Lighting controller

Abstract

This invention provides a lighting controller arranged to control a lighting device in response to presence detected within the detection radius of a presence sensor. The lighting controller is characterized by: determining a current lighting state of the lighting device indicating whether it provides lighting characteristics; determining a current presence detection state indicating whether presence is detected within an initial detection radius of the presence sensor; and adapting the initial detection radius of the presence sensor to an adapted detection radius, within which presence is to be detected, based on the current lighting state and the current presence detection state. This invention also provides a system including the lighting controller, the presence sensor, and the lighting device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a lighting controller arranged to control a lighting device in response to a presence detected within the detection radius of a presence sensor. The invention also relates to a lighting system comprising a lighting device, a presence sensor, and the lighting controller. Furthermore, the invention relates to a lighting device comprising a plurality of lighting components and the lighting controller. The invention further relates to a method for controlling a lighting device in response to a presence detected within the detection radius of a presence sensor; and may also relate to a corresponding computer program product. Background Technology

[0002] Built environments are increasingly equipped with sensing solutions for controlling lighting. A known example is a single presence sensor associated with a light, which can trigger the light when its presence (e.g., an object or person) is detected. Furthermore, the concept of granular dimming employs multiple presence sensors to trigger their respective associated lights. This granular dimming concept reduces energy consumption and is widely used in built environments such as offices and warehouses.

[0003] However, in many examples, presence sensors may fail to accurately detect presence (such as, for example, motion) in more distant regions of their field of view (or: the detection region). Therefore, presence detection in such remote regions can be discontinuous and may produce false negatives. To address this issue, the concept of granular dimming typically employs presence sensors with overlapping fields of view to ensure that presence is detected in the precise sensing region of at least one of multiple presence sensors.

[0004] While this ensures that presence can be correctly and continuously detected by at least one presence sensor, the presence can also be detected in a more distant area by another adjacent presence sensor. This can adversely lead to adjacent lights associated with adjacent presence sensors occasionally turning on and off.

[0005] For example, in a space equipped with a granular dimming lighting system, a person working in one area of ​​the space can be detected by the presence sensor of that area and subsequently illuminated by the corresponding light in that area. However, due to the overlapping fields of view of the presence sensors in the granular dimming lighting system, adjacent presence sensors in adjacent areas may occasionally also detect a person working there, and thus occasionally turn on the adjacent light corresponding to that adjacent area. This discontinuous and accidental switching of lights in adjacent areas can be considered unpleasant and is a technical problem in the operation of such granular dimming lighting systems. This is a significant drawback that needs to be addressed in the field of lighting. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One object of the present invention is to provide an improved lighting controller for controlling a lighting device in response to presence detected by a presence sensor, which at least mitigates the aforementioned problems and disadvantages, such as, for example, eliminating undesirable light triggering from presence sensors in adjacent areas. Furthermore, the present invention provides a lighting controller arranged to control a lighting device in response to presence detected within the detection radius of a presence sensor; characterized in that the lighting controller is configured to: determine a current lighting state of the lighting device indicating whether the lighting device provides lighting characteristics; determine a current presence detection state indicating whether presence is detected within an initial detection radius of the presence sensor; and, based on the current lighting state of the lighting device and the current presence detection state, adapt the initial detection radius of the presence sensor to an adapted detection radius in which presence is to be detected.

[0007] Therefore, at each moment, the lighting controller can determine whether the lighting equipment provides illumination characteristics and whether presence is detected within the initial detection radius of the presence sensor. Based on these two parameters defined by the current lighting state and the current presence detection state, the lighting controller is advantageously configured to adapt the initial detection radius to an adapted detection radius in which presence is to be detected.

[0008] Throughout the application: the detected presence can also be described as a determined presence. The presence can be the presence of a person, animal, or object (e.g., a robot, vehicle, or data tag). The detection radius can be described as a detection range. The detection radius can define a detection area (i.e., for example, the radius of a circle), where the detection area can be the projection of the sensor's field of view or the detection area onto a surface (such as, for example, a floor).

[0009] Throughout the application, the presence sensor may include a sensitivity, wherein the sensitivity is constant. This constantness can be expressed as being constant over time, or being at a constant value over time. The sensitivity is for detecting the presence. The sensitivity is for detecting the presence within the detection radius. Therefore, the sensitivity of the presence sensor can be constant for each corresponding detection radius, and is constant over time, for example, for detection radii that vary during operation of the presence sensor. Therefore, the controller is configured to maintain or keep the sensitivity constant. The constant sensitivity may also be a default characteristic of the presence sensor's factory settings.

[0010] The above also presents the following effect: In the first case, the lighting device is (already) providing illumination characteristics and detecting presence, and the initial detection radius can be increased to a larger adaptive detection radius. Therefore, due to the increased detection radius, the detected presence can be detected more centrally (or closer) to the detection area of ​​the presence sensor, resulting in more robust and accurate detection of the detected presence.

[0011] The above demonstrates the following effect: In the second case, where the lighting device is not (already) providing illumination and is not detecting presence, the initial detection radius can be reduced to a smaller adaptive detection radius. Therefore, due to the reduced detection radius, unwanted triggering from remote portions of the detection area spanned by the initial detection radius can be eliminated, thus increasing the robustness and accuracy of presence detection.

[0012] The above illustrates the following effect: In the third case, the lighting device (already) is providing illumination characteristics, but (e.g., suddenly) is no longer detecting presence (no longer), and the initial detection radius can be reduced to a smaller adaptive detection radius. Therefore, due to the reduced detection radius, unwanted (discontinuous and accidental) triggering from remote parts of the detection area spanned by the initial detection radius can be eliminated, thus increasing the robustness and accuracy of presence detection.

[0013] Therefore, in the first, second, and third cases described above, the adaptability of the detection radius of the presence sensor based on the current lighting state of the lighting equipment and the current presence detection state clearly solves the problem of undesirable light triggering (or: false negatives) caused by presence in remote (inaccurate) areas of the presence sensor's detection area, which is spanned by the detection radius.

[0014] Therefore, in the first embodiment, the lighting controller can be configured to: determine a first condition if (i) the current lighting state of the lighting device indicates that the lighting device provides lighting characteristics, and (ii) the current presence detection state indicates that presence is detected within the initial detection radius of the presence sensor; adapt the initial detection radius of the presence sensor to a first adapted detection radius, in which presence is detected when the first condition is determined, wherein the first adapted detection radius is greater than the initial detection radius.

[0015] Therefore, in the second embodiment, the lighting controller can be configured to: determine a second condition if (i) the current lighting state of the lighting device indicates that the lighting device does not provide lighting characteristics, and (ii) the current presence detection state indicates that presence is not detected within the initial detection radius of the presence sensor; adapt the initial detection radius of the presence sensor to a second adapted detection radius in which presence is detected when the second condition is determined, wherein the second adapted detection radius is smaller than the initial detection radius.

[0016] Therefore, in the third embodiment, the lighting controller can be configured to: determine a third condition if (i) the current lighting state of the lighting device indicates that the lighting device provides lighting characteristics, and (ii) the current presence detection state indicates that no presence is detected within the initial detection radius of the presence sensor; adapt the initial detection radius of the presence sensor to a third adapted detection radius in which presence is detected when the third condition is determined, wherein the third adapted detection radius is smaller than the initial detection radius.

[0017] In one embodiment, the presence sensor may be characterized as a distance sensor. The distance sensor may include an initial detection radius in which presence can be detected and / or determined. Therefore, the distance sensor may be configured to detect and / or determine presence within its initial detection radius at a (current) distance. The distance sensor may then provide the detected and / or determined (current) distance to the lighting controller. (Alternatively: the lighting controller may obtain (i.e., retrieve or receive) the distance).

[0018] In one embodiment, the first adaptive detection radius is the maximum detection radius, beyond which the presence sensor cannot physically detect presence. This embodiment is advantageous because, in the second case described above, by increasing the initial detection radius to the maximum detection radius, the presence sensor can be controlled to its full sensing capability.

[0019] In the alternative aspect, the initial detection radius and the maximum detection radius can (already) be the same. Therefore, when determining the first condition, the initial detection radius can remain the same, or the maximum detection radius can remain the same.

[0020] In one embodiment, the second and / or third adaptive detection radius can be the minimum detection radius. The minimum detection radius can be the minimum detection radius that the presence sensor can operate at to sense presence. For example, a PIR sensor can include three detection radii, for which presence can be determined. Therefore, the minimum detection radius can be the minimum detection radius.

[0021] In one embodiment, the first adaptation detection radius may be a predetermined first adaptation detection radius. In one embodiment, the second adaptation detection radius may be a predetermined second adaptation detection radius. In one embodiment, the third adaptation detection radius may be a predetermined third adaptation detection radius. In one embodiment, the predetermined second adaptation detection radius may include the same value as the predetermined third adaptation detection radius. Therefore, in such embodiments, the adaptation detection radii may be increased or decreased to predetermined, predefined, or standardized values. This may be an upper or lower threshold value for the respective adaptation detection radius. Establishing such predefined thresholds may be advantageous in standardization and in applications of multiple such presence sensors according to the invention.

[0022] In one embodiment, the first adapt detection radius may be at least one meter larger than the initial detection radius. Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, the second adapt detection radius may be at least one meter smaller than the initial detection radius. Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, the third adapt detection radius may be at least one meter smaller than the initial detection radius. Such embodiments may be advantageous because increasing or decreasing the detection radius in steps of at least one meter can indicate at least one commonly detected object, such as, for example, a person (where the corresponding detection surface may span at least one meter).

[0023] In one embodiment, the lighting characteristics can be at least one of the following: light intensity, on / off state, color, color temperature, light direction, light pattern, light scene, light recipe, light modulation, and spectrum. Such lighting characteristics can advantageously be provided upon detection (or determination) of presence. For example, upon detection of presence, the lighting device can be controlled to dim to a higher intensity. For example, the lighting device can be controlled to provide a light recipe upon detection of an animal. For example, the lighting device can be controlled to provide the color and / or intensity of light upon detection of a data tag (e.g., RFID, NFC, QR, etc.). For example, the lighting device can be controlled to provide the color of light upon detection of presence. For example, when the presence of, for example, a picking robot is detected, the lighting device can be controlled to provide light modulation (e.g., visible light communication, or Li-Fi).

[0024] In one embodiment, the presence sensor is one of the following: a PIR sensor, a time-of-flight presence sensor, a microwave sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a camera, a radio frequency-based presence sensor, a thermopile, or a single-pixel thermopile.

[0025] In one embodiment, the lighting controller can be configured to set a hold time during which the lighting device is controlled to provide lighting characteristics; wherein the duration of the hold time is proportional to the size of the adaptive detection radius. The proportion can be, for example, linear, or, for example, inversely linear.

[0026] In one embodiment, the detection radius of the sensor can be defined as a circular detection area or a square detection area. Therefore, the detection radius can be defined as, or correspond to, the effective radius of a shape other than a circle for the detection area.

[0027] As described, the presence sensor can be a distance sensor. Therefore, the presence sensor can be configured to determine the distance (relative to the presence sensor) at which presence is detected within a detection radius. Thus, in an embodiment, the lighting controller can be further configured to: determine a current distance relative to the presence sensor at which presence is detected within the presence sensor's detection radius; and, based on the current distance, the current lighting state of the lighting equipment, and the current presence detection state, adapt the initial detection radius of the presence sensor to an adapted detection radius in which presence is to be detected.

[0028] For example, in the above embodiments, where presence is detected within the initial detection radius of the presence sensor, the current distance of the presence sensor relative to the presence sensor detected within the initial detection radius can be determined, and the initial detection radius can be adapted to a customized adaptive detection radius, wherein the customized initial detection radius is equal to 100-140% of the current distance, preferably equal to 100-120% of the current distance.

[0029] Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved lighting system (or luminaire) that at least mitigates the aforementioned problems and disadvantages. To this end, the present invention also provides a lighting system comprising a lighting device, a presence sensor, and a lighting controller according to the invention. The advantages and / or embodiments applicable to the lighting controller according to the invention can also be adapted to the lighting system (or luminaire) according to the invention with necessary modifications.

[0030] As mentioned in the preceding sections, in one embodiment, the presence sensor is one of the following: a PIR sensor, a time-of-flight presence sensor, a microwave sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a camera, a radio frequency-based presence sensor, a thermopile (array), or a single-pixel thermopile.

[0031] Such presence sensors are characterized by their ability to sense presence at a specific detection radius. Such thermopile sensors or PIR sensors may, for example, include at least two (e.g., three) predefined detection radii that can determine presence, wherein an illumination controller can switch between these detection radii to adapt the initial detection radius to an adapted detection radius for detecting presence. Time-of-flight (presence) sensors can, for example, detect presence within their initial detection radius (or range) and also provide the current distance at which said presence was detected. The same applies to, for example, microwave sensors and ultrasonic sensors.

[0032] Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved lighting device, such as a lighting device suitable for granular dimming concepts, which at least mitigates the aforementioned problems and disadvantages. To this end, the present invention also provides a lighting device comprising a plurality of lighting components and a lighting controller according to the invention; wherein each of the plurality of lighting components includes a lighting device and an associated presence sensor; wherein the lighting controller is arranged to control a corresponding lighting device of each of the plurality of lighting components in response to a presence determined within the detection radius of a corresponding associated presence sensor of a corresponding lighting component. The advantages and / or embodiments applicable to the lighting controller and lighting system according to the invention may also be adapted to the lighting device according to the invention with necessary modifications.

[0033] The lighting controller can therefore be a distributed lighting controller, in which each lighting component can house a portion of the lighting controller that together constitute the lighting controller, or a centralized lighting controller for controlling each lighting component.

[0034] Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved method for controlling a lighting device in response to a presence detected by a presence sensor, which at least mitigates the aforementioned problems and disadvantages. To this end, the present invention also provides a method for controlling a lighting device in response to a presence detected within the detection radius of a presence sensor, wherein the method includes: determining a current lighting state of the lighting device indicating whether the lighting device provides lighting characteristics; determining a current presence detection state indicating whether a presence is detected within an initial detection radius of the presence sensor; and adapting the initial detection radius of the presence sensor to an adapted detection radius, within which presence is to be detected, based on the current lighting state of the lighting device and the current presence detection state. The advantages and / or embodiments applicable to the lighting controller and lighting system according to the present invention can also be adapted to the method according to the present invention with necessary modifications.

[0035] In one embodiment, the method may include: determining a first condition if (i) the current lighting state of the lighting device indicates that the lighting device provides lighting characteristics, and (ii) the current presence detection state indicates that presence is detected within the initial detection radius of the presence sensor; adapting the initial detection radius of the presence sensor to a first adapted detection radius, in which presence is detected when the first condition is determined, wherein the first adapted detection radius is greater than the initial detection radius.

[0036] In one embodiment, the method may include: determining a second condition if (i) the current lighting state of the lighting device indicates that the lighting device does not provide lighting characteristics, and (ii) the current presence detection state indicates that presence is not detected within the initial detection radius of the presence sensor; adapting the initial detection radius of the presence sensor to a second adapted detection radius in which presence is detected when the second condition is determined, wherein the second adapted detection radius is smaller than the initial detection radius.

[0037] In one embodiment, the method may include: determining a third condition if (i) the current lighting state of the lighting device indicates that the lighting device provides lighting characteristics, and (ii) the current presence detection state indicates that no presence is detected within the initial detection radius of the presence sensor; adapting the initial detection radius of the presence sensor to a third adapted detection radius in which presence is detected when the third condition is determined, wherein the third adapted detection radius is smaller than the initial detection radius.

[0038] In one embodiment, the method may include: setting a hold time during which a lighting device is controlled to provide lighting characteristics; wherein the duration of the hold time is proportional to the size of the adaptive detection radius.

[0039] In one embodiment, the method may include: determining a current distance relative to a presence sensor at which presence is detected within an initial detection radius of the presence sensor; and adapting the initial detection radius of the presence sensor to an adapted detection radius, based on the current distance, the current lighting state of the lighting device, and the current presence detection state, in which presence is to be detected.

[0040] The present invention also relates to a computer program product. Therefore, the present invention provides a computer program product for a computing device, the computer program product comprising computer program code that executes the method according to the present invention when the computer program product is run on a processing unit of the computing device.

[0041] Therefore, aspects of the present invention can be implemented in a computer program product, which may be a collection of computer program instructions stored on a computer-readable storage device and executable by a computer. The instructions of the present invention can be any interpretable or executable code mechanism, including but not limited to scripts, interpretable programs, dynamic link libraries (DLLs), or Java classes. The instructions may be provided as a complete executable program, a partial executable program, as a modification (e.g., an update) of an existing program, or as an extension (e.g., a plugin) of an existing program. Furthermore, some processing of the present invention may be distributed across multiple computers or processors.

[0042] In another aspect, the present invention provides a controller arranged to control electrical equipment in response to presence detected within a detection radius of a presence sensor; characterized in that the lighting controller is configured to: determine the current state of the electrical equipment indicating whether the electrical equipment provides a characteristic; determine a current presence detection state indicating whether presence is detected within an initial detection radius of the presence sensor; and adapt the initial detection radius of the presence sensor to an adapted detection radius, in which presence is to be detected, based on the current state of the electrical equipment and the current presence detection state. For example, the electrical equipment may be a lighting device, the state may be a lighting state, and the characteristic may be a lighting characteristic. For example, the electrical equipment may be a sensor, the state may be a sensor state, and the characteristic may be a sensor characteristic. The sensor characteristic may, for example, be one of the following: sensor sensitivity (level), sensor on or off state, sensor directionality. The advantages and / or embodiments applicable to the lighting controller according to the present invention can also be adapted to the controller according to this other aspect of the present invention with necessary modifications.

[0043] In another aspect, the present invention provides a lighting system comprising a PIR sensor, a lighting device, and a lighting controller, wherein the lighting controller is arranged to control the lighting device in response to a presence detected within the detection radius of the PIR sensor; wherein the PIR sensor is configured to detect a presence within the detection radius and provide an output signal; wherein the lighting controller is configured to: acquire the output signal of the PIR sensor; determine a current lighting state of the lighting device indicating whether the lighting device provides lighting characteristics; analyze the output signal to determine a current presence detection state, the current presence detection state indicating whether a presence is detected within the initial detection radius of the PIR sensor; and adapt the initial detection radius of the PIR sensor to an adapted detection radius, in which a presence is to be detected, based on the current lighting state of the lighting device and the current presence detection state. Advantages and / or embodiments applicable to the lighting controller according to the present invention can also be adapted to the controller according to this further aspect of the present invention with necessary modifications. Attached Figure Description

[0044] The invention will now be further illustrated with the aid of illustrative, non-limiting drawings:

[0045] Figures 1A-1D An embodiment of a lighting system according to the invention is schematically depicted, wherein the lighting system includes a lighting device, a presence sensor, and a lighting controller according to the invention;

[0046] Figure 2 An embodiment of the lighting device according to the present invention is schematically depicted;

[0047] Figure 3An embodiment of the method according to the invention is illustrated schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The invention will now be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated. However, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0049] As previously described, the lighting controller according to the invention is capable of determining whether a lighting device provides lighting characteristics and whether presence is detected within the initial detection radius of the presence sensor. Based on these two parameters defined by the current lighting state and the current presence detection state, the lighting controller is advantageously configured to adapt the initial detection radius to an adapted detection radius in which presence is to be detected. The presence sensor can be characterized as a distance sensor.

[0050] Therefore, the adaptability of the detection radius of the presence sensor based on the current lighting state of the lighting equipment and the current presence detection state clearly solves the problem of undesirable light triggering (or: false negatives) caused by presence in remote (inaccurate) areas of the presence sensor's detection area, which is spanned by the detection radius.

[0051] Figure 1A A lighting system 100 is schematically depicted by way of non-limiting example. The lighting system 100 includes a lighting controller 10, a lighting device 11, and a presence sensor 12. The lighting controller 10, lighting device 11, and presence sensor 12 are implemented within the same housing (e.g., within a luminaire), but alternatively, they can be implemented as separate components. Furthermore, the lighting controller 10 communicates with the lighting device 11 and the presence sensor 12 via a wired connection. Alternatively, the lighting controller 10, lighting device 11, and / or the presence sensor 12 can communicate wirelessly, for example via ZigBee, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, RF, IR, Li-Fi, or VLC; particularly when these components are implemented as separate components.

[0052] A presence sensor 12 is configured to monitor a detection area in a space. A lighting device 11 is configured to at least partially illuminate the detection area in the space. Here, the space is defined by a surface 19, which is the floor 19. The space may be, for example, an office space, a retail space, or a warehouse. The projection of the detection area onto the floor 19 represents the detection area. Therefore, the presence sensor 12 is configured to detect presence in the detection area.

[0053] More specifically, the detection region (which may be, for example, a volume cone) and the detection area (which may be, for example, a circle, or, for example, the circular base of the cone) include a central axis. Therefore, the detection region and the detection area can be defined by a detection radius. Thus, a presence sensor is arranged to detect presence within its detection radius. The detection radius can also be expressed as a detection range. Therefore, the presence sensor can also be alternatively described as a distance sensor.

[0054] refer to Figure 1A The presence sensor 12 is a thermopile array sensor, but alternatively it can be any other presence sensor mentioned above in this application, such as a time-of-flight sensor. Here, the thermopile array sensor is depicted as having three different detection areas (or detection regions), each characterized by defining corresponding detection radii 141, 142, and 143 for detecting presence in the corresponding detection area (or detection region). That is, in a first operating mode, the presence sensor 12 is configured to detect presence within a first detection radius 141; in a second operating mode, the presence sensor 12 is configured to detect presence within a second (smaller than the first) detection radius 142; and in a third operating mode, the presence sensor 12 is configured to detect presence within a third (smaller than the second) detection radius 143.

[0055] Alternatively, the detection can be described as deterministic, since the presence sensor 12 can still monitor the maximum detection range, i.e., the maximum detection range defined by the maximum detection radius, beyond which the presence sensor is physically unable to detect presence. However, the presence detection function can be limited to one of the three mentioned detection radii. For example, even if the thermopile array sensor 12 may be able to monitor presence within the first detection radius 141, the thermopile array sensor 12 can also operate in a mode where presence is determined only within the (more central but more precise) second detection radius 142.

[0056] Alternatively, this can also be applied to a PIR sensor that can detect presence (e.g., motion) within its detection radius and output an output signal that can then be analyzed to determine, for example, the distance, location, and / or range at which presence was detected within the detection radius (or: the field of view of the PIR sensor), in order to determine, for example, whether the PIR sensor detected the presence within the initial detection radius.

[0057] In this context, according to Figure 1A The operation of the lighting system in the embodiment is by Figure 1B , Figure 1C and Figure 1DDescription and explanation. Thus, the lighting controller 10 is arranged to control the lighting device 11 in response to presence detected within the (current) detection radius of the presence sensor 12. The presence of a person 16 will be detected, although the person may alternatively be an object or animal, or also alternatively a beacon signal. In this preferred embodiment (although optional), the lighting device 11 is controlled to provide illumination characteristics for a specific duration of hold when presence is detected by the presence sensor 12. For example, upon detection of presence, the lighting device 11 may be turned on for one minute, or alternatively, for any other duration common in the application.

[0058] Figure 1B The following is an illustrative description, using non-restrictive examples, of the following: Figure 1A The lighting system 100 of the embodiment depicted herein. A presence sensor 12 is arranged to detect presence within a (current) detection radius. The presence to be detected is a person 16' in the space on the floor 19.

[0059] The detection radius of sensor 12 is initially set to an initial detection radius 14. Controller 10 determines the current lighting state of lighting device 11. The current lighting state of lighting device 11 indicates whether lighting device 11 provides lighting characteristic 13′. Here, lighting characteristic 13′ is a specific intensity, but alternatively it can be any other lighting characteristic mentioned in this application. Here, lighting device 11 provides said specific intensity (i.e., for the duration of maintenance). Therefore, the current lighting state of lighting device 11 indicates that lighting device 11 provides said lighting characteristic 13′.

[0060] The reason why the lighting device 11 is providing the lighting characteristic 13′ is because the sensor 12 has detected (or: determined) the presence of person 16′ within the initial detection radius 14, and therefore the lighting controller 10 controls the lighting device 11 in response to this, that is, to provide the lighting characteristic 13′ of a specific intensity.

[0061] Therefore, the current presence detection state indicating whether presence is detected within the initial detection radius 14 of the presence sensor 12 actually indicates that presence is detected (or determined) within the initial detection radius 14 of the presence sensor 12.

[0062] Therefore, the lighting controller 10 determines the first condition because the current lighting state of the lighting device 11 indicates that the lighting device 11 provides lighting characteristics 13′, and the current presence detection state indicates that the presence of a person 16′ is detected within the initial detection radius 14 of the presence sensor 12.

[0063] Upon determining the first condition, the lighting controller 10 adapts the initial detection radius 14 of the presence sensor 12 to a first adapted detection radius 15', within which (now) the presence is to be detected (or: determined). Therefore, the detection area spanned by the initial detection radius 14 is adapted to the first adapted detection area spanned by the first adapted detection radius 15'. Thus, the presence sensor 12 is now arranged to detect presence within the first adapted detection radius 15'.

[0064] Furthermore, corresponding to the determination condition of the first condition, the first adaptive detection radius 15′ is greater than the initial detection radius 14. This is advantageous because, due to the increased detection radius to the first adaptive detection radius 15′, the detected presence can be detected at a more central location (or closer to the presence sensor 12), making the detected presence more robust and accurate.

[0065] Here, the first adaptive detection radius 15′ is one meter larger than the initial detection radius 14, but alternatively it can be any other larger size, such as at least half a meter, at least two meters, or at least three meters. In an embodiment, the first adaptive detection radius can be the maximum detection radius, beyond which the sensor cannot physically detect the presence.

[0066] Figure 1C The following is an illustrative description, using non-restrictive examples, of the following: Figure 1A The lighting system 100 of the embodiment depicted herein. A presence sensor 12 is arranged to detect presence within a (current) detection radius. The presence to be detected is a person 16″ in the space on the floor 19.

[0067] The detection radius of the presence sensor 12 is initially set to an initial detection radius 14. However, the person 16″ is outside the initial detection radius 14 of the presence sensor 12. The controller 10 determines the current lighting state of the lighting device 11. The current lighting state of the lighting device 11 indicates whether the lighting device 11 provides lighting characteristic 13″. Here, lighting characteristic 13″ is a specific intensity, but alternatively it can be any other lighting characteristic mentioned in this application. Here, the lighting device 11 does not provide the specific intensity. That is, the lighting device 11 is off because the person 16″ is not detected (or identified) within the initial detection radius 14. Therefore, the current lighting state of the lighting device 11 indicates that the lighting device 11 does not provide the lighting characteristic 13″ (note that reference numeral 13″ refers to blank space, i.e., the lighting characteristic is not present).

[0068] As described, the reason why the lighting device 11 does not provide the lighting characteristics is because the sensor 12 does not detect (or determine) the presence of a person 16″ within the initial detection radius 14, and therefore the lighting controller 10 controls the lighting device 11 to remain off.

[0069] Therefore, the current presence detection state, which indicates whether presence is detected within the initial detection radius 14 of the presence sensor 12, indicates that presence is not detected (or: confirmed) within the initial detection radius 14 of the presence sensor 12.

[0070] Therefore, the lighting controller 10 determines the second condition because the current lighting state of the lighting device 11 indicates that the lighting device 11 does not provide lighting characteristics 13″, and the current presence detection state indicates that no person 16″ is detected within the initial detection radius 14 of the presence sensor 12.

[0071] Upon determining the second condition, the lighting controller 10 adapts the initial detection radius 14 of the presence sensor 12 to a second adapted detection radius 15″, within which the presence is to be detected (or: determined). Therefore, the detection area spanned by the initial detection radius 14 is adapted to the second adapted detection area spanned by the second adapted detection radius 15″. Thus, the presence sensor 12 is now arranged to detect presence within the second adapted detection radius 15″.

[0072] Furthermore, corresponding to the determination condition of the second condition, the second adaptive detection radius 15″ is smaller than the initial detection radius 14. This is advantageous because, due to the reduced detection radius to the second adaptive detection radius 15″, undesirable triggering from remote portions of the detection area (or region) spanned by the initial detection radius 14 can be eliminated, thus increasing the robustness and accuracy of presence detection. Therefore, false negatives occurring at the edges of the detection area spanned by the initial detection radius 14 can be prevented and / or eliminated.

[0073] Here, the second adaptation detection radius 15″ is one meter smaller than the initial detection radius 14, but alternatively it can be any other smaller size, such as at least half a meter, at least two meters, or at least three meters. In an embodiment, the second adaptation detection radius can be a minimum detection radius predefined for the presence sensor.

[0074] Figure 1D The following is an illustrative description, using non-restrictive examples, of the following: Figure 1A The lighting system 100 of the embodiment depicted herein. A presence sensor 12 is arranged to detect presence within a (current) detection radius. The presence to be detected is a person 16″′ in the space on the floor 19.

[0075] The detection radius of the presence sensor 12 was initially set to an initial detection radius 14. However, the person 16″′ is located at the edge of the initial detection radius 14 of the presence sensor 12, causing the person 16″′ to be detected intermittently. Therefore, the controller 10 and the presence sensor intermittently detect (or: determine) the presence of the person 16″′. This can lead to undesirable discontinuities and accidental switching of the lighting device 11, which is a significant problem. The present invention solves this problem.

[0076] That is, the controller 10 determines the current lighting state of the lighting device 11. The current lighting state of the lighting device 11 indicates whether the lighting device 11 provides lighting characteristic 13″′. Here, lighting characteristic 13″′ is a specific intensity, but alternatively it can be any other lighting characteristic mentioned in this application. Here, the lighting device 11 provides the specific intensity. When a person 16″′ has been (occasionally) detected (or identified) within the initial detection radius 14, the lighting device 11 is triggered to maintain the duration. Therefore, the current lighting state of the lighting device 11 indicates that the lighting device 11 provides the lighting characteristic 13″′.

[0077] However, since the person 16″′ was located in the edge region of the initial detection radius 14 (inaccurately sensed), the person 16″′ was subsequently no longer detected, even though the person 16″′ remained there. This is a clear false negative. Such false negatives can be common in the presence of sensors. This behavior leads to undesirable discontinuities and accidental switching of the aforementioned lighting device 11, which needs to be addressed.

[0078] Therefore, considering the above situation, the current presence detection state indicating whether presence is detected within the initial detection radius 14 of presence sensor 12 indicates that presence is not detected (or: confirmed) within the initial detection radius 14 of presence sensor 12.

[0079] Therefore, the lighting controller 10 determines the third condition because the current lighting state of the lighting device 11 indicates that the lighting device 11 provides lighting characteristics 13″′, but the current presence detection state indicates that no person 16″′ is detected within the initial detection radius 14 of the presence sensor 12.

[0080] When determining this third condition, the lighting controller 10 adapts the initial detection radius 14 of the presence sensor 12 to a third adapted detection radius 15″′, within which presence is to be detected (or: determined). Therefore, the detection area spanned by the initial detection radius 14 is adapted to the third adapted detection area spanned by the third adapted detection radius 15″′. Thus, the presence sensor 12 is now arranged to detect presence within the third adapted detection radius 15″′.

[0081] Furthermore, corresponding to the determined condition of the third condition, the third adaptation detection radius 15″′ is smaller than the initial detection radius 14. This is advantageous because, due to the reduced detection radius to the third adaptation detection radius 15″′, discontinuities and accidental triggering from remote portions of the detection area (or region) spanned by the initial detection radius 14 can be eliminated, thus increasing the robustness and accuracy of presence detection.

[0082] Here, the third adaptation detection radius 15″′ is one meter smaller than the initial detection radius 14, but alternatively it can be any other smaller size, such as at least half a meter, at least two meters, or at least three meters. In an embodiment, the third adaptation detection radius can be a minimum detection radius predefined for the presence sensor.

[0083] Therefore, false negatives occurring at the edges of the detection area spanned by the initial detection radius 14 can be prevented and / or eliminated, thereby resolving the problems of discontinuity and accidental switching of the lighting device 11. This behavior is particularly advantageous if the lighting system is used in conjunction with lighting devices that implement the granular dimming concept, because in granular dimming the fields of view (or detection areas, or detection regions) of the presence sensors overlap, so a correct presence detected by one presence sensor (and associated lighting device) may lead to undesirable triggering of adjacent presence sensors (and associated lighting devices).

[0084] In the embodiments (not depicted), but still referred to Figures 1A-1D In the embodiments depicted, the lighting controller may be further configured to set the holding time of the lighting device (i.e., the duration during which the lighting device is controlled to provide lighting characteristics) to a duration proportional to the size of the adapted detection radius. Therefore, the larger the detection radius (or range), the longer the holding duration, and vice versa.

[0085] In the embodiments (not depicted), but still referred to Figures 1A-1D In the embodiment depicted, the presence sensor is a distance sensor. The distance sensor is configured to determine the distance at which presence is detected (relative to the distance sensor) within a detection radius. Therefore, in this embodiment, the lighting controller may also be configured to: determine a current distance relative to the distance sensor at which presence is detected within the detection radius of the distance sensor. The lighting controller is then configured to determine a current presence detection state indicating whether presence is detected within the initial detection radius of the presence sensor by, for example, comparing whether the current distance falls within the limits of the initial detection radius. The lighting controller is also configured to adapt the initial detection radius of the presence sensor to an adapted detection radius, in which presence is to be detected, based on the current distance, the current lighting state of the lighting device, and the current presence detection state.

[0086] Figure 2 An illumination device 200 is schematically depicted by way of non-limiting example. The illumination device 200 includes a first illumination component 21 and a second illumination component 22. Each of the first illumination component 21 and the second illumination component 22 includes a corresponding illumination device (not explicitly depicted) and a corresponding presence sensor (not explicitly depicted). The illumination device illuminates at least a portion of the detection range (or detection area, or detection limit) of the presence sensor, for example, like a light source. Figures 1A-1D As described in the embodiments depicted herein.

[0087] The lighting device 200 also includes a lighting controller 30. The lighting controller 30 is wirelessly connected and / or wirelessly communicates with the first lighting component 22 and the second lighting component via ZigBee. Alternatively, the wireless connection can be a wired connection, and the ZigBee can be at least one of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RF, IR, VLC, Li-Fi, etc. Thus, the lighting controller 30 is arranged to control the respective lighting device of each of the two respective lighting components 21, 22 in response to a presence determined within the detection radius of a corresponding associated presence sensor of the respective lighting components 21, 22. Alternatively, the controller can be integrated at least partially in a distributed manner within each lighting component itself.

[0088] More specifically, see reference Figure 2 The presence of office staff 20 should be detected, and in response, the appropriate lighting equipment should be turned on. Therefore, the lighting device 200 operates with a granular dimming concept. That is, the initial detection radius 211 of the presence sensor of the first lighting component 21 overlaps with the initial detection radius 221 of the presence sensor of the second lighting component 22.

[0089] However, the presence sensor of the first lighting component 21 includes a precise region 25 defined by a first precise detection radius 212, in which presence can be accurately determined; and an inaccurate region 23 in the area between the first precise detection radius 212 and the initial detection radius 211 of the presence sensor of the first lighting component 21. This inaccurate region 23 may lead to false negatives, resulting in accidental and / or discontinuous triggering of the lighting device of the first lighting component 21.

[0090] Similarly, the presence sensor of the second lighting component 22 includes a precision region 26 defined by a second precision detection radius 222, in which presence can be accurately determined; and an inaccurate region 24 included in the area between the second precision detection radius 222 and the initial detection radius 221 of the presence sensor of the second lighting component 22. This inaccurate region 24 may lead to false negatives, resulting in accidental and / or discontinuous triggering of the lighting device of the first lighting component 22.

[0091] Still refer to Figure 2 The office worker 20 is located near the center of the initial detection radius 211 of the presence sensor of the first lighting component 21. Therefore, the office worker 20 will be accurately detected by the presence sensor of the first lighting component 21 (or its presence will be accurately determined). Furthermore, the corresponding lighting equipment of the first lighting component 21 will be correctly and appropriately controlled.

[0092] However, the office worker 20 is far from the center of the initial detection radius 221 of the second lighting component 22, and therefore within the inaccurate region 24 of the presence sensor of the second lighting component 22. Although the office worker 20 will correctly trigger the first lighting component 21, the office worker may cause accidental and discontinuous switching of the lighting device of the second lighting component 22. This is a significant drawback for the operation of granular dimming concepts for lighting devices. The present invention solves this problem.

[0093] That is, the controller 30 determines the current lighting state of the lighting device of the second lighting component 22. Since office worker 20 may occasionally be detected and trigger the corresponding presence sensor of the second lighting component 22, such as, for example... Figure 1D In the depicted embodiment, a person is detected, and therefore the lighting device of the second lighting component 22 is providing the illumination characteristics of being turned on.

[0094] The controller 30 further determines that the current presence detection state (indicating whether presence is detected within the initial detection radius 221 of the presence sensor of the second lighting component 22) is that the presence of the office worker 20 is not detected within the initial detection radius 221 of the presence sensor of the second lighting component 22. This is because the office worker 20 is located in the inaccuracy region 24 of the presence sensor of the second lighting component 22, and therefore its presence is not detected at a specific moment, while the corresponding lighting equipment is still controlled to be turned on due to the hold time.

[0095] Therefore, the lighting controller 30 determines the third condition because the current lighting state of the lighting device of the second lighting component 22 indicates that the corresponding lighting device provides on lighting characteristics, but the current presence detection state indicates that the presence of office staff is not detected within the initial detection radius 221 of the presence sensor of the second lighting component 22.

[0096] Upon determining the third condition, the lighting controller 30 adapts the initial detection radius 221 of the presence sensor of the second lighting component 22 to a third adapted detection radius 223, within which presence is to be detected (or: determined). Therefore, the detection area spanned by the initial detection radius 221 is adapted to the third adapted detection area spanned by the third adapted detection radius 223. Thus, the presence sensor of the second lighting component 22 is now arranged to detect presence within the third adapted detection radius 223.

[0097] This is advantageous because the office worker 20 is not within the adaptation detection radius 223 of the second lighting component 22. Therefore, the office worker 20 will no longer occasionally trigger the lighting equipment of the second lighting component 22. This provides robustness to the lighting fixture 200.

[0098] exist Figures 1A-1D The behavior of the lighting system provided in the embodiments depicted can be modified as necessary for application. Figure 2 The lighting device depicted in the painting.

[0099] Figure 3 An embodiment of a method 900 for controlling a lighting device in response to the presence detected within the detection radius of a presence sensor is illustrated by way of non-limiting example. Method 900 can be derived from... Figures 1A-1D and Figure 2 The lighting controller, lighting system, and / or lighting components of the embodiments described herein are used to perform this function.

[0100] Method 900 includes: a first step 901, determining the current lighting state of a lighting device that indicates whether the lighting device provides lighting characteristics; and a second step 902, determining a current presence detection state, the current presence detection state indicating whether presence is detected within the initial detection radius of a presence sensor. Method 900 further includes a third step 903, adapting the initial detection radius of the presence sensor to an adapted detection radius based on the current lighting state of the lighting device and the current presence detection state, within which presence is to be detected.

[0101] More specifically, method 900 includes sub-step 904: determining a first condition if (i) the current lighting state of the lighting device indicates that the lighting device provides lighting characteristics, and (ii) the current presence detection state indicates that presence is detected within the initial detection radius of the presence sensor. Method 900 thus includes another sub-step 905: adapting the initial detection radius of the presence sensor to a first adapted detection radius, in which presence is detected when the first condition is determined, wherein the first adapted detection radius is larger than the initial detection radius.

[0102] Additionally and / or alternatively, method 900 includes sub-step 906: determining a second condition if (i) the current lighting state of the lighting device indicates that the lighting device does not provide lighting characteristics, and (ii) the current presence detection state indicates that presence is not detected within the initial detection radius of the presence sensor. Method 900 thus includes another sub-step 907: adapting the initial detection radius of the presence sensor to a second adapted detection radius, in which presence is detected when the second condition is determined, wherein the second adapted detection radius is smaller than the initial detection radius.

[0103] Additionally and / or alternatively, method 900 includes sub-step 908: determining a third condition if (i) the current lighting state of the lighting device indicates that the lighting device provides lighting characteristics, and (ii) the current presence detection state indicates that presence is not detected within the initial detection radius of the presence sensor. Method 900 thus includes another sub-step 909: adapting the initial detection radius of the presence sensor to a third adapted detection radius, in which presence is detected when the third condition is determined, wherein the third adapted detection radius is smaller than the initial detection radius.

Claims

1. A lighting system, comprising a lighting device, a presence sensor, and a lighting controller. in, The lighting controller is configured to control the lighting device in response to a presence detected within the detection radius of the presence sensor; The lighting controller is characterized in that it is configured to: - Determine the current lighting state of the lighting device, which indicates whether the lighting device provides lighting characteristics; - Determine whether the current presence detection state indicates whether a presence is detected within the initial detection radius of the presence sensor; Based on the current lighting state of the lighting equipment and the current presence detection state, the initial detection radius of the presence sensor is adapted to an adapted detection radius, within which presence is to be detected. The lighting controller is further configured to: - If (i) the current lighting state of the lighting device indicates that the lighting device does not provide lighting characteristics, and (ii) the current presence detection state indicates that no presence is detected within the initial detection radius of the presence sensor, then the second condition is determined; - Adapt the initial detection radius of the presence sensor to a second adapted detection radius, and detect presence when the second condition is determined in the second adapted detection radius, wherein the second adapted detection radius is smaller than the initial detection radius.

2. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein, The lighting controller is configured to: - If (i) the current lighting state of the lighting device indicates that the lighting device provides lighting characteristics, and (ii) the current presence detection state indicates that presence is detected within the initial detection radius of the presence sensor, then the first condition is determined; - Adapt the initial detection radius of the presence sensor to a first adapted detection radius, and detect presence when the first condition is determined in the first adapted detection radius, wherein the first adapted detection radius is greater than the initial detection radius.

3. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein, The lighting controller is configured to: - If (i) the current lighting state of the lighting device indicates that the lighting device provides lighting characteristics, and (ii) the current presence detection state indicates that no presence is detected within the initial detection radius of the presence sensor, then the third condition is determined; - Adapt the initial detection radius of the presence sensor to a third adapted detection radius, in which presence is detected when the third condition is determined, wherein the third adapted detection radius is smaller than the initial detection radius.

4. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein, The first adaptive detection radius is the maximum detection radius. If the maximum detection radius is exceeded, the presence sensor cannot physically detect the presence.

5. The lighting system according to claim 1, in, The first adaptation detection radius is at least one meter larger than the initial detection radius; and / or Wherein, the second adaptation detection radius is at least one meter smaller than the initial detection radius; and / or The third adaptation detection radius is at least one meter smaller than the initial detection radius.

6. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein, The lighting characteristics are at least one of the following: light intensity, on / off state, color, color temperature, light direction, light pattern, light scene, light formula, light modulation, and spectrum.

7. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein, The lighting controller is configured to set a hold time during which the lighting device is controlled to provide the lighting characteristics; The duration of the holding time is proportional to the size of the adaptation detection radius.

8. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein, The presence sensor includes a constant sensitivity for detecting the presence within the detection radius.

9. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein, The presence sensor is one of the following: a PIR sensor, a time-of-flight presence sensor, a microwave sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a camera, a radio frequency-based presence sensor, a thermopile, or a single-pixel thermopile.

10. A lighting device comprising a plurality of lighting components and a lighting controller; in, Each of the plurality of lighting components includes a lighting device and an associated presence sensor; The lighting controller is arranged to control the corresponding lighting device of each of the plurality of lighting components in response to a presence determined within the detection radius of a corresponding associated presence sensor of the corresponding lighting component. The lighting controller is configured to: - Determine the current lighting state of the corresponding lighting device, which indicates whether the corresponding lighting device provides lighting characteristics; - Determine whether the current presence detection state indicates whether a presence is detected within the initial detection radius of the corresponding associated presence sensor; Based on the current lighting state of the corresponding lighting device and the current presence detection state, the initial detection radius of the corresponding associated presence sensor is adapted to an adapted detection radius, within which presence is to be detected. The lighting controller is further configured to: - If (i) the current lighting state of the corresponding lighting device indicates that the corresponding lighting device does not provide lighting characteristics, and (ii) the current presence detection state indicates that no presence is detected within the initial detection radius of the corresponding associated presence sensor, then the second condition is determined; - Adapt the initial detection radius of the corresponding associated presence sensor to a second adapted detection radius, in which presence is detected when the second condition is determined in the second adapted detection radius, wherein the second adapted detection radius is smaller than the initial detection radius.

11. The lighting device according to claim 10, wherein, The plurality of lighting components includes a first lighting component and a second lighting component; The initial detection radius of the presence sensor of the first lighting component overlaps with the initial detection radius of the presence sensor of the second lighting component.

12. A method for controlling a lighting device in response to the presence detected within a detection radius of a presence sensor, wherein the method comprises: - Determine the current lighting state of the lighting device, which indicates whether the lighting device provides lighting characteristics; - Determine whether the current presence detection state indicates whether a presence is detected within the initial detection radius of the presence sensor; Based on the current lighting state of the lighting equipment and the current presence detection state, the initial detection radius of the presence sensor is adapted to an adapted detection radius, within which presence is to be detected. If (i) the current lighting state of the lighting device indicates that the lighting device does not provide lighting characteristics, and (ii) the current presence detection state indicates that no presence is detected within the initial detection radius of the presence sensor, then the second condition is determined; The initial detection radius of the presence sensor is adapted to a second adapted detection radius, and presence is detected when the second condition is determined in the second adapted detection radius, wherein the second adapted detection radius is smaller than the initial detection radius.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the method comprises: - If (i) the current lighting state of the lighting device indicates that the lighting device provides lighting characteristics, and (ii) the current presence detection state indicates that presence is detected within the initial detection radius of the presence sensor, then the first condition is determined; - Adapt the initial detection radius of the presence sensor to a first adapted detection radius, and detect presence when the first condition is determined in the first adapted detection radius, wherein the first adapted detection radius is greater than the initial detection radius.

Images