DEVICE WITH HOUSING, OUTDOOR DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A DEVICE

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a device with a light sensor that detects ambient light and has a housing that includes at least one housing perforation. The invention also relates to a system comprising the device and an outdoor device with a mounting bracket for connecting / attaching the device to the outdoor device. The outdoor device can be a piece of urban furniture or street furniture. In particular, the device is an electronic device, for example a power supply component or a network component, for example an active coupling element in a network, such as a network switch or network router. The invention also relates to a method for operating the device. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] Outdoor fixtures (urban furniture or street furniture), such as poles or control cabinets, are a ubiquitous part of the urban and rural landscape. For example, a pole with one or more electrical light functional units, i.e., lighting devices, can be arranged along a road or sidewalk to help drivers and / or pedestrians see or orient themselves better at night. Additionally or alternatively, one or more electronic information functional units, such as traffic signs, traffic lights, traffic counters, or toll inspectors, can be arranged on a pole and are used to observe and control traffic flow on the road or sidewalk. Additionally or alternatively, an observation or monitoring device, such as a camera or traffic counter, can be arranged on a pole as an electrical functional unit used to observe and monitor squares or streets.

[0003] Outdoor facilities can be used for a "smart city" concept. "Smart city" is a collective term for a holistic development concept that aims to make a landscape, especially cities, efficient, technologically advanced, ecologically and socially inclusive. These concepts should be energy-efficient, low-emission, safe, and cost-effective in order to enable future-oriented features such as widespread broadband connectivity, widespread e-mobility, traffic monitoring and surveillance, and / or increased security. For this purpose, the outdoor facilities can be equipped with electrical units, such as vehicle charging stations, etc.

[0004] Smart city concepts require a data network. Currently, data communication between a remote network component, such as a server, a basic network component (backbone component), and a functional unit of the outdoor device is not secured. This network, the remote network component, or the functional unit can therefore be exposed to cyberattacks. An attacker attempting to manipulate the functional unit, the network, or the remote network component, for example, will only be inadequately detected by the remote network component or functional unit and can thus cause significant damage, for example, by manipulating a lighting or traffic light control, sabotaging an electric vehicle charging process, and / or illicitly diverting data from the functional unit.Security-relevant data used in data communication, such as private keys, certificates, IP addresses or passwords, could also be read out without authorization.

[0005] To reliably detect any attempted tampering with one of the functional units and / or the network, appropriate security or tamper detection must be provided. For example, additional sensors are provided on or in the outdoor device to detect unusual environmental or ambient conditions.

[0006] For example, DE 10 2019 007 058 A1 proposes to provide a light sensor, a switch sensor and / or a motion sensor in a device (= electrical network component) of the outdoor device in order to report an alarm situation to the network and / or to delete sensitive data, such as network access data (keyword: "zeroize").

[0007] US Pat. No. 9,596,734 (Sigma-Aldrich, Germany, 1983) describes a method for daylight-dependent control of a lighting device. User manipulation to increase the light intensity of the lighting device is detected and regulated to a set value, for example, 70% dimming.

[0008] Correctly evaluating light sensor output signals can prove problematic. For example, light sources located inside, on, or within the outdoor device can be sources of interference, triggering false alarms.

[0009] The device is specifically designed for outdoor use, where both the light source and the light sensor are located on the same top surface of the housing due to limited space. This requires the light source(s) and the light sensor to be in close proximity, further complicating the correct evaluation of the light sensor signal. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The invention is based on the object of creating a device that secures data communication between a remote network component and a functional unit. In particular, the device, for example a network component such as a switch or router, preferably a network component in a smart city environment, is intended to ensure that an attack or attempted manipulation of data communication, the device, the network itself, or a functional unit connected to the device is detected early and reported as an alarm to the remote network component.

[0011] In addition, confidential or security-relevant information, for example, from the device's memory or a functional unit connected to the device, should not be accessed without authorization. Data protection must be maintained, as publicly recorded data is subject to confidentiality and must be reliably protected from unauthorized access.

[0012] Existing infrastructure must be able to be reused as far as possible; in particular, the replacement of already installed outdoor devices or the removal of network components or functional units should be avoided. Furthermore, no structural changes, such as the installation of additional sensors, should be required to existing outdoor devices.

[0013] Alarms must be triggered reliably. Internal light sources should not cause false alarms from a light sensor.

[0014] The object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0015] The invention comprises a device with a housing. The device has a light sensor for detecting ambient light. At least one light source is arranged in the housing. The housing has at least one housing through-hole. This at least one housing through-hole is configured to transmit light generated by the at least one light source out of the housing. The device comprises a control unit configured to deactivate each light source in order to detect the ambient light using the light sensor.

[0016] An enclosure is a rigid casing that encloses all components of a device. The enclosure can enclose all components of the device. The enclosure can protect the device and all components from external environmental influences such as dirt, moisture, electromagnetism, pressure, etc. The enclosure can have a protection rating, for example, according to the IP67 or IP68 standard.

[0017] The housing has an interior. The volume of the interior is limited by the housing.

[0018] The housing includes at least one through-hole. The through-hole is a hole or opening in the housing that extends continuously from an outer top surface to an inner top surface of the housing. The housing through-hole can have any shape; it is usually round, but can also have a non-circular shape, such as an elongated hole or a multi-edge hole (triangular, square, hexagonal, etc.).

[0019] The position of the housing hole in the housing is arbitrary as long as the forwarding is guaranteed.

[0020] The size of the hole must be chosen so that, on the one hand, sufficient protection is still guaranteed by the housing, and, on the other hand, the light can be transmitted accordingly - initially without any aids.

[0021] The device includes a light sensor, also known as a detector, photodetector, optical detector, optoelectronic sensor, or probe. The light sensor is an electronic component that can detect a quantity of light qualitatively or quantitatively as a measurand. This quantity of light is detected using a photoelectric effect and converted into an electrical sensor output signal that can be processed by the device's control unit. The control unit can perform the conversion. Alternatively, the light sensor can perform this conversion itself.

[0022] The light sensor is designed to detect ambient light and, using the photoelectric effect, convert this ambient light into an electrical signal or into an electrical resistance value dependent on the amount of ambient light. For example, a photodiode, a phototransistor, and / or a photoresistor are used as a light sensor.

[0023] Ambient light refers to light or electromagnetic radiation that directly surrounds the housing. Ambient light is not, in particular, light that was generated within the housing and / or that is emitted from the housing.

[0024] The ambient light can be the light in the immediate vicinity of the device, for example the light hitting the top of the device's housing.

[0025] The ambient light may be the light in the immediate vicinity of the device, wherein the device is mounted / introduced into a substantially light-tight cavity of an outdoor device.

[0026] The cavity can be opened via an opening in the outdoor device. When the opening is opened, the amount of light in the immediate vicinity of the device can be significantly increased. The increased amount of light can be detected by the light sensor. The detected amount of light can be evaluated by a light sensor controller and / or the control unit. The evaluation can include a comparison with a predefined threshold. The comparison can result in the detection of an alarm situation if the detected amount of light is above the predefined threshold.

[0027] At least one light source is arranged in the housing. The light generated by the at least one light source is generated within the housing. In particular, the generated light is not ambient light that has been introduced into the housing from outside the housing. It can be guided out of the housing due to the position, shape, and / or size of a housing through-hole.

[0028] The light source(s) can be used to display status information about the device to a user. Dual light sources can be used, which, depending on the control, can generate light with a first wavelength or light with a second wavelength different from the first wavelength (e.g., red / green, yellow / green, or yellow / orange, etc.).

[0029] The device may include a first light source that can indicate the presence of a supply voltage at a power supply terminal of the device. This indication is realized, for example, by a continuous, constant light of a specific wavelength (e.g., red or green).

[0030] A second light source can be provided on the device, which can indicate a status relating to a first functional unit connection of the device. This indication is implemented, for example, by the light source illuminating irregularly in a specific wavelength (e.g., red or green) corresponding to transmitted data between a functional unit connected to the device and the network or the device. Alternatively or additionally, this indication is implemented by a permanent, constant light to indicate an established data connection between a functional unit and the device via the first functional unit connection of the device in a specific wavelength (e.g., red or green). By modulating the light from the second light source, a status, a PoE status, an alarm situation, and / or overheating of the first functional unit connection can also be indicated.

[0031] A third light source can be provided on the device, which can indicate a status relating to a second functional unit connection of the device. This indication is implemented, for example, by the light source illuminating irregularly in a specific wavelength (e.g., red or green) corresponding to transmitted data between a functional unit connected to the device and the network or the device. Alternatively or additionally, this indication is implemented by a permanent, constant light to indicate an established data connection between a functional unit and the device via the second functional unit connection of the device in a specific wavelength (e.g., red or green). By modulating the light from the third light source, a status, a PoE status, an alarm situation, and / or overheating of the second functional unit connection can also be indicated.

[0032] A fourth light source can be provided on the device, which can indicate a status relating to a third functional unit connection of the device. This indication is implemented, for example, by the light source illuminating irregularly in a specific wavelength (e.g., red or green) corresponding to transmitted data between a functional unit connected to the device and the network or the device. Alternatively or additionally, this indication is implemented by a permanent, constant light to indicate an established data connection between a functional unit and the device via the third functional unit connection of the device in a specific wavelength (e.g., red or green). By modulating the light from the fourth light source, a status, a PoE status, an alarm situation, and / or overheating of the third functional unit connection can also be indicated.

[0033] A fifth light source can be provided on the device, which can indicate a status relating to a fourth functional unit connection of the device. This indication is implemented, for example, by the light source illuminating irregularly in a specific wavelength (e.g., red or green) corresponding to transmitted data between a functional unit connected to the device and the network or the device. Alternatively or additionally, this indication is implemented by a permanent, constant light to indicate an established data connection between a functional unit and the device via the fourth functional unit connection of the device in a specific wavelength (e.g., red or green). By modulating the light from the fifth light source, a status, a PoE status, an alarm situation, and / or overheating of the fourth functional unit connection can also be indicated.

[0034] A sixth light source can be provided on the device, which can indicate a status at a first network port of the device. This indication is realized, for example, by an irregular illumination of the light source corresponding to transmitted data between the device and the network in a specific wavelength (e.g., red or green). Alternatively or additionally, this indication is realized by a permanent, constant light to indicate an established data connection between the device and the network via the first network port of the device in a specific wavelength (e.g., red or green). By modulating the light from the sixth light source, a status, a PoE status, an alarm situation, and / or overheating of the first network port can also be indicated.

[0035] The device may be provided with a seventh light source that can indicate a status on a second network port of the device. This indication is realized, for example, by the light source illuminating irregularly in a specific wavelength (e.g., red or green) corresponding to transmitted data between the device and the network. Alternatively or additionally, this indication is realized by a permanent, constant light to indicate an established data connection between the device and the network via the device's second network port in a specific wavelength (e.g., red or green). By modulating the light from the seventh light source, a status, a PoE status, an alarm situation, and / or overheating of the second network port can also be indicated.

[0036] The device may include an eighth light source that can indicate the loading status of software or firmware in the device. This indication is realized, for example, by a continuous, constant light of a specific wavelength (e.g., red or green). This indication is, for example, a regular illumination of the eighth light source if a software loading process (booting) was not completed successfully.

[0037] Additional light sources may be provided on the device to indicate, for example, additional status message(s) regarding the functional unit connections, a PoE status, an alarm situation and / or overheating of the device or one of the functional connections.

[0038] In a simple design, no additional devices are required to transmit the generated light into / from the housing or the housing hole. Thus, the generated light can be transmitted out of the housing solely based on the position, size, and shape of the housing hole.

[0039] The device includes a control unit. The control unit is, for example, an integrated semiconductor chip. The control unit is, for example, a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an ASIC, a signal processor, or a graphics processor.

[0040] This control unit is designed to activate and / or deactivate each light source on the device. An activated light source produces light. A deactivated light source produces no light.

[0041] The control unit can be connected to a supply voltage for each light source. To deactivate, the control unit can disconnect or switch off the supply voltage for each light source individually or for all light sources together.

[0042] Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can be connected to a control input of each light source individually. For deactivation, the control unit can provide a control signal to the control input of each light source individually or to all light sources together. This can be done wired or wirelessly.

[0043] Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can be connected to a control input of an LED controller for each light source individually or all light sources together. To deactivate the LEDs, the control unit can provide a control signal to this LED controller control input. This can be done wired or wirelessly.

[0044] The light sensor provides a light sensor output signal that is received by the control unit. This reception can be wired or wireless. This reception by the light sensor in the control unit can occur continuously. This reception by the light sensor in the control unit can occur at predefined intervals.

[0045] The light sensor may comprise a light sensor circuit. The light sensor circuit may evaluate the detected light quantity and send (only) the result of the evaluation to the control unit.

[0046] The control unit is configured to evaluate the light sensor output signal of the light sensor or the light sensor circuit. The control unit can be configured to ignore the light sensor output signal at times when the light source(s) are activated. The control unit can be configured to evaluate the light sensor output signal at times when the light source(s) are deactivated.

[0047] This provides the control unit with information about the amount of ambient light from the light sensor. The control unit determines at what times the light sensor output signal is to be evaluated.

[0048] This provides the control unit with information, either alternatively or additionally, that the amount of ambient light is greater than a predefined threshold. This information can be provided by a light sensor circuit.

[0049] The control unit can define at what point in time a light sensor output signal is to be evaluated.

[0050] The control unit deactivates the device's light sources to detect the ambient light using the light sensor. The ambient light can be detected by evaluating the light sensor output signal using the control unit. The ambient light detection can include receiving the (evaluated) light sensor output signal from a sensor controller in the control unit.

[0051] By deactivating the light sources, interference from the light source(s) can be prevented / avoided during the time the light sensor detects ambient light. The control unit knows the time of deactivation and can perform ambient light detection by evaluating the light sensor signal, depending on the time of deactivation of the light source(s).

[0052] The ambient light can be detected by the light sensor after the light sources have been deactivated.

[0053] The control unit's ability to detect light only, or particularly, when the light source(s) in the housing are deactivated provides advantageous decoupling of the light from the light source(s) and the ambient light. This means that when the light source(s) are deactivated, the light sensor always only detects the ambient light in the immediate vicinity of the housing, not the light generated (by the device itself). The control unit therefore does not evaluate the light sensor signal at times when the light source(s) are activated.

[0054] The control unit can evaluate the light sensor signal by comparing it with a predefined threshold. To do this, the control unit receives the unevaluated light sensor signal from the light sensor.

[0055] Alternatively or additionally, a light sensor controller of the light sensor can evaluate the light sensor signal by comparing the light sensor signal with a predefined threshold. The comparison result is provided to the control unit.

[0056] The predefined threshold can define a maximum amount of ambient light that must not be exceeded.

[0057] If the detected ambient light exceeds the predefined threshold, for example, inside the housing or in the dark, or when the device is mounted in the cavity of an outdoor device, an alarm situation is triggered. The device, for example, the control unit, is configured to detect this alarm situation by comparing the detected ambient light with the predefined threshold. Upon detection of the alarm situation, the device can initiate countermeasures. For example, an alarm is forwarded as a message to the remote network component. For example, the device can initiate the deletion of a storage unit to delete sensitive data such as network access, passwords, and certificates.

[0058] The alarm situation could also be caused, for example, if a portion of the light generated by the light source(s) escapes through the housing bore and is added to the ambient light, for example in the dark or when the device is mounted in the cavity of an outdoor device. If the ambient light on the housing were detected at the same time as this light generation, the portion of the detected light would be the sum of the ambient light and the portion of the generated light directed out of the housing. This sum is greater than the amount of ambient light without the generated light. This sum can exceed a predefined threshold of permissible ambient light on the housing and trigger a false alarm situation, even if the amount of ambient light (without the generated light) would be below the predefined threshold of permissible ambient light on the housing.This false alarm situation is avoided by temporally decoupling light generation and light detection by deactivating the light source.

[0059] The light is preferably light that is perceptible to the human eye. The light is light in the visible range, i.e., a portion of the total electromagnetic radiation that is perceptible to the human eye, especially light in the range from 380 nm to 750 nm.

[0060] Alternatively or additionally, the light may be infrared light in the range from 780 nm to 1 mm, for example in the range of 900 nm.

[0061] The light source is an active light source, for example a light-emitting diode, an LED, an OLED, an electroluminescent film or a light-emitting display surface (display, touch display).

[0062] The device can be an electronic device. Preferably, the device is a power supply component or a network component.

[0063] The device is, for example, an active network component of a network, i.e., a physical device that facilitates data exchange (communication and interaction) between a remote network component and the device. The device can be, for example, or include a gateway, a router, a network bridge, a modem, a wireless access point, a network switch, a network hub, and / or a repeater. The device can also be or include a hybrid network component, such as a multilayer switch, a protocol converter, a bridge router, a proxy server, a firewall, a network address translator, a multiplexer, or a network interface controller.

[0064] The device is preferably a network switch. The network is preferably a Metropolitan Area Network, or MAN for short. The network can be structured in a specific bus topology, for example as a star bus or as a serial bus (so-called daisy chaining). In a daisy chain topology, a number of hardware components are connected in series to form a network. The first device is connected directly to the remote network component. Additional devices are each connected to their predecessors (predecessor devices) (principle of a series connection). This creates a chain, the so-called daisy chain. The signal to and from a device is then routed via its predecessors to the remote network component, for example a backbone or a server.

[0065] Alternatively or additionally, the device is, for example, a power supply component.

[0066] The device preferably includes an active electrical component. An electrical component differs from passive electrical components in that it contains electronics.

[0067] The light sensor is, for example, attached to the outside of the housing or is an integral part of the housing (mechanically permanently or detachably mounted, e.g., inserted into a cavity). This allows it to optimally detect the ambient light present in the immediate vicinity of the housing.

[0068] Preferably, the light sensor is arranged in the housing, wherein the at least one housing bore is also configured to transmit the ambient light to the light sensor. Thus, the device is configured to detect the ambient light present in the immediate vicinity of the housing with a light sensor arranged inside the housing. Thus, the light sensor is also protected from environmental influences by the housing.

[0069] In a simple design, no additional devices are required to transmit ambient light to the light sensor, either in or from the housing or the housing hole. Thus, the transmission of ambient light out of the housing is enabled solely by the position, size, and shape of the housing hole.

[0070] Each light source can be arranged at a distance from an inner wall of the housing, whereby the generated light can be coupled into the light sensor (arranged in the housing) due to the distance. In particular, the distance causes a portion of the light generated by the light source(s) (amount of light) to remain in the housing. Thus, the distance causes not 100% of the generated light to be guided out of the housing through the housing hole. If the ambient light in the housing were detected at the same time as the light was generated by the device's light source(s), the portion of the detected light would be the sum of the ambient light and the portion of the generated light remaining in the housing. This sum is always greater than the amount of ambient light (without this portion of light).This sum can exceed a predefined threshold of permissible ambient light in the housing and trigger a false alarm if the amount of ambient light were below the predefined threshold of permissible ambient light in the housing. This false alarm situation is avoided by temporally decoupling light generation and light detection by deactivating the light source from the control unit.

[0071] The housing can include a light sensor through-hole as the housing through-hole or as one of the housing through-holes. The light sensor through-hole is aligned (=located on a common straight line) with the light sensor arranged in the housing. The light sensor through-hole is configured to transmit ambient light to the light sensor. A center point of the light sensor through-hole can be aligned with a center point of a light-sensitive surface of the light sensor. Incident ambient light can thus be detected with low loss by the light sensor located in the housing.

[0072] To guide / forward the generated light out of the housing, the device can comprise at least one indicator hole as the housing hole or as one of the housing holes. Each indicator hole is aligned (=located on a common straight line) with a respective light source. A center point of the indicator hole can be aligned with a center point of a light-generating surface of the corresponding light source. The generated light can thus be guided out through the housing with minimal loss.

[0073] The housing can comprise a light sensor housing through-hole as a first housing through-hole for transmitting the ambient light to the light sensor located in the housing, and the housing can comprise at least one, preferably two, more preferably four, more preferably eight, more preferably ten display through-holes as a second housing through-hole(s) for transmitting the generated light out of the housing. Each of the display housing through-holes is aligned with a respective light source. Thus, a plurality of housing through-holes are provided, of which a light sensor housing through-hole is primarily provided for introducing the ambient light and, separately therefrom, at least one display housing through-hole is provided for guiding the generated light out. The introduction of ambient light through one of the display housing through-holes can negligibly increase the proportion of ambient light in the housing.

[0074] The housing holes can be arranged in a common housing wall of the housing. The housing wall can be a housing cover. The housing wall can be a top side of the housing. The housing wall can be a housing wall facing a user. The housing wall can be a housing wall facing an opening of an outdoor device. Due to the temporal decoupling of light generation and light detection, spatial proximity of the light source to the light sensor is now completely unproblematic. In this way, the light sensor and light detector can be placed directly next to each other in the device / housing with minimal separation. This can save space and eliminates the need for complex measures to decouple the light source and light sensor, for example through optical barriers and / or maintaining minimum distances between the light source and light sensor in the housing.This means the housing can be designed to be less complex and significantly smaller.

[0075] In order to perceive the generated light, this common housing wall of the housing faces a user after the housing has been mounted at its destination.

[0076] A printed circuit board can be arranged in the housing, wherein the light sensor and the at least one light source can be arranged adjacently on a top side of the printed circuit board facing the housing through-hole. Due to the temporal decoupling of light generation and light detection, spatial proximity of the light source to the light sensor is now completely unproblematic. In this way, the light sensor and light detector can be placed directly next to each other in the device / housing with a minimal distance between them. This can save space and eliminates the need for complex measures to light-decouple the light source and light sensor on a shared printed circuit board, for example by means of optical barriers and / or maintaining minimum distances between the light source and light sensor on the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board can therefore be designed less complex and smaller.

[0077] At least one light-guiding element can be arranged in the housing for forwarding purposes. A light-guiding element can be provided for coupling in the generated light. The light-guiding element can be provided additionally or alternatively for guiding the generated light out of the housing. The light-guiding element can be inserted on or into the housing bore(s). The light-guiding element further minimizes disruptive influences of the generated light; the light decoupling between the light detector and the light source can thus be achieved not only temporally but also through structural measures. The light-guiding element enables, for example, improved perception of the generated light by a user. The light-guiding element can comprise an optically transparent material for the generated light. The light-guiding element can have a lens effect; it can concentrate light or scatter light. The light-guiding element can be made of a transparent plastic material.

[0078] Preferably, a light-guiding element is arranged between at least one, preferably two, more preferably four, more preferably eight, more preferably ten display holes and the corresponding light source. Thus, exactly one light-guiding element is provided in / between each display hole and the light source uniquely associated with the display hole. Each light-guiding element enables, for example, improved perception of the light generated by each light source for a user.

[0079] Preferably, a light-guiding element is arranged between a light sensor housing through-hole and the light sensor. A light-guiding element can be provided for coupling the ambient light for a light sensor arranged inside the housing. The light-guiding element can be introduced into the housing bore(s). With this light-guiding element, interference from the generated light is further minimized, thus enabling light decoupling not only in terms of time but also through structural measures. The light-guiding element enables, for example, improved coupling of the ambient light into the housing. The light-guiding element can comprise an optically transparent material for the generated light. The light-guiding element can cause light bundling, whereupon the light sensor must be designed to be less sensitive for detecting the ambient light. The light sensor can thus have a lower quality, and the cost of the device can be reduced.

[0080] The control unit may include a timer. The timer may cause the control unit to cyclically (=repeatedly) deactivate each light source during a time interval of the control in which the ambient light is detected. Thus, the control unit is time-controlled.

[0081] During a first time interval, each light source is deactivated, so that the control unit is configured to reliably receive and evaluate the light sensor output signal during this first time interval. The light sensor output signal evaluated during this first time interval is free from interference from the light sources.

[0082] In a second time interval (=another time interval, different from the first time interval and not overlapping with the first time interval), the control unit can activate the light source(s). The light sensor output signal that can be evaluated (if applicable) in this second time interval is subject to interference from the light sources. The control unit is preferably configured to ignore the light sensor output signal in this second time interval.

[0083] The first time interval can be immediately adjacent to the second time interval. The first time interval and the second time interval alternate cyclically. The first time interval can be shorter than the second time interval. The length of the second time interval can be an integer multiple of the length of the first time interval.

[0084] Preferably, a dead time or setup time is arranged as a third time interval between the first time interval and the second time interval. This dead time can serve to allow the light source(s) to oscillate. The third time interval can be shorter than the first time interval. The length of the first time interval can be an integer multiple of the length of the third time interval.

[0085] Preferably, a dead time or setup time is arranged as a fourth time interval between the second time interval and the (new) first time interval. This dead time can serve to allow the light sensor to settle. The fourth time interval can be shorter than the first time interval. The length of the first time interval can be an integer multiple of the length of the third time interval. The length of the fourth time interval can be equal to the length of the third time interval.

[0086] The control unit can include a counter. The counter (=counting mechanism) is an element of the control unit and is configured to quantitatively record time units. A counter value of the counter can be incremented after each predefined time unit has elapsed. A time unit can be an integer multiple of a clock period of a clock for operating the control unit.

[0087] A time unit may alternatively be a fraction of a predetermined total time period for completing a cycle consisting of the first time interval and the second time interval, preferably and the third time interval, more preferably and the fourth time interval.

[0088] The counter can be reset to zero when a predefined maximum counter value is reached. The maximum counter value can be the end of a cycle consisting of the first time interval, the second time interval (preferably the first time interval), the third time interval (preferably the second time interval), and the fourth time interval. When the maximum counter value is reached, the cycle can end and a new cycle can begin from zero, which is why the counter value can be reset to zero.

[0089] The counter maximum value may be an integer multiple of a clock period of a clock for operating the control unit.

[0090] The counter maximum value may alternatively correspond to a predetermined total time duration for completing a cycle consisting of the first time interval and the second time interval, preferably and the third time interval, more preferably and the fourth time interval.

[0091] At a predefined first counter value, all light sources can be deactivated to detect the ambient light in the enclosure. The predefined first counter value can correspond to the duration of the fourth interval (counter value "0" to the first counter value). The predefined first counter value allows the light sensor to activate and settle before a valid light sensor output signal is received and evaluated in the control unit.

[0092] If the predefined second counter value of the counter is greater than the predefined first counter value of the counter, the light sources can be activated or reactivated. The predefined second counter value can correspond to the sum of the fourth interval, the first interval, and the third interval (counter value "0" to the second counter value). The predefined second counter value allows the light sensor to be deactivated and allowed to oscillate before the light source(s) are activated by the control unit.

[0093] A third counter value can be provided between the first counter value and the second counter value, at which the light sensor is deactivated. Between the first counter value and the third counter value, all light sources and the light sensor can be deactivated (=third time interval). This allows a predefined period of time (=third time interval) to be provided between the time the light sensor is deactivated and the time the light source is activated to allow the light sensor to oscillate before the light source(s) are activated by the control unit.

[0094] The control unit may further be configured to generate an alarm signal when the detected ambient light exceeds a predefined threshold.

[0095] The object is also achieved by a method for operating a device according to the type described above. The method runs cyclically (=repeatedly) and comprises method steps in the following sequence: deactivating all light sources in the housing by a control unit of the device; detecting ambient light using a light sensor in the housing after a first predefined counter value of the counter has been exceeded; activating the light sources in the housing after a second predefined counter value of the counter has been exceeded; and resetting the counter to zero after a predefined maximum counter value has been exceeded.

[0096] Preferably, the method comprises the step of starting a counter of the control unit by the control unit, wherein a counter value of the counter is incremented per predefined time unit, during or immediately after the deactivation step.

[0097] Preferably, the method comprises the step of sending an alarm to a remote network component when a predefined threshold for the ambient light has been exceeded.

[0098] The object is further achieved by an outdoor device, in particular a mast, with a mounting bracket for a device according to the preceding type. The outdoor device has an opening for inserting and / or removing the device from a cavity in the outdoor device. Several housing through-holes are arranged in a common housing wall of the device's housing. When the device is mounted, the housing wall of the housing faces the opening of the outdoor device.

[0099] After mounting the device in the outdoor device, the common housing wall of the housing can be positioned at a top of the housing closest to the opening. This allows the light generated by the light source(s) to be easily perceived by a user when opening the opening of the outdoor device.

[0100] The opening of the outdoor device can be sealed light-tight. In this case, the ambient light inside the cavity of the outdoor device containing the device is below a predefined threshold. When the outdoor device opening is opened, more ambient light enters the immediate vicinity of the device. This can be detected by the light sensor. This increased ambient light can be interpreted as a tamper attempt (especially if the device was not notified of the opening), and an alarm situation is detected. The device sends a message to the network.

[0101] The alarm situation can be handled in two stages. In the first stage, a message is sent to the network when the ambient light level exceeds the predefined threshold (e.g., when the opening of an outdoor device is opened). If maintenance work, etc., is announced for the outdoor device, the alarm situation can be terminated by the network. A confirmation is sent to the device that the opening is not an attempt at tampering or an attack. If no confirmation is received by the device within a specified time—for example, because no maintenance work, etc., has been announced for the outdoor device or because there is actually an attempt at tampering—in a second stage of the alarm situation, the device can independently initiate the deletion / locking of the device or its memory contents (keyword: zeroize).

[0102] The outdoor device may be a mast.

[0103] The mount can be a bracket mount. The mount can be connected to an outdoor device. This allows the system to be connected to the outdoor device.

[0104] An outdoor device is preferably a device that is permanently installed in an outdoor area, such as a public or private space in a city or rural area. In the outdoor area, this outdoor device is exposed to environmental influences such as weather, vandalism, and / or accident scenarios.

[0105] For example, an outdoor fixture is street furniture (also called urban furniture). Street furniture is a generic term for items located in an outdoor area, in a public or private space, in a square, or in a park. Street furniture provides a required function in the public space or serves to provide information or advertising. For example, lighting fixtures, traffic lights, and traffic signs are considered urban furniture.

[0106] For example, an outdoor device is a fire hydrant, a telephone distribution box, a power supply box, an advertising column, a switchboard or a taxi rank.

[0107] Preferably, an external device is a pillar-like hollow body, in particular a mast. A mast is a structure with at least one hollow pillar-like or post-like interior. The base area of ​​a mast is small compared to its height. The mast primarily serves to mount electrical functional units, such as lighting devices (light masts for street lighting, floodlights, path lights, illuminated signs) and / or units for monitoring and / or directing traffic (signposts, traffic lights, traffic signal systems, traffic signs, toll bridges, traffic counters) and / or other electrical components, such as antennas and / or charging stations.

[0108] The outdoor device may have a cavity. The cavity may extend over the entire internal volume of the outdoor device. The outdoor device may be a hollow body, for example in the form of a hollow cylinder, a hollow cone, or a hollow truncated cone. Alternatively, only a portion of the outdoor device may comprise a cavity, leaving the remaining part of the outdoor device as a solid and stable part, such as a solid pillar.

[0109] The cavity can be round, oval, triangular, square or polygonal in cross-section.

[0110] The device's housing may include cooling fins. A groove may be formed between two of the cooling fins. A fastener in the groove may serve as a support.

[0111] An active electrical component can be arranged in the housing.

[0112] The housing may comprise a metal or be made of the metal. Preferably, the housing comprises aluminum or is made of aluminum.

[0113] The housing may have a substantially rectangular, triangular, circular, or oval basic shape. The basic shape is preferably rectangular.

[0114] The housing can have a first housing wall, a second housing wall, a third housing wall, and a fourth housing wall. The first housing wall, the second housing wall, the third housing wall, and the fourth housing wall can be formed integrally or monolithically. Alternatively, the first housing wall, the second housing wall, the third housing wall, and the fourth housing wall can be formed in multiple parts. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth housing walls can be formed integrally or monolithically, and the first, second, third, and fourth housing walls can be (mechanically) connected to one another, for example, by screwing.

[0115] The device housing may include a first housing cover. The device housing may optionally include a second housing cover. The housing cover may include one or more functional unit connectors. The housing cover may include network connectors.

[0116] The network connection support may include an opening or be an opening. Through the opening, an interior of the housing can be connected (fluidically communicating) to the surroundings of the housing cover.

[0117] A first housing cover can comprise two connections, preferably three connections, particularly preferably four connections. A maximum of two of the connections can be arranged in alignment on the first housing cover. In other words, the centers of a maximum of two of the connections can lie on an (imaginary) straight line.

[0118] Each of the connectors can be an optical or electrical connector. For example, an optical connector can be a receptacle, in particular a plug receptacle, for a fiber optic cable. An optical signal can be introduced into the device via the optical connector. An electrical connector can be a receptacle, in particular a plug receptacle, for a data cable or a power cable. A data signal or an electrical current can be introduced into the device via the electrical connector.

[0119] The first housing cover can close off a first end, in particular an upper end, of the housing. The second housing cover can close off a second end, in particular a lower end, of the housing. SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERS

[0120] The invention, further embodiments, and advantages of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. The figures merely describe exemplary embodiments of the invention. Identical components in the figures are provided with the same reference numerals. Fig. 1 shows a device 100; Fig. 2 shows the device of Figure 1 in a plan view (from below); Fig. 3 shows the device 100 of the Figure 1 in a side view; Fig. 4 shows the device 100 from the Figure 3 along a section line A-A'; Fig. 5 shows the area B of the device 100 from the Figure 4 enlarged; Fig. 6 shows a block diagram for the inventive control of the light sources and the light sensor; Fig. 7 shows a time curve according to the invention for controlling the light source(s) and the light sensor; Fig. 8a shows a time curve according to the invention for controlling the light source(s) and the light sensor; Fig. 8b shows a section of the inventive time curve from Fig. 8a ; Fig. 9a shows a light sensor circuit 1064 with a phototransistor; Fig. 9b shows a light sensor circuit 1064 with a photodiode; Fig. 10 shows an outdoor device 200 with mounted device 100 in a side view; and Fig. 11 shows a process flow diagram of a method 400 according to the invention.

[0121] Fig. 1 shows a device 100 in a perspective side view. The device 100 may comprise a housing 101. The housing 101 may have a first housing wall 1011, a second housing wall 1012 (not shown in Fig. 1 visible), a third housing wall 1013 (not in Fig. 1 visible) and a fourth housing wall 1014. Not all housing walls are necessary, but some of the housing walls may be sufficient.

[0122] The first housing wall 1011 comprises a plurality of cooling fins into which fastening elements can be arranged (not shown in Fig. 1). Preferably, the first housing wall 1011 is completely provided with cooling fins, or cooling fins can be formed in the entire first housing wall 1011.

[0123] The area of ​​the first housing wall 1011 may be larger than the area of ​​the third housing wall 1013. Alternatively or additionally, the area of ​​the first housing wall 1011 may be larger than the area of ​​the fourth housing wall 1014.

[0124] The second housing wall 1012 can be configured analogously or identically to the first housing wall 1011. In particular, the second housing wall 1012 can comprise a plurality of cooling fins.

[0125] The first housing wall 1011 may be opposite the second housing wall 1012.

[0126] Preferably, the third housing wall 1013 does not include cooling fins. However, it is possible for the third housing wall 1013 to include cooling fins. The third housing wall 1013 can connect the first housing wall 1011 and the second housing wall 1012.

[0127] The fourth housing wall 1014 preferably does not include cooling fins. However, the fourth housing wall 1014 may also include cooling fins. The fourth housing wall 1014 may connect the first housing wall 1011 and the second housing wall 1012. The fourth housing wall 1014 may be opposite the third housing wall 1013.

[0128] The fourth housing wall 1014 may comprise a display 104. The display 104 may comprise one or more light sources, in particular LEDs, OLEDs, one or more lights or lamps, one or more displays, in particular touch displays, or one or more switches (light sources themselves are not shown in Fig. 1). The display 104 can provide a user with information about the status of the device 100. For example, the illumination of an LED signals to the user that the device 100 is ready for use or in operation. The illumination of another LED, or the illumination of the same LED in a different color, can signal to the user that the device 100 is not ready for use or not in operation, for example, because of a malfunction or fault.

[0129] The fourth housing wall 1014 may further include a sensor 105. The sensor 105 may be a light sensor. The light sensor 105 may detect ambient light. The light sensor 105 may provide a light sensor output signal that is sent to a control unit (not shown in Fig. 1 ) is transferred.

[0130] If the device 100 is equipped with an outdoor device 200 (see Fig. 10), the fourth housing wall 1014 may be the side of the device 100 facing the user or the opening 220 of the outdoor device 200. If the user looks through the opening 210 of the outdoor device 200, the fourth housing wall 1014 may be the side of the device 100 facing the user.

[0131] The third housing wall 1013 may face away from the user or the opening of the outdoor device 20 when the device 100 is connected to an outdoor device 20.

[0132] The first housing wall 1011 and / or the second housing wall 1012 may be side walls of the device 100.

[0133] The first housing wall 1011, the second housing wall 1012, the third housing wall 1013, and the fourth housing wall 1014 may be formed integrally or monolithically with one another. Alternatively, some of the first, second, third, and fourth housing walls 1011, 1012, 1013, 1014, or all of the first, second, third, and fourth housing walls 1011, 1012, 1013, 1014 may be formed as individual components that are connected to one another.

[0134] The housing 101 of the device 100 can comprise a first housing cover 1015, which can also be referred to as an upper housing cover. The first housing cover 1015 can be connected to the first housing wall 1011, the second housing wall 1012, the third housing wall 1013, and the fourth housing wall 1014. Housing fixing holes 1015a are provided on the first housing cover 1015 for this connection. The connection can be made, for example, by screwing or clamping.

[0135] The first housing cover 1015 can comprise a first functional unit connection 1021a. The first housing cover 1015 can comprise a second functional unit connection 1021b. The first housing cover 1015 can comprise a third functional unit connection 1021c. The first housing cover 1015 can comprise a fourth functional unit connection 1021a. Preferably, the first housing cover 1015 comprises at least two, preferably at least three, more preferably at least four, connections 1021a, 1021b, 1021c, 1021d. Through each connection 1021a-d, the device 100 can be connected to a functional unit (not shown in Fig. 1 shown). For example, a plug of a cable can be received by one of the ports 1021a, 1021b, 1021c, 1021d or plugged into one of the ports 1021a, 1021b, 1021c, 1021d. This allows a data connection to be established between the device 100 and another device, for example, with a functional unit (not shown in Fig. 1 ). The functional unit can be, for example, a lighting device, a traffic monitoring unit, a camera, a traffic counting unit, a toll unit, a vehicle charging station, or a Wi-Fi hotspot. One or more of the connections 1021a, 1021b, 1021c, 1021d can be configured to receive and / or transmit electrical energy for powering the other device, an electrical signal, a data signal, and / or an optical signal, or to introduce it into the device 100.

[0136] One or more of the ports 1021a, 1021b, 1021c, 1021d may include an opening through which an interior of the device 100 is in fluid communication with the environment of the device. One or more of the ports 1021a, 1021b, 1021c, 1021d may be closed, so that no fluid communication can occur between the interior of the device 100 and the environment of the device 100 (via the respective port 1021a, 1021b, 1021c, 1021d).

[0137] In particular, the first housing cover 1015 comprises four terminals 1021a, 1021b, 1021c, 1021d. The four terminals 1021a, 1021b, 1021c, 1021d can be partially offset. Preferably, at most two of the terminals 1021 are arranged in alignment with one another. Two of the terminals can be arranged in alignment with one another. "Aligned" can be considered in a plane defined by the first housing cover 1015.

[0138] The housing 101 of the device 100 may include a second housing cover 1016. The second housing cover 1016 may also be referred to as a lower housing cover 1016. The second housing cover 1016 may be connected to the first housing wall 1011, the second housing wall 1012, the third housing wall 1013, and the fourth housing wall 1014.

[0139] The second housing cover 1016 can comprise a first network connection 1022a and a second network connection 1022b. The device 100 can be connected to the environment (=network, remote network component) through each of the network connections 1022. For example, a cable plug can be received by one of the network connections 1022. This allows a data connection to be established between the device 100 and another device, for example, with a remote server, via a network line. Each network connection 1022 can be configured to receive and / or transmit electrical energy for supplying power to the device 100, an electrical signal, a data signal, and / or an optical signal, or to introduce them into the device 100.

[0140] The network port 1022 may have an opening (in Fig. 2shown) through which an interior of the device 100 is in fluid communication with the environment of the device. The network port 1022 can be closed, for example by means of a protective cap (not shown) or by a plug of a network line (not shown), so that no fluid communication can take place (via the network port) between the interior of the device 100 and the environment of the device 100.

[0141] Fig. 2 shows a housing cover 1016 of the device 100 in a plan view from below. The housing cover 1016 can be the second housing cover 1016 according to Fig. 1The housing cover 1016 has a mechanical connection to other housing parts of the housing 101 of the device 100, here through the housing fixation 1016a. For this purpose, screws are mechanically releasably inserted into the housing fixation 1016a as fixing elements, for example, by means of an aid, in particular a tool such as a screwdriver, etc.

[0142] The two network connection carriers 1022a and 1022b and the power supply connection 1023 are fixedly arranged on the housing cover 1016.

[0143] The housing cover 1016 is provided with a cover chamfer at least on the edges of the upper side. The cover chamfer can also be provided on each edge of the housing cover 1016.

[0144] The housing cover 1016 can have a cuboid basic shape. The housing cover 1016 can include a housing cover fixing hole for receiving a housing fixing 1016a. The housing cover fixing 1016a can be arranged at each corner, only at opposite corners or sides, or only at diagonally opposite corners of the housing cover 1016. The housing cover 1016 can include four housing cover fixings 1016a.

[0145] In Fig. 2Four housing cover fixing holes 1016a are provided on the housing cover 1016, each housing cover fixing 1016a being arranged at one of the four corners of the housing cover 1016. The housing cover fixing 1016a can be equipped with a fixing element, such as a screw, bolt, or pin, in order to mechanically connect the housing cover 1016 to other housing parts, such as the first housing wall 1011, the second housing wall 1012, the third housing wall 1013, the fourth housing wall 1014, and / or the housing cover 1015. Alternatively, a clamping connection, a snap-in connection, or a screw connection can be provided to connect the housing cover 1016 to other housing elements of the housing 101 of the device 100.

[0146] Each corner of the housing cover 1016 can have a cover corner step (see also Fig. 1 ). The step can have a step height (not included in Fig. 2shown). The step height is a distance between a top surface of the housing cover 1016 and a top surface of the step of the cover corner step. The step height can comprise 10%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, or 70% of a housing cover depth of the housing cover 1016.

[0147] One or more or all of the cover corner steps can comprise a semicircular bulge at the level of the housing fixation 1016a in order to be able to apply or remove the fixing element more easily.

[0148] Fig. 3 the device shows 100 of the Figure 1 in a side view. The comments of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is referred to in order to avoid unnecessary repetition. In Fig. 3 Shown is the housing wall 1014 of the housing 101 of the device 100, which is mechanically detachably connected to the first housing cover 1015 and the second housing cover 1016 and the remaining housing walls 1011, 1012 and 1013.

[0149] The functional unit connections 1021a and 1021b are shown on the first housing cover 1015, and the functional unit connections 1021c and 1021d are arranged in alignment behind them (not shown in Fig. 3 ).

[0150] The first network connection 1022a is shown on the second housing cover 1016, and the second network connection 1022b and the power supply connection 1023 are aligned behind it.

[0151] A light sensor housing through-hole 1051 is shown on the housing wall 1014. This light sensor housing through-hole 1051 directs ambient light into the housing 101 to be detected by a light sensor 105 (see Fig. 4 ) to be detected. The light sensor housing through-hole 1051 is designed here as a round through-hole.

[0152] On the housing wall 1014, display housing holes 1041a-h are shown on a straight line below. Each of the display housing holes 1041a-h directs light out of the housing 101. This light is emitted by corresponding light sources 1062a-h (see Fig. 4 ) in the housing 101. Each of the display housing through holes 1041a-h is formed here as a round through hole.

[0153] In Fig. 3 For example, eight display housing holes 1041a-h are made in the housing wall 1014.

[0154] The first display housing through-hole 1041a is introduced into the housing wall 1014 on a straight line spaced from the light sensor housing through-hole 1051 below the light sensor housing through-hole 1051. The first display housing through-hole 1041a is configured to receive light from a first LED 1062a as a light source (see Fig. 4) out of the housing 101. The light generated by the first LED 1062a is perceptible to a user. The light generated by the first LED 1062a can indicate a status regarding the presence of a supply energy, for example, a status regarding the presence of a supply energy at the power supply terminal 1023 (see Fig. 2 ).

[0155] The second display housing through-hole 1041b is introduced into the housing wall 1014 on a straight line spaced from the first display housing through-hole 1041a below the first display housing through-hole 1041a. The second display housing through-hole 1041b is configured to receive light from a second LED 1062b as a light source (see Fig. 4) out of the housing 101. The light generated by the second LED 1062b is perceptible to a user. The light generated by the second LED 1062b can indicate a status regarding the presence of a communication connection between device 100 and a functional unit, for example, the status regarding the presence of a communication connection to a functional unit via the first functional unit connection 1021a (see Fig. 1 ).

[0156] The third display housing through-hole 1041c is introduced into the housing wall 1014 on a straight line spaced from the second display housing through-hole 1041b below the second display housing through-hole 1041b. The third display housing through-hole 1041c is configured to receive light from a third LED 1062c as a light source (see Fig. 4) out of the housing 101. The light generated by the third LED 1062c is perceptible to a user. The light generated by the third LED 1062c can indicate a status regarding the presence of a communication connection between device 100 and a functional unit, for example, the status regarding the presence of a communication connection to a functional unit via the second functional unit port 1021b (see Fig. 1 ).

[0157] The fourth display housing through-hole 1041d is introduced into the housing wall 1014 on a straight line spaced from the third display housing through-hole 1041c below the third display housing through-hole 1041c. The fourth display housing through-hole 1041d is configured to receive light from a fourth LED 1062d as a light source (see Fig. 4) out of the housing 101. The light generated by the fourth LED 1062d is perceptible to a user. The light generated by the fourth LED 1062d can indicate a status regarding the presence of a communication connection between device 100 and a functional unit, for example, the status regarding the presence of a communication connection to a functional unit via the third functional unit connection 1021c (see Fig. 1 ).

[0158] The fifth display housing through-hole 1041e is introduced into the housing wall 1014 on a straight line spaced from the fourth display housing through-hole 1041d below the fourth display housing through-hole 1041d. The fifth display housing through-hole 1041e is configured to receive light from a fifth LED 1062e as a light source (see Fig. 4) out of the housing 101. The light generated by the fifth LED 1062ae is perceptible to a user. The light generated by the fifth LED 1062e can indicate a status regarding the presence of a communication connection between device 100 and a functional unit, for example, the status regarding the presence of a communication connection to a functional unit via the fourth functional unit port 1021d (see Fig. 1 ).

[0159] The sixth display housing through-hole 1041f is introduced into the housing wall 1014 on a straight line spaced from the fifth display housing through-hole 1041e below the fifth display housing through-hole 1041e. The sixth display housing through-hole 1041f is configured to receive light from a sixth LED 1062f as a light source (see Fig. 4) out of the housing 101. The light generated by the sixth LED 1062f is perceptible to a user. The light generated by the sixth LED 1062f can indicate a status about the presence of a communication connection between device 100 and a remote network component via a network, for example, indicate the status about the presence of a communication connection between device 100 and a remote network component via a network by means of the first network port 1022a (see Fig. 2 ).

[0160] The seventh display housing through-hole 1041g is introduced into the housing wall 1014 on a straight line spaced from the sixth display housing through-hole 1041f below the sixth display housing through-hole 1041f. The seventh display housing through-hole 1041g is configured to receive light from a seventh LED 1062g as a light source (see Fig. 4) out of the housing 101. The light generated by the seventh LED 1062f is perceptible to a user. The light generated by the seventh LED 1062f can indicate a status regarding the presence of a communication connection between device 100 and a remote network component via a network, for example, indicate the status regarding the presence of a communication connection between device 100 and a remote network component via a network by means of second network port 1022b (see Fig. 2 ).

[0161] The eighth display housing through-hole 1041h is introduced into the housing wall 1014 on a straight line spaced from the seventh display housing through-hole 1041g below the seventh display housing through-hole 1041g. The eighth display housing through-hole 1041h is configured to receive light from an eighth LED 1062h as a light source (see Fig. 4) out of the housing 101. The light generated by the eighth LED 1062h is perceptible to a user. The light generated by the eighth LED 1062h can indicate a status regarding the loading state of a software (firmware) of the device 100.

[0162] In Fig. 3 For example, eight display housing through-holes 1041a-h are provided in the housing wall 1014. Both the number (here eight) and the arrangement (on a vertical line from housing cover 1015 to housing cover 1016) of the display housing through-holes 1041a-h can vary.

[0163] For example, additional display housing holes (not shown in Fig. 3 ) to divert the light generated by other LEDs (not shown in Fig. 3 or 4 ) out of the housing 101.

[0164] For example, the display housing holes 1041a-h can be arranged one below the other in several vertical straight lines from housing cover 1015 to housing cover 1016.

[0165] For example, the display housing holes 1041a-h can be arranged next to one another in a horizontal straight line from housing wall 1012 to housing wall 1011.

[0166] For example, the display housing holes 1041a-h can be arranged next to one another in several horizontal straight lines from housing wall 1012 to housing wall 1011.

[0167] Fig. 4 the device shows 100 from the Figure 3 along a section line AA' of the Fig. 3 . In response to the comments of Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 is explicitly referred to in order to avoid unnecessary repetition. In Fig. 4the housing wall 1014 of the housing 101 of the device 100 is mechanically detachably connected to the first housing cover 1015, to the second housing cover 1016 and to the housing walls 1011, 1012 and 1013.

[0168] In Fig. 4 Elements of the interior of the housing 101 are indicated. A printed circuit board 106 can be located inside the housing 101. The device 100 can comprise several printed circuit boards 106. The printed circuit board(s) 106 can be multi-part. The printed circuit board 106 can be connected to another printed circuit board (not shown in Fig. 4 ) must be mechanically and electrically connected.

[0169] The interior of the device 100 may be hollow. The interior of the device 100 may have projections (not shown in Fig. 4) on the inner sides of the housing 101, which are physically contacted with components of the printed circuit board 106. These projections can be made of a material that can dissipate heat from the physically contacted component to the environment outside the housing 101. Cooling fins can be provided on the housing for this purpose.

[0170] At least one light source, hereinafter referred to as an LED, 1062 can be arranged on the circuit board 106. The at least one LED 1062 can be arranged on a side of the circuit board 106 facing the fourth housing wall 1014. The LED 1062 generates light in the visible range that is perceptible to a user.

[0171] In Fig. 4LEDs 1062a-h are arranged on the top side of the circuit board 106 facing the fourth housing wall 1014. Each LED 1062a-h is aligned with one of the eight display housing through-holes 1042a-h. The center point of a display housing through-hole 1042a-h can be located on a straight line together with a center point of a light-generating surface of the associated LED 1062a-h. The straight line can be horizontal when the device 100 is assembled.

[0172] The imaginary straight line can be arranged at an angle of 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, or 45° relative to a horizontal straight line in the mounted state of the device 100. Thus, the light generated by the LED 1041a-h can be perceived more effectively by the user when the device 100 is mounted significantly lower than the user's eye level (kneeling or standing).

[0173] In Fig. 4 A total of eight LED 1062a-h are shown, which are Fig. 3described display function.

[0174] Each LED 1062a-h can permanently produce a constant amount of light (continuous light). Each LED 1062a-h can alternatively or additionally produce an irregular amount of light (flashing light, flickering light). The flashing light can be modulated.

[0175] In addition, a light sensor 105 is arranged on the upper side of the circuit board 106 facing the fourth housing wall 1014.

[0176] The light sensor 105 is arranged in alignment with a light sensor housing through-hole 1051. The center of the light sensor housing through-hole 1051 can be located on a straight line together with a center of a light-sensitive surface of the light sensor 105.

[0177] The straight line can be 100 horizontal when the device is mounted.

[0178] The imaginary straight line can be arranged at an angle of 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, or 45° relative to a horizontal straight line in the mounted state of the device 100. Thus, the ambient light 300 can be perceived more effectively by the light sensor 105 when the device 100 is significantly lower than an opening of the outdoor device (not shown in Fig. 4 ) is mounted.

[0179] The light sensor 105 can be an ambient light sensor. The light sensor 105 can primarily detect light in the visible range (perceivable by the human eye). The light sensor 105 can detect light in the infrared range, for example, around 900 nm. Thus, tampering with the device 100 could be effectively detected using night vision equipment and infrared illumination.

[0180] The light sensor 105 is preferably arranged on the same top side of the circuit board 106 as the LED 1062a-h. No optical barriers for light decoupling are provided between the light sensor 105 and the LED 1062a-h. The light sensor 105 and the LED 1062a-h can be arranged directly adjacent to one another.

[0181] The LEDs 1062a-h can be arranged at a distance 107 from the inner housing wall of the housing 101 of the device 100. The distance 107 can be structurally determined. The distance 107 can be a few millimeters to a few centimeters. The distance 107 can be, for example, 1 mm, 2 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, or 15 mm.

[0182] A portion of the light generated by the LED 1062a-h is guided out of the housing as display light 1045a-h through the respective display housing through-hole 1041a-h. A portion of the light generated by the LED 1062a-h remains in the housing as scattered light 1044a-h. The portion of scattered light 1044 can be significantly lower than the portion of display light 1045a-h per LED 1062a-h. The portion of scattered light 1044 can be 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, or 25% of the light generated by an LED 1062a-h.

[0183] The scattered light 1044a-h can remain in the housing 101. The scattered light 1044a-h can be generated due to the structural properties of the LED 1062a-h. The scattered light 1044a-h can be generated due to the distance 107. The scattered light 1044a-h can be generated due to the non-ideal radiation characteristics of the LED 1062a-h. The scattered light component 1044a-h can be the same for each LED 1062a-h due to the exit angle and the same distance 107.

[0184] The scattered light 1044a-h from each LED 1041a-h can be detected by the light sensor 105. The scattered light 1044a-h detected by the light sensor 105 can be direct scattered light 10441a-h, i.e., light generated by an LED 1062a-h that can shine directly onto the light sensor 105. The direct scattered light 10441a-h can be primarily generated by LEDs 1062a-d directly adjacent to the light sensor 105. The scattered light 1044a-h detected by the light sensor 105 can be indirect scattered light 10442a-h, i.e., light generated by an LED 1062a-h that can only shine indirectly onto the light sensor 105. The indirect scattered light 10442a-h can be reflected off an inner housing wall to shine onto the light sensor 105. The indirect scattered light 10442a-h can be primarily generated by LEDs 1062e-h located remote from the light sensor 105. Reflection on an inner housing wall can be favored due to the material properties of the housing 101.For example, the housing is made of a light metal, such as aluminum etc. and may also be additionally coated, for example anodized aluminum.

[0185] The scattered light 1044a-h is a disturbing influence in the detection of the ambient light 300 by a light sensor 105. If the housing holes 1051 and 1041a-h - as in Fig. 1 , 3 and 4 described and shown - arranged in this way, false alarms may occur if the scattered light 1044a-h is detected by the light sensor 105.

[0186] For example, one activated LED 1062a-h can emit 40 lumens of luminous flux. With eight activated LEDs 1062a-h, 320 lumens of luminous flux are generated. A light sensor 105, for example, already has an activation threshold at only 5% of the generated light (16 lumens of luminous flux) and would already detect an alarm situation without the presence of ambient light 300.

[0187] A control unit 1063 of the device 100 is arranged on the circuit board 106. The control unit 1063 can be a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a signal processor, an ASIC, or an FPGA. This control unit is electrically connected to the LEDs 1062a-h and also to the light sensor 105; see also Fig. 6 The control unit 1063 is configured to deactivate each LED 1062a-h of the device 100 in order to detect the ambient light 300 by means of the light sensor 105. A time-based control is provided in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8a-b shown.

[0188] By controlling the LEDs 1062a-h in such a way that the LEDs 1062a-h are deactivated when the light sensor 105 is to detect / capture the ambient light 300 and / or the evaluation of a light sensor output signal of the light sensor 105 is only detected when the LEDs 1062a-h are deactivated by the control unit 1063, it is possible that no scattered light 1044 is taken into account in the detection / evaluation.

[0189] In a preferred control, the light sensor 105 detects the ambient light 300 when the LEDs 1062a-h are deactivated by the control unit 1063. If the LEDs 1062a-h are activated by the control unit, the ambient light 300 is not detected by the light sensor 105. Thus, the light sensor 105 is deactivated and cannot detect the ambient light 300 when the LEDs 1062a-h are activated. Accordingly, no alarm situation can be detected during this time interval.

[0190] Alternatively or additionally, the control unit 1063 can be configured to activate the LEDs 1062a-h, and at the same time, the light sensor 105 can be operated by the control unit 105 to detect the ambient light 300—however, this detected ambient light 300 is not evaluated by the control unit 1063. Thus, the light sensor 105 is continuously operated by the control unit 1063, and the light sensor 105 detects the ambient light 300 (even if the LEDs 1062a-h are activated). However, the light sensor output signal is not evaluated by the control unit 1063 during this time interval, so that in this embodiment, no alarm situation is detected during this time interval either.

[0191] The light sensor 105 is designed to detect the amount of ambient light 300 present directly in the vicinity of the device 100. This ambient light 300 is introduced into the housing 101 through the light sensor housing through-hole 1051.

[0192] The ambient light 300 should not exceed a predefined threshold. For example, the ambient light should not exceed the predefined threshold of 1 lumen, 2 lumens, 5 lumens, 10 lumens, or 20 lumens of luminous flux per unit of time (e.g., 1 second, 1 millisecond, 1 microsecond, etc.).

[0193] Typically, the device 100 is housed in a light-tight outdoor device 200 (see Fig. 10). Thus, the amount of ambient light 300 is always below the predefined threshold during tamper-free operation. If an attacker opens the outdoor device, the amount of ambient light 300 will exceed the predefined threshold. This ambient light 300 is detected by the light sensor 105 and evaluated by the control unit 1063. If the threshold is exceeded, an alarm situation is detected, and a remote network component (not shown) can be alerted (notification of the high amount of ambient light).

[0194] Further electronic and electrical components 1061 can be placed on this circuit board 106, which influence or enable the function of the device 100. These components 1061 can be active components (semiconductor chips, transistors, power supplies, network modules, etc.) or passive components (resistors, coils, capacitors, plug connections, etc.). The components 1061 can be placed on (only) one side of the circuit board 106 or - as in Fig. 4 shown - be arranged on both sides of the circuit board 106.

[0195] In Fig. 5 is an area B from the Fig. 4 shown enlarged. Fig. 5 also represents a further development of the device 100 of the Fig. 4 The comments on the previous Figures 1 to 4 is explicitly referenced to avoid unnecessary repetition.

[0196] In Fig. 5A light guide element 1042a-h is arranged between each LED 1062a-h and the corresponding display through holes 1041a-h. Each light guide element 1042a-h can increase the proportion of the light generated by the LED 1062a-h that is guided out of the housing 101 (compared to an absent light guide element). Each light guide element 1042a-h can comprise a transparent material. The material is, in particular, transparent to the light from the LED 1062a-h. The light guide element 1042a-h can be a transparent plastic light guide.

[0197] In Fig. 5A light-guiding element 1042i is arranged between the light sensor 105 and the light-sensor through-hole 1051. The light-guiding element 1042i can increase the proportion of the ambient light 300 that is introduced into the housing (compared to an absent light-guiding element 1042i). The light-guiding element 1042i can comprise a transparent material. The material is, in particular, transparent to the ambient light 300. The light-guiding element 1042i can be a transparent plastic light guide.

[0198] The light-guiding element 1042a-h can be mounted directly on the LED 1062a-h (direct contact) to improve light coupling from the LED 1062a-h into the light-guiding element 1042a-h. The light-guiding element 1042a-h can be arranged at a distance 108 from the LED 1062a-h to simplify assembly of the device 100. The distance 108 is preferably less than 0.5 mm.

[0199] The light-guiding element 1042i can be mounted directly on the light sensor 105 (direct contact) to improve light coupling from the light-guiding element 1042i to the light sensor 105. The light-guiding element 1042i can be arranged at a distance 108 from the light sensor 105 to simplify assembly of the device 100. The distance 108 is preferably less than 0.5 mm.

[0200] Each light-guiding element 1042a-i can be arranged on a light-guiding element carrier 1043. Each light-guiding element 1042a-i can be arranged in the corresponding housing through-hole 1042a-h and 1051. A housing wall depth 10141 of the housing through-hole 1042a-h and 1051 can be completely filled with a light-guiding element 1042a-i. Each light-guiding element 1042a-i can protrude from a housing outer side of the housing 101. The protrusion can cause a lens effect that widens a light beam of the display light 1045a-h of an LED 1062a-h to improve the perception of the generated light. The protrusion can cause a lens effect that focuses a light beam of the display light 1045a-h of an LED 1062a-h to improve the perception of the generated light.

[0201] A distance 108 between the light guide element carrier 1043 and the LED 1062a-h can be smaller than a distance between the LED 1062a-h and the housing interior of the fourth housing wall 1014. The smaller distance 108 reduces the proportion of scattered light 1044 of the LED 1062a-h and thus further reduces false alarms.

[0202] The ambient light 300 should not exceed a predefined threshold. This predefined threshold can be increased by arranging light-guiding elements 1042a-i. For example, when using light-guiding elements, the ambient light 300 should not exceed the predefined threshold of 10 lumens, 20 lumens, 25 lumens, 30 lumens, or 35 lumens of luminous flux per unit of time (e.g., 1 second, 1 millisecond, 1 microsecond, etc.). This can improve the detection of the ambient light 300 by the light sensor 105.

[0203] A film 109 can be applied to the outside of the housing. This film can also be applied to the inside of the housing (not shown in Fig. 5 ). The film 109 can be a decorative film. This decorative film can have a thickness of 0.5 mm, 0.75 mm, 1 mm, 1.1 mm, or 1.5 mm. A transparent plastic light guide is attached to the LED (with a 0.5 mm tolerance). This transports the emitted light, minus any scattered light emitted from the sides, to the exterior of the housing. This exterior lies beneath a 1.1 mm thick decorative film, which also has diffuse layers within its interior structure. The light emitted from within has by far the greatest influence on the malfunction.

[0204] Fig. 6 shows a block diagram for controlling the LED 1062a-h and the light sensor 105 according to the invention. This block diagram of the Fig. 6 can be realized on the circuit board 106 in the housing 101. Fig. 7shows a time curve according to the invention for controlling the LED 1062a-h and the light sensor 105. The Figures 6 and 7 are described together below.

[0205] The light sensor 105 can be part of a light sensor circuit 1064. Exemplary light sensor circuits 1064 are shown in Fig. 9a and Fig. 9b and reference is made to the explanations therein. The light sensor 105 or the light sensor circuit 1064 generates a light sensor output signal SEN_IN, which can be received by the control unit 1063 either wired or wirelessly.

[0206] The light sensor output signal SEN_IN can be permanently generated by the light sensor 105.

[0207] Preferably, the control unit 1063 is configured to ignore the light sensor signal SEN_IN outside the second interval 10632. The evaluation of the SEN_IN signal outside the second interval 10632 is interrupted.

[0208] Alternatively or additionally, the control unit 1063 is configured to deactivate the light sensor circuit 1064. For this purpose, an activation / deactivation signal ENABLE can be generated by the control unit 1063 and passed to the circuit 1064. Using the activation / deactivation signal ENABLE, the control unit 1063 can temporarily deactivate the circuit 1064.

[0209] Each LED 1062a-h can receive an LED signal LED_OUT from the control unit 1063. Each LED signal LED_OUT can be a supply voltage for that LED 1062a-h in order to provide a supply voltage for the respective LED 1062a-h for the purpose of activating it or not to provide a supply voltage for the purpose of deactivating it. Alternatively, each LED signal LED_OUT can be connected to a control input of an LED controller (not shown in Fig. 6) of the LED 1062a-h to activate or deactivate the respective LED 1062a-h. The control input can be an input of a switching transistor of the LED controller.

[0210] In addition, Fig. 6 An LED_EN signal output (optional) of the control unit 1063 is shown. This LED_EN signal output can be used to send a control signal to an LED controller to activate or deactivate the LEDs 1062a-h in the corresponding time intervals 10631, 10632, 10633, 10634.

[0211] The LED_EN signal can be used alternatively or in addition to the LEDx_OUT signals to activate or deactivate the LED 1062a-h in the corresponding time intervals 10631, 10632, 10633, 10634.

[0212] In Fig. 7The timing sequence for controlling LED 1062a-h and light sensor 105 is shown. The timing sequence is cyclical, meaning it repeats after the end of the control cycle 10635. A control cycle 10635 can comprise a time period T. The time period T is to be selected so that it is imperceptible to the human eye.

[0213] The control cycle in any case comprises a first time interval 10632 and a second time interval 10634. The second time interval 10634 can be arranged after the first time interval 10632 in the control cycle. The second time interval 10634 can be arranged before the first time interval 10632 in the control cycle (not shown in Fig. 7 ). The first time interval 10632 can be significantly shorter in time than the second time interval 10634. The second time interval 10634 can be an integer multiple of the first time interval 10632.

[0214] The first time interval 10632 is a light sensor active time interval, during which the control unit 1063 receives and evaluates the light output signal SEN_IN of the light sensor 105 or the light sensor circuit 1064. During this first time interval 10632, each LED 1062a-h of the device 100 is deactivated.

[0215] The second time interval 10634 is an LED display active time interval in which the control unit 1063 outputs the LED_OUT signals ( Fig. 6 ) is generated to activate the LED 1062a-h. In this second time interval 10634, the light sensor circuit 1064 or the light sensor 105 of the device 100 may be deactivated, for example, by means of the activation / deactivation signal ENABLE ( Fig. 6 ) or by ignoring the light sensor output signal SEN_IN in the control unit 1063.

[0216] The control cycle may also include a third time interval 10633. The third time interval 10633 is an LED setup time interval. The third time interval 10633 is arranged between the first time interval 10632 and the second time interval 10634 in cycle 10635. With the third time interval 10633, an LED control for the LED 1062a-h can be switched on before the LED 1062a-h is actually activated in the second time interval 10634. This time interval 10633 enables a secure start-up of the LED control to operate the LED 1062a-h and prevents unwanted LED currents or LED voltages at the LED 1062a-h. The third time interval 10633 can be significantly shorter in time than the first time interval 10632 and the second time interval 10634. The third time interval 10633 can be approximately 100 µs or less. The second time interval 10634 can be an integer multiple of the third time interval 10633.

[0217] The control cycle may also include a fourth time interval 10631. The fourth time interval 10631 is a light sensor setup time interval. The fourth time interval 10631 is arranged before the first time interval 10631 in cycle 10635 or between the second time interval 10634 of a first cycle 10635 and a new first time interval 10631 of a subsequent second cycle 10635. With the fourth time interval 10631, the light sensor circuit 1064 can be switched on before the light sensor circuit 1064 or the light sensor 105 is actually activated in the first time interval 10632 (ENABLE of the Fig. 6). This time interval 10634 allows the light sensor 105 or the light sensor circuit 1064 to settle and prevents invalid light sensor output signals from being evaluated by the control unit 1063. The fourth time interval 10634 can be significantly shorter in time than the first time interval 10632 and the second time interval 10634. The fourth time interval can be equal to the third time interval 10633. The fourth time interval 10631 can be approximately 100 µs or less. The second time interval 10634 can be an integer multiple of the fourth time interval 10631.

[0218] The evaluation of light sensor 105 in control unit 1063 and the control of LEDs 1062a-h can proceed as follows: The control is controlled by a central scheduler (time control, counter, part of control unit 1063). This can be done similarly to real-time operating systems. The control used here is implemented in hardware, for example, by a hardware scheduler, a counter, which is implemented in control unit 1063.

[0219] This scheduler controls the activation / deactivation of light sensor 105 and LED control by outputting the signals "ENABLE" and "LED_OUT" of the Fig. 6. Based on the counter value, it is ensured that there is no temporal overlap between the activation of the LED control and the detection of the ambient light. If the control unit 1063 evaluates the light sensor 105 with respect to the existing ambient light 300 (first time interval 10632), the LEDs 1062a-h are deactivated (switched dark).

[0220] If the LEDs 1062a-h generate an indicator light 1045a-h (second time interval 10634), the evaluation of the light sensor 105 in the control unit is interrupted or the light sensor 105 is deactivated. Setup times (fourth time interval 10631 and third time interval 10633) are inserted in between to be able to put the respective unit into the inactive state or to be able to set the respective unit into the active state.

[0221] The control unit 1063 can be an FPGA, the programming language is VHDL.

[0222] The 10635 cycle can have a period T (frequency f) of 1 ms (1 kHz), 100 µs (10 kHz), or 10 µs (100 kHz) or more. This ensures that no flickering of the LED 1062a-h is noticeable to the user. This period T can be specifically adapted for a different application and depends only on the cutoff frequency of the components used.

[0223] Fig. 8a shows a timing diagram according to the invention for controlling the LED 1062a-h and the light sensor 105. Fig. 8b shows a section C of the inventive time course from the Fig. 8a in enlarged view. The Figures 8a and 8b are described together below.

[0224] The time intervals 10631, 10632 and 10634 correspond to the time intervals 10631, 10632 and 10634 of the Fig. 7 , the third time interval 10633 of the Fig. 7 was in Fig. 8aomitted. The fourth time interval 10631 is 96µs. The first time interval 10632 is approximately 100µs. The second time interval 10634 is approximately 700µs.

[0225] The eight LEDx_OUT signals of the control unit 1063 of the control unit 1063 are in Fig. 8a and Fig. 8b represented as 2-bit signals. The LEDs 1062a-h are dual-color LEDs in this configuration. Additionally, an LED_EN signal is shown as a "low_active" signal, which can be used to enable / disable an LED controller.

[0226] It can be seen that the LEDx_OUT signals and the LED _EN signal are only activated in the second time interval 10634 and are deactivated in the remaining time intervals 10631 and 10632.

[0227] An ENABLE signal from control unit 1063 can be a "high-active" signal. It can be seen that the ENABLE signal is only activated in the first time interval 10632 and is deactivated in the remaining time intervals 10631 and 10634.

[0228] In Fig. 8a and Fig. 8b the third time interval 10633 was omitted.

[0229] Fig. 9a shows a light sensor circuit 1064. The light sensor 105 is an ambient light sensor and here, for example, a phototransistor from Vishay Semiconductors of the type TEMT6200FX01.

[0230] A comparator circuit (implemented with comparator TS391 as U3) can be provided in the light sensor circuit 1064. The comparator is preset to a trigger threshold voltage, for example, 3.175 volts. As the amount of ambient light 300 increases, the input voltage of the light sensor 105 (pin 2 on comparator U3) exceeds this predefined threshold voltage (at some point), whereupon the output signal SEN_IN of the comparator U3 (pin 6) switches to logic "1." In this embodiment, the sensor circuit 1064 is responsible for both detecting and evaluating the amount of ambient light, so that the control unit 1063 already receives an evaluated signal. If the output signal is at "logic 1," this is evaluated as an alarm situation, and a tampering attempt is reported to a remote network component.

[0231] The predefined threshold can be adjusted using a resistor R17. For example, the predefined threshold is set to the values ​​described above. An illuminance of 10 lux corresponds to the value of a street light and can be used as a guideline for setting the threshold.

[0232] Fig. 9b shows a light sensor circuit 1064. The light sensor 105 is an ambient light sensor and here, for example, a photodiode from Vishay Semiconductors, type TEMD6200FX01. By using a photodiode instead of the phototransistor of the Fig. 9a - a significant shortening of the fourth time interval 10631, for example 50 µs or lower, can be achieved.

[0233] The light sensor circuit 1064 of the Fig. 9bIt is two-part, with an amplifier circuit (implemented as an operational amplifier MCO6V91U) provided directly at the photodiode as the first part for optimal detection of the ambient light with the photodiode as the light sensor 105. This first part provides a logarithmic light sensor signal to a comparator circuit as the second part of the light sensor circuit 1064.

[0234] The comparator circuit (also implemented with comparator TS391 as U3) is preset to a trigger threshold voltage, here, for example, 1.62 volts. As the ambient light level 300 increases, the input voltage of light sensor 105 (pin 2 on comparator U3) (at some point) exceeds this predefined threshold voltage, whereupon the output signal SEN_IN of comparator U3 (pin 6) switches to logic "1." In this embodiment, sensor circuit 1064 is also responsible for both detecting and evaluating the ambient light level, so that control unit 1063 already receives an evaluated signal. If the output signal is at "logic 1," this is evaluated as an alarm situation, and a tampering attempt is reported to a remote network component.

[0235] The predefined threshold can be adjusted using resistors R18 / R19. For example, the predefined threshold is set to the values ​​described above. An illuminance of 10 lux corresponds to the value of a street light and can be used as a guideline for setting the threshold.

[0236] For planned maintenance work, the alarm / notification / memory deletion can be deactivated. To do this, device 100 receives a corresponding command / instruction from the remote network component. Thus, maintenance work to be performed does not trigger an alarm or deactivate or delete the memory contents of device 100.

[0237] For planned maintenance work, the alarm / notification / memory deletion can also be performed in two stages. In the first alarm stage, device 100 reports the alarm situation to the remote network component. This checks whether maintenance work is planned / announced and sends a corresponding confirmation back to device 100. If no confirmation is received by device 100 within a certain timeframe, a tampering attempt / attack is assumed, and device 100 is locked and / or its memory contents are deleted. Thus, announced maintenance work does not trigger an alarm or deactivate or delete the memory contents of device 100.

[0238] Fig. 10shows an outdoor device 200 with mounted device 100 in a side view. The outdoor device 200, for example a mast, has an opening 210. An otherwise light-tight interior / cavity of the outdoor device 200 can be accessed through the opening 210. The opening 210 can be closed by a flap (not shown). Fig. 10 shown) be lockable and openable.

[0239] The device 100 is mounted in the cavity in such a way that the fourth housing wall 1014 is visible from the outside through the opening 210 of the outdoor device 200.

[0240] This allows the display 105 to be perceived by the user. When the opening 210 is opened, ambient light 300 penetrates the cavity. This penetration is detected by the sensor 105 and, if the opening 210 is opened unannounced, triggers an alarm situation. As a result, the device 100 is locked, a memory content is erased, and / or a remote network component is warned.

[0241] When the opening 210 is closed, the cavity of the outdoor device is light-tight. To increase the darkness in the cavity, a suitable EPDM molding can be applied to the inside of the flap (not included). Fig. 10 shown). This EPDM molded part can cover the light sensor 105 when the opening is closed.

[0242] The outdoor device 200 may include a mounting bracket 220. The mounting bracket 220 may be a rail or a support rail, preferably a top-hat rail.

[0243] The device 100 can be arranged in the outdoor device 200. The device 100 can be mounted or fixed to the mounting bracket 220. In particular, a bracket of the device 100 is connected to the device 100 and to the mounting bracket 220.

[0244] The device holder may comprise a holding element (not shown in Fig. 10 ). The holding element can be connected to or arranged on a section of the holder that overlies or covers a housing wall (1011, 1012, 1013, 1014) of the housing 101. The holding element can be a magnet, in particular a permanent magnet, a rail clamp, in particular a top-hat rail clamp, a screw, a bolt, a locking element, a clamping element, a hook-and-loop element, and / or an adhesive element. The holding element is preferably a clamp, preferably a rail clamp, more preferably a top-hat rail clamp.

[0245] The holding element can connect the device 100 to an outdoor device 200. The holding element can be connected to a mounting bracket 220 of the outdoor device 20. The mounting bracket 220 is, in particular, a top-hat rail.

[0246] Installing a device 100 inside a mast is challenging because the available space within the mast is limited. Access to the mast interior is typically only possible through a small maintenance opening in the mast, which complicates, for example, the installation of the device 100 in the mast, as well as maintenance work on the devices.

[0247] Fig.11 shows a process flow diagram of a method 400 according to the invention. The method 400 of Fig. 11 may be provided for operating the device 100 in the manner described above. Optional steps are described in Fig. 11shown in dashed lines. Method 400 runs cyclically, ie, it repeats itself continuously. The process steps shown can run in the order shown.

[0248] In a first step 401, all light sources 1062a-h in the housing 101 are deactivated by a control unit 1063 of the device 101. In this step 401, a counter is implicitly reset and a counter of the control unit 1063 is started. Alternatively, the counter is reset and the counter of the control unit 1063 is started in the subsequent step 402.

[0249] The started counter automatically increments its counter value after a predefined time unit has elapsed. The predefined time unit can be an integer multiple of an operating cycle of the control unit 1063. The predefined time unit can range from a few microseconds to several milliseconds.

[0250] Preferably, the method 400 is configured such that a user cannot perceive any LED flickering. Thus, a cycle 10635 of the method 400 should be completed within the Fig. 7 , 8a and 8b The specified time period T must be completed. This time period can be an integer multiple of the counter's predefined time unit. For example, a value corresponding to a power of two can be chosen as a multiple, for example, 2 4< , 2 5< , 2 6< , 2 7< , 2 8< , 2 9< , or 2 10< . The preferred time period T = 256 (2 8< ) time units of the counter.

[0251] In the next step 403, a check is made to determine whether the current counter value is greater than a predefined first counter value. If the check (no case) shows that the current counter value is not greater than the predefined first counter value, the check is repeated again in step 403. This check is repeated until the current counter value is greater than the predefined first counter value (yes case of step 403). This represents the fourth time interval 10631 of cycle 10635, see also Fig. 7 .

[0252] If the check in step 403 (yes case) shows that the current counter value is greater than the predefined first counter value, the ambient light 300 is detected by means of light sensor 105 in the housing 101.

[0253] In the optional subsequent step 405, it is checked whether the detected ambient light 300 is greater than a predefined threshold. This check in step 405 can be performed by a comparator in a light sensor circuit 1064 ( Fig. 9), for example, by means of comparator U3. This check in step 405 can alternatively or additionally be performed by the control unit 1063, for example, by evaluating a permanently provided light sensor output signal within a counter value range from the first predefined counter value to the second predefined counter value by the control unit 1063.

[0254] If the check in step 405 (yes case) shows that the detected ambient light 300 is greater than a predefined threshold, an alarm signal is generated in step 406 by the control unit 1063.

[0255] If the check in step 405 (no case) shows that the detected ambient light 300 is not greater than a predefined threshold value, a further check is carried out in step 407 as to whether the current counter value is greater than a predefined second counter value.

[0256] If the check in step 407 (no case) shows that the current counter value is not greater than the predefined second counter value, the ambient light is (continued) detected (step 404). This sequence of steps 404 - 405 - 407 - 404 continues until it is determined in step 407 that the current counter value is greater than the predefined second counter value (yes case of step 407) or the yes case is determined in step 405. This maps the first time interval 10632 of cycle 10635, see also Fig. 7 .

[0257] If the check in step 403 (yes case) shows that the current counter value is greater than the predefined second counter value, the light sensor is deactivated in optional step 408. This step 408 can be omitted if the control unit 1063 evaluates the light sensor signal itself, since in this case, the control unit 1063 simply ignores the light sensor output signal.

[0258] In the subsequent step 409, all light sources 1062a-h in the housing 101 are activated by the control unit 1063 of the device 101.

[0259] In the next step 410, a check is made to determine whether the current counter value is greater than or equal to a maximum counter value. The maximum counter value represents the time period T of cycle 10635 (see Fig. 7 ).

[0260] If the check in step 410 (No case) shows that the current counter value is not greater than or equal to the maximum counter value, the LEDs remain activated (step 409). This sequence of steps 409 - 410 - 409 continues until the current counter value is greater than or equal to the predefined maximum counter value (Yes case of step 410). This represents the second time interval 10634 of cycle 10635, see also Fig. 7 .

[0261] If the check in step 410 (yes case) shows that the current counter value is greater than or equal to the maximum counter value, the cycle of method 400 is considered to be ended and a new cycle of the same method 400 is started starting with step 401. This resets the counter to the counter value zero (implicitly in step 401 or explicitly in step 402) if the predefined maximum counter value (T) has been reached or exceeded. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0262] 100Device 101Housing 1011-1014Housing wall 10141Housing wall depth 1015-1016Housing cover 1015a, 1016aHousing fixation 102Device connection 1021, 1021a-dFunctional unit connection 1022, 1022a-bNetwork connection support for network connection 1023Power supply connection 103Cooling fin 104Display 1041a-hDisplay housing through-hole 1042a-iLight guide element 1043Light guide element support 1044a-hScattered light 10441a-hDirect scattered light 10442a-hIndirect scattered light 1045Indicator light 105Light sensor 1051Light sensor housing hole 106Printed circuit board, circuit board 1061Components 1062a-hLight source,LED 1063Control unit 10631Sensor setup time interval (fourth time interval) 10632Sensor active time interval (first time interval) 10633LED setup time interval (third time interval) 10634LED indicator active time interval (second time interval) 10635Drive cycle repeating 1064Light sensor circuit 107Distance between LED and housing interior 108Distance between LED and light element 109Foil 200Outdoor device 210Opening 220Mounting bracket 300Ambient light 400Procedure with process steps A-A'Section line BArea CSection,

Claims

1. An apparatus (100) comprising a housing (101), the apparatus (100) being adapted to be inserted into a cavity of an outdoor device, - the apparatus (100) comprising a light sensor (105) for detecting ambient light; - the apparatus (100) further comprising at least one light source (1062a, ... 1062h); characterized in that - the at least one light source (1062a, ... 1062h) is arranged in the housing (101), - the housing (101) comprising at least one housing through-hole (1041a, ... 1041h, 1051), the housing through-hole (1041a, ... 1041h, 1051) being configured for forwarding light generated by means of the at least one light source (1062a, ... 1062h) out of the housing (101); - the light sensor (105) being arranged in the housing (101) and the at least one housing through-hole (1041a, ... 1041h, 1051) being further configured for forwarding ambient light (300) to the light sensor (105); - each light source (1062a, ... 1062h) being arranged at a distance (107, 108) from a housing inner side of the housing (101), the generated light being adapted to be coupled into the light sensor (105) due to the distance (107, 108); - the apparatus (101) comprising a control unit (1063), the control unit (1063) comprising a timing controller, the timing controller cyclically causing the control unit (1063) to deactivate each light source (1062a-h) in a time interval (10631, 10632) of an actuation in which the ambient light is to be detected by means of the light sensor (105) by the control unit (1063); - the control unit (1063) being configured to ignore a light sensor output signal of the light sensor (105) at times in which the light sources are activated and to evaluate the light sensor output signal at times in which the light sources are deactivated; and - the control unit (1063) being further configured to generate an alarm signal if the detected ambient light exceeds a predefined threshold value.

2. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein the housing (101) comprises a light sensor housing through-hole (1051) as one of the at least one housing through-hole, the light sensor housing through-hole (1051) being aligned flush with the light sensor (105) arranged in the housing (101) and the light sensor housing through-hole (1051) being configured for forwarding the ambient light to the light sensor (105).

3. The apparatus (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, for forwarding the generated light out of the housing (101), the housing (101) comprises at least one display housing through-hole (1041a-h) as one of the at least one housing through-hole, each display housing through-hole (1041a-h) being aligned flush with a respective light source (1062a-h).

4. The apparatus (100) according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein, for forwarding the ambient light to the light sensor (105) located in the housing (101), the housing (101) comprises a light sensor housing through-hole (1051) as a first housing through-hole of the at least one housing through-hole and - wherein, for forwarding the generated light out of the housing (101), the housing (101) comprises at least one, preferably two, more preferably four, more preferably eight, more preferably ten display housing through-holes (1041a-h) as second housing through-holes of the at least one housing through-hole, each display housing through-hole (1041a-h) being aligned flush with a respective light source (1062a-h).

5. The apparatus (100) according to claim 4, wherein the first housing through-hole and the second housing through-holes are arranged in a common housing wall (1011, 1012, 1013, 1014, 1015, 1016) of the housing (101).

6. The apparatus (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a printed circuit board (106) is arranged in the housing (101), the light sensor (105) and the at least one light source (1062a-h) being arranged adjacently on an upper side of the printed circuit board (106) facing the at least one housing through-hole (1051, 1041a-h).

7. The apparatus (100) according to one of claims 4-5, wherein, for forwarding in the housing (101), at least one light guide element (1042a-i)) is arranged, wherein: - a light guide element (1042a-h) is arranged in each case between the at least one, preferably two, more preferably four, more preferably eight, more preferably ten display housing through-holes (1041a-h) and the corresponding light source (1062a-f); and / or - a light guide element (1042i) is arranged between the light sensor housing through-hole (1051) and the light sensor (105).

8. The apparatus (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (1063) comprises a counter, a counter value of the counter being incremented in each case after expiry of a predefined time unit, and the counter being reset to the counter value zero when a predefined counter maximum value is reached.

9. The apparatus (100) according to claim 8, wherein, in the case of a predefined first counter value of the counter, all light sources (1062a-h) are deactivated in order to detect the ambient light in the housing (101), wherein, in the case of a predefined second counter value of the counter which is greater than the predefined first counter value of the counter, the light sources (1062a-h) are activated, a predefined time period preferably being between the time of the deactivation of the light source (1062a-h) and the time of the detection of the ambient light.

10. A system comprising an outdoor device (200), in particular a mast, and an apparatus (100) according to one of the preceding claims, the outdoor device (200) comprising a mounting mount (220) for the apparatus (100), the outdoor device (200) further comprising an opening (210) for inserting into and for removing the apparatus (100) from the cavity of the outdoor device (200), the at least one housing through-hole (1041a, ..., 1041h, 1051) comprising a plurality of housing through-holes (1051, 1041a-h) which are arranged in a common housing wall (1011, 1012, 1013, 1014, 1015, 1016) of the housing (101) of the apparatus (100), the common housing wall (1011, 1012, 1013, 1014, 1015, 1016) of the housing (101) facing the opening (210) of the outdoor device (200) in the mounted state of the apparatus (100).

11. A method (400) for operating an apparatus (100) according to one of claims 1-9, the method (400) running cyclically and comprising the method steps in this order: - deactivating (401) all light sources (1062a-h) in the housing (101) by the control unit (1063) of the apparatus (101); - detecting (404) the ambient light (300) by means of a light sensor (105) in the housing (101) if a first predefined counter value of a counter has been exceeded (403); - activating (409) the light sources (10652a-h) in the housing (101) if a second predefined counter value of the counter has been exceeded (407); - resetting (402) the counter to the counter value zero if a predefined counter maximum value (T) has been reached or exceeded (410).