Lighting system and method for illuminating a room

Abstract

Method for illuminating a room, preferably a school room, with at least two lighting means, wherein - two lamps (La1, La2) are each operated by one control gear (BG1, BG2), - a control unit (SG1) is connected to the operating devices (BG1, BG2) via a control line (BUS1, BUS2), - the control unit (SG1) is connected to at least one control center (ZE1), - the control center (ZE1) can address the control unit (SG1) via different addresses, whereby each control line (BUS1, BUS2) can be selectively controlled by assigning one of the various addresses and the control center (ZE1) can also address all control lines (BUS1, BUS2) of the control unit (SG1) via a common address characterized in that additional sensors can be connected to the control unit (SG1), and the control unit (SG1) can send control signals via the control lines (BUS1, BUS2) depending on the sensor signals detected by the sensors.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for illuminating a room with at least two illuminants according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a lighting system for illuminating a room according to the preamble of claim 2. Technical field and state of the art

[0002] Lighting systems are now used, among other things, for illuminating classrooms. Recently, traditional incandescent lamps have increasingly been replaced by gas discharge lamps.

[0003] US 2005 / 0 289 279 A1 discloses a power supply system.

[0004] WO 2011 / 123 876 A1 discloses a method for illuminating a room. Description of the invention

[0005] The object of the invention is to improve the method for illuminating a room with light-emitting devices. In particular, the requirements of energy efficiency and protection of the light source should be taken into account.

[0006] The stated object of the invention is achieved by the features of the independent claims. The dependent claims develop the central idea in a particularly advantageous manner.

[0007] The invention also relates to a lighting system for a room, preferably for illuminating a school room, comprising - at least two light sources, - at least two control gears for operating one lamp each, - a control unit which is connected to the operating devices via a control line, - wherein the control unit is connected to at least one control center, - whereby the control unit can address the control unit via different addresses, - wherein each control line is assigned its own address and the control unit furthermore has an additional address via which all control lines can be addressed, characterized in that additional sensors can be connected to the control unit and the control unit can send control signals via the control lines depending on sensor signals detected by the sensors.

[0008] The invention proposes a method for controlling electronically controlled lighting control devices. Typical examples of such lighting control devices are electronic ballasts (EBs) for gas discharge lamps or control devices for organic or inorganic light-emitting diodes.

[0009] According to the invention, a computer software program product is disclosed which supports a method according to one of the preceding claims when it runs on a computing unit.

[0010] The invention also relates to a lighting system for controlling electronically controlled lighting devices in rooms, wherein the lighting system comprises two control devices, at least two lighting devices, and at least two sensors. The sensors are each connected to the control devices, and the lighting devices are also connected to the control device.

[0011] The invention also relates to a lighting system with at least one control unit which is designed to connect a plurality of sensors.

[0012] The object of the invention is achieved for a generic device by the characterizing features of claim 2 and for a generic method by claim 1. Particularly advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the subclaims. Description of the preferred embodiments

[0013] Further advantages, features and characteristics of the present invention will now be explained with reference to the two attached figures. Fig. 1 shows an arrangement of a lighting system according to the invention Fig. 2 shows another possible arrangement of a lighting system according to the invention

[0014] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a lighting system (10) for a room.

[0015] The lighting system (10) comprises at least two illuminants (La1, La2). At least two operating devices (BG1, BG2) are provided for operating each illuminant (La1, La2).

[0016] A control unit (SG1) is connected to each of the operating devices (BG1, BG2) via a control line (BUS1, BUS2). The control unit (SG1) is connected to at least one control center (ZE1). The control center (ZE1) can address the control unit (SG1) via various addresses. Each control line (BUS1, BUS2) is assigned its own address, and the control unit (SG1) also has an additional address via which all control lines (BUS1, BUS2) can be addressed.

[0017] Preferably, communication from the control center (ZE1) to the control unit (SG1) takes place via a DALI bus line. The control lines (BUS1, BUS2), however, are preferably designed according to a different transmission protocol, for example, the Tridonic DSI protocol.

[0018] This way, the installer doesn't have to worry about programming or assigning the individual operating devices. Assignment is done via connection to the respective control line (BUS1, BUS2), with the address assignment already determined, for example, by pre-programming.

[0019] The control center (ZE1) preferably has an integrated supply circuit to feed the bus line. However, a bus line supply can also be provided externally to the control center (ZE1).

[0020] Furthermore, the control unit (SG1) can also have additional interfaces (bus lines), for example, for a DALI bus, and can thus also address additional control units (SG2). This allows a larger network of control units and operating devices to be created, while keeping the number of required addresses limited. The control units (SG1, SG2) can be linked in various configurations (star topology, tree configuration, line configuration - daisy chain, or similar).

[0021] The control unit (SG1) can also be formed by combining several control units (SG1a, SG1b) arranged within a common housing.

[0022] The connections on the control unit (SG1) for the control lines (BUS1, BUS2) and the other interfaces (bus lines) can differ in their mechanical design to prevent incorrect installation. Replacing individual control units (BG1) is also very easy, as no changes to the system or new address assignment are required; only the control unit needs to be replaced.

[0023] The control unit's additional interfaces (SG1) can also be used to connect various sensors. The sensors can detect at least two different types of sensor signals.

[0024] The control units (SG1, SG2) can send control signals via the control line (BUS1, BUS2) depending on the sensor signals detected by the sensors.

[0025] The control devices (BG1, BG2) can transmit control signals via the control line (BUS1, BUS2). Furthermore, the lamps (La1, La2) can be controlled depending on the control signals received via the control line (BUS1, BUS2).

[0026] The light sources (La1, La2) can in principle be any light source, such as gas discharge lamps or organic or inorganic light-emitting diodes.

[0027] The illustrated control gears (BG1, BG2) have terminals that can be connected to earth, the phase conductor, and the neutral conductor to supply power to the control gear (BG1, BG2). As already mentioned, the control gears (BG1, BG2) have terminals for connecting to a control line (BUS1, BUS2) (whereby this control line does not necessarily have to be a digital two-wire bus system, but can also be a system with information transmission via the power line or wireless communication, for example).

[0028] The control line (BUS1, BUS2) can be designed so that digital commands, for example, according to Tridonic's DSI protocol, can be transmitted to the control gear via these connections, or the control gear can send signals. Optionally or alternatively, the control line (BUS1, BUS2) can be designed so that signals can be transmitted via the supply voltage, such as the mains voltage, or even push-button signals.

[0029] The control line (BUS1, BUS2) enables communication between the control unit (SG1, SG2) and the operating devices (BG1, BG2). This communication can be either unidirectional or bidirectional.

[0030] The sensors can be brightness sensors and / or motion detectors. The sensors can be designed as single-function sensors or as so-called combination sensors. Combination sensors can detect at least motion and the brightness for a given area.

[0031] The first sensor can be used to monitor the brightness within a first area of ​​the room, and the second sensor can be used to monitor the brightness within a second area of ​​the room. A motion detector can also be connected to the control unit (SG1, SG2) as an additional sensor. This allows, for example, the system to react to the approach or presence of a person and increase the brightness in the light box upon detection of a person's approach or presence.

[0032] The control units (SG1, SG2) can send control signals via the control line (BUS1, BUS2) when a change in brightness has been detected by the sensors, and the control units (SG1, SG2) can send control signals via the control line (BUS1, BUS2) and additionally via the interconnected interface (PIR LINK) when movement has been detected by the sensors.

[0033] The control unit (SG1, SG2) can optionally evaluate the time of day based on the course of the ambient brightness and adapt the control of the operating devices (BG1, BG2) to the recorded time of day.

[0034] The control unit (SG1, SG2) can optionally be provided with an additional connection for a push-button control. A push-button can be connected between the connection for the push-button control and the phase connection of the mains or another voltage source. The control unit (SG1, SG2) can detect the actuation of the push-button and adapt its behavior accordingly. For example, a longer actuation of the push-button can cause a change in the brightness of the lamps (La1, La2). However, selective switching on or off can also be effected, particularly by briefly pressing the button. In addition, operating parameters such as the switch-on brightness or a target brightness when movement is detected can be specified or selected by pressing a button.

[0035] The lighting system may also include additional operating devices (BG11) connected to a control device (SG1, SG2) via a control line (BUS1, BUS2). Additional operating devices may also be present that are connected to another control device (SG3) via a control line (BUS3), whereby an additional sensor (SE3) may optionally be connected to this additional control device (SG3).

[0036] A bus coupling unit (BK) may be present which is connected to at least one control unit (SG1, SG2) and enables an interface connection to a higher-level control system.

[0037] However, a control unit (SG1, SG2) can also directly enable an interface connection to a higher-level control system.

[0038] Various control signals can be transmitted via the control line (BUS1, BUS2), whereby only a part of the transmitted control signals is passed on from the bus coupling unit (BK) or the control unit (SG1, SG2) to the higher-level control system.

[0039] For example, DALI commands can be transmitted as control signals, which are then forwarded from the bus coupling unit (BK) to the higher-level control system. These control signals can be forwarded directly from the bus coupling unit (BK) to the higher-level control system as DALI commands, or they can be converted into another protocol and then forwarded to the higher-level control system.

[0040] In addition, commands that deviate from the DALI standard can be transmitted as control signals (for example, according to a different protocol), whereby these control signals are not passed on by the bus coupling unit (BK) to the higher-level control system.

[0041] The light sources can be an organic or inorganic LED or a gas discharge lamp (fluorescent lamp, high-pressure gas discharge lamp). However, they can also be different light sources; for example, one light source may be an organic or inorganic LED, while another may be a gas discharge lamp (fluorescent lamp, high-pressure gas discharge lamp).

[0042] The two light sources are arranged within the room.

[0043] The lighting can preferably be used to illuminate a classroom, and the brightness within a first area of ​​the room can be monitored using the first sensor, and the brightness within a second area of ​​the room can be monitored using the second sensor. The type of sensor signals can be differentiated, for example, based on the type of change detected. For example, a distinction can be made between the detection of brightness information and the detection of movement.

[0044] Additionally, an operating device (SC1) can be connected to at least one control unit (SG1, SG2). Operating devices (SC1, SC2) can also be connected to several or all of the control units (SG1, SG2).

[0045] Thus, according to the invention, efficient lighting can be realized by means of a room.

[0046] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a view of a typical layout of a room lighting system according to the invention.

[0047] The lighting system according to Fig. 2 has several control devices (SG1, SG2, ..) which control, preferably the brightness, of the connected operating devices (BG1, BG2, BG11) with their lamps (La1, La2, La11) (in the Fig. 2 not shown). The control gear (BG1, BG2, BG11, etc.) and the lamps (La1, La2, La11) are preferably each housed in a luminaire.

[0048] As already explained, the lighting system comprises at least two light sources (La1, La2), wherein the light sources (La1, La2) are preferably aligned such that the space illuminated by the light sources (La1, La2) is uniformly illuminated. This uniform illumination is generally achieved when no light penetrates through the windows (i.e., in the absence of ambient brightness, such as at night or when shutters or blinds are closed).

[0049] By applying the method and lighting system according to the invention, the individual areas of the room can be controlled and optimally adjusted depending on the brightness of the respective monitored area. This allows for highly energy-efficient room lighting.

[0050] This example of a lighting system (10) according to the invention will be explained in more detail below.

[0051] By monitoring the second sensor (SE2), the second control unit (SG2) can determine when the brightness near the windows (where ambient brightness can have a strong external impact) falls below a certain level. Based on the evaluation of the sensor signal from the second sensor (SE2), the second control unit (SG2) can then transmit a corresponding control signal via the control line (BUS2) and, using the operating devices (BG2), adjust the control, preferably the brightness, of the connected lamps (La2) in the luminaires.

[0052] Furthermore, the first control unit (SG1) can detect the current value of the brightness within the area remote from the windows by means of the first sensor which is connected to the control unit (SG1).

[0053] Depending on the evaluation of the connected sensors, the control unit (SG1) can send corresponding control signals via the control line (BUS1) and the operating devices (BG11, BG1) can accordingly operate the connected lamps (La1, La11) in the luminaires, for example by adjusting their brightness.

[0054] The other operating devices (BG31) arranged in the lighting system (10) can also each be connected to a control device (SG3) and receive control signals from it. Thus, all other operating devices (BG3) also receive a control signal via a control line (BUS3).

[0055] According to the invention, the control units (SG1, SG2) are connected to each other via an interface (PIR LINK).

[0056] The sensors, each connected to a control unit (SG1, SG2), can contain a brightness sensor as well as a motion detector. As already explained, the sensors are therefore preferably combination sensors that can detect at least movement and the brightness for a given area.

[0057] Alternatively, several individual sensors can be connected to the control units (SG1, SG2), with each sensor performing only one function, such as brightness monitoring or motion detection.

[0058] For example, several sensors can be connected to one control unit (SG1).

[0059] If the sensors detect movement in the room, the corresponding control unit (SG1, SG2) sends control signals via the control line (BUS1, BUS2) and also via the interconnected interface (PIR LINK). The other control units (SG1, SG2, SG3) receive this control signal sent via the interconnected interface (PIR LINK) and then send corresponding control signals to the connected operating devices (BG1, BG2) via their control line (BUS1, BUS2).

[0060] This means that when a person is present in the room, an optimal and energy-efficient brightness can be achieved, adapted to the individual areas of the room, while the lighting can be switched off when the person leaves the room.

[0061] Depending on how the parameters and threshold values ​​for monitoring the sensors are designed, the lighting can be controlled and optimally adjusted for the lighting system within the room (10).

[0062] The dependence on the detected sensor signals can be interpreted in different directions and different operating modes can be defined for the individual lamps (La1, La2).

[0063] As already mentioned, sensors or other (additional) sensors can be motion detectors (e.g. a passive infrared sensor, also known as PIR), brightness sensors, infrared sensors (e.g. as a receiver for remote control via infrared) or color sensors (e.g. for adjusting the color temperature, the color location or the emitted wavelength) or combined sensors such as a brightness and motion sensor.

[0064] When using a motion detector, it should be noted that detecting movement also includes detecting the exit of a monitored room. This means that the motion detector is repeatedly polled. As long as a person is present, the motion detector emits a presence signal. When presence is no longer detected, i.e., the room has been vacated, this exit can be signaled. When movement is detected in the monitored area of ​​the room, the lights (La1, La2) can be switched on accordingly or their brightness can be adjusted.

[0065] Since several luminaires and thus control gear (BG11, BG1) can be present, all of which can be controlled via a control line (BUS1), it can be advantageous if several different individual sensors are also connected to a control unit (SG1), and thus a very flexible and powerful lighting system for a room with several luminaires can be set up in a simple way.

[0066] The lamps (La1, La2, La11) can be switched off if the room is detected to be vacated via a switch-off delay time. For example, the control unit (SG1, SG2) can wait a specified period of time, i.e., the switch-off delay time, upon detecting that the room has been vacated and only then send a switch-off command as a corresponding control signal via the control line (BUS1, BUS2) to the connected operating devices (BG11, BG1, BG2). The switch-off delay time can optionally be set on the control unit (SG1, SG2). This can be done, for example, by programming, for example, via an interface, or by manual setting, for example, using a rotary switch or DIP switch.

[0067] Alternatively, the operating devices (BG11, BG1, BG2) can wait for a specified period of time, i.e. the switch-off delay time, upon receiving a switch-off command and only then switch off the lamps (La1, La2, La11).

[0068] Additionally or alternatively, if the lamps (La1, La2, La11) are switched off when it is detected that someone has left the room, the brightness can first be reduced and only then the lamps (La1, La2, La11) can be switched off. In this case, too, these steps can preferably be specified by corresponding control signals from the control units (SG1, SG2). Alternatively, these steps can also be stored in the operating devices (BG11, BG1, BG2) and triggered by a corresponding control signal from the control units (SG1, SG2).

[0069] In summary, the invention discloses an improved lighting of a room, which is characterized by the fact that it can adapt flexibly and dynamically to different situations.

Claims

Method for illuminating a room, preferably a school room, with at least two lighting devices, wherein- two lighting devices (La1, La2) are each operated by one operating device (BG1, BG2),- a control device (SG1) is connected to the operating devices (BG1, BG2) via a control line (BUS1, BUS2),- the control device (SG1) is connected to at least one control center (ZE1),- the control center (ZE1) can address the control device (SG1) via different addresses,wherein each control line (BUS1, BUS2) can be selectively controlled by assigning one of the different addresses, and the control center (ZE1) can further address all control lines (BUS1, BUS2) of the control device (SG1) via a common address,characterized in that additional sensors can be connected to the control device (SG1), andthe control device (SG1) can, depending on sensor signals detected by the sensors, transmit a control signal via the control lines (BUS1,BUS2) can send control signals., A lighting system (10) for a room, preferably for illuminating a classroom, comprising: - at least two lighting devices (La1, La2); - at least two operating devices (BG1, BG2) for operating one lighting device (La1, La2) each; - a control device (SG1) connected to the operating devices (BG1, BG2) via a control line (BUS1, BUS2); - wherein the control device (SG1) is connected to at least one control center (ZE1); - wherein the control center (ZE1) can address the control device (SG1) via different addresses; - wherein each control line (BUS1, BUS2) is assigned its own address, and the control device (SG1) further has an additional address via which all control lines (BUS1, BUS2) can be addressed; characterized in that additional sensors can be connected to the control device (SG1);and the control unit (SG1) can send control signals via the control lines (BUS1, BUS2) depending on the sensor signals detected by the sensors., Lighting system (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the sensors are brightness sensors and / or motion detectors. Lighting system (10) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that communication between the control device (SG1, SG2) and the respectively connected operating devices (BG1, BG2) is made possible via the control line (BUS1, BUS2). Lighting system (10) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the brightness within a first area of ​​the room is monitored by means of a first sensor of the sensors and the brightness within a second area of ​​the room is monitored by means of a second sensor of the sensors. Lighting system (10) according to one of claims 2 to 5, comprising further operating devices (BG11) which are connected to one of the control devices (SG1, SG2) via a control line (BUS1, BUS2). Lighting system (10) according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the lighting means are an organic or inorganic LED.

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