Lighting control system and method for light control

Abstract

A lighting control system (100), street light arrangement (900) and method (1000) are provided for a thoroughfare trafficked by at least one vehicle. The lighting control system comprises a plurality of street lights (115), j=1,..., k, comprising a light source and a processor configured to obtain at least one environmental condition, to obtain at least one distance, di,j, between the street light, j, and the at least one vehicle, determine a setting, Sj, of the light output of the street light, j, as a function of the obtained at least one environmental condition, the obtained at least one distance, di,j, between the street light, j, and the vehicle, and a setting, Si≠j, of the light output of at least one street light of the plurality of street lights, j=1,..., k, different from the street light, j.

Description

[0001] Lighting control system and method for light control

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention generally relates to a system and method for lighting control. More specifically, the present invention is related to a system and method for lighting control, via street lights, of a street trafficked by vehicle(s).

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] With a trend towards cities becoming smarter and greener, intelligent street lighting infrastructure can contribute to the reduction of energy consumption, whilst at the same time also making cities safer and easier to navigate, especially at night.

[0006] The desire to develop intelligent street lighting infrastructure is particularly propelled considering environmental (weather) conditions which may influence the traffic negatively, such as an impaired visibility for the vehicle drivers. Consequently, the traffic may experience an impaired safety during these conditions.

[0007] In the prior art, there are street lighting infrastructures which have been implemented to try to provide street lighting which strives to be environmentally friendly whilst providing traffic safety. However, there remains a stark need for a development in this field by systems and methods which may provide an efficient street lighting concerning both energy and safety, especially during challenging environmental conditions.

[0008] Hence, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system and a method for an efficient street lighting concerning both energy efficiency and safety aspects during challenging environmental conditions.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] It is of interest to overcome at least some of the deficiencies of current systems and methods related to street lighting, for an energy efficient street lighting which furthermore provides safety for the traffic during challenging environmental conditions.

[0011] This and other objects are achieved by providing a system, a street light arrangement, and a method having the features in the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims. According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lighting control system for a thoroughfare trafficked by at least one vehicle. The lighting control system comprises a plurality of street lights, j=l, k, arranged adjacent the thoroughfare. Each street light of the plurality of street lights comprises a light source arranged to provide a light output. The light output of each street light of the plurality of street lights defines a light output zone. This is, the light source is configured to illuminate a specific area, i.e., the light output zone. Each street light of the plurality of street lights comprises at least one sensor and a processor, communicatively coupled to the at least one sensor. The processor is configured to obtain data indicative of presence of fog in the proximity of at least one street light, / , of the plurality of street lights, j=l, k. The data may be obtained via the at least one sensor. The processor is further configured to obtain, via the at least one sensor, a position, pij, of the at least one vehicle, said position may be a relative position with respect to the plurality of street lights, j=l, k. The processor is configured to control the light output of each street light, j, of the plurality of street lights according to a setting Sj such that a first light output zone that at least partialy overlaps with the obtained position, pij, of the at least one vehicle has a lower light intensity than a second light output zone that does not overlap with the obtained position, pij, of the at least one vehicle.

[0012] Due to the ability of the lighting control system to adapt the light intensity of street lights such that light zones that comprise the vehicle have lower intensity compared to light zones that do not comprise the vehicle, more light is projected on the road and less light is projected towards the window of the vehicle. This reduces the direct horizontal illumination into the driver’s eye while still allowing for good road lighting conditions. Thus, the visibility of the driver is improved.

[0013] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lighting control system for a thoroughfare trafficked by at least one vehicle. The lighting control system comprises a plurality of street lights, j=l, k, arranged adjacent the thoroughfare. Each street light of the plurality of street lights comprises a light source arranged to provide a light output and a processor configured to obtain at least one environmental condition, for each street light, / , of the plurality of street lights, j=l, k, obtain at least one distance, dij, between the street light, / , and the at least one vehicle, determine a setting, Sj, of the light output of the street light, / , as a function of the obtained at least one environmental condition, the obtained at least one distance, dij, between the street light, / , and the vehicle, and a setting, S, ,., of the light output of at least one street light of the plurality of street lights, j=l, k, different from the street light, j. The lighting control system further comprises a control unit connected to the processor and the plurality of street lights, wherein the control unit is configured to control the light output of each street light of the plurality of street lights according to the determined setting, Sj.

[0014] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a street light arrangement for a thoroughfare trafficked by at least one vehicle. The street light arrangement comprises a plurality of street lights, j=l, k, arranged adjacent the thoroughfare, wherein each street light, / , of the plurality of street lights comprises a light source arranged to provide a light output, and a processor, configured to obtain at least one environmental condition, obtain at least one distance, dij, between the street light, / , and the at least one vehicle, determine a setting, Sj, of the light output of the street light, / , as a function of the obtained at least one environmental condition, the obtained at least one distance, dij, between the street light, / , and the vehicle, and a setting, S j, of the light output of at least one street light of the plurality of street lights, j=l, k, different from the street light, j. The street light arrangement further comprises a control unit connected to the processor and the plurality of street lights, wherein the control unit is configured to control the light output of the street light of the plurality of street lights according to the determined setting, Sj.

[0015] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for light control of a thoroughfare, trafficked by at least one vehicle, via a plurality of street lights, j=l, k, arranged adjacent the thoroughfare, wherein each street light of the plurality of street lights comprises a light source arranged to provide a light output. The method comprises the step of obtaining at least one environmental condition. The method further comprises the steps of, for each street light, j, of the plurality of street lights, j=l, k, obtaining at least one distance, dij, between the street light, j, and the at least one vehicle, determining a setting, Sj, of the light output of the street light, j, as a function of the obtained at least one environmental condition, the obtained at least one distance, dij, between the street light, j, and the vehicle, and a setting, S, ,., of the light output of at least one street light of the plurality of street lights, j=l, k, different from the street light, j. The method further comprises the step of controlling the light output of each street light of the plurality of street lights according to the determined setting, Sj.

[0016] The thoroughfare may be trafficked by a plurality of vehicles. The method may further comprise obtaining data indicative of a driving complexity of at least one vehicle of the plurality of vehicles. The processor may be configured to obtain, via the at least one sensor, said data indicative (assosiated with) the complexity of driving conditions for the plurality of vehicles. Said data may comrpise at least one of a speed of the at least one vehicle, a traffic density of the thoroughfare, a relative location of at the at least one vehicle with respect to a turn of the thoroughfare, a relative location of the at least one vehicle with respect to a pedestrian crossing, a relative location of at the at least one vehicle with respect to a second vehicle from the plurality of vehicles. The processor method may further comprise determining a priority value associated with each vehicle of the plurality of vehicles based on the obtained data and determining the setting, Sj, of the light output of each street light, j, as a function of the determined priority values. That is, a higher priority is given to vehicles for which a higher priority value is determined. In that way, the street lighting is adjusted such that the setting, Sj, of the light output of each street light, / , is adjusted according to the vehicle with the highest priority value.

[0017] Thus, the present invention is based on the idea of a lighting control system for thoroughfare (street) lighting, comprising a plurality of street lights with respective light sources, wherein the settings of the light output of the street lights are based on environmental condition(s), the distance(s) between vehicle(s) and street light(s), and the setting of (other) street lights. The lighting control system is hereby able to adapt the light output for safety reasons (e.g. that vehicle drivers will not be blinded by the light output), whilst the lighting control system achieves energy efficiency by its optimized / adapted lighting. It should be noted that the lighting control system of the first aspect of the present invention, the street light arrangement of the second aspect of the present invention and the method of the third aspect of the present invention share the same common general inventive concept of vehicle traffic safety and energy efficiency via their (common) features, functions and / or operations.

[0018] Due to the ability of the lighting control system to adapt the light output from the street lights in this conceptual manner, the present invention is advantageous in that the visibility is significantly improved for vehicle drivers under challenging environmental (e.g. foggy) conditions, thereby providing an ameliorated safety for the traffic.

[0019] The present invention is further advantageous in that the lighting control system may limit the direct horizontal-into-the-eye light that reaches the vehicle driver, while still providing good light conditions for the driver to see / observe the thoroughfare and possible obstacles.

[0020] The present invention is further advantageous concerning its energy efficiency, in that the lighting control system controls the light output with respect to passing vehicles and / or vehicle traffic pattem(s). In other words, the lighting control system may efficiently adapt the light output for the traffic, and may limit (i.e. reduce the intensity), or even turn off, the light output of one or more street lights in case the light output would not be necessary. It will be appreciated that in case that the lighting control system reduces the light output intensity, a minimal light level may be maintained (e.g. 10 %) as a background level, e.g. in order to allow sufficient lighting for areas along the road (e.g. pavements, sidewalks for pedestrians), for an increased feel of safety, etc.

[0021] The present invention is further advantageous concerning its efficient and convenient customization of the light output dependently on the environmental condition(s), the distance(s) between vehicle(s) and street light(s), the setting of (other) street lights, the speed of the vehicle or multiple vehicles, etc.

[0022] The present invention is further advantageous by the (individual) control of each of the street lights of the lighting control system, which emphasizes the optimization of the light output during operation.

[0023] There is provided a lighting control system for a thoroughfare trafficked by at least one vehicle. By the term “thoroughfare”, it is here meant a street, road, motorway, highway, tunnel, bridge, etc. By the term “vehicle”, it may here be meant a motor-driven vehicle such as a car, a motorcycle, a truck, etc., operated by a driver. However, the term “vehicle” may also encompass bicycles and, in particular, electrically powered bicycles. The lighting control system comprises a plurality of street lights, j=l, k, arranged adjacent the thoroughfare. For example, the street lights, j=l, k, may be light poles, j=l, k. It will be appreciated that the (total) number k of street lights is arbitrary. Furthermore, the number of street lights that are comprised in the lighting control system may be a subset of all street lights along a thoroughfare (street, road). Hence, of a total number of street lights of a thoroughfare, there may be a subset of these street lights that is comprised in the lighting control system. Each street light of the plurality of street lights comprises a light source arranged to provide a light output. By “light source”, it is meant substantially any kind of light source suitable for street lighting purposes. For example, the light source may comprise one of more light-emitting diodes, LEDs. The lighting control system further comprises a processor configured to obtain at least one environmental condition. By the term “environmental condition”, it is here meant substantially any environmental or weather condition such as e.g. fog, humidity, drizzle (rain), smoke, etc. It should be noted that the term “environmental condition” furthermore may encompass darkness, obscurity, or the like, e.g. night darkness. Furthermore, the “environmental condition” may be a combination of two or more of the above-mentioned conditions, such as darkness and rain. For each street light, / of the plurality of street lights, j=l, k, the processor is configured to obtain at least one distance, dij, between the street light, / , and the at least one vehicle. Hence, the processor is configured or arranged to obtain, receive, sense, calculate and / or register distance(s), dij, between the street light, / and the vehicle(s) passing on the thoroughfare. The processor is further configured to, for each street light, / of the plurality of street lights, j=l, k, determine a setting, Sj, of the light output of the street light, j. By the term “setting”, it is here meant a configuration, a mode, or the like. Hence, by “a setting, Sj, of the light output of the street light, / ’, it is meant a setting, configuration, or mode of the characteristics, parameters and / or features of the light output of the street light, j. The setting, Sj, of the light output of the street light, / is determined by the processor as a function of the obtained environmental condition(s), the obtained distance(s), dij, between the street light, and the vehicle, and a setting, S, ,., of the light output of at least one street light of the plurality of street lights, j=l, k, different from the street light, j. Hence, the light output of the street light, / is dependent on the environmental (weather) conditions in the (vicinity of) the street and the street light(s), the vehicle-pole distance(s) and the light output setting(s) of the other street light(s). The lighting control system further comprises a control unit connected to the processor and the plurality of street lights. By “control unit”, it is meant any device, unit, or the like, which is configured to control and / or operate the street lights electronically and / or mechanically. The control unit is configured to control the light output of each street light of the plurality of street lights according to the determined setting, Sj. Hence, the control unit is configured to control the light output of each street light of the plurality of street lights according to the determined setting, Sj, as a function of the obtained environmental condition(s), the obtained distance(s), dij, between the street light, / and the vehicle, and a setting of the light output of one or more other street light(s).

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the setting, Sj, of the light output of the street light, / may comprise a setting characteristic, Cs, comprising at least one of an intensity, I, of the light output, a polarization, P, of the light output, a correlated color temperature, CCT, of the light output, a beam angle, a, of the light output, and a beam direction, B, of the light output. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the setting characteristics, Cs, constituting one of the above-mentioned parameters, or a combination of two or more of these, may contribute significantly to the safety and / or energy efficiency of the lighting control system. For example, certain colors may penetrate more easily through an environmental condition such as fog, an effect which may be even more emphasized when using polarized light. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit may be further configured to partition the light output of each street light of the plurality of street lights into a plurality of light output zones, wherein each light output zone of the plurality of light output zones is spatially different from any other light output zone of the plurality of light output zones, wherein at least a first light output zone of the plurality of light output zones comprises a first setting characteristic, Csi, and at least a second light output zone of the plurality of light output zones comprises a second setting characteristic, CS2, wherein the first setting characteristic, Csi, is different from the second setting characteristic, CS2. Hence, the lighting control system may provide two or more light output zones with different setting characteristics. It will be appreciated that the second setting characteristic, CS2, may be a lighting setting suited for a preparation for an upcoming vehicle, thereby further improving the light output for the traffic. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the lighting control system efficiently and conveniently provides a plurality of light output zones with different characteristics, such as e.g. intensity, beam directi on / angle, etc., which even further contributes to the optimization, customization and / or adaptation to the vehicle traffic. The present embodiment is further advantageous in that the lighting control system may adapt to the type of vehicle (e.g. car, truck, bus) and / or the perception of the driver of the vehicle (i.e. the height of the eyes of the driver in the vehicle).

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the processor may be further configured to for each street light, / , of the plurality of street lights, j=l, k, obtain a position, pij, of the at least one vehicle, wherein the control unit is further configured to direct the at least a first light output zone to at least partially overlap with the obtained position, pij, of the at least one vehicle, wherein the first setting characteristic, Csi, comprises a first intensity, Ii, of the light output, wherein the second setting characteristic, CS2, comprises a second intensity, I2, of the light output, wherein Ii < I2. Hence, the lighting control system may hereby provide a first light output zone with a first (e.g. reduced) intensity, Ii, for the vehicle (driver) compared to a second light output zone with a second (e.g. full) intensity, I2. The present embodiment is advantageous in that it leads to an even more safe and / or energy efficient operation of the lighting control system.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the processor may be further configured to, for each street light, / , of the plurality of street lights, j=l, k, obtain at least one of a position, pij, of the at least one vehicle, a speed, spij, of the at least one vehicle, an acceleration, apij, of the at least one vehicle, a driving direction, ddij, of the at least one vehicle, a light output, loij, from the vehicle lights of the at least one vehicle, a type, ttij, of the at least one vehicle, and information, fij, from a driver of the at least one vehicle, and to determine the setting, Sj, of the light output of the street light, / , as a function of at least one of the obtained position, pij, of the at least one vehicle, the obtained speed, spij, of the at least one vehicle, the obtained acceleration, apij, of the at least one vehicle, the obtained driving direction, ddij, of the at least one vehicle, and the obtained light output, loij, from the vehicle lights of the at least one vehicle, the type, ttij, of the at least one vehicle, and the information, fij, from the driver of the at least one vehicle. Hence, the processor may be configured to, for each street light, / , of the plurality of street lights, j=l, k, obtain one or more parameters of a position, pij, a speed, spij, an acceleration, apij, a driving direction, ddij, and / or a light output, loij, from the vehicle lights of the at least one vehicle, and to determine the setting, Sj, of the light output of the street light, / , as a function of this (these) parameter(s). It will be appreciated that much information of the driving characteristics of the vehicle may hereby be obtained by the lighting control system, and the present embodiment is advantageous in that an even more precise and customized control of the light output may be achieved by the control unit. The present embodiment is advantageous by considering the convenience of obtaining information from vehicles (e.g. cars), as modern day vehicles can almost be considered as mobile sensor units from which much information can be collected. Consequently, this even further augments the safety and / or energy efficiency of the lighting control system during operation. It will be appreciated that in case of the setting, Sj, of the light output of the street light, / , taking into account the light output, loij, from the vehicle lights (e.g. fog lights), a synergistic effect between the street light output and the vehicle (fog) lights is advantageously obtained.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the processor may be further configured to obtain information of historic vehicle traffic of the thoroughfare, and for each street light, / , of the plurality of street lights, j=l, k, determine the setting, Sj, of the light output of the street light, / , as a function of the obtained information of historic vehicle traffic of the thoroughfare. By the term “historic vehicle traffic”, it is here meant historic data of vehicle traffic and / or traffic (data) pattern(s), e.g. vehicle traffic as a function of time (e.g. time of day and / or night). For example, the “historic vehicle traffic” may encompass a higher (lower) vehicle traffic density as a function of time of day and / or night. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the setting, Sj, of the light output of the street light, / , as a function of the obtained (a priori) information of historic vehicle traffic of the thoroughfare may even further contribute to the safety and / or energy efficiency of the lighting control system. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the setting, Sj, of the light output of the street light, / , may be associated with a plurality of predetermined levels, Lk, wherein the control unit is configured to control the light output of each street light of the plurality of street lights according to the plurality of predetermined levels, Lk, associated with the determined setting, Sj. For example, the plurality of predetermined levels, Lk, may constitute e.g. 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 90% and 100% of the total intensity. The present embodiment is advantageous in its convenience by predetermined (preset) levels, Lk, which may contribute to the efficiency of the operation of the lighting control system.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the lighting control system may further comprise at least one sensor communicatively coupled to the processor, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to obtain, at least one of the at least one environmental condition, the at least one distance, dij, between the street light, / , and the at least one vehicle, and the setting, S^j,, of the light output of at least one street light of the plurality of street lights, j=l, k, different from the street light, j. By the term “sensor”, it is here meant substantially any sensing device, unit, or the like, which is configured or arranged to obtain, register, sense and / or receive the environmental condition(s), the distance(s), dij, between the street light, j, and the vehicle(s), and the setting, S, ,., of the light output of a street lights of the plurality of street lights, j=l, k, different from the street light, j. The term “sensor” may furthermore encompass a transceiver for bidirectional communication with the vehicle (intelligence). The present embodiment is advantageous in that the sensor(s) may accurately obtain the above-mentioned parameters for the lighting control system for controlling the light output.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the lighting control system may further comprise at least one memory communicatively coupled to the at least one sensor and to the processor, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to register, via the at least one memory, information of vehicle traffic of the thoroughfare, and wherein the processor is further configured to for each street light, j, of the plurality of street lights, j=l, k, determine the setting, Sj, of the light output of the street light, j, as a function of the obtained information of vehicle traffic of the thoroughfare. Hence, the lighting control system may control the light output via the control unit via stored information of vehicle traffic of the thoroughfare.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one sensor comprises at least one of an image-capturing device, a magnetometer configured for vehicle detection, a (directional) microphone, a radar, a laser scanner, a lidar, and an antenna configured to monitor vehicle radio frequency, RF, signals. By “image-capturing device”, it is here meant a camera, video camera, thermal camera, time-of-flight camera, 3D-camera, etc. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the mentioned devices, units and elements are particularly suitable for obtaining the environmental condition(s), the distance(s), dij, between the street light, / , and the vehicle(s), and the setting, S, ,., of the light output of a street lights of the plurality of street lights, j=l, k, different from the street light,j.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the present invention, each street light of the plurality of street lights may further comprise an actuator coupled to the light source and communicatively coupled to the control unit, wherein the control unit is further configured to control the light output of each street light of the plurality of street lights via the actuator according to the determined setting, Sj. By “actuator”, it is here meant substantially any device or element which is able to (mechanically and / or electrically) change any setting, parameter, or the like, of the light source. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the control unit may set and / or adjust the light source(s) in a convenient and efficient manner in order to obtain the desired light output.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the processor is further configured to obtain the at least one environmental condition based on weather forecast information. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the lighting control system may control the light output even more accurately and / or even obtain the environmental condition(s). For example, the lighting control system may control the light output only via the weather forecast information, and that the lighting control system thereby may be able to operate without sensor(s), or the like.

[0033] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one environmental condition may comprise at least one of fog, humidity, rain and smoke. It will be appreciated that the ability of the lighting control system to control the light output via the street lights is particularly efficient in case of fog, humidity, rain and / or smoke.

[0034] According to an example of the present invention, there is provided a computer program product comprising computer readable code for causing a computer to carry out the method according to the method of the second aspect of the present invention when the computer program product is carried out on the computer.

[0035] It should be understood that the street light arrangement of the second aspect of the present invention and / or the method of the third aspect of the present invention may have similar and / or identical embodiments and / or advantages as the above-mentioned lighting control system of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0036] Further objectives of, features of, and advantages with, the present invention will become apparent when studying the following detailed disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will realize that different features of the present invention can be combined to create embodiments other than those described in the following.

[0037] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] This and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing embodiment(s) of the invention.

[0039] Figs. 1-4 schematically show lighting control systems according to embodiments of the present invention, and

[0040] Fig. 5 schematically shows a method for lighting control according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0042] Fig. 1 schematically shows a lighting control system 100 for a thoroughfare 105 trafficked by at least one vehicle 110. The thoroughfare 105 may be any kind of street, road, motorway, highway, etc. The vehicle 110 may be a car, a truck, etc. It should be noted that there may be several vehicles 110 trafficking the thoroughfare(s) 105 in one or more lanes, that vehicles 110 move in different directions, etc., and that Fig. 1 hereby represents a simplified view for an increased understanding of the invention.

[0043] The lighting control system 100 comprises a plurality of street lights 115, j=l, k, exemplified as light poles 115,j=7, ..., k, (in the following, the street lights 115,j=7, ..., k, will be referred to as light poles 115, j=l, k) arranged adjacent the thoroughfare

[0044] 105. A street light may be any kind of lighting fixture to illuminate a street (thoroughfare) such as a light pole, a bollard, a wall mounted fixture, overhead lights, etc. Here, the part or section of the thoroughfare 105 comprises 5 light poles 115, i.e. k = 5, but it should be noted that the number of light poles 115 is arbitrary. Hence, the number of light poles 115 that are comprised in the lighting control system 100 may be a subset of all light poles along the thoroughfare 105 (street, road). Each light pole, / , of the plurality of light poles 115 comprises a light source 120j arranged to provide a light output 130j. The light source 120j may be substantially any kind of light source suitable for street lighting purposes, and may, for example, comprise one of more light-emitting diodes, LEDs.

[0045] The lighting control system 100 further comprises a processor 200. It will be appreciated that the processor 200 is schematically indicated, and that its position may be substantially anywhere in the lighting control system 100, such as e.g. being provided (embedded) in one or more of the light poles 115. The processor 200 is configured to obtain (information of) at least one environmental condition 210. The environmental condition 210 may be substantially any environmental or weather condition such as e.g. fog, humidity, drizzle (rain), smoke, darkness, obscurity, etc. For each light pole, / , of the plurality of light poles, j=l, k, the processor 200 is configured to obtain at least one distance, dij, between the light pole, / and the at least one vehicle 110. Hence, the processor 200 is configured or arranged to obtain, receive and / or calculate distance(s), dij, between the light pole, / , and the vehicle(s) 110 on the thoroughfare 105. As exemplified in Fig. 1, for the vehicle 110 (of index z=l), the distance di,i between light pole j=l and vehicle 110 and the distance di, 2 between light pole j=2 and vehicle 110 are indicated (the distance(s) between the vehicle 110 and the respective light poles j=3, j=4, j=5, i.e. di, 3, di, 4, and / or di, 5 is (are) not explicitly indicated in Fig. 1).

[0046] The processor 200 is further configured to, for each light pole, / of the plurality of light poles, j=l, k, determine a setting, Sj, of the light output 130j of the light pole, / It should be noted that the setting, Sj, of the light output 130j of the light pole, / may encompass a setting, configuration, or mode of the characteristics, parameters and / or features of the light output 130j of the light pole, The setting, Sj, of the light output 130j of the light pole, / is determined by the processor 200 as a function of the obtained environmental condition(s) 210, the obtained distance(s), dij, between the light pole, / and the vehicle 110, and a setting, Si / j„ of the light output of at least one light pole of the plurality of light poles, j=l, k, different from the light pole, / Hence, the light output 130j of the light pole, / is dependent on the environmental (weather) conditions 210 in the (vicinity of) the street and the light pole(s) 115, the vehicle-pole distance(s) and the light output setting(s) of the other light pole(s).

[0047] The lighting control system 100 further comprises a control unit 300 connected to the processor 200 and the plurality of light poles 115. The control unit 300 may be connected (coupled) to the processor 200 and the plurality of light poles 115 by wire of by wireless technology. The control unit 300 may be any device, unit, or the like, which is configured to control and / or operate the light poles 115 electronically and / or mechanically. For example, the plurality of light poles 115 may comprise actuators (not shown) coupled to the light sources 120j and communicatively coupled to the control unit 300, wherein the control unit 300 is further configured to control the light output 130j of each light pole, / , of the plurality of light poles 115 via the actuator according to the determined setting, Sj. The control unit 300 is configured to control the light output of each light pole, j, of the plurality of light poles 115 according to the determined setting, Sj. It should be noted that the control unit 300 is schematically indicated and may be provided substantially anywhere in the lighting control system 100.

[0048] Fig. 1 indicates an example of the determined setting, Sj, of the light output 130j of the light pole, / , by the lighting control system 100 during operation. The vehicle 110 is exemplified as moving from the left to the right in Fig. 1 along (on) the thoroughfare 105. As the setting, Sj, of the light output of the light pole, / , is determined by the processor 200 as a function of the obtained environmental condition(s) 210, the obtained distance(s), dij, between the light pole, / , and the vehicle 110, and a setting, S, ,., of the light output of at least one light pole of the plurality of light poles, j=l, k, different from the light pole, / , the setting, Sj, of light pole,j=7, may be a full intensity of the light output 130j of the light pole, j=l, as the vehicle 110 has passed the light pole, j=l. As the vehicle 110 is in a vicinity and / or at a specific angle with respect to the light poles, j=2 and j=3, these light poles may, for example, be tumed / switched off by the lighting control system 100, as schematically shown in Fig. 1. As the vehicle 110 is approaching light pole, j=4, this light pole may have a setting, Sj, of a part of its total intensity of the light output 130j, e.g. 50%, as schematically shown by the dotted light output. The setting, Sj, of light pole, / =5, further away from the approaching vehicle 110, may be a full intensity of the light output 130j of the light pole. It will be appreciated that the setting, Sj, of the light output of the light pole, / , may be associated with a plurality of predetermined levels, Lk, such as e.g. 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 90% and 100% of the total intensity, wherein the control unit 300 is configured to control the light output 130j of each light pole of the plurality of light poles according to the plurality of these predetermined levels, Lk, associated with the determined setting, Sj. The processor 200 may further be configured to obtain, for each light pole, j, of the plurality of light poles, j=l, ..., k, a position, p;j, a speed, spij, an acceleration, apij, a driving direction, ddij, a light output, loij, from the vehicle lights, of the vehicle 110, a type, ttij, of the at least one vehicle, and / or information, fij, from a driver of the at least one vehicle and determine the setting, Sj, of the light output 130j of the light pole, / , as a function of one or more of these parameters. According to an embodiment, the lighting control system 100 may further comprise at least one sensor 500 communicatively coupled to the processor 200. Here, the sensor 500 is schematically indicated on light pole, j=2, but it should be noted that the sensor(s) 500 may be provided substantially anywhere in the lighting control system 100. The sensor 500 is configured to obtain the environmental condition(s) 210, the distance(s), dij, between the light pole, / and the vehicle 110, and / or the setting, S, ,., of the light output of at least one light pole of the plurality of light poles, j=l, k, different from the light pole,

[0049] It should be noted that a vehicle driver location may be estimated from the vehicle location by the processor 200. Furthermore, the processor 200 may estimate the vehicle driver location with respect to the plurality of light poles 115 and use this information of how the vehicle driver may experience the light output 130j. It should be noted that the observation position from a truck differs from a normal car, so next to the car location also knowing the vehicle type and thus driver seating height may be beneficial information for the processor 200. Furthermore, the control unit 300 may also operate via an algorithm to deduce the most optimal overall setting of the light output 130j of the plurality of light poles 115 based on the presence (and dynamics) of the vehicle(s) 110.

[0050] In relation to a traffic situation of more than one vehicle 110, i.e. a multitude of vehicles in range (in the line of sight of the lighting control system 100) it should be noted that the lighting control system 100 may be configured to control the setting, Sj, of the light output of the light pole, / as a function of the plurality of vehicles and vehicle parameters (e.g. distance between vehicles, relative speeds, etc.).

[0051] Fig. 2 schematically shows a lighting control system 100 for a thoroughfare 105 trafficked by at least one vehicle 110. It should be noted that the lighting control system 100 as exemplified in Fig. 2 have many features and functions in common with the lighting control system 100 as shown in Fig. 1, and it is referred to Fig. 1 and the associated text for an increased understanding of the lighting control system 100. It should also be noted that some references present in Fig. 1 have been omitted in Fig. 2.

[0052] Fig. 2 discloses the embodiment of the lighting control system 100, wherein the setting, Sj, of the light output 130j of the light pole, / is dynamically adapted. More specifically, the setting, Sj, of the light output 130j of the light pole, / comprises a setting characteristic, Cs, comprising at least one of an intensity, I, a polarization, P, a correlated color temperature, CCT, a beam angle, a, of the light output 130j, and a beam direction, B, of the light output 130j. Furthermore, spectrum and / or beam profile may be part of the setting characteristic, Cs. More specifically, Fig. 2 explicitly indicates the intensity, I, and the beam angle, a, of the light outputs 130j of a plurality of light poles. The control unit of the lighting control system 100 is configured to partition the light output 130j of each light pole of the plurality of light poles into a plurality of light output zones 350. Each light output zone of the plurality of light output zones 350 is spatially different from any other light output zone of the plurality of light output zones 350, wherein at least a first light output zone 350a comprises a first setting characteristic, Csi, and at least a second light output zone 350b comprises a second setting characteristic, CS2, wherein the first setting characteristic, Csi, is different from the second setting characteristic, CS2. According to this embodiment, the processor is configured to, for each light pole, j, of the plurality of light poles, j=l, k, obtain a position, p;j, of the vehicle 110. The control unit is further configured to direct the at least a first light output zone 350a to at least partially overlap with the obtained position, pij, of the vehicle 110, wherein the first setting characteristic, Csi, comprises a first intensity, Ii, of the light output, wherein the second setting characteristic, CS2, comprises a second intensity, I2, of the light output, wherein Ii < I2. Hence, the lighting control system 100 provides a reduced intensity of the light output for the first light output zone 350a according to the position, pij, of the vehicle 110, whereas a full intensity of the light output for the second light output zone 350b may be provided, which is schematically indicated in Fig. 2. For light pole, j=2, wherein the obtained distance, dij, between the light pole, j=2, and the vehicle 110 is longer than the obtained distance, dij, between the light pole, j=l, and the vehicle 110, the setting, Sj, of the light output of the light pole, j=2, comprises a setting characteristic, Cs, wherein the first light output zone 350a (of reduced intensity) is smaller than the second light output zone 350b (of full intensity). For light pole, j=3, wherein the obtained distance, dij, between the light pole, j=3, and the vehicle 110 is relatively long, the setting, Sj, of the light output of the light pole, j=3, is such that there is no partition of the light output, and the light output has a full intensity. Hence, according to Fig. 2, each of the light poles might have various beam options (concerning angle and / or direction) based on splitting up the light engine into segments or partitions. Each of these segments could be driven at various intensity levels, even (if applicable) on their spectral setting.

[0053] Fig. 3 schematically shows a lighting control system 100 for a thoroughfare 105 trafficked by at least one vehicle 110. It should be noted that the lighting control system 100 as exemplified in Fig. 3 has many features and functions in common with the lighting control system 100 as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, and it is referred to Figs. 1 and 2, and the associated texts, for an increased understanding of the lighting control system 100. It should be noted, though, that a significant difference between the dynamic adaptation of the lighting control system 100 as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, and the lighting control system 100 shown in Fig. 3, is that the latter discloses an embodiment of the lighting control system 100, wherein the setting, Sj, of the light output 130j of the light pole, j, comprises at least one fixed (parameter) setting. More specifically, and as an example, instead of an adaptive beam angle and / or direction for the zone with lower intensity, the setting, Sj, of the light output of the light pole, j, comprises a setting characteristic, Cs, comprising a fixed zone with lower intensity, as schematically indicated in Fig. 2. This may be provided at specific environmental (e.g. foggy) conditions.

[0054] Fig. 4 schematically shows a lighting control system 100 for a thoroughfare 105 trafficked by at least one vehicle 110. It should be noted that the lighting control system 100 as exemplified in Fig. 4 has many features and functions in common with the lighting control system 100 as shown in one or more of Figs. 1-3, and it is referred to this (those) figure(s), and the associated texts, for an increased understanding of the lighting control system 100. Similar to Fig. 3, the lighting control system 100 may comprise a zone with lower intensity, which may be created in case of e.g. foggy conditions. Additionally, the lighting control system 100 may provide an (intense) vertical illumination which will be overhead of the traffic, as comparable to light generated by a light house.

[0055] Fig. 5 schematically shows a method 1000 for lighting control of a thoroughfare, trafficked by at least one vehicle, via a plurality of light poles, j=l, k, arranged adjacent the thoroughfare, wherein each light pole of the plurality of light poles comprises a light source arranged to provide a light output, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method 1000 comprises the step of obtaining 1010 at least one environmental condition. The method 1000 further comprises the steps of, for each light pole, j, of the plurality of light poles, j=l, k, obtaining 1020 at least one distance, dij, between the light pole, j, and the at least one vehicle, determining 1030 a setting, Sj, of the light output of the light pole, j, as a function of the obtained at least one environmental condition, the obtained at least one distance, dij, between the light pole, j, and the vehicle, and a setting, S, ,., of the light output of at least one light pole of the plurality of light poles, j=l, k, different from the light pole, j. The method 1000 further comprises the step of controlling 1040 the light output of each light pole of the plurality of light poles according to the determined setting, Sj.

[0056] The person skilled in the art realizes that the present invention by no means is limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the arrangement of the processor 200 on, or with respect to, the light pole(s) 115 may be different than those shown.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A lighting control system (100) for a thoroughfare (105) trafficked by at least one vehicle (110), comprising a plurality of street lights (115), j=l, k, arranged adjacent the thoroughfare, wherein each street light of the plurality of street lights comprises a light source ( 120j) arranged to provide a light output ( 130j) defining a light output zone (350), at least one sensor (500), a processor (200), communicatively coupled to the at least one sensor, said processor configured to obtain data (210) indicative of presence of fog in the proximity of at least one street light, / , of the plurality of street lights, j=l, k, obtain, via the at least one sensor, a position, pij, of the at least one vehicle, control the light output of each street light, / , of the plurality of street lights according to a setting Sj such that a first light output zone that at least partialy overlaps with the obtained position, pij, of the at least one vehicle has a lower light intensity than a second light output zone that does not overlap with the obtained position, pij, of the at least one vehicle.

2. The lighting control system according to claim 1, wherein the setting, Sj, of the light output of each street light, / , of the plurality of street lights, j=l, k, comprises a setting characteristic, Cs, comprising at least one of an intensity, I, of the light output, a polarization, P, of the light output, a correlated color temperature, CCT, of the light output, a beam angle, a, of the light output, and a beam direction, B, of the light output.

3. The lighting control system according to claim 1, wherein each street light of the plurality of street lights comprises a light engine having segments allowing to partition its light output, wherein the processor is further configured to partition the light output of each street light of the plurality of street lights into a plurality of light output subzones, wherein each light output subzone of the plurality of lightoutput subzones is spatially different from any other light output subzone of the plurality of light output subzones, wherein at least a first light output subzone (350a) of the plurality of light output subzones comprises a first intensity, Ii, and at least a second light output subzone (350b) of the plurality of light output subzones comprises a second intensity, I2, and wherein the processor is further configured to direct the at least first light output subzone to at least partially overlap with the obtained position, pij, of the at least one vehicle, wherein the first intensity, Li, is smaller from the second intensity, IS2.

4. The lighting control system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor is further configured to, for each street light, / , of the plurality of street lights, j=l, k, obtain at least one of a speed, spij, of the at least one vehicle, an acceleration, apij, of the at least one vehicle, a driving direction, ddij, of the at least one vehicle, a light output, loij, from the vehicle lights of the at least one vehicle, a type, ttij, of the at least one vehicle, and information, fj, from a driver of the at least one vehicle, determine the setting, Sj, of the light output of each street light, / , as a function of at least one of the obtained position, pij, of the at least one vehicle, the obtained speed, spij, of the at least one vehicle, the obtained acceleration, apij, of the at least one vehicle, the obtained driving direction, ddij, of the at least one vehicle, the obtained light output, loij, from the vehicle lights of the at least one vehicle, the type, ttij, of the at least one vehicle, and the information, fj, from the driver of the at least one vehicle.

5. The lighting control system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor is further configured to obtain information of historic vehicle traffic of the thoroughfare, and for each street light, / , of the plurality of street lights, j=l, k, determine the setting, Sj, of the light output of each street light, / , as a function of the obtained information of historic vehicle traffic of the thoroughfare.

6. The lighting control system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each setting, Sj, of the light output of each street light, / , is associated with a plurality of predetermined levels, Lk, wherein the control unit is configured tocontrol the light output of each street light of the plurality of street lights according to the plurality of predetermined levels, Lk, associated with the determined setting, Sj-7. The lighting control system according to claim 1, further comprising at least one memory communicatively coupled to the at least one sensor and to the processor, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to register, via the at least one memory, information of vehicle traffic of the thoroughfare, and wherein the processor is further configured to for each street light, / , of the plurality of street lights, j=l, k, determine the setting, Sj, of the light output of the street light, / , as a function of the obtained information of vehicle traffic of the thoroughfare.

8. The lighting control system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least one of an image-capturing device, a magnetometer configured for vehicle detection, a microphone, a radar, a laser scanner, a lidar, and an antenna configured to monitor vehicle radio frequency, RF, signals.

9. The lighting control system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor is further configured to obtain the data (210) indicative of presence of fog based on weather forecast information.

10. A street light arrangement (900) for a thoroughfare (105) trafficked by at least one vehicle (110), comprising a plurality of street lights (115), j=l, k, arranged adjacent the thoroughfare, wherein each street light, / , of the plurality of street lights comprises a light source ( 120j) arranged to provide a light output ( 130j) defining a light output zone, at least one sensor (500), a processor (200), communicatively coupled to the at least one sensor, said processor configured to obtain data (210) indicative of presence of fog in the proximity of at least one street light, / , of the plurality of street lights, j=l, k, , obtain, via the at least one sensor, a position, pij, of the at least one vehicle, control the light output of each street light, / , of the plurality of street lights according to a setting Sj such that a first light output zone that at least partialy overlapswith the obtained position, pij, of the at least one vehicle has a lower light intensity than a second light output zone that does not overlap with the obtained position, pij, of the at least one vehicle.

11. A method (1000) for light control of a thoroughfare (105), trafficked by at least one vehicle (110), via a plurality of street lights (115), j=l, k, arranged adjacent the thoroughfare, wherein each street light of the plurality of street lights comprises a light source ( 120j) arranged to provide a light output ( 130j) and defining a light output zone, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining (1010) data (210) indicative of presence of fog in the proximity of at least one street light, / , of the plurality of street lights, j=l, k, obtaining (1020) via at least one sensor, a position, pij, of the at least one vehicle, and controlling (1040) the light output of each street light, / , of the plurality of street lights according to a setting Sj such that a first light output zone that at least partialy overlaps with the obtained position, pij, of the at least one vehicle has a lower light intensity than a second light output zone that does not overlap with the obtained position, pij, of the at least one vehicle.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the thoroughfare is trafficked by a plurality of vehicles, and wherein method further comprises: obtaining data indicative of driving complexity of at least one vehicle of the plurality of vehicles; determining a priority value associated with each vehicle of the plurality of vehicles based on the obtained data; determining the setting, Sj, of the light output of each street light, / , as a function of the determined priority values.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein obtained data comprise at least one of a speed of the at least one vehicle, a traffic density of the thoroughfare, a relative location of at the at least one vehicle with respect to a turn of the thoroughfare, a relative location of the at least one vehicle with respect to a pedestrian crossing, a relative location of at the at least one vehicle with respect to a second vehicle from the plurality of vehicles.obtain at least one of a speed, spij, of the at least one vehicle, an acceleration, apij, of the at least one vehicle, a driving direction, ddij, of the at least one vehicle, a light output, loij, from the vehicle lights of the at least one vehicle, a type, ttij, of the at least one vehicle, and information, fij, from a driver of the at least one vehicle, determine the setting, Sj, of the light output of each street light, / , as a function of at least one of the obtained position, pij, of the at least one vehicle, the obtained speed, spij, of the at least one vehicle, the obtained acceleration, apij, of the at least one vehicle, the obtained driving direction, ddij, of the at least one vehicle, the obtained light output, loij, from the vehicle lights of the at least one vehicle, the type, ttij, of the at least one vehicle, and the information, fij, from the driver of the at least one vehicle.

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