Lighting system with a control unit and method for operating a lighting system with a control unit

Abstract

A lighting system (100), a method (700) and a computer program are provided. The lighting system comprises a light source (110), an input interface (120) configured to determine an intensity of ambient light (130) in an environment, a control unit (200) comprising a plurality of light control switches (300a-d) for operation by a user, where the control unit is configured to operate in a first mode (410) in the event that the ambient light intensity is below a first light intensity level (400), where the control unit is configured to operate in a second mode (410) in the event that the ambient light intensity is below a second light intensity level (400). Each control switch is configured to turn on the light source, and wherein in the event that the ambient light intensity is above a second light intensity level (500), the control unit is configured to operate in a second mode (510), and wherein each control switch of the plurality of control switches is associated with a separate control of at least one characteristic of the emitted light.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a lighting system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a lighting system comprising a control unit for operation by a user. Background Art

[0002] Lighting systems including one or more light sources controllable by a light control are ubiquitous in homes, offices, industries, etc. For example, the light control may be push-button, or may include multiple buttons, for turning the light on / off, dimming, etc.

[0003] Users may know from experience which button(s) of a light control to select to operate the light sources of a lighting system. However, for each home or room light control and / or user-defined configuration of buttons for multiple light controls, operating the light controls in a desired manner may be challenging. For example, people (e.g., visitors) may have to resort to trial and error (e.g., by pressing multiple buttons) before they can operate a light source in a desired manner via the light control.

[0004] Furthermore, using a light control in dark conditions may be problematic. For example, it may be difficult to identify buttons on a light control in a dim or dark environment. Although some light controls in the prior art include lights with printed characters for facilitating operation, the printed characters may be difficult to read if the environment is dim or the light is insufficient. For example, instead of an "on" or "off" switch, a light control may be provided with numeric characters, but these numeric characters may be difficult to read if the light in the environment is insufficient. Solutions where buttons on a light control are illuminated only when pressed by a user may not be convenient because this essentially initiates the light control operation.

[0005] The above-mentioned disadvantages of the light control in the prior art may cause inconvenient operation to the user, and / or prevent the user from quickly and conveniently providing desired light operation and / or setting through the light control.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a lighting system which provides for a convenient and more convenient control of the light source(s) by a user. Summary of the invention

[0007] It would be of interest to overcome at least some of the above-mentioned deficiencies of current light controls and to provide a user with convenient operation and / or setting of light by the light control.

[0008] This and other objects are achieved by providing a lighting system, a method and a computer program product having the features of the independent claims.Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0009] Therefore, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lighting system. The lighting system comprises at least one light source arranged to emit light, an input interface configured to determine the intensity of ambient light in an environment, and a control unit located in the environment, the control unit comprising a plurality of light control switches for being operated by a user, wherein the control unit is operably connected to the at least one light source. In case the input interface determines that the intensity level of the ambient light is below a first light intensity level, the control unit is configured to operate in a first mode, wherein each of the plurality of control switches is configured to turn on at least one of the at least one light source when the control unit is operated by the user. In case the input interface determines that the intensity level of the ambient light is above a second light intensity level, the control unit is configured to operate in a second mode, wherein each of the plurality of control switches is associated with a separate control of at least one characteristic of the emitted light.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for operating a lighting system, the lighting system comprising at least one light source arranged to emit light, an input interface configured to determine the intensity of ambient light in an environment, and a control unit comprising a plurality of light control switches for operation by a user, wherein the control unit is operably connected to the at least one light source. The method comprises the step of determining an intensity level of the ambient light. The method further comprises the step of determining whether the determined intensity level of the ambient light is lower than a first light intensity level, and setting the control unit to operate in a first mode accordingly, wherein each of the plurality of control switches is configured to turn on at least one of the at least one light source when the control unit is operated by the user. The method further comprises the step of determining whether the determined intensity level of the emitted light is higher than a second light intensity level, and setting the control unit to operate in a second mode accordingly, wherein each of the plurality of control switches is associated with a separate control of at least one characteristic of the emitted light.

[0011] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program product for a computing device, the computer program product comprising computer program code for executing the method of the second aspect of the present invention when the computer program product is run on a processing unit of the computing device.

[0012] The invention is therefore based on the concept of a lighting system comprising a control unit, the control unit comprising a plurality of light control switches, wherein the control unit determines or sets the functionality of the light control switches in dependence on the determined level of ambient light. In case the ambient light is determined to be below a first light intensity level (i.e. relatively low), any of the light control switches is configured to switch on the light source(s), such that operation (tapping) of any of the light control switches by a user switches on the light source(s). In case the ambient light is determined to be above a second light intensity level (i.e. relatively high), each control switch is associated with a separate control of at least one characteristic of the emitted light, i.e. has a separate (normal) operating purpose.

[0013] An advantage of the present invention is that the lighting system conveniently adapts the functionality of the control unit according to the level of ambient light. In the case of determining a relatively low level of ambient light (e.g., the ambient light in the environment is relatively dark, the time of day, etc.), the control unit conveniently operates in a first mode, wherein each (i.e., all) control switches are configured to turn on (multiple) light sources when operated by a user. Thus, for example, in a relatively dark environment, at a specific time of day, etc., a user can operate (press, tap, etc.) any of the control switches to turn on (turn on) (multiple) light sources. It should be noted that for a user-defined configuration of the control switches for each control unit (and possibly multiple control units per home or room), it may be challenging to find the correct button to turn on (multiple) light sources in a relatively dark environment. In addition, visitors who are not accustomed to control unit switches and / or locations may have to press multiple control unit switches before they find the correct control unit switch. In contrast, the present invention overcomes this problem by conveniently and automatically changing the control unit switch operation based on the determined ambient light level.

[0014] The lighting system comprises at least one light source arranged to emit light. Thus, the lighting system may comprise one or more light sources, for example comprising one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). The lighting system further comprises an input interface configured to determine the intensity of ambient light in the environment. The term "ambient light in the environment" here means ambient light (i.e. artificial light and / or natural light (from (multiple) light sources)) in a room, office, etc. constituting the environment. The term "input interface" hereby essentially means any interface arranged or configured to determine the intensity of ambient light in the environment by receiving (multiple) inputs. For example, the (multiple) inputs may comprise (multiple) light intensity signals of the ambient light in the environment, time data (e.g. time of day), etc.

[0015] The lighting system further comprises a control unit located in the environment. The term "control unit" hereby means a light control (unit), switch or the like arranged for operation by a user. The control unit comprises a plurality of light control switches for operation by a user, wherein the control unit is operatively connected to at least one light source. The term "light control switch" hereby means a plurality of switches of the control unit which a user can operate (e.g. press, tap, turn, etc.) in order to change one or more characteristics of the light from the (multiple) light sources.

[0016] In case the input interface determines that the intensity level of the ambient light is below a first light intensity level, the control unit is configured to operate in a first mode, wherein each of the plurality of control switches is configured to switch on at least one of the at least one light source when the control unit is operated by a user. The term "first light intensity level" here means a predetermined (threshold) light intensity level. Thus, the input interface may determine a (relatively low) light intensity level of the ambient light in the environment, and correspondingly, the control unit may operate in a first mode, wherein each (i.e. all) control switches are configured to switch on the (multiple) light sources when operated by a user.

[0017] In case the input interface determines that the intensity level of the ambient light is above a second light intensity level, the control unit is configured to operate in a second mode, wherein each of the plurality of control switches is associated with a separate control of at least one characteristic of the emitted light. The term "at least one characteristic of the light" hereby essentially means any one (multiple) light characteristics, such as intensity, color (temperature), hue, etc. The term "second light intensity level" hereby means a predetermined (threshold) light intensity level. It should be noted that the first light intensity level may be different from the second light intensity level. In this case, the intensity level of the ambient light may be between the first light intensity level and the second light intensity level. The control unit may be configured hereby to operate in the first mode when (when) the intensity level of the ambient light falls below the first light intensity level, i.e. switch to the first mode of operation when the intensity level of the ambient light falls below the first light intensity level. Similarly, the control unit may be configured to operate in the second mode when (when) the intensity level of the ambient light exceeds (i.e. rises above) the second light intensity level, i.e. switch to the second mode of operation when the intensity level of the ambient light rises above the second light intensity level. As an alternative to the first and second light intensity levels being different from each other, the first and second light intensity levels may be the same. Thus, in case the first and second light intensities are the same, there is a (single) level or threshold for the operation of the control unit that distinguishes (separates) the first mode from the second mode. In the second mode of the control unit, the control switches are configured to operate individually with respect to the characteristic(s) of the emitted light, i.e. according to normal / expected operation of the control switches, compared to the first mode of the control unit (wherein all control switches are configured to switch on the (multiple) light sources when operated by a user).

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit may be configured to operate in a second mode after the control unit has been operated in a first mode by a user. Thus, once the control unit has been operated in the first mode and the user has operated (used) the control unit (i.e. for turning on (multiple) light sources), the control unit may be configured to operate in a second mode in which the control switch is configured to operate solely with respect to the (multiple) characteristics of the emitted light, i.e. according to the normal / expected operation of the control switch. An advantage of this embodiment is that, after switching on (multiple) light sources by the control unit in the first mode, the user may conveniently use the intended and separate purpose of the control switch in the second mode of the control unit.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the input interface may be configured to determine the intensity of the ambient light based on the current light setting of at least one light source. Thus, the input interface may receive the current light setting of the (multiple) light sources as input for determining the ambient light intensity. An advantage of this embodiment is that the input interface may simply and conveniently receive information (input) of the current light setting of the (multiple) light sources. Furthermore, since the current light setting of the (multiple) light sources may correspond to the (real) ambient light intensity to a large extent, an advantage of this embodiment is that the ambient light intensity is effectively determined and / or estimated in the absence of, for example, a (light) sensor.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the first mode, each of the plurality of control switches may be configured to, when the control unit is operated by a user, turn on at least one of the at least one light source according to at least one of a previous setting of the at least one light source and a setting based on the time of day of the at least one light source. Thus, in the case where the input interface determines that the intensity level of the ambient light is lower than the first light intensity level, the control unit is configured to operate in the first mode, wherein each of the plurality of control switches is configured to, when the control unit is operated by a user, turn on the (multiple) light sources according to a previous setting of the (multiple) light sources and / or a setting based on the time of day of the (multiple) light sources.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the lighting system may include at least one sensor connected to an input interface and configured to generate a light intensity signal associated with the ambient light, wherein the input interface is configured to determine the intensity of the ambient light based on the light intensity signal received from the at least one sensor. For example, the at least one sensor may be a light sensor configured to sense (measure) the ambient light and to generate a light intensity signal associated with the ambient light accordingly. An advantage of this embodiment is that the lighting system may accurately determine the ambient light by means of the (multiple) (light) sensors, which therefore results in an improved operation of the control unit with respect to its first and second modes.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the input interface is connected to the control unit and is configured to send information associated with the intensity of the ambient light to the control unit according to a first predetermined time interval setting. Since the input interface is configured to send information to the control unit according to a predetermined time interval setting, and thereby avoiding, for example, exaggerated and / or redundant reporting, this embodiment is advantageous in terms of energy efficiency.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the invention, the input interface may be connected to the control unit and may be configured to send information associated with the intensity of the ambient light to the control unit upon request by the control unit. An advantage of this embodiment is that the control unit may request information at a desired and / or optimized (multiple) times, such that the control unit may enter its first or second operating mode in an even more accurate manner. This embodiment is further advantageous in terms of energy efficiency, since it may be desirable to avoid (too frequent) reporting by the input interface to the control unit.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit may be configured to request information based on at least one of a second predetermined time interval setting, a light intensity signal exceeding (i.e., being above or below) a predetermined threshold, a time of day, and information associated with the intensity of ambient light previously sent to the control unit. This embodiment is advantageous in terms of information reporting convenience, accuracy of the control unit with respect to the first and / or second operating modes, and / or energy efficiency. For example, with respect to the control unit requesting information based on the time of day, it should be noted that, knowing that the ambient light level changes relatively drastically at one or more times (e.g., in the morning and / or in the evening), the control unit may be configured to request information more frequently than at other times (e.g., in the middle of the day). In addition, for example, the control unit may assume that the ambient light may follow a pattern based on information associated with the intensity of ambient light previously sent to the control unit, and / or infer previously received information, resulting in an optimized information request by the control unit. It should be noted that this embodiment may be particularly advantageous in the case where (multiple) (light) sensors are not provided in the lighting system, or if (multiple) sensors are not available (e.g., due to network and / or battery problems).

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one sensor may include at least one camera configured to record the intensity of the ambient light. An advantage of this embodiment is that the camera(s) may accurately and conveniently record the ambient light, and the control unit may operate accordingly.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least two of the control unit, the input interface and the at least one light source may be integrated into a single entity. Thus, any combination of the control unit, the input interface and the (multiple) light sources may be arranged in the same entity or unit, which may result in a more compact, practical and / or aesthetically plural lighting system.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the invention, the control unit may be configured to set the second light intensity level. Thus, the control unit may determine the second light intensity level that the ambient light must exceed in order to enter the second mode. An advantage of this embodiment is that the control unit may determine, adapt and / or set the second light intensity level in order to achieve an even more desirable operation of the control unit of the lighting system.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the invention, the input interface may be connected to the control unit, and wherein the control unit is configured to receive a plurality of intensity levels of ambient light as a function of time from the input interface, and to set the second light intensity level based on the received plurality of intensity levels of ambient light. An advantage of this embodiment is that the control unit may benefit from the information of the ambient light as a function of time, and determine, adapt and / or set the second light intensity level accordingly. For example, the control unit may infer the information of the ambient light as a function of time and / or determine the pattern(s) of the ambient light information. This may result in an even more desirable operation of the control unit of the lighting system.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit may be a multi-button switch, and wherein the plurality of light control switches may include an on / off control switch. Thus, the control unit may be a light control of a type comprising two or more buttons, wherein one of the buttons may be an on / off control switch.

[0030] It should be understood that the method of the second aspect of the present invention may have similar and / or identical embodiments and advantages as the above-described lighting system.

[0031] Further objectives, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when studying the following detailed disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims.Those skilled in the art will realize that different features of the present invention can be combined to produce embodiments other than those described in the following. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] This and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show embodiment(s) of the invention.

[0033] Figure 1a and 1b schematically illustrates a lighting system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and

[0034] Figure 2 A method according to a second aspect of the invention for operating a lighting system according to the first aspect of the invention is schematically illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Figure 1a and Figure 1bA lighting system 100 according to a first aspect of the invention is shown. The lighting system 100 can be provided in substantially any type of environment, such as a home, an office, etc. Here, the environment is exemplified as a room. The lighting system 100 comprises at least one light source 110 arranged to emit light 115. Figure 1a In the embodiment, the light source 110 is arranged, for example, in the ceiling of the room.

[0036] The lighting system 100 further includes a control unit 200 located in the environment. Here, the control unit 200 is illustrated as a light control, switch or button that is circular and has four light control switches 300a-d as part of the control unit 200. However, it should be noted that the control unit 200 can have substantially any shape (e.g., a shape having a linear array including control switches). The control unit 200 is arranged to be operated by a user 205 and is operably connected to (multiple) light sources 110. The user 205 can operate (e.g., press, tap, turn, etc.) the light control switches 300a-d to change one or more characteristics of the light 115 emitted from (multiple) light sources 110. The control unit 200 can be mounted in a wall plate using magnets. If correctly placed, the recess ensures the correct orientation of the light control switches 300a-d.

[0037] The lighting system 100 further includes an input interface 120. The size and / or positioning of the input interface 120 is arbitrary and is indicated as an example. Figure 1a , the input interface 120 is shown as part of the control unit 200, i.e. the control unit 200 and the input interface 120 are integrated. However, it should be noted that the input interface 120 may be arranged to be (physically) separate from the control unit 200. The input interface 120 may essentially be any interface arranged or configured to determine the intensity of ambient light 130 in the environment by means of received input(s). For example, the input(s) may include light intensity signals (multiple) of the ambient light 130 in the environment, time data (e.g. time of day), etc. The ambient light 130 may include light 115 emitted from the light source(s) 110, light emitted from one or more light sources that do not form part of the lighting system 100, and / or (natural) light, e.g. from one or more windows.

[0038] The input interface 120 may determine the intensity level of the ambient light 130 . Figure 1bSchematically illustrated is the intensity of the ambient light 130 (y-axis, arbitrary units). In case the input interface 120 determines that the intensity level of the ambient light 130 is below the first light intensity level 400, the control unit 200 of the lighting system 100 is configured to operate in a first mode 410. In this first mode 410 of operation of the control unit 200, each of the plurality of control switches 300a-d is configured to turn on at least one of the light sources 110 when the control unit 200 is operated by the user 205. Figure 1b The first light intensity level 400 in represents a predetermined (threshold) light intensity level of the ambient light 130, below which the control unit 200 operates in a first mode, wherein each (i.e., all) control switches 300a-d are configured to turn on the (multiple) light sources 110 when operated by the user 205. Alternatively, as Figure 1b , in the event that the input interface 120 determines that the intensity level of the ambient light 130 is above a second light intensity level 500, the control unit 200 is configured to operate in a second mode 510, wherein each of the plurality of control switches 300a-d is associated with a separate control of at least one characteristic of the light 115 emitted from the (multiple) light sources 110. Examples of the (multiple) characteristics of the emitted light 115 may be intensity, color (temperature), hue, dimming, etc. The second light intensity level 500 represents a predetermined (threshold) light intensity level of the ambient light 130, above which the control switches 300a-d are configured to operate individually with respect to the (multiple) characteristics of the emitted light 115, i.e., according to normal / expected operation of the control switches 300a-d, as compared to the first mode 410 of the control unit 120, wherein all of the control switches 300a-d are configured to switch on the (multiple) light sources 110 when operated by the user 205. In the Figure 1b, the first light intensity level 400 is shown as being different from the second light intensity level 500, and if the input interface 120 determines that the intensity level of the ambient light 130 is between the first light intensity level 400 and the second light intensity level 500, the control unit 120 is configured to trigger operation in the first mode 410 in the event that the intensity level of the ambient light 130 drops below the first light intensity level 400, and similarly, trigger operation in the second mode 510 in the event that the intensity level of the ambient light 130 exceeds (i.e. rises above) the second light intensity level 500. Alternatively, it should be noted that the first and second light intensity levels 400, 500 may be the same. Therefore, in this example case where the first and second light intensity levels 400, 500 are the same, there is a (single) level or threshold for the operation of the control unit 120 that distinguishes (separates) the first mode from the second mode. In other words, in the case where the input interface 120 determines that the intensity level of the ambient light 130 is lower than the first light intensity level 400 (the same as the second light intensity level 500), the control unit 120 is configured to operate in the first mode 410, and in the case where the input interface 120 determines that the intensity level of the ambient light 130 is higher than the second light intensity level 500 (the same as the first light intensity level 400), the control unit 120 is configured to operate in the second mode 510. According to an example, the control unit 120 may be configured to operate in the second mode 510 after the control unit 200 is operated by the user in the first mode 410. In addition, the input interface 120 may be configured to determine the intensity of the ambient light 130 based on the current light setting of the light source(s) 115.

[0039] exist Figure 1a In the illustrated embodiment, the lighting system 100 further includes a sensor 600. The sensor 600 is configured to generate a light intensity signal associated with the ambient light 130. The size and / or positioning of the input interface 120 is arbitrary and is indicated as an example. Figure 1a In FIG. 6 , the sensor 600 is shown as a part of the control unit 200, ie the sensor 600 is embedded in the control unit 200, or alternatively, the control unit 200 and the sensor 600 are integrated. Therefore, Figure 1a An example of integration of the control unit 200, the input interface 120 and the sensor 600 is shown. However, it should be noted that the sensor 600 may alternatively be arranged (physically) separate from the control unit 200. The sensor 600 is connected (via wire or wirelessly) to the input interface 120. The sensor 600 is preferably placed anywhere in the environment (room) where the ambient light 130 represents the location of the control unit 200. Although in Figure 1a1 , a single sensor 600 is shown, but the lighting system 100 may include multiple sensors 600 to record the ambient light 130. The input interface 120 may be configured to determine the intensity of the ambient light 130 based on the light intensity signal received from the sensor(s) 600. In the case where the input interface 120 and the control unit 200 are integrated, the control unit 200 may obtain information associated with the intensity of the ambient light 130 through the input interface 120. In the case where the input interface 120 and the control unit 200 are (physically) separate, the input interface 120 may be connected to the control unit 200, and the input interface 120 may be configured to send information associated with the intensity of the ambient light 130 to the control unit 200. For example, the input interface 120 may be configured to send information associated with the intensity of the ambient light 130 to the control unit 200 according to a first predetermined time interval setting. Alternatively, the input interface 120 may be configured to send information associated with the intensity of the ambient light 130 to the control unit 200 when requested by the control unit 200. For example, the request by the control unit 200 may be based on a second predetermined time interval setting, the light intensity signal exceeding (i.e., being above or below) a predetermined threshold, the time of day, and / or information associated with the intensity of the ambient light 130 previously sent to the control unit 200.

[0040] like Figure 1a The sensor 600 of the lighting system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 may further include one or more cameras (not shown) configured to record the intensity of the ambient light 130 .

[0041] According to an example, the input interface 120 may be connected to the control unit 200 , and the control unit 200 may be configured to receive multiple intensity levels of the ambient light 130 as a function of time from the input interface 120 and set the second light intensity level based on the received multiple intensity levels of the ambient light 130 .

[0042] Figure 2 The method 700 according to the second aspect of the present invention is schematically shown, and the method is used to operate according to the first aspect of the present invention and as shown in FIG. Figure 1a and Figure 1b. The method 700 comprises the step of determining 710 an intensity level of ambient light. The method 700 further comprises the step of determining 720 whether the determined intensity level of ambient light is lower than a first light intensity level. If the intensity level of ambient light is lower than the first light intensity level, the method 700 accordingly sets 730 a control unit to operate in a first mode, wherein each of a plurality of control switches is configured to turn on at least one of the at least one light source when the control unit is operated by a user. The method 700 further comprises the step of determining 740 whether the determined intensity level of emitted light is higher than a second light intensity level. If the intensity level of emitted light is higher than the second light intensity level, the method 700 accordingly sets 750 a control unit to operate in a second mode, wherein each of a plurality of control switches is associated with a separate control of at least one characteristic of the emitted light.

[0043] Those skilled in the art realize that the present invention is by no means limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. For example, Figure 1a The number, shape and / or position of the light sources 110, the input interface 120, the sensor(s) 600, the control unit 200, and / or the first and / or second light intensity levels 400, 500 in the embodiment may differ from those shown.

Claims

1. A lighting system (100), comprising: at least one light source (110) arranged to emit light (115), an input interface (120) configured to determine an intensity of ambient light (130) in an environment, A control unit (200) located in an environment, the control unit comprising a plurality of light control switches (300a-d) for operation by a user (205), wherein: The control unit is operatively connected to the at least one light source, wherein, in the event that the input interface determines that the intensity level of the ambient light is below a first light intensity level (400), the control unit is configured to operate in a first mode (410), wherein each of the plurality of control switches is configured to turn on at least one of the at least one light source when the control unit is operated by a user, and Wherein, in the event that the input interface determines that the intensity level of the ambient light is above a second light intensity level (500), the control unit is configured to operate in a second mode (510), wherein each of the plurality of control switches is associated with a separate control of at least one characteristic of the emitted light.

2. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit is configured to operate in a second mode after the control unit is operated in a first mode by a user.

3. The lighting system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The input interface is configured to determine an intensity of ambient light based on a current light setting of the at least one light source.

4. A lighting system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: In the first mode, each of the plurality of control switches is configured to turn on at least one of the at least one light source when the control unit is operated by a user according to at least one of the following: a previous setting of the at least one light source, and A setting of the at least one light source based on time of day.

5. The lighting system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one sensor (600), connected to the input interface and configured to generate a light intensity signal associated with the ambient light, wherein The input interface is configured to determine an intensity of ambient light based on a light intensity signal received from the at least one sensor.

6. The lighting system according to claim 5, wherein: The input interface is connected to the control unit and is configured to send information associated with the intensity of the ambient light to the control unit according to a first predetermined time interval setting.

7. The lighting system according to claim 5, wherein: The input interface is connected to the control unit and is configured to send information associated with the intensity of ambient light to the control unit upon request by the control unit.

8. The lighting system according to claim 7, wherein: The control unit is configured to request information based on at least one of: The second predetermined time interval is set, The light intensity signal exceeds a predetermined threshold, time of day, and Information associated with the intensity of ambient light previously sent to the control unit.

9. The lighting system according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein: The at least one sensor includes at least one camera configured to record an intensity of ambient light.

10. A lighting system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: At least two of the following are integrated into a single entity: the control unit, the input interface, and The at least one light source.

11. A lighting system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The control unit is configured to set a second light intensity level.

12. A lighting system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The input interface is connected to the control unit, and wherein the control unit is configured to receive a plurality of intensity levels of ambient light as a function of time from the input interface and to set the second light intensity level based on the received plurality of intensity levels of ambient light.

13. A lighting system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The control unit is a multi-button switch, and wherein the plurality of light control switches include an on / off control switch (300a).

14. A method (700) for operating a lighting system (100), the lighting system (100) comprising at least one light source (110) arranged to emit light (115), an input interface (120) configured to determine the intensity of ambient light in an environment, and a control unit (200) comprising a plurality of light control switches (300a-d) for operation by a user (205), wherein: The control unit is operatively connected to at least one light source, wherein the method comprises the steps of determining (710) an intensity level of ambient light, determining (720) whether the determined intensity level of the ambient light is below a first light intensity level (400), and accordingly setting (730) the control unit to operate in a first mode (410), wherein each of the plurality of control switches is configured to turn on at least one of the at least one light source when the control unit is operated by a user, and Determining (740) whether the determined intensity level of the emitted light is higher than a second light intensity level (500) and accordingly setting (750) the control unit to operate in a second mode (510), wherein each of the plurality of control switches is associated with a separate control of at least one characteristic of the emitted light.

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

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