Determining non-linear mapping of light setting to light source of light string

Abstract

The controller (41) is configured to emit a command to the light string (1) to present a light effect. The command specifies one or more colors and / or light intensities. The controller or the light string is configured to receive a first input signal specifying a first spatial distribution. The first spatial distribution indicates a first position of a light source (11-19) of the string relative to the object. The light string is configured to: receive a command; in response to the command, determining a first mapping of light settings to the light source based on the one or more colors and / or light intensities and also based on the first spatial distribution; and controlling the light source to present the light setting according to the first mapping. The first mapping corresponds to a non-linear or otherwise unequal light setting distribution on the light source.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a string of lights and a controller.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a lighting system comprising a string of lights and a controller.

[0003] The present invention further relates to a method for controlling multiple independent controllable light sources in a string of lights.

[0004] The present invention also relates to a computer program product that enables a computer system to execute this method. Background Technology

[0005] The number of static and dynamic lighting effects that can be presented by connected lighting systems continues to increase. For example, the number of dynamic effects supported by Hue systems has been steadily growing over the past few years, including natural effects (such as candles and fire), dynamic scenes involving slowly shifting palette colors, wellness effects (such as waking up and falling asleep), and effects related to music and light integration. These effects are typically presented on devices with a single light source (e.g., a light bulb) or pixelated lighting devices (e.g., the Hue gradient product range).

[0006] When rendering lighting effects on strings of lights comprising numerous small, direct-view light sources, achieving the desired lighting effect becomes more challenging. Twinkly string lights can achieve this by allowing users to use the Twinkly app to render the lighting effects as desired. This app uses the user's phone's camera to scan the user's (or one or more) string of lights, map the position of each LED, and translate them into a virtual display. The drawback of this approach is that transmitting the light settings for each light source / pixel consumes considerable bandwidth when the number of light sources / pixels is large, and low-power wireless protocols such as Zigbee have limited bandwidth.

[0007] US 2021 / 0092817 A1 discloses a method for generating dynamic lighting effects on an array of light sources, which addresses this problem. The method includes obtaining or generating a vector having multiple behavioral parameters (including at least velocity and direction) and one or more appearance parameters (including at least color and / or brightness); mapping the vector onto the array of light sources over time based on the vector's behavioral parameters; and controlling the light output of multiple light sources over time based on the mapping from the vector to the array of light sources and based on the vector's appearance parameters.

[0008] The drawback of the method described in US 2021 / 0092817 A1 is that, because string lights can be used in different configurations, the distribution of light sources across the height of an object (such as a Christmas tree) may not be uniform. This can affect the presentation of static and dynamic lighting effects, where, in the case of static lighting effects, some colors may stand out more than expected, and in the case of dynamic lighting effects, some parts of the light source may be perceived as more or less dynamic than others. For example, a moving gradient effect on a Christmas tree may appear slower at the base of the tree than at the top. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The first object of the present invention is to provide a lighting system that can be used to control the light source of a string of lights to present a light effect in the manner intended while limiting bandwidth usage.

[0010] A second object of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling the light source of a string of lights to present a light effect in the manner intended while limiting bandwidth usage.

[0011] In a first aspect of the invention, a lighting system includes a string of lights and a controller for controlling the string of lights. The controller includes at least one receiver, at least one transmitter, and at least one processor. The string of lights includes a plurality of individually controllable light sources, at least one additional receiver, and at least one additional processor. The at least one processor of the controller is configured to transmit a command to the string of lights via the at least one transmitter to present a light effect on the string of lights. The command specifies one or more colors and / or one or more light intensities. The at least one additional processor of the string of lights is configured to: receive the command via the at least one additional receiver; determine a first mapping of a light setting to the light sources based on the one or more colors and / or the one or more light intensities in response to the command; and control the light sources to present the light setting according to the first mapping.

[0012] The at least one processor or the at least one additional processor is configured to receive a first input signal specifying a first spatial distribution indicating a first position of the light source relative to an object, and the at least one additional processor is configured to further determine a first mapping based on the first spatial distribution, the first mapping corresponding to a nonlinear or other unequal light setting distribution on the light source.

[0013] The command requires minimal bandwidth and the lighting effects can be rendered as intended by determining the mapping based on the spatial distribution of the light source relative to the object's position and one or more colors and / or light intensities specified in the command, as well as the position of the light source of the indicator string. The lighting effects can be rendered as intended because the mapping can be determined to ensure that equal spatial and / or temporal light distribution is perceived across the entire height of the object. This is achieved by using a non-linear or other unequal light setting distribution on the light source for at least a first spatial distribution of the light source.

[0014] For example, the object can be conical, spherical, or hourglass-shaped. For example, the object can be a Christmas tree. For example, the command can specify one or more colors and / or one or more light intensities by specifying one or more color values ​​and / or one or more intensity values, or by specifying a light scene identifier associated with one or more color values ​​and / or one or more intensity values. The string of lights does not need to be linear. For example, the string of lights can have a T-shape. The light sources of the string of lights can be distributed across multiple independent components that can be connected by the user. For example, the user may be able to connect multiple linear strings to another linear string to obtain a (composite) string with a T-shape.

[0015] In a linear distribution of light settings on a light source, each color or light intensity is mapped to (approximately) the same number of light sources. In traditional string lights, this linear distribution is used for gradient effects (of color and / or intensity) and for marking effects independent of the light source's position. In marking effects, only the specified color is rendered, and no light source renders an interpolated color. Using the system described above, a nonlinear light setting distribution can be used for at least a first spatial distribution of the light source. The first spatial distribution can be a linear or nonlinear spatial distribution of the light source. However, the first spatial distribution is typically an unequal / non-uniform spatial distribution of the light source, where the density of the light source varies relative to the length of the object across the string.

[0016] Not all lighting effects include a spatial light setting distribution. Some lighting effects only include a temporal light setting distribution. For example, in a flashing effect, each light source presents a certain color with a certain probability, and in a blinking effect, each light source presents a certain color with a certain transition speed. The transition speed defines the period during which the light source is off. In traditional string lights, the same probability or transition speed is applied to all light sources, and therefore an equal distribution of light settings is used on the light sources. Using the system described above, unequal light setting distributions can be applied to at least a first spatial distribution of the light sources. For example, the probability of the lighting effect being presented or the transition speed of the lighting effect can be different for each light source or each group of light sources.

[0017] The at least one processor or the at least one additional processor may be configured to receive a second input signal specifying a second spatial distribution indicating a second position of the light source relative to a second object. The at least one additional processor may be configured to: determine a second mapping of light settings to the light source based on the one or more colors and / or the one or more light intensities and also based on the second spatial distribution, the second mapping corresponding to a linear or other equivalent light setting distribution on the light source; and control the light source to present the light settings according to the second mapping. For example, the second object may be cylindrical or rectangular.

[0018] The lighting system may include additional light strings, which include multiple additional individually controllable light sources, at least one additional receiver, and at least one additional processor. The at least one additional processor is configured to: receive additional commands via the at least one additional receiver to render the lighting effect on the additional light strings, the additional commands specifying the one or more colors and / or the one or more light intensities; in response to the additional commands, further map the light settings to the other light sources based on the one or more colors and / or the one or more light intensities, the further mapping corresponding to a linear or other equal light setting distribution on the other light sources; and control the other light sources to render the light settings according to the further mapping.

[0019] The additional string of lights can be configured in a similar manner to the original string and can determine a mapping corresponding to a linear or other equal distribution of light settings on its light sources, since its light sources are uniformly distributed along the height of the object (e.g., when the object is cylindrical or rectangular). Alternatively, the additional string of lights may not be configured to determine the mapping based on a spatial distribution indicating the position of its light sources relative to the object, and may be, for example, a conventional string of lights.

[0020] The first spatial distribution can be represented by one or more of the shape of the light string relative to the object, the shape of the object, and the number of light sources in each part of the object, and the at least one additional processor can be configured to determine the first mapping based on at least one of the shape of the light string, the shape of the object, and the number of light sources in each part of the object. This spatial distribution indicates the position of the light sources relative to the object and can be used, for example, when no more accurate positional information is available.

[0021] For example, an object can be divided into multiple sections of equal height. Spatial distribution can specify, for example, the spatial distribution of a string of lights with 108 light sources (48 light sources placed on the first section of the object, 36 light sources on the second section, and 24 light sources on the third section). Light sources within the same section do not need to present the same lighting setup. For example, ten groups presenting the same lighting setup can be determined based on the specified spatial distribution of the three sections.

[0022] The shape of an object can also be used as an indicator of the location of a light source (e.g., when the object has a regular shape). For example, the object could be a Christmas tree. If the aspect ratio of the object is unknown, an average aspect ratio can be assumed. If the more precise location of the light source is unknown, it can also be assumed that the light string is wrapped around the object in a typical manner, although in this case the shape of the light string relative to the object is preferable.

[0023] The one or more colors may include multiple colors, the lighting effect may include a spatial color distribution, and the at least one additional processor may be configured to determine the first mapping based on the multiple colors and the first spatial distribution, the first mapping corresponding to a non-linear color distribution on the light source. For example, the lighting effect may be a color gradient lighting effect.

[0024] The lighting effect may include a temporal light distribution, and the at least one additional processor may be configured to determine the first mapping based on the first spatial distribution, such that the transition speed of the lighting effect for each light source or the probability of the lighting effect being displayed for each light source depends on the first spatial distribution. For example, the lighting effect may be a flashing effect or a flickering effect.

[0025] The at least one processor or the at least one additional processor may be configured to obtain information indicating the accuracy and / or reliability of the first spatial distribution, and the at least one additional processor may be configured to determine the dynamic level of the first mapping and / or the light effect based on the accuracy and / or the reliability.

[0026] If the spatial distribution is not (very) accurate (e.g., object size is unknown or other configuration parameters are unknown), aspects of the lighting effect can be masked to minimize noticeable artifacts. This masking can be achieved, for example, by reducing the dynamic level of the lighting effect and / or by adjusting the mapping to reduce differences in lighting settings between consecutive light sources. For example, the dynamic level can be reduced by decreasing the frequency at which the light source can present different lighting settings. Spatial effects can be made less noticeable, for example, by increasing the smoothing parameter or by increasing the pixel size of the effect (i.e., by using a larger group presenting the same lighting settings). Not only can spatial smoothing be increased, but temporal smoothing can also be increased (which further reduces differences between consecutive lighting settings presented by the same light source).

[0027] In a second aspect of the invention, a string of lights for use in a lighting system includes the plurality of independently controllable light sources, the at least one additional receiver, and the at least one additional processor, wherein the at least one additional processor is configured to: receive a first input signal specifying a first spatial distribution indicating a first position of the light source relative to the object; receive a command via the at least one additional receiver; in response to the command, determine a first mapping of light settings to the light source based on the one or more colors and / or the one or more light intensities and further based on the first spatial distribution, the first mapping corresponding to a nonlinear or other unequal light setting distribution on the light source; and control the light source to present the light setting according to the first mapping.

[0028] In a third aspect of the invention, a controller for use in a lighting system includes the at least one receiver, the at least one transmitter, and the at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: receive a first input signal specifying a first spatial distribution, the first spatial distribution indicating the first position of the light source of the light string relative to the object; determine a first mapping instruction for the light string based on the first spatial distribution; and transmit the first mapping instruction and the command to the light string via the at least one transmitter to present the light effect on the light string, such that the at least one additional processor of the light string determines the first mapping based on the one or more colors and / or the one or more light intensities and further based on the first spatial distribution, the first mapping corresponding to a nonlinear or other unequal light setting distribution on the light source.

[0029] The first mapping instruction can specify the light settings for each light source only for a subset of the light sources, the light effect transition speed for each light source for all the light sources, the light effect transition speed for each light source only for a subset of the light sources, the light effect rendering probability for each light source for all the light sources, the light effect rendering probability for each light source only for a subset of the light sources, or multiple groups of light sources, each of the multiple groups presenting different light settings, and all light sources in a single group presenting the same light settings.

[0030] As a first example, the mapping instructions can be specified on a string of 100 pixels, where color 1 should be rendered by pixel 1 (the first pixel), color 2 by pixel 20, color 3 by pixel 50, and color 4 by pixel 100 (the last pixel). The string can then optionally interpolate these values ​​for intermediate pixels. As a second example, the mapping instructions can be specified on a string of 100 pixels, where groups of pixels 1-4, 5-9, 10-16, 17-24, 25-33, 34-43, 44-56, 57-70, 71-85, and 85-100 should each render different light settings. The string can then render ten different colors, for example, four user-specified colors and six interpolated colors across the ten groups.

[0031] This significantly reduces the required bandwidth compared to issuing one or more commands specifying the color of each light source. Even specifying the transition speed of the light effect for each light source (e.g., for a flickering effect) or the probability of the light effect being displayed for each light source (e.g., for a flashing effect) for all said light sources would reduce the required bandwidth, as this would only need to be done at the beginning of the light effect display. Issuing a command specifying the color of each light source every time a color change is required requires much more bandwidth. However, specifying the transition speed or probability of the light effect for each light source only for a subset of the light sources requires even less bandwidth.

[0032] As a third example, the mapping instruction can be specified on a string of 100 pixels, where pixel 1 (i.e., the first pixel) changes quickly over time, pixel 20 changes slowly over time, pixel 50 changes even slower over time, and pixel 100 (i.e., the last pixel) changes the slowest over time. The string of lights can then optionally interpolate these values ​​for the intermediate pixels.

[0033] In a fourth aspect of the invention, a method for controlling a plurality of individually controllable light sources in a string of lights includes: receiving a first input signal specifying a first spatial distribution indicating a first position of the light sources relative to an object; and transmitting from a controller to the string of lights a command that presents a light effect on the string of lights, the command specifying one or more colors and / or one or more light intensities.

[0034] The method further includes: at the light string, in response to the command, determining a first mapping of light settings to the light source based on the one or more colors and / or the one or more light intensities and also based on the first spatial distribution, the first mapping corresponding to a nonlinear or other unequal light setting distribution on the light source; and controlling the light source at the light string to present the light settings according to the first mapping. The method can be executed by software running on a programmable device. This software can be provided as a computer program product.

[0035] In addition, one or more computer programs are provided for performing the method steps described herein (e.g., computer programs for performing method steps to be performed by a string of lights and / or computer programs for performing method steps to be performed by a controller), and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for storing the one or more computer programs. The computer programs may be downloaded or uploaded to existing devices, for example, or stored during the manufacture of these systems.

[0036] As those skilled in the art will appreciate, aspects of the present invention can be embodied as devices, methods, or computer program products. Therefore, aspects of the present invention can take the form of entirely hardware embodiments, entirely software embodiments (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or embodiments combining software and hardware aspects, which are generally referred to herein as “circuit,” “module,” or “system.” The functionality described in this disclosure can be implemented as algorithms executed by a computer’s processor / microprocessor. Furthermore, aspects of the present invention can take the form of computer program products embodied in one or more computer-readable media having computer-readable program code embodied thereon (e.g., stored thereon).

[0037] Any combination of one or more computer-readable media can be used. A computer-readable medium can be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium can be, for example, but not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatuses, or devices, or any suitable combination thereof. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media may include, but are not limited to, electrical connections having one or more wires, portable computer disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof. In the context of this invention, a computer-readable storage medium can be any tangible medium that can contain or store a program used by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0038] Computer-readable signal media may include propagated data signals having computer-readable program code embodied therein (e.g., in baseband or as part of a carrier wave). Such propagated signals may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electromagnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer-readable signal medium may be any computer-readable medium that is not a computer-readable storage medium and may convey, propagate, or deliver a program used by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0039] The program code embodied on a computer-readable medium can be transmitted using any suitable medium—including, but not limited to, wireless, wired, fiber optic, cable, RF, or any suitable combination thereof. The computer program code for carrying out the operations of various aspects of the invention can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​(such as Java™, Smalltalk, or C++) and conventional procedural programming languages ​​(such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages). The program code can be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computer via any type of network (including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN)) or can be connected to an external computer (e.g., via the Internet provided by an Internet service provider).

[0040] Various aspects of the invention are described below with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, particularly a microprocessor or central processing unit (CPU), to produce a machine such that the instructions, executable via the processor of the computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device, create means for implementing the functions / actions specified in the flowchart illustrations and / or one or more block diagram blocks.

[0041] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable medium that can instruct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to operate in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium produce an article of writing, which includes instructions that implement functions / actions specified in flowcharts and / or one or more block diagrams.

[0042] Computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus, provide for implementing the functions / actions specified in the flowchart and / or one or more block diagram boxes.

[0043] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of devices, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, comprising one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions described in the blocks may not appear in the order shown in the figures. For example, two blocks shown consecutively may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or sometimes these blocks may be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It will also be noted that each block in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, may be implemented by a system based on dedicated hardware, or a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions, that performs the specified function or action. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Referring to the accompanying drawings, these and other aspects of the invention will be clear and further illustrated by way of example, in which: Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an embodiment of the system; Figure 2 Examples of linear and nonlinear light setting distributions on the light source of the light string are shown; Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the first embodiment of the method; Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the second embodiment of the method; Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the third embodiment of the method; Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the fourth embodiment of the method; and Figure 7 This is a block diagram of an exemplary data processing system for performing the methods of the present invention.

[0045] Corresponding elements in the accompanying drawings are represented by the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Figure 1 An embodiment of a lighting system is illustrated. The lighting system includes a (light) controller 41, a light string 1, and a light string 21. For example, the controller 41 may be a Hue bridge. Light string 1 includes nine individually controllable light sources 11-19. Light string 21 includes nine individually controllable light sources 31-39. The different light sources in the light strings can have different light settings (on / off, color, intensity). Figure 1 In one embodiment, each light source includes a single light element, such as a direct-emitting LED or a phosphor-converted LED. In an alternative embodiment, one or more of the light sources include multiple light elements. In practice, a string of lights will typically have far more than nine light sources.

[0047] exist Figure 1 In this embodiment, light strings 1 and 21 can be controlled via controller 41, for example, using Zigbee technology. Controller 41 is connected to wireless LAN access point 51, for example, via Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Mobile device 53 is also connected to wireless LAN access point 51, for example, via Wi-Fi. For example, mobile device 53 can be a mobile phone, tablet, or smartwatch. Users can control light strips 1 and 21 using an app running on mobile device 53 via wireless LAN access point 51 and controller 41.

[0048] To simplify control of pixelated lighting devices, the app does not require the user to specify the color of each light source in the light strip. Instead, it asks the user to specify a limited number of colors and / or light intensities (e.g., three). For example, the app can create color gradients using the limited number of colors specified by the user. Alternatively, for example, this limited number of colors and / or light intensities can be extracted from an image selected by the user.

[0049] The light string 1 includes a control box 2, light sources 11-19, and a control interface 6 between the control box 2 and the light sources 11-19. The control box 2 includes a receiver 3, a transmitter 4, and a processor 5. The controller 41 includes a receiver 43, a transmitter 44, a processor 45, and a memory 47. The processor 45 or processor 5 is configured to receive a first input signal specifying a first spatial distribution. The first spatial distribution indicates a first position of the light sources 11-19 relative to an object. For example, the object may be conical, spherical, or hourglass-shaped. For example, the object may be a Christmas tree.

[0050] Processor 45 is configured to transmit a command via transmitter 44 to the light string 1 to present a lighting effect on the light string 1. The command specifies one or more colors and / or one or more light intensities. Processor 5 is configured to: receive the command via receiver 3; in response to the command, determine a first mapping of the light setup to the light sources 11-19 based on one or more colors and / or one or more light intensities and also based on a first spatial distribution; and control the light sources 11-19 to present the light setup according to the first mapping. The first mapping corresponds to a non-linear or other unequal light setup distribution on the light sources 11-19.

[0051] In a linear distribution of light settings on a light source, each color or light intensity is mapped to (approximately) the same number of light sources. In conventional string lights, this linear distribution is used for gradient effects (of color and / or intensity) and for marking effects independent of the position of the light source. In a marking effect, only the specified color is rendered, and no light source renders the interpolated color. String light 1 may use a non-linear light setting distribution for at least a first spatial distribution of the light sources (e.g., in the case of a gradient or marking effect).

[0052] Not all lighting effects include a spatial light setting distribution. Some lighting effects only include a temporal light setting distribution. For example, in a flash effect, each light source has a certain probability of displaying a certain color, and in a blink effect, each light source displays a certain color with a certain transition speed. The transition speed defines the period during which the light source is off. In traditional string lights, the same probability or transition speed is applied to all light sources, and therefore an equal distribution of light settings is used on the light sources. String 1 can use unequal light setting distributions for at least a first spatial distribution (e.g., in the case of a flash or blink effect). For example, the probability of the light effect being displayed or the transition speed of the light effect may differ for each light source or each group of light sources.

[0053] For example, the first spatial distribution can be represented by one or more of the following: the shape of the light string 1 relative to the object, the shape of the object, and the number of light sources for each part of the object. The processor 5 can be configured to determine the first mapping based on the first spatial distribution by determining the first mapping based on the shape of the light string 1, the shape of the object, and / or the number of light sources for each part of the object.

[0054] For example, an object can be divided into several sections of equal height. The spatial distribution can specify, for example, the spatial distribution of a string of lights with 108 light sources (48 light sources placed on the first section of the object, 36 light sources on the second section, and 24 light sources on the third section). Light sources within the same section do not need to present the same lighting setup. For example, ten groups presenting the same lighting setup can be determined based on the specified spatial distribution of the three sections.

[0055] The shape of an object can also be used as an indicator of the location of a light source (e.g., when the object has a regular shape). For example, the object could be a Christmas tree. If the aspect ratio of the object is unknown, an average aspect ratio can be assumed. If the more precise location of the light source is unknown, it can also be assumed that the light string is wrapped around the object in a typical manner, although in this case the shape of the light string relative to the object is preferable.

[0056] Processor 45 or processor 5 is further configured to receive a second input signal specifying a second spatial distribution. The second spatial distribution indicates a second position of light source 11-19 relative to a second object. Processor 5 is further configured to determine a second mapping of light settings to light source 11-19 based on one or more colors and / or one or more light intensities and also based on the second spatial distribution. The second mapping corresponds to a linear or other equal light setting distribution on light source 11-19.

[0057] The processor 5 is configured to: if a first input signal is received, control the light sources 11-19 to present a light setting according to a first mapping via the control interface 6; and if a second input signal is received, control the light sources 11-19 to present a light setting according to a second mapping.

[0058] Figure 2 Examples of linear and nonlinear light distributions on the light source of the light string are shown. Figure 2In the example, the string of lights is wrapped around the Christmas tree, and the lighting effect created by the strings is a marker effect with three colors. In example 61, the string of lights uses a conventional linear light distribution on the light sources, even though it's not suitable in this case. The top section 68 of the Christmas tree presents the first color, the middle section 67 presents the second color, and the bottom section 66 presents the third color. Unlike a color gradient effect, all light sources present only one of the specified colors, and no interpolated colors are used.

[0059] In Example 61, each segment of the tree includes (approximately) the same number of light sources. Nine light sources are visible in each segment of Example 61. Because the Christmas tree is larger at the bottom than at the top, this results in the height portion of objects illuminated with the third color being smaller than those illuminated with the other colors, and the height portion of objects illuminated with the first color being larger than those illuminated with the other colors. As a result, the first color stands out the most and the third color stands out the least, which is not the intended effect. The mapping used by the string of lights in Example 61 might be suitable if the string of lights is wrapped around a cylindrical or rectangular object, but it might be unsuitable if the string of lights is wrapped around a conical, spherical, or hourglass-shaped object.

[0060] In Example 62, the string of lights uses a more suitable mapping. The string of lights is mapped to... Figure 1 The string of lights is configured in a similar way to string 1, but with more light sources / pixels. In example 62, the string of lights uses a non-linear color distribution on the light sources, and the segments that present a single color are different from the segments in example 61.

[0061] In Example 62, each segment of the tree includes a different number of light sources. Each segment has approximately the same height, resulting in each color having the same or similar saturation. The bottom segment 66 includes more light sources than the other segments because the object's width is greatest at the bottom. The top segment 68 includes fewer light sources than the other segments because the object's width is smallest at the top.

[0062] The intelligence that enables the use of appropriate mapping may reside primarily in controller 41 or primarily in light string 1. In a first embodiment, the processor 5 of the light string is configured to: receive a first input signal specifying a first spatial distribution; in response to the command, determine a first mapping of light settings to a light source based on one or more colors and / or one or more light intensities and also based on the first spatial distribution; and control the light source to present the light settings according to the first mapping.

[0063] In the second embodiment, the processor 45 of the controller 41 is configured to: receive a first input signal specifying a first spatial distribution; determine a first mapping instruction for the light string 1 based on the first spatial distribution; and transmit the first mapping instruction and command to the light string 1 via the transmitter 44, so that the processor 5 of the light string 1 determines the first mapping based on one or more colors and / or one or more light intensities and further based on the first spatial distribution.

[0064] As a first example, the mapping instructions can be specified on a string of 100 pixels, where color 1 should be rendered by pixel 1 (the first pixel), color 2 by pixel 20, color 3 by pixel 50, and color 4 by pixel 100 (the last pixel). The string can then optionally interpolate these values ​​for intermediate pixels. As a second example, the mapping instructions can be specified on a string of 100 pixels, where groups of pixels 1-4, 5-9, 10-16, 17-24, 25-33, 34-43, 44-56, 57-70, 71-85, and 85-100 should each render different light settings. The string can then render ten different colors, for example, four user-specified colors and six interpolated colors across the ten groups.

[0065] As a third example, the mapping instruction can be specified on a string of 100 pixels, where pixel 1 (i.e., the first pixel) changes quickly over time, pixel 20 changes slowly over time, pixel 50 changes even slower over time, and pixel 100 (i.e., the last pixel) changes the slowest over time. The string of lights can then optionally interpolate these values ​​for the intermediate pixels.

[0066] Figure 1 The light string 21 includes a control box 22, light sources 31-39, and a control interface 26 between the control box 22 and the light sources 31-39. The control box 22 includes a receiver 23, a transmitter 24, and a processor 25. The processor 25 is configured to receive additional commands via the receiver 23 to produce lighting effects on additional light strings 21. These additional commands specify one or more colors and / or one or more light intensities that are the same as the previous command. For example, this command and the additional command may differ only in their destination address.

[0067] The processor 25 is also configured, in response to the additional command, to determine an additional mapping of the light setting to the light sources 31-39 based on one or more colors and / or one or more light intensities, and to control the light sources 21-29 to present the light setting according to the additional mapping. The additional mapping corresponds to a linear or other equal distribution of light settings on the light sources 31-39.

[0068] Processor 25 can be configured in a similar manner to processor 5 and can determine an additional mapping because light sources 31-39 are uniformly distributed along the height of the object (e.g., when the object is cylindrical or rectangular). Alternatively, processor 25 may not be configured to determine the mapping based on the spatial distribution indicating the position of light sources 31-39 relative to the object.

[0069] exist Figure 1 In the embodiments of light strings 1 and 21 shown, each light string includes a processor. In alternative embodiments, light string 1 and / or light string 21 include multiple processors. The processors of the light strings can be general-purpose processors or dedicated processors. The receivers and transmitters of the light strings can communicate with the controller 41 using one or more wireless communication technologies (e.g., Zigbee). In alternative embodiments, multiple receivers and / or multiple transmitters are used instead of a single receiver and a single transmitter.

[0070] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, a separate receiver and a separate transmitter are used. In an alternative embodiment, the receiver and transmitter of the light string are combined into a transceiver. The light string may include other components typically used in lighting equipment, such as power connectors. This invention can be implemented using a computer program running on one or more processors.

[0071] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment of the controller 41 shown, the controller 41 includes a processor 45. In alternative embodiments, the controller 41 includes multiple processors. The processor 45 of the controller 41 may be a general-purpose processor (e.g., ARM-based) or a dedicated processor. The processor 45 of the controller 41 may run an operating system such as Unix. The memory 47 may include one or more memory cells. For example, the memory 47 may include one or more hard disks and / or solid-state drives.

[0072] For example, receiver 43 and transmitter 44 can use one or more wired or wireless communication technologies (such as Zigbee) to communicate with light strings 1 and 21, and can use one or more wired or wireless communication technologies (such as Ethernet) to communicate with wireless LAN access point 51. In alternative embodiments, multiple receivers and / or multiple transmitters are used instead of a single receiver and a single transmitter. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, a separate receiver and a separate transmitter are used. In an alternative embodiment, receiver 43 and transmitter 44 are combined into a transceiver. Controller 41 may include other components typically used in (optical) controllers, such as power connectors. The invention can be implemented using a computer program running on one or more processors.

[0073] exist Figure 1In one embodiment, the controller is located near light strings 1 and 21. In an alternative embodiment, the controller is a cloud computer. In this alternative embodiment, light strings 1 and 21 can be directly connected to, for example, a wireless LAN access point 51.

[0074] Figure 3 The image illustrates a first embodiment of a method for controlling multiple independently controllable light sources in a string of lights. For example, the method can be implemented by... Figure 1 The controller 41 and the light string 1 work together.

[0075] Step 101 includes receiving a first input signal specifying a first spatial distribution. The first spatial distribution indicates a first position of the light source relative to an object. For example, the object may be conical, spherical, or hourglass-shaped. For example, the spatial distribution can be determined by determining the relative position of each individual light source via a camera.

[0076] Alternatively, the approximate relative positions of the light sources can be estimated based on user input. For example, the user can input the shape, length, and width of an object (such as a Christmas tree), the length of the light string, and the number of light sources on the string. In most cases, the precise position of each light source is not required. Alternatively, the positions of the light sources can be determined by embedding a local sensor in each light source and detecting proximity between the light sources based on sensor data from the local sensor.

[0077] Step 103 includes sending a command from the controller to the light string to produce a lighting effect on the light string. This command specifies one or more colors and / or one or more light intensities. These colors and / or light intensities can be specified by the user or determined by analyzing, for example, audio content, image content, and / or video content.

[0078] Step 105 includes, at the light string, in response to the command, determining a first mapping of light settings to the light source based on one or more colors and / or one or more light intensities and also based on a first spatial distribution. The first mapping corresponds to a non-linear or other unequal light setting distribution on the light source. Optionally, step 105 may include first determining, based on the first spatial distribution, whether using a linear or other equal light setting distribution on the light source would result in an undesirable effect. In step 105, perceived color distances between specified colors may be considered.

[0079] If the lighting effect includes a spatial color distribution and the command specifies multiple colors, then step 105 may include determining a first mapping based on the multiple colors and the first spatial distribution, and the first mapping then corresponds to a non-linear color distribution on the light source. For example, the lighting effect may be a color gradient lighting effect that moves across the light source and / or a spatial color distribution.

[0080] If the lighting effect includes a temporal light setting distribution, then step 105 may include determining a first mapping based on a first spatial distribution, such that the transition speed of the lighting effect for each light source or the probability of the lighting effect being rendered for each light source depends on the first spatial distribution. For example, the lighting effect may be a flashing effect or a flickering effect.

[0081] For a first spatial distribution, the benefit of using a non-linear or other unequal distribution of light settings on the light source depends on the type of lighting effect, which is typically an unequal / non-uniform spatial distribution of light sources relative to the object. This benefit is likely to be greatest when the lighting effect depends on a specific spatial distribution of color (e.g., gradient) or on a combination of temporal and spatial distributions (e.g., motion gradient or any other "motion" effect). The benefit may be smaller in the case of more random effects (such as flashing effects). However, benefits can also exist for random effects. For example, in the case of Christmas tree lights, because there are more light sources at the base of the tree, if an equal distribution of light settings were used on the light sources, the flashing effect might be perceived as too concentrated at the base of the tree and not concentrated enough at the top.

[0082] By determining the mapping based on spatial distribution, undesirable effects beyond the unequal spatial distribution of light sources can also be resolved. For example, another undesirable effect caused by light source distribution might be a "sparse distribution," where there are too few light sources for the size of the object. In this case, there will be many distant colors that appear sensorily unpleasant. This undesirable effect can be resolved by reducing the color distance between the rendered colors.

[0083] The mapping determined in step 105 can be used to balance static and / or dynamic lighting effects. Static lighting effects include only the spatial light setup distribution. Dynamic lighting effects include both spatial and / or temporal light setup distributions. Adjustments to static lighting effects can depend on the desired light setup distribution. In the case of a color gradient effect on a Christmas tree, the desired effect is typically that each color has the same perceived height. However, due to the unequal distribution of light sources, the colors presented at the top of the tree will appear to have greater height (see...). Figure 2 Example 61). Therefore, a mapping can be determined such that the closer to the top of the tree, the fewer light sources are used to render each color (see Example 61). Figure 2 Example 62).

[0084] Similar to static lighting effects, dynamic lighting effects can be adjusted based on the desired color and dynamic distribution. For random lighting effects (such as flashes), adjustments can be made (e.g., by reducing the probability of the effect appearing in dense areas, resulting in the density of light sources appearing across the height of the object being the same). For spatial dynamic effects, adjustments may be similar to those for static lighting effects. For example, in the case of a moving gradient effect, the number of light sources presenting a single color can be increased in dense areas and decreased in less dense areas, making the height of each color appear the same.

[0085] If the first spatial distribution is represented by the light string relative to the shape of the object, the shape of the object, and / or the number of light sources for each part of the object, then step 105 may include determining a first mapping based on the shape of the light string, the shape of the object, and / or the number of light sources for each part of the object. Step 107 includes controlling the light sources at the light string to present the light setup according to the first mapping determined in step 105. Furthermore, Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 One or more steps in the embodiments can be added Figure 3 Examples of implementations.

[0086] Figure 4 A second embodiment of a method for controlling multiple independently controllable light sources in a string of lights is shown. Step 121 is performed by the string of lights 1. Step 121 includes receiving an input signal. Step 121 includes receiving a first input signal in step 101 or receiving a second input signal in step 123. The first input signal specifies a first spatial distribution. The first spatial distribution indicates a first position of the multiple independently controllable light sources in the string of lights 1 relative to an object. The second input signal specifies a second spatial distribution. The second spatial distribution indicates a second position of the light sources relative to a second object.

[0087] Step 125 is executed by controller 41. Step 125 includes sending a command to the light string to produce a lighting effect on the light string. The command specifies one or more colors and / or one or more light intensities. Step 127 is executed by light string 1. Step 127 includes receiving a command from controller 41.

[0088] Step 129 is performed by light string 1. Step 129 includes determining a mapping of light settings to the light sources of the light string based on one or more colors and / or one or more light intensities in response to the command. If a first input signal is received in step 121, a first mapping of light settings to the light sources is determined in step 129. This first mapping is further based on a first spatial distribution and corresponds to a nonlinear or other unequal light setting distribution on the light source. For example, this first mapping can be determined if the object is conical, spherical, or hourglass-shaped.

[0089] If a second input signal is received in step 121, a second mapping of the light setup to the light source is determined in step 129. This second mapping is further based on a second spatial distribution and corresponds to a linear or other equal light setup distribution on the light source. For example, this second mapping can be determined if the object is cylindrical or rectangular. Step 107 is performed by the light string 1. Step 107 includes controlling the light source to present the light setup according to the mapping determined in step 129. Additionally, Figure 6 Steps 151 and 153 of the embodiment can be added Figure 4 Examples of implementations.

[0090] Figure 5 A third embodiment of a method for controlling multiple independently controllable light sources in a string of lights is shown. Step 121 is performed by controller 41. Step 121 includes receiving an input signal. Step 121 includes receiving a first input signal in step 101 or receiving a second input signal in step 123. The first input signal specifies a first spatial distribution. The first spatial distribution indicates a first position of the multiple independently controllable light sources in the string of lights 1 relative to an object. The second input signal specifies a second spatial distribution. The second spatial distribution indicates a second position of the light sources relative to a second object.

[0091] Controller 41 executes step 131. Step 131 includes determining a mapping instruction for the light string based on the spatial distribution specified in the input signals received in step 121. If a first input signal is received in step 121, a first mapping instruction is determined in step 131. This first mapping instruction is determined based on the first spatial distribution. If a second input signal is received in step 121, a second mapping of light to the light source is determined in step 131. This second mapping instruction is determined based on the second spatial distribution.

[0092] For example, mapping instructions can specify the light settings for each light source only for a subset of light sources, the light effect transition speed for each light source for all light sources, the light effect transition speed for each light source only for a subset of light sources, the light effect rendering probability for each light source for all light sources, the light effect rendering probability for each light source only for a subset of light sources, or multiple light source groups. In the latter case, each of the multiple groups renders a different light setting, and all light sources in a single group render the same light setting.

[0093] Controller 41 executes step 133. Step 133 includes transmitting the mapping instruction determined in step 131 and a command to render a light effect on the light string 1. The command specifies one or more colors and / or one or more light intensities. The mapping instruction and the command may be transmitted separately or together. For example, the mapping instruction may be included in the command. Light string 1 executes step 135. Step 135 includes receiving the mapping instruction and the command from controller 41.

[0094] The light string 1 executes step 137. Step 137 includes determining a mapping based on one or more colors and / or one or more light intensities specified in the command and further based on a mapping instruction. Therefore, this mapping is based on a spatial distribution specified in the input signals received by controller 41. If a first mapping instruction is received in step 135, a first mapping is determined in step 137. This first mapping corresponds to a non-linear or other unequal light setting distribution on the light source. For example, this first mapping can be determined if the object is conical, spherical, or hourglass-shaped.

[0095] If a second mapping instruction is received in step 135, the second mapping is determined in step 137. This second mapping corresponds to a linear or other equal light distribution on the light source. For example, this second mapping can be determined if the second object is cylindrical or rectangular. Step 107 includes controlling the light source to present the light arrangement according to the mapping determined in step 137. Additionally, Figure 6 Steps 151 and 153 of the embodiment can be added Figure 4 Examples of implementations.

[0096] Figure 6 The fourth embodiment of a method for controlling multiple independent controllable light sources in a string of lights is shown. Figure 6 The fourth embodiment is Figure 3 An extension of the first embodiment. In Figure 6 In the embodiments, in Figure 3 Step 151 is executed between steps 101 and 103, and is implemented via step 153. Figure 3 Step 105.

[0097] Step 151 includes obtaining information indicating the accuracy and / or reliability of the first spatial distribution. Step 153 includes determining the dynamic level of the first mapping and / or lighting effect based on the accuracy and / or reliability indicated in the information obtained in step 151. Step 107 includes controlling the light source at the light string to present the lighting setup according to the first mapping. If the dynamic level is determined in step 153, the light source is controlled in step 107 according to the dynamic level determined in step 153.

[0098] If the spatial distribution is not (very) accurate (e.g., object size is unknown or other configuration parameters are unknown), aspects of the lighting effect can be masked to minimize noticeable artifacts. This masking can be achieved, for example, by reducing the dynamic level of the lighting effect and / or by adjusting the mapping to reduce differences in lighting settings between consecutive light sources. For example, the dynamic level can be reduced by decreasing the frequency at which the light source can present different lighting settings. Spatial effects can be made less noticeable, for example, by increasing the smoothing parameter or by increasing the pixel size of the effect (i.e., by using a larger group presenting the same lighting settings). Not only can spatial smoothing be increased, but temporal smoothing can also be increased (which further reduces differences between consecutive lighting settings presented by the same light source).

[0099] in addition, Figure 4 Implementation examples or Figure 5 One or more steps of the embodiment can be added Figure 6 Examples of implementations. In Figure 5 In an extension of the embodiment, step 151 is performed by the light string 1. Figure 6 In the extended embodiment, step 151 is executed by controller 41.

[0100] Figure 7 The description indicates that the procedure can be performed as shown in the reference. Figures 3-6 A block diagram of an exemplary data processing system for the described method.

[0101] like Figure 7 As shown, the data processing system 300 may include at least one processor 302 coupled to a memory element 304 via a system bus 306. Thus, the data processing system can store program code within the memory element 304. Furthermore, the processor 302 can execute program code accessed from the memory element 304 via the system bus 306. In one aspect, the data processing system may be implemented as a computer suitable for storing and / or executing program code. However, it should be understood that the data processing system 300 may be implemented in the form of any system including a processor and memory capable of performing the functions described herein. For example, the data processing system may be an Internet / cloud server.

[0102] Memory element 304 may include one or more physical memory devices, such as, for example, local memory 308 and one or more mass storage devices 310. Local memory may refer to random access memory or (multiple) other non-persistent storage devices generally used during the actual execution of program code. Mass storage devices may be implemented as hard disk drives or other persistent data storage devices. Processing system 300 may also include one or more cache memories (not shown) that provide temporary storage for at least some program code to reduce the number of times program code must be retrieved from mass storage device 310 during execution. For example, if processing system 300 is part of a cloud computing platform, processing system 300 may also be able to use memory elements of another processing system.

[0103] The input / output (I / O) devices, depicted as input device 312 and output device 314, may optionally be coupled to the data processing system. Examples of input devices may include, but are not limited to, a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse, a microphone (e.g., for voice and / or speech recognition), etc. Examples of output devices may include, but are not limited to, a monitor or display, or a speaker, etc. The input and / or output devices may be coupled to the data processing system directly or through an intermediate I / O controller.

[0104] In embodiments, the input and output devices may be implemented as a combined input / output device (in... Figure 7 (Dashed lines are used to illustrate input device 312 and output device 314). An example of such a combined device is a touch-sensitive display, sometimes also called a "touchscreen display" or simply a "touchscreen". In such embodiments, input to the device can be provided by the movement of a physical object, such as, for example, a user's finger or stylus, on or near the touchscreen display.

[0105] Network adapter 316 can also be coupled to the data processing system to enable it to be coupled to other systems, computer systems, remote network devices, and / or remote storage devices via an intermediate private or public network. The network adapter may include a data receiver for receiving data transmitted to the data processing system 300 from the systems, devices, and / or networks, and a data transmitter for transmitting data from the data processing system 300 to the systems, devices, and / or networks. Modems, cable modems, and Ethernet cards are examples of different types of network adapters that can be used with the data processing system 300.

[0106] like Figure 7As illustrated, memory element 304 can store application program 318. In various embodiments, application program 318 may be stored in local memory 308, one or more mass storage devices 310, or separately from local memory and mass storage devices. It should be understood that data processing system 300 may further execute an operating system that facilitates the execution of application program 318. Figure 7 (Not shown in the image). The application program 318, implemented in the form of executable program code, can be executed by the data processing system 300 (e.g., by the processor 302). In response to executing the application program, the data processing system 300 can be configured to perform one or more operational or method steps described herein.

[0107] Various embodiments of the present invention can be implemented as a program product for use with a computer system, wherein the program(s) of the program product define the functionality of the embodiments (including the methods described herein). In one embodiment, the program(s) may be contained on a variety of non-transitory computer-readable storage media, wherein, as used herein, the expression “non-transitory computer-readable storage media” includes all computer-readable media, with the sole exception of transient propagation signals. In another embodiment, the program(s) may be contained on a variety of transient computer-readable storage media. Illustrative computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to: (i) non-writable storage media on which information is permanently stored (e.g., read-only memory devices within a computer, such as CD-ROM discs readable by a CD-ROM drive, ROM chips, or any type of solid-state non-volatile semiconductor memory); and (ii) writable storage media on which changeable information is stored (e.g., flash memory, floppy disks within a floppy disk drive or hard disk drive, or any type of solid-state random access semiconductor memory). The computer program may run on the processor 302 described herein.

[0108] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that, when used in this specification, the terms “comprise” and / or “comprising” specify the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0109] All the means or steps plus functional elements in the following claims are intended to include any structure, material, action, and equivalent for performing a function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Descriptions of embodiments of the invention have been shown for illustrative purposes, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the disclosed forms. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Embodiments have been chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and some practical applications, and to enable others skilled in the art to understand the invention with respect to various embodiments having various modifications suitable for the particular intended use.

Claims

1. A lighting system comprising a string of lights (1) and a controller (41) for controlling the string of lights (1), the controller (41) comprising at least one receiver (43), at least one transmitter (44) and at least one processor (45), and the string of lights (1) comprising a plurality of individually controllable light sources (11-19), at least one additional receiver (3) and at least one additional processor (5). The at least one processor (45) of the controller (41) is configured to transmit a command via the at least one transmitter (44) to the string of lights (1) to produce a light effect on the string of lights (1), the command specifying one or more colors and / or one or more light intensities, and wherein the light effect includes a time-space light setting distribution, and The at least one additional processor (5) of the light string (1) is configured to receive the command via the at least one additional receiver (3), and in response to the command determine a first mapping of the light setting to the light source (11-19) based on the one or more colors and / or the one or more light intensities, and control the light source (11-19) to present the light setting according to the first mapping. The at least one processor (45) or the at least one additional processor (5) is configured to receive a first input signal specifying a first spatial distribution indicating a first position of the light source (11-19) relative to the object, and the at least one additional processor (5) is configured to further determine the first mapping based on the first spatial distribution, such that the light effect transition speed of each light source or the light effect rendering probability of each light source depends on the first spatial distribution.

2. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein the at least one additional processor (5) is configured to further determine the first mapping based on the first spatial distribution, the first mapping corresponding to a nonlinear or other unequal light setting distribution on the light source (11-19).

3. The lighting system of claim 2, wherein the at least one processor (45) or the at least one additional processor (5) is configured to receive a second input signal, the second input signal specifying a second spatial distribution, the second spatial distribution indicating a second position of the light source (11-19) relative to a second object, and The at least one additional processor (5) is configured to: determine a second mapping of light settings to the light source (11-19) based on the one or more colors and / or the one or more light intensities and also based on the second spatial distribution, the second mapping corresponding to a linear or other equal light setting distribution on the light source (11-19), and control the light source (11-19) to present the light settings according to the second mapping.

4. The lighting system according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising an additional string of lights (21), said additional string of lights (21) comprising a plurality of additional individually controllable light sources (31-39), at least one additional receiver (23), and at least one additional processor (25), said at least one additional processor (25) being configured to: -Receive, via the at least one other receiver (23), a further command to present the light effect on the additional string of lights (21), the further command specifying the one or more colors and / or the one or more light intensities, - In response to the additional command, based on the one or more colors and / or the one or more light intensities, determine an additional mapping of light settings to the other light sources (31-39), the additional mapping corresponding to a linear or other equal light setting distribution on the other light sources (31-39), and - Control the other light sources (31-39) to present the light settings according to the additional mapping.

5. The lighting system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first spatial distribution is represented by at least one of the light string (1) relative to the shape of the object, the shape of the object, and the number of light sources in each part of the object, and the at least one additional processor is configured to determine the first mapping based on at least one of the shape of the light string (1), the shape of the object, and the number of light sources in each part of the object.

6. The lighting system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more colors include a plurality of colors, the light effect includes a spatial color distribution, and the at least one additional processor (5) is configured to determine the first mapping based on the plurality of colors and the first spatial distribution, the first mapping corresponding to a nonlinear color distribution on the light source (11-19).

7. The lighting system according to claim 6, wherein the light effect is a color gradient light effect.

8. The lighting system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light effect is a flashing effect or a flickering effect.

9. The lighting system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the object is conical, spherical, or hourglass-shaped.

10. The lighting system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one processor (45) or the at least one additional processor (5) is configured to obtain information indicating the accuracy and / or reliability of the first spatial distribution, and The at least one additional processor (5) is configured to determine the dynamic level of the first mapping and / or the light effect based on the accuracy and / or the reliability.

11. A string of lights (1) for use in a lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the string of lights (1) comprises the plurality of individually controllable light sources (11-19), the at least one additional receiver (3), and the at least one additional processor (5), and the at least one additional processor (5) is configured to: - Receive the first input signal, the first input signal specifying the first spatial distribution, the first spatial distribution indicating the first position of the light source (11-19) relative to the object. - The command is received via the at least one additional receiver (3). - In response to the command, based on the one or more colors and / or the one or more light intensities and also based on the first spatial distribution, determine the first mapping of light settings to the light sources (11-19), such that the light effect transition speed of each light source or the light effect rendering probability of each light source depends on the first spatial distribution, and - Control the light source (11-19) to present the light setting according to the first mapping.

12. A controller (41) for use in a lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the controller (41) comprises the at least one receiver (43), the at least one transmitter (44), and the at least one processor (45), and the at least one processor (45) is configured to: - Receive the first input signal, the first input signal specifying the first spatial distribution, the first spatial distribution indicating the first position of the light source (11-19) of the light string (1) relative to the object. -Based on the first spatial distribution, determine the first mapping instruction for the light string (1), and - The first mapping instruction and the command to present the light effect on the light string (1) are transmitted to the light string (1) via the at least one transmitter (44) so ​​that the at least one additional processor (5) of the light string (1) determines the first mapping based on the one or more colors and / or the one or more light intensities and further based on the first spatial distribution, such that the light effect transition speed of each light source or the light effect presentation probability of each light source depends on the first spatial distribution.

13. A method for controlling multiple independently controllable light sources in a string of lights, the method comprising: - Receive (101) a first input signal, the first input signal specifying a first spatial distribution, the first spatial distribution indicating a first position of the light source relative to the object; - A command is transmitted from the controller to the string of lights (103) to present a light effect on the string of lights, the command specifying one or more colors and / or one or more light intensities; - At the string of lights, in response to the command, based on the one or more colors and / or the one or more light intensities and also based on the first spatial distribution, determine (105) a first mapping of light settings to the light sources, such that the light effect transition speed of each light source or the light effect presentation probability of each light source depends on the first spatial distribution; and - At the string of lights, control (107) the light source to present the light setting according to the first mapping.

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

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