Lighting devices with motion sensing capabilities

The lighting device integrates motion sensing with low-power mode operation, addressing power consumption issues in smart lighting by controlling the motion sensing module to conserve energy and maintain functionality.

JP2026521431APending Publication Date: 2026-06-30SIGNIFY HOLDING BV

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
SIGNIFY HOLDING BV
Filing Date
2024-05-27
Publication Date
2026-06-30

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Smart lighting devices with integrated motion detection modules face significant power consumption challenges, hindering reliable operation due to the high processing power requirements of motion detection algorithms.

Method used

A lighting device with motion sensing capabilities operates the motion sensing module in a low-power mode during low-power periods by generating a sensing module control signal from the lighting control unit, allowing the lighting module to function efficiently while reducing power consumption.

Benefits of technology

This approach maintains smart lighting functionality while significantly reducing power consumption, ensuring reliable operation and compatibility with smart switching technologies.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a lighting device (100) having motion sensing capability, comprising a lighting module (102) including a lighting unit (104), a control signal input unit (106) configured to receive a lighting control signal (108), and a lighting control unit (110) for controlling the lighting unit based on the received lighting control signal. The lighting device further comprises a motion sensing module (112) including a sensing signal input unit (114) for receiving a sensing signal (116), and a sensing control unit (118) for determining the motion of an object or object (1) in a sensing volume (2) using an RF sensing signal. The lighting control unit is configured to generate and provide a sensing module control signal upon receiving a predetermined lighting control signal (108.1). Upon receiving the sensing module control signal (119), the motion sensing module is configured to operate in a low-power operating mode to ensure the functionality of the lighting module.
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting device incorporating motion sensing capabilities. The present invention further relates to a method and a computer program for controlling the operation of such a lighting device. [Background technology]

[0002] Lighting control systems, also known as "smart lighting," incorporate communication between various system inputs and outputs related to lighting control using one or more central computing devices. Lighting control systems are widely used in both indoor and outdoor lighting in commercial, industrial, and residential spaces.

[0003] US2022 / 0295621A1 describes a radar-based motion detection system that achieves power reduction of a radar sensor by operating it in a subsampling manner within a lighting control system. The sampling frequency of the radar sensor is configured by combining information about the state of the lighting device and the detection area. From there, a balance is achieved between power reduction and motion detection performance. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] Motion detection, such as fall detection for elderly care, is crucial for future healthcare. This functionality can be integrated with smart lighting for lamps and fixtures and will become widespread in professional healthcare facilities and consumer homes. Integrating smart lighting into a single device presents challenges to optimal functionality in the power domain.

[0005] The inventors have recognized that when smart lighting-enabled lighting devices are used in conjunction with a motion detection module in a single device, the motion detection algorithm tends to consume a significant amount of processing power, which can hinder reliable operation. Therefore, it is beneficial to provide lighting devices that improve the control of lighting devices incorporating motion sensing capabilities. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a lighting device having motion sensing capability is disclosed. The lighting device includes a lighting module comprising a lighting unit configured to provide light for illuminating a volume or room, among other things; a control signal input unit configured to receive lighting control signals for controlling the operating state of the lighting unit; and a lighting control unit configured to control the operating state of the lighting unit depending on the received lighting control signals. To realize motion sensing, the lighting device includes a motion sensing module comprising a sensing signal input unit configured to receive sensing signals; and a sensing control unit connected to the sensing signal input unit, configured to determine the motion of a subject or object in a sensing volume using the received sensing signals. Thus, the sensing volume is defined as a spatial region in which the motion of a subject or object has a detectable influence on the sensing signals.

[0007] According to the present invention, the lighting control unit is configured to generate a sensing module control signal for operating the motion sensing module in a low-power mode during a low-power period upon receiving a predetermined lighting control signal, and to provide this signal to the motion sensing module. Furthermore, the motion sensing module is configured to, upon receiving the sensing module control signal, operate the sensing control unit in a low-power mode during a low-power period.

[0008] Therefore, if a lighting module receives a lighting control signal indicating a control operation of the lighting module that requires a given amount of power incompatible with the amount of power required by the motion sensing module to determine the motion of an object or target in the sensing volume, the lighting control unit provides a sensing module control signal instructing the motion sensing module to operate in a low-power operating mode. "Non-compatible" should be understood as the impossibility of performing both the lighting control operation and the motion detection operation simultaneously due to limited available power. Thus, if the expected control operation of the lighting module specified by the received lighting control signal may conflict with the motion determination performed by the motion sensing module, providing a sensing module control signal places the motion sensing module in a low-power mode, enabling the lighting control unit to control the operation of the lighting module with the necessary power resources.

[0009] The following describes an embodiment of a lighting device according to a first aspect of the present invention.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, a predetermined lighting control signal (which may be multiple) that, when received by a lighting control unit, triggers the generation and provision of sensing module control signals to operate the motion sensing module in low-power mode, includes all available lighting control signals. In one embodiment, the commencement of receiving a lighting control signal triggers the generation and provision of sensing module control signals without having to wait for full reception and command decoding before providing the sensing module control signal. The low-power time span is, for example, longer than the time required to receive and decode the lighting control signal if the currently received lighting control signal is compatible with the operation of the motion sensing module.

[0011] In one embodiment, the lighting device is at least partially a wirelessly controlled lighting device. The operation of the lighting module can be controlled by providing a wireless lighting control signal according to a suitable wireless communication protocol, such as WiFi®, Zigbee®, Bluetooth®, BLE, Thread, or any other suitable wireless communication protocol. The lighting device may be signalally coupled to other lighting devices or lighting control units via DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface). In another embodiment, the lighting device may be additionally or alternatively controlled by so-called smart switching technology, which is based on detecting interruptions in power lines and controlling the light accordingly.

[0012] The predetermined time span may be a fixed period that depends on the received lighting control signal. Alternatively, the lighting control unit may be configured to generate and provide a sensing module control signal to the motion sensing module to operate it in normal power mode once it determines that an operation instruction has been executed, thereby ending the low-power period.

[0013] In one embodiment, the lighting device further includes a wired connection between the lighting module and the motion sensing module, and in particular, between the lighting control unit and the sensing control unit. The wired connection is configured to transmit sensing module control signals from the lighting control unit to the motion sensing module. The wired connection is preferred because it has a lower power impact compared to a wireless connection.

[0014] In another embodiment, the motion sensing module includes a radar sensor configured to detect motion in a sensing volume. Radar is a well-known detection system that uses radio waves to determine the distance, angle, or velocity of a moving object. A radar system works by radiating energy into space and monitoring echoes or reflected signals from objects in the surrounding area or detection area. Typically, a radar sensor system has a transmitter that emits radio waves, or radar signals, into space in a predetermined direction. When a radar signal comes into contact with an object or target, it is usually reflected or scattered in many directions, depending on the material and surface of the object or target, as well as the angle of incidence of the radar signal. Some radar signals penetrate the target or are absorbed to a certain level by the target. Some radar signals that are reflected back towards the radar system are captured by a receiver in the radar system. These are the desired signals that make the radar sensor system work. If an object or target in the sensing volume is moving towards or away from the transmitter, there is a corresponding change in the frequency of the reflected radio waves due to the Doppler effect. In a simple example, by comparing the frequency shift between the emitted signal and the echo received from the detection area, the radar system can derive the relative velocity between the radar system and a moving object based on the Doppler effect. In addition to velocity measurement, the distance from the moving target and the bearing of the moving target can also be derived. Depending on the operating mechanism, various methods may be used to derive certain types of information. In the case of pulse radar, distance measurement can be based on the time-of-flight principle, while in the case of continuous-wave radar, the frequency shift of the received signal compared to the transmitted signal is proportional to the distance traveled. The bearing of the moving target relative to the radar sensor may be derived by employing some kind of antenna or antenna array.

[0015] In an alternative embodiment, the motion sensing module is configured to determine motion within the sensing volume by analyzing signal quality parameters of the received sensing signal, such as the received signal strength indication (RSSI) of the received signal or channel state information (CSI) of the communication link between the signal emitter and the signal receiver.

[0016] In another embodiment, the lighting device further includes a power supply unit for connecting to an AC mains power supply on one side and to the lighting module and motion sensing module on the other side. The power supply unit is configured, for example, in one embodiment to supply operating DC power for the operation of the lighting device in operating mode and standby DC power for the operation of the lighting device in standby mode.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the motion sensing module is configured to operate in standby mode using standby DC power supplied by a power supply unit upon receiving a sensing module control signal, particularly from a lighting control unit.

[0018] The motion sensing module may be configured as an infrared sensing module, an ultrasonic sensing module, or any other suitable sensing module. In a preferred embodiment, the motion sensing module is configured as a radio frequency-based sensing module having a sensing signal input unit configured to receive radio frequency sensing signals, and a sensing control unit connected to the sensing signal input unit, which is configured to determine the motion of an object or subject in a sensing volume using the received radio frequency sensing signals. Preferably, the motion sensing module is configured to receive sensing signals, in particular RF sensing signals, when operating in low-power mode, and to store signal data associated with the received sensing signals for processing after the low-power period has elapsed and the motion sensing module has returned to normal operation.

[0019] Preferably, during low-power periods when the motion sensing module is operating in low-power mode, the motion sensing module, in particular the sensing control unit, is configured to stop receiving sensing signals and / or stop processing the received sensing signals for determining the motion of an object or subject in the sensing volume using the received sensing signals, in particular the received RF sensing signals. Since evaluating the data associated with the received sensing signals is particularly demanding in terms of power consumption, stopping the evaluation of the sensing signals for determining motion allows the power necessary to control the operating state of the lighting unit to be used. This can be done by stopping the reception of sensing signals or by stopping the evaluation of the received sensing signals. The received sensing signals are preferably stored and evaluated later when the motion sensing module is no longer operating in low-power mode.

[0020] In one embodiment, the lighting control unit is preferably configured to monitor a reduction in the amount of power supplied to operate the lighting device, and to provide a sensing module control signal when it determines that the detected reduction exceeds a predetermined threshold amount.

[0021] This is particularly advantageous for lighting devices that can be controlled to some extent using smart switching, which is based on phase detection, i.e., detecting interruptions in the power supply and controlling the lighting unit accordingly. Preferably, at least a subset of lighting control signals for controlling the operation of the lighting unit are received from the power supply to the lighting device via power lines that supply operating power, such as operating DC power or standby power. In the case of smart switching, the operating state of the lighting unit can be controlled by performing a predetermined number of power off-power on cycles within a predetermined period. For lighting devices without motion sensing capabilities, the power consumption of the lighting control unit is low, so the power decay time before a full shutdown of the lighting unit is usually very long. However, the extra power consumption of the motion sensing module can interfere with the smart switching function because it affects the control logic for controlling the operation of the lighting unit based on the duration of the main power switch-off interval.

[0022] For example, in one embodiment, a subset of the lighting control signals includes a predetermined number of off-on cycles during a predetermined period of the power signal received via the power line. Thus, in this particular embodiment of the lighting device, the lighting control unit is configured to control the operation of the lighting unit depending on the number of power-off - power-on cycles. Here, two consecutive cycles must be executed within a predetermined period in order to be considered part of the same lighting control signal. For example, a single power off-power on cycle can be associated with a lighting control signal that operates the lighting unit according to a first lighting parameter (e.g., a first light intensity, a first color temperature, and / or a first light spectrum). Two power off-power on cycles can be associated with a lighting control signal that operates the lighting unit according to a second lighting parameter, and three cycles can be associated with a lighting control signal that operates the lighting unit in standby mode, for example, to turn off the lighting unit but operate the lighting control unit to monitor for receipt of further lighting control signals.

[0023] In another embodiment, the lighting control unit is further configured to monitor the time elapsed between two power off-power on cycles and control the lighting parameters based thereon.

[0024] Therefore, to maintain the smart lighting function in a lighting device with motion sensing capability (e.g., incorporating a radar module), a simple interface is provided to control the motion sensing module (e.g., the radar module) to standby or deep sleep while maintaining the function.

[0025] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling the operation of a lighting device with motion sensing capability is disclosed. The method includes receiving a lighting control signal for controlling the operating state of the lighting unit, and Controlling the operating state of the lighting unit based on the received lighting control signal, Receiving sensing signals, particularly radio frequency sensing signals, The motion of an object or target within the sensing volume is determined using the received sensing signal, When the lighting control unit receives a predetermined lighting control signal, it generates a sensing module control signal to operate the motion sensing module in low-power mode during a low-power period, and provides this signal to the motion sensing module. Upon receiving a control signal for the sensing module, the motion sensing module is operated in low-power mode during the low-power period. Includes.

[0026] Thus, the method of the second embodiment shares the advantages of a lighting device having the motion sensing capability of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] The following describes an embodiment of the second aspect of the method.

[0028] In one embodiment, the method further includes, upon receiving a sensing module control signal from a lighting control unit, operating the motion sensing module in standby mode using standby DC power supplied by a power supply unit.

[0029] In another embodiment, the method additionally or alternatively includes monitoring a decrease in the amount of power supplied to operate a lighting device, and providing a sensing module control signal when it is determined that the detected decrease exceeds a predetermined threshold amount.

[0030] In yet another embodiment, the method further includes receiving at least a subset of lighting control signals via power lines for supplying operating power from a power source to a lighting device.

[0031] A third aspect of the present invention is formed by a computer program that, when performed by a lighting device according to the first aspect of the present invention (i.e., by a combination of a lighting control unit and a sensing control unit), includes instructions to cause the lighting device to perform the method of the second aspect of the present invention.

[0032] It should be understood that the lighting device of claim 1, the method of claim 10, and the computer program of claim 15 have similar and / or identical preferred embodiments, in particular embodiments such as those described in the dependent claims.

[0033] It should also be understood that preferred embodiments of the present invention may be any combination of the dependent claims or the embodiments described above with their respective independent claims.

[0034] These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent and clarified by reference to the embodiments described below. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0035] [Figure 1] A schematic block diagram of a lighting device with motion sensing capability according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 2] A schematic block diagram of a lighting device with motion sensing capability according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 3] The power-to-time curves of known lighting devices with and without motion sensing capabilities in response to inputs consisting of two consecutive power-off-power-on cycles are shown. [Figure 4] A flowchart of a method for controlling the operation of a lighting device according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 5] A flowchart shows a method for controlling the operation of a lighting device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0036] Figure 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a lighting device 100 having motion sensing capability according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The lighting device 100 includes a lighting module 102 for illuminating a space or room and a motion sensing module 112 for performing motion sensing operations, including determining whether an object or target 1 is moving within a sensing volume 2. The sensing volume 1 is defined as a volume in space in which the motion of an object or target affects a sensing signal 116 that is received in a discernible manner. In this particular example, the motion sensing module is an RF-based motion sensing module. In other examples, the motion sensing module may be an infrared motion sensing module, an ultrasonic motion sensing module, a camera-based motion sensing module, or any other suitable motion sensing module.

[0037] The lighting module 102 includes a lighting unit 104 configured to provide light for illuminating the space surrounding the lighting device. The lighting unit 104 may include an LED-based light source, a halogen light source, a fluorescent light source, or any other suitable light source 105. In particular, in the case of an LED-based light source, the parameters of the light emitted by the lighting module may be controlled. Parameters may include light intensity, color temperature, and light spectrum. A given combination of parameters is called a light setting. The parameters may be changed over time to create a light effect. The lighting module 102 also includes a control signal input unit 106 configured to receive lighting control signals 108, 108.1 for controlling the operating state of the lighting unit 104, and a lighting control unit 110 signalally connected to the control signal input unit, configured to control the operating state of the lighting unit 104 depending on the received lighting control signals 108. The control signal input unit may include an antenna for receiving wireless lighting control signals in the case of a wirelessly controllable lighting device. Furthermore, the system may include a wired connection for receiving lighting control signals via a wired connection, as described below.

[0038] Furthermore, the lighting device 100 provides integrated motion sensing capabilities. This is achieved by including a radiofrequency-based motion sensing module 112. The radiofrequency-based motion sensing module 112 includes a sensing signal input unit 114 configured to receive radiofrequency sensing signals 116, and a sensing control unit 118 connected to the sensing signal input unit 114, which is configured to determine the motion of an object or object 1 in a sensing volume 2 using the received radiofrequency (RF) sensing signals 116. Preferably, the motion sensing module includes a radar-based sensor 113 that uses radio waves as RF sensing signals to determine the distance, angle, or velocity of a moving object or object 1. The radar-based sensor radiates energy into space and functions by monitoring echoes or reflected signals from objects in a surrounding area called a sensing volume 1. Typically, a radar sensor system has a transmitter that emits radio waves or radar signals into space in a predetermined direction. When a radar signal comes into contact with an object or target, it is usually reflected or scattered in many directions, depending on the material and surface of the object or target, as well as the angle of incidence of the radar signal.

[0039] Generally, lighting devices with motion sensing capabilities have higher power requirements than lighting devices without motion sensing capabilities. This is because processing the received RF sensing signals to determine the motion of an object or target 1 requires a relatively high amount of power. This requirement can interfere with the operation of the lighting module 102, especially if the reception of a predetermined lighting control signal 108.1 is related to high power requirements. Thus, in the lighting device 100 according to the present invention, when a predetermined lighting control signal 108.1 is received, the lighting control unit 110 is configured to generate a sensing module control signal 119 indicating the need to operate the motion sensing module 112 in low-power mode for a low-power period, and to provide this signal to the motion sensing module 112, and in particular to the sensing control unit 118. Upon receiving the sensing module control signal 119, the motion sensing module 112 is configured to operate in low-power mode for a low-power period. Preferably, as shown in Figure 1, the lighting device 100 includes a wired connection 120 between a lighting control unit 110 and a sensing control unit 118, which are configured to transmit sensing module control signals 119.

[0040] By using additional communication lines, the motion sensing module can be switched off or put into deep sleep mode while maintaining smart lighting functionality. Receiving and storing the RF sensing signal 116 may be kept active, as typically only data processing requires significant power.

[0041] Figure 2 shows a schematic block diagram of a lighting device 100b with motion sensing capability according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The technical features of the lighting device 100b in Figure 2, which have the same or similar functions as the lighting device 100 in Figure 1, are referred to using the same reference numerals. This description will focus on the technical features that distinguish the lighting device 100b in Figure 2 from the lighting device 100 in Figure 1.

[0042] The lighting device 100b further includes a power supply unit 122 for connecting to an AC mains power supply 124 on one side and to the lighting module 102 and motion sensing module 112 on the other side. In this example, the power supply unit 122 is configured as an AD / DC converter to supply operating DC power for the operation of the lighting device 100b in operating mode and standby DC power for the operation of the lighting device 100b in standby mode.

[0043] Standby mode, also known as sleep mode, is a low-power mode for electronic devices. These modes significantly reduce power consumption compared to leaving the device fully powered on and avoid the need for the user to reissue a command or reboot the machine when resuming operation.

[0044] In the lighting device 100b, the motion sensing module 112 is configured to operate in standby mode using standby DC power supplied by the power supply unit 122 when it receives a sensing module control signal 119 from the lighting control unit 110.

[0045] Preferably, when operating in low-power mode, the motion sensing module 112 is configured to receive a radio frequency sensing signal 116 and to store signal data SD associated with the received radio frequency sensing signal 116. The signal data SD indicates information contained in the radio frequency sensing signal that is useful for determining motion. More preferably, when operating in low-power mode, the motion sensing module 112 is configured to use the received radio frequency sensing signal 116 to stop determining the motion of an object or object 1 in the sensing volume 2. During startup and normal operation, the motion sensing module 112 is connected to the power supply 122 and its functionality is guaranteed. Only during operation of the lighting module indicated by a predetermined optical control signal 108.1, for example, during smart switching as described below, the motion sensing module 112 is “stalled” via the enable / data connection 120. This simple interface significantly reduces the overall power consumption of the lighting device during smart switching without interfering with smart lighting functionality. This allows for the simple integration of standalone modules into a smart lighting platform by reusing the power interface of the lighting device.

[0046] Preferably, at least a subset of the illumination control signal 108.1 is received via a power line 126 for supplying operating power from a power supply 122 to the illumination device 100b. Furthermore, the subset of the illumination control signal preferably includes a predetermined number of off-on cycles over a predetermined period of time of the power signal received via the power line. This is further illustrated with reference to Figure 3.

[0047] Figure 3 shows power-to-time curves for lighting devices with and without motion sensing capability in response to an input consisting of two consecutive power-off-power-on cycles. The switch state is shown in the figure above. When the switch is closed, power is supplied to the lighting device from the AC mains power supply. When the switch is open, power transmission is interrupted.

[0048] The central curve shows the impact of a power outage on a lighting device without motion sensing capability. Since the power consumption of the microcontroller is low, the power decay time before the lamp's full shutdown is usually very long. Therefore, if the switch is closed again within a given time window, the available DC power P for the lighting device th is sufficient, i.e., remains above the minimum required DC power (P Min ), and the operation of the lighting device is not interrupted. This fact is used in the so-called smart switching functionality where the number of power-off - power-on cycles in which the power is switched between P ON and P OFF is monitored. The number of given cycles is associated with a command for the operation of the lighting device, or rather, with a lighting control signal. Therefore, the variation in the amount of power over time is an appropriate lighting control signal received via the power line 126.

[0049] However, when a motion sensing functionality that requires higher power for operation is added, as a result of the same power-off - power-on cycle, the available DC power P DC drops below the minimum required DC power P Min , and the number of cycles can no longer be monitored, thereby preventing the intended control of the lighting module via smart switching.

[0050] Preferably, the lighting control unit 110 of the lighting device 100 or the lighting device 100b is thus configured to monitor a decrease ΔP DC in the amount of power P supplied to operate the lighting device 100, and to provide a sensing module control signal 119 when it is determined that the detected decrease exceeds a predetermined threshold amount ΔP DC . The threshold amount should be set to a value large enough to filter out minor power variations due to power supply fluctuations. Further, t​​off1 and t off2 The maximum value is the available DC power P DC The minimum required power P Min It is set as the time value to reach, t on1 The maximum value can be selected, for example, 0.5 seconds, 1 second, 2 seconds, or 5 seconds.

[0051] Figure 4 shows a flowchart of a method 200 for controlling the operation of a lighting device with motion sensing capability according to one embodiment of the present invention. The method includes, in step 202, receiving a lighting control signal to control the operating state of a lighting unit. The method further includes, in step 204, controlling the operating state of the lighting unit depending on the received lighting control signal. The method also includes, in step 206, receiving a radio frequency sensing signal, and in step 208, using the received radio frequency sensing signal to determine the motion of an object or target within a sensing volume. Thus, steps 202 and 204 are for controlling the lighting function of the lighting device, and steps 206 and 208 are for controlling the motion sensing function of the lighting device. The method further includes, in step 210, determining that the received lighting control signal is one of a predetermined set of lighting control signals related to a predetermined power requirement. In this case, the method includes, in step 212, generating and providing a sensing module control signal to the motion sensing module to operate the motion sensing module in a low-power operating mode for a predetermined low-power period. Preferably, in an exemplary method, step 210 includes determining whether an illumination control signal has been received. Thus, in this alternative method, all receivable illumination control signals belong to a predetermined set of illumination control signals, and the mere reception of an illumination control signal triggers the generation and provision of sensing module control signals without having to wait to receive and decode the illumination control signals, which may in some cases lead to the depletion of available DC power. Finally, the method includes, in step 214, receiving a sensing module control signal (particularly via a wired connection), and, in response to the reception, in step 216, the method operates the motion sensing module in a low-power operation mode for a predetermined low-power period. Preferably, step 216 is performed using standby DC power supplied by a power supply unit.

[0052] Figure 5 shows a flowchart of method 200b for controlling the operation of a lighting device according to another embodiment of the present invention. In method 200, step 202b includes receiving a lighting control signal via a power line, as described with reference to, for example, Figure 3. Optionally, the method includes, in step 204b, controlling the operation of a lighting unit using smart switching technology, where a given number of interruptions in the power supply indicates a predetermined instruction. The method also includes, in step 210b, monitoring a decrease in the amount of power supplied to operate the lighting device and providing a sensing module control signal when it is determined that the detected decrease exceeds a predetermined threshold amount.

[0053] In summary, the present invention relates to a lighting device having motion sensing capability, comprising a lighting module including a lighting unit, a control signal input unit configured to receive lighting control signals, and a lighting control unit for controlling the lighting unit based on the received lighting control signals. The lighting device further includes an RF-based motion sensing module comprising a sensing signal input unit for receiving radio frequency sensing signals and a sensing control unit for determining the motion of an object or subject in a sensing volume using the RF sensing signals. The lighting control unit is configured to generate and provide sensing module control signals upon receiving a predetermined lighting control signal. Upon receiving the sensing module control signals, the motion sensing module is configured to operate in a low-power operating mode to ensure the functionality of the lighting module.

[0054] By examining the drawings, this disclosure, and the appended claims, other variations of the disclosed embodiments can be understood by those skilled in the art and can be implemented in carrying out the claimed invention.

[0055] In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other components or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude plurals.

[0056] A single unit or device may perform the functions of several items enumerated in the claims. The mere fact that certain means are enumerated in different dependent claims does not imply that combinations of these means cannot be used advantageously.

[0057] Computer programs may be stored and distributed on suitable media, such as optical storage media or solid-state media, supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems.

[0058] No reference numeral in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A lighting device having motion sensing capability, the lighting device is A lighting module comprising: a lighting unit configured to provide light; a control signal input unit configured to receive lighting control signals for controlling the operating state of the lighting unit; and a lighting control unit configured to control the operating state of the lighting unit depending on the received lighting control signals. A motion sensing module comprising a sensing signal input unit configured to receive sensing signals, and a sensing control unit connected to the sensing signal input unit, the sensing control unit configured to determine the motion of an object or target within a sensing volume using the received sensing signals, Includes, The lighting control unit is configured to generate a sensing module control signal for operating the motion sensing module in a low-power mode during a low-power period, upon receiving a predetermined lighting control signal, and to provide this signal to the motion sensing module. The lighting control unit is configured to monitor a decrease in the amount of power supplied to operate the lighting device, and to provide the sensing module control signal when it determines that the detected decrease exceeds a predetermined threshold amount. A lighting device wherein the motion sensing module is configured to operate in the low-power operating mode during the low-power period upon receiving the sensing module control signal.

2. The lighting device according to claim 1, further comprising a wired connection between the lighting control unit and the sensing control unit, which is configured to transmit the sensing module control signal.

3. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the motion sensing module includes a radio frequency-based motion sensing module configured to receive radio frequency sensing signals.

4. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lighting device includes an AC main power supply and a power supply unit for connecting to the lighting module and the motion sensing module, the power supply unit is configured to supply operating DC power for the operation of the lighting device in operating mode and standby DC power for the operation of the lighting device in standby mode.

5. The lighting device according to claim 4, wherein the motion sensing module is configured to operate in standby mode using the standby DC power supplied by the power supply unit when it receives a sensing module control signal from the lighting control unit.

6. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the motion sensing module is configured to receive the sensing signal and store signal data related to the received sensing signal when operating in the low-power mode.

7. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the motion sensing module is configured to stop receiving the sensing signal and / or stop processing the received sensing signal for determining the motion of an object or object in the sensing volume using the received sensing signal when operating in the low-power mode.

8. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the lighting control unit is configured to receive at least a subset of the lighting control signals via power lines for supplying operating power from a power source to the lighting device.

9. The lighting device according to claim 8, wherein the subset of the lighting control signals includes a predetermined number of off-on cycles over a predetermined period of time of the power signal received via the power line.

10. A method for controlling the operation of a lighting device having motion sensing capabilities, the method being: To receive lighting control signals for controlling the operating state of the lighting unit, The operating state of the lighting unit is controlled depending on the received lighting control signal, Receiving sensing signals, The motion of the target or object within the sensing volume is determined using the received sensing signal, When the lighting control unit receives a predetermined lighting control signal, it generates a sensing module control signal to operate the motion sensing module in a low-power operation mode for a predetermined low-power period, and provides this signal to the motion sensing module. The system monitors the decrease in the amount of power supplied to operate the lighting device, and provides a sensing module control signal when it determines that the detected decrease exceeds a predetermined threshold amount. Upon receiving the sensing module control signal, the motion sensing module is operated in the low-power operation mode for a predetermined low-power period. Methods that include...

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising, upon receiving the sensing module control signal from the lighting control unit, operating the motion sensing module in standby mode using standby DC power supplied by the power supply unit.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising receiving at least a subset of the lighting control signals via a power line for supplying operating power from a power source to the lighting device.

13. A computer program that, when executed by a lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, includes an instruction causing the lighting device to perform the method according to any one of claims 10 to 12.