Light intensity control of an external light

Abstract

The invention relates to the control of the light intensity of an outdoor light (100) in a first spatial direction (160) by means of an electronic control device (130), wherein, when the onset of precipitation is detected, the light intensity is reduced with a first delay, and / or, when the end of precipitation is detected, the light intensity is increased with a second delay.

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to controlling the luminous intensity of an outdoor luminaire, wherein, when precipitation begins, the luminous intensity is reduced with a first delay and / or, when precipitation ends, the luminous intensity is increased with a second delay. In particular, the invention relates to a method for controlling the luminous intensity, an electronic control device, a computer program, and a computer-readable medium. background

[0002] Conventional street lights are designed to produce a fixed luminous flux with a fixed light distribution when activated. However, dimming the luminous flux according to the situation can be advantageous, particularly for energy savings.

[0003] CN 108112142 B describes a method and system for remotely controlling street lamps, wherein a street lamp remote control center is set up, so that the street lamp remote control center stores the geographical coordinates of all street lamps within its area of ​​responsibility and connects to a real-time weather system via a network and wirelessly connects to the street lamps; the street lamp remote control center receives real-time meteorological information from the real-time weather system for each area within its area of ​​responsibility via the network, and under different weather conditions such as sunshine, rain, fog, and water on the road, different control commands are sent to the street lamps in the corresponding areas;After receiving the control commands, the street lamps control the internal control circuit to adjust the desired color and brightness and drive a motor to rotate to a desired angle of incidence.;

[0004] WO 2018 / 095951 A1 describes a lighting unit with two vertically offset light sensors and a controller, wherein the lighting unit is designed to determine a type and speed of precipitation. Summary of the invention

[0005] For example, a road covered in precipitation (rain or snow) may have a higher reflectance for visible light than one free of precipitation. Therefore, it may be advantageous for street lights to illuminate a road covered in precipitation with a lower luminous intensity than a road free of precipitation. Dimming street lights during precipitation can save electrical energy. In addition, road users and pedestrians can be prevented from being dazzled by excessive luminous intensity, thus improving visual comfort and increasing road safety.

[0006] However, if the road were illuminated immediately upon the onset of precipitation with a low luminous intensity value suitable for roads completely covered by precipitation, the road could be under-illuminated until it is completely covered by precipitation.

[0007] In the opposite case, ie if the road were immediately illuminated with a high luminous intensity value suitable for roads completely free of precipitation when the precipitation stops, the road could be over-illuminated while it is still partially covered by precipitation.

[0008] One object of the invention may thus be to enable improved street lighting. In particular, one object may be to enable more energy-efficient street lighting, improve the visual comfort of road users, and / or increase road safety. This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims.

[0009] Further developments of the invention emerge from the subclaims.

[0010] A first aspect of the invention relates to a method for controlling a luminous intensity of an outdoor light in a first spatial direction, wherein the method is carried out by an electronic control device. The method comprises at least one of the following two processes. In the first process, it is determined at a first time that precipitation has begun. In response to the onset of precipitation, the luminous intensity is controlled in the first spatial direction such that the luminous intensity is reduced from a first luminous intensity value at the first time with a first delay to a second luminous intensity value at a second time. In the second process, it is determined at a third time that precipitation has ended.In response to the cessation of precipitation, the light intensity is controlled in the first spatial direction such that the light intensity is increased from a third light intensity value at the third time with a second delay to a fourth light intensity value at a fourth time.

[0011] The outdoor light can be, for example, a street light, a light for parking lots, or a light for industrial outdoor facilities.

[0012] The first spatial direction is a direction relative to the outdoor luminaire. For example, when a street luminaire is installed as intended, the first spatial direction can be a typical direction from the outdoor luminaire to the street.

[0013] Luminous intensity refers to the luminous flux per unit of an (infinitely) small solid angle around the first spatial direction. The SI unit of luminous intensity is the candela.

[0014] The method is carried out by an electronic control device. The electronic control device preferably comprises a processor, for example a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a digital signal processing processor, or another application-specific processor. Furthermore, the electronic control device may comprise a memory for storing data and / or instructions.

[0015] The method includes determining that precipitation is starting or ending. In particular, the electronic control device includes a communication unit, and the communication unit is configured to receive a signal from a precipitation detector, and the electronic control device is configured to determine whether precipitation is starting or ending based on the signal received from the communication unit. For example, the electronic control device may receive an analog signal from a precipitation detector via the communication unit. For example, a level of the analog signal may indicate whether precipitation is starting or ending. Alternatively, the communication unit may be configured to send and / or receive digital messages.For example, the communication unit may be configured to send and / or receive Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and / or Ethernet signals, and the electronic control device may be configured to determine whether precipitation is starting or ending based on a digital message received from the communication unit.

[0016] In a further embodiment, the electronic control device is configured to read a value from a memory, the value indicating whether precipitation is beginning or ending. The electronic control device may be configured to determine whether precipitation is beginning or ending based on the value read from the memory.

[0017] The precipitation detector can be, for example, a precipitation radar system, such as a 24 GHz Doppler radar system. Alternatively, the onset or cessation of precipitation can be detected using an optical rain sensor. Other precipitation detectors are known from the prior art. The precipitation detector can be designed to transmit an analog or digital signal to the communication unit of the electronic control device, the signal indicating whether precipitation is beginning or ending.

[0018] The first delay is the difference between the second time and the first time. Furthermore, the second delay is the difference between the fourth time and the third time. For example, the first delay can be greater than one minute, two minutes, five minutes, ten minutes, 30 minutes, or 60 minutes. Furthermore, the second delay can be greater than one minute, two minutes, five minutes, ten minutes, 30 minutes, or 60 minutes.

[0019] The first, second, third, and fourth times can be times of day. For example, the third time can be after the second time. Alternatively, the first time can be after the fourth time.

[0020] For the implementation of the method according to the invention, the first time can be set to zero. Furthermore, a timer can be started when precipitation begins, for example, to determine when the second time has been reached. Similarly, for the implementation of the method according to the invention, the third time can be set to zero, and a timer can be started when precipitation ends, for example, to determine when the fourth time has been reached.

[0021] For example, in a street light, the second luminous intensity value may be suitable for streets completely covered by precipitation. Furthermore, the fourth luminous intensity value may be suitable for streets completely free of precipitation.

[0022] The first luminous intensity value can, in particular, be equal to the fourth luminous intensity value. Furthermore, the third luminous intensity value can, in particular, be equal to the second luminous intensity value.

[0023] However, the first luminous intensity value can also be between the second and fourth luminous intensity values. This is relevant, for example, if precipitation begins before the road is completely clear of precipitation. In this case, the first delay can depend on the first luminous intensity value. In particular, when precipitation begins, a small value can be determined for the first delay if the difference between the first and second luminous intensity values ​​is small, and a large value can be determined for the first delay if the difference between the first and second luminous intensity values ​​is large.

[0024] Furthermore, the third luminous intensity value can be between the second and fourth luminous intensity values. This is relevant, for example, if the precipitation ends before the road is completely covered by precipitation. In this case, a small value can be determined for the second delay if the difference between the third and fourth luminous intensity values ​​is small, and a large value can be determined for the second delay if the difference between the third and fourth luminous intensity values ​​is large.

[0025] When precipitation begins, the light intensity is controlled so that the light intensity is reduced with the first delay, starting from the first light intensity value at the first time to the second light intensity value at the second time. The light intensity can be greater than the second light intensity value for a duration of more than 50%, more than 70%, more than 90%, or more than 95% of the time between the first and second times. Preferably, the light intensity between the first and second times is always greater than the second light intensity value. This can prevent, for example, a street light from illuminating the road with too little light until the road is completely covered in precipitation. This can improve the visual comfort of road users in the period between the first and second times, and increase road safety.

[0026] When precipitation ends, the light intensity is controlled so that the light intensity is increased with the second delay, starting from the third light intensity value at the third time to the fourth light intensity value at the fourth time. The light intensity can be less than the fourth light intensity value for a duration of more than 50%, more than 70%, more than 90%, or more than 95% of the time period between the third and fourth times. Preferably, the light intensity between the third and fourth times is always less than the fourth light intensity value. This can prevent, for example, a street light from illuminating the road with too high a light intensity as long as the road is not yet completely clear of precipitation. This can improve the visual comfort of road users in the second period between the third and fourth times and increase road safety.Furthermore, electrical energy can be saved by increasing the luminous intensity from the third luminous intensity value to the fourth luminous intensity value with a time delay, provided that the increase in luminous intensity is achieved at least partly by increasing the total luminous flux of the outdoor luminaire.

[0027] According to one embodiment, if it is determined at the first time that precipitation is occurring, the light intensity is controlled so that the light intensity between the first and second times is greater than the second light intensity value.

[0028] According to a further embodiment, when it is determined at the third time that precipitation ends, the light intensity is controlled so that the light intensity between the third and fourth times is less than the fourth light intensity value.

[0029] According to a further embodiment, when it is determined at the first time that precipitation is onset, the light intensity is continuously changed from the first light intensity value at the first time to the second light intensity value at the second time.

[0030] The luminous intensity between the first and second times is a continuous function of time. In particular, a continuous reduction in the luminous intensity between the first and second times can enable a good adaptation of the luminous intensity to the increasing coverage of the road with precipitation over time, thus improving the visual comfort of road users. For example, the luminous intensity can be controlled so that the luminous intensity decreases linearly from the first luminous intensity value at the first time to the second luminous intensity value at the second time. Other temporal progressions of the luminous intensity between the first and second times are also possible.

[0031] It is also possible that the light intensity is adaptively controlled between the first and second time based on measurements of environmental parameters.

[0032] In particular, the light intensity can be adaptively controlled based on measured values ​​of the precipitation intensity. For example, a precipitation radar system or an optical rain sensor can transmit signals to the communication unit of the electronic control device, wherein the signals indicate measured values ​​of the precipitation intensity. The electronic control device can be configured to determine the precipitation intensity based on the received signals and to adaptively control the light intensity depending on the precipitation intensity. For example, the light intensity can be reduced quickly if signals sent by the precipitation detector indicate high precipitation intensity, and the light intensity can be reduced slowly if signals sent by the precipitation detector indicate low precipitation intensity.The first delay and the second time may thus depend on measurements of precipitation intensity after the first time. It is also possible that the rate at which the light intensity is reduced depends on other environmental parameters. For example, the rate at which the light intensity is reduced may also depend on measurements of the ambient temperature. In particular, the light intensity may be reduced more slowly at high ambient temperatures than at low ambient temperatures.

[0033] According to another embodiment, when it is determined at the third time that precipitation ends, the light intensity is continuously changed from the third light intensity value at the third time to the fourth light intensity value at the fourth time.

[0034] In this embodiment, the light intensity between the third and fourth times is a continuous function of time. A gradual increase in the light intensity between the third and fourth times can enable a good adaptation of the light intensity to a decreasing coverage of the road with precipitation, thus improving the visual comfort of road users. For example, the light intensity can be controlled so that the light intensity increases linearly from the third light intensity value at the third time to the fourth light intensity value at the fourth time. Other temporal progressions of the light intensity between the first and second times are also possible.

[0035] It is also possible for the light intensity to be adaptively controlled between the third and fourth time periods based on measured values ​​of environmental parameters. The fourth time period and the second delay can depend on measured values ​​of the environmental parameters after the third time period. For example, the light intensity can be adaptively controlled based on measured values ​​of the ambient temperature, wind speed, and / or humidity.

[0036] According to a further embodiment, when it is determined at the first time that precipitation is occurring, the light intensity is switched from the first light intensity value to the second light intensity value at the second time.

[0037] In this embodiment, the light intensity can be kept constant at the first light intensity value between the first and second times. Implementation of this embodiment can be simpler compared to continuously changing the light intensity from the first light intensity value to the second light intensity value.

[0038] According to another embodiment, when it is determined at the third time that precipitation ends, the light intensity is switched from the third light intensity value to the fourth light intensity value at the fourth time.

[0039] In this embodiment, the light intensity can be kept constant at the third light intensity value between the third and fourth times. Implementation of this embodiment can be simpler compared to continuously changing the light intensity from the third light intensity value to the fourth light intensity value.

[0040] The method according to the first aspect of the invention comprises determining an ambient temperature. Furthermore, the method according to the first aspect of the invention comprises determining a value of the first delay as a function of the ambient temperature when precipitation begins and / or determining a value of the second delay as a function of the ambient temperature when precipitation ends.

[0041] For example, the communication unit of the electronic control device can be configured to receive a signal from a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor can be configured to measure the ambient temperature, i.e., the outside temperature. The electronic control device can be configured to determine the ambient temperature based on the signal received from the temperature sensor.

[0042] In a further embodiment, the electronic control device comprises a temperature sensor for measuring the ambient temperature.

[0043] The electronic control device may be designed to determine the value of the first delay as a function of the ambient temperature when precipitation begins.

[0044] At high ambient temperatures, for example, it may take longer for a road to become completely covered with precipitation after the onset of precipitation than at low ambient temperatures. Determining the value of the initial delay as a function of the ambient temperature can therefore enable improved adaptation of the light intensity to the precipitation coverage of the road.

[0045] Furthermore, the electronic control device may be designed to determine the value of the second delay as a function of the ambient temperature when the precipitation ends.

[0046] At low ambient temperatures, it may take longer for a road, for example, to completely dry after a period of rain. Determining the value of the second delay as a function of the ambient temperature can therefore enable improved adjustment of the light intensity to the amount of precipitation on the road.

[0047] According to a further embodiment, when it is determined at the first time that precipitation is onset, the value of the first delay is determined based on a first function of the ambient temperature, the first function comprising one or more first parameters.

[0048] The first function of the ambient temperature can, for example, be defined as a function that runs linearly between a first value of the ambient temperature and a second value of the ambient temperature. Thus, the first parameters can, for example, comprise the first value of the ambient temperature, a first value of the first delay at the first value of the ambient temperature, the second value of the ambient temperature, and a second value of the first delay at the second value of the ambient temperature. The parameterizability of the first function can make it possible to adapt the first delay to environmental parameters. For example, in the case of a street light, the parameterizability of the first function can make it possible to adapt the first delay to properties of the road surface, such as material, roughness, and / or angle of inclination.

[0049] In a further embodiment, the value of the first delay may be determined as a function of the ambient temperature using a table of values.

[0050] According to a further embodiment, when it is determined at the third time that precipitation ends, the value of the second delay is determined based on a second function of the ambient temperature, the second function comprising one or more second parameters.

[0051] For example, the second function of the ambient temperature can be defined as a function that runs linearly between a third value of the ambient temperature and a fourth value of the ambient temperature. Thus, the second parameters can include, for example, the third value of the ambient temperature, a first value of the second delay at the third value of the ambient temperature, the fourth value of the ambient temperature, and a second value of the second delay at the fourth value of the ambient temperature. The parameterization of the second function can make it possible to adapt the second delay to environmental parameters. For example, in the case of a street light, the parameterization of the second function can make it possible to adapt the second delay to properties of the road surface, such as material, roughness, and / or inclination angle.

[0052] Preferably, the second function differs from the first function. For example, the values ​​of the second parameters of the second function may differ from the values ​​of the first parameters of the first function. It is also possible for the number of second parameters of the second function to differ from the number of first parameters of the first function. Furthermore, the first function and the second function may include common parameters. For example, the first and third values ​​of the ambient temperature may be identical, and the second and fourth values ​​of the ambient temperature may also be identical.The first parameters of the first function may further comprise the first value of the first delay at the first value of the ambient temperature and the second value of the first delay at the second value of the ambient temperature, and the second parameters of the second function may comprise the first value of the second delay at the first value of the ambient temperature and the second value of the second delay at the second value of the ambient temperature.

[0053] In a further embodiment, the value of the second delay may be determined as a function of the ambient temperature using a table of values.

[0054] According to a further embodiment, the first function is piecewise linear and / or the second function is piecewise linear.

[0055] The piecewise linearity of the first and / or second function allows for easy parameterization of these functions. Preferably, the first function and / or the second function are continuous functions of the ambient temperature.

[0056] Other definitions of the first and / or second functions are also possible. For example, the first and / or second functions can be defined piecewise as quadratic, trigonometric, logarithmic, or exponential functions.

[0057] According to a further embodiment, the first function and / or the second function can be defined by means of a neural network.

[0058] Furthermore, the parameters of the first and / or second function can be determined using supervised machine learning.

[0059] According to a further embodiment, the first function is a function monotonically increasing with the ambient temperature, and / or the second function is a function monotonically decreasing with the ambient temperature.

[0060] When precipitation sets in, it can take longer at high ambient temperatures for, for example, a road to be completely covered by precipitation. Therefore, the first function is advantageously a function that increases monotonically with the ambient temperature. In other words, the first function does not decrease with increasing ambient temperature, but the first function can be at least piecewise constant.

[0061] When precipitation stops, it may take longer for a rain-covered road, for example, to dry completely at low ambient temperatures. Therefore, the second function is advantageously a function that decreases monotonically with the ambient temperature. In other words, the second function does not increase with increasing ambient temperature, but the second function can be at least piecewise constant.

[0062] According to a further embodiment, the electronic control device comprises a communication unit for digital message transmission, and the method comprises receiving a message by the communication unit. Furthermore, the method comprises changing the one or more first parameters of the first function based on the received message and / or changing the one or more second parameters of the second function based on the received message.

[0063] This means that the control of the light intensity can be easily configured via the communication unit.

[0064] According to a further embodiment, controlling the luminous intensity comprises changing a luminous flux generated by the outdoor luminaire and / or changing a light distribution curve of the outdoor luminaire.

[0065] The outdoor light can include one or more light sources. These light sources can be, for example, light-emitting diodes, gas discharge lamps, or incandescent lamps.

[0066] The luminous flux of an outdoor light can be changed by changing the electrical currents flowing through the bulbs. For example, the luminous flux can be reduced by reducing the electrical currents flowing through the bulbs. For example, if the electrical currents flowing through the bulbs are reduced evenly, the luminous intensity can be reduced evenly across all directions in the room.

[0067] If the outdoor luminaire comprises multiple light sources, individual light sources can have different light distribution curves, and the light distribution curve of the outdoor luminaire can result from a superposition of the light distribution curves of the light sources. For example, different light distribution curves of the light sources can be provided by means of separate lenses in front of the light sources. Thus, the light distribution curve of the outdoor luminaire can be changed by changing the electrical currents through the light sources. Alternatively, or in addition, the light distribution curve of the outdoor luminaire can be changed by electromechanically moving reflectors within the outdoor luminaire.

[0068] For example, the light distribution curve can have a maximum in the first spatial direction and be symmetrical to the first spatial direction. In this example, the luminous intensity for the first spatial direction can be increased by increasing the degree of bundling of the light distribution curve. Furthermore, the luminous intensity for the first direction can be reduced by broadening the light distribution curve of the outdoor luminaire or reducing the degree of bundling of the light distribution curve.

[0069] A second aspect of the invention relates to an electronic control device for controlling the luminous intensity of an outdoor light in a first spatial direction. The electronic control device comprises a communication unit for receiving a first signal from a precipitation detector. The electronic control device is designed to determine whether precipitation is beginning or ending based on the first signal received from the communication unit, and the electronic control device is designed to carry out the method according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0070] The method is carried out by an electronic control device. The electronic control device preferably has a processor and a memory for storing data and / or instructions. The processor can be a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a digital signal processing processor, or another application-specific processor. The memory preferably comprises a non-volatile memory. However, the processor and the memory are optional. In particular, the method according to the invention can also be implemented without a processor and a memory based on electronic and / or electromechanical components.

[0071] The first signal received by the communication unit may be an analog signal, or the first signal may be a digital signal, i.e., a signal generated from a modem based on digital information. The first signal indicates whether precipitation is beginning or ending, and the electronic control device is configured to determine whether precipitation is beginning or ending based on the first signal received from the communication unit.

[0072] In one embodiment, the electronic control device is configured to determine an ambient temperature based on a second signal received from the communication unit. Furthermore, the electronic control device is configured to determine the one or more first parameters of the first function and / or the one or more second parameters of the second function based on a digital message received from the communication unit.

[0073] A third aspect of the invention relates to an outdoor light comprising an electronic control device according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0074] A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a computer program, wherein the computer program comprises instructions that cause the electronic control device according to the second aspect of the invention to execute a method according to the first aspect of the invention. The electronic control device comprises a data processing device for executing the instructions of the computer program.

[0075] A fifth aspect of the invention relates to a computer-readable medium on which the computer program according to the fourth aspect of the invention is stored.

[0076] It should be noted that the methods for controlling the light intensity, the electronic control device, the computer program and the computer-readable storage medium have similar or identical preferred embodiments.

[0077] Embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the figures. Like reference numerals designate like or similar elements. Like or similar elements may, however, also be designated by different reference numerals. Short description of the characters

[0078] Figure 1 illustrates a luminaire according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 illustrates a method for controlling a luminous intensity of an outdoor light in a first spatial direction according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 3 illustrates first and second functions for determining respective delays depending on the ambient temperature according to an embodiment of the invention. Detailed description of implementation examples

[0079] Figure 11 illustrates an outdoor luminaire 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The outdoor luminaire comprises a housing 110 and a lamp body 120, wherein the lamp body comprises one or more lamps. The lamps can be, for example, light-emitting diodes, gas discharge lamps, or incandescent lamps.

[0080] The outdoor light 100 further comprises an electronic control device 130. The electronic control device 130 comprises a communication unit 133. The communication unit 133 is configured to receive a first signal from a precipitation detector 140, wherein the first signal indicates whether precipitation is beginning or ending. The first signal can be an analog signal or a digital signal. In particular, the communication unit 133 can be configured to send and / or receive, for example, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and / or Ethernet messages. The precipitation detector 140 can be, for example, a precipitation radar system or an optical rain sensor. The electronic control device 130 is configured to determine, based on the first signal received from the communication unit 133, whether precipitation is beginning or ending.

[0081] In a preferred embodiment, the electronic control device 130 further comprises a processor 131 and a memory 132.

[0082] The electronic control device 130 can be designed to control the luminous intensity of the outdoor light 100 in a first spatial direction 160 when it is determined at a first time that precipitation is occurring, so that the luminous intensity is reduced from a first luminous intensity value at the first time with a first delay to a second luminous intensity value at a second time.

[0083] Furthermore, the electronic control device 130 can be designed to control the luminous intensity of the outdoor light 100 in the first spatial direction 160 when it is determined at a third time that precipitation has ended, so that the luminous intensity is increased from a third luminous intensity value at the third time with a second delay to a fourth luminous intensity value at a fourth time.

[0084] The first spatial direction 160 is a spatial direction relative to the outdoor light 100. For example, when a street light is mounted as intended, the first spatial direction can be a typical direction from the outdoor light to the street.

[0085] The first delay is the difference between the second time and the first time. Furthermore, the second delay is the difference between the fourth time and the third time. In particular, for a street light, the second luminous intensity value may be suitable for roads completely covered by precipitation, and the fourth luminous intensity value may be suitable for roads completely free of precipitation.

[0086] Furthermore, the first luminous intensity value may be equal to the fourth luminous intensity value and the third luminous intensity value may be equal to the second luminous intensity value.

[0087] Preferably, the luminous intensity between the first and second times is greater than the second luminous intensity value. This can prevent, for example, a street lamp from illuminating the road with insufficient luminous intensity as long as the road is not yet completely covered by precipitation. Furthermore, the luminous intensity between the third and fourth times is preferably less than the fourth luminous intensity value. This can prevent, for example, the road from being illuminated with excessive luminous intensity as long as the road is not yet completely clear of precipitation.

[0088] If it is determined at the first time that precipitation is beginning, the luminous intensity may be continuously changed from the first luminous intensity value at the first time to the second luminous intensity value at the second time. Furthermore, if it is determined at the third time that precipitation is ending, the luminous intensity may be continuously changed from the third luminous intensity value at the third time to the fourth luminous intensity value at the fourth time.

[0089] Alternatively, if it is determined at the first time that precipitation starts, the light intensity may be switched from the first light intensity value to the second light intensity value at the second time, and if it is determined at the third time that precipitation ends, the light intensity may be switched from the third light intensity value to the fourth light intensity value at the fourth time.

[0090] Furthermore, the communication unit 133 can be configured to receive a second signal from a temperature sensor 150, wherein the second signal indicates a measured value of the ambient temperature. The electronic control device 130 can be configured to determine the ambient temperature based on the second signal. Furthermore, the electronic control device 130 is configured to determine a value of the first delay depending on the ambient temperature when precipitation begins, or to determine a value of the second delay depending on the ambient temperature when precipitation ends.

[0091] When precipitation begins, the electronic control device can determine the value of the first delay depending on the ambient temperature. Alternatively, the electronic control device can be designed to adaptively control the light intensity between the first and second times depending on measured values ​​of ambient parameters. In particular, the light intensity can be adaptively controlled depending on measured values ​​of the ambient temperature and the precipitation intensity.

[0092] When the precipitation stops, the electronic control device can determine the value of the second delay depending on the ambient temperature. Alternatively, the electronic control device can be configured to adaptively control the light intensity between the third and fourth time periods depending on measured values ​​of environmental parameters. In particular, the light intensity can be adaptively controlled depending on measured values ​​of the ambient temperature, wind speed, and / or air humidity.

[0093] Figure 2 illustrates a method 200 for controlling the luminous intensity of an exterior light in a first spatial direction according to an embodiment of the invention. The method can be executed by the electronic control device 130 described above.

[0094] In step 210, it is determined at a first time that precipitation is occurring.

[0095] In step 220, in response to the onset of precipitation, the light intensity is controlled in the first spatial direction such that the light intensity is reduced from a first light intensity value at the first time with a first delay to a second light intensity value at a second time.

[0096] In step 230, it is determined that precipitation ends at a third time. The third time is later than the second time.

[0097] In step 240, in response to the cessation of precipitation, the light intensity is controlled in the first direction such that the light intensity is increased from a third light intensity value at the third time with a second delay to a fourth light intensity value at a fourth time. The third light intensity value may be equal to the second light intensity value, and the fourth light intensity value may be equal to the first light intensity value.

[0098] Furthermore, values ​​of the first and / or second delay can be determined as a function of measured values ​​of the ambient temperature. In particular, the value of the first delay can be determined based on a first function of the ambient temperature, wherein the first function comprises one or more first parameters, and the value of the second delay can be determined based on a second function of the ambient temperature, wherein the second function comprises one or more second parameters. The parameterizability of the first and / or second function can make it possible to adapt the determination of the first and / or second delay to environmental parameters. For example, in the case of a street light, the parameterizability of the first and / or second function can make it possible to adapt the first and / or second delay to properties of the road surface, such as material, roughness, and / or angle of inclination.The first and / or second functions may, for example, be piecewise linear, quadratic, trigonometric, logarithmic or exponential functions.

[0099] Figure 3 illustrates first and second functions for determining respective delays depending on the ambient temperature according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0100] The abscissa of the Fig. 3 The axis of the diagram shown is the ambient temperature T, and the ordinate is the delay D.

[0101] The curve 310 illustrates the first function for determining the first delay as a function of the ambient temperature T when it is determined that precipitation is about to begin. Below a first value T 1 of the ambient temperature, the curve 310 is constantly equal to a first value D 1 of the delay. The first value T 1 of the ambient temperature is, for example, 0°C, and the first value D 1 of the delay is, for example, 5 minutes. Between the first value T 1 and a second value T 2 of the ambient temperature, the curve 310 increases in a linear manner from the first value D 1 to a third value D 3. The second value T 2 of the ambient temperature can be, for example, 30°C, and the third value D 3 of the delay can be, for example, 10 minutes. Thus, the Fig. 3 illustrated first function piecewise linear and monotonically increasing.

[0102] Curve 320 illustrates the second function for determining the second delay as a function of the ambient temperature T when it is determined that precipitation is ending. Below the first value T 1 of the ambient temperature, curve 320 is constantly equal to a second value D 2 of the delay. The second value D 2 of the delay is, for example, 60 minutes. Between the first value T 1 and the second value T 2 of the ambient temperature, curve 320 decreases linearly from the second value D 2 to the third value D 3. Thus, the Figure 3 illustrated second function piecewise linear and monotonically decreasing.

[0103] The Figure 3 The functions for determining the first and second delays illustrated in the example can be used for a street lamp. In the example of the Figure 3it is assumed that the second luminous intensity value is suitable for roads completely covered by precipitation, the fourth luminous intensity value is suitable for roads completely free of precipitation, the first luminous intensity value is equal to the fourth luminous intensity value, and the third luminous intensity value is equal to the second luminous intensity value.

[0104] A definition of the first function 310 and the second function 320 as in Fig. 3illustrated can be particularly advantageous because the first and second functions only comprise five parameters in total. These parameters are the first value T 1 of the ambient temperature, the second value T 2 of the ambient temperature, the first value D 1 of the delay, the second value D 2 of the delay, and the third value D 3 of the delay. The fewer parameters the first and second functions comprise, the easier the first and second functions can be configured. Furthermore, the fewer parameters the first and second functions comprise, the fewer training data sets are required for machine learning of the parameters of the first and second functions.

[0105] Additionally, it should be noted that "comprising" and "having" do not exclude other elements, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that features described with reference to one of the above embodiments can also be used in combination with other features of other embodiments described above. The invention is defined by the independent claims. The dependent claims recite further embodiments of the invention. Reference symbol:

[0106] 100Outdoor light 110Housing 120Lamp body 130Electronic control device 131Processor 132Memory 133Communication unit 140Precipitation detector 150Temperature sensor 160First spatial direction 200Method for controlling the light intensity in the first spatial direction 210Determining that precipitation is starting 220Reducing the light intensity with a first delay 230Determining that precipitation is ending 240Increasing the light intensity with a second delay 310First function for determining the first delay 320Second function for determining the second delay

Claims

1. A method (200) for controlling a light intensity of an outdoor light (100) in a first spatial direction (160), the method being performed by an electronic control device (130), the method comprising: at a first time, determining (210) that precipitation starts and, in response to the precipitation starting, controlling (220) the light intensity such that the light intensity is reduced from a first light intensity value at the first time to a second light intensity value at a second time with a first delay; and characterized in that the method further comprises: determining a first ambient temperature; and determining a value of the first delay as a function of the first ambient temperature.

2. The method (200) of claim 1, wherein the light intensity is controlled such that the light intensity is greater than the second light intensity value between the first and second times.

3. The method (200) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the light intensity is continuously changed from the first light intensity value at the first time to the second light intensity value at the second time, or the light intensity is switched from the first light intensity value to the second light intensity value at the second time.

4. The method (200) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the value of the first delay is determined based on a first function (310) of the first ambient temperature, and the first function comprises one or more first parameters.

5. The method (200) of claim 4, wherein the first function (310) is piecewise linear; and / or the first function (310) is a function monotonically increasing with the first ambient temperature; and / or the electronic control device (130) comprises a communication unit (133) for digital messaging, and the method further comprises: receiving a message by the communication unit (133); and changing the one or more first parameters of the first function (310) based on the received message.

6. A method (200) for controlling a light intensity of an outdoor light (100) in a first spatial direction (160), the method being performed by an electronic control device (130), the method comprising: at a third time, determining (230) that precipitation ends and, in response to the precipitation ending, controlling (240) the light intensity such that the light intensity is increased from a third light intensity value at the third time to a fourth light intensity value at a fourth time with a second delay; and characterized in that the method further comprises: determining a second ambient temperature; and determining a value of the second delay as a function of the second ambient temperature.

7. The method (200) of claim 6, wherein the light intensity is controlled such that the light intensity is less than the fourth light intensity value between the third and fourth times.

8. The method (200) of claim 6 or 7, wherein the light intensity is continuously changed from the third light intensity value at the third time to the fourth light intensity value at the fourth time, or the light intensity is switched from the third light intensity value to the fourth light intensity value at the fourth time.

9. The method (200) of any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the value of the second delay is determined based on a second function (320) of the second ambient temperature, and the second function comprises one or more second parameters.

10. The method (200) of claim 9, wherein the second function (320) is piecewise linear; and / or the second function (320) is a function monotonically decreasing with the second ambient temperature; and / or the electronic control device (130) comprises a communication unit (133) for digital messaging, and the method further comprises: receiving a message by the communication unit (133); and changing the one or more second parameters of the second function (320) based on the received message.

11. An electronic control device (130) for controlling a light intensity of an outdoor light (100) in a first spatial direction (160), wherein the electronic control device (130) comprises a communication unit (133) for receiving a first signal from a precipitation detector; wherein the electronic control device is configured to determine whether precipitation starts or ends based on the first signal received from the communication unit; and wherein the electronic control device (130) is configured to carry out a method (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and / or a method (200) according to any one of claims 6 to 10.

12. The electronic control device (130) of claim 11, wherein the electronic control device (130) is configured to carry out the method of claim 4, determine the first ambient temperature based on a second signal received from the communication unit (133), and determine the one or more first parameters of the first function (310) based on a first digital message received from the communication unit (133); and / or wherein the electronic control device (130) is configured to carry out the method of claim 9, determine the second ambient temperature based on a third signal received from the communication unit (133), and determine the one or more second parameters of the second function (320) based on a second digital message received from the communication unit (133).

13. An outdoor light (100) comprising an electronic control device (130) according to claim 11 or 12.

14. A computer program comprising instructions that cause the electronic control device (130) of claim 11 to carry out the method steps of claim 1 and / or the method steps of claim 6, wherein the electronic control device comprises a data processing device.

15. A computer readable medium having stored thereon the computer program of claim 14.

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