An operation control node for controlling a lighting device

Abstract

The present invention is directed to an operation control node (100) for controlling the operation of one or more external lighting devices (101, 103) via a local wireless communication network. The operation control node is configured to receive an input signal (I) from a user input device (105), the input signal indicating corresponding operation control data forming a set list of control parameter values for sequentially controlling the operation of the lighting devices. The operation control node is configured to determine a setting update for updating the control parameter values and to provide an output message (O) including the setting update via the local wireless communication network only when output control information indicates so - the output control information depending on the specified network capacity information which indicates the expected network capacity available for transmitting messages within the local wireless communication network - thus reducing the risk of exceeding the network capacity when controlling the operation of the lighting devices.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an operation control node for controlling the operation of one or more external lighting devices via a local wireless communication network, a local wireless communication arrangement, a method for operating an operation control node in controlling the operation of one or more lighting devices via a local wireless communication network, a method for controlling the operation of lighting devices via a local wireless communication network, and a computer program. Background Art

[0002] US 9635743 B2 describes an operation control node for controlling the operation of lighting devices via a network. The controller includes a receiver arranged to receive a first sequence of light settings distributed over a first plurality of time points and defining a dynamic light effect. According to US 9635743 B2, a dynamic light effect is a change over time of a plurality of light settings applied to a set of lighting devices. The controller further includes a processor arranged to convert the first sequence of light settings into a second sequence of light settings distributed over a second plurality of time points. The controller further includes a transmitter arranged to transmit the light settings to the lighting devices. The processor of the controller is further arranged to receive an indication of the network capacity of the network, and the processor is further arranged to convert the first sequence of light settings into the second sequence of light settings based on the indication of the network capacity. Summary of the Invention

[0003] It would be beneficial to provide an operation control node for controlling the operation of lighting devices with a particularly low latency when actuating a user input device, according to the current network capacity of a local wireless communication network.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an operation control node for controlling the operation of one or more external lighting devices via a local wireless communication network is described. The operation control node includes an input interface for receiving a current input signal sequence from a user input device. The input signal indicates corresponding current operation control data, and the corresponding current operation control data together represent a current setting sequence of control parameter values of lighting control parameters for sequentially controlling the operation of at least one of the one or more external lighting devices.

[0005] The operation control node further includes a network traffic clarification unit configured to clarify network capacity information indicating an expected network capacity available for transmitting messages within the local wireless communication network.

[0006] In addition, the operation control node includes an output message generation unit connected to the input interface and the network traffic determination unit. The output message generation unit is configured to store the received current operation control data when a given input message is received. It is also configured to use the determined network capacity information to determine output control information that indicates whether a control output message for generating a control parameter value for updating the lighting control parameter will be generated. The output message generation unit is further configured to use the settings received during the current reception of the current sequence of input messages since the previous last provided control output message to determine the setting update of the control parameter value. In addition, the output message generation unit is further configured to generate and (and via the local wireless communication network) provide a control output message including the setting update to at least one lighting device only when the output control information indicates so.

[0007] Accordingly, the operation control node of the first aspect is configured to provide a setting update to at least one lighting device, the setting update indicating the operation control data received from the external user input device, and the provision being dependent on the network capacity information determined by the network traffic determination unit. The determined network capacity information is used by the output message generation unit to generate output control information, which in turn is used to determine whether a control output message including the setting update will be generated and provided to at least one lighting device.

[0008] The input signal is provided by the user input device and is directed to the input interface of the operation control node. A plurality of input signals received at different time points form an input signal sequence, and the difference between each input signal and the previous input signal is less than a predetermined time amount. Each input signal indicates the corresponding current operation control data, and the corresponding current operation control data indicates the corresponding setting of the control parameter value of a given lighting control parameter.

[0009] The output message generation unit is configured to store the current operation control data included in the input signal when each input signal of the current input signal sequence is received. The output message generation unit is further configured to use the determined network capacity information to generate output control information, and the determined network capacity information indicates the expected network capacity available for transmitting messages including the control output message via the local wireless communication network. Then, and depending on the generated output control information, the output message generation unit is configured to generate a control output message and provide it to at least one lighting device.

[0010] Thus, when the specified network capacity information indicates sufficient expected network capacity available for transmitting messages within the local wireless communication network, the output control information generated based thereon indicates that a control output message including a setting update will be generated and provided. Conversely, when the specified network capacity information indicates insufficient expected network capacity available for transmitting messages, the output control information generated based thereon indicates that a control output message including a setting update will not be generated, and the output message generation unit does not generate a control output message, thereby avoiding overloading of the local wireless communication network and thus providing a way to control the lighting device with particularly low latency according to the current network capacity of the local wireless communication network.

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the operation control node according to the first aspect of the present invention will be described.

[0012] In an embodiment, the user input device is an external device relative to the operation control node. For use with such an external user input device, the operation control node of this embodiment has a suitable interface for detachable connection or remote wired or wireless communication with the user input device and for receiving data representing user input during operation. In some embodiments, such a user input device also provides output to the user, for example via a graphical user interface. In another embodiment, the user input device is an integrated (internal) component of the operation control node, which is typically non-detachable during normal operation and suitably shares the same housing with the operation control node. In such an embodiment with an internal user input device, the current sequence of input messages is preferably provided to the operation control node via a wired connection. In another embodiment, the user input device and the operation control node are integrated in a device having a common central processing unit that processes both the raw input, such as the raw input from a rotation sensor - based on which a rotation event is calculated - and the wireless transmission. In such an embodiment, no internal wired connection is required, but some communication between two processes on the same CPU is needed.

[0013] In an embodiment, where the user input device is an external user input device wirelessly connected to the operation control node, the user input device is configured to provide a current sequence of input signals to the input interface as a sequence of unicast input messages from the user input device, the sequence of input messages including corresponding current operation control data.

[0014] In a particular embodiment, the output message generation unit is configured to determine a setting update using the last received setting in response to detecting that the current setting sequence is an absolute value sequence of control parameter values. For example, in a particular non-limiting case where the current setting sequence is an absolute value sequence A, B, C, B, C, D, E, D of a given control parameter value of a lighting control parameter, the output message generation unit is configured to determine the setting update as D, where D is the last received setting. Alternatively or additionally, in another embodiment, the output message generation unit is configured to determine a setting update by calculating a cumulative control parameter value change using an increment or decrement received since the last previous control output message was provided during the current received input message sequence in response to detecting that the current setting sequence is a predefined increment or decrement sequence. For example, in a particular non-limiting case where the current setting sequence is a predefined increment or decrement sequence of a given control parameter value of a lighting control parameter, i.e., +A, +A, +A, -A, +A, -A, the output message generation unit is configured to determine the setting update as +2A. This is the result of calculating the cumulative control parameter value change using the increment or decrement.

[0015] In an embodiment of operating a control node, the output message generation unit is further configured to determine a message reduction rate using the explicit network capacity information, where the message reduction rate indicates the number of control output messages that will be generated for each received input message of the current sequence, and to generate output control information using the message reduction rate.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the message reduction rate indicates how many input signals or messages of the current input signal or message sequence must be received before the output control information indicates that a control output message including a setting update will be generated and provided. The number of input messages or signals per control output message is inversely related to the expected network capacity available for transmitting messages. A high expected network capacity results in a ratio close to 1:1, which indicates that for each received input signal or message of the current input signal or message sequence, a corresponding control output message is generated and provided. A lower expected network capacity results in a ratio below 1, such as 1:2, 1:3, etc., and gets closer to 0 as the expected network capacity decreases. For example, in a scenario where the network traffic explicit unit explicitly indicates that very low network capacity is available for the network capacity information, the output message generation unit may determine a message reduction rate of 1:10 or lower, which means that one control output message is generated and provided for every 10 or more input signals or messages of the sequence. In another embodiment, alternatively or additionally, the message reduction rate is determined depending on the number of user input devices operable in a local wireless communication network.

[0017] Preferably, the message reduction rate is determined upon receipt of the first input signal or message of the current input signal or message sequence. Alternatively, the message reduction rate is determined at a predetermined determination frequency and is thus independent of whether the first input signal or message has been received.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, wherein the generation of the control output message depends on the message reduction rate, the output message generation unit is additionally configured to detect the end of the current input signal or message sequence and, upon detecting the end of the current input signal or message sequence and upon subsequently determining that the last determined setting update has not been provided via the corresponding control output message, generate and provide a final control output message including the last determined setting update, regardless of the current output control information.

[0019] Thus, this particular embodiment ensures that the last determined setting update is provided to at least one lighting device via the final control output message, regardless of what the output control information indicates. Accordingly, the operation of the lighting device is controlled according to the last determined setting update.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the output message generation unit is configured to detect the end of the input signal or message sequence by detecting the elapse of a predetermined waiting time span from the reception time of the last received input signal or message. In another embodiment, the user input device provides a sequence end signal that is received by the operation control node and used to trigger the detection of the end of the input signal or message sequence.

[0021] In another embodiment, the output message generation unit is additionally or alternatively configured to detect the end of the input signal or message sequence by detecting a change in the trend of the settings received via the user input device. For example, if the settings received so far indicate a desire to increase or alternatively decrease a control parameter value and, from any given point in time, the settings indicate a desire to decrease or alternatively increase the control parameter. Additionally, a particular embodiment interprets a change in the incoming input signal rate above a predetermined threshold as the end of the current input signal or message sequence.

[0022] In another embodiment, the network traffic determination unit is configured to determine network capacity information at least twice during the reception of the current input signal or message sequence. In this particular embodiment, the output message generation unit is configured to dynamically adapt the output control information during the reception of the current input signal or message sequence. In an exemplary embodiment, the determination of network capacity information is performed once the first input signal of the current sequence has been received and at least a second time after a predetermined time span or a predetermined number of input signals or messages have been received. In a preferred embodiment, the network capacity information is determined in response to the detection of the reception of each input signal or message of the current input signal or message sequence, and thus enables an optimal reaction to changes in the expected network capacity.

[0023] In another embodiment of the operation control node of the first aspect, the network traffic determination unit is configured to estimate the network capacity information using the detected number of messages transmitted within a reverse time span extending from the current time point. In a preferred embodiment, the number of messages transmitted also includes messages transmitted by external network devices via the local wireless communication network. Additionally or alternatively, the network traffic determination unit is configured to estimate the network capacity information using the number of messages currently queued for transmission by the operation control node via the local wireless communication network and a predetermined maximum network capacity.

[0024] In another embodiment, the operation control node further includes a topology data storage unit configured to store local area network topology data including a plurality of network nodes registered as belonging to the local wireless communication network. In this particular embodiment, the network traffic determination unit is configured to determine the network capacity information using the network topology data. In an exemplary embodiment, the local area network topology data includes information indicating those network nodes currently active in the local wireless communication network. Additionally or alternatively, in another embodiment, the local area network topology data further includes information indicating the amount of activity of each network node within a predetermined time window.

[0025] In another embodiment, the operation control node additionally or alternatively includes a capability data storage unit that stores capability data indicating the presence or absence of the capability of the operation control node to determine a setting update by combining or skipping selected settings received since the last control output message was provided during the current reception of the current input signal sequence. In this particular embodiment, the network traffic clarification unit is configured to additionally use the capability data to clarify network capacity information. For example, in an embodiment, an output control message including a setting update is provided to at least one lighting device via a bridge. In this embodiment, the operation control node is configured to clarify and store capability data related to the predetermined message combination or message skipping capability of the bridge, and use the capability data related to the bridge to clarify network capacity information. For example, a suitable bridge is configured to combine or skip messages such as output control messages under predetermined circumstances to reduce the amount of multicast messages that need to be sent to operate the lighting device.

[0026] In yet another embodiment, the operation control node additionally or alternatively includes a user input device monitoring unit that is configured to determine usage data indicating a time point within a predetermined time span during which the user input device has provided an input signal. In this embodiment, the network traffic clarification unit is additionally or alternatively configured to use the usage data to clarify network capacity information.

[0027] In another embodiment, an output control message including a setting update is provided to at least one lighting device via a bridge. In this embodiment, the operation control node is configured to clarify bridge information related to the predetermined message combination or message skipping capability of the bridge, and use the bridge information to clarify network capacity information. For example, a suitable bridge is configured to combine or skip messages such as output control messages under predetermined circumstances to reduce the amount of multicast messages that need to be sent to operate the lighting device.

[0028] A second aspect of the present invention is formed by a local wireless communication arrangement for controlling the operation of one or more lighting devices via a local wireless communication network. The local wireless communication arrangement includes an operation control node according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0029] Additionally, the local wireless communication arrangement includes at least one user input device configured to provide a current input signal sequence. The local wireless communication arrangement further includes one or more lighting devices, each of the one or more lighting devices including a lighting unit configured to emit light, a receiving interface configured to receive a control output message including a setting update via the local wireless communication network, and a control unit configured to control the lighting unit to emit light according to the received setting update.

[0030] Thus, the local wireless communication arrangement of the second aspect shares the advantages of the operation control node of the first aspect or any of its embodiments.

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the local wireless communication arrangement of the second aspect will be described.

[0032] In a particular embodiment, the operation control node and the user input device share a common housing.

[0033] In an embodiment, the user input device is configured to provide a current input signal or a sequence of unicast input messages indicating operation control data that indicates a current setting sequence of light intensity, emission spectrum, color temperature, or any combination thereof. Thus, the user input device is suitable for controlling the light intensity, emission spectrum, color temperature, or a combination thereof of at least one lighting device via the operation control node, thereby forming a so-called "scene". The operation control data provided by the user input device indicates the desired brightness or emission spectrum. The suitable range of the control parameter value for light intensity extends from 0% to 100%. In an embodiment, the exemplary range of the control parameter value for the emission spectrum is given by the RGB component values of an RGB light source, with each RGB component value ranging from 0% to 100%. In a particular embodiment, the exemplary range of the control parameter value for color temperature is from 2700K to 7000K. A "scene" refers to a specific combination of given values of at least two of color temperature, light intensity, and emission spectrum, typically intensity and color temperature or intensity and emission spectrum.

[0034] In another embodiment of the local wireless communication arrangement of the second aspect, the user input device includes a manually rotatable control element as a user interface and provides a control parameter value depending on the direction and angular rotation amount of the control element. In another embodiment, the control parameter value is further provided depending on the position and rotational angular velocity of the manually rotatable control element.

[0035] Alternatively, in another embodiment, the user input device includes a slidable control element as a user interface and provides a control parameter value depending on the direction and linear displacement amount of the slidable control element relative to a reference position. In another embodiment, the control parameter value is further provided depending on the position and linear displacement speed of the slidable control element.

[0036] Alternatively, in yet another embodiment, the user input device includes a pressable control element, and the setting of the control parameter value to be provided depends on the number of press events or the press event rate of the pressable control element.

[0037] Accordingly, rotating a rotatable control element by a predetermined angular rotation amount, or sliding a slidable control element by a predetermined linear displacement amount, or pressing a pressable control element a predetermined number of times or at a given rate generates a predetermined amount of input signal or unicast input message directed to an operation control node.

[0038] In some embodiments, the rotatable control element is an endless rotation control element, and in alternative embodiments, is a rotatable control element with fixed rotation limits. In the case of an endless rotation control element, rotating by a predetermined angular rotation amount in a given first rotation direction generates an input signal indicative of operation control data that indicates a desire to increase a control parameter value by a predefined increase amount. Conversely, rotating the endless rotation control element in a given second rotation direction different from the first direction causes the generation of an input signal indicative of operation control data that indicates a desire to decrease the control parameter value by a predefined decrease amount. For example, if the light intensity of a lighting device is currently 55%, and the user rotates the endless rotation control element clockwise by a predetermined angular rotation amount, the operation control data provided with the corresponding input signal indicates that the light intensity of the light emitted by the lighting device should increase by, for example, 2% absolute, i.e., increase to 57%. Rotating the endless rotation control element counterclockwise by a predetermined angular rotation amount will cause the light intensity to decrease by 2% absolute. The 2% increase and decrease amounts are merely examples, and any other predefined increase or decrease amounts are also suitable.

[0039] In the case of a rotatable control element or a slidable control element with fixed rotation limits, both only enable limited rotation or displacement, each of the two limits being associated with one of the two end values of the overall control parameter range, and the intermediate position corresponding to a value within the control parameter range. Typically, a linear mapping is used to map values to positions.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the local wireless communication network is a low-rate wireless personal area network (LR-WPAN) compliant with the IEEE 802.15.4 standard, preferably Zigbee. In a preferred embodiment having more than one user input device, each user input device is configured to control a preferably non-overlapping subset of the lighting devices. Information regarding which lighting device is controlled by which user input device is preferably stored in the operation control node. The input signal or unicast input message is only directed to the operation control node, which then outputs a control output message to the corresponding lighting device depending on the explicit network capacity information, the control output message typically being provided by the operation control node as a multicast or broadcast control output message directed to the lighting devices currently associated with the user input device.

[0041] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a method for operating an operation control node is described, the operation control node being used to control the operation of one or more lighting devices via a local wireless communication network. The method includes:

[0042] - Receiving a current input signal sequence from at least one given user input device, the current input signal sequence indicating corresponding current operation control data, the corresponding current operation control data together forming a current setting sequence of control parameter values of lighting control parameters for sequentially controlling the operation of at least one of one or more external lighting devices;

[0043] - Storing the received corresponding current operation control data when a given input message is received;

[0044] - Network capacity information explicitly indicating an expected network capacity available for transmitting messages within the local wireless communication network;

[0045] - Using the explicitly indicated network capacity information to determine output control information, the output control information indicating whether a control output message for updating the control parameter values of the lighting control parameters will be generated;

[0046] - Using those settings received during the current reception of the current input signal sequence since the last previously provided control output message to determine a setting update of the control parameter values; and

[0047] - Generating a control output message including the setting update and providing the control output message including the setting update to at least one lighting device via the local wireless communication network only when the output control information indicates so.

[0048] Thus, the method of the third aspect shares the advantages of the operation control node of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0049] Hereinafter, embodiments of the method of the third aspect will be described.

[0050] In an embodiment, the method further includes:

[0051] - Using the explicitly indicated network capacity information to determine a message reduction rate, the message reduction rate indicating a ratio between the number of received input signals of the current input signal sequence and the number of control output messages to be generated and provided; and

[0052] - Generating output control information using the message reduction rate.

[0053] In another embodiment, the method further includes:

[0054] - When the end of the current input signal sequence is detected and it is subsequently detected that the last determined setting update has not been provided via the corresponding control output message, generate and provide a final control output message including the last determined setting update, regardless of the current output control information.

[0055] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling the operation of a lighting device via a local wireless communication network. The method includes:

[0056] - Providing a current input signal sequence indicating corresponding current operation control data, the corresponding current operation control data together forming a current setting sequence of control parameter values of lighting control parameters for controlling the operation of at least one lighting device;

[0057] - Implementing the method of the third aspect;

[0058] - Receiving a control output message including a setting update via the local wireless communication network;

[0059] - Controlling the light emission of the lighting unit from at least one lighting device according to the received setting update.

[0060] Therefore, the method of the fourth aspect shares the advantages of the method of the third aspect or any of its embodiments.

[0061] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a computer program. The computer program includes instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to implement the method of the third aspect or the fourth aspect or any one of their corresponding embodiments.

[0062] It should be understood that the operation control node of claim 1, the local wireless communication arrangement of claim 8, the method for operating an operation control node of claim 10, the method for controlling the operation of a lighting device via a local wireless communication network of claim 13, and the computer program of claim 14 have similar and / or identical preferred embodiments, in particular as defined in the dependent claims.

[0063] It should be understood that the preferred embodiments of the present invention may also be any combination of the dependent claims or the above embodiments and the corresponding independent claims.

[0064] With reference to the embodiments described below, these and other aspects of the present invention will become clear and be elucidated according to the embodiments described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0065] In the following drawings:

[0066] Figure 1A schematic block diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of a local wireless communication arrangement, the local wireless communication arrangement including an operation control node, a user input device, and two lighting devices,

[0067] Figure 2 A schematic block diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of an operation control node,

[0068] Figure 3 Two schematic diagrams showing corresponding embodiments of a user input device,

[0069] Figure 4A and Figure 4B A time chart showing that the operation of a particular embodiment of the operation control node depends on an input signal,

[0070] Figure 5 A flowchart showing a particular embodiment of a method for operating an operation control node for controlling the operation of one or more lighting devices via a local wireless communication network, and

[0071] Figure 6 A flowchart showing a particular embodiment of a method for controlling the operation of a lighting device via a local wireless communication network. Detailed Description

[0072] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of a local wireless communication arrangement 150, the local wireless communication arrangement 150 including an operation control node 100, a user input device 105, and two lighting devices 101, 103. The local wireless communication arrangement 150 is thus configured to control the operation of one or more lighting devices 101, 103 via a local wireless communication network. In this particular example, the local wireless communication network is a low-rate wireless personal area network compliant with the IEEE 802.15.4 standard. Other exemplary local wireless arrangements use alternative wireless communication protocols known to those skilled in the art.

[0073] In this particular example, the user input device 105 is a stand-alone device configured to provide a current sequence of unicast input messages I to / from the operation control node 100 via a local wireless communication network. In an alternative local wireless communication arrangement (not shown), the user input device shares a common housing with the operation control node, and the current input signal sequence is preferably provided via a wired connection.

[0074] The input message I includes corresponding operation control data, and the corresponding operation control data together form a current setting sequence of control parameter values of lighting control parameters for controlling the operation of at least one lighting device among one or more external lighting devices. Examples of lighting control parameters include, but are not limited to, light intensity, emission spectrum, and color temperature. Different alternatives of exemplary user input devices will be discussed below with reference to Figure 3 Discuss different alternatives of exemplary user input devices.

[0075] The local wireless communication arrangement 150 further includes an operation control node 100. The operation control node 100 includes an input interface 102 for receiving the current sequence of unicast input messages I provided by the user input device 105. In an alternative operation control node (not shown), the user input device is included in the operation control node, and the user input device is electrically connected to the input interface. In this alternative operation control node, the user input device is configured to provide one or more input signals indicating the corresponding operation control data.

[0076] The local wireless communication arrangement 150 further includes a network traffic clarification unit 104. In this specific example, the network traffic clarification unit 104 is connected to the input interface 102 and is configured to clarify network capacity information, which indicates the expected network capacity available for transmitting messages within the local wireless communication network. In addition, the operation control node 100 includes an output message generation unit 106, which is connected to the input interface and the network traffic clarification unit and is configured to store the received corresponding operation control data when receiving a given input message, to use the clarified network capacity information to determine output control information indicating whether a control output message for updating the control parameter value of the lighting control parameter will be generated, to determine the setting update of the control parameter value using the settings received during the reception of the current input message sequence since the previous last provided control output message, and to generate a control output message O including the setting update and provide the control output message O including the setting update to at least one lighting device via the local wireless communication network only when the output control information indicates so.

[0077] The local wireless communication arrangement further includes lighting devices 101 and 103, and the lighting devices 101 and 103 respectively include a lighting unit 107 configured to emit light, a receiving interface 109 configured to receive a control output message including a setting update via the local wireless communication network, and a control unit 111 connected to the receiving interface and the lighting unit and configured to control the lighting unit to emit light according to the received setting update.

[0078] Network capacity information is specified differently in different exemplary operation control nodes, the network capacity information indicating an expected network capacity available for transmitting messages within a local wireless communication network, the messages including a control output message O and any other relevant messages sent on the same local wireless communication network.

[0079] For example, in a particular operation control node, the network capacity information is specified or determined at a predetermined time point defined by a predetermined specified frequency. In an alternative operation control node, the network capacity information is determined in response to detecting the receipt of an input message or a predetermined number of input messages of a current input message sequence. In another alternative operation control node, the network capacity information is specified both at a predetermined time point and in response to receiving a message (in particular an input message I).

[0080] For example, the network capacity information is preferably determined at least when receiving the first input message of a current sequence, and more preferably, and in order to ensure better adaptation to possible temporal variations of the available network capacity, when receiving each input message. After receiving a predetermined number of input messages belonging to the same current sequence, the network capacity information is determined in an exemplary operation control node. For example, the network traffic specifying unit of a particular operation control node is configured to specify the network capacity information at least twice during the receipt of a current sequence. The output message generation unit is thus advantageously configured to dynamically adapt the output control information during the receipt of a current sequence.

[0081] Figure 2 A schematic block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an operation control node 200 is shown. The following discussion will focus on those features that distinguish the Figure 1 operation control node 100 from the Figure 2 operation control node 200. Technical features that implement the same function in a similar manner are referred to using the same reference numerals, except for the first digit, which is "1" for the Figure 1 operation control node 100 and "2" for the Figure 2 operation control node 200.

[0082] The operation control node 200 further includes a topology data storage unit 208 configured to store local area network topology data including a plurality of network nodes registered as belonging to the local area wireless communication network. The network traffic clarification unit is configured to clarify network capacity information using the network topology data. Thus, the local area network topology data indicates the number of registered nodes, regardless of whether they are currently active, e.g., whether they are powered and operable to transmit messages, and thus for potentially using or not using the available network capacity. The more nodes included, the higher the risk that the available network capacity will be insufficient to transmit messages in the worst-case scenario where all or a large number of nodes transmit messages simultaneously. Thus, the output message generation unit may generate output control information indicating whether a control output message including the operation control data of the last received input message will be generated depending on the number of registered nodes. For example, when there are a large number of registered nodes and thus a high risk of overload of the wireless communication network, output control information may be generated to skip a predetermined number of input messages, i.e., not to transmit the operation control data of those input messages via the control output message.

[0083] In a preferred operation control node, the local area network topology data includes information indicating those network nodes that are currently active in the local area wireless communication network, i.e., those that are powered and operable to transmit messages and thus for potentially using the available network capacity. Additionally or alternatively, in another embodiment, the local area network topology data further includes information indicating the amount of activity of each network node in a predetermined time window.

[0084] Alternatively, in another operation control node, the network traffic clarification unit is configured to estimate network capacity information using the number of messages transmitted within a reverse time span extending from the current time point or the number of messages currently queued for transmission by the operation control node via the local area wireless communication network and a predetermined maximum network capacity. In an exemplary operation control node, the number of transmitted messages includes messages transmitted by external network nodes using the same local area wireless communication network. Thus, the operation control node uses the available information related to the most recently sent control output message, which is the message sent within the reverse time span extending from the current time point, or those queued for transmission, or both, to derive the network capacity information.

[0085] Figure 3 Shows a representation suitable for use in Figure 1Two schematic views of two different user input devices 305.a and 305.b used in a local wireless communication arrangement 150. The user input device 305.a includes a rotatable control element 313. The control parameter value provided as operation control data depends on the orientation of the rotatable interface and the angular rotation amount R. The rotatable control element is an infinitely rotatable control element in a particular user input device. Rotation in a given direction is associated with an increase in the control parameter value, and rotation in the opposite direction is associated with a decrease in the control parameter value. The angular rotation amount R indicates the amount by which the control parameter value increases or decreases. For example, in a given exemplary local communication arrangement, turning the infinitely rotatable control element one degree in the clockwise direction results in a magnitude change of 1% absolute value, i.e., a predefined increase of 1%. This example is not restrictive, and other angular values and magnitude changes can also be implemented in different user input devices.

[0086] Alternatively, the rotatable control element is configured to rotate only within a predetermined angular range. In this particular case, the first end of the angular range is associated with the first end of the control parameter range, and the second angular range is associated with the second end of the control parameter range. Values belonging to the control parameter range are mapped to the positions of the rotatable control element belonging to the angular range. This mode of operation is similar to the case of the user input device 305.b, which includes a slidable control element 315, and where the control parameter value to be provided depends on the direction and the linear displacement amount L of the slidable control element. Since the linear displacement amount is finite and has two ends, each of these two ends is associated with a corresponding end of the control parameter range.

[0087] Figure 4A and Figure 4B A time chart showing the operation of a particular embodiment of an operation control node is shown.

[0088] I(t) represents an incoming unicast input message provided by the user input device, which is exemplary and, for clarity, is a dimmer for reducing or increasing the amount of light emitted by the lighting unit of a lighting device. Thus, the amount of light is the control parameter value associated with the operation of the user input device. The user operates the user input device by rotating or sliding the control element by a certain angular rotation amount or a certain linear displacement amount. In Figure 4AIn it, the quantity is associated with a given control parameter interval of the overall control parameter range. For example, the overall control parameter range of the light intensity quantity is 0% - 100%, and the control parameter interval associated with the current setting sequence provided by the operation of the user input device is 10% - 35%. During the operation of the control element, the user input device sequentially provides six unicast input messages to the operation control node, each unicast input message indicating a corresponding control parameter value, and forms a current setting sequence of control parameter values consisting of 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, and 35%. The granularity of these values mainly depends on how the user input device is implemented, and other intervals except 5% are also applicable.

[0089] The operation control node receives the current sequence of unicast input messages. In this exemplary operation control node, the output message generation unit is further configured to use the specified network capacity information to determine the message reduction rate, which indicates the number of control output messages that will be generated for each received input message of the current sequence, and use this message reduction rate to generate the output control information. For example, in a specific case, and based on the specified network capacity information, a message reduction rate of 1:3 is determined. This means that for every three input messages received, one control output message is generated and provided.

[0090] Therefore, O(t) represents the generation and provision of the control output message O, which has a time with a message reduction ratio of 1:3. The operation control data of the first message indicating a control parameter value of 10% is provided to one or more lighting devices to be controlled as a setting update via the control output message. However, the operation control data (i.e., the setting) of the second and third input messages indicating control parameter values of 15% and 20% is not provided because the output control information based on the 1:3 message reduction rate does not indicate so. Once the fourth input message indicating the desired light intensity quantity of 25% is received, the output control information indicates that a control output message including the last received setting (i.e., 25%) will be generated and provided to the corresponding lighting device.

[0091] The specification of the network capacity information can be performed, for example, once when the first input message is received, or dynamically, i.e., two or more times during the reception of the current input message sequence, preferably once for each received input message.

[0092] According to what has been described so far Figure 4A and Figure 4BRegarding the discussion, the settings corresponding to the control parameter values of 30% and 35% are not forwarded to the lighting device because, according to the 1:3 ratio, the output control information indicates that no corresponding control output message is generated and provided. However, the user may experience this as a failure to control the lighting device because he or she operates the user input device to control the lighting intensity to a value of 35% instead of 25%.

[0093] The exemplary operation control node is suitably configured to detect the end of the current input message sequence. This particular operation control node monitors the amount of waiting time elapsed since the last received input message, and when the amount of waiting time exceeds a predetermined time threshold t th it determines the end of the current input message sequence. In another exemplary operation control node, the output message generation unit is configured to receive, for example, a sequence end signal from the user input device. The sequence end signal may require a predetermined user input (such as pressing a button), or it may be based on a signal from a pressure or temperature sensor at the user input device, which is configured to detect when the user has stopped operating the user input device.

[0094] In Figure 4A the example, when it is determined that the current sequence has ended and subsequently no setting update of the last determined setting is provided via the corresponding control output message, the output message generation unit is configured to generate and provide a final control output message including the last input message of the current sequence with an operation control data of 35% as the setting update. This ensures excellent quality of service when controlling the operation of the lighting device.

[0095] Similarly, Figure 4B an example illustrates a situation where the setting sequence of the control parameter value of the lighting control parameter is a predefined increasing or decreasing sequence, and in this particular example, the increment is 2%. As in the example described in the reference Figure 4A and based on the given explicit network capacity information, a message reduction rate of 1:3 is determined. This means that for every three input messages received, one control output message is generated and provided.

[0096] The operation control data of the first message indicating a 2% increase in the control parameter value is provided as a setting update via a control output message to one or more lighting devices to be controlled. However, the operation control data (i.e., the setting) of the second and third input messages indicating a further absolute increase of 2% is not provided because the output control information based on a 1:3 message reduction rate does not indicate so. Once the fourth input message indicating a further 2% increase of the desired value is received, the output control information indicates that a control output message will be generated and provided to the corresponding lighting device. In this case, the cumulative change in the control parameter value is calculated by using the increments or decrements received since the last control output message was provided during the ongoing reception of the current, i.e., the current input message sequence, to determine the setting update. As a result, a setting update indicating a cumulative increase of 6% is provided via the corresponding control output message.

[0097] In addition, as in the example described in Figure 4A , when it is determined that the current sequence has ended and the finally determined setting update (in this case a cumulative +4% absolute value) is not provided via the corresponding control output message, the output message generation unit is configured to generate and provide a final control output message including the operation control data of the last input message of the current sequence as a setting update.

[0098] Figure 5 FIG. 500 shows a flow chart of an exemplary method 500 for operating an operation control node for controlling the operation of one or more lighting devices via a local wireless communication network. The method includes, in step 502, receiving a current sequence of unicast input messages from at least one given external user input device, the input message sequence including respective current operation control data, the respective current operation control data together forming a current setting sequence of control parameter values of a lighting control parameter for controlling the operation of at least one of one or more external lighting devices. The method includes, in step 504, storing the received respective operation control data upon receipt of a given input message. The method further includes, in step 506, identifying network capacity information indicating an expected network capacity available for transmitting messages within the local wireless communication network. The method further includes, in step 508, using the identified network capacity information to determine output control information indicating whether a control output message for updating the control parameter value of the lighting control parameter will be generated, and in step 510, using the settings received since the last control output message was provided during the reception of the current input message sequence to determine a setting update of the control parameter value. The method further includes, in step 512, generating a control output message including the setting update and providing the control output message including the setting update to at least one lighting device via the local wireless communication network only if the output control information indicates so.

[0099] A specific implementation of method 500 further includes, in step 507, determining (and using the explicit network capacity information) a message reduction rate that indicates the ratio between the number of received input messages of the current sequence and the number of control output messages to be generated and provided. This exemplary method includes, in step 508.1, which is similar to step 508 above, generating output control information using the message reduction rate.

[0100] The method steps indicated by the dashed lines and based on the above Figure 4A and Figure 4B Another specific implementation of this method includes, in step 514, detecting the end of the current sequence of input messages and then detecting that the last determined setting update has not been provided via the corresponding control output message. The method further includes, in step 516, generating and providing a final control output message including the last determined setting update when the end of the current sequence is detected and it is determined that the last determined setting update has not been provided.

[0101] Figure 6 A flowchart of a method 600 for controlling the operation of a lighting device via a local wireless communication network is shown. The method includes, in step 602, providing a current sequence of input messages that includes respective operation control data, and the respective operation control data together form a current setting sequence of control parameter values of lighting control parameters for controlling the operation of at least one lighting device. The method further includes implementing Figure 5 method 500. The method further includes, in step 604, receiving an output message including a setting update via the local wireless communication network, and in step 606, controlling the light emission of a lighting unit from at least one lighting device according to the received setting update.

[0102] In summary, the present invention is directed to an operation control node for controlling the operation of one or more external lighting devices via a local wireless communication network. The operation control node is configured to receive a unicast input message from a user input device, the unicast input message including respective operation control data, and the respective operation control data form a current setting sequence of control parameter values of lighting control parameters for controlling the operation of at least one lighting device. The operation control node is configured to determine a setting update for updating the control parameter value and provide an output message including the setting update via the local wireless communication network only when output control information depending on the explicit network capacity information indicates so, and the explicit network capacity information indicates the expected network capacity available for transmitting messages within the local wireless communication network, thereby ensuring an acceptable delay when controlling the operation of the lighting device.

[0103] By studying the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims, those skilled in the art will be able to understand and realize other variations of the disclosed embodiments when practicing the claimed invention.

[0104] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0105] A single unit or device may 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.

[0106] A computer program may be stored / distributed on a suitable medium such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium, which is supplied together with or as part of other hardware; however, it may also be distributed in other forms such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems.

[0107] Any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. An operation control node (100) for controlling the operation of one or more external lighting devices (101, 103) via a local wireless communication network, the operation control node comprising: - An input interface (102) for receiving a current sequence of input signals (I) from a user input device (105), the input signals indicating corresponding current operation control data, the corresponding current operation control data together representing a current setting sequence of control parameter values of lighting control parameters for sequentially controlling the operation of at least one of the one or more external lighting devices; - A network traffic clarification unit (104) configured to clarify network capacity information, the network capacity information indicating an expected network capacity available for transmitting messages within the local wireless communication network; And - An output message generation unit (106), connected to the input interface and the network traffic clarification unit, configured to: - Store the received corresponding current operation control data upon receiving a given input signal; - Use the clarified network capacity information to determine output control information, the output control information indicating whether a control output message for updating the control parameter value of the lighting control parameter will be generated; And - Under the condition that the output control information indicates that a control output message including a setting update will not be generated, not generate such a control output message; or otherwise - Under the condition that the output control information indicates that a control output message including a setting update will be generated, generate such a control output message (O) and provide such a control output message (O) to the at least one lighting device via the local wireless communication network, wherein the control output message includes a setting update of the control parameter value, and the output message generation unit is configured to determine the setting update by using the settings received during the current reception of the current input signal sequence since the last previously provided control output message in the following manner: - In response to detecting that the current setting sequence is a sequence of absolute values of control parameter values, use the last received setting; or otherwise - In response to detecting that the current setting sequence is a predefined increasing or decreasing sequence, use the increase or decrease received during the current reception of the current input signal sequence since the last previously provided control output message to calculate the cumulative change in the control parameter value.

2. The operation control node according to claim 1, wherein The input interface is configured to receive the current sequence of input signals as unicast input messages from the at least one user input device, the unicast input messages including the corresponding operation control data.

3. The operation control node according to claim 1, wherein The output message generation unit is further configured to - use the clarified network capacity information to determine a message reduction rate, the message reduction rate indicating the number of control output messages that will be generated for each received input signal of the current sequence; And - Generate output control information using the message reduction rate.

4. The operation control node according to claim 2, wherein The output message generation unit is further configured to - use the clarified network capacity information to determine a message reduction rate, the message reduction rate indicating the number of control output messages that will be generated for each received input signal of the current sequence; And - Generate output control information using a message reduction rate.

5. The operation control node according to claim 3, wherein, The output message generation unit is further configured to - when detecting the end of the current input signal sequence and subsequently detecting that the last determined setting update has not been provided via the corresponding control output message, generate and provide a final control output message including the last determined setting update regardless of the current output control information.

6. The operation control node according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein - The network traffic clarification unit is configured to clarify network capacity information at least twice during the reception of the current input signal sequence; and wherein - The output message generation unit is configured to dynamically adapt the output control information during the reception of the current input signal sequence.

7. The operation control node according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The network traffic clarification unit is configured to - estimate network capacity information using the number of messages transmitted within a reverse time span extending from the current time point or the number of messages currently queued waiting to be transmitted by the operation control node via the local wireless communication network and a predetermined maximum network capacity.

8. The operation control node (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: - A topology data storage unit (208), configured to store local area network topology data, the local area network topology data including a plurality of network nodes registered as belonging to the local wireless communication network; or - A capability data storage unit storing capability data, the capability data indicating the presence or absence of the capability of the operation control node to determine a setting update by combining or skipping selected settings received since the previous last provided control output message during the current reception of the current input signal sequence; or - A user input monitoring unit, configured to determine usage data, the usage data indicating a part of a predetermined most recent time span required for the user input device to provide an input signal; and wherein - The network traffic clarification unit (204) is configured to additionally use the network topology data or the capability data or the usage data to clarify the network capacity information.

9. A local wireless communication arrangement (150) for controlling the operation of one or more lighting devices (101, 103) via a local wireless communication network, comprising: - The operation control node (100) according to claim 1; - At least one user input device (105), configured to provide a current input signal sequence; - One or more lighting devices, comprising: - A lighting unit (107), configured to emit light; - A receiving interface (109), configured to receive a control output message including a setting update via the local wireless communication network; and - A control unit (111), connected to the receiving interface and the lighting unit, and configured to control the light emission of the lighting unit according to the received setting update.

10. The local wireless communication arrangement according to claim 9, wherein - The user input device (305.a) includes a rotatable control element (313), and the setting of the provided control parameter value depends on the direction and angular rotation amount (R) of the rotatable interface; or wherein - The user input device (305.b) includes a slidable control element (315), and the setting of the provided control parameter value depends on the direction and the linear displacement amount (L) of the slidable control element; or wherein - The user input device includes a pressable control element, and the setting of the provided control parameter value depends on the number of press events or the press event rate or the press event duration of the pressable control element.

11. A method (500) for operating an operation control node in the operation of controlling one or more lighting devices via a local wireless communication network, the method comprising: - Receiving (502) a current input signal sequence from a user input device, the current input signal sequence indicating corresponding current operation control data, the corresponding current operation control data together forming a current setting sequence of control parameter values of lighting control parameters for sequentially controlling the operation of at least one lighting device among one or more lighting devices; - Storing (504) the received corresponding current operation control data upon receiving a given input signal; - Specifying (506) network capacity information indicating an expected network capacity available for transmitting messages within the local wireless communication network; - Using the specified network capacity information to determine (508) output control information indicating whether a control output message for updating the control parameter value of the lighting control parameter will be generated; - Generating such a control output message and providing (512) such a control output message to the at least one lighting device via the local wireless communication network under the condition that the output control information indicates that a control output message including a setting update will be generated, and otherwise, when the output control information indicates that a control output message including a setting update will not be generated, not generating such a control output message; wherein the control output message includes a setting update of the control parameter value, and the setting update of the control parameter value is determined based on the settings received during the current reception of the current input signal sequence since the last previously provided control output message in the following manner: - In response to detecting that the current setting sequence is a sequence of absolute values of control parameter values, using the last received setting; or otherwise - In response to detecting that the current setting sequence is a predefined increasing or decreasing sequence, using the increase or decrease received during the current reception of the current input signal sequence since the last previously provided control output message to calculate a cumulative control parameter value change.

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: - Using the specified network capacity information to determine (507) a message reduction rate, the message reduction rate indicating a ratio between the number of received input signals of the current input signal sequence and the number of control output messages to be generated and provided; and - Generating (508.1) output control information using the message reduction rate.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising: - When the end of the current input signal sequence is detected and it is subsequently detected that the last determined setting update has not been provided via the corresponding control output message (514), regardless of the current output control information, generate and provide (516) a final control output message including the last determined setting update.

14. A method (600) for controlling the operation of a lighting device via a local wireless communication network, the method comprising: - Provide (602) a current input signal sequence indicative of corresponding current operation control data, the corresponding current operation control data together forming a current setting sequence of control parameter values of lighting control parameters for controlling the operation of at least one lighting device; - Implement the method (500) recited in claim 11; - Receive (604) a control output message including a setting update via the local wireless communication network; and - Control (606) the light emission of a lighting unit from at least one lighting device according to the received setting update.

15. A computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to implement the method recited in any one of claims 11 to 14.

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