Presenting system defined light settings similar to user defined light settings

Abstract

A method of controlling one or more lighting devices to present system-defined light settings, comprising: obtaining (101) system-defined light settings and user-defined light settings, the system-defined light settings being defined in a system-stored light scene; determining (103) a similarity between the user-defined light setting and the system-defined light setting or a difference between the user-defined light setting and the system-defined light setting; and controlling (105) the one or more lighting devices to present the light settings defined by the system if the similarity is determined to exceed a first threshold or the degree of difference is determined not to exceed a second threshold.

Description

The system-defined light settings are similar to the user-defined light settings. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a system for controlling one or more lighting devices to present a light setting defined by the system.

[0003] The present invention further relates to a method for controlling one or more lighting devices to present a light setting defined by the system.

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

[0006] In connected lighting systems, users are typically able to create their own local lighting scenes. Automatic generation of local lighting scenes is also known. For example, US2021 / 0274621A1 describes generating a local lighting scene for a newly added lighting fixture based on its rendering capabilities. If the new lighting fixture is configured to provide automatically generated lighting settings corresponding to the lighting settings of a predefined local lighting scene, the processor may alternatively associate the new lighting fixture with that local lighting scene.

[0007] US20100251157A1 discloses the integration of energy functionality into a light management system, particularly for energy saving and monitoring energy consumption. According to embodiments of the invention, a light management system with integrated energy functionality is provided, wherein the system is adapted to receive energy information about the luminaires of a lighting system and to process the received energy information about the energy consumption of the lighting system. This energy functionality can, for example, be used to automatically configure the lighting system to low energy consumption, allowing for further configuration of the lighting system with regard to reducing energy consumption, or to provide the user with a reasonable set of luminaires that can be turned off and will achieve significant energy savings when turned off.

[0008] In modern connected lighting systems, users are often able to select light scenes from a collection of light scenes, such as those stored in the cloud. These light scenes, such as "Aurora Borealis" and "Savannah Sunset," typically specify one or more colors. In Philips Hue systems, if a user has a bridge, they can download light scenes to the bridge and associate these local light scenes with lighting devices and light output levels (i.e., dimming levels).

[0009] However, collections of lighting scenes are often very large, making it challenging for users to find one with their favorite lighting setup. This can lead users to create their own lighting scenes instead, which may not be as good as some of the scenes in the collection. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The first object of the present invention is to provide a system that allows users to more easily obtain light scenes with their favorite lighting settings and enables one or more lighting devices to render these light scenes.

[0012] A second object of the present invention is to provide a method that can be used to allow users to more easily obtain light scenes with their favorite lighting settings and to enable one or more lighting devices to render these light scenes.

[0013] In a first aspect of the invention, a system for controlling one or more lighting devices to present a system-defined light setting includes: at least one control interface and at least one processor, the at least one processor being configured to obtain a user-defined light setting and the system-defined light setting, the system-defined light setting being defined in a system-stored light scene; determine a similarity between the user-defined light setting and the system-defined light setting or a degree of dissimilarity between the user-defined light setting and the system-defined light setting; and if the similarity is determined to exceed a first threshold or the dissimilarity is determined to not exceed a second threshold, then control the one or more lighting devices via the at least one control interface to present the system-defined light setting.

[0014] By controlling one or more lighting devices to present similar system-defined light settings rather than user-defined light settings, the system's user can obtain system-stored light scenes with the user's favorite light settings. These system-stored light scenes may even be better than light scenes already defined by the user or light scenes that the user has currently set for (multiple) lighting devices. In this way, the user experience can be improved because as the number of possible light settings and light scenes increases, the user interface may become cluttered or it may become difficult to see multiple possibilities, and the user may not be aware that there are available light scenes that achieve the user's favorite light settings (e.g., color settings).

[0015] The user-defined lighting settings may include the current lighting settings presented by the one or more lighting devices. As a first example, the at least one processor may be configured to: generate a first output signal requesting whether the user should activate the system-defined lighting settings if the similarity is determined to exceed a first threshold or the difference is determined to not exceed a second threshold; obtain a first input signal in response to the first output signal; control the one or more lighting devices to present the system-defined lighting settings if the first input signal indicates that the user requests the activation; and avoid controlling the one or more lighting devices to present the system-defined lighting settings if the first input signal indicates that the user does not request the activation. For example, if no lighting scene is active, but the user-selected light color setting is very close to the light color setting of a lighting scene stored in the system, the user's lighting control application may suggest that the user alternatively select the system-stored lighting scene.

[0016] As a second example, the at least one processor may be configured to: generate a second output signal indicating whether the user requesting the system should store the system-defined light settings if the similarity is determined to exceed the first threshold or the difference is determined to not exceed the second threshold; obtain a second input signal in response to the second output signal; if the second input signal indicates that the user requests the storage, store the system-stored light scene or a reference to the system-stored light scene in a configuration associated with the user's lighting system; represent the system-stored light scene in a user interface provided to the user of the system; and if the user selects the system-stored light scene in the user interface, control the one or more lighting devices to present the system-defined light settings.

[0017] In this second example, the at least one processor is further configured to avoid storing system-stored light scenes or references to system-stored light scenes in the configuration associated with the user's lighting system if the second input signal indicates that the user does not request the storage. For example, when a user edits light settings, similarity to a set of system-stored light scenes can be used as a trigger condition to suggest downloading / storing a matching system-stored light scene from that set. By allowing users to activate or store system-stored light scenes, the use of system-stored light scenes, or even light scenes in general, can be increased.

[0018] The user-defined light settings can be stored in a user-defined light scene, and the at least one processor can be configured to replace the user-defined light scene with the light scene stored in the system or a reference to the light scene stored in the system.

[0019] For example, the at least one processor may be configured to: generate a first output signal requesting whether the user should use the light scene stored in the system to replace the user-defined light scene if the similarity is determined to exceed a first threshold or the difference is determined to not exceed a second threshold; obtain a first input signal in response to the first output signal; if the first input signal indicates that the user requests the replacement, replace the user-defined light scene using the light scene stored in the system or a reference to the light scene stored in the system in a configuration associated with the user's lighting system; and if the first input signal indicates that the user does not request the replacement, avoid replacing the user-defined light scene using the light scene stored in the system or a reference to the light scene stored in the system in a configuration associated with the user's lighting system.

[0020] The system may include a recommender software component, which, for example, generates a first output signal. If the user agrees, the user interface is updated so that, for example, a matching system-stored light scene, not defined by the user, is displayed. Other system-stored light scenes may also be displayed / recommended in the user interface. For example, other system-stored light scenes liked / used by the same person who likes the matching system-stored light scene may be displayed / recommended. For instance, if the user creates a light scene similar to the system-stored "Miami" light scene, not only may the "Miami" light scene be displayed / recommended, but also the system-stored light scene "Osaka" liked / used by the same person who likes the "Miami" light scene may be displayed / recommended.

[0021] The at least one processor can be configured to: represent, in a user interface provided to the user of the system, a light scene stored by the system rather than a user-defined light scene, the system-stored light scene being represented using a name associated with the user-defined light scene, and, if the user selects a system-stored light scene in the user interface, control the one or more lighting devices to present the system-defined light settings. This naming makes it easier for the user to find a (local) light scene with the user's favorite light settings.

[0022] The at least one processor can be configured to represent the light scene stored in the system in the user interface using an image associated with the light scene stored in the system, rather than an image associated with the user-defined light scene. This can be used to improve the user experience. For example, a sunset light scene can be associated with a sunset photograph.

[0023] The at least one processor may be configured to: determine a new name for the system-stored light scene in the user interface based on a system-defined name associated with the light scene stored in the system or based on the system-defined light settings; generate a second output signal that queries the system user whether the current name of the system-stored light scene in the user interface should be changed to the new name; obtain a second input signal in response to the second output signal; and, if the second input signal indicates that the user requests the name change, represent the system-stored light scene in the user interface with the new name. This may be advantageous, for example, if the name of the user-defined light scene does not particularly represent the light settings in the user-defined light scene.

[0024] The at least one processor may be configured to: upon determining that a new system-stored light scene has become available, obtain the user-defined light settings stored in the user-defined light scene and the system-defined light settings defined in the system-stored light scene, and determine the similarity or the difference, wherein the system-stored light scene is the new system-stored light scene. For example, the system may periodically check whether a new system-stored light scene has been added to, for example, a set of light scenes stored in the cloud, and determine whether the new system-stored light scene is similar to one of the user-defined light scenes.

[0025] The at least one processor can be configured to: obtain another user-defined light setting stored in another user-defined light scene; determine an additional similarity or an additional difference between the user-defined light setting and the other user-defined light setting; and remove the other user-defined light scene if the additional similarity is determined to exceed a first threshold or a third threshold, or the additional difference is determined to not exceed a second threshold or a fourth threshold. Therefore, if a lighting system has two similar user-defined light scenes, one can be removed and the other can be replaced with a light scene stored in the system. In this way, overly similar light scenes can be deleted.

[0026] The light scene stored in the system can be a daylight simulation light scene, and the light settings defined by the system can include multiple light setting groups, each of which can be associated with a time of day. The at least one processor can be configured to: for each corresponding light setting group among the multiple light setting groups, determine the similarity between the user-defined light setting and the corresponding light setting group or the difference between the user-defined light setting and the corresponding light setting group, and if any of the similarity is determined to exceed a first threshold or any of the difference is determined to not exceed a second threshold, control the one or more lighting devices via the at least one control interface to present the system-defined light settings of the daylight simulation light scene.

[0027] Daylight simulation lighting scenes are also known as circadian rhythm lighting scenes. Daylight simulation lighting scenes typically use white light of varying warm and cool color temperatures to simulate the sun's movement throughout the day, causing one or more lighting fixtures to automatically transition throughout the day—for example, starting with a bright, cool tone in the morning and ending with a warmer, golden glow as the sun sets. Users may have defined user-defined lighting scenes that reflect sunlight at a particular time of day, for example, without the user's knowledge of the existence of daylight simulation lighting scenes. In such cases, users may have a better experience when using daylight simulation lighting scenes as an alternative.

[0028] The one or more lighting devices may include multiple lighting devices, the user-defined light settings may include multiple user-defined light setting groups, each of the multiple user-defined groups may already be associated with different lighting devices among the multiple lighting devices, the system-defined light settings may include multiple system-defined light setting groups, and each of the multiple system-defined groups may already be associated with different lighting devices among the multiple lighting devices.

[0029] The at least one processor may be configured to: determine the similarity by determining the similarity between each user-defined light setting group and the corresponding system-defined light setting group or by determining the similarity between each user-defined light setting group and each system-defined light setting group, or determine the difference between each user-defined light setting group and the corresponding system-defined light setting group or by determining the difference between each user-defined light setting group and each system-defined light setting group.

[0030] This can be beneficial when one or more system-stored light scenes are associated with lighting fixtures—for example, if a user has selected one or more light scenes from a collection and assigned the light settings of the selected system-stored light scenes to the lighting fixtures of the user's lighting system. The user can indicate whether they want an exact match, such as the system-stored and user-defined light scenes specifying similar colors for the same lighting fixture, or an approximate match, such as the system-stored light scene specifying a color for a certain lighting fixture and the user-defined light scene specifying similar colors for the same or different lighting fixtures.

[0031] If the system-stored light scene that matches the user-defined light scene is not associated with a lighting device, the system-stored light scene can be associated with the lighting device in the user's lighting system based on the matching of light settings to lighting devices as defined in the user-defined light scene.

[0032] In a second aspect of the invention, a method for controlling one or more lighting devices to present a system-defined light setting includes: obtaining a user-defined light setting and the system-defined light setting, the system-defined light setting being defined in a light scene stored in the system; determining a similarity between the user-defined light setting and the system-defined light setting or a difference between the user-defined light setting and the system-defined light setting; and controlling the one or more lighting devices to present the system-defined light setting if the similarity is determined to exceed a first threshold or the difference is determined to not exceed a second threshold. The method can be executed by software running on a programmable device. This software can be provided as a computer program product.

[0033] In addition, a computer program for performing the methods described herein is provided, as well as a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for storing the computer program. The computer program may be downloaded or uploaded to an existing device, for example, or stored during the manufacture of these systems.

[0034] A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores at least one portion of software code that, when executed or processed by a computer, is configured to perform executable operations for controlling one or more lighting devices to present a system-defined light setting.

[0035] The executable operation includes obtaining a user-defined light setting and a system-defined light setting, the system-defined light setting being defined in a light scene stored in the system; determining a similarity or a difference between the user-defined light setting and the system-defined light setting; and controlling the one or more lighting devices to present the system-defined light setting if the similarity is determined to exceed a first threshold or the difference is determined to not exceed a second threshold.

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

[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, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing, but is not limited thereto. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media may include, but are not limited to, the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, portable optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage device, magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. 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 connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0038] Computer-readable signal media may include propagated data signals embodying computer-readable program code 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 communicate, propagate, or transmit programs for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

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

[0040] The following description refers to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It should 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 one or more blocks of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams.

[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 that includes instructions that implement the functions / actions specified in one or more boxes of a flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0042] The 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, wherein the instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus, provide for implementing the functions / actions specified in one or more boxes of the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0043] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings 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, including one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions indicated in the blocks may not occur in the order shown in the figures. For example, depending on the functions involved, two consecutively shown blocks may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order. It should 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 dedicated hardware-based system performing the specified function or action, or by a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions. Attached Figure Description

[0045] These and other aspects of the invention are apparent from the accompanying drawings, and will be further illustrated by way of example with reference to the drawings, in which: FIG1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the system; FIG2 is a flowchart of a first embodiment of the method; FIG3 is a flowchart of a second embodiment of the method; FIG4 is a flowchart of a third embodiment of the method; FIG5 is a flowchart of a fourth embodiment of the method; FIG6 is a flowchart of a fifth embodiment of the method; FIG7 is a flowchart of a sixth embodiment of the method; FIG8 is a flowchart of a seventh embodiment of the method; FIG9 is a flowchart of an eighth embodiment of the method; FIG10 is a flowchart of a ninth embodiment of the method; and FIG11 is a block diagram of an exemplary data processing system for performing the method of the present invention.

[0046] Corresponding elements in the accompanying drawings are indicated by the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0048] Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of a system for controlling one or more lighting devices to present a system-defined light setting. In this embodiment, the system is a light controller 1. For example, the light controller 1 may be a Philips Hue bridge. The light controller 1 is connected to a wireless LAN access point 13, for example, via Ethernet or Wi-Fi. The wireless LAN access point 13 is connected to the Internet 11.

[0049] The light controller 1 can communicate with the lighting devices 31-34, for example, using Zigbee technology. A user of the user equipment 21 can control one or more of the lighting devices 31-34 via the light controller 1 using an application running on their user equipment. The user equipment can be, for example, a mobile device, such as a mobile phone, tablet, or smartwatch. In the example of Figure 1, the user equipment 21 is directly connected to the wireless LAN access point 13. Alternatively, the user equipment 21 can be remotely connected to the Internet, for example, via an LTE or 5G mobile communication network.

[0050] A user interface is provided on user device 21. This user interface represents a light scene. The user can select one of the represented light scenes, and then one or more lighting devices associated with the selected light scene are controlled to present the light settings of the selected light scene. The user interface may additionally allow the user to manually change the light settings of the lighting devices.

[0051] The light controller 1 includes a receiver 3, a transmitter 4, a processor 5, and a memory 7. In the embodiment of Figure 1, the collection of light scenes stored in the system is stored on an internet server 29. In the Philips Hue system, this is referred to as a scene library. When a user selects one of these system-stored light scenes and associates it with lighting devices in the user's lighting system, the system-stored light scene is downloaded to the memory 7 of the light controller 1. In this embodiment, user-defined light scenes are also stored in the memory 7 of the light controller 1.

[0052] In an alternative embodiment, the light scene stored in the selected system is not downloaded to the memory 7 of the light controller 1, but a reference to the light scene stored in the system is stored in a configuration associated with the user's lighting system. This configuration may be stored on the internet server 29 or in the memory 7 of the light controller 1. In this alternative embodiment, the user-defined light scene may be stored on the internet server 29 or in the memory 7 of the light controller 1. The user's lighting system may be considered to include the light controller 1, lighting devices 31-34, and (if applicable) the configuration stored on the internet server 29.

[0053] Processor 5 is configured to obtain user-defined light settings and system-defined light settings. The system-defined light settings are defined in a light scene stored in the system. Processor 5 is also configured to determine the similarity or difference between the user-defined light settings and the system-defined light settings, and if the similarity is determined to exceed a first threshold or the difference is determined to not exceed a second threshold, control one or more of the lighting devices 31-34 via transmitter 4 to present the system-defined light settings (e.g., not the user-defined light settings).

[0054] For example, an algorithm running on processor 5 can obtain the current light settings (e.g., color, brightness, dynamics) from memory 7 and compare them with system-defined light settings of light scenes downloaded to memory 7 and / or available on internet server 29. If light controller 1 has scene state awareness, it can detect which light scene is active. Furthermore, light controller 1 generally knows which light settings are active on the lighting equipment.

[0055] Whenever a user sets a light to a custom light setting using an application running on user device 21, it can then be stored in memory 7 of light controller 1. The algorithm compares the custom (current) light setting with the system-defined light settings, and when a system-stored light scene with (nearly) identical light settings is available, the algorithm causes the application running on user device 21 of light controller 1 to notify.

[0056] In this example, the user then receives a pop-up window from the application and can then decide whether to try the system-stored lighting scene or ignore the pop-up (cancel). If the user tries the system-stored lighting scene but doesn't like it, the custom (user-defined) settings selected before the suggestion are reused. If the user likes the scene, they can either add the system-stored scene to the room and keep the system-defined lighting settings, or revert to the user-defined lighting settings selected before the suggestion.

[0057] Other embodiments / examples will be described with reference to Figures 2 through 10. For example, a user-defined light scene stored in memory 7 may be additionally or alternatively compared with a light scene stored in a system downloaded to memory 7 and / or available on Internet server 29. Processor 5 may be configured to perform one or more of the methods of Figures 2 through 10. For example, processor 5 may be configured to perform the methods of Figure 2 and Figure 6.

[0058] In the embodiment of the optical controller 1 shown in Figure 1, the optical controller 1 includes a processor 5. In alternative embodiments, the optical controller 1 includes multiple processors. The processor 5 of the optical controller 1 can be a general-purpose processor (e.g., ARM-based) or a dedicated processor. The processor 5 of the optical controller 1 can, for example, run a Unix-based operating system. The memory 7 can include one or more memory cells. The memory 7 can, for example, include one or more hard disks and / or solid-state drives.

[0059] For example, receiver 3 and transmitter 4 can communicate with lighting devices 31-34 using one or more wired or wireless communication technologies such as Zigbee, and communicate with wireless LAN access point 13 using Ethernet. In alternative embodiments, multiple receivers and / or multiple transmitters are used instead of a single receiver and a single transmitter. In the embodiment shown in FIG1, a separate receiver and a separate transmitter are used. In alternative embodiments, receiver 3 and transmitter 4 are combined into a transceiver. The light controller 1 may include other components typical of light controllers, such as a power connector. The invention can be implemented using a computer program running on one or more processors.

[0060] In the embodiment of Figure 1, the system of the present invention is a light controller. In alternative embodiments, the system of the present invention is a different device, such as a cloud computer (cluster) or a mobile device. For example, if the system is a mobile device, the light scenes can be downloaded from Internet server 29 and stored on the mobile device or the light controller, or all light scenes can be stored solely on Internet server 29.

[0061] If the system is a mobile device, whenever a user sets the lighting equipment to a custom light setting using an application running on the mobile device, the mobile device can execute an algorithm to compare the custom / user-defined (current) light setting with the system-defined light setting (stored on the mobile device or Internet server 29), and when there is a system-stored light scene with (nearly) identical light settings available, the algorithm can notify the user, for example, via a pop-up window.

[0062] In the embodiment of FIG1, the system of the present invention includes a single device. In an alternative embodiment, the system of the present invention includes multiple devices, such as an optical controller 1 and an internet server 29.

[0063] Figure 2 illustrates a first embodiment of a method for controlling one or more lighting devices to present a system-defined light setup. For example, this method can be executed by the light controller 1 of Figure 1, or by a mobile device or internet server.

[0064] Step 101 includes obtaining user-defined light settings and system-defined light settings. The system-defined light settings are defined in a light scene stored in the system. In an alternative embodiment, the user-defined light settings and system-defined light settings are obtained in separate steps.

[0065] Step 103 includes determining the similarity (siml) between the user-defined light settings obtained in step 101 and the system-defined light settings obtained in step 101, or the difference (dissml) between the user-defined light settings and the system-defined light settings.

[0066] Step 104 includes comparing the similarity determined in step 103 with a first threshold (T1), or comparing the difference determined in step 103 with a second threshold (T2). For example, the similarity and threshold can be percentages. For example, the first threshold can be 90% similarity, or the second threshold can be 10% difference. If the similarity is determined to exceed the first threshold in step 104, or the difference is determined to not exceed the second threshold in step 104, then step 105 is performed.

[0067] Step 105 includes controlling one or more lighting devices to present a system-defined light setting (e.g., not a user-defined light setting). Additionally, one or more steps from the embodiments of Figures 3-10 may be added to the embodiment of Figure 2. Multiple additional steps may exist between steps 104 and 105.

[0068] Figure 3 illustrates a second embodiment of a method for controlling one or more lighting devices to present a system-defined light setting. For example, this method can be performed by the light controller 1 of Figure 1, or by a mobile device or internet server. Step 101 includes obtaining a user-defined light setting and a system-defined light setting. The system-defined light setting is defined in a light scene stored in the system. In the embodiment of Figure 3, the user-defined light setting includes the current light setting presented by one or more lighting devices.

[0069] Step 103 includes determining the similarity (siml) between the user-defined light settings obtained in step 101 and the system-defined light settings obtained in step 101, or the difference (dissml) between the user-defined light settings and the system-defined light settings.

[0070] Step 104 includes comparing the similarity determined in step 103 with a first threshold (T1), or comparing the difference determined in step 103 with a second threshold (T2). If the similarity is determined to exceed the first threshold in step 104 or the difference is determined to not exceed the second threshold in step 104, then step 121 is performed.

[0071] Step 121 includes generating one or more output signals that request the system user whether they should activate a system-defined light setting and whether they should store a system-defined light setting. In an alternative embodiment, the user may only be requested whether they should activate a system-defined light setting, or only be requested whether they should store a system-defined light setting, rather than both. Step 123 includes obtaining an input signal in response to the one or more output signals generated in step 121.

[0072] Step 125 includes checking whether the input signal obtained in step 123 indicates that the user requests activation or storage. If the input signal indicates that the user requests activation, then step 105 is executed. Step 105 includes controlling one or more lighting devices to present a system-defined light setting rather than a user-defined light setting. If the input signal indicates that the user requests storage, then step 127 is executed. Step 127 includes storing a system-stored light scene or a reference to a system-stored light scene in a configuration associated with the user's lighting system.

[0073] If the light scene stored in the system is not associated with lighting devices, the light scene stored in the system can be associated with the lighting devices of the user's lighting system based on the mapping of light settings to lighting devices as defined in the user-defined light scene.

[0074] If the input signal indicates that the user has not requested the activation, the method avoids controlling one or more lighting devices to present the system-defined light settings in response to the input signal. If the input signal indicates that the user has not requested the storage, the method avoids storing the system-stored light scene or a reference to the system-stored light scene in the configuration associated with the user's lighting system in response to the input signal. Step 121 can be repeated after step 105 or step 127 has been performed. For example, the user can first request that the system-defined light settings should be activated, and then the system-defined light settings should be stored, or vice versa.

[0075] Step 129 is then executed. Step 129 includes representing the light scene stored by the system in the user interface provided to the user of the system. Step 131 includes checking whether the user has already selected the light scene stored by the system in the user interface. If so, step 105 is executed. Step 105 includes controlling one or more lighting devices to present the light settings defined by the system.

[0076] If it is determined in step 131 that the user has selected another light scene, one or more lighting devices can be controlled to present the lighting settings of that other light scene. This is not shown in Figure 3. Step 129 can be repeated after the user has selected another light scene. Step 129 can also be repeated after the user has selected a light scene stored in the system. Additionally, one or more steps from the embodiments of Figures 8-10 can be added to the embodiment of Figure 3.

[0077] Figure 4 illustrates a third embodiment of a method for controlling one or more lighting devices to present a system-defined light setting. For example, this method can be performed by the light controller 1 of Figure 1, or by a mobile device or internet server. Step 101 includes obtaining a user-defined light setting and a system-defined light setting. The system-defined light setting is defined in a system-stored light scene. In the embodiment of Figure 4, the user-defined light setting is stored in the user-defined light scene.

[0078] Step 103 includes determining the similarity (siml) between the user-defined light settings obtained in step 101 and the system-defined light settings obtained in step 101, or the difference (dissml) between the user-defined light settings and the system-defined light settings. Step 104 includes comparing the similarity determined in step 103 with a first threshold (Tl), or comparing the difference determined in step 103 with a second threshold (T2). If the similarity is determined to exceed the first threshold in step 104 or the difference is determined to not exceed the second threshold in step 104, then step 141 is performed.

[0079] Step 141 includes generating an output signal requesting the system user whether the user should replace the user-defined light scene with a light scene stored in the system. Step 143 includes obtaining an input signal in response to the output signal generated in step 141. Step 145 includes checking whether the input signal obtained in step 143 indicates that the user requests the replacement. If the input signal indicates that the user requests the replacement, then step 147 is executed.

[0080] Step 147 involves replacing the user-defined light scene in the configuration associated with the user's lighting system with a system-stored light scene or a reference to a system-stored light scene. If the system-stored light scene is not associated with lighting devices, it can be associated with lighting devices in the user's lighting system based on a mapping of light settings to lighting devices as defined in the user-defined light scene.

[0081] If the input signal indicates that the user has not requested the replacement, the method avoids replacing the user-defined light scene with a system-stored light scene or a reference to a system-stored light scene in the configuration associated with the user's lighting system in response to the input signal.

[0082] Step 149 is performed later. Step 149 includes representing the system-stored light scene in the user interface provided to the system's user. The system-stored light scene, rather than a user-defined light scene, is represented. In the embodiment of FIG4, the system-stored light scene is represented using a name associated with a user-defined light scene. The system-stored light scene can be represented in the user interface using an image associated with either the original system-stored light scene or a user-defined light scene.

[0083] Step 151 includes checking whether the user has already selected a system-stored lighting scene in the user interface. If so, proceed to step 105. Step 105 includes controlling one or more lighting devices to render the system-defined lighting settings.

[0084] If it is determined in step 151 that the user has selected another light scene, one or more lighting devices can be controlled to present the lighting settings of that other light scene. This is not shown in Figure 4. Step 149 can be repeated after the user has selected another light scene. Step 149 can also be repeated after the user has selected a light scene stored in the system. Additionally, one or more steps from the embodiments of Figures 5-10 can be added to the embodiment of Figure 4.

[0085] In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the user-defined light scene is replaced by the light scene stored in the system. In an alternative embodiment, the system-stored light scene is stored in addition to the user-defined light scene, or the user can choose whether to replace the user-defined light scene or store the system-stored light scene as an additional light scene.

[0086] Figure 5 illustrates a fourth embodiment of a method for controlling one or more lighting devices to present a system-defined light setup. The embodiment in Figure 5 is an extension of the embodiment in Figure 4. Step 171 is performed after step 147 of Figure 4 has been executed. Step 147 includes replacing a user-defined light scene in a configuration associated with the user's lighting system using a system-stored light scene or a reference to a system-stored light scene.

[0087] Step 171 includes determining a new name for the system-stored light scene in the user interface based on a system-defined name associated with the light scene stored in the system or based on system-defined light settings. Step 173 includes generating a second output signal that queries the system user whether the current name of the system-stored light scene in the user interface should be changed to the new name.

[0088] Step 175 includes obtaining a second input signal in response to the second output signal. Step 177 includes checking whether the second input signal indicates that the user has requested the name change. If not, steps 149, 151, and 105 of FIG4 are performed, and the light scene stored in the system is represented using the name associated with the user-defined light scene. If the second input signal indicates that the user has requested the name change, steps 179, 191, and 105 are performed instead.

[0089] Step 179 includes using the new name determined in step 171 to represent the light scene stored in the system in the user interface. Step 181 includes checking whether the user has already selected the light scene stored in the system in the user interface. If so, proceed to step 105. Step 105 includes controlling one or more lighting devices to present the light settings defined by the system.

[0090] If it is determined in step 181 that the user has selected another light scene, one or more lighting devices can be controlled to present the lighting settings of that other light scene. This is not shown in Figure 5. Step 179 can be repeated after the user has selected another light scene. Step 179 can also be repeated after the user has selected a light scene stored in the system. Alternatively, one or more steps from the embodiments of Figures 6-10 can be added to the embodiment of Figure 5.

[0091] Figure 6 illustrates a fifth embodiment of a method for controlling one or more lighting devices to present a system-defined light setup. For example, this method can be executed by the light controller 1 of Figure 1, or by a mobile device or internet server.

[0092] Step 201 includes obtaining information about a set of light scenes stored by the system, for example, stored on Internet server 29 of Figure 1. Step 203 includes checking, based on the information obtained in step 201, whether a new light scene stored by the system has become available. If so, step 101 is performed.

[0093] Step 101 includes obtaining the user-defined light settings and the system-defined light settings. The system-defined light settings are defined in the system-stored light scene. The system-stored light scene is the new system-stored light scene identified in step 203.

[0094] Step 103 includes determining the similarity (siml) between the user-defined light settings obtained in step 101 and the system-defined light settings obtained in step 101, or the difference (dissml) between the user-defined light settings and the system-defined light settings. Step 104 includes comparing the similarity determined in step 103 with a first threshold (Tl), or comparing the difference determined in step 103 with a second threshold (T2).

[0095] If the similarity is determined to exceed a first threshold in step 104, or the difference is determined to not exceed a second threshold in step 104, then step 147 is executed. Step 147 includes replacing a user-defined light scene in the configuration associated with the user's lighting system using a system-stored light scene or a reference to a system-stored light scene. Step 203 may be repeated after step 147 to check if more than one new system-stored light scene has become available.

[0096] Next, step 149 is performed. Step 149 includes representing the light scene in the user interface provided to the user of the system. The light scene represented is a new system-stored light scene, not the user-defined light scene that was replaced in step 147. Step 151 includes checking whether the user has selected the new system-stored light scene in the user interface. If so, step 105 is performed. Step 105 includes controlling one or more lighting devices to present the system-defined light settings. Additionally, one or more steps from the embodiments of Figures 4-5 and 7-10 may be added to the embodiment of Figure 6.

[0097] Figure 7 illustrates a sixth embodiment of a method for controlling one or more lighting devices to present a system-defined light setting. The embodiment of Figure 7 is an extension of the embodiment of Figure 6. Step 211 is performed after step 147 of Figure 6 has been executed. Step 147 includes replacing a user-defined light scene in a configuration associated with the user's lighting system using a system-stored light scene or a reference to a system-stored light scene.

[0098] Step 211 includes obtaining another user-defined light setting stored in another user-defined light scene. Step 213 includes determining an additional similarity (siml2) between the user-defined light setting and the other user-defined light setting, or an additional difference (dissml2) between the user-defined light setting and the other user-defined light setting.

[0099] Step 214 includes comparing the similarity determined in step 213 with a first threshold (T1), or comparing the difference determined in step 213 with a second threshold (T2). If the similarity is determined to exceed the first threshold in step 214, or the difference is determined to not exceed the second threshold in step 214, then step 215 is executed. Step 215 includes removing the additional user-defined lighting scene.

[0100] Next, step 149 is performed. Step 149 includes representing the light scene in the user interface provided to the user of the system. The light scene represented is a new system-stored light scene, not the user-defined light scene that was replaced in step 147. Step 151 includes checking whether the user has selected the new system-stored light scene in the user interface. If so, step 105 is performed. Step 105 includes controlling one or more lighting devices to present the system-defined light settings. Additionally, one or more steps from the embodiments of Figures 4-5 and 8-10 may be added to the embodiment of Figure 7.

[0101] Figure 8 illustrates a seventh embodiment of a method for controlling one or more lighting devices to present a system-defined light setup. For example, this method can be executed by the light controller 1 of Figure 1, or by a mobile device or an internet server.

[0102] Step 101 includes obtaining user-defined light settings and system-defined light settings. The system-defined light settings are defined in a system-stored light scene. In the embodiment of Figure 8, the system-stored light scene is a daylight simulation light scene, and the system-defined light settings include multiple light setting groups, each associated with a time of day. For example, the light output level may be highest around noon, and the color may include more red around sunrise and sunset.

[0103] Daylight simulation lighting scenes are also known as circadian rhythm lighting scenes. Daylight simulation lighting scenes typically use white light with different warm and cool color temperatures to simulate the sun's movement throughout the day, and cause one or more lighting devices to automatically transition throughout the day, for example, starting with a bright, cool tone in the morning and ending with a warmer golden glow as the sun sets.

[0104] Step 231 includes determining, for each of the multiple light setting groups, the similarity (siml[i]) between the user-defined light setting and the corresponding light setting group, or the difference (dissiml[i]) between the user-defined light setting and the corresponding light setting group, for the i-th group. For example, a daylight simulation light scene may have light setting groups for each minute or hour of the day, or such groups may be determined from the daylight simulation light scene.

[0105] Step 231 includes comparing the similarity determined in step 231 (e.g., for k groups siml[1]...siml[k]) with a first threshold (T1), or comparing the difference determined in step 231 (e.g., for k groups dissiml[1]...dissiml[k]) with a second threshold (T2). If any similarity is determined to exceed the first threshold in step 233, or any difference is determined to not exceed the second threshold in step 233, then step 235 is performed.

[0106] Step 235 includes controlling one or more lighting devices to present a system-defined light setting (e.g., not a user-defined light setting) for a daylight simulation light scene. Additionally, one or more steps from the embodiments of Figures 4-7 and 9-10 can be added to the embodiment of Figure 8. For example, if a user-defined light setting is stored in a user-defined light scene, that user-defined light scene can be replaced with a reference to the daylight simulation light scene.

[0107] The embodiment in Figure 8 is advantageous if the user has already defined a user-defined light scene that reflects sunlight at a certain time of day, for example, since the user is unaware of the existence of a simulated sunlight scene. In this case, the user can have a better experience when using a simulated sunlight scene instead.

[0108] Figure 9 illustrates an eighth embodiment of a method for controlling one or more lighting devices to present a system-defined light setting. For example, this method can be performed by the light controller 1 of Figure 1, or by a mobile device or an internet server. Step 101 includes obtaining user-defined light settings and system-defined light settings. The system-defined light settings are defined in a light scene stored in the system.

[0109] In the embodiment of Figure 9, one or more lighting devices include multiple lighting devices, and the user-defined light settings include multiple user-defined light setting groups, each of which is associated with a different lighting device among the multiple lighting devices. Furthermore, the system-defined light settings include multiple system-defined light setting groups, each of which is associated with a different lighting device among the multiple lighting devices.

[0110] Step 251 includes selecting a lighting device from the plurality of lighting devices. In the first iteration of step 251, step 251 includes selecting a first lighting device from the plurality of lighting devices.

[0111] Step 253 includes determining the similarity (siml[i,i]) between the user-defined light setting group associated with the lighting device selected in step 251 and the corresponding system-defined light setting group (i.e., the system-defined light setting group associated with the lighting device selected in step 251), or determining the difference (dissiml[i,i]) between the user-defined light setting group and the corresponding system-defined light setting group. For example, siml[1,1] can be determined for the first lighting device, and a total of four similarities (differences) can be determined for the four lighting devices in four iterations of step 253.

[0112] Step 255 includes comparing the similarity determined in the most recent iteration of step 253 with a first threshold (T1), or comparing the difference determined in the most recent iteration of step 253 with a second threshold (T2). If the similarity is determined to exceed the first threshold in step 255, or the difference is determined to not exceed the second threshold in step 255, then step 257 is performed.

[0113] Step 257 includes checking whether all of the plurality of lighting devices have been selected in step 251 and therefore whether steps 253 and 255 have been performed on all of the plurality of lighting devices. If not, step 251 is repeated, and the next lighting device among the plurality of lighting devices is selected in the next iteration of step 251. The method is then performed as shown in FIG9.

[0114] If all of the multiple lighting devices have been selected in step 251, then step 105 is performed. Step 105 includes controlling one or more lighting devices to present the system-defined light settings. If any similarity is determined to be less than a first threshold in step 255, or any difference is determined to be greater than a second threshold in step 255, then step 257 is not performed for all lighting devices, and step 105 is not performed. Additionally, one or more steps from the embodiments of Figures 4-8 may be added to the embodiment of Figure 9.

[0115] In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, step 105 is executed only if an exact match exists. For example, if the system-stored light scene defines blue for light 1 and red for light 2, and the user-defined light scene also defines blue for light 1 and red for light 2, then a match exists. If the user-defined light scene defines red for light 1 and blue for light 2, then no match exists.

[0116] Figure 10 illustrates a ninth embodiment of a method for controlling one or more lighting devices to present a system-defined light setting. For example, this method can be performed by the light controller 1 of Figure 1, or by a mobile device or an internet server. Step 101 includes obtaining user-defined light settings and system-defined light settings. The system-defined light settings are defined in a light scene stored in the system.

[0117] In the embodiment of FIG10, as in the embodiment of FIG9, one or more lighting devices include multiple lighting devices, and the user-defined light settings include multiple user-defined light setting groups, each of which is associated with a different lighting device among the multiple lighting devices. Furthermore, the system-defined light settings include multiple system-defined light setting groups, each of which is associated with a different lighting device among the multiple lighting devices.

[0118] Step 251 includes selecting a lighting device from the plurality of lighting devices. In the first iteration of step 251, step 251 includes selecting a first lighting device from the plurality of lighting devices.

[0119] Step 263 includes determining the similarity (siml[i,k]) between the user-defined light setting group associated with the lighting device selected in step 251 and each system-defined light setting group, or the difference (dissiml[i,k]) between the user-defined light setting group and each system-defined light setting group. For example, siml[1,1]...siml[1,j] can be determined for the first lighting device, and a total of sixteen similarities (differences) can be determined for the four lighting devices in four iterations of step 253.

[0120] Step 265 includes comparing the similarity determined in the most recent iteration of step 263 with a first threshold (T1), or comparing the difference determined in the most recent iteration of step 263 with a second threshold (T2). If either of these similarities is determined to exceed the first threshold in step 265, or either of these differences is determined to not exceed the second threshold in step 265, then step 267 is executed.

[0121] Step 257 includes checking whether all of the plurality of lighting devices have been selected in step 251, and therefore steps 263 and 265 have been performed for all of the plurality of lighting devices. If not, step 251 is repeated, and the next lighting device among the plurality of lighting devices is selected in the next iteration of step 251. The method is then performed as shown in FIG10.

[0122] If all of the multiple lighting devices have been selected in step 251, then step 105 is performed. Step 105 includes controlling one or more lighting devices to present the system-defined light settings. If there are lighting devices for which no similarity is determined to exceed the first threshold in step 265, or for which all differences are determined to exceed the first threshold in step 265, then step 257 is not performed for all lighting devices, and step 105 is not performed. Additionally, one or more steps from the embodiments of Figures 4-8 may be added to the embodiment of Figure 10.

[0123] In the embodiment of Figure 10, step 105 has been executed if an approximate match exists. For example, if the system-stored light scene defines blue for light 1 and red for light 2, and the user-defined light scene defines red for light 1 and blue for light 2, then a match exists.

[0124] The embodiments of Figures 9 and 10 can be advantageous when one or more system-stored light scenes are associated with lighting devices. For example, if a user has selected one or more light scenes from a set of light scenes and assigned the light settings of the selected system-stored light scenes to the lighting devices of the user's lighting system. The user can indicate whether they want an exact match, such as the system-stored and user-defined light scenes specifying similar colors for the same lighting device, or an approximate match, such as the system-stored light scene specifying a color for a certain lighting device and the user-defined light scene specifying similar colors for the same or different lighting devices.

[0125] Figure 11 depicts a block diagram illustrating an exemplary data processing system capable of performing the methods described with reference to Figures 2-10.

[0126] As shown in Figure 11, 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 in this specification.

[0127] Memory element 304 may include one or more physical memory devices, such as, for example, local memory 308 and one or more mass storage devices 310. Local memory may refer to random access memory or (multiple) other non-persistent memory devices typically used during the actual execution of program code. Mass storage devices may be implemented as hard disk drives or other persistent data storage devices. Processing system 300 may also include one or more cache memories (not shown) that provide temporary storage for at least some program code to reduce the number of times program code must be retrieved from mass storage device 310 during execution. 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.

[0128] The input / output (I / O) devices, depicted as input device 312 and output device 314, can be optionally 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, 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.

[0129] In one embodiment, the input and output devices can be implemented as a combined input / output device (illustrated in Figure 11 using dashed lines surrounding 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 an embodiment, input to the device can be provided by the movement of a physical object, such as, for example, a stylus or a user’s finger, over or near the touchscreen display.

[0130] Network adapter 316 can also be coupled to the data processing system to enable it to couple 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.

[0131] As depicted in Figure 11, memory element 304 can store application 318. In various embodiments, application 318 can be stored in local memory 308, one or more mass storage devices 310, or separately from both local memory and mass storage devices. It should be understood that data processing system 300 can further execute an operating system (not shown in Figure 11), which can facilitate the execution of application 318. Application 318, implemented in the form of executable program code, can be executed by data processing system 300, for example, by processor 302. In response to executing the application, data processing system 300 can be configured to perform one or more operational or method steps described herein.

[0132] Figure 11 shows input device 312 and output device 314 as separate from network adapter 316. However, additionally or alternatively, input may be received via network adapter 316, and output may be transmitted via network adapter 316. For example, data processing system 300 may be a cloud server. In this case, input can be received from user equipment acting as a terminal, and output can be transmitted to user equipment.

[0133] Various embodiments of the present invention can be implemented as program products 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 (e.g., read-only memory devices within a computer, such as CD-ROM discs readable by a CD-ROM drive, ROM chips, and / or any type of solid-state non-volatile semiconductor memory) on which information is permanently stored; and (ii) writable storage media on which variable information is stored (e.g., floppy disks or any type of solid-state random access semiconductor memory within a flash memory, floppy disk drive, or hard disk drive). The computer program may run on the processor 302 described herein.

[0134] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well. It will be further understood that, when used in this specification, the terms “comprising” and / or “including” specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0135] 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 specifically claimed. Descriptions of embodiments of the invention have been presented for illustrative purposes, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosed forms. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. The embodiments have been chosen and described to best explain the principles of the invention and some practical applications, and to enable others skilled in the art to understand the invention with various embodiments having various modifications suitable for the particular intended use.

Claims

1. A system (1) for controlling one or more lighting devices (31-34) to present a light setting defined by the system, said system (1) comprising: At least one control interface (4); and at least one processor (5), configured to: - obtain a user-defined light setting and a system-defined light setting, the system-defined light setting being defined in a system-stored light scene, wherein the user-defined light setting is stored in the user-defined light scene; - determine a similarity or a difference between the user-defined light setting and the system-defined light setting; and - if the similarity is determined to exceed a first threshold or the difference is determined to not exceed a second threshold, control the one or more lighting devices (31-34) via the at least one control interface (4) to present the system-defined light setting, and replace the stored user-defined light scene with the system-stored light scene.

2. The system (1) of claim 1, wherein the user-defined light settings include the current light settings presented by the one or more lighting devices (31-34).

3. The system (1) of claim 2, wherein the at least one processor (5) is configured to: - generate a first output signal if the similarity is determined to exceed the first threshold or the difference is determined to not exceed the second threshold, the first output signal requesting the user of the system (1) whether the system-defined light setting should be activated; - obtain a first input signal in response to the first output signal; - control the one or more lighting devices (31-34) to present the system-defined light setting if the first input signal indicates that the user has requested the activation; and - avoid controlling the one or more lighting devices (31-34) to present the system-defined light setting if the first input signal indicates that the user has not requested the activation.

4. The system (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The at least one processor (5) is configured to: - generate a second output signal if the similarity is determined to exceed the first threshold or the difference is determined to not exceed the second threshold, the second output signal requesting the user of the system (1) whether the system-defined light settings should be stored; - obtain a second input signal in response to the second output signal; - if the second input signal indicates that the user requests the storage, store the system-stored light scene or a reference to the system-stored light scene in a configuration associated with the user's lighting system, represent the system-stored light scene in a user interface provided to the user of the system (1), and control the one or more lighting devices (31-34) to present the system-defined light settings if the user selects the system-stored light scene in the user interface; and - if the second input signal indicates that the user has not requested the storage, avoid storing the system-stored light scene or a reference to the system-stored light scene in the configuration associated with the user's lighting system.

5. The system (1) of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor (5) is configured to: - generate a first output signal if the similarity is determined to exceed a first threshold or the difference is determined to not exceed a second threshold, the first output signal requesting whether the user of the system (1) should replace the user-defined light scene with a light scene stored in the system; - obtain a first input signal in response to the first output signal; - if the first input signal indicates that the user requests the replacement, replace the user-defined light scene with a light scene stored in the system or a reference to a light scene stored in the system in a configuration associated with the user's lighting system; and - if the first input signal indicates that the user has not requested the replacement, avoid replacing the user-defined light scene with a light scene stored in the system or a reference to a light scene stored in the system in the configuration associated with the user's lighting system.

6. The system (1) according to claim 1 or 5, wherein the at least one processor (5) is configured to: - represent a light scene stored by the system rather than a light scene defined by the user in a user interface provided to the user of the system (1), the light scene stored by the system being represented by a name associated with the light scene defined by the user, and - control the one or more lighting devices (31-34) to present the light setting defined by the system if the user selects the light scene stored by the system in the user interface.

7. The system (1) of claim 6, wherein the at least one processor (5) is configured to represent the light scene stored in the system in the user interface using an image associated with the light scene stored in the system, rather than an image associated with the light scene defined by the user.

8. The system (1) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the at least one processor (5) is configured to: - determine a new name for the light scene stored in the system in the user interface based on a system-defined name associated with the light scene stored in the system or based on a system-defined light setting; - generate a second output signal that queries the user of the system (1) whether the current name of the light scene stored in the system in the user interface should be changed to the new name; - obtain a second input signal in response to the second output signal; and - if the second input signal indicates that the user requests the name change, represent the light scene stored in the system in the user interface using the new name.

9. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1, 6, 7 or 8, wherein the at least one processor (5) is configured to, upon determining that a new system-stored light scene has become available, obtain the user-defined light settings stored in the user-defined light scene and the system-defined light settings defined in the system-stored light scene, and determine the similarity or the difference, wherein the system-stored light scene is the new system-stored light scene.

10. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1, 6, 7 or 8, wherein the at least one processor (5) is configured to: - obtain another user-defined light setting stored in another user-defined light scene, - determine another similarity between the user-defined light setting and the other user-defined light setting or another difference between the user-defined light setting and the other user-defined light setting, and - remove the other user-defined light scene if the other similarity is determined to exceed the first threshold or the third threshold or the other difference is determined to not exceed the second threshold or the fourth threshold.

11. The system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light scene stored in the system is a daylight simulation light scene, the light settings defined by the system include a plurality of light setting groups, each of the light setting groups being associated with a time of day, and the at least one processor (5) is configured to: - determine, for each of the plurality of light setting groups, a similarity between the user-defined light setting and the corresponding light setting group or a difference between the user-defined light setting and the corresponding light setting group, and - if either of the similarities is determined to exceed a first threshold or either of the differences is determined to not exceed a second threshold, control the one or more lighting devices (31-34) via the at least one control interface (4) to present the system-defined light settings of the daylight simulation light scene.

12. The system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more lighting devices include a plurality of lighting devices (31-34), the user-defined light settings include a plurality of user-defined light setting groups, each of the plurality of user-defined groups being associated with a different lighting device among the plurality of lighting devices (31-34), the system-defined light settings include a plurality of system-defined light setting groups, each of the plurality of system-defined groups being associated with a different lighting device among the plurality of lighting devices (31-34), and the at least one processor (5) is configured to: - determine the similarity by determining the similarity between each user-defined light setting group and a corresponding system-defined light setting group or by determining the similarity between each user-defined light setting group and each system-defined light setting group, or - determine the difference by determining the difference between each user-defined light setting group and a corresponding system-defined light setting group or by determining the difference between each user-defined light setting group and each system-defined light setting group.

13. A method for controlling one or more lighting devices to present a system-defined light setting, the method comprising: - Obtain (101) user-defined light settings and system-defined light settings, wherein the system-defined light settings are defined in the system-stored light scene, and wherein the user-defined light settings are stored in the user-defined light scene; - Determine (103) the similarity between the user-defined light settings and the system-defined light settings or the difference between the user-defined light settings and the system-defined light settings; - If the similarity is determined to exceed a first threshold or the difference is determined to not exceed a second threshold, then control (105) the one or more lighting devices to present the light settings defined by the system; and - replace the stored user-defined light scene with the light scene stored by the system.

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

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