System for a lamp of a luminaire

Abstract

A mechanism for lamp-to-lamp communication within a luminaire. This is achieved by a field controller of a master lamp controlling the amplitude of an electric / magnetic field generated by a field generating element, where a slave lamp uses a field detecting element to detect the electric / magnetic field. One or more characteristics of the light output by the slave lamp depend on the detected electric / magnetic field, meaning that the master lamp is able to control the operation of the slave lamp.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of lighting facilities, and in particular to a lamp for a lighting device of a lighting facility. Background Art

[0002] A lighting device (luminaire) is a device that includes at least one lamp for emitting light and any associated socket, support, and / or housing. The lighting device can take any of a variety of forms, such as a conventional ceiling or wall-mounted lighting device, a free-standing lighting device or a wall washer, or a less conventional form (such as a light source built into a surface or a furniture item), or any other type of lighting device for emitting light into the environment.

[0003] A lamp refers to a single light-emitting component within a lighting device, where each lighting device can have one or more light-emitting components. The lamp can also take any of a variety of forms, such as an LED-based lamp, a gas discharge lamp, or a filament bulb. An increasingly popular form of the lamp is a retrofit LED-based lamp that includes one or more LEDs as the components for emitting light, but can be retrofitted into a lighting device designed for a conventional filament bulb or a fluorescent tube.

[0004] The lighting device or even a single lamp can also be equipped with a wireless communication interface that allows remote control of the lighting device or the lamp by receiving lighting control commands from a user device (such as a smart phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, or a desktop computer, or a wireless wall switch); and / or based on sensor readings received from one or more remote sensors. Nowadays, the communication interface can be directly included within the lamp itself (e.g., in the end cap of a retrofit replacement for a filament bulb or a fluorescent tube). For example, this can allow a user to turn the lighting of the lamp on and off, dim the lighting level up or down, change the color of the emitted light, and / or produce a dynamic (time-varying) lighting effect via a user device. In one form, the communication interface is configured to receive lighting control commands and / or share sensor data via a local short-range radio access technology such as Wi-Fi, 802.15.4, ZigBee, or Bluetooth. Such a lamp is sometimes referred to as a "connected" lamp.

[0005] One class of connected lamps is an instant-assembly "tubular LED" (TLED) lamp that is retrofitted into a lighting device of a conventional fluorescent tube design.

[0006] Generally, there are two types of retrofit lamps for fitting into an existing luminaire housing designed for fluorescent lamps. The first type ("Type A") is configured to be connectable to a fixed-output fluorescent ballast, lamp socket, and wires already present in the luminaire. The second type ("Type B") of retrofit lamp is configured to operate when the fixed-output fluorescent ballast has been removed during installation of the retrofit lamp, such that the retrofit lamp operates directly at the supply voltage.

[0007] There has been a continuing desire to reduce the cost and complexity of retrofit lamps for luminaires. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention is defined by the claims.

[0009] According to an example in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a system for a lamp of a luminaire for a lighting installation is provided. The system for the lamp includes a main lamp and a secondary lamp.

[0010] The main lamp includes: a first light source; a first light source driver configured to control the power supplied to the first light source, thereby controlling one or more characteristics of the light output by the first light source; a field generating element configured to generate an electric field and / or a magnetic field in response to a voltage supplied to the field generating element; and a field controller configured to control the voltage supplied to the field generating element in response to the power supplied to the first light source, and thereby control the electric field and / or magnetic field generated by the field generating element.

[0011] The secondary lamp includes: a second light source; a second light source driver configured to control the power supplied to the second light source, thereby controlling one or more characteristics of the light output by the second light source; a field detecting element configured to generate a detection signal that, when the field detecting element is positioned adjacent to the field generating element of the main lamp, responds to the electric field and / or magnetic field generated by the field generating element of the main lamp, wherein the second light source driver is configured to control the power supplied to the second light source in response to the detection signal such that, when the field detecting element is positioned adjacent to the field generating element of the main lamp, one or more characteristics of the light output by the second light source are responsive to the power supplied to the first light source.

[0012] Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a mechanism for in-luminaire communication from a main lamp to a secondary lamp using a field generating element. In particular, the system provides a mechanism by which a controller in the main lamp can define the power supplied to the second light sources of different secondary lamps by means of an electric field.

[0013] In particular, the proposed mechanism enables the field controller to communicate with the second light source driver, which controls the operation of the second light source based on this communication. Accordingly, the field controller can control the operation of the second light source.

[0014] This method means that the control of multiple light sources in different lights can be facilitated by the proper operation of a single light.

[0015] The proposed method uses the power supplied to the first light source to supply the voltage provided to the field generating element. This can, for example, facilitate the control of the second light source in response to the power supplied to the first light source.

[0016] Preferably, the field generating element is directly or controllably connected to a node of the first light source driver that has a voltage responsive to the power supplied to the light source. The voltage at this node can be controlled by the light source driver, for example.

[0017] In some embodiments, the field controller is configured to control the electric field and / or magnetic field in response to the power supplied to the first light source.

[0018] In some examples, the system is configured such that the second light source driver supplies power to the second light source in response to the first light source driver supplying power to the first light source; and the second light source driver does not supply power to the second light source in response to the first light source driver not supplying power to the first light source.

[0019] This embodiment can be implemented by the proper configuration of the field controller and the second light source driver, for example, using a proper (predefined) communication protocol, or by directly connecting the field generating element to a node of the first light source driver that has a voltage that varies (in frequency and / or amplitude) based on the power supplied to the second light source.

[0020] In some embodiments, the system is configured such that the second light source driver supplies the same power to the second light source as the first light source driver supplies to the first light source. In other words, the second light source can be synchronized with the first light source, which increases the ease of simultaneously controlling the lights of the illuminator. This can be achieved by the proper configuration of the field controller and the second light source driver.

[0021] In at least one embodiment, the first light source driver includes a switch-mode power supply that includes one or more switches for controlling the power supplied to the first light source; a voltage supplied to the field generating element that responds to the switching performed by the switches of the first light source driver; and a field controller that includes a switch controller for the first light source driver and is configured to control the switching of one or more switches of the first light source driver.

[0022] In other words, the field controller can be integrated into the first light source driver. The voltage supplied to the field generating element can directly respond to the switching performed by the switches of the first light source driver (i.e., by the field controller), which means that the generated electric field and / or magnetic field directly respond to the manner of controlling the first light source.

[0023] The method provides a simple mechanism for transferring information on how to control a first light source to a secondary lamp, which can control the operation of a second light source (e.g., to match the operation of the first light source).

[0024] In some embodiments, the field controller includes a modulation circuit configured to controllably connect a field generating element to a node of the first light source driver, thereby controlling the voltage supplied to the field generating element.

[0025] Thus, the field controller can selectively supply (modulate) a voltage to the field generating element. This means that the field controller is able to control the information transferred to the secondary lamp, e.g., using pulse width modulation techniques or by including other modulation patterns (reflecting specific information) in the electric / magnetic field generated by the field generating element.

[0026] Preferably, the main lamp further includes a wireless communication module configured to receive a wireless signal from an external device; and a field controller configured to control the voltage supplied to the field generating element in response to the wireless signal received by the wireless communication module.

[0027] In this way, the information transferred to the secondary lamp is responsive to external communication received by the main lamp. Thus, the main lamp can effectively act as a router for the information to be transferred to the secondary lamp.

[0028] The field generating element may include a metal foil and / or a metal ring that generates an electric field and / or a magnetic field in response to a voltage applied thereto. Similarly, the field detecting element may include a metal foil and / or a metal ring that generates a voltage in response to an electric field and / or a magnetic field in the vicinity of the metal foil and / or the metal ring. The metal foil and / or the metal ring provide a simple, low-cost mechanism for providing components that generate an electric field in response to a voltage and / or provide a voltage / signal in response to an electric / magnetic field. Thus, embodiments employing these methods provide a more economical lamp system.

[0029] Preferably, the main lamp includes a first housing configured to accommodate a first light source and a first light source driver, and the field generating element is mounted on the first housing. Similarly, the secondary lamp may include a second housing configured to accommodate a second light source and a second light source driver, and the field detecting element is mounted on the second housing.

[0030] These methods reduce the exposure of potentially sensitive components of the main / secondary lamp to the electric / magnetic field generated by the field generating element, while also reducing the potential shielding of the generated electric / magnetic field (from the field detecting element). These methods thus provide a more robust and effective lamp system.

[0031] The housing can be, for example, in the form of a tube (e.g., such that the main / secondary lamp forms a TLED).

[0032] In some embodiments, the main lamp further includes a second field generating element that is different from the field generating element, and the second field generating element is configured to generate an electric field and / or a magnetic field in response to a voltage supplied to the second field generating element. The field controller is configured to control the voltage supplied to the second field generating element, thereby controlling the electric field and / or magnetic field generated by the second field generating element.

[0033] Optionally, the field detection element is configured such that when the field detection element is positioned adjacent to the second field generating element of the main lamp, the detection signal responds to the electric field and / or magnetic field generated by the second field generating element of the main lamp. In this way, one of the two different field generating elements can be used to control the second light source, which increases the possibility of communication contact between the field generating element of the main lamp and the field detection element.

[0034] In some embodiments, the secondary lamp further includes a second field detection element that is different from the field detection element, and the second field detection element is configured to generate a second detection signal in response to the electric field and / or magnetic field generated by the second field generating element of the main lamp when the second field detection element is positioned adjacent to the second field generating element of the main lamp. Wherein the second light source driver is configured to further control the power supplied to the second light source in response to the second detection signal, such that one or more characteristics of the light output by the second light source further respond to the operation of the second field controller. Therefore, there can be two communication channels between the main lamp and the secondary lamp, which can be used to control the operation of the second light source.

[0035] In some embodiments, the system includes a first additional secondary lamp, the first additional secondary lamp including: a first additional light source; a first additional light source driver configured to control the power supplied to the first additional light source, thereby controlling one or more characteristics of the light output by the first additional light source; a first additional field detection element configured to generate a first additional detection signal in response to the electric field and / or magnetic field generated by the second field generating element of the main lamp when positioned near the second field generating element of the main lamp, wherein the first additional light source driver is configured to control the power supplied to the first additional light source in response to the first additional detection signal, such that one or more characteristics of the light output by the first additional light source respond to the operation of the second field controller.

[0036] In some examples, the system includes a second additional light source, the second additional light source including: a second additional light source driver configured to control the power supplied to the second additional light source so as to control one or more characteristics of the light output by the second additional light source; a second additional field detection element configured to generate a second additional detection signal in response to the electric field and / or magnetic field generated by the field generation element of the main lamp when the field generation element adjacent to the main lamp is positioned, wherein the second additional light source driver is configured to control the power supplied to the second additional light source in response to the second additional detection signal such that the one or more characteristics of the light output by the second additional light source respond to the operation of the field controller.

[0037] Some embodiments propose an illuminator including: a system of any of the previously described lamps; and a lamp housing configured to accommodate the system of lamps.

[0038] There is also proposed a method for operating a lamp of an illuminator for a lighting installation, the method including: using a first light source driver to control one or more characteristics of the light output by a first light source of a main lamp; using a field controller to control the voltage supplied to a field generation element of the main lamp; in response to the voltage supplied to the field generation element, using the field generation element to generate an electric field and / or magnetic field such that the field controller controls the electric field and / or magnetic field generated by the field generation element; using a field detection element of a secondary lamp to generate a detection signal, wherein the detection signal responds to the electric field and / or magnetic field generated by the field generation element of the main lamp when the field detection element is positioned adjacent to the field generation element of the main lamp; and in response to the detection signal, using a second light source driver to control the intensity of a second light source of the secondary lamp such that when the field detection element is positioned adjacent to the field generation element of the main lamp, one or more characteristics of the light output by the second light source respond to the operation of the field controller.

[0039] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from the embodiments described hereinafter and will be elucidated with reference to these embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] To better understand the present invention and to more clearly show how it may be implemented, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0041] Figure 1 an illuminator is shown;

[0042] Figure 2 a lamp is shown;

[0043] Figure 3 is a circuit diagram of the main lamp;

[0044] Figure 4 is a circuit diagram of the secondary lamp;

[0045] Figure 5 is the circuit diagram of the lamp; and

[0046] Figure 6 is the flowchart of the method of illustration. Detailed implementation manners

[0047] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, although indicating exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, system and method, are intended only for the purpose of illustration and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. These and other features, aspects and advantages of the apparatus, system and method of the present invention will become better understood from the following description, the appended claims and the drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are merely schematic and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to represent the same or similar components.

[0049] The present invention provides a mechanism for lamp-to-lamp communication within a luminaire. This is achieved by a field controller of a master lamp that controls the amplitude of the electric / magnetic field generated by a field generating element, where a slave lamp uses a field detecting element to detect the electric / magnetic field. One or more characteristics of the light output by the slave lamp depend on the detected electric / magnetic field, which means that the master lamp can control the operation of the slave lamp.

[0050] Embodiments of the present invention are particularly applicable to lighting devices with multiple lamps installed by the same luminaire, and particularly applicable to lamps operating synchronously within the luminaire.

[0051] In the context of the present disclosure, a lamp is any module or device that includes a light source and a light source driver. Each lamp can be individually connected to a main power supply (or other AC power supply), or can share one or more components (e.g., a shared rectifying device) for powering the light source driver.

[0052] For ease of lamp replacement, each lamp can include its own housing and socket for drawing power from the main power supply (or other AC power supply).

[0053] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a system 100 of lamps for a luminaire 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The luminaire 10 is configured to accommodate or support the system 100 of lamps.

[0054] Figure 1 For explaining the basic concepts of the present disclosure.

[0055] The illustrated illuminator includes a power circuit 12 connected to an upstream power source 14 (e.g., a main power source). The power circuit 12 can be configured to generate a power supply suitable for powering the lamp system 100. The power circuit can, for example, take the form of a ballast, which is a device that controls (e.g., limits) the current supplied to the lamp system 100 in the illuminator 100.

[0056] In other examples, the power circuit 12 is omitted. The lamp system 100 can alternatively be configured to draw power directly from the upstream power source 14 (e.g., a main power source).

[0057] The lamp system 100 is installed within a (luminaire) housing 16 of the illuminator 10. Generally, the "housing" 16 can refer to any enclosure and / or support structure of a fixture. For example, in an embodiment, the housing 16 can include an opaque upper and / or sidewall enclosure for mounting on a ceiling, plus a plurality of sockets mechanically connected to the upper housing, and a lower diffusing element for diffusing the illumination emitted downward by the lamps into the environment. In another example form, the "housing" 16 can take the form of a hanging structure, such as a branched structure that supports a plurality of sockets (and the enclosure element is not necessarily present).

[0058] The lamp system 100 includes a plurality of lamps 110, 120, 130.

[0059] In particular, the lamp system 100 includes a main lamp 110 and at least one secondary lamp 120, 130. Each lamp 110, 120, 130 includes a light source 111, 121, 131 and a light source driver (not visible).

[0060] The light source driver of the lamp controls one or more characteristics of the light output by the light source of the lamp by controlling the power provided or supplied to the light source (e.g., using a switched-mode power supply, selectively connecting additional impedance in parallel / series with the light source, selectively powering elements of the light source, etc.). The one or more characteristics can include, for example, the on / off state of the light, the intensity of the output light, the color of the output light, the pattern of the output light, the angle of the output light, etc.

[0061] The on / off state can be controlled by controlling whether power is provided to the light source. The intensity of the light output by the light source (i.e., the dimming level) can be controlled by controlling the (average) magnitude of the power provided to (or drawn by) the light source. The color of the output light can be controlled by, for example, controlling which elements of the light source (having elements that output light of different colors) are powered. The light pattern output by the light source can be controlled by controlling which elements of the light source (an array of individually controllable light elements) are powered.

[0062] Other methods for controlling the characteristics of a light source by controlling the power supplied to the light source will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0063] The main lamp 110 is configured to communicate with at least one secondary lamp 120, 130 so as to control or affect the light intensity output by the at least one secondary lamp. In other words, the main lamp 110 is configured to perform in - house lighting communication to communicate with the secondary lamps 120, 130. The (light source driver of the) secondary lamp uses in - house lighting communication to control one or more characteristics of the light output by the light source of the secondary lamp.

[0064] This in - house lighting communication between the main lamp and the secondary lamps is performed wirelessly using the field - generating element 115 of the main lamp and the field - detecting elements 125, 135 of the secondary lamps.

[0065] The field - generating element 115 is configured to generate an electric field and / or a magnetic field (e.g., an electromagnetic field). The field - detecting elements 125, 135 of the secondary lamps generate detection signals in response to the electric field and / or the magnetic field, enabling the main lamp to communicate with the secondary lamps 120, 130 by appropriate control of the generated electric field and / or magnetic field.

[0066] The combination of the field - generating element 115 and the field - detecting elements 125, 135 thus provides a communication channel that facilitates communication from the main lamp to the secondary lamps. In particular, the main lamp 110 can transmit or broadcast communication to a plurality of secondary lamps near the main lamp.

[0067] As will be explained later, the field - generating element 115 is configured to generate its electric field and / or magnetic field in response to the voltage supplied to the field - generating element 115. The voltage supplied to the field - generating element depends at least in part on or responds to the voltage of the node of the light source driver, i.e., at least in part in response to the power supplied to the light source of the main lamp (and thus in response to one or more characteristics of the light output by the light source of the main lamp).

[0068] The control of the field - generating element 115 can be performed by a field controller (not visible). The field controller can thus control the communication from the main lamp to the secondary lamps.

[0069] The field controller can operate according to some predetermined communication protocol or scheme, e.g., appropriately modulate the electric field and / or magnetic field based on the communication protocol or scheme. The field - detecting elements 125, 135 and / or the light source driver(s) of the secondary lamp(s) 120, 130 can be appropriately configured to parse / interpret the information about the electric / magnetic field detected by the field - detecting element (e.g., operate according to a predetermined protocol or scheme).

[0070] In some examples, the field controller can provide information about the current operating parameters of the main lamp to the secondary lamp (e.g., information about the on / off state of the light source of the main lamp or information about the power supplied to the light source of the main lamp by the light source driver of the main lamp). The field detection element and / or the light source driver of the secondary lamp can be appropriately configured to control the power supplied to the light source based on (e.g., matching) the indicated operating parameters of the main lamp.

[0071] In this way, the operation of the (one or more) secondary lamps can be synchronized with the operation of the main lamp. In particular, the light output by the (one or more) secondary lamps 120, 130 can be synchronized with the light output by the main lamp 110.

[0072] In some examples, the main lamp 110 further includes a wireless communication module 160 that is adapted to receive a wireless signal 195 from an external device 190 that is a device external to the illuminator 10. The field controller can be configured to control the generated electric field and / or magnetic field in response to the received wireless signal.

[0073] In this way, the main lamp 110 can effectively act as a router for wireless communication from the external device 190 to the secondary lamps 120, 130.

[0074] The external device 190 and the wireless communication module 160 can use any suitable wireless communication protocol, such as an infrared link, Zigbee, Bluetooth, a wireless local area network protocol such as according to the IEEE 802.11 standard, 2G, 3G, 4G or 5G telecommunication protocols, etc. Other formats will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0075] This approach means that for the lighting system 100 of the lamps of the illuminator 10, only one lamp with wireless communication capabilities (the main lamp 110) is needed to communicate (e.g., via ZigBee) with an external device (e.g., an external lighting control system) external to the illuminator. This reduces the required number of wireless communication modules, saving costs and resources (e.g., bandwidth), as only one node per lighting system is needed for external communication.

[0076] The proposed mechanism also avoids any need for control or communication lines connecting the lamps in the illuminator.

[0077] From the foregoing, it will be clear that the main lamp 110 and the (one or more) secondary lamps 120, 130 (and the light output therefrom) can be adapted to operate effectively either synchronously or separately / individually.

[0078] In particular, in some examples, the system can be configured (or is configurable) to control one or more characteristics of the light output by the (one or more) secondary lamps by appropriate control of the electric field / magnetic field to match one or more characteristics of the light output by the main lamp.

[0079] This method enables the illuminator to be effectively treated as a single lamp, thus simplifying the control process of the lamp system.

[0080] In other examples, the system can be configured to control the light output by the (one or more) secondary lamps independently of the light output by the primary lamp. For example, this can enable external devices to control the light output by the primary lamp and the light output by the secondary lamps separately, without the need to directly communicate with the secondary lamps. This method reduces the number of required wireless communication modules.

[0081] More than one secondary lamp 120, 130 can be configured to control the light output (by the secondary lamp) based on the field generated by the primary lamp.

[0082] The primary lamp 110 and at least one secondary lamp 120, 130 are preferably arranged within the illuminator such that the field generating element 115 and the field detecting elements 125, 135 are adjacent to each other (e.g., located at the same end of the illuminator). This improves the reception of the signal from the primary lamp to the secondary lamps.

[0083] In the case where the illuminator includes two or more secondary lamps 120, 130, the primary lamp can be positioned to be between the two or more secondary lamps. For example, such that the distance between each secondary lamp and the primary lamp is as close as possible to the average distance between all the secondary lamps and the primary lamp. In the illustrated example, the primary lamp 110 is positioned between the two secondary lamps 120, 130.

[0084] This further improves the reception of the signal from the primary lamp to the (one or more) secondary lamps.

[0085] In some examples, the field generating element can be configured to act as the field detecting element, and the field detecting element can be configured to act as the field generating element (e.g., the same field element can switch between acting as the field generating element and the field detecting element). This method can facilitate communication from the (one or more) secondary lamps to the primary lamp and will be explained in more detail later.

[0086] Figure 2 An overview of a single lamp 200 is provided, which can represent any one of the lamps 110, 120, 130 of the illuminator 10 described with respect to Figure 1 any one of the lamps 110, 120, 130 of the illuminator 10 described with respect to

[0087] The lamp 200 includes a light source 201. The illustrated light source is formed as a tubular light source, e.g., such that the lamp 200 is suitable for replacing a fluorescent lamp tube. The light source 201 can include, for example, a string or array of LEDs. In other examples, the light source includes one or more conventional bulbs (e.g., halogen light sources, etc.).

[0088] The lamp 200 further includes at least one end cap 210, 220.

[0089] Each end cap 210, 220 includes a respective connector 215, 225 for connecting the lamp to a power source provided by the luminaire (e.g., to a ballast or mains power source, as previously described). In the illustrated example, the connector 215, 225 includes two terminals (a pair of pins). This facilitates retrofitting into an existing socket of a fluorescent lamp of an existing fixture.

[0090] At least one of the end caps 210, 220 is also configured to house additional electronic components for the lamp, such as a light source driver, fuses, EMI filters, etc. For example, the electronic components can be configured to convert power supplied to the lamp (designed to power conventional lamps such as fluorescent tubes) into power suitable for driving the light source (e.g., an LED array or string) of the lamp, and / or provide protection capabilities to the lamp 200.

[0091] The lamp 200 of the illustrated embodiment also includes a field element, such as some metal foil and / or metal ring, which is positioned on the housing of the lamp 200 or integrated in the housing of the lamp 200, for example, positioned on or in the end caps 210, 220. The field element can act as a field generating element and / or a field detecting element. In particular, when a voltage is applied to the field element, an electric field or a magnetic field is generated. Similarly, when exposed to an electric field or a magnetic field, a detectable voltage is induced in the field element.

[0092] Thus, a communication channel between the primary lamp and the secondary lamp is provided via the electric field between the end caps of the lamps.

[0093] In some examples, each end cap 210, 220 of the lamp includes a field element (eg, connected together). This can enable operation of the field generating element and / or the field detecting element to be independent of the orientation of the lamp 200 (within the luminaire).

[0094] The field element is connected to the internal circuitry of the end cap. In particular, the voltage supplied to the field element (if acting as a field generating element) is at least partially responsive to the power supplied to the light source 201 .

[0095] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the metal foil and / or metal ring is just one example of a field element and that it may be replaced by any other suitable element that responds to a voltage (to generate an electric / magnetic field) or an electric / magnetic field (to generate a voltage).

[0096] For example, if the lamp is a primary lamp, the end cap may also include a wireless communication module for communicating with an external device.Other electronic components for positioning within the end cap of the lamp will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0097] Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5The circuit diagrams of lamps 300, 400, and 500 according to embodiments of the present invention are provided. Figure 3 The main lamp according to an embodiment is illustrated. Figure 4 The auxiliary lamp according to an embodiment is illustrated. Figure 5 The lamp that can act as a main lamp and / or an auxiliary lamp according to the configuration is illustrated.

[0098] From Figure 3 onward, the main lamp 300 is illustrated.

[0099] The main lamp 300 includes a light source 310, which is implemented here as an LED array or an LED string.

[0100] The main lamp 300 further includes a light source driver 320. The controller 325 of the light source driver 320 controls the power supplied to the light source. In particular, the light source driver is configured to control one or more characteristics of the light output by the light source (e.g., the color, pattern, intensity, angle, etc. of the output light) in the foregoing manner.

[0101] As shown, the light source driver 320 preferably includes a switched-mode power supply (SMPS) to control the power supplied to the light source.

[0102] The illustrated light source driver includes a buck switched-mode circuit (an example of a switched-mode power supply). Diodes D1, D2, D3, and D4 form a rectifying device 321 (here: a diode bridge) for rectifying the AC power supplied to the light source driver 320. The buck circuit 322 is formed by a switch M1 (e.g., a transistor such as a MOSFET or a BJT), an inductive element L1, and a diode D5.

[0103] The lamp may further include an input fuse F1 and an EMI filter formed by an inductive element L2 and a capacitive element C2.

[0104] The smoothing capacitor C3 (of the light source driver) is used to smooth the voltage supplied to the light source (i.e., the voltage output by the buck circuit).

[0105] In the illustrated example, the controller 325 controls the operation of the switch M1 of the buck circuit 322 to control the power supplied to the light source 310.

[0106] Although the illustrated embodiment provides an example of a light source driver that uses a buck switched-mode circuit to control the power supplied to the light source, those skilled in the art will understand other methods and techniques for controlling the power supplied to the light source (e.g., using a boost circuit, a buck-boost circuit, or any other switched-mode power supply).

[0107] The main lamp 300 further includes a field element 330. As previously described, the field element 330 can be integrated in the housing (not visible) of the lamp 300 or mounted on the housing of the lamp 300, for example, mounted in the end cap of the lamp.

[0108] A field element is any suitable element that responds to a voltage (to generate a corresponding electric / magnetic field) or an electric / magnetic field (to generate a corresponding voltage). As previously described, the field element can include, for example, a metal foil and / or a metal ring, although other examples will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0109] The electric / magnetic field generated by the field element 330 of the main lamp can be detected by another (e.g., secondary) lamp. The present disclosure recognizes that this mechanism facilitates the occurrence of communication from the main lamp 300 to another (e.g., secondary) lamp through appropriate control of the electric / magnetic field.

[0110] Accordingly, the main lamp 300 includes a field controller 340.

[0111] The field controller 340 is configured to control the voltage supplied to the field element 330. The voltage supplied to the field element 330 is at least partially responsive to the power supplied to the first light source.

[0112] This can be achieved by directly or selectively (i.e., controllably) connecting the field element to a node (e.g., switching node SW) of the light source driver, the voltage (amplitude and / or frequency) of which depends on the power supplied to the light source.

[0113] Preferably, the light source driver is a switch-mode power supply, and the node to which the field element is directly / selectively connected is the high-frequency switching node SW of the switch-mode power supply. The switching node SW can be, for example, a node whose voltage depends on the switching of the switch-mode power supply.

[0114] In Figure 3 In the first example shown, the field element 330 is selectively connected by the field controller 340 (e.g., via a switch S1, such as a MOSFET or BJT) to a node of the light source driver, the voltage of which (such as the switching node SW) depends on the power supplied to the light source.

[0115] The selective connection enables the field controller 340 to modulate the voltage supplied to the field element 330 (e.g., according to certain communication protocols) so that the electric / magnetic field generated by the field element 330 can be directly controlled by the field controller.

[0116] In some examples, the field controller 340 includes a modulation circuit 345, which is configured to controllably connect the field element 330 to a node of the first light source driver (e.g., via a switch S1), thereby controlling the voltage supplied to the field generating element. The node can be the previously identified switching node SW.

[0117] In this way, the field controller can modulate the electric / magnetic field generated by the field element 330 to control communication with another lamp. In particular, appropriate modulation can enable messages or instructions to be conveyed in the electric field.

[0118] In this first example, communication with another lamp can be independent of the operation of the light source of the main lamp.

[0119] To reduce electromagnetic interference, preferably, when lamp-to-lamp communication does not occur, the field controller controls the switch S1 to remain in the off mode (i.e., disconnects the field element 330 from the switching node SW).

[0120] In a second example, the field element 330 is directly connected to a node of the light source driver, and the voltage of this node depends on the power supplied to the light source, e.g., the switching node SW (i.e., the switch S1 is omitted). In this way, the electric field depends only on the power supplied to the light source (e.g., without other control elements).

[0121] In this way, since the switching frequency at the switching node depends on the amount of power supplied to the first lamp, the electric / magnetic field varies with the frequency available for deriving the dimming level of the first lamp. This can generate information about the operation of the light source 310, e.g., the characteristics of the light output by the light source of the main lamp communicating in the electric field.

[0122] This can enable, for example, different lamps (e.g., secondary lamps) to identify one or more characteristics of the light output by the light source of the main lamp and configure their own operations such that the light output by the different lamps matches (or is based on) one or more characteristics of the light output by the main lamp.

[0123] In this second example, the controller 325 of the light source driver 320 forms an aspect of the field controller 340.

[0124] A combination of the first and second examples can be used. Thus, the field controller can control the power supplied to the light source of the main lamp (via the controller 325) and selectively connect the field element 330 to the node of the light source driver (e.g., via the switch S1). This can allow for more dynamic communication (and control) of other lamps.

[0125] For the purpose of the main lamp 300, the field element 330 effectively serves as a field generating element.

[0126] In some embodiments, the field element 330 can be an integral part of the light source driver 320, such as a trace on a printed circuit board, or even physically unnecessary because the metal parts of the switch M1 package itself can serve as the field element.

[0127] Thus, in some embodiments, the field element 330 (at least for the main lamp) can be formed as an aspect of the existing circuitry and / or electronic components / housing of the light source driver or other elements of the main lamp. It should be appreciated that the electric field generated by the main lamp may already be sufficient for the secondary lamp to detect. This provides a lamp system with a lower cost approach.

[0128] Those skilled in the art will understand that for such examples, the second example (instead of the first example) of the controller described previously can be used.

[0129] The operation of the field controller 340 can respond to a wireless signal received by the wireless communication module 360. In this way, an external device (not shown) can control the electric / magnetic field and thus control the operation of the lamp in response to the electric / magnetic field. For example, referring to Figure 1 , an example wireless communication module has been described previously, and this example wireless communication module can be adapted to be used as the wireless communication module 360.

[0130] Of course, the controller 325 of the light source driver can also respond to a wireless signal such that an external device can control one or more characteristics of the light output by the light source of the main lamp 300. In other words, one or more characteristics of the light output by the light source of the lamp can respond to the wireless signal received at the wireless communication module 360.

[0131] Figure 4 The secondary lamp 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The secondary lamp 400 is different from the main lamp 300 described in Figure 3 in that it does not include the field controller 340 (or switch S1) or the wireless communication module 360.

[0132] Instead, the secondary lamp 400 includes a field detection element 450.

[0133] The field detection element 450 is configured to generate a detection signal S in response to the voltage at the field element 330 D . Thus, when an electric / magnetic field induces a voltage in the field element 330, this can be detected by the field detection circuit and indicated by the detection signal.

[0134] The controller 325 of the light source driver 320 for the secondary lamp 300 is also configured to control the power supplied to the light source 310 in response to the detection signal S D . In this way, the field controller of the main lamp (such as Figure 3 as illustrated) controls or affects the light output by the light source of the secondary lamp via the electric / magnetic field detected by the field detection element 450.

[0135] In particular, the sensing element 450 can convert the voltage induced at the field element 330 (by the electric field) into one or more lamp control signals (e.g., dimming and on / off signals in the form of one or more PWM signals), which are provided to the controller 325 of the light source driver 320 to control the power supplied to the light source 310 (e.g., by appropriate control of the switch M1).

[0136] The conversion of the voltage received at the field element can depend on how the electric field is generated by the master device and will vary depending on the implementation details. Those skilled in the art will understand that the operation of the master and slave devices is complementary and thus depends on the specific implementation.

[0137] For example, it may be desirable for the control of the light output by the secondary lamp to match or mirror the control of the light output by the primary lamp. In this scenario, the field element of the primary lamp can be directly connected to a node having a voltage responsive to the power supplied to the light source (i.e., the electric field generated by the primary lamp directly responds to (or represents) one or more characteristics of the light output by the light source of the primary lamp). Thus, the operation of the light source driver of the secondary lamp can be directly based on the power supplied to the light source (e.g., by detecting when the primary light source is turned on, which will cause a change in the electric field, or by detecting the amplitude or switching frequency of the electric field to detect the power supplied to the light source of the primary lamp). This information can be used to control the light source of the secondary lamp to match the light source of the primary lamp.

[0138] As another example, the electric / magnetic field can be controlled or modulated by the field controller of the master device to transfer control messages from the primary lamp to the secondary lamp (e.g., using some predetermined communication protocol). The sensing element and / or light source driver of the secondary lamp can analyze the change in the electric / magnetic field and determine how to control the characteristics of the light source of the secondary lamp based on the known predetermined communication protocol.

[0139] Various communication protocols or schemes can be used for communication from the primary lamp to the secondary lamp.

[0140] As a simple example, the duration of the electric / magnetic field (e.g., the time period for which the detected amplitude of the electric / magnetic field exceeds a predetermined threshold) can be used to define certain characteristics of the light source (e.g., the dimming level). As another example, a certain modulation pattern in the electric / magnetic field can be used to define some other characteristics of the light source (e.g., the on / off state or color of the light source). Other examples will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0141] As previously mentioned, the control by the field controller of the primary lamp can respond to the wireless signal received by the wireless communication module. Thus, the light source of the secondary lamp can be controlled by a device external to the luminaire (e.g., a lighting control system) without the need for it to communicate with the external device itself (since the control can be routed via the primary lamp).

[0142] The foregoing embodiments of the lamps 300, 400 provide rather simple examples, where the main lamp includes a field controller (but no field detection element), and the secondary lamp includes a field detection element (but no field controller). Thus, there is only one-way communication from the main lamp to the secondary lamp via the electric field generated by the main lamp.

[0143] Therefore, in the foregoing example, for the main lamp, the field element 330 can be connected only to the field controller, while for the secondary lamp, the field element 330 can be connected only to the field detection element (or form part of the field detection element).

[0144] However, in some embodiments, both the main lamp and the secondary lamp include a field controller and a field detection element. This can facilitate two-way communication between the main lamp and the secondary lamp.

[0145] In these configurations, the field element can act as a field generating element (e.g., for transmitting communication) or an aspect of the field detection element (e.g., for receiving communication).

[0146] Figure 5 The lamp 500 is illustrated, which is capable of both using electric / magnetic field transmission for communication and receiving communication by detecting the electric / magnetic field.

[0147] The lamp 500 combines elements of the main lamp 300 described with reference Figure 3 and the secondary lamp 400 described with reference Figure 4 Thus, the lamp 500 can act as either the main lamp or the secondary lamp.

[0148] The selection of whether the field element 330 is operated as a field generating element (to transmit communication) or as a field detection element (to receive communication) can be controlled by appropriately switching the connection of the field element 330.

[0149] In the illustrated example, this control is achieved by the field controller 340 selectively connecting the field element 330 to the node SW of the light source driver (to make the field element 330 act as a field generating element) or disconnecting the field element from this node (to make the field element act as an aspect of the field detection element).

[0150] This method facilitates simple control of the operation of the field element without the need for additional components.

[0151] It should be understood that detection of the electric / magnetic field (near the field element) is possible only when the electric / magnetic field is disconnected from the light source driver (e.g., the field element 330 is disconnected from the switching node SW). This is because any induced voltage in the field element (by the electric field) will be hidden by the voltage applied to the field element (to generate the electric field).

[0152] In another example, the switching circuit can be arranged between the field element and the remaining components of the lamp 500, and can control whether the field element 330 is connected to the detection element 450 or the field controller 340, thereby controlling whether the field element acts as a field generating element or as an aspect of a field detecting element.

[0153] Previous embodiments have been explained in the context of lamps that typically include only a single field element (which can act as a field generating element and / or a field detecting element, e.g., depending on whether the lamp is a secondary lamp or a main lamp).

[0154] However, some lamps can include more than one field element, which can be controlled / operated synchronously or individually. These field elements can be located, for example, at different positions relative to the entire lamp (e.g., at opposite ends of the lamp).

[0155] In one example, these field elements can be controlled or operated synchronously (e.g., connected together). This can make the operation of the lamp (whether primary or secondary) less dependent on the orientation of the lamp within the luminaire.

[0156] In other examples, these field elements are individually controllable to facilitate communication with multiple other lamps or via multiple communication channels (e.g., with a single lamp).

[0157] Consider the first scenario, where the main lamp includes two separate field generating elements (which are individually controllable).

[0158] Specifically, in this first scenario, the main lamp includes: a first light source; a first light source driver configured to control the power supplied to the first light source, thereby controlling one or more characteristics of the light output by the first light source; a field generating element configured to generate an electric field and / or a magnetic field in response to a voltage supplied to the field generating element; a second field generating element different from the field generating element, configured to generate an electric field and / or a magnetic field in response to a voltage supplied to the second field generating element; a field controller configured to control the voltage supplied to the field generating element, thereby controlling the electric field and / or magnetic field generated by the field generating element, to control the voltage supplied to the second field generating element, thereby controlling the electric field and / or magnetic field generated by the second field generating element, wherein the voltages supplied to the field generating element and the second field generating element are at least partially responsive to the power supplied to the first light source.

[0159] In a first example of this first scenario, the first field generating element can be used to communicate with a first secondary lamp, and the second field generating element can be used to communicate with a different second secondary lamp.

[0160] Accordingly, the lighting system of the lamp can include a first additional lamp, which includes: a first additional light source; a first additional light source driver configured to control the power supplied to the first additional light source, thereby controlling one or more characteristics of the light output by the first additional light source; a first additional field detection element configured to generate a first additional detection signal in response to an electric field and / or a magnetic field generated by a second field generating element of the main lamp when the second field generating element adjacent to the main lamp is positioned, wherein the first additional light source driver is configured to control the power supplied to the first additional light source in response to the first additional detection signal, such that one or more characteristics of the light output by the first additional light source respond to the operation of the second field controller.

[0161] In a second example of this first scenario, two field generating elements can be used to communicate with the same secondary lamp, but via different communication channels. Thus, the first field generating element can be used as the first communication channel, and the second field generating element can be used as the second communication channel between the main lamp and the secondary lamp.

[0162] In these cases, one field element can transmit communication to the (one or more) secondary lamps via the first field generating element, while the other field element can receive communication from the secondary lamp via the second field generating element.

[0163] The presence of more than one field element in the lamp can also facilitate the determination of other information about the lamp or another lamp in the luminaire.

[0164] For example, the field element can be used to determine the orientation of two adjacent lamps relative to each other. If, for example, the light source of each lamp includes pixelated TLEDs for advanced lighting scenarios, knowing the relative orientation between the two lamps is beneficial.

[0165] Furthermore, knowing which end of the TLED the wireless communication module is installed on (e.g., based on the determined orientation of the lamp) is beneficial for asset tracking based on beacons (e.g., Bluetooth beacons), as the installer can more accurately map the location of the wireless communication module.

[0166] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a lamp of a luminaire of a lighting installation.

[0167] Method 600 includes step 610 of using a first light source driver to control one or more characteristics of the light output by the first light source of the main lamp.

[0168] The method further includes step 620 of using a field controller to control the voltage supplied to the field generating element of the main lamp.

[0169] Method 600 further includes step 630 of generating an electric field and / or a magnetic field using a field generating element in response to a voltage provided to the field generating element, such that a field controller controls the electric field and / or the magnetic field generated by the field generating element.

[0170] Method 600 further includes step 640 of generating a detection signal using a field detection element of a secondary lamp, wherein the detection signal responds to the electric field and / or the magnetic field generated by the field generating element of the primary lamp when the field detection element is positioned adjacent to the field generating element of the primary lamp.

[0171] Method 600 further includes step 650 of controlling the intensity of a second light source of the secondary lamp using a second light source driver in response to the detection signal, such that when the field detection element is positioned adjacent to the field generating element of the primary lamp, one or more characteristics of the light output by the second light source respond to the operation of the field controller.

[0172] Steps 610 - 630 are performed at the primary lamp. Steps 640 - 650 are performed at the secondary lamp. Method 600 may be adapted to perform any mechanism described with reference to Figures 1 to 5 and will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0173] Any lamp described herein itself may be an embodiment of the present invention. Accordingly, a secondary lamp for a system for a lamp (as described above) and / or a primary lamp for a system for a lamp (as described above) may be provided.

[0174] Those skilled in the art will understand that, in addition to the switched - mode power supply method shown in the figures, there are other possibilities for controlling the power provided to a light source. For example, the light source and / or the light source driver may remain connected in the circuit and not be completely short - circuited, but may include a switchable or variable resistor or impedance in series or parallel with the light source and / or the light source driver 24, and the controller may control the switchable or variable resistor or impedance in order to modulate the power provided to the light source. Or more generally, those skilled in the art may use other power line communication techniques. Moreover, the disclosed techniques for modulating power may be applied not only in the context of a ballast, but also in any other power supply circuit (e.g., a circuit including a transformer).

[0175] For clarity, ordinal numbers (e.g., "first", "second", etc.) are used throughout the disclosure to label different elements of various embodiments. However, the presence of an ordinal number greater than 1 in the label for an element (e.g., "second" or "third") does not mean that an element with a lower ordinal number must exist. Thus, a "second element" does not require the presence of a "first element". Those skilled in the art can relabel such higher - ordinal - numbered elements (e.g., relabel a "second element" as a "first element") to improve clarity.

[0176] From the study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement variations of the disclosed embodiments when practicing the claimed invention. 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. 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. If the term "adapted to" is used in the claims or the specification, it should be noted that the term "adapted to" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured to".

[0177] Any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A lighting system (100) comprising: A main light (110, 300, 500), the main light comprising: A first light source (111, 310); A first light source driver (320) configured to control the power supplied by the first light source driver (320) to the first light source, thereby controlling one or more characteristics of the light output by the first light source; A field generating element (115, 330) configured to generate an electric field and / or a magnetic field in response to a voltage supplied to the field generating element; and A field controller (340) configured to control the voltage supplied to the field generating element, thereby controlling the electric field and / or the magnetic field generated by the field generating element, wherein the voltage supplied to the field generating element is at least partially responsive to the power supplied to the first light source; and A secondary light (120, 130, 400, 500), comprising: A second light source (121, 131, 310); A second light source driver (320) configured to control the power supplied by the second light source driver (320) to the second light source, thereby controlling one or more characteristics of the light output by the second light source; Field detection elements (125, 135, 330), configured to generate a detection signal (S D ), where in the case where the field detection element is positioned adjacent to the field generation element of the main lamp, the detection signal (S D ) responds to the electric field and / or magnetic field generated by the field generation element of the main lamp, Wherein the second light source driver is configured to: control the power supplied to the second light source in response to the detection signal such that when the field detection element is positioned adjacent to the field generating element of the main light, one or more characteristics of the light output by the second light source can be controlled by the field controller, wherein the field controller (340) comprises a modulation circuit (345, S1), the modulation circuit being configured to controllably connect the field generating element to a node (SW) of the first light source driver, thereby controlling the voltage supplied to the field generating element.

2. The lighting system (100) according to claim 1, configured such that: The second light source driver is adapted to supply power to the second light source in response to the first light source driver supplying power to the first light source; and The second light source driver is adapted not to supply power to the second light source in response to the first light source driver not supplying power to the first light source.

3. The lighting system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the second light source driver is adapted to supply the second light source with the same power as the first light source driver supplies to the first light source.

4. The lighting system (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The first light source driver comprises a switched-mode power supply (322), the switched-mode power supply comprising one or more switches (M1) for controlling the power supplied to the first light source (310); The voltage supplied to the field generating element is responsive to the switching performed by the switch (M1) of the first light source driver; And The field controller (340) comprises a switch controller (325) for the first light source driver and is configured to control the switching of one or more switches of the first light source driver.

5. The lighting system (100) according to claim 1, wherein: the main lamp (110, 300, 500) further includes a wireless communication module (160, 360), the wireless communication module being configured to receive a wireless signal from an external device; and the field controller (340) is further configured to control the voltage supplied to the field generating element in response to the wireless signal received by the wireless communication module.

6. The lighting system (100) according to claim 1, wherein: the field generating element (115, 330) includes a metal foil and / or a metal ring, the metal foil and / or the metal ring being adapted to generate the electric field and / or the magnetic field in response to the voltage applied to the metal foil and / or the metal ring; and / or the field detecting element (125, 135, 330) includes a metal foil and / or a metal ring, the field detecting element being adapted to generate the voltage in response to the electric field and / or the magnetic field near the metal foil and / or the metal ring.

7. The lighting system (100) according to claim 1, wherein: the main lamp (110, 300, 500) includes a first housing, the first housing being configured to accommodate the first light source and the first light source driver, and the field generating element is mounted on the first housing; and / or the secondary lamp (120, 130, 400, 500) includes a second housing, the second housing being configured to accommodate the second light source and the second light source driver, and the field detecting element is mounted on the second housing.

8. The lighting system (100) according to claim 1, wherein: the main lamp further includes a second field generating element (220), the second field generating element being different from the field generating element, the second field generating element being configured to generate an electric field and / or a magnetic field in response to the voltage supplied to the second field generating element, the field controller is configured to control the voltage supplied to the second field generating element, thereby controlling the electric field and / or the magnetic field generated by the second field generating element, wherein the voltage supplied to the second field generating element is at least partially responsive to the power supplied to the first light source.

9. The lighting system (100) according to claim 8, wherein when the field detecting element is positioned adjacent to the second field generating element of the main lamp, the detection signal is responsive to the electric field and / or the magnetic field generated by the second field generating element of the main lamp.

10. The lighting system (100) according to claim 9, wherein: the secondary lamp further includes a second field detecting element (220), the second field detecting element being different from the field detecting element, the second field detecting element being configured to generate a second detection signal in response to the electric field and / or the magnetic field generated by the second field generating element of the main lamp when the second field detecting element is positioned adjacent to the second field generating element of the main lamp. The second light source driver is configured to further control the power supplied to the second light source in response to the second detection signal, such that one or more characteristics of the light output by the second light source further respond to the operation of the second field controller.

11. The lighting system of the lamp according to claim 9, further comprising a first additional auxiliary lamp, the first additional auxiliary lamp comprising: A first additional light source; A first additional light source driver configured to control the power supplied to the first additional light source, thereby controlling one or more characteristics of the light output by the first additional light source; A first additional field detection element configured to generate a first additional detection signal in response to the electric field and / or magnetic field generated by the second field generating element of the main lamp when the second field generating element adjacent to the main lamp is positioned; wherein the first additional light source driver is configured to control the power supplied to the first additional light source in response to the first additional detection signal, such that one or more characteristics of the light output by the first additional light source respond to the operation of the second field controller.

12. The lighting system of the lamp according to claim 1, further comprising a second additional auxiliary lamp, the second additional auxiliary lamp comprising: A second additional light source; A second additional light source driver configured to control the power supplied to the second additional light source, thereby controlling one or more characteristics of the light output by the second additional light source; A second additional field detection element configured to generate a second additional detection signal in response to the electric field and / or magnetic field generated by the field generating element of the main lamp when the field generating element adjacent to the main lamp is positioned; wherein the second additional light source driver is configured to control the power supplied to the second additional light source in response to the second additional detection signal, such that one or more characteristics of the light output by the second additional light source respond to the operation of the field controller.

13. A lighting fixture (10), the lighting fixture comprising: The lighting system (100) of the lamp according to claim 1; and A lighting fixture housing (16) configured to accommodate the lighting system of the lamp.

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