Controller for controlling lighting units of a lighting system and method therefor

Abstract

A method (400) of controlling a lighting unit (110) of a lighting system (100a, 100b) is disclosed. The lighting system (100a, 100b) comprises the lighting unit (110) and a lighting control device (120), the lighting control device (120) comprising a user input element (122) for receiving a continuous user input for varying a light output intensity of the lighting unit (110). The method (400) comprises receiving (402) a signal indicative of the continuous user input, obtaining (404) one or more parameters, the one or more parameters comprising at least a current light setting of the lighting unit (110), the current light setting having an intensity level between a predetermined maximum intensity level and a predetermined minimum intensity level, and controlling the light output intensity of the lighting unit (110) over time while the continuous user input is provided, wherein the light output intensity is increased or decreased based on the one or more parameters.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for controlling a lighting unit in a lighting system, the lighting system including a lighting unit and a lighting control device, the lighting control device including a user input element for receiving continuous user input for changing the light output intensity of the lighting unit. The invention also relates to a computer program product for performing the method. Furthermore, the invention relates to a controller for controlling a lighting unit in a lighting system, the lighting system including a lighting unit and a lighting control device, the lighting control device including a user input element for receiving continuous user input to change the light output intensity of the lighting unit. Background Technology

[0002] Smart lighting systems enable users to control lighting units in an environment such as their home. Such systems can include multiple lighting units and lighting control devices (such as light switches and smartphones) connected to them. Some types of lighting control devices have a limited number of user input elements. For example, some light switches may have only a single button. This single button can be configured to allow a user to toggle one or more lighting units on and off by pressing it. This button can also be configured to receive press-and-hold inputs, which can be associated with dimming control commands, and one or more lighting units can be dimmed when the user presses and holds the button repeatedly.

[0003] US9113513 B1 discloses a method for controlling changes in light intensity: a lighting system receives a desired dimming signal, samples the signal, and modulates the output drive signal driving the lighting system by varying the increment until the light intensity emitted by the lighting system substantially matches the desired light intensity indicated by the dimming signal. Pressing and holding a switch closed for more than a specified time period (e.g., 1 second) signals a microcontroller to enter a dimming mode, in which the microcontroller automatically adjusts the output of the light-emitting element by changing the PWM duty cycle (from 100% to 1%) within a set time period (e.g., 3 seconds). Releasing the switch and then repeating the press-and-hold action signals the microcontroller to reverse the dimming direction and increase the light output by changing the PWM duty cycle (from 1% to 100%). The PWM increment can be automatically changed based on the actual duty cycle or light level. For example, when the duty cycle is below about 2%, the PWM increment can be 1 bit, when the duty cycle is between about 2% and about 5%, the PWM increment can be 2 bits, and when the duty cycle is above about 5%, the PWM increment can be 4 bits. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In current systems, the aforementioned press-and-hold input increases or decreases the light output intensity of the illumination unit. The inventors have recognized that it may be desirable for such a single input element to be used to increase and decrease the light output intensity according to user needs. Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a method and controller that achieves advanced dimming control by providing a single input.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the invention, this objective is achieved by a method for controlling a lighting unit of a lighting system, the lighting system including a lighting unit and a lighting control device, the lighting control device including a user input element for receiving continuous user input for changing the light output intensity of the lighting unit, the method comprising:

[0006] - Receive signals indicating continuous user input.

[0007] - Obtain one or more parameters, including at least the current light setting of the illumination unit, the current light setting having a current intensity level between a predetermined maximum intensity level and a predetermined minimum intensity level, and

[0008] - When providing continuous user input, the light output intensity of the lighting unit is controlled over time, wherein the light output intensity is increased or decreased based on one or more parameters.

[0009] The light output intensity of the lighting unit is controlled upon receiving continuous user input. For example, continuous user input could be a press-and-hold user input provided by pressing and holding a button on the lighting control device. The light output is increased or decreased based on one or more parameters. The method may also include determining whether to increase or decrease the intensity based on one or more parameters. One or more parameters include at least the current light setting of the lighting unit, which has a current intensity level between a predetermined maximum intensity level and a predetermined minimum intensity level. The predetermined maximum intensity could be, for example, 100% intensity, while the predetermined minimum intensity could be, for example, off. Therefore, if the current intensity is between the maximum and minimum intensity of the lighting unit, the light output intensity of the lighting unit increases or decreases based on the current intensity over time. If, for example, the current intensity is high (e.g., 90% of the maximum intensity), the intensity can be decreased when the user provides continuous user input, and if, for example, the current intensity is low (e.g., 10% of the maximum intensity), the intensity can be increased when the user provides continuous user input. This is advantageous because such a single input element can be used to increase and decrease the light output intensity according to (intended) user needs, thereby providing advanced dimming control by providing a single input.

[0010] One or more parameters can also include the current time. The current time could be, for example, the current time of day, a day of the week, a day of the month, a period / day of the year, a season, etc. Therefore, determining whether to increase or decrease the dimming intensity can also be based on the current time. For example, a user might want to increase the intensity earlier in the evening and decrease it later in the evening. This is beneficial because it allows for more advanced dimming control by providing a single input.

[0011] One or more parameters may also include the location of the lighting unit. For example, this location could be a geographical location, a location within a building (e.g., a specific room or space), a location within a room or space (e.g., on the ceiling, on the floor, in a corner, in the center of the room, etc.), or a location relative to another device or object (e.g., a television, a table, etc.). Therefore, determining whether to increase or decrease the intensity can also be based on the location of the lighting unit. For example, a user might want to increase the intensity of the lighting unit located in the living room and decrease the intensity of the lighting unit in the bedroom. This is beneficial because it allows for more advanced dimming control by providing a single input.

[0012] The method may further include stopping the increase or decrease of intensity when continuous user input ceases. Therefore, when the user stops providing continuous input, the increase or decrease of intensity is stopped, and the intensity is set to its current intensity level. This allows the user to simply select the desired intensity by ceasing continuous user input.

[0013] The method may further include: decreasing the intensity over time while providing continuous user input when the intensity reaches a predetermined maximum intensity level, and increasing the intensity over time while providing continuous user input when the intensity reaches a predetermined minimum intensity level. For example, the intensity can be decreased (as long as continuous user input is provided) when it increases and reaches the predetermined maximum intensity. This allows the user to cycle between dimming levels by providing continuous user input. This is advantageous because it enables more advanced dimming control by providing a single input.

[0014] The method may also include: when no more continuous user input is received:

[0015] - Receive a second signal indicating a second consecutive user input received via the same user input element, and

[0016] - If the intensity is decreasing while providing consecutive user inputs, then the intensity increases over time while providing a second consecutive user input, and

[0017] If the intensity is increasing while continuous user input is being provided, the intensity decreases over time when a second continuous user input is provided. This allows the user to stop providing continuous user input (e.g., by releasing the button) and then provide a second continuous user input (e.g., by pressing and holding the button again), thereby reversing the intensity change (from increasing to decreasing, or vice versa). This enables more advanced dimming control via a single input element.

[0018] The predetermined minimum and maximum intensity levels can be the minimum and maximum intensity levels of the lighting unit. The predetermined maximum intensity can be, for example, 100% intensity, while the predetermined minimum intensity can be, for example, off.

[0019] The predetermined minimum and maximum intensity levels can be based on a light intensity distribution. This light intensity distribution can, for example, be a dimming curve defining multiple dimming values, according to which the lighting unit can be controlled.

[0020] The method may also include:

[0021] - Enter learning mode to learn the relationship between user input and one or more current parameters over a period of time. The user input indicates changes in the light output intensity of one or more lighting units.

[0022] - Switch to control mode, and

[0023] - Perform the steps of any of the methods described above, wherein the method further includes: determining whether to increase or decrease the light output intensity based on the learned correlation. In other words, user preferences related to parameters (e.g., current light settings, time of day, location of the lighting unit, etc.) can be monitored during a monitoring period. These user preferences can then be used to determine whether to increase or decrease the light output intensity. This is advantageous because dimming control is tailored to the specific user's preferences.

[0024] A lighting control device can be a light switch and can receive continuous user input via a button that activates and holds the light switch. This button can be, for example, a press or touch button. In another example, the lighting control device can be a personal device (such as a smartphone) and can receive continuous user input via a touch-sensitive display that is activated and held. In yet another example, the lighting control device can be an augmented reality device, and continuous user input can be a user's gaze at a light (e.g., detected by a camera included in the augmented reality device). In yet another example, the lighting control device can include an audio sensor, and continuous user input can be a continuous sound created by the user (detected by the audio sensor).

[0025] According to a second aspect of the invention, this objective is achieved by a computer program product for a computing device, the computer program product comprising computer program code that executes any of the above-described methods when the computer program product is run on a processing unit of the computing device.

[0026] According to a third aspect of the invention, this objective is achieved by a controller for controlling a lighting unit in a lighting system, the lighting system including a lighting unit and a lighting control device, the lighting control device including a user input element for receiving continuous user input for changing the light output intensity of the lighting unit, the controller comprising:

[0027] The communication unit is used to receive signals indicating continuous user input.

[0028] The processor is configured to control the light output intensity of the lighting unit, wherein the processor is further configured to:

[0029] - Obtain one or more parameters, including at least the current light setting of the illumination unit, which has an intensity level between the maximum and minimum intensity levels of the illumination unit, and

[0030] - When providing continuous user input, the light output intensity of the lighting unit is controlled over time, wherein the light output intensity is increased or decreased based on one or more parameters.

[0031] It should be understood that computer program products and controllers may have similar and / or identical embodiments and advantages to the methods described above. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the above and additional objects, features, and advantages of the disclosed systems, devices, and methods will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of embodiments of the apparatus and methods, wherein:

[0033] Figure 1a An embodiment of a lighting system is schematically shown, which includes lighting units, lighting control devices, and a controller for controlling the lighting devices;

[0034] Figure 1b An embodiment of a lighting system is schematically illustrated, the lighting system including lighting units and lighting control devices, the lighting control devices including a controller for controlling the lighting equipment;

[0035] Figure 2 An example of a lighting control device is shown schematically;

[0036] Figure 3 The dimming curve is illustrated schematically; and

[0037] Figure 4 A method for controlling the lighting unit of a lighting system is illustrated schematically.

[0038] All accompanying drawings are schematic and not necessarily to scale, and generally only show the parts necessary to illustrate the invention, where other parts may be omitted or only suggested. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Figure 1a and Figure 1b Exemplary systems 100a and 100b are shown, including a controller 102 for controlling a lighting unit 110 based on user input received from a user input element 122 of a lighting control device 120. The user input may be continuous user input for changing the light output intensity of the lighting unit 110. Figure 1a In the example, lighting control device 120 and controller 102 are different devices. Controller 102 may, for example, be included in a smartphone, a bridging device, a central home / lighting control system, a lighting unit 110, a remote server (e.g., in the cloud), etc. Alternatively, as Figure 1b As shown, controller 102 may be included in lighting control device 120. Controller 102 includes communication unit 104 and processor 106 (e.g., microcontroller, circuit, microchip, etc.), communication unit 104 being configured to receive signals indicating user input from lighting control device 120.

[0040] Processor 106 is configured to acquire one or more parameters. These parameters may be context parameters, providing information about the context (e.g., environment) in which the lighting unit 110 is located. These parameters may be received from external devices (e.g., via communication unit 104), from one or more sensors (which may be located remotely or included in controller 102), etc. These parameters may include the current light setting of the lighting device 120, which is the light setting of the lighting unit 110 at the moment when user input has been received (e.g., at the moment the user activates the button). The current light setting may be determined in various ways, such as by sending a status request message to the lighting unit 110, by sending a status request message to a central control system (e.g., a hub, bridge) connected to the lighting unit 110, by accessing memory storing information (about the last command sent to the lighting unit 110), etc. The current light setting may have an intensity level between a predetermined maximum intensity level and a predetermined minimum intensity level. For example, the current light setting may have an intensity level between 0% and 100% (e.g., 40%). Processor 106 is also configured to control the light output intensity of one or more lighting units 110 over time while providing continuous user input. Processor 106 can determine whether to increase or decrease the light output intensity of one or more lighting units 110 based on one or more (context) parameters. For example, when a user activates and holds the user input element 122 of the lighting control device 120, processor 106 can, for example, determine that the current intensity of the light output of the lighting unit 110 is 20%, and receive one or more signals from the lighting control device 120 indicating continuous user input. Based on the 20% intensity level, processor 106 can, for example, determine to increase the intensity of the light output lighting unit 110 while the user provides continuous user input. When the user stops providing continuous input, controller 102 can stop increasing the intensity and set the intensity to the last (current) intensity level.

[0041] Processor 106 can also be configured to determine whether to increase or decrease the light output intensity of lighting unit 110 based on one or more current light intensities of one or more other lighting units. For example, if one or more other lighting units have a current intensity that is different from (e.g., higher) the current intensity of lighting unit 110 to be controlled, processor 106 can be configured to determine, upon receiving continuous user input, to control the intensity over time such that the intensity level of lighting unit 110 increases or decreases toward the current intensity of the one or more other lighting units. In another example, the processor can be configured to control a group of lighting units including lighting unit 110 and one or more other lighting units, and processor 106 can determine to increase / decrease the light output intensity of individual lighting units in the group based on the current intensity of the lighting units in the group. Processor 106 can, for example, determine to increase the intensity of the lighting units in the group when the average intensity of all lighting units in the group is low. Processor 106 can, for example, determine to increase the intensity of some lighting units in the group whose intensity is below the average intensity of the group, and decrease the intensity of some lighting units in the group whose intensity is above the average intensity of the group, in order to achieve a common (e.g., average or target) intensity level. If the group of lighting units has the same current intensity, the processor 106 can determine whether to synchronously increase or decrease the intensity of the group based on their current intensity.

[0042] The lighting control device 120 can be any type of lighting control device (e.g., a light switch, smartphone, smart glasses, voice-activated home assistant, etc.) including a user input element 122, which is configured to receive continuous user input indicating dimming commands. The lighting control device 120 can be a light switch and can receive continuous user input via a button that activates and holds the light switch. This button can be, for example, a press or touch button. Such a light switch 220a, including button 222a, is already... Figure 2 As shown in the diagram. In another example, the lighting control device 120 may be a personal device (such as a smartphone) and may receive continuous user input by activating and maintaining the touch-sensitive display 122 of the personal device. In another example, the lighting control device 120 may be an augmented reality (AR) device, and the continuous user input may be a user's gaze at a light (e.g., detected by a camera 112 included in the AR device). In another example, the lighting control device 120 may include an audio sensor 122, and the continuous user input may be a continuous sound created by the user (detected by the audio sensor).

[0043] Controller 102 includes a communication unit 104 configured to receive signals indicating continuous user input. Figure 1aIn the example (where lighting control device 120 and controller 102 are included in separate devices), communication unit 104 may be a receiver configured to receive (wireless) signals from lighting control device 120. This receiver may be coupled to processor 106 and transmit the received signals to processor 106. Figure 1b In the example (where controller 102 is included in lighting control device 120), communication unit 104 may be, for example, an input module of processor 106 located between user input element 122 and processor 106.

[0044] exist Figure 1a In the example (where lighting control device 120 and controller 102 are included in separate devices), communication unit 104 may include a transmitter for sending control commands to lighting unit 110 to control the light output intensity of lighting unit 110. Figure 1b In the example (where controller 102 is included in lighting control device 120), processor 106 can (directly) control the light output intensity of lighting unit 110.

[0045] The lighting unit 110 is configured to receive (wireless) signals (e.g., lighting control signals) from the controller 102. These (wireless) signals may be received directly from the controller 102 or via an intermediary device such as a bridge, hub, router, or another network device. The controller 102 may include a communication unit configured to transmit the lighting control signals via any wired or wireless communication protocol (e.g., Ethernet, DALI, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Li-Fi, Thread, ZigBee, etc.). The lighting unit 110 may be an LED bulb, LED strip, TLED, light tile, etc. The lighting unit 110 may include a control unit, such as a microcontroller (not shown), for controlling the light output generated by the lighting unit based on received lighting control commands. The lighting control signals may include lighting control instructions for controlling the light output, such as color, intensity, saturation, beam size, beam shape, etc., according to which the lighting unit 110 is controlled.

[0046] Processor 106 can be configured to access memory configured to store lookup tables that include a correlation between the (current) intensity level and an indication to increase or decrease the intensity. Table 1 shows an example of such a table. For example, if the intensity level is 30% at the moment the user begins pressing the button, processor 106 can determine to increase the intensity (e.g., until the user no longer provides input (e.g., when the level is 90%), or all the way up to 100%).

[0047] Current intensity Intensity change 0-25% Increase strength 25-50% Increase strength 50-75% Reduce intensity 75-100% Reduce intensity

[0048] Table 1.

[0049] Processor 106 can also be configured to determine / obtain the current time, which can be a parameter used by processor 106 to determine whether to increase or decrease the light output intensity of lighting unit 110. Controller 102 may include an internal clock for providing time to processor 106. Alternatively, processor 106 may receive the current time from an external clock (e.g., via a network through communication unit 104). The current time can be, for example, the current time of day, the current date of week, the current date of month, or the current time period / date of year, and / or the current season. Table 2 shows an example where current intensity and current time are parameters used to determine whether to increase or decrease the intensity. For example, if the intensity level is 30% at the moment the user begins pressing the button and the time is 20:00, the processor 106 may determine to increase the intensity (e.g., until the user no longer provides input (e.g., when the level is 90%), or all the way up to 100%), but if the user will provide the same input at the same intensity level (30%) at a later time (e.g., 22:00), the processor 106 may determine to decrease the intensity (e.g., until the user no longer provides input (e.g., when the level is 10%), or all the way up to 0%).

[0050] Current intensity Current time Intensity change 0-25% 18:00-21:00 Increase strength 0-25% 21:00-23:00 Reduce intensity 25-50% 18:00-21:00 Increase strength 25-50% 21:00-23:00 Reduce intensity 50-75% 18:00-21:00 Increase strength 50-75% 21:00-23:00 Reduce intensity 75-100% 18:00-21:00 Reduce intensity 75-100% 21:00-23:00 Reduce intensity

[0051] Table 2.

[0052] The processor 106 can also be configured to determine / obtain information about the location of the lighting unit 110, and this location can be a parameter used by the processor 106 to determine whether to increase or decrease the light output intensity of the lighting unit 110. The location of the lighting unit 110 can be obtained by the processor by accessing a memory storing information about the location of the lighting unit 110, by receiving information about the location of the lighting unit 110 from a (indoor) positioning system (via communication unit 104), by receiving information about the location of the lighting unit 110 from a central lighting control system (e.g., a bridge) (via communication unit 104), etc. This location can be, for example, a geographical location, a location within a building (e.g., a specific room or space), a location within a room or space (e.g., at the ceiling, on the floor, in a corner, in the center of the room, etc.), a location relative to another device or object (e.g., a television, a table, etc.). Table 2 shows an example where both current intensity and location are parameters used to determine whether to increase or decrease the intensity. For example, if the intensity level is 30% when the user begins to press the button and the lighting unit 110 is located in the living room, the processor 106 may determine to increase the intensity (e.g., until the user no longer provides input (e.g., when the level is 90%), or all the way up to 100%), but if the user will provide the same input at the same intensity level (30%) for the lighting unit located in the bedroom, the processor 106 may determine to decrease the intensity (e.g., until the user no longer provides input (e.g., when the level is 10%), or all the way up to 0%).

[0053] Current intensity Location Intensity change 0-25% living room Increase strength 0-25% bedroom Reduce intensity 25-50% living room Increase strength 25-50% bedroom Reduce intensity 50-75% living room Increase strength 50-75% bedroom Reduce intensity 75-100% living room Reduce intensity 75-100% bedroom Reduce intensity

[0054] Table 3.

[0055] In the examples in Tables 2 and 3, two parameters are mentioned. It should be understood that processor 106 can be configured to consider more than two parameters (e.g., current intensity, location, and current time) to determine whether to increase or decrease the light output intensity of lighting unit 110. Examples of other parameters include, but are not limited to, current weather information (e.g., sunny vs. cloudy, which can be obtained from a weather application), temperature information (which can be obtained from a temperature sensor), occupancy information (e.g., single vs. multiple people, which can be detected by a camera or other presence sensor), information indicating the activity of a user operating lighting control device 120 (which can be detected, for example, by a camera, wearable device, etc.), and the current light intensity of one or more other lighting units. It should be understood that the above lookup tables are merely examples of processor 106 determining whether to increase or decrease intensity, and those skilled in the art can devise alternatives (algorithms) to determine whether to increase or decrease intensity based on one or more parameters without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0056] The processor 106 can also be configured to stop increasing or decreasing the intensity when continuous user input is no longer provided. In other words, when the user stops providing continuous input at a certain intensity (e.g., 40%) (e.g., by releasing button 222a of the light switch 220a), the processor 106 can set the light output intensity of the lighting unit 110 to that intensity (e.g., 40%).

[0057] The processor 106 can also be configured to decrease the intensity over time while providing continuous user input, once a predetermined maximum intensity level is reached. For example, if the intensity is increasing and reaches a predetermined maximum intensity, the processor 106 can begin to decrease the intensity. This allows the user to cycle between dimming levels by providing continuous user input.

[0058] The processor 106 can also be configured to begin increasing the intensity over time when continuous user input is provided, once a predetermined minimum intensity level is reached. For example, if the intensity is decreasing and has reached the predetermined minimum intensity, the processor 106 can begin increasing the intensity. This allows the user to cycle between dimming levels by providing continuous user input.

[0059] The increase or decrease of light output intensity over time can be linear, exponential, or other similar. The increase or decrease of light output intensity over time can be based on a light intensity distribution. For example, a light intensity distribution can be a dimming curve defining multiple dimming values, based on which the lighting unit can be controlled. Figure 3 An example of light intensity distribution is shown. For example, when the current intensity i is approximately 10%, the user can provide continuous user input u1. Based on this, the processor 106 can determine when to start increasing the intensity over time as the user provides continuous user input, until the peak of the curve (maximum intensity) has been reached. The processor 106 can then determine to decrease the intensity as the user provides continuous user input. In another example, for example, when the current intensity i is approximately 90%, the user can provide continuous user input u2. Based on this, the processor 106 can determine when to start decreasing the intensity over time as the user provides continuous user input, until the bottom of the curve (minimum intensity) has been reached. The processor 106 can then determine to increase the intensity as the user provides continuous user input. Figure 3 In the example, the curve is symmetrical and repeating. However, the curve can be asymmetrical and include different maximum, minimum, and slope values, based on which the lighting unit 110 can be controlled over time as the user provides continuous user input.

[0060] The user can stop providing continuous user input and provide a subsequent second continuous user input within a predetermined time period after the (first) continuous user input. Processor 106 can be configured to receive a second signal indicating the second continuous user input received via the same user input element. Processor 106 can also be configured to increase the intensity over time when providing the second continuous user input if the intensity is decreasing during the provision of continuous user input. Processor 106 can also be configured to decrease the intensity over time when providing the second continuous user input if the intensity is increasing during the provision of continuous user input. For example, refer to... Figure 3 The processor 106 can control the light output intensity of the lighting unit 110 according to the curve when receiving continuous user input, and control the light output intensity of the lighting unit 110 in the opposite direction of the curve when receiving a second continuous user input.

[0061] The predetermined minimum and maximum intensity levels can be the minimum and maximum intensity levels that the lighting unit 110 is capable of providing. The predetermined maximum intensity could be, for example, 100% intensity, and the predetermined minimum intensity could be, for example, off. In another example, the predetermined minimum and maximum intensity levels can be based on the light intensity distribution (e.g., Figure 3 (The curve shown). The light intensity distribution can be, for example, a dimming curve defining multiple dimming values, according to which the lighting units can be controlled. In another example, the predetermined minimum and maximum intensity levels can be the minimum and maximum intensity levels of an active light scene. A light scene can be a set of light settings for multiple lighting units, where the multiple lighting units are controlled according to a set of rules (e.g., a set of colors, minimum and maximum intensities, etc.). These rules can indicate the minimum and maximum intensity levels.

[0062] Processor 106 can also be configured to enter a learning mode to learn, over a period of time, the association between user input and one or more current parameters indicating changes in the light output intensity of one or more lighting units. In other words, user preferences related to parameters (e.g., current light settings, time of day, location of lighting units, etc.) and user-provided lighting controls related to increasing or decreasing intensity can be monitored during monitoring / learning. Processor 106 can use machine learning algorithms to learn these user preferences. These algorithms are known in the art and will therefore not be discussed in detail. Then, when processor 106 has been set to control mode, user preferences can be used to determine whether to increase or decrease the light output intensity.

[0063] Figure 4A method for controlling a lighting unit 110 of a lighting system 100a, 100b is shown. The lighting system includes a lighting unit 110 and a lighting control device 120. The lighting control device 120 includes a user input element 122 for receiving continuous user input for changing the light output intensity of the lighting unit 110. The method 400 includes: receiving 402 a signal indicating continuous user input; obtaining 404 one or more parameters, the one or more parameters including at least a current light setting of the lighting unit having an intensity level between a predetermined maximum intensity level and a predetermined minimum intensity level; and controlling 406 the light output intensity of the lighting unit over time while providing continuous user input, wherein the light output intensity increases or decreases over time based on one or more parameters.

[0064] When the computer program product is run on the processing unit of a computing device such as the processor 106 of the controller 102, the method 400 can be executed by the computer program code of the computer program product.

[0065] It should be noted that the above embodiments are illustrative and not limiting of the invention, and those skilled in the art will be able to devise many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0066] In the claims, any reference numerals placed between parentheses should not be construed as limiting the claims. The use of the verb "comprising" and its variations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those described in the claims. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The invention can be implemented by means of hardware comprising several completely different elements and by means of a suitably programmed computer or processing unit. In device claims enumerating several means, several of these means can be implemented by the same hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are referenced in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously.

[0067] Various aspects of the present invention can be implemented in a computer program product, which may be a collection of computer program instructions stored on a computer-readable storage device, the computer program instructions being executable by a computer. The 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. The instructions may be provided as a complete executable program, a partial executable program, a modification (e.g., an update) of an existing program, or an extension (e.g., a plug-in) of an existing program. Furthermore, some processing of the present invention may be distributed across multiple computers or processors or even the “cloud.”

[0068] 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, hard disks such as internal and external hard disk drives, removable disks, and CD-ROMs. Computer program products can be distributed on such storage media or made available for download via HTTP, FTP, email, or through a server connected to a network such as the Internet.

Claims

1. A method (400) of controlling a lighting unit (110) of a lighting system (100a, 100b), the lighting system (100a, 100b) comprising the lighting unit (110) and a lighting control device (120), the lighting control device (120) comprising a user input element (122) for receiving a continuous user input, the continuous user input being a single input, the continuous user input being for changing a light output intensity of the lighting unit (110), the method (400) comprising: - receiving (402) a signal indicative of the continuous user input, - obtaining (404) parameters, the parameters comprising at least a current light setting of the lighting unit (110) and a current time of day, the current light setting having an intensity level between a predetermined maximum intensity level and a predetermined minimum intensity level, determining, based on the one or more parameters comprising at least the current light setting of the lighting unit (110) and the current time of day, whether to increase or decrease the intensity, and - controlling the light output intensity of the lighting unit (110) over time while the continuous user input is provided, wherein the light output intensity is increased or decreased based on the determination.

2. The method (400) according to claim 1, wherein the parameters further comprise a location of the lighting unit (110).

3. The method (400) according to claim 1, wherein the parameters further comprise one or more current light intensities of one or more further lighting units.

4. The method (400) according to claim 2, wherein the parameters further comprise one or more current light intensities of one or more further lighting units.

5. The method (400) according to any one of claims 1-4, further comprising stopping increasing or decreasing the intensity when the continuous user input is no longer provided.

6. The method (400) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the method (400) comprises: - decreasing the intensity over time while the continuous user input is provided when the intensity reaches the predetermined maximum intensity level while the continuous user input is provided, and - increasing the intensity over time while the continuous user input is provided when the intensity reaches the predetermined minimum intensity level while the continuous user input is provided.

7. The method (400) according to any one of claims 1-4, further comprising, when the continuous user input is no longer received: - receiving a second signal, the second signal being indicative of a second continuous user input received via the same user input element (122), and - if the intensity is decreasing while the continuous user input is provided, increasing the intensity over time while the second continuous user input is provided, and - if the intensity is increasing while the continuous user input is provided, decreasing the intensity over time while the second continuous user input is provided.

8. The method (400) according to any one of the claims 1-4, wherein the predetermined minimum intensity level and the predetermined maximum intensity level are a minimum intensity level and a maximum intensity level of the lighting unit (110).

9. The method (400) according to any one of the claims 1-4, wherein the predetermined minimum intensity level and the predetermined maximum intensity level are based on a light intensity profile.

10. The method (400) according to any one of the claims 1-4, wherein the method (400) further comprises: - entering a learning mode, learning an association between a user input and one or more current parameters over a period of time, the user input being indicative of a change in light output intensity of one or more lighting units, - switching to a control mode, and - performing the steps of the method (400) of any preceding claim, wherein the method (400) further comprises determining whether to increase or decrease the light output intensity based on the learned association.

11. The method (400) according to any one of the claims 1-4, wherein the lighting control device (120) is a light switch, and the continuous user input is received by actuating and holding a button of the light switch.

12. A computer program product for a computing device, the computer program product comprising computer program code which performs the method (400) of any one of the claims 1-11 when the computer program product is run on a processing unit of the computing device.

13. A controller (102) for controlling a lighting unit (110) of a lighting system (100a, 100b), the lighting system (100a, 100b) comprising the lighting unit (110) and a lighting control device (120), the lighting control device (120) comprising a user input element (122) for receiving a continuous user input, the continuous user input being a single input, the continuous user input being for changing a light output intensity of the lighting unit (110), the controller (102) comprising: a communication unit (104) for receiving a signal indicative of the continuous user input, a processor (106) configured to control the light output intensity of the lighting unit (110), wherein the processor (106) is further configured to: - obtain parameters, the parameters comprising at least a current light setting of the lighting unit (110) and a current time of day, the current light setting having an intensity level between a maximum intensity level and a minimum intensity level of the lighting unit (110), determine whether to increase or decrease the intensity based on the one or more parameters comprising at least the current light setting of the lighting unit (110) and the current time of day, and - control the light output intensity of the lighting unit (110) over time while the continuous user input is provided, wherein the light output intensity is increased or decreased based on the determination.

14. The controller (102) according to claim 13, wherein the controller (102) is comprised in the lighting control device (120).

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