Height-adjustable lighting system

Abstract

The present invention refers to a height-adjustable lighting system comprising a lighting device, the lighting device comprising at least one light source; at least one first distance measuring means; and a control device configured to communicate with the first distance measuring means; and a height adjusting means having a first end configured to attach to a fixing point and a second end configured to attach to the lighting device; and a surface beneath the lighting device; wherein, when the lighting system is in use, the con‐ trol device is configured to determine a vertical distance between the at least one first dis‐ tance measuring means, and the surface based on readings from at least one of the first and is able to send a signal instructing the height adjusting means to adjust the vertical distance between the lighting device and the surface to a desired vertical distance. The invention further refers to a method for adjusting lighting of a surface, using such a height adjustable lighting system.

Description

[0001] Height-adjustable lighting system

[0002] The present invention refers to a height-adjustable lighting system and a method for adjusting lighting of a surface using a height adjustable lighting system.

[0003] Background

[0004] Lighting ergonomics is a common problem in workplaces and home offices. Poor lighting can cause several problems and affect the quality of work. Specifically in situations where precision is required and also in overall productivity. Poor lighting can also be a health problem, since too much or too little light strain eyes and may cause eye discomfort and headaches.

[0005] The amount of light needed varies and depends for example on the type of task to be done, the type of surface used, the individual's vision and the general lighting of the work area.

[0006] The amount of light falling on a surface is measured in units called lux. Depending on the factors noted above, adequate general lighting is usually between 500 and 1000 lux when measured 76 cm (30 inches) above the floor when no specific tasks is performed that need extra lighting. Performance of visual task with high precision can require up to 10000 lux.

[0007] To reach proper light levels and uniform light distribution in the visual environment, many light fixtures are designed to reflect light off walls, ceilings, and objects. In addition, light fixtures that are too widely spaced or wrongly positioned can create shadows. Objects between the light fixture and work being done can block the light and cast shadows. Likewise, workers sitting with their backs to windows, with light fixtures directly overhead or to the rear, cast shadows on their own work surfaces.

[0008] There is hence a need for positioning the light source correctly above the work surface.

[0009] Many work surfaces today are adjustable in height and many work surfaces are used by more than one person. When the height of the table changes, problems arise that the light no longer matches the distance to the work surface, which can give rise to the problems mentioned above. Persons of different length also requires different distance between the table and the light source to achieve proper lighting of the work area.

[0010] The present inventors have solved these problems by providing a lighting device that is adjustable in height in relation to the work area / surface to be able to give the correct lighting ergonomics and amount of light on the surface (or other work aera) no matter what height the surface has and regardless of which person is currently using the surface / work- space.

[0011] Summary of the invention

[0012] The present invention provides a height-adjustable lighting system comprising a lighting device, at least one first distance measuring means, and a control device configured to communicate with the first distance measuring means. The lighting device comprises at least one light source. The system further comprises at least one second distance measuring means configured to attach to a surface beneath the lighting device and a height adjusting means having a first end configured to attach to a fixing point and a second end configured to attach to the lighting device. When the lighting system is in use, the control device is configured to determine a vertical distance between the at least one first distance measuring means and the at least one second distance measuring means based on readings from at least one of the first distance measuring means and the at least one second distance measuring means. The control system can then send a signal instructing the height adjusting means to adjust the vertical distance between the lighting device and the surface to a desired vertical distance.

[0013] In a further embodiment, the system further comprises a data storage device, configured to communicate with the control device, store data received from the control device, and send data to the control device.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the data storage device can comprise values for desired vertical distances. The desired vertical distances can further be associated with specific individuals or a specific height of an individual. In another embodiment, the second end of the height adjusting means is attached to the lightning device in at least two attachment points.

[0015] In a further embodiment, each attachment point is provided with an adjustable transverse means extending upwards towards the part of the height adjusting means that is attached to the fixing point.

[0016] The present invention further provides a method for adjusting lighting of a surface, using a height adjustable lighting system according to any one of the embodiments described herein, comprising: receiving a desired vertical distance for an individual using the surface; measuring, using at least one first distance measuring means, a vertical distance between the lighting device and the surface; determining, by the control device, whether the measured vertical distance is equal to the desired vertical distance for the individual; in response to determining that the measured vertical distance is equal to the desired vertical distance, taking no action; in response to determining that the measured vertical distance differs from the desired vertical distance for the individual, sending a signal by the control device to the height adjusting means to cause the height adjusting means to adjust the distance between the lighting device and the surface.

[0017] The method according to the present invention can further be adjusted so that the measuring step also uses a second distance measuring means, which is attached to the surface (5), and the vertical distance between the lighting device and the surface is determined by measuring the distance between the first distance measuring means and the second distance measuring means.

[0018] Brief description of drawings

[0019] Fig.lA shows an overview of a first embodiment of the height-adjustable lighting system. Fig. IB shows an overview of a second embodiment of the height adjustable lighting system. Fig. 2 shows a top view of one embodiment of the inside of a lightning device according to the present invention.

[0020] Fig. 3A shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a lighting device and a height adjusting means.

[0021] Fig. 3B shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a lighting device and a height adjusting means.

[0022] Fig. 3C shows a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a lighting device and a height adjusting means.

[0023] Fig. 4 shows is a view showing the possible movements of the height adjusting means in relation to the lighting device.

[0024] Fig. 5A shows the first embodiment of the lighting device in non-angled relation to the height adjusting means.

[0025] Fig. 5B shows the first embodiment of the lighting device in an angle a in relation to a horizontal axis.

[0026] Fig. 5C shows the first embodiment of the lighting device in a second angle |3 in relation to a horizontal axis.

[0027] Detailed description of embodiments

[0028] One aspect of the invention refers to a height-adjustable lighting system comprising a lighting device and a height adjustable means placed above a surface, which height adjustable means is able to adjust the vertical distance between the lighting device and the surface.

[0029] Fig.lA show an overview of one embodiment of a height-adjustable lighting system 1, which system comprises lighting device 2 and a first distance measuring means 3. The lighting device further comprises at least one lighting source (not shown) and a control device 8 (not shown here) configured to communicate with the first distance measuring means. The system 1 further comprises a surface 5 beneath the lighting device 2 and a height adjusting means 6. The height adjusting means 6 have a first end configured to attach to a fixing point and a second end configured to attach to the lighting device 2. The fixing point can for example be an attachment point in the ceiling, an attachment point on an arm extending from a wall or up from the floor, a rack or scaffolding placed above the surface 5, or any other appropriate fixing point capable of holding the height adjusting means 6 above the surface 5. There are many ways to do this, which are well known to a person having ordinary skill in the art.

[0030] When the lighting system 1 is in use, the control device 8 is configured to determine a vertical distance between the first distance measuring means 3 and surface 5 based on readings from the first distance measuring means 3 and is able to send a signal instructing the height adjusting means 6 to adjust the vertical distance between the lighting device 2 and the surface to a desired vertical distance.

[0031] It is possible to provide the lighting device 2 with more than one first distance measuring means 3. A benefit of having more than one distance measuring means 3 can be to achieve better precision in the measuring of the vertical distance between the lighting device and the surface.

[0032] Fig. IB shows a system according to above, which system has further been provided with a second distance measuring means 4 configured to attach to the surface 5 beneath the lighting device 2 and a height adjusting means 6.

[0033] When the lighting system 1, according to this second embodiment, is in use the control device 8 is configured to determine a vertical distance between the first distance measuring means 3 and the second distance measuring means 4 based on readings from at least one of the first distance measuring means 3 and second distance measuring means 4 and is able to send a signal instructing the height adjusting means 6 to adjust the vertical distance between the lighting device 2 and the surface to a desired vertical distance.

[0034] In all of the embodiments, it is further possible to provide the surface with more than one second distance measuring means 4, each second distance measuring means 4 having a first distance measuring means 3 placed on or in the lighting device 2. A first distance measuring means 3 is placed above a second distance measuring means 4, together forming a pair of cooperating distance measuring means. Each pair can then measure a vertical distance and the control device can compare the readings and adjust the vertical distance between the surface 5 and the lighting device 2. This could be especially beneficial if the lighting box is to be placed in an angled position as described more in detail with reference to Figs.5A-C below.

[0035] The system according to any of the embodiments can further be provided with a data storage device (not shown in figures), configured to communicate with the control device 8, store data received from the control device, and send data to the control device. The data storage device can for example comprise data of a desired vertical distance between the lighting device 2 and the surface 5 or second distance measuring means 4.

[0036] The desired vertical distance can be any distance that the individual using the surface desires. It is a value that will give a desired lighting of the surface for the individual user. The desired vertical distance is different for different individuals and a specific individual can also have different desired vertical distances related to different tasks. It can be a value that is pre-stored in a data storage device for example connected to a specific individual or to a height, or height range. On example of a set of ranges that can be used as height range is for example an individual having a height of 150-160 cm, 160-170cm, 170-180 cm, 180-190 cm, or 190-200 cm. Another example of a set of ranges that can be used as a height range is 150-155 cm, 155-160 cm, 160-165 cm, 165-170 cm, 170-175 cm, 175-180 cm, 180-185 cm, 185-190 cm, 190-195 cm, and 195-200 cm. Other ranges and values below 150 cm and above 200 cm are of course also possible to use.

[0037] The desired vertical distance can be associated with one or more specific individuals or a specific height of one or more individuals. The person intending to use the surface in a system according to the invention can use its height as an input value to the control device, either via a computer able to communicate with the control device and the data storage device, through buttons on the table where a specific value can be entered or a number corresponding to a height or through any other means able to communicate with the control device. This could also be done by entering a personal code connected to a specific individual, such as a user id, or to a height or height interval. It is also possible to add a fingerprint reader or other type of means capable of identifying a specific person, such as RFID, NFC, a biometric reader, or any other type of means capable of recognising the individual using the system and sending a signal to the control device to check the desired vertical distance connected to the specific individual and to adjust the height that is connected to the individual's user id. This can be an anonymous user id. The control device can be connected to a database which is able to store the individuals desired value and / or previous used values and, if requested, connect them to a user id. It would for example also be possible to store the last used vertical distance for a specific individual and to use that as the desired vertical distance the next time the same individual uses the system. The individual using the system can also be provided with a possibility to store specific desired vertical distances in the system using any appropriate means for storing values in a database.

[0038] The lighting source can be any type of lighting source. In one embodiment the lighting source can for example be a lighting source that is dimmable and / or that is able to change color or color temperature.

[0039] The surface can be any surface that is essentially flat, and is preferably a substantially horizontal surface, such as a desktop, a table or other type of work surface.

[0040] The first distance measuring means 3 is attached to or in the lighting device 2 and the second distance measuring means is attached to or in the surface beneath the lighting device 2. The distance measuring means can be any type of distance measuring equipment / means capable of measuring a distance between the two solid objects (i.e., the lighting device 2 and the surface 5 in this application). The distance measuring means can for example be any type of sensors with the ability measure distance, radar, position transducers or any other type of means that can achieve distance measurement between two points.

[0041] The second distance measuring means 4 is configured to attach to or be embedded in the surface 5 beneath the lighting device 2 so that the first distance measuring means can send a signal towards the second distance measuring means. The control device 8 is then configured to measure a vertical distance between the first distance measuring means 3 and the second distance measuring means 4 based on readings from at least one of the first distance measuring means 3 and second distance measuring means 4. There are several possible ways and distance measuring means that can be used, which are well known to a person having ordinary skill in the art.

[0042] One first end of the height adjusting means is configured to attach to a fixing point above the surface 5 and the other second end is configured to attach to the lighting device 2 in attachment points arranged on the top or sides of the lighting device 2. The height adjusting means may include transverse means extending from the part of the height adjusting means that is attached to the fixing point to the attachment points. The transverse means can for example be cables, wires, strings, cords, or any other type of suitable means that can be used to change the distance between the height adjusting means and the surface below. The length of the transverse means can be adjusted, as is further described with reference to Fig. 4 below.

[0043] Fig. 2 shows a top view of one embodiment of the inside of a lighting device 2 comprising at least one light source 7, a control device 8 and a first distance measuring means 3. In this embodiment, the sensor is placed inside the lighting device, in contrast to the embodiment shown in Figs.lA-B where the first sensor is placed on the outside of the lighting device 2. In the embodiment shown in Fig.2, it is possible to use one or more light sources extending along the length of the lighting device.

[0044] The lighting device 2 can be provided with one or more light sources 7. The light source can be any light source suitable for a desktop environment. In embodiments where two light sources 7 are used, the light sources 7 can preferably be placed on two opposite sides of the lighting device 2, i.e., one on each short side, one on each long side or one on a long side and one on a short side.

[0045] In other embodiments, light sources 7 can for example be placed in one or more corners of the lighting device 2. If the lighting device has a circular, elliptical or other shape that is not rectangular, the light sources7 can preferably be distributed along the circumference with an even distance between the light sources. 7 One benefit of using more than one light source 7 is the ability to use light sources 7 having different frequency, intensity and / or character. It is then possible to adapt the light for a specific purpose or work moment.

[0046] The lighting device 2 can have different shapes and sizes, of which some examples are shown in Figs. 3A-C. These examples are however not intended to be limiting in any way, the person skilled in the art understands that the shape or size can be varied in many ways without departing from the invention as defined in the claims.

[0047] Fig. 3A shows a lighting device 2 having a rectangular shape, provided with four attachment points 9, where each attachment point 9 has a transverse means connected 10, which transverse means 10 extends upwards towards the height adjusting means 6. The attachment points are in this embodiment placed in each corner on the side of the lighting device 2 facing the ceiling.

[0048] Fig. 3B shows an alternative embodiment of a lighting device 2 having a circular shape. The lighting device 2 is provided with three attachment points 9 and each attachment point 9 have a transverse means 10 connected and extending upwards towards the height adjusting means 6. The attachment points 9 are preferably spread evenly along the circumference of the circular shape and placed on the side of the lighting device 2 facing the ceiling. The person skilled in the art understands that circular shapes of different types and / or diameters may require more or less attachment points to be able to control the height and angle of the lighting device 2.

[0049] It should be noted that when a lighting device having a circular shape is used, it would be possible to use only one transverse means, which will then be attached to the center of the lighting device 2.

[0050] Fig. 3C shows another alternative embodiment of a rectangular shaped lighting device 2. This embodiment has been provided with two attachment points 9, which each attachment points 9 being provided with a transverse means 10 extending upwards towards the height adjusting means 6. The attachment points are in this embodiment placed on the side of the lighting device 2 facing the ceiling, but it would also be possible to place them on the short sides of the rectangular shaped lighting device.

[0051] Fig. 4 shows one embodiment of a height adjusting means 6 attached to the lighting device 2 via transverse means 10 connected to the lighting device 2. The arrows in Fig.4 are meant to show the possible movements of the different parts of the height adjusting means 6. The height adjusting means 6 according to this embodiment has a circular crosssection and are provided with four protruding arms 11. Each arm 11 is provided with a line wheel 12 for controlling the transverse means 10 which runs from the attachment points 9 on the lighting device 2 upwards towards the height adjusting means 6 and onto the line wheel 12 on each protruding arm 11. The transverse means 10 is then attached inside the height adjusting means 6 on a device able to roll up or out the transverse means, thereby adjusting the height of the lighting device 2 in relation to the surface below (not shown in this figure) in the direction shown by the arrows Z.

[0052] According to a preferred embodiment, at least two attachment points and at least two transverse means are used. According to another embodiment, three attachment points and three transverse means are used and according to another preferred embodiment four attachment points and four transverse means are used. However, the person skilled in the art understands that there can also be five or more attachment points and transverse means, depending on the shape and size of the lighting device 2.

[0053] Each protruding arm 11 is further rotatable around the centre axis of the height adjustable means, in the direction of arrows A and B in Fig. 4, which makes it possible to turn the lighting device in different directions if needed to align it with a surface provided beneath the height adjustable means 6.

[0054] The number of protruding arms 11 and also the number of transverse means 10 can be adapted to the number of attachment points needed for the shape and size of the lighting device 2.

[0055] The attachment of the transverse means in the height adjusting means also makes it possible to angle the lighting device 2. This is shown in Figs. 5A-C where the first embodiment of the lighting device 2 can be seen in different angled conditions. For these embodiments it could also be useful (but not necessary) to have more than one first distance measuring means 3 on the lighting device 2 and if more than one first distance measuring means 3 is used it could also be helpful to have more than one second distance measuring means 4 attached to the surface beneath Each first distance measuring means 3 on the lighting device is placed above a second distance measuring means 4 on the surface, together forming a pair of cooperating distance measuring means. Each pair can then measure a vertical distance and the control device can compare the readings and adjust the vertical distance between the surface 5 and the lighting device 2. This could be especially beneficial if the lighting box is to be placed in an angled position since it would be possible to determine the distance between the lighting device and the surface in relation to each attachment point 9 and / or transverse means 10. This makes it possible to more precisely raise and lower the various transverse means to achieve the angle of the lighting device in relation to the table desired by the individual using the system, or a preset angle chosen by the individual. It is also possible to program different pre-stored values to the system so that the individual using the system can choose between for example one, two or three pre-stored angles.

[0056] Fig. 5A shows the lighting device 2 in a non-angled, horizontal, state. This is the standard use of the device over a horizontal surface.

[0057] However, sometimes it could be more beneficial to angle the device in relation to the horizontal surface, or if the surface is angled it would be beneficial to be able to angle the lighting device 2 in the same, or other preferred, angle as the surface below.

[0058] Fig. 5B shows the first embodiment of the lighting device in a first angle a in relation to a horizontal axis. The length of two of the transverse means 10 have been shortened in relation to the other two transverse means 10. This will create an angled lighting device 2.

[0059] Fig. 5C shows the first embodiment of the lighting device 2 in a second angle |3 in relation to a horizontal axis, this has been achieved by further shorten the two shorter transverse means in Fig.5B. The lighting device 2 can be angled in any desired direction by changing the length of one or more of the transverse means 10.

[0060] The angle is achieved by adjusting the length of two of the transverse means 10 in this embodiment. When the transverse means of the two transverse means is adjusted upwards, so that the transverse means is shortened, the lighting device 2 will be tilted upwards in that end. When the same transverse means are instead extended, the lighting device will be tilted downwards in that end.

[0061] If another shape of the lighting device 2 is used, it would be possible to change the angle by adjusting the length of the transverse means of only one of the transverse means, or to change the length of three or more of the transverse means, depending on the number of transverse means used.

[0062] It would also be possible to create angled lighting by instead adjusting the fastening of the light sources 7 inside the lighting device 2 or to use a lighting device 2 able to change the light scattering angle.

[0063] The lighting device according to the present invention is possible to adjust in height relative the surface beneath. It can also be adjusted to a specific individuals desired height and lighting needs.

[0064] The system described above can be used to adjust the lighting of a surface in a method, which method comprises comprises a number of steps: receiving a desired vertical distance for an individual using the surface 5; measuring, using at least one first distance measuring means attached to the lighting device 2, a vertical distance between the lighting device 2 and the surface 5; determining, by the control device, whether the measured vertical distance is equal to the desired vertical distance for the individual; in response to determining that the measured vertical distance is equal to the desired vertical distance, taking no action; in response to determining that the measured vertical distance differs from the desired vertical distance for the individual, sending a signal by the control device to the height adjusting means to cause the height adjusting means to adjust the distance between the lighting device and the surface 5.

[0065] The desired vertical distance for an individual using the surface can either be a value that is pre-stored in the data storage device, added by an individual or it can be a measured value.

[0066] The measuring step can further be adjusted to also use a second distance measuring means 4, which is attached to the surface 5, and the vertical distance between the lighting device 2 and the surface 5 is determined by measuring the distance between the first distance measuring means 3 and the second distance measuring means 4.

[0067] It is further possible to use more than one first distance measuring means 3 and more than one second distance measuring means 4 and measuring the distance between them. Each first distance measuring means 3 will then form pairs with a second distance measuring means 4, so that the vertical distance can be measured between each pair of distance measuring means. This will make it possible to align the lighting device with more precision and also to angle it with more precision.

[0068] Measuring a vertical distance between the lighting device and the surface, can be performed either by using only the first distance measuring means, which is placed on the lighting device, or by using both the first and the second distance measuring means. Use of both the first and second distance measuring means will give a more accurate result. If only the first distance measuring means is used to measure the distance to the surface, the measurement could be affected by any object placed on the surface. The measured distance could then be from the object on the surface and up to the lighting device rather than the distance between the surface and the lighting device.

[0069] The control device receives the desired vertical distance from the individual that is using the surface, checks the vertical distance between the lighting device and the surface and can the determine whether the measured vertical distance is equal to the desired vertical distance for the individual by comparing the measured value with the value from the data storage device. If the measured value corresponds to the desired vertical distance the response will be that no action will be taken, but if the measured vertical distance differs from the desired vertical distance for the individual, a signal will be sent as response by the control device to the height adjusting means to cause the height adjusting means to adjust the distance between the lighting device and the surface. The distance will be adjusted by changing the length of the transverse means.

[0070] If the surface used is a surface that can change height, such as a motorized desk, a third distance measuring means can be used that measures the distance between the surface and the floor to send a signal to the control device when the height of the motorized surface is changed so that the lighting device can be adjusted to keep the desired vertical distance between the surface and the lighting device.

[0071] It is further possible to connect more than one system to each database, which makes it possible for a specific person to log on to different systems, using a personal log in code, user-id, fingerprint reader or any other means for recognizing an individual using the system. When the specific individual logs in to the system, the system could be programmed so that is automatically adjusts the vertical distance between the surface and the lighting device to the last used value, a desired value, a new value, a value connected to the user- id, or a default value.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A height-adjustable lighting system (1) comprising: a lighting device (2), the lighting device comprising at least one light source (7), at least one first distance measuring means (3), and a control device (8) configured to communicate with the first distance measuring means (3); a height adjusting means (6) having a first end configured to attach to a fixing point and a second end configured to attach to the lighting device (2); and a surface (5) beneath the lighting device (2); wherein: when the height-adjustable lighting system (1) is in use, the control device (8) is configured to determine a vertical distance between the at least one first distance measuring means (3) and the surface (5) based on readings from the at least one first distance measuring means (3), and is able to send a signal instructing the height adjusting means (6) to adjust the vertical distance between the lighting device (2) and the surface (5) to a desired vertical distance.

2. System according to claim 1, further comprising at least one second distance measuring means (4) configured to attach to the surface (5) beneath the lighting device (2).

3. System according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a data storage device, configured to communicate with the control device (8), store data received from the control device, and send data to the control device.

4. System according to claim 3, wherein the data storage device comprises values for desired vertical distances.

5. System according to claim 4, wherein the desired vertical distances are associated with specific individuals or a specific height of an individual.

6. System according to any of claims 1-5, wherein the second end of the height adjusting means (6) is attached to the lighting device (2) in at least two attachment points (9).

7. System according to claim 6, wherein each attachment point (9) is provided with an adjustable transverse means (10) extending upwards towards the height adjusting means.

8. A method for adjusting lighting of a surface (5), using a height adjustable lighting system (1) comprising a lighting device (2) and a height adjusting means (6) according to any one of claims 1-7, comprising: receiving a desired vertical distance for an individual using the surface (5); measuring, using at least one first distance measuring means (3) attached to the lighting device (2), a vertical distance between the lighting device (2) and the surface (5); determining, by the control device (8), whether the measured vertical distance is equal to the desired vertical distance for the individual; in response to determining that the measured vertical distance is equal to the desired vertical distance, taking no action; in response to determining that the measured vertical distance differs from the desired vertical distance for the individual, sending a signal by the control device to the height adjusting means to cause the height adjusting means to adjust the distance between the lighting device and the surface (5).

9. Method according to claim 8, wherein the measuring step also uses a second distance measuring means (4), which is attached to the surface (5), and the vertical distance between the lighting device (2) and the surface (5) is determined by measuring the distance between the first distance measuring means (3) and the second distance measuring means (4).

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