Capacitive touch based lighting control

Abstract

A recessed lighting device includes a light module configured to emit light and a capacitive touch trim element that is exposed for viewing from below the recessed lighting device after mounting the recessed lighting device, and wherein, after mounting, the capacitive touch trim element is exposed for viewing from below the recessed lighting device. One or more capacitive touches can be detected from below the ceiling along the surface of the capacitive touch trim element without removing components of the lighting device. The lighting device also includes a controller configured to change a correlated color temperature (CCT) of the light from a first CCT value to a second CCT value based on one or more capacitive touches of the capacitive touch decoration element by a user. After the recessed lighting device is installed, the capacitive touch decoration element can be touched from below the ceiling.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to lighting solutions, and more particularly to controlling the correlated color temperature (CCT) and brightness level of light provided by a lighting device based on user input provided to the lighting device as a capacitive touch of a capacitive touch decorative element of the lighting device. Background Art

[0002] Some lighting fixtures may be controllable to change the characteristics of the light emitted by the lighting fixture (e.g., darkness level, correlated color temperature (CCT), etc.). For example, some lamps may be wired to a control unit (e.g., a wall unit) that can be used to adjust the darkness level and / or CCT of the light provided by the lamp. As another example, some lamps may be controlled wirelessly to adjust the darkness level and / or CCT of the light provided by the lamp. As yet another example, some lamps may include a configuration interface (such as a dipswitch) that can be used to set the darkness level and / or CCT of the light provided by the lamp. In some cases, for example, due to installation challenges, cost, and / or limited accessibility of adjustment, implementing these methods of controlling the lamp may be undesirable. Accordingly, a solution is desired that can adjust the characteristics of the light provided by the installed lamp in a relatively convenient manner without disassembling the lamp and without removing components of the lamp. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present disclosure relates to lighting solutions, and more particularly, to controlling the CCT, color, and / or brightness level of light provided by a lighting device based on user input provided to the lighting device as a capacitive touch of a capacitive touch decorative element of the lighting device. In an exemplary embodiment, a recessed lighting device includes a light module configured to emit light and a touch-sensitive interface unit including a capacitive touch decorative element. The lighting device further includes a controller configured to change the correlated color temperature (CCT) of the light from a first CCT value to a second CCT value based on one or more capacitive touches of the user on the capacitive touch decorative element. After the recessed lighting device is installed in a ceiling, the capacitive touch decorative element is exposed for viewing from below the ceiling and the capacitive touch decorative element is accessible from below the ceiling for touching, wherein, after installation, one or more capacitive touches can be detected along the surface of the capacitive touch decorative element from below the ceiling without removing components of the lighting device.

[0004] In another exemplary embodiment, a method of controlling the correlated color temperature (CCT) of light emitted by a recessed lighting device includes controlling, by a controller, a light module of the recessed lighting device to emit light. The method further includes receiving, by the controller, one or more user inputs provided as one or more capacitive touches of a capacitive touch decorative element. The method further includes adjusting, by the controller, the CCT of the light from a first CCT value to a second CCT value based on the one or more capacitive touches, wherein, after the recessed lighting device is installed in a ceiling, the capacitive touch decorative element is exposed for viewing and touching from below the ceiling and is accessible from below the ceiling for touching, and wherein, after installation, the one or more capacitive touches can be detected along the surface of the capacitive touch decorative element from below the ceiling without removing components of the lighting device.

[0005] These and other aspects, objects, features and embodiments will become apparent from the following description and the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Reference will now be made to the drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, and in which:

[0007] Figure 1 There is shown a lighting device providing light having a correlated color temperature (CCT) that is controllable based on a user input provided as a capacitive touch;

[0008] Figure 2 There is shown a detail of a lighting device according to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 thereof;

[0009] Figure 3A and 3B There is shown a lighting control signal for controlling the CCT of light provided by a lighting device according to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 thereof;

[0010] Figure 4 There is shown a lighting system including a lighting device according to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 thereof;

[0011] Figure 5 There is shown a luminaire corresponding to a lighting device according to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 thereof;

[0012] Figure 6 There is shown a luminaire corresponding to a lighting device according to another exemplary embodiment Figure 1 thereof;

[0013] Figure 7 There is shown a control of light emitted byFigure 1 A method for the CCT of the light provided by a lighting device;

[0014] Figure 8 FIG. shows a method for controlling the CCT and brightness level of the light provided by a Figure 1 lighting device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0015] Figure 9 FIG. shows a luminaire corresponding to a lighting device having a remotely located controller and driver according to another exemplary embodiment;

[0016] Figure 10 FIG. shows Figure 9 a second view of an exemplary embodiment of

[0017] Figure 11 FIG. shows a lighting device according to an Figure 9 exemplary embodiment of

[0018] The drawings merely show exemplary embodiments and are therefore not considered to be a limitation of the scope. The elements and features shown in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather the emphasis is on clearly showing the principles of the exemplary embodiments. Additionally, certain dimensions or arrangements may be enlarged to assist in visually conveying this principle. In the drawings, the same reference numerals used in different figures may represent the same or corresponding but not necessarily identical elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] In the following paragraphs, the exemplary embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. In the description, well-known components, methods, and / or processing techniques are omitted or briefly described. Additionally, the reference to different features of the embodiments does not indicate that all embodiments must include the recited features.

[0020] Figure 1FIG. 0 shows a lighting device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The lighting device 100 provides light with a correlated color temperature (CCT), which can be controlled based on a user input provided as a capacitive touch. In some exemplary embodiments, the lighting device 100 can be a surface-mounted luminaire or a recessed luminaire. For example, the lighting device 100 can be mounted to a ceiling or a wall, or recessed into a ceiling or a wall. In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, the lighting device 100 can be suspended from a joist, ceiling, or wall. The lighting device 100 can include a driver 102, a light module 104, a controller 106, and a touch-sensitive interface unit 108. The controller 106 can be coupled to the driver 102, the light module 104, and the touch-sensitive interface unit 108. The driver 102 can supply power to the light module 104, and the light module 104 can emit the light provided by the lighting device 100. For example, the driver 102 can be a current source driver that receives alternating current (AC) power via an input voltage connection and provides direct current (DC) power compatible with a light-emitting diode (LED) light source.

[0021] In some exemplary embodiments, the light module 104 can include LED light sources 110, 112, 114. The LED light source 110 can emit light with a CCT value of CCT1. For example, CCT1 can be a warm CCT. The LED light source 112 can emit light with a CCT value of CCT2. The LED light source 114 can emit light with a CCT value of CCT3. For example, CC3 can be a cold CCT, and CCT2 can be between CCT1 and CCT3. CCT1 can be 3000K, CCT2 can be 4000K, and CCT3 can be 5000K. As another example, CCT1 can be 3000K or less, CCT2 can be in the range of 4000K - 5000K, and CCT3 can be 6000K or more. Generally, the light emitted by the LED light sources 110, 112, 114 (independently or in the form of a combination of two or more lights) can be within the light with a desired CCT provided by the light module 104. The description herein regarding changing the CCT of the light emitted by a luminaire to have a different CCT in response to detecting certain capacitance changes of a decorative element (or alternatively, an end cap of the luminaire) can also be applied to changing the color of the light emitted by a light module that includes two or more light sources having different colors instead of having different CCTs as described throughout this detailed description.

[0022] In some exemplary embodiments, the controller 106 may be or may include a microprocessor or a microcontroller that executes software code stored in a memory device. For example, the controller 106 may include a memory device (e.g., flash memory and / or EPROM) for storing software code and data, and the microcontroller of the controller 106 may execute the stored software code and data to perform the operations described herein for the controller 106.

[0023] In some exemplary embodiments, the controller 106 may control the light provided by the optical module 104 by controlling the amount of current provided by the driver 102 to the optical module 104. For example, the controller 106 may provide a dimming level control signal DIM (e.g., a 0 - 10v signal) to the driver 102 to control the current provided to the optical module 104. The controller 106 may control the dimming level / brightness level of the light provided by the optical module 104, for example, based on default settings, user input, etc.

[0024] In some exemplary embodiments, the optical module 104 may include transistors 116, 118, 120 that operate as switches to control the amount of current passing through the LED light sources 110, 112, 114. For illustration purposes, the transistor 116 may be coupled to the LED light source 110, and the controller 106 may control (e.g., turn on and off) the transistor 116 to control the amount of current flowing through the LED light source 110. The transistor 118 may be coupled to the LED light source 112, and the controller 106 may control (e.g., turn on and off) the transistor 118 to control the amount of current flowing through the LED light source 112. The transistor 120 may be coupled to the LED light source 114, and the controller 106 may control (e.g., turn on and off) the transistor 120 to control the amount of current flowing through the LED light source 114.

[0025] In some exemplary embodiments, since the CCT of the light provided by the optical module 104 may depend on the CCT values CCT1, CCT2, CCT3 of the light provided by the LED light sources 110, 112, 114, the CCT of the light may be adjusted by controlling the intensity of the light provided by one or more of the LED light sources 110, 112, 114. Since the intensity of the light provided by the LED light sources 110, 112, 114 depends on the amount of current flowing through each of the LED light sources 110, 112, 114, the controller 106 may adjust the CCT of the light provided by the optical module 104 by controlling the current flowing through each of the LED light sources 110, 112, 114.

[0026] In some exemplary embodiments, the controller 106 may provide illumination control signals, as pulse-width modulation (PWM) signals PWM1, PWM2, and PWM3, to transistors 116, 118, and 120, respectively, to control the current flow through each of the LED light sources 110, 112, and 114. For illustration purposes, the controller 106 may change the duty cycle of each of the PWM signals PWM1, PWM2, and PWM3 to change the current flow through each of the LED light sources 110, 112, and 114. For example, the controller 106 may be coupled to the transistor 116 and may provide the PWM signal PWM1 to the transistor 116. The transistor 116 may be a MOSFET transistor, and the signal PWM1 may be provided to the gate terminal of the transistor 116. The controller 106 may be coupled to the transistor 118 and may provide the PWM signal PWM2 to the transistor 118. For example, the transistor 118 may be a MOSFET transistor, and the signal PWM2 may be provided to the gate terminal of the transistor 118. The controller 106 may be coupled to the transistor 120 and may provide the PWM signal PWM3 to the transistor 120. For example, the transistor 120 may be a MOSFET transistor, and the signal PWM3 may be provided to the gate terminal of the transistor 118. Since the controller 106 may control the current flowing through the LED light sources 110, 112, and 114 using the PWM signals PWM1, PWM2, and PWM3, respectively, the controller 106 may adjust the CCT of the light provided by the optical module 104 by controlling the intensity of the light provided by each of the LED light sources 110, 112, and 114.

[0027] In some exemplary embodiments, the touch-sensitive interface unit 108 includes a capacitive touch decorative element. For example, the lighting device 100 can be a recessed luminaire or a surface-mounted luminaire. A user can provide user input to the lighting device 100 by touching the capacitive touch decorative element of the lighting device 100 (e.g., the decorative ring of the decorative piece), and the controller 106 can control the CCT of the light provided by the lighting device 100 based on the user's touch of the capacitive touch decorative element. In some alternative embodiments, the capacitive touch decorative element can be an end cap or a flange of the housing. Generally, after the lighting device 100 is recessed into a ceiling or a wall, the user can access the capacitive touch decorative element to touch it without disassembling the lighting device 100 and without removing components of the lighting device 100. For example, after the lighting device 100 is recessed into a ceiling, the user can provide user input to the lighting device 100 by touching the capacitive touch decorative element of the lighting device 100 with a hand or a capacitive device used to provide user input, thereby changing the CCT of the light provided by the lighting device 100. For illustrative purposes, the capacitive switch and / or the controller 106 coupled to the capacitive touch decorative element can detect one or more capacitive touches of the user and interpret the one or more touches as user input. For example, the capacitive switch or the controller 106 can detect a capacitance change caused by the user touching the capacitive touch decorative element and interpret the capacitance change as a specific user input. The controller 106 can interpret the capacitive touch as a specific user input based on, for example, the duration of the capacitive touch, the interval between capacitive touches, the pattern of sliding or dragging of the luminaire across the surface of the capacitive touch decorative element, the number of fingers (or the size of the surface area engaged) of the capacitive touch decorative element, etc.

[0028] In some exemplary embodiments, the controller 106 can change the CCT of the light provided by the lighting device 100 to a CCT value (e.g., CCT1 or CCT2) based on a capacitive touch of the capacitive touch decorative element of the lighting device 100, where the duration of the capacitive touch is less than a threshold time period. The threshold time period can be 1 second. In response to the user touching the capacitive touch decorative element of the lighting device 100, the controller 106 can change the brightness level of the light to less than a threshold level (e.g., 20 lumens, 50 lumens, or 100 lumens) before or after changing the CCT of the light. For example, reducing the brightness level of the light can reduce glare for the user evaluating the CCT of the light.

[0029] In some exemplary embodiments, the controller 106 may gradually and continuously change the CCT of the light based on a capacitive touch that lasts longer than a threshold time period. For example, the threshold time period may be 1 second, 2 seconds, etc. When the user touches the capacitive touch decorative element for the threshold time period, the controller 106 may start changing the CCT of the light immediately after the threshold time and stop changing the CCT of the light when the capacitive touch stops. For illustration purposes, after the threshold time, when the user is touching the capacitive touch decorative element, the controller 106 may change the CCT of the light to CCT1 in a first step, to CCT2 in a second step, and to CCT3 in a third step. As another example, after the threshold time, when the user is touching the capacitive touch decorative element, the controller 106 may change the CCT of the light to CCT1 in a first step, to CCT2 in a second step, to CCT3 in a third step, and back to CCT1 in a fourth step. The controller 106 may maintain the CCT for a waiting time (e.g., 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 15 seconds, 30 seconds, etc.) after each CCT change to allow the user sufficient time to evaluate the light. In response to the user touching the capacitive touch decorative element of the lighting device 100 for the threshold time period, the controller 106 may change the brightness level of the light to be less than a threshold level (e.g., 20 lumens, 50 lumens, 100 lumens, etc.). For example, reducing the brightness level of the light may reduce glare for the user evaluating the CCT of the light.

[0030] In some exemplary embodiments, the controller 106 may change the brightness level and CCT of the light based on a capacitive touch of the capacitive touch decorative element of the lighting device 100. For example, in response to a capacitive touch having a duration less than a threshold time period (e.g., 1 second), the controller 106 may change the CCT of the light to a CCT value (e.g., CCT1 or CCT2) and change the brightness level of the light such that the light has a specific lumen associated with the CCT value. As another example, two capacitive touches having a threshold time period (e.g., 1 second) correspond to a user input indicating a simultaneous change in CCT and brightness level. For illustration purposes, the controller 106 may control the current provided to the light module 104 such that the light provided by the light module 104 has a first specific lumen (e.g., 1000 lumens) when the CCT of the light is CCT1, a second specific lumen (e.g., 2000 lumens) when the CCT of the light is CCT2, and so on. As described above, the controller 106 may use the dimming level control signal DIM to adjust the current provided to the light module 104 to adjust the brightness level of the light provided by the light module 104.

[0031] In some exemplary embodiments, unless the controller 106 is in an adjustment mode, the controller 106 may not adjust the CCT of the light provided by the lighting device 100 based on capacitive touch. For illustrative purposes, when the controller 106 is not in the adjustment mode, the controller 106 may be locked (i.e., non-configurable) and may not use capacitive touch as a user input to adjust the CCT of the light, and avoid "false positives" of other objects or unintentional touches of the decorative elements or the housing of the lighting device 100 or handling of the decorative elements or the housing that do not desire to adjust the CCT or intensity of the optical module 104. When the controller 106 can be locked, the controller 106 may also not adjust the brightness level of the light and the CCT of the light.

[0032] In some exemplary embodiments, the controller 106 may enter the adjustment mode in response to one or more capacitive touches of the capacitive touch decorative element of the lighting device 100. For example, when the controller 106 is locked, the user may touch (i.e., touch and hold) the capacitive touch decorative element of the lighting device 100 for a duration (e.g., 1 second or 2 seconds), and the controller 106 may enter the adjustment mode in response to a specific capacitive touch. When entering the adjustment mode, the controller 106 may change the CCT of the light provided by the optical module 104 to a default CCT value (e.g., CCT1). When entering the adjustment mode, the controller 106 may also change the brightness level of the light to a default lumen (e.g., 50 lumens or 1000 lumens). Alternatively, when entering the adjustment mode, the controller 106 may keep the CCT and / or the brightness level unchanged until an additional capacitive touch of the capacitive touch decorative element is detected. In some exemplary embodiments, if no capacitive touch of the capacitive touch decorative element is detected within a timeout period (e.g., 30 seconds or 1 minute) after the controller 106 enters the adjustment mode or after the last capacitive touch, the controller 106 may exit the adjustment mode. The controller 106 may re-enter the adjustment mode in response to a specific capacitive touch corresponding to entering the adjustment mode.

[0033] In some exemplary embodiments, the controller 106 may switch between the CCT adjustment mode and the brightness adjustment mode in response to a touch that lasts longer than a threshold time period (e.g., 1 second). After entering each mode, a quick double-touch (e.g., two touches within 1 second) and subsequent touches that last longer than the threshold time (e.g., 1 second) may cause the CCT or the brightness of the light to increase according to the specific mode. After entering each mode, a single quick touch (e.g., a touch that lasts half a second) and subsequent touches that last longer than the threshold time period (e.g., 1 second) may cause the CCT or the brightness of the light to decrease depending on the specific mode. After a timeout period, the controller 106 may exit the CCT adjustment mode / brightness adjustment mode, or in other alternative embodiments, the controller 106 may exit the adjustment mode by receiving certain touch patterns or sequences detected by the controller 106 that indicate that the adjustment is complete or cancelled. In another alternative embodiment, power cycling the controller 106 (and / or the driver) may also exit the adjustment mode.

[0034] In some alternative embodiments, the same touch sequences or patterns detected by the controller 106 as entering or exiting the adjustment mode described herein may be used to provide status indications ("status mode") of some functional aspects, components, or accessories associated with the lighting device (such as a daylight sensor, occupancy sensor, camera, emergency battery, power supply / driver, transceiver connection, or other features or functions). For example, the controller may detect a tapping sequence of a capacitive decorative element to enter the status mode, where the controller may then cause the lamp to flash or change the CCT or color to indicate the status of a backup battery associated with the lighting device (i.e., the light source flashes or turns green to indicate the current charge of the backup battery associated with the luminaire). As another example, the controller may detect a tapping sequence of a capacitive decorative element to enter the status mode, where the controller may then cause the lamp to flash or change the CCT or color to indicate the status of a transceiver (wireless connection) associated with the lighting device (i.e., the light source flashes or turns green to indicate the status of the wireless connection of the lighting device). In some embodiments implementing the "status mode" function, the controller may also transmit the status indication of the functions, components, or accessories associated with the lighting device to a remote device via a wired or wireless connection via a transmitter (i.e., a wireless transceiver).

[0035] By using the touch-sensitive interface unit 108 to receive user input as a capacitive touch, the CCT of the light provided by the lighting device 100 can be adjusted after the lighting device 100 is installed without the need to disassemble the lighting device 100. By using the touch-sensitive interface unit 108 to receive user input as a capacitive touch, the CCT of the light provided by the lighting device 100 can be adjusted without the need to wire to a wall unit and without the need for a wall unit having a CCT user input interface. Adjusting the CCT of the light provided by the lighting device 100 using capacitive touch enables the adjustment of the CCT during and after the installation of the lighting device 100.

[0036] In some alternative embodiments, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the optical module 104 may include more or fewer than three light sources. For example, if the optical module 104 includes more than three light sources that emit light having different CCTs from each other, then the optical module 104 may include more than three transistors, and the controller 106 may provide more than three light control signals to the optical module 104. In some alternative embodiments, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the driver 102 may supply current to the LED light sources 110, 112, 114 through separate channels. In some alternative embodiments, the transistors 116, 118, 120 may be connected to the respective light sources among the LED light sources 110, 112, 114 in a configuration different from the shown configuration without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the lighting device 100 may include other components in addition to the shown components without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, a capacitive touch pattern different from the above (e.g., touching twice within a period of time (e.g., 1 second), different durations, multiple rapid taps, or sliding a finger around a part or all of the perimeter of the decorative member, or sliding one finger or multiple fingers simultaneously, or a similar and distinguishable pattern that can be detected and / or distinguished by the controller) may be provided as user input without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 2 Illustrated is a Figure 1 lighting device according to an exemplary embodiment. Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , in some exemplary embodiments, the lighting device 100 includes a power supply unit 202, a driver 102, an optical module 104, a controller 106, and a touch-sensitive interface unit 108. The power unit 202 may receive AC power via an input voltage connection and supply DC power to the controller 106 at an appropriate voltage (e.g., 12V). For example, the power supply unit 202 may include one or more voltage regulators.

[0038] In some exemplary embodiments, the touch-sensitive interface unit 108 may include the capacitive touch decorative element 204 of the lighting device 100 and a touch switch 206 electrically connected to (although it may be mechanically connected or physically close or not mechanically connected or physically close) the capacitive touch decorative element 204. For example, the touch switch 206 may be connected to the capacitive touch decorative element 204 through one or more wires, and the one or more wires may be attached, for example, through one or more screws. In some alternative embodiments, the touch-sensitive interface unit may include the capacitive touch decorative element but not the touch switch. Instead, the touch switch may be remote from the lighting device, or the touch switch may be functionally incorporated into the controller and / or driver of the lighting device. The capacitive touch decorative element 204 may be made of a conductive material (e.g., metal, etc.) and / or may include a conductive material. The touch switch 206 may sense the capacitive touch of the capacitive touch decorative element 204 and provide a capacitive sensing signal to the controller 106. For illustrative purposes, the power supply unit 202 may supply a voltage to the touch-sensitive interface unit 108, which enables the touch-sensitive interface unit 108 to sense the capacitive touch and provide a capacitive sensing signal to the controller 106.

[0039] In some exemplary embodiments, the lighting device 100 may be a recessed luminaire or a surface-mounted luminaire, and the capacitive touch decorative element 204 may include an opening through which light from the light module 104 passes to illuminate the space below. For example, the capacitive touch decorative element 204 may be at least partially located below the ceiling such that the capacitive touch decorative element 204 is observable from below after installing (i.e., recessing or surface-mounting) the lighting device 100 and the user can access the capacitive touch decorative element from below to touch it without removing components of the lighting device 100. For example, the capacitive touch decorative element 204 may be a decorative ring of the decorative part of the lighting device 100 or an integrally formed decorative ring of the housing of the lighting device 100, which is exposed for observation and touch from below the lighting device 100.

[0040] In some alternative embodiments, the functions of the touch switch 206 and the controller 106 may be integrated into a single device without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, separate power units may supply power to different components of the lighting device 100.

[0041] Figure 3A and 3B Waveforms 300, 310 of lighting control signals according to example embodiments are shown, which are used to control Figure 1 the CCT of the light provided by the lighting device 100. Refer to Figure 1-3B, in some exemplary embodiments, the controller 106 adjusts the pulse widths / duty cycles of the PWM signals PWM1, PWM2, and PWM3 to control the intensities of the light provided by the LED light sources 110, 112, and 114, respectively. For example, as Figure 3A shown, the controller 106 may set the duty cycle of the PWM signal PWM3 to 0%, where the PWM signal PWM3 is used to control the intensity of the light provided by the LED light source 114 and has a CCT value CCT3. In Figure 3A , the duty cycles of the PWM signals PWM1 and PWM2 are non-zero. The PWM signals PWM1 and PWM2 are used to control the intensities of the light provided by the LED light sources 110 and 112, and the light provided by the optical module 104 is a combination of the light provided by the LED light sources 110 and 112, which has CCT values CCT1 and CCT2. Since the intensity of the light provided by the LED light sources 110 and 112 depends on the duty cycle of each of the PWM signals PWM1 and PWM2, the CCT of the light provided by the optical module 104 depends on the duty cycles of the PWM signals PWM1 and PWM2. For illustration purposes, the CCT value of the light provided by the optical module 104 may be between CCT1 and CCT2 and may be closer to CCT2 (compared to CCT1) because the duty cycle of the PWM signal PWM2 is greater than the duty cycle of the PWM signal PWM1.

[0042] In some exemplary embodiments, as Figure 3B shown, the controller 106 may set the duty cycle of the PWM signal PWM1 to 0%, where the PWM signal PWM1 is used to control the intensity of the light provided by the LED light source 110 and has a CCT value CCT1. In Figure 3B , the duty cycles of the PWM signals PWM2 and PWM3 are non-zero. The PWM signals PWM2 and PWM3 are used to control the intensities of the light provided by the LED light sources 112 and 114, and the light provided by the optical module 104 is a combination of the light provided by the LED light sources 112 and 114, which has CCT values CCT2 and CCT3. Since the intensity of the light provided by the LED light sources 112 and 114 depends on the duty cycle of each of the PWM signals PWM2 and PWM3, the CCT of the light provided by the optical module 104 depends on the duty cycles of the PWM signals PWM2 and PWM3. For illustration purposes, the CCT value of the light provided by the optical module 104 may be between CCT2 and CCT3 and may be closer to CCT3 (compared to CCT2) because the duty cycle of the PWM signal PWM3 is greater than the duty cycle of the PWM signal PWM2.

[0043] In some exemplary embodiments, to avoid exposing the driver 102 to an open load, the pulses of at least two of the PWM signals PWM1, PWM2, and PWM3 may overlap with each other. To addressFigure 3A To illustrate, pulse 302 of PWM signal PWM1 partially overlaps with pulse 304 of PWM signal PWM2, where the rising edge of pulse 302 of PWM signal PWM1 occurs before the falling edge of pulse 304 of PWM signal PWM2. As another example, pulse 302 of PWM signal PWM1 partially overlaps with pulse 306 of PWM signal PWM2, where the rising edge of pulse 306 of PWM signal PWM2 appears before the falling edge of pulse 302 of PWM signal PWM1.

[0044] In some exemplary embodiments, two of the PWM signals PWM1, PWM2, PWM3 can have a duty cycle of 0% without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, Table 1 below shows the duty cycles of PWM signals PWM1, PWM2, PWM3 relative to the associated CCT values CCT1, CCT2, CCT3 of the light emitted by LED light sources 110, 112, 114. For example, as shown in row 1 of Table 1, the duty cycle of PWM signal PWM1 can be 100%, and the duty cycles of PWM signals PWM2, PWM3 can be 0%, where the light provided by light module 104 and thus by lighting device 100 is the light emitted by LED light source 110 and has a CCT value of CCT1. For illustration purposes, controller 106 can set the duty cycles of PWM signals PWM1, PWM2, PWM3 as shown in row 1 of Table 1 in response to a capacitive touch of capacitive touch decorative element 204 of lighting device 100. Capacitive touch decorative element 204 can be coupled to touch switch 206 through one or more wires. For example, capacitive touch decorative element 204 can be made of a conductive material (e.g., steel, aluminum, conductive plastic material, or similar conductive metal or non-metal material).

[0045] In some exemplary embodiments, controller 106 can set the duty cycles of PWM signals PWM1, PWM2, PWM3 as shown in row 2 of Table 1 in response to another capacitive touch of capacitive touch decorative element 204 of lighting device 100. For example, as shown in row 2 of Table 1, the duty cycle of PWM signal PWM2 can be 100%, and the duty cycles of PWM signals PWM1, PWM3 can be 0%, where the light provided by light module 104 and thus by lighting device 100 is the light emitted by LED light source 112 and has a CCT value of CCT2.

[0046] In some exemplary embodiments, the controller 106 may set the duty cycles of the PWM signals PWM1, PWM2, and PWM3 as shown in row 3 of Table 1 in response to another capacitive touch of the capacitive touch decorative element 204 of the lighting device 100. For example, as shown in row 3 of Table 1, the duty cycle of the PWM signal PWM3 may be 100%, and the duty cycles of the PWM signals PWM1 and PWM2 may be 0%, where the light provided by the optical module 104 and thus by the lighting device 100 is the light emitted by the LED light source 114 and has a CCT value of CCT3.

[0047]

[0048] Table 1

[0049] In some exemplary embodiments, the controller 106 may gradually and continuously change the duty cycles of the PWM signals PWM1, PWM2, and PWM3 to the values shown in each row of Table 1 in response to a capacitive touch corresponding to a continuous CCT change (e.g., touch and hold for a duration) until the capacitive touch is removed. For example, when a capacitance corresponding to a continuous CCT change is detected, the controller 106 may set the duty cycles of the PWM signals PWM1, PWM2, and PWM3 to the values shown in row 1 of Table 1. After a waiting time period (e.g., 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 15 seconds, 30 seconds, etc.), the controller 106 may set the duty cycles of the PWM signals PWM1, PWM2, and PWM3 to the values shown in row 2 of Table 1 as long as the capacitive touch is still detected. After another waiting time period (e.g., 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 15 seconds, 30 seconds, etc.), the controller 106 may set the duty cycles of the PWM signals PWM1, PWM2, and PWM3 to the values shown in row 3 of Table 1 as long as the capacitive touch is still detected. If the capacitive touch is still detected, the controller 106 may set the duty cycles of the PWM signals PWM1, PWM2, and PWM3 to the values shown in row 1 of Table 1. The controller 106 may continue to change the values of the PWM signals PWM1, PWM2, and PWM3 until no capacitive touch is detected.

[0050] In some exemplary embodiments, the PWM signals PWM1, PWM2, and PWM3 may each have a non-zero duty cycle without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the light provided by the optical module 104 may be a combination of the lights provided by the LED light sources 110, 112, and 114, and the CCT of the light provided by the optical module 104 may be based on the intensities of these lights and CCT1, CCT2, and CCT3.

[0051] Figure 4 Shows an exemplary embodiment including Figure 1The lighting system 400 of the lighting device 100. In some exemplary embodiments, the lighting system 400 may further include a second lighting device 402. For example, the lighting device 402 may be a recessed luminaire, a surface-mounted luminaire, or other types of luminaires. Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 4 , the lighting device 100 includes the driver 102, the optical module 104, the controller 106, and the touch-sensitive interface unit 108 as described above with reference to Figure 1 . The optical module 104 may include LED light sources 110, 112, 114. The optical module 104 may further include transistors 116, 118, 120 that operate as switches to control the amount of current passing through the LED light sources 110, 112, 114 based on the PWM signals PWM1, PWM2, PWM3 respectively provided to the transistors 116, 118, 120 by the controller 106. The controller 106 may use the dimming level control signal DIM to control the total current provided to the optical module 104 by the driver 102. As described above with respect to the lighting device 100, since the intensity of each light provided by the LED light sources 110, 112, 114 depends on the duty cycle of the PWM signals PWM1, PWM2, PWM3, the CCT of the light provided by the optical module 104 and thus by the lighting device 100 may also depend on the duty cycle of the PWM signals PWM1, PWM2, PWM3.

[0052] In some exemplary embodiments, the lighting device 402 may include a driver 404 and an optical module 406. For example, the driver 404 may receive AC power via the input voltage connection of the lighting device 402 and supply power to the optical module 406 based on the dimming level control signal DIM2 provided by the controller 106 of the lighting device 100. For example, a wire may extend between the lighting device 100 and the lighting device 402 and connect the lighting device 100 to the lighting device 402. The dimming level control signal DIM2 may be the same as the dimming level control signal DIM provided to the driver 102 of the lighting device 100.

[0053] In some exemplary embodiments, the optical module 406 may include LED light sources 408, 410, 412. The light provided by the lighting device 402 may be one or a combination of the lights provided by the LED light sources 408, 410, 412. For illustration purposes, the optical module 406 may include transistors 414, 416, 418, and the transistors 414, 416, 418 operate as switches to control the amount of current passing through the LED light sources 408, 410, 412 based on the PWM signals PWM1, PWM2, PWM3 that are also provided to the transistors 116, 118, 120. For example, multiple electrical wires extending between the lighting device 100 and the lighting device 402 may carry the PWM signals PWM1, PWM2, PWM3. The controller 106 may provide the PWM signals PWM1, PWM2, PWM3 to the transistors 116, 118, 120 of the lighting device 100 and the transistors 414, 416, 418 of the lighting device 402 to consistently control the CCT of the light provided by the lighting devices 100 and 402.

[0054] For example, the LED light source 408 of the optical module 406 may emit light having a CCT value CCT1, which is the CCT of the light provided by the LED light source 110 of the optical module 104. The LED light source 410 of the optical module 406 may emit light having a CCT value CCT2, which is the CCT of the light provided by the LED light source 112 of the optical module 104. The LED light source 412 of the optical module 406 may emit light having a CCT value CCT3, which is the CCT of the light provided by the LED light source 114 of the optical module 104. As described above, CCT1 may be a warm CCT, CC3 may be a cold CCT, and CCT2 may be between CCT1 and CCT3.

[0055] Referring to Figure 1-4 , as described above, the controller 106 may control / regulate the CCT of the light provided by the lighting device 100 based on capacitive touch of the capacitive touch decorative element 204 (shown in Figure 2 ). By using the PWM signals PWM1, PWM2, PWM3 to control / regulate the intensity of the light provided by the LED light sources 110, 112, 114 respectively and the intensity of the light provided by the LED light sources 110, 112, 114 respectively, the controller 106 may control / regulate the CCT of the light provided by the lighting device 100 to be consistent with the CCT of the light provided by the lighting device 402. In some exemplary embodiments, the controller 106 may consistently control the CCT and the brightness level of the light provided by the lighting devices 100, 402 based on one or more capacitive touches in the manner described above with respect to the lighting device 100.

[0056] In some alternative embodiments, the lighting system 400 may include more than two lighting devices without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the light module 104 and the light module 406 may each include more or fewer LED light sources than shown without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the light module 104 and the light module 406 may include one or more other types of light sources as an alternative or in addition to the LED light source without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the lighting device 402 may include other components other than those shown without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0057] Figure 5 According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 The lighting device 100 corresponds to the lamp 500. For example, the lamp 500 may be a recessed lamp or a surface-mounted lamp that can be recessed or mounted to a wall or ceiling. Figure 1-5 In some exemplary embodiments, the lamp 500 includes a housing 502 and a light module 504. The housing 502 may include a capacitive touch decorative element 506. For example, the capacitive touch decorative element 506 may be a decorative ring of a decorative piece of the lamp 500 (e.g., a decorative piece attached to the housing 502) or an integrally formed decorative ring of the housing 502 (e.g., a flange or base of the housing 502). The capacitive touch decorative element 506 may correspond to Figure 2 204. After the light fixture 500 is installed, the capacitive touch decorative element 506 is exposed for viewing from below the light fixture 500. Typically, after the light fixture 500 is installed (e.g., recessed in or mounted to a wall or ceiling), the capacitive touch decorative element 506 is accessible to a user (e.g., a technician, a homeowner, etc.) without disassembling the light fixture 500 and without removing parts of the light fixture 500. The capacitive touch decorative element 506 of the housing 502 can be connected to the controller 106 or the touch switch 206 so that the controller 106 or the touch switch 206 ( Figure 2 ) can detect, for example, a touch of a capacitive touch decorative element 506 by a human hand 508.

[0058] In some alternative embodiments, the light fixture 500 may have a different shape than shown without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the capacitive touch decorative element 506 of the housing 502 may have a rectangular or other non-circular shape. In some alternative embodiments, the controller 106 may detect a capacitive touch of the capacitive touch decorative element 506 by an object other than the hand 508 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0059] Figure 6 According to another exemplary embodiment, Figure 1a luminaire 600 corresponding to the lighting device 100. For example, the luminaire 600 can be a linear / slender luminaire that can be suspended from or mounted to a ceiling. Refer to Figures 1 to 4 and Figure 6 , in some exemplary embodiments, the luminaire 600 includes a housing 602 and an optical module 604. The housing 602 can include end caps 606, 608 that can serve as capacitive touch decorative elements. For example, the end caps 606, 608 can each correspond to Figure 2 the capacitive touch decorative element 204 shown in. Generally, after the luminaire 600 is installed, the end caps 606, 608 can be accessed by a user (e.g., a technician, a homeowner, etc.) for touching without disassembling the luminaire 600 and without removing components of the luminaire 600. The end caps 606, 608 of the housing 602 can be connected to the controller 106 or the touch switch 206 such that the controller 106 or the touch switch 206 ( Figure 2 shown) can detect a touch of any one of the end caps 606, 608 by, for example, a human hand 610.

[0060] In some alternative embodiments, the luminaire 602 can have a shape different from the shape shown without departing from the scope of the present invention. In some alternative embodiments, the controller 106 can detect a capacitive touch of the end caps 606, 608 by an item other than the hand 610 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0061] Figure 7 shows a method 700 for controlling the CCT of light provided by the Figure 1 lighting device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. Refer to Figure 1-7 , in some exemplary embodiments, at step 702, the method 700 includes (e.g., by the controller 106) determining whether one or more capacitive touches of the capacitive touch decorative element 204 correspond to an adjustment mode input. If the one or more capacitive touches do not correspond to an adjustment mode input, the method 700 loops at step 702 until one or more capacitive touches of the capacitive touch decorative element 204 correspond to an adjustment mode input. For example, a capacitive touch of the capacitive touch decorative element (e.g., the capacitive touch decorative element 506 of the luminaire 500) for 2 seconds can correspond to an adjustment mode input.

[0062] If the one or more capacitive touches correspond to a dimming mode input, method 700 proceeds to step 704, in which the controller 106 enters the dimming mode and checks whether a subsequent one or more capacitive touches correspond to a single CCT change input. When entering the dimming mode, the controller 106 may change the brightness level of the light to a default lumen (e.g., 50 lumens or 1000 lumens). After entering the dimming mode, if the one or more capacitive touches correspond to a single CCT change input, then in step 706, the controller 106 may change the CCT of the light provided by the lighting device 100 by adjusting one or more of the PWM signals PWM1, PWM2, PWM3. After changing the CCT of the light provided by the lighting device 100, the controller 106 may check for additional one or more capacitive touches corresponding to a single CCT change input, unless a timeout period (e.g., 30 seconds, 1 minute, etc.) has elapsed since the last one or more capacitive touches (as checked in step 716). If it is determined in step 716 that the timeout period has elapsed, method 700 proceeds to step 702.

[0063] In step 704, if the one or more capacitive touches do not correspond to a single CCT change input, then in step 708, the controller 106 checks whether the one or more capacitive touches correspond to a continuous CCT change input. If the one or more capacitive touches correspond to a continuous CCT change input, then in step 710, the controller 106 may gradually and continuously change the CCT of the light provided by the lighting device 100 by adjusting one or more of the PWM signals PWM1, PWM2, PWM3. For example, when in the dimming mode, a capacitive touch longer than 2 seconds may correspond to a continuous CCT change input, and the controller 106 may continuously change the CCT of the light provided by the lighting device 100 after a waiting time interval as long as the capacitive touch is not terminated. Alternatively, the continuous CCT change may be terminated when the capacitive touch input corresponding to the continuous touch is terminated. After step 710, method 700 may proceed to step 704, unless a timeout period has elapsed since the previous one or more capacitive touches (as checked in step 716). If it is determined in step 716 that the timeout period has elapsed, method 700 proceeds to step 702.

[0064] In step 708, if the one or more capacitive touches do not correspond to a continuous CCT change input, then in step 712, the controller 106 checks whether the one or more capacitive touches correspond to a combined CCT / dimming change input. If the one or more capacitive touches correspond to a combined CCT / dimming change input, then in step 714, the controller 106 may change the CCT of the light provided by the lighting device 100 by adjusting one or more of the PWM signals PWM1, PWM2, PWM3, and may change the brightness level of the light by adjusting the dimming control signal DIM provided to the driver 102. For example, when in the adjustment mode, two capacitive touches lasting for 1 second may correspond to a combined CCT / dimming change input, and in response to such an input, the controller 106 may change the CCT and the brightness level of the light provided by the lighting device 100. After step 714, the method 700 may continue to step 704, unless the timeout period has elapsed since the last one or more capacitive touches (as checked in step 716). If it is determined in step 716 that the timeout period has elapsed, then the method 700 continues to step 702.

[0065] In some exemplary embodiments, the method 700 may be applied to the lighting device 100 and the lighting device 402 that are part of the lighting system 400 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the method 700 may be performed in a different order than that described without departing from the scope of the invention. In some alternative embodiments, the method 700 may include more or fewer steps than those described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As an alternative or addition to the above, other capacitive touches and touch patterns (e.g., multiple quick taps, or sliding a finger around a part or all of the perimeter of a decorative piece, sliding one finger or multiple fingers simultaneously, or similar and distinguishable patterns that can be detected and / or distinguished by the controller) may correspond to user inputs for changing the CCT of the light provided by the lighting device 100.

[0066] Figure 8 A method 800 for controlling the CCT and brightness level of light provided by a Figure 1 lighting device 100 is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Referring to Figure 1-8 , in some exemplary embodiments, in step 802, the method 800 includes controlling the light module 104 of the lighting device 100 to emit light by the controller 106 of the lighting device 100. For example, the controller 106 may control the driver 102 of the lighting device 100 to supply current to the light module 104. The controller 106 may also set / regulate the duty cycle of the PWM signals PWM1, PWM2, PMW3, for example, based on a default value or an existing configuration, to control the CCT of the light.

[0067] In some exemplary embodiments, at step 804, method 800 may include entering an adjustment mode by controller 106 in response to one or more capacitive touches of capacitive touch decorative element 204. For example, capacitive touch decorative element 204 may correspond to capacitive touch decorative element 506 of housing 502 of luminaire 500. The capacitive touch corresponding to the user input requesting to enter the adjustment mode may be a touch using a finger or another item on capacitive touch decorative element 204 for a threshold time period (e.g., 2 seconds). Controller 106 may enter the adjustment mode, for example, when the touch is removed.

[0068] In some exemplary embodiments, at step 806, controller 106 may adjust the brightness of the light to a brightness level that is less than a threshold brightness level (e.g., 50 lumens, 100 lumens, or 1000 lumens) or the same as the threshold brightness level when entering the adjustment mode. For example, controller 106 may adjust the brightness level of the light using a dimming level control signal DIM (e.g., a 0 - 10v signal) that is provided to driver 102 and controls the amount of current that driver 102 provides to light module 104. Adjusting the brightness level to be the same as or less than the threshold level may reduce glare to the user who may be providing a capacitive touch to change the CCT of the light when the user is evaluating the CCT.

[0069] In some exemplary embodiments, at step 808, method 800 may include controller 106 receiving one or more user inputs as one or more capacitive touches corresponding to one or more CCT changes of the light. For example, one or more capacitive touches may be provided to lighting device 100 by touching capacitive touch decorative element 204 of lighting device 100. At step 810, method 800 may include controller 106 adjusting the CCT of the light based on the one or more capacitive touches, where the capacitive touch decorative element faces the space illuminated by the lamp when lighting device 100 is installed or after lighting device 100 is installed. Controller 106 may step through a single CCT change or multiple CCT changes according to the specific one or more capacitive touches as described above.

[0070] In some exemplary embodiments, if dependent on the specific one or more capacitive touches as described above, method 800 may further include performing a combined CCT and brightness level change. Method 800 may also include exiting the adjustment mode if no capacitive touch is detected within a threshold time period (e.g., 30 seconds, 1 minute, etc.). As described with respect to Figure 4 Controller 106 may also change the CCT and brightness level of the light provided by lighting device 402 based on the capacitive touch of capacitive touch decorative element 204.

[0071] In some alternative embodiments, method 800 may be performed in an order different from that described, without departing from the scope of the present invention. In some alternative embodiments, method 800 may include more or fewer steps than those described, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, steps 804 and 806 may be omitted, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0072] Figure 9 Shown is a lighting device 904 according to another exemplary embodiment, which has a remotely located controller and driver. As Figure 9 shown, the junction box 900 is located away from the lighting device, wherein at least one power cord 906 is connected to and extends from the driver housed by the junction box 900, and one or more wires 902 are connected between the controller (and / or touch switch, as described above, which is separate from or part of the controller) and the housing of the lighting device 904. Through electrical and / or mechanical contact with the housing of the lighting device 904 (or in some embodiments, integrated with the housing of the lighting device 904), the capacitive touch decorative element 910 can be connected to the controller or to the touch switch, such that the controller or touch switch 206 (not shown) can detect a touch of, for example, a person's hand on the capacitive touch decorative element 910. In some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the capacitive touch decorative element 910 may correspond to Figure 2 the capacitive touch decorative element shown. In Figure 9 an example, the wire 902 is connected to the housing of the lighting device 904. The decorative element 910 that includes or serves as a touch interface either is integrated with Figure 9 the embodiment of, or as shown in Figure 9 the embodiment of, is electrically (and / or mechanically) connected to the housing via one or more connectors 908 (e.g., screws or similar conductive fasteners), such that when a user touches the decorative element 910 after the lighting device 904 has been installed in the ceiling, the wire 902 can transmit a signal indicating a change in capacitance. In some exemplary embodiments, the controller may instruct the driver to adjust one or more PWM signals leading to the light source of the lighting device 904 based on the signal received from the wire 902 to control the CCT (or intensity) of the light provided by the lighting device 904. In Figure 9 an alternative embodiment, the wire 902 may be included in or bundled with the power cord 906, and / or the wire 902 may be connected via a conductive removable connector, or permanently welded or directly electrically connected to the decorative element 910 portion of the lighting device 904.

[0073] Figure 10 Shown is Figure 9 a second view of the exemplary embodiment of. As Figure 10As shown, a wire 1004 for transmitting a signal indicative of a capacitance change of a housing (including a decorative element) of an indicating lamp 1000 mechanically and electrically connects the wire 1004 to the lamp 1000 and a controller 1008 through a connector 1002 (removable like a screw or permanently connectable like a rivet). In Figure 10 a power supply wire 1006 is also shown, which connects a light source of the lamp 1000 to a remotely located driver (not shown) via a cable connector 1010 that connects two power supply wire segments, one power supply wire segment being electrically connected to the light source of the lamp and the other power supply wire segment being connected to the driver (not shown). In Figure 10 In the exemplary lighting device shown in , without departing from the scope of the present invention, the functions of a touch switch and a controller can be integrated into a single device (controller 1008). In some alternative embodiments, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, a separate power unit (driver) can supply power to different components of the lighting device. In some alternative embodiments, the power supply wire 1006 and the wire 1004 can coexist in the same insulating tube or conduit between the lamp 1000 and the remotely located driver or controller 1008. In some other alternative embodiments, the controller 1008 (or touch switch) can be incorporated into a mechanical and electrical connector located between the lamp and the remotely located driver and / or controller, or in other alternative embodiments, the controller 1008 (and / or touch switch function) can be incorporated into the remotely located driver and be located in the same chassis, housing, or junction box as the driver circuit.

[0074] Figure 11 An exploded view of a lighting device 1100 according to an exemplary embodiment of Figure 9 is shown. As Figure 11 shown, a wire 1108 is connected at one end to a controller and / or touch switch (not shown) and is connected to a lamp housing 1106 by mechanically and electrically coupling a wire terminal 1104 to the lamp housing 1106 through the wire terminal 1104 and a screw 1102. Although the wire terminal 1104 and the screw 1102 provide a mechanical and electrical connection between the wire 1108 and the housing 1106 in the exemplary embodiment of Figure 11 , other alternative embodiments can use other mechanical and / or electrical connectors to connect the wire 1108 to the housing 1106 (e.g., clips, rivets, welds, plug-and-play connectors, or similar mechanical and / or electrical connectors).

[0075] As Figure 11 shown, the lamp housing 1106 is a plurality of pieces (e.g., a back portion 1110 and a decorative piece portion 1112) that are mechanically and electrically coupled to each other. In Figure 11In the embodiment shown, the screw 1102 not only mechanically and electrically connects the terminal 1104 of the wire 1108 to the housing, but also mechanically connects the back portion 1110 and the trim piece portion 1112, such that attaching the wire 1108 to the housing 1106 and electrically coupling it to the trim piece portion 1112 Figure 11 in the exemplary embodiment does not require additional or dedicated hardware. In some alternative embodiments, the trim piece portion 1112 may be integral with the housing 1106 as a single unitary piece. After the luminaire 1100 is installed in the ceiling, the trim portion 1112 may include a capacitive touch trim surface that is exposed below the ceiling. For example, after the luminaire 1100 is installed in the ceiling, the capacitive touch decorative element may be a decorative ring of the trim of the luminaire 1100 (e.g., the trim attached to the housing 1106) or may be an integrally formed decorative ring of the housing 1106 that is exposed below the ceiling.

[0076] In some alternative embodiments, similar to Figure 11 the embodiment shown, the trim piece portion 1112 (or a sub-component of the trim piece portion 1112) may be plastic or other non-conductive material, wherein the sensitivity of the controller (or touch switch) is such that an object or hand touching the surface of the plastic trim piece portion 1112 will be close enough (and / or the plastic thickness is thin enough) to sense the capacitance change caused by the position of the object or hand (touching or approaching the plastic trim piece portion 1112) close to the conductive back portion 1110 of the housing 1112.

[0077] In other alternative embodiments, similar to Figures 9 to 11 the embodiments shown, wherein the wire connecting the controller to the luminaire is connected to the housing, other event detections that detect capacitance changes of the housing using the detectability of the controller are possible. For example, as an alternative to putting the controller into a calibration mode or changing the CCT, color, or intensity of the light from the luminaire, the capacitance change detection may indicate that something is touching the luminaire housing above the ceiling for a length of time longer than a set time period, which may indicate that something is touching the luminaire that should not be touched. For example, a water droplet or leak above the ceiling, an animal or insect nest, a fire or vibration hazard, or other unwanted physical engagement with the luminaire housing that occurs above the ceiling (which cannot be seen from below the ceiling or occurs on the trim of the luminaire on the room side of the ceiling). In such embodiments, as an alternative to changing the CCT or intensity settings of the luminaire, the controller (and / or driver) may cause the light to blink or flash or provide another visual indication using the light from the luminaire, and / or send a signal or message indicating the extended capacitance change detection to a remote device to allow someone to inspect the luminaire and / or the ceiling cavity.

[0078] Although specific embodiments have been described in detail herein, the description has been by way of example. The features of the exemplary embodiments described herein are representative, and in alternative embodiments, certain features, elements, and / or steps may be added or omitted. Additionally, those skilled in the art may make modifications to aspects of the exemplary embodiments described herein without departing from the scope of the appended claims, and the scope of the appended claims will be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass such modifications and equivalent structures.

Claims

1. A recessed lighting device (100, 500), comprising: a light module (104) configured to emit light; a capacitive touch decorative element (204, 502); and a controller (106) configured to change a correlated color temperature (CCT) of the light from a first CCT value (CCT1) to a second CCT value (CCT2) based on one or more capacitive touches of the user on the capacitive touch decorative element (204, 506), wherein, after the recessed lighting device is installed in a ceiling, the capacitive touch decorative element is exposed for viewing from below the ceiling and the capacitive touch decorative element is accessible from below the ceiling for touching, and wherein, after installation, the one or more capacitive touches can be detected along a surface of the capacitive touch decorative element from below the ceiling without removing components of the lighting device.

2. The recessed lighting device according to claim 1, wherein, the controller (106) is configured to: enter an adjustment mode in response to one or more capacitive touches of the capacitive touch decorative element (204, 506) that are longer than a duration, and wherein the controller is configured to adjust the CCT of the light after entering the adjustment mode, and wherein the controller does not adjust the CCT of the light in response to one or more capacitive touches received before entering the adjustment mode.

3. The recessed lighting device according to claim 1, wherein, the controller (106) is configured to: enter an adjustment mode in response to a series of capacitive touches of the capacitive touch decorative element (204, 506) detected by the controller, and wherein the controller is configured to adjust the CCT of the light after entering the adjustment mode; and wherein the controller does not adjust the CCT of the light in response to one or more capacitive touches received before entering the adjustment mode.

4. The recessed lighting device according to claim 1, wherein, the capacitive touch decorative element (204, 502) includes a non-conductive portion.

5. The recessed lighting device according to claim 1, wherein, the capacitive touch decorative element (204, 502) includes a housing of the light module.

6. The recessed lighting device according to claim 2, wherein, the controller (106) is configured to: when entering the adjustment mode, and before adjusting the CCT of the light based on one or more subsequent capacitive touches of the capacitive touch decorative element (204, 506), adjust the CCT of the light to a default value.

7. The recessed lighting device according to claim 2, wherein, the controller (106) is configured to adjust the brightness of the light to a brightness level less than or the same as a threshold brightness level when entering the adjustment mode.

8. The recessed lighting device according to claim 2, wherein, The controller (106) is configured to change the CCT of the light from the first CCT value (CCT1) to the second CCT value (CCT2) upon capacitive touch of the capacitive touch decorative element (204, 506), and wherein the duration of the capacitive touch is less than a threshold time period.

9. The recessed lighting device according to claim 2, wherein, the controller (106) is remote from the light module and the capacitive touch decorative element (204, 502).

10. The recessed lighting device according to claim 9, wherein, the controller is connected to the housing via at least one wire (902), wherein when a person touches the capacitive touch decorative element (204, 502), a signal can be detected from the capacitive touch decorative element to the housing, and the signal is sent to the controller via the at least one wire, wherein the controller interprets the signal to either enter an adjustment mode or cause an adjustment of the CCT of the light emitted by the recessed lighting device.

11. The recessed lighting device according to claim 9, wherein, the controller (106) is included as part of a driver of the recessed lighting device.

12. A method (800) of controlling the correlated color temperature (CCT) of light emitted by a recessed lighting device (100, 500), the method comprising: controlling (802) a light module of the recessed lighting device by a controller (106) to emit light; receiving (808) by the controller (106) one or more user inputs provided as one or more capacitive touches of a capacitive touch decorative element (204, 506); and adjusting (810) by the controller (106) the CCT of the light from a first CCT value (CCT1) to a second CCT value (CCT2) based on the one or more capacitive touches, wherein after the recessed lighting device is installed in a ceiling, the capacitive touch decorative element (204, 506) is exposed for viewing from below the ceiling and the capacitive touch decorative element is accessible from below the ceiling for touching, and wherein after installation, the one or more capacitive touches can be detected along a surface of the capacitive touch decorative element from below the ceiling without removing components of the lighting device.

13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising: entering (804) an adjustment mode by the controller (106) in response to one or more second capacitive touches of the capacitive touch decorative element (204, 506) before adjusting the CCT of the light based on the one or more capacitive touches.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: adjusting the brightness of the light to a brightness level less than or the same as a threshold brightness level when entering the adjustment mode to reduce glare of the light during an evaluation of the CCT of the light.

15. The method according to claim 12, further comprising entering a status mode by the controller (106) in response to one or more second capacitive touches of the capacitive touch decorative element (204, 506), wherein, the controller causes the light emitted by the lighting device to indicate the status of a battery electrically connected to the lighting device.

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