A tile, method, and system of tiles for heating

Abstract

A heating tile 301 comprises an infrared source 303 and means for determining whether to activate the infrared source based on at least one of: i) an indication received from at least one further tile

Description

Field 5 The present application relates to a tile, a method performed by a tile, and a system of tiles for heating. In particular, the present application relates to infrared heating. Background io Many indoor heating systems are both inefficient and expensive as they are designed for heating a whole space or room in order to heat the people inside it. Commonly used heating systems heat via convection, such as radiators in central heating systems, which are inefficient. Convection is the transfer of heat from one place to another due to the movement of fluid. Convective heat transfer involves the 15 combined processes of conduction (heat diffusion) and advection (heat transfer by bulk fluid flow). Convection radiators heat the air, which circulates, and eventually heats up points of need and objects in the room. Hot air rises and so the hottest part of a space is typically nearer the ceiling. Some radiation components heat objects directly without warming the air in between, such as electric oil-filled heaters where 20 the oil is heated and circulated within a device that has fins to distribute heat from the device. This radiation of heat is therefore poorly used with the energy decreasing exponentially with the distance from the source of heat. Other heating systems, such as portable electric or gas heaters may be more efficient as they are a targeted heating system. However, this is only the case if a 25 person remains close to the heating system. If the person moves without moving the heating system, then energy will be wasted. A heating system that transfers heat directly to people within a space with the freedom of mobility within the space, in an energy efficiency, would be desirable. 30 Summary According to an aspect, there is provided a tile for heating, the tile comprising: at least one infrared source; means for connecting the tile to at least one further tile, wherein the means for connecting comprises means for: electrically coupling the tile and a said at least one further tile; and means for: determining whether to activate the 07 04 25 at least one infrared source based on at least one of: i) an indication received from a said at least one further tile for heating, and ii) a detection, using a sensor, of a presence within an area around the tile; and based on the determining, activating the at least one infrared source. 5 In an example, the means are for: determining an ambient temperature around the tile; and based on the determining of the ambient temperature, adjusting an intensity of the infrared output by the at least one infrared source. In an example, the determining the ambient temperature around the tile comprises one of: i) receiving, from a said at least one further tile, a further indication io comprising the ambient temperature; ii) determining, using a temperature sensor of the tile, the ambient temperature. In an example, the means are for: adjusting the intensity of the infrared that is output by the at least one infrared source based on at least one of: a user preference, a received configuration, a user input. 15 In an example, the tile is for, in use, heating an area around the tile. In an example, the sensor is comprised in the tile. In an example, at least one of: the at least one infrared source, the sensor, and the means are integrated within the tile. In an example, the means for, based on the determining, activating the at least 20 one infrared source comprises means for: in response to receiving the indication from a said at least one further tile, activating the at least one infrared source. In an example, the means are for: in response to detecting a presence within an area around the tile using the sensor, providing an indication to a said at least one further tile to activate at least one infrared source of a said at least one further tile. 25 In examples, the presence is a person or animal. In examples, the area is a room. In an example, the at least one infrared source is at least one infrared light emitting diode. In an example, the tile comprises a layer of material that is arranged to block 30 light from being emitted from the tile. In an example, the means for connecting comprises at least one of: a plug and / or a socket for connecting the tile to a said at least one further tile; a male connector and / or a female connector for attaching the tile to a said at least one further 07 04 25 tile; a connector and / or a socket for connecting the tile to a said at least one further tile; a cable and / or a socket for connecting the tile to a said at least one further tile. In examples, the tile is connectable to a power source. In examples, the power source is a mains power source and / or a battery. 5 In an example, the tile is mountable to one of: a ceiling, a wall, a pillar, a post, and a floor, of the area. In an example, the sensor comprises at least one of: a motion sensor, a light detection and ranging sensor, a laser sensor, a camera, and any other sensor capable of detecting a presence. io In an example, the indication is received from a said at least one further tile in a message at the tile, the indication being transmitted by a said at least one further tile. In an example, the at least one infrared source is arranged so that a tile surface-to-infrared source, a, angle is set at a fixed angle deviating from 90 degrees. 15 In an example, the a-angle is set between 20 and 80 degrees. In an example, the a-angle is set between 45 and 60 degrees. In an example, a primary direction of infrared radiation provided by the at least one infrared source, when in use, is based on the a-angle. In an example, the tile is one of: square, triangular, hexagonal, or rectangular, 20 in shape. In an example, the at least one infrared source comprises a plurality of infrared sources. In an example, the tile is arranged so that: i) the plurality of infrared sources have a same tile surface-to-infrared source angle, a, deviating from 90 degrees, and 25 ii) each of the plurality of infrared sources provide a different direction of infrared radiation from the tile, when in use. In an example, the indication is for the at least one further tile to activate a subset of infrared sources of a plurality of infrared sources of the at least one further tile, the subset comprising at least one infrared source closest to a presence. 30 According to an aspect, there is provided a tile for heating, the tile comprising: at least one infrared source; and at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: determining whether to activate the at least one infrared source based on at least one of: i) an indication received from at least one further tile for 07 04 25 heating, and ii) a detection, using a sensor, of a presence within an area around the tile; and based on the determining, activating the at least one infrared source. In an example, the apparatus is caused to perform: determining an ambient temperature around the tile; and based on the determining of the ambient temperature, 5 adjusting an intensity of the infrared output by the at least one infrared source. In an example, the determining the ambient temperature around the tile comprises one of: i) receiving, from a said at least one further tile, a further indication comprising the ambient temperature; ii) determining, using a temperature sensor of the tile, the ambient temperature. io In an example, the apparatus is caused to perform: adjusting the intensity of the infrared that is output by the at least one infrared source based on at least one of: a user preference, a received configuration, a user input. In an example, the tile is for, in use, heating an area around the tile. In an example, the sensor is comprised in the tile. 15 In an example, at least one of: the at least one infrared source, the sensor, and the means are integrated within the tile. In an example, the, based on the determining, activating the at least one infrared source comprises: in response to receiving the indication from a said at least one further tile, activating the at least one infrared source. 20 In an example, the apparatus is caused to perform: in response to detecting a presence within an area around the tile using the sensor, providing an indication to a said at least one further tile to activate at least one infrared source of a said at least one further tile. In examples, the presence is a person or animal. 25 In examples, the area is a room. In an example, the at least one infrared source is at least one infrared light emitting diode. In an example, the tile comprises a layer of material that is arranged to block light from being emitted from the tile. 30 In an example, the tile comprises a physical connection for connecting the tile to a said at least one further tile. In an example, the connecting comprises: electrically coupling the tile and a said at least one further tile. 07 04 25 In an example, the physical connection comprises at least one of: a plug and / or a socket for connecting the tile to a said at least one further tile; a male connector and / or a female connector for attaching the tile to a said at least one further tile; a connector and / or a socket for connecting the tile to a said at least one further tile; a 5 cable and / or a socket for connecting the tile to a said at least one further tile. In examples, the tile is connectable to a power source. In examples, the power source is a mains power source and / or a battery. In an example, the tile is mountable to one of: a ceiling, a wall, a pillar, a post, and a floor, of the area. io In an example, the sensor comprises at least one of: a motion sensor, a light detection and ranging sensor, a laser sensor, a camera, and any other sensor capable of detecting a presence. In an example, the indication is received from a said at least one further tile in a message at the tile, the indication being transmitted by a said at least one further 15 tile. In an example, the at least one infrared source is arranged so that a tile surface-to-infrared source, a, angle is set at a fixed angle deviating from 90 degrees. In an example, the a-angle is set between 20 and 80 degrees. In an example, the a-angle is set between 45 and 60 degrees. 20 In an example, a primary direction of infrared radiation provided by the at least one infrared source, when in use, is based on the a-angle. In an example, the tile is one of: square, triangular, hexagonal, or rectangular, in shape. In an example, the at least one infrared source comprises a plurality of infrared 25 sources. In an example, the tile is arranged so that: i) the plurality of infrared sources have a same tile surface-to-infrared source angle, a, deviating from 90 degrees, and ii) each of the plurality of infrared sources provide a different direction of infrared radiation from the tile, when in use. 30 In an example, the indication is for the at least one further tile to activate a subset of infrared sources of a plurality of infrared sources of the at least one further tile, the subset comprising at least one infrared source closest to a presence. According to an example, there is provided a method performed by a tile for heating, the method comprising: determining whether to activate at least one infrared 07 04 25 source of the tile based on at least one of: i) receiving an indication, from at least one further tile for heating an area, for the tile to activate the at least one infrared source of the tile, and ii) detecting, using a sensor, a presence within an area around the tile; and based on the determining, activating the at least one infrared source of the tile. 5 According to an example, there is provided a system comprising: a plurality of tiles for heating according to any of claims 1 to 22, wherein the plurality of tiles are connected and electrically coupled to each other, wherein a first tile of the plurality of tiles comprises at least one of: i) means for determining whether to activate at least one infrared source of the first tile based on an indication received from a second tile io of the plurality of tiles, and based on the determining, activating the at least one infrared source of the first tile, and ii) means for detecting, using a sensor, a presence within an area around the tile, and based on the detecting, providing an indication to the second tile of the plurality of tiles to activate at least one infrared source of the second tile. 15 According to an example, there is provided a system comprising: a plurality of tiles for heating according to any of claims 1 to 22, wherein the plurality of tiles are connected to each other, wherein a first tile of the plurality of tiles comprises at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least one of: i) 20 determining whether to activate at least one infrared source of the first tile based on an indication received from a second tile of the plurality of tiles, and based on the determining, activating the at least one infrared source of the first tile, and ii) detecting, using a sensor, a presence within an area around the tile, and based on the detecting, providing an indication to the second tile of the plurality of tiles to activate at least one 25 infrared source of the second tile. In an example, the plurality of tiles are arranged together, when connected, in a grid. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions, that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform the methods as 30 described herein. An electronic device may comprise apparatus as described herein. In the above, various aspects have been described. It should be appreciated that further aspects may be provided by the combination of any two or more of the various aspects described above. List of abbreviations: AC: alternating current 5 C: Celsius F: Fahrenheit IR: infrared LED: light emitting diode nm: nanometres io mm: millimetres Description of Figures 07 04 25 Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures in which: 15 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a convection radiator operating in a room according to the prior art; Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a heating tile, or heating panel, according to the prior art; Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a tile for heating, according to 20 examples; Figure 4 shows another schematic representation of a tile for heating, according to examples; Figures 5a and 5b show schematic representations of a top view and a side view, respectively, of the tile of either Figure 3 or Figure 4; 25 Figure 6 shows an example circuit diagram of a tile for heating an area; Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of a plurality of tiles arranged to heat an area; Figure 8 shows a schematic representation of a plurality of tiles in operation to heat a person, from a top view; 30 Figure 9 shows another schematic representation of a plurality of tiles in operation to heat a person, from a top view; Figure 10 shows a schematic representation of a plurality of tiles that are arranged in a grid; 07 04 25 Figure 11 shows a schematic representation of an angle at which an infrared source is arranged at within a tile; Figure 12 shows a schematic representation of an angle at which infrared sources are arranged at within a system of tiles; 5 Figure 13 shows a schematic representation of a tile for heating in a top view; Figure 14 shows a schematic representation of the tile of Figure 13 in a cross section view along line A-A; Figure 15 shows an example method flow diagram performed by a tile for heating; and io Figure 16 shows a schematic representation of a non-volatile memory medium storing instructions which when executed by a processor allow a processor to perform one or more of the steps of the method of Figure 15. Detailed description 15 Before explaining in detail some examples of the present disclosure, certain known heating systems are briefly explained with reference to Figures 1 to 2. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a convection radiator operating in a room according to the prior art. As seen in Figure 1, there is provided a room 101. For example, the room 101 20 may be a living room or bedroom in a house. The room 101 has a radiator 103 and a window 105. There is also a presence (i.e. a person) 107 present in the room 101. The radiator 103 is shown as powered on, meaning that hot water, oil, etc within the radiator will heat up. Block arrows 109 show air being heated by the radiator 103 and rising up towards the ceiling of the room 101. The hot air 109 travels towards the 25 window 105. The hot air 109 cools as it travels by the (cold) window 105. As the air cools it travels towards the floor of the room 101, as shown by dashed arrows 111. The cool air 111 then circulates back to the radiator 103 where it is heated again. In this way, the radiator 103 helps to heat the whole room 101 and also the person 107 within the room 101. 30 However, when the radiator 103 heating system is turned on, the radiator 103 takes approximately 15-20 minutes (dependent on the size of the room) before the person 107 can feel the room getting warmer as that heat is distributed from the surface area of the radiator 103 to the air and then into the room 101 as the air circulates. 07 04 25 Furthermore, the radiator 103 relies on the movement of air, and this leads to cold spots within the room 101. Therefore, it is uncommon to have even temperatures throughout the room 101. Holding the heat in the air is also not stable, and heat is easily lost when opening a door or window. 5 Also, it takes a lot of energy to heat the radiator 103, such as by heating water to fill the radiator. The time to heat up the water, and cool down when heating is no longer needed makes radiators less efficient compared to other heating. The room 101 may also be heated when no people are present within the room. The energy needed to heat the radiator and the room is constant, until the heating is turned off. io Typically, a radiator heating system will be turned on for one or more hours. This uses a considerable amount of energy, even if it is not needed. The movement of air in itself can cause an issue for people with allergies, specifically an allergy to dust. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a heating tile, or heating panel, 15 according to the prior art. As seen in Figure 2, there is provided a room 201. For example, the room 201 may be a living room or bedroom in a house. The room 201 has a heating tile 203 and a window 205. The heating tile 203 is located on the ceiling of the room 201. There is also a person 207 present in the room 201. 20 The heating tile 203 is powered on. The heating tile may be powered using, for example, electricity. The heating tile 203 is configured to emit thermal / heat energy when it is powered on. The heating tile 203 may emit infrared (IR) radiation in order to heat up a space in the room 101 below the heating tile 203. Dashed lines 209 in Figure 2 indicate the IR radiation that is emitted from the heating tile. 25 IR is categorized as IR-A (780 nm-1400 nm), IR-B (1400-3000 nm) and IR-C, also known as far-IR (3000 nm-1 mm). Common natural sources of IR are solar radiation and fire. Artificial sources of IR include heating devices, infrared lamps used in the home, and in infrared saunas for health purposes. The skin of humans absorbs IR radiation at wavelengths from 780 nm to 1 mm, 30 which is felt as heat. An IR-A wavelength range of between 780 nm to 1400 nm centered on 1000 nm often provides a suitable sensation of heat because of the penetration power of the radiation. As shown in Figure 2, the person 207 within the room 101 is located with approximately half of the person 207 underneath the heating tile 203, and the other 07 04 25 half outside of the IR radiation produced by the heating tile 203. The dashed lines 209, indicating the heat / radiation, covers only half of the person 207. In this way, the heating tile 203 is able to provide a targeted heating, depending on the location of the tile within the room 201. The heat is described as targeted because it is directed based on a 5 location of the tile 203 within the room. The tile 203 does not heat the whole room like the radiator 103 of Figure 1 does. However, any heat experienced by the person 207 would change if the person 207 moves around the room 201. For example, if the person 207 moved towards the window 205, then the person 207 would no longer be under the heating tile 203. It has io been proposed to address this by providing a plurality of tiles in the room 201. For example, covering the whole of the ceiling of the room 201. However, even though a person would now feel the heat from the network of heating tiles 203 throughout the room 201, a considerable amount of energy is required to power all of the tiles. This is inefficient, and wastes energy. 15 Some other known heating systems include underfloor heating. Underfloor heating uses electricity or hot water. Underfloor heating heats a room evenly and produces a large amount of IR, and so air movement is not as prevalent for this method. However, underfloor heating has the downside of being expensive when electricity is used, having parts of the room heated more than other parts due to the 20 water losing heat energy as it's going through the pipes, and heating the whole room even when people are not present. Therefore, underfloor heating is also inefficient in this regard. Other known systems have heating units, that may produce IR radiation, that are placed either on walls, on stands, or on a movable device. These heating units 25 may alter the IR radiation provided depending on a distance to a person that requires heating or may physically move the heating unit. It has been proposed to do this with either a lens which is a device that has a degree of movement (to direct the light), or a moving device / platform. However, each of these options involves an additional energy cost and more points of failure in the unit (due to moving parts). For the lens, 30 it is common for the lens to block 10-40% of the light going through it depending on the quality, thickness, and the cleanliness of the lens. For a device with a degree of motion to direct the IR light and the moving device / platform, these would require servos (or similar) which require energy to operate and increase the chances of failure, due to the moving parts. 07 04 25 One or more of the following examples aim to address one or more of the problems identified above. In examples, there is provided a tile for heating, the tile comprising: at least one infrared source; and means for: determining whether to activate the at least one 5 infrared source based on at least one of: i) an indication received from at least one further tile for heating, and ii) a detection, using a sensor, of a presence within an area around the tile; and based on the determining, activating the at least one infrared source. In examples, there are provided two networks: i) a sensor network to detect io where a presence (e.g. a person) is in an area / space, and ii) an IR source network to provide energy as heat. A control system may act as a bridge between the two networks. The IR source network is built into tiles / panels, whereby multiple tiles can be connected to one another. The sensor network may also be built into the tiles / panels. The tiles may be mountable to a ceiling, a floor, and / or a wall of an area, 15 depending on a use case. In examples, sensors are configured to detect a person, and cause information to be provided to the control system. This may trigger the activation of one or more parts of the IR source network, to heat the detected person(s). In examples, tiles are configured to adjust / modulate the intensity of the IR 20 radiation provided, depending on an ambient temperature of the area. This also reduces energy usage, by ensuring that no unnecessary IR radiation is produced. In this way, there is provided a system that comprises one or more individual tiles for heating, wherein the system is configured to provide heat to detected people in an area / space. The system provides the advantage of instantly heating a person in 25 space (using IR) while not heating the air or the surroundings. A further advantage of this system is that, as a whole, there will be a reduction in energy usage in comparison to a non-targeted system. These examples will be described in more detail below, and will be explained with reference to Figures 3 to 16. 30 Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a tile for heating, according to examples. Figure 3 shows a view of a horizontal cross-section through the tile. There is provided a tile (or panel) 301 for heating. The tile 301 may be for heating an area around the tile, or for heating a target (e.g. a person) in proximity to the tile. The tile 301 may be referred to as a heating tile, a heating panel, a heating 07 04 25 unit, or the like, in other examples. It should be understood that the terms ‘tile’ and ‘panel’ may be used interchangeably throughout the examples below. The tile 301 comprises a plurality of IR sources 303. The plurality of IR sources 303 are for providing IR radiation to be felt as heat by a person / animaL For example, 5 each of the plurality of IR sources 303 may be an IR bulb. An IR bulb is a bulb that emits IR radiation, such as a light emitting diode (LED). In this example, there are eight IR sources 303. In other examples, there are more or less than eight IR sources 303 in the tile 301. For example, the eight IR sources 303 may be replaced by a single IR source. io The tile 301 also comprises a sensor 305. The sensor is for detecting a person around the tile. For example, the sensor may be a motion sensor, camera, laser sensor, light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor, time-of-flight sensor, ultra-sonic sensor, microwave sensor, radar, or the like. In this example, there is a single sensor 305. In other examples, there are more than one sensor. There may be a plurality of 15 different sensors (i.e. a sensor array), in some examples. In some examples, the tile 301 also comprises a temperature sensor (not shown). The tile 301 also comprises a microcontroller (MC) 307. The MC 307 is any suitable processor, or processing means. The MC 307 may be in communication with at least one memory of the tile 301 (not shown). The MC 307 may be in communication 20 with a control unit of the tile 301 (not shown). In this example, there is a single MC 307. In other examples, there is more than one MC comprised within the tile 301. The MC 307 is able to communicate with the sensor 305 and the plurality of IR sources 303. Said another way, the MC 307 may be configured as control bridge between the sensor 305 and the plurality of IR sources 303, and with other similar tiles. 25 The tile 301 also comprises means for connecting 309 the tile 301 to a plurality of other similar tiles. Any suitable way of connecting to other tiles may be comprised within the tile. In this example of Figure 3, there are means for connecting 309 to four other tiles. The other tiles could be connected to each of the four sides of the tile 301. In this 30 example, the tile 301 is square in shape. In other examples, any suitable shape of tile is used. For example, rectangular or triangular. The means for connecting 309 provides a way for the tile 301 to be physically connected to other tiles (i.e. for stability). The means for connecting 309 may also 07 04 25 allow the tile 301 to communicate with the other tiles. Said another way, the means for connecting 309 provides a ‘hard-wired’ connection for the tile 301 to other tiles. In this example, other similar tiles could be connected to the tile 301 by slotting the complimentary connector ‘piece’ into the relevant means of the tile 301 (similar to 5 a puzzle piece). Each of the connections are electrically conductive. The means for connecting 309 may allow the tile 301 to communicate with the other tiles that it is connected to. The means for connecting 309 may allow the tile 301 to transfer and / or receive power with any of the connected tiles. The tile 301 comprises means for connecting to a power source (not shown), io The tile 301 may be connectable to a mains power source. For example, a mains alternating current (AC) source. In other examples, the tile 301 may be connectable to a battery, to use as a power source (or a backup power source). The tile 301 may comprise circuitry (not shown), or other suitable means, for performing one or more of the example methods discussed herein. 15 The various parts and components (303, 305, 307, 309) of the tile 301 may be integrated within the tile 301. Said another way, the components may be built into the tile / panel. In other examples, the tile 301 does not comprise a physical means for connecting to other tiles. In this case, the tile 301 may comprise means for wirelessly 20 communicating with other tiles. For example, the tile 301 may comprise a transceiver, and other suitable control circuitry. The tiles may be arranged next to each other / adjacent in a system of tiles, but not physically connected or interlinked. In the example of Figure 3, the sensor 305 is comprised within the tile 301. In other examples, the sensor 305 is external to the tile 301. When the sensor 305 is 25 external, the tile 301 may have means for physically connecting to the sensor 305 (e.g. a wire, or a socket). Alternatively, the tile 301 may be able to wirelessly connect and communicate with the sensor. Figure 4 shows another schematic representation of a tile for heating, according to examples. Figure 4 shows a view of a horizontal cross-section through the tile. 30 The tile of Figure 4 is similar to the tile 301 of Figure 3, but with a different connecting means. There is provided a tile (or panel) 401 for heating. 07 04 25 The tile 401 comprises a plurality of IR sources 403. In this example, there are eight IR sources 403. In other examples, there are more or less than eight IR sources 403 in the tile 401. The tile 401 also comprises a sensor 405. For example, the sensor may be a 5 motion sensor, camera, laser sensor, LIDAR sensor, time-of-flight sensor, or the like. In this example, there is a single sensor 405. In other examples, there are more than one sensor. There may be a plurality of different sensors (i.e. a sensor array), in some examples. In some examples, the tile 401 also comprises a temperature sensor (not shown). io The tile 401 also comprises a microcontroller (MC) 407. The MC 407 may be in communication with at least one memory (not shown). In this example, there is a single MC 407. In other examples, there is more than one MC comprised within the tile 401. The MC 407 is able to communicate with the sensor 405 and the plurality of IR sources 403. 15 The tile 401 also comprises means for connecting 409 to a plurality of other similar tiles. Any suitable way of connecting to other tiles may be comprised within the tile. In this example of Figure 4, there are means for connecting 409 to eight other tiles. Other tiles could be connected to each of the four sides of the tile 401, and each 20 of the four corners using the means for connecting 409. Said another way, for a grid of 9 tiles (3x3), the tile 401 may be arranged in the centre, with eight tile circling around the tile 401. The means for connecting 409 provides a way for the tile 401 to be physically connected to other tiles (i.e. for stability). The means for connecting 409 may also 25 allow the tile 401 to communicate with the other tiles. Said another way, the means for connecting 409 provides a ‘hard-wired’ connection for the tile 401 to other tiles. In this example, other similar tiles could be connected to the tile 401 by slotting the complimentary connector ‘piece’ into the relevant means of the tile 401 (similar to a puzzle piece). Each of the connections are electrically conductive. 30 The means for connecting 409 may allow the tile 401 to communicate with the other tiles that it is connected to. The means for connecting 409 may allow the tile 401 to transfer and / or receive power with any of the connected tiles. The tile 401 comprises means for connecting to a power source (not shown). The tile 401 may be connectable to a mains power source. For example, a mains 07 04 25 alternating current (AC) source. In other examples, the tile 401 may be connectable to a battery, to use as a power source (or a backup power source). The tile 401 may comprise circuitry (not shown), or other suitable means, for performing one or more of the example methods discussed herein. 5 The various parts and components (403, 405, 407, 409) of the tile 401 may be integrated within the tile 401. Said another way, the components are built into the tile / panel. In the example of Figure 4, the sensor 405 is comprised within the tile 401. In other examples, the sensor 405 is external to the tile 401. When the sensor 405 is io external, the tile 401 may have means for physically connecting to the sensor 405 (e.g. a wire, or a socket). Alternatively, the tile 401 may be able to wirelessly connect and communicate with the sensor. It should be understood that the locations of the components within the tiles of Figures 3 and 4 are shown as examples only. In other examples, the components are 15 arranged within the tile in any suitable configuration / location. Figures 5a and 5b show schematic representations of a top view and a side view, respectively, of the tile of either Figure 3 or Figure 4. As seen in Figure 5a, there is a tile 501 (or panel). The tile 501 is being viewed from a top view. When viewed from the top, the tile 501 may appear to be ‘blank’. Said 20 another way, none of the internal components may be visible. In other examples, one or more of the components are visible (to some extent). As seen in Figure 5b, the tile 501 is being viewed from the side. The tile may be considered to have three layers. The arrow indicates the way that the tile 501 faces, when in use. The right hand side of the tile 501 would face the 25 room / space / environment, when in use. A first layer 503 comprises a layer of material that allows IR radiation and signals from sensors to pass, but blocks visible light. For example, the material is Amtir-1 Ge33 As12 Se55 glass with a transmission range of 0.8-13 microns. The first layer 503 may completely cover the tile 501 in some examples (i.e. wrap around the 30 other layers). In examples whereby the IR source / IR sources do not emit light, the tile 501 may not comprise the first layer 503. A second layer 505 comprises the components of the tile 501. For example, a sensor, a plurality of IR sources, an MC (similar to Figures 3 and 4). In some examples, the plurality of IR sources are comprised within the first layer 503. The plurality of IR 07 04 25 sources may be formed into the material of the first layer 503. Each of the plurality of IR sources may be arranged in the material such that a primary direction of IR radiation from each of the IR sources is different. This will be described in more detail below. A third layer 507 comprises at least one of: circuitry, wiring, communicating 5 means, control circuitry, and the like. The third layer may also provide structural rigidity for the tile 501. The third layer 507 may be made of any suitable material in order to give the structural rigidity. It should be understood that the arrangement of “layers” is an example only. In other examples, one or more of the layers may not be present in the tile, or one or io more of the layers may be combined. Figure 6 shows an example circuit diagram of a tile for heating an area. The electronic components comprised within a circuit 600 of Figure 6 are similar to the components shown in the tiles of Figure 3 and Figure 4. The circuit 600 of Figure 6 may be comprised in, or integrated with, a tile. The circuit 600 of Figure 6 may be 15 comprised within the second layer 505 of Figure 5b. The circuit 600 comprises power source 601. The power source 601 may be for example, a mains AC source, or a battery. The circuit 600 also comprises four IR light emitting diodes (LEDs) 603. In other examples, there may be more or less than four IR LEDs 603. There is also a variable resistor 605 in the circuit 600. There is also 20 a switch 607 in the circuit 600. The power source 601, the IR LEDs 603, the variable resistor 605, and the switch 607 are arranged in series. In some examples, the variable resistor 605 is replaced by a pulse-width modulator (PWM), or any other component / equipment able to vary the output of the IR LEDs 603. 25 The variable resistor 605 is arranged so that other factors such as room temperature, user preference, etc, are used to modulate the output of the IR LEDs 603. For example, the variable resistor 605 controls the IR LEDs 603 so that the intensity of the IR radiation is lower when the room temperature is higher. The variable resistor 605 may control the IR LEDs 603 so that the intensity of IR radiation is 30 inversely proportional to the room temperature. There is also provided a sub-circuit which comprises a sensor 609, and an inductor 611. The inductor 611 and a switch 607 are associated with each other. In this way, the sensor 609 is configured to open or close the switch 607, through the inductor 611, based on an input to the sensor 609. For example, if the sensor 609 07 04 25 detects the presence in an area around the tile, then then the switch 607 closes and the IR LEDs are powered on to heat the presence. In this context, a presence is a person, animal, user, etc. There may also be provided circuitry that is arranged to transmit an indication or message to another tile to activate an IR source, when the 5 sensor 609 detects a person (not shown). Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of a plurality of tiles arranged to heat an area. The view of Figure 7 is a cross-section through the area. In the example of Figure 7 there are shown five tiles for heating including a first io tile 701, second tile 703, third tile 705, fourth tile 707 and fifth tile 709. The five tiles 701, 703, 705, 707, 709 are connected to each other. The tiles 701, 703, 705, 707, 709 may be connected using means similar to those of Figures 3 or 4. The second tile 703 and the fourth tile 707 are directly connected to the third tile 705. The first tile 701 and fifth tile 709 are indirectly connected to the third tile 705, via the second tile 703 15 and fourth tile 707 respectively. The first tile 701 comprises an IR source 711. The second tile 703 comprises an IR source 713. The fourth tile 707 comprises an IR source 715. The fifth tile 709 comprises an IR source. An IR source may be an IR LED. Each of the tiles may comprise further IR sources (not shown). 20 The third tile 705 comprises a sensor 719. In other examples, the sensor 719 may be external to the third tile 705. The third tile 705 also comprises an IR source (not shown). The third tile 705 is configured to detect, using the sensor 719, a person below the third tile 705. The third tile 705 may detect a person if the person is within a threshold distance of the tile. The threshold distance may be preconfigured for the tile, 25 or be user configurable. The threshold distance may be dependent on the specifications of the sensor 719. The first tile 701, second tile 703, fourth tile 707 and fifth tile 709 may also comprise one or more sensors (not shown). As seen in the example of Figure 7, the third tile 705 detects a person 721 30 below the third tile 705. The person 721 is within a threshold distance to the third tile 705. The detection is performed using the sensor 719. In response to the detection, the third tile 705 is configured to provide indications to the first tile 701 and the fifth tile 709 to activate their respective IR sources 711, 717. When the first tile 701 and the fifth tile 709 receive the indication, first tile 701 and the fifth tile 709 power on / activate 07 04 25 their IR sources 711,717 in order to heat the person 721. The heat provided by the first and fifth tiles is indicated with dashed lines 723 and 725 respectively. An angle / position of the IR source within each of the first tile 701 and the fifth tile 709 mean that the heat experienced by the person 721 is more efficient than if an 5 IR source of the third tile 705 was to be activated. The IR source 711 of the first tile 701 may be angled substantially towards the person 721. The IR source 717 of the fifth tile 709 may be angled substantially towards the person 721. Other IR sources in the tiles may be angled in different directions. In some examples, only a subset of IR sources within a respective tile are activated / powered-on. The subset may comprise io IR sources that are substantially positioned / angled in the direction of the person 721. If an IR source of the third tile 705 was activated (only), then the person 721 may only experience the sensation of heat from directly above (i.e. on their head). For example, the IR sources may be arranged to be angled at between 20 to 80 degrees with respect to a surface of the tile. The angle may be dependent on the height of the 15 ceiling (if mounted on the ceiling), or the likely average distance a person if mounted on the floor, walls, or on posts. In some examples, the IR sources may be angled at substantially 45 degrees to the surface of the tile. This is described in more detail alongside Figure 11. In some examples, an IR source of the third tile 705 is activated in addition to 20 the IR sources 711,717 of the first 701 and fifth tiles 709. In some examples, the third tile 705 provides indications to the second tile 703 and the fourth tile 707 to activate their respective IR sources 713, 715. This may be instead of, or in addition to the first and fifth tiles 701,709. In some examples, the third tile 705 provides indications to all of the other four tiles 701,703, 707, 709 to activate 25 their respective IR sources 711,713, 715, 717. Figure 8 shows a schematic representation of a plurality of tiles in operation to heat a person, from a top view. Figure 8 includes an area 801, such as a room or any covered area. The area 801 is covered by a grid of a plurality of tiles for heating. For example, the grid of the 30 plurality of tiles may be located on a ceiling of the area 801. In other examples, the grid of tiles may be located on a floor, on posts located throughout the space, or wall of the area 801. The plurality of tiles are all connected to each other. Some tiles are directly connected, and others are indirectly connected. In this example, there are sixteen tiles for heating covering the area 801, that are arranged in a 4x4 grid. Each 07 04 25 of the tiles for heating may be similar to the tiles described in Figures 3 or 4. In other examples, more or less than sixteen tiles are provided. Each of the sixteen tiles can be identified using the x and y coordinates of “A B C D” for the x-coordinate, and “1 2 3 4” for the y-coordinate. 5 Each of the sixteen tiles comprises at least one IR source. Each of the sixteen tiles may comprise a plurality of IR sources in some examples. Each of the sixteen tiles comprises a sensor (not shown). There is a person 805 located within the area 801. In Figure 8, the view is looking from the top of the area 801, looking down onto the head of the person 805. io In the example of Figure 8, the person 805 is detected by a sensor of tile C2. In response to detecting the person 805, the tile C2 is configured to provide an indication to tiles B1, B2, B3, C1, C3, D1, D2, D3 to activate their respective IR sources. In this example, the tile C2 provides an indication to the tiles that are located immediately around the detected person 805. Said another way, the tile C2 provides 15 the indication to tiles that are directly connected to tile C2 (i.e. not indirectly connected tiles). In other examples, the tile that detects the person 805 may be configured to provide indications to other connected tiles (i.e. other than B1, B2, B3, C1, C3, D1, D2, D3). 20 An activated (powered-on) IR source is shown as a shaded rectangle 803 in Figure 8. In the example of Figure 8, the IR sources 803 of tiles B1, B2, B3, C1, C3, D1, D2, D3 are activated. The IR sources 803 are activated in response to receiving an indication from the tile C2. In some examples, when each tile comprises a plurality of IR sources, the 25 indication may be to activate a subset of the plurality of IR sources of the respective tile (i.e. some of the IR sources are activated, and some are not activated). For example, to activate one or more IR sources closest to C2, or activate one or more IR sources that provide a primary direction of IR radiation towards C2. By activating only a subset of the IR sources, per tile, this will save energy. 30 In the example of Figure 8, the IR source of tile C2 is not activated when the person is detected by tile C2. In other examples, the IR source of C2 is activated, in addition to the other surrounding tiles B1, B2, B3, C1, C3, D1, D2, D3. Once an IR source is activated / powered-on, the IR source may stay on for a specified period of time. The period of time (i.e. timer) may be user configurable, or 07 04 25 preconfigured. In other examples, the IR source remains activated / powered on until a further indication is received from tile C2. The tile C2 may send a further indication if it is sensed that the person 805 has moved, and is no longer detected. An example of the person 805 moving within the area 801 is shown in Figure 5 9. Figure 9 shows another schematic representation of a plurality of tiles in operation to heat a person, from a top view. Figure 9 shows the same area 801 as Figure 8, but at a later point in time when the person 805 in Figure 8 has moved within the area 801. The same labelling is used in Figure 9 as is used in Figure 8. io As seen in Figure 9, the person 805 has moved within the area 801. The person 801 has moved from standing / sitting underneath tile C2, to standing / sitting underneath tile B2. In the example of Figure 9, the person 805 is detected by a sensor of tile B2. In response to detecting the person 805, the tile B2 is configured to provide an indication 15 to tiles A1, A2, A3, B1, B3, C1, C2, C3 to activate their respective IR sources. In this example, the tile B2 provides an indication to the tiles that are located immediately around the detected person 805. Said another way, the tile B2 provides the indication to tiles that are directly connected to tile B2 (i.e. not indirectly connected tiles). In response to receiving the indication, the tiles A1, A2, A3, B1, B3, C1, C2, C3 20 are configured to activate their respective IR sources. The activated IR sources are shown with shaded rectangles 803. In this example, the IR source of tile B2 is not activated when the person 805 is detected by tile B2. In other examples, the IR source of B2 is activated in addition to the other surrounding tiles. 25 In some examples, when the person 805 moves from C2 to B2, all of the previously activated tiles deactivate / turn off their respective IR sources, before the ‘new’ set of IR sources are turned on. In other examples, only the IR sources that are to be deactivated / turned off due to the new position of the person 805 (due to the movement of the person 805) are deactivated / turned off (i.e. the IR sources of tiles 30 D1, D2, D3, B2). Figure 10 shows a schematic representation of a plurality of tiles that are arranged in a grid. 07 04 25 As seen in Figure 10, there is a system 1000 comprising sixteen tiles for heating. The tiles are arranged in a 4x4 grid. All of the tiles are the same in this example. Each tile 1001 comprises a sensor 1005. Each tile 1001 comprises eight arrows 5 1003. Each arrow 1003 represents a (primary) direction of IR radiation provided by an IR source. The direction of the IR radiation from each tile means that a person, or persons, detected within the grid can be heated. The direction of IR radiation from each IR source is different due to the arrangement / angle of the IR sources within the tile, as shown in more detail in Figure 11. io In this example, each tile 1001 comprises eight arrows 1003 (i.e. eight IR sources). In other examples, each tile 1001 is able to provide more than or less than eight different directions of IR radiation. Figure 11 shows a schematic representation of an angle at which an infrared source is arranged at within a tile. 15 There is provided a tile 1101 for heating. The tile 1101 may be similar to the tiles of Figure 3, Figure 4, Figure 5a and Figure 5b. Figure 11 shows a vertical cross section view through the tile 1101. The tile 1101 comprises an IR source 1103. The IR source 1103 may be an IR LED. In this example, only a single IR source 1103 is shown for clarity, but the tile 20 1101 may comprise a plurality of IR sources. The tile 1103 also comprises a sensor 1105. The sensor 1105 is located substantially centrally within the tile 1103. In other examples, the sensor 1105 may be located in any suitable location within the tile. The tile 1101 is located / positioned on a ceiling of an area, in this example. The 25 first dashed line 1107 is from the tile 1101 to a floor / ground of the area. A second dashed line 1109 is perpendicular to the first dashed line 1107. The second dashed line 1109 represents a plane of a surface of the tile 1101, also referred to as ‘tile surface’ (i.e. the surface facing the area / room when the tile is in situ). The IR source is arranged so that a tile surface-to-IR source (a) angle is set at 30 a fixed angle deviating from 90 degrees. In this way, a primary direction of IR radiation, provided by the IR source, in use, is based on the (a) angle. As previously discussed, by deviating the (a) angle from 90 degrees (i.e. from perpendicular), a person is heated more efficiently by a tile / tiles. The angle allows IR radiation to be provided to a person 07 04 25 from different directions, rather than simply directed down onto the head from a tile above the person. This improves the sensation of heat for the person. In some examples, the IR source 1103 is arranged within the tile 1101 so that the IR source 1103 is angled between 20 and 80 degrees with respect to the surface 5 of the tile 1101 (i.e. with respect the second dashed line 1109). The IR source 1103 is arranged so that it faces away from the centre of the tile (or facing towards a side of the tile). In this example of Figure 11, the angle (a) is substantially 45 degrees (shown with dashed line 1111). The IR source 1103 may be angled towards the nearest edge / side of the tile 1101. In this way, the IR radiation is directed away from the tile io 1101 (rather than towards the centre of the tile 1101). In other examples, the IR sources are arranged to face inwards, towards the centre of the tile. The arrangement of the IR source or IR sources within a tile, with respect to the primary direction of IR radiation, may be selected / configured based on the use case for the tile. For example, the arrangement (angle) may be different for different ceiling 15 heights, or if the tile is to be used on a wall (rather than a ceiling). The angle / direction of the IR source provides the primary direction of IR radiation output from the IR source. Even though each IR source does not provide IR radiation in a single direction (i.e. similar to a laser), the IR source may have a primary direction (with lower intensity radiation travelling around the primary direction, similar 20 to a light bulb). Each IR source may be associated with a device to form a beam of IR radiation from the IR source. The arrows 1113 indicates the directions of IR radiation provided by the IR source 1103. The primary direction of IR radiation is shown by arrow 1115. In some examples, an arrangement of a circle of a plurality of IR sources are 25 arranged around a sensor or sensor array (similar to Figures 3 and 4). In this case, each of the IR sources may be angled away from the centre of the tile 1101 (and therefore also away from the central sensor(s)). Each of the IR sources may be angled to direct IR radiation in different direction. An IR source that is arranged in a tile to have an angle, with respect to a surface 30 of the tile, of between 20 and 80 degrees has been found to be suitable for a number of different applications. An angle between 20 and 80 degrees may be selected based on the use case for the tile. For example, an angle between 20 and 80 degrees may be calculated based on a size of the tile, and the height of a ceiling that the tile is to be used in. It has been found that an angle of between 30 and 70 degrees is an 07 04 25 optimum angle for heating people within the area when the tiles are used on a ceiling. An example of a calculation to determine an angle is shown in Figure 12. Figure 12 shows a schematic representation of an angle at which infrared sources are arranged at within a system of tiles. Figure 12 shows a cross-section view 5 through a room. There are provided five tiles 1201 for heating. The five tiles 1201 may be part of a larger system of more tiles (not shown). Each tile is a square shape with dimensions of 0.5m by 0.5m. In other examples, a tile is larger or smaller than 0.5m x 0.5m. The height of the ceiling, in this example, is 2.4m. io A sensor 1203 of the middle tile is provided (sensors of the other tiles are not shown). A first IR source 1205 and a second IR source 1207 are also provided. The sensor 1203 detects a person 1209 below the tile. Due to the detection by the sensor 1203, the first and second IR sources 1205, 1207 are activated to heat the person 1209. For example, the middle tile may provide an indication or message to the 15 respective tiles to active the first and second IR sources 1205, 1207. In this example, the first and second IR sources 1205, 1207 are arranged to have an angle of 57.26 degrees with respect to a surface of the tiles, facing away from a centre of the respective tiles. The angle of 57.26 degrees is selected based on the ceiling height, a size of the tiles and components within the tiles, and a further distance 20 from the ceiling into the room. The further distance is chosen as 1.4m from the ceiling. The distance between the sensor 1203 and the IR sources 1205, 1207 is 0.9m. This forms a right-angled triangle with dimensions of 0.9 by 1.4 by ‘x’. Using tan(angle x°) = opposite I adjacent. Putting the values in - tan(angle x°) = 1.4 / 0.9 = Angle x° = tanA-1 (1.4 / 0.9) = 57.26°. 25 If the ceiling height was larger, then the further distance would also be larger. This would mean that the determined angle would be larger than 57.26° (i.e. closer to perpendicular). If the ceiling height was smaller, then the further distance would also be smaller. This would mean that the determined angle would be smaller than 57.26° (i.e. closer to in line with the surface of the tile). 30 It should be understood that this is an example only, that is provided to aid in the understanding of the disclosure. Figure 13 shows a schematic representation of a tile for heating in a top view. There is provided a tile 1301 which comprises eight IR sources 1303 and a sensor 1305. The sensor 1305 is located substantially in the centre of the tile 1301. 07 04 25 The IR sources 1303 are circled around the sensor 1305. The IR sources 1303 are each angled away from a centre of the tile, and away from a surface of the tile. For example, the IR sources are arranged to be angled between 20 and 80 degrees with respect to the surface of the tile 1301. The arrows show a primary direction of IR 5 radiation that is provided by each IR source 1303 when powered-on. In this way, the tile 1301 provides IR radiation in eight different directions around the tile 1301. Figure 14 shows a schematic representation of the tile of Figure 13 in a cross section view along line A-A. As seen in view of Figure 14, the IR sources 1303 are arranged at an angle of io 57 degrees with respect to a surface (plane) of the tile. The IR sources are arranged to angle / face away from a centre of the tile 1301. In other examples, the angle is a different angle deviating from 90 degrees (i.e. deviating from perpendicular). The tile 1301 has a plurality of IR sources 1303 with the same tile surface-to-IR source angle (a). Due to the different locations of the plurality of IR sources 1303 15 within the tile 1301, the tile 1301 provides IR radiation in a plurality of different directions, when in use (from the plurality of IR sources 1303). The tile 1301 is arranged so that: i) the plurality of IR sources 1303 have the same tile surface-to-IR source angle (a) deviating from 90 degrees, and ii) each of the plurality of IR sources 1303 provide a different direction of IR radiation from the tile 20 1301. Even though many of the examples discussed are in an indoor scenario / arrangement. The examples are equally applicable in an outdoor, or semicovered scenario. For example, the heating tiles may be situated in a pergola, gazebo, awning, garden wall, floor of an outside area, exterior building wall, etc. 25 One or more of the examples provide the advantage that a person can be instantly warmed / heated though the IR radiation that is provided by the heating tiles. This is a quicker way of heating a person compared to heating the air around that person (e.g. through conduction). Furthermore, the tiles are more energy efficient because the heating is targeted. Therefore, the system of tiles as a whole is more 30 efficient. The IR energy is only provided to people that are detected within an area or space. If a person is not detected, then no energy is wasted by powering the IR sources, or any other heating source. As the person moves around the room, they are ‘tracked’, so that they remain heated without wasting unnecessary power / energy by providing IR energy to other areas that the person is not present in. Another advantage 07 04 25 is that there is a reduction in the movement of air compared to convection-heating systems. This has benefits in a dusty environments, and / or for people with allergies. Figure 15 shows an example method flow performed by an apparatus. The apparatus may be a tile for heating. For example, a tile as shown in Figure 3 or 5 Figure 4. In S1501, the method comprises determining whether to activate at least one infrared source of the tile based on at least one of: i) receiving an indication, from at least one further tile for heating an area, for the tile to activate the at least one infrared source of the tile, and ii) detecting, using a sensor, a presence within an io area around the tile. In S1503, the method comprises, based on the determining, activating the at least one infrared source of the tile. Figure 16 shows a schematic representation of non-volatile memory media 1600a (e.g. computer disc (CD) or digital versatile disc (DVD)) and 1600b (e.g. 15 universal serial bus (USB) memory stick) storing instructions and / or parameters 1602 which when executed by a processor allow the processor to perform one or more of the steps of the methods of Figure 15. It is noted that while the above describes example embodiments, there are several variations and modifications which may be made to the disclosed solution 20 without departing from the scope of the present invention. The examples may thus vary within the scope of the attached claims. In general, some embodiments may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof. For example, some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or 25 software which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device, although embodiments are not limited thereto. While various embodiments may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorial representation, it is well understood that these blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques or methods described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting 30 examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof. The examples may be implemented by computer software stored in a memory and executable by at least one data processor of the involved entities or by hardware, 07 04 25 or by a combination of software and hardware. Further in this regard it should be noted that any procedures may represent program steps, or interconnected logic circuits, blocks and functions, or a combination of program steps and logic circuits, blocks and functions. The software may be stored on such physical media as memory chips, or 5 memory blocks implemented within the processor, magnetic media such as hard disk or floppy disks, and optical media such as for example DVD and the data variants thereof, CD. As used herein, “at least one of the following:” and “at least one of: ” and similar wording, where the io list of two or more elements are joined by “and”, or “or”, mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all of the elements. Alternatively, or additionally some examples may be implemented using circuitry. The circuitry may be configured to perform one or more of the functions and / or method steps previously described. 15 As used in this application, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analogue and / or digital circuitry); (b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as: (i) a combination of analogue and / or digital hardware circuit(s) with software / firmware and (ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software 20 (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as the communications device or base station to perform the various functions previously described; and (c) hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present 25 when it is not needed for operation. This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) 30 accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example integrated device. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device. 07 04 25

Claims

1. A tile for heating, the tile comprising:at least one infrared source;means for connecting the tile to at least one further tile, wherein the means for connecting comprises means for electrically coupling the tile to a said at least one further tile; andmeans for:determining whether to activate the at least one infrared source based on at least one of: i) an indication received from a said at least one further tile for heating, and ii) a detection, using a sensor, of a presence within an area around the tile; andbased on the determining, activating the at least one infrared source.

2. The tile of claim 1, wherein the means are for:determining an ambient temperature around the tile; andbased on the determining of the ambient temperature, adjusting an intensity of the infrared output by the at least one infrared source.

3. The tile of claim 2, wherein the determining the ambient temperature around the tile comprises one of:i) receiving, from a said at least one further tile, a further indication comprising the ambient temperature;ii) determining, using a temperature sensor of the tile, the ambient temperature.

4. The tile of claim 1, wherein the means are for:adjusting the intensity of the infrared that is output by the at least one infrared source based on at least one of: a user preference, a received configuration, a user input.

5. The tile of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the tile is for, in use, heating an area around the tile.07 04 256. The tile of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one of: the at least one infrared source, the sensor, and the means are integrated within the tile.

7. The tile of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the means for, based on the determining, activating the at least one infrared source comprises means for:in response to receiving the indication from a said at least one further tile, activating the at least one infrared source.

8. The tile of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the means are for:in response to detecting a presence within an area around the tile using the sensor, providing an indication to a said at least one further tile to activate at least one infrared source of a said at least one further tile.

9. The tile of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least one infrared source is at least one infrared light emitting diode.

10. The tile of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the tile comprises a layer of material that is arranged to block light from being emitted from the tile.

11. The tile of any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the means for connecting comprises at least one of:a plug and / or a socket for connecting the tile to a said at least one further tile;a male connector and / or a female connector for attaching the tile to a said at least one further tile;a connector and / or a socket for connecting the tile to a said at least one further tile;a cable and / or a socket for connecting the tile to a said at least one further tile.

12. The tile of any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the tile is mountable to one of: a ceiling, a wall, a pillar, a post, and a floor, of the area.07 04 2513. The tile of any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the sensor comprises at least one of: a motion sensor, a light detection and ranging sensor, a laser sensor, a camera, and any other sensor capable of detecting a presence.

14. The tile of any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the indication is received from a said at least one further tile in a message at the tile, the indication being transmitted by a said at least one further tile.

15. The tile of any of claims 1 to 14, wherein the at least one infrared source is arranged so that a tile surface-to-infrared source, a, angle is set at a fixed angle deviating from 90 degrees.

16. The tile of claim 15, wherein the a-angle is set between 20 and 80 degrees.

17. The tile of claim 16, wherein the a-angle is set between 45 and 60 degrees.

18. The tile of any of claims 1 to 17, wherein the tile is one of: square, triangular,hexagonal, or rectangular, in shape.

19. The tile of any of claims 1 to 18, wherein the at least one infrared source comprises a plurality of infrared sources.

20. The tile of claim 19, wherein the tile is arranged so that: i) the plurality of infrared sources have a same tile surface-to-infrared source angle, a, deviating from 90 degrees, and ii) each of the plurality of infrared sources provide a different direction of infrared radiation from the tile, when in use.

21. A method performed by a tile for heating according to any of claims 1 to 20, the method comprising:determining whether to activate at least one infrared source of the tile based on at least one of: i) receiving an indication, from at least one further tile for heating an area, for the tile to activate the at least one infrared source of the tile, and ii) detecting, using a sensor, a presence within an area around the tile; and07 04 25based on the determining, activating the at least one infrared source of the tile.

22. A system comprising:a plurality of tiles for heating according to any of claims 1 to 20,wherein the plurality of tiles are connected and electrically coupled to each other,wherein a first tile of the plurality of tiles comprises at least one of:i) means for determining whether to activate at least one infrared source of the first tile based on an indication received from a second tile of the plurality of tiles, and based on the determining, activating the at least one infrared source of the first tile, andii) means for detecting, using a sensor, a presence within an area around the tile, and based on the detecting, providing an indication to the second tile of the plurality of tiles to activate at least one infrared source of the second tile.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the plurality of tiles are arranged together, when connected, in a grid.

Images