System and method for perceiving linear dimming of a light

Abstract

A lamp dimming system including one or more lamps and including a local lighting controller including a dimming controller and processing circuitry, the dimming controller configured to provide output to the one or more lamp drivers. One or more electronic processors are configured to receive a dimming input value indicative of a desired dimming level for the one or more lamps. The processors are further configured to determine a configuration of the one or more lamp drivers, wherein the configuration defines whether the one or more lamp drivers utilize a non-linear dimming curve or a linear dimming curve, and provide to the dimming controller, based on the non-linear or linear calculation, a dimming level to output to the one or more lamp drivers a dimming control signal equivalent to the received dimming input value.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 013,848, filed April 22, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The embodiments disclosed herein relate to lighting dimming controllers. Background Technology

[0004] When dimming lights (such as streetlights, work lights, etc.), the dimming may not be perceived as linear. For example, a user might set the dimming value to 50% of full output, but might not notice the 50% reduction in lighting output. This is often due to response curve techniques implemented in the components of the lighting system. Furthermore, the human eye has a logarithmic response to protect itself from strong light, which affects how the eye perceives dimming in a non-linear manner. To produce a dimming output that appears linear to the human eye, a combination of linear and logarithmic components is needed to generate a linear response. However, in many systems, the lamps and drivers may come from different manufacturers than the lighting and / or dimming controller. This makes it difficult to determine, without trial and error, what combination of components or settings is needed to make the output appear linear to the human eye. Therefore, systems and methods for easily determining the component configuration within a lighting system are desired. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect, a lamp dimming system is provided. The lamp dimming system includes one or more lamps, each lamp having an associated lamp driver. The lamp dimming system also includes a local lighting controller including a dimming controller and processing circuitry configured to provide an output to the one or more lamp drivers. The processing circuitry of the local lighting controller includes one or more electronic processors configured to receive a dimming input value indicating a desired dimming level for the one or more lamps. The processor is further configured to determine a configuration of the one or more lamp drivers, wherein the configuration defines whether the one or more lamp drivers utilize a non-linear dimming curve or a linear dimming curve. The processor is further configured, in response to determining that the one or more lamp drivers utilize a linear dimming curve, to configure the dimming controller to output a dimming signal to the one or more lamp drivers based on a non-linear dimming curve, such that the one or more lamps are dimmed to a level perceived as equivalent to the received dimming input value.

[0006] In one aspect, the controller is further configured to, in response to determining that the one or more lamp drivers utilize a non-linear dimming curve, configure the dimming controller to output a dimming signal to the one or more lamp drivers based on a linear dimming curve that is equivalent to the received dimming input, to cause the one or more lamps to dim to a level perceived to be equivalent to the received dimming input value.

[0007] In another aspect, the local lighting controller further comprises a power meter configured to measure an instantaneous power consumption of the one or more lamps.

[0008] In another aspect, determining the configuration of the one or more lamp drivers comprises outputting a plurality of dimming values via the dimming controller, and determining an instantaneous power value at each of the plurality of dimming values via the power meter. Determining the configuration further comprises storing the instantaneous power values in a memory of the local lighting controller, comparing a difference between the instantaneous power values at the associated dimming levels, and determining that the one or more lamp drivers utilize a linear dimming curve based on the instantaneous power values being linearly equivalent to each other at the associated dimming. Determining the configuration further comprises determining that the one or more lamp drivers utilize a non-linear dimming curve based on the instantaneous power values not being linearly equivalent to each other at the associated dimming levels.

[0009] In another aspect, the processing circuit of the local lighting controller is further configured to determine whether the one or more lamps have a deadband range, wherein the deadband range comprises one or more of an upper deadband range and a lower deadband range.

[0010] In another aspect, the processing circuit of the local lighting controller determines a dimming output range of the one or more lamp drivers based on the determined deadband range.

[0011] In another aspect, the system comprises a remote lighting controller in electronic communication with the local lighting controller, wherein the remote lighting controller comprises a user interface configured to receive a user input indicative of a desired dimming level.

[0012] In another aspect, the remote lighting controller is configured to transmit the desired dimming level to the local lighting controller.

[0013] In another aspect, the user interface is a web-portal interface.

[0014] According to another aspect, a method for controlling dimming operation of a lighting device such that dimming of a lamp appears linear to a human observer is provided. The method includes receiving, at a processing circuit of a local lighting controller configured to control drivers of the lighting device, a dimming input value representing a desired dimming level for one or more lamps. The method further includes determining, at the local lighting controller 104, a configuration of the one or more lamp drivers, wherein the configuration defines whether the drivers of the lighting device utilize a non-linear dimming curve or a linear dimming curve. The method further includes, in response to determining that the drivers of the lighting device utilize a linear dimming curve, configuring the dimming controller to output, to the drivers of the lighting device, a dimming signal equivalent to the received dimming input value based on a non-linear dimming curve to cause the lighting device to dim to a level perceived to be equivalent to the received dimming output value.

[0015] In one aspect, the method further includes, in response to determining that the one or more lamp drivers utilize a non-linear dimming curve, configuring the dimming controller at the local lighting controller to output, to the drivers of the lighting device, a dimming signal equivalent to the received dimming input value based on a linear control curve to cause the lighting device to dim to a level equivalent to the received dimming input value.

[0016] In one aspect, the configuration of the lighting device includes outputting a plurality of dimming values via the dimming controller of the local lighting controller and determining, at a power meter of the local lighting controller, an instantaneous power value at each of the plurality of dimming values. The configuration further includes storing the instantaneous power values in a memory of the local lighting controller, comparing a difference between the instantaneous power readings at the associated dimming values, and determining that the drivers of the lighting device utilize a linear dimming curve based on the difference in the instantaneous power values being linearly equivalent at the associated dimming levels. The configuration of the lighting device additionally includes determining that the drivers of the lighting device utilize a non-linear dimming curve based on the difference in the instantaneous power values being non-linearly equivalent at the associated dimming levels.

[0017] In another aspect, the method further includes determining whether the one or more lamps have a dead-band range, wherein the dead-band range includes one or more of an upper dead-band range and a lower dead-band range, and determining a dimming output range of the one or more lamp drivers based on the determined dead-band range.

[0018] In yet another aspect, a lighting control system for determining a configuration of one or more lamp drivers is provided. The lighting control system includes one or more lamps each configured to be driven by one or more lamp drivers, and a local lighting controller including a dimming controller and processing circuitry. The dimming controller is configured to provide an output to the one or more lamp drivers. The lighting control system further includes a power meter. The processing circuitry of the local lighting controller includes one or more electronic processors configured to output a plurality of dimming values via the dimming controller. The processors are further configured to determine an instantaneous power value at each of the plurality of dimming values via the power meter, and store the instantaneous power values in a memory of the local lighting controller. The electronic processors are further configured to compare a difference between the instantaneous power readings at the associated dimming values, and determine that the lamp drivers are configured to utilize a linear dimming curve based on the instantaneous power values being linearly equivalent to one another at the associated dimming levels. The electronic processors are further configured to determine that the drivers of the lighting devices utilize a non-linear dimming curve based on the instantaneous power values being non-linearly equivalent to one another at the associated dimming levels, and store the determined configuration of the one or more lamp drivers in the memory of the local lighting controller.

[0019] In one aspect, the electronic processors are further configured to receive a dimming input value indicative of a desired dimming level of a lamp coupled to the lamp driver, and based on the stored configuration of the lamp driver, configure the dimming controller to output a dimming signal to the lamp driver to dim the lamp to a level perceived to be equivalent to the received dimming value input.

[0020] In another aspect, the dimming signal is based on a non-linear control curve.

[0021] In another aspect, the dimming signal is based on a linear control curve.

[0022] In another aspect, the system further includes a remote lighting controller in electronic communication with the local lighting controller.

[0023] In another aspect, the remote lighting controller includes a user interface configured to receive a user input indicative of a desired dimming level.

[0024] In another aspect, the lamp driver includes one or more deadband ranges, where the deadband ranges include a first deadband value at a lower dimming level range, and a second deadband value at a higher dimming range.

[0025] Other aspects of the technology will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 is a system diagram illustrating a lighting control system in accordance with example embodiments.

[0027] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a central lighting controller according to example embodiments.

[0028] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a local lighting controller according to example embodiments.

[0029] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process for determining a configuration of a lamp driver according to example embodiments.

[0030] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process for generating a control output to dim a light source to provide a dimming output that provides a linear perception according to example embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Before any embodiments of the application are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the application is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The application is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

[0032] As noted above, to ensure that dimming of a lamp is using a dimming system that appears to the human eye to be linear dimming, it is necessary to have a controller that is the inverse of the dimming curve of the driver. If the driver has a non-linear dimming curve, a linear controller is needed. Examples of non-linear dimming curves can include a logarithmic dimming curve. If the driver has a linear dimming curve, a non-linear controller is needed. However, it is difficult to know the configuration of some components in a system, and thus it is difficult to know how to ensure that the proper combination of components exists. The lamp and its associated driver can come from a different manufacturer than the associated lighting controller, thus making it difficult for an integrator to ensure that the proper combination of components. The technology disclosed herein describes systems and methods for automatically determining the configuration of a lamp driver and adapting the lighting control system to ensure that the dimming characteristics of the lamp appear linear to the human eye.

[0033] Figure 1An example of a lighting control system 100 is shown in accordance with some embodiments. The lighting control system 100 includes a centralized lighting controller 102, a local lighting controller 104, and a plurality of lamp drivers 106A-106E, each of which controls a lamp 108A-108E. In some embodiments, a single lamp driver can control multiple lamps. For example, a single lamp driver can control all of the lamps 108A-108E. The centralized lighting controller 102 can be located remotely from the local lighting controller 104. For example, the centralized lighting controller 102 can be located at a remote location, such as a remote server, a cloud-based server, and the like. In some embodiments, the functionality of the centralized lighting controller 102 can be embedded within one or more software programs. Alternatively, the centralized lighting controller 102 can be accessed via different software programs and / or devices, such as via an application on a smartphone or tablet, via a web-based portal on a personal computer, smartphone, tablet, and the like. In yet another example, the centralized lighting controller 102 can be a dedicated device.

[0034] In some embodiments, the centralized lighting controller 102 communicates with the local lighting controller 104. This communication can be performed using different communication protocols, such as via the Internet (e.g., an Ethernet connection), a direct serial connection (RS-232, USB, USB-C, Firewire, and the like), power line communications (PLC), or wireless communication protocols (Wi-Fi, cellular (3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, CDMA, and the like) RF, Wi-Max, LoRa, and / or other wireless communication protocols).

[0035] The local lighting controller 104 can be a dedicated lighting controller, such as the Aclara lighting controller from Hubbell. In other examples, the lighting controller 104 is another type of dedicated lighting controller. Other lighting controller examples can be integrated with other devices, such as power meters, and the like. The local lighting controller 104 is configured to provide output signals to one or more lamp driver circuits, such as the lamp drivers 106A-106E. For example, the local lighting controller 104 can be configured to output a voltage corresponding to a desired light output level on the lamps 108A-108E. In another example, the local lighting controller 104 can be configured to output a digital signal to one or more lamp driver circuits, such as the lamp drivers 106A-106E. The digital signal can include a dimming level digital value corresponding to a desired light output level on the lamps 108A-108E.

[0036] Lamp drivers 106A-106E can be integrated into lamps 108A-E to control the output of lamps 108A-108E. In a further embodiment, lamp drivers 106A-106E can be configured to receive an input signal indicating a dimming value, which can then be converted into an output for controlling the light output of lamps 108A-108E. In some embodiments, lamp drivers 106A-106E can use a non-linear process to convert the received dimming value signal into the light output. In other embodiments, lamp driver 106 can use a linear process to convert the received dimming value signal into the light output. Lamps 108A-108E are shown as streetlights, as seen in parking lots or roadsides. However, it is conceivable that lamps 108A-108E used with system 100 can be any type of lamp (LED, incandescent, fluorescent, arc lamp, mercury vapor lamp, high-pressure sodium lamp, metal halide lamp, induction lamp, ceramic discharge metal halide lamp, etc.).

[0037] Turn now Figure 2 A block diagram of a centralized lighting controller (such as centralized lighting controller 102) according to some embodiments is shown. Figure 2 As shown, the centralized lighting controller 102 may include one or more user interfaces, such as a configuration user interface 200 and a dimming user interface 202, as well as processing circuitry 204. In some embodiments, the configuration user interface 200 and the dimming user interface 202 may be separate applications available to a user. For example, the dimming user interface 202 may be available to a user with permission to dim lamps (such as lamps 108A-108E as described above). In contrast, the configuration user interface 200 may only be accessible to users who can make changes to the configuration of the centralized lighting controller 102 and / or the local lighting controller 104. In some embodiments, the configuration user interface 200 and / or the dimming user interface 202 are accessed via a web-based interface, such as via a smartphone application or a portal viewable from a computing device. However, in other embodiments, one or more dedicated user interfaces (e.g., LED / LCD displays, touchscreens, monitors, computing terminals, etc.) may be used to access one or more of the configuration user interface 200 and / or the dimming user interface 202.

[0038] The processing circuit 204 can be communicatively connected to one or more of the configuration user interface 200 and the dimming user interface 202. The processing circuit 204 can also be coupled to the communication module interface 206. The processing circuit 204 can include one or more electronic processors 208 and one or more memory devices 210. The electronic processor 208 can be implemented as programmable microprocessors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processing components, or implemented together with other suitable electronic processing components.

[0039] The memory device 210 (e.g., a non-transitory, computer-readable medium) includes one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, flash memory, hard disk storage, etc.) for storing data and / or computer code for completing or facilitating the various processes, layers and modules described herein. The memory 210 can include database components, object code components, script components, or other types of code and

[0040] In one embodiment, the configuration user interface 200 allows a user to set a dimming control curve for the system. For example, the configuration user interface 200 can allow a user to select a linear or non-linear control curve when dimming one or more lights within the system. In some embodiments, the selected control curve is stored in memory, such as the memory 210 of the processing circuit 204. In other embodiments, the selected control curve is provided to a local lighting controller, such as the local lighting controller 104, and will be discussed in greater detail below. In some examples, the configuration user interface 200 can be a separate interface. In one embodiment, the configuration user interface 200 is a software interface integrated with and processed by the processing circuit 204. The processing circuit 204 can be configured to provide the configuration user interface 200 to one or more users via one or more user interfaces, such as a web portal, a dedicated monitor, a software application, or any other suitable user interface type that allows a user to both provide input and receive output from the user interface to utilize the configuration user interface 200. In still further embodiments, the configuration user interface 200 is configured to allow a user to select whether the lamp drivers 106A-106E are linear or non-linear lamp drivers.

[0041] In some embodiments, the dimming user interface 202 allows a user to set a desired dimming level. In one preferred embodiment, the dimming user interface 202 is configured to allow a user to set a desired dimming level as a percentage of a linear perception. The desired dimming level can be stored in memory, such as memory 210 of the processing circuit 204. The desired dimming level can also be output to a local lighting controller, such as the local lighting controller 104, and will be discussed in more detail below. In one embodiment, the dimming user interface 202 is a dedicated interface that is separate from the processing circuit 204. In other embodiments, the dimming user interface 202 is a software interface that is integrated with and processed by the processing circuit 204. The processing circuit 204 can be configured to provide the dimming user interface 202 to one or more users via one or more user interfaces, such as a web portal, a dedicated monitor, a software application, or any other applicable user interface type that allows a user to both provide input and receive output from the user interface to utilize the configuration user interface 200.

[0042] As described above, the memory 210 can include one or more processes, applications, or the like for execution by the processing circuit 204. As Figure 2 illustrated, the memory 210 includes a central dimming level converter module 212. The central dimming level converter module 212 is configured to convert a desired dimming level percentage provided via the dimming user interface 202 to an appropriate linear or non-linear derived dimming level percentage. In some embodiments, the central dimming level converter module 212 converts the desired dimming level percentage based on one or more configuration parameters. In one embodiment, the configuration parameters are provided via the configuration user interface 200. In other embodiments, the configuration parameters are provided by other devices, such as the local lighting controller 104, as will be described in more detail below.

[0043] Turning now to Figure 3 , a block diagram of a local lighting controller, such as the local lighting controller 104, is shown in accordance with some embodiments. As Figure 3 illustrated, the local lighting controller 104 can include a power meter 300, a communication interface 302, a processing circuit 304, and a dimming controller 306.

[0044] The power meter 300 is configured to measure one or more power parameters associated with devices coupled to the local lighting controller 104, such as the lamps 108A-108E, as described above. For example, the power meter 300 can be configured to monitor power consumed by one or more of the lamps 108A-108E. In some embodiments, the power meter 300 is capable of individually determining power consumption for each lamp 108A-108E. In other embodiments, the power meter 300 is configured to determine power consumption for a group of lamps 108A-108E. In one embodiment, the power meter 300 is configured to determine instantaneous power consumption of one or all of the lamps 108A-108E. The power meter 300 can be configured to monitor power parameters such as input voltage, output voltage, output current, power factor, etc. The power meter 300 can communicate measured and determined power parameters to the processing circuit 304.

[0045] The processing circuit 304 can be communicatively connected to one or more of the power meter 300, the communication interface 302, and the dimming controller 306. The processing circuit 304 can include one or more processors 308 and one or more memory devices 310. The electronic processor 308 can be implemented as a programmable microprocessor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a set of processing components, or implemented together with other suitable electronic processing components.

[0046] The memory device 310 (e.g., a non-transitory, computer-readable medium) includes one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, flash memory, hard disk storage, etc.) for storing data and / or computer code for completing or facilitating the various processes, layers and modules described herein. The memory 310 can include a database component, a rule set component, a script component, or other types of information structures for supporting the various activities and information structures described in this application. According to some examples, the memory 310 is communicably connected to the electronic processor 308 via the processing circuit 304 and can include computer code suitable for

[0047] The communication interface 302 can be configured to communicate with one or more other devices, such as the centralized lighting controller 102. The communication interface 302 can be configured to communicate using various protocols, such as via a wired Internet connection (e.g., Ethernet, fiber, power line communication (PLC), etc.), a direct serial connection (e.g., RS-232, USB, USB-C, Firewire, etc.), or wireless communication, such as cellular (3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, CDMA, etc.), Wi-Fi, RF, Wi-Max, LoRa, ZigBee, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), RF, approach communications, etc.

[0048] As noted above, the memory 310 can include one or more processes, applications, etc. for execution via the processing circuitry 304 and / or the electronic processor 308. As Figure 3 As shown, the memory 310 includes an autonomous configuration detection module 312 and a local dimming level translator module 314. The autonomous configuration detection module 312 can be configured to autonomously derive a response of one or more of the lamp drivers 106A-106E. In particular, the autonomous configuration detection module 312 can be configured to determine whether one or more of the lamp drivers 106A-106E drive one or more of the lamps 108A-108E using a linear or a non-linear dimming curve.

[0049] The local dimming level translator module 314 is configured to translate a desired dimming level percentage provided via the dimming user interface 202 into an appropriate linear or non-linear derived dimming level output signal. In some embodiments, the local dimming level translator module 314 translates the desired dimming level percentage based on one or more configuration parameters. In one embodiment, the configuration parameter is provided via the configuration user interface 200. In other embodiments, the configuration parameter is provided by other devices, such as the local lighting controller 104, as will be described in greater detail below.

[0050] The dimming controller 306 is configured to control the light output level of one or more of the lamps 108A-108E. The dimming controller 306 can output a desired lamp level based on input from one of the dimming level translator modules 212 and / or 314. The dimming controller 306 can be used to output a non-linear control curve or a linear control curve to one or more of the lamp drivers 106A-106E based on input received from the dimming level translator module 212 or 314 in order to achieve a perceived linear dimming output from the lamps 108A-108E that corresponds to a selected user dimming percentage value. In one embodiment, the dimming controller 306 outputs an analog value, such as a 0-10 VDC signal, to one or more of the lamp drivers 106A-106E that corresponds to a selected user dimming percentage value. However, other analog value types are also contemplated. In other embodiments, the dimming controller 306 outputs a digital value to one or more of the lamp drivers 106A-106E that corresponds to a selected user dimming percentage value. In one embodiment, the dimming controller 306 is coupled to one or more of the lamp drivers 106A-106E for controlling the lighting output of the lamps 108A-108E.

[0051] Turning now to Figure 4 , a flowchart illustrates a process 400 for autonomously determining the configuration of a lamp driver, such as the lamp drivers 106A-106E. The process 400 can be performed by the autonomous configuration detection module 312 and the processing circuit 304. However, in other examples, the process 400 can be performed by other combinations of software modules and hardware described herein. Further, the values described below are described for example purposes for the following embodiments, and other test values are contemplated. The process begins at process block 402. At process block 404, one or more lighting devices, such as the lamps 108A-108E, are turned on. As described above, a single lamp 108A-108E can be turned on, or some or all of the lamps 108A-108E can be turned on, depending on the application. For the purposes of the following description, the dimming controller 306 operates as a linear dimming controller while the process 400 is being performed. However, it is contemplated that the dimming controller 306 can operate as a non-linear dimming controller to perform the process in other processes.

[0052] At process block 406, a dimming request value representing a 0% output value (e.g., 0% of a full output request) is output from the autonomous configuration detection module 312 to the dimming controller 306 for provision to one or more of the lamp drivers 106A-E. At process block 408, the power meter 300 reads the instantaneous power consumption of one or more of the lamps 108A-E and stores the instantaneous power in a memory, such as the memory device 310. In alternative embodiments, data other than instantaneous power consumption, such as average power consumption, current consumption, voltage drop, direct feedback from the lamps, and the like can be provided to the power meter 300. In some embodiments, a delay is implemented between the output command provided to the lamp drivers 106A-E and the measured instantaneous power to provide an accurate instantaneous power rating. In one embodiment, the delay is two seconds. However, delays of more than two seconds or less than two seconds are also contemplated. It will be appreciated that the above-described delay can be utilized before any instantaneous power level is measured after a change in output from the dimming controller 306.

[0053] At process block 410, a dimming request value representing a 25% output value (e.g., 25% of a full output request) is output from the autonomous configuration detection module 312 to the dimming controller 306 for provision to one or more of the lamp drivers 106A-E. At process block 412, the power meter 300 reads the instantaneous power consumption of one or more of the lamps 108A-E and stores the instantaneous power in a memory, such as the memory device 310.

[0054] At process block 414, a dimming request value representing a 50% output value (e.g., 50% of a full output request) is output from the autonomous configuration detection module 312 to the dimming controller 306 for provision to one or more of the lamp drivers 106A-E. At process block 416, the power meter 300 reads the instantaneous power consumption of one or more of the lamps 108A-E and stores the instantaneous power in a memory, such as the memory device 310.

[0055] At process block 418, a dimming request value representing a 75% output value (e.g., 75% of a full output request) is output from the autonomous configuration detection module 312 to the dimming controller 306 for provision to one or more of the lamp drivers 106A-E. At process block 420, the power meter 300 reads the instantaneous power consumption of one or more of the lamps 108A-E and stores the instantaneous power in a memory, such as the memory device 310.

[0056] At process block 422, a dimming request value representing 100% output value (e.g., 100% of a full output request) is output from the autonomous configuration detection module 312 to the dimming controller 306 for provision to one or more of the lamp drivers 106A-E. At process block 424, the power meter 300 reads the instantaneous power consumption of one or more of the lamps 108A-108E and stores the instantaneous power to a memory, such as the memory device 310.

[0057] At process block 426, the differences between the readings are analyzed to determine whether the differences between the instantaneous power readings at each dimming level are equivalent to one another within a given tolerance across the associated dimming request values. In one embodiment, the autonomous configuration detection module 312 determines the differences between the instantaneous power readings at one or more of the 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% levels of the associated dimming request values. At process block 428, the autonomous configuration detection module 312 determines whether the differences are relatively equivalent within a tolerance to indicate that the driver has a linear response / dimming curve. For example, the instantaneous power consumption values at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% can be 0W, 10W, 20W, 30W, and 40W, respectively. Thus, the power consumption difference for each 25% increment of dimming level is 10W (+ / - a 1w threshold), indicating a linear response due to the power consumption increments being equivalent across the range of dimming levels.

[0058] Based on determining that the differences are within the tolerance of a linear response, the autonomous configuration detection module 312 determines that the test lamp driver of the lamp drivers 106A-106E is a linear driver. As described above, in process 400, in response to determining that the test lamp driver of the lamp drivers 106A-106E is a linear driver, the dimming level translator module 314 or the dimming level translator module 212 will control the test lamp driver with non-linear output to achieve a perceived linear dimming experience. Based on determining that the differences are not within the tolerance of a linear response, the autonomous configuration detection module 312 determines that the test lamp driver of the lamp drivers 106A-106E is a non-linear driver and the dimming level translator module 314 or the dimming level translator module 212 will control the test lamp driver with linear output to achieve a perceived linear dimming experience. In one embodiment, the tolerance level is plus / minus 10%. However, values greater than 10% or less than 10% are also contemplated.

[0059] In some embodiments, the lamp drivers 106A-106E are configured to have one or more deadband ranges at lower dimming levels (e.g., 0%-25%) and / or at higher dimming levels (e.g., 75%-100%). The autonomous configuration detection module 312 can detect these deadband ranges and configure the range of control to 0 to 100% after the deadbands are removed. For example, if the power consumption response to 0% and 25% dimming levels is nearly the same on a linear driver (e.g., similar power consumption for each value), a deadband range is indicated. In response to the deadband being determined, the dimming level converter module 314 or the dimming level converter module 212 can be configured to adjust the available desired dimming level percentage to be between 25% and 100% of the associated lamp driver 106A-106E control range. In some embodiments, the lamp drivers 106A-106E can be determined to not have a deadband range at lower dimming levels or higher dimming levels. The deadband range at lower dimming levels and / or higher dimming levels can depend on the configuration of the associated lamp 108A-108E. For example, where the lamp 108A-108E is LED based, the type or brand of LED can determine whether one or more deadband ranges exist.

[0060] In one example, the autonomous configuration detection module 312 is configured to detect the above-described deadband range for lower dimming levels and / or higher dimming levels by measuring the power consumption of the lamp driver 106A-106E and / or the lamp 108A-108E for a given range of driving voltages at one or more of the lower dimming levels and the higher dimming levels. For example, when the voltage output by the lamp driver 106A-106E is varied over a range from 0V to a higher voltage level where the power consumption of the lamp driver 106A-106E begins to change, the power can be monitored in order to detect whether a lower deadband range exists. In some examples, the power consumption of the lamp driver 106A-106E is measured between 0V and 1V; however, other output voltages can be envisioned. In response to the power consumption not changing as the output voltage to the lamp driver 106A-106E increases from 0V to 1V, a lower deadband is determined by the autonomous configuration detection module 312 to exist. In response to the power consumption changing as the input voltage to the lamp driver 106A-106E increases from 0V to 1V, a lower deadband is determined by the autonomous configuration detection module 312 to not exist.

[0061] In one embodiment, the power consumption of the lamp driver 106A-106E is measured between a maximum voltage input and a lower input voltage output by the lamp driver 106A-106E to detect whether an upper deadband range exists. For example, the power consumption of the lamp driver 106A-106E is measured between output voltages of 9V and 10V. However, other voltage ranges are contemplated. In response to the power consumption not changing as the output voltage to the lamp driver 106A-106E varies between 9V and 10V, the upper deadband is determined to exist by the autonomous configuration detection module 312. In response to the power consumption changing as the output voltage to the lamp driver 106A-106E varies between 9V and 10V, the upper deadband range is determined to not exist by the autonomous configuration detection module 312. In one embodiment, the power meter 300 can measure the power consumption of the lamp driver 106A-106E.

[0062] As noted above, in response to the determined deadband range, the dimming level translator module 314 or the dimming level translator module 212 can be configured to adjust the available desired dimming level output to be within the control range of the associated lamp driver 106A-106E to account for the existence of the upper and lower deadband ranges. Thus, for the above example having a lower deadband range between 0V-1V, the dimming level translator module 314 or the dimming level translator module 212 adjusts the available desired dimming level output to be within a range of 1V-10V. In another example, where an upper deadband range exists between 9V to 10V, the dimming level translator module 314 or the dimming level translator module 212 adjusts the available desired dimming level output to be within a range of 0V to 9V. Other dimming level output ranges can include 1V to 9V, 0V to 9V, etc.

[0063] After determining whether the lamp driver 106A-106E is a linear or non-linear lamp driver, the autonomous configuration detection module 312 communicates the determined lamp driver configuration to one or more of the central dimming level translator module 212 of the centralized lighting controller 102 and / or the local dimming level translator module 314 of the local lighting controller 104.

[0064] Turning now to Figure 5According to some embodiments, a process 500 for controlling a dimming controller, such as dimming controller 306, to provide a perceptually linear dimming output from one or more lamps, such as lamps 108A-108E, is shown. Process 500 begins at process block 502, and at process block 504, a desired dimming level percentage input value is received via dimming user interface 202. In one embodiment, the desired dimming level percentage input value is received by processing circuitry 204 of centralized lighting controller 102 from dimming user interface 202. In other embodiments, the dimming input value is received by processing circuitry 304 of local lighting controller 104 from dimming user interface 202. Processing circuitry 204 of centralized lighting controller 102 can be configured to provide the received desired dimming level percentage input value to central dimming level converter module 212. Similarly, processing circuitry 304 of local lighting controller 104 can be configured to provide the received desired dimming level percentage input value to local dimming level converter module 314.

[0065] At process block 506, configuration information is input to dimming level controller module 314. Configuration information can include configuration information about one or more components, such as lamp drivers and / or dimming controller 306. Example configuration data includes whether a lamp driver is linear or non-linear, whether a control signal output by dimming controller 306 is linear or non-linear, and / or one or more computational methods for determining an appropriate non-linear output signal. In one embodiment, autonomous configuration detection module 312 automatically determines a lamp driver configuration, as described above, and provides that configuration to local dimming level converter module 314.

[0066] In other embodiments, a user can manually enter the lamp driver configuration (e.g., whether the lamp driver is linear or non-linear) or the required controller configuration (e.g., whether the dimmer controller 306 needs to output linear or non-linear control signals) using the configuration user interface 200. For example, a user can manually provide the lamp driver configuration type (e.g., linear or non-linear) via the configuration user interface 200. The lamp driver configuration type is then provided to the central dimming level translator module 212 or the local dimming level translator module 314, which can then translate the desired output signal as needed to achieve a perceived linear output. In another example, based on the user knowing the lamp driver type, the user can use the configuration user interface 200 to directly instruct the central dimming level translator module 212 or the local dimming level translator module 314 to control the dimmer controller 306 to output linear output signals or non-linear output signals. The configuration user interface 200 can then communicate the driver configuration or the required controller configuration to the central dimming level translator module 212 of the processing circuit 204. In other embodiments, the configuration user interface 200 communicates the driver configuration or the required controller configuration to the local dimming level translator module 314 of the processing circuit 304.

[0067] At process block 508, a determination is made as to whether the lamp drivers utilize linear or non-linear dimming curves to dim their associated lamps. The determination can be performed by the central dimming level translator module 212 of the processing circuit 204 or the local dimming level translator module 314 of the processing circuit 304. Based on determining that the lamp drivers utilize linear dimming curves, one of the central dimming level translator module 212 or the local dimming level translator module 314 generates a non-linear output value to the dimmer controller 306 that is equal to the received desired dimming level percentage input value at process block 510. As described above, providing a non-linear dimming level to a driver that utilizes a linear dimming curve results in a perceived linear output at the lamp.

[0068] In some embodiments, the central dimming level translator module 212 or the local dimming level translator module 314 can access one or more references, such as lookup tables, to determine the appropriate non-linear value corresponding to the desired linear dimming level provided by the user. In other embodiments, the central dimming level translator module 212 or the local dimming level translator module 314 performs one or more calculations or mathematical formulas to calculate the non-linear value corresponding to the desired dimming level provided by the user. In other embodiments, the central dimming level translator module 212 or the local dimming level translator module 314 can provide the appropriate non-linear value to the dimming controller 306. For example, the central dimming level translator module 212 or the local dimming level translator module 314 can access their respective memories to access one or more references, such as lookup tables, to determine the appropriate non-linear value corresponding to the desired linear dimming level provided by the user. Based on the output provided to the dimming controller 306, the dimming controller 306 then outputs the appropriate non-linear output level to one or more of the lamp drivers 106A-106E at process block 512.

[0069] Based on the determination that the lamp driver utilizes a non-linear dimming curve, one of the central dimming level translator module 212 or the local dimming level translator module 314 generates a linear percentage power output value equal to the received dimming input value that will be provided to the dimming controller 306 at process block 514. As described above, a linear control curve is provided to a driver that utilizes a non-linear dimming curve resulting in a perceived linear output at the lamp. In one embodiment, the dimming controller 306 outputs a value equal to the received dimming input value. For example, where the received dimming input value is determined to be 50%, the dimming controller 306 will output an equivalent of 50% power to the lamp drivers 106A-106E. Based on the provided output, the dimming controller 306 outputs the appropriate linear output level to one or more of the lamp drivers 106A-106E at process block 512.

[0070] While the process 500 is intended to provide an output level to a dimming controller, such as the dimming controller 306, it is contemplated that in other examples, the process 500 can be applied to control the response type of one or more lamp drivers, such as the lamp drivers 106A-106E. For example, instead of modifying the dimming level of a dimming controller (e.g., linear or non-linear), the dimming controller can use a static dimming control curve (e.g., linear or non-linear) and the response of the lamp driver is instead modified to ensure that the dimming output of the associated lamp is a linear dimming output as would be perceived by the human eye.

Claims

1. A lamp dimming system, comprising: one or more lamps, each lamp having an associated lamp driver; a local lighting controller, the local lighting controller comprising a dimming controller and processing circuitry, the dimming controller configured to provide an output to one or more lamp drivers; the processing circuitry of the local lighting controller comprising one or more electronic processors configured to: receive a dimming input value indicative of a desired dimming level of the one or more lamps; determine a configuration of the one or more lamp drivers, wherein the configuration defines whether the one or more lamp drivers utilize a non-linear dimming curve or a linear dimming curve; and in response to determining that the one or more lamp drivers utilize a linear dimming curve, configure the dimming controller to output a dimming signal to the one or more lamp drivers based on a non-linear control signal that is equivalent to the received dimming input value to cause the one or more lamps to dim to a level perceived as equivalent to the received dimming input value, wherein the local lighting controller further comprises a power meter configured to measure an instantaneous power consumption of the one or more lamps, and wherein determining the configuration of the one or more lamp drivers comprises: outputting a plurality of dimming values via the dimming controller; determining an instantaneous power value at each of the plurality of dimming values via the power meter; storing the instantaneous power values in a memory of the local lighting controller; comparing a difference between the instantaneous power at the associated dimming levels; determining that the one or more lamp drivers utilize a linear dimming curve based on the instantaneous power values being linearly equivalent to each other at the associated dimming levels; and determining that the one or more lamp drivers utilize a non-linear dimming curve based on the instantaneous power values not being linearly equivalent to each other at the associated dimming levels.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the electronic processors are further configured to: in response to determining that the one or more lamp drivers utilize a non-linear dimming curve, configure the dimming controller to output a dimming signal to the one or more lamp drivers based on a linear dimming curve that is equivalent to the received dimming input to cause the one or more lamps to dim to a level perceived as equivalent to the received dimming input value.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein, the processing circuitry of the local lighting controller is further configured to determine whether the one or more lamps have a deadband range, wherein the deadband range comprises one or more of an upper deadband range and a lower deadband range.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein, the processing circuitry of the local lighting controller determines a dimming output range of the one or more lamp drivers based on the determined deadband range.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a remote lighting controller in electronic communication with the local lighting controller, wherein, the remote lighting controller comprises a user interface configured to receive a user input indicative of the desired dimming level.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein, the remote lighting controller is configured to transmit the desired dimming level to the local lighting controller.

7. The system of claim 5, wherein, the user interface is a web portal interface.

8. A method for controlling a dimming operation of a lighting device such that dimming of a lamp appears linear to a human observer, the method comprising: at a processing circuit of a local lighting controller configured to control a driver of the lighting device, receiving a dimming input value representing a desired dimming level of one or more lamps; determining, at the local lighting controller, a configuration of the one or more lamp drivers, wherein the configuration defines whether the driver of the lighting device utilizes a non-linear dimming curve or a linear dimming curve; and in response to determining that the driver of the lighting device utilizes a linear dimming curve, configuring a dimming controller to output a dimming signal to the driver of the lighting device that is equivalent to the received dimming input value based on a non-linear control curve to cause the lighting device to dim to a level perceived to be equivalent to the received dimming input value, wherein determining the configuration of the lighting device comprises: outputting a plurality of dimming values via a dimming controller of the lighting controller; determining, at a power meter of the local lighting controller, an instantaneous power value at each of the plurality of dimming values; storing the instantaneous power values in a memory of the local lighting controller; comparing a difference between the instantaneous power readings at the associated dimming values; determining that the driver of the lighting device utilizes a linear dimming curve based on the difference in instantaneous power values being linearly equivalent at the associated dimming levels; and determining that the driver of the lighting device utilizes a non-linear dimming curve based on the difference in instantaneous power values being non-linearly equivalent at the associated dimming levels.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: in response to determining that the one or more lamp drivers utilize a non-linear dimming curve, configuring, at the local lighting controller, the dimming controller to output a dimming signal to the driver of the lighting device that is equivalent to the received dimming input value based on a linear control curve to cause the lighting device to dim to a level perceived to be equivalent to the received dimming input value.

10. The method of claim 8, further comprising: determining whether the one or more lamps have a deadband range, wherein the deadband range comprises one or more of an upper deadband range and a lower deadband range; and determining a dimming output range of the one or more lamp drivers based on the determined deadband range.

11. A lighting control system for determining a configuration of a lamp driver, comprising: one or more lamps, each lamp configured to be driven by the lamp driver; a local lighting controller, the local lighting controller comprising a dimming controller and a processing circuit, the dimming controller configured to provide an output to the lamp driver; a power meter; and the processing circuit of the local lighting controller comprises one or more electronic processors configured to: output a plurality of dimming values via the dimming controller; determine, via the power meter, an instantaneous power value at each of the plurality of dimming values; store the instantaneous power values in a memory of the local lighting controller; compare a difference between the instantaneous power values at the associated dimming values; determine that the driver of the lighting device utilizes a linear dimming curve based on the difference in instantaneous power values being linearly equivalent at the associated dimming levels; and determine that the driver of the lighting device utilizes a non-linear dimming curve based on the difference in instantaneous power values being non-linearly equivalent at the associated dimming levels. determining that the lamp driver is configured to utilize a linear dimming curve based on the difference in the instantaneous power values being linearly equivalent to each other at the associated dimming levels; determining that the lamp driver is configured to utilize a non-linear dimming curve based on the instantaneous power values being non-linearly equivalent to each other at the associated dimming levels; storing the determined configuration of the lamp driver in a memory of the local lighting controller; and configuring the dimming controller to output a dimming signal to the one or more lamp drivers that is equivalent to the received dimming input value based on a non-linear control signal to cause the one or more lamps to dim to a level perceived to be equivalent to the received dimming input value in response to determining that the one or more lamp drivers utilize a linear dimming curve.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the one or more electronic processors are further configured to: receive a dimming input value indicative of a desired dimming level for a lamp coupled to the lamp driver; configure the dimming controller to output a dimming signal to the lamp driver to cause the lamp to dim to a level perceived to be equivalent to the received dimming value input based on the stored configuration of the lamp driver.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein, the dimming signal is based on a non-linear control curve.

14. The system of claim 12, wherein, the dimming signal is based on a linear control curve.

15. The system of claim 11, further comprising a remote lighting controller in electronic communication with the local lighting controller.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein, the remote lighting controller comprises a user interface configured to receive a user input indicative of a desired dimming level.

17. The system of claim 12, wherein, the lamp driver comprises one or more deadband ranges, wherein the deadband ranges comprise a first deadband value at a lower dimming level range and a second deadband value at a higher dimming range.

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