Sensor devices for controlling electrical equipment

Abstract

The present invention provides a sensor device for controlling an electrical device, wherein the sensor device comprises a controller and a range sensor; wherein the sensor device is configured to be installed in an orientation relative to gravity; wherein the range sensor is configured to: obtain the orientation of the sensor device relative to gravity; when the orientation is in a first predetermined orientation, operate in a first detection mode for detecting an object within a first predetermined distance range from the range sensor; wherein the controller is configured to output a control signal when the range sensor detects the object, and the control signal is arranged to control the electrical device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a sensor device for controlling an electrical device, wherein the sensor device comprises a controller, an optionally pivotable head and a range sensor. The range sensor is preferably a time-of-flight sensor. The invention further relates to a system comprising an electrical device and a sensor device according to the invention. The invention further relates to a method for controlling an electrical device with such a sensor device. The invention may preferably relate to the sensor device as a wall plug. The invention may preferably relate to the electrical device as a lighting device. Background Art

[0002] Traditionally, luminaires are switched on or off with the aid of wall switches. These switches are installed at predefined locations, which are usually determined during the construction of the building. The installation of such switches and possible future retrofitting of such switch installations are cumbersome and expensive due to the labor involved in, for example, rewiring. The same applies to other electrical devices in the building environment.

[0003] Today, wireless lighting solutions may be controlled by battery-powered wireless switches, dedicated apps on portable devices, or sensors installed in buildings. Sensors enable autonomous lighting control. For example, PIR sensors can be used to detect motion within a space and control lighting upon detection. A characteristic of PIR sensors is their wide field of view. Although this wide field of view is advantageous in many motion detection applications, in order to observe a dedicated area, the PIR sensor needs to be partially obscured or shielded, such as by inserting a shield or refocusing the PIR lens. These activities are time-consuming, cumbersome, suboptimal, and often produce unexpected patterns in motion detection.

[0004] There is therefore a clear and ongoing need in the field of lighting to find improved alternatives for precise and intuitive control of electrical devices in a built environment, such as preferably lamps, by means of sensors. Summary of the invention

[0005] The (initial) object of the present invention is to provide an improved sensor device for controlling an electrical device, preferably a lighting device, which at least alleviates the above-mentioned problems and disadvantages. To this end, the present invention provides a sensor device for controlling an electrical device, wherein the sensor device comprises a controller, a pivotable head and a range sensor; wherein the pivotable head accommodates the range sensor and is configured to be oriented relative to a surface on which the sensor device is mounted in operation; wherein the range sensor is configured to: obtain an orientation of the pivotable head; when the orientation of the pivotable head is in a first predetermined orientation, operate in a first detection mode for detecting an object within a first predetermined distance range from the range sensor; wherein the controller is configured to output a control signal when the range sensor detects the object, the control signal being arranged to control the electrical device. The range sensor may preferably be a time of flight (ToF) sensor.

[0006] Thus, the present invention provides a sensor device that is configured to be mounted to a surface in operation. Thus, the sensor device may be a surface-mountable sensor device. The surface may be, for example, a wall. The sensor device may, for example, be mounted to a socket on a wall. In an embodiment, the sensor device may be a wall plug. For example, the sensor device may be a (wall) power plug. In various examples, control may also mean grouping or network initialization.

[0007] In various aspects: the object may be one of a plurality of objects, or a controlled object of a plurality of objects. Therefore, according to the present invention, for different detection modes, the controlled object may be different.

[0008] Due to the pivotable head accommodating the range sensor (e.g. time-of-flight sensor), the sensor device is able to provide an adjustable sensing function in orientation relative to the surface. This is an advantage because the mounting location on the surface (such as e.g. a socket on a wall) can be used to provide a specific sensing function and / or an associated control function. The object can for example be a control object in the overall application.

[0009] This particular sensing functionality is implemented by a range sensor, such as a Time of Flight (ToF) sensor. Such a range sensor provides high performance proximity and range sensing. For example, an optical Time of Flight sensor can directly measure the distance to an object based on the time it takes for an emitted photon to be reflected. Thus, the sensor device according to the present invention can provide presence sensing and / or motion sensing of objects within a specific distance range, wherein the sensing can advantageously be adapted to the orientation of the pivotable head and the range sensor housed therein. In the overall application, the distance range may also include the concept of an angular distance range.

[0010] More specifically, the range sensor (and / or its associated circuitry) is arranged to obtain an orientation of the pivotable head. When the orientation of the pivotable head is in a first predetermined orientation (i.e., a first predetermined orientation relative to, for example, a surface on which the sensor device is mounted in operation), the range sensor operates in a first detection mode. The first detection mode is characterized in that the range sensor is configured to detect objects within a first predetermined distance range of the range sensor. Thus, depending on the orientation of the pivotable head housing the range sensor, the range sensor may enable (range) sensing within a dedicated first predetermined sensing range of the range sensor.

[0011] The presence and / or movement of an object that can be detected within the first predetermined sensing range can subsequently enable an associated control function for controlling an electrical device. The electrical device can be, for example, a lighting device. In addition, the detected object can be a control object. That is, when the range sensor detects a (control) object (when operating in the first detection mode), the controller is configured to output a control signal that is arranged to control the electrical device, such as a lighting device. The control signal can also be referred to as a notification signal. The control signal can be transmitted (e.g. wirelessly) to the electrical device via an intermediate device (such as, for example, a bridge or a cloud).

[0012] Thus, the sensor device according to the invention advantageously enables a control function when oriented to a first predetermined orientation, wherein the detection of a (control) object within a first predetermined distance range can control the operation of an electrical device. For example, the electrical device can be switched on or off based on the detection of the (control) object within said predetermined distance range. Thus, the detection and / or control functions can selectively take into account the position and orientation of the sensor device.

[0013] Thus, the sensor device according to the present invention provides a flexible sensor solution in a building environment, in particular in the field of lighting, which provides adjustable presence / motion detection via the functionality of a range sensor and a wall switch. The sensor device according to the present invention allows remote interaction with the sensor device in order to control electrical devices, such as lighting devices.

[0014] For example, the sensor device according to the present invention can operate as a (virtual) wall switch. In other words, the sensor device can provide a virtual wall switch for controlling electrical devices, such as lighting devices. Therefore, in an embodiment, the first predetermined orientation can be within 30 degrees of the surface; or preferably substantially parallel to the surface.

[0015] Thus, whenever the pivotable head accommodating the range sensor can be oriented substantially parallel to the surface (to which the sensor device is mounted in operation), the range sensor can be operated in a first detection mode, which first detection mode is characterized in that the range sensor is arranged for detecting a control object within a first predetermined distance range from the range sensor. The first detection mode can thus be associated with a control function or a network initialization function. This enables the sensor device to be used as an intuitive surface switch, wherein the presence and / or movement of a (control) object within said first predetermined distance range can control an electrical device, such as a lighting device. As mentioned above, the surface can be a wall (to which the sensor device is mounted in operation).

[0016] Furthermore, in an embodiment, the pivotable head may include a projection unit configured to project a first user interface onto a wall; wherein the first user interface may indicate a first predetermined distance range from the range sensor. Since such a projection unit may project the first user interface onto a surface to which the sensor device is mounted in operation, the sensor device according to the present invention advantageously provides a user interface for controlling an electrical device. Since the first user interface may indicate the first predetermined distance range, the projected first user interface advantageously provides a clearly visible and intuitive user interface for controlling the electrical device.

[0017] In embodiments, the first predetermined distance range may be discontinuous and may be composed of multiple first predetermined distance sub-ranges. These embodiments contemplate that the first predetermined distance range need not be continuous. The first detection mode of the range sensor may be configured to perform sensing in multiple discontinuous distance ranges (e.g., sensing between 1 and 2 meters from the range sensor and sensing between 3 and 4 meters from the range sensor, thereby ignoring detection between 2 and 3 meters from the range sensor). This is advantageous because the range sensor may define a customized and specific range for detecting (controlling) an object in the first detection mode, which detection range may therefore be used as a user interface for controlling an electrical device.

[0018] Furthermore, correspondingly, the controller may be configured to output a control signal arranged to control the electrical device when the range sensor detects an object in a corresponding predetermined distance sub-range.

[0019] As mentioned above, the electrical device may be a lighting device. The lighting device may be, for example, a lamp, a spotlight, a pixelated spotlight, a fluorescent tube, a projector, a floodlight, and / or a bridge. Alternatively, the electrical device may be an actuator, a sensor, a sensor beam, a speaker, an HVAC system, an electric door, a heater, a water supply system, a refrigerator, a fan, a feeder, a security system, a fragrance diffuser, and / or a curtain.

[0020] The sensor device according to the present invention may also be oriented to another orientation in order to operate the range sensor in another detection mode, which may be different from the first detection mode. Thus, in an embodiment, the range sensor may be configured to: operate in a second detection mode when the orientation of the pivotable head is in a second predetermined orientation, for detecting an object within a second predetermined distance range from the range sensor; wherein the first predetermined orientation may be different from the second predetermined orientation; and / or wherein the first detection mode may be different from the second detection mode.

[0021] Furthermore, in an embodiment, the second predetermined orientation may be within 30 degrees of a plane perpendicular to the surface; or preferably substantially perpendicular to the surface. Thus, a first detection mode operating in a first orientation may enable a first function, such as a user control function or, for example, a network initialization function, while a second detection mode operating in a second orientation may enable a second function, such as a presence sensing function only. In the proposed embodiment, the second predetermined orientation may be substantially perpendicular to the surface, which may present a favorable field of view in a space that the surface may surround. As described above, the surface may be a wall (to which the sensor device is mounted in operation).

[0022] As previously mentioned, the electrical device may be a lighting device. The lighting device may be, for example, a lamp, a spotlight, a pixelated spotlight, a fluorescent tube, a floodlight, and / or a bridge. Alternatively, the electrical device may be an actuator, a sensor, a sensor bundle, a speaker, an HVAC system, an electric door, a heater, a water supply system, a refrigerator, a fan, a feeder, a security system, a fragrance diffuser, and / or a curtain.

[0023] Similar to the above, in an embodiment, the pivotable head may include a projection unit configured to project a second user interface onto a surface aligned with the second predetermined orientation; wherein the second user interface may indicate a second predetermined distance range from the range sensor. Similar to the above, in an embodiment, the second predetermined distance range may be discontinuous and may be composed of a plurality of second predetermined distance sub-ranges.

[0024] In an embodiment, the first detection mode may be associated with a user interface function for controlling an electrical device, wherein the second detection mode may be associated with a presence (or: motion, or: distance) detection function. Alternatively, the first detection mode may be associated with a network initialization function for initializing network access to the electrical device, wherein the second detection mode may be associated with a presence (or: motion, or: distance) detection function. Thus, the sensor device according to the present invention may advantageously provide a plurality of different functions with a single sensor device, wherein the functions are switched based on the orientation of the pivotable head.

[0025] In an embodiment, the sensor device may include sensing means for measuring the orientation of the pivotable head; wherein the sensing means may be configured to transmit the orientation of the pivotable head to the range sensor. The sensing means may, for example, be a gyroscope or an accelerometer. The sensing means may, for example, be contained within the pivotable head or within the body of the sensor device, or partly contained in both. Furthermore, a range sensor such as a time-of-flight sensor may also extract the orientation itself via an associated (e.g., integrated) tilt sensor or a ball tilt sensor.

[0026] In an embodiment, the sensor device may include an orientation sensor for measuring the orientation of the sensor device relative to gravity. In such an embodiment, the controller may receive the orientation of the sensor device relative to gravity. This allows the controller to know how the sensor device is mounted, such as on a vertical wall or ceiling, etc. This information can be used to fine-tune the first and / or second predetermined orientations.

[0027] Alternatively, in aspects, the orientation sensor can measure and / or retrieve the orientation of the sensor relative to the detection plane. Such information can, for example, be used to control the layout / shape of a user interface projected on a wall / surface by a projection unit, as previously described.

[0028] In an embodiment, the control signal may include instructions for the lighting device to adjust a lighting characteristic of the light source; wherein the lighting characteristic is one of: on / off sequence, intensity, color, color temperature, modulation, polarization, beam width and / or light scene. Thus, the control signal may be a lighting control signal.

[0029] The range sensor may operate, for example, by means of optical distance sensing, radar-based distance sensing, and / or acoustic distance sensing. As previously mentioned, the range sensor may be a time-of-flight sensor. Alternatively, in an example, a directional radar sensor or directional PIR sensor with a limited field of view may also measure distance and qualify as a range sensor.

[0030] Furthermore, the time-of-flight sensor may be used in different modalities. In an embodiment, the time-of-flight sensor may be one of the following: an optical time-of-flight sensor, an acoustic time-of-flight sensor, an IR time-of-flight sensor, or an RF-based time-of-flight sensor. Considering an optical time-of-flight sensor, in an embodiment, the time-of-flight sensor may be one of the following: an optical single-pixel time-of-flight sensor, an optical pixel array time-of-flight sensor, an optical pixel matrix time-of-flight sensor, or a sensor based on optical triangulation.

[0031] In an embodiment, the controller may include a wireless communication circuit, wherein the wireless communication circuit may be configured to output a control signal via at least one of Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wi-Fi, NFC, RFID, IR, Lo-Ra, Li-Fi, VLC, RF, and IEEE 802.15.1.

[0032] In alternative and / or additional embodiments, the wired communication circuit may be configured to output the control signal via at least one of power line communication, Ethernet, fiber optic communication, DALI, or coded mains.

[0033] The range sensor may include a relatively narrow field of view so that it can act as a "tripwire" for detecting (controlling) objects. Thus, in an embodiment, the range sensor may include a field of view with a vertex angle of less than 35 degrees.

[0034] In an embodiment, the controlled object is one of: a person, a body part, an arm, a hand, a finger, a fingertip, a leg, a foot, a figurine, a gesture, a drone, a door, a window, a piece of furniture, a portable device, or a portable object.

[0035] In aspects: the sensor device may include a local memory for storing the first and / or second predetermined orientation. The sensor device may be a wall plug. The sensor device may include a power plug for powering the sensor device and / or mounting the sensor device. For example, power received by the power plug may power a range sensor (e.g., a time of flight sensor) and a controller. Alternatively, the sensor device may be battery powered. In an example, the sensor device may include an electric actuator to orient the pivotable head. Such an electric actuator may, for example, be an electric motor.

[0036] In aspects, in view of the above, the present invention may therefore provide, for example, a wall plug for controlling a lighting device, wherein the wall plug comprises a controller, a pivotable head and a range sensor; wherein the pivotable head accommodates the range sensor and is configured to be oriented relative to a wall on which the wall plug is mounted in operation; wherein the range sensor is configured to: obtain an orientation of the pivotable head; when the orientation of the pivotable head is in a first predetermined orientation, operate in a first detection mode for detecting a control object within a first predetermined distance range from the range sensor; wherein the controller is configured to output a control signal when the range sensor detects the control object, the control signal being arranged to control the lighting device. The range sensor may be, for example, a time of flight sensor.

[0037] A further object of the invention is to provide an improved (control) system, which at least alleviates the above-mentioned problems and disadvantages. Furthermore, the invention also provides a system comprising a sensor device according to the invention and an electrical device, wherein the sensor device is configured to control the electrical device in operation. In a further example of the system, the electrical device may be a lighting device. In a further example of the system, the sensor device may be a wall plug. The advantages and / or embodiments applicable to the sensor device according to the invention may also apply to the system according to the invention mutatis mutandis.

[0038] For example, the wall plug may be a wall power plug. The user interface provided by the range sensor may then advantageously be used to control an electrical device powered via the wall power plug in operation.

[0039] A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved method of controlling a sensor device of an electrical device, which method at least alleviates the above-mentioned problems and disadvantages. To this end, the present invention provides a method of controlling an electrical device with a sensor device, wherein the sensor device comprises a controller and a pivotable head accommodating a range sensor; wherein the method may include: orienting the pivotable head relative to a surface to which the sensor device is mounted in operation; obtaining an orientation of the pivotable head; when the orientation of the pivotable head is in a first predetermined orientation, operating the range sensor in a first detection mode for detecting a (controlled) object within a first predetermined distance range from the range sensor; when the range sensor detects the (controlled) object, outputting a control signal arranged for controlling the electrical device. Advantages and / or embodiments applicable to the sensor device according to the present invention may also apply mutatis mutandis to the method according to the present invention.

[0040] The range sensor may be a time-of-flight sensor. In an example, the method may include: operating the range sensor in a second detection mode when the orientation of the pivotable head is in a second predetermined orientation, for detecting a (control) object within a second predetermined distance range from the range sensor. Thus, in an example, the first predetermined orientation may be different from the second predetermined orientation; and / or the first detection mode may be different from the second detection mode. In an example, the method may include: reorienting the pivotable head relative to the surface to which the sensor device is mounted in operation. For example, the method may include: reorienting the pivotable head from a first orientation to a second orientation.

[0041] In the above described embodiments, the sensor device comprises a pivotable head housing a single range sensor, which range sensor can be operated in a first detection mode or a second detection mode depending on the orientation obtained by the pivotable head. However, in alternative aspects of the invention, the pivotable head can house a second (or additional) range sensor. As described above, the range sensor can be a time of flight sensor.

[0042] Among other aspects: the invention may provide a sensor device according to the invention, wherein the sensor device may comprise a second range sensor; wherein the pivotable head may accommodate the second range sensor; wherein the second range sensor is configured to: obtain an orientation of the pivotable head; when the orientation of the pivotable head is in a first predetermined orientation, operate in a third detection mode for detecting a (control) object within a third predetermined distance range from the second range sensor. The object detected by the second range sensor may be an object different from the object detected by the range sensor. The second range sensor may for example also be a time-of-flight sensor. The second range sensor may for example be a single pixelated sensor.

[0043] In an example, the sensor device may include a range unit including a first range sensor and a second range sensor, wherein the pivotable head may accommodate the range unit.

[0044] Furthermore, in an example, the controller may be configured to output a control signal when the range sensor or the second range sensor detects an object, the control signal being arranged to control the electrical device.

[0045] Thus, in an example, the range sensor may include a first field of view and the second range sensor may include a second field of view, wherein the first field of view and the second field of view are different. In an example thereof, the second field of view may at least partially overlap with the first field of view, or alternatively, the second field of view may not overlap with the first field of view. Thus, the range sensor and the second range sensor may observe different sections of space. In a further example, the second field of view may be perpendicular to the first field of view.

[0046] For example, the range sensor of the sensor device may, for example, include a first field of view parallel to a wall on which the sensor device is mounted in operation, for example to enable a lighting control function by providing an intuitive user interface having a first predetermined distance range as described above; while the second range sensor may include a second field of view perpendicular to the wall, for example to enable a presence detection function by detecting objects within a third predetermined distance range.

[0047] In addition, the operation of the range sensor and the second range sensor can interact with each other, thereby providing more functions for the sensor device according to the present invention. Therefore, in an example, the controller can be configured to adjust the first predetermined distance range of the range sensor when the range sensor detects that the control object is within a third predetermined distance range from the second range sensor.

[0048] Such an embodiment may be advantageous, for example, in an example where, after detection within a third predetermined distance range (e.g., a person is detected within a range very close to a wall), the controller may adjust or set the first predetermined distance range to a more ergonomic user interface in the first orientation (e.g., a user interface substantially parallel to or on the wall); or adjust or set the first predetermined distance range to a network initialization mode in the first orientation, where the detection of a (control) object may be used to initialize the network of an electrical device. In the latter case, it may be envisioned that, for example, moving a hand (as a control object) up and down within the first predetermined distance range may initialize the optical device or beam width of a lighting device (as an electrical device). Other examples may be similarly envisioned.

[0049] As partly described above, the sensor device may comprise an orientation sensor for measuring the orientation of the sensor device relative to gravity.Thus, according to the invention a sensor device may be provided without requiring a pivotable head, while still achieving the objects of the invention.

[0050] Therefore, in another similar purpose of the present invention, the present invention provides a sensor device for controlling an electrical device, wherein the sensor device comprises a controller and a range sensor; wherein the sensor device is configured to be mounted in an orientation relative to gravity; wherein the range sensor is configured to: obtain the orientation of the sensor device relative to gravity; when the orientation is in a first predetermined orientation, operate in a first detection mode for detecting an object within a first predetermined distance range from the range sensor; wherein the controller is configured to output a control signal when the range sensor detects the object, and the control signal is arranged to control the electrical device. The range sensor may similarly preferably be a time of flight (ToF) sensor. The range sensor may be fixedly accommodated in the sensor device. The advantages and / or embodiments (described above) applicable to the sensor device according to the initial purpose of the present invention may also be applicable to the sensor device according to the other purpose of the present invention after necessary modifications.

[0051] Therefore, the present invention also similarly provides a sensor device, which is configured to be mounted in a certain orientation relative to gravity during operation, such as mounted to a surface. Therefore, the sensor device can be a surface-mountable sensor device. The surface can be, for example, a wall or a ceiling. The sensor device can be mounted, for example, to a socket on a wall. In an embodiment, the sensor device can be a wall plug. For example, the sensor device can be a (wall) power plug. In various examples, control can also mean grouping or network initialization.

[0052] In various aspects: the object may be one of a plurality of objects, or a controlled object of a plurality of objects. Therefore, according to the present invention, for different detection modes, the controlled object may be different.

[0053] Therefore, the sensor device of another object of the present invention can provide adjustable sensing functions in the orientation relative to gravity (or wording: gravity direction). This is an advantage because the orientation of the sensor device relative to gravity can be used to provide specific sensing functions and / or associated control functions.

[0054] Hence, a sensor device according to the invention may provide presence sensing and / or motion sensing of objects within a certain distance range, wherein the sensing may advantageously be adapted to the orientation of the sensor device and an associated range sensor therein.

[0055] More specifically, the range sensor (and / or its associated circuitry) is arranged to obtain the orientation of the sensor device. When the orientation of the sensor device is in a first predetermined orientation (i.e., for example, a first predetermined orientation relative to gravity), the range sensor operates in a first detection mode. The first detection mode is characterized in that the range sensor is configured to detect objects within a first predetermined distance range of the range sensor. Thus, depending on the orientation of the sensor device and the associated range sensor accommodated therein, the range sensor may enable (range) sensing within a dedicated first predetermined sensing range of the range sensor.

[0056] The presence and / or motion of an object that may be detected within the first predetermined sensing range may subsequently enable an associated control function for controlling the electrical device.

[0057] Thus, the sensor device according to the present invention provides a flexible sensor solution in a building environment, in particular in the field of lighting, which provides adjustable presence / motion detection through the functionality of a range sensor and a wall switch. The sensor device according to the present invention allows remote interaction with the sensor device in order to control electrical devices, such as lighting devices.

[0058] For example, the sensor device according to the present invention can be operated as a (virtual) wall switch. In other words, the sensor device can provide a virtual wall switch for controlling electrical devices, such as lighting devices. Therefore, in an embodiment, the first predetermined orientation can be within 30 degrees of the direction of gravity; or preferably substantially parallel to the direction of gravity.

[0059] Thus, as long as the sensor device can be oriented substantially parallel to the direction of gravity (in operation), the range sensor can be operated in a first detection mode, which first detection mode is characterized in that the range sensor is arranged for detecting a control object within a first predetermined distance range from the range sensor. The first detection mode can thus be associated with a control function or a network initialization function. This enables the sensor device to be used as an intuitive surface switch, wherein the presence and / or movement of a (control) object within said first predetermined distance range can control an electrical device, such as a lighting device. As mentioned above, the surface can be a wall (to which the sensor device is mounted in operation).

[0060] Furthermore, in an embodiment, the sensor device may comprise a projection unit configured to project a first user interface. The projection may be, for example, on a surface (e.g. a wall) on which the sensor device is operatively mounted. The first user interface may indicate a first predetermined distance range from the range sensor. Since such a projection unit may project the first user interface on a surface (to which the sensor device may be operatively mounted), the sensor device according to the present invention advantageously provides, for example, a user interface for controlling an electrical device. Since the first user interface may indicate the first predetermined distance range, the projected first user interface advantageously provides a clearly visible and intuitive user interface for controlling the electrical device.

[0061] In embodiments, the first predetermined distance range may be discontinuous and may be composed of multiple first predetermined distance sub-ranges. These embodiments contemplate that the first predetermined distance range need not be continuous. The first detection mode of the range sensor may be configured to perform sensing in multiple discontinuous distance ranges (e.g., sensing between 1 and 2 meters from the range sensor and sensing between 3 and 4 meters from the range sensor, thereby ignoring detection between 2 and 3 meters from the range sensor). This is advantageous because the range sensor may define a customized and specific range for detecting (controlling) an object in the first detection mode, which detection range may therefore be used as a user interface for controlling an electrical device.

[0062] The sensor device according to the present invention may also be oriented to another orientation in order to operate the range sensor in another detection mode, which may be different from the first detection mode. Thus, in an embodiment, the range sensor may be configured to: operate in a second detection mode for detecting an object within a second predetermined distance range from the range sensor when the orientation of the sensor device is in a second predetermined orientation; wherein the first predetermined orientation may be different from the second predetermined orientation; and / or wherein the first detection mode may be different from the second detection mode.

[0063] Furthermore, in an embodiment, the second predetermined orientation may be within 30 degrees of a plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity; or preferably substantially perpendicular to the direction of gravity. Thus, a first detection mode operating in a first orientation may enable a first function, such as a user control function or, for example, a network initialization function, while a second detection mode operating in a second orientation may enable a second function, such as only a presence sensing function. In the proposed embodiment, the second predetermined orientation may be substantially perpendicular to the direction of gravity, which may present a favorable field of view in horizontal space. As described above, the sensor device may be mounted to a wall (in operation).

[0064] In an embodiment, the sensor device may include a projection unit configured to project a second user interface on a surface aligned with the second predetermined orientation; wherein the second user interface may indicate a second predetermined distance range from the range sensor. Similar to the above, in an embodiment, the second predetermined distance range may be discontinuous and may be composed of a plurality of second predetermined distance sub-ranges.

[0065] In an embodiment, the first detection mode may be associated with a user interface function for controlling an electrical device, wherein the second detection mode may be associated with a presence (or: motion, or: distance) detection function. Alternatively, the first detection mode may be associated with a network initialization function for initializing network access for the electrical device, wherein the second detection mode may be associated with a presence (or: motion, or: distance) detection function. Therefore, the sensor device according to the present invention can advantageously provide a variety of different functions using a single sensor device, wherein the functions are switched based on the orientation of the sensor device.

[0066] In an embodiment, the sensor device may include sensing means for measuring the orientation of the sensor device; wherein the sensing means may be configured to transmit the orientation of the sensor device to the range sensor. The sensing means may for example be a gyroscope or an accelerometer or a tilt sensor or a ball tilt sensor or the like. Thus, the sensor device may include the sensing means. Alternatively, the range sensor may include the sensing means.

[0067] Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved method of controlling a sensor device of an electrical device, which method at least alleviates the above-mentioned problems and disadvantages. To this end, the present invention provides a method of controlling an electrical device by a sensor device, wherein the sensor device includes a controller and a range sensor; wherein the method may include: orienting the sensor device relative to gravity; obtaining the orientation of the sensor device; when the orientation of the sensor device is in a first predetermined orientation, operating the range sensor in a first detection mode for detecting a (controlled) object within a first predetermined distance range from the range sensor; when the range sensor detects the (controlled) object, outputting a control signal arranged to control the electrical device. The advantages and / or embodiments applicable to the sensor device according to the present invention may also be applicable to the method according to the present invention with necessary modifications.

[0068] The range sensor may be a time-of-flight sensor. In an example, the method may include: operating the range sensor in a second detection mode when the orientation of the sensor device is in a second predetermined orientation, for detecting a (control) object within a second predetermined distance range from the range sensor. Thus, in an example, the first predetermined orientation may be different from the second predetermined orientation; and / or the first detection mode may be different from the second detection mode. In an example, the method may include: reorienting the sensor device relative to gravity. For example, the method may include: reorienting the sensor device from the first orientation to the second orientation. The object may be the same object or a different object. For example, in the first detection mode, a body part of a person may be detected within a first predetermined distance range, while in the second detection mode, the entire person may be detected within a second predetermined distance range.

[0069] In the above described embodiments, the sensor device comprises a single range sensor which can operate in a first detection mode or a second detection mode depending on the orientation of the sensor device obtained. However, in alternative aspects of the invention, the sensor device can accommodate a second (or additional) range sensor. As described above, the range sensor can be a time of flight sensor.

[0070] Among other aspects: the invention may provide a sensor device according to the invention, wherein the sensor device may comprise a second range sensor; wherein the second range sensor is configured to: obtain an orientation of the sensor device; when the orientation of the sensor device is in the first predetermined orientation, operate in a third detection mode for detecting a (control) object within a third predetermined distance range from the second range sensor. The object detected by the second range sensor may be a different object than the object detected by the range sensor. The second range sensor may for example also be a time-of-flight sensor. The second range sensor may for example be a single pixelated sensor.

[0071] In an example, the sensor device may include a range unit including a first range sensor and a second range sensor.

[0072] Furthermore, in an example, the controller may be configured to output a control signal when the range sensor or the second range sensor detects an object, the control signal being arranged to control the electrical device.

[0073] Thus, in an example, the range sensor may include a first field of view and the second range sensor may include a second field of view, wherein the first field of view and the second field of view are different. In an example thereof, the second field of view may at least partially overlap with the first field of view, or alternatively, the second field of view may not overlap with the first field of view. Thus, the range sensor and the second range sensor may observe different portions of the space. In further examples, the second field of view may be perpendicular to the first field of view.

[0074] For example, the range sensor of the sensor device may include a first field of view parallel to a wall on which the sensor device is mounted in operation, for example to enable a lighting control function by providing an intuitive user interface having a first predetermined distance range as described above; and the second range sensor may include a second field of view perpendicular to the wall, for example to enable a presence detection function by detecting objects within a third predetermined distance range.

[0075] In addition, the operation of the range sensor and the second range sensor can interact with each other, thereby providing more functions for the sensor device according to the present invention. Therefore, in an example, the controller can be configured to adjust the first predetermined distance range of the range sensor when the range sensor detects that the control object is within a third predetermined distance range from the second range sensor.

[0076] Such an embodiment may be advantageous, for example, in an example where, after detection within a third predetermined distance range (e.g., a person is detected within a range very close to a wall), the controller may adjust or set the first predetermined distance range to a more ergonomic user interface in the first orientation (e.g., a user interface substantially parallel to or on the wall); or adjust or set the first predetermined distance range to a network initialization mode in the first orientation, where the detection of a (control) object may be used to initialize the network of an electrical device. In the latter case, it may be envisioned that, for example, moving a hand (as a control object) up and down within the first predetermined distance range may initialize the optical device or beam width of a lighting device (as an electrical device). Other examples may be similarly envisioned. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0077] The invention will now be further explained with the aid of the schematic, non-limiting accompanying drawings:

[0078] Figure 1 An embodiment of a sensor device according to the invention is schematically depicted;

[0079] Figure 2 An embodiment of a system according to the invention is schematically depicted, the system comprising a sensor device and a lighting device according to the invention;

[0080] Figure 3 An embodiment of a system according to the invention is schematically depicted, the system comprising a sensor device and a lighting device according to the invention;

[0081] Figure 4 schematically depicts an embodiment of a system according to the invention, the system comprising a sensor device according to the invention, a lighting device and a building management device;

[0082] Figure 5 A method according to the invention is schematically depicted.

[0083] Figure 6 An embodiment of a sensor device according to the invention is schematically depicted;

[0084] Figure 7 A method according to the invention is schematically depicted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0085] The present invention will now be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments of the present invention set forth herein; on the contrary, these embodiments of the present invention are provided by way of example so that the disclosure will convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0086] As mentioned in the previous section, in the built environment, especially in the field of lighting, there is a clear ongoing need to find improved alternatives for precisely and intuitively controlling electrical devices with the aid of sensors, such as controlling lighting devices in eg the home and office sector.

[0087] Figure 1 An embodiment of a sensor device 100 according to the invention is schematically depicted by way of non-limiting example. The sensor device 100 comprises a body 20, a pivotable head 11, a range sensor 12, a projection unit 16 and a controller 13. The range sensor 12 is a time-of-flight sensor 12.

[0088] The pivotable head 11 is connected to the body 20 and is arranged to rotate and / or pivot relative to the body 20 by means of a joint 18. Such re-orientable configurations are well known in the art and will not be further elaborated. Here, the pivotable head 11 is arranged in a first orientation 1, but alternatively, may be moved (or directed) manually or automatically to a second orientation 2 (depicted by dashed lines). In the latter case, some alternative examples may be provided in which the pivotable head and / or body include an electrical actuator (such as an electric motor) to orient the pivotable head to a different orientation. Alternatively, an electric or motorized reflector may be used to direct the projection and / or optical sensor beam of the range sensor.

[0089] The body 20 includes a controller 13, a sensing device 15, and a wireless communication circuit 14. The controller 13 is operatively coupled and / or communicates with the sensing device 15 and the wireless communication circuit 14. The sensing device 15 does not have to be contained in the body 20. The controller 13 also communicates with the time-of-flight sensor 12. The sensing device, controller, and / or wireless communication device may alternatively be contained in the pivotable head itself. The body 20 also includes a power plug 19 to electrically and mechanically mount the sensor device 100 to a surface during operation. The surface is a wall. Alternatively, since the power plug is optional, other devices can be envisioned to mount the sensor device to a surface during operation.

[0090] Alternatively, the wall may be any other surface or plane, such as a ceiling, a floor, a window, an equipment surface, a piece of furniture, etc. Alternatively still further, the sensor device may receive power from an internal battery as a power source. Alternatively still further, the wireless communication circuit may be a communication circuit arranged for wired communication. The projection unit may be optional here. Alternatively still further, the sensor device may, for example, include an orientation sensor for measuring the orientation of the sensor device relative to gravity in order to detect whether the sensor device is mounted horizontally or vertically relative to gravity (alternatively, relative to a surface).

[0091] The pivotable head 11 comprises a time-of-flight sensor 12 and a projection unit 16. Both are fixedly arranged in the pivotable head 11. As mentioned above, the projection unit 16 may be optional. The time-of-flight sensor 12 (and / or the projection unit 16) comprises a field of view, which is directed outward relative to the sensor device 100. Here, the time-of-flight sensor 12 is an optical pixel array time-of-flight sensor 12. Alternatively, other time-of-flight sensing modalities can be envisioned for the time-of-flight sensor, such as an acoustic-based ToF sensor, an IR-based ToF sensor, or an RF-based ToF sensor. The projection unit 16 comprises a light source, such as an LED, an OLED or a pixelated LED light source, or a laser source (e.g., with optics, diffraction elements, etc.). The projection unit 16 is configured to project a user interface, such as, for example, a light curtain, a pattern, a color, a modulation, a laser spotlight, etc.

[0092] The sensing device 15 measures how the pivotable head 11 is oriented relative to the body 20 of the sensor device 100. The sensing device 15 transmits this information to the time-of-flight sensor 12, for example via the controller 13. The time-of-flight sensor 12 is thereby configured to obtain this information and thus obtain the orientation 1, 2 of the pivotable head 11. Here, the pivotable head 11 is in a first orientation 1. When the orientation 1, 2 of the pivotable head 11 is in a first predetermined orientation 1, the time-of-flight sensor 12 operates in a first detection mode. Here, the first predetermined orientation 1 matches the actual (schematically depicted) orientation 1 of the pivotable head 11. The first predetermined orientation may, for example, be perpendicular to the power plug 19. The first detection mode is characterized in that the time-of-flight sensor 12 detects objects (such as control objects) within a first predetermined distance range 3 from the time-of-flight sensor 12. Here, the first predetermined distance range 3 is the full (operating) distance range of the time-of-flight sensor.

[0093] In addition, if the time-of-flight sensor 12 detects an object, the controller 13 outputs a control signal 17. Alternatively, the control signal may be expressed as a notification signal. The control signal 17 may be arranged to control another electrical device. Here, the control signal 17 is arranged to control a lighting device. The control signal 17 is transmitted via the wireless communication circuit 14. The wireless communication circuit 14 may, for example, include a transmitter or a transceiver. The wireless communication circuit 14 is configured to output the control signal 17 via ZigBee. Alternatively, the control signal 17 may be output via at least one of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, RFID, IR, Lo-Ra, Li-Fi, VLC, RF, and IEEE802.15.1; or alternatively via wired communication and by means of power line communication, Ethernet, fiber optic communication, DALI, or one of coded trunks.

[0094] Thus, the surface mountable sensor device 100 advantageously enables a first function based on the orientation of the pivotable head 11 housing the time-of-flight sensor relative to the surface. Thus, whenever the pivotable head 11 is oriented to the first predetermined orientation, the detection of a (control) object within the first predetermined distance range 3 can control the operation of the lighting device.

[0095] In an embodiment, the surface mountable sensor device 100 may be, for example, a wall power plug.

[0096] like Figure 1 The depicted sensor device may be applied in a variety of examples. Figures 2 to 4 A system comprising a sensor device according to the invention is depicted, the sensor device being similar to the one according to Figure 1 A sensor device of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4 is provided, and different types of applications of such a sensor device are explained in non-limiting embodiments.

[0097] Figure 6 An embodiment of a sensor device 900 according to the invention is schematically depicted by way of non-limiting example. The sensor device 900 comprises a range sensor 912, a projection unit 916 and a controller 913. The range sensor 912 is a time-of-flight sensor 912. Here, the range sensor 912 is fixedly accommodated within the sensor device 900.

[0098] Here, the sensor device 900 is arranged in a first orientation 901, but may alternatively be moved (or guided) to a second orientation 902 (depicted by dashed lines), for example by manual reinstallation.

[0099] The sensor device 900 includes a controller 913, a sensing device 915, and a wireless communication circuit 914. The controller 913 is operatively coupled and / or in communication with the sensing device 915 and the wireless communication circuit 914. The sensing device 915 may also be included in a range sensor 912. The controller 913 is also in communication with the time of flight sensor 912. The sensor device 900 also includes a power plug 919 to electrically and mechanically mount the sensor device 900 to, for example, a surface during operation. Such a surface may be a wall, a ceiling, or any other surface.

[0100] The sensor device 900 includes a time-of-flight sensor 912 and a projection unit 916. As mentioned in the previous section, both are fixedly arranged within the sensor device 900. As described above, the projection unit 916 may be optional. Alternatively, the wireless communication circuit 914 may be a wired communication circuit, for example operated with a PLC. The time-of-flight sensor 912 (and / or the projection unit 916) includes a field of view that points outward relative to the sensor device 900. Here, the time-of-flight sensor 912 is an optical pixel array time-of-flight sensor 912. Alternatively, other time-of-flight sensing modalities may be envisioned for the time-of-flight sensor, such as an acoustic-based ToF sensor, an IR-based ToF sensor, or an RF-based ToF sensor. The projection unit 916 includes a light source, such as an LED, an OLED, or a pixelated LED light source, or a laser source (e.g., with an optical device, a diffractive element, etc.). The projection unit 916 is configured to project a user interface, such as, for example, a light curtain, a pattern, a color, a modulation, a laser spotlight, etc.

[0101] The sensing device 915 measures how the sensor device 900 is oriented relative to gravity 904. The sensing device 915 transmits this information to the time-of-flight sensor 912, for example via the controller 913. Alternatively, the sensing device can transmit this information to the controller, and the controller can operate the time-of-flight sensor, wherein in this alternative, the control circuit of the time-of-flight sensor is partially integrated with the controller. The time-of-flight sensor 912 is thus configured to obtain this information and thus obtain the orientation 901, 902 of the sensor device 900.

[0102] Here, the sensor device 900 is in a first orientation 901. The first orientation 901 is here substantially perpendicular to gravity 904. When the orientations 901, 902 of the sensor device 900 are in a first predetermined orientation, the time-of-flight sensor 912 operates in a first detection mode. Here, the first predetermined orientation is within 30 degrees of the gravity direction 904 (e.g., perpendicular to a plane of the gravity direction 904). Thus, the actual (schematically depicted) orientation 901 of the sensor device 900 matches (falls into) the first predetermined orientation. The first detection mode is characterized in that the time-of-flight sensor 912 detects objects (such as control objects) within a first predetermined distance range 903 from the time-of-flight sensor 912. Here, the first predetermined distance range 903 is only the middle portion of the range of the time-of-flight sensor (schematically indicated), but alternatively may be the full (operating) distance range of the time-of-flight sensor.

[0103] In addition, if the time-of-flight sensor 912 detects an object, the controller 913 outputs a control signal 917. The control signal is alternatively expressed as a notification signal. The control signal 917 can be arranged to control another electrical device. Here, the control signal 917 is arranged to control a lighting device. The control signal 917 is transmitted through the wireless communication circuit 914. The wireless communication circuit 914 may, for example, include a transmitter or a transceiver. The wireless communication circuit 914 is configured to output the control signal 917 via ZigBee. Alternatively, the control signal 17 may be output via at least one of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, RFID, IR, Lo-Ra, Li-Fi, VLC, RF, and IEEE802.15.1; or alternatively, via wired communication, for example, via a power plug 919 and by means of power line communication, Ethernet, fiber optic communication, DALI, or one of coded trunks.

[0104] Thus, the surface mountable sensor device 900 advantageously enables a first functionality based on its orientation relative to gravity 904. Thus, whenever the sensor device 900 is oriented to a first predetermined orientation, detection of a (control) object within a first predetermined distance range 903 may control the operation of the lighting device (or alternatively, an electrical device as described above). In an embodiment, the surface mountable sensor device 900 may be, for example, a wall power plug.

[0105] like Figure 6 As depicted, the sensor device can be applied in various examples. Figures 2 to 4 The example can be applied mutatis mutandis to Figure 6 That is, the orientation and functionality of the re-orientable pivotable head may be replaced mutatis mutandis by re-orientation of the sensor device relative to gravity in order to operate in the first and / or second operating mode. Figures 2 to 4 That is, a system comprising a sensor device according to the invention is depicted, the sensor device being similar to the one according to Figure 1 The sensor device of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 , but may alternatively be as follows Figure 6 The sensor device depicted in FIG.

[0106] Figure 2 An embodiment of a system 200 according to the invention is schematically depicted. The system 200 comprises a sensor device 201 according to the invention, which is similar to Figure 1 The sensor device depicted.

[0107] System 200 also includes lighting device 202. Lighting device 202 is an electric lamp. Lighting device 202 includes wireless connectivity and can be controlled by means of wireless control commands. Here, sensor device 201 includes wireless communication circuitry that operates using ZigBee, and the connectivity of lighting device 202 also operates using ZigBee. Lighting device 202 may, for example, include a Bluetooth-Zigbee combination chip. As previously mentioned, other wireless communication modalities may be alternatively selected and / or contemplated.

[0108] The sensor device 201 is a wall plug. The sensor device 201 is plugged into a socket 205 on a wall 207 of a space 208. A lighting device 202 is also arranged in the space 208 and is configured to illuminate the space 208 in operation. In addition, a person 203 is present in the space 208.

[0109] Still reference Figure 2 , the sensor device 201 may provide a virtual wall switch that is configured to control the lighting device 202, which may be operated by a gesture of the person 203. The sensor device 201 is thus configured to control the lighting device 202. The pivotable head 2011 of the sensor device 201 is oriented substantially parallel to the wall 207. The first predetermined orientation of the pivotable head 2011 is within thirty degrees of the wall 207 on which the sensor device 201 is mounted. Therefore, since the pivotable head 2011 of the sensor device 201 is oriented substantially parallel to the wall 207, the time of flight sensor 2012 is in the first predetermined orientation and will operate in the first detection mode.

[0110] The first detection mode is characterized in that the time-of-flight sensor 2012 is arranged to detect an object, ie a control object, within a first predetermined distance range 204 from the time-of-flight sensor 2012. Figure 2 ) shows the field of view of the time of flight sensor 2012, and the range-limited portion (predetermined distance range) is thereby indicated by 204. In the present embodiment, the first predetermined distance range 204 is a distance range between eighty centimeters and one hundred and twenty centimeters from the time of flight sensor 2012. For other embodiments, other metric values ​​for these ranges may be contemplated as desired.

[0111] Hence, in a first detection mode of the time of flight sensor 2012, the time of flight sensor 2012 is arranged to detect objects within (only) the first predetermined distance range 204. That is: windows between eighty and one hundred and twenty centimetres from the time of flight sensor.

[0112] The pivotable head 2011 of the sensor device 201 further comprises a projection unit 2016. Such a projection unit is also referred to in Figure 1The projection unit 2016 projects a first user interface 206 indicating the first predetermined distance range 204 on the wall 207. That is, as currently depicted, the first user interface 206 matches the first predetermined distance range 204 from the time-of-flight sensor 2012. Thus, the first user interface 206 is a light pattern projected on the wall 207, but alternatively, it can be any other visual cue projected on the wall. The first user interface 206 enables the person 203 to visually observe an indication of the current detection range in which the time-of-flight sensor 2012 is operating, i.e., the first predetermined distance range 204.

[0113] Here, the hand of the person 203 is used as a control object. Whenever the person 203 brings his hand to the first user interface 206 , the time-of-flight sensor 2012 in the sensor device 201 detects the hand of the person 203 within the first predetermined distance range 204 .

[0114] When the time-of-flight sensor 2012 detects the hand of the person 203 within the first predetermined distance range 204, the controller of the sensor device 201 outputs a wireless control signal to control the lighting device 202. Here, the wireless control signal includes an instruction to turn on (if it is currently off) or turn off (if it is currently on) the lighting device 202. Therefore, as mentioned in part, the sensor device 201 according to the present invention provides a virtual wall switch function to the lighting device 202, thereby providing an improved system for intuitively controlling the lighting device 202 (i.e., on / off switching). Alternatively, the control object may be any other body part of a person, or a dedicated portable device, or a portable object. Alternatively again, the control signal may include an instruction for the lighting device to adjust the lighting characteristics of the light source; wherein the lighting characteristics are one of the following: on / off sequence, intensity, lighting direction, color, color temperature, modulation, polarization, beam width, and / or light scene. The control command may also include an instruction to adjust the optical device or store the (current) settings of the lighting device.

[0115] In addition, more intuitive user interface actions can be envisioned as alternatives, such as moving the hand up and down - i.e. changing the distance to the time-of-flight sensor - can provide dimming up and down, switching colors, or changing the spectrum of the lighting device. Rotation of the hand or movement of the fingers can also be detected and associated with the user interface command gesture. The first predetermined distance range can be suitable for providing a variety of different user control options, and the corresponding first user interface can be adjusted accordingly. For example, various predetermined distance sub-ranges can be defined within the first operating mode of the time-of-flight sensor, each of which can be used as a button for a control function of the lighting device.

[0116] All in all, still refer to Figure 2 An embodiment of the system 200 is depicted in and partially referenced in Figure 1 201, the sensor device 201 is capable of providing adjustable sensing functionality in terms of orientation relative to the wall 207. This is an advantage because the location of the socket 205 on the wall 207 can be used to provide the above-mentioned control functionality of the lighting device 202. Thus, the present invention enables the sensor device 201 to be used as an intuitive wall switch, wherein the presence and / or movement of the hand of the person 203 within the first predetermined distance range 204 can control the lighting device 202. The sensing (i.e., detection mode) of the time-of-flight sensor 2012 is adapted to the orientation of the pivotable head 2011.

[0117] In an embodiment not depicted in the figure, a system is provided, the system comprising Figure 2 The sensor devices, lamps (such as Figure 2 The presence sensor can be, for example, a PIR sensor and can be, for example, integrated in a luminaire or be independent. The presence sensor can detect the presence of a person and trigger the luminaire to turn on. The luminaire and / or the presence sensor communicate with the sensor device according to the invention. When the luminaire is turned on by means of the triggering of the presence sensor, the sensor device can also be triggered to turn on. Figure 2 As described in the embodiment of the invention, when the sensor device is oriented parallel to the wall and projects a first user interface indicating a first predetermined distance range, the sensor device can thereby operate in a first operating mode. Thus, when the presence detector triggers the luminaire to turn on, the sensor device according to the invention can also be turned on to enable the user interface to further control the properties and characteristics of the luminaire intuitively on the wall, such as intensity, color, modulation, direction, color temperature, etc.

[0118] In an alternative embodiment thereof, the presence sensor described herein may be a second time-of-flight sensor in another sensor device according to the invention. Still alternatively, the second time-of-flight sensor may be accommodated in the same pivotable head of the initially mentioned sensor device, e.g. perpendicularly to the first time-of-flight sensor (i.e. the fields of view of said time-of-flight sensors are perpendicular to each other), such that the first time-of-flight sensor in combination with the projection unit provides a control function to the luminaire, while the further time-of-flight sensor implements a presence detection function for the luminaire. Still alternatively, based on the detection of the second time-of-flight sensor of the further sensor device, the projected first user interface and / or the first predetermined distance range may be adjusted.

[0119] Figure 3 An embodiment of a system 300 according to the invention is schematically depicted. The system 300 comprises a sensor device 301 according to the invention, which is similar to Figure 1The sensor device depicted. System 300 also includes a lighting device 302. Lighting device 302 is an electrically powered directional light fixture. Lighting device 302 includes wireless connectivity and can be controlled via wireless control commands. Here, sensor device 301 includes wireless communication circuitry that operates using Wi-Fi, and the connectivity of lighting device 302 also operates using Wi-Fi. As previously discussed, alternative wireless communication modes are also contemplated. Alternatively, the lighting device can be any other electrical device, such as providing directional services to a space.

[0120] The sensor device 301 is a wall plug. The sensor device 301 is plugged into a socket 305 on a wall 307 of a space 308. The space 308 may be, for example, a corridor or an open office space. The space 308 is (practically) subdivided into a first subspace 3081 ("left side") and a second subspace 3082 ("right side"). The lighting device 302 is also arranged in the space 308 and is configured to illuminate the space 308 during operation. Since the lighting device 302 is a directional luminaire, the lighting device 302 may completely illuminate the space 308, or only illuminate the first subspace 3081, or only illuminate the second subspace 3082. In addition, a person 303 is walking in the space 308.

[0121] Still reference Figure 2 , the sensor device 301 provides a presence sensing function. Since the sensor device 301 is plugged into the socket 305, the present invention can utilize the position of the socket 305 to provide a "virtual tripwire" application to enable the presence sensing function. Here, the pivotable head 3011 of the sensor device 301 does not include a Figure 1 An optional projection unit is depicted.

[0122] The sensor device 301 is thus configured to control the lighting device 302. The pivotable head 3011 of the sensor device 301 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the wall 307. The first predetermined orientation of the pivotable head 3011 is within thirty degrees of a plane perpendicular to the surface on which the sensor device 301 is mounted (i.e., the wall 307). Alternatively, the sensor device may also control and / or group a collection of connected luminaires that are initialized to positions that illuminate a desired subspace.

[0123] Thus, since the pivotable head 3011 of the sensor device 301 is oriented substantially parallel to the wall 307, the time-of-flight sensor 3012 is in a first predetermined orientation and will operate in a first detection mode. The first detection mode is characterized in that the time-of-flight sensor 3012 is arranged to detect an object (or: a control object) within a first predetermined distance range 304 from the time-of-flight sensor 3012. Here, the first predetermined distance range 304 is discontinuous and comprises two separate predetermined distance sub-ranges 3041, 3042. The first distance sub-range 3041 is between zero meters and one meter from the time-of-flight sensor 3012, while the second distance sub-range 3042 is between two meters and three meters from the time-of-flight sensor 3012. Other measures of such ranges and / or other subdivisions of the first predetermined distance range may be envisaged as desired and accordingly.

[0124] Thus, in the first detection mode of the time-of-flight sensor 3012, the time-of-flight sensor 3012 is arranged to detect objects within (only) the first predetermined distance range 304. Here, the body of the person 303 is used as the (control) object to be detected. In particular, the feet and legs of the person 303. Whenever the person 303 walks into the first predetermined distance range, the time-of-flight sensor 3012 in the sensor device 301 detects the person 303 within the first predetermined distance range 304. More specifically, whenever the person 303 walks into the first distance sub-range 3041, the time-of-flight sensor 3012 detects the person 303 within the first distance sub-range 3041. Alternatively and / or additionally, the time-of-flight may also measure the walking direction and / or walking speed of the person. Similarly, whenever the person 303 walks into the second distance sub-range 3042, the time-of-flight sensor 3012 detects the person 303 within the second distance sub-range 3042. This is an advantageous feature of the time-of-flight sensor, which can sense the object itself, and can sense the range in which the object is detected. In the depicted embodiment, ranges outside of these sub-ranges are not used for object detection.

[0125] When the time-of-flight sensor 3012 detects the person 303 within the first predetermined distance range, and Figure 3 In the second distance sub-range 3042 explicitly depicted in FIG, the controller of the sensor device 301 outputs a wireless control signal 317 to control the lighting device 302. Alternatively, the control signal can be transmitted to the lighting device via an intermediate device such as a bridge. Here, the wireless control signal 317 includes instructions for the lighting device 302 to increase the intensity of the light source included in the lighting device 302, which only illuminates the second subspace 3082 directionally using directional light 3021. This advantageously enables only the space where the presence of the person 303 is detected to be illuminated. In an alternative example, the control signal can be arranged to control the optical device or orientation of the lighting device so as to provide directional lighting.

[0126] Conversely, when the time-of-flight sensor 3012 detects a person 303 within the first distance sub-range, the controller of the sensor device 301 can output a wireless control signal including instructions for the lighting device 302 to increase the intensity of the light source included in the lighting device 302 that only directionally illuminates the first subspace 3081.

[0127] Thus, as partly mentioned, the sensor device 301 according to the present invention provides a presence detection ("tripwire") functionality to the lighting device 302, thereby providing an improved system for intuitively controlling the directionality of light emitted by the lighting device 302.

[0128] In an embodiment not depicted in the figure, a similar Figure 3 A system of the depicted system, but in which the space is a bedroom. The bed is located in a range spanning between the first distance subrange and the second distance subrange. Therefore, the first distance subrange is associated with the left side of the bed, while the second distance subrange is associated with the right side of the bed. Therefore, the time-of-flight sensor of the sensor device according to the present invention can detect whether a person gets out of bed on the left or right side of the bed. The same applies to getting into bed. The controller of the sensor device then controls a lighting device (such as a night light) based on the corresponding detection, or alternatively controls any other electrical device in the bedroom. Whenever a person is detected on the left side of the bed, the controller can, for example, control the lighting device on the left side of the bed. Or: the controller can, for example, control a speaker or a radio to turn off, as long as a person is initially detected on the right side of the bed, and then no longer detected there, which indicates that the person gets into bed or leaves the bedroom. Similar applications and examples can be envisioned. For example: alternatively and / or additionally, with necessary modifications, the sensor device itself can also be adapted to detect sitting up and lying in bed, for example, detecting sitting up in order to control the light to be turned on, and detecting lying down in order to control the light to be turned off.

[0129] Figure 4 A system 400 according to the invention is schematically depicted by way of non-limiting example. The system 400 comprises a sensor device 401 according to the invention, which is similar to Figure 1 However, here the sensor device 401 does not comprise the (optional) projection unit in the pivotable head 4011; and the time-of-flight sensor 4012 of the sensor device 401 is configured to operate in a second detection mode.

[0130] Sensor device 401 is mounted to ceiling 407 of room 408. This room has a window 406. Sensor device 401 is powered externally, but may alternatively be powered by a battery. Alternatively, the sensor device may be mounted on a wall, or any other surface in the room. Sensor device 401 may alternatively also be mounted to the surface of a light fixture on the ceiling, for example. Room 408 is an office including a desk and a chair. Person 403 may walk in room 408 and sit in a chair to work at a desk. Person 403 may also occasionally stand up to stretch, or even leave room 408. Sensor device 401 is mounted above the desk.

[0131] The system 400 also includes a building management device 402. The building management device 402 manages devices (not depicted) within the room 408, such as lighting devices, HVAC devices, heating devices, fans, curtains, speakers, robot vacuum cleaners, etc. The building management device 402 communicates with the sensor device 401 by means of a wired connection, but alternatively, can communicate wirelessly with the sensor device 401, for example via the wireless modality mentioned above. The building management device 402 is thereby able to receive control commands and / or notification signals from the sensor device 401.

[0132] Here, the pivotable head 4011 of the sensor device 401 may be oriented differently during day and night by manual adjustment or by automatic actuation thereof, for example where the sensor device 401 includes a motor or piezoelectric actuator to adjust the orientation of the pivotable head 4011. Similarly, other times and use cases may be envisioned.

[0133] refer to Figure 4 , a person 403 is sitting in a chair, at a table in a room 408. During the day, the pivotable head 4011 of the sensor device 401 is oriented downwards, substantially perpendicular to the ceiling 407 on which the sensor device 401 is mounted. The table is therefore in the field of view of the time-of-flight sensor 4012. As a result, the pivotable head 4011 is in a first orientation 41 during the day. When the orientation 41, 42 of the pivotable head 4011 is in a first predetermined orientation 41, the time-of-flight sensor 4012 operates in a first detection mode. Here, the first predetermined orientation matches the actual (schematically depicted) orientation 41 of the pivotable head 4011.

[0134] Thus, the time-of-flight sensor 4012 operates in a first detection mode. The first detection mode is characterized in that the time-of-flight sensor 4012 detects objects within a first predetermined distance range 4041 from the time-of-flight sensor 4012. The first predetermined distance range 4041 is a distance range between zero and one hundred centimeters from the time-of-flight sensor 4012. For alternative examples, other metric values ​​of such a range may be contemplated as desired. Thus, in the first detection mode of the time-of-flight sensor 4012, the time-of-flight sensor 4012 is arranged to detect objects within (only) the first predetermined distance range 4041.

[0135] This means that whenever the person 403 stands up, the head of the person 403 (i.e., the object) will be detected by the time-of-flight sensor 4012 within the first predetermined distance range 4041. The time-of-flight sensor 4012 is thereby able to detect a standing person. In addition, when the time-of-flight sensor 4012 detects the head of the person 403 within the first predetermined distance range 4041, the controller of the sensor device 401 outputs a wireless notification signal to the building management device 402. The building management device 402 can control the room 408 accordingly based on this information. For example, the building management device 402 can control the lighting devices in the room 408, turning them to ambient lighting when the person 403 is detected to stand up, and / or turning them to task lighting when the person 403 is detected to sit down. Alternatively, the color temperature can be adjusted.

[0136] Reference again Figure 4 , during night time, the pivotable head 4011 of the sensor device 401 is oriented in the direction of the window 406. The window 406 is thus in the field of view of the time-of-flight sensor 4012. The time-of-flight sensor 4012 operates in a second detection mode when the orientation 41, 42 of the pivotable head 4011 is in a second predetermined orientation 42. Here, the second predetermined orientation matches the actual (schematically depicted) orientation 42 of the pivotable head 4011.

[0137] Therefore, the time-of-flight sensor 4012 operates in the second detection mode. The second detection mode is characterized by the time-of-flight sensor 4012 detecting objects within a second predetermined distance range 4042 from the time-of-flight sensor 4012. The second predetermined distance range 4042 is a distance range between two meters and two and a half meters from the time-of-flight sensor 4012. For alternative examples, other metric values ​​of such a range may be contemplated as desired. Therefore, in the first detection mode of the time-of-flight sensor 4012, the time-of-flight sensor 4012 is arranged to detect objects within (only) the second predetermined distance range 4042.

[0138] This means that whenever an intruder (i.e., an object) enters through the window 406, the time-of-flight sensor 4012 will detect the intruder within the second predetermined distance range 4042. Because the second predetermined distance range is suitable for the window 406, the sensor device 401 according to the present invention provides an accurate and robust intruder detection function. The time-of-flight sensor 4012 is therefore able to detect an intruder passing through the window 406.

[0139] Thus, the sensor device 401 according to the present invention provides an intruder / presence detection function to the building management device 402 based on the orientation of the pivotable head 4011 and provides a body posture detection function to the building management device 402.

[0140] Alternatively, instead of intruder detection, the pivotable head of the sensor device can be directed to a door, and people entering through the door can be detected and thus counted in order to provide people-based applications, such as HVAC control of a room.

[0141] Figure 5 A method 500 of controlling an electrical device with a sensor device according to the invention is schematically depicted by way of non-limiting example. Thus, the sensor device comprises a controller and a pivotable head housing a time-of-flight sensor. The sensor device may be similar to Figures 1 to 4 The sensor device depicted. The method comprises a step 501 of orienting a pivotable head relative to a surface to which the sensor device is mounted in operation. The method 500 comprises a next step 502 of obtaining an orientation of the pivotable head, and a step 503 of operating the time-of-flight sensor in a first detection mode to detect a (control) object within a first predetermined distance range from the time-of-flight sensor when the orientation of the pivotable head is in a first predetermined orientation. The method 500 comprises a further step 504 of outputting a control signal arranged for controlling the electrical device when the time-of-flight sensor detects the (control) object.

[0142] Figure 7 A method 800 of controlling an electrical device with a sensor device according to the present invention is schematically depicted by way of non-limiting example. Thus, the sensor device comprises a controller and a time-of-flight sensor. The sensor device may be similar to Figure 6The sensor device depicted. The method 800 comprises a step 801 of orienting the sensor device relative to gravity in operation. The method 800 comprises a next step 802 of obtaining an orientation of the sensor device, and a step 803 of operating the time-of-flight sensor in a first detection mode to detect a (control) object within a first predetermined distance range from the time-of-flight sensor when the orientation of the sensor device is in a first predetermined orientation. The method comprises a further step 804 of outputting a control signal arranged to control an electrical device when the time-of-flight sensor detects the (control) object. In an example, the first predetermined orientation is within 30 degrees of the direction of gravity. In an example, the method may further comprise the step of operating the time-of-flight sensor in a second operating mode to detect the same (control) object or another (control) object. The second predetermined orientation may, for example, be within 30 degrees of a plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

Claims

1. A sensor device for controlling an electrical device, wherein the sensor device comprises a controller and a range sensor; wherein the sensor device is configured to be mounted in an orientation relative to gravity; Wherein the range sensor is configured to: - obtaining the orientation of the sensor device relative to gravity; - when the orientation is in a first predetermined orientation, operating in a first detection mode for detecting an object within a first predetermined distance range from the range sensor; - when the orientation is in a second predetermined orientation, operating in a second detection mode for detecting an object within a second predetermined distance range from the range sensor; wherein the first predetermined orientation is different from the second predetermined orientation; and wherein the first detection mode is different from the second detection mode; Wherein the controller is configured to output a control signal when the range sensor detects the object, the control signal being arranged to control the electrical device.

2. The sensor device of claim 1, wherein the sensor device is a wall plug.

3. The sensor device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the range sensor is a time-of-flight sensor. The sensor device of claim 1 , wherein the first predetermined orientation is within 30 degrees of a direction of gravity. The sensor device of claim 4 , wherein the first predetermined orientation is substantially parallel to a direction of gravity.

6. The sensor device of claim 1 , wherein the sensor device comprises a projection unit configured to project the first user interface onto a surface; Wherein the first user interface indicates a first predetermined distance range from the range sensor. 7 . The sensor device according to claim 1 , wherein the first predetermined distance range is discontinuous and consists of a plurality of first predetermined distance sub-ranges.

8. The sensor device of claim 1, wherein the second predetermined orientation is within 30 degrees of a plane perpendicular to a direction of gravity.

9. The sensor device of claim 8, wherein the second predetermined orientation is substantially perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

10. The sensor device of claim 1, wherein the first detection mode is associated with a user interface function for controlling the electrical device, wherein the second detection mode is associated with a presence detection function.

11. The sensor device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor device comprises a sensing means for measuring an orientation of the sensor device; Wherein the sensing arrangement is configured to communicate the orientation of the sensor device to the range sensor.

12. The sensor device of claim 1, wherein the control signal comprises instructions for the electrical device to adjust a lighting characteristic of a light source; Wherein the lighting characteristic is one of: on / off sequence, intensity, color, color temperature, modulation and / or light scene.

13. The sensor device of claim 1, wherein the controller comprises a wireless communication circuit, wherein the wireless communication circuit is configured to output the control signal via at least one of Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wi-Fi, NFC, RFID, IR, Lo-Ra, Li-Fi, VLC, RF, and IEEE 802.15.

1.

14. The sensor device of claim 1, wherein the object is one of: a person, a body part, an arm, a hand, a finger, a fingertip, a leg, a foot, a figurine, a gesture, a drone, a door, a window, a piece of furniture, a portable device, or a portable object.

15. A control system comprising a sensor device according to any one of the preceding claims and an electrical device, wherein the sensor device is configured to control the electrical device in operation.

16. A method of controlling an electrical device with a sensor device, wherein the sensor device comprises a controller and a range sensor; wherein the method comprises: - orienting the sensor device relative to gravity; - obtaining the orientation of the sensor device; - operating the range sensor in a first detection mode for detecting an object within a first predetermined distance range from the range sensor when the orientation of the sensor device is in a first predetermined orientation; - operating the range sensor in a second detection mode for detecting an object within a second predetermined distance range from the range sensor when the orientation of the sensor device is in a second predetermined orientation; wherein the first predetermined orientation is different from the second predetermined orientation; and wherein the first detection mode is different from the second detection mode; - When the range sensor detects the object, a control signal is output, the control signal being arranged to control the electrical device.

17. A sensor device for controlling an electrical device, wherein the sensor device comprises a controller, a pivotable head and a range sensor; wherein the pivotable head houses the range sensor and is configured to be oriented relative to a surface on which the sensor device is operatively mounted; Wherein the range sensor is configured to: - obtaining the orientation of the pivotable head; - operating in a first detection mode for detecting an object within a first predetermined distance range from the range sensor when the orientation of the pivotable head is in a first predetermined orientation; - operating in a second detection mode for detecting an object within a second predetermined distance range from the range sensor when the orientation of the pivotable head is in a second predetermined orientation; wherein the first predetermined orientation is different from the second predetermined orientation; and wherein the first detection mode is different from the second detection mode; Wherein the controller is configured to output a control signal when the range sensor detects the object, the control signal being arranged to control the electrical device.

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