Presenting entertainment light effects based on preferences of recent users

Abstract

A system (1) for controlling one or more lighting devices (11-12) to present a light effect determined based on media content to accompany the presentation of the media content is configured to: detect whether one or more users (77, 78) are in an environment; and determining which user of the plurality of users is closest to the system based on short-range wireless signals received from mobile devices (34, 35) of the plurality of users if it is detected that the plurality of users are in the environment; and retrieving a user profile associated with a user closest to the system. The user profile specifies user preferences. The system is further configured to determine a light effect based on the media content and the user preferences, and control one or more lighting devices to present the light effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for controlling one or more lighting devices to present light effects determined based on media content to accompany the presentation of said media content.

[0002] The invention further relates to a method of controlling one or more lighting devices to present a light effect determined based on media content to accompany the presentation of said media content.

[0003] The invention also relates to a computer program product enabling a computer system to perform such a method. Background Art

[0004] To create a more immersive entertainment experience, a system can be used that can control lighting devices to change color depending on the video and / or audio content. An example of such a system is the Hue system, where audio or video can be delivered through the Hue (HDMI) Sync box, or generated from a desktop PC (Hue Sync PC desktop app). In these systems, the audio and / or video is analyzed, and the color presented by a set of lighting devices changes depending on the analyzed content. In other words, the lighting devices are controlled to present entertainment light effects.

[0005] An HDMI module like the Hue Sync box sits between the HDMI devices and the TV, receiving the signal earlier than the TV and thereby achieving a seamless effect that matches the content shown on the TV screen. The Hue Sync box controls groups of lighting devices to present entertainment light effects based on the relative positions of the lighting devices in the user's room, which the user has indicated during the creation of the so-called entertainment zone. During this process, the user can select several lighting devices and drag and drop them into the 3D visualization of the room.

[0006] When synchronizing with content using the Hue Sync box, a variety of personalization options are available to the user. The user can change the brightness, which essentially dims the lighting fixtures across the entire entertainment area, i.e., reduces their light output level. The user can change the intensity mode individually: a choice of four options ranging from "subtle" to "extreme", which correspond to different levels of dynamics of the light effect. With the "subtle" setting, the effect only occurs occasionally on drastic changes within the content (e.g., from blue to orange), while with the "extreme" setting, the lighting fixtures react to any (small) changes within the content.

[0007] In addition to brightness and intensity modes, users can also select options with which to sync (such as HDMI inputs), as well as advanced settings (such as minimum light output level) that determine whether lights turn off when the screen is dimmed. Finally, users can choose between the various entertainment zones mentioned earlier, which cover the selection of lights for the effect to occur. With so many options, users have a lot to set up at the beginning. The Hue Sync box does store the last settings used, but given that there are many multi-person households, users of the Hue Sync box often change their settings before or during their sync session because they are not satisfied with the default settings from the previous session and the previous user.

[0008] Users find it cumbersome to change their settings so frequently. Requiring users to manually select a user profile would be an improvement, but still cumbersome, as the app would always be required to make the necessary selections. Automatic selection of user profiles would be preferred.

[0009] Automatic selection of TV user profiles is known. For example, US2016 / 037225A1 discloses detecting a Bluetooth terminal, determining whether the priority order of the detected terminal is higher than the priority order of the currently set profile, and if so, asking whether to load the profile of the detected terminal. After the profile has been loaded, the user viewing conditions (e.g., favorite channels, volume) are set based on the loaded profile. The disadvantage of this method is that it is still cumbersome to assign priorities to users. Summary of the invention

[0010] A first object of the present invention is to provide a system capable of determining entertainment light effects based on an automatically selected user profile and controlling one or more lighting devices to present these entertainment light effects.

[0011] A second object of the present invention is to provide a method which can be used to determine entertainment light effects based on an automatically selected user profile and to control one or more lighting devices to present these entertainment light effects.

[0012] In a first aspect of the present invention, a system for controlling one or more lighting devices to present light effects determined based on media content to accompany the presentation of the media content includes at least one receiver, at least one transmitter and at least one processor, the at least one processor being configured to: detect whether one or more users are in an environment; if multiple users are detected in the environment, determine which of the multiple users is closest to the system based on short-range wireless signals received from mobile devices of the multiple users via the at least one receiver; retrieve a user profile associated with the user closest to the system from a memory, the user profile specifying user preferences; determine the light effect based on the media content and the user preferences; and control the one or more lighting devices via the at least one transmitter to present the light effect.

[0013] In many cases, the user closest to the system will be the user who is watching and / or listening to the media content, and therefore the user to whom the light effects are directed. For example, the user may be the person who turns on the system (and the TV, if the system is different from the TV), or the person sitting on a sofa near a home theater setup that includes the system. If the system is not controlled by users with their mobile devices, then selecting the user profile of the user closest to the system is a good solution in many cases. However, since determining which user is closest to the system based on short-range wireless signals received from the user's mobile device takes some time and consumes a non-negligible amount of power if performed continuously, it is beneficial to first detect whether one or more users are at home, and if multiple users are detected to be at home, then only determine which user is closest to the system.

[0014] For example, if the system is an HDMI module (such as a Hue Sync box), the HDMI module can, for example, use Wi-Fi and device usage to understand if and how many people are in the environment (e.g., at home) in the home. Alternatively, multi-user geo-fencing can be used to detect who is in the environment (e.g., at home), such as by detecting who has arrived at the home over time and / or who has left the home over time. In the case of multiple people in the environment, the HDMI module can perform the next step of determining which user is more likely to have turned on the HDMI module or has caused the HDMI module to turn on. Short-range wireless technology (such as Bluetooth) can then be used to scan smartphones in the area to identify people who are near the HDMI module when the HDMI module is turned on. People near the HDMI module can then be identified, and the person's profile can then be loaded, including their preference settings.

[0015] For example, the short-range wireless signal may be a Bluetooth signal or a Zigbee signal. The user preferences may, for example, indicate one or more of the following: a level of dynamism of the light effect, a light output level of the light effect, a minimum light output level, the one or more lighting devices used to present the light effect, and a source (e.g., HDMI) providing the media content.

[0016] The at least one processor may be configured to: receive the absolute positions of a plurality of mobile devices via the at least one receiver; compare the absolute positions of the plurality of mobile devices with the absolute position of the environment; and for each of the plurality of mobile devices having an absolute position in a predefined spatial area around the absolute position of the environment, determine that the user of the mobile device is in the environment. For example, existing technologies for implementing geo-fencing, such as the Hue Home and Away feature, may be used. This feature works even if the user is in the environment (e.g. at home) but is not connected to a (home) network, as long as the absolute position of their mobile device is available. If the Hue Home and Away feature is used, the user needs to have access to the Hue cloud.

[0017] The at least one processor may be configured to: identify a (home) network to which the system is connected; detect whether one or more of a plurality of mobile devices are connected to the (home) network; and for each of the plurality of mobile devices connected to the (home) network, determine that a user of the mobile device is in the environment. Techniques for detecting whether a first device and a second device are connected to the same network, and allowing the second device to be controlled by the first device only if both devices are connected to the same network, are known. These same techniques may be used to determine which user profile to select. These techniques work even if the user has disabled location services on the mobile phone, for example for privacy reasons.

[0018] The at least one processor may be configured to: determine a signal strength of each of the short-range wireless signals received from the mobile devices of the plurality of users; select a mobile device from the mobile devices of the plurality of users, the signal received from the selected mobile device having a highest signal strength among the signal strengths; and determine that the user of the selected mobile device is closest to the system. This is beneficial because signal strength decreases with increasing distance. When a user is in another room, walls or ceilings may additionally reduce signal strength, but a user who is viewing and / or listening to content (and perceiving entertainment light effects) is unlikely to be in another room other than the system.

[0019] The at least one processor may be configured to: receive a control signal from another mobile device of another user of the plurality of users via the at least one receiver, the control signal comprising a command to begin presenting the light effect; select the other user instead of the user closest to the system; retrieve another user profile associated with the other user, the other user profile specifying another user preference; determine the light effect based on the media content and the other user preference; and control the one or more lighting devices via the at least one transmitter to present the light effect. While this is typically not possible if synchronization begins automatically or if a user uses a voice assistant to control the system, if a user uses their mobile device to control the system, it may be possible to more accurately determine who is viewing and / or listening to content and select a corresponding user profile.

[0020] The at least one processor may be configured to transmit a notification to a mobile device of the user closest to the system via the at least one transmitter, the notification notifying the user that the user profile of the user is now active. For example, the notification may be provided to the user via an app. If an incorrect user profile has been automatically selected, this notification allows the user to take action.

[0021] The at least one processor may be configured to: receive a second control signal from the mobile device closest to the user of the system via the at least one receiver, the second control signal identifying another user; select the other user instead of the user closest to the system; retrieve another user profile associated with the other user, the other user profile specifying other user preferences; determine the light effect based on the media content and the other user preferences; and control the one or more lighting devices via the at least one transmitter to present the light effect. Thus, the notification can be used to confirm whether the identified person is indeed the user targeted by the entertainment light effect. If not, the identified person is able to manually select a different profile. Alternatively, the user targeted by the light effect may be able to manually select a different profile.

[0022] Instead of using notifications to confirm whether the identified person is indeed the user for whom the entertainment light effect is intended, machine learning can be used to identify situations in which the user profile of the user closest to the system should not be selected. For example, if a different user profile is often manually selected when a certain user is closest to the system (e.g., under certain conditions), rather than automatically selecting the user profile of the closest user, the system can learn not to automatically select the user profile of that user (e.g., under these certain conditions). For example, if a voice assistant is used to control the system, and the closest user is a certain user (who does not use the voice assistant), the system can know that the user profile of the closest user should not be selected.

[0023] The user profile may specify user preferences for each content type, and the at least one processor may be configured to: obtain a content type for the media content; select a user preference associated with the content type from the user profile; and determine the light effect based on the media content and the user preference associated with the content type. For example, a user may prefer different settings for music, such as a higher level of dynamics, than for videos or games. For example, the content type may be determined based on metadata associated with the content.

[0024] The at least one processor may be configured to: receive a configuration signal from the mobile device of the user closest to the system, the configuration signal indicating an adjustment to the user preference; adjust the user preference in the user profile based on the configuration signal; determine the light effect based on the media content and the adjusted user preference; and replace the user profile with the adjusted user profile in the memory. This allows the user to easily adjust the user preference in the user profile without having to manually select a user profile.

[0025] The at least one processor may be configured to: receive, via the at least one receiver, a device identifier of the mobile device of the user closest to the system; and retrieve the user profile associated with the user by retrieving the user profile associated with the device identifier. This will work in many practical situations, since mobile devices typically have only one user. For example, an existing device identifier, such as a Bluetooth device identifier, may be used. In this case, no user information needs to be shared.

[0026] In a second aspect of the invention, a method of controlling one or more lighting devices to present a light effect determined based on media content to accompany the presentation of the media content comprises: detecting whether one or more users are in an environment; if multiple users are detected in the environment, determining which of the multiple users is closest to the system based on short-range wireless signals received from mobile devices of the multiple users; retrieving a user profile associated with the user closest to the system, the user profile specifying user preferences; determining the light effect based on the media content and the user preferences; and controlling the one or more lighting devices to present the light effect. The method may be performed by software running on a programmable device. The software may be provided as a computer program product.

[0027] Furthermore, a computer program for carrying out the methods described herein and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing the computer program are provided.The computer program can be downloaded or uploaded to an existing device, for example, or stored when manufacturing these systems.

[0028] A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores at least one software code portion that, when executed or processed by a computer, is configured to perform executable operations for controlling one or more lighting devices to present light effects determined based on media content to accompany presentation of the media content.

[0029] Executable operations include: detecting whether one or more users are in the environment; if multiple users are detected in the environment, determining which of the multiple users is closest to the system based on short-range wireless signals received from mobile devices of the multiple users; retrieving a user profile associated with the user closest to the system, the user profile specifying user preferences; determining the light effect based on the media content and the user preferences; and controlling the one or more lighting devices to present the light effect.

[0030] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, aspects of the present invention may be embodied as devices, methods or computer program products. Therefore, aspects of the present invention may take the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.) or a combination of software and hardware embodiments, which may generally be referred to herein as a "circuit", "module" or "system". The functions described in this disclosure may be implemented as algorithms executed by a processor / microprocessor of a computer. In addition, aspects of the present invention may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer-readable media having a computer-readable program code embodied (e.g., stored) thereon.

[0031] Any combination of one or more computer-readable media may be utilized. A computer-readable medium may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, device, or apparatus, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media may include, but are not limited to, the following: an electrical connection with one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that may contain or store a program used by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, device, or apparatus.

[0032] A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal having a computer readable program code embodied therein (e.g., in baseband or as part of 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 and that may communicate, propagate, or transport a program used by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0033] The program code embodied on the computer readable medium can use any suitable medium, including but not limited to wireless, wired, optical fiber, cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing is transmitted. The computer program code for implementing the operation of aspects of the present invention can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, and the one or more programming languages ​​include object-oriented programming languages ​​(such as Java (TM), Smalltalk, or C++, etc.) and conventional procedural programming languages ​​(such as "C" programming language or similar programming languages). The program code can be executed completely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, executed as an independent software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or executed completely on a remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computer by any type of network (including local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN)), or can be connected to an external computer (for example, by using the Internet of an Internet service provider).

[0034] Aspects of the present invention are described below with reference to the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of the method, device (system) and computer program product according to an embodiment of the present invention. It will be understood that each frame in the flowchart and / or block diagram and the combination of frames in the flowchart and / or block diagram can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer or other programmable data processing device, particularly a microprocessor or a central processing unit (CPU), to produce a machine so that instructions executed via a processor of a computer, other programmable data processing device or other equipment create a device for implementing the function / action specified in a flowchart and / or one or more block diagram frames.

[0035] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable medium, which may direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to operate in a particular manner so that the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium produce an article of manufacture, which includes instructions for implementing the functions / actions specified in the flowchart and / or one or more block diagram blocks.

[0036] The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operating steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device to produce a computer-implemented process, so that the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide a process for implementing the functions / actions specified in the flowchart and / or one or more block diagram blocks.

[0037] The flow charts and block diagrams in each figure illustrate the architecture, function and operation of the possible implementation methods of the device, method and computer program product according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each box in the flow chart or block diagram can represent a module, segment or part of the code, which includes one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified (one or more) logical functions. It should also be noted that in some alternative embodiments, the functions described in the box may not appear in the order described in the figure. For example, the two boxes shown in succession can in fact be executed substantially simultaneously, or sometimes these boxes can be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It will also be noted that each box in the block diagram and / or the flow chart and the combination of the boxes in the block diagram and / or the flow chart can be implemented by a system based on special-purpose hardware that performs a specified function or action, or a combination of special-purpose hardware and computer instructions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] These and other aspects of the invention are apparent from and will be further elucidated, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0039] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a first embodiment of the system;

[0040] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 The operation of the system in the example situation;

[0041] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a second embodiment of the system;

[0042] Figure 4 is a flow chart of a first embodiment of the method;

[0043] Figure 5 is a flow chart of a second embodiment of the method;

[0044] Figure 6 is a flow chart of a third embodiment of the method;

[0045] Figure 7 is a flow chart of a fourth embodiment of the method;

[0046] Figure 8 is a flow chart of a fifth embodiment of the method;

[0047] Fig. 9 is a flowchart of a sixth embodiment of the method; and

[0048] Fig.10 is a block diagram of an exemplary data processing system for executing the method of the present invention.

[0049] Corresponding elements in the drawings are represented by the same reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Figure 1 A first embodiment of a system for controlling one or more lighting devices located in an environment to present light effects determined based on media content to accompany the presentation of the media content is shown. Figure 1 In a first embodiment, the system is an HDMI module 1. For example, the HDMI module 1 may be a Hue Play HDMI Sync Box.

[0051] exist Figure 1 In the example of , the HDMI module 1 can control the lighting devices 11-13 via the bridge 19. For example, the bridge 19 can be a Hue bridge. The bridge 19 communicates with the lighting devices 11-13 using, for example, Zigbee technology. The HDMI module 1 is connected to the wireless LAN access point 21, for example, via Wi-Fi. The bridge 19, the local media receivers 31 and 32, and the mobile devices 34 and 35 are also connected to the wireless LAN access point 21, for example, via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

[0052] Alternatively or additionally, the HDMI module 1 may be able to communicate directly with the bridge 19, for example using Zigbee technology, and / or may be able to communicate with the bridge 19 via the Internet / cloud (e.g. via an Internet server 29). Alternatively or additionally, the HDMI module 1 may be able to control the lighting devices 11-13 without a bridge (e.g. directly via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or Zigbee or via the Internet / cloud).

[0053] The wireless LAN access point 21 is connected to the Internet 25. The media server 27 is also connected to the Internet 25. For example, the media server 27 may be a server for a video-on-demand service such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, or Apple TV+. The HDMI module 1 is connected to the display device 23 and local media receivers 31 and 32 via HDMI. The local media receivers 31 and 32 may include one or more streaming devices or content generating devices (e.g., Apple TV, Microsoft Xbox, and / or Sony PlayStation), and / or one or more cable or satellite TV receivers.

[0054] Mobile device 34 and / or mobile device 35 can be used to control and configure HDMI module 1. For example, a user can define an entertainment area by using an app. Figure 1 In the example of , the user has included lighting devices 11 and 12 in an entertainment area. This entertainment area can be defined in the user preferences, or can be independent of the user. Only the lighting devices included in the entertainment area are controlled to present entertainment light effects.

[0055] User profiles with user preferences can be created manually and / or automatically. For example, after the user has defined the entertainment zone, the user can be taken to the main user interface of the HDMI module 1 in the app. There, the user can be given the option to create a profile. Within the profile, the user can be able to select their preferences for each content category, such as music, video and / or games. The options within each category may vary from brightness, minimum background lighting level and intensity mode to preferred HDMI channels and entertainment zones.

[0056] If the user does not manually create a profile (e.g. because they do not want to or cannot), the HDMI module 1 or app automatically creates a profile based on the settings selected by the user within the user's entertainment session. The selected settings are then stored in the automatically created profile.

[0057] The HDMI module 1 includes a receiver 3, a transmitter 4, a processor 5 and a memory 7. The processor 5 is configured to detect whether one or more users are in the environment (e.g., a home, a room or area in a building, etc.), and if multiple users are detected in the environment, determine which of the multiple users is closest to the HDMI module 1 based on short-range wireless signals received from the mobile devices 34 and 35 of the multiple users via the receiver 3.

[0058] The processor 5 is further configured to retrieve, for example from the memory 7 or from the memory of the Internet server 29, a user profile associated with the user closest to the HDMI module 1. The user profile specifies user preferences. These user preferences may indicate, for example, one or more of the following: a level of dynamism of the light effect, a light output level of the light effect, a minimum light output level, one or more lighting devices (in the environment) for presenting the light effect, Figure 1 ), lighting devices 11 and 12 in the example, and a source (e.g., HDMI) providing media content.

[0059] The processor 5 is further configured to determine light effects based on the media content and user preferences and to control the lighting devices 11 and 12 via the transmitter 4 to present the (entertainment) light effects.

[0060] Thus, the user does not need to manually select the correct user profile, but rather the HDMI module 1 automatically selects the correct user profile. For example, after a user profile has been created and the user's preferences have been stored therein, the next time the user enters the user's home, the HDMI module 1 is notified that the user is at home. The HDMI module 1 then checks whether a single or multiple users have been detected at home. If a single user is detected at home, the HDMI module 1 retrieves the preferences in the profile of that user. If multiple users are detected at home, an additional check is performed, for example via Bluetooth, to determine which user is closest to the HDMI module 1. The HDMI module 1 then retrieves the preferences in the profile of the user closest to the HDMI module 1.

[0061] When the HDMI Module 1 starts synchronizing with the HDMI content, the retrieved preferences are automatically used. Optionally, the user is asked to confirm via the app whether the correct user profile is indeed loaded. The user may be able to configure whether they want the HDMI Module 1 to automatically switch to the user's profile as soon as it detects that the user is nearby, or (only) manually select the user's profile.

[0062] The processor 5 can be configured to: receive the absolute positions of multiple mobile devices via the receiver 3, for example from an Internet server 29; compare the absolute positions of the multiple mobile devices with the absolute position of an environment (e.g., a home); and for each mobile device among the multiple mobile devices having an absolute position in a predefined spatial area around the absolute position of the environment, determine that the user of the mobile device is in the environment.

[0063] For example, four users may have been configured in the lighting system, each with their own mobile device. Two of these mobile devices are not located in the environment, and two of these mobile devices (i.e., mobile devices 34 and 35) are located in the environment. For example, the absolute location of the environment may be retrieved from the memory 7 or the Internet server 29. The absolute location of the home may have been entered by the user.

[0064] Alternatively or additionally, the processor 5 can be configured to: identify a (home) network to which the system is (directly or indirectly) connected; detect whether one or more of a plurality of mobile devices are connected to the (home) network; and for each of a plurality of mobile devices connected to the (home) network, determine whether a user of the mobile device is in said environment.

[0065] For example, four users may have been configured in the lighting system, each with their own mobile device. Two of these mobile devices are not connected to the (home) network, e.g. only connected via a cellular network or not connected at all, and two of these mobile devices (i.e. mobile devices 34 and 35) are connected to the (home) network. Figure 1 In the example of FIG. 1 , the HDMI module 1 is directly connected to the wireless LAN access point 21. Alternatively, the HDMI module 1 may be indirectly connected to the (home) network via the bridge 19.

[0066] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment of the present invention, the processor 5 is configured to determine the signal strength of each short-range wireless signal received from the mobile devices of the multiple users, select the mobile device whose received signal has the highest signal strength among the signal strengths, and determine that the user of the selected mobile device is closest to the HDMI module 1. In an alternative embodiment, which user of the multiple users is closest to the HDMI module 1 is determined in a different manner based on the short-range wireless signals received from the mobile devices of the multiple users.

[0067] The selected mobile device or each mobile device may transmit information identifying the user of the mobile device. The processor 5 may be configured to retrieve a user profile associated with the user identifier. Alternatively, the selected mobile device or each mobile device may transmit a device identifier. The processor 5 may be configured to retrieve a user profile associated with the device identifier. This will work in many practical situations, as mobile devices typically have only one user. For example, an existing device identifier may be used, such as a Bluetooth device identifier. When a new device identifier is detected, a new user profile may be automatically created, for example using system default preferences or last used preferences, and then linked to this new device identifier.

[0068] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1Operation of the system under example circumstances. Figure 2 It shows the use of Figure 1 1 is an example of a floor plan of a home 71 with an HDMI module 1. Three rooms are depicted: a hall 73, a kitchen 74 and a living room 75. Figure 1 The wireless LAN access point 21 has been placed in the hall 73. Figure 1 The HDMI module 1, bridge 19, display device 23 and lighting devices 11-13 of the present invention have been placed in the living room 75. In order to limit the required length of the HDMI cable between the HDMI module 1 and the display device 23, the HDMI module 1 has been placed near the display device 23, as it would normally be. In an alternative embodiment, the functionality of the HDMI module 1 is integrated into the display device 23.

[0069] User 77 is holding Figure 1 Mobile device 34. User 78 is holding Figure 1 If user 77 uses their mobile device 34 to control HDMI module 1, the user profile associated with user 77 is retrieved and used. If user 78 uses their mobile device 35 to control HDMI module 1, the user profile associated with user 78 is retrieved and used.

[0070] If user 77 or user 78 uses voice commands to control HDMI module 1, HDMI module 1 does not know which user is controlling HDMI module 1. HDMI module 1 then determines that mobile device 34 is closest to HDMI module 1, assumes that user 77 is controlling HDMI module 1, and retrieves and uses the user profile associated with user 77.

[0071] If the HDMI module 1 detects that the entertainment light effect should be presented without any user command, such as detecting that the TV has been turned on or detecting that an input signal is being received, the HDMI module 1 does not know which user is viewing the display device 23 (and perceiving the entertainment light effect). The HDMI module 1 then determines that the mobile device 34 is closest to the HDMI module 1, assumes that the user 77 is viewing the display device 23, and retrieves and uses the user profile associated with the user 77.

[0072] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment of the HDMI module 1 shown in , the HDMI module 1 includes a processor 5. In an alternative embodiment, the HDMI module 1 includes multiple processors. The processor 5 of the HDMI module 1 can be a general-purpose processor (e.g., based on ARM) or can be a dedicated processor. The processor 5 of the HDMI module 1 can run, for example, a Unix-based operating system. The memory 7 can include one or more memory units. For example, the memory 7 can include a solid-state memory.

[0073] For example, the receiver 3 and the transmitter 4 may communicate with the bridge 19 using one or more wired or wireless communication technologies, such as Zigbee, and may communicate with the display device 23 and with the local media receivers 31 and 32 using one or more wired or wireless communication technologies, such as HDMI. In alternative embodiments, multiple receivers and / or multiple transmitters are used instead of a single receiver and a single transmitter. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown in , a separate receiver and a separate transmitter are used. In an alternative embodiment, the receiver 3 and the transmitter 4 are combined into a transceiver. The HDMI module 1 may include other components typically used in network devices, such as a power connector. The present invention may be implemented using a computer program running on one or more processors.

[0074] exist Figure 1 In an alternative embodiment, the system of the present invention comprises a single device. In an alternative embodiment, the system comprises a plurality of devices. Figure 1 In an embodiment of the present invention, the system is an HDMI module. In an alternative embodiment, the system can be another device, such as a mobile device, a laptop, a personal computer, a bridge, a media presentation device, a streaming device, or an Internet server. If the system is a media presentation device (such as a display device), the above-mentioned HDMI module logic can be incorporated into the device. Media receivers 31 and 32 can then also be included in a media presentation device (such as a smart TV).

[0075] Figure 3 A second embodiment of a system for controlling one or more lighting devices to present a light effect determined based on media content to accompany the presentation of the media content is shown. Figure 3 In the second embodiment, the system is a lighting system 41. The lighting system 41 includes an HDMI module 51 and a cloud computer 61. For example, the computer 61 may be operated by a lighting company.

[0076] The computer 61 includes a receiver 63, a transmitter 64, a processor 65, and a memory 67. The processor 65 is configured to: receive, via the receiver 63, the absolute positions of a plurality of mobile devices, the absolute positions of the plurality of mobile devices and the absolute position of an environment (e.g., a home); and for each of the plurality of mobile devices having an absolute position in a predefined spatial area around the absolute position of the environment, determine that a user of the mobile device is at the environment.

[0077] For example, the absolute location of the environment may be retrieved from the memory 67. The absolute location of the environment may have been input by a user. For example, the absolute location may be received from the mobile device itself. The processor 65 is also configured to transmit information indicating whether one or more users are at the environment to the HDMI module 1.

[0078] The HDMI module 51 comprises a receiver 3, a transmitter 4, a processor 55 and a memory 7. The processor 55 is configured to detect whether one or more users are in the environment based on information received from the cloud computer 61, and if multiple users are detected in the environment, determine which of the multiple users is closest to the HDMI module 51 based on short-range wireless signals received from the mobile devices 34 and 35 of the multiple users via the receiver 3. The processor 55 is also configured to retrieve a user profile associated with the user closest to the HDMI module 1, for example from the memory 57 or from the memory 67. The user profile specifies user preferences. The processor 55 is also configured to determine light effects based on media content and user preferences, and control the lighting devices 11 and 12 via the transmitter 54 to present (entertainment) light effects.

[0079] exist Figure 3 In the embodiment of the HDMI module 51 shown in , the HDMI module 51 includes a processor 55. In an alternative embodiment, the HDMI module 51 includes multiple processors. The processor 55 of the HDMI module 51 can be a general-purpose processor (e.g., based on ARM) or can be a dedicated processor. For example, the processor 55 of the HDMI module 51 can run a Unix-based operating system. The HDMI module 51 may include other components typically used in network devices, such as a power connector. The present invention can be implemented using a computer program running on one or more processors.

[0080] exist Figure 3 In the embodiment of the computer 61 shown in , the computer 61 includes a processor 65. In an alternative embodiment, the computer 61 includes multiple processors. The processor 65 of the computer 61 can be a general-purpose processor (e.g., from Intel or AMD) or can be a dedicated processor. The processor 65 of the computer 61 can run, for example, an operating system based on Windows or Unix. The storage device 67 can include one or more memory units. For example, the memory 67 can include one or more hard disks and / or solid-state memories. The memory 67 can be used to store, for example, an operating system, applications, and application data.

[0081] For example, the receiver 63 and the transmitter 64 may communicate with the wireless LAN access point 21 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 3 In the embodiment shown in , a separate receiver and a separate transmitter are used. In an alternative embodiment, the receiver 63 and the transmitter 64 are combined into a transceiver. The computer 61 may include other components typical for a computer, such as a power connector. The present invention may be implemented using a computer program running on one or more processors.

[0082] Figure 4 A first embodiment of a method for controlling one or more lighting devices to present a light effect determined based on media content to accompany the presentation of media content is shown in FIG. Figure 1 HDMI module 1 or Figure 3 The lighting system 41 is used to perform the above operation.

[0083] Step 101 includes detecting whether one or more users are in the environment. Step 102 includes checking whether a single user is detected in the environment or multiple users are detected in the environment based on the result of step 101. If it is determined in step 102 that multiple users are detected in the environment, step 103 is performed next. If it is determined in step 102 that a single user is detected in the environment, step 111 is performed next.

[0084] Step 103 includes determining which of the multiple users is closest to the system based on short-range wireless signals received from the mobile devices of the multiple users. For example, the short-range wireless signal can be a Bluetooth signal or a Zigbee signal. Next, step 105 includes retrieving a user profile associated with the user closest to the system, as determined in step 103. Step 111 includes retrieving a user profile associated with the single user detected in step 101 in the environment.

[0085] The user profile retrieved in step 105 or step 111 specifies user preferences. These user preferences may indicate, for example, one or more of the following: a level of dynamism of a light effect, a light output level of a light effect, a minimum light output level, one or more lighting devices for rendering the light effect, and a source providing media content.

[0086] Step 107 includes determining a light effect based on the media content retrieved in step 105 or step 111 and the user preferences. For example, in step 107, an average color may be extracted from one or more video frames at each video frame of the content. The number of frames from which the average color is extracted may depend on the user preferences. For example, the light output level of the light effect may (also) depend on the user preferences. Step 109 includes controlling one or more lighting devices to present the light effect determined in step 107.

[0087] Figure 5 A second embodiment of a method for controlling one or more lighting devices to present a light effect determined based on media content to accompany the presentation of media content is shown in FIG. Figure 1 HDMI module 1 or Figure 3 The lighting system 41 is used to perform the above operation. Figure 5 The second embodiment is Figure 4 An extension of the first embodiment.

[0088] Step 161 includes obtaining the content type of the media content. Step 101 includes detecting whether one or more users are in the environment. Step 102 includes checking whether a single user is detected in the environment or multiple users are detected in the environment based on the result of step 101. If it is determined in step 102 that multiple users are detected in the environment, then step 103 is performed next. If it is determined in step 102 that a single user is detected in the environment, then step 111 is performed next.

[0089] Step 103 includes determining which of the multiple users is closest to the system based on short-range wireless signals received from the multiple users' mobile devices. Figure 5 In an embodiment of the present invention, step 103 is implemented by steps 163, 165 and 167. Step 163 includes determining, for each mobile device, the signal strength of at least one short-range wireless signal received from the mobile device. Optionally, if multiple short-range wireless signals are received from a single mobile device, the average signal strength of these multiple short-range wireless signals can be determined. Step 165 includes selecting the mobile device whose signal has the highest (average) signal strength. Step 167 includes determining that the user of the mobile device selected in step 165 is closest to the system.

[0090] Next, step 105 includes retrieving a user profile associated with a user closest to the system, as determined in step 103. Step 111 includes retrieving a user profile associated with the single user detected in the environment in step 101. The user profile retrieved in step 105 or step 111 specifies user preferences for each content type. Step 169 includes selecting, from the user profile retrieved in step 105 or step 111, the user preferences associated with the content type obtained in step 161.

[0091] Step 173 includes transmitting a notification to the mobile devices of the users closest to the system as determined in step 103, or to the mobile devices of the single user detected in step 101. This notification informs the user that the user's user profile is now active.

[0092] Steps 175, 177, and 179 are optionally performed after step 173. Step 175 includes receiving a configuration signal from the mobile device to which the notification was transmitted in step 173. The configuration signal indicates an adjustment to the user preference. Step 177 includes adjusting the user preference in the user profile based on the configuration signal received in step 173. Step 179 includes replacing the user profile with the user profile adjusted in step 177, for example, in a local memory or on a server. Step 107 is performed after step 179. If no configuration signal is received, step 107 is performed directly after step 173.

[0093] Figure 4 Step 107 is implemented by step 181. Step 181 includes determining a light effect based on the media content and the user preferences selected in step 169, which is associated with the content type of the media content. If steps 175-179 are performed, then in step 181 a light effect is determined based on the user preferences adjusted in step 177. Step 109 includes controlling one or more lighting devices to present the light effect determined in step 107. Step 161 is repeated after step 109, and the method is then continued as described above. Figure 5 As shown in .

[0094] Figure 6 A third embodiment of a method for controlling one or more lighting devices to present a light effect determined based on media content to accompany the presentation of media content is shown in FIG. Figure 1 HDMI module 1 or Figure 3 The lighting system 41 is used to perform the above operation. Figure 6 The third embodiment is Figure 4 An extension of the first embodiment.

[0095] Step 201 includes detecting that the presentation of the light effect should be started without any user command, such as detecting that the TV has been turned on or detecting that an input signal is being received. Step 202 includes receiving a voice command requesting the start of the presentation of the light effect, such as via a smart speaker system. If step 201 or step 202 is performed, step 101 is performed after step 201 or step 202 is performed.

[0096] Step 101 includes detecting whether one or more users are in the environment. Step 102 includes checking whether a single user is detected in the environment or multiple users are detected in the environment based on the result of step 101. If it is determined in step 102 that multiple users are detected in the environment, step 103 is performed next. If it is determined in step 102 that a single user is detected in the environment, step 111 is performed next.

[0097] Step 103 includes determining which of the multiple users is closest to the system based on short-range wireless signals received from the multiple users' mobile devices. Next, step 211 includes receiving a device identifier of the mobile device of the user determined to be closest to the system in step 103, such as after transmitting a request for the device identifier to the mobile device. In an alternative embodiment, step 211 is performed before or as part of step 103, and the short-range wireless signal received from the mobile device includes the device identifier of the mobile device. Next, step 213 includes retrieving a user profile associated with the device identifier received in step 211. Step 213 implements Figure 4 Step 105. Step 111 comprises retrieving a user profile associated with the single user detected in step 101 in the environment.

[0098] Step 203 includes receiving a control signal for a mobile device, the control signal including a command to begin rendering a light effect. If step 203 is performed, step 205 is performed after step 205 is performed. Step 205 includes selecting a user of the mobile device from which the control signal was received in step 203. The mobile device from which the control signal was received in step 203 may not be the mobile device closest to the system. Therefore, the user selected in step 205 may not be the user of the mobile device closest to the system. Next, step 207 includes retrieving a user profile associated with the user selected in step 205.

[0099] The user profile retrieved in step 105, step 111 or step 207 specifies the user preferences. Step 107 includes determining a light effect based on the media content and the user preferences retrieved in step 105, step 111 or step 207. Step 109 includes controlling one or more lighting devices to present the light effect determined in step 107.

[0100] Figure 7 A fourth embodiment of a method for controlling one or more lighting devices to present a light effect determined based on media content to accompany the presentation of media content is shown in FIG. Figure 1 HDMI module 1 or Figure 3 The lighting system 41 is used to perform the above operation. Figure 7 The fourth embodiment is Figure 4 An extension of the first embodiment.

[0101] exist Figure 7 In the embodiment of Figure 4 After step 105 or step 111, step 173 is performed. Step 173 includes transmitting a notification to the mobile device of the user closest to the system determined in step 103, or transmitting a notification to the mobile device of the single user detected in step 101. This notification notifies the user that the user profile of the user is now active.

[0102] exist Figure 7 In an embodiment of the present invention, steps 221, 223, and 225 are optionally performed after step 173. Step 221 includes receiving a control signal identifying another user from the mobile device to which the notification was transmitted in step 173. Step 223 includes selecting another user identified in the control signal received in step 221. Step 225 includes retrieving a user profile associated with the other user selected in step 223. The user profile specifies user preferences of the other user.

[0103] After step 225 has been performed, step 107 is performed. If no control signal identifying another user is received, step 107 is performed directly after step 173. Step 107 comprises determining a light effect based on the media content retrieved in step 105, step 111 or step 225 and the user preferences.

[0104] Figure 8 A fifth embodiment of a method for controlling one or more lighting devices to present a light effect determined based on media content to accompany the presentation of media content is shown in FIG. Figure 1 HDMI module 1 or Figure 3 The lighting system 41 is used to perform the above operation.

[0105] Step 101 includes detecting whether one or more users are in the environment. Step 101 is implemented by steps 241, 243, and 245. Step 241 includes receiving the absolute positions of multiple mobile devices. Step 243 includes comparing the absolute positions of the multiple mobile devices as received in step 241 with the absolute position of the home. Step 245 includes determining, based on the comparison of step 243, that the user of the mobile device is in the environment when the mobile device has an absolute position in a predefined spatial area around the absolute position of the environment.

[0106] Step 103 includes, if a plurality of users are detected in the environment in step 101 , determining which of the plurality of users is closest to the system based on short-range wireless signals received from mobile devices of the plurality of users.

[0107] Step 105 includes retrieving a user profile associated with a user closest to the system, as determined in step 103. The user profile specifies user preferences. Step 107 includes determining a light effect based on the media content and the user preferences retrieved in step 105. Step 109 includes controlling one or more lighting devices to present the light effect determined in step 107.

[0108] Fig. 9 A sixth embodiment of a method for controlling one or more lighting devices to present a light effect determined based on media content to accompany the presentation of media content is shown in FIG. Figure 1 HDMI module 1 or Figure 3 The lighting system 41 is used to perform the above operation.

[0109] Step 101 includes detecting whether one or more users are in the environment. Step 101 is implemented by steps 261, 263 and 265. Step 261 includes identifying the (home) network to which the system is connected. Step 263 includes detecting whether one or more of the plurality of mobile devices is connected to the (home) network identified in step 261. Step 265 includes determining, based on the result of step 263, that the user of the mobile device is in the environment when the mobile device is connected to the (home) network.

[0110] Step 103 includes, if a plurality of users are detected in the environment in step 101 , determining which of the plurality of users is closest to the system based on short-range wireless signals received from mobile devices of the plurality of users.

[0111] Step 105 includes retrieving a user profile associated with a user closest to the system, as determined in step 103. The user profile specifies user preferences. Step 107 includes determining a light effect based on the media content and the user preferences retrieved in step 105. Step 109 includes controlling one or more lighting devices to present the light effect determined in step 107.

[0112] Figures 4 to 9 The embodiments of the present invention differ from each other in various aspects, i.e., various steps have been added or replaced. In variations of these embodiments, only a subset of the steps are added or replaced and / or one or more steps are omitted. For example, steps 163-167 may be changed from Figure 5 In the embodiments, omissions and / or additions are made to Figure 4 and Figure 6-Figure 9 In addition, it is possible to combine Figures 4 to 9 One or more of the embodiments of. For example, Figures 4 to 7 The embodiments can be used with Figure 8 or Fig. 9 The embodiments are combined.

[0113] Fig.10 Describes instructions that can be executed as reference Figures 4 to 9 A block diagram of an exemplary data processing system for the described methods.

[0114] like Fig.10 As shown in , data processing system 300 may include at least one processor 302 coupled to memory element 304 via system bus 306. In this way, the data processing system may store program code in memory element 304. In addition, processor 302 may execute program code accessed from memory element 304 via 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 appreciated that data processing system 300 may be implemented in the form of any system including a processor and a memory capable of performing the functions described in this specification.

[0115] Memory element 304 may include one or more physical memory devices, such as, for example, local memory 308 and one or more mass storage devices 310. Local memory may refer to random access memory or (multiple) other non-persistent memory devices generally used during the actual execution of program code. Mass storage devices may be implemented as hard drives or other persistent data storage devices. Processing system 300 may also include one or more cache memories (not shown) that provide temporary storage of at least some program code in order to reduce the number of times program code must be retrieved from mass storage device 310 during execution. For example, if processing system 300 is part of a cloud computing platform, processing system 300 may also be able to use the memory element of another processing system.

[0116] Optionally, input / output (I / O) devices, depicted as input device 312 and output device 314, may be coupled to the data processing system. Examples of input devices may include, but are not limited to, a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse, a microphone (e.g., for sound and / or voice recognition), etc. Examples of output devices may include, but are not limited to, a monitor or display, speakers, etc. Input and / or output devices may be coupled to the data processing system either directly or through an intervening I / O controller.

[0117] In an embodiment, the input and output devices may be implemented as a combined input / output device (in Fig.10 312 and output device 314). An example of such a combined device is a touch-sensitive display, sometimes also referred to as a "touch screen display" or simply a "touch screen." In such an embodiment, input to the device can be provided by movement of a physical object (such as, for example, a stylus or a user's finger) on or near the touch screen display.

[0118] Network adapter 316 may also be coupled to the data processing system to enable it to become coupled to other systems, computer systems, remote network devices, and / or remote storage devices through intervening private or public networks. The network adapter may include a data receiver for receiving data transmitted to data processing system 300 by the system, device, and / or network, and a data transmitter for transmitting data from 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 may be used with data processing system 300.

[0119] like Fig.10 , memory element 304 may store application 318. In various embodiments, application 318 may be stored in local memory 308, one or more mass storage devices 310, or separate from local memory and mass storage devices. It should be appreciated that data processing system 300 may further execute an operating system ( Fig.10 318, which is implemented in the form of executable program code, may be executed by data processing system 300 (eg, by processor 302). In response to executing the application, data processing system 300 may be configured to perform one or more operations or method steps described herein.

[0120] Various embodiments of the present invention may 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 various 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 of temporary propagation signals. In another embodiment, the program(s) may be contained on various temporary computer-readable storage media. Illustrative computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to: (i) non-writable storage media on which information is permanently stored (e.g., a read-only memory device within a computer, such as a CD-ROM disk readable by a CD-ROM drive, a ROM chip, or any type of solid-state non-volatile semiconductor memory); and (ii) writable storage media on which changeable information is stored (e.g., a flash memory, a floppy disk within a floppy disk drive or a hard drive, or any type of solid-state random access semiconductor memory). The computer program may run on the processor 302 described herein.

[0121] The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to also include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that when used in this specification, the terms "include" and / or "comprise" specify the presence of stated 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.

[0122] The corresponding structures, materials, actions and equivalents of all means or step-plus-function elements in the following claims are intended to include any structure, material or action for performing a function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the embodiments of the present invention has been presented for illustrative purposes, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the disclosed form. Many modifications and variations will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. The embodiments are selected and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and some practical applications, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the present invention for various embodiments with various modifications suitable for the particular use envisioned.

Claims

1. A system (1, 41) for controlling one or more lighting devices (11-12) to present a light effect determined based on media content to accompany the presentation of the media content, the system (1, 41) comprising: at least one receiver (3, 63); at least one transmitter (4, 64); and At least one processor (5, 55, 65) configured to: - detect whether one or more users are in the environment; - if a plurality of users (77, 78) are detected in the environment, determining which of the plurality of users (77, 78) is closest to the system (1, 41) based on short-range wireless signals received via the at least one receiver (3, 63) from mobile devices (34, 35) of the plurality of users (77, 78), - retrieving from a memory (7, 67) a user profile associated with said user (77) closest to said system (1, 41), said user profile specifying user preferences, - determining the light effect based on the media content and the user preferences, and - controlling said one or more lighting devices (11-12) via said at least one transmitter (4, 64) to render said light effect.

2. The system (1, 41) of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor (5, 55, 65) is configured to: - receiving, via the at least one receiver (3, 63), the absolute positions of a plurality of mobile devices (34-36), - comparing the absolute positions of the plurality of mobile devices (34-36) with the absolute positions of the environment, and - for each mobile device (34, 35) of the plurality of mobile devices (34-36) having an absolute position in a predefined spatial area around the absolute position of the environment, determining that the user of the mobile device is at home.

3. The system (1, 41) of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor (5, 55, 65) is configured to: - identifies the network to which the system is connected, - detecting whether one or more of a plurality of mobile devices are connected to the network, and - for each mobile device of the plurality of mobile devices connected to the network, determining that a user of the mobile device is within the environment.

4. The system (1, 41) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one processor (5, 55, 65) is configured to: - determining the signal strength of each of the short-range wireless signals received from the mobile devices (34, 35) of the plurality of users (77, 78), - selecting a mobile device (34) from among the mobile devices (34, 35) of the plurality of users (77, 78), the signal received from the selected mobile device (34) having the highest signal strength among the signal strengths, and - determining that the user (77) of the selected mobile device (34) is closest to the system (1, 41).

5. The system (1, 41) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one processor (5, 55, 65) is configured to: - receiving, via the at least one receiver (3, 63), a control signal from a further mobile device (35) of a further user (78) of the plurality of users (77, 78), the control signal comprising a command to start rendering the light effect, - selecting said further user (78) instead of said user (77) closest to said system, - retrieving a further user profile associated with the further user (78), the further user profile specifying further user preferences, - determining said light effect based on said media content and said further user preference, and - controlling said one or more lighting devices (11-12) via said at least one transmitter (4, 64) to render said light effect.

6. A system (1, 41) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one processor (5, 55, 65) is configured to transmit a notification via the at least one transmitter (4, 64) to a mobile device (34) of the user (77) closest to the system, the notification informing the user that the user profile of the user is now activated.

7. The system (1, 41) according to claim 6, wherein the at least one processor (5, 55, 65) is configured to: - receiving, via the at least one receiver (3, 63), a second control signal from the mobile device (34) of the user (77) closest to the system (1, 41), the second control signal identifying another user (78), - selecting said other user (78) being closest to said system instead of said user (77), - retrieving another user profile associated with the other user (78), the other user profile specifying other user preferences, - determining said light effect based on said media content and said other user preferences, and - controlling said one or more lighting devices (11-12) via said at least one transmitter (4, 64) to render said light effect.

8. A system (1, 41) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the user preferences indicate one or more of: a level of dynamics of the light effect, a light output level of the light effect, a minimum light output level, the one or more lighting devices (11-12) used to present the light effect, and a source providing the media content.

9. The system (1, 41) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the user profile specifies user preferences for each content type, and the at least one processor (5, 55, 65) is configured to: - obtaining the content type of the media content, - selecting a user preference associated with said content type from said user profile, and - determining the light effect based on the media content and the user preferences associated with the content type.

10. The system (1, 41) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one processor (5, 55, 65) is configured to: - receiving a configuration signal from the mobile device (34) of the user (77) closest to the system, the configuration signal indicating an adjustment to the user's preferences, - adjusting the user preferences in the user profile based on the configuration signal, - determining said light effect based on said media content and said adjusted user preferences, and - replacing said user profile with said adjusted user profile in said memory (7, 67).

11. The system (1, 41) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one processor (5, 55, 65) is configured to: - receiving, via said at least one receiver (3, 63), a device identifier of said mobile device (34) of said user (77) which is closest to said system (1, 41), and - retrieving the user profile associated with the user (77) by retrieving the user profile associated with the device identifier.

12. The system (1, 41) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the short-range wireless signal is a Bluetooth signal or a Zigbee signal.

13. A method of controlling one or more lighting devices to present a light effect determined based on media content to accompany the presentation of the media content, the method comprising: - detecting (101) whether one or more users are in the environment; - if multiple users are detected in the environment, determining (103) which of the multiple users is closest to the system based on short-range wireless signals received from mobile devices of the multiple users; - retrieving (105) a user profile associated with said user closest to said system, said user profile specifying user preferences; - determining (107) the light effect based on the media content and the user preferences; and - controlling (109) said one or more lighting devices to render said light effect.

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

Images