Pet-centric lighting

Abstract

A system for providing pet-centric lighting includes a lighting device configured to provide a light, where, when the lighting device is in a pet-unfriendly mode and in response to a detection, by a sensor device in communication with the lighting device, of the household pet and a detection of an undesired activity of the pet, the light has one or more pet-unfriendly characteristics such that the light makes the pet irritated. When the lighting device is in a nighttime mode and in response to a time of day or a detection, by the sensor device, of a sleep activity by the pet, the light has one or more nighttime characteristics such that the light is less perceptible to the pet. The one or more nighttime characteristics include a wavelength in a wavelength range corresponding to a red light.

Description

[0001] Pet-centric lighting

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to lighting solutions, and more particularly to lighting related to comfort, training, and deterrence of household pets.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Pet owners often face the challenge of keeping their pets comfortable while the pet owners are away from home. For example, an agitated pet can damage furniture, drapery, and / or appliances in a house. An agitated pet such as an agitated dog may also bark excessively. Pet owners may also want to move around a house at night without disturbing their pets. In some cases, a pet owner may want to discourage a pet from engaging in some behavior such as barking or damaging objects such as furniture. In some cases, a pet owner may want to keep a pet away from an area of a house that cannot be easily blocked off. Thus, a lighting-based solution that can help pet owners manage their pets conveniently may be desirable.

[0006] SUMMARY

[0007] The present disclosure relates generally to lighting solutions, and more particularly to lighting related to comfort, training, and deterrence of household pets. In an example embodiment, a system for providing pet-centric lighting includes a lighting device configured to provide a light, where, when the lighting device is in a pet-unfriendly mode and in response to a detection, by a sensor device in communication with the lighting device, of the household pet and a detection of an undesired activity of the pet, the light has one or more pet-unfriendly characteristics such that the light makes the pet irritated. When the lighting device is in a nighttime mode and in response to a time of day or a detection, by the sensor device, of a sleep activity by the pet, the light has one or more nighttime characteristics such that the light is less perceptible to the pet. The one or more nighttime characteristics include a wavelength in a wavelength range corresponding to a red light.

[0008] In another example embodiment, a method of providing pet-centric lighting includes receiving, by a lighting device that provides a light, a user input selecting a pet- unfriendly mode. The method further includes adjusting, by the lighting device operating in the pet-unfriendly mode and in response to a detection, by a sensor device in communication with the lighting device, of a pet and a detection of an undesired activity of the pet, a light to have one or more pet-unfriendly characteristics such that the light makes the pet irritated. The method further includes adjusting, by the lighting device operating in a nighttime mode and in response to a time of day or a detection, by the sensor device, of a sleep activity by the pet, the light to have one or more nighttime characteristics such that, at nighttime, the light is less perceptible to the pet, wherein the one or more nighttime characteristics include a wavelength in a wavelength range corresponding to a red light.

[0009] These and other aspects, objects, features, and embodiments will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims.

[0010] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0011] Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a lighting system for providing pet-centric lighting according to an example embodiment;

[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the light fixture of the system of FIG. 1 according to an example embodiment;

[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a lighting system for providing pet-centric lighting according to another example embodiment; and

[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates a method of providing pet-centric lighting according to an example embodiment.

[0016] The drawings illustrate only example embodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The elements and features shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the example embodiments. Additionally, certain dimensions or placements may be exaggerated to help visually convey such principles. In the drawings, the same reference numerals used in different figures may designate like or corresponding but not necessarily identical elements.

[0017] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0018] In the following paragraphs, example embodiments will be described in further detail with reference to the figures. In the description, well known components, methods, and / or processing techniques are omitted or briefly described. Furthermore, reference to various feature(s) of the embodiments is not to suggest that all embodiments must include the referenced feature(s).

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a lighting system 100 for providing pet-centric lighting according to an example embodiment. In some example embodiments, the lighting system 100 includes a lighting device 102 that provides a light 104 to an area 106. For example, the area 106 may include furniture 112. The system 100 may also include a control device 108 that may be used to control the lighting device 102. For example, the control device 108 may be a wall-mounted lighting control device or a portable device (e.g., a mobile phone) that can communicate with the lighting device 102 wirelessly or via a wired connection. To illustrate, a person may use the lighting device 102 to turn on and off the light 104, to adjust the light (e.g., change intensity level and / or color temperature) and to select a particular lighting mode or scene.

[0020] In some example embodiments, the lighting device 102 may be a recessed light fixture that is installed recessed in a ceiling 124. Alternatively, the lighting device 102 may be another type of lighting device. The lighting device 102 may include a light module 114 and a driver 116. The light module 114 may provide the light 104, and the driver 116 may provide power to the light module 114. The light module 114 may include one or more light sources such as light emitting diode (LED) light sources. The driver 116 may receive AC power and provide DC power compatible with the light module 114. For example, the driver 116 may be a single channel or multi-channel driver that provides pulse width modulation (PWM) output(s) to the light module 114. The characteristics of the light 104 may be controlled by controlling the power provided to the light module 114. For example, characteristics of the light 104 including intensity level, correlated color temperature (CCT), whether the light 104 flickers, and the rate of flickering may be controlled by controlling the power provided to the light module 114.

[0021] In some example embodiments, the lighting device 102 may include a sensor device 118. The sensor device 118 may be a motion or heat sensing device such as a camera device, thermalpile(s), passive infrared sensor device, a millimeter-wave radar sensor device, a Wi-Fi based sensor device, and / or another type of sensor device. For example, the motion sensor device 118 may be able to detect a household pet 110 that may be in the area 106. The motion sensor device 118 may also distinguish between a person and the household pet 110. For example, Wi-Fi based sensor device may use channel state information (CSI) to distinguish between a person and the household pet 110. The household pet 110 may be, for example, a dog or a cat.

[0022] In some example embodiments, the lighting device 102 may include a microphone unit 120 that may be a single microphone or an array of microphones. The microphone unit 120 may detect sound that is generated in the area 106 or outside the area 106. For example, the microphone unit 120 may detect a barking sound of a dog, a meow sound of a cat, and / or a scratching sound resulting, for example, from the scratching of furniture 112 (e.g., a sofa) or drapery by a cat. The microphone unit 120 may also detect a sound generated outside of the area 106, such as a thunder sound, an automobile backfiring sound, a gunshot sound, fireworks sound, and other generally loud sounds that typically frighten the household pet 110. The microphone unit 120 or another component of the lighting device 102 may identify the particular sound detected by the microphone unit 120. For example, the microphone unit 120 or another component (e.g., a controller) of the lighting device 102 may compare a detected sound against sounds stored in the lighting device 102 to identify the detected sound. A pet owner may also provide an input to the control device 108 to record a particular sound produced by the household pet 110 (e.g., barking or scratching sound), and the recorded sound may be subsequently used by the lighting device 102 to determine whether a sound detected by the microphone unit 120 corresponds to the recorded sound.

[0023] In some example embodiments, the lighting system 100 may include an external motion sensor device 122. In general, the external motion sensor device 122 may be the same type of motion sensor as the motion sensor device 118. For example, the external motion sensor device 122 may detect household pet 110 in the area 106 and may also distinguish between a person and the household pet 110. The external motion sensor device 122 may provide detection information to the lighting device 102 that may control the light 104 based on the detection information.

[0024] In some example embodiments, the lighting device 102 may provide the light 104 such that the light 104 has one or more pet-friendly characteristics resulting in the light 104 being a soothing light to the household pet 110. That is, the light 104 may be soothing to the household pet 110 when the light 104 has the one or more pet-friendly characteristics. For example, the one or more pet-friendly characteristics of the light 104 may include the CCT of the light 104 being in the range of 3500K to 4000K during daytime. The one or more pet-friendly characteristics of the light 104 may also include the absence of flickering of the light 104. For example, the flickering of the light 104 at frequencies below 80Hz may be disturbing or irritating to the household pet 110, and a no-flicker light may be considered as soothing to the household pet 110.

[0025] In some example embodiments, the lighting device 102 may provide the light 104 such that the light 104 has one or more pet-unfriendly characteristics resulting in the light 104 being a disturbing / irritating light to the household pet 110. That is, the light 104 may be disturbing / irritating to the household pet 110 and may make the household pet 110 uncomfortable when the light 104 has the one or more pet-unfriendly characteristics. For example, the one or more pet-unfriendly characteristics of the light 104 may include the CCT of the light 104 being at least 6000K during daytime. The one or more pet-unfriendly characteristics of the light 104 may also include flickering of the light 104. For example, the light 104 having the one or more pet-unfriendly characteristics may flicker, for example, at a frequency of 80Hz or less. The lighting device 102 may provide the light 104 having the one or more pet-unfriendly characteristics when the lighting device 102 is in a pet-unfriendly mode.

[0026] In some example embodiments, the lighting device 102 may provide the light 104 such that the light 104 has one or more nighttime characteristics resulting in the light 104 being mostly invisible to the household pet 110. That is, the light 104 may be less perceptible or near invisible to the household pet 110 when the light 104 has the third light or more characteristics. For example, the one or more nighttime characteristics of the light 104 may include the light 104 being a red light, a green light, or a combination of red and green lights. That is, the light 104 may have wavelengths corresponding to a red light, a green light, and / or a combination thereof.

[0027] In some example embodiments, the lighting device 102 may provide the light 104 having the one or more pet-friendly characteristics in response to a user input. For example, a user may provide the user input selecting or otherwise indicating a pet-friendly mode or lighting scene to the control device 108 that provides the user input to the lighting device 102. In response to the user input, the lighting device 102 may operate in the petfriendly mode and may control the power provided to the light module 114 such that the light 104 has the one or more pet-friendly characteristics including, for example, a CCT in a range of 3500K to 4000K and no flickering of the light 104 or no flickering of the light 104 at a frequency of 80Hz or less. For example, a pet owner may set the lighting device 102 to operate in the pet-friendly mode when leaving the area 106 to reduce the anxiety the household pet 110 may feel in the absence of the pet owner. In general, user inputs provided to lighting device 102, for example, via the control device 108 may be used to control the mode of operation of the lighting device 102 as well as the characteristics of the light 104 when the characteristics of the light 104 depend on user inputs in addition to or independent of the mode of operation of the lighting device 102.

[0028] In some alternative embodiments, the motion sensor device 118 may detect the presence of the household pet 110 and the absence of a person in the area 106 and may provide a detection status indicator to the driver 116. In response to the detection status indicator indicating the presence of the household pet 110 and the absence of a person in the area 106, the driver 116 may control the light 104 provided by the light module 114 such that the light 104 has the one or more pet-friendly characteristics. In some alternative embodiments, the external motion sensor device 122, instead of or in addition to the motion sensor device 118, may provide a detection status indicator to the lighting device 102, and in response to the detection status indicator indicating the presence of the household pet 110 and the absence of a person in the area 106, the driver 116 may control the light 104 provided by the light module 114 such that the light 104 has the one or more pet-friendly characteristics.

[0029] In some example embodiments, the lighting device 102 may provide the light 104 having the one or more pet-unfriendly characteristics in response to a user input that is provided by a person, for example, to the control device 108. For example, a person may provide a user input selecting or otherwise indicating a pet-unfriendly mode or lighting scene, and the control device 108 may provide the user input to the lighting device 102. In response to the user input, the driver 104 may control the light 104 to have the one or more pet- unfriendly characteristics such as a CCT of at least 6000K and / or a flickering at a frequency of 80Hz or less. For example, the user may set the lighting device 102 to operate in the pet- unfriendly mode to deter the household pet 110 from coming to or staying in the area 106 (e.g., a living room or a baby room). When the lighting device 102 is set to operate in the pet-unfriendly mode, the light 104 may have the one or more pet-unfriendly characteristics continuously (i.e., just based on being in the pet-unfriendly mode) or upon the detection of the household pet 110 by the motion sensor device 118 and / or the external motion sensor device 122. Because the one or more pet-unfriendly characteristics result in the light 104 being disturbing, irritating, or otherwise uncomfortable, an annoyance, or a nuisance to the household pet 110, the light 104 may deter the household pet 110 from entering the area 106 or from staying in the area 106.

[0030] In some example embodiments, the lighting device 102 may operate in the pet- unfriendly mode and may provide the light 104 having the one or more pet-unfriendly characteristics in response the motion sensor device 118 and / or the external motion sensor device 122 detecting the presence of the household pet 110 on or near the furniture 112. For example, the motion sensor device 118 may be oriented or otherwise configured to detect the household pet 110 on the furniture (e.g., a sofa) but not in other spaces of the area 106. Upon the detection of the household pet 110 on or near the furniture 112, the lighting device 102 may operate in (i.e., enter) the pet-unfriendly mode and provide the light 104 having the one or more pet-unfriendly characteristics. Alternatively, the lighting device 102 may already be in the pet-unfriendly mode (e.g., based on a user input) and may provide the light 104 having the one or more pet-unfriendly characteristics in response to the detection of the presence of the household pet 110 on or near the furniture 112. Because the one or more pet-unfriendly characteristics result in the light 104 being disturbing, irritating, or otherwise uncomfortable, an annoyance, or a nuisance to the household pet 110, the light 104 may deter the household pet 110 from getting on the furniture 112 or may cause the household pet 110 to get off the furniture 112.

[0031] In some example embodiments, the lighting device 102 may provide the light 104 having the one or more nighttime characteristics in response to a user input. For example, a user may provide the user input selecting or otherwise indicating a nighttime mode or lighting scene to the control device 108 that provides the user input to the lighting device 102. In response to the user input, the lighting device 102 may control the power provided to the light module 114 such that the light 104 has the one or more nighttime characteristics including, for example, the light 104 being a red light, a green light, or a combination thereof such that the light 104 is less perceptible or near invisible to the household pet 110. Alternatively or in addition, the light 104 may have the one or more nighttime characteristics in response to a detection of a sleep activity by the household pet 110 (e.g., no activity of the household pet 110 is detected for a time period, such as 30 minutes) while the lighting device 102 in the nighttime mode, for example, in response to a user input. To illustrate, because red and green lights are visible / perceptible to humans but less perceptible or near invisible to household pets such as dogs and cats, a person can safely move around the area 106 at night without the light 104 disturbing the household pet 110. In some alternative embodiments, the lighting device 102 may operate in the nighttime mode or lighting scene based on a timer instead of or in addition to a user input that may be provided to the control device 108. For example, a timer of the lighting device 102 may be set to indicate time duration corresponding to nighttime or a shorter period within nighttime, and the lighting device 102 may operate in the nighttime mode may be based on the indication by the timer. To illustrate, the function of the timer may be implemented by a controller of the lighting device 102, such as a controller shown in FIG. 2.

[0032] In some example embodiments, the lighting device 102 may provide the light 104 having the one or more pet-unfriendly characteristics to train the household pet 110 in response to the detection of an activity of the household pet 110. For example, the lighting device 102 may use the microphone unit 120 to detect a barking of the household pet 110 (e.g., a dog), and the lighting device 102 may provide the light 104 having the one or more pet-unfriendly characteristics to deter the household pet 110 from barking. As another example, the lighting device 102 may use the microphone unit 120 to detect a scratching sound resulting from the household pet 110 (e.g., a cat) scratching the furniture 112, and the lighting device 102 may provide the light 104 having the one or more pet-unfriendly characteristics to deter the household pet 110 from scratching the furniture 112. Because the light 104 has the one or more pet-unfriendly characteristics that are disturbing or irritating to the household pet 110 when the household pet 110 barks, scratches the furniture, and / or engages in other unwanted / undesired activity, the household pet 110 may refrain from engaging in such activities or may engage in such activities less frequently.

[0033] In some example embodiments, the lighting device 102 may provide the light 104 having the one or more pet-unfriendly characteristics to train the household pet 110 to associate the one or more pet-unfriendly characteristics with negative experiences. For example, the lighting device 102 may use the microphone unit 120 to detect a sound, such as a thunder sound, an automobile backfiring sound, and a gunshot sound that is typically frightening the household pet 110. Upon the detection of such sounds, the lighting device 102 may provide the light 104 having the one or more pet-unfriendly characteristics (e.g., the flickering of the light 104 at a frequency of 80Hz or less and / or a CCT of at least 6500K). Because a sound, such as a thunder sound, an automobile backfiring sound, and a gunshot sound, are typically frightening to dogs and cats, the household pet 110 may associate the one or more pet-unfriendly lighting characteristics of the light 104 with negative experiences. Based on the association of the one or more pet-unfriendly characteristics of the light 104 with negative experiences, when the light 104 has the one or more pet-unfriendly characteristics, for example, in response to the detection of the household pet 110 in the area 106, the household pet 110 may leave the area 106. Based on the association of the one or more pet-unfriendly characteristics of the light 104 with negative experiences, when the light 104 has the one or more pet-unfriendly characteristics, for example, in response to the detection of the household pet 110 near or on the furniture 112, the household pet 110 may stay away from or get off the furniture 112 in response to the light 104 having the one or more pet-unfriendly characteristics. Based on the association of the one or more pet- unfriendly characteristics of the light 104 with negative experiences, when the light 104 has the one or more pet-unfriendly characteristics, for example, in response to a user input setting the lighting device 102 to operate in the pet-unfriendly mode, the household pet 110 may stay out of the area 106 in response to the light 104 having the one or more pet-unfriendly characteristics.

[0034] By adjusting the light 104 to have different characteristics in different circumstances, the behavior of the household pet 110 may be influenced. For example, by controlling the lighting device 102 to operate in the pet-friendly mode such that the light 104 has the one or more pet-friendly characteristics, the household pet 110 may experience less anxiety when the pet owner is away from the area 106 (e.g., a house). By controlling the lighting device 102 to operate in the pet-unfriendly mode such that the light 104 has the one or more pet-unfriendly characteristics, the household pet 110 may be discouraged from entering or staying in the area 106 and from engaging in an unwanted activity such as barking or scratching furniture. By controlling the lighting device 102 to operate in the nighttime mode such that the light 104 has the one or more nighttime characteristics, the pet owner may move around the area 106 at nighttime with a reduced chance of the light 104 disturbing the household pet.

[0035] In some alternative embodiments, the lighting system 100 may include other lighting devices that operate in the same manner as the lighting device 102 without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Although the household pet 110 is shown as a dog in FIG. 1, the household pet 110 may be a cat or another animal without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the external motion sensor device 122 may be omitted without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the lighting device 102 may be a different type of lighting device than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, the lighting device 102 may be a floor light fixture or a suspended light fixture. In some alternative embodiments, the control device 108 may be integrated into the lighting device 102 without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, some of the components of the lighting device 102, such as the microphone unit 120, the motion sensor device 118, or the driver 116 or one or more components of the driver 116, may be external to the lighting device 102 without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the lighting device 102 may include more or fewer components than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the light fixture of the system of FIG. 1 according to an example embodiment. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in some example embodiments, the lighting device 102 includes the light module 114 and the driver 116 that provides power to the light module 114 that may include LEDs that emit the light 104. The driver 116 may be a multichannel driver that includes a controller 202 and a power supply 204. The controller 202 may control the power that the power supply 204 provides power to the light module 114. For example, the power supply 204 may be a current source that provides one or more PWM outputs generated from AC power provided to the power supply 204. The controller 202 may control the power provided to the light module 114, for example, by adjusting the pulse widths of the one or more PWM signals provided to the light module 114. For example, the controller 202 may control the power provided to light module 114 to control the characteristics of the light 104.

[0037] In some example embodiments, the controller 202 may include a microcontroller 206 and a memory device 208 (e.g., one or more flash memory devices). Software code that is executable by the microcontroller 206 to perform operations described herein with respect to the controller 202 may be stored in the memory device 208. Data that is used or generated by the microcontroller 206 may also be stored in the memory device 208. The controller 202 may also include a communication interface unit 210 that is used for wired and / or wireless communication with other devices. For example, the controller 202 may receive user inputs from the control device 108 via the communication interface unit 210.

[0038] To illustrate, the controller 202 may receive mode or scene selection user input from the control device 108 and may control the power supply 204 based on the user input to control the characteristics of the light 104. For example, the controller 202 may control the power provided to the light module 114 based on a user input received from the control device 108 such that the light 104 has the one or more pet-friendly characteristics (i. e. , petfriendly characteristics). The controller 202 may control the power provided to the light module 114 based on a user input received from the control device 108 such that the light 104 has the one or more pet-unfriendly characteristics (i.e. , pet-unfriendly characteristics). The controller 202 may control the power provided to the light module 114 based on a user input received from the control device 108 such that the light 104 has the one or more nighttime characteristics (e.g., a red light (e.g., wavelength in a range from 620 nm to 670 nm), a green light (e.g., wavelength in a range of 535 nm to 565 nm), or a combination thereof).

[0039] In some example embodiments, the controller 202 may receive a motion detection status indicator from the motion sensor device 118 and may control the power supply 204 based on the detection status indicator to control the characteristics of the light 104. For example, the controller 202 may control the power provided to the light module 114 based on the motion detection status indicator from the motion sensor device 118 such that the light 104 has the one or more pet-friendly characteristics (i.e. , pet-friendly characteristics). The controller 202 may control the power provided to the light module 114 based on the motion detection status indicator from the motion sensor device 118 such that the light 104 has the one or more pet-unfriendly characteristics (i.e., pet-unfriendly characteristics).

[0040] In some example embodiments, the controller 202 may receive an audio detection indicator from the microphone unit 120 and may control the power supply 204 based on the audio detection indicator to control the characteristics of the light 104. For example, the controller 202 may control the power provided to the light module 114 based on the audio detection indicator from the microphone unit 120 such that the light 104 has the one or more pet-unfriendly characteristics (i.e., pet-unfriendly characteristics such as flickering and / or CCT of at least 6000K). To illustrate, the audio detection indicator may indicate the detection of an activity by the household pet 110 such as barking and scratching of the furniture 112. The audio detection indicator may also indicate the detection of a sound that is typically frightening to the household pet 110 such as a thunder sound. The microphone unit 120 may perform the processing of the sound received by the microphone unit 120 to identify a particular sound as corresponding to barking, scratching of furniture, a thunder sound, etc. Alternatively, the microphone unit 120 may provide a signal representing the received sound to the controller 202 that processes the signal to determine whether the sound corresponds to barking, scratching of furniture, a thunder sound, etc.

[0041] In some example embodiments, the lighting device 102 may include components other than the components shown in FIG. 2 without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the components of the driver 116 may be separate units and may not be integrated in the driver 116 without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, the controller 202 may be external to the driver 116.

[0042] FIG. 3 illustrates a lighting system 300 for providing pet-centric lighting according to another example embodiment. In some example embodiments, the lighting system 300 corresponds to the lighting system 100 of FIG. 1 that includes a second lighting device 302. To illustrate, the lighting system 300 may include the lighting device 102 that provides the light 104 to the area 106. For example, the area 106 may include the furniture 112. The system 300 may also include the lighting device 302 that provides a light 304 to an area 306 that may include furniture 308. For example, the area 106 and the area 306 may be separated by a wall 310. Alternatively, the areas 106, 306 may be different sections of the same area such different sections of a room.

[0043] In some example embodiments, the lighting system 300 may include the control device 108 that may control the lighting device 102 as well as the lighting device 302. Alternatively, a separate control device may be used to control the lighting device 302. The lighting device 302 may be controlled and may operate in the same manner as the lighting device 102 to provide the light 304 to the area 306. For example, the light 304 may have the one or more pet-friendly characteristics, the one or more pet-unfriendly characteristics, and the one or more nighttime characteristics described with respect to the light 104 provided by the lighting device 102, for example, depending on user inputs, motion detections, and / or activity detections.

[0044] In some example embodiments, the lighting device 102 and the lighting device 302 may be controlled to provide the light 104 and the light 304, respectively, that have different characteristics from each other. To illustrate, a pet owner may desire the household pet 110 to remain in the area 106 and to stay out of the area 306. Thus, the lighting device 102 may be controlled such that the light 104 has the one or more pet-friendly characteristics that are pet friendly while the lighting device 302 may be controlled such that the light 304 has the one or more pet-unfriendly characteristics that are pet unfriendly (e.g., flickering at frequency of 80Hz or less and / or a CCT of at least 6000K).

[0045] In some alternative embodiments, the lighting system 300 may include other lighting devices that operate in the same manner as the lighting devices 102, 302 without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the external motion sensor device 122 may be omitted without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the lighting devices 102, 302 may be a different type of lighting devices than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 4 illustrates a method 400 of providing pet-centric lighting according to an example embodiment. Referring to FIGS. 1-4, in some example embodiments, at step 402, the method 400 includes receiving, by the lighting device 102, 302, a first user input selecting a pet-friendly mode or scene. For example, a pet owner may provide the first input to the control device 108 that transmits the first user input to the lighting devices 102, 302.

[0047] In some example embodiments, at step 404, the method 400 includes providing, by the lighting device, in response to the first user input, the light 104, 304 having one or more pet-friendly characteristics such that the light 104, 304 is soothing to the household pet 110. For example, the first user input may select or indicate a pet-friendly mode or lighting scene with respect to one or both of the lighting device 102 and the lighting device 302. In response to the first user input provided to the lighting device 102, the lighting device 102 may provide the light 104 having the one or more pet-friendly characteristics (e.g., no flickering and a CCT in a range of 3500K-4000K). In response to the first user input provided to the lighting device 302, the lighting device 302 may provide the light 304 having the one or more pet-friendly characteristics (e.g., no flickering and a CCT in a range of 3500K-4000K).

[0048] In some example embodiments, at step 406, the method 400 includes adjusting, by the lighting devices 102, 302, the lights 104, 304 to have the one or more pet- unfriendly characteristics such that the lights 104, 304 are uncomfortable, an annoyance, or a nuisance to the household pet 110. For example, the household pet 110 may be deterred or otherwise discouraged from engaging in an unwanted activity (e.g., barking, scratching furniture, entering an area (e.g., the area 306)). The lighting devices 102, 302 may provide the light having the one or more pet-unfriendly characteristics in response to another user input that may be provided, for example, to the control device 108 and transmitted to the lighting devices 102, 302. Alternatively or in addition, the lighting devices 102, 302 may provide the light having the one or more pet-unfriendly characteristics in response to a detection of the household pet 110, for example, in the area 106, the area 306, and / or near or on the furniture 112. Alternatively or in addition, the lighting devices 102, 302 may provide the light having the one or more pet-unfriendly characteristics in response to a detection of an activity of the household pet 110 such as barking and / or scratching the furniture 112. As described above, the one or more pet-unfriendly characteristics may include a CCT of at least 6000K and a flickering at a frequency of 80Hz or less.

[0049] In some example embodiments, at step 408, the method 400 includes adjusting, by the lighting devices 102, 302, the lights 104, 304 to have the one or more nighttime characteristics such that the light is less perceptible or near invisible to the household pet 110 at nighttime. For example, the one or more nighttime characteristics may include a wavelength of the light being in a wavelength range corresponding to a red light, a green light, or a combination thereof.

[0050] In some alternative embodiments, the method 400 may include more or fewer steps than shown in FIG. 4 without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, some of the steps of the method 400 may be performed in a different order than shown in FIG. 4 without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0051] Although particular embodiments have been described herein in detail, the descriptions are by way of example. The features of the example embodiments described herein are representative and, in alternative embodiments, certain features, elements, and / or steps may be added or omitted. Additionally, modifications to aspects of the example embodiments described herein may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the following claims, the scope of which are to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass modifications and equivalent structures.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A system (100, 300) for providing pet-centric lighting, the system comprising: a lighting device (102) configured to provide a light (104), wherein, when the lighting device (102) is in a pet-unfriendly mode and in response to a detection, by a sensor device (118) in communication with the lighting device, of the pet and a detection of an undesired activity of the pet, the light has one or more pet-unfriendly characteristics such that the light makes the pet (110) irritated, wherein, when the lighting device is in a nighttime mode, and in response to a time of day or a detection, by the sensor device, of a sleep activity by the pet, the light has one or more nighttime characteristics such that the light is less perceptible to the pet (110) , and wherein the one or more nighttime characteristics include a wavelength in a wavelength range corresponding to a red light.

2. The system of Claim 1, wherein the sensor device (118) is a radar sensor device that detects the pet (110) in an area (106).

3. The system of Claim 1, further comprising a control device (108) configured to control the lighting device (102), wherein the lighting device is configured to provide the light having the one or more pet-unfriendly characteristics or the one or more nighttime characteristics based on one or more user inputs received from the control device.

4. The system of Claim 1, wherein, when the lighting device (102) is in a petfriendly mode, the light (104) has one or more pet-friendly characteristics including a correlated color temperature (CCT) of the light ranging from 3500K to 4000K and no flickering of the light and wherein the lighting device is configured to provide the light having the one or more pet-friendly characteristics based on at least one of a user input received from the control device and the detection of the pet in an area (106) in an absence of a detection of a person in the area (106).

5. The system of Claim 4, wherein the one or more pet-unfriendly characteristics include the CCT of the light being at least 6000K and a flickering of the light.

6. The system of Claim 1, further comprising one or more microphones (120) to receive a sound associated with an undesired activity of the pet (110), wherein the lighting device (102) is configured to provide the light having the one or more pet-unfriendly characteristics in response to a detection of the sound.

7. The system of Claim 6, wherein the sound is a dog barking sound.

8. The system of Claim 6, wherein the sound is a scratching sound resulting from a scratching of furniture (112) by a cat.

9. The system of Claim 6, wherein the one or more microphones (120) are configured to receive a second sound that is frightening to the pet, wherein the lighting device (102) is configured to provide the light having the one or more pet-unfriendly characteristics in response to a detection of the second sound such that the pet associates the one or more pet-unfriendly characteristics with a negative experience.

10. The system of Claim 9, wherein the second sound is a thunder sound or a fireworks sound.

11. A method (400) of providing pet-centric lighting, the method comprising: receiving (402), by a lighting device (102, 302) that provides a light (104), a user input selecting a pet-unfriendly mode; adjusting (406), by the lighting device operating in the pet-unfriendly mode and in response to a detection, by a sensor device (118) in communication with the lighting device, of a pet (110) and a detection of an undesired activity of the pet, the light (104) to have one or more pet-unfriendly characteristics such that the light makes the pet (110) irritated; and adjusting (408), by the lighting device operating in a nighttime mode and in response to a time of day or a detection, by the sensor device, of a sleep activity by the pet, the light (104) to have one or more nighttime characteristics such that, at nighttime, the light is less perceptible to the pet (110), wherein the one or more nighttime characteristics include a wavelength in a wavelength range corresponding to a red light.

12. The method of Claim 11, wherein the activity of the pet (110) includes barking.

13. The method of Claim 11, wherein the activity of the pet (110) includes a scratching of furniture (112) and wherein the detection of the activity of the pet is performed based on a sound generated by the activity of the pet.

14. The method of Claim 11, further comprising adjusting (404), by the lighting device operating in a pet-friendly mode, the light (104) to have one or more pet-friendly characteristics such that the light (104) is soothing to the pet (110), wherein, the one or more pet-friendly characteristics include a correlated color temperature (CCT) of the light ranging from 3500K to 4000K and no flickering of the light and wherein the lighting device (104) is configured to adjust the light to have the one or more pet-friendly characteristics in response to the detection of the pet in an area (106) and an absence of a detection of a person in the area (106).

15. The method of Claim 14, wherein the one or more pet-unfriendly characteristics include the CCT of the light being at least 6000K and a flickering of the light.

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