etc.). The portable device may include means for detecting whether it has been attached to the docking object. Additionally or alternatively, the docking object may include means for detecting whether the portable device has been attached to the docking object, and the docking object may transmit a signal indicating this to the portable device. If the portable device is already attached to the docking object, it may be set to the second control mode (thereby potentially overriding the first control mode when the signal strength exceeds a threshold). This is beneficial because the usability of lighting control is improved by automatically switching to the group control mode when the user attaches the light switch to the docking object.

[0025] The light switch may further include one or more indicators for indicating a current control mode of the light switch. The method may further include controlling the one or more indicators based on the current control mode of the light switch. The light switch may, for example, include one or more indicator LEDs for indicating its current control mode (e.g., the first (individual) control mode or the second (group) control mode). This is advantageous because by signaling to the user that the portable device is set to the first control mode in which the first lighting unit is controlled, the usability of lighting control is improved.

[0026] The first signal may be a radio frequency signal. Alternatively, the first signal may be a signal of a different type (such as an ultrasonic signal, a sound signal, a light signal, a temperature signal, etc.) whose received signal strength can be detected.

[0027] The portable device may be configured to communicate via a first communication technology and a second communication technology. The first signal may be transmitted via the first communication technology and, if the portable device has been set to a first control mode, the first lighting unit may be controlled according to the lighting control settings via the first communication technology.

[0028] Alternatively, the portable device can be configured to communicate via a first communication technology and a second communication technology. A first signal can be transmitted via the first communication technology, and if the portable device is set to the first control mode, the first lighting unit can be controlled according to the lighting control settings via the second communication technology. When, for example, the lighting unit is part of a network, it can be beneficial to determine the signal strength (which can indicate the distance) between the portable device and the first lighting unit using the first communication technology (e.g., a point-to-point communication technology), and to control the first lighting unit (e.g., by transmitting lighting control commands to the lighting unit) using the second communication technology (e.g., a (mesh) network communication technology). In this way, the network can be informed about the control of the first lighting unit.

[0029] If the portable device is set to the second control mode, the first lighting unit and / or other lighting units in the lighting unit group are controlled according to the lighting control settings via the second communication technology. For example, it may be beneficial to control the lighting unit group using a network communication technology, such as a mesh network communication technology (e.g., Zigbee). In this way, the network can be informed of the control of the first lighting unit.

[0030] The first (wireless) communication technology may be a multi-hop communication technology (such as Zigbee, Thread, WirelessHART, Smart RF, Bluetooth Mesh, WiFi Mesh, or any other Mesh- or tree-based technology), and the second (wireless) communication technology may be a point-to-point communication technology (such as Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Infrared (IR), Near Field Communication (NFC), Wireless LAN Communication (Wi-Fi), etc.).

[0031] Lighting units in a lighting unit group can be associated with a space. Lighting units can be associated or assigned, for example, to rooms (e.g., living room, kitchen, etc.) or zones (e.g., upstairs, downstairs, TV area). Lighting units may already be associated with spaces in the lighting control software application. Therefore, when a user positions a portable device within a threshold range of a first lighting unit, the user can use the portable device to control only the first lighting unit (and not other lighting units in the space outside the threshold range). If the user positions the portable device outside the threshold range of the first lighting unit, the user can use the portable device to control all lighting units in the space (e.g., all lighting units in a room). In other words, the portable device automatically switches between (single) lighting unit control mode and room control mode based on the signal strength of the signal transmitted between the lighting unit and the portable device.

[0032] The lighting unit group may further include at least one second lighting unit, and the method may further include:

[0033] - receiving a second signal transmitted between the portable device and a second lighting unit in the group of lighting units,

[0034] - determining a second signal strength of the received second signal,

[0035] - if the first signal strength exceeds a threshold and the second signal strength exceeds a second threshold, setting the portable device to a third control mode in which the first lighting unit and the second lighting unit of the lighting unit group are controlled by the portable device, and

[0036] If the first signal strength does not exceed the threshold and the second signal strength exceeds the second threshold, the portable device is set to a fourth control mode, in which the portable device controls only the second lighting unit in the group. The lighting unit group may include three or more lighting units. The threshold and the second threshold may be different or (substantially) equal. If both lighting units (e.g., the first lighting unit and the second lighting unit) are within the threshold range of the portable device, the portable device may be set to a third control mode, in which both lighting units are controllable by the portable device. If only the second lighting unit, and not the first lighting unit, is within the threshold range, the portable device may be set to a mode in which it controls only the second lighting unit (and not the first lighting unit or any other lighting units in the group). If no lighting units in the lighting unit group are within the threshold range of the portable device, the portable device is set to a second control mode, in which all lighting units in the group are controlled by the portable device.

[0037] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the object is achieved by a computer program product for a computing device, the computer program product comprising computer program code for performing any one of the above methods when the computer program product is run on a processing unit of the computing device.

[0038] According to a third aspect of the present invention, the object is achieved by a controller for controlling a lighting unit group, the controller comprising:

[0039] a communication unit configured to receive a first signal transmitted between the portable device and a first lighting unit in the lighting unit group, and

[0040] - a processor configured to:

[0041] determining a first signal strength of the received first signal,

[0042] If the first signal strength exceeds a threshold, setting the portable device to a first control mode in which only the first lighting unit in the group of lighting units is controlled by the portable device,

[0043] If the first signal strength does not exceed the threshold, setting the portable device to a second control mode in which the lighting units in the group are controlled by the portable device,

[0044] receiving user input indicating a lighting control setting via the portable device,

[0045] If the portable device has been set to the first control mode, controlling the first lighting unit according to the lighting control setting, and

[0046] If the portable device has been set to the second control mode, the lighting unit group is controlled according to the lighting control setting.The portable device may include a controller.

[0047] It should be understood that the computer program product and controller may have similar and / or the same embodiments and advantages as the above-described method. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] The above and additional objects, features and advantages of the disclosed systems, apparatus and methods will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of embodiments of the apparatus and methods with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0049] Figure 1 Schematically illustrates an embodiment of a system including a controller for controlling a plurality of lighting units;

[0050] Figure 2a-2d Schematically illustrating an exemplary embodiment in which lighting units are controlled by a portable device based on their distance from the portable device;

[0051] Figure 3 An LED strip comprising a plurality of individually controllable lighting units is shown;

[0052] Figure 4a-4c schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a user interface for controlling a lighting unit;

[0053] Figure 5a-5c schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a light switch including a push button;

[0054] Figure 6 Schematically illustrates a method of controlling a first lighting unit in a lighting unit group; and

[0055] Figure 7 A method of controlling a plurality of lighting units in a lighting unit group is schematically illustrated.

[0056] All the figures are schematic, not necessarily to scale, and generally only show parts which are necessary in order to elucidate the invention, wherein other parts may be omitted or merely suggestive. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] Figure 1 A lighting system 100 is shown that includes a controller 102 configured to control a plurality of lighting units 112, 114. Controller 102 can be located in the same environment where lighting units 112, 114 are located. Controller 102 can be included, for example, in a hub, bridge, or another central controller of the lighting system. In other examples, controller 102 can be included in a portable user device 110, such as a smartphone, tablet, wearable device, light switch, etc. Alternatively, controller 102 can be included in a remote server that can communicate with lighting units 112, 114 via a network, such as the Internet. Alternatively, controller 102 can be included in lighting units 112, 114. The location of controller 102 can depend on the system architecture of lighting system 100.

[0058] The controller 102 includes a communication unit 104 configured to receive a first signal transmitted between the portable device 110 and the first lighting unit 112. The first signal may be a signal transmitted from the first lighting unit 112 to the portable device 110. The processor 106 of the portable device 110 may be configured to analyze the signal to determine its signal strength. Alternatively, the first signal may be transmitted from the portable device 110 to the first lighting unit 112. The first lighting unit 112 may be configured to transmit the first signal or an indication of its signal strength to the controller 102, for example, via a network.

[0059] The controller 102 also includes a processor 106 (e.g., a microcontroller, a circuit, etc.). The processor 106 is configured to determine a first signal strength of the received first signal. The processor 106 may be configured to calculate the first signal strength, or the first signal strength may be calculated by another device (e.g., a remote device accessible via a network such as the Internet) and transmitted to the processor 106. The first signal may be, for example, a radio frequency signal. Alternatively, the first signal may be a different type of signal (such as an ultrasound signal, an acoustic signal, a light signal, etc.) whose received signal strength can be detected. The processor 106 may analyze the first signal to determine the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of the signal. This RSSI is a measure of the power present in the first signal. The RSSI may indicate the distance between the portable device 110 and the first lighting unit 112 (the accuracy of this distance depends on environmental factors). Additionally or alternatively, noise in the first signal (which may be viewed as deviations of the RSSI from its mean) may indicate signal strength and, therefore, the distance between the portable device 110 and the first lighting unit 112. For example, if the distance between the portable device 110 and the first lighting unit 112 is small, the noise in the signal is generally lower than when the distance between the portable device 110 and the first lighting unit 112 is large. Therefore, the noise in the signal (signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)) can further indicate the distance. Techniques for determining the RSSI (and optionally the SNR) of a signal are known in the art and will not be discussed in detail.

[0060] The processor 106 is further configured to, if the first signal strength exceeds a threshold, set the portable device 110 to a first control mode in which only the first lighting unit 112 of the lighting unit groups 112, 114 is controlled by the portable device 110. Figure 2a , wherein portable device 110 is positioned relative to lighting units 112, 114 such that the signal transmitted between portable device 110 and first lighting unit 112 is within a threshold signal strength range (indicated by arrow 132). Portable device 110 is not within second threshold signal strength range 134 of second lighting unit 114. Processor 106 can therefore place portable device 110 in a first control mode. As a result, when a user, for example, provides user input via portable device 110, processor 110 will control only first lighting unit 112 (and not the second lighting unit) based on the user input.

[0061] The processor 106 is further configured to, if the first signal strength does not exceed the threshold, set the portable device 110 to a second control mode in which the lighting units 112, 114 in the group are controlled by the portable device 110. Figure 2b, where the portable device 110 is outside the threshold signal strength ranges 132, 134 of the first lighting unit 112 and the second lighting unit 114. The processor 106 can therefore place the portable device 110 in the second control mode. As a result, when a user provides user input, for example, via the portable device 110, the processor 110 will control both the first lighting unit 112 and the second lighting unit based on the user input.

[0062] Figure 2c Another example is shown in which the portable device 110 is positioned relative to the lighting units 112, 114 such that the signal transmitted between the portable device 110 and the second lighting unit 114 is within the threshold signal strength range 134. The portable device 110 is not within the threshold signal strength range 132 of the first lighting unit 112. The processor 106 can therefore set the portable device 110 to an additional (fourth) control mode in which only the second lighting unit 114 in the group is controlled by the portable device 110. As a result, when a user provides user input, for example, via the portable device 110, only the second lighting unit 114 will be controlled by the processor 110 based on the user input.

[0063] Figure 2d Another example is shown, in which the lighting unit groups 112, 114, 116 further include a third lighting unit 116. Figure 2d , the portable device 110 is positioned relative to the lighting units 112, 114, 116 such that signals transmitted between the portable device 110 and the first lighting unit 112 and the second lighting unit 114 are within the respective threshold signal strength ranges 132, 134. The portable device 110 is not within the threshold signal strength range 136 of the third lighting unit 116. The processor 106 can therefore set the portable device 110 to an additional (third) control mode in which the first lighting unit 112 and the second lighting unit 114 in the group are controlled by the portable device 110. As a result, when a user provides user input, for example, via the portable device 110, both the first lighting unit 112 and the second lighting unit 114 will be controlled by the processor 110 based on the user input.

[0064] The processor 106 may also be configured to receive user input indicating lighting control settings via the portable device 110. The user input may be received via a user interface of the portable device 110. The user interface may be, for example, a touch-sensitive display, and the user may, for example, select a light setting (e.g., a color, a light scene, an "on" or "off" setting, etc.) via the display. The user interface may be, for example, buttons (e.g., a spin button, a push / touch button, etc.), and a light setting may be associated with (each) button. The user interface may be a voice-activated interface, and the user may select a light setting by providing a voice command (e.g., "turn on the lights," "set a sunset scene," "set the lights to blue," etc.), whereupon the processor 106 may control the lights accordingly. Reference will be made below to further embodiments of the present invention. Figure 4a-4c as well as Figure 5b and Figure 5c An example of a user interface is discussed in more detail.

[0065] The processor 106 may also be configured to control the group of lighting units 112, 114 based on the received user input. If the portable device 110 has been set to the first control mode, the processor 106 may control (only) the first lighting unit 112 according to the lighting control settings associated with the user input, and if the portable device 110 has been set to the second control mode, the processor 106 may control all lighting units 112, 114 according to the lighting control settings associated with the user input.

[0066] The communication unit 104 may also include a transmitter for transmitting lighting control instructions to the lighting units 112, 114 to control the lighting units 112, 114 according to lighting control settings. The lighting control instructions may relate to one or more lighting control settings, which may be defined, for example, as RGB / HSL / HSB color values, CIE color values, intensity (brightness) values, beam angle / shape values, position values, etc. The lighting control instructions may be transmitted (e.g., as messages) to the lighting units 112, 114 to control the lighting units 112, 114. Various wired and wireless communication protocols may be used, such as Ethernet, DMX, DALI, USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Li-Fi, 3G, 4G, 5G, or Zigbee. The specific communication technology may be selected based on the communication capabilities of the lighting units 112, 114, the power consumption of the communication driver of the (wireless) communication technology, and / or the desired communication range of the signal. If the controller 102 is included in a remote server, the controller 102 may be configured to control the lighting units 112 , 114 via an intermediary device such as a bridge, a hub, a central (home) lighting control system, a smartphone, etc. This may depend on the system architecture of the lighting system 100 .

[0067] The communication unit 104 can be configured to communicate via multiple communication technologies. The communication unit 104 may include a first communication module and a second communication module. The first communication module can be configured to communicate via a first wireless communication technology, such as a first network technology (such as Bluetooth Low Energy), and the second communication module can be configured to communicate via a second wireless communication technology, such as a second network technology (such as Zigbee). These communication modules can be separate units (e.g., separate radio chips) included in the portable device, or both can be included on a single radio chip, allowing low-cost devices to operate as part of both the first and second networks using a single wireless radio module. This can be achieved by rapidly switching between the first and second communication technologies (e.g., Zigbee and Bluetooth Low Energy) over time, allowing the device to remain connected and operate on both networks simultaneously. The ability to enable constrained devices to operate on two networks simultaneously opens up new solutions to address the limitations of existing technologies. For example, Bluetooth Low Energy is a low-power / low-cost wireless network technology that enables single-hop communication in a star topology between a master node and a limited number of power-constrained slave nodes. Bluetooth Low Energy provides energy-efficient connections between power-constrained slave devices and less power-constrained master devices. An example of a BLE network might consist of a mobile phone device acting as a master node, providing internet connectivity to an ecosystem of resource-constrained devices, such as sensors, wearables, and building automation equipment. In the following examples, a combined BLE and Zigbee radio is used. However, the present invention is equally applicable to any other combination of wireless communication technologies (e.g., BLE, infrared (IR), near-field communication (NFC), wireless LAN communication (Wi-Fi), Zigbee, Thread, WirelessHART, Smart RF, Zwave, etc.).

[0068] The first signal can be transmitted between the personal device 110 and the first lighting unit 112 via a first communication technology (e.g., BLE). If the processor 106 has set the portable device 110 to a first control mode, the first lighting unit 112 can be controlled according to the lighting control settings via the first communication technology (e.g., BLE). Alternatively, the first lighting unit 112 can be controlled according to the lighting control settings via a second communication technology (e.g., Zigbee). When controlling the lighting units, for example, via a network (e.g., via a central control device such as a bridge), it can be beneficial to determine the signal strength (indicating distance) between the portable device and the first lighting unit using the first communication technology (e.g., a point-to-point communication technology) and to control the first lighting unit (e.g., by transmitting lighting control commands to the lighting unit) using the second communication technology (e.g., a (mesh) network communication technology). Additionally, when the portable device 110 has been set to a second (group) control mode, the processor 106 can control the first lighting unit 112 and the other lighting units 114 and 116 of the lighting unit group according to the lighting control settings via the second communication technology.

[0069] The lighting units 112, 114 may be configured to receive lighting control instructions from the controller 102 directly (e.g., via BLE, WiFi, Zigbee, etc.) or indirectly (e.g., via a (mesh) network). The lighting units 112, 114 may include one or more light sources (e.g., LED / OLED light sources). The lighting units 112, 114 may be arranged to provide general lighting, task lighting, ambient lighting, mood lighting, accent lighting, indoor lighting, outdoor lighting, etc. The lighting units 112, 114 may be mounted in a lamp or luminaire. The lighting units 112, 114 may be portable lighting units (e.g., hand-sized devices such as LED cubes, LED spheres, object / animal-shaped lighting units, etc.) or wearable lighting units (e.g., light bracelets, light necklaces, etc.). The lighting units 112, 114 may be individually addressable and / or individually controllable light sources of the lamp (e.g., light source arrays, LED strips, etc.). Examples of such lamps 300 have been described in detail herein. Figure 3 , where a plurality of lighting units are included in a luminaire 300 (eg, an LED strip). Figure 3 , reference numerals have been added only to the two lighting units 112 , 114 and the two signal strength threshold ranges 132 , 134 .

[0070] The processor 106 may also be configured to indicate the current mode of the portable device 110 via the user interface of the portable device. An example has been described in Figure 4a-4c These figures show a portable device 110 (eg, a smartphone, smartwatch, tablet computer, etc.) that includes a touch-sensitive display 400 . Figure 4a and Figure 4b The user interface is shown being presented when the second (set) of control modes is activated. Figure 4c The user interface is shown being presented when the first (individual) control mode is activated. Figure 4c The user interface of the embodiment enables the user to control only the first lighting unit 112 ("Light 1") by providing user input 406 and selecting the color of Light 1 from the color wheel presented on the display 400. When the received signal strength of the first signal exceeds the first threshold (see Figure 2a ), the processor 106 activates the user interface. Figure 4a and Figure 4b The user interface enables a user to provide user input 402 and set the lights for the group ( Figure 4a ) selects a light scene (e.g., daylight setting, sunset setting, night setting) or controls the lighting unit groups 112, 114, 116 by providing user input 404 and selecting a color for the lights in the group (lights 1, 2, and 3) from a color wheel presented on the display 400, as shown Figure 4b When the received signal strength of the first signal does not exceed the first threshold (or any other threshold) (see Figure 2b ), processor 106 activates Figure 4a or Figure 4b User interface.

[0071] The portable device 110 may be a light switch. The light switch may include one or more buttons (e.g., push buttons, touch-sensitive buttons, rotary knobs, etc.) for controlling the light output of the lighting unit groups 112, 114. For example, the buttons may be configured to receive user input for turning the lights on / off, selecting a light setting or light scene (e.g., by subsequently actuating the button or by rotating the rotary knob to cycle through the light settings or light scenes), dimming the lights, etc.

[0072] The light switch may further include one or more indicators (eg, LED indicator lights, vibration motors, speakers) for indicating the current control mode of the light switch. The processor 106 may also be configured to control the one or more indicators based on the current control mode of the light switch. Figure 5b and Figure 5c The light switch 110 is shown including two indicator lights below the surface of the button 510. The light switch 110 includes a first icon 502 and a second icon 504 of transparent material for indicating the current status when the corresponding indicator lights are turned on. Figure 5a shows an example in which the first (individual) control mode is activated, Figure 5b An example is shown in which the second (group) of control modes is activated.

[0073] One or more buttons of a light switch can be associated with lighting control settings. The lighting control settings can depend on the current state of the lighting units. For example, if the light switch is set to the first (individual) control mode, processor 106 controls first lighting unit 112 upon activation of the light switch button. A user can, for example, press button 510 to turn on first lighting unit 112. For example, if the light switch is set to the second (group) control mode, processor 106 controls lighting units 112 and 114 in the group upon activation of the light switch button. For example, a user can press button 510 to turn on lighting units in the group. Additionally or alternatively, the button can be a rotary knob. For example, if the light switch is set to the first (individual) control mode, a user can, for example, rotate the rotary knob to dim the light output of first lighting unit 112. For example, if the light switch is set to the second (group) control mode, a user can, for example, rotate the rotary knob to dim the light output of lighting unit groups 112 and 114. In the foregoing example, the lighting control setting(s) associated with the button(s) are the same for different control modes. Alternatively, the lighting control settings associated with one or more buttons of a light switch may depend on the control mode of the light switch and may differ depending on the control mode. For example, if the light switch is set to the first (individual) control mode, the user may, for example, rotate a rotary button to select the color of the first lighting unit 112, and if the light switch is set to the second (group) control mode, the user may, for example, rotate the rotary button to dim the light output of the lighting unit groups 112, 114. This enables the user to first set the light settings for individual lights using one button, and then control the entire group using the same button.

[0074] The portable device 110 (eg, a light switch) may further include a docking station for attaching the portable device 110 to a docking object 500 (eg, a docking station, a wall plate, etc., see Figure 5a), the docking object 500 being configured to receive the portable device 110. The attachment means may be, for example, a magnet, a snap-fit ​​mechanism, an adhesive mechanism, or the like. Such attachment means are known in the art and will not be discussed in detail. The processor 106 may also be configured to detect whether the portable device 110 is attached to the docking object 500, and if so, to set the portable device 110 to the second control mode. Additionally or alternatively, the docking object 500 may include means for detecting whether the portable device 110 has been attached to the docking object 500, and the docking object may transmit a signal indicating this to the portable device 110. The detection may be based on the presence of a magnetic field (caused by one or more magnets included in the portable device 110 and / or the docking object 500), based on a signal from a light sensor located on the attachment side of the portable device 110 (the signal indicating a change in light indicating that the portable device 110 has been attached to the docking object 500), based on a signal from a button pressed when the portable device 110 is attached to the docking object 500, etc. Thus, if the portable device 110 is already attached to the docking object 500, it may be set to the second control mode (thereby potentially overriding the first control mode when the signal strength exceeds a threshold).

[0075] The lighting units 112, 114 in a lighting unit group may be associated with a space. The lighting units 112, 114 may, for example, be associated or assigned to a room (e.g., a living room (see Figure 4a and Figure 4b ), kitchen, etc.). Lighting units 112, 114 may already be associated with a space in the lighting control software application. Thus, when a user positions portable device 110 within a threshold range of a first lighting unit 112, the user can use portable device 110 to control only the first lighting unit 112 (and not other lighting units in the space outside the threshold range). If the user positions portable device 110 outside the threshold range of the first lighting unit, the user can use portable device 110 to control all lighting units 112, 114 in the space (e.g., all lighting units located in a room).

[0076] The threshold value may be based on user preferences. The user may set the threshold value, for example, via a user interface (e.g., by selecting a threshold range / distance, wherein when portable device 110 is within the threshold range, it is set to the first control mode). The threshold value may be set, for example, via a slider on a touch-sensitive display. Alternatively, the threshold value may be set via a user interface (e.g., via a touch-sensitive display, by providing voice input, etc.) by setting a distance (e.g., 30 cm, 50 cm, 1 m, etc.).

[0077] Additionally or alternatively, the threshold value may be based on one or more characteristics of the lighting units 112 and 114. These characteristics may relate to, for example, the positioning of the lighting units, the type of lighting units, the light rendering capabilities of the lighting units, and the like. In a first example, the characteristic may be related to the type of lighting unit. For example, a ceiling light fixture may have a larger threshold range than a desk lamp, or an LED strip with individually addressable lighting units may have a smaller threshold range for individually addressable lighting units than a desk lamp. In another example, the characteristic may relate to the positioning of the respective lighting units relative to the space. For example, a lighting unit located on a ceiling may have a larger threshold range than a lamp located on a floor. In another example, the characteristic may relate to the positioning of the respective lighting units relative to one another. For example, if the lighting units are located close to one another, their threshold range may be smaller, while if the lighting units are located less closely to one another, their threshold range may be larger. Techniques for determining the positioning of lighting units relative to a space or relative to one another are known in the art and will not be discussed in detail.

[0078] Additionally or alternatively, the threshold value may be based on historical control events or historical usage of the lighting system. Processor 106 may also be configured to identify patterns by monitoring the lighting system's controls, determine the signal strength each time a user controls a lighting unit 112, 114 using portable device 110, and set a threshold value for lighting control based on the historical control and signal strength. The threshold value for signal strength used to switch from the first mode to the second mode may be, for example, an average value of (historical) signal strengths. In this manner, processor 106 may learn the threshold value.

[0079] Figure 6A method 600 for controlling a first lighting unit 112 in a group 112, 114 of lighting units is schematically illustrated. The method 600 includes receiving 602 a first signal transmitted between a portable device 110 and the first lighting unit 112, and determining 604 a first signal strength of the received first signal. The method includes determining 605 whether the first signal strength exceeds a threshold. The method further includes: if the first signal strength exceeds the threshold, setting 606 the portable device 110 to a first control mode in which only the first lighting unit 112 in the group 112, 114 of lighting units is controlled by the portable device 110; or if the first signal strength does not exceed the threshold, setting 608 the portable device 110 to a second control mode in which only the lighting units 112, 114 in the group are controlled by the portable device 110. The method also includes receiving user input 110 via the portable device 110 indicating a lighting control setting, and controlling 612 the first lighting unit 112 according to the lighting control setting if the portable device 110 has been set to a first control mode, or controlling 614 the lighting unit group 112, 114 according to the lighting control setting if the portable device 110 has been set to a second control mode.

[0080] Figure 7 Schematically shows the process including additional steps Figure 6 Method 700 additionally includes receiving 702 a second signal transmitted between portable device 110 and a second lighting unit 114 in lighting unit group 112, 114, and determining 704 a second signal strength of the received second signal. The method includes determining 705 whether the second signal strength exceeds a second threshold. After the step of determining 605 whether the first signal strength exceeds the threshold, Figure 7 The steps of receiving 702, determining 704, and determining 705 are shown in FIG. It should be understood that the steps of receiving 702, determining 704, and determining 705 may occur before or during steps 602, 604, and 605.

[0081] The method includes setting 706 the portable device 110 to a third control mode in which the first lighting unit 112 and the second lighting unit 114 in the lighting unit group 112, 114 are controlled by the portable device 110 if the first signal strength exceeds a threshold and the second signal strength exceeds a second threshold, and controlling 712 the first lighting unit 112 and the second lighting unit 114 according to the lighting control setting.

[0082] The method includes setting 606 the portable device 110 to a first control mode and controlling 612 the first lighting unit 112 according to a lighting control setting if the first signal strength exceeds a threshold and the second signal strength does not exceed a second threshold.

[0083] The method 700 includes, if the first signal strength does not exceed the threshold and the second signal strength exceeds the second threshold, setting 708 the portable device 110 to a fourth control mode in which only the second lighting unit 114 in the group is controlled by the portable device 110, and controlling 714 the second lighting unit 114 according to the lighting control setting.

[0084] The method 700 includes setting 608 the portable device 110 to a second control mode and controlling 614 the first lighting unit 112 and the second lighting unit 114 according to the lighting control setting if the first signal strength does not exceed the threshold and the second signal strength does not exceed the second threshold.

[0085] The methods 600 , 700 may be performed by computer program code of a computer program product when the computer program product is executed on a processing unit of a computing device, such as the processor 106 of the controller 102 .

[0086] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0087] In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The use of the verb "comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements and by means of a suitably programmed computer or processing unit. In a device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0088] Aspects of the present invention can be implemented in a computer program product, which can be a set of computer program instructions stored on a computer-readable storage device, which can be executed by a computer. Instructions of the present invention can be any interpretable or executable code mechanism, including but not limited to scripts, interpretable programs, dynamic link libraries (DLLs), or Java classes. Instructions can be provided as complete executable programs, partial executable programs, as modifications (e.g., updates) of existing programs, or as extensions (e.g., plug-ins) of existing programs. In addition, part of the processing of the present invention can be distributed across multiple computers or processors or even on a "cloud."

[0089] Storage media suitable for storing computer program instructions include all forms of non-volatile memory, including but not limited to EPROM, EEPROM and flash memory devices, magnetic disks such as internal and external hard drives, removable disks and CD-ROMs. The computer program product may be distributed on such storage media or may be provided for download via HTTP, FTP, email or from a server connected to a network such as the Internet.

Claims

1. A method (600) for controlling a lighting unit group, the method (600) comprising: - receiving (602) a first signal transmitted between a portable device and a first lighting unit of the group of lighting units, wherein the group of lighting units comprises at least two lighting units, the at least two lighting units including the first lighting unit, - determining (604) a first signal strength of the received first signal, - if the first signal strength exceeds a threshold, setting (606) the portable device to a first control mode in which only the first lighting unit of the group of lighting units is controlled by the portable device, and - If the first signal strength does not exceed the threshold, setting (608) the portable device to a second control mode, wherein the at least two lighting units in the group are both controlled by the portable device.

2. The method (600) of claim 1, further comprising: - receiving (610) via the portable device a user input indicating a lighting control setting, - if the portable device has been set to the first control mode, controlling (612) the first lighting unit according to the lighting control setting, and - If the portable device has been set to the second control mode, controlling (614) the group of lighting units according to the lighting control settings.

3. The method (600) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the method (600) further comprises: - indicating via a user interface a current control mode of the portable device.

4. The method (600) of claim 3, wherein the portable device comprises a display for presenting the user interface, wherein the method (600) further comprises: - if the portable device has been set to the first control mode, presenting a first user interface on the display, the first user interface being configured to receive user input for controlling the first lighting unit, and - if the portable device has been set to the second control mode, presenting a second user interface on the display, the second user interface being configured to receive user input for controlling the group of lighting units.

5. The method (600) of claim 2, wherein the portable device is a light switch, and wherein the user input is received via a button of the light switch.

6. The method (600) according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 5, wherein the portable device comprises attachment means for attaching the portable device to a docking object, the docking object being configured to receive the portable device, and wherein the method (600) comprises: - detecting whether the portable device is attached to the docking object, and - if the portable device is attached to the docking object, setting the portable device to the second control mode.

7. The method (600) according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 5, wherein the first signal is a radio frequency signal.

8. A method (600) according to claim 1, wherein the portable device is configured to communicate via a first communication technology and a second communication technology, and wherein the first signal is transmitted via the first communication technology, and wherein if the portable device has been set to the first control mode, the first lighting unit is controlled according to the lighting control setting via the first communication technology.

9. A method (600) according to claim 1, wherein the portable device is configured to communicate via a first communication technology and a second communication technology, and wherein the first signal is transmitted via the first communication technology, and wherein if the portable device has been set to the first control mode, the first lighting unit is controlled according to the lighting control setting via the second communication technology.

10. The method (600) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein if the portable device has been set to the second control mode, the first lighting unit and / or other lighting units in the lighting unit group are controlled according to the lighting control settings via the second communication technology.

11. The method (600) according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 5, wherein the lighting units in the lighting unit group are associated with a space.

12. The method (600) according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 5, wherein the lighting unit group further comprises at least one second lighting unit, and the method (600) further comprises: - receiving (702) a second signal transmitted between the portable device and a second lighting unit of the group of lighting units, - determining (704) a second signal strength of the received second signal, - if the first signal strength exceeds the threshold and the second signal strength exceeds a second threshold, setting (706) the portable device to a third control mode in which the first lighting unit and the second lighting unit of the group of lighting units are controlled by the portable device, - If the first signal strength does not exceed the threshold and the second signal strength exceeds the second threshold, setting (708) the portable device to a fourth control mode in which only the second lighting unit in the group is controlled by the portable device.

13. A computer program product for a computing device, the computer program product comprising computer program code for performing the method (600) of any one of claims 1 to 12 when the computer program product is run on a processing unit of the computing device.

14. A controller (102) for controlling a group of lighting units (112, 114), the controller comprising: a communication unit (104) configured to receive a first signal transmitted between a portable device (110) and a first lighting unit (112) in the lighting unit group (112, 114), wherein the lighting unit group (112, 114) includes at least two lighting units, and the at least two lighting units include the first lighting unit (112), and - a processor (106) configured to: determining a first signal strength of the received first signal, If the first signal strength exceeds a threshold, setting the portable device (110) to a first control mode in which only the first lighting unit (112) of the lighting unit group (112, 114) is controlled by the portable device (110), and If the first signal strength does not exceed the threshold, the portable device (110) is set to a second control mode, wherein the at least two lighting units (112, 114) in the group are both controlled by the portable device (110).

15. A portable device (110) comprising the controller (102) of claim 14.

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