Lighting arrangement, lighting system and method for operating a lighting system for a part of a building

Abstract

Lighting arrangement with: - an operating device (4), - a light source (2) which can be controlled by means of the operating device (4) and which is used to emit light; - at least one position illuminating means (3) controllable by means of the operating device (4), wherein the position illuminating means (3) emits position information of the lighting arrangement, and wherein the position information comprises at least alignment information of the lighting arrangement, and - a sensor element (10) for receiving position information of adjacent lighting arrangements, wherein the position illuminant (3) has at least two spaced-apart light sources (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e), wherein the emitted light of a first light source (3a) has a first wavelength, wherein the emitted light of a second light source (3b, 3c) has a second wavelength different from the first wavelength, wherein the wavelengths are the alignment information of the lighting arrangement.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a lighting arrangement, a lighting system consisting of at least two lighting arrangements, and a method for operating a lighting system, for example, for a part of a building. A lighting arrangement is understood, in particular, to be a light source operated by an operating device.

[0002] Nowadays, a lighting arrangement, e.g., a luminaire with at least one LED as a light source, comprises an operating device, for example, an electronic ballast, which has a control input. Via this control input of the operating device, the operating device receives control parameters for operating a light source or sends status reports or error messages from the light source or the operating device to a central control unit of a lighting system in a building. In order to transmit a control signal to the corresponding operating devices, these operating devices in the lighting system have a unique address. The control signal is transmitted, for example, via a standardized interface, such as the Digital Addressable Lighting Interface, or DALI for short.

[0003] The distribution of these unique addresses to the operating devices is generally independent of the location of the lighting arrangement.

[0004] Today's lighting systems are divided into so-called lighting subsystems. Each of these lighting subsystems contains a plurality of lighting arrangements. Sometimes it is desirable to operate lighting arrangements of a lighting subsystem with a common control signal, or at least to maintain a common lighting behavior within this subsystem, or to operate the lighting subsystem independently of other lighting subsystems. For this purpose, related lighting arrangements of a lighting subsystem are grouped into so-called control groups. The affiliation depends, for example, on the location where the lighting arrangements are located, such as a shared corridor, an open-plan office, or similar. They then form a lighting subsystem within a lighting system in a building.

[0005] The assignment of a lighting arrangement to a lighting subsystem is currently done manually. After identifying the respective lighting arrangement and its relative position to a second lighting arrangement, the operator links it to the respective lighting subsystem. This is also referred to as localizing the respective lighting arrangement. For this purpose, the lighting arrangement is, for example, switched to a flashing mode so that the operator can clearly identify the lighting arrangement and manually assign it to a lighting subsystem based on its identity.

[0006] The lighting subsystems are then made known to the respective control gear. This is done primarily by programming the respective control gear to the lighting subsystem. For this purpose, so-called group addresses are provided, with which the control gear belonging to a lighting subsystem can be controlled jointly during a single operating phase.

[0007] Locating and identifying the respective lighting arrangement and programming the control gear is a very time-consuming process.

[0008] WO 2011 / 067 367 A2 describes a method for optically outputting operating parameters of an operating device for an LED light source. The respective light source emits an optically or acoustically coded signal. For example, a white composite light can be used as the light source. A portion of the LEDs forming the light source emit non-white light to enable the optical signal output. This non-white signal output then contains operating parameters, such as the operating time, of the respective light source.

[0009] WO 2013 / 023 955 A2 provides for lighting networks in which a network address of an operating device is stored in a memory unit and then transmitted wirelessly to another operating device.

[0010] In all the described procedures, a user must first manually program the lighting subsystem.

[0011] US 2008 / 0 265 799 A1 discloses a lighting control network.

[0012] US 2011 / 0 310 621 A1 discloses the automatic commissioning of devices in a networked control system.

[0013] WO 2014 / 099 971 A1 discloses a luminaire for automatic commissioning.

[0014] Today, a lighting arrangement operates independently of surrounding lighting arrangements. Localizing and programming a lighting system within a building would be significantly simplified if the neighboring lighting arrangements or a central lighting system controller were informed about the type and number of surrounding lighting arrangements, for example, to determine whether they share a common lighting subsystem.

[0015] One object of the present invention is therefore to simplify the identification of a lighting arrangement. Furthermore, the programming of a respective operating device of a lighting arrangement in a lighting system should be simplified and, if possible, automated.

[0016] Another problem arises when replacing one or more lighting assemblies or control gears for a lighting assembly in a lighting system. Currently, this always requires a new localization process to assign the replaced lighting assembly to the respective lighting subsystem. This would be significantly simplified if the control information were available immediately after replacing the lighting assembly or the respective control gear, without any additional work.

[0017] These objects are achieved by the measures described in the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments are described in the respective dependent patent claims.

[0018] In a first aspect of the invention, a lighting arrangement, for example a luminaire with at least one LED as a light source, has an operating device, a light source that can be controlled by means of the operating device for emitting light, and a position light source that can be controlled by means of the operating device.

[0019] The position light emits position information of the lighting arrangement. The position information includes at least orientation information of the lighting arrangement. The lighting arrangement is further equipped with a sensor element for receiving position information of neighboring lighting arrangements.

[0020] In this way, an automatic transmission of position information is enabled, which also simultaneously transmits alignment information of the lighting arrangement.

[0021] By means of the position information, a receiver of the position information learns that another lighting arrangement is present in the reception area of ​​the sensor element.

[0022] Using the alignment information, a receiver of the position information also learns the direction from which the position information was transmitted. For example, a sensor element in the lighting arrangement receives the position information from a neighboring lighting arrangement. Using the alignment information, the receiver of the position information also learns the relative position of the emitting lighting arrangement in relation to the receiver of the position information. Position information can be received by the sensor element. The position information received in the sensor element has been transmitted by a lighting arrangement adjacent to the lighting arrangement. In this way, adjacent lighting arrangements can recognize each other and, based on the alignment information, determine the relative position of the lighting arrangements. The information about which position information was recorded by the sensor element is stored in a memory area of ​​the lighting arrangement and can be evaluated, for example, by the operating device of the lighting arrangement or a higher-level control device of a lighting system. The control unit or the operating device thus receives the information about which lighting arrangement has which neighboring lighting arrangement.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the position information also includes identification information for the lighting arrangement. An operating address of the operating device, for example, is provided as identification information, with this operating address being incorporated into the operating device during a manufacturing phase or initial commissioning. Alternatively or additionally, the identification information is a serial number of the operating device or the lighting arrangement. Alternatively or additionally, the identification information is a random number that is uniquely assigned in the lighting system in which the lighting arrangement is installed.

[0024] The identification information and / or the alignment information can be emitted as modulated light power, wherein an operating device of an adjacent lighting arrangement, which can receive this modulated light power by means of its sensor element, demodulates this light power in order to receive the alignment information and / or the identification information.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, in a first operating phase of the lighting arrangement, the operating device controls the illuminant as a position illuminant to transmit the position information. In a second operating phase, the operating device of the lighting arrangement controls the illuminant to emit light. Thus, only one illuminant is required to be controlled by the operating device both as a illuminant in the lighting arrangement and to be available as a position illuminant. In this way, the illuminant can also be used as a position illuminant, thus saving components.

[0026] The light emitted by the position light differs from the light of the lamp during initial operating phases, in particular by a different wavelength than the lamp, by a changed temporal variance of the light emission, by a changed frequency and / or by a changed light intensity. For example, in the first operating phase, a quasi-monochromatic light, for example in the colors green, blue, yellow, or red, is emitted at a frequency perceptible to the human eye, for example below 20 Hertz. For example, in the second operating phase, polychromatic light, for example white light, is emitted at a frequency imperceptible to the human eye, for example above 50 Hertz.

[0027] This first operational phase can also be referred to as the installation phase or identification phase of the lighting system.

[0028] In a second operating phase, the lighting arrangement emits light via the lamp. This second operating phase is a normal operating phase. The light from the lamp serves, for example, to illuminate a part of a building, a work surface in an office or open-plan office, or a hallway. The lamp is activated or deactivated in the second operating phase using a switching element. The operating device of the lighting arrangement detects the state of the switching element. Thus, in the second operating phase, the lamp can be operated as intended, whereas in a first operating phase, the position information with the alignment information is transmitted.

[0029] The sensor element preferably receives the position information in a second operating phase of the lighting arrangement, in particular when the light source is deactivated, in order not to influence the sensor element.

[0030] Alternatively or additionally, the lighting arrangement is switched between the first operating phase and the second operating phase at regular intervals. The first operating phase can take up a significantly shorter time period than the second operating phase.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the position information is a modulated light output of the position lamp. Thus, the operating device provides an electrical current that causes the position lamp to emit modulated light outputs. For example, the electrical current is modulated. Specially agreed protocols suitable for uniquely identifying a lighting arrangement are used as modulation data, if necessary. Thus, the light output of the position lamp is modulated according to an agreed protocol. For this purpose, a predefined switch-on or switch-off sequence can be used, for example. Alternatively or additionally, the frequency of the modulated light output is encoded.

[0032] Thus, according to the invention, it is proposed that the lighting arrangement, in addition to its actual lighting means, have so-called position lighting means, by means of which, when evaluating the transmitted position information, information regarding the orientation of the lighting arrangement is also detected and which has sensor elements by means of which the position information of neighboring lighting arrangements can be received.

[0033] The position light has at least two spatially spaced light sources, wherein the emitted light from a first light source has a first wavelength and the emitted light from a second light source has a second wavelength different from the first wavelength. The wavelengths then serve as the alignment information for the lighting arrangement. In this way, alignment information is transmitted in addition to position information through a spectral composition of each individual light source of the position light.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the position light has a predefined radiation characteristic that changes over time. A predefined change in the radiation direction of the position light, which changes over time, enables the direction from which the light was emitted to be detected. This creates a lighthouse effect, which makes it easier to locate a neighboring lighting arrangement, and the received position information also contains information about the direction from which this position information was emitted. For example, a first light source of the position light can be mounted on a first side of the lighting arrangement. A second light source of the position light can be arranged on a second side of the lighting arrangement that is opposite the first side or spatially spaced therefrom.The light intensity of the light sources can increase and decrease periodically. For example, during a period of light intensity fluctuation, the light intensity of the first light source can decrease over time, while at the same time the light intensity of the second light source increases over time. Alternatively or additionally, only the light intensity of one of the light sources of the position light source decreases.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the position light is arranged in an edge region of the lighting arrangement. If, in addition, several position light sources are provided at different edge regions of the lighting arrangement, a lighting system-wide determination of the respective emitted wavelengths of the individual light sources of the position light sources can be used to determine whether the position information received by the sensor element was sent by a neighboring lighting arrangement that is located relatively to the left or right, or to the front or rear, of the receiving lighting arrangement. Thus, the relative position with a neighboring lighting arrangement can be determined.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the position illuminant comprises at least three light sources, which together cover a range of 360° in the horizontal spatial plane. In this way, this spatial plane is completely covered by the position illuminants, wherein the individual light sources of the position illuminant preferably have different wavelengths, different modulated light outputs, or different light outputs per unit of time, so that a neighboring lighting arrangement can determine the relative position.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, at least a fourth light source of the position lamp is arranged vertically spaced from at least one of the three light sources of the position lamp. In this way, vertical information can also be transmitted with the position information. This is particularly helpful when the lighting arrangements are not all located on the same horizontal plane in a building section, for example, when installing wall lights, floor lights, and / or ceiling lights.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the illuminant is formed from a plurality of light sources, wherein a portion of the light sources can be controlled by the operating device as light sources of the position illuminant. In this way, various subgroups of the plurality of light sources can be formed to transmit the position information along with the alignment information. Here, too, control via different wavelengths or modulated light outputs is provided in order to transmit alignment information as position information.

[0039] According to the invention, neighboring lighting arrangements can thus identify and locate each other. For this purpose, the lighting arrangements are switched sequentially between a first operating phase and a second operating phase, with the sensor element receiving position information from neighboring lighting arrangements in a second operating phase.

[0040] The reception of position information preferably occurs during a second operating phase. During this second operating phase, the received position information is stored in a memory area of ​​the operating device. A timestamp unique across the lighting system is also stored for this purpose. This received position information is provided to a central control unit of the lighting system in order to create a map of the lighting arrangements in the building section. This map takes into account which lighting arrangement was able to receive which position information using its own sensor element. In particular, the relative position of the mutually localizing lighting arrangements is taken into account. This map data is then used to create group addresses for the lighting system and distribute them to the respective operating devices.

[0041] If a lighting arrangement does not receive any position information during a second operating phase, this is also logged in the memory area.

[0042] In this way, lighting arrangements can be created that automatically locate each other and are also automatically assigned to a lighting subsystem via a control unit. This simplifies the process by sending a corresponding group address to the control devices of the lighting arrangements belonging to the group and storing it in the respective control devices.

[0043] In a second aspect of the invention, a lighting system comprising at least two lighting arrangements according to the preceding type and a control unit is provided. The first lighting arrangement has a first sensor element, wherein the first sensor element receives position information from the second lighting arrangement and provides it to the control unit. Furthermore, the second lighting arrangement is designed with a second sensor element, wherein the second sensor element receives position information from the first lighting arrangement and provides it to the control unit.

[0044] In this way, not only are lighting arrangements and their position information with alignment information received, but information is also obtained about which lighting arrangement can locate which neighboring lighting arrangement in a lighting system. For example, if a building plan specifies that two neighboring lighting arrangements must locate each other and this is not the case based on the sensor element data, it can be concluded that at least one of the lighting arrangements in the lighting system is defective. In this way, an automatic replacement command can be generated and transmitted to a building equipment unit. Furthermore, lighting arrangements of a part of a building are combined in a lighting subsystem. For example, a lighting subsystem is a closed room or an open-plan office or a corridor within a building or part of a building.Alternatively, entire floors can be set up as a lighting subsystem.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the control unit creates group addresses for the individual lighting arrangements based on the position information provided by the lighting system. The respective group address is sent to the operating device of the respective lighting arrangement and stored in a memory area of ​​the operating device.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the control unit evaluates the received position information of the respective sensor elements and, based on the evaluation, creates a layout plan of the lighting arrangements, in which the relative position and location of all lighting arrangements of the lighting system are entered based on the provided position information. In particular, this takes into account which lighting arrangements can locate each other and which cannot. For this purpose, a timestamp is evaluated so that the control unit can evaluate which lighting arrangement transmitted which position information at which time, and which lighting arrangement received which position information at which time. The timestamp is unique across the lighting system or at least across the lighting subsystem.

[0047] This allows for the automatic creation of lighting subsystems and the entry of group addresses for the individual lighting arrangements. In the next step, the control units of the individual lighting arrangements can be supplied with the group address by the control unit, simplifying subsequent control of a lighting subsystem.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the control unit compares the site plan with a provided site plan and the planning information contained therein. Thus, a building floor plan can be used to compare planning information with actual lighting situations. This allows the replacement of defective lighting elements or possibly a planning error to be detected and corrected accordingly. In a further aspect of the invention, a method for operating a lighting system is provided. The method comprises the following method steps: transmitting position information by a first lighting arrangement according to the type described above; receiving the transmitted position information by a second lighting arrangement according to the type described above; providing the received position information in a control unit of the lighting system; generating a group address based on the received position information in the control unit; sending the group address to an operating device of the first lighting arrangement; and storing the group address in a memory area of ​​the operating device.

[0049] Preferably, a third lighting arrangement located in spatial proximity to the first lighting arrangement also receives the position information and also provides this position information to the control unit.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the control unit simultaneously controls all lighting arrangements with the same group address. This allows for automatic control of the lighting subsystem. In this way, all lighting arrangements belonging to the lighting subsystem can be switched on or off simultaneously and / or dimmed based on daylight and / or the like.

[0051] The invention and further embodiments and advantages of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to figures, whereby the figures merely describe exemplary embodiments of the invention. Identical components in the figures are provided with the same reference numerals. The figures are not to be considered to scale; individual elements of the figures may be exaggeratedly large or oversimplified.

[0052] They show: Fig. 1 a first embodiment of a lighting arrangement according to the invention. Fig. 2a a second embodiment of a lighting arrangement according to the invention in plan view. Fig. 2b the second embodiment of a lighting arrangement according to the invention according to Fig. 2a in side view. Fig. 3 a lighting system according to the invention.

[0053] In Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a lighting arrangement 1 according to the invention, which can be, for example, a luminaire with at least one LED as a light source.

[0054] The lighting arrangement 1 comprises an operating device 4, which can be operated with a supply voltage (not shown). The operating device 4 is provided in particular for controlling a light-emitting diode 2 for emitting light. The light-emitting diode 2 can, for example, be a light-emitting diode (LED). Alternatively, the light-emitting diode 2 can be a so-called LED array consisting of a plurality of LEDs. The circuit required to convert the voltage from a supply voltage into a direct voltage is contained in the operating device 4. Furthermore, the operating device 4 comprises a control unit with which an energy-efficient control of the light-emitting diode 2 can take place. For this purpose, a switching regulator is provided within the operating device, for example.

[0055] Alternatively, the light source 2 can also be a gas discharge lamp, which is still used in buildings today.

[0056] According to the invention, a position lamp 3 is provided in the lighting arrangement 1. The position lamp 3 has Fig. 1 at least one, preferably two or even more light sources 3a and 3b. According to the example of Fig. 1 the position lamps are arranged in an edge area of ​​the lighting arrangement.

[0057] Furthermore, a sensor element 10 is shown, which is configured to receive position information from adjacent lighting arrangements 1 (not shown).

[0058] The position light source 3 is controlled by the operating device 4 in a first operating phase of the lighting arrangement 1. The light source 3a is designed to emit red light. The light source 3b is designed to emit green light. An identically constructed neighboring lighting arrangement 1 receives this position information via the sensor element 10. By resolving the wavelengths in a sensor element 10, a neighboring lighting arrangement 1 receives alignment information of the emitting lighting arrangement 1 based on the different wavelengths of the light sources 3a, 3b of the position light source 3. Alternatively, a different light intensity of the light sources 3a, 3b could be used to infer the alignment information of the lighting arrangement. Alternatively or additionally, the light intensity of the light sources 3a, 3b can also vary over time.Alternatively or additionally, the main radiation direction of the light source 3a, 3b can vary over time.

[0059] The sensor element 10 is in particular an illuminance measuring element, for example a photodiode, which can detect different wavelengths in a location-related manner.

[0060] The operating device 4 has an interface for providing received position information to a control unit of the lighting system (not shown) via the sensor element 10. From this control unit, the lighting arrangement receives a group address based on the provided position information, which is stored in a memory area (not shown) and with which the control unit can address the operating device 4.

[0061] Preferably, the housing of the luminaire, at least the light emission cone thereof, is not rotationally symmetrical, so that it can assume different distinguishable orientations.

[0062] In Fig. Figure 2a shows a plan view of a second embodiment of a lighting arrangement 1 according to the invention. The lighting arrangement 1 is a circular lighting arrangement. The illuminant 2, which is controlled by the operating device 4 to emit light, is arranged in the center.

[0063] The circular lighting arrangement is divided into three sectors, each with a 120° angle. A light source 3a, 3b, and 3c of the position lamp 3 is arranged in each sector.

[0064] Each sector contains a sensor element 10 to receive position information from adjacent lighting arrangements 1 (not shown). Alternatively, only one sensor element 10 may be provided.

[0065] According to the invention, each of the light sources 3a, 3b, and 3c of the position lamp 3 emits light of a wavelength that differs from the wavelengths of the other light sources 3a, 3b, and 3c. For example, the light source 3a is configured to emit light of a wavelength in the red visible range. The light source 3b is configured to emit light in the green visible range. Finally, the light source 3c is configured to emit light in the yellow visible range.

[0066] In a first variant, all light sources 3a, 3b, 3c emit these different wavelengths at the same time. If this light emission is received by a sensor element 10 of a neighboring lighting arrangement 1, the different wavelengths can be used to determine the location of this neighboring lighting arrangement relative to the sensor element 10. The direction is thus determined based on the wavelength of the individual light sources 3a, 3b, 3c of the position lamp 3.

[0067] In a second variant, all light sources 3a, 3b, 3c emit these different wavelengths at different times. If this light emission is received by a sensor element 10 of a neighboring lighting arrangement 1, the different wavelengths and / or the different temporal emission can be used to determine the location of this neighboring lighting arrangement relative to the sensor element 10. The direction is thus determined based on the wavelength and the time window of the emission of the individual light sources 3a, 3b, 3c of the position lamp 3.

[0068] This is particularly possible if all lighting arrangements 1 within a building section are installed and operated according to the same rules. For example, if it is specified that all lighting arrangements 1 emit red light on a first side and green light on a second, opposite side, a sensor element 10 can deduce from this upon receiving the emitted different wavelengths whether the lighting arrangements are arranged to its left or right. The lighting arrangements 1 are switched sequentially to the first operating phase. Preferably, only one lighting arrangement 1 per time unit is in the first operating phase.All other lighting arrangements of the lighting system are switched on in the second operating phase, wherein in particular the respective sensor elements are configured to receive the position information transmitted by the lighting arrangement in the first operating phase and to log it with a time stamp or, if no reception, to log only the time stamp.

[0069] In Fig. 2b is a side view of a Fig. 2a. It is only schematically indicated that a fourth position illuminant 3d is mounted vertically spaced from a fifth position illuminant 3e in the lighting arrangement 1. If the position illuminant 3d emits a wavelength that is one wavelength different from the position illuminant 3e, a relative position in a vertical plane can also be determined. In this way, the lighting arrangements 1 can also be characterized according to their height position.

[0070] The embodiments according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 thus contain a lighting arrangement 1 which has at least one position light 3. The position light 3 is arranged, in particular, by light sources 3a, 3b, 3c at the end points of the lighting arrangement. This can be, for example, the front side of a linear luminaire or the radiation direction or the rear of a spotlight. In the case of circular lighting arrangements, the division of a horizontal plane into sectors to depict a 360° environment is provided, in particular. The orientation of the lighting arrangement 1 in space is clearly described by the light sources 3a, 3b, 3c of the position light 3. The position light 3 is clearly coded. In particular, the spectral composition of a light signal from the individual light sources of the position light 3 can be different in order to generate unique alignment information.

[0071] Alternatively or additionally, the light intensity of the light sources 3a, 3b, 3c of the position light 3 can be modulated. It can also be provided that both the spectral composition and a digital modulation of the light intensity are applied to the light emitted by the light sources 3a, 3b, 3c of the position light 3. When installing the lighting arrangement 1, it is preferable to ensure that the lighting arrangement 1 is mounted in the same orientation within the building.

[0072] In the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 also shows at least one sensor element 10. This sensor element 10 evaluates the received position information of the adjacent lighting arrangement 1. It is particularly possible that, when using several different wavelengths for the light sources 3a, 3b, 3c of the position lamp 3, a corresponding number of sensor elements 102 for receiving the respective wavelength is also provided in the lighting arrangement 1.

[0073] Each operating device 4 of a lighting arrangement 1 receives a unique operating address, which can be, for example, a random code, a serial number, and / or an initial address. This identification information is transmitted as part of the position information from the position lamp 3. Thus, in addition to the alignment information, the identification of the lighting arrangement 1 is also transmitted as position information. The operating device 4 can, in particular, be configured to operate the lighting arrangement 1 in a first operating phase and in a second operating phase. In a first operating phase of the lighting arrangement 1, the operating device 4 is operated such that the position lamps 3 are controlled to transmit position information. The first operating phase can therefore be referred to as the configuration phase or initialization phase.In a second operating phase of the lighting arrangement 1, the operating device 4 is configured to control the illuminant 2 of the lighting arrangement 1 to emit light and to receive position information by means of the sensor element 10.

[0074] The first operating phase and the second operating phase can occur simultaneously, so that both the position lamps 3 and the lamps 2 are controlled by the operating device 4. Alternatively or additionally, a first operating phase occurs first, in which the position information is transmitted by the position lamp 3 of the lighting arrangement 1. For example, a first operating phase can be significantly shorter in time than a second operating phase.

[0075] Each lighting arrangement 1 can also change the respective coding of the position lamps 3 upon a control command and effect an alternative modulation of the light intensity or the spectral composition. Thus, a control unit 8 (not shown in Fig. 1 or Fig. 2) In a lighting system, specifically control each lighting arrangement 1 and change the position information accordingly. This allows for error checks or a new configuration of the lighting system.

[0076] Preferably, each lighting arrangement 1 is equipped with a sensor element 10 and, furthermore, learns via the control unit 8 which lighting arrangement 1 in the lighting system is transmitting position information at what time. The lighting arrangements 1 localize themselves independently based on the relative position of the neighboring lighting arrangement 1 based on the position information and the respective alignment information. The information about the relative position can be evaluated in particular in the operating device 4 of each lighting arrangement 1 or by the central control unit 8 of the lighting system 6.

[0077] As soon as all lighting arrangements 1 have sent their position information, each lighting arrangement 1 in the lighting system 6 as well as the control unit 8 is informed about which lighting arrangement 1 with which operating address has which spatial relationship to another lighting arrangement 1 with its respective operating address as identification information.

[0078] The position lamps 3 can be part of the lamp 2. Alternatively, they are integrated as separate elements solely for the purpose of transmitting position information.

[0079] The number and orientation of the sensor elements 10 or the position lamps 3 per lighting arrangement 1 are variable and depend on the degree of freedom and the possibility of lighting installation. In Fig. 3 shows a first embodiment of a lighting system 6 with four lighting arrangements 1 according to the type described above. The lighting arrangements 1 are arranged according to the Fig. 2a and 2b, respectively. Thus, the lighting arrangements 1 are circular and have three sectors of 120° each. A first sector 1 of each lighting arrangement I, II, III, or IV is configured to emit light of a red wavelength. A second sector 2 of each lighting arrangement I, II, III, or IV is configured to emit light of a yellow wavelength. Finally, a third sector 3 of each lighting arrangement I, II, III, or IV is intended to emit light of a green wavelength. This establishes a coding that must be taken into account when assembling the lighting arrangements I, II, III, or IV.

[0080] Thus, receiving red light from a neighboring lighting arrangement 1 means that it is located directly in front of the respective lighting arrangement 1. If yellow light is received, the lighting arrangement 1 is located relatively to the right of the respective lighting arrangement 1. Respectively, if green light is received, the lighting arrangement 1 will be located to the left of the respective received lighting arrangement 1. Each lighting arrangement 1 has an individual address, identified by the markings I, II, III, or IV.

[0081] A configuration phase is provided in the lighting system 6. In this configuration phase, all lighting arrangements 1 are operated sequentially in a first operating phase. The lighting arrangements 1 not in the first operating phase are in the second operating phase. Only one lighting arrangement 1 per lighting system 6 is provided for transmitting position information with alignment information. Upon starting a corresponding method for operating the operating system, the lighting arrangement 1 transmits position information via the light sources 3a to 3c of the positioning means 3.

[0082] In Fig. 3, the emitting areas are shown as position lights I.1, I.2, and I.3. During the configuration phase of lighting arrangement I, the emitting area also involves the transfer of an address from a memory area of ​​operating device 4 of lighting arrangement 1.

[0083] Lighting arrangement II receives position information I.3 on its left side, acknowledging in particular the green wavelength at sector 2 and the time of receipt. Operating device 4 or higher-level control unit 8 of lighting system 6 evaluates this reception of position information. The evaluation shows that lighting arrangement II is located to the right of lighting arrangement I with the same orientation. At the same time, lighting arrangements III and IV do not register any position information. This is because lighting arrangement I is too far away from the reception range of sensor element 10 for lighting arrangement III, and because a wall, as a further optical obstacle 7, prevents lighting arrangement IV from receiving position information from lighting arrangement I.

[0084] The control unit 8 registers the receipt or non-reception of all position information per unit of time. Since each lighting arrangement transmits once sequentially, the control unit 8 can determine which lighting arrangement can be located by which lighting arrangement at what time.

[0085] If all received or non-received position information has been provided to the control unit 8, the lighting arrangement I is caused to prevent the transmission of position information. For this purpose, the lighting arrangement I is switched to a second operating phase by means of the operating device 4. At the same time, the lighting arrangement II is switched from a second operating phase to a first operating phase in order to begin the transmission of position information. The lighting arrangement I receives a signal II.2 (not shown) from the lighting arrangement II, wherein in particular the yellow wavelength at sector 3 and the time of reception are acknowledged. From the received position information, the operating device 4 or the control unit 8 calculates that the lighting arrangement I is aligned identically to the lighting arrangement II and that the lighting arrangement I is arranged to the left of the lighting arrangement II.Furthermore, the lighting arrangement III also receives position information II.3, whereby, in particular, a green wavelength at sector 2 and the time of receipt are acknowledged. From this, the control unit 8 or the operating device 4 concludes that the lighting arrangement III is aligned identically to the lighting arrangement II and that the lighting arrangement II is arranged to the left of the lighting arrangement III.

[0086] The control unit 8 terminates the transmission of position information of the lighting arrangement II by switching the lighting arrangement II to the second operating phase. The transmission of position information of the lighting arrangement III is then initiated by switching the lighting arrangement III to a first operating phase. In doing so, the control unit 8 determines that the lighting arrangement III is aligned identically to the lighting arrangement II and that the lighting arrangement III is arranged to the right of the lighting arrangement II. Furthermore, the lighting arrangement IV determines that the lighting arrangement III is arranged with its front to the left of the lighting arrangement IV.

[0087] The process continues with the illumination arrangement IV, whereby only the illumination arrangement III receives a signal, in particular the yellow wavelength at sector 1 and the time of reception are acknowledged.

[0088] Thus, the lighting arrangements 1 can localize themselves relative to one another, and after a configuration phase, a site plan can be created by the control unit 8, in which the relative position to one another and the position of all localizing lighting arrangements 1 in the lighting system 6 can be specified. By centrally consolidating the site plan information in the control unit 8 and recording the time of receipt or non-reception of position information, both localized and non-localized lighting arrangements 1 can be evaluated, and a comparison of data can be compared with planning information 9 generated during a planning phase. Thus, the absolute position of the lighting arrangements 1 in the building can also be determined.

[0089] In this way, lighting arrangements 1 that, for example, have the same orientation or are located in the same part of the building and thus belong to a lighting subsystem can be operated with a common group address. This group address is then programmed into the respective operating device 4 of the individual lighting arrangements 1, with a control unit 8 configured to address all devices in the lighting subsystem via the group address.

[0090] All described, shown and claimed features can be combined with each other as desired. List of reference symbols 1, I-IV lighting arrangement 2 bulbs 3 position lights 3a-e Light sources of the position lamp 4 Operating device 5 Interface to the control unit 6 Lighting system 7 Optical obstacle 8 Control unit 9 Planning information 10, 10' sensor element 11 storage

Claims

[1] Lighting arrangement with: - an operating device (4), - a light source (2) which can be controlled by means of the operating device (4) and which is used to emit light; - at least one position illuminating means (3) controllable by means of the operating device (4), wherein the position illuminating means (3) emits position information of the lighting arrangement, and wherein the position information comprises at least alignment information of the lighting arrangement, and - a sensor element (10) for receiving position information of adjacent lighting arrangements, wherein the position illuminant (3) has at least two spaced-apart light sources (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e), wherein the emitted light of a first light source (3a) has a first wavelength, wherein the emitted light of a second light source (3b, 3c) has a second wavelength different from the first wavelength, wherein the wavelengths are the alignment information of the lighting arrangement. [2] Lighting arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the position information also includes identification information of the lighting arrangement. [3] Lighting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating device (4) in a first operating phase of the lighting arrangement controls the illuminant (2) as a position illuminant (3) for emitting the position information and wherein the operating device (4) in a second operating phase of the lighting arrangement controls the illuminant (2) for emitting light. [4] Lighting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the position information is a modulated light output of the position illuminant (3). [5] Lighting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the position illuminant (3) has a predefined radiation characteristic which varies as a function of time. [6] Lighting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the position illuminant (3) is arranged in an edge region of the lighting arrangement. [7] Lighting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the position illuminating means (3) has at least three light sources (3a, 3b, 3c) which together cover an area of ​​360 degrees in the horizontal spatial plane. [8] Lighting arrangement according to claim 7, wherein at least one fourth light source (3d, 3e) of the position illuminating means (3) is arranged vertically spaced from at least one of the three light sources (3a, 3b, 3c) of the position illuminating means (3). [9] Lighting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the illuminant (2) is formed from a plurality of light sources and wherein a portion of this plurality of light sources can be controlled as light sources of the position illuminant (3) by the operating device (4). [10] Lighting system with at least two lighting arrangements (I, II, III, IV) according to one of claims 1 to 9 and a control unit (8), wherein the first lighting arrangement (I) has a first sensor element (10), wherein the first sensor element (10) receives position information of the second lighting arrangement (II) and provides it to the control unit (8) and wherein the second lighting arrangement (II) has a second sensor element (10'), wherein the second sensor element (10') receives position information of the first lighting arrangement (I) and provides this received position information to the control unit (8). [11] Lighting system according to claim 10, wherein the control unit (8) creates group addresses for lighting arrangements (I, II, III, IV) on the basis of the provided position information of the lighting system and wherein the respective group address is sent to the operating device (4) of the respective lighting arrangement (I, II, III, IV) and is stored in a memory area of ​​the operating device (4). [12] Lighting system according to one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the control unit (8) evaluates the received position information of the respective sensor elements (10, 10') and, based on the evaluation, creates a layout plan of the lighting arrangements (I, II, III, IV), in which the relative position and the position of all lighting arrangements (I, II, III, IV) of the lighting system are entered. [13] Lighting system according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the site plan is compared with a site plan provided by the control unit (8). [14] Method for operating a lighting system according to one of claims 10 to 13, comprising the method steps: - transmitting position information by a first lighting arrangement (I) according to one of claims 1 to 9; - receiving the transmitted position information by a second lighting arrangement (II) according to one of claims 1 to 9; - Providing the received position information in a control unit (8) of the lighting system; - generating a group address based on the received position information in the control unit (8); - sending the group address to an operating device (4) of the first lighting arrangement (I); and - Saving the group address in a memory area of ​​the operating device (4). [15] Method according to claim 14, wherein a third lighting arrangement (III) located in spatial proximity to the first lighting arrangement also receives the position information and also provides this position information to the control unit (8). [16] Method according to claim 15, wherein the control unit (8) controls all lighting arrangements (I, II, III) with the same group address simultaneously.

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