Engaging users in context-sensing inferences in lighting arrangements

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting arrangement control device (100) for controlling operation of a lighting arrangement (150) and configured to receive, from at least one lighting device (101.1, 101.2, 101.3, 101.4), context sensing data (CS1, PS2) related to a context of an object within a respective sensing volume (SV1, SV2). An operation control unit (104) is configured to determine arrangement state data, select one functional operation mode from a plurality of pre-designated functional operation modes of the lighting arrangement, each functional operation mode being associated with a respective functional lighting device, and identify those lighting devices that have provided context sensing data related to the selection of the functional operation mode as context-aware devices. The operation control unit is configured to provide first user feedback operation data (UF) to the identified context-aware devices for driving their lighting units in a user feedback operation informing a user about the identified context-aware devices.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting arrangement control device, a lighting arrangement, a method for operating the lighting arrangement control device, a method for operating the lighting arrangement, and a computer program. Background Technology

[0002] US 2019 / 0104597A1 discloses a lighting system including a detector configured to acquire indicator data of an RF signal. The detector compares the indicator data with baseline indicator data to produce a difference and determines a rate of change based on the indicator data. The detector also determines a data metric based on the rate of change and the difference, and compares the data metric with a transition threshold to detect either occupancy or unoccupancy in an area as contextual information relating to a subject or object in the area. The lighting system also includes a light source that is controlled in response to the detected occupancy or unoccupancy in the area. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This aims to improve user control over context-sensing lighting arrangements.

[0004] A first aspect of the invention comprises a lighting arrangement control device adapted to control the operation of a lighting arrangement. The lighting arrangement control device includes an input unit for receiving context sensing data from at least one external lighting device, relating to the context of an object or subject within a corresponding sensing volume. The at least one external lighting device includes a lighting unit and a context sensing unit configured to provide the context sensing data. The context sensing data is determined based on RF signal transmission between at least one lighting device including the context sensing unit and at least another external lighting device, and the sensing volume depends on the positions of the lighting device performing the RF signal transmission and the lighting device including the context sensing unit.

[0005] The lighting arrangement control device also includes an operation control unit configured to determine arrangement status data indicating the state of the lighting arrangement. The operation control unit is further configured to select a functional operation mode from a plurality of pre-defined functional operation modes of the lighting arrangement using corresponding context sensing data and arrangement status data, wherein each functional operation mode is associated with the operation of one or more corresponding functional lighting devices. Furthermore, and depending on the selected functional operation mode and context sensing data, the operation control unit is configured to identify at least two lighting devices that have already performed RF signal transmission as context-aware devices for determining context sensing data already associated with the selection of the selected functional operation mode.

[0006] In addition, the operation control unit is also configured to generate functional operation data and provide functional operation data to functional lighting devices for operating their lighting units according to the determined selected functional operation mode.

[0007] Furthermore, the operation control unit is configured to generate first user feedback operation data and provide it to the identified context-aware devices for driving their respective lighting units during the user feedback operation. The user feedback operation provides the user with information about the identified context-aware devices.

[0008] In computer science, context awareness means that a computer can sense and react to specific changes in its environment. Devices can determine information about the environment in which they are operating and react accordingly using predetermined rules or intelligent stimuli. In other words, context awareness refers to the ability of a device, such as a lighting arrangement control device, to sense or determine information about its environment and act upon it. This information about the environment is called context and can be used to implement selective responses based on context. Context is generally defined as any information in a given environment (e.g., a sensing volume) that can be used to characterize an entity (e.g., an object or subject). Specifically, in the case of the lighting arrangement control device of the first aspect, context refers to information relating to a subject or object in the sensing volume, which can be sensed using a sensing device or sensing arrangement. Thus, context characterizes or indicates the state of an entity (e.g., a subject or object) within the sensing volume. This state relates to the interaction between the user and the application (in this case, the operation of the lighting arrangement).

[0009] In addition to contextual sensing data that indicates the context of a subject or object in the sensing volume, the lighting arrangement control device is also configured to determine arrangement state data that indicates the state of the lighting arrangement, i.e., information used to characterize the situation or operation of the device in the arrangement (including past operation, current operation, or expected operation).

[0010] Therefore, the lighting arrangement control device is configured to control the operation of the lighting arrangement by selecting one of several available functional operating modes, depending on the context, such as the object or subject of the user, and depending on the state of the lighting arrangement. Context sensing data is provided by the lighting device's context sensing unit and includes context-dependent data, i.e., data that changes in a predictable manner, such as the given activity or current state of objects in the sensing volume surrounding the lighting device. Each of the multiple operating modes is associated with a corresponding subset of the lighting device—these are referred to as functional lighting devices—and operates according to corresponding predetermined lighting parameters (e.g., illumination intensity, spectral content, or color temperature). The selected functional operating mode is typically referred to as a "scene" or "light scene," which may or may not be a predetermined light scene.

[0011] Furthermore, the lighting arrangement control device is advantageously configured to notify the user about lighting devices that have actively contributed to the selection of the chosen functional operating mode. These lighting devices are identified and referred to herein as context-aware devices. By means of user feedback actions regarding those context-aware devices, the user, typically detected by context due to their presence within a given sensing volume, is notified of the currently selected functional operating mode. This user information is executed by driving the operation of the lighting units of the context-aware devices according to pre-specified user feedback actions. Thus, the user feedback actions provide coded information. This coded knowledge can be conveyed through conventional means, such as operating instructions provided by the lighting arrangement control device; or it can be pre-specified by the user, for example, when setting up the lighting arrangement.

[0012] Therefore, the lighting arrangement control device of the first aspect of the present invention helps the user of the lighting arrangement understand how a given functional operating mode has been selected. This is achieved by driving the operation of lighting devices that actively participate in detecting a specific context that has triggered the selected functional operating mode to perform user feedback operations. For example, lighting units can be driven to perform predetermined lighting effects encoded with user information. The user information provides a basis for enabling the user to further refine the control operation of the lighting arrangement control device when controlling a context-sensing lighting arrangement.

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the lighting arrangement control device (hereinafter also referred to as the control device) of the first aspect of the present invention are described.

[0014] In different embodiments, the context of a subject or object sensed by the context sensing unit indicates one or more of the following: location, activity, time, identity, user and role, device state, or any combination thereof.

[0015] In one embodiment, context sensing data is obtained from RF signal transmissions between two external lighting devices and provided to the input unit by an external lighting device including a context sensing unit. Alternatively or additionally, context sensing data can be determined using multiple RF signal transmissions between two or more lighting devices, which are collaboratively analyzed to sense the current context within the sensing volume. For example, the context sensing unit is configured to provide context sensing data indicating the presence or movement of an object or subject within the sensing volume. In this example, the sensed context is the state of presence or absence or movement of a subject or object. Such context can be determined using RF signal transmissions between two lighting devices. In another example, the context sensing unit is additionally or alternatively configured to provide context sensing data indicating the activity of a subject or object within the sensing volume, which may also include information about direction of movement, speed, position tracking, etc. Such context sensing data, for example, indicates context associated with heart rate, respiratory rate, movement patterns of an object or subject, or a specific portion thereof. Determining these or other types of context may require more than RF signal transmissions between two lighting devices, depending on factors such as the desired resolution of the context.

[0016] In one embodiment, the lighting arrangement control device is configured to select more than one functional operation mode from a plurality of pre-specified functional operation modes, for example when the lighting arrangement is implemented in different rooms, each having one or more sensing volumes or sensing areas, wherein the detection of contexts such as presence, movement or activity in each sensing volume can be performed independently of each other, so that different functional operation modes can be selected for different sensing areas or rooms.

[0017] In a particular embodiment, the lighting arrangement control device is a standalone device without the additional functions described above. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the lighting arrangement control device is integrated into a router, bridge, hub, or any other device suitable for wireless communication between devices controlling the lighting arrangement. In an alternative embodiment, the lighting arrangement control device is integrated into one of the lighting devices of the lighting arrangement. However, in yet another embodiment, the lighting arrangement control device is integrated into a non-lighting device of the lighting arrangement, such as a switching device or sensing device for controlling the operation of one or more lighting devices.

[0018] In one embodiment, the context sensing unit is a radio frequency (RF) sensing unit. In this embodiment, the received context sensing data is signal quality data indicating, for example, the Radio Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) of a radio signal received by a lighting device during RF signal transmission from another lighting device, or the Channel State Indicator (CSI) of a wireless communication link between a lighting device including the RF sensing unit and another lighting device capable of transmitting RF signals, or any other suitable signal quality metric associated with a specific context, such as, but not limited to, the presence or movement of an object or subject within a given sensing volume. In these specific examples, the context sensing unit may be, for example, an RSSI determination unit, a CSI determination unit, or a suitable signal metric determination unit.

[0019] In one embodiment, the state of the lighting arrangement determined from the determined arrangement state data includes data indicating the location of the lighting equipment, or the operating state of the lighting units, or the operating time, or the operating state of the context sensing units, or a pre-specified user preference associated with a corresponding operating mode of the lighting arrangement, or any combination thereof. The operation control unit of this particular embodiment is therefore configured to use the arrangement state data to determine data indicating the location of the lighting units, or the operating state, or the operating time, or the context sensing units, or a pre-specified user preference associated with a corresponding functional operation. In one embodiment, the data indicating the location of the lighting equipment indicates the room or space where the lighting equipment is installed. Typically, presence sensing is performed by lighting equipment located in a given room or a specific part of a room defined as a sensing volume. For example, a small kitchen or bathroom is often considered a single sensing volume, while in a large living room with a dining table, the room can be divided into several specific sensing volumes, such as the area around the sofa and television and the area around the dining table. Furthermore, depending on the length of a corridor, it can be divided into several zones. For example, the lighting equipment detects user movement in a corridor, and this detection is used to select a functional operating mode that causes the lights in the corridor or part of the corridor to be turned on. This selection also depends on the current state of the lighting arrangement, such as whether the lighting equipment is already on, and the time of operation during which the detection occurred (e.g., daytime or nighttime). In another embodiment, the arrangement state data also includes data indicating the operating state of the lighting units, such as whether the lighting units are currently on or off, the current lighting parameters of the lighting units (e.g., intensity, color, color temperature, etc.), and any pre-specified or programmed usage conditions (e.g., allowed usage time windows or predefined lighting scenarios, which are examples of user preferences associated with the corresponding operating mode). Alternatively or additionally, the arrangement state data also includes data indicating the operating state of the context sensing units, such as whether the context sensing units are currently on or off; and activity data in the form of sensing data acquired over a predetermined time span, which can be used to determine baseline values ​​indicating a reference context, such as the absence of objects in a given area. Furthermore, the arrangement state data can indicate whether other objects are already present within the sensing volume or the number of objects present within the sensing volume. Users can also indicate certain user preferences associated with the corresponding functional operating mode. For example, a user may not want a particular lighting equipment to operate during a user-informed operation, such as when the light is in a safety-critical location requiring perfect, undisturbed lighting. Similarly, as a user preference, if context-sensing data indicates that the user is reading a book, the user can indicate that the reading light should not be activated during the user feedback action. Therefore, the first user feedback action data is generated taking user preferences into account.

[0020] In another embodiment, which may further include any of the foregoing technical features, the first user feedback operation data generated and provided by the operation control unit is further configured to drive the illumination unit of the context-aware device in the user feedback operation, which further informs the user of the type of context sensed in the corresponding sensing volume. This is preferably performed by implementing a predetermined light effect in the illumination unit of the illumination device identified as a context-aware device, the light effect corresponding to the type of sensed context, such as movement, the number of people present, activity, heart rate, respiratory rate, etc. For example, the first user feedback operation data is configured to drive the illumination unit of the context-aware device to perform the predetermined light effect, which includes flashing, i.e., continuously turning the illumination unit of the identified context-aware device on and off, the number of flashes depending on the number of people detected in a given sensing volume. In another example, the context sensing data provided by the context sensing unit indicates a specific context, which is the heartbeat of an object in the sensing volume, and the first user feedback operation data is configured to drive the illumination units such that they operate in a manner related to the sensed heartbeat. For example, if the selected functional operating mode is "training mode" based on the detection of accelerated heartbeat, where the lighting parameters of the lighting device have been pre-specified for a user-defined training environment, then the lighting unit of the instruction context-aware device flashes at a given frequency and / or color to indicate to the user that the detection of accelerated heartbeat has been used to select the training mode.

[0021] In another embodiment—which can be combined with any combination of the technical features described above regarding the different embodiments of the lighting arrangement control device—the operation control unit is further configured to generate second user feedback operation data and provide it to the functional lighting device for driving the corresponding lighting unit of the functional lighting device in a user feedback operation that notifies the user about the functional lighting device. Thus, the provided second user feedback operation data is used to drive a pre-specified user feedback operation of the corresponding lighting unit of the functional lighting device, which notifies the user of those lighting devices that can operate in the selected functional operation mode, which has been selected using context-sensing data. This is preferably performed by achieving a predetermined light effect in the lighting unit of the functional lighting device. In a preferred embodiment, the lighting arrangement control device determines the selected functional operation mode and identifies the functional lighting device and the context-sensing device, then drives the operation of the context-sensing device in a user feedback operation that notifies the user about the context-sensing device, then drives the corresponding lighting unit of the functional lighting device in a user feedback operation that notifies the user about the functional lighting device, and finally drives the operation of the corresponding lighting unit according to the selected functional operation mode. In this way, the lighting arrangement control device is advantageously configured to notify the user of a chain of actions that has caused some lighting devices to operate in the selected functional operation mode. A better understanding of how things are already determined allows users to take action to correct the selection of undesirable or incorrect functional operating modes.

[0022] In another embodiment, second user feedback operation data generated and provided by the operation control unit is further configured to drive the lighting unit of a functional lighting device in a user feedback operation, which further informs the user about the selected functional operation mode. This is preferably performed by implementing a predetermined lighting effect corresponding to the selected functional operation mode in the lighting unit of the functional lighting device. This allows the user to have more information about the lighting arrangement and the selection of the selected functional operation mode, since the user receives information at least related to the lighting device identified as a context-aware device, the lighting device identified as a functional lighting device, and the selected functional operation mode. As a non-limiting example, a lighting device located on a bedside table in a room detects that the user has woken up and is sitting up. Arrangement status data—particularly the current operating time and the status of the lighting device—indicates that it is currently night and all lights in the room, hallway, and toilet are off. This information is used to select a functional operation mode in which the lighting device in the bathroom is turned on, and the lights in the hallway leading to the bathroom are turned on at a relatively low intensity. The lighting arrangement control device drives the operation of the bedside table lighting fixtures to perform predetermined lighting effects, indicating which lighting fixtures have actively participated in context sensing, and also drives the operation of the hallway lighting fixtures (and ultimately the bathroom lighting fixtures) to perform another predetermined lighting effect, indicating which lights will be turned on as a result of motion detection. For example, based on arrangement status data, the lighting arrangement control device detects that the bathroom light is already on, for example, because another person is using the bathroom, and modifies the user feedback action so that the bathroom light is not instructed to perform a predetermined lighting effect, because this might disturb the person in the bathroom or make them think the light is malfunctioning.

[0023] In another embodiment of the invention according to a first aspect, the operation control unit is further configured to determine the occurrence of a predetermined context (particularly a user-related context, such as a predetermined movement within a sensing volume) using appropriate context sensing data when providing second user feedback operation data, and to provide functional operation data only in response to determining the occurrence of the predetermined context. Thus, this particular embodiment is configured to provide functional operation data to the lighting device identified as a functional lighting device only when the occurrence of the predetermined user-related context is detected, thereby enabling the user to confirm on-site that she or he indeed wants the lighting arrangement to operate according to the selected functional operation mode. For example, the user can confirm the selected functional operation mode by raising an arm, waving a hand, or any other movement that has a predictable effect on the context sensing data provided by the identified context-aware device. In another embodiment, the context sensing data for confirming the selected functional operation mode after the provision of second user feedback operation data is provided by a speech recognition unit and indicates a predetermined voice command suitable for confirming the selected functional operation mode. The occurrence of the predetermined context is detected using context sensing data, and this detection triggers the provision of functional operation data to operate the corresponding lighting unit of the functional lighting device according to the selected functional operation mode.

[0024] In another embodiment, the lighting arrangement control device determines a specific context based on provided context-sensing data, in which the user has moved her head to look at the light, or has given an agreed gesture when noticing the light effect in a user feedback operation. The user feedback operation terminates when it is inferred that the user is now aware of the context-aware device. The lighting arrangement control device is then advantageously configured to provide user feedback or context indicating that she has noticed the light effect, which can also be given via voice command, and then stop the user feedback operation of the light effect.

[0025] After detecting an example of user-related context involving a user staying up late at night and thus selecting the corresponding functional operating mode to drive the lights in the hallway and bathroom, and after providing second user feedback operation data, the functional lighting devices (i.e., the lights in the hallway and optionally the lights in the bathroom) perform a predetermined lighting effect, with the user indicating whether they want to get up to use the toilet by moving in a predetermined manner (e.g., raising an arm or waving a hand). When the occurrence of the pre-specified context (in this case, movement) is detected within a predetermined time span, the operation control unit provides functional operation data to the functional lighting devices. If no movement is detected, or if a pre-specified context corresponding to an "ignore" instruction (e.g., movement or voice command) is detected, no functional operation data is provided, and the functional lighting devices do not change their operating state. In another example, at night, the lighting arrangement control device uses context sensing data to determine that the user is sitting on the bed, for example, by detecting relative upper body movement via WiFi RF sensing. A light on the side table next to the user flickers gently at a low brightness to emphasize that a sit-up event has been detected nearby. Before activating the "anti-tripping" light scene as the selected functional operating mode—which involves illumination provided by the ceiling light and hallway light—these two lights, in sync with the light in the side table, also begin to flicker softly. If the user waves their hand, the light scene is activated before the user gets out of bed. If the user lies back in bed, the side table light begins to flicker again for one second without taking any action. If the user does not wave their hand, the scene is not activated. It will be understood that this is merely an example, and other alternative light effects, light scenes, contexts, movements, or times may also be used within the framework of this invention.

[0026] In one embodiment, the operation control unit has access to a list or lookup table that includes entries for predetermined functional operating modes associated with context detection in the corresponding sensing volume and also with the state of the lighting arrangement. In one embodiment, the list or lookup table is stored in the storage unit of the lighting arrangement control device. In an alternative embodiment, the list or table can be edited by a user, for example via a dedicated application in a computer or smartphone. The lighting arrangement can be divided into different rooms or lighting zones, and each of these can have different associated functional operating modes, which are preferably edited or created by the user from scratch or according to a set of predefined standard functional operating modes. For example, a set of predefined standard functional operating modes for a living room includes a "dining" mode, a "watching TV" mode, and a "reading" mode. The user can change the lighting parameters associated with each of these modes, as well as add or remove functional lighting devices associated with each functional operating mode. If the living room is also used for exercise, the user can also add functional operating modes that suit their needs (such as, for example, a "training" mode) to the list.

[0027] In another embodiment, the operation control unit additionally or alternatively includes a neural network unit configured to receive context-sensing data and arrangement state data provided by a context-sensing unit as input data. The arrangement state data is used to detect changes in the operating conditions of the lighting fixtures in the lighting arrangement, related to changes in the context-sensing data, and to select a functional operating mode accordingly. For example, during a training phase, the neural network unit monitors the context-sensing data and correlates it with changes in the operation of the lighting fixtures. For instance, the lighting arrangement control device detects a user entering the living room and sitting on the sofa. Shortly thereafter, the lights in the living room dim, and lighting fixtures (e.g., LED strips coupled to a television) are turned on. During operation, when the user enters the living room and sits on the sofa, the lighting arrangement control device uses the learned behavior to select a functional operating mode in which the lights in the living room are dimmed and the lighting fixtures coupled to the television are turned on. More advantageously, the lighting arrangement control device requires pre-specified user feedback in the form of context, such as movement as described above, before actually operating the lighting arrangement in the selected functional operating mode. This may also depend on whether other people are detected in the living room, such as at the dining table. In this particular situation, the lighting arrangement might dictate that the lights illuminating the dining table should not be dimmed. Properly trained neural network units can be beneficial in handling such scenarios. Typically, machine learning algorithms (such as neural networks) "learn" how to manipulate various inputs, possibly including previously generated outputs, to generate a new current output. As part of this learning process, the algorithm receives feedback about previous outputs and may receive some other inputs. The neural network unit then calculates weights associated with the various inputs (e.g., previous outputs, feedback, etc.). The neural network unit then uses these weights to manipulate the inputs and generate a current output designed to improve certain aspects of the lighting arrangement's performance in a desired manner. For machine learning, training data consists of the difference between the output of the current system and the output of a trusted system. Machine learning techniques such as artificial neural networks are applied to reduce this difference. Training can be done in advance (before product re-release / network initialization) or on-site as a form of continuous optimization to reduce false alarms when detecting objects or selecting functional operating modes. The decisions made by the neural network are not always in line with the user's thoughts or intentions, or are transparent to the user. Neural networks or artificial intelligence (AI) are sometimes viewed by users as black boxes in decision-making, with little way of understanding why decisions were made and how to replicate or avoid them in the future. Advantageous embodiments of lighting arrangement control devices in the first aspect enable users to understand the AI-driven selection of functional operating modes, particularly by emphasizing the contributing factors or components of a particular decision, thereby increasing technological transparency and reducing friction between the user and the AI-driven operation control unit.

[0028] In some cases, the neural network unit may be unable to select a functional operating mode, typically because there are two or more functional operating modes to choose from based on arrangement state data and context sensing data, or because the neural network unit has reached a non-deterministic conclusion regarding the functional operating mode to be selected. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, when the functional operating mode cannot be selected by the neural network unit, the operation control unit is also configured to generate and provide fault determination data to one or more lighting units for driving the lighting units in a third user feedback operation, notifying the user that a functional operating mode cannot be selected. This is preferably performed by implementing a predetermined lighting effect in the lighting units of the lighting device. The lighting device does not need to be a functional lighting device or a context-aware device, but any predetermined subset of lighting devices that, in some cases, coincides with a functional lighting device or a context-aware device. The predetermined lighting effect indicates to the user that no functional operating mode has been selected. In another embodiment, the predetermined lighting effect indicates those operating modes that could be the selected functional operating mode. In a preferred embodiment, the operation control unit is also configured to, in response to the provision of fault determination data, use context sensing data provided by the context-aware device to determine the presence of a context (e.g., a predetermined movement of an object or subject in a sensing volume), and select the selected functional operating mode based on the presence of the determined context. The user indicates whether they want the lighting arrangement to recognize one of the suitable operating modes as the selected functional operating mode, such as by moving in a predetermined manner (like raising an arm or waving a hand), or any other suitable movement. When the occurrence of the pre-specified context is detected within a predetermined time span, the operation control unit provides the functional lighting devices with functional operating data corresponding to the detected context, such as movement. Preferably, if no context is detected or a pre-specified context corresponding to an "ignore" instruction is detected, no functional operating data is provided, and the functional lighting devices do not change their operating state. In this embodiment, the user participates in the decision-making process of the neural network unit. The lighting arrangement control device emphasizes the difficulty in making a decision regarding the selection of a functional operating mode and requires feedback from the user before proceeding.

[0029] In a particular embodiment—which may further include any technical features described with respect to the embodiments disclosed above—when determining that the selected functional operating mode belongs to a pre-specified list of sensitive operating modes, the operation control unit is configured to generate and provide sensitive mode detection data to one or more lighting units for driving the lighting units in a user feedback operation that informs the user of the determination of the sensitive operating mode as the selected functional operating mode. The lighting device need not be a functional lighting device or a context-aware device, but any predetermined subset of lighting devices that, in some cases, correspond to a functional lighting device or a context-aware device. The list of sensitive operating modes is typically pre-specified by the user, and the definition of “sensitive” varies considerably among users’ cultures, ages, and backgrounds. For example, one user might define an operating mode labeled “romantic”—where the lights in the room dim when two people are detected in bed—as “sensitive,” while another user might define an operating mode labeled “going to the toilet” as “sensitive.” For example, once a functional operating mode (e.g., "going to the toilet" or "romantic") belonging to a pre-specified list of sensitive operating modes is selected, the context-aware device is instructed to perform a light effect to signal the detected event, and then either wait for feedback, or in another embodiment, erase the collected data and signal via a predetermined light effect that data collected unexpectedly, such as arrangement status data or context-aware data collected during that time period, has just been automatically erased. If the detected event is prolonged, for example in the case of "romantic," the light effect can be suppressed until the activity is terminated to signal to the user that the control device is actively erasing the collected data, preferably including the context-aware data. This embodiment is particularly advantageous in lighting arrangements that are also configured to store context-aware data for tracking or monitoring activity in a sensing volume. In a particular embodiment, storage can be performed at the storage unit of the lighting arrangement control device or at an external storage unit. The user can then indicate that certain functional operating modes are sensitive, and when a sensitive functional operating mode is selected, the lighting arrangement control device provides the user with a suitable interface to indicate that he or she does not wish to store or use the context-aware data for tracking or monitoring purposes. For example, if the "going to the toilet" function is marked as sensitive, lighting layout control devices using context-sensitive data may not be able to determine whether the presence of a person in the bathroom corresponds to the sensitive activity of going to the toilet, where the user does not wish to have associated context-sensitive data stored, or to activities the user deems insensitive, such as cleaning the toilet, where, in principle, there should be no restriction on storing context-sensitive data. Here, the user can indicate in a predefined manner whether they are currently engaged in a sensitive activity in the bathroom that should not have data stored.

[0030] In a particular embodiment, the operation control unit is further configured to: determine the presence of a predetermined context in the sensing volume, such as the movement or activity of an object, using context sensing data provided by the context-aware device in response to providing sensitive pattern detection data; and provide functional operation data only in response to determining the presence of the predetermined context.

[0031] Another embodiment of the lighting arrangement control device is advantageously configured to use first user feedback operation data to notify or instruct the user which sensing volumes the lighting arrangement is currently using; this is useful during the arrangement installation phase or if the neural network unit deems it necessary to perform dynamic area reconfiguration of the sensing volumes. In cases where the user, for example, configures the context sensing unit for the first time and thereby selects which subset of the lighting equipment is assigned to which sensing volume or area, the user's selection can be represented in real time by driving the operation of the context sensing device in the user feedback operation, which includes activating light effects that demonstrate RF sensing interactions between the lighting units corresponding to the context sensing device.

[0032] For example, to demonstrate RF sensing interaction, the first, second, and third lighting devices near the recliner that assist in the heartbeat sensing area are driven to flash at the same speed, with a red light effect representing a heartbeat, while another lighting device (e.g., an LED strip) also near the recliner, together with the fifth, sixth, and seventh lighting devices above the dining table, is shown sweeping very quickly back and forth across the three lighting units to indicate that the lighting devices behind are in the form of a fall detection area.

[0033] Different scenarios involve using first user feedback operational data to notify the user of ongoing configuration changes. Based on context inferred by neural network units, typical autonomous configuration changes might involve dynamically and temporarily reassigning lighting fixtures associated with different sensing volumes. In this embodiment, the first user feedback operational data is used to notify the user of the selection via light effects. In a particular non-limiting example, the lighting arrangement is installed in an open-plan kitchen connected to a living room; if only one person is present in the combined area, for example, working in the kitchen, the sensing volume is defined by the lighting fixtures in the kitchen and the living room. Using all lighting fixtures provides optimal fall detection performance. However, if a second person enters the space and sits on a sofa in the living room, the sensing volume is divided into a first sensing volume consisting only of the lighting fixtures in the kitchen and a second sensing volume associated with the lighting fixtures in the living room. Presence, movement, vital signs monitoring, or any other context sensing function is then performed on the two sensing volumes, respectively. Compared to the scenario where all lighting units cooperate to monitor a single sensing volume, the lighting arrangement may no longer be able to perform fall detection accurately. However, this is not a problem because there is a second person in the room anyway. In a particular embodiment, the light effects driven by first user feedback operation data to explain this automatic reconfiguration process to the user include: operating the lighting units of the combined area, first displaying the same first color setting, then turning on only the newly reassigned lights (with a second color setting to indicate the reassigned sensing volume), then turning on all lights to display their colors based on their respective detection areas (to indicate the new area), and finally the lighting arrangement control device causing a transition back to the selected light scene or operation mode.

[0034] Another example of reassigning sensing volumes based on contextual sensing data is breathing detection based on the number of people in the bed. If a single person is in a double bed, breathing detection is performed from a first lighting fixture on a side table on the left side of the bed and a second table lamp on the right side of the bed. This is the optimal arrangement for breathing detection. However, if a second person joins the first person, the lighting arrangement control detects the presence of two people now, and the system then reconfigures the RF sensing volumes such that the first lamp, together with the ceiling lamp, forms a first breathing detection zone (covering the left half of the bed), and the second lamp, together with the ceiling lamp, forms a second breathing detection zone (covering the right half of the bed). These configuration changes in sensing volumes can be indicated using first user feedback operational data, as in another reconfiguration example given above, or alternatively, by first visually representing the RF sensing messages between the two lamps on the side table of the bed, followed by representing the first message emitted between the left table lamp and the ceiling lamp in a first color, and then representing the second message emitted between the right table lamp and the ceiling lamp in a second color. In the example just described, the first person might be sleeping in the first detection zone while the second person is still in bed reading his social media. Since breathing detection requires no other major movement in that area, it can only be performed on the first person. Therefore, the first area switches to respiratory monitoring, while the second area for the second person continues to perform presence detection (with low latency) for lighting control or gesture recognition.

[0035] The second aspect of the invention is formed by a lighting arrangement including a lighting arrangement control device according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0036] The lighting arrangement also includes a plurality of lighting devices having corresponding lighting units, wherein at least one lighting device further includes a context sensing unit configured to provide context sensing data determined from RF signal transmission between the lighting device and at least one other lighting device, and the context sensing data is context-dependent on an object or subject within a corresponding sensing volume; and wherein the lighting device is configured to operate based on received functional operation data and first user feedback operation data.

[0037] The lighting arrangement of the second aspect also shares the advantages of the control equipment of the first aspect or any embodiment thereof.

[0038] The lighting arrangement is advantageously configured to perform lighting functions as well as context sensing functions, which are advantageously used to control the operation of the lighting functions. Context sensing technology can be used in a wide range of applications, such as using context sensing data provided by the context sensing unit of the lighting device for human detection and counting, activity recognition, or even respiratory rate and heart rate determination.

[0039] In one embodiment, the lighting arrangement is a wireless communication network based on the IEEE 802.11 communication protocol, also known as WiFi. In another embodiment, the lighting arrangement is a wireless communication network based on the IEEE 802.15.4 communication protocol, known as a Low-Rate Wireless Personal Area Network (LR-WPAN), including but not limited to Zigbee, BLE, Thread, etc. In yet another embodiment, the lighting arrangement may operate according to two or more different communication protocols. Context sensing data is determined using RF signal transmission of wireless communication signals according to the respective wireless communication protocol.

[0040] In one embodiment, the lighting devices are configured to provide contextual sensing data at predetermined time points, indicating a signal quality metric, such as, but not limited to, RSSI or CSI, which can be determined from RF signal transmissions between the lighting devices. In this particular embodiment, the contextual sensing data is presence sensing data, which is evaluated at the lighting arrangement control unit to determine the presence or movement of a subject or object in the sensing volume. The lighting arrangement control unit thus receives contextual sensing data from multiple lighting devices, which does not necessarily indicate presence or movement. The control device is advantageously configured to determine which lighting device has provided contextual sensing data related to the determination of presence or movement, and thereby identify them as context-aware devices for the corresponding detection event in a given sensing volume. In another embodiment, the contextual sensing data indicates the presence or movement of an object or subject in a given sensing volume and is provided upon detection of said presence or movement.

[0041] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a method for operating a lighting arrangement control device is described. The method includes:

[0042] - Receive corresponding context sensing data determined from RF signal transmission between at least one external lighting device and at least another external lighting device, wherein the corresponding context sensing data is related to the context (e.g., presence, movement, or activity) of an object or subject within the corresponding sensing volume;

[0043] - Determine the arrangement status data to indicate the status of the lighting layout;

[0044] - Using the corresponding context sensing data and layout status data, select a functional operation mode from multiple pre-specified functional operation modes of the lighting layout. Each functional operation mode is associated with the operation of one or more corresponding functional lighting devices.

[0045] - Depending on the selected functional operating mode and context sensing data, identify context sensing devices corresponding to at least two lighting devices that have performed RF signal transmission, for determining context sensing data already related to the determination of the functional operating mode;

[0046] - Generate first user feedback operation data and provide it to the identified context-aware device, the first user feedback operation data being used to drive the lighting unit of the context-aware device in a user feedback operation that notifies the user of the context-aware device; and

[0047] - Generate functional operation data and provide functional operation data to functional lighting devices to operate their lighting units according to the selected functional operation mode.

[0048] Therefore, the method of the third aspect shares the advantages of the lighting arrangement control device of the first aspect of the invention or any embodiment thereof.

[0049] A fourth aspect of the invention is formed by a method for operating a lighting arrangement having one or more lighting devices, each of the one or more lighting devices having a respective lighting unit, wherein at least one lighting unit further includes a context sensing unit. The method includes:

[0050] - Provide context sensing data determined by RF signal transmission between a lighting device having a context sensing unit and at least one other lighting device, and the context sensing data is related to the context of an object or subject within the corresponding sensing volume;

[0051] - To implement the third aspect of the method; and

[0052] - Operate the lighting equipment based on the received function operation data and the first user feedback operation data.

[0053] Therefore, the method of the fourth aspect shares the advantages of the lighting arrangement of the second aspect of the invention or any embodiment thereof.

[0054] For example, in an embodiment of the method of the fourth aspect, the method includes operating the lighting device based on received second user feedback operation data, or based on received fault determination data, or based on received sensitive pattern detection data, or based on any combination thereof.

[0055] The fifth aspect of the invention is formed by a computer program including instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of the third or fourth aspect of the invention.

[0056] It should be understood that the lighting arrangement control device of claim 1, the lighting arrangement of claim 12, the method for operating the lighting arrangement control device of claim 12, the method for operating the lighting arrangement of claim 14, and the computer program of claim 15 have similar and / or identical preferred embodiments, particularly as defined in the dependent claims.

[0057] It should be understood that the preferred embodiments of the present invention may also be any combination of the dependent claims or the above embodiments with the corresponding independent claims.

[0058] These and other aspects of the invention will become clear and explained with reference to the embodiments described below. Attached Figure Description

[0059] In the following figures:

[0060] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a lighting arrangement is shown, including multiple lighting devices and lighting arrangement control devices.

[0061] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method for controlling the operation of a lighting arrangement control device is provided, along with...

[0062] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method for controlling the operation of a lighting arrangement control device is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0063] Context-aware systems focus on acquiring context (e.g., using sensors to sense a situation), abstracting and understanding context (e.g., matching sensed sensory stimuli with the context), and applying behavior based on the identified context (e.g., triggering actions based on the context). Because user activity and location are crucial for many applications, context awareness has received increasing attention in the fields of location awareness and activity recognition. Therefore, context is related to information that can be determined using appropriate sensing devices or sensing arrangements.

[0064] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a lighting arrangement 150 is shown, which includes a plurality of lighting devices 101.1 to 101.5 and a lighting arrangement control device 100 for controlling the operation of the lighting arrangement in accordance with the aspects described below.

[0065] Lighting arrangement 150 is shown implemented in a room (e.g., an office with a table 107 and a chair 109). Lighting fixture 101.1 is a floor lamp, lighting fixture 101.2 is a table lamp, and lighting fixtures 101.3, 101.4, and 101.5 are ceiling lights. All lighting fixtures 101.1 to 101.5 include a lighting unit 103 for lighting purposes. Lighting fixtures 101.1 to 101.4 also include a context sensing unit, such as a radio frequency (RF) sensing unit, for providing context sensing data CS1, PS2 that is context-dependent—e.g., related to the state activity of an object or subject within the corresponding sensing volumes SV1, SV2. The context sensing data is determined from RF signal transmissions between at least one external lighting fixture having a context sensing unit (105) and at least another external lighting fixture.

[0066] Context-sensing data, within different context-sensing units, indicates relevant user context, such as: location or location coordinates or location changes; distance; displacement; location features, features related to the movement of an object or subject (e.g., changes in location / place); linear velocity or rotational velocity; linear acceleration or rotational acceleration; direction or angle of movement; azimuth; rotation; path; deformation or transformation, such as contraction or expansion; gait, gait period, walking speed; movements of the head, hands, mouth, chest, eyes, or other body parts; repetitive, periodic, pseudo-periodic, impulsive, sudden, instantaneous, or falling movements; period or frequency of movement; movement history; movement type or classification; behavior, transient behavior; time trends, time profiles, time characteristics; and the occurrence of predetermined events, such as fall events, safety incidents, accident events, or tracking events. Door opening events, door closing events, window opening events, window closing events; changes in physical parameters; time, such as start time, end time, or time window; frequency, spectrum, frequency characteristics; presence or absence, proximity, nearing, retreat; identity / identifier of an object or subject; composition of an object; respiratory rate, heart rate, intervals or variability of heart rate or respiratory rate, tidal volume, respiratory depth, inhalation time, exhalation time, ratio of inhalation time to exhalation time, gestures (e.g., handwriting movements), internal organ movements, movement trends, airflow rate; similarity score, distance score; Euclidean distance or weighted distance, statistical distance; statistical indicators, such as (automatic) correlation or (automatic) covariance; size, length, area or volume, form, label; physical condition, health condition, well-being condition, emotional state, mental state; and / or other information.

[0067] As a non-limiting example, lighting arrangement 150 is a connected wireless lighting arrangement in which communication between different devices of the lighting arrangement is performed according to a predetermined wireless communication protocol (e.g., WiFi, BLE, Zigbee, etc.). Optionally, the lighting arrangement includes a router, bridge, or any other suitable communication control device, which may be incorporated into lighting arrangement control device 100. To detect a predetermined context, such as the presence or movement within a corresponding sensing volume, the lighting devices rely on context sensing, such as radio frequency sensing, for example, using exchanged RF signals to determine signal quality values, such as, but not limited to, RSSI or CSI, which are affected by the presence or movement of objects within the sensing volume, primarily due to signal absorption by objects located between the transmitting and receiving lighting devices. The signal quality values ​​are provided as part of the context sensing data to input unit 102 of lighting arrangement control device 100. The lighting arrangement includes an operation control unit configured to determine arrangement state data indicating the state of the lighting arrangement. The arrangement status data includes, for example, data indicating the location of lighting equipment, or the operating status of lighting units, or the operating status of context sensing units, or pre-specified user preferences associated with the corresponding functional operating modes of the lighting arrangement, or any combination thereof.

[0068] For example, the user has pre-defined several functional operating modes, including an "entering room" operating mode in which the lighting fixture 101.5 closest to the door turns on if no other lights are on. The "entering room" operating mode is associated with sensing volume SV1. Pre-defined functional operating modes also include a "user at table" operating mode in which lighting fixtures 101.1 and 101.2 are on, and lighting fixtures 101.3, 101.4, and 101.5 are off, and this is associated with sensing volume SV2. The user can further specify other parameters depending on other factors, such as the current time or lighting conditions, such as via a window. During operation, the operation control unit determines the current arrangement status data, including, for example, the time (e.g., night) and the status of the lights (all off).

[0069] When a user enters a room, her presence in SV1 is detected as a signature in context sensing data provided by at least one of lighting devices 101.3 and 101.4. Using the context sensing data and arrangement status data, the operation control unit selects the "Enter Room" operation mode as the chosen functional operation mode because it is a functional operation mode that the user has pre-specified for this set of conditions. The operation control unit then identifies lighting devices 101.3 and 101.4 as context-aware devices because they are lighting devices that have provided context sensing data, based on which the selected functional operation mode has been determined. In a larger sensing volume defined by three or more lighting devices, for example, when presence is detected near the boundary of the sensing volume, the identified context-aware devices may be a subset of all lighting devices associated with that sensing volume.

[0070] The operation control unit 104 is also configured to generate first user feedback operation data FU and provide the generated first user feedback operation data to the identified context-aware device. The first user feedback operation data is used to drive the illumination unit of the identified context-aware device in a user feedback operation that informs the user about the identified context-aware device. Following the example above, the operation control unit 104 generates user feedback operation data UF and provides it to the identified context-aware devices 101.3 and 101.4, in this example, the first user feedback operation data, causing these devices to operate in a predefined manner to inform the user that these two devices have taken responsibility for detecting her presence. This is performed, for example, by causing the illumination unit 103 of the context-aware devices 101.3 and 101.4 to blink for a specific period of time.

[0071] Furthermore, the operation control unit is configured to generate function operation data FO and provide it to the function lighting devices for operating their lighting units according to the selected function operation mode. The function operation device associated with the selected function operation mode (i.e., "entering the room") is the lighting device 101.5, which receives the provided function operation data, causing its lighting units to turn on with predetermined lighting parameters (e.g., light intensity, color, and color temperature).

[0072] Therefore, when entering a room in dark conditions, the user does not need to turn on any switch to turn on the lighting device 101.5, and is also informed that the lighting device 101.5 has been turned on because its presence has been detected by the lighting devices 101.3 and 101.4, which have been identified as context-aware devices.

[0073] The user enters the room as described above and walks to table 107, where she sits on chair 109. This context (i.e., the user's movement) causes changes in the context sensing data provided by the context sensing unit 105. These changes indicate that the user is present in sensing volume SV2. Since there are no other users in the room (especially in sensing volume SV1), the operation control unit selects the "user at table" operation mode as the selected functional operation mode. In this case, the operation control unit identifies lighting devices 101.1 and 101.2 as context-aware devices and generates and provides them with first user feedback operation data UF for driving their lighting units in a user feedback operation to notify the user about the identified context-aware devices. This operation involves, for example, causing the lamp to blink for one or two seconds. The operation control unit also generates and provides functional operation data to the functional lighting devices for operation according to the selected functional operation mode. In this example, using the functional operation data, lighting unit 101.5 of the lamp is turned off, and lighting units of lighting devices 101.1 and 101.2 are turned on with predefined lighting parameters.

[0074] An exemplary operation control unit 104 has access to a list or lookup table 106 that includes entries for predetermined functional operation modes. These predetermined functional operation modes are associated with context detection, such as movement or presence of activity, within a corresponding sensing volume, and also with the state of the lighting arrangement, as described above. The list or table 106 can be edited by a user, for example, via a dedicated application in a computer or smartphone. Additionally or alternatively, the operation control unit 104 includes a neural network unit 110 configured to receive context sensing data and arrangement state data provided by a context sensing unit as input data. The arrangement state data is used to detect changes in the operating conditions of the lighting equipment in the lighting arrangement, related to changes in the context sensing data, and to select a functional operation mode accordingly. For example, during the training phase of the neural network unit, the neural network unit monitors context sensing data CS1, PS2 from the lighting equipment and associates the data with changes in the operation of the corresponding lighting equipment. For example, the lighting arrangement control device uses context sensing data to detect when a user enters a room at night. The user manually turns on the lighting equipment 101.5, which is detected by the neural network unit as a change in the state of the lighting arrangement. The user then walks to the table and manually turns on light 101.2. Afterward, the user returns, turns off light 101.5, and returns to the table. A few minutes later, the user also turns off floor lamp 101.1 and remains at her table until she leaves the room, turning off all the lighting. All these movements and activities (i.e., context) can be tracked using context-sensing data provided by the lighting devices, and the changes in the lighting arrangement caused by manually turning different lighting devices on and off are also recorded and used by the neural network unit. This repetition of the pattern causes a well-designed neural network unit to automatically create the functional operating modes defined above, "entering the room" and "user at the table," so that the user no longer needs to manually switch the lighting devices when entering the room or sitting at the table. Each time a functional operating mode is selected, the user is also notified about the lighting devices that have detected her presence, preferably by implementing a predetermined lighting effect.

[0075] Following the same example, the user also uses a room for training and specifies a "training" operation mode that involves operating ceiling lights 101.3, 101.4, and 101.5 using predetermined lighting parameters specifically designed for training purposes. Lighting devices 101.3 and 101.4 are advantageously configured to perform context sensing and advanced activity recognition by, for example, detecting heartbeats, specific movements, breathing positions, etc. Specific lighting arrangement control devices are configured to provide first user feedback operation data, which is used to drive the lighting units of the context-aware devices during user feedback operations, further informing the user about the type of movement or presence detected. Thus, the user is not only informed which lighting devices are identified as context-aware devices, but also what kind of movement or presence or activity has been detected. In this example, when a user is detected entering the room, the detection of activities related to training and involving, for example, a higher heart rate, a relatively high amount of movement within the sensing volume, etc., is signaled to the user in different ways.

[0076] The exemplary lighting arrangement control device is also configured to generate and provide user feedback operation data UF (in this case, second user feedback operation data) to functional lighting devices for driving the corresponding lighting units of the functional lighting devices in notification of user feedback operation regarding the functional lighting devices. For example, when a user is sitting on chair 109 next to table 107 and the operation control unit selects the functional operation mode "user at table", it also generates second user feedback operation data UF, which is provided to the functional lighting devices associated with said functional operation mode, such as lighting devices 101.1 and 101.2. Optionally, the functional lighting devices may further depend on the current state of the lighting arrangement. For example, if lighting device 101.5 is still on and is turned off by selecting the "user at table" functional operation mode, then lighting device 101.5 or any other device whose state changes due to the selection of a given functional operation mode is considered a functional lighting device. Once the functional operating devices receive the second user feedback operation data UF, their lighting devices are configured to notify the user that they are considered functional lighting devices by achieving a predetermined light effect within a short time before adopting or returning to the functional operation mode. Therefore, the user has information about those lighting devices identified as context-aware devices and those whose operation is modified by the selected functional operating mode. Optionally, the second user feedback operation data is also configured to drive the lighting unit of the functional lighting device in the user feedback operation, further informing the user about the selected functional operating mode. According to the example above, lighting device 101.5 is a functional device associated with the functional operating modes "Enter Room" and "Training". The second user feedback operation data is configured to drive the lighting unit of lighting device 101.5 to perform light effects depending on the selected functional operating mode. For example, when the selected functional operating mode is "Enter Room", it flashes twice at a frequency of 1 Hz and emits a basically white light, and when the selected functional operating mode is "Training", it flashes four times at a frequency of 2 Hz and emits a red light. This exemplary light effect emits a signal of increased heart rate associated with physical activity. The user can also specify different light effects for signaling each functional operating mode, or the functional lighting device associated with it, or the identified context-aware device.

[0077] The exemplary lighting arrangement control device 100 is also configured to determine the presence of a predetermined context of the user in the sensing volume after second user feedback operation data has been provided, and to provide functional operation data only in response to determining the presence of the predetermined context. This operation can be established for one or more functional operation modes, allowing the user to confirm the selection of a functional operation mode by, for example, performing a predetermined movement. For example, the user moves within the sensing volume SV1, and the context sensing unit also detects an increase in heart rate. The operation control unit selects the functional operation mode "training" and provides second user feedback operation data to lighting devices 101.3, 101.4, and 101.5, which perform predetermined lighting effects and may also indicate the selected functional operation mode. However, functional operation data is not provided to the functional lighting devices until the user confirms the selection by performing a predetermined movement sensed by the lighting arrangement. An example of such movement is raising an arm or waving a hand. If no movement is detected within a predetermined time window, the operation control unit can be instructed to provide second user feedback operation data or not to take further action.

[0078] There are instances where the neural network unit is unable to select a functional operating mode, primarily because the detected conditions, based on the sensed context and arrangement state, do not clearly indicate a functional operating mode. In such cases, an exemplary lighting arrangement control device is configured to generate and provide fault determination data to one or more lighting units for driving the lighting units in a third user feedback operation, notifying the user that the selected functional operating mode cannot be selected. The one or more lighting units are a predetermined set of lighting units, which are not necessarily part of the context-aware device or the functional lighting device. The third user feedback operation involves, for example, signaling to the user that selection is impossible by performing a predetermined light effect. Preferably, in cases where the neural network unit is unable to select a functional operating mode, because the detected conditions, based on the sensed context and arrangement state, indicate more than one functional operating mode, the operation control unit is also configured, in response to the provision of fault determination data, to use context sensing data provided by the context-aware device to determine the occurrence of a predetermined context (e.g., movement of an object or subject in a sensed volume), and to select a functional operating mode based on the determined occurrence. For example, if the neural network unit determines, based on the presence of a sensed signal and the current state of the lighting arrangement, that two modes can be selected, the operation control unit provides fault determination data, notifying the user that no decision has yet been made. It then provides second user feedback operation data to subsequently notify the user about the two candidate function operation modes, and waits for the emergence of a predetermined context, which is interpreted as the user indicating which candidate function operation mode is the function operation mode the user wants to select.

[0079] Users can designate one or more functional operating modes as "sensitive operating modes," meaning functional modes that the user believes involve private practices and should be treated differently by the lighting arrangement, particularly regarding information stored in the arrangement associated with the sensitive operating mode. Users can modify the list of functional operating modes to indicate which they consider sensitive. To handle these sensitive operating modes, a specific lighting arrangement control device includes an operation control unit configured to generate and provide sensitive mode detection data to one or more lighting units upon determining that the selected functional operating mode belongs to a pre-specified list of sensitive operating modes. This data is used to drive the lighting units in a user feedback operation that informs the user of the selection of the sensitive operating mode as the chosen functional operating mode. Here, the user feedback operation activated upon receiving the sensitive mode detection data is preferably a predetermined lighting effect. Optionally, and in response to the provision of sensitive mode detection data, the operation control unit is also configured to use context sensing data provided by a context-aware device to determine the presence of a predetermined context of an object or subject in the sensing volume, and to provide functional operating data only in response to determining the presence of a predetermined context (e.g., predetermined movement).

[0080] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method 200 for operating a lighting arrangement control device is shown. The method includes, in step 202, receiving corresponding context sensing data from at least one external lighting device having a lighting unit and a context sensing unit, the context sensing data being determined based on RF signal transmissions between at least one external lighting device and at least another external lighting device, and being context-dependent on an object or subject within a corresponding sensing volume. The method includes, in step 204, determining arrangement state data indicating the state of the lighting arrangement, and in step 206, using the corresponding context sensing data and the arrangement state data, selecting a functional operating mode from a plurality of pre-defined functional operating modes of the lighting arrangement, each functional operating mode being associated with the operation of one or more corresponding functional lighting devices. The method further includes, in step 208, depending on the selected functional operating mode and the context sensing data, identifying a context sensing device corresponding to at least two lighting devices that have performed RF signal transmissions, for determining the context sensing data already associated with the determination of the functional operating mode. The method further includes, in step 210, generating and providing first user feedback operation data to the identified context-aware devices for driving their lighting units in notifying the user of user feedback operations of the identified context-aware devices; and in step 212, generating and providing functional operation data to the functional lighting devices for operating their lighting units according to a selected functional operation mode.

[0081] Figure 3 An exemplary flowchart of a method 300 for operating a lighting arrangement is shown, the lighting arrangement having one or more lighting devices, each of which has a respective lighting unit, one of which further includes a context sensing unit. Method 300 includes, in step 302, providing context sensing data determined from an RF signal transmission between a lighting device having a context sensing unit and at least one other lighting device, and the context sensing data being correlated with the context of an object or subject within a corresponding sensing volume. The method further includes, in step 304, performing... Figure 2 The method 200 comprises the following steps. The method concludes in step 306 by operating the lighting device based on received functional operation data and first user feedback operation data. Another exemplary method (not shown) further includes operating the lighting device based on second user feedback operation data, sensitivity mode detection data, and fault determination data.

[0082] In summary, the present invention relates to a lighting arrangement control device for controlling the operation of a lighting arrangement, and is configured to receive context-dependent context sensing data from at least one lighting device, such as the presence or movement of an object within a corresponding sensing volume. An operation control unit is configured to: determine arrangement state data; select a functional operation mode from a plurality of pre-specified functional operation modes of the lighting arrangement, each functional operation mode being associated with a corresponding functional lighting device; and identify those lighting devices that have provided context sensing data related to the selection of the functional operation mode as context-aware devices. The operation control unit is configured to provide first user feedback operation data to the identified context-aware devices for driving their lighting units in a user feedback operation, the user feedback operation being used to notify a user about the identified context-aware devices.

[0083] By studying the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments in practicing the claimed invention.

[0084] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0085] A single unit or device can perform the functions of several items listed in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are referenced in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously.

[0086] Computer programs can be stored / distributed on suitable media, such as optical storage media or solid-state media, supplied together with or as part of other hardware; but they can also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems.

[0087] Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A lighting arrangement (150), comprising: -Lighting layout control equipment (100); and - Multiple lighting devices (101.1, 101.2, 101.3, 101.4, 101.5) with corresponding lighting units (103). At least one of the plurality of lighting devices further includes a context sensing unit (105) configured to provide context sensing data (CS1, PS2), the context sensing data being determined from radio frequency signal transmission between the at least one lighting device and at least another of the plurality of lighting devices, and indicating the presence, movement, direction of movement, speed, position, or activity of an object or subject within a corresponding sensing volume (SV1, SV2). The lighting arrangement control device (100) includes: - Input unit (102) for receiving corresponding context sensing data (CS1, PS2) from at least one external lighting device (101.1, 101.2, 101.3, 101.4) having a lighting unit (103) and a context sensing unit (105); and - Operation control unit (104), which is configured to: - Determine the arrangement status data indicating the state of the lighting arrangement (150); - Using the corresponding context sensing data and the arrangement state data, select a light scene from a plurality of pre-specified light scenes of the lighting arrangement, each scene being associated with the operation of one or more of the plurality of lighting devices; - Depending on the selected light scene and the context sensing data, at least two of the plurality of lighting devices that have provided radio frequency signal transmission to the context sensing unit are identified as context sensing devices, for determining context sensing data that is already related to the selection of the light scene; - Generate first user feedback operation data (UF) and provide the first user feedback operation data (UF) to the identified context-aware devices for driving their lighting units in notifying the user of user feedback operations of the identified context-aware devices; and - Generate functional operation data (FO) and provide functional operation data (FO) to one or more of the multiple lighting devices associated with the selected light scene for operating their lighting units according to the selected light scene; The one or more lighting devices are configured to operate according to received functional operation data (FO) and first user feedback operation data (UF).

2. The lighting arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the operation control unit (104) is configured to use the arrangement state data to determine data indicating the location of the lighting device, or the operation state of the lighting unit, or the operation state of the context sensing unit, or a pre-specified user preference associated with a corresponding functional operation mode of the lighting arrangement, or any combination thereof.

3. The lighting arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first user feedback operation data (UF) is further configured to drive the lighting unit (103) of the context-aware device in a user feedback operation, further informing the user of the context of the sensing of the object or subject within the sensing volume.

4. The lighting arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the operation control unit (104) is further configured to generate second user feedback operation data and provide the second user feedback operation data to the functional lighting device for driving the corresponding lighting unit of the functional lighting device in notifying the user of user feedback operation regarding the functional lighting device.

5. The lighting arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the operation control unit (104) is configured to generate and provide second user feedback operation data for driving the lighting unit of the functional lighting device in the user feedback operation, and further notifying the user about the selected functional operation mode.

6. The lighting arrangement according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the operation control unit (104) is further configured to use the context sensing data to determine the occurrence of a predetermined context in the sensing volume when providing the second user feedback operation data, and to provide the function operation data only in response to determining the occurrence of the predetermined context.

7. The lighting arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the operation control unit (104) includes a neural network unit (106) configured to receive context sensing data provided by the context sensing unit and the arrangement state data as input data, the arrangement state data being used to detect changes in the operating conditions of the lighting equipment of the lighting arrangement related to changes in the context sensing data, and thereby select a functional operation mode.

8. The lighting arrangement according to claim 7, wherein, When the functional operation mode cannot be selected by the neural network unit (106), the operation control unit (104) is further configured to generate fault determination data and provide fault determination data to one or more lighting units for driving the lighting units in a third user feedback operation to notify the user that the selected functional operation mode cannot be selected.

9. The lighting arrangement according to claim 8, wherein the operation control unit (104) is further configured to, in response to the provision of the fault determination data, use context sensing data provided by the context sensing device to determine the occurrence of a predetermined context in the sensing volume, and select the functional operation mode depending on the occurrence of the predetermined context in the sensing volume.

10. The lighting arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the operation control unit (104), upon determining that the selected functional operation mode belongs to a pre-specified list of sensitive operation modes, is configured to generate sensitive mode detection data and provide the sensitive mode detection data to one or more lighting units for driving the lighting units in a user feedback operation, the user feedback operation notifying the user of the selection of the sensitive operation mode as the selected functional operation mode.

11. The lighting arrangement of claim 10, wherein the operation control unit is further configured to, in response to the provision of the sensitive pattern detection data, use context sensing data provided by the context sensing device to determine the occurrence of a predetermined context in the sensing volume, and to provide the functional operation data only in response to determining the occurrence of the predetermined context.

12. A method (300) for operating a lighting arrangement, the lighting arrangement comprising a plurality of lighting devices having respective lighting units, wherein at least one of the plurality of lighting devices further comprises a context sensing unit, the method comprising: - Provide (302) radio frequency signal transmission determined context sensing data between at least one lighting device having the context sensing unit and at least another lighting device among the plurality of lighting devices, and the context sensing data indicates the presence, movement, direction of movement, speed, position or activity of an object or subject within the corresponding sensing volume; - Receive (202) corresponding context sensing data determined from radio frequency signal transmission from at least one lighting device having a lighting unit and a context sensing unit; and - Determine (204) the arrangement status data indicating the state of the lighting arrangement; - Using the corresponding context sensing data and the arrangement state data, select (206) one light scene from a plurality of pre-specified light scenes of the lighting arrangement, each light scene being associated with the operation of one or more corresponding lighting devices among the plurality of lighting devices; - Depending on the selected functional operating mode and the context sensing data, identify (208) context sensing devices corresponding to at least two lighting devices that have provided radio frequency signal transmission to the context sensing unit, for determining context sensing data that is already related to the selection of the light scene; - Generate first user feedback operation data and provide (210) first user feedback operation data to the identified context-aware devices for driving their lighting units in notifying the user of user feedback operations about the identified context-aware devices; - Generate functional operation data and provide (212) functional operation data to one or more of the multiple lighting devices associated with the selected light scene for operating their lighting units according to the selected light scene; and - Operate (306) the one or more lighting devices according to the received functional operation data and the first user feedback operation data.

13. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program including instructions, wherein, When the instruction is executed by the lighting arrangement control device according to claim 1, the lighting arrangement performs the steps of the method according to claim 12.

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