defining parameters of an emergency driver for a luminaire

Abstract

A mechanism for controlling the length of time an emergency driver of a luminaire remains active after the end of a mains power failure. A prolongation time is defined in response to a first indicator indicating whether other power conversion drivers are active during a test operation mode. In the test operation mode, the mains power is active and the emergency driver powers one or more LED arrangements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of lighting fixtures, and more particularly to lighting fixtures including emergency actuators. Background Technology

[0002] There is a continued desire to improve artificial lighting arrangements for providing artificial light in a variety of environments, such as homes, offices, retail, industrial and / or public spaces.

[0003] A known type of luminaire for providing artificial light includes one or more LED arrangements; at least one power conversion driver configured to convert mains power to power the one or more LED arrangements; and an emergency driver configured to power a first group of the one or more LED arrangements in the event of a mains power failure. See, for example, WO97 / 50168A1. There is a continued desire to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of luminaires. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention is defined by the claims.

[0005] According to an example of one aspect of the invention, a luminaire is provided, comprising: one or more LED arrangements; at least one power conversion driver configured to convert mains power to power the one or more LED arrangements; an emergency driver configured to power a first group of the one or more LED arrangements during a mains power failure; and an application controller.

[0006] The application controller is configured to, during a test operation mode, where the mains power supply is active and the emergency driver is configured to power a first group of one or more LED arrangements, determine an indicator as a first indicator whether any of the at least one power conversion driver configured to power the first group of one or more LED arrangements is active.

[0007] The application controller is also configured to define an extension time for the emergency driver in response to a determined first indicator, wherein the extension time defines how long the emergency driver continues to power a first group of one or more LED arrangements after any mains power failure has ended. In other words, the application controller is also configured to define an extension time for the emergency driver in response to a determined first indicator, wherein the extension time is defined as a period of time after a mains power failure has ended, during which the emergency driver is configured to continue powering a first group of one or more LED arrangements.

[0008] This disclosure recognizes that luminaires with an emergency driver (which is activated during a mains power failure or interruption) can be configured to keep the emergency driver activated for a specific period of time after mains power is restored. However, in some types or variations of luminaires, when the emergency driver is activated, any power conversion drivers designed to power the same LED arrangement are prevented from powering the LED arrangement.

[0009] There are two methods to prevent the power conversion driver from supplying power to the LED arrangement (multiple LEDs). In one method, the power conversion driver is disconnected from the mains power supply, i.e., a switch on the mains input side. In the other method, the power conversion driver is disconnected from the LED arrangement (multiple LEDs), i.e., a switch on the LED arrangement side.

[0010] This disclosure recognizes that, for such luminaires, it is advantageous to control the duration for which the emergency driver remains active in response to whether power is cut off from the mains power supply or from the LED arrangement by disconnecting the LED arrangement. This disclosure provides a technique for determining or establishing which method to use and thereby controlling the duration for which the emergency driver remains active.

[0011] The application controller can be configured to determine a first indicator during a test operation mode by determining the number of at least one active power conversion driver as a first quantity. In other words, the first indicator may include a first quantity, namely, the number of at least one active power conversion driver (during the test operation mode).

[0012] In some examples, the application controller is configured to define the extension time in response to the difference between a first quantity and a predetermined number of active drivers.

[0013] In some examples, the application controller is configured to increase the extension time in response to a zero difference between the first quantity and the predetermined quantity of active drivers.

[0014] In some examples, the application controller is configured to set the delay time to zero in response to a non-zero difference between the first quantity and a predetermined number of active drivers. This approach recognizes that if the power conversion drivers are disconnected from the mains power supply (when power supply to the LED arrangement is blocked), there is a strong desire to re-power the power conversion drivers as quickly as possible when power is restored. Therefore, the delay time should be minimized.

[0015] In some examples, the application controller is configured to set the extension time to nonzero in response to a difference of zero between the first quantity and the predetermined quantity of active drivers.

[0016] This approach recognizes that if the power conversion driver is disconnected from the LED arrangement (when power supply to the LED arrangement is blocked), the need to reconnect the power conversion driver to the LED arrangement is reduced. Instead, the power conversion driver can be allowed time to execute startup routines to ensure a smooth transition from emergency power supply to mains power supply to the LED arrangement.

[0017] In some examples, the application controller is configured to set the delay time to be greater than or equal to 10 seconds in response to a difference of zero between the first quantity and a predetermined quantity of active drivers. For example, the application controller may be configured to set the delay time to be greater than or equal to 30 seconds (e.g., 30 seconds) in response to a difference of zero between the first quantity and a predetermined quantity of active drivers.

[0018] The predetermined number of active drivers can be the number of at least one power conversion drivers active during standard operating mode, in which mains power is active and prevents emergency drivers from supplying power to the first group of one or more LED arrangements.

[0019] In some examples, the application controller is configured to determine the predetermined number of active drivers by determining the number of at least one active power conversion driver as a predetermined number during standard operating mode.

[0020] In some examples, during test operation mode, the application controller is configured to determine the number of at least one active power conversion driver by determining the number of at least one power conversion driver powered by mains power as a first number.

[0021] The application controller can be configured to determine the number of at least one active power conversion driver as a first quantity by sending communication to each of the at least one power conversion driver and counting the number of responses from the at least one power conversion driver.

[0022] The step of sending communication to each of at least one power conversion driver may include sending respective communication to each of at least one power conversion driver.

[0023] The step of sending communication to each of at least one power conversion driver may include sending communication to each of at least one power conversion driver under the IEC 62386 family of standards.

[0024] A method is also provided for defining an extension time for an emergency driver of a luminaire, the luminaire comprising: one or more LED arrangements; at least one power conversion driver configured to convert mains power to power the one or more LED arrangements; and an emergency driver configured to power a first group of the one or more LED arrangements during a mains power failure.

[0025] The method includes: during a test operation mode, wherein the mains power supply is active and an emergency driver is configured to power a first group of one or more LED arrangements, determining an indicator as a first indicator whether any of the at least one power conversion driver configured to power the first group of one or more LED arrangements is active; and defining an extension time for the emergency driver in response to the determined first indicator. The extension time defines how long the emergency driver continues to power the first group of one or more LED arrangements after any failure of the mains power supply has ended.

[0026] In some examples, the determination step (during the test operation mode) includes determining the number of at least one power conversion driver active (during the test operation mode) as a first quantity. In other words, the first indicator may include the first quantity, namely, the number of at least one power conversion driver active (during the test operation mode).

[0027] In some examples, the step of defining the extension time includes defining the extension time in response to the difference between a first quantity and a predetermined number of active drivers.

[0028] The step of defining the extension time may include: defining the extension time as zero in response to a non-zero difference between the first quantity and the predetermined quantity of active drivers; and / or defining the extension time as non-zero in response to a zero difference between the first quantity and the predetermined quantity of active drivers.

[0029] These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent and will be explained with reference to the embodiments described below. Attached Figure Description

[0030] To better understand the invention and to more clearly illustrate how to implement it, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings by way of example only, wherein: Figure 1 An illuminator that can be used in an embodiment is shown; Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the proposed method; Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating additional steps of the proposed illuminator; Figure 4This is a flowchart illustrating a variation of the steps of the proposed method; and Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating another variation of the steps of the proposed method. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] It should be understood that while the detailed description and specific examples indicate exemplary embodiments of the devices, systems, and methods, they are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the devices, systems, and methods of the present invention will become more readily understood from the following description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are merely schematic and not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that in all the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same or similar parts.

[0033] This invention provides a mechanism for controlling the duration for which an emergency driver of a lighting fixture remains active after a mains power failure. The extended time is defined in response to a first indicator indicating whether other power conversion drivers are active during a test operation mode. In the test operation mode, mains power is active, and the emergency driver supplies power to one or more LED arrangements.

[0034] Figure 1 A lighting device 100, which may be used in an embodiment, is schematically shown. The lighting device 100 includes one or more LED arrangements LED1, LED2, at least one power conversion driver 111, 112, an emergency driver 120, and an application controller 130.

[0035] In the example shown, one or more LED arrangements LED1, LED2 comprise multiple LED arrangements (although this is not required). Each LED arrangement LED1, LED2 is configured to emit light when energized. The structure, function, and operation of the LED arrangements are well known in the art and are not disclosed in detail for the sake of simplicity.

[0036] At least one power conversion driver 111, 112 is configured to convert AC power V M To supply power to one or more LED arrays, LED1, LED2. Mains power supply V. M The power is supplied by an AC power source (e.g., AC power supply), which can be provided at or connected to the AC power input 105 of the lighting fixture 100.

[0037] Emergency driver 120 is configured to power a first group of LEDs 1 arranged with one or more LEDs during a mains power failure (i.e., during the "emergency mode" of luminaire 100). Specifically, emergency driver 120 may include one or more batteries or battery devices. Figure 1 (not visible in the middle) and drive circuit ( Figure 1 (Not visible in the image) is used to generate (backup) power for the first group of one or more LEDs. For example, a mains power failure may be due to a mains power failure (e.g., a power outage or voltage drop), a blown fuse in the mains power system (e.g., due to a voltage surge), and / or a disconnection of the mains power from the luminaire (e.g., unintentional unplugging).

[0038] Examples of emergency drivers 120 are well known in the art, as are methods for controlling the activation and deactivation of emergency drivers (i.e., controlling whether the emergency driver outputs power to a first group of one or more LED arrangements). In particular, there are various known emergency drivers capable of automatically providing power in response to a mains power failure, for example, in response to at least one power conversion driver failing to output power to power the LED arrangement(s) when power is needed, or at least one conversion driver failing to receive mains power.

[0039] For example, the drive circuitry of an emergency driver may include a switch-mode power supply (SMPS). Controlling the switching of the SMPS controls whether the emergency driver outputs power to the LED array(s). This switching control can be performed in response to an indication of a mains power failure.

[0040] As an alternative example, the drive circuit of the emergency driver may include a simple switch or relay (between the emergency driver and a first group of one or more LED arrangements) that closes in response to a failure of the mains power supply.

[0041] Note that existing emergency drivers for lighting fixtures support a so-called "extended emergency mode." After a mains power failure, the extended emergency mode can be used to effectively extend the emergency mode for a specific period, known as the extended time. During this extended time, the emergency driver continues to supply power to the first group of one or more LEDs. Without activating the extended emergency mode, the lighting fixture may dim completely for a period after mains power is restored (e.g., if the emergency driver is immediately deactivated), while the (conventional) power conversion driver starts up and begins supplying power to the LED modules.

[0042] As shown, the converted power generated by any (multiple) power conversion drivers 111 of the first group of LEDs 1 arranged by one or more LEDs can be transmitted through the emergency driver.

[0043] In some examples, the power conversion drivers 112 can also be configured to generate power to different second groups of LEDs 2 in one or more LED arrangements. In some examples, the emergency driver 120 is configured not to supply power to the second group of LEDs 2 in one or more LED arrangements during a mains power failure. In this way, the emergency driver 120 can be configured to supply power to only a subset (i.e., not all) of one or more LED arrangements during a mains power failure. This approach is advantageous for providing a level of emergency lighting through the luminaire without wasting energy.

[0044] Application controller 130 is configured to control or define the function or operation of various components of luminaire 100 and / or perform monitoring of various components of luminaire. Specifically, application controller can control which(s) drivers are active and / or the values ​​used by the drivers to control or define their operation. Methods for controlling the activation and deactivation of drivers are known in the art.

[0045] For example, each driver (i.e., each power conversion driver and emergency driver) may include control circuitry to control the operation of the driver. An application controller may communicate with the control circuitry of each driver to define the operation of the driver and / or receive data from the driver. For instance, the application controller may be configured to control the operation of each driver to control the amount of power output by each driver (e.g., to perform dimming of a powered LED arrangement) and / or to control whether the driver outputs power.

[0046] Therefore, in some examples, the application controller and the control circuitry of each driver are communicatively coupled to each other and are able to communicate using any suitable communication technology and / or standard.

[0047] In some examples, the application controller and the control circuitry of each driver can communicate using communication under the IEC 62386 family of standards, also known as Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI®) communication technology. More specifically, the application controller can communicate with the control circuitry of each driver via the (DALI) bus. This communication technology is well known in the art.

[0048] In some examples, the application controller can be configured to perform a debugging process (e.g., immediately after power-on or startup) to identify all components it can communicate with. The debugging process may include, for example, sending debug communications such as broadcast messages and monitoring responses from any communicating and active components. Then, as part of the debugging process, the application monitor can assign them (short) addresses for subsequent control, monitoring, and reading of metrics from each communicating component.

[0049] An example protocol for this debugging process is defined in the IEC 62386 family of standards, namely the DALI® communication protocol.

[0050] Application controller 130 may be powered by its own dedicated power conversion driver, which may be designated application controller driver 135. The application controller driver is configured to convert AC power into power for the application controller.

[0051] Examples of suitable application controllers that can be used in the proposed embodiments include interactive wireless sensors in or near illuminators, or Dynalite DALI controllers connected to the drives(s) via fieldbus (both developed by Signify).

[0052] Generally speaking, lighting fixtures with emergency drivers can be divided into two types: Type I lighting fixtures and Type II lighting fixtures.

[0053] The first type of luminaire is configured to prevent the mains power supply from supplying mains power V to any power conversion driver (supplying the same first group) when the emergency driver is powering the first group of one or more LEDs. M This can be achieved, for example, using a switch (e.g., a switching relay) connected between the mains input of the lighting fixture and at least one power conversion driver. The operation of the switch can be controlled, for example, by an emergency driver.

[0054] The second type of luminaire's emergency driver is configured to not block or limit the supply of mains power to at least one power conversion driver when powering a first group of one or more LEDs. In one subtype, when the emergency driver is powering a first group of one or more LEDs, the emergency driver can disconnect the output of at least one power conversion driver from the first group of one or more LEDs. In another subtype, the emergency driver can simply superimpose the power generated by the emergency driver onto said / any power supplied by at least one power conversion driver.

[0055] Therefore, in the first type of lighting fixture, if the emergency drive is active (i.e., powered), at least one power conversion device is deactivated. In the second type of lighting fixture, at least one power conversion device and the emergency drive can be active simultaneously.

[0056] This disclosure recognizes that, after a mains power failure ends (i.e., mains power is restored), it may be advantageous to vary how long the emergency driver remains active (i.e., continues to power one or more LED arrangements). This period is referred to as the extension time of the emergency driver. In particular, it has been recognized that first and second type luminaires will benefit from different extension times.

[0057] Consider a scenario where the application controller is configured to perform a commissioning process upon power-up to identify all communicatively connected components, and each power conversion driver includes control circuitry communicatively connected to the application controller (e.g., capable of communication using DALI communication technology or similar). In this case, if the extension time is set to a value greater than zero, and the illuminator is of the first type outlined above, the commissioning process performed by the application controller after the mains power failure may fail to identify all power conversion drivers. Specifically, during the extended time or extended emergency mode, not all power conversion drivers will receive mains power and therefore will not respond to commissioning communications from the application controller.

[0058] This disclosure discloses the use of an application controller configured to determine, during a test operation mode (in which mains power is active and an emergency driver is configured to power a first group of one or more LED arrangements), whether any of at least one power conversion driver configured to power a first group of one or more LED arrangements is active, as a first indicator.

[0059] The application controller is also configured to define the extension time of the emergency driver in response to a determined first indicator, wherein the extension time defines how long the emergency driver continues to power a first group of one or more LED arrangements after any failure of the mains power supply has ended.

[0060] In some examples, the application controller can simply decide whether there is an extended time for the emergency drive after any mains power failure ends, i.e., whether an extended emergency mode for the emergency drive is activated.

[0061] In a specific example, the application controller can define the value of a non-volatile variable that determines whether the emergency driver should enter extended emergency mode.

[0062] It should be understood that the illuminator may include one or more other components not shown for clarity, such as sensing systems, communication systems, housings, etc.

[0063] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the method 200 performed by the illuminator proposed herein.

[0064] Method 200 includes step 210, determining an indicator as a first indicator whether any of at least one power conversion driver configured to power a first group of one or more LED arrangements is active. Step 210 is performed during a test operation mode of the luminaire. In the test operation mode, mains power is active (i.e., the luminaire is powered by mains power), and an emergency driver is configured / controlled to power the first group of one or more LED arrangements.

[0065] The first indicator could be, for example, a simple binary indicator that indicates whether any of the at least one power conversion driver configured to power a first group of one or more LED arrangements is active during a test operation mode. As another example, the first indicator could be a first quantity that identifies, represents, or indicates the number of at least one power conversion drivers configured to power a first group of one or more LED arrangements that are active during a test operation mode.

[0066] Step 210 is executed by the application controller.

[0067] In a simplified method for performing step 210, the application controller can be configured to monitor the voltage across a sense resistor of each power conversion driver. The sense resistor can be a feedback resistor used by the power conversion driver to control its operation, such as the power output by the power conversion driver. The voltage across each sense resistor can indicate whether the power conversion driver is active.

[0068] In a more complex example, step 210 can be performed by sending communication to each of the at least one power conversion driver and generating a first indicator in response to any response from the at least one power conversion driver. For example, step 210 may include counting the number of responses from the at least one power conversion driver to determine the number of at least one power conversion driver configured to power a first group of one or more LED arrangements that is active during a test operation mode. In this approach, a response to a communication indicates that the corresponding driver is active (i.e., receiving power from the mains power supply).

[0069] In this approach, the application controller and each power conversion driver are able to communicate with each other, for example, via a bus or other interconnection system. Therefore, the application controller and each power conversion system are communicatively coupled. For example, the application controller and each driver can communicate using communication under the IEC 62386 family of standards, also known as Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI®) communication technology. Thus, communication to each of at least one power conversion driver (in this example of step 210) can be (e.g., respective) communication under the IEC 62386 family of standards.

[0070] In some variations of this example, step 210 is performed by sequentially sending communications to each power conversion driver (i.e., one after another) and waiting for a response. This improves the reliability of monitoring the response. In other words, the step of sending communications to each of the at least one power conversion driver may include sending a separate communication to each of the at least one power conversion driver.

[0071] In other variations, step 210 is performed by sending broadcast communications from the application controller to all power conversion drivers and monitoring responses from each power conversion driver. This significantly reduces the amount of time required to determine which power conversion driver(s) are active.

[0072] Method 200 also includes step 220, defining an extension time for the emergency driver in response to a determined first indicator (e.g., a first quantity). As previously described, the extension time defines how long the emergency driver continues to power a first group of one or more LED arrangements after any failure of the mains power supply has ended.

[0073] In some examples, step 220 includes defining whether an extended emergency mode of the emergency driver is activated after a mains power failure. This can be done, for example, by defining a value for a non-volatile parameter that defines whether the extended emergency mode should be activated after a mains power failure. During the extended emergency mode, the emergency driver continues to power the first group of one or more LED arrangements. The length of the extended emergency mode can be predetermined or predefined.

[0074] Step 220 is also performed by the application controller. A more complete example of a method for performing step 220 is provided later in this disclosure.

[0075] As previously described, step 210 is performed during the test operation mode. Therefore, in some examples, the method also includes steps 205 and 215, where in step 205, the test operation mode is entered before step 210 is performed, and in step 215, the standard operation mode is entered (i.e., the test operation mode is exited) after step 210 is performed. Steps 205 and 215 can be performed similarly using an application controller, for example, to control the function or operation of a luminaire driver.

[0076] When the luminaire operates in "standard operating mode," the emergency driver is prevented or limited from supplying power to the first group of one or more LED arrangements. Specifically, during standard operating mode, the mains power supply is active and prevents the emergency driver from supplying power to the first group of one or more LED arrangements. In some methods, the emergency driver can be configured to (re)charge any battery or battery device during standard operating mode. Of course, during standard operating mode, at least one power conversion driver(s) is not limited in its ability to convert mains power to supply power to one or more LED arrangements.

[0077] Method 200 can be executed when the illuminator is turned on (e.g., for the first time), such as when the illuminator is first supplied with mains power. Of course, the execution of method 200 can be in response to any one or more (other) triggers, such as user input and / or a predetermined period of time elapsed since the last execution of method 200, so that method 200 can be repeated periodically.

[0078] Figure 3 This is a flowchart 300 illustrating additional functions or steps performed by the illuminator to improve contextual understanding.

[0079] After executing method 200, the luminaire can operate in standard operating mode. In step 330, the luminaire can repeatedly check for power supply failures in the mains power supply.

[0080] In response to the detection of a mains power failure, the luminaire may enter emergency mode in step 335. In emergency mode, the emergency driver is configured to supply power to a first group of one or more LEDs. Then, in step 340, the luminaire repeatedly checks whether the mains power failure has ended, i.e., whether the mains power has been restored.

[0081] In response to the detection that mains power has been restored (i.e., the mains power failure has ended), the illuminator is configured to wait for an extension time (defined by method 200) before the illuminator re-enters standard operating mode in step 360 and returns to step 330. In practice, as illustrated and explained later, the extension time can be any value greater than or equal to 0.

[0082] In some examples, step 350 of waiting for the extended time may include entering the previously described extended emergency mode, particularly if the extended time is greater than 0.

[0083] Figure 4 A method for performing step 220 is shown, which in response to a determined first indicator defines an extension time for the emergency drive.

[0084] In this example, the first indicator is a simple binary indicator: it uses a first value to indicate whether at least one power conversion driver configured to power a first group of one or more LED arrangements is active during the test operation mode; or it uses a second value to indicate whether a power conversion driver not configured to power a first group of one or more LED arrangements is active during the test operation mode.

[0085] In this method, step 220 may include step 410, processing a first indicator to identify whether any power conversion driver configured to power a first group of one or more LED arrangements is active during the test operation mode.

[0086] In response to the affirmative determination in step 410, step 220 may include step 420, setting the extension time to a non-zero value, such as a predetermined non-zero value. This method effectively recognizes that once the mains power supply has been restored, at least one power conversion driver will begin receiving power from the mains power supply. However, there may be a startup delay before the power conversion driver is able to generate power to drive one or more LED arrangements. By setting the extension time to a non-zero value, the luminaire is able to continue outputting light during any such potential startup (e.g., for improved safety).

[0087] In response to the negative confirmation in step 410, step 220 may include step 430, setting the delay time to zero. This method effectively recognizes that once mains power has been restored (e.g., powering the LED arrangement and / or responding to commissioning communications), the emergency drivers need to be deactivated before the power conversion drivers begin receiving power from the mains. By setting the delay time to zero, unnecessary use of emergency driver resources (e.g., battery life) can be avoided, and the illuminator can return to standard operating mode more quickly.

[0088] In step 420, the non-zero value can be greater than or equal to 10 seconds, for example, greater than or equal to 30 seconds. This approach recognizes that the startup routines of power conversion drivers are typically relatively long. This approach is particularly advantageous when the power conversion driver conforms to the DALI standard.

[0089] In step 420, the non-zero value can be predefined or otherwise predetermined.

[0090] For example, setting the extension time (in steps 420 and 430) may include identifying whether the illuminator is to enter an extended emergency mode, which may have a predetermined duration.

[0091] Figure 5Another method for performing step 220 is shown, which defines the extension time of the emergency drive in response to the determined first indicator. Step 220 is performed by the application controller.

[0092] In this example, the first indicator is a numeric indicator or a first quantity that identifies the number of at least one power conversion driver active during the test operation mode. This first quantity thus indicates whether at least one power conversion driver configured to power a first group of one or more LED arrangements is active during the test operation mode.

[0093] In this method, the application controller is configured to define an extension time in response to the difference between a first quantity and a predetermined quantity of active drivers. Specifically, different actions are taken depending on whether the difference is zero or non-zero. In this way, the application controller is effectively configured to define the extension time in response to whether the first quantity exceeds a threshold defined by the predetermined quantity of active drivers.

[0094] In this method, step 220 includes determining in step 510 whether a first quantity 1N is less than a predetermined quantity PD of active drives. Therefore, step 510 effectively determines whether the difference (between the first quantity and the predetermined quantity of active drives) is greater than zero.

[0095] Step 220 may include sub-step 520, which sets the extension time to zero in response to a non-zero difference between the first quantity and the predetermined number of active drivers. Therefore, sub-step 520 is executed in response to determining in step 510 that the first quantity is less than the predetermined number of active drivers.

[0096] Sub-step 520 effectively recognizes that once mains power has been restored, the emergency drive needs to be deactivated before the power conversion drives (multiple) begin receiving power from the mains. By setting the extension time to zero, unnecessary use of emergency drive resources (e.g., battery life) can be avoided, and the illuminator can return to standard operating mode more quickly.

[0097] Step 220 may include sub-step 530, which sets the extension time to a non-zero value in response to the difference between the first quantity and the predetermined quantity of active drivers being zero.

[0098] This approach effectively recognizes that once mains power is restored, at least one power conversion driver will begin receiving power from the mains. However, there may be a startup delay before the power conversion driver is able to generate enough power to drive one or more LED arrangements. By setting the delay time to a non-zero value, the luminaire can continue to output light during any potential startup (e.g., for improved safety).

[0099] In step 530, the non-zero value can be greater than or equal to 10 seconds, for example, greater than or equal to 30 seconds. This approach recognizes that the startup routines of power conversion drivers are typically relatively long. This approach is particularly advantageous when the power conversion driver conforms to the DALI standard.

[0100] For the purposes of step 510, the predetermined number of active drivers may be the number of at least one power conversion driver active during standard operating mode. As previously stated, when operating during standard operating mode, the mains power supply is active and prevents the emergency driver from supplying power to the first group of one or more LED arrangements.

[0101] Of course, the application controller can be configured to determine the predetermined number of active drivers by identifying the number of at least one active power conversion driver during standard operating mode. Methods for determining whether a power conversion driver is active have been previously described, and these methods can be used to perform this function.

[0102] From the preceding description, it is clear that the luminaire can operate in several different modes, the selection of which will be re-identified below to improve contextual understanding. In standard operating mode, the mains power is active and prevents the emergency driver from supplying power to the first group of one or more LED arrangements. In test operating mode, the mains power is active, and the emergency driver is controlled to supply power to the first group of one or more LED arrangements. In emergency mode, the mains power is inactive or has failed, and the emergency driver is controlled to supply power to the first group of one or more LED arrangements. In extended emergency mode, the mains power failure has ended, but the emergency driver is controlled to continue supplying power to the first group of one or more LED arrangements. Therefore, extended emergency mode occurs after emergency mode (as opposed to test operating mode).

[0103] The proposed embodiments utilize an application controller. An application controller can be implemented in various ways, using software and / or hardware, to perform a variety of desired functions. A processor is one example of an application controller, which uses one or more microprocessors that can be programmed using software (e.g., microcode) to perform the desired functions. However, an application controller can be implemented with or without a processor, and can also be implemented as a combination of dedicated hardware performing some functions and processors performing other functions (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuitry).

[0104] Examples of application controller components that may be used in various embodiments of this disclosure include, but are not limited to, conventional microprocessors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0105] In various implementations, the processor or application controller may be associated with one or more storage media, such as volatile and non-volatile computer memories, such as RAM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM. The storage media may be encoded with one or more programs that, when executed on one or more processors and / or application controllers, perform the required functions. The various storage media may be fixed within the processor or application controller, or may be removable, allowing one or more programs stored thereon to be loaded into the processor or application controller.

[0106] It will be understood that the disclosed methods are preferably computer-implemented methods. Similarly, the concept of a computer program is also proposed, which includes code means for implementing any described method when the program is run on an application controller such as a computer. Therefore, different portions, lines of code, or blocks of code of the computer program according to embodiments can be executed by an application controller or a computer to perform any of the methods described herein.

[0107] A non-transitory storage medium for storing or carrying computer programs or computer code is also proposed, which, when executed by an application controller, causes the application controller to perform any of the methods described herein.

[0108] In some alternative implementations, the functions marked in the block diagrams or flowcharts may not occur in the order indicated in the diagrams. For example, two blocks shown consecutively may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or these blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved.

[0109] Based on a study of the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement variations of the disclosed embodiments in practicing the claimed invention. The mere fact that certain measures are referenced in mutually different dependent claims does not imply that combinations of these measures cannot be used advantageously.

[0110] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. If the term "suitable" is used in the claims or description, it should be noted that the term "suitable" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured as." If the term "apparatus" is used in the claims or description, it should be noted that the term "apparatus" is intended to be equivalent to the term "system," and vice versa.

[0111] A single processor or other unit can perform the functions of several items listed in the claims. If a computer program has been discussed above, it can be stored / distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or solid-state medium provided with or as part of other hardware, but it can also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems.

[0112] Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A luminaire (100), comprising: One or more LEDs are arranged (LED1, LED2); At least one power conversion driver (111, 112) is configured to convert AC power to power one or more LED arrangements; An emergency driver (120) is configured to supply power to a first group of one or more LED arrangements during a mains power failure; and Application controller (130), which is configured as follows: During the test operation mode, where the mains power supply is active and the emergency driver is configured to supply power to the first group of one or more LED arrangements, an indicator (210) is determined as the first indicator to determine whether any of the at least one power conversion driver configured to supply power to the first group of one or more LED arrangements is active. and In response to the determined first indicator, an extension time for the emergency driver is defined (220), wherein the extension time is defined as the period of time after the mains power failure ends, wherein the emergency driver is configured to continue to power the first group of one or more LED arrangements.

2. The illuminator according to claim 1, wherein, The application controller is configured to determine a first indicator during a test operation mode by determining the number of at least one active power conversion driver as a first quantity.

3. The illuminator according to claim 2, wherein, The application controller is configured to define the extension time in response to the difference between the first quantity and a predetermined number of active drivers.

4. The illuminator according to claim 3, wherein, The application controller is configured to increase the extension time in response to a zero difference between the first quantity and a predetermined number of active drivers.

5. The illuminator according to claim 3, wherein, The application controller is configured to set the extension time to zero in response to a non-zero difference between the first quantity and a predetermined number of active drivers.

6. The illuminator according to claim 3, wherein, The application controller is configured to set the extension time to non-zero in response to a difference of zero between the first quantity and a predetermined number of active drivers.

7. The illuminator according to claim 3, wherein, The application controller is configured to set the extension time to be greater than or equal to 10 seconds in response to a difference of zero between the first quantity and a predetermined number of active drivers.

8. The illuminator according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein, The predetermined number of active drivers is the number of at least one power conversion driver active during a standard operating mode in which mains power is active and the emergency driver is prevented from supplying power to the first group of the one or more LED arrangements.

9. The illuminator according to claim 8, wherein, The application controller is configured to determine a predetermined number of active drivers by determining the number of at least one active power conversion driver as a predetermined number during standard operating mode.

10. The illuminator according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, During the test operation mode, the application controller is configured to determine the number of at least one active power conversion driver as a first number by determining the number of at least one power conversion driver powered by the mains power supply as a first number.

11. The illuminator according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The application controller is configured to determine the number of at least one active power conversion driver as a first quantity by: Send communication to each of at least one power conversion driver; and The number of responses from the at least one power conversion driver is counted to determine the number of active at least one power conversion driver.

12. The illuminator according to claim 11, wherein, The step of sending communication to each of at least one power conversion driver includes sending respective communication to each of at least one power conversion driver.

13. The illuminator according to any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein, The step of sending communication to each of at least one power conversion driver includes sending communication to each of at least one power conversion driver under the IEC 62386 family of standards.

14. A method (200) for defining an extension time for an emergency actuator of a luminaire (100), the luminaire (100) comprising: One or more LEDs are arranged (LED1, LED2); At least one power conversion driver (111, 112) is configured to convert AC power to power one or more LED arrangements; And an emergency driver (120) configured to supply power to a first group of one or more LED arrangements during a mains power failure, wherein the method includes: During the test operation mode, where the mains power supply is active and the emergency driver is configured to power a first group of one or more LED arrangements, an indicator (210) is determined as the first indicator to determine whether any of the at least one power conversion driver configured to power the first group of one or more LED arrangements is active; and In response to the determined first indicator, the extension time of the emergency drive is defined (220). The extended time is defined as how long the emergency driver continues to supply power to the first group of one or more LED arrangements after any failure of the mains power supply has ended.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein: The step of determining the first indicator includes determining the number of at least one active power conversion driver as a first quantity; and The steps for defining the extension time include defining the extension time in response to the difference between the first quantity and the predetermined quantity of active drives.

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