METHOD FOR ASSIGNING LIGHT SENSORS FOR LIGHTING CONTROL IN A LIGHTING SYSTEM

Abstract

Method for assigning light sensors (40, 42) for lighting control in a lighting system (48) in a room to be illuminated (10), which has a first number (n max ) lighting groups (30, 32) comprising one or more luminaires, a control device (58) regulating the luminous flux of the respective lighting groups and a second number (m max ) of the lighting groups (30, 32) comprised of the light sensors (40, 42) by which the respective luminous flux is controlled, comprising the steps: Switching (230) the lighting of the lighting system into a first switching state such that a first lighting group (30) emits light with a predetermined luminous flux; Switching (280) the lighting of the lighting system into a second switching state such that the first lighting group (30) emits light with a luminous flux reduced compared to the predetermined luminous flux or no light; in the first and second switching states, the luminance of the light (6) reflected in the room by a reference surface (20, 22) assigned to the light sensors (40, 42) is measured using the light sensors to detect (240, 290) a first measured value (S1) in the first switching state and a second measured value (S2) in the second switching state; Forming (330) a difference value (D) from the first and second measured values ​​for each of the light sensors (40, 42); Comparison (340) of the difference values ​​(D) formed for each of the light sensors (40, 42) with each other, and Assigning (380) at least one of the light sensors (40, 42) to the first illumination group (30) depending on the result of the comparison (340) and storing the assignment, so that the first illumination group can be controlled in a control loop to a constant illuminance on the affected reference surface based on the measured values ​​continuously acquired by at least the assigned light sensor (40) in normal operation, where the execution of the steps of the procedure is triggered by an event during normal operation of the lighting system, where the event is either the setting and storage of a new control setpoint in the control device, or the event is a manual switching operation of the lighting via a push button, or an automatic switching operation via a motion detector or a timer switch. wherein the difference values ​​(D) formed from the recorded measured values ​​during the execution of the steps of the procedure after being triggered by an event are compared with such difference values ​​which, in a previous execution of the steps of the procedure, led to a new assignment of at least one light sensor to a lighting group and a storage of this assignment in the control device, and Reassigning the light sensor and saving the assignment only occurs if a change in the difference values ​​in the comparison exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for assigning light sensors for lighting control in a lighting system in a room to be illuminated, comprising a first number of lighting groups each comprising one or more luminaires, a control device for regulating the luminous flux of the respective lighting groups, and a second number of light sensors to be assigned to the lighting groups by means of which the respective luminous flux is regulated, as well as the corresponding control device. State of the art

[0002] Lighting systems are used primarily in publicly accessible buildings such as office buildings, sports halls or stadiums, train stations or airports, factories or warehouses, etc., but increasingly also in private homes. These systems provide artificial lighting that adapts to changing light conditions throughout the day due to the position of the sun and weather influences. For this purpose, appropriately positioned light sensors are used, which, in conjunction with a lighting control system, allow for regulation based on the principle of closed-loop control. This is useful, for example, when constant lighting conditions are desired in the room or when the age-related decline in the luminous flux of the light sources needs to be automatically compensated for.

[0003] The vast majority of corresponding solutions available on the market provide that, in the case of enclosed spaces, for example, light sensors are integrated into a luminaire or arranged in the ceiling near a luminaire in question and are directed towards a reference surface that is usually vertically below, e.g. a desk surface or a floor surface of the room to be illuminated, etc.

[0004] This reference surface is illuminated by various light sources, including daylight entering the room through a window, artificial light from the integrated or nearby light source, and, if applicable, artificial light from other lights in the room when switched on. The light sensors detect the light reflected from the respective reference surface. The light sensors and the light sources are interconnected in such a way that the artificial light is controlled to maintain a nearly constant illuminance on the reference surface. For example, a lower limit of 500 µx is set, which must not be undercut; otherwise, the luminous flux of the nearby or even more distant light sources is adjusted (i.e., increased). Conversely, if the limit is exceeded, the luminous flux is reduced, also to save energy.

[0005] Since the optical quantities luminance and illuminance, in this specific case, exhibit variable proportions of artificial light and daylight depending on the time of day, sufficient optical coupling between the measured value detected by the respective light sensor and the resulting luminous flux must be ensured for the control loop to function correctly. In the simplest case, this is achieved by coupling the luminaire to be controlled with its integrated or a nearby light sensor. In more complex lighting systems or corresponding rooms, several luminaires are grouped into lighting groups. The members of a lighting group are characterized by a uniform luminous flux and a similar positioning in the room, for example, by a similar distance from the window. Thus, the influence of daylight is also similar, making coordinated control of the luminaires advantageous.One or more light sensors can be assigned to this lighting group.

[0006] The assignment is generally done manually when a lighting system is put into operation. Manufacturers provide procedures for this purpose. The assignment is simplified by the fact that the light sensor can be programmed externally via an IR (infrared) or NFC (near field communication) interface.

[0007] For the luminaires of a specific group, the control can be based on just a few light sensors or even a single light sensor, since the detected lighting conditions are similar for all luminaires in the group. However, the classification of luminaires in a room into lighting groups is usually purely subjective and therefore prone to errors with regard to optical coupling.

[0008] To improve energy efficiency, light sensors are often combined with presence sensors. These so-called combination sensors detect not only the luminance emanating from the reference surface at a different wavelength (e.g., IR) but also the presence of people in the room, thus allowing the room lighting to be switched off after a prolonged absence. Consequently, the placement of these combination sensors is no longer solely determined by the need to control artificial light but also depends on the room's geometry and usage. It may be necessary for some of these combination sensors to be positioned so unfavorably for artificial light control that optical coupling with lighting groups is severely limited, and it may become apparent during operation that the relevant light sensors within the combination sensors must be selectively deactivated. This process, too, is purely subjective and prone to error.

[0009] Furthermore, in the case of large, extensive spaces that need to be illuminated, such as factory, warehouse, or airport halls up to 100 m in length or more, luminance measurements from light sensors at individual points are no longer sufficiently representative. In this case, the measured values ​​from several light sensors are often combined into a single lighting group and averaged. Lacking objective criteria, a simple (arithmetic) average of the measured luminance values ​​from the assigned light sensors seems like a logical approach. However, this can lead to an inappropriately high weighting of the measured values ​​from affected but rather remote light sensors. Thus, this subjective selection of light sensors for such an inappropriate weighting hardly improves the optical coupling and can, in some cases, even worsen it.

[0010] Verification of the assignment can be achieved by displaying individual readings from light sensors in real time, whereby individual lighting groups are dimmed and the response at the light sensor is checked. Similarly, simple flashlights are also used to illuminate light sensors at specific points and observe the response of the lighting groups.

[0011] However, the aforementioned measures remain purely manual, time-consuming tasks and are purely subjective and prone to error. Furthermore, in cases where only a spatial redesign affecting the lighting conditions has been carried out, the effort required for a new manual commissioning is comparatively high.

[0012] WO 2015 / 116484 A1 discloses a lighting system and a method for the automatic commissioning of digitally addressable lighting control systems. The system comprises a variety of luminaires and sensors, as well as a controller that can operate in a pre-commissioning mode and a commissioning mode.

[0013] From DE 10 2010 003 804 A1, a multifunctional sensor unit is known which is used to determine control information for lighting control. This unit comprises an image-resolving digital sensor, associated optics, and a processing unit. The processing unit calculates the necessary control information based on the image information acquired by the digital sensor.

[0014] From EP 2 747 523 A1, a lighting system and a method for controlling this system are known. The system comprises lighting units and sensor units, wherein at least one sensor unit contains a control unit for receiving user commands. The lighting units are controlled according to a lighting plan based on light transfer coefficients that relate the light intensities at the sensor units to the light output of the lighting units.

[0015] US patent 2012 / 0032601A1 discloses a system for controlling multiple light sources using light groups, where each light group synchronously controls a subset of the light sources. The system comprises a central controller, multiple light sources, and a light sensor, all connected to the central controller. Description of the invention

[0016] It is therefore an object of the invention to further develop a generic method for assigning light sensors for lighting control in a lighting system in such a way that both the susceptibility to errors and the effort involved in assigning light sensors to lighting groups are reduced and the optical coupling achieved between the light sensors and the lighting groups is optimized.

[0017] The problem is solved by a method for assigning light sensors for lighting control in a lighting system with the features of claim 1 and by a corresponding control device according to claim 18. Advantageous further developments of the method according to the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0018] The starting point is a method for assigning light sensors for lighting control in a lighting system within a space to be illuminated. This method comprises a first set of lighting groups, each consisting of one or more luminaires; a control device that regulates the luminous flux of each lighting group; and a second set of light sensors assigned to the lighting groups, which are used to regulate the respective luminous flux. The number of light sensors and lighting groups can be the same or different, and there can be more or fewer light sensors than lighting groups. The space can be any enclosed (factory halls, office spaces, airport or train station areas, etc.), semi-open (e.g., football stadiums, open halls, open-air theaters, etc.), or completely open (e.g., illuminated gardens).

[0019] The procedure further comprises the following steps: switching the lighting of the lighting system into a first switching state such that a first lighting group emits light with a predetermined luminous flux and - subsequently or before - switching the lighting of the lighting system into a second switching state such that the first lighting group emits light with a luminous flux reduced compared to the predetermined luminous flux or no light, wherein in the first and second switching states, i.e., in both cases during this process, the luminance of the light reflected from a reference surface in the room assigned to the light sensors is measured by means of the light sensors - to record a first measurement value in the first switching state and a second measurement value in the second switching state.

[0020] Switching to the first switching state can involve turning on the first lighting group, as well as turning off other lighting groups from a previously switched-on state. It is important that the room's illumination is primarily determined by the first lighting group; consequently, the other lighting groups should be switched off completely or partially, or at least have their output reduced.

[0021] The basic concept of the invention also encompasses embodiments in which the other lighting groups are switched on or off arbitrarily (even in combination). For the subsequent step of calculating the difference, it is only crucial that the other lighting groups remain switched on or off unchanged in the first and second switching states, so that their contributions cancel each other out in the subsequent calculation.

[0022] It should be noted that switching to the second switching state can also involve switching off the first lighting group, as well as switching off other lighting groups from a previously switched-on state, etc. The previous switching state is irrelevant, as only the measurement during the switching state matters. If the switching state from which the first or second switching state is initiated happens to be identical to the respective switching state, then the "switching" merely involves verifying the desired switching state.

[0023] The light sensors, appropriately distributed throughout the room, each measure the luminance of the light reflected from a reference surface spatially assigned to each sensor. These reference surfaces can vary, for example, table, wall, or floor surfaces. Consequently, each sensor records a first measurement in the first switching state and a second measurement in the second switching state. Since, as described, a difference calculation and comparison are subsequently performed, suitable normalization may be necessary with respect to the measured values ​​themselves or with respect to the calculated differences to ensure comparability of the values ​​between the light sensors in the room. An example would be mapping the values ​​to a percentage scale, starting from a maximum illumination level corresponding to 100%.

[0024] The next step involves calculating the difference between the first and second measurements for each of the light sensors. In other words, this difference quantifies the influence of the first lighting group (when switched on) compared to the first lighting group (when switched off or at reduced power) on the illumination of the room at the positions of the light sensors, or more precisely, at their reference surfaces. A large difference indicates a significant influence and thus a stronger optical coupling with the affected (here: first) lighting group, while a small difference indicates a weak optical coupling.

[0025] The calculated difference values ​​for all evaluated light sensors are now available. In the next step, these values ​​are compared with each other. This allows for prioritization when selecting light sensors for assignment to the first lighting group. A subsequent step involves assigning at least one of the light sensors to the first lighting group based on the comparison result and saving this assignment. The selected light sensor(s) are then deemed suitable for optical coupling and are designated for controlling the lighting by the first lighting group.

[0026] The first lighting group can therefore be controlled in a control loop to maintain a constant illuminance on the relevant reference area(s) based on measured values ​​continuously recorded by the associated light sensor(s) during normal operation.

[0027] The method according to the invention can be preceded by a grouping of luminaires into lighting groups, for example, during commissioning or an internal regrouping. The grouping of the luminaires for artificial lighting is carried out according to the requirements mentioned above (e.g., distance to the window, etc.).

[0028] This method allows for the automated assignment of light sensors to lighting groups. By sequentially implementing two switching states for one, many, or all lighting groups in the lighting system, in which the lighting changes only within the respective lighting group, the influence of these states on the light sensors, and thus the quality of the optical coupling, can be quantified according to objective criteria. It becomes possible to obtain comparable values ​​by calculating the difference between the "before" and "after" states, allowing the light sensors to be compared and one or more of them to be selected for assignment. No manual—and therefore potentially error-prone—interaction is required. The selection of the sensors with the best optical coupling is thus improved, the effort is reduced through automation, and the susceptibility to errors is avoided.

[0029] Consequently, the method is particularly advantageous for implementation in lighting systems where communication between the connected luminaires and light sensors takes place via bus systems, such as one corresponding to the DALI protocol (DALI: "Digital Addressable Lighting Interface"). This communication standard is defined in the IEC standards family IEC 62386 and IEC 60929, Annex E, and is based on the earlier DSI standard (Digital Signal Interface). It bridges the gap between conventional, analog 1-10 V interfaces and complex digital bus systems such as KNX / EIB (European Installation Bus) or LON (Local Operating Network). The latter are also advantageously suited for implementing the invention.The method can be implemented as an executable program in a control device (control unit) of the bus, which can address the light sensors and the lights grouped into lighting groups, acquire the measured values ​​via the addressed light sensors and calculate the difference values ​​through internal processing.

[0030] Furthermore, according to a further modification, it is fundamentally possible and conceivable to determine, by comparing the difference values ​​of the light sensors selected as the optimal solution for each lighting group, those lighting groups whose best comparison result is still insufficient. For these one or more lighting groups, the grouping of the luminaires can even be varied in a further step (e.g., replacing the membership of a luminaire in a lighting group with another luminaire that is spatially close, or simply adding or removing a luminaire) in order to then restart the present procedure for testing purposes. If an improvement in the relevant optical coupling occurs (represented by a larger difference value), the new grouping can be saved; otherwise, it is discarded, and another regrouping may be attempted.As a result, the entire lighting system can automatically optimize itself. Such a test run could be carried out during commissioning or during normal operation at night. The use of a digitally addressable bus system would be particularly advantageous here.

[0031] According to a further development of the invention, the at least one light sensor of the first illumination group is assigned when the comparison shows that the relevant difference value is the largest among the calculated difference values. The largest difference value corresponds to the maximum optical coupling, so that a particular advantage arises in this case.

[0032] According to a further embodiment of the invention, at least one second light sensor is assigned to the first illumination group if the relevant difference value, which is formed from the measured values ​​it detects, lies within a predetermined interval of the largest difference value. In this case, it is advantageous to assign two or more light sensors to the illumination group whose optical coupling proves to be at least similar. In this case, averaging the detected measured values ​​during normal operation is suitable – optionally with weighting (see below) – whereby the detection quality is improved by using multiple light sensors. Conversely, this aspect of the invention prevents the assignment of poorly coupled light sensors that are irrelevant to the current illumination group.

[0033] According to a further embodiment of the invention, at least one second light sensor is assigned to the first lighting group when a parameter of the first lighting group exceeds a predetermined third number of luminaires. As the number of luminaires in a group increases, the affected spatial extent necessarily also increases. This can be accommodated by assigning additional light sensors, thus further improving the optical coupling. The predetermined third number therefore represents a threshold value, above which the assignment occurs.

[0034] According to a further embodiment of the invention, when switching the lighting system to its first switching state, the luminous flux of all lighting groups other than the first lighting group is switched off or remains switched off, or alternatively, is reduced to a low dimming level or remains reduced. In this case, the interfering light influences from third-party sources are reduced. In practical implementation, for example, the other lighting groups can be dimmed to a minimum luminous flux instead of being switched off: this has the advantage that no part of the room becomes completely dark, thus ensuring that a person performing the commissioning is not left in the dark, especially if this is done at night.

[0035] According to a further embodiment of the invention, when switching the lighting system to the second switching state, the luminous flux of all lighting groups is switched off, or remains switched off, or alternatively is reduced to a low dimming level or remains reduced (see above). Here too, the interfering light influences from third sources that could affect measurement are reduced.

[0036] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the switching steps to both the first and second switching states are performed under conditions in which light sources other than those of the lighting groups are suppressed, in particular daylight. In this case, interfering light influences are further reduced.

[0037] According to a further embodiment of the invention, in a case where at least two light sensors are assigned to the first lighting group, weighting factors are set based on a comparison of the difference values ​​of only the assigned light sensors. These weighting factors are used to control the lighting group based on the measured values ​​continuously acquired during normal operation. The weighting factors are thus set according to objective criteria, namely according to a comparison of the optical coupling between the light sensors involved. A light sensor with demonstrably better optical coupling contributes more to the control than another with equally good, but somewhat weaker, optical coupling. Nevertheless, the additional light sensor contributes to a more appropriate control behavior due to its different position in space.Nevertheless, using multiple sensors per lighting group makes the control system less sensitive to temporary disturbances. For example, if a vehicle is parked in front of a window near a sensor, the amount of daylight perceived by that sensor changes significantly, even though, especially in long, narrow rooms with large windows, the overall effect of the disturbance on the lighting conditions is much smaller. With two sensors in the group, the effect of the disturbance can be halved, for example, with three sensors reduced to a third, and so on.

[0038] According to a further development of the aforementioned aspect, the respective weighting factors follow a function that yields a larger weighting factor for a comparatively larger difference value, and conversely, a smaller weighting factor for a comparatively smaller difference value. This aspect further contributes to improved optical coupling.

[0039] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the steps of the method are performed sequentially for all lighting groups. As mentioned above, this allows for the automated grouping of the light sensors to the lighting groups of the lighting system. The method can advantageously be carried out in a single automated run during commissioning or outside of normal operation, e.g., at night. Superfluous light sensors can advantageously be deactivated, eliminated, or relocated.

[0040] According to the invention, the execution of the steps of the method is triggered by an event during normal operation of the lighting system. This aspect advantageously allows for the recurring updating of the assignments of the light sensors of the lighting system, thereby taking into account, in particular, changes in the lighting conditions in the room to be illuminated.

[0041] According to the invention, the event is the setting and storage of a new control setpoint in the control device of the lighting system. The new control setpoint for the illuminance represents a new state of lighting conditions to be established, so that an immediate and dynamic reaction is possible by using the method to acquire new measured values ​​and compare the differences in order to optimally adjust the setting.

[0042] According to the invention, the event is a manual switching operation of the lighting via a push button or an automatic switching operation via a motion detector or a timer. The trigger for executing the method can also be initiated manually, so that continuous adjustment of the system can occur from normal operation. With a real-time clock, a periodic update of the group assignments at a suitable time (e.g., at night) can also be achieved over time periods, thus enabling dynamic adaptation to changing light conditions.

[0043] According to the invention, the difference values ​​generated from the recorded measurements during the execution of the method steps, triggered by an event, are compared with difference values ​​that, during a previous execution of the method steps, led to a new assignment of at least one light sensor to a lighting group and the storage of this assignment in the control device. Reassignment of the light sensor and storage of the assignment then only occurs if a change in the difference values ​​in the comparison exceeds a predetermined threshold. This aspect ensures a stable system that would otherwise be able to jump between different group assignment states in response to only temporary and slight changes in lighting conditions, which could be perceived as unpleasant by the users of the rooms.

[0044] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the steps of the method are carried out by the control device or control unit of the lighting system. As explained above, this aspect allows for the automatic self-optimization of the lighting system without the need for error-prone interaction.

[0045] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the luminaires and the light sensors of the lighting system are individually addressable via a common data bus, preferably a DALI or KNX bus, and are connected to a control device, wherein the grouping of the luminaires into lighting groups and the assignment of the light sensors to the lighting groups are stored in an access memory of the control device. This design further improves the aforementioned aspect.

[0046] The invention also provides a control device for assigning light sensors for lighting control in a lighting system in a room to be illuminated, which comprises a first number of lighting groups, each comprising one or more luminaires, a control device that additionally regulates the luminous flux of the respective lighting groups, and a second number of light sensors to be assigned to the lighting groups, by means of which the respective luminous flux is regulated, wherein the control device is configured to perform the following steps: Switching the lighting of the lighting system into a first switching state such that a first lighting group emits light with a predetermined luminous flux; Switching the lighting of the lighting system into a second switching state such that the first lighting group emits light with a luminous flux reduced compared to the predetermined luminous flux or no light at all; In the first and second switching states, the luminance of the light reflected from a reference surface in the room, each assigned to a light sensor, is measured using the light sensors to record a first measured value in the first switching state and a second measured value in the second switching state; Calculate a difference value from the first and second measured values ​​for each of the light sensors; Comparison of the difference values ​​calculated for each of the light sensors, and Assign at least one of the light sensors to the first lighting group depending on the result of the comparison and store the assignment, so that the first lighting group can be controlled in a control loop to a constant illuminance on the affected reference surface(s) based on the measured values ​​continuously recorded by at least the assigned light sensor in normal operation.

[0047] The same advantages apply here as described at the beginning.

[0048] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the following description of preferred embodiments, and the drawings. In the figures, identical reference numerals denote identical features and functions. Brief description of the drawings

[0049] They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation to explain the operating principle of a lighting control system; Fig. 2 in a block sketch a schematic structure of a lighting system in which the method for assigning light sensors according to the present invention can be carried out; Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B in a flowchart a schematic sequence of the procedure according to an embodiment of the invention. Preferred embodiment(s) of the invention

[0050] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the operating principle of a lighting control system in a room 10, which is, for example, an office room with a chair 13 and a table 14 (e.g., a desk). Depending on the time of day and weather conditions, varying daylight 2 can be introduced through a window 12, which is then distributed to the room. Fig. Figure 1 is schematically indicated by an arrow and – excluding artificial light – very roughly represents a brightness distribution 4 in the room, which decreases with increasing distance X from window 12. Shadows cast by furniture and partitions naturally also play a role here.

[0051] In this example, room 10 has a ceiling 16 and a floor 18, with the ceiling containing a number of lights (in Fig. (1 not shown in detail) are arranged, which are grouped into a first and a second lighting group 30 and 32 respectively. In the sectional view of the Fig. Figure 1 shows only two lighting groups; of course, more than two lighting groups are possible. The luminaires of lighting groups 30 and 32 emit light with a directional characteristic, whereby the light from the first lighting group 30 falls partially on a surface of table 14 and the light from the second lighting group 32 falls at least partially on the floor 18 of room 10.

[0052] In the immediate vicinity of the luminaires of lighting groups 30 and 32, first and second light sensors 40 and 42 are arranged on the ceiling. These can detect the reflected light 6 that is reflected from a respective reference surface 20 on the table 14 or reference surface 22 on the floor 18, which is not limited to the first light sensor 40. Fig. 1 is indicated by a corresponding arrow.

[0053] The aim of the lighting control is to maintain a constant illuminance on the reference surfaces 20 and 22, respectively, detected by the two light sensors 40 and 42, regardless of the amount of incident daylight. The first light sensor 40 is therefore assigned to the first lighting group 30, and the second light sensor 42 is assigned to the second lighting group 32, in order to establish separate control loops for each and to enable optical coupling between them. "Assigned" here generally means that the first light sensor 40 and the first lighting group 30 are connected either directly (possibly even analogously) or via a digital bus with appropriate control and logic gates, such that the light sensor acts as the measuring element, a control device as the controller, the lighting group as the actuator, and the reference surfaces as the controlled system, all according to the principles of control engineering.

[0054] In this specific embodiment, without limiting the generality of the application, a 2-wire digitally addressable, DALI-compatible bus system is used, to which the light sensors 40, 42 and the luminaires of the lighting groups 30, 32 are each individually addressable and thus controllable or retrievable. The control device can be the control unit of the DALI bus system that is commonly used.

[0055] The in Fig. The arrangement shown in Figure 1 can be made during commissioning or later, according to the exemplary embodiment of a method according to the invention. The first light sensor 40 is positioned essentially vertically (or at least obliquely vertically) above the reference surface 20, which is illuminated not only by daylight 2 but also by the artificial light 8 of the first lighting group. The same applies to the second light sensor 42 and the second lighting group 32. Fig. 1 already suggests sufficient optical coupling due to the spatial proximity, i.e., if, for example, the contribution from daylight increases or decreases, this is detected in the form of measured values ​​by the light sensors 40 and 42, whereby, within the framework of the control, the lighting groups 30 and 32 are adjusted accordingly with regard to their luminous flux so that the illuminance of the reference surface, which actually changes due to the variation, is compensated for or kept constant.

[0056] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic block diagram of a device with the following features: Fig. Figure 1 shows an example of a compatible lighting system 48. The lighting system 48 comprises a number of luminaires 110, which, for example, contain one or more LEDs (light-emitting diodes) as LED modules or fluorescent lamps, etc., each (or together) containing an electronic ballast (ECG) 100 and supplied with suitably conditioned power from a mains power line M (with, for example, 230 volts alternating current (AC)) to which they are connected. The electronic ballast 100 can include EMC filters, rectifiers, power factor correction, and, depending on the type of luminaire, other electronic components, which are known in detail to those skilled in the art but are not essential to the invention.

[0057] Control of the output power and monitoring of the electronic ballasts 100 and luminaires 110 is achieved by device components 80 (the ballasts 100 and the device components 80 form operating devices), which have a microcontroller 82 with memory and an interface 81 for connection to a signal bus 70. In this embodiment, the signal bus 70 is configured as a DALI communication bus (standard of the IEC 62386 family) and has a 2-wire connection. The DALI communication bus 70 connects the interfaces 81 of the device components 80 to an interface 56 of a control unit 58. For this purpose, the control unit 58 also has a microcontroller 60 with memory. Furthermore, the control unit 58 has a power supply device 52 for supplying the control unit 58 with power (e.g., 230 V AC). On the output side, it is connected to the signal bus 70 and supplies a DC voltage of, for example, 16–17 V.

[0058] In addition to the power supply device 52 and the interfaces 56, 81 of the control and operating devices, interfaces 91 of sensors or actuators are also connected to the DALI communication bus 70, of which only the two light sensors 40, 42 are shown here. These also have a microcontroller 92 with memory, but do not require a mains connection, for example, since the power supplied via the DALI communication bus 70 can be entirely sufficient.

[0059] A control device 50, such as a PC, smartphone, or tablet, is connected to the control unit 58 and allows interaction by the user of the lighting system 48. The control device 50 can initiate the transmission of signals to the operating devices 80 or the light sensors 40, 42, etc., and can also receive and evaluate signals sent by these devices and received via the interface 58. The signals transmitted by sensors other than the light sensors 40, 42 can include, for example, environmental information such as time, temperature, humidity, pressure, voltage, or other mechanical or electrical parameters.The signals initiated by the control unit 58 can include control information, such as the retrieval of status information like dimming position (current brightness value), operating time, lamp fault, the activation of a mains voltage switch in the control gear 80, changed dimming values ​​or the activation of stored scenes, new group assignments (configuration) etc.

[0060] The in Fig. The exemplary light sensors 40, 42 shown in Figure 1 each have their own memory assigned to the microcontroller 92, in which an assignment Z is stored. According to the invention, this assignment is performed not only during commissioning by NFC or IR programming (as described above), but also, for example, via the measurement and evaluation program provided by the invention using the control unit 58, which can dynamically overwrite (i.e., update) the values ​​stored in that memory. Fig. The assignment shown is in 1 Fig. 2 schematically by the entry “30” (representing the two luminaires 110 grouped together to form lighting group 30) Fig. 2) reflected in the memory of the microcontroller 92 of the light sensor 42. The dashed double arrow in Fig. Figure 2 also schematically indicates this assignment. The light sensor 40 is in Fig. 2 of the lighting group 32, which is no longer shown there (entry “32” in the relevant memory).

[0061] In normal operation, the light sensors 40, 42 consequently detect the measured values ​​corresponding to the respective luminance and transmit them on the DALI signal bus 70, after which the luminous flux of the relevant luminaires 110 is controlled by the lighting groups 30, 32 addressed via the assignment Z in such a way that a setpoint for the illuminance of the light 6 reflected from the reference surface is obtained.

[0062] For the in the Fig. 1 and Fig. The exemplary lighting system 48 shown in section 2, which is operated with a lighting control system, will now be described using the Fig. 3A and Fig. Figure 3B illustrates an exemplary sequence of steps for a method according to the invention in a flowchart. The steps of the method are controlled by the control unit 58.

[0063] In Fig. In step 200, the procedure, program, or application is started. The start can be triggered by an event. For example, a signal addressed to the control unit can be output from a device connected to signal bus 70, such as a push button or a real-time clock (not shown), which initiates the start of the program execution. The procedure is preferably carried out at night or at least in a darkened room 10.

[0064] In step 210, variables and parameters are initialized: the counting parameter n=1 for the selected first lighting group 30, the counting parameter m=1 for the selected first light sensor 42, and the variable D(m=0)=0 for the recorded difference value for the respective measured illuminance. Furthermore, maximum values ​​n max for the total number of lighting groups and m max The total number of light sensors was determined and set, and the measured value variables S1(m) and S2(m) were initialized for the recorded values ​​of illuminance in the first switching state and the second switching state of the lighting system 48.

[0065] In step 220, all artificial lighting across all lighting groups is switched off; that is, all lights (110, etc.) within the same group are switched off or dimmed to a minimum percentage. If the lights are already switched off or dimmed to a minimum percentage for other reasons, this state is merely verified in this step.

[0066] In step 230, all luminaires of only one lighting group 30 with n=1 are switched on or preferably dimmed to a maximum of 100%. This defines a first switching state of the lighting system 48.

[0067] In step 240, the light sensor 40 with m=1 records a measured value S1 (m=1) for the illuminance, or more precisely: the control unit retrieves the current measured value from the light sensor with m=1.

[0068] In branch 250, which describes a loop, it is checked whether the counting parameter m for counting the light sensors is the maximum number m. maxThe process continues until the light sensors have reached their setpoint. If this is not yet the case (N / N), the sequence branches to step 260, where the count parameter m is incremented by one, and back to step 230 to capture the measured value S1 (m=2) for the second light sensor 42 in the first switching state. The loop (240, 250, 260) is then executed for all count parameter values ​​of m (i.e., for all light sensors) until the condition m=m is met. max This condition is met, i.e., all light sensors have recorded their measured values ​​S1(m) in the first switching state for the first lighting group 30. The second light sensor 42 can still be assigned to the second lighting group 32 at this time (see Fig. 1) This assignment is checked by the program and overwritten if necessary. If the condition is met (J / Y for Yes), the program branches to step 270.

[0069] In step 270, the parameter m is reset to m=1 to begin acquiring measured values ​​in the second switching state.

[0070] In step 280, all artificial lighting across all lighting groups is switched off; that is, all luminaires 110, etc., within the same group are switched off or dimmed to 0%. As a result, since previously only the luminaires 110 of the first lighting group 30 were switched on or dimmed to 100%, only the luminaires of the first lighting group are switched off; the other luminaires remain unaffected. This defines the second switching state of the lighting system 48 – no luminaire is switched on, and in this specific example, the room is essentially dark.

[0071] In step 290, the light sensor 40 with m=1 records a measured value S2(m=1) for the illuminance, or more precisely: the control unit retrieves the current measured value from the light sensor with m=1.

[0072] In branch 300, which in turn describes a loop, it is checked whether the parameter m for counting the light sensors is the maximum number m. max from light sensors. If this is not yet the case (N / N for No), the process branches to step 260, where the parameter m is incremented by one, and back to step 230 to capture the measured value S1(m=2) for the second light sensor 42 (with m=2) in the second switching state. The loop (290, 300, 310) is now executed for all count parameter values ​​of m (i.e., for all light sensors) until the condition m=m maxThe condition is met, meaning all light sensors have recorded their measured values ​​S2(m) in the second switching state for the first lighting group 30. If the condition is met, the program sequence proceeds to step 320.

[0073] The process continues via marker point "A" in Fig. 3B continues. In step 320, the parameter m is reset to m=1 (i.e., starting with the first light sensor 40) in order to begin calculating a difference value.

[0074] In step 330, for the light sensor 40 with m=1, the difference D(m=1)=S1(1)-S2(1) is formed from the measured values ​​it has recorded in the first and second switching states, i.e., in a state in which only the lights of the first lighting group have a luminous flux, and in a state in which all lighting groups are switched off.

[0075] In branch 340, a comparison checks whether this difference is greater than a corresponding value determined in the previous iteration of the loop. Since this is the first iteration for the first light sensor 40 with m=1, and D(0)=0 was set during initialization, the condition is usually met (Y for Yes). The program flow then branches to step 370.

[0076] In step 370, the existing assignment of light sensors to the first lighting group 30 with n=1 is deleted.

[0077] In the following step 380, the current light sensor 42 with m=1 is assigned to this lighting group 30 with n=1. However, this assignment is also temporary at this point, because the loop (330, 340, 350, 360, 370, 380) serves to search for the light sensor with the largest difference value D(m).

[0078] First, it is checked whether all light sensors have been visited (N / N for no). If m=1, this is not yet the case, so the counter parameter m is incremented (m=2 and light sensor 42). After calculating the difference value D(m=2)=S1(2)-S2(2), branch 340 checks whether this newly calculated difference value is greater than that of light sensor 40 with m=1. If this is not the case (N / N for no), after further branch 350 and step 360, a corresponding loop is executed for the next light sensor with m=3.

[0079] Only if a comparatively larger difference value is found is the comparison condition in branch 340 fulfilled (J / Y for Yes), and the program flow branches off to steps 370 and 380 to delete the previous assignment and make the new one. In this way, at the end of the loop and program iteration, m=m max (and n=n max) the light sensor with the comparatively largest difference value remains assigned.

[0080] This process is now continued via branch 390, where it is checked whether the counter n for the lighting groups has already reached n. max Once the value has been reached, the increment step 400 (n=n+1) is repeated for the next lighting groups, including the second lighting group 32 (n=2). Each lighting group is ultimately assigned a light sensor that provides the largest difference value specifically for that lighting group.

[0081] In the final step 410, the assignments, which may only be temporarily stored, are placed in a table in the memory of the microcontroller 60 of the control unit 58, and / or written via the signal bus 70 into the memories of the corresponding microcontrollers 92 of the light sensors 40, 42 etc., and the program is terminated.

[0082] If the program sequence is executed during normal operation, the overall lighting can be reactivated for the prescribed operation (e.g., with controls) at this point. The duration of the cycle can be a few seconds.

[0083] The invention is not limited to the specific embodiment and further alternatives, variations or modifications are possible. For example, the program can also run in other lighting systems that are not based on a DALI signal bus.

[0084] Furthermore, the specific, yet simplified, embodiment is designed such that only one light sensor is assigned to each of the different lighting groups. Modifications allow for the assignment of two or more light sensors. These can also be the two or more light sensors that, in a ranking of the calculated difference values, deliver the two or more largest difference values ​​and therefore rank highest.

[0085] It is also possible to fix the assignment of individual light sensors, thus excluding them from the reassignment according to the invention, if their assignment is only relevant under certain circumstances, but is then indispensable. Fixing the assignment prevents deletion during program execution.

[0086] It is also possible that the program assigns more than one light sensor depending on the current size of a lighting group. Larger lighting groups can correspond to a larger spatial area, so assigning multiple light sensors can be helpful to adequately capture the light distribution in room 10.

[0087] Furthermore, it can be provided that if a certain difference value D(m) in the comparison at branch 340 is only insignificantly larger than the largest difference value D(m'≠m) at the time of this loop iteration, i.e., if the difference between the two difference values ​​lies within a predetermined interval, the existing assignment is not deleted but remains in place, and only a new one is added for the light sensor with the even larger difference value. In other words, two light sensors with similar optical coupling are both assigned to the current lighting group in this case.

[0088] In the aforementioned cases involving multiple light sensors assigned to a single lighting group, the method or program offers the particular advantage of weighting the measured values ​​between the light sensors during control. A weighting function can be defined that depends on the calculated difference value and increases accordingly. For example, if the difference value of one light sensor is twice as large as that of a second assigned light sensor, the weighting can be applied in a 2:1 ratio.

[0089] It should also be noted that the invention does not relate to the specific sequence of steps of the process described in Fig. 3A and Fig. The process is limited to the sequence illustrated in Figure 3B. The two switching states can also be set in reverse order. Furthermore, the measured values ​​from all light sensors can be retrieved simultaneously (broadcast retrieval). The search for the largest difference value can also be accomplished using fast table algorithms instead of by comparison in loops, etc.

[0090] Furthermore, it is not absolutely necessary to completely switch off all lighting groups except the one currently under consideration. For example, the lighting signature of a room could also be determined indirectly by switching off only one lighting group at a time, while leaving all others switched on.

[0091] In the exemplary embodiments, it is not strictly necessary, but advantageous, to select a maximum illumination or dimming level of 100% for the switched-on lighting group, or to completely reduce the "switched off" or dimmed lighting groups to 0%. Rather, in the aforementioned cases, the control unit can take the individual light contributions into account and thereby (for example, depending on the application, by addition or subtraction) deduce the ideal case of completely switched-off lighting groups.

[0092] Furthermore, a modification of the in Fig. 3A, Fig.As shown in the exemplary embodiment 3B, previously obtained assignments of light sensors to lighting groups, including the underlying differential value calculations, are stored and compared with those of a current program run. If only minor changes occur below a predefined threshold, the current reassignment is discarded and not saved. This makes the control of the lighting system more stable against short-term fluctuations in light conditions during frequent or regular program runs and protects the well-being of the users of the affected room. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS: 2 Daylight 4 Light distribution (daylight) 6 reflected light 8 Artificial light 9 Artificial light 10 rooms 12 windows 13 Chair 14 Table 16 Ceiling 18 Floor 20 Reference area (table) 22 Reference area (ground) 30 first lighting group 32 second lighting group 40 first light sensor 42 second light sensor 48 Lighting system 50 Control or monitoring device (PC) 52 Benefit provision 56 Interface (DALI) 58 microcontrollers with memory 60 Control unit 70 Signal bus (DALI) 80 Device component of an operating device 81 Interface (DALI) 82 microcontrollers with memory 91 Interface (DALI) 92 microcontrollers with memory 100 ballasts (e.g. for LEDs) 110 light 200-410 program steps 200 Program start 210 Initialization Parameter n=1, m=1, D(0)=0 220 Artificial light: all groups OFF 230 lighting group n: ONE 240 Light sensor m: Capture measured value S1(m) 250 Condition m= m max fulfilled? 260 Increment m=m+1 270 Reset: m=1 280 Artificial light: all groups OFF 290 Light sensor m: Capture measured value S2(m) 300 Condition m= m max fulfilled? 310 Increment m=m+1 320 Reset: m=1 330 Calculate the difference value D(m)=S1(m)-S2(m) 340 Comparison of the difference values 350 Condition m= m max fulfilled? 360 increment m=m+1 370 Deleting the existing light sensor assignment 380 Assigning the light sensor m 390 Condition n= n max fulfilled? 400 increment n=n+1 410 Save and Exit M Power supply Z assignment (via NFC, IR or DALI)

Claims

[1] Method for assigning light sensors (40, 42) for the lighting control in a lighting system (48) in a room (10) to be illuminated, which has a first number (n max ) of lighting groups (30, 32) each comprising one or more luminaires, a control device (58) regulating the luminous flux of the respective lighting groups and a second number (m max ) comprises light sensors (40, 42) to be assigned to the lighting groups (30, 32), by means of which the respective luminous flux is regulated, comprising the steps: Switching (230) the lighting of the lighting system into a first switching state such that a first lighting group (30) emits light with a predetermined luminous flux; Switching (280) the lighting of the lighting system into a second switching state such that the first lighting group (30) emits light with a luminous flux reduced compared to the predetermined luminous flux or no light; in the first and second switching states, measuring a luminance of the light (6) reflected in the room by a reference surface (20, 22) assigned to the light sensors (40, 42) using the light sensors to detect (240, 290) a first measured value (S1) in the first switching state and a second measured value (S2) in the second switching state; Forming (330) a difference value (D) from the first and second measured values for each of the light sensors (40, 42); Comparison (340) of the difference values (D) formed for each of the light sensors (40, 42) with each other, and Assigning (380) at least one of the light sensors (40, 42) to the first lighting group (30) depending on the result of the comparison (340) and storing the assignment, so that the first lighting group can be controlled to a constant illuminance on the relevant reference surface in a control loop based on the measured values continuously recorded by at least the assigned light sensor (40) during normal operation, wherein the execution of the steps of the method is triggered by an event during normal operation of the lighting system, where the event is either the setting and storage of a new control setpoint in the control device or the event is a manual switching operation of the lighting via a push button or an automatic switching operation via a motion detector or a timer, wherein the difference values (D) formed from the recorded measured values when carrying out the steps of the method after being triggered by an event are compared with such difference values which, when carrying out the steps of the method earlier, led to a new assignment of at least one light sensor to a lighting group and a storage of this assignment in the control device, and reassigning the light sensor and saving the assignment only if a change in the difference values in the comparison exceeds a predetermined threshold. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one light sensor (40, 42) is assigned to the first lighting group (30) if the comparison (340) shows that the difference value (D) in question is the largest among the difference values formed. [3] Method according to claim 2, wherein at least one second light sensor (42) is assigned to the first lighting group (30) if the respective difference value (D) formed from the measured values (S1, S2) detected by it lies within a predetermined interval distance from the largest difference value. [4] The method of claim 2, wherein at least one second light sensor (42) is assigned to the first lighting group (30) when a size of the first lighting group exceeds a predetermined third number of luminaires. [5] Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein in the step of switching (230) the illumination of the illumination system (48) to the first switching state, the luminous flux of all illumination groups (32) other than the first illumination group (30) is switched off or remains switched off, or is reduced or remains reduced to a low dimming value. [6] Method according to claim 5, wherein in the step of switching (280) the illumination of the illumination system (48) to the second switching state, the luminous flux of all illumination groups (30, 32) is switched off or remains switched off, or is reduced or remains reduced to a low dimming value. [7] Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the steps of switching (230, 280) into both the first switching state and the second switching state are carried out under conditions in which light sources other than those of the lighting groups are suppressed, in particular daylight. [8] Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein in a case in which at least two light sensors (40, 42) are assigned to the first lighting group (30), depending on the comparison of the difference values of only the assigned light sensors, weighting factors for the control of the lighting group (30) are set on the basis of the measured values continuously recorded during normal operation. [9] Method according to claim 8, wherein the respective weighting factors obey a function which provides a larger weighting factor for a comparatively larger difference value and, conversely, provides a smaller weighting factor for a comparatively smaller difference value. [10] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the steps of the method are carried out successively for all lighting groups (30, 32). [11] Method according to claim 10, wherein the light sensors not assigned to any of the lighting groups are deactivated after carrying out the steps of the method. [12] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the steps of the method are performed by the control device (58). [13] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the luminaires (110) and the light sensors (40, 42) of the lighting system (48) are connected to a control device (58) in an individually addressable manner via a common data bus (70), preferably a DALI or KNX bus, and wherein the combination of the luminaires (110) into lighting groups (30, 32) and / or the assignment (Z) of the light sensors (40, 42) to the lighting groups (30, 32) is stored in an access memory (60, 92) of the control device (58) or of the light sensors (40, 42). [14] Control device (58) for assigning light sensors (40, 42) for the lighting control in a lighting system (48) in a room (10) to be illuminated, which has a first number (n max ) of lighting groups (30, 32) each comprising one or more luminaires, a control device (58) regulating the luminous flux of the respective lighting groups and a second number (m max ) comprises light sensors (40, 42) to be assigned to the lighting groups (30, 32), by means of which the respective luminous flux is regulated, wherein the control device (58) is arranged to carry out the following steps: Switching (230) the lighting of the lighting system into a first switching state such that a first lighting group (30) emits light with a predetermined luminous flux; Switching (280) the lighting of the lighting system into a second switching state such that the first lighting group (30) emits light with a luminous flux reduced compared to the predetermined luminous flux or no light; in the first and second switching states, measuring a luminance of the light (6) reflected in the room by a reference surface (20, 22) assigned to the light sensors (40, 42) using the light sensors to detect (240, 290) a first measured value (S1) in the first switching state and a second measured value (S2) in the second switching state; Forming (330) a difference value (D) from the first and second measured values for each of the light sensors (40, 42); Comparison (340) of the difference values (D) formed for each of the light sensors (40, 42) with each other, and Assigning (380) at least one of the light sensors (40, 42) to the first lighting group (30) depending on the result of the comparison (340) and storing the assignment, so that the first lighting group can be controlled to a constant illuminance on the relevant reference surface in a control loop based on the measured values continuously recorded by at least the assigned light sensor (40) during normal operation, wherein the execution of the steps of the control device is triggered by an event during normal operation of the lighting system, where the event is either the setting and storage of a new control setpoint in the control device or the event is a manual switching operation of the lighting via a push button or an automatic switching operation via a motion detector or a timer, wherein the difference values (D) formed from the recorded measured values when the steps of the control device are carried out after being triggered by an event are compared with such difference values which, when the steps of the method were carried out earlier, led to a new assignment of at least one light sensor to a lighting group and to a storage of this assignment in the control device, and reassigning the light sensor and saving the assignment only if a change in the difference values in the comparison exceeds a predetermined threshold.

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