Transmitting a notification in dependence on a cause for causing a light source to turn on when a user leaves

Abstract

A method includes: receiving (101) user information, determining (103) that the user has left home based on the user information, and receiving (105) light information from a lighting system including a light source. The light information indicates the state of the light source. The method further includes: determining (107) that the light source was turned on when the user left home based on the light information; determining (109) a reason for the light source being turned on if it has been determined that the light source was turned on when the user left home; and, after determining the reason, deciding (111) whether to notify the user based on the reason. After making the decision, transmitting (113) a notification to the user's user equipment based on the decision.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for transmitting notifications to user equipment, the system being configured to determine the state of a light source contained in a lighting system.

[0002] The present invention further relates to a method for transmitting a notification from a system to a user device, the system being configured to determine the state of a light source, the light source being included in a lighting system.

[0003] The present invention also relates to a computer program product that enables a computer system to perform such a method. Background Technology

[0004] There are various ways to measure the energy consumption of a lighting system, such as by measuring real-time usage or by measuring how long the lights are on. In smart lighting, it's often possible to obtain information about which lights are on. By making users aware of the energy consumed by their lighting system, energy savings can be achieved.

[0005] Systems that help users save more energy are also known. For example, US2019 / 297712A1 discloses a "smart off" mode that can be enabled during "away" periods. In this "smart off" mode, a smart light switch will automatically turn off the room lights after a period of time when a visual sensor detects that no one is in the room.

[0006] Existing systems tend to simply turn off lights or notify users that the lights are still on. However, sometimes lights are on for good reason, even when no one is around, such as when they are activated in response to motion sensors, smart doorbells, or due to security features like presence mimicking. Existing solutions either turn these lights off or notify users to turn them off. This often leads users to disable energy-saving features because it's not doing what they want it to do. This negates any potential energy savings. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The first objective of this invention is to provide a system that can be used to reduce the energy consumption of lighting systems in a user-friendly manner.

[0008] A second objective of this invention is to provide a method for reducing the energy consumption of lighting systems in a user-friendly manner.

[0009] In a first aspect of the invention, a system for transmitting a notification to a user equipment includes at least one input interface, at least one output interface, and at least one processor. The system is configured to determine the state of a light source, which is included in a lighting system. The at least one processor is configured to: receive user information via the at least one input interface; determine, based on the user information, that a user has left home; receive light information from the lighting system via the at least one input interface, the light information indicating the state of the light source; determine, based on the light information, that the light source is on when the user has left home; if it has been determined that the light source is on when the user has left home, determine a reason for the light source being on; after determining the reason, decide whether to notify the user based on the reason; and after making the decision, transmit the notification to the user's user equipment via the at least one output interface, based on the decision.

[0010] The system evaluates the reasons why the lights are turned on to provide improved energy-saving operation and / or notifications. For example, the system might decide to notify the user immediately if the lights are not needed and if immediate action would be beneficial. Otherwise, the fact that the lights remain on when the user is not present can be summarized in reports sent at certain intervals (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly). Users may be able to configure the reasons they want to be notified.

[0011] The at least one processor can be configured to periodically generate reports for the user, and, based on the stated reason, include in the reports the light source being turned on when the user leaves home. This can help the user save energy in less urgent situations.

[0012] The at least one processor can be configured to determine the cause of the light source being turned on by determining whether it was caused by user control or automatic control. For example, user control may include interaction with the user's device, another user's device (e.g., the device of another person living in the same household), or a light switch. Light sources that are manually switched on and remain on when the user leaves are more likely to be accidentally left on. Automatic control, for example, may include sensor-data-based control and / or time-based control. Automatically switched-on light sources may be designed to turn on when the user leaves, but may also be switched on due to improper configuration.

[0013] The at least one processor can be configured to: determine, upon determining that automatic control causes the light source to be turned on, the frequency at which the light source is turned on and off and / or the number of light sources turned on; and based on the frequency and / or the number, decide whether to notify the user. For example, light sources triggered by sensors turning on and off at a high frequency may require urgent attention. A relatively large number of on light sources in a smart lighting system may indicate a power outage. In a smart lighting system, light sources can automatically turn on after a power outage, even if they were off before the power outage.

[0014] The at least one processor may be configured to: upon determining that the light source is on when the user leaves home, determine whether there is a setting or rule for automatically turning off the light source; and based on the reason and the existence of the setting or rule, decide whether to notify the user. If the light source will be automatically turned off, no emergency action may be required.

[0015] The at least one processor can be configured to determine the reason for turning on the light source by identifying the name associated with the action of turning on the light source, the event that caused the light source to turn on, and / or the source of the control command to turn on the light source. The name could be the name of the person performing the action or the name of the application performing the action, such as an IFTT application running in the cloud. The event descriptor could indicate that a certain time has been reached (e.g., 9:00 AM or sunrise) or that a sensor has been triggered. For example, the source of the control action could be a user device or a sensor device.

[0016] The at least one processor can be configured to determine whether to notify the user based on the spatial location of the light source. For example, a light source located at an entrance may be necessary for safety or easy access at night, so it may not be desirable to send a notification for this light source.

[0017] The at least one processor can be configured to: receive user input indicating one or more reasons; and when one or more reasons coincides and causes the light source to turn on, associate the one or more reasons with an instruction to notify the user or not to notify the user. This allows the user to personalize the notification by specifying one or more reasons or by providing feedback to the notification.

[0018] The at least one processor may be configured to: receive user input indicating one or more light sources; and associate the one or more light sources with an instruction not to notify the user when one or more light sources are turned on while the user is away from home. For example, a user might want to keep a light source in the living room on to conceal the fact that no one is home.

[0019] The at least one processor can be configured to determine, upon determining that the light source was on during the user's absence from home and that the timeout period has elapsed, what caused the light source to be turned on. This can be used to prevent the immediate transmission of notifications after the user leaves home, for example, for lights that automatically turn off when no presence is detected during a certain time period.

[0020] The at least one processor can be configured to include an option to turn off the light source in the notification; and to control the light source to turn off upon receiving a positive response from the user device. This allows the user to conserve energy during the period they are away.

[0021] The at least one processor can be configured to include in the notification an option to adjust settings or rules that cause the light source to turn on; and to adjust the settings or rules upon receiving a positive response from the user device. For example, the notification may include a link redirecting to an application that the user can use to make configuration changes. This allows the user to conserve energy over a longer period.

[0022] In a second aspect of the invention, a method for transmitting a notification from a system to a user device, the system being configured to determine the state of a light source, the light source being included in a lighting system, the method comprising: receiving user information; determining, based on the user information, that a user has left home; receiving light information from the lighting system, the light information indicating the state of the light source; determining, based on the light information, that the light source is on when the user has left home; if it has been determined that the light source is on when the user has left home, determining what caused the light source to be on; after determining the cause, deciding whether to notify the user based on the cause; and after making the decision, transmitting the notification to the user's user device based on the decision. The method can be executed by software running on a programmable device. The software can be provided as a computer program product.

[0023] In addition, a computer program for implementing the methods described herein, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for storing the computer program are provided. The computer program may, for example, be downloaded to or uploaded to an existing device, or be stored during the manufacture of these systems.

[0024] A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores at least one portion of software code that, when executed or processed by a computer, is configured to perform executable operations for transmitting a notification from a system to a user device, the system being configured to determine the state of a light source contained in a lighting system.

[0025] The executable operations include: receiving user information; determining, based on the user information, that the user has left home; receiving light information from the lighting system, the light information indicating the state of the light source; determining, based on the light information, that the light source is on when the user has left home; if it has been determined that the light source is on when the user has left home, determining what caused the light source to be on; after determining the cause, deciding whether to notify the user based on the cause; and after making the decision, transmitting the notification to the user's user device based on the decision.

[0026] As those skilled in the art will understand, aspects of the present invention can be embodied as an apparatus, method, or computer program product. Therefore, aspects of the present invention can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects, all of which may generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module,” or “system.” The functionality described in this disclosure can be implemented as an algorithm executed by a computer’s processor / microprocessor. Furthermore, aspects of the present invention can take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer-readable media containing (e.g., storing) computer-readable program code.

[0027] Any combination of one or more computer-readable media can be used. A computer-readable medium can be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium can be, for example, but not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatuses, or devices, or any suitable combination thereof. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media may include, but are not limited to, electrical connections having one or more wires, portable computer floppy disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fibers, portable optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof. In the context of this invention, a computer-readable storage medium can be any tangible medium that can contain or store a program used by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0028] Computer-readable signal media may include propagated data signals containing, for example, computer-readable program code in baseband or as a carrier wave. Such propagated signals may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electromagnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer-readable signal medium may be any computer-readable medium that is not a computer-readable storage medium but can transmit, propagate, or transfer a program used by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0029] Program code embodied on a computer-readable medium may be transmitted using any suitable medium, including but not limited to wireless, wired, fiber optic, cable, RF, or any suitable combination thereof. Computer program code used to implement aspects of this invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including: object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Java™, Smalltalk, C++, or similar languages; and conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. The program code may be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer via any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (e.g., through the use of the Internet provided by an Internet service provider).

[0030] The aspects of the present invention will now be described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, particularly a microprocessor or central processing unit (CPU), to produce a machine such that the instructions, executable via the processor of the computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device, create components for implementing the functions / behaviors specified by one or more blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams.

[0031] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable medium that can instruct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium produce an article of manufacture comprising instructions that implement the functions / behaviors specified in one or more boxes of a flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0032] Computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus, provide for implementing the function / behavior specified in one or more blocks of a flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0033] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of devices, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each box in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which includes one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions indicated in the boxes may not occur in the order shown in the figures. For example, two boxes shown consecutively may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or depending on the functions involved, these blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order. It should also be noted that each box in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, and combinations of boxes in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, can be implemented by a system based on dedicated hardware or a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions that performs the specified functions or behaviors. Attached Figure Description

[0034] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent by way of example and will be further illustrated by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0035] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of the first embodiment of the system;

[0036] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of the second embodiment of the system;

[0037] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the first embodiment of the method;

[0038] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the second embodiment of the method;

[0039] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the third embodiment of the method;

[0040] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the fourth embodiment of the method;

[0041] Figure 7 Showing an example of a notification displayed on a user's device; and

[0042] Figure 8 This is a block diagram of an exemplary data processing system for performing the methods of the present invention.

[0043] Corresponding elements in the accompanying drawings are indicated by the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Figure 1A first embodiment of a system for transmitting notifications to user equipment is shown. The system is configured to determine the state (at least on and off) of a light source included in a lighting system. In this first embodiment, the system is a bridge 1. For example, bridge 1 could be a Philips Hue bridge. Figure 1 In the example, lighting system 41 includes a bridge 1 and three light sources 31-33, and the user equipment is a mobile device 36. The lighting device, including the light sources 31-33, communicates with the bridge 1, for example, using Zigbee technology. The lighting device can be powered on when the light sources are off. For example, the light sources can be LED modules.

[0045] Bridge 1 is connected to wireless LAN access point 17, for example, via Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Wireless LAN access point 17 is connected to the Internet 11. Internet server 13 is also connected to the Internet 11. When the user is at home, mobile device 36 can control light sources 31-33 via wireless LAN access point 17 and bridge 1. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image). When the user is not at home, the mobile device 36 can control the light sources 31-33 via the Internet server 13 and the bridge 1. For example, the mobile device 36 runs an app for controlling the light sources 31-33.

[0046] Bridge 1 includes a receiver 3, a transmitter 4, a processor 5, and a memory 7. The processor 5 is configured to receive user information via receiver 3, determine if a user is away from home based on the user information, and receive light information from lighting system 41 via receiver 3. For example, the user information may be received from mobile device 36. The user information may include the user's GPS location or may indicate an absence status manually set by the user. If the user information includes the user's GPS location, the GPS location of the home where bridge 1 is located should also be known, for example, configured in bridge 1 to determine whether the user is at home or away. Alternatively, the user information may be received from a presence detection system. The light information indicates the status of one of the light sources 31-33 and may be received from a lighting device including the light source.

[0047] Processor 5 is further configured to: determine, based on light information, that the light source is on when the user leaves home; and if it has been determined that the light source is on when the user leaves home, determine the reason why the light source is on. Processor 5 is further configured to: after determining the reason, decide whether to notify the user based on the reason; and after making the decision, transmit the notification to the user's mobile device 36 via transmitter 4 based on the decision. The user can configure the time periods of the day when they wish to receive notifications.

[0048] exist Figure 1In one embodiment, processor 5 is further configured to periodically generate reports for the user, including, depending on the reason, a light source being on when the user leaves home. For example, the report may be transmitted to user device 36 and / or stored on Internet server 13. For instance, the system may determine that a light does not need to be on when the user leaves, but it is not urgent enough to take immediate action; the situation can be summarized in a report sent at intervals configured by the user (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly).

[0049] Urgency is determined based on cause, specifically the reason that caused the light source to turn on. Urgency can be determined based on previous user feedback regarding events with the same cause, such as by allowing users to postpone action with a "not now" feedback option. Whether turning on the light source when a user leaves results in a notification, inclusion in a report, or no action can depend on the amount of energy consumed. Reports can be created by summarizing suggestions regarding the amount of energy consumed. Patterns can be detected over time to improve suggestions and summarize notifications into groups. Users can be able to set energy consumption thresholds that they want to be notified of when exceeded. Reports can indicate how long the light source should be on and suggest changes to the settings. For example, if a presence sensor in an alley turns on a light for 60 minutes, the report could suggest setting it to a shorter duration to save energy.

[0050] Processor 5 can be configured to switch to "Away from Home" mode when (e.g., using geofencing) a mobile device 36 is detected outside the home, or when the user manually switches to "Away from Home" mode. The former is beneficial when the user is alone. Alternatively, a smart lock and / or presence detection sensor can be used to detect whether anyone is home, i.e., whether the user and other people living in the home are away. Figure 1 In this embodiment, only the user of mobile device 36 receives notifications from bridge 1.

[0051] Preferably, processor 5 is configured to determine that a user has left the house during a period long enough to infer that lighting is no longer needed, i.e., no one is home. Some lights can automatically turn off, for example, when a presence sensor does not detect presence during a certain period. It may be possible to determine, based on information received from the presence sensor, what is an appropriate timeout period before the expected light is turned off. It may also be possible to allow the user to configure this timeout period.

[0052] Smart home lighting systems can typically detect which lights are on and even record when they are turned on. Alternatively, for unconnected lighting systems, this information can be obtained by installing luminous intensity sensors. Another option for obtaining this information would be to measure the energy consumption of the lights or even the entire home and compare it to the average when all the lights are off.

[0053] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment of bridge 1, bridge 1 includes a processor 5. In alternative embodiments, bridge 1 includes multiple processors. The processor 5 of bridge 1 can be a general-purpose processor, such as an ARM-based processor, or a dedicated processor. For example, the processor 5 of bridge 1 can run a Unix-based operating system. Memory 7 can include one or more storage units. For example, memory 7 can include solid-state memory. For example, memory 7 can be used to store meters of connected lights.

[0054] Receiver 3 and transmitter 4 can use one or more wired or wireless communication technologies, such as Ethernet for communicating with wireless LAN access point 17 and Zigbee, for example, for communicating with lighting equipment. In alternative embodiments, multiple receivers and / or multiple transmitters are used instead of a single receiver and a single transmitter. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, a separate receiver and a separate transmitter are used. In an alternative embodiment, receiver 3 and transmitter 4 are combined into a transceiver. Bridge 1 may include other typical components for network devices, such as power connectors. This invention can be implemented using a computer program running on one or more processors.

[0055] Figure 2 A second embodiment of a system for transmitting notifications to user equipment is shown. The system is configured to determine the state of a light source included in a lighting system. In this first embodiment, the system is a computer 21. Computer 21 is an internet server connected to the internet 11. Figure 2 In the example, the lighting system 42 includes a bridge 16 and three light sources 31-33, and the user equipment is a mobile device 36. Figure 2 In the example, lighting system 42 includes a bridge. Alternatively, lighting system 42 may not include a bridge.

[0056] Computer 21 includes receiver 23, transmitter 24, processor 25, and storage component 27. Processor 25 is configured to: receive user information via receiver 23, determine that the user has left home based on the user information, and receive light information from lighting system 42 via receiver 23. For example, the user information may be received from mobile device 36. For example, the user information may include the user's GPS location or may indicate an absence status that has been manually set by the user. Alternatively, the user information may be received from a presence detection system. For example, the light information indicates the status of one of the light sources 31-33 and may be received from a lighting device including the light source or from bridge 16.

[0057] The processor 25 is further configured to: determine, based on light information, that the light source is turned on when the user leaves home; and if it has been determined that the light source is turned on when the user leaves home, determine the reason for the light source being turned on. The processor 25 is further configured to: after determining the reason, decide whether to notify the user based on the reason; and after making the decision, transmit the notification to the user's mobile device 36 via the transmitter 24 based on the decision.

[0058] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment of computer 21, computer 21 includes a processor 25. In alternative embodiments, computer 21 includes multiple processors. The processor 25 of computer 21 may be a general-purpose processor, such as a processor from Intel or AMD, or a dedicated processor. For example, the processor 25 of computer 21 may run a Windows- or Unix-based operating system. Storage component 27 may include one or more storage units. For example, storage component 27 may include one or more hard disks and / or solid-state storage. For example, storage component 27 may be used to store operating systems, applications, and application data.

[0059] For example, receiver 23 and transmitter 24 can connect to the Internet 11 using one or more wired and / or wireless communication technologies such as Ethernet and / or Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11). In alternative embodiments, multiple receivers and / or multiple transmitters are used instead of a single receiver and a single transmitter. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, a separate receiver and a separate transmitter are used. In an alternative embodiment, receiver 23 and transmitter 24 are combined into a transceiver. Computer 21 may include other typical components for a computer, such as a power connector. The invention can be implemented using a computer program running on one or more processors.

[0060] exist Figure 1-2 In some embodiments, the system of the present invention includes a bridge or a computer. In alternative embodiments, the system of the present invention is a different device. Figure 1-2 In one embodiment, the system of the present invention includes a single device. In an alternative embodiment, the system of the present invention includes multiple devices. Although in Figure 1-2 In the example, the user device is a mobile device, but other types of devices can be used as user devices.

[0061] Figure 3A first embodiment of a method for transmitting notifications from a system to a user device is illustrated. The system is configured to determine the state of a light source, which is included in a lighting system. Step 101 includes receiving user information. Step 103 includes determining, based on the user information, that the user has left home. Step 105 includes receiving light information from the lighting system. This light information indicates the state of the light source, such as whether it is on or off.

[0062] Step 107 is executed only after user information and light information have been received, and is executed as soon as new user information or new light information is received. Step 107 includes determining, based on the light information received in step 105, whether the light source determined in step 103 was turned on when the user left home. If it has been determined in step 107 that the light source was turned on when the user left home, step 109 is executed. Step 109 includes determining the cause that caused the light source to be turned on. For example, step 109 may include detecting whether an existence simulation is active and for which lights. Otherwise, steps 101-103 and / or step 105 are repeated at a later time, after which step 107 is repeated.

[0063] After the cause is determined in step 109, step 111 is executed. Step 111 includes deciding whether to notify the user based on the cause. After making a decision in step 111, the next step is selected based on that decision. If the decision is to notify the user, step 113 is executed. Step 113 includes sending a notification to the user's user device. If the decision is not to notify the user, step 115 is executed or may be executed, for example, depending on the cause determined in step 109. Step 115 includes recording when a light source is turned on when the user leaves home. This log entry is included in a report generated periodically for the user. Figure 3 (Not shown in the image). Step 115 is also performed after step 113. After step 115, steps 101-103 and / or step 105 are repeated at a later time.

[0064] Figure 4 A second embodiment of a method for transmitting notifications from a system to a user device is illustrated. The system is configured to determine the state of a light source, which is included in a lighting system. Step 101 includes receiving user information. Step 103 includes determining, based on the user information, that the user has left home. Step 105 includes receiving light information from the lighting system. This light information indicates the state of the light source.

[0065] Step 107 includes determining, based on the light information received in step 105, whether the light source, as determined in step 103, is turned on when the user leaves home. If it has been determined in step 107 that the light source is turned on when the user leaves home, step 131 is executed. Otherwise, steps 101-103 and / or step 105 are repeated at a later time, and then step 107 is repeated.

[0066] Step 131 involves determining whether a setting or rule exists that automatically turns off the light source. For example, machine learning can be used to predict whether the light source will be turned off soon and in that case without disturbing the user. If a rule exists that the light will turn off soon, no action is required. If the light is turned on by a sensor configured to only be on temporarily (e.g., until no further presence is detected within a certain period), no action is required. This helps prevent unnecessary suggestions / notifications. If such a setting or rule is determined to exist in step 131, steps 101-103 and / or step 105 are repeated at a later time, followed by step 107. Otherwise, step 109 is performed after step 131. Step 109 involves determining the reason for turning on the light source.

[0067] exist Figure 4 In this embodiment, step 109 is implemented by steps 133-139. Step 133 is executed after step 131. Step 133 includes determining the source of the control command to turn on the light source. For example, this source could be a user device, a light switch, or a presence sensor. Smart lighting systems are typically able to provide an indication of what triggered the control of the light by tracking recently triggered events or by storing information attributes within the lighting control system itself indicating how the light source was turned on and / or by which device or user. It may be possible to determine the source of the control command from this information.

[0068] For example, the identifier of the API used to control the lights via a bridge (or other controller), the IP or MAC source address of the command message, the port to which the command was sent, or the device name can be used to determine the source of the command. Furthermore, the default behavior of this source can be determined (e.g., it could be a downloadable predefined behavior, or it could be a learned behavior based on how the source operates when the user is at home—where the user can correct the behavior if it is inappropriate).

[0069] Step 133 may include an optional step 135. Step 135 includes determining the name associated with the action of turning on the light source. When a user first connects to the smart lighting system, they authenticate using, for example, a username entered or generated for that user. When a user connects to the smart lighting system using a system like IFTT, a different username is created than the one directly controlled by the user. Another username is created when a different app is used for something like a simulated presence. These usernames are used with every action taken against the lighting system and can be traced back to the control source. In this way, it is possible to detect the reason that caused the light to turn on.

[0070] Other control sources, such as sensors, scheduled events, or physical switches or remote controls, are often associated with usernames. If this isn't the case, it's possible to trace the control sources by examining the rules in the smart lighting system. These rules may contain the last trigger time that can be used as a trigger. It's also possible to find this information in the event log. Rules describe the triggering conditions (such as time-based or sensor-based) and the control action that will be sent to a specific light. If the control action involves turning on one of the lights that is already on and is considered desirable when the control source is not at home, then it can be discarded.

[0071] Step 133 may alternatively or additionally include optional step 137. Step 137 includes determining an event that causes the light source to turn on automatically. For example, the event could be the detection of motion or routine activation at a preset time. For example, a smart lighting system may be able to track recently triggered events. These events may be stored in a log.

[0072] exist Figure 4 In one embodiment, step 139 is performed after steps 133, 135, and / or 137 have been executed. In an alternative embodiment, step 139 may be performed before or in parallel with one or more of these steps (or steps 133-137 may be omitted). Step 139 includes determining whether user control or automatic control caused the light source to turn on. For example, user control may include interaction with a user device or a light switch. For example, automatic control may include sensor data-based control and / or time-based control. If it is determined in step 139 that automatic control caused the light source to turn on, step 141 is performed. Otherwise, step 111 is performed.

[0073] exist Figure 4 In one embodiment, the cause determined in step 109 indicates whether the light source was turned on by user control or automatic control, and if it is determinable, it indicates the name associated with the action used to turn on the light source, the event that caused the light source to turn on, and / or the source of the control command to turn on the light source.

[0074] Step 141 includes determining the frequency and / or number of light sources that are turned on and off. Step 111 is executed after step 141. Step 111 includes deciding whether to notify the user based on the reason determined in step 109. Figure 4 In this embodiment, step 111 is implemented by step 143. Step 143 includes deciding whether to notify the user based on the reason and the frequency and / or quantity determined in step 111.

[0075] For example, a relatively large number of light sources being turned on might indicate a power outage. High-frequency on / off switching might indicate that sensors have been set to be sensitive. For instance, a motion sensor might be triggered whenever a tree near the front door moves due to wind. Light sources being turned on and off at a high frequency can be annoying and / or consume a relatively large amount of power, thus requiring urgent attention. Users can configure sensor settings during the night and be notified when they leave the following day that they may have misconfigured the sensors.

[0076] After a decision is made in step 111, the next step is selected based on that decision. If the decision is to notify the user, step 113 is executed. Step 113 includes sending a notification to the user's user device. If the decision is not to notify the user, step 115 is executed or may be executed, for example, depending on the reason determined in step 109. Step 115 includes recording that the light source is turned on when the user leaves home. Step 115 is also executed after step 113. After step 115, steps 101-103 and / or step 105 are repeated at a later time.

[0077] Figure 5 A third embodiment of a method for transmitting notifications from a system to a user device is illustrated. The system is configured to determine the state of a light source. The light source is included in a lighting system. Step 101 includes receiving user information. Step 103 includes determining, based on the user information, that the user has left home. Step 105 includes receiving light information from the lighting system. This light information indicates the state of the light source, such as whether it is on or off. Figure 5 In the embodiments, user information and optical information are received periodically, and are received even if the user information and / or optical information do not change.

[0078] Step 161 is performed after step 105. Step 161 includes determining whether the light source is located in a predefined spatial location. For example, a light source may be needed for safety or easy access at night. For example, if the light source is placed in a room named or categorized as a “porch” or “entrance,” it can be assumed that it is expected to be turned on, even when the user is not home. For example, these locations may be defined by the system manufacturer or by the user.

[0079] If the light source is in a predefined location, such as one of these user-configured specific locations, no notification is required, and steps 101-103 and / or step 105 are repeated at a later time, after which step 107 may be repeated. If it is determined in step 161 that the light source is not in a predefined spatial location, step 107 is then executed. In an alternative embodiment, step 107 is also executed if the light source is in a predefined spatial location and the current time of day falls outside a certain time period and / or the amount of available light outside exceeds a certain threshold.

[0080] exist Figure 5 In this embodiment, step 107 is implemented by step 163. Step 163 includes determining, based on the light information received in step 105, whether the light source, as determined in step 103, is turned on when the user leaves home, and whether the timeout period has elapsed. If it has been determined in step 163 that the light source is turned on when the user leaves home and the timeout period has elapsed, step 109 is executed. Steps 109-115 are as per [the relevant information]. Figure 3 Perform as described. Otherwise, repeat steps 101-105, and then step 107 may be repeated.

[0081] exist Figure 5 In one embodiment, if a light source located at a predefined spatial position is turned on when the user leaves home (as determined in step 161), not only is no notification transmitted, but this event is also not included in the report. In an alternative embodiment, no notification is transmitted in this case, but this event is still included in the report or may still be included in the report.

[0082] Figure 6 A fourth embodiment of a method for transmitting a notification from a system to a user device is shown. The system is configured to determine the state of a light source. The light source is included in a lighting system. Step 101 includes receiving user information. Step 103 includes determining, based on the user information, that the user has left home. Step 107 is executed after step 103.

[0083] Step 181 includes receiving user input. The user input indicates one or more reasons and / or indicates one or more light sources. Next, step 183 includes associating one or more reasons with an instruction to notify the user or with an instruction not to notify the user when one or more reasons coincide to turn on the light source, and / or associating one or more light sources with an instruction not to notify the user when a light source in one or more light sources is turned on while the user is away from home.

[0084] This user input can be provided by the user in response to an early notification. For example, the user could have the option to no longer receive notifications about events related to a particular light or cause. Steps 181 and 183 can be executed (partially or entirely) in parallel with steps 101 and 103 and steps 105 and 185. Steps 181 and 183 can be executed multiple times.

[0085] Step 105 includes receiving light information from the lighting system. This light information indicates the state of the light source, such as whether it is on or off. Step 185 is executed after step 105. Step 185 includes determining whether the light source is one of the one or more light sources indicated by the user in step 181. If so, no notification needs to be transmitted and steps 101-103 and / or step 105 are repeated at a later time, after which step 107 is repeated. Otherwise, step 107 is executed next. Step 185 is somewhat similar to... Figure 5 Step 161, besides using a list of predefined lights instead of a list of predefined spatial locations, is another aspect. For manufacturers, a list of predefined lights is generally more difficult, if not impossible, to configure than a list of predefined spatial locations.

[0086] exist Figure 6 In one embodiment, if the (user-specified) light source is turned on when the user is away from home, not only is no notification sent, but this event is also not included in the report. In an alternative embodiment, no notification is sent in this case, but the event is still included in the report or may still be included in the report.

[0087] exist Figure 6 In this embodiment, step 107 is performed only after user information and light information have been received, and is performed as soon as new user information or new light information is received. Step 107 includes determining, based on the light information received in step 105, whether the light source was turned on when the user left home, as determined in step 103. If it has been determined in step 107 that the light source was turned on when the user left home, step 109 is performed. Step 109 includes determining the reason for the light source being turned on. Otherwise, steps 101-103 and / or step 105 are repeated at a later time, and step 107 is repeated thereafter.

[0088] After the cause has been determined in step 109, proceed to step 111. Step 111 includes deciding whether to notify the user based on the cause. Figure 6 In this embodiment, step 111 is implemented by step 187. Step 187 includes deciding not to notify the user when the reason determined in step 109 is one of the reasons the user requested not to send the notification in step 181, or deciding to notify the user when the reason determined in step 109 is one of the reasons the user requested to send the notification in step 181.

[0089] After a decision is made in step 111, the next step is selected based on that decision. If the decision is to notify the user, step 113 is executed. Step 113 includes sending a notification to the user's user device. If the decision is not to notify the user, step 115 is executed or may be executed, for example depending on the reason determined in step 109. Step 115 includes recording whether the light source was on when the user left home. Step 115 is also executed after step 113. After step 115, steps 101-103 and / or step 105 are repeated at a later time.

[0090] Figures 3 to 6 The embodiments differ from each other in several ways, namely, multiple steps are added or replaced. In variations of these embodiments, only a subset of these steps are added or replaced and / or one or more steps are omitted. For example, Figure 5 Step 163 can be obtained from Figure 5 In the embodiments, omissions and / or additions are made to... Figure 3 , 4 Examples of 6 and / or 6. For example Figures 3 to 6 Multiple or all of the embodiments can be combined.

[0091] Figure 7 An example of a notification 63 displayed on a display 61 of a user device 36 (e.g., a mobile device) is shown. Notification 63 informs the user which light is still on while they are away (and no one else is home). In this example, the light named "Kitchen" (located in the kitchen) is still on. Notification 63 includes an option / button 65 to turn the light off. After receiving an affirmative response from the user device, the system that has transmitted notification 63 to, for example, the app displaying notification 63 controls the light source to turn off by sending a command to the lighting device, which includes the light source.

[0092] exist Figure 7 In the example, notification 63 also includes an option / button 65 to change the routine that causes the light source to turn on (i.e., adjust settings or rules). For example, the settings or rules can be adjusted using the app that displays notification 63. After receiving a positive response from the user's device, the system adjusts the settings or rules.

[0093] Figure 8 The diagram illustrates what can be performed as shown in the reference. Figures 3 to 6 A block diagram of an exemplary data processing system describing the method.

[0094] like Figure 8As shown, the data processing system 300 may include at least one processor 302 coupled to a memory element 304 via a system bus 306. Thus, the data processing system can store program code within the memory element 304. Furthermore, the processor 302 can execute program code accessed from the memory element 304 via the system bus 306. In one aspect, the data processing system may be implemented as a computer suitable for storing and / or executing program code. However, it should be understood that the data processing system 300 may be implemented in the form of any system including a processor and memory, capable of performing the functions described herein.

[0095] Memory element 304 may include one or more physical memory devices, such as local memory 308 and one or more mass storage devices 310. Local memory may refer to random access memory or other non-persistent memory devices(s) typically used during the actual execution of program code. Mass storage devices may be implemented as hard disk drives or other persistent data storage devices. Processing system 300 may also include one or more cache memories (not shown) that provide temporary storage for at least some program code to reduce the number of times program code must be retrieved from mass storage device 310 during execution. Processing system 300 may also be able to use memory elements of another processing system, for example, if processing system 300 is part of a cloud computing platform.

[0096] The input / output (I / O) devices, depicted as input device 312 and output device 314, may optionally be coupled to the data processing system. Examples of input devices may include, but are not limited to, a keyboard, a clicking device such as a mouse, a microphone (e.g., for sound and / or speech recognition), and so on. Examples of output devices may include, but are not limited to, a monitor or display, a speaker, and so on. The input and / or output devices may be coupled to the data processing system directly or through an intermediate I / O controller.

[0097] In this embodiment, the input and output devices can be implemented as ( Figure 8 (Illustrated with dashed lines around input device 312 and output device 314) This is a combined input / output device. An example of such a combined device is a touch-sensitive display, sometimes referred to as a "touchscreen display" or simply a "touchscreen". In such embodiments, input to the device can be provided by the movement of a physical object on or near the touchscreen display, such as, for example, a stylus or a user's finger.

[0098] Network adapter 316 can also be coupled to the data processing system, enabling it to be coupled to other systems, computer systems, remote network devices, and / or remote storage devices via an intermediate private or public network. The network adapter may include a data receiver for receiving data transmitted to the data processing system 300 from the data processing system 300, and a data transmitter for transmitting data from the data processing system 300 to the system, device, and / or network. Modems, cable modems, and Ethernet cards are examples of different types of network adapters that can be used with the data processing system 300.

[0099] like Figure 8 As shown, memory element 304 can store application 318. In various embodiments, application 318 can be stored in local memory 308, one or more mass storage devices 310, or separately from local memory and mass storage devices. It should be understood that data processing system 300 can further execute an operating system (in... Figure 8 (Not shown in the image), the operating system can facilitate the execution of application 318. Application 318, implemented as executable program code, can be executed by data processing system 300, for example, by processor 302. In response to executing the application, data processing system 300 can be configured to perform one or more operational or method steps described herein.

[0100] Figure 8 An input device 312 and an output device 314, separate from network adapter 316, are shown. However, alternatively, input may be received via network adapter 316, and output may be transmitted via network adapter 316. For example, data processing system 300 may be a cloud server. In this case, input may be received from a user equipment used as a terminal, and output may be transmitted to the user equipment used as a terminal.

[0101] Various embodiments of the present invention can be implemented as a program product for use with a computer system, wherein the program(s) of the program product define the functionality of the embodiments (including the methods described herein). In one embodiment, the program(s) may be contained on a variety of non-transitory computer-readable storage media, wherein, as used herein, the expression “non-transitory computer-readable storage media” includes all computer-readable media, with the sole exception being transient propagation signals. In another embodiment, the program(s) may be contained on a variety of transient computer-readable storage media. Illustrative computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to: (i) non-writable storage media (e.g., read-only memory devices within a computer, such as CD-ROM discs readable by a CD-ROM drive, ROM chips, or any type of solid-state non-volatile semiconductor memory) on which information is permanently stored; and (ii) writable storage media (e.g., flash memory, floppy disks or hard disk drives within a floppy disk drive, or any type of solid-state random access semiconductor memory) on which variable information is stored. The computer program may run on the processor 302 described herein.

[0102] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprising” and / or “including”, when used in this specification, specifically describe the presence of the described features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0103] The corresponding structures, materials, actions, and equivalents of all components or steps plus functional elements in the following claims are intended to include any structure, material, or action that performs the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of embodiments of the invention has been presented for illustrative purposes but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to implementations of the disclosed forms. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Embodiments have been chosen and described to best explain the principles of the invention and some practical applications, and to enable others skilled in the art to understand the various embodiments of the invention and various modifications suitable for the particular uses contemplated.

Claims

1. A system (1, 21) for transmitting a notification to a user equipment (36), the system (1, 21) being configured to determine the state of a light source (31-33), the light source (31-33) being included in an intelligent lighting system (41, 42), the system (1, 21) comprising: At least one input interface (3, 23); At least one output interface (4, 24); as well as At least one processor (5, 25) is configured to: - Receive user information via the at least one input interface (3, 23), - Based on the user information, it is determined that the user has left home. - Light information is received from the lighting system (41, 42) via the at least one input interface (3, 23), the light information indicating the state of the light source (31-33). Based on the light information, it is determined that the light source (31-33) is turned on when the user leaves home. -If it has been determined that the light source (31-33) is turned on when the user leaves home, the reason for turning on the light source (31-33) is determined by determining the source of the control command to turn on the light source via the smart lighting system. -After determining the cause, decide whether to notify the user based on the cause, and - After the decision has been made, the notification is transmitted to the user's user equipment (36) via the at least one output interface (4, 24) in accordance with the decision; The at least one processor (5, 25) is configured to determine the cause for turning on the light source (31-33) by means of the following steps: - Determine whether the light source (31-33) was turned on due to user control or automatic control, or - Determine the name associated with the action of turning on the light source (31-33), the event that caused the light source (31-33) to turn on, and / or the source of the control command to turn on the light source (31-33).

2. The system (1, 21) of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor (5, 25) is configured to periodically generate a report for the user, and the report includes, for the reason stated, that the light source (31-33) is turned on when the user is away from home.

3. The system (1, 21) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one processor (5, 25) is configured to determine the cause for turning on the light source (31-33) by determining whether the light source (31-33) is turned on by user control or automatic control, and wherein user control includes interaction with the user equipment (36), other user equipment or a light switch, and / or automatic control includes control based on sensor data and / or control based on time.

4. The system (1, 21) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one processor (5, 25) is configured to: when it is determined that automatic control causes the light sources (31-33) to be turned on, determine the frequency at which the light sources (31-33) are turned on and off and / or the number of light sources (31-33) that are turned on; and based on the frequency and / or the number, decide whether to notify the user.

5. The system (1, 21) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one processor (5, 25) is configured to: determine whether there is a setting or rule for automatically turning off the light source (31-33) when it is determined that the light source (31-33) is turned on when the user leaves home; and decide whether to notify the user based on the reason and the existence of the setting or rule.

6. The system (1, 21) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one processor (5, 25) is configured to determine whether to notify the user based on the spatial location of the light source (31-33).

7. The system (1, 21) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one processor (5, 25) is configured to: receive user input indicating one or more reasons, and associate the one or more reasons with an instruction to notify the user or with an instruction not to notify the user when one or more reasons coincides and causes the light source (31-33) to be turned on.

8. The system (1, 21) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one processor (5, 25) is configured to: receive user input indicating one or more light sources (31-33), and associate the one or more light sources (31-33) with an instruction not to notify the user when a light source in one or more of the one or more light sources (31-33) is turned on when the user is away from home.

9. The system (1, 21) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one processor (5, 25) is configured to: determine the cause for the light source (31-33) to be turned on when it is determined that the light source (31-33) was turned on when the user left home and the timeout period has elapsed.

10. The system (1, 21) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one processor (5, 25) is configured to: include an option to turn off the light source (31-33) in the notification, and control the light source (31-33) to turn off the light source (31-33) upon receiving an affirmative response from the user equipment (36).

11. The system (1, 21) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one processor (5, 25) is configured to include in the notification an option to adjust a setting or rule that causes the light source (31-33) to be turned on, and to adjust the setting or rule upon receiving an affirmative response from the user equipment (36).

12. A method for transmitting a notification from a system to a user device, the system being configured to determine the state of a light source, the light source being included in an intelligent lighting system, the method comprising: - Receive (101) user information; - Based on the user information, it is determined that (103) the user has left home; - Receive (105) light information from the lighting system, the light information indicating the state of the light source; -Based on the light information, it is determined (107) that the light source is turned on when the user leaves home; -If it has been determined that the light source is turned on when the user leaves home, the cause of the light source being turned on is determined (109) by determining the source of the control command to turn on the light source via the smart lighting system; -After determining the cause, decide (111) whether to notify the user based on the cause; and - After the decision has been made, the notification (113) is transmitted to the user's user equipment in accordance with the decision. The reasons for determining (109) that cause the light source to be turned on include: - Determine whether the light source (31-33) was turned on due to user control or automatic control, or - Determine the name associated with the action of turning on the light source (31-33), the event that caused the light source (31-33) to turn on, and / or the source of the control command to turn on the light source (31-33).

13. A computer program product for a computing device, the computer program product comprising computer program code to perform the method of claim 12 when the computer program product is run on a processing unit of the computing device.

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