Sensor device for controlling an electrical device

Abstract

The present invention provides a sensor device for controlling an electric device, the sensor device including a controller and a range sensor, the sensor device configured to be mounted in a certain orientation with respect to gravity, the range sensor configured to obtain an orientation of the sensor device with respect to gravity and, when the orientation is in a first predetermined orientation, to operate in a first detection mode for detecting an object within a first predetermined distance range from the range sensor, and the controller configured to output a control signal for controlling the electric device when the range sensor detects the object.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor device for controlling an electrical device, the sensor device comprising a controller, an optionally pivotable head and a range sensor. The range sensor is preferably a Time-of-Flight sensor. The present invention further relates to a system comprising an electrical device and a sensor device according to the present invention. The present invention further relates to a method for controlling an electrical device by means of such a sensor device. The present invention may preferably relate to the sensor device being a wall-plug. The present invention may preferably relate to the electrical device being a lighting device. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, lighting fixtures are controlled to be turned on or off by wall switches. These switches are installed in predetermined locations that are often determined during the construction of a building. The installation of such switches, and possible future remodeling of such switch installations, is tedious and expensive due to, for example, rewiring efforts. The same is true for other electrical devices in the architectural environment.

[0003] Today, wireless lighting solutions may be controlled by battery-powered wireless switches, dedicated apps on portable devices, or sensors installed within a building. Sensors enable autonomous lighting control. For example, PIR sensors can be used to detect motion within a space and control lighting upon detection. PIR sensors are characterized by a wide field of view. While such a wide field of view is advantageous for many motion detection applications, to observe a dedicated area, the PIR sensor must be locally masked or shielded, for example, by inserting a shroud or refocusing the PIR lens. These procedures are time-consuming, tedious, and suboptimal, often resulting in unintended patterns in motion detection.

[0004] Therefore, there is a clear need in the field of lighting to find improved alternatives for precise and intuitive control of electrical devices in architectural environments, preferably luminaires, by means of sensors. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] It is a (first) object of the present invention to provide an improved sensor device for controlling an electrical device, preferably a lighting device, which at least mitigates the above problems and disadvantages. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To that end, the present invention provides a sensor device for controlling an electrical device, the sensor device comprising a controller, a pivotable head, and a range sensor, the pivotable head housing the range sensor and configured to be oriented in operation with respect to a surface to which the sensor device is attached, the range sensor being configured to obtain the orientation of the pivotable head and to operate in a first detection mode for detecting an object within a first predetermined distance range from the range sensor when the orientation of the pivotable head is in a first predetermined orientation, the controller being configured to output a control signal for controlling the electrical device when the range sensor detects the object, and the range sensor may preferably be a Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor.

[0007] Thus, the present invention provides a sensor device that is configured to be attached to a surface in operation. Thus, the sensor device may be a surface-mountable sensor device. The surface may be, for example, a wall. The sensor device may be attached to, for example, a socket on a wall. In one embodiment, the sensor device may be a wall-plug. For example, the sensor device may be a (wall-) power plug. Also, controlling may mean grouping or commissioning in various examples.

[0008] In some embodiments, the object may be one of a plurality of objects or a control object of a plurality of objects, whereby the control object may be different for different detection modes according to the present invention.

[0009] Due to the pivotable head housing the range sensor (e.g., time-of-flight sensor), the sensor device can provide sensing functionality that is adjustable in orientation relative to a surface. This is advantageous because the mounting location on the surface (e.g., a socket on a wall) can be exploited to provide specific sensing functionality and / or associated control functionality. The object may, for example, be a control object throughout the application.

[0010] That is, this particular sensing functionality is enabled by a range sensor, e.g., a time-of-flight (ToF) sensor. Such range sensors provide high-performance proximity and ranging sensing. For example, an optical time-of-flight sensor can directly measure the distance to an object based on the time it takes for an emitted photon to be reflected. Thus, a sensor device according to the present invention can provide presence sensing and / or motion sensing of an object at a particular distance range, which can advantageously be adapted to the orientation of the pivotable head and the range sensor housed therein. Distance range may also include the concept of angular distance range throughout the application.

[0011] More specifically, the range sensor (and / or its associated circuitry) is configured to obtain an orientation of the pivotable head. When the orientation of the pivotable head is in a first predetermined orientation (i.e., a first predetermined orientation relative to a surface to which the sensor device is attached during operation, for example), the range sensor operates in a first detection mode. The first detection mode is characterized by the range sensor being configured to detect objects within a first predetermined distance range from the range sensor. Thus, depending on the orientation of the pivotable head housing the range sensor, the range sensor can enable (range) sensing in a dedicated first predetermined sensing range from the range sensor.

[0012] The presence and / or movement of an object that can be detected within the first predetermined sensing range can then enable associated control functionality for controlling an electric device. The electric device may be, for example, a lighting device. Furthermore, the detected object may be a control object. That is, when the range sensor (when operated in the first detection mode) detects the (control) object, the controller is configured to output a control signal for controlling the electric device, for example, a lighting device. Furthermore, the control signal may be expressed as a notification signal. The control signal may be transmitted (e.g., wirelessly) to the electric device via an intermediate device, such as, for example, a bridge or a cloud.

[0013] Therefore, the sensor device according to the invention advantageously enables a control functionality when oriented in a first predetermined orientation, and detection of a (control) object within a first predetermined distance range can control the operation of an electric device. For example, the electric device may be switched on or off based on the detection of a (control) object within said predetermined distance range. Thereby, the detection and / or control functionality may be selective with respect to the position and orientation of the sensor device.

[0014] The sensor device according to the invention therefore offers a flexible sensor solution in the architectural environment, especially in the lighting field, providing adaptable presence / motion detection through range sensor and wall switch functionality, allowing remote interaction with the sensor device in order to control electrical devices such as lighting devices.

[0015] For example, the sensor device according to the present invention may be operated as a (virtual) wall switch. In other words, the sensor device may provide a virtual wall switch for controlling an electrical device such as a lighting device. Thus, in one embodiment, the first predetermined orientation may be within 30° of the surface, or preferably substantially parallel to the surface.

[0016] Thus, when the pivotable head housing the range sensor is oriented substantially parallel to a surface (on which the sensor device is mounted in operation), the range sensor may operate in a first detection mode, characterized by the range sensor detecting a control object within a first predetermined distance range from the range sensor. The first detection mode may thereby be associated with a control or commissioning function. This allows the sensor device to function as an intuitive surface-switch, where the presence and / or movement of a (control) object within the first predetermined distance range can control an electrical device, e.g., a lighting device. As mentioned above, the surface may be a wall (on which the sensor device is mounted in operation).

[0017] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the pivotable head may include a projection unit configured to project a first user interface onto a wall, the first user interface indicating a first predetermined distance range from the range sensor. Because such a projection unit may project the first user interface onto a surface (on which the sensor device is attached in operation), the sensor device according to the present invention advantageously provides a user interface for controlling an electrical device. Because the first user interface may indicate the first predetermined distance range, the projected first user interface advantageously provides a clearly visible and intuitive user interface for controlling the electrical device.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first predetermined distance range may be discontinuous and may consist of multiple first predetermined distance subranges. Such an embodiment proposes that the first predetermined distance range need not be continuous. That is, the first detection mode of the range sensor may be configured to sense in multiple discontinuous distance ranges (e.g., sense between 1 meter and 2 meters from the range sensor and between 3 meters and 4 meters from the range sensor, thereby ignoring detection between 2 meters and 3 meters from the range sensor). This is advantageous because the range sensor can define a tailored specific range for detecting (control) objects in the first detection mode, and therefore the detection range can be used as a user interface for controlling the electrical device.

[0019] Additionally, the controller may correspondingly be configured to output a control signal for controlling the electrical device when the range sensor detects an object in each predetermined distance sub-range.

[0020] As mentioned above, the electrical device may be a lighting device, such as a luminaire, a spotlight, a pixilated spotlight, a fluorescent lamp, a projector, a floodlight, and / or a bridge. Alternatively, the electrical device may be an actuator, a sensor, a sensor bundle, a speaker, an HVAC system, an electric door, a heater, a water system, a refrigerator, a fan, a food dispenser, a security system, a fragrance dispenser, and / or a window blind.

[0021] Also, a sensor device according to the present invention may be oriented in a further orientation to operate the range sensor in a further detection mode, which may be different from the first detection mode. Thus, in one embodiment, the range sensor may be configured to operate in a second detection mode to detect objects within a second predetermined distance range from the range sensor when the orientation of the pivotable head is in a second predetermined orientation, wherein the first predetermined orientation may be different from the second predetermined orientation and / or the first detection mode may be different from the second detection mode.

[0022] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the second predetermined orientation may be within 30° of a plane normal to the surface, or preferably substantially perpendicular to the surface. Thus, a first detection mode operated in a first orientation may enable a first function, such as a user control function or a commissioning function, while a second detection mode operated in a second orientation may enable a second function, such as a simple presence sensing function. In a proposed embodiment, the second predetermined orientation may be substantially perpendicular to the surface, thereby providing an advantageous view into the space enclosed by the surface. As noted above, the surface may be a wall (to which the sensor device is attached in operation).

[0023] As mentioned above, the electrical device may be a lighting device. The lighting device may be, for example, a luminaire, a spotlight, a pixelated spotlight, a fluorescent light, a floodlight, and / or a bridge. Alternatively, the electrical device may be an actuator, a sensor, a sensor bundle, a speaker, an HVAC system, an electric door, a heater, a water system, a refrigerator, a fan, a food dispenser, a security system, a fragrance dispenser, and / or a window blind.

[0024] Similarly to above, in one embodiment, the pivotable head may include a projection unit configured to project a second user interface onto a surface aligned with the second predetermined orientation, the second user interface may indicate a second predetermined distance range from the range sensor. Similarly to above, in one embodiment, the second predetermined distance range may be discontinuous and may consist of multiple second predetermined distance sub-ranges.

[0025] In one embodiment, the first detection mode may be associated with a user interface function for controlling an electrical device, and the second detection mode may be associated with a presence (or movement or distance) detection function. Alternatively, the first detection mode may be associated with a commissioning function for commissioning an electrical device, and the second detection mode may be associated with a presence (or movement or distance) detection function. Thus, a sensor device according to the present invention can advantageously provide a variety of different functionalities with a single sensor device, which can be switched based on the orientation of the pivotable head.

[0026] In one embodiment, the sensor device may include sensing means for measuring the orientation of the pivotable head, and the sensing means may be configured to communicate the orientation of the pivotable head to the range sensor. The sensing means may, for example, be a gyroscope or an accelerometer. The sensing means may, for example, be partly comprised in the pivotable head, or in the body of the sensor device, or both. Furthermore, a range sensor, such as a time-of-flight sensor, may itself derive orientation via an associated (e.g. integrated) tilt sensor or ball tilt sensor.

[0027] In one embodiment, the sensor device may include an orientation sensor for measuring the orientation of the sensor device with respect to gravity. In such an embodiment, the controller may receive the orientation of the sensor device with respect to gravity. This allows the controller to know how the sensor device is mounted (e.g., mounted on a standing wall or ceiling, etc.). This information may be used to finetune the first and / or second predetermined orientations.

[0028] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the orientation sensor may measure and / or capture the orientation of the sensor relative to the detection plane, and such information may be used, for example, to control the layout / shape of a user interface projected onto a wall / surface by a projection unit, as described above.

[0029] In one embodiment, the control signal may include instructions for the lighting device to adapt lighting properties of the light source, where the lighting properties may be any of an on / off sequence, intensity, color, color temperature, modulation, polarization, beam width and / or light scene. Thus, the control signal may be a lighting control signal.

[0030] The range sensor may operate, for example, by optical range sensing, radar-based range sensing, and / or acoustic range sensing. As previously mentioned, the range sensor may be a time-of-flight sensor. Alternatively, in some examples, a directional radar sensor or a directional PIR sensor with a limited field of view may also measure distance and qualify as a range sensor.

[0031] Furthermore, the time-of-flight sensor can be enabled for different modalities. In one embodiment, the time-of-flight sensor can be either an optical time-of-flight sensor, an acoustic time-of-flight sensor, an IR time-of-flight sensor, or an RF based time-of-flight sensor. Considering an optical time-of-flight sensor, in some embodiments, the time-of-flight sensor can be either an optical single pixel time-of-flight sensor, an optical pixel-array time-of-flight sensor, an optical pixel-matrix time-of-flight sensor, or an optical triangulation-based sensor.

[0032] In one embodiment, the controller may include wireless communication circuitry, which may be configured to output control signals via at least one of Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wi-Fi, NFC, RFID, IR, Lo-Ra, Li-Fi, VLC, RF, and IEEE 802.15.1.

[0033] In alternative and / or additional embodiments, the wired communication circuitry may be a power line communication, Ethernet, fiber optical communication, DALI, or the like. (registered trademark) , or Coded Mains.

[0034] The range sensor may have a substantially narrow field of view so that it may act as a "tripwire" in detecting (control) objects. Thus, in one embodiment, the range sensor may have a field of view with an apex angle of less than 35°.

[0035] In one embodiment, the controlled object is a person, a body part, an arm, a hand, a finger, a fingertip, a leg, a foot, a figurine, a gesture, a drone, a door, a window, a piece of furniture, a portable device, or a portable object.

[0036] In some embodiments, the sensor device may include a local memory for storing the first and / or second predetermined orientations. The sensor device may be a wall plug. The sensor device may include a power plug for powering the sensor device and / or for mounting the sensor device. For example, power received by the power plug may power a range sensor (e.g., a time-of-flight sensor) and a controller. Alternatively, the sensor device may be battery powered. In some examples, the sensor device may include an electrical actuator for orienting the pivotable head. Such an electrical actuator may be, for example, an electric motor.

[0037] In one aspect, in view of the above, the present invention may thus provide, for example, a wall plug for controlling a lighting device, the wall plug including a controller, a pivotable head and a range sensor, the pivotable head housing the range sensor and configured to be oriented in operation relative to a wall to which the wall plug is attached, the range sensor configured to obtain an orientation of the pivotable head and, when the orientation of the pivotable head is in a first predetermined orientation, to operate in a first detection mode for detecting a control object within a first predetermined distance range from the range sensor, the controller configured to output a control signal for controlling the lighting device when the range sensor detects the control object. The range sensor may, for example, be a time-of-flight sensor.

[0038] A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved (control) system that at least alleviates the above-mentioned problems and disadvantages. To that end, the present invention also provides a system comprising a sensor device according to the present invention and an electrical device, wherein the sensor device is configured to control the electrical device in operation. In a further example of a system, the electrical device may be a lighting device. In a further example of a system, the sensor device may be a wall plug. Advantages and / or embodiments applicable to a sensor device according to the present invention may also apply mutatis mutandis to a lighting system according to the present invention.

[0039] For example, the wall plug may be a wall power plug, in which case the user interface provided by the range sensor may advantageously be used to control the operation of an electrical device powered via the wall power plug.

[0040] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved method for controlling an electric device by a sensor device that alleviates at least the above-mentioned problems and disadvantages. To that end, the present invention may provide a method for controlling an electric device by a sensor device, the sensor device including a pivotable head housing that houses a controller and a range sensor, the method comprising orienting the pivotable head with respect to a surface to which the sensor device is attached in operation, obtaining an orientation of the pivotable head, operating the range sensor in a first detection mode for detecting a (control) object within a first predetermined distance range from the range sensor when the pivotable head is oriented in the first predetermined orientation, and outputting a control signal for controlling the electric device when the range sensor detects the (control) object. Advantages and / or embodiments applicable to the sensor device according to the present invention may also apply mutatis mutandis to the method according to the present invention.

[0041] The range sensor may be a time-of-flight sensor. In some examples, the method may include operating the range sensor in a second detection mode to detect a (control) object within a second predetermined distance range from the range sensor when the orientation of the pivotable head is in a second predetermined orientation. Thus, in some examples, the first predetermined orientation may be different from the second predetermined orientation and / or the first detection mode may be different from the second detection mode. In some examples, the method may include re-orienting the pivotable head relative to a surface to which the sensor device is attached during operation. For example, the method may include re-orienting the pivotable head from a first orientation to a second orientation.

[0042] In the above embodiment, the sensor device includes a pivotable head housing a single range sensor, which may operate in a first detection mode or a second detection mode depending on the resulting orientation of the pivotable head. However, in alternative aspects of the invention, the pivotable head may house a second (or further) range sensor. The range sensor may be a time-of-flight sensor, as previously described.

[0043] In one aspect, the present invention may provide a sensor device according to the present invention, the sensor device including a second range sensor, the pivotable head housing the second range sensor, the second range sensor configured to obtain an orientation of the pivotable head and operate in a third detection mode to detect a (control) object within a third predetermined distance range from the second range sensor when the orientation of the pivotable head is in a first predetermined orientation. The object detected by the second range sensor may be a different object from the object detected by the range sensor. The second range sensor may also be, for example, a time-of-flight sensor. The second range sensor may be, for example, a single pixelated sensor.

[0044] In one example, the sensor device may include a range unit including a first range sensor and a second range sensor, and the pivotable head may house the range unit.

[0045] Furthermore, in some examples, the controller may be configured to output a control signal for controlling an electrical device when the range sensor or the second range sensor detects an object.

[0046] Thus, in one example, the range sensor may have a first field of view and the second range sensor may have a second field of view, where the first field of view and the second field of view may be different. In this example, the second field of view may at least partially overlap the first field of view, or alternatively, the second field of view may not overlap the first field of view. Thus, the range sensor and the second range sensor may observe different sections of space. In a further example, the second field of view may be perpendicular to the first field of view.

[0047] For example, a range sensor of a sensor device may have a first field of view parallel to a wall on which the sensor device is mounted in operation, e.g., to enable a lighting control function by providing an intuitive user interface with a first predetermined distance range, as exemplified above, while a second range sensor may have a second field of view perpendicular to the wall, e.g., to enable a presence detection function by detecting objects within a third predetermined distance range.

[0048] Furthermore, the operation of the range sensor and the second range sensor may interact to provide functionality with the sensor device according to the present invention. Thus, in one example, the controller may be configured to adapt a first predetermined distance range from the range sensor when the range sensor detects a controlled object within a third predetermined distance range from the second range sensor.

[0049] Such an embodiment may be advantageous, for example, in an example where, after detection in a third predetermined distance range (e.g., a person near a wall is detected), the controller adjusts or sets the first predetermined distance range to a more ergonomic user interface in the first orientation (e.g., a user interface substantially parallel to or on the wall), or adjusts or sets the first predetermined distance range to a commissioning mode in the first orientation, in which detection of the (control) object is used to commission an electrical device. In the latter case, it may be envisioned, for example, that moving a hand (as the control object) up and down in the first predetermined distance range commissions the optics or beam width of a lighting device (as the electrical device). Other examples may be envisioned as well.

[0050] As partially mentioned above, the sensor device may include an orientation sensor for measuring the orientation of the sensor device relative to gravity, thereby providing a sensor device in accordance with the present invention that does not require a pivotable head while still achieving the objectives of the present invention.

[0051]

[0010] Therefore, in a further, similar object of the present invention, there is provided a sensor device for controlling an electric device, the sensor device comprising a controller and a range sensor, the sensor device configured to be mounted in an orientation relative to gravity, the range sensor configured to obtain an orientation of the sensor device relative to gravity and, if the orientation is in a first predetermined orientation, to operate in a first detection mode for detecting an object within a first predetermined distance range from the range sensor, the controller configured to output a control signal for controlling the electric device when the range sensor detects the object. The range sensor may also preferably be a time-of-flight (ToF) sensor. The range sensor may be fixedly accommodated within the sensor device. Advantages and / or embodiments applicable to the sensor device according to the first object of the present invention (described above) may also apply mutatis mutandis to the sensor device according to the further object of the present invention.

[0052] Thus, the present invention also provides a sensor device that is configured to be mounted in an orientation relative to gravity, e.g., mounted on a surface, in operation. Thus, the sensor device may be a surface-mountable sensor device. The surface may be, for example, a wall or a ceiling. The sensor device may be, for example, mounted in a socket on a wall. In one embodiment, the sensor device may be a wall plug. For example, the sensor device may be a (wall) power plug. Controlling may also mean grouping or commissioning in various examples.

[0053] In some embodiments, the target may be one of a plurality of targets or a control target of a plurality of targets, whereby the control target may be different for different detection modes according to the present invention.

[0054] Thus, a sensor device according to a further object of the present invention can provide sensing functionality that is adjustable in orientation relative to gravity (or in other words, the direction of gravity), which is advantageous as the orientation of the sensor device relative to gravity can be exploited to provide specific sensing and / or associated control functionality.

[0055] Thus, a sensor device according to the present invention can provide presence sensing and / or movement sensing of objects at a particular distance range, the sensing being advantageously adaptable to the orientation of the sensor device and its associated range sensor.

[0056] More specifically, the range sensor (and / or its associated circuitry) is configured to obtain an orientation of the sensor device. When the orientation of the sensor device is in a first predetermined orientation (i.e., for example, a first predetermined orientation relative to gravity), the range sensor operates in a first detection mode. The first detection mode is characterized by the range sensor being configured to detect objects within a first predetermined distance range from the range sensor. Thus, depending on the orientation of the sensor device and the associated range sensor housed therein, the range sensor can enable (range) sensing in a dedicated first predetermined sensing range from the range sensor.

[0057] The presence and / or movement of an object that can be detected within the first predetermined sensing range can then enable an associated control functionality for controlling an electrical device.

[0058] The sensor device according to the invention therefore offers a flexible sensor solution in the architectural environment, in particular in the lighting field, providing adaptable presence / motion detection through range sensor and wall switch functionality, allowing remote interaction with the sensor device in order to control electrical devices such as lighting devices.

[0059] For example, the sensor device according to the present invention may be operated as a (virtual) wall switch. In other words, the sensor device may provide a virtual wall switch for controlling an electrical device such as a lighting device. Thus, in one embodiment, the first predetermined orientation may be within 30° of the direction of gravity, or preferably substantially parallel to the direction of gravity.

[0060] Thus, when the sensor device is oriented substantially parallel to the direction of gravity (in operation), the range sensor may operate in a first detection mode, characterized by the range sensor detecting a control object within a first predetermined distance range from the range sensor. The first detection mode may thereby be associated with a control or commissioning function. This allows the sensor device to function as an intuitive surface switch, where the presence and / or movement of a (control) object within the first predetermined distance range can control an electrical device, e.g., a lighting device. As mentioned above, the surface may be a wall (on which the sensor device is mounted in operation).

[0061] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the sensor device may include a projection unit configured to project a first user interface. The projection may, for example, be onto a surface (e.g., a wall) on which the sensor device is attached in operation. The first user interface may indicate a first predetermined distance range from the range sensor. Because such a projection unit may project the first user interface onto a surface (on which the sensor device may be attached in operation), the sensor device according to the present invention, for example, advantageously provides a user interface for controlling an electrical device. Because the first user interface may indicate the first predetermined distance range, the projected first user interface advantageously provides a clearly visible and intuitive user interface for controlling the electrical device.

[0062] In one embodiment, the first predetermined distance range may be discontinuous and may consist of multiple first predetermined distance sub-ranges. Such an embodiment proposes that the first predetermined distance range need not be continuous. That is, the first detection mode of the range sensor may be configured to sense in multiple discontinuous distance ranges (e.g., sense between 1 meter and 2 meters from the range sensor and between 3 meters and 4 meters from the range sensor, thereby ignoring detection between 2 meters and 3 meters from the range sensor). This is advantageous because the range sensor can define a tailored specific range for detecting (control) objects in the first detection mode, and therefore the detection range can be used as a user interface for controlling the electrical device.

[0063] Additionally, a sensor device according to the present invention may be oriented in a further orientation to operate the range sensor in a further detection mode, which may be different from the first detection mode. Thus, in one embodiment, the range sensor may be configured to operate in a second detection mode to detect objects within a second predetermined distance range from the range sensor when the orientation of the sensor device is in a second predetermined orientation, wherein the first predetermined orientation may be different from the second predetermined orientation and / or the first detection mode may be different from the second detection mode.

[0064] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the second predetermined orientation may be within 30° of a plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity, or preferably substantially perpendicular to the direction of gravity. Thus, a first detection mode operated in a first orientation may enable a first function, such as a user control function or a commissioning function, while a second detection mode operated in a second orientation may enable a second function, such as a simple presence sensing function. In a proposed embodiment, the second predetermined orientation may be substantially perpendicular to the direction of gravity, thereby providing an advantageous view into space horizontally. As mentioned above, the sensor device may be wall-mounted (in operation).

[0065] In one embodiment, the sensor device may include a projection unit configured to project a second user interface onto a surface aligned with the second predetermined orientation, the second user interface indicating a second predetermined distance range from the range sensor. Similar to above, in one embodiment, the second predetermined distance range may be discontinuous and may consist of multiple second predetermined distance sub-ranges.

[0066] In one embodiment, the first detection mode may be associated with a user interface function for controlling an electrical device, and the second detection mode may be associated with a presence (or motion or distance) detection function. Alternatively, the first detection mode may be associated with a commissioning function for commissioning an electrical device, and the second detection mode may be associated with a presence (or motion or distance) detection function. Thus, a sensor device according to the present invention can advantageously provide a variety of different functionalities with a single sensor device, which can be switched based on the orientation of the sensor device.

[0067] In one embodiment, the sensor device may comprise sensing means for measuring the orientation of the sensor device, the sensing means being configured to communicate the orientation of the sensor device to the range sensor. The sensing means may be, for example, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a tilt sensor, a ball-tilt sensor, etc. Thus, the sensor device may comprise the sensing means. Alternatively, the range sensor may comprise the sensing means.

[0068] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved method for controlling an electric device by a sensor device, which at least alleviates the above-mentioned problems and disadvantages. To that end, the present invention may provide a method for controlling an electric device by a sensor device, the sensor device including a controller and a range sensor, the method comprising: orienting the sensor device with respect to gravity; obtaining an orientation of the sensor device; when the orientation of the sensor device is in the first predetermined orientation, operating the range sensor in a first detection mode for detecting a (control) object within a first predetermined distance range from the range sensor; and outputting a control signal for controlling the electric device when the range sensor detects the (control) object. Advantages and / or embodiments applicable to the sensor device according to the present invention may also apply mutatis mutandis to the method according to the present invention.

[0069] The range sensor may be a time-of-flight sensor. In one example, the method may include operating the range sensor in a second detection mode to detect a (control) object within a second predetermined distance range from the range sensor when the orientation of the sensor device is in a second predetermined orientation. Thus, in one example, the first predetermined orientation may be different from the second predetermined orientation and / or the first detection mode may be different from the second detection mode. In one example, the method may include re-orienting the sensor device with respect to gravity. For example, the method may include re-orienting the sensor device from the first orientation to the second orientation. The object may be the same object or a different object. For example, in the first detection mode, a body part of a person may be detected within a first predetermined distance range, and in the second detection mode, the entire person may be detected within a second predetermined distance range.

[0070] In the above embodiments, the sensor device includes a single range sensor, which may operate in a first detection mode or a second detection mode depending on the resulting orientation of the sensor device. However, in alternative aspects of the invention, the sensor device may house a second (or further) range sensor. The range sensor may be a time-of-flight sensor, as previously discussed.

[0071] In one aspect, the present invention may provide a sensor device according to the present invention, the sensor device including a second range sensor configured to obtain an orientation of the sensor device and, when the orientation of the sensor device is in a first predetermined orientation, to operate in a third detection mode for detecting a (control) object within a third predetermined distance range from the second range sensor. The object detected by the second range sensor may be a different object from the object detected by the range sensor. The second range sensor may also be, for example, a time-of-flight sensor. The second range sensor may be, for example, a single-pixelated sensor.

[0072] In one example, the sensor device may include a range unit that includes a first range sensor and a second range sensor.

[0073] Furthermore, in some examples, the controller may be configured to output a control signal for controlling an electrical device when the range sensor or the second range sensor detects an object.

[0074] Thus, in one example, the range sensor may have a first field of view and the second range sensor may have a second field of view, where the first field of view and the second field of view may be different. In this example, the second field of view may at least partially overlap the first field of view, or alternatively, the second field of view may not overlap the first field of view. Thus, the range sensor and the second range sensor may observe different sections of space. In a further example, the second field of view may be perpendicular to the first field of view.

[0075] For example, a range sensor of a sensor device may have a first field of view parallel to a wall on which the sensor device is mounted in operation, e.g., to enable a lighting control function by providing an intuitive user interface with a first predetermined distance range, as exemplified above, while a second range sensor may have a second field of view perpendicular to the wall, e.g., to enable a presence detection function by detecting objects within a third predetermined distance range.

[0076] Furthermore, the operation of the range sensor and the second range sensor may interact to provide functionality with the sensor device according to the present invention. Thus, in one example, the controller may be configured to adapt a first predetermined distance range from the range sensor when the range sensor detects a controlled object within a third predetermined distance range from the second range sensor.

[0077] Such an embodiment may be advantageous, for example, in an example where, after detection in a third predetermined distance range (e.g., a person near a wall is detected), the controller adjusts or sets the first predetermined distance range to a more ergonomic user interface in the first orientation (e.g., a user interface substantially parallel to or on the wall), or adjusts or sets the first predetermined distance range to a commissioning mode in the first orientation, in which detection of the (control) object is used to commission an electrical device. In the latter case, it may be envisioned, for example, that moving a hand (as the control object) up and down in the first predetermined distance range commissions the optics or beam width of a lighting device (as the electrical device). Other examples may be envisioned as well. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0078] The invention will now be further described by means of schematic, non-limiting figures. [Figure 1] 1 illustrates schematically an embodiment of a sensor device according to the invention; [Figure 2] 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a system according to the invention, comprising a sensor device and a lighting device according to the invention; [Figure 3] 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a system according to the invention, comprising a sensor device and a lighting device according to the invention; [Figure 4] 1 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a system according to the invention, including a sensor device, a lighting device and a building management device according to the invention; [Figure 5] 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a method according to the present invention; [Figure 6] 1 illustrates schematically an embodiment of a sensor device according to the invention; [Figure 7] 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a method according to the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0079] The present invention will now be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments of the invention set forth herein; rather, these embodiments of the invention are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will convey the scope of the technology to those skilled in the art.

[0080] As partly mentioned above, there is a clear need to find improved alternatives for precise and intuitive control of electrical devices by means of sensors in the built environment, and in particular in the lighting sector, e.g., for controlling lighting devices in the home and office sector.

[0081] 1 shows, by way of non-limiting example, a schematic representation of an embodiment of a sensor device 100 according to the invention. The sensor device 100 comprises a body 20, a pivotable head 11, a range sensor 12, a projection unit 16, and a controller 13. The range sensor 12 is a time-of-flight sensor 12.

[0082] The pivotable head 11 is connected to the body 20 and is configured to swivel and / or pivot relative to the body 20 by a joint 18. Such re-orientable structures are well known in the art and will not be described in further detail. Here, the pivotable head 11 is arranged in a first orientation 1, but may alternatively be moved (or directed) to a second orientation 2 (depicted by the dotted line), either manually or automatically. In the latter case, some alternatives may be provided, in which the pivotable head and / or the body includes an electric actuator, such as an electric motor, for orienting the pivotable head in different orientations. Alternatively, a powered or motorized mirror may be used to direct the optical sensor beam and / or the projection of the range sensor.

[0083] The main body 20 includes a controller 13, a sensing means 15, and a wireless communication circuit 14. The controller 13 is operatively coupled to and / or in communication with the sensing means 15 and the wireless communication circuit 14. The sensing means 15 is not necessarily included in the main body 20. The controller 13 also communicates with the time-of-flight sensor 12. The sensing means, controller, and / or wireless communication means may alternatively be included in the pivotable head itself. The main body 20 further includes a power plug 19 for electrically and mechanically attaching the sensor device 100 to a surface during operation. The surface is a wall. Alternatively, the power plug is optional, and other means may be envisioned for attaching the sensor device to a surface during operation.

[0084] The wall may alternatively be any other surface or plane, such as a ceiling, floor, window, device surface, furniture, etc. Further alternatively, the sensor device may receive power from an internal battery as a power source. Further alternatively, the wireless communication circuitry may be a communication circuitry for wired communication. A projection unit may be optional here. Further alternatively, the sensor device may include an orientation sensor for measuring the orientation of the sensor device with respect to gravity, or alternatively with respect to a surface, for example to detect whether the sensor device is mounted with respect to gravity, or alternatively with respect to a surface, horizontally or vertically.

[0085] The pivotable head 11 includes a time-of-flight sensor 12 and a projection unit 16. Both are fixedly arranged within the pivotable head 11. As mentioned above, the projection unit 16 may be optional. The time-of-flight sensor 12 (and / or the projection unit 16) has a field of view, which is directed outward relative to the sensor device 100. Here, the time-of-flight sensor 12 is an optical pixel array time-of-flight sensor 12. Alternatively, other time-of-flight sensing modalities may be envisioned for the time-of-flight sensor, such as an acoustic-based ToF sensor, an IR-based ToF sensor, or an RF-based ToF sensor. The projection unit 16 includes a light source, such as an LED, OLED, or pixelated LED light source (e.g., with optics, diffractive elements, etc.), or a laser source. The projection unit 16 is configured to project a user interface, such as a light sheet, a pattern, a color, a modulation, a laser spot, etc.

[0086] The sensing means 15 measures how the pivotable head 11 is oriented relative to the body 20 of the sensor device 100. The sensing means 15 communicates this information to the time-of-flight sensor 12, for example via the controller 13. The time-of-flight sensor 12 is thereby configured to obtain this information, and thus the orientation 1, 2, of the pivotable head 11. Here, the pivotable head 11 is in a first orientation 1. The time-of-flight sensor 12 operates in a first detection mode when the orientation 1, 2 of the pivotable head 11 is in a first predetermined orientation 1. Here, the first predetermined orientation 1 matches the actual (schematically drawn) orientation 1 of the pivotable head 11. The first predetermined orientation may, for example, be perpendicular to the power plug 19. The first detection mode is characterized by the time-of-flight sensor 12 detecting an object (such as a control object) within a first predetermined distance range 3 from the time-of-flight sensor 12. Here, the first predetermined distance range 3 is the complete (operational) distance range of the time-of-flight sensor.

[0087] Furthermore, when the time-of-flight sensor 12 detects an object, the controller 14 outputs a control signal 17. The control signal may alternatively be referred to as a notification signal. The control signal 17 may be configured to control another electrical device. Here, the control signal 17 is configured to control a lighting device. The control signal 17 is transmitted via the wireless communication circuit 14. The wireless communication circuit 14 may include, for example, a transmitter or a transceiver. The wireless communication circuit 14 is configured to output the control signal 17 via ZigBee®. Alternatively, the control signal 17 may be transmitted via at least one of Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi®, NFC, RFID, IR, Lo-Ra, Li-Fi, VLC, RF, and IEEE 802.15.1, or alternatively, via power line communication, Ethernet®, optical fiber communication, DALI®, etc. (registered trademark) , or via wired communication via coded mains power.

[0088] Therefore, the surface mountable sensor device 100 advantageously enables a first functionality based on the orientation of the pivotable head 11 housing the time-of-flight sensor relative to the surface. Thus, when the pivotable head 11 is oriented in a first predetermined orientation, detection of a (control) object within a first predetermined distance range 3 may control operation of the lighting device.

[0089] In one embodiment, the surface mountable sensor device 100 may be, for example, a wall power plug.

[0090] The sensor device as shown in Fig. 1 may be applied in various examples. Figures 2 to 4 show systems including a sensor device according to the present invention, which is similar to the sensor device according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, and different types of applications of such a sensor device are described in non-limiting embodiments.

[0091] 6 shows, by way of non-limiting example, a schematic representation of an embodiment of a sensor device 900 according to the invention. The sensor device 900 comprises a range sensor 912, a projection unit 916 and a controller 913. The range sensor 912 is a time-of-flight sensor 912. The range sensor is here housed fixedly within the sensor device 900.

[0092] Here, the sensor device 900 is positioned in a first orientation 901, but may alternatively be moved (or oriented) to a second orientation 902 (depicted by a dotted line), which may be done, for example, by manual remounting.

[0093] Sensor device 900 includes a controller 913, a sensing means 915, and wireless communication circuitry 914. Controller 913 is operatively coupled to and / or in communication with sensing means 915 and wireless communication circuitry 914. Sensing means 915 may also be included within range sensor 912. Controller 913 is also in communication with time-of-flight sensor 912. Sensor device 900 further includes a power plug 919 for electrically and mechanically attaching sensor device 900 to, for example, a surface during operation. Such a surface may be a wall, a ceiling, or any other surface.

[0094] The sensor device 900 includes a time-of-flight sensor 912 and a projection unit 916. As partially described above, both are fixedly disposed within the sensor device 900. As noted above, the projection unit 916 may be optional. The wireless communication circuit 914 may alternatively be a wired communication circuit, e.g., operating with a PLC. The time-of-flight sensor 912 (and / or the projection unit 916) has a field of view, which is directed outward relative to the sensor device 900. Here, the time-of-flight sensor 912 is an optical pixel array time-of-flight sensor 912. Alternatively, other time-of-flight sensing modalities may be envisioned for the time-of-flight sensor, such as an acoustic-based ToF sensor, an IR-based ToF sensor, or an RF-based ToF sensor. The projection unit 916 includes a light source, such as an LED, OLED, or pixelated LED light source (e.g., with optics, diffractive elements, etc.), or a laser source. The projection unit 916 is configured to project a user interface, e.g., a light sheet, a pattern, a color, a modulation, a laser spot, etc.

[0095] The sensing means 915 measures how the sensor device 900 is oriented with respect to gravity 904. The sensing means 915 communicates this information to the time-of-flight sensor 912, for example via the controller 913. Alternatively, the sensing means may communicate this information to a controller, which may operate the time-of-flight sensor; in such an alternative, the control circuitry for the time-of-flight sensor may be partially integrated into the controller. The time-of-flight sensor 912 is thereby configured to obtain this information, and thus the orientation 901, 902, of the sensor device 900.

[0096] Here, the sensor device 900 is in a first orientation 901. Here, the first orientation 901 is substantially perpendicular to gravity 904. The time-of-flight sensor 912 operates in a first detection mode when the orientations 901, 902 of the sensor device 900 are in a first predetermined orientation. Here, the first predetermined orientation is within 30° of (such as a plane perpendicular to) the direction of gravity 904. Therefore, the actual (schematically drawn) orientation 901 of the sensor device 900 matches (is within) the first predetermined orientation. The first detection mode is characterized by the time-of-flight sensor 912 detecting an object (such as a control object) within a first predetermined distance range 903 from the time-of-flight sensor 912. Here, the first predetermined distance range 903 is only a (schematically drawn) intermediate portion of the range of the time-of-flight sensor, but may alternatively be the complete (operating) distance range of the time-of-flight sensor.

[0097] Furthermore, when the time-of-flight sensor 912 detects an object, the controller 914 outputs a control signal 917. The control signal may alternatively be referred to as a notification signal. The control signal 917 may be configured to control another electrical device. Here, the control signal 917 is configured to control a lighting device. The control signal 917 is transmitted via the wireless communication circuit 914. The wireless communication circuit 914 may include, for example, a transmitter or a transceiver. The wireless communication circuit 914 is configured to output the control signal 917 via ZigBee. Alternatively, the control signal 917 may be transmitted via at least one of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, RFID, IR, Lo-Ra, Li-Fi, VLC, RF, and IEEE 802.15.1, or alternatively, via power line communication, Ethernet, optical fiber communication, DALI, etc. (registered trademark) , or via wired communication via coded mains power, for example via a power plug 919.

[0098] Therefore, the surface mountable sensor device 900 advantageously enables a first functionality based on its orientation with respect to gravity 904. Thus, when the sensor device 900 is oriented in a first predetermined orientation, detection of a (control) object within a first predetermined distance range 903 may control operation of the lighting device (or alternatively, an electrical device as described above). In an embodiment, the surface mountable sensor device 900 may be, for example, a wall power plug.

[0099] The sensor device as shown in Fig. 6 may be applied in various examples. The examples of Fig. 2 to Fig. 4 may be applied mutatis mutandis to the sensor device shown in Fig. 6. That is, the orientation and functionality of the re-orientable pivotable head may be replaced mutatis mutandis by re-orientation of the sensor device relative to gravity so as to operate in the first and / or second operation modes. That is, Fig. 2 to Fig. 4 show a system including a sensor device according to the present invention, which is similar to the sensor device according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, but which may thus alternatively be a sensor device as shown in Fig. 6.

[0100] 2 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a system 200 according to the invention. The system 200 includes a sensor device 201 according to the invention, which is similar to the sensor device shown in FIG.

[0101] The system 200 further includes a lighting device 202. The lighting device 202 is a powered luminaire. The lighting device 202 has wireless connectivity and is controllable by wireless control commands. Here, the sensor device 201 includes a wireless communication circuit operating in ZigBee®, and the connectivity of the lighting device 202 also operates in ZigBee®. The lighting device 202 may include, for example, a Bluetooth®-Zigbee® combo chip. As mentioned above, other wireless communication modalities may alternatively be selected and / or envisaged.

[0102] Sensor device 201 is a wall plug. Sensor device 201 is plugged into a socket 205 on a wall 207 of space 208. Lighting device 202 is also located in space 208 and is configured to illuminate space 208 when in operation. Additionally, person 203 is present in space 208.

[0103] 2 , the sensor device 201 may provide a virtual wall switch configured to control the lighting device 202, which may be operated by a gesture from the person 203. In this manner, the sensor device 201 is configured to control the lighting device 202. The pivotable head 2011 of the sensor device 201 is oriented substantially parallel to the wall 207. The first predetermined orientation of the pivotable head 2011 is within 30° of the wall 207 to which the sensor device 201 is mounted. Thus, because the pivotable head 2011 of the sensor device 201 is oriented substantially parallel to the wall 207, the time-of-flight sensor 2012 is in the first predetermined orientation and will operate in a first detection mode.

[0104] The first detection mode is characterized by the time-of-flight sensor 2012 detecting an object, i.e., a control object, within a first predetermined distance range 204 from the time-of-flight sensor 2012. The diagram (i.e., FIG. 2) shows the field of view of the time-of-flight sensor 2012, whereby a limited portion of the range (the predetermined distance range) is indicated at 204. In this embodiment, the first predetermined distance range 204 is a distance range of 80 to 120 centimeters from the time-of-flight sensor 2012. Other metric values ​​for such range may be assumed for other embodiments as desired.

[0105] Thus, in a first detection mode of the time-of-flight sensor 2012, the time-of-flight sensor 2012 is configured to detect objects (only) within a first predetermined distance range 204, i.e., a (distance) window between 80 and 120 centimeters from the time-of-flight sensor.

[0106] The pivotable head 2011 of the sensor device 201 also includes a projection unit 2016. Such a projection unit is also described in the section referring to FIG. 1 . The projection unit 2016 projects a first user interface 206 onto the wall 207, which indicates a first predetermined distance range 204. That is, as currently depicted, the first user interface 206 matches the first predetermined distance range 204 from the time-of-flight sensor 2012. Thus, the first user interface 206 is a light pattern projected onto the wall 207, but may alternatively be any other visual cue projected onto the wall. The first user interface 206 allows the person 203 to visually observe an indication of the current detection range at which the time-of-flight sensor 2012 is operating, i.e., the first predetermined distance range 204.

[0107] Here, the hand of the person 203 serves as the controlled object. Every time the person 203 brings his / her hand to the first user interface 206, the time-of-flight sensor 2012 of the sensor device 201 detects the hand of the person 203 within the first predetermined distance range 204.

[0108] When the time-of-flight sensor 2012 detects the hand of the person 203 within the first predetermined distance range 204, the controller of the sensor device 201 outputs a wireless control signal for controlling the lighting device 202. Here, the wireless control signal includes instructions to turn the lighting device 202 on (if currently off) or off (if currently on). Thus, as partially described, the sensor device 201 according to the present invention provides virtual wall switch functionality to the lighting device 202, thus providing an improved system for intuitively controlling (i.e., on / off toggling) the lighting device 202. Alternatively, the controlled object may be any other body part of a person, or a dedicated portable device or item. Further alternatively, the control signal may include instructions for the lighting device to adapt lighting characteristics of the light source, which may be any of on / off sequence, intensity, lighting direction, color, color temperature, modulation, polarization, beam width, and / or light scene. The control command may also include instructions to adapt the optics or to store the (current) settings of the lighting device.

[0109] Additionally, more intuitive user interface actions may alternatively be envisioned, such as moving a hand up and down, i.e., varying the distance from the time-of-flight sensor, to provide brightening and dimming of the lighting device, toggling color, or changing the light spectrum. Rotation of the hand or finger movements may also be detected and associated with user interface command gestures. The first predetermined distance range may be adapted to provide a variety of different user control options, and the corresponding first user interface may be adapted accordingly. For example, various predetermined distance subranges may be defined within the first operational mode of the time-of-flight sensor, and each predetermined distance subrange may function as a button for control functionality of the lighting device.

[0110] 2, and partially with reference to the sensor device shown in FIG. 1, the sensor device 201 can provide sensing functionality that is adjustable with respect to its orientation relative to the wall 207. This is advantageous, as the position of the socket 205 on the wall 207 can be exploited to provide the mentioned control functionality of the lighting device 202. In this way, the present invention enables the sensor device 201 to function as an intuitive wall switch, where the presence and / or movement of the hand of the person 203 within the first predetermined distance range 204 can control the lighting device 202. That is, the sensing (i.e., detection mode) of the time-of-flight sensor 2012 is adapted to the orientation of the pivotable head 2011.

[0111] In an embodiment not shown in the figures, a system is provided that includes a sensor device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 , a lighting fixture (as the lighting device shown in FIG. 2 ), and a presence sensor. The presence sensor may be, for example, a PIR sensor and may be, for example, integrated into the lighting fixture or may be standalone. The presence sensor may detect the presence of a person and trigger the lighting fixture to turn on. The lighting fixture and / or the presence sensor communicate with the sensor device according to the present invention. When the lighting fixture is turned on by triggering the presence sensor, the sensor device may also be triggered to turn on. This allows the sensor device to operate in a first operating mode when the sensor device is oriented parallel to a wall, as described in the embodiment of FIG. 2 , and to project a first user interface indicating a first predetermined distance range. Thus, when the presence detector triggers the lighting fixture to turn on, the sensor device according to the present invention may also be turned on, enabling a user interface on the wall for intuitive further control of the lighting fixture's properties and characteristics, such as intensity, color, modulation, direction, color temperature, etc.

[0112] In that alternative embodiment, the presence sensor described herein may be a second time-of-flight sensor in a further sensor device according to the invention. Further alternatively, this second time-of-flight sensor may be housed in the same pivotable head of the first-mentioned sensor device, for example perpendicular to the first time-of-flight sensor (i.e., the fields of view of these time-of-flight sensors are perpendicular to each other), and the first time-of-flight sensor in combination with the projection unit may provide control functionality for the lighting fixture, while the further time-of-flight sensor may enable presence detection functionality for the lighting fixture. Further alternatively, the projected first user interface and / or the first predetermined distance range may be adapted based on the detection of the second time-of-flight sensor of the further sensor device.

[0113] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a system 300 according to the present invention. The system 300 includes a sensor device 301 according to the present invention, which is similar to the sensor device shown in FIG. 1 . The system 300 further includes a lighting device 302. The lighting device 302 is a powered directional luminaire. The lighting device 302 has wireless connectivity and is controllable by wireless control commands. Here, the sensor device 301 includes a wireless communication circuit operating over Wi-Fi®, and the connectivity of the lighting device 302 also operates over Wi-Fi®. Also, as mentioned above, alternative wireless communication modes may be envisioned. The lighting device may alternatively be any other electrical device, for example, providing directional services to a space.

[0114] The sensor device 301 is a wall plug. The sensor device 301 is plugged into a socket 305 on a wall 307 of a space 308. The space 308 may be, for example, a hallway or an open office space. The space 308 is (virtually) subdivided into a first sub-space 3081 ("left side") and a second sub-space 3082 ("right side"). A lighting device 302 is also disposed in the space 308 and configured to illuminate the space 308 when in operation. Since the lighting device 302 is a directional luminaire, the lighting device 302 can illuminate the entire space 308, or only the first sub-space 3081, or only the second sub-space 3082. Furthermore, a person 303 is walking within the space 308.

[0115] Still referring to Figure 3, sensor device 301 provides presence sensing functionality. Because sensor device 301 is plugged into socket 305, the present invention may leverage the location of socket 305 to provide a "virtual tripwire" application to enable said presence sensing functionality. Here, pivotable head 3011 of sensor device 301 does not include an optional projection unit as shown in Figure 1.

[0116] Thus, the sensor device 301 is configured to control the lighting device 302. The pivotable head 3011 of the sensor device 301 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the wall 307. The first predetermined orientation of the pivotable head 3011 is within 30° of a plane on which the sensor device 301 is mounted and which is perpendicular to the surface (i.e., the wall 307). Alternatively, the sensor device may control and / or group a set of connected luminaires that are commissioned in a location to illuminate a desired sub-space.

[0117] Thus, the pivotable head 3011 of the sensor device 301 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the wall 307, such that the time-of-flight sensor 3012 is in a first predetermined orientation and operates in a first detection mode. The first detection mode is characterized by the time-of-flight sensor 3012 detecting an object (or control object) within a first predetermined distance range 304 from the time-of-flight sensor 3012. Here, the first predetermined distance range 304 is discontinuous and includes two separate predetermined distance sub-ranges 3041, 3042. The first distance sub-range 3041 is between zero and one meter from the time-of-flight sensor 3012, while the second distance sub-range 3042 is between two and three meters from the time-of-flight sensor 3012. Other metric values ​​of such ranges and / or other subdivisions of the first predetermined distance range may be envisioned as desired and accordingly.

[0118] Thus, in the first detection mode of the time-of-flight sensor 3012, the time-of-flight sensor 3012 is configured to detect objects within (only) the first predetermined distance range 304. Here, the body of the person 303 serves as the (control) object to be detected. In particular, the feet and legs of the person 303 are detected. Each time the person 303 walks within the first predetermined distance range 304, the time-of-flight sensor 3012 of the sensor device 301 detects the person 303 within the first predetermined distance range 304. More specifically, each time the person 303 walks within the first distance sub-range 3041, the time-of-flight sensor 3012 detects the person 303 within the first distance sub-range 3041. Alternatively and / or additionally, the time-of-flight sensor may also measure the person's walking direction and / or walking speed. Similarly, each time the person 303 walks within the second distance sub-range 3042, the time-of-flight sensor 3012 detects the person 303 within the second distance sub-range 3042. This is an advantageous feature of time-of-flight sensors, as they can sense not only the object itself but also the range at which the object is detected - ranges outside these sub-ranges are not used for object detection in the illustrated embodiment.

[0119] When the time-of-flight sensor 3012 detects a person 303 within the first predetermined distance range, and within the second distance sub-range 3042 as shown in FIG. 3 , the controller of the sensor device 301 outputs a wireless control signal 317 for controlling the lighting device 302. The control signal may alternatively be transmitted to the lighting device via an intermediate device, such as a bridge. Here, the wireless control signal 317 includes instructions for the lighting device 302 to increase the intensity of a light source included within the lighting device 302 to directionally illuminate only the second sub-space 3082 with directional light 3021. This advantageously allows for illumination of only the space in which the person 303 is detected to be present. In an alternative example, the control signal may be configured to control the optics or orientation of the lighting device to provide directional lighting.

[0120] Conversely, when the time-of-flight sensor 3012 detects a person 303 within the first distance sub-range, the controller of the sensor device 301 may output a wireless control signal including instructions to the lighting device 302 to increase the intensity of a light source contained within the lighting device 302 that directionally illuminates only the first sub-space 3081.

[0121] Thus, as partly described, the sensor device 301 according to the present invention provides presence detection (“tripwire”) functionality to the lighting device 302, and thus provides an improved system for intuitively controlling the directionality of the light emitted by the lighting device 302.

[0122] In an embodiment not shown in the figure, a system similar to that shown in FIG. 3 is provided, but the space is a bedroom. The bed is located in a range spanned between a first distance subrange and a second distance subrange. Thus, the first distance subrange is associated with the left side of the bed, while the second distance subrange is associated with the right side of the bed. Therefore, the time-of-flight sensor of the sensor device according to the present invention may detect whether a person exits the bed on the left or right side of the bed. The same applies to entering the bed. The controller of the sensor device then controls a lighting device, such as a night light, or alternatively any other electrical device in the bedroom based on the respective detection. For example, the controller may control a lighting device on the left side of the bed when a person is detected on the left side of the bed. Or, for example, the controller may control a speaker or a radio to turn off when a person is first detected on the right side of the bed and then no longer detects a person there, indicating that the person is entering the bed or leaving the bedroom. Similar applications and examples may be envisioned. For example, alternatively and / or additionally, mutatis mutandis, the sensor device may be adapted to detect sitting up and lying down in the bed itself, and may for example control a light to be turned on when sitting up is detected and to be turned off when lying down is detected.

[0123] Figure 4 shows, by way of non-limiting example, a system 400 according to the invention. The system 400 includes a sensor device 401 according to the invention, which is similar to the sensor device shown in Figure 1. However, here the sensor device 401 does not include an (optional) projection unit on the pivotable head 4011, and the time-of-flight sensor 4012 of the sensor device 401 is configured to operate in a second detection mode.

[0124] Sensor device 401 is attached to a ceiling 407 of room 408. The room has a window 406. Sensor device 401 is externally powered, but may alternatively be battery powered. Alternatively, sensor device 401 may be attached to a wall or any other surface in the room. Further alternatively, sensor device 402 may be attached to the surface of a light fixture on the ceiling, for example. Room 408 is an office including a desk and a chair. Person 403 may walk around room 408 and sit in a chair to work at the desk. Person 403 may also occasionally stand up to stretch or leave room 408. Sensor device 401 is attached above the desk.

[0125] The system 400 further includes a building management device 402. The building management device 402 manages devices (not shown) in a room 408, such as lighting devices, HVAC devices, heating devices, fans, window blinds, speakers, robot cleaners, etc. The building management device 402 communicates with the sensor device 401 via a wired connection, but may alternatively communicate wirelessly with the sensor device 401, for example via the wireless modalities described above. This enables the building management device 402 to receive control commands and / or notification signals from the sensor device 401.

[0126] Here, the pivotable head 4011 of the sensor device 401 may be oriented differently during the day and at night by manual adjustment or by its automated actuation, for example the sensor device 401 may include an electric motor or a piezo actuator for adapting the orientation of the pivotable head 4011. Other times and use cases may be envisaged as well.

[0127] Referring to Figure 4, person 403 is sitting in a chair at a desk in room 408. During the day, the pivotable head 4011 of sensor device 401 is oriented downwards, substantially perpendicular to the ceiling 407 to which sensor device 401 is mounted. This places the desk within the field of view of time-of-flight sensor 4012. As a result, during the day, pivotable head 4011 is in a first orientation 41. Time-of-flight sensor 4012 operates in a first detection mode when the orientations 41, 42 of pivotable head 4011 are in a first predetermined orientation 41. Here, the first predetermined orientation matches the actual (schematically drawn) orientation 41 of pivotable head 4011.

[0128] Thus, the time-of-flight sensor 4012 operates in a first detection mode. The first detection mode is characterized by the time-of-flight sensor 4012 detecting objects within a first predetermined distance range 4041 from the time-of-flight sensor 4012. The first predetermined distance range 4041 is a distance range of 0 to 100 centimeters from the time-of-flight sensor 4012. Other metric values ​​for such ranges may be assumed as desired for alternative examples. Thus, in the first detection mode of the time-of-flight sensor 4012, the time-of-flight sensor 4012 is configured to detect objects within (only) the first predetermined distance range 4041.

[0129] This means that every time the person 403 stands up, the head of the person 403 (i.e., an object) is detected by the time-of-flight sensor 4012 within the first predetermined distance range 4041. This allows the time-of-flight sensor 4012 to detect that the person is standing up. Furthermore, when the time-of-flight sensor 4012 detects the head of the person 403 within the first predetermined distance range 4041, the controller of the sensor device 401 outputs a wireless notification signal to the building management device 402. The building management device 402 may control the room 408 accordingly based on this information. For example, the building management device 402 may control the lighting devices in the room 408 to turn on ambient lighting when it is detected that the person 403 is standing up, and / or to turn on task lighting when it is detected that the person 403 is sitting down. Alternatively, the color temperature may be adjusted.

[0130] 4, at night, the pivotable head 4011 of the sensor device 401 is pointed towards the window 406. The window 406 is therefore within the field of view of the time-of-flight sensor 4012. The time-of-flight sensor 4012 operates in a second detection mode when the orientation 41, 42 of the pivotable head 4011 is in a second predetermined orientation 42. Here, the second predetermined orientation matches the actual (schematically drawn) orientation 42 of the pivotable head 4011.

[0131] Thus, the time-of-flight sensor 4012 operates in a second detection mode. The second detection mode is characterized by the time-of-flight sensor 4012 detecting objects within a second predetermined distance range 4042 from the time-of-flight sensor 4012. The second predetermined distance range 4042 is a distance range of 2 meters to 2.5 meters from the time-of-flight sensor 4012. Other metric values ​​for such range may be assumed as desired for alternative examples. Thus, in the second detection mode of the time-of-flight sensor 4012, the time-of-flight sensor 4012 is configured to detect objects within (only) the second predetermined distance range 4042.

[0132] This means that whenever an intruder (i.e., an object) enters through the window 402, the intruder will be detected by the time-of-flight sensor 4012 within the second predetermined distance range 4042. Since the second predetermined distance range is tailored to the window 406, the sensor device 401 according to the present invention provides accurate and robust intruder detection functionality. Thus, the time-of-flight sensor 4012 can detect an intruder through the window 406.

[0133] Thus, the sensor device 401 according to the present invention provides intruder / presence detection functionality to the building management device 402 based on the orientation of the pivotable head 4011 and provides body gesture detection functionality to the building management device 402.

[0134] Alternatively, instead of intruder detection, the pivotable head of the sensor device may be aimed at a door and people entering through the door may be detected and therefore counted to provide people count based applications such as HVAC control in a room.

[0135] FIG. 5 illustrates, by way of non-limiting example, a method 500 for a sensor device according to the present invention to control an electrical device. The sensor device thus includes a controller and a pivotable head housing a time-of-flight sensor. The sensor device may be similar to the sensor devices shown in FIGS. 1-4. The method includes a step 501 of orienting the pivotable head relative to a surface to which the sensor device is attached during operation. The method 500 includes a next step 502 of obtaining an orientation of the pivotable head, and a step 503 of operating the time-of-flight sensor in a first detection mode for detecting a (control) object within a first predetermined distance range from the time-of-flight sensor if the orientation of the pivotable head is in a first predetermined orientation. The method 500 includes a further step 504 of outputting a control signal for controlling the electrical device when the time-of-flight sensor detects a (control) object.

[0136] FIG. 7 illustrates, by way of non-limiting example, a method 800 for a sensor device according to the present invention to control an electrical device. Thus, the sensor device includes a controller and a time-of-flight sensor. The sensor device may, for example, be similar to the sensor device shown in FIG. 6. The method 800 includes a step 801 of orienting the sensor device relative to gravity during operation. The method 800 includes a next step 802 of obtaining an orientation of the sensor device, and a step 803 of operating the time-of-flight sensor in a first detection mode for detecting a (control) object within a first predetermined distance range from the time-of-flight sensor if the orientation of the sensor device is in a first predetermined orientation. The method includes a further step 804 of outputting a control signal for controlling the electrical device when the time-of-flight sensor detects the (control) object. In one example, the first predetermined orientation is within 30° of the direction of gravity. In one example, the method may further include a step of operating the time-of-flight sensor in a second operation mode for detecting the same (control) object or a different (control) object. The second predetermined orientation may be, for example, within 30° of a plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

Claims

1. A sensor device for controlling an electrical device, the sensor device including a controller and a range sensor; the sensor device is configured to be mounted at an orientation relative to gravity; The range sensor obtaining the orientation of the sensor device with respect to gravity; operating in a first detection mode for detecting an object within a first predetermined distance range from the range sensor when the orientation is in a first predetermined orientation; and operating in a second detection mode for detecting an object within a second predetermined distance range from the range sensor when the orientation is in a second predetermined orientation; It is configured as follows: the first predetermined orientation is different from the second predetermined orientation, the first detection mode is different from the second detection mode, The sensor device, wherein the controller is configured to output a control signal for controlling the electrical device when the range sensor detects an object.

2. The sensor device of claim 1 , wherein the sensor device is a wall plug.

3. The sensor device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the range sensor is a time-of-flight sensor.

4. The sensor device according to claim 1 , wherein the first predetermined orientation is within 30° from the direction of gravity.

5. The sensor device includes a projection unit configured to project a first user interface onto a surface; The sensor device of claim 1 , wherein the first user interface indicates the first predetermined distance range from the range sensor.

6. The sensor device according to claim 1 , wherein the first predetermined distance range is discontinuous and consists of a plurality of first predetermined distance sub-ranges.

7. The sensor device according to claim 1 , wherein the second predetermined orientation is within 30° from a plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

8. The sensor device of claim 1 , wherein the first detection mode is associated with a user interface function for controlling the electrical device, and the second detection mode is associated with a presence detection function.

9. the sensor device includes sensing means for measuring an orientation of the sensor device; A sensor device according to any preceding claim, wherein the sensing means is arranged to communicate an orientation of the sensor device to the range sensor.

10. the control signal includes instructions for the electrical device to adapt lighting characteristics of a light source; The sensor device of claim 1 , wherein the lighting characteristic is one of an on / off sequence, an intensity, a color, a color temperature, a modulation, and / or a light scene.

11. 11. The sensor device of claim 1, wherein the controller includes wireless communication circuitry configured to output the control signal via at least one of Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wi-Fi, NFC, RFID, IR, Lo-Ra, Li-Fi, VLC, RF, and IEEE 802.15.

1.

12. The sensor device of claim 1 , wherein the object is a person, a body part, an arm, a hand, a finger, a fingertip, a leg, a foot, a figurine, a gesture, a drone, a door, a window, furniture, a portable device, or a carried object.

13. 13. A system comprising a sensor device according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and an electrical device, wherein the sensor device is configured to control the electrical device in operation.

14. 1. A method for controlling an electrical device with a sensor device, the sensor device including a controller and a range sensor, the method comprising: orienting the sensor device relative to gravity; obtaining an orientation of the sensor device; operating the range sensor in a first detection mode for detecting an object within a first predetermined distance range from the range sensor when the orientation of the sensor device is in a first predetermined orientation; operating the range sensor in a second detection mode for detecting an object within a second predetermined distance range from the range sensor when the orientation of the sensor device is in a second predetermined orientation; outputting a control signal for controlling the electrical device when the range sensor detects an object; Including, The method, wherein the first predetermined orientation is different from the second predetermined orientation and the first detection mode is different from the second detection mode.

15. A sensor device for controlling an electrical device, the sensor device including a controller, a pivotable head, and a range sensor; the pivotable head is configured to house the range sensor and to be oriented in operation relative to a surface to which the sensor device is mounted; The range sensor obtaining an orientation of the pivotable head; operating in a first detection mode for detecting an object within a first predetermined distance range from the range sensor when the orientation of the pivotable head is in a first predetermined orientation; and operating in a second detection mode for detecting an object within a second predetermined distance range from the range sensor when the orientation of the pivotable head is in a second predetermined orientation; It is configured as follows: the first predetermined orientation is different from the second predetermined orientation, the first detection mode is different from the second detection mode, The sensor device, wherein the controller is configured to output a control signal for controlling the electrical device when the range sensor detects an object.

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