Multi-room sensing with a single contact sensor

Abstract

A method using a door sensor arrangement comprises reading (S10) of an output from a contact sensor of the door sensor arrangement. The contact sensor is configured to be attached to a door or a door frame, for determining whether the door is open or closed. An output from a light sensor is read (S20). The light sensor is arranged integrated with or in close proximity of the contact sensor. A luminaire status is obtained (S30). The luminaire status is associated with a luminaire status of at least a first physical space. A position of the contact sensor and the light sensor with respect to the first physical space is defined (S40) based on the readings of the output from the contact sensor and the readings of the output from the light sensor as well as on the obtained luminaire status. A door sensor arrangement is also disclosed.

Description

[0001] MULTI-ROOM SENSING WITH A SINGLE CONTACT SENSOR

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention generally relates to sensor arrangements in illuminated spaces having doors. More specifically, the present invention is related to configuration of sensors used for luminaire control purposes.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Lighting systems of today are, besides the main purpose of obtaining a suitable illumination in a physical space, often adapted to be aware of the environments in the illuminated physical spaces and to control its functionalities accordingly. The lighting system may for instance be integrated in larger systems concerning also other aspects of providing services to different rooms in a building, for instance environmental control or security.

[0006] Some building surveillance systems are provided with contact sensors. Such sensors may e.g. be provided in connection with different doors or other building openings, primarily aimed to be used for security purposes. However, next to the contact sensor, additional environmental sensors could be provided, thereby increase the customer value. Examples of such sensor modalities are passive infra-red radiation (PIR) motion detectors, ambient light level sensors, humidity and temperature sensors.

[0007] As contact sensors can be mounted on either side of a door, the physical room the sensor is present in depends on the actual mounting location. Typically, on installation, the operator must tell the control system in which room e.g. a PIR motion detector is located. For a contact sensor, the same would apply.

[0008] Furthermore, when mounted on a door itself, additional environmental sensors can be located in different rooms depending on if the door is open or closed, and subject to the actual mounting position. If the information about the mounting position of the sensors is inaccurate or incomplete, the readings from the sensors cannot be trusted for controlling the environment or ensuring security.

[0009] There is thus a need for improving the reliability of sensor position information. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] It is of interest to facilitate installation and use of room-aware sensors.

[0011] This and other objects are achieved by providing methods and sensor arrangements having the features in the respective independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0012] Hence, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method using a door sensor arrangement. An output from a contact sensor of the door sensor arrangement is read. The contact sensor is configured to be attached to a door or a door frame, for determining whether the door is open or closed. An output from a light sensor is read. The light sensor is arranged integrated with or in close proximity of the contact sensor. A luminaire status is obtained. The luminaire status is associated with a luminaire status of at least a first physical space. A position of the contact sensor and the light sensor with respect to the first physical space is defined based on the readings of the output from the contact sensor and the readings of the output from the light sensor as well as on the obtained luminaire status.

[0013] The present invention is advantageous in that the position of a contact sensor and an associated light sensor can be defined based on measurements made by the sensors themselves, in combination with knowledge of the luminaire status of a physical space the sensors may be encounter.

[0014] The present invention is further advantageous in that installation configuration can be automated, removing risks for manual errors.

[0015] The present invention is further advantageous in that the so obtained position definition can be used for improving luminaire control.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the step of defining of a position of the contact sensor and the light sensor comprises determining any correlation in time between readings of the contact sensor and the light sensor as well as on the obtained luminaire status. The defining of the position is made in dependence of the correlation, if any.

[0017] This embodiment is advantageous in that correlation in time provides a reliable base on which the position definition can be based.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the step of defining of a position of the contact sensor and the light sensor is made according to one of four alternatives. If a correlation in time exists between the reading of the light sensor and the obtained luminaire status associated with the first physical space, and this correlation existence is regardless of a reading of the contact sensor, the contact sensor and the light sensor are defined to be placed in a position facing the first physical space either at the door frame or at the door being opened into the first physical space. If a correlation in time exists between the reading of the light sensor and the obtained luminaire status associated with the first physical space, and this correlation only exists when a reading of the contact sensor indicates that the door is open, the contact sensor and the light sensor are defined to be placed in a position at the door being opened into the first physical space. The position is then facing away from the first physical space when the door is closed. If a correlation in time exists between the reading of the light sensor and the obtained luminaire status associated with the first physical space, and this correlation only exists when a reading of the contact sensor indicates that the door is closed, the contact sensor and the light sensor are defined to be placed in a position at the door being opened away from the first physical space. The position is then facing towards the first physical space when the door is closed. If a correlation in time between the reading of the light sensor and the obtained luminaire status associated with the first physical space is lacking, the contact sensor and the light sensor are defined to be placed in a position never facing the first physical space.

[0019] This embodiment is advantageous in that the sensor position with relation to the first physical space can be obtained, both regarding direction as well as base of attachment.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the obtained luminaire status further comprises a luminaire status associated with a second physical space. This second physical is different from the first physical space. Typically the first and second physical spaces are provided in opposite sides of a door. The step of defining a position of the contact sensor and the light sensor is made further according to one of four additional alternatives. If a correlation in time exists between the reading of the light sensor and the obtained luminaire status associated with the second physical space, and this correlation existence is regardless of a reading of the contact sensor, the contact sensor and the light sensor are defined to be placed in a position facing the second physical space either at the door frame or at the door being opened into the second physical space. If a correlation in time exists between the reading of the light sensor and the obtained luminaire status associated with the second physical space, and the correlation only exists when a reading of the contact sensor indicates that the door is open, the contact sensor and the light sensor are defined to be placed in a position at the door being opened into the second physical space The position is then facing away from the second physical space when the door is closed. If a correlation in time exists between the reading of the light sensor and the obtained luminaire status associated with the second physical space, and the correlation only exists when a reading of the contact sensor indicates that the door is closed, the contact sensor and the light sensor are defined to be placed in a position at the door being opened away from the second physical space. The position is then facing towards the second physical space when the door is closed. If a correlation in time between the reading of the light sensor and the obtained luminaire status associated with the second physical space is lacking, the contact sensor and the light sensor are defined to be placed in a position never facing the second physical space.

[0021] This embodiment is advantageous in that the sensor position with relation to the two physical spaces can be obtained, enabling an accurate definition for a door-mounted sensor having possibilities to be responsive to conditions on both sides of the door.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the method comprises the further step of controlling luminaire in the first physical space in dependence of the position of the door sensor arrangement.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the method comprises the further step of controlling luminaire in a second physical space, different from the first physical space.

[0024] These embodiments are advantageous in that accurate luminaire control can be improved by the automatic position definition.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, the method comprises controlling luminaire in the physical space the light sensor presently is facing according to the defined position of the contact sensor and the light sensor as well as the readings of the contact sensor, based on the readings of the light sensor.

[0026] This embodiment is advantageous in that luminaire control can be adapted in dependence of in which direction the light sensor is directed, as concluded from the contact sensor.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, the method comprises controlling luminaire in either the first physical space or the second physical space, depending on the defined position of the contact sensor and the light sensor as well as the readings of the contact sensor, based on the reading of the light sensor.

[0028] This embodiment is advantageous in that luminaire control can be performed in an adequate room on either side of a door, as concluded from the contact sensor.

[0029] In one or more embodiments, the method comprises changing the controlling of luminaire in the first physical space and the second physical space, if the readings of the contact sensor change. This embodiment is advantageous in that the adequate room on either side of a door being the object of luminaire control can change as initiated by a change of a door status.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, an output from an additional environmental sensor, arranged integrated with or in close proximity of the contact sensor, The output from the additional environmental sensor is validated as a reading associated with a physical space, in dependance of the defined position of the contact sensor and a present output from the contact sensor, optionally with a predetermined delay after a change in the readings of the contact sensor.

[0031] This embodiment is advantageous in that the contact sensor position definition is made available for additional utilization for determining in what physical space a coinstalled sensor presently is located. The readings of the co-installed sensor can then be validated to represent the physical space.

[0032] In a further embodiment, environmental control processes are initiated in the physical space that the output from the additional environmental sensor is associated with, based on the output from the additional environmental sensor.

[0033] This embodiment is advantageous in that the contact sensor position definition and the present door status supports environmental processes to be initialized in a correct associated physical space.

[0034] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a door sensor arrangement. The door sensor arrangement comprises a contact sensor. The contact sensor is configured to be attached to a door or a door frame, for determining whether the door is open or closed. The door sensor arrangement further comprises a light sensor. The light sensor is arranged integrated with or in close proximity of the contact sensor. The door sensor arrangement further comprises a sensor processor circuit. The sensor processor circuit is communicationally connected to the contact sensor and the light sensor. The sensor processor circuit is further configured for obtaining a luminaire status. The luminaire status is associated with a luminaire status of at least a first physical space. The sensor processor circuit is further configured for defining a position of the contact sensor and the light sensor with respect to the first physical space based on readings of the contact sensor and the light sensor as well as on the obtained luminaire status.

[0035] The present aspect is advantageous in that the position of a contact sensor and an associated light sensor can be defined based on measurements made by the sensors themselves, in combination with knowledge of the luminaire status of a physical space the sensors may be encounter.

[0036] In one or more embodiments, the defining of a position of the contact sensor and the light sensor is made in dependence of a correlation in time between readings of the contact sensor and the light sensor as well as on the obtained luminaire status.

[0037] This embodiment is advantageous in that correlation in time provides a reliable base on which the position definition can be based.

[0038] In one or more embodiments, the defining, performed by the sensor processor circuit, of a position of the contact sensor and the light sensor is made according to one of four alternatives. If a correlation in time exists between the reading of the light sensor and the obtained luminaire status associated with the first physical space, and this correlation existence is regardless of a reading of the contact sensor, the contact sensor and the light sensor are defined to be placed in a position facing the first physical space either at the door frame or at the door being opened into the first physical space. If a correlation in time exists between the reading of the light sensor and the obtained luminaire status associated with the first physical space, and this correlation only exists when a reading of the contact sensor indicates that the door is open, the contact sensor and the light sensor are defined to be placed in a position at the door being opened into the first physical space. The position is then facing away from the first physical space when the door is closed. If a correlation in time exists between the reading of the light sensor and the obtained luminaire status associated with the first physical space, and this correlation only exists when a reading of the contact sensor indicates that the door is closed, the contact sensor and the light sensor are defined to be placed in a position at the door being opened away from the first physical space. The position is then facing towards the first physical space when the door is closed. If a correlation in time between the reading of the light sensor and the obtained luminaire status associated with the first physical space is lacking, the contact sensor and the light sensor are defined to be placed in a position never facing the first physical space.

[0039] This embodiment is advantageous in that the sensor position with relation to the first physical space can be obtained, both regarding direction as well as base of attachment.

[0040] In one or more embodiments, the obtained luminaire status further comprises a luminaire status associated with a second physical space. This second physical is different from the first physical space. Typically the first and second physical spaces are provided in opposite sides of a door. The defining, performed by the sensor processor circuit, of a position of the contact sensor and the light sensor is made further according to one of four additional alternatives. If a correlation in time exists between the reading of the light sensor and the obtained luminaire status associated with the second physical space, and this correlation existence is regardless of a reading of the contact sensor, the contact sensor and the light sensor are defined to be placed in a position facing the second physical space either at the door frame or at the door being opened into the second physical space. If a correlation in time exists between the reading of the light sensor and the obtained luminaire status associated with the second physical space, and the correlation only exists when a reading of the contact sensor indicates that the door is open, the contact sensor and the light sensor are defined to be placed in a position at the door being opened into the second physical space The position is then facing away from the second physical space when the door is closed. If a correlation in time exists between the reading of the light sensor and the obtained luminaire status associated with the second physical space, and the correlation only exists when a reading of the contact sensor indicates that the door is closed, the contact sensor and the light sensor are defined to be placed in a position at the door being opened away from the second physical space. The position is then facing towards the second physical space when the door is closed. If a correlation in time between the reading of the light sensor and the obtained luminaire status associated with the second physical space is lacking, the contact sensor and the light sensor are defined to be placed in a position never facing the second physical space.

[0041] This embodiment is advantageous in that the sensor position with relation to the two physical spaces can be obtained, enabling an accurate definition for a door-mounted sensor having possibilities to be responsive to conditions on both sides of the door.

[0042] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a luminaire control system. The luminaire control system comprises a door sensing arrangement and a control processor circuit. The door sensing arrangement is configured according to the aspect presented here above. The control processor circuit is communicationally connected to or integrated with the sensor processor circuit of the door sensing arrangement. The control processor circuit is configured for luminaire controlling in at least the first physical space.

[0043] In one or more embodiments, the control processor circuit is further configured for luminaire controlling also in a second physical space, different from the first physical space.

[0044] These embodiments are advantageous in that accurate luminaire control can be improved by the automatic position definition. In one or more embodiments, the control processor circuit is further configured for providing the luminaire status to the sensor processor circuit of the door sensing arrangement.

[0045] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an environmental monitoring system, comprising a door sensing arrangement according to the aspect presented above. The environmental monitoring system comprises an additional environmental sensor, arranged integrated with or in close proximity of the contact sensor. The environmental monitoring system further comprises an environment control processor circuit, communicationally connected to or integrated with the sensor processor circuit of the door sensing arrangement and communicationally connected to the additional environmental sensor. The environment processor circuit is configured for reading an output from the additional environmental sensor, and for validating the output from the additional environmental sensor as a reading associated with a physical space, in dependance of the defined position of the contact sensor and a present output from the contact sensor.

[0046] This embodiment is advantageous in that the contact sensor position definition is made available for additional utilization for determining in what physical space a coinstalled sensor is located. The readings of the sensor may then be validated to represent a certain physical space.

[0047] In a further embodiment, the environment processor circuit is further configured for initiating environmental control processes in the physical space that the output from the additional environmental sensor is associated with, based on the output from the additional environmental sensor.

[0048] This embodiment is advantageous in that the contact sensor position definition and the present door status supports environmental processes to be initialized in a correct associated physical space.

[0049] 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.

[0050] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] 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. Fig. 1 A schematically shows a view from above of a door with an embodiment of a door sensor arrangement of the present invention,

[0052] Fig. IB schematically shows the door of Fig. 1 A when being closed,

[0053] Fig. 2 is a flow diagram of steps of an embodiment of a method using a door sensor arrangement of the present invention,

[0054] Fig. 3 illustrates diagrams of time sequences of a read light level, a luminaire status and a door status,

[0055] Fig. 4A schematically shows a view from above of a door with another embodiment of a door sensor arrangement of the present invention,

[0056] Fig. 4B schematically shows the door of Fig. 4A when being closed,

[0057] Figs. 4C-F schematically shows a view from above of a door with yet other embodiments of door sensor arrangements of the present invention,

[0058] Fig. 5 illustrates diagrams of time sequences of a read light level, luminaire status of two physical spaces and a door status,

[0059] Fig. 6 illustrates other diagrams of time sequences of a read light level, luminaire status of two physical spaces and a door status,

[0060] Fig. 7 illustrates schematically parts of an embodiment of a door sensor arrangement of the present invention,

[0061] Fig. 8 illustrates further steps of another embodiment of a method using a door sensor arrangement of the present invention,

[0062] Fig. 9 illustrates schematically parts of an embodiment of a luminaire control system of the present invention,

[0063] Fig. 10 illustrates further steps of yet another embodiment of a method using a door sensor arrangement of the present invention, and

[0064] Fig. 11 illustrates schematically parts of an embodiment of an environmental monitoring system of the present invention.

[0065] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] As indicated in the background, in addition to contact sensors, additional sensors measuring environmental conditions may report their values to a control bridge. The control bridge will typically present the information to a control unit that is associated with the room for which the environmental conditions are valid. Example of environmental sensors are ambient light sensors (ALS) that measure the ambient light level, PIR motion detectors or temperature sensors. Devices such as contact sensors have, as such, no fundamental knowledge of the mounting location, in terms of the room they are provided in. Traditionally configuration by the user is the way to tell any bridge in what room the sensor is based. However, such manually entered information may easily be incorrect or incomplete.

[0067] In the present technology, a different way to know the sensor location is therefore proposed. By measuring the ambient light level from the ALS when a contact sensor mounted in connection to a door indicates that the door is closed or open, a correlation with the expected light levels in the rooms concerned may be detected. By correlating the ALS readings with information about when the lights are on or off in the different rooms, and in dependence of the information from the contact sensor indicating the door position, it is possible to define in which room the sensor is located, and how it is mounted relative to the door.

[0068] Figure 1 A illustrates schematically a door sensor arrangement 20 mounted in connection with a door 10 providing a passage between a first physical space 2 A, typically a first room, and a second physical space 2B, typically a second room. The first or second physical spaces may also be e.g. a space outside a building, where the door 10 is an entrance door into the building. A wall 12 separates the first physical space 2 A from the second physical space 2B. A contact sensor 22 is in this embodiment mounted at the door 10. In this particular embodiment, the contact sensor 22 is a magnetic sensor configured for detecting a magnetic field, considerably larger than the earth magnetic field, in its immediate vicinity. A permanent magnet 23 is mounted at a door frame 14. A light sensor 24 is arranged integrated with or in close proximity of the contact sensor 22. When the door 10 is open, the light sensor 24 will experience the light conditions that are present in the first physical space 2A, as illustrated in the figure.

[0069] Figure IB illustrates the embodiment of Figure 1 A when the door 10 is closed. The contact sensor 22 is then brought in close proximity of the magnet 23, and will detect an increased magnetic field, indicating that the door 10 is closed. The contact sensor 22 and the light sensor 24 are provided at the side of the door 10 that faces the second physical space 2B when the door 10 is closed. This means that when the door 10 is closed, the light sensor 24 will experience the light conditions that are present in the second physical space 2B, as illustrated in the figure. The light sensor 24 will therefore detect light in different physical spaces depending on the status of the door 10.

[0070] The dependency that the door position has on the light detection may be used for location definition. If the light conditions in the different physical spaces that the light detector may sense are known, a correlation between these known light conditions and the measured light conditions may reveal information about the location of the light sensor and contact sensor.

[0071] To this end, a method using a door sensor arrangement may be utilized. Figure 2 is a flow diagram of steps of an embodiment of a method using a door sensor arrangement. In step S10, an output from a contact sensor of the door sensor arrangement is read. The contact sensor is configured to be attached to a door or a door frame, for determining whether the door is open or closed. In step S20, an output from a light sensor is read. The light sensor is arranged integrated with or in close proximity of the contact sensor. In step S30, a luminaire status is obtained. The luminaire status is associated with a luminaire status of at least a first physical space. The steps S10, S20 and S30 are performed at least partially overlapping in time.

[0072] In step S40, a position of the contact sensor and the light sensor with respect to the first physical space is defined based on the readings of the output from the contact sensor and the readings of the output from the light sensor as well as on the obtained luminaire status. In a preferred embodiment, step S40 comprises step S42, in which any correlation in time between readings of the contact sensor and the light sensor as well as on the obtained luminaire status is determined, wherein the defining of the position is made in dependence of the correlation, if any.

[0073] Figure 3 illustrates examples of readings of a light sensor, a contact sensor and luminaire status information as a function of time in three diagrams. At time tl, the light in a first physical space is turned on. A corresponding increase in the light level detected by the light sensor occurs. This is a first indication of that the light sensor is present in the first physical space. The door is indicated to be open. Similarly, when the light in the first physical space is turned off at time t2, the detected light level decreases. The same procedure is repeated at times t3 and t4. However, so far, it cannot be concluded on which side of the door the light sensor is mounted, or if it is mounted at the door frame.

[0074] At time t5, the door is closed. At time t6, the light in the first physical space is again turned on. However, this time, there is no corresponding increase in the detected light level. The light sensor is therefore no longer sensitive to light in the first physical space. Since the only difference compared to earlier occasions of switching on the light is that the door is closed, the explanation for this behaviour is that the light sensor is mounted on the door, at the side that now is turned away from the first physical space. The mounting may look like the embodiments in Figures 1 A and IB. As will be discussed further below, this knowledge may then be used for improved control of the light conditions and possibly also other environmental conditions in the first physical space, since it now is possible to distinguish between when the readings from the light sensor, and possible additional co-located environmental sensors, can be used for such purposes.

[0075] There are more possibilities for the mounting of contact sensors in connection to doors. Figure 4A illustrates an embodiment of a door sensor arrangement 20, where the contact sensor 22 and the light sensor 24 are mounted on the door 10, but now facing the first physical space 2A. The first physical space 2A is here the room into which the door 10 is opened. In this situation, the light sensor is responsive to the light conditions in the first physical space 2A. When the door is closed, as illustrated in Figure 4B, the light sensor 24 is still facing the first physical space 2A. This embodiment of a door sensor arrangement 20 will give another relation between luminaire status and detected light levels than illustrated before, since the light sensor 24 will be responsive to the light level in the first physical space regardless of the status of the door.

[0076] Figure 4C illustrates an embodiment of a door sensor arrangement 20, where the contact sensor 22 and the light sensor 24 are mounted on the door 10, but now always facing the second physical space 2B, where the door 10 is opened into the second physical space 2B. Figure 4D illustrates an embodiment of a door sensor arrangement 20, where the contact sensor 22 and the light sensor 24 are mounted on the door 10, being opened into the second physical space 2B. However, here the sensors 22, 24 are located at the side that will face the first physical space 2A when the door is closed.

[0077] The contact sensor 22 and the light sensor 24 may also be mounted at the door frame 14. One embodiment is illustrated in Figure 4E, where the sensors are facing the first physical space 2A. Another embodiment is illustrated in Figure 4F, where the sensors are facing the second physical space 2B.

[0078] Different outcomes of correlation measurements can be used to distinguish between at least some of these different mounting possibilities. In a preferred embodiment, the step of defining of a position of the contact sensor and the light sensor is made according to one of four outcomes. In a first outcome, there exists a correlation in time between the reading of the light sensor and the obtained luminaire status associated with the first physical space regardless of a reading of the contact sensor. In this case the contact sensor and the light sensor are defined to be placed in a position facing the first physical space either at the door frame or at the door being opened into the first physical space. In a second outcome, there exists a correlation in time between the reading of the light sensor and the obtained luminaire status associated with the first physical space only when a reading of the contact sensor indicates that the door is open. In this case the contact sensor and the light sensor are defined to be placed in a position at the door being opened into the first physical space. The position is facing away from the first physical space when the door is closed. In a third outcome, there exists a correlation in time between the reading of the light sensor and the obtained luminaire status associated with the first physical space only when a reading of the contact sensor indicates that the door is closed. In this case the contact sensor and the light sensor are defined to be placed in a position at the door being opened away from the first physical space. The position is facing towards the first physical space when the door is closed. In a fourth outcome, no correlation in time exists between the reading of the light sensor and the obtained luminaire status associated with the first physical space at any time. The contact sensor and the light sensor are defined to be placed in a position never facing the first physical space.

[0079] In the fourth outcome, here above, the conclusion that the sensors are placed in such a way that they never face the first physical space may seem a little bit vague. However, if this conclusion is combined with additional knowledge that the door is placed between the first physical space and a second physical space, there may be an assumption that this vague definition is equal to that the sensors always are facing the second physical space.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment, such unclarities may be resolved by also utilizing luminaire status associated with the second physical space. The second physical space is of course defined as being different from the first physical space. In such an embodiment, the step of defining of a position of the contact sensor and the light sensor is made further according to one of four additional outcomes. In a first additional outcome, there exists a correlation in time between the reading of the light sensor and the obtained luminaire status associated with the second physical space regardless of a reading of the contact sensor. In this cased the contact sensor and the light sensor are defined to be placed in a position facing the second physical space either at the door frame or at the door being opened into the second physical space. In a second additional outcome, there exists a correlation in time between the reading of the light sensor and the obtained luminaire status associated with the second physical space only when a reading of the contact sensor indicates that the door is open. In this case the contact sensor and the light sensor are defined to be placed in a position at the door being opened into the second physical space. The position is facing away from the second physical space when the door is closed. In a third additional outcome, there exists a correlation in time between the reading of the light sensor and the obtained luminaire status associated with the second physical space only when a reading of the contact sensor indicates that the door is closed. The contact sensor and the light sensor are defined to be placed in a position at the door being opened away from the second physical space. The position is facing towards the second physical space when the door is closed. In a fourth additional outcome, there exists no correlation in time between the reading of the light sensor and the obtained luminaire status associated with the second physical space at any time. The contact sensor and the light sensor are defined to be placed in a position never facing the second physical space.

[0081] Since the conclusions drawn based on the luminaire status associated with the first physical space at least to some extent overlap or exclude conclusions drawn based on the luminaire status associated with the second physical space, a redundancy of the position definition may be provided.

[0082] The readings of the sensors do not have to be continuous readings, but may instead be performed intermittently. The reading occasion may be scheduled regularly or may be trigged e.g. by a change in luminaire status. There should, however, be a relation in time between the different inputs to enable the time correlation detection. In one particular embodiment, the light sensor may be read shortly after the luminaire status has changed for one or both of the first physical space and second physical space. This reading can then be related to the luminaire status change.

[0083] Also, a change in the door status, i.e. if the door is closed or opened, may call for a reading of the light sensor. This reading can then be related to the change in door position.

[0084] Any correlation and any defined sensor position based on such correlation can typically be found within a few cycles of light control. If no mechanical changes are made to the sensors, such a defined sensor position will be valid ongoing for long times. Hence, the technology presented here will not lead to any considerably higher battery usage.

[0085] Figure 5 illustrates one example of a definition of sensor position. The actual light level 103 at a sensor position is illustrated as a function of time, together with the luminaire status of a first physical space 101 and a second physical space 102, respectively. Readings of the light sensor is trigged by a change in luminaire status for any of the physical spaces or a change in door status and are illustrated as dots 104. Correlation is found between the light level 103 and the second physical space 102. During the first period of time, up to t8, the readings 105 of the contact sensor indicates that the door is closed. A full definition of the sensor position is thereby not possible at that stage, since only one position of the door is monitored. When the door is closed, the light sensor senses light in the second physical space 102. A number of non-possible configurations are thereby already ruled out. However, when the door is opening at t8, not affecting the light level 103 even when the luminaire status of the first physical space 101 changes, it becomes clear that the light sensor is mounted either at the door frame facing the second physical space or at the door, which is opened into the second physical space, at the door side facing the second physical space.

[0086] The conditions illustrated in Figure 5 are somewhat “ideal” situations. In practice there will be a number of disturbing aspects. For instance, in case light leaks due to a glass door, a door window or an opened door, a weak correlation may be found even with the room of the opposite side of the door in relation to the sensor. Thresholding the ambient light level based on previous measurements could solve this problem. In Figure 6, such a situation is illustrated. The correlation between the ambient light level and the second physical space is stronger than the correlation with the first physical space. A threshold 106 may suppress the detections of the light leeks, interpreting them as absence of light, and a reliable definition of the sensor position can be obtained anyway.

[0087] Figure 7 is a schematic illustration of parts of an embodiment of a door sensor arrangement 20. The door sensor arrangement 20 comprises a contact sensor 22 and a light sensor 24. The contact sensor 22 is configured to be attached to a door or a door frame, for determining whether the door is open or closed. The light sensor 24 arranged integrated with or in close proximity of the contact sensor 22. This ensures that the light sensor 24 faces the same physical space as the contact sensor 22. A sensor processor circuit 26 is communicationally connected to the contact sensor 22 and the light sensor 24. The sensor processor circuit 26 is configured for obtaining a luminaire status, e.g. via an input connection 28. The luminaire status is associated with a luminaire status of at least a first physical space. The sensor processor circuit 26 is further configured for defining a position of the contact sensor 22 and the light sensor 24 with respect to the first physical space based on readings of the contact sensor 22 and the light sensor 24 as well as on the obtained luminaire status.

[0088] In a preferred embodiment, the sensor processor circuit 26 is configured for defining the position of the contact sensor 22 and the light sensor 24 in dependence of a correlation in time between readings of the contact sensor 22 and the light sensor 24 as well as on the obtained luminaire status. In one embodiment, the sensor processor circuit 26 is configured for defining of a position of the contact sensor 22 and the light sensor 24 further utilizing at least four outcomes of the correlation. In a first outcome, there exists a correlation in time between the reading of the light sensor 24 and the obtained luminaire status associated with the first physical space regardless of a reading of the contact sensor 22. When this outcome is present, the contact sensor 22 and the light sensor 24 are defined to be placed in a position facing the first physical space either at the door frame or at the door being opened into the first physical space. In a second outcome, there exists a correlation in time between the reading of the light sensor 24 and the obtained luminaire status associated with the first physical space only when a reading of the contact sensor 22 indicates that the door is open. When this outcome is present, the contact sensor 22 and the light sensor 24 are defined to be placed in a position at the door being opened into the first physical space. The position is facing away from the first physical space when the door is closed. In a third outcome, there exists a correlation in time between the reading of the light sensor 24 and the obtained luminaire status associated with the first physical space only when a reading of the contact sensor 22 indicates that the door is closed. When this outcome is present, the contact sensor 22 and the light sensor 24 are defined to be placed in a position at the door being opened away from the first physical space. The position is facing towards the first physical space when the door is closed. In a fourth outcome, there exists no correlation in time between the reading of the light sensor 24 and the obtained luminaire status associated with the first physical space at any time. When this outcome is present, the contact sensor 22 and the light sensor 24 are defined to be placed in a position never facing the first physical space.

[0089] If the obtained luminaire status further comprises a luminaire status associated with a second physical space, different from the first physical space, additional knowledge can be used. Four additional outcomes may then be utilized. In a first additional outcome, there exists a correlation in time between the reading of the light sensor 24 and the obtained luminaire status associated with the second physical space regardless of a reading of the contact sensor 22. When this outcome is present, the contact sensor 22 and the light sensor 24 are defined to be placed in a position facing the second physical space either at the door frame or at the door being opened into the second physical space. In a second additional outcome, there exists a correlation in time between the reading of the light sensor 24 and the obtained luminaire status associated with the second physical space only when a reading of the contact sensor 22 indicates that the door in open. When this outcome is present, the contact sensor 22 and the light sensor 24 are defined to be placed in a position at the door being opened into the second physical space. The position is facing away from the second physical space when the door is closed. In a third additional outcome, there exists a correlation in time between the reading of the light sensor 24 and the obtained luminaire status associated with the second physical space only when a reading of the contact sensor 22 indicates that the door is closed. When this outcome is present, the contact sensor 22 and the light sensor 24 are defined to be placed in a position at the door being opened away from the second physical space. The position is facing towards the second physical space when the door is closed. In a third additional outcome, there exists no correlation in time between the reading of the light sensor 24 and the obtained luminaire status associated with the second physical space at any time. When this outcome is present, the contact sensor 22 and the light sensor 24 are defined to be placed in a position never facing the second physical space.

[0090] In the above discussed procedures, the contact sensor 22 has been discusses as providing an open / closed door status. In a basic embodiment, this may be based on a simple direct contact sensor, where the “open” condition is assumed to be present as soon as there is no mechanical contact. In most cases, this will be enough as long as the door at least sometimes during the definition phase is opened to a fully opened position. However, this approach may give a contradiction if the door is only opened just a little during the entire definition process. Therefore, in one embodiment the distance between the contact sensor and its counterpart on the door frame is measured. Depending on the distance, the door status of closed or open, is determined. Measuring the door opening can be done in multiple ways such as with a hall sensor, a gyroscope MEMS device, or a time-of-flight sensor.

[0091] From the discussion above, it is shown that a definition of the position of the contact sensor and light sensor is possible to obtain from the readings of the sensors. This definition can then in turn be further used for increasing the use of data collected by the sensors. In one embodiment, luminaire can be controlled in at least the first physical space in dependence of the position of the door sensor arrangement, and for some positions also the actual reading of the contact sensor. In Figure 8, some steps of an embodiment of a method using a door sensor arrangement are shown. In step S50, luminaire can be controlled in the first physical space. This is made in dependence of the position of the door sensor arrangement. If the faced physical space is changed when opening / closing the door, the control is made also in dependence of the contact sensor output. If the correlation is further dependent on luminaire status of the second physical space, a further step S60 of controlling luminaire in a second physical space, different from the first physical space is enabled. Ambient Light Sensors (ALS) are today used in lighting systems, sometimes in conjunction with motion sensors, for daylight harvesting. If motion is detected, but the ambient light level is above a predetermined or configurable threshold, the lights will not be switched on. Only if the light level is below the threshold the lights will be switched on. Ambient light sensors are low power, small, easy to integrate into a contact sensor and add only little to the overall costs.

[0092] By embedding an ALS in a contact sensor, further benefits may be achieved, makes sense for multiple reasons. If for instance a person walks from the first physical space to the second physical space, the lights in the second physical space can be controlled based on the ambient light level in the second physical space before the person actually walks in, if the position of the ALS faces the second physical space with an open and / or closed door.

[0093] By having knowledge of the actual position of the light sensor and thereby its dependence of the status of the door, information from the contact sensor can be used to associate a reading from the light sensor with the physical space that it faces at that particular time. In mounting positions of the light sensor that restrict the sensing of the light sensing to one physical space, any lighting control of other physical spaces based on such readings should be disabled. In mounting positions, where the light sensor faces different physical spaces in dependence of the status of the door, lighting control in the physical space that light sensor at the moment faces can be enabled, based on the readings of the contact sensor.

[0094] Therefore, it is preferred if the door sensing arrangement is at least communicationally connected to a luminaire control system. Figure 9 illustrates a luminaire control system 30. The luminaire control system 30 comprises a door sensing arrangement 20 according to the principles discussed above. A control bridge circuit 32 is communicationally connected to or integrated with the sensor processor circuit 26 of the door sensing arrangement 20. The bridge processor circuit 32 is configured for initiating luminaire control in at least the first physical space 2A. In one embodiment, the bridge processor circuit 32 provides control signals to a luminaire controller 34A, which operates one or more luminaires 36A being situated in the first physical space 2A. Preferably, the bridge processor circuit 32 is further configured for initiating luminaire control also in a second physical space 2B, different from the first physical space 2A. To that end, the bridge processor circuit 32 may also provide control signals to a luminaire controller 34B, which operates one or more luminaires 36B being situated in the second physical space 2B.

[0095] The position definition and in some arrangements also the current reading of the contact sensor determines in which physical space the light sensor is active. The readings from the light sensor can thereby be used to control luminaire in the concerned physical space. In one embodiment, luminaire is controlled in the physical space the light sensor presently is facing according to the defined position of the contact sensor and the light sensor as well as the readings of the contact sensor, based on the readings of the light sensor.

[0096] In one embodiment, luminaire can be controlled in either the first physical space or the second physical space, depending on the defined position of the contact sensor and the light sensor as well as the readings of the contact sensor, based on the reading of the light sensor.

[0097] In one embodiment, the controlling of luminaire is changed in the first physical space and the second physical space, if the readings of the contact sensor change.

[0098] However, information can also be flowing in the opposite direction. The control processor circuit 32 is typically aware of the luminaire status of the first physical space and in many cases also the luminaire status of the second physical space. This is an information that is requested by the sensor processor circuit 26 for performing the position definition, e.g. a correlation procedure. In a preferred embodiment, the bridge processor circuit 32 is further configured for providing the luminaire status to the sensor processor circuit 26 of the door sensing arrangement 20, which is illustrated by a return connection 29.

[0099] Returning the position definition, there are a number of possibilities to perform these. One approach is to notify a user if a sensor with additional features is added to the system. The user is further asked to close / open the door and to permit the system to run a few light cycles for at least one of the rooms, and preferably each of the rooms, to define the light sensor position. This is facilitated if the luminaire status automatically is reported from a bridge processor circuit 32 of a luminaire control system 1 to the sensor processor circuit 26. Note that such an approach may be less optimal to perform in daylight as correlation of the sensor data may be difficult to verify due to stray light.

[0100] In another approach, the daily switching of the lighting due to normal operations is used to find the correlation. Also this is facilitated if the luminaire status automatically is reported from a bridge processor circuit 32 of a luminaire control system 1 to the sensor processor circuit 26. After installation of the contact sensor and the light sensor, it will therefore take a while before the location of the sensors is known. Then, when a position definition has been possible to make, the user is informed about the sensor data available for that room. Obviously, the light sensor data may only be valid if the contact sensor is closed for a certain amount of time. The definition of a position of the contact sensor and the light sensor may additionally also be used for other sensor / control purposes. Next to an ALS, additional environmental sensors could for instance increase the customer value. Examples of such sensor modalities are passive infrared motion sensors, humidity sensors, temperature sensors, CO2 sensors, particle detectors etc. If such sensors are mounted integrated with or in close proximity of the contact sensor, they will face and register environmental conditions in the same physical space as the contact detector and the light detector. The defined position can thereby also be used to assist in different systems using readouts from such additional environmental sensors for control purposes, in order to adapt the control to the appropriate physical space.

[0101] For example, in one embodiment an additional PIR is added for motion detection, and the position definition is used to assign the motion trigger to the correct room, possibly in dependence of the contact sensor state.

[0102] In one embodiment, a bridge may receive data from a contextual sensor and the contact sensor state. Depending on the position definition of the contact sensor, the contextual data may be presented in the correct room based on the sensor contact state. If, for example, an ambient light sensor is added to a contact sensor device and the position definition is that the ambient light detector faces the hallway when the contact sensor indicates a closed door, and faces the living room when the contact sensor indicates an open door. Every minute, the lux level may be sent to a bridge. The bridge is also updated with the contact sensor state whenever this changes (either open or closed) and will assign the ambient light level to the hallway when the contact is closed. If the door is open, in which case the contact is open, the bridge will assign the ambient light level to the living room.

[0103] In one embodiment, the output from the additional environmental sensor is validated as a reading associated with a physical space, in dependance of the defined position of the contact sensor and a present output from the contact sensor. In cases where the readings of the sensor may have a hysteresis character, e.g. temperature sensors, the validation may be delayed with a predetermined delay after a change in the readings of the contact sensor.

[0104] In another embodiment the contact sensor state is used to invalidate the sensor readings when the door status is changed in such a way that the sensor becomes aware of another physical space. For instance, if the door is opened, and the sensor thereby is placed in a different room, or vice versa, the readings are invalidated for the previous room. This is illustrated in Figure 10 as additional steps. In other words, in one embodiment, in step S70, an output from an additional environmental sensor is read. The additional environmental sensor is arranged integrated with or in close proximity of the contact sensor. In step S72, the output from the additional environmental sensor is validated as a reading associated with a physical space, in dependance of the defined position of the contact sensor and a present output from the contact sensor. In cases where the readings of the sensor may have a hysteresis character, e.g. temperature sensors, the validation may be delayed with a predetermined delay after a change in the readings of the contact sensor.

[0105] In a further embodiment, in step S80, environmental control processes are initiating in the physical space that the output from the additional environmental sensor is associated with. These environmental control processes are based on the output from the additional environmental sensor.

[0106] Figure 11 illustrates schematically an embodiment of an environmental monitoring system 9. The environmental monitoring system 9, comprises a door sensing arrangement 20 according to the above presented principles. An additional environmental sensor 42 is arranged integrated with or in close proximity of the contact sensor 22. An environment control processor circuit 40 is communicationally connected to or integrated with the sensor processor circuit 26 of the door sensing arrangement 20 and communicationally connected to the additional environmental sensor 42. The environment control processor circuit 40 is configured for reading an output from the additional environmental sensor 42, and for validate the output from the additional environmental sensor 42 as a reading associated with a physical space, in dependance of the defined position of the contact sensor 22 and a present output from the contact sensor 22. In cases where the readings of the sensor may have a hysteresis character, e.g. temperature sensors, the validation may be delayed with a predetermined delay after a change in the readings of the contact sensor.

[0107] Preferably, the defined position is used for further improving any measures based on the additional environmental sensor 42. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the environment control processor circuit 40 is further configured for initiating environmental control processes in the physical space that the output from the additional environmental sensor 42 is associated with, based on the output from the additional environmental sensor 42. This is e.g. performed by controlling environment conditioning actuators 44A in the first physical space 2A, and preferably also environment conditioning actuator 44B in the second physical space 2B. As discussed further above, the open / closed status of the door may be based on e.g. distance measures of the contact sensor. This will then also be used if lighting control is applied and / or if environmental control processes are performed. In such cases, sensor data is output for the different physical rooms may be performed when the door is open or closed according to the same distance measuring concept as during the position definition process. For instance, one environmental control process may be performed in a first room if the door is closed, but in a second room if the door is open for e.g. at least 90 degrees.

[0108] 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.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A method using a door sensor arrangement (20) comprising the steps of:- reading (S10) an output from a contact sensor (22) of the door sensor arrangement (20); wherein the contact sensor (22) is configured to be attached to a door (10) or a door frame (14), for determining whether the door (10) is open or closed;- reading (S20) an output from a light sensor (24), arranged integrated with or in close proximity of the contact sensor (22);- obtaining (S30) a luminaire status, wherein the luminaire status is associated with a luminaire status of at least a first physical space (2A); and- defining (S40) a position of the contact sensor (22) and the light sensor (24) with respect to the first physical space (2A) based on the readings of the contact sensor (22) and the readings of the light sensor (24) as well as on the obtained luminaire status.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of defining (S40) of a position of the contact sensor and the light sensor comprises determining (S42) any correlation in time between readings of the contact sensor (22) and the light sensor (24) as well as on the obtained luminaire status, wherein the defining (S40) of the position is made in dependence of the correlation, if any.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the step of defining (S40) of a position of the contact sensor (22) and the light sensor (24) is made according to: if a correlation in time exists between the reading of the light sensor (24) and the obtained luminaire status associated with the first physical space (2A) regardless of a reading of the contact sensor (22), defining the contact sensor (22) and the light sensor (24) to be placed in a position facing the first physical space (2A) either at the door frame (14) or at the door (10) being opened into the first physical space (2 A); if a correlation in time exists between the reading of the light sensor (24) and the obtained luminaire status associated with the first physical space (2A) only when a reading of the contact sensor (22) indicates that the door (10) is open, defining the contactsensor (24) and the light sensor (22) to be placed in a position at the door (10) being opened into the first physical space (2A), wherein the position is facing away from the first physical space (2 A) when the door (10) being closed; if a correlation in time exists between the reading of the light sensor (24) and the obtained luminaire status associated with the first physical space (2A) only when a reading of the contact sensor (22) indicates that the door (10) is closed, defining the contact sensor (22) and the light sensor (24) to be placed in a position at the door (10) being opened away from the first physical space (2A), wherein the position is facing towards the first physical space (2 A) when the door (10) being closed; if a correlation in time between the reading of the light sensor (24) and the obtained luminaire status associated with the first physical space (2A) is lacking, defining the contact sensor (22) and the light sensor (24) to be placed in a position never facing the first physical space (2A).

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the obtained luminaire status further comprises a luminaire status associated with a second physical space (2B), different from the first physical space (2A), wherein the step of defining (S40) of a position of the contact sensor (22) and the light sensor (24) is made further according to: if a correlation in time exists between the reading of the light sensor (24) and the obtained luminaire status associated with the second physical space (2B) regardless of a reading of the contact sensor (22), defining the contact sensor (22) and the light sensor (24) to be placed in a position facing the second physical space (2B) either at the door frame (14) or at the door (10) being opened into the second physical space (2B); if a correlation in time exists between the reading of the light sensor (24) and the obtained luminaire status associated with the second physical space (2B) only when a reading of the contact sensor (22) indicates that the door (10) is open, defining the contact sensor (22) and the light sensor (24) to be placed in a position at the door (10) being opened into the second physical space (2B), wherein the position is facing away from the second physical space (2B) when the door (10) being closed; if a correlation in time exists between the reading of the light sensor (24) and the obtained luminaire status associated with the second physical space (2B) only when a reading of the contact sensor (22) indicates that the door (10) is closed, defining the contact sensor (22) and the light sensor (24)to be placed in a position at the door (10) being openedaway from the second physical space (2B), wherein the position is facing towards the second physical space (2B) when the door (10) being closed; if a correlation in time between the reading of the light sensor (24) and the obtained luminaire status associated with the second physical space (2B) is lacking, defining the contact sensor (22) and the light sensor (24) to be placed in a position never facing the second physical space (2B).

5. The method according to any of the claims 1 to 4, comprising the further step of:- controlling (S50) luminaire in the first physical space (2A) in dependence of the position of the door sensor arrangement (20).

6. The method according to claim 5, comprising the further step of controlling (S60) luminaire in a second physical space (2B), different from the first physical space (2A), in dependence of the position of the door sensor arrangement (20)..

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, comprising controlling luminaire in the physical space (2A, 2B) the light sensor (24) presently is facing according to the defined position of the contact sensor (22) and the light sensor (24) as well as the readings of the contact sensor (22), based on the readings of the light sensor (24).

8. The method according to claim 6, comprising controlling luminaire in either the first physical space (2A) or the second physical space (2B), depending on the defined position of the contact sensor (22) and the light sensor (24) as well as the readings of the contact sensor (22), based on the reading of the light sensor (24).

9. The method according to claim 6, comprising changing the controlling of luminaire in the first physical space (2A) and the second physical space (2B), if the readings of the contact sensor (22) change.

10. The method according to any of the claims 1 to 9, comprising the further steps of:- reading (S70) an output from an additional environmental sensor (42), arranged integrated with or in close proximity of the contact sensor (22); and- validating (S72) the output from the additional environmental sensor (42) as a reading associated with a physical space (2A, 2B), in dependance of the defined position of the contact sensor (22) and a present output from the contact sensor (22), optionally with a predetermined delay after a change in the readings of the contact sensor (22).

11. The method according to claim 10, comprising the further step of:- initiating (S80) environmental control processes in the physical space (2A, 2B) that the output from the additional environmental sensor (42) is associated with, based on the output from the additional environmental sensor (42).

12. A door sensor arrangement (20) comprising:- a contact sensor (22); wherein the contact sensor (22) is configured to be attached to a door (10) or a door frame (14), for determining whether the door (10) is open or closed;- a light sensor (24), arranged integrated with or in close proximity of the contact sensor (22);- a sensor processor circuit (26), communicationally connected to the contact sensor (22) and the light sensor (24) and further configured for obtaining a luminaire status, wherein the luminaire status is associated with a luminaire status of at least a first physical space (2A); wherein the sensor processor circuit (26) is further configured for defining a position of the contact sensor (22) and the light sensor (24) with respect to the first physical space (2A) based on readings of the contact sensor (22) and the light sensor (24) as well as on the obtained luminaire status.

13. The door sensing arrangement according to claim 12, wherein the sensor processor circuit (26) is further configured for performing the defining of a position of the contact sensor (22) and the light sensor (24) in dependence of a correlation in time between readings of the contact sensor (22) and the light sensor (24) as well as on the obtained luminaire status.

14. A luminaire control system (30), comprising:- a door sensing arrangement (20) according to claim 12 or 13;- a bridge processor circuit (32), communicationally connected to or integrated with the sensor processor circuit (26) of the door sensing arrangement (20); wherein the bridge processor circuit (32) is configured for initiating luminaire control in at least the first physical space (2A).

15. An environmental monitoring system (9), comprising:- a door sensing arrangement (20) according to claim 12 or 13;- an additional environmental sensor (42), arranged integrated with or in close proximity of the contact sensor (22); - an environment control processor circuit (40), communicationally connected to or integrated with the sensor processor circuit (26) of the door sensing arrangement (20) and communicationally connected to the additional environmental sensor (42); wherein the environment control processor circuit (40) is configured for reading an output from the additional environmental sensor (42), and for validating the output from the additional environmental sensor (42) as a reading associated with a physical space (2A, 2B), in dependance of the defined position of the contact sensor (22) and a present output from the contact sensor (22), optionally with a predetermined delay after a change in the readings of the contact sensor (22).

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