Proximity detection device

Abstract

The invention is directed to a proximity detection device configured to determine a signal strength value (S) indicative of an amount of received signal power of an identification signal of an originating lighting node comprising lighting node identification information and received via a signal input unit (102). It further comprises a proximity detection unit (106) configured to generate and provide a proximity information signal (P) indicative of the proximity detection device being within a proximity area upon determining that the received signal strength value exceeds a predetermined proximity threshold (S th ). It further comprises a threshold determination unit (108) configured to update the proximity threshold for a given originating lighting node upon determining that a pre-stored threshold update criterion (C) comprising one or more update conditions associated with the lighting node identification information is fulfilled, for redefining the proximity area associated with the given originating lighting node, thus reducing the complexity of threshold adaptation.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a proximity detection device, to a lighting arrangement, to a method for operating a proximity detection device, to a method for controlling operation of a lighting arrangement, and to a computer program. BACKGROUND

[0002] US 2019 / 036722 A1 discloses a smart light system and control devices and sensors communicating on a wireless network, the system having methods allowing the lights to take action based on a logical combination of events generated by other devices.

[0003] EP 2803248 A1 discloses identifying a particular device from an array of networked devices, each device individually addressable by a controller on the network.

[0004] WO 2016 / 010714 describes a Bluetooth zone control system comprising a machine having a first Bluetooth device configured to provide a first Bluetooth signal and a control unit having a second Bluetooth device configured to detect the first Bluetooth signal. The control unit is configured to control the machine based on a first authorization permission when the second Bluetooth device detects that the first Bluetooth signal is at or above a proximity signal threshold. SUMMARY

[0005] The inventors have realized that manually adjusting proximity signal thresholds of different devices is particularly complex and time consuming. It would be beneficial to enable dynamic adjustment of proximity signal thresholds without explicit user interaction.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention, a proximity detection device is described. The proximity detection device comprises a signal input unit for receiving a wireless identification signal comprising respective lighting node identification information from an external originating lighting node. It further comprises a signal strength determination unit connected to the signal input unit and configured to determine a signal strength value indicative of an amount of received signal power of the identification signal of the respective originating lighting node. The proximity detection device further comprises a proximity detection unit connected to the signal strength determination unit and configured to generate and provide a proximity information signal indicative of that the proximity detection device is located within a predetermined proximity area of the originating lighting node upon determining that the received signal strength value exceeds a predetermined proximity threshold associated with the originating lighting node, and a threshold determination unit connected to the signal input unit, the signal strength determination unit and the proximity detection unit and configured to update the proximity threshold of a given originating lighting node for redefining the proximity area associated with the given originating lighting node upon determining that a threshold update criterion for updating the given proximity threshold prestore of the given originating lighting node is fulfilled, wherein the threshold update criterion comprises one or more update conditions associated with the node identification information of the received identification signal.

[0007] The externally originating lighting node is configured to provide a wireless identification signal comprising respective lighting node identification information. A proximity detection device located within a maximum signal range of a given originating lighting node is able to receive the corresponding identification signal via a signal input unit. A signal strength determination unit is then configured to determine a signal strength value indicative of an amount of power of the received identification signal, which signal strength value is less than the amount of power of the identification signal as emitted by the lighting node. Hence, among other parameters, the amount of power of the received identification signal depends on the distance between the originating lighting node and the proximity detection device. Once the signal strength value is determined, the proximity detection unit compares the value with a predetermined proximity threshold. If the proximity threshold is exceeded, i.e. if the received signal strength value is higher than the threshold, a proximity information signal is generated and provided. The proximity information signal thus indicates that the proximity detection device is within a proximity area of the originating lighting node. The proximity area is defined as the volume in space where the received signal strength value is higher than the predetermined proximity threshold. A change of the proximity threshold directly redefines the proximity area associated with the lighting node. An increase of the proximity threshold results in a smaller proximity area and vice versa.

[0008] The proximity detection device of the first aspect is advantageously configured to enable a dynamic adaptation of the proximity threshold associated with the respective lighting node using a pre-stored threshold update criterion. A given threshold update criterion comprises one or more update conditions that have to be fulfilled in order to adapt the proximity threshold. The update conditions are associated with the lighting node identification information of the respective lighting node.

[0009] The threshold determination unit thus determines whether a given threshold update criterion is fulfilled and, as a result of the fulfillment, updates the proximity threshold node by a predetermined amount depending on the fulfilled threshold update criterion.

[0010] In the following, embodiments of the first aspect of the present application will be described.

[0011] In a particular embodiment, the identification signal is a beacon signal.

[0012] In a particular embodiment, the proximity information signal is provided to an external device that is configured to receive the proximity information signal and to provide operational data indicative of a predetermined operational instruction, such as but not limited to an instruction aimed at initiating a light emission by the lighting node, to the originating lighting node.

[0013] Alternatively, in another embodiment, the proximity detection device further comprises a node control unit configured to receive the proximity information signal from the proximity detection unit, to generate operation data indicative of predetermined operation instructions for controlling operation of the originating lighting nodes within the proximity area, and to provide the operation data to the originating lighting nodes within the proximity area. This embodiment can thus advantageously be used to control operation of the lighting nodes based on the presence or absence of the proximity detection device within the proximity area. For instance, it can be used to switch on a lighting function of the originating lighting nodes, or to control lighting parameters of the emitted light, such as color temperature, color spectrum, beam angle, beam width, temporal behavior, or light intensity.

[0014] The embodiment of the proximity detection device is configured to set an initial proximity threshold. Another embodiment is alternatively or additionally configured to update an already existing proximity threshold.

[0015] The setting and / or updating of the proximity threshold is performed based on node identification information. In one embodiment, the node identification information is transmitted via the identification signal as state information of the respective originating lighting node. In another embodiment, the node identification information is additionally obtained from a stored list of identification information associated with the respective originating lighting node. For instance, the identification signal comprises data identifying the originating lighting node, and the proximity detection device is configured to access an internal or external database comprising node identification information associated with the originating lighting node.

[0016] In one embodiment, the threshold determination unit is configured to determine a number of proximity areas of the originating lighting nodes within which the proximity detection device is simultaneously located. This is for instance obtained from the number of proximity information signals provided within a predetermined time span. In this embodiment, the update condition comprises detecting an increase in said number. The threshold determination unit is configured to increase the proximity threshold of at least one of the originating lighting nodes within the respective proximity area by a predetermined amount upon satisfaction of the threshold update criterion, thereby reducing the size of the overlap region of the proximity areas associated with the originating nodes.

[0017] In one embodiment, the proximity threshold associated with the originating lighting nodes for which the received signal strength value exceeds the corresponding threshold is changed by the same amount, whether absolute or relative. Alternatively, and depending on the threshold update criterion, the change of the proximity threshold is different for each lighting node, or only one proximity threshold is changed.

[0018] In another embodiment, the threshold determination unit is additionally configured to determine, from the received lighting node identification information, power information indicative of the amount of transmission power of the respective identification signal, and to use this power information to determine which of the signal strength thresholds to change.

[0019] For instance, according to a preferred threshold update criterion comprising an update condition on the amount of transmission power, according to the received lighting node identification information, the proximity threshold of those lighting nodes having a lower transmission power is increased by a given amount, so that the proximity area is relatively smaller than the proximity area of lighting nodes having a higher transmission power.

[0020] In a particular example, the power information indicates a nominal transmission power. In another example, the power information additionally indicates a current transmission power. In one embodiment, the threshold determination unit is configured to determine, based on the power information, whether the identification signal is being provided with a transmission power lower than the nominal transmission power. In this case, the signal strength value of the amount of received signal power of the identification signal will be lower. The predetermined pre-stored threshold update criterion comprises an update condition referring to the current transmission power and the nominal transmission power. This advantageously avoids that a proximity device, when in the proximity area, would qualify it not to be in the proximity area, just because an externally originating lighting node provides the identification signal with a lower transmission power for some reason.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, in another embodiment, the threshold determination unit is further configured to determine, from the received lighting node identification information, location information indicative of a designated installation location of the originating lighting node. In this particular embodiment, the update condition comprises detecting one of a set of predetermined installation locations. Further, the threshold determination unit is configured to use the determined installation location to determine which one of the signal strength thresholds is to be changed.

[0022] Suitable example designated installation locations are for instance "door", "entrance", "corridor", "window", "porch", "facade", or any other term related to a particular location where a lighting node can be arranged. Further suitable terms are also terms associated with a group / room where the lighting node is placed (e.g. bathroom, living room, hall) or terms associated with the type or application of the lighting node (e.g. wall light, kitchen pendant, bathroom ceiling light). This installation location information can for instance be provided by a user through a configuration in a smartphone app, or retrieved from a building information model (BIM). In this particular case, the threshold determination unit is advantageously configured to use the determined installation location to determine, i.e. to determine whether the node identification information comprises a reference to one of a set of predetermined installation locations, which one of the signal strength thresholds is to be changed. This is beneficial in case a particular location is more prone to false positives than another. For instance, a lighting node arranged near a door and labeled as "door" or "entrance" will be prone to be triggered by a proximity detection device located on the other side of the door. In this particular case, it would be beneficial to increase the proximity threshold and thus avoid undesired triggering of the lighting node.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the signal input unit is further configured to receive operation data indicative of an operation instruction directed to one or more of the lighting nodes for controlling operation of the lighting nodes. In this embodiment, the update condition comprises detecting one of a set of predetermined operation instructions. The threshold determination unit is further connected to the operation data input and is additionally configured to update the proximity threshold further using the received operation data.

[0024] This particular embodiment broadens the possibilities to update the proximity threshold by enabling to use update conditions associated with operation instructions directed to the lighting nodes. Operation instructions include, but are not limited to, instructions requiring the lighting nodes to initiate light emission, to stop light emission, or to change one or more lighting parameters such as light intensity, color spectrum, light beam width, light beam angle, temporal behavior, and color temperature.

[0025] For instance, a given threshold update criterion is based on a detection within a predetermined time span of an operation instruction directed to the same lighting node in which the proximity detection device is located, and on a determination whether the received operation instruction overrides an operation instruction generated in response to the reception of the proximity information signal. As a non-limiting example, if due to the existing distance between the proximity detection device and a given lighting node, a proximity information signal is generated which results in providing the lighting node with an operation instruction to initiate light emission, and within a predetermined time span of, say, 10 or 20 seconds, another operation instruction is wirelessly provided to the lighting node and also received by the proximity detection device, indicating that light emission is desired to be stopped, the threshold determination unit is advantageously configured to increase the proximity threshold associated with this lighting node, as it can be inferred that the user does not desire the light emission to be triggered automatically (i.e. without explicit user interaction).

[0026] In a particular embodiment, the proximity detection device is comprised by a mobile phone having a suitable control application installed. In another embodiment, the proximity detection device is integrated in a smart watch or another wearable device. In another embodiment, the proximity detection device is integrated in a portable light control device (e.g. a remote control / switch) or a portable light source.

[0027] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a lighting arrangement is described. The lighting arrangement comprises a proximity detection device according to the first aspect of the present invention and at least one lighting node. The lighting node comprises a lighting unit configured to emit light, an identification signal output unit for providing a wireless identification signal comprising lighting node identification information, an input unit for receiving operation data comprising operation instructions, and a lighting control unit configured to receive the operation instructions and control operation of the lighting unit using the operation instructions. The lighting arrangement further comprises an arrangement control unit configured to receive the proximity information signal from the proximity detection device and generate and provide operation data comprising predetermined operation instructions for controlling operation of an originating lighting node within the proximity area.

[0028] Hence, the lighting arrangement of the second aspect shares the advantages of the proximity detection device or any embodiment thereof.

[0029] In a particular embodiment of the lighting arrangement, the proximity detection device comprises the arrangement control unit, in particular a node control unit as described above with reference to the particular embodiment of the first aspect.

[0030] In an embodiment of the lighting arrangement, providing the wireless identification signal and the operation data is done in accordance with a wireless communication protocol. Suitable wireless communication protocols include, but are not limited to, IEEE 802.11 compliant protocols such as WiFi, and IEEE 802.15 compliant protocols such as WPAN / Bluetooth, high-rate WPAN, low-rate WPAN, mesh network protocols, etc. In particular, in one embodiment the wireless communication protocol is compliant with the IEEE 802.15.4 standard, e.g. ZigBee or Thread communication protocols.

[0031] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a method for operating a proximity detection device is described. The method comprises:

[0032] - receiving, from an originating lighting node, a wireless identification signal comprising respective lighting node identification information;

[0033] - determining a signal strength value indicative of an amount of received signal power of the identification signal of the respective originating lighting node;

[0034] - generating and providing a proximity information signal indicative of the originating lighting node being located within a predetermined proximity area of the proximity detection device upon determining that the received signal strength value exceeds a predetermined proximity threshold associated with the originating lighting node; and

[0035] - upon determining that a pre-stored threshold update criterion for updating a given proximity threshold for a given originating lighting node is met, updating the proximity threshold for the given originating lighting node for redefining a proximity area associated with the given originating lighting node, wherein the threshold update criterion comprises one or more update conditions associated with the node identification information of the received identification signal.

[0036] Hence, the method of the third aspect shares the advantages of the proximity detection device of the first aspect or any embodiment thereof.

[0037] In particular, in embodiments of the method of the third aspect, the method further comprises receiving a proximity information signal, generating operation data indicative of a predetermined operation instruction for controlling operation of an originating lighting node within the proximity area, and providing the operation data to the originating lighting node within the proximity area.

[0038] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling operation of a lighting arrangement is described. The method comprises providing a wireless identification signal comprising lighting node identification information, and carrying out the method of the third aspect.

[0039] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method of the third aspect is described.

[0040] It will be understood that the proximity detection device, the lighting arrangement, the method for operating the proximity detection device, the method for operating the lighting arrangement, and the computer program have similar and / or identical preferred embodiments.

[0041] It will be understood that the preferred embodiments of the present invention can also be any combination of the above-described embodiments.

[0042] These and other aspects of the present invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0043] In the following drawings:

[0044] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a proximity detection device is shown.

[0045] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of a lighting arrangement comprising a proximity detection device, two lighting nodes and an arrangement control unit is shown.

[0046] Figure 3A A schematic diagram of an embodiment of a lighting arrangement comprising proximity detection devices located at different positions is shown.

[0047] Figure 3B A schematic diagram of an embodiment of a lighting arrangement comprising proximity detection devices located at different positions is shown. Figure 3AThe lighting arrangement.

[0048] Figure 4 A flowchart showing an embodiment of a method for proximity detection device is shown.

[0049] Figure 5 A flowchart showing an embodiment of a method for controlling operation of a lighting arrangement is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Figure 1 An exemplary proximity detection device 100 is shown. The proximity detection device 100 comprises a signal input unit 102 for receiving a wireless identification signal B comprising respective lighting node identification information from an external originating lighting node (not shown). The proximity detection device further comprises a signal strength determination unit 104 connected to the signal input unit 102 and configured to determine a signal strength value S indicative of the amount of received signal power of the identification signal of the respective originating lighting node. The proximity sensing device 100 further comprises a proximity detection unit 106 connected to the signal strength determination unit 104 and configured to generate and provide a proximity information signal P indicative of that the proximity detection device is located within a predetermined proximity area of the originating lighting node upon determining that the received signal strength value exceeds a predetermined proximity threshold S th

[0051] In this particular example, the signal strength determination unit is configured to determine a received signal strength indicator value, referred to as RSSI value, although other exemplary proximity detection devices use alternative known measures to determine the signal strength value S.

[0052] The lighting nodes are configured to periodically transmit wireless identification signals to devices configured to receive and interpret those identification signals, such as the proximity detection device 100, for informing them of their presence. The identification signals comprise lighting node identification information which allows the proximity detection device 100 receiving the identification signal to determine which is the originating lighting node for a given identification signal. Furthermore, the lighting node information can comprise information about the type of device, the nominal transmission power capacity, the location in which it is arranged. Alternatively, other devices comprising the proximity detection device can comprise a list associating each originating lighting node with a set of parameters, such as the ones mentioned above.

[0053] ​When the proximity detection device 100 receives an identification signal, it determines its signal strength value, which mainly depends on the transmission power with which the lighting node has provided the identification signal and on the distance between the lighting node and the proximity detection device. For a fixed amount of transmission power, neglecting the influence of the environment (such as signal reflections, multipath transmission, etc.), the signal strength value increases with decreasing distance between the two devices. If the determined value is higher than the corresponding proximity threshold value associated with the originating lighting node, a proximity information signal P is provided.

[0054] Thus, changing the proximity threshold value associated with a given originating lighting node changes the volume in which a proximity information signal P can be generated and provided. This volume is referred to as the proximity area. Lowering the proximity threshold value increases the size of the proximity area, and vice versa.

[0055] In order to enable dynamic changing of the proximity threshold value, the proximity detection device further comprises a threshold determination unit 108, which is connected to the signal input unit 102, the signal strength determination unit 104 and the proximity detection unit 106. The threshold determination unit is configured to determine that a pre-stored threshold update criterion C for updating a given proximity threshold value of a given originating lighting node is met. The threshold update criterion comprises one or more update conditions associated with the node identification information of the received identification signal. Upon determining that the threshold update criterion is met, the threshold determination unit is configured to update the proximity threshold value of the given originating lighting node and thus redefine the proximity area associated with the given originating lighting node.

[0056] As Figure 1 As indicated in the dashed line in the middle, the alternative proximity detection device further comprises a node control unit 112. The node control unit is configured to receive the proximity information signal P from the proximity detection unit 106, generate operation data O indicative of predetermined operation instructions for controlling the operation of the originating lighting nodes within the proximity area, and provide the operation data O to the originating lighting nodes within the proximity area.

[0057] Alternatively or additionally, the signal input unit can be further configured to receive operation data indicative of an operation instruction directed to one or more of the lighting nodes. The operation data can be received via a lighting arrangement control unit, such as for instance a bridge, via the cloud, from a smart home device, from a voice assistant device, directly from the lighting nodes. The operation instruction is suitable for controlling the operation of the lighting nodes, and for instance indicates an instruction to enable light emission, to disable light emission, or to change a given light parameter of the lighting nodes, such as but not limited to a color spectrum, a light intensity, a light beam angle, a light beam width, a color temperature, or any combination thereof. In this particular proximity detection device, the update condition comprises detecting one of a set of predetermined operation instructions, for instance "turn on", "turn off", "set lighting parameter X to value Y", etc. The threshold determination unit is further connected to the operation data input, and is additionally configured to further update the proximity threshold using the received operation data.

[0058] Figure 2 A block diagram of an exemplary lighting arrangement 250 is shown. The lighting arrangement 250 comprises a proximity detection device 200 similar to the proximity detection device 100 of Figure 1 The lighting arrangement comprises two lighting nodes 201, 203, which comprise a lighting unit (not shown) configured to emit light, an identification signal output unit for providing a wireless identification signal B comprising lighting node identification information, an input unit for receiving operation data comprising operation instructions, and a lighting control unit configured to receive the operation instructions and control the operation of the lighting unit using the operation instructions. The maximum signal ranges of the identification signals B1 and B3 respectively originating from the lighting nodes 201 and 203 are shown as the outermost dashed lines, and depend on the transmission power with which the respective identification signal is provided. However, using the reception of the identification signals alone to provide the proximity information signal can lead to confusing results in some situations, mainly depending on the number of lighting nodes that can be triggered based on their position relative to the proximity detection device. It is not always possible to specify a field of view or detection area for a lighting node due to influences such as directivity, multipath trajectories, absorption and reflection in objects, etc. The extent of the signal range thus depends on multiple parameters, which from a user's perspective can mean that it is unpredictable when the final action will occur. To overcome this problem, the proximity detection device generates and provides the proximity information signal only when the determined signal strength value exceeds the corresponding proximity threshold.

[0059] Each lighting node has a proximity area 205 and 207, respectively, which depends on the proximity threshold assigned to each lighting node. In the example shown in Figure 2 In the example shown in

[0060] The lighting arrangement 250 also includes an arrangement control unit 220 configured to receive a proximity information signal P from the proximity detection device 200 and generate and provide operational data O, which includes predetermined operational instructions for controlling the operation of the initiating lighting nodes within the proximity area. Alternatively, the lighting arrangement may also include a proximity detection device that includes a node control unit.

[0061] Therefore, this arrangement is advantageously configured to control the operation of the lighting node based on the distance between the proximity detection device and the corresponding lighting node. In exemplary arrangement 250, the lighting unit of a given lighting node is turned on when the proximity detection device is determined to be within the proximity area associated with the lighting node. For example, the proximity detection device may be carried by a user as part of a mobile phone, portable lighting control device (such as a remote control or switch), smartwatch, or other alternative wearable device, and can be used to turn on the light as soon as the user carrying the proximity detection device enters the proximity area of ​​the given lighting node, without having to interact with the light switch.

[0062] like Figure 2 As shown, the proximity detection device 200 is within the maximum signal range of identification signals B1 and B3, and is therefore able to receive and interpret the identification signals and determine the corresponding signal strength values. In the case of identification signal B1, the determined signal strength value is lower than the corresponding proximity threshold. However, in the case of identification signal B3, the determined signal strength value is higher than the corresponding proximity threshold, and the proximity detection unit generates and provides a proximity information signal P3, which indicates that the proximity detection device is located within the proximity area 205 of the ignition node 203.

[0063] Arrangement control unit 220 receives proximity information signal P3, and arrangement control unit 220 is then configured to generate and provide lighting node 203 with a light-on command, such as an instruction to turn on the lighting unit.

[0064] Therefore, when the proximity sensing device detects that the signal strength value of the received identification signal is higher than the associated proximity threshold, the illumination unit of the illumination node 203 is turned on.

[0065] Figure 3A and Figure 3B Another operational example of the lighting arrangement 350 is shown. Figure 3A and Figure 3B The discussion of lighting arrangements is based on the Figure 2 Description of lighting arrangement 250. Except for the first numeral, those technical features common to both lighting arrangements will be referred to using the same reference numerals, for Figure 2 The lighting arrangement is 250, the first number is "2", and for Figure 3A and Figure 3BThe first number is "3". In Figure 3A different positions X A , X B , X C , X D and X E of the same proximity detection device are indicated. The following discussion will explain how the lighting arrangement 350 is configured to operate depending on the position of the proximity detection device.

[0066] When the proximity detection device is placed on position X A , it does not receive any identification signal, as this position is outside the maximum identification signal range of the lighting nodes 301 and 303. At position X B , the proximity detection device receives an identification signal from lighting node 303, and at position X C , the proximity detection device receives identification signals from both lighting nodes. However, in both cases, the determined signal strength value of the identification signal is not higher than the associated proximity threshold, and no proximity information signal is provided.

[0067] The case where the proximity detection device is located at position X D is the same as explained with reference to Figure 2 In this case, the proximity detection device does indeed provide a proximity information signal indicating that the proximity detection device is in the proximity area of lighting node 303.

[0068] At position X E , the proximity detection device receives identification signals from lighting nodes 301 and 303, and the signal strength values of the reception of both identification signals exceed the corresponding proximity threshold. As a result, two different proximity information signals are generated and provided to the arrangement control unit 350, which indicates that the proximity detection device is within the proximity area of both originating lighting nodes 301, 303.

[0069] Receiving more than one proximity information signal within a predetermined time span depending on the frequency of providing the identification signals can be an indication of overlapping proximity areas of multiple lighting nodes. This can result in undesired triggering of lighting nodes at least from a user's perspective. An expert user can eventually manually adjust the proximity threshold of each lighting node to improve the performance of the arrangement. However, this requires expert knowledge and is a complex and time-consuming task. Therefore, the proximity detection device is advantageously configured to adjust the proximity threshold depending on a predetermined update condition associated with the node identification information of the received identification signals.

[0070] The proximity detection device comprises a threshold determination unit configured to determine that a pre-stored threshold update criterion is met, and upon determining that the threshold update criterion is met, to update the proximity threshold of a given originating lighting node, thereby redefining the proximity area associated with the given originating lighting node.

[0071] This is illustrated in Figure 3A the discussion following Figure 3B , wherein the proximity detection device moves from position X D to position X E . In this particular example, the threshold determination unit is configured to determine the number of proximity areas of originating lighting nodes within which the proximity detection device is simultaneously located. When in position X D , the number of proximity areas is one, namely area 307. However, upon moving to position X E , and providing the identification signal, the number of proximity areas increases to two, namely 305 and 307.

[0072] In this example, the update condition comprises detecting the increase in said number. This condition is met when moving from X D to X E , and the threshold determination unit is configured to increase the proximity threshold of at least one of the originating lighting nodes within the respective proximity area by a predetermined amount. In the particular example illustrated in Figure 3B , only the proximity threshold associated with the lighting node is increased, thus effectively decreasing proximity area 307 when compared to proximity area 307 of Figure 3A . In an alternative, both proximity thresholds can be increased simultaneously, to ensure that the overlap area of the proximity areas is minimized.

[0073] Which proximity threshold is to be changed is part of the pre-stored threshold update criterion, and thus depends on the user's intention, several different implementations are possible.

[0074] For example, as explained above, in case of two lighting nodes being identical, as inferred from the respective lighting node identification information, the threshold update criterion can be defined so as to increase the proximity thresholds of both lamps by a predetermined relative value, e.g. a relative increase of 1%, 2% or 5%. Preferably, this procedure is repeated until only one of the different proximity thresholds is exceeded, meaning that the proximity detection device is only within one of the redefined proximity areas.

[0075] Further, alternative threshold update criteria comprise changing the proximity thresholds of the lighting nodes according to a predetermined hierarchical list of the devices, assigning different priority values to different lighting nodes, and changing those values assigned to lighting nodes having a higher or lower priority.

[0076] The proximity detection device can advantageously be used both for setting the initial proximity threshold of a lighting node and for updating an existing proximity threshold.

[0077] In another example, the lighting nodes are not equal at least from a transmission point of view. For instance, one of the lighting nodes belongs to an older generation of devices, or has a lower power transmitter, or is constructed from different materials such that the maximum signal range is relatively smaller than the maximum signal range of the other lighting nodes. This information is inferred from the received lighting node identification information. In this case, the threshold update criteria can be defined so as to modify the proximity threshold differently for each lighting node. The preferred option is to define a proportionally smaller proximity area for the lighting node with the smaller signal range. This is achieved by increasing the proximity threshold of the lighting node with the smaller signal range.

[0078] Furthermore, the lighting node identification information can indicate location information, which indicates a specified installation location of the originating lighting node. For instance, a lighting node can be labeled as "door light", "entrance light", "window light", etc. The update condition can also include detecting one of a set of predetermined installation locations, such as "door", "entrance", "window", "corridor", or any other term related to a specific location where a lighting node can be arranged. These can also be terms associated with a group / room where the lighting node is placed (e.g. bathroom, living room, hallway) or terms associated with the type or application of the lighting node (e.g. wall light, kitchen pendant light, bathroom ceiling light). This installation location information can for instance be provided by a user through a configuration in a smartphone app, or retrieved from a building information model (BIM). In this particular case, the threshold determination unit is advantageously configured to use the determined installation location for the determination, i.e. to determine whether the node identification information includes a reference to one of a set of predetermined installation locations, which one of the signal strength thresholds will be changed.

[0079] For instance, a lighting node labeled as "entrance" or "door" is in principle more susceptible to false positives caused by a user carrying a proximity detection device walking outside the room where the lighting node is installed, or a lighting node labeled as "porch" or "façade" is more susceptible to false positives caused by a user carrying a proximity detection device walking inside a room adjacent to the porch or façade. Furthermore, it can be expected that a lighting node labeled as "window" is less affected by other rooms and can therefore be set with a relatively higher initial proximity threshold.

[0080] In another arrangement, the signal input unit of the proximity detection device is further configured to receive operation data indicative of an operation instruction directed to one or more of the lighting nodes for controlling operation of the lighting nodes. As explained above, the update condition comprises detection of one of a set of predetermined operation instructions, and the threshold determination unit is further connected to the operation data input and additionally configured to update the proximity threshold further using the received operation data.

[0081] The particular proximity detection device is advantageously configured to update the proximity threshold further based on an override instruction. An override instruction is defined as an operation instruction generated within a predetermined time span from the provision of an operation instruction automatically generated based on the proximity information signal, and which overrides said operation instruction. The override instruction can be generated by a user or by an external device, such as a sensing device. For instance, a user carrying the proximity detection device walks close to an originating lighting node. At a given distance therefrom, the signal strength value of the received identification signal exceeds the proximity threshold, and a proximity information signal is generated and provided to the node control unit as part of the proximity detection device, or to an external arrangement control unit. In either case, operation data indicative of a predetermined operation instruction for controlling operation of the originating lighting node is automatically generated and provided to the lighting node, e.g. requesting the lighting node to turn on its lighting unit. The lighting node receives the operation data, and the lighting unit turns on. However, within the predetermined time span, the user generates and provides an alternative operation instruction, requesting the lighting node to turn off its lighting unit.

[0082] The alternative operation instruction is received by the proximity detection device. Based on suitable threshold update criteria, in this case the threshold determination unit can increase the proximity threshold of this lighting node, as the described user behavior is an indication that the lighting node has reacted in a less than desired manner. Correspondingly, the threshold determination unit can also be configured to set the proximity threshold to the signal strength value of the received identification signal, when an identification signal is received with a given signal strength value below the corresponding proximity threshold, but the user generates operation data indicative of an operation instruction for turning on the lighting unit of the lighting device.

[0083] The override operation instruction does not need to come from the proximity detection device being within the proximity area. Also, another user or device can provide the override operation instruction. For example, a user carrying the proximity detection device walks into room A adjacent to room B where the lighting nodes are located and triggers a proximity-based operation of the lighting nodes in B, which as a result are turned on. Another user located in B discovers this disturbance and provides an operation instruction to turn off the lighting nodes and thus overrides the automatically generated operation instruction. The threshold determination unit is then advantageously configured to update the proximity threshold of the given originating lighting node based on the received operation data provided by the user in B. In particular, the proximity threshold is increased by a predetermined amount.

[0084] In an exemplary arrangement (not shown), one or more of the originating lighting nodes are portable lighting devices, such as but not limited to a Hue Go lamp. Suitable threshold update criteria include an update condition that discards the signal strength value of the identification signal provided by the portable light source if the proximity detection device is located within the proximity area of another lighting node, or in other words, only activates the portable lamp based on proximity if no other lighting nodes are in close proximity. Furthermore, the use of the portable light source can be inferred based on how it is used. If the proximity detection device determines that the portable lamp is currently being used as a stationary light source, it is treated exactly as any other lighting node. In case the proximity detection device determines that the portable lamp is frequently repositioned, it can treat it as a portable lamp and apply the above criteria. Alternatively, the proximity detection device can default to having a proximity threshold for the portable light source that is significantly higher than the proximity threshold of stationary lighting nodes, such that the proximity area associated with them is significantly smaller, and the portable lamp is only activated when the proximity detection device is in close proximity to it. The portable lamp is then treated as any other lighting node.

[0085] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a particular embodiment of a method 400 for operating a proximity detection device is shown. The method includes receiving, in step 402, from an originating lighting node, a wireless identification signal comprising respective lighting node identification information. The method includes determining, in step 404, a signal strength value indicative of an amount of received signal power of the identification signal of the respective originating lighting node. Upon determining that the received signal strength value exceeds a predetermined proximity threshold associated with the originating lighting node, the method further includes generating and providing, in step 406, a proximity information signal indicative of the originating lighting node being located within a predetermined proximity area of the proximity detection device. Furthermore, upon determining that a pre-stored threshold update criterion for updating a given proximity threshold of a given originating lighting node is met, the method further includes updating, in step 408, the proximity threshold of the given originating lighting node for redefining a proximity area associated with the given originating lighting node, wherein the threshold update criterion comprises one or more update conditions associated with the node identification information of the received identification signal.

[0086] In particular, this embodiment of the method 400 further comprises, in step 410, receiving the proximity information signal, in step 412, generating operation data indicative of predetermined operation instructions for controlling operation of the originating lighting node within the proximity area, and in step 414, providing the operation data to the originating lighting node within the proximity area.

[0087] Figure 5 A flowchart of a method 500 for controlling operation of a lighting arrangement is shown. The method comprises, in step 502, providing a wireless identification signal comprising lighting node identification information. Further, the method comprises carrying out the method steps of the above described method 400.

[0088] In summary, the present invention is directed to a proximity detection device configured to determine a signal strength value indicative of an amount of received signal power of an identification signal of an originating lighting node comprising lighting node identification information and received via a signal input unit. It further comprises a proximity detection unit configured to generate and provide a proximity information signal indicative of the proximity detection device being within a proximity area upon determining that the received signal strength value exceeds a predetermined proximity threshold. It further comprises a threshold determination unit configured to update the proximity threshold for a given originating lighting node upon determining that a pre-stored threshold update criterion comprising one or more update conditions associated with the lighting node identification information is fulfilled, for redefining the proximity area associated with the given originating lighting node, thus reducing the complexity of threshold adaptation.

[0089] Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

[0090] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the

[0091] A single unit or device can fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. 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.

[0092] A computer program can be stored / distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state storage medium supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but can also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems.

[0093] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A proximity detection device (100), comprising: - Signal input unit (102) is used to receive a wireless identification signal (B) including the identification information of the corresponding lighting node from an external originating lighting node (201, 203). - A signal strength determination unit (104) is connected to the signal input unit and configured to determine a signal strength value (S), the signal strength value (S) indicating the amount of received signal power of the identification signal of the corresponding originating lighting node; - A proximity detection unit (106), connected to the signal strength determination unit, is configured to detect when the received signal strength value exceeds a predetermined proximity threshold (S) associated with the originating illumination node. th When the proximity detection device is located within a predetermined proximity area (205, 207) of the ignition node (201, 203), a proximity information signal (P) is generated and provided, indicating that the proximity detection device is located within the predetermined proximity area (205, 207) of the ignition node (201, 203). and - A threshold determination unit (108) is connected to the signal input unit, the signal strength determination unit, and the proximity detection unit, and is configured to update the proximity threshold of the given originating lighting node when a pre-stored threshold update criterion (C) for updating the given proximity threshold of the given originating lighting node is determined to be satisfied, for redefining the proximity area associated with the given originating lighting node, wherein the pre-stored threshold update criterion includes one or more update conditions associated with lighting node identification information of the received identification signal.

2. The proximity detection device according to claim 1 further includes a node control unit (112), the node control unit (112) being configured to: - Receive the proximity information signal (P) from the proximity detection unit (106); - Generate operation data (O) that indicates predetermined operation instructions for controlling the operation of the initiating lighting node within the proximity area; and - Provide the operational data (O) to the initiating lighting node within the proximity area.

3. The proximity detection device according to claim 1, wherein... - The threshold determination unit is configured to determine the number of proximity regions of the originating lighting node, wherein the proximity detection device is simultaneously located within the proximity region of the originating lighting node; wherein: - The update condition includes detecting an increase in the quantity; and in - The threshold determination unit is configured to increase the proximity threshold of at least one of the originating lighting nodes in the corresponding proximity area by a predetermined amount when the threshold update criterion is met.

4. The proximity detection device according to claim 3, wherein the threshold determination unit is further configured to: - Use the received lighting node identification information to determine power information indicating the amount of transmitted power for the corresponding identification signal; and - Use the power information to determine which of the signal strength thresholds will be changed.

5. The proximity detection device according to claim 3, wherein... - The threshold determination unit is further configured to determine location information indicating a specified installation location of the originating lighting node from the received lighting node identification information; wherein - The update conditions include detecting one of a set of predetermined installation locations; and wherein The threshold determination unit is configured to use the determined installation location to determine which of the signal strength thresholds will be changed.

6. The proximity detection device according to claim 1, wherein the signal input unit is further configured to receive operation data indicating an operation command pointing to one or more of the lighting nodes, for controlling the operation of the lighting nodes; wherein - The update condition includes detecting one of a set of predetermined operation instructions; and wherein The threshold determination unit is also connected to the operation data input terminal and is additionally configured to further use the received operation data to update the proximity threshold.

7. A lighting arrangement (250), comprising: - The proximity detection device (200) according to claim 1; - At least one lighting node (201, 203) includes: - Illumination unit, configured to emit light; - Identification signal output unit, used to provide wireless identification signals including lighting node identification information; - Input unit, used to receive operation data including operation instructions; - A lighting control unit, configured to receive the operation command and use the operation command to control the operation of the lighting unit; and - A control unit (220) is configured to receive the proximity information signal (P) from the proximity detection device and generate and provide operation data (O), the operation data (O) including predetermined operation instructions for controlling the operation of the ignition nodes in the proximity area.

8. The lighting arrangement according to claim 7, wherein the proximity detection device includes the arrangement control unit.

9. The lighting arrangement of claim 7, wherein the wireless identification signal and the operational data are provided in accordance with the IEEE 802.15.4 wireless communication protocol.

10. A method (400) for operating a proximity detection device, comprising: - Receive (402) a wireless identification signal including the identification information of the corresponding lighting node from the originating lighting node; - Determine (404) the signal strength value, which indicates the amount of received signal power of the identification signal of the corresponding originating lighting node; - When it is determined that the received signal strength value exceeds a predetermined proximity threshold associated with the originating illumination node, a proximity information signal indicating that the originating illumination node is located within a predetermined proximity area of ​​the proximity detection device is generated and provided (406). as well as - When determining that a pre-stored threshold update criterion is satisfied for updating a given proximity threshold for a given originating lighting node, update (408) the proximity threshold of the given originating lighting node to redefine the proximity area associated with the given originating lighting node, wherein the pre-stored threshold update criterion includes one or more update conditions associated with node identification information of the received identification signal.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: - Receive the proximity information signal (410); - Generate (412) operation data indicating predetermined operation instructions for controlling the operation of the initiating lighting node within the proximity area; as well as - Provide the (414) operational data to the starting lighting node in the proximity area.

12. A method (500) for controlling the operation of a lighting arrangement, the method comprising: - Provide (502) a wireless identification signal including lighting node identification information; - Implement the method described in claim 11.

13. A computer-readable medium comprising a computer program embodied thereon, the computer program including one or more computer instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of claim 10.

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