Controlling one or more lighting devices

Abstract

A system (81) is configured to obtain one or more target signals indicative of a target functional setting (205) and determine, based on the target functional setting, a different spectral light setting for each of a plurality of options (215-217). Each of the options relates to a different energy consumption and each of the different spectral light settings achieves the target functional setting with the different energy consumption. A second spectral light setting has a lower energy consumption than a first spectral light setting and comprises an increased spectral power in the green wavelength range compared to the first spectral light setting. The system is further configured to receive a selected option which has been selected by a user from the options via a user interface (211) and control one or more lighting devices according to a spectral light setting corresponding to the selected option.

Description

[0001] CONTROLLING ONE OR MORE LIGHTING DEVICES

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to a system for controlling one or more lighting devices.

[0004] The invention further relates to a method of controlling one or more lighting devices.

[0005] The invention also relates to a computer program product enabling a computer system to perform such a method.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Energy reduction in lighting has in recent years been realized by Ledification and connectivity. This has resulted in major energy reductions, in the various lighting use cases. Furthermore, the integration of an energy function into a light management system, particularly for saving energy and monitoring energy consumption, has also been investigated.

[0008] For example, US 10,028,358 B2 discloses a light management system with an integrated energy function, wherein the system is adapted to receiving energy information about light fixtures of a lighting system, and to processing the received energy information with regard to energy consumption of the lighting system. The energy function may be for example used to automatically configure a lighting system to low energy consumption, to allow further configurations of the lighting system with regard to lowering energy consumption, or to provide a user with a sensible set of lights that can be turned off and will amount to significant energy savings when turned off.

[0009] The receiving of energy information about light fixtures of a lighting system may comprise measuring energy consumption of the lighting system, and the processing of the received energy information with regard to energy consumption of the lighting system may comprise performing small changes of the configuration settings of lighting fixtures of the lighting system so that the energy consumption is lowered, wherein the small changes are chosen such that the changes of a lighting atmosphere rendered by the lighting system due to the performed small changes are not recognizable by the human eye. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] It is advantageous to provide a system and method, which can be used to control one or more lighting devices to achieve an even higher reduction in energy consumption.

[0011] In a first aspect, a system for controlling one or more lighting devices comprises at least one communication interface and at least one processor configured to obtain, via the at least one communication interface, one or more target signals indicative of a target functional setting, determine, based on the target functional setting, a different spectral light setting for each of a plurality of options, each of the plurality of options relating to a different energy consumption and each of the different spectral light settings achieving the target functional setting with the different energy consumption, the plurality of options comprising a first option with a first spectral light setting and a second option with a second spectral light setting, the second spectral light setting having a lower energy consumption than the first spectral light setting and comprising an increased spectral power in the green wavelength range compared to the first spectral light setting, receive a selected option via the at least one communication interface, the selected option being selected by a user from the plurality of options via a user interface, and control, via the at least one communication interface, the one or more lighting devices according to a spectral light setting of the different spectral light settings, the spectral light setting corresponding to the selected option.

[0012] Since limiting changes to the light settings to small changes that are not recognizable by the human eye, as taught in the prior art, would also limit the potential for reduction in energy consumption, this system is able to tune the light spectrum to achieve an even higher reduction in energy consumption. Lighting functionality can be split into functional light (the capacity to see what one needs to see / observe to perform a task) and aesthetic light (having light effects that are perceived as nice and pleasant). In the human visual physiology (visual receptors), certain wavelengths of light lead to better sensitivity by the human visual system than others.

[0013] As the human eye features a peak sensitivity at 555 nm (in the green region of the visible light spectrum), it is advantageous for energy reasons to (mainly) use green light for the ‘functional light’ settings. In the photopic vision, which is vision of the human eye under well-lit conditions, luminous efficacy peaks at 683 lumens per watt at 555 nm, wherein luminous efficacy (quantified in lumens per watt) is a measure of the ability of a light source to produce a visual response from its power. The highest achievable luminous efficacy is therefore 683 Im / W for an ideally monochromatic light source at 555 nm. The luminous efficacy of light sources producing other wavelengths of light is less than 683 Im / W.

[0014] However, ‘greenish’ light, and certainly narrow band green, will most likely not be perceived / appreciated as being a pleasant light. With the system, the user is given control and the choice to select, based on his / her acceptance and wish and drive for reducing energy, a spectral light setting that is a compromise between perception (aesthetic) and energy consumption, i.e. a spectral light setting that provides an acceptable aesthetic / perception and not an ideal aesthetic / perception but that is more energy efficient than a spectral light setting that does provide an ideal aesthetic / perception.

[0015] The system may be used for consumer use cases, indoor professional and industrial use cases, and / or outdoor industrial use cases, for example. Home use cases may include casual reading, studying, dining, watching TV, entertaining visitors, and cooking, for example. Office use cases may include meeting, focused on work, and lunch, for example.

[0016] The target functional setting may comprise a single target lux level or a range of target lux levels. Additionally or alternatively, the target functional setting may comprise for white light one or more of a target Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) range, a minimum Color Rendering Index (CRI), and / or a maximum Color Rendering Index (CRI). Additionally or alternatively, the target functional setting may comprise a range of color values (e.g. RGB) for colored light. The target functional setting has tolerances such that the different spectral light settings of the different options achieve the target functional setting within these tolerances.

[0017] Each of the options may comprise a light output level in addition to the spectral light setting. The light output level(s) may be the same for all options, but it is beneficial to allow the use of a different light output level per option (and per lighting device).

[0018] If multiple lighting devices are used to achieve the target functional setting, the spectral light setting may (also) be different between different lighting devices. For example, a first subset of the lighting devices may use a spectral light setting which comprises an increased spectral power in the green wavelength range and a second subset of the lighting devices may use a regular spectral light setting, e.g., to not jeopardize too much the visual and / or aesthetic aspect of the lighting environment. Switching one lighting device to a more greenish light setting already provides an energy saving. For instance, switching the lighting device(s) with the lowest impact on the visual / aesthetic appearance of the lighting environment to relatively high green content might be better than switching all lighting devices to a relatively low greenish output.

[0019] A lighting device that cannot contribute substantially to the selected spectral light setting and / or to achieving the target functional setting may be switched off. This may be decided dependent on or independent of the lighting device’s location relative to the target spatial area where the target functional setting is requested. As an example of the latter, it may be decided to switch off a lighting device based on a comparison of the spectral / intensity characteristics or properties of the lighting device with the selected spectral light setting. The user interface may provide a slider to enable the user to select the option from the plurality of options, for example. The range covered by the slider corresponds to the range of the plurality of options. Additionally or alternatively, the user interface may provide a plurality of buttons to enable the user to select the option from the plurality of options, for example. Each of the buttons corresponds to one of the plurality of options.

[0020] The selectable options may be ordered in the user interface according to energy consumption. This is beneficial, for example, if the user can select from the plurality of options by using a slider, but may also be beneficial if the user can select from the plurality of options by using buttons and the energy consumption or energy consumption reduction cannot / is not indicated per button. Even if the energy consumption or energy consumption reduction is indicated per button, it may be more intuitive to order the selectable options according to energy consumption. If the slider is a physical slider or the buttons are physical buttons on a light control device or other device, e.g., a light controller, the plurality of spectral light settings may be assigned to a plurality of positions of the slider or the plurality of physical buttons in order of energy consumption.

[0021] The one or more lighting devices may comprise a plurality of lighting devices and the at least one processor may be configured to determine a contribution of each of the plurality of lighting devices to the spectral light setting and / or to achieving the target functional setting, and determine a light output level for each respective lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices based on the contribution of the respective lighting device. By dimming a light that does not contribute that much to the perception of the light, power may be saved and suitability for achieving the target functional setting may still be similar. The term “contribution” may refer to a spectral contribution, i.e., spectral components of light that the lighting device can emit and can used to create the selected spectral light setting and / or an intensity contribution, i.e., the ability of the lighting device to contribute illumination to the target area. For example, if the location of a lighting device is (too) far from a target area where the target functional setting is requested, the lighting device may not contribute meaningfully to the selected spectral light setting.

[0022] Different lighting devices may be used for illuminating different spatial areas and in this case, if a certain use case / function does not require the illumination of a certain spatial area, the lighting device which illuminates this spatial area may be dimmed (e.g. switched off or controlled to render light with a low energy consumption, e.g., only peripheral background low intensity light). For instance, when two target functional settings are defined for a room, each one being associated with a different spatial area in the room, and all lighting devices illuminating this room are associated with both target functional settings, it may depend on the target functional setting (and therefore on the targeted spatial area) which lighting device is dimmed. For example, in the kitchen, one lighting device might illuminate the kitchen table and another lighting device might illuminate the preparation / cooking area.

[0023] Alternatively, different sets of lighting devices may be associated with different target functional settings and the selection of one of these target functional settings may result in the dimming of a lighting device not associated with the selected target functional setting. In this case, the system may determine a different plurality of options per target functional setting and thus per spatial area. These pluralities of options would then typically be determined independent from each other.

[0024] The target functional setting might also be a combination of more than one target setting, for more than one spatial area and / or more than one purpose. For example, the target functional setting may comprise a target foreground (focus / task) setting and a target background (ambient) setting. In this implementation, the at least one processor may be configured to determine the spectral light setting for each of the plurality of options based on both the target foreground setting and the target background setting, wherein an energy consumption reduction of a component of the second spectral light setting which is determined based on the target background setting compared to a component of the first spectral light setting which is determined based on the target background setting is higher than an energy consumption reduction of a component of the second spectral light setting which is determined based on the target foreground setting compared to a component of the first spectral light setting which is determined based on the target foreground setting.

[0025] For example, a food preparation area of a kitchen may get full attention (and all or most of the target foreground setting may be achieved) while the rest of the kitchen only gets slightly illuminated with green light. These spatial areas of the kitchen are dependent, because they can both be seen by the user but have a very different functionality and therefore may correspond to different target settings. In this example, different components of a spectral light setting are rendered by different lighting devices, but in another example, different components of a spectral light setting may (also) be rendered by a single lighting device.

[0026] The at least one processor may be configured to provide the user interface with the plurality of options via the at least one communication interface. For example, the at least one processor may be configured to provide the user interface on a display of a mobile device or on a display of a light control device. In this case, the at least one processor may be configured to represent the energy consumption level of each of the plurality of options in the user interface. Such feedback is important as it shows the immediate reward versus an acceptable drawback. The realized energy consumption of a selected light setting (from a range of pre-defined settings) may be shown on a user interface to the user when / while he or she is selecting the light setting, for example.

[0027] The system may further comprise a memory and the at least one processor may be configured to store the spectral light setting corresponding to the selected option in the memory in association with the target functional setting, obtain, via the at least one communication interface, one or more recall signals, and retrieve the spectral light setting associated with the target functional setting from the memory if the one or more recall signals indicate that a light setting corresponding to the target functional setting should be recalled, wherein the control of the one or more lighting devices comprises controlling the one or more lighting devices according to the retrieved spectral light setting.

[0028] Instead of or in addition to applying the spectral light setting corresponding to the selected option immediately / soon after receiving the selected option, the spectral light setting may be stored and recalled later. Programming presets of light settings is typically done with a mobile device (via a touchscreen display) but may also be done with another type of device. The memory may be a memory of a mobile device or of a cloud server, for example.

[0029] The one or more target signals may be further indicative of an use case and the at least one processor may be configured to store the spectral light setting corresponding to the selected option in the memory further in association with the use case, and retrieve the spectral light setting by retrieving the spectral light setting associated with the target functional setting and the use case if the one or more recall signals indicate that a light setting corresponding to the target functional setting should be recalled for the use case, wherein the control of the one or more lighting devices comprises controlling the one or more lighting devices according to the retrieved spectral light setting.

[0030] This may be used to allow a user to program a preset of light settings for at least one use case. For example, there may be two use cases in a home setting or in an office setting and the user may be able to select and store spectral light settings for one or both of these use cases. The user may be allowed select and store spectral light settings for all possible use cases or one or more of these use cases may have fixed spectral light settings. Use cases in a home setting may include “dining”, “watching TV”, “entertainment”, and / or “visitors”, for example. Use cases in an office setting may include “meeting”, “focus work”, and “lunch”, for example.

[0031] A user may be able to define multiple target functional settings for a single use case, but there would typically be only one target functional setting per use case. The recall signal may include an identifier of the preset (which may be in the form of a light scene), and the spectral light settings may be stored in association with this identifier such that they can be retrieved when the recall signal is received.

[0032] The at least one processor may be configured to perform presence detection in a space based on sensing data received from a presence sensor, obtain, via the at least one communication interface, space information indicative of a location of the space and / or a function of the space, select an use case from a plurality of use cases based on a result of the presence detection and further based on at least one of the location of the space and the function of the space, the plurality of use cases comprising at least the use case, and retrieve the spectral light setting associated with the target functional setting from the memory if the selected use case is the use case.

[0033] For example, if a person is detected in an open kitchen, a cooking use case may be selected and a lighting device in the kitchen and in the adjacent living room may then be used to illuminate the cooking / preparation area in the kitchen according to the spectral light setting associated with the selected use case. If the selected use case is another use case of the plurality of use cases, the corresponding spectral light setting associated with this other use case may be retrieved. This other spectral light setting may also be a spectral light setting programmed by the user or may be a fixed spectral light setting, for example.

[0034] During commissioning, a user / administrator may have associated the presence sensor installed in the space with the location of the space, e.g. a room name, and / or a function of the space, e.g. a room type. For instance, the user / administrator may have assigned the presence sensor to a group which corresponds to a certain room. Lighting devices in the same room as the presence sensor may be controlled based on signals from this presence sensor. Instead of using a presence sensor, the one or more target signals may indicate the location of the space and / or the function of the space. This information may be specified by the user, for example.

[0035] The at least one processor may be configured to obtain, via the at least one communication interface, one or more further target signals indicative of a further target functional setting and of a further use case and determine a different further spectral light setting for each of a plurality of further options based on the further target functional setting, each of the different further spectral light settings achieving the further target functional setting with a different energy consumption, provide, via the at least one communication interface, a further user interface with the plurality of further options, the further user interface enabling the user to select a further option from the plurality of further options, the plurality of further options comprising a first further option with a first further spectral light setting and a second further option with a second further spectral light setting, the second further spectral light setting having a lower energy consumption than the first further spectral light setting and comprising an increased spectral power in the green wavelength range compared to the first further spectral light setting.

[0036] The at least one processor may then be further configured to receive a further selected option from the user via the at least one communication interface, store a further spectral light setting of the different further spectral light settings in the memory in association with the further target functional setting and the further use case, the further spectral light setting corresponding to the selected further option, obtain one or more further recall signals via the at least one communication interface, retrieve the further spectral light setting associated with the further target functional setting and the further use case from the memory if the one or more further recall signals indicate that a light setting corresponding to the further target functional setting should be recalled for the further use case, and control, via the at least one communication interface, the one or more lighting devices according to the retrieved further spectral light setting.

[0037] This may be used to allow a user to program presets of light settings for multiple use cases. Typically, a different use case corresponds to a different target functional setting, but the further target functional setting may also be the same as the target functional setting.

[0038] The at least one processor may be configured to determine a range of spectral light settings based on the target functional setting and determine the different spectral light settings for the plurality of options within the determined range. The system may do this to ensure that the determined options are suitable options, i.e. ones that the user might consider selecting. The range may be defined by a threshold, for example. The range may be limited to only spectral light settings that are according to regulations and / or according to general lighting guidelines, for example. For instance, the use of full / monochromatic green would lead to loss of rendering of chromatic color differences and having some level of white to allow visual observation is required by general lighting guidelines. For instance, the range may be determined by a range of suitable or acceptable correlated color temperatures (CCT), which range may be further use case specific, for the different spectral light settings.

[0039] The at least one processor may be configured to perform one or more of: obtaining information identifying a user via the at least one communication interface and retrieving a history of selected spectral light settings from a memory, and determine the range of spectral settings further based on one or more of the information identifying the user and the history of selected spectral light settings. The retrieved history may be the history associated with the user identified in the obtained information.

[0040] In a second aspect of the invention, a method of controlling one or more lighting devices comprises obtaining one or more target signals indicative of a target functional setting, determining, based on the target functional setting, a different spectral light setting for each of a plurality of options, each of the plurality of options relating to a different energy consumption and each of the different spectral light settings achieving the target functional setting with the different energy consumption, the plurality of options comprising a first option with a first spectral light setting and a second option with a second spectral light setting, the second spectral light setting having a lower energy consumption than the first spectral light setting and comprising an increased spectral power in the green wavelength range compared to the first spectral light setting, receiving a selected option, the selected option being selected by a user from the plurality of options via a user interface, and controlling the one or more lighting devices according to a spectral light setting of the different spectral light settings, the spectral light setting corresponding to the selected option. Said method may be performed by software running on a programmable device. This software may be provided as a computer program product.

[0041] Moreover, a computer program for carrying out the methods described herein, as well as a non-transitory computer readable storage-medium storing the computer program are provided. A computer program may, for example, be downloaded by or uploaded to an existing device or be stored upon manufacturing of these systems. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores at least one software code portion, the software code portion, when executed or processed by a computer, being configured to perform executable operations for controlling one or more lighting devices.

[0042] The executable operations comprise obtaining one or more target signals indicative of a target functional setting, determining, based on the target functional setting, a different spectral light setting for each of a plurality of options, each of the plurality of options relating to a different energy consumption and each of the different spectral light settings achieving the target functional setting with the different energy consumption, the plurality of options comprising a first option with a first spectral light setting and a second option with a second spectral light setting, the second spectral light setting having a lower energy consumption than the first spectral light setting and comprising an increased spectral power in the green wavelength range compared to the first spectral light setting, receiving a selected option, the selected option being selected by a user from the plurality of options via a user interface, and controlling the one or more lighting devices according to a spectral light setting of the different spectral light settings, the spectral light setting corresponding to the selected option.

[0043] As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the present invention may be embodied as a device, a method or a computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a "circuit", "module" or "system." Functions described in this disclosure may be implemented as an algorithm executed by a processor / microprocessor of a computer. Furthermore, aspects of the present invention may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable medium(s) having computer readable program code embodied, e.g., stored, thereon.

[0044] Any combination of one or more computer readable medium(s) may be utilized. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of a computer readable storage medium may include, but are not limited to, the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of the present invention, a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain, or store, a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0045] A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal with computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0046] Program code embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wireline, optical fiber, cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing. Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of the present invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Java(TM), Swift, Dart, C++ or the like and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. The program code may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer, or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

[0047] Aspects of the present invention are described below with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the present invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor, in particular a microprocessor or a central processing unit (CPU), of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices create means for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0048] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the function / act specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0049] The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other devices to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide processes for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0050] The flowchart and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of devices, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustrations, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] These and other aspects of the invention are apparent from and will be further elucidated, by way of example, with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0052] Fig. l is a block diagram of a first embodiment of the system;

[0053] Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a second embodiment of the system;

[0054] Fig. 3 is a block diagram of a third embodiment of the system;

[0055] Fig. 4 shows a first example of a user interface;

[0056] Fig. 5 shows a second example of a user interface;

[0057] Fig. 6 shows a third example of a user interface;

[0058] Fig. 7 shows a fourth example of a user interface;

[0059] Fig. 8 is a flow chart of a first embodiment of the method;

[0060] Fig. 9 is a flow chart of a second embodiment of the method;

[0061] Fig. 10 is a flow chart of a third embodiment of the method;

[0062] Fig. 11 is a flow chart of a fourth embodiment of the method;

[0063] Fig. 12 is a flow chart of a fifth embodiment of the method;

[0064] Fig. 13 is a flow chart of a sixth embodiment of the method;

[0065] Fig. 14 is a flow chart of a seventh embodiment of the method;

[0066] Fig. 15 is a block diagram of an exemplary data processing system for performing the method of the invention; and

[0067] Fig. 16 shows the spectral luminous efficiency function.

[0068] Corresponding elements in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numeral.

[0069] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0070] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of the system for controlling one or more lighting devices. In this first embodiment, the system is a light controller 1. The light controller 1 communicates with lighting devices 31-33 and light control device 36, e.g. using Zigbee technology. The light controller 1 may be a Hue bridge, for example.

[0071] The light controller 1 is connected to a wireless LAN access point 25, e.g. via Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Mobile device 21 is also connected to the wireless LAN access point 25, e.g. via Wi-Fi. Mobile device 21 may be a mobile phone, a tablet or a smart watch, for example. A user may be able to use an app running on mobile device 21 to control lighting devices 31-33 via the wireless LAN access point 25 and the light controller 1. The light controller 1 comprises a receiver 3, a transmitter 4, a processor 5, and a memory 7. The processor 5 is configured to obtain, via the receiver 3, one or more target signals indicative of a target functional setting. The one or more target signals may be received from the mobile device 21, for example. A user may select the target functional setting on the mobile device 21, for example.

[0072] The target functional setting may comprise a single target lux level or a range of target lux levels. Additionally or alternatively, the target functional setting may comprise for white light one or more of a target Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) range, a minimum Color Rendering Index (CRI), and a maximum CRI. Additionally or alternatively, the target functional setting may comprise a range of color values (e.g. RGB) for colored light.

[0073] The processor 5 is further configured to determine, based on the target functional setting, a different spectral light setting for each of a plurality of options. Each of the plurality of options relates to a different energy consumption and each of the different spectral light settings achieves the target functional setting with the different energy consumption. The plurality of options comprises at least a first option with a first spectral light setting and a second option with a second spectral light setting. The second spectral light setting has a lower energy consumption than the first spectral light setting and comprises an increased spectral power in the green wavelength range compared to the first spectral light setting.

[0074] For example, the plurality of options may be determined based on a single target lux level or a range of target lux levels at a target spatial area (e.g. a kitchen working area) and distances between each of the lighting devices and the target spatial area (which may be manually specified during commissioning of the lighting system, for example). Each of the options may comprise a light output level in addition to the spectral light setting. The light output level(s) may be the same for all options, but it is beneficial to allow the use of a different light output level per option (and per lighting device).

[0075] If multiple lighting devices are used to achieve the target functional setting, the spectral light setting may (also) be different between different lighting devices. For example, a first subset of the lighting devices may use a spectral light setting which comprises an increased spectral power in the green wavelength range and a second subset of the lighting devices may use a regular spectral light setting, e.g., to not jeopardize too much the visual and / or aesthetic aspect of the lighting environment. Switching one lighting device to a more greenish light setting already provides an energy saving. For instance, switching the light lighting device(s) with the lowest impact on the visual / aesthetic appearance of the lighting environment to relatively high green content might be better than switching all lighting devices to a relatively low greenish output.

[0076] A lighting device that cannot contribute substantially to the selected spectral light setting and / or to achieving the target functional setting may be switched off. This may be decided dependent on or independent of the lighting device’s location relative to the target spatial area. As an example of the latter, it may be decided to switch off a lighting device based on a comparison of the spectral / intensity characteristics or properties of the lighting device with the selected spectral light setting.

[0077] If the target functional setting indicated in the one or more target signals does not comprise a lux level or a range of lux levels, a lux level or a range of lux levels may be obtained based on a location and / or use case indicated by the user, e.g. by using a table such as the one shown in Table 1 below.

[0078] If the target functional setting indicated in the one or more target signals does not comprise a CCT range, a minimum CRI, or a recommended CRI, the missing values may be obtained based on the location and / or use case, e.g. by using a table such as the one shown in Table 1 above. The plurality of options may then be determined based on the determined parameter values, i.e. obtained / determined lux level(s), CCT range, minimum CRI, or recommended CRI while taking into account the spectral luminous efficiency curve, which is shown in Fig. 16. The options may also depend on the capabilities of the lighting device(s).

[0079] As described earlier, based on the human visual physiology (visual receptors), certain wavelengths lead to better sensitivity than others. As the human eye features a peak sensitivity at 555 nm (in the green region of the visible light spectrum), it is advantageous for energy reasons to (mainly) use green light for the ‘functional light’ settings. In the photopic vision, which is vision of the human eye under well-lit conditions, luminous efficacy peaks at 683 lumens per watt at 555 nm, wherein luminous efficacy (quantified in lumens per watt) is a measure of the ability of a light source to produce a visual response from its power. The highest achievable luminous efficacy is therefore 683 Im / W for an ideally monochromatic light source at 555 nm. The luminous efficacy of light sources producing other wavelengths of light is less than 683 Im / W.

[0080] The options are chosen to comply with the target functional setting. To determine options that reduce energy consumption and are likely to have an acceptable aesthetic / perception, options may be chosen to fall within or just outside parameter values obtained from the above-mentioned table. These tolerances are allowed by the target functional setting.

[0081] As ‘greenish’ light, and certainly narrow band green, will most likely not be perceived / appreciated as being a pleasant light, the user is given control of spectral light settings and the choice to select a spectral light setting that is for the user an acceptable compromise between perception (aesthetic) and functionality. The options may also comprise an option which does not compromise on perception.

[0082] The processor 5 is further configured to receive, via the receiver 3, a selected option which has been selected by a user from the plurality of options via a user interface of the light control device 36 and control, via the transmitter 4, one or more of the lighting devices according to a spectral light setting, i.e. one of the different spectral light settings, corresponding to the selected option.

[0083] The light controller 1 allows the user to select, via the user interface of the light control device 36, a spectral light setting with an energy consumption reduction level for a certain target functional setting, e.g., 300 lux for a kitchen, combined with a personal acceptable perception / aesthetic quality. This might mean that the user allows / accepts a quite greenish spectrum in the photopic curve for the highest Im / W result and hence the lowest energy consumption.

[0084] Fig. 4 shows the light control device 36 in more detail. The user interface of the light control device 36 provides buttons 61-64 to enable the user to select the option from the plurality of options. Each of the buttons corresponds to one of the plurality of options. Fig. 5 shows an alternative light control device 37. The user interface of the light control device 37 provides a slider 76 to enable the user to select the option from the plurality of options. The slider 76 allows reducing the energy until a personal acceptable setting is reached, while maintaining the lux levels that are functionally required (for ‘vision’).

[0085] The light control device 37 also comprises buttons 71-74, e.g. for switching the light on and off and / or for increasing and decreasing the target functional setting. When the alternative light control device 37 of Fig. 5 is used and its buttons can be used to increase and decrease the target functional setting, e.g. by increasing / decreasing the target lux level or the center value of a target lux level range, the light controller 1 receives the one or more target signals from the light control device 37 instead of from the mobile device 21.

[0086] Both in the user interface of the light control device 36 and in the user interface of the light control device 37, the selectable options are ordered according to energy consumption. In the light control device 36, button 61 may be assigned to a spectral light setting with the highest energy consumption of all options and button 64 may be assigned to a spectral light setting with the lowest energy consumption of all options. In the light control device 37, moving the slider 76 to the left may cause a spectral light setting with a lower energy consumption to be selected and moving the slider 76 to the right may cause a spectral light setting with a higher energy consumption to be selected.

[0087] A spectral light setting with a higher energy consumption allows rendering a light setting with a more pleasing aesthetic ambience, because the light controller does not need to compromise on energy consumption. Thus, the user can shift the slider 76 from optimal, in terms of aesthetics and ambience, to ‘maximum energy reduction’ (making the light perception less attractive and moving into greenish light settings).

[0088] The light control device 36 and / or the lighting control device 37 may further comprise a display (not shown in Figs. 4 and 5) that shows the realized energy reduction, e.g., as a percentage versus the energy consumption of the optimal spectral light setting (e.g., in terms of aesthetics and ambience), in real-time. This may be an excellent rewarding method. In the example of Fig. 1, the user interface comprises physical controls located on a light control device 36 which is separate from the lighting devices 31-33. The user interface may also be part of a lighting device and not require a separate device. In this case, each lighting device may comprise a user interface for controlling the light source(s) of this lighting device. For example, a floor standing lamp may have such a user interface.

[0089] In the embodiment of the light controller 1 shown in Fig. 1, the light controller 1 comprises one processor 5. In an alternative embodiment, the light controller 1 comprises multiple processors. The processor 5 of the light controller 1 may be a general-purpose processor, e.g. ARM-based, or an application-specific processor. The processor 5 of the light controller 1 may run a Unix-based operating system for example. The memory 7 may comprise one or more memory units. The memory 7 may comprise one or more hard disks and / or solid-state memory, for example. The memory 7 may be used to store a table of connected lights, for example.

[0090] The receiver 3 and the transmitter 4 may use one or more wired and / or wireless communication technologies, e.g. Ethernet or Wi-Fi for communicating with the wireless LAN access point 25 and Zigbee for communication with the lighting devices 31-33 and the light control device 36, for example. In an alternative embodiment, multiple receivers and / or multiple transmitters are used instead of a single receiver and a single transmitter. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, a separate receiver and a separate transmitter are used. In an alternative embodiment, the receiver 3 and the transmitter 4 are combined into a transceiver. The light controller 1 may comprise other components typical for a network device such as a power connector. The invention may be implemented using a computer program running on one or more processors.

[0091] In the embodiment of Fig. 1, the system of the invention is a light controller. In an alternative embodiment, the system of the invention is a different device, e.g. a light control device or a mobile device. In the embodiment of Fig. 1, the system of the invention comprises a single device. In an alternative embodiment, the system of the invention comprises a plurality of devices, e.g. a light controller and a cloud server.

[0092] Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of the system for controlling one or more lighting devices. In this second embodiment, the system is a light control device 51. In the example of Fig. 2, the lighting devices 31-33 and the light control device 51 communicate with a light controller 41 instead of light controller 1 of Fig. 1. The light controller 41 is connected to the wireless LAN access point 25, e.g. via Ethernet or Wi-Fi. The light controller 41 may be a Hue bridge, for example.

[0093] The light control device 51 comprises a receiver 53, a transmitter 54, a processor 55, a memory 57, buttons 61-64, and an interface 56 between the processor 55 and the buttons 61-64. The processor 55 is configured to obtain, via the receiver 53, one or more target signals indicative of a target functional setting. The one or more target signals may be received from the mobile device 21, for example, via the wireless LAN access point 25 and the light controller 41. A user may select the target functional setting on the mobile device 21, for example.

[0094] The processor 55 is further configured to determine, based on the target functional setting, a different spectral light setting for each of a plurality of options. Each of the plurality of options relates to a different energy consumption and each of the different spectral light settings achieves the target functional setting with the different energy consumption. The plurality of options comprises at least a first option with a first spectral light setting and a second option with a second spectral light setting. The second spectral light setting has a lower energy consumption than the first spectral light setting and comprises an increased spectral power in the green wavelength range compared to the first spectral light setting.

[0095] The processor 55 is further configured to receive, via the interface 56, a selected option which has been selected by a user from the plurality of options via the buttons 61-64 (which form a user interface) and control, via the transmitter 54, one or more of the lighting devices 31-33 according to a spectral light setting, i.e. one of the different spectral light settings, corresponding to the selected option. The user interface of light control device 51 may be the same as the user interface of light control device 36 of Fig. 4, for example. In an alternative embodiment, the user interface of light control device 51 may be the same as the user interface of light control device 37 of Fig. 5, for example. In this alternative embodiment, the light control device 51 further comprises the slider 76.

[0096] In the embodiment of the light control device 51 shown in Fig. 2, the light control device 51 comprises one processor 55. In an alternative embodiment, the light control device 51 comprises multiple processors. The processor 55 of the light control device 51 may be a general-purpose processor, e.g. ARM-based, or an application-specific processor. The memory 57 may comprise one or more memory units. The memory 57 may comprise solid- state memory, for example.

[0097] The receiver 53 and the transmitter 54 may use one or more wireless communication technologies, e.g. Zigbee, for communicating with the bridge 41, for example. In an alternative embodiment, multiple receivers and / or multiple transmitters are used instead of a single receiver and a single transmitter. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, a separate receiver and a separate transmitter are used. In an alternative embodiment, the receiver 53 and the transmitter 54 are combined into a transceiver. The light control device 51 may comprise other components typical for a connected light control device such as a power connector and / or a battery. The invention may be implemented using a computer program running on one or more processors.

[0098] In the embodiment of Fig. 2, the lighting devices 31-33 are controlled by the light control device 51 and the mobile device 21 via the light controller 41. In an alternative embodiment, one or more of the lighting devices 31-33 are controlled by one or more of these devices without a light controller, e.g. directly via Bluetooth.

[0099] Fig. 3 shows a third embodiment of the system for controlling one or more lighting devices. In this third embodiment, the system is a mobile device 81. The mobile device 81 may be a smart phone or tablet, for example. The lighting devices 31-33 can be controlled by the mobile device 81 via the light controller 41. The light controller 41 communicates with the lighting devices 31-33, e.g. using Zigbee technology. The mobile device 81 is connected to the wireless LAN access point 25, e.g. via Wi-Fi. The light controller 41 is also connected to the wireless LAN access point 25, e.g. via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

[0100] The mobile device 81 comprises a receiver 83, a transmitter 84, a processor 85, a memory 87, and a touchscreen display 89. The processor 85 is configured to obtain one or more target signals indicative of a target functional setting. The one or more target signals may be received via the touchscreen display 89, for example.

[0101] The processor 85 is further configured to determine, based on the target functional setting, a different spectral light setting for each of a plurality of options. Each of the plurality of options relates to a different energy consumption and each of the different spectral light settings achieves the target functional setting with the different energy consumption. The plurality of options comprises at least a first option with a first spectral light setting and a second option with a second spectral light setting. The second spectral light setting has a lower energy consumption than the first spectral light setting and comprises an increased spectral power in the green wavelength range compared to the first spectral light setting.

[0102] The processor 85 is further configured to provide a user interface with the plurality of options, e.g. via the touchscreen display 89, and receive a selected option which has been selected by a user from the plurality of options via the user interface. The processor 85 is further configured to control, via the transmitter 84, one or more of the lighting devices according to a spectral light setting, i.e. one of the different spectral light settings, corresponding to the selected option.

[0103] The processor 85 may be configured to store the spectral light setting corresponding to the selected option in the memory 87 in association with the target functional setting, obtain, e.g. via the touchscreen display 89, one or more recall signals, and retrieve the spectral light setting associated with the target functional setting from the memory 87 if the one or more recall signals indicate that a light setting corresponding to the target functional setting should be recalled, and control one or more of the lighting devices 31-33 according to the retrieved spectral light setting.

[0104] Alternatively, the processor 85 may be configured to store the spectral light setting corresponding to the selected option in a memory of the light controller 41 or in a memory of a cloud server (not shown in Fig. 3). This allows the stored spectral light setting to be recalled on other devices than the mobile device 81. In this case, the system for controlling one or more lighting devices may comprise the light controller 41 and / or the cloud server in addition to the mobile device 81. Processor 5 of light controller 1 of Fig. 1 and / or processor 55 of light control device 51 of Fig. 2 may be configured in a similar manner, i.e. to store the spectral light setting corresponding to the selected option in a memory.

[0105] Fig. 6 shows a first example of a user interface, e.g., of an app, provided by the mobile device 81 on the touch screen display 89. The user interface 201 shows a UI element 203 for controlling one or more lighting devices. Virtual sliders 204 and 205 can be used to set a target functional setting, e.g., a single target lux level or a range of target lux levels. A virtual slider 206 can be used to select an option with regards to energy consumption from the plurality of options. Moving the slider 206 to the left causes a spectral light setting with a lower energy consumption to be selected and moving the slider 206 to the right causes a spectral light setting with a higher energy consumption to be selected.

[0106] The color (and optionally the brightness) of the UI element 203 changes when the user moves the slider 206. The energy consumption corresponding to the current position of the slider 206 is shown in an indicator 209. In the example of Fig. 6, the indicator 209 indicates 100%, i.e., shows a percentage versus the standard light setting for the target functional setting, and is only dependent on the current position of the slider 206. Alternatively, the indicated value may also indicate absolute energy usage, e.g., in terms of watts (W).

[0107] The indicated value may further depend on the current position of the sliders 204 and 205 as a different target functional setting may require different energy usage. The indicator may be an excellent rewarding method. Furthermore, data may be collected and feedback may be provided on the overall saved energy over a given period (e.g. by the use of an energy consumption dashboard which includes the ‘energy reduction option’ in the user interface / app).

[0108] After the user has selected the desired target functional setting and the desired energy consumption, the user may press a virtual button 207 to change the light settings of the one or more lighting devices immediately and / or press a virtual button 208 to store the selected spectral light setting so that it can be recalled later.

[0109] Fig. 7 shows a second example of a user interface, e.g. of an app, provided by the mobile device 81 on the touch screen display 89. The user interface 211 shows a UI element 213 for controlling one or more lighting devices. Virtual sliders 204 and 205 can be used so set a target functional setting. Virtual buttons 215-217 enable the user to select an option from a plurality of options. Each of the virtual buttons 215-217 corresponds to one of the plurality of options and has a different color (and optionally brightness). Like in the user interface 201 of Fig. 6, the selectable options are ordered according to energy consumption in user interface 211.

[0110] The color of a virtual button corresponds to the spectral light setting that will be selected when the user presses the button. The brightness of a virtual button may correspond to the light output level that will be selected when the user presses the button. The energy consumption level of each of the plurality of options is represented in the virtual buttons 215-217. The option associated with virtual button 215 results in an energy consumption of 50% (compared to an optimal, non-compromised light setting for the target functional setting in terms of visual comfort, ambience and / or aesthetics), the option associated with virtual button 216 results in an energy consumption of 75%, and the option associated with virtual button 217 results in an energy consumption of 100%.

[0111] Optionally, the processor 85 of the mobile device may be configured to determine a range of spectral light settings based on the target functional setting, e.g., a range of acceptable spectral light settings for the target functional setting, wherein ‘acceptable’ may refer to visually acceptable, aesthetically acceptable, etc., and determine the different spectral light settings for the plurality of options within the determined range. For example, a first spectral light setting may be determined without taking into account reduction of energy consumption and a second spectral light setting may be determined with the highest reduction in energy consumption deemed acceptable. The range of spectral light settings could then start at the second spectral light setting and end at the first spectral light setting.

[0112] In the user interface 201 of Fig. 6, the leftmost position of the slider 206 may correspond to the start of the range or to the lowest energy use (independent of the range). In the latter case, the user may be prevented from sliding the slider 206 outside the range. In the user interface 211 of Fig. 7, the spectral light settings corresponding to the virtual buttons 215-217 fall inside the determined range. In the user interfaces 201 and 211, the user is able to select the target functional setting with virtual sliders 204 and 205. In alternative example, the user may select the target functional setting by selecting a room or function / activity which is associated with a certain target functional setting. In the examples of Figs. 6 and 7, the target functional settings comprise a single target lux level or a range of target lux levels. In alternative examples, a target functional setting may comprise other target settings instead of or in addition to the target lux level(s), e.g. a CCT range, a minimum CRI, and / or a maximum CRI.

[0113] In the embodiment of the mobile device 81 shown in Fig. 3, the mobile device 81 comprises one processor 85. In an alternative embodiment, the mobile device 81 comprises multiple processors. The processor 85 of the mobile device 81 may be a general- purpose processor, e.g. from ARM or Qualcomm or an application-specific processor. The processor 85 of the mobile device 81 may run an Android or iOS operating system for example. The touchscreen display 89 may comprise an LCD or OLED display panel, for example. The memory 87 may comprise one or more memory units. The memory 87 may comprise solid state memory, for example.

[0114] The receiver 83 and the transmitter 84 may use one or more wireless communication technologies such as Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11) to communicate with the wireless LAN access point 25, for example. In an alternative embodiment, multiple receivers and / or multiple transmitters are used instead of a single receiver and a single transmitter. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, a separate receiver and a separate transmitter are used. In an alternative embodiment, the receiver 83 and the transmitter 84 are combined into a transceiver. The mobile device 81 may further comprise a camera (not shown). This camera may comprise a CMOS or CCD sensor, for example. The mobile device 81 may comprise other components typical for a mobile device such as a battery and a power connector. The invention may be implemented using a computer program running on one or more processors.

[0115] In the embodiment of Fig. 3, the lighting devices 31-33 are controlled via the light controller 41. In an alternative embodiment, one or more of the lighting devices 31-33 is controlled without a light controller 41, e.g. directly via Bluetooth.

[0116] A first embodiment of the method of controlling one or more lighting devices is shown in Fig. 8. The method may be performed by the light controller 1 of Fig. 1, the light control unit 51 of Fig. 2, or the mobile device 81 of Fig. 3, for example. A step 101 comprises obtaining one or more target signals indicative of a target functional setting. A step 103 comprises determining, based on the target functional setting indicated in the one or more target signals obtained in step 101, a different spectral light setting for each of a plurality of options. Each of the plurality of options relates to a different energy consumption and each of the different spectral light settings achieves the target functional setting with the different energy consumption. The plurality of options comprises a first option with a first spectral light setting and a second option with a second spectral light setting. The second spectral light setting has a lower energy consumption than the first spectral light setting and comprises an increased spectral power in the green wavelength range compared to the first spectral light setting.

[0117] A step 105 comprises receiving a selected option. The selected option is selected by a user, via a user interface, from the plurality of options determined in step 103. The selectable options may be ordered in the user interface according to energy consumption. The user interface may, for example, provide a slider to enable the user to select the option from the plurality of options or provide a plurality of buttons to enable the user to select the option from the plurality of options. Each of the buttons corresponds to one of the plurality of options.

[0118] A step 107 comprises controlling the one or more lighting devices according to the spectral light setting corresponding to the selected option received in step 105. Step 101 or 105 may be performed again after step 107 has been performed, after which the method proceeds as shown in Fig. 8. Additionally, one or more steps of one or more of the other embodiments of the method may be added to the embodiment of Fig. 8.

[0119] A second embodiment of the method of controlling one or more lighting devices is shown in Fig. 9. The embodiment of Fig. 9 is an extension of the embodiment of Fig. 8. In the embodiment of Fig. 9, a step 111 is performed between steps 103 and 105. Step 111 comprises providing the user interface with the plurality of options determined in step 103, e.g. on a display. Step 111 may comprise representing the energy consumption level of each of the plurality of options in the user interface. Additionally, one or more steps of one or more of the other embodiments of the method may be added to the embodiment of Fig. 9.

[0120] A third embodiment of the method of controlling one or more lighting devices is shown in Fig. 10. The embodiment of Fig. 10 is an extension of the embodiment of Fig. 9. In the embodiment of Fig. 10, step 107 of Fig. 9 is implemented by a step 137 and steps 131, 133, and 135 are performed between steps 105 and 137. Step 131 comprises storing the spectral light setting corresponding to the selected option received in step 105 in a memory in association with the target functional setting indicated in the one or more target signals obtained in step 101.

[0121] Step 133 might be performed immediately after step 131, but is typically performed somewhat later, as visually indicated by the dashed line between step 131 and step 133. Step 133 comprises obtaining one or more recall signals. Step 135 comprises retrieving the spectral light setting associated with the target functional setting from the memory if the one or more recall signals indicate that a light setting corresponding to the target functional setting should be recalled.

[0122] Step 137 comprises controlling the one or more lighting devices according to the spectral light setting retrieved in step 135. Step 101 or step 133 may be performed again after step 137 has been performed, after which the method proceeds as shown in Fig. 10. Additionally, one or more steps of one or more of the other embodiments of the method may be added to the embodiment of Fig. 10.

[0123] A fourth embodiment of the method of controlling one or more lighting devices is shown in Fig. 11. The embodiment of Fig. 11 is an extension of the embodiment of Fig. 10. In the embodiment of Fig. 10, steps 101, 131, and 135 of Fig. 10 are implemented by steps 141, 143, and 145, respectively.

[0124] Step 141 comprises obtaining one or more target signals indicative of a target functional setting for achieving a target functional setting and further indicative of a use case. The use case may be indicated in the same target signal as the target functional setting or in different target signals.

[0125] Step 143 comprises storing the spectral light setting corresponding to the selected option received in step 105 in the memory in association with the target functional setting and the use case indicated in the one or more target signals obtained in step 141. In an alternative embodiment, the spectral light setting corresponding to the selected option is only stored in association with the use case and not stored in association with the target functional setting, e.g. if only one target functional setting is possible per use case.

[0126] Step 145 comprises retrieving the spectral light setting associated with the target functional setting and the use case if the one or more recall signals obtained in step 133 indicate that a light setting corresponding to the target functional setting should be recalled for the use case. In the alternative embodiment mentioned above, step 145 would comprise retrieving the spectral light setting associated with the use case if the one or more recall signals obtained in step 133 indicate that a light setting corresponding to the use case should be recalled.

[0127] Step 141 may be performed again after step 137 has been performed, after which the method proceeds as shown in Fig. 11. In the next iteration of step 141, step 141 comprises obtaining one or more further target signals indicative of a further target functional setting and for a further use case. The further target functional setting may be the same as or different from the target functional setting indicated in the one or more target signals obtained in the first iteration of step 141. The further use case may be the same as or different from the use case indicated in the one or more target signals obtained in the first iteration of step 141.

[0128] In the next iteration of step 103, step 103 comprises determining a different further spectral light setting for each of a plurality of further options based on the further target functional setting indicated in the one or more further target signals obtained in step 141. Each of the different further spectral light settings achieves the further target functional setting with a different energy consumption. If the further target functional setting is the same as the target functional setting, then the further options / further spectral light settings are typically the same as the options / spectral light settings determined in the first iteration of step 103.

[0129] In the next iteration of step 111, step 111 comprises providing a further user interface with the plurality of further options determined in step 103. The further user interface might differ only from the user interface in that different options are provided. If the further options are the same as the options, then the further user interface may be the same as the user interface.

[0130] In the next iteration of step 105, step 105 comprises receiving a further selected option from the user. In the next iteration of step 143, step 143 comprises storing a further spectral light setting of the different further spectral light settings in the memory in association with the further target functional setting and the further use case. This further spectral light setting corresponds to the selected further option.

[0131] Steps 145 comprises retrieving the further spectral light setting associated with the further target functional setting and the further use case from the memory if the one or more recall signals obtained in step 133 indicate that a light setting corresponding to the further target functional setting should be recalled for the further use case. Additionally, one or more steps of one or more of the other embodiments of the method may be added to the embodiment of Fig. 11. The method of Fig. 11 may be used to allow a user to program a preset of light settings for at least one use case. For example, there may be two use cases in an office, e.g. two of “meeting”, “focus work”, and “lunch”, and the user may be able to select and store spectral light settings for one or both of these use cases. Use cases in a home setting may include “dining”, “watching TV”, “entertainment”, and / or “visitors”, for example. In outdoor industrial use cases, the light settings at e.g. industrial logistic sites such as a terminal in harbors may be changed from energy saving modus (greenish) to cool white when people are active. The user may be allowed to select and store spectral light settings for all possible use cases or one or more of these use cases may have fixed spectral light settings.

[0132] A fifth embodiment of the method of controlling one or more lighting devices is shown in Fig. 12. The embodiment of Fig. 12 is an extension of the embodiment of Fig. 11. In the embodiment of Fig. 12, step 133 of Fig. 11 is implemented by steps 151, 153, 155, and 156 and step 145 of Fig. 11 is implemented by a step 157.

[0133] Step 151 comprises performing presence detection in a space based on sensing data received from a presence sensor. For example, a sensor signal may be received from a presence detector installed in the space. Step 153 comprises obtaining space information indicative of a location of the space and / or a function of the space. This space information may be configured in the lighting system, e.g., in a light controller of the lighting system or in the cloud and obtained therefrom. For example, during commissioning, a user / administrator may have associated the presence sensor installed in the space with the location of the space, e.g. a room name, and / or a function of the space, e.g. a room type. For instance, the user / administrator may have assigned the presence sensor to a group which corresponds to a certain room. Lighting devices in the same room as the presence sensor may be controlled based on signals from this presence sensor.

[0134] Step 155 comprises selecting a use case from a plurality of use cases based on a result of the presence detection of step 151 and further based on at least one of the location of the space and the function of the space obtained in step 153. The plurality of use cases comprise at least the use case.

[0135] Step 156 comprises determining whether the use case selected in step 155 is a different use case than the current use case. If not, the method does not proceed further and the current spectral light setting is not adjusted. If so, step 157 is performed. Thus, with this implementation of step 133, a signal from a presence detector is interpreted as a recall signal if the detected presence causes a different use case to be selected. Step 157 comprises retrieving the spectral light setting associated with the use case selected in step 155 from the memory.

[0136] For example, if a person is detected in an office or is detected to be stationary in an office for at least a certain amount of time, an “office work” use case may be selected for this office, and otherwise, a “security” use case may be selected for this office. Whether a space is an office may be determined based on the indicated location of the space and / or or the indicated function of the space.

[0137] If the selected use case is another use case of the plurality of use cases, the corresponding spectral light setting associated with this use case may be retrieved. This may be a spectral light setting programmed by the user or a fixed spectral light setting, for example. Additionally, one or more steps of one or more of the other embodiments of the method may be added to the embodiment of Fig. 12.

[0138] A sixth embodiment of the method of controlling one or more lighting devices is shown in Fig. 13. The embodiment of Fig. 13 is an extension of the embodiment of Fig. 8. In the embodiment of Fig. 13, the one or more lighting devices comprise a plurality of lighting devices, step 103 of Fig.8 has been implemented by steps 171 and 173 and step 107 of Fig. 8 has been implemented by a step 175.

[0139] Step 171 comprises determining a contribution of each of the plurality of lighting devices to achieving the target functional setting. This contribution is determined based on the distance between the target spatial area to be illuminated and each of the plurality of lighting devices and may further be based on the capabilities of each of the plurality of lighting devices, e.g. whether a lighting device is a color lighting device or a white-only lighting device.

[0140] Step 173 comprises determining a light output level for each respective lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices based on the contribution of the respective lighting device, as determined in step 171, and determining, based on the target functional setting indicated in the one or more target signals obtained in step 101, a different spectral light setting for each of a plurality of options. Different spectral light settings may be determined for different lighting devices.

[0141] Each of the plurality of options relates to a different energy consumption and each of the different spectral light settings achieves the target vision performance with the different energy consumption. The plurality of options comprises a first option with a first spectral light setting and a second option with a second spectral light setting. The second spectral light setting has a lower energy consumption than the first spectral light setting and comprises an increased spectral power in the green wavelength range compared to the first spectral light setting.

[0142] The light output level for a certain lighting device may be the same for all of the options or may differ per option. In the former case, the light output level may be determined per lighting device before a spectral setting is determined per option. In the latter case, the light output level and the spectral setting may be determined jointly. If a lighting device is farther away from the target spatial area or is only capable of rendering white light, a relatively low light output level may be used for this lighting device.

[0143] Step 175 comprises controlling the plurality of lighting devices such that the light output levels and spectral light settings which correspond to the selected option received in step 105 are rendered. Additionally, one or more steps of one or more of the other embodiments of the method may be added to the embodiment of Fig. 13. The embodiment of Fig. 13 may be used, for example, to save power by dimming a light that does not contribute that much to the perception of the light.

[0144] In the embodiment of Fig. 13, the contribution that is determined (in step 171) is the contribution of each of the plurality of lighting devices to achieving the target functional setting. In an alternative embodiment, a contribution of each of the plurality of lighting devices to the selected spectral light setting is determined and a light output level is then determined for each respective lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices based on this contribution of the respective lighting device. In this alternative embodiment, the contribution is not determined as part of step 103, but after step 103 has been performed and after the spectral light setting has been selected in step 105.

[0145] A seventh embodiment of the method of controlling one or more lighting devices is shown in Fig. 14. The embodiment of Fig. 14 is an extension of the embodiment of Fig. 8. In the embodiment of Fig. 14, step 103 of Fig. 8 is implemented by a step 189 and a step 187 is performed between steps 101 and 189. Optionally, one or more of steps 18 land 185 are performed between steps 101 and 187.

[0146] Optional step 181 comprises obtaining information identifying a user. If the user interface is provided on a display of a mobile device, the information may be obtained from the operating system of the mobile device, for example. The information identifying the user may be determined based on e.g., fingerprint detection by the device which comprises the UI, a personal code that is stored on the device which comprises the UI, owner information of a smartphone (if the UI is provided on a smartphone), face recognition (e.g., if an indoor camera is available or via the smartphone). If the user interface is provided on a separate light control device, this information may be obtained from the separate light control device if the light control device supports this functionality. Alternatively, images of a camera directed towards the separate light control device or having the light control device in its field of view may be analyzed to obtain the information, for example.

[0147] Optional step 185 comprises retrieving a history of selected spectral light settings from a memory. The retrieved history may be the history associated with the user identified in the obtained information. The history may be stored in the memory of a mobile device, in the memory of a bridge, or in the memory of a cloud server, for example. For example, every time a spectral light setting is selected on a mobile device, the mobile device may store the spectral light setting or a reference thereto. Alternatively, the UI may show 'smiley' buttons with a choice between Tike very much’, Tike’, ‘not really’, ‘not anymore’, which may be pressed by the user after the user has selected the spectral light setting, for example.

[0148] Step 187 comprises determining a range of spectral light settings based on the target functional setting indicated in the one or more target signals obtained in step 101 and optionally further based on information identifying the user obtained in step 181 and / or the history of selected spectral light settings retrieved in step 185. The range may, for example, be determined based on a lux level, a range of lux levels, a CCT range, a minimum CRI, and / or a recommended CRI specified in a table, as described in relation to Fig. 1 and Table 1.

[0149] Step 189 comprises determining the different spectral light settings for the plurality of options within the range determined in step 187. Additionally, one or more steps of one or more of the other embodiments of the method may be added to the embodiment of Fig. 14.

[0150] With the method of Fig. 14, various light setting ranges may be determined and used in the software- or hardware-implemented user interface. These ranges may comprise acceptable spectral light settings in view of the user (e.g., user preferences), the environment, the location, the use case, historical data, for example. Nonsensical settings, e.g. settings which are not expected to be acceptable by any user may be excluded from these ranges. These ranges may be dedicated and specific for certain use cases and use case combinations: such as e.g., kitchen / cooking, kitchen / entertainment, kitchen / homework, kitchen / reading a book, etc. A range may be defined by a threshold, for example.

[0151] By performing step 181, the range may be personalized. By performing step 185, a personal history or a history of all users may be taken into account. For example, person A might be ‘recognized’ as the person controlling the light setting, and based on his / her historical preferences (acceptance levels of less nice light) the lighting control boundaries (low and high level) man be personalized and adapted real-time. For a person B the preferred and / or acceptable spectral light settings might be different.

[0152] Fig. 15 depicts a block diagram illustrating an exemplary data processing system that may perform the method as described with reference to Figs. 8-14. Aspects of the data processing system may be implemented in the light controller 1 or 41, the light control device 36 or 51, or the mobile device 21 or 81.

[0153] As shown in Fig. 15, the data processing system 300 may include at least one processor 302 coupled to memory elements 304 through a system bus 306. As such, the data processing system may store program code within memory elements 304. Further, the processor 302 may execute the program code accessed from the memory elements 304 via a system bus 306. In one aspect, the data processing system may be implemented as a computer that is suitable for storing and / or executing program code. It should be appreciated, however, that the data processing system 300 may be implemented in the form of any system including a processor and a memory that is capable of performing the functions described within this specification.

[0154] The memory elements 304 may include one or more physical memory devices such as, for example, local memory 308 and one or more bulk storage devices 310. The local memory may refer to random access memory or other non-persistent memory device(s) generally used during actual execution of the program code. A bulk storage device may be implemented as a hard drive or other persistent data storage device. The processing system 300 may also include one or more cache memories (not shown) that provide temporary storage of at least some program code in order to reduce the quantity of times program code must be retrieved from the bulk storage device 310 during execution. The processing system 300 may also be able to use memory elements of another processing system, e.g. if the processing system 300 is part of a cloud-computing platform.

[0155] Input / output (VO) devices depicted as an input device 312 and an output device 314 optionally can be coupled to the data processing system. Examples of input devices may include, but are not limited to, a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse, a microphone (e.g. for voice and / or speech recognition), or the like. Examples of output devices may include, but are not limited to, a monitor or a display, speakers, or the like. Input and / or output devices may be coupled to the data processing system either directly or through intervening VO controllers. In an embodiment, the input and the output devices may be implemented as a combined input / output device (illustrated in Fig. 15 with a dashed line surrounding the input device 312 and the output device 314). An example of such a combined device is a touch sensitive display, also sometimes referred to as a “touch screen display” or simply “touch screen”. In such an embodiment, input to the device may be provided by a movement of a physical object, such as e.g. a stylus or a finger of a user, on or near the touch screen display.

[0156] A network adapter 316 may also be coupled to the data processing system to enable it to become coupled to other systems, computer systems, remote network devices, and / or remote storage devices through intervening private or public networks. The network adapter may comprise a data receiver for receiving data that is transmitted by said systems, devices and / or networks to the data processing system 300, and a data transmitter for transmitting data from the data processing system 300 to said systems, devices and / or networks. Modems, cable modems, and Ethernet cards are examples of different types of network adapter that may be used with the data processing system 300.

[0157] As pictured in Fig. 15, the memory elements 304 may store an application 318. In various embodiments, the application 318 may be stored in the local memory 308, the one or more bulk storage devices 310, or separate from the local memory and the bulk storage devices. It should be appreciated that the data processing system 300 may further execute an operating system (not shown in Fig. 15) that can facilitate execution of the application 318. The application 318, being implemented in the form of executable program code, can be executed by the data processing system 300, e.g., by the processor 302. Responsive to executing the application, the data processing system 300 may be configured to perform one or more operations or method steps described herein.

[0158] Fig. 15 shows the input device 312 and the output device 314 as being separate from the network adapter 316. However, additionally or alternatively, input may be received via the network adapter 316 and output be transmitted via the network adapter 316. For example, the data processing system 300 may be a cloud server. In this case, the input may be received from and the output may be transmitted to a user device that acts as a terminal.

[0159] Various embodiments of the invention may be implemented as a program product for use with a computer system, where the program(s) of the program product define functions of the embodiments (including the methods described herein). In one embodiment, the program(s) can be contained on a variety of non-transitory computer-readable storage media, where, as used herein, the expression “non-transitory computer readable storage media” comprises all computer-readable media, with the sole exception being a transitory, propagating signal. In another embodiment, the program(s) can be contained on a variety of transitory computer-readable storage media. Illustrative computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to: (i) non-writable storage media (e.g., read-only memory devices within a computer such as CD-ROM disks readable by a CD-ROM drive, ROM chips or any type of solid-state non-volatile semiconductor memory) on which information is permanently stored; and (ii) writable storage media (e.g., flash memory, floppy disks within a diskette drive or hard-disk drive or any type of solid-state random-access semiconductor memory) on which alterable information is stored. The computer program may be run on the processor 302 described herein.

[0160] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0161] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the implementations in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles and some practical applications of the present invention, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the present invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A system (1,51,81) for controlling one or more lighting devices (31-33), the system (1,51,81) comprising: at least one communication interface (3,4,53,54,56,83,84,89); and at least one processor (5,55,85) configured to:- obtain, via the at least one communication interface (3,4,53,54,56,83,84,89), one or more target signals indicative of a target functional setting,- determine, based on the target functional setting, a different spectral light setting for each of a plurality of options, each of the plurality of options relating to a different energy consumption and each of the different spectral light settings achieving the target functional setting with the different energy consumption, the plurality of options comprising a first option with a first spectral light setting and a second option with a second spectral light setting, the second spectral light setting having a lower energy consumption than the first spectral light setting and comprising an increased spectral power in the green wavelength range compared to the first spectral light setting,- receive a selected option via the at least one communication interface (3,4,53,54,56,83,84,89), the selected option being selected by a user from the plurality of options via a user interface, and- control, via the at least one communication interface (3,4,53,54,56,83,84,89), the one or more lighting devices (31-33) according to a spectral light setting of the different spectral light settings, the spectral light setting corresponding to the selected option.

2. A system (1,51,81) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the selectable options are ordered in the user interface (36,37,201,211) according to energy consumption.

3. A system (1,51,81) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user interface (37,201) provides a slider (76,206) to enable the user to select the option from the plurality of options.

4. A system (1,51,81) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user interface (36,211) provides a plurality of buttons (61-64) to enable the user to select the option from theplurality of options, each of the buttons (61-64) corresponding to one of the plurality of options.

5. A system (1,51,81) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more lighting devices comprise a plurality of lighting devices (31-33) and the at least one processor (5,55,85) is configured to:- determine a contribution of each of the plurality of lighting devices (31-33) to the spectral light setting and / or to achieving the target functional setting, and- determine a light output level for each respective lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices (31-33) based on the contribution of the respective lighting device.

6. A system (81) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one processor (85) is configured to provide the user interface (201,211) with the plurality of options via the at least one communication interface (83,84,89).

7. A system (81) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the at least one processor (85) is configured to represent the energy consumption level of each of the plurality of options in the user interface (201,211).

8. A system (81) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the system (81) further comprises a memory (87) and the at least one processor (85) is configured to:- store the spectral light setting corresponding to the selected option in the memory (87) in association with the target functional setting,- obtain, via the at least one communication interface (83,84,89), one or more recall signals, and- retrieve the spectral light setting associated with the target functional setting from the memory (87) if the one or more recall signals indicate that a light setting corresponding to the target functional setting should be recalled, wherein the control of the one or more lighting devices (31-33) comprises controlling the one or more lighting devices (31-33) according to the retrieved spectral light setting.

9. A system (81) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the one or more target signals are further indicative of a use case and the at least one processor (85) is configured to:- store the spectral light setting corresponding to the selected option in the memory (87) further in association with the use case, and- retrieve the spectral light setting by retrieving the spectral light setting associated with the target functional setting and the use case if the one or more recall signals indicate that a light setting corresponding to the target functional setting should be recalled for the use case, wherein the control of the one or more lighting devices (31-33) comprises controlling the one or more lighting devices (31-33) according to the retrieved spectral light setting.

10. A system (81) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least one processor (85) is configured to:- obtain, via the at least one communication interface (83,84,89), one or more further target signals indicative of a further target functional setting and of a further use case,- determine a different further spectral light setting for each of a plurality of further options based on the further target functional setting, each of the different further spectral light settings achieving the further target functional setting with a different energy consumption,- provide, via the at least one communication interface (83,84,89), a further user interface (201,211) with the plurality of further options, the further user interface (201,211) enabling the user to select a further option from the plurality of further options, the plurality of further options comprising a first further option with a first further spectral light setting and a second further option with a second further spectral light setting, the second further spectral light setting having a lower energy consumption than the first further spectral light setting and comprising an increased spectral power in the green wavelength range compared to the first further spectral light setting,- receive a further selected option from the user via the at least one communication interface (83,84,89),- store a further spectral light setting of the different further spectral light settings in the memory (87) in association with the further target functional setting and the further use case, the further spectral light setting corresponding to the selected further option,- obtain one or more further recall signals via the at least one communication interface (83,84,89),- retrieve the further spectral light setting associated with the further target functional setting and the further use case from the memory (87) if the one or more further recall signals indicate that a light setting corresponding to the further target functional setting should be recalled for the further use case, and- control, via the at least one communication interface (83,84,89), the one or more lighting devices (31-33) according to the retrieved further spectral light setting.

11. A system (81) as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the at least one processor (85) is configured to:- perform presence detection in a space based on sensing data received from a presence sensor,- obtain, via the at least one communication interface (83,84,89), space information indicative of a location of the space and / or a function of the space,- select a use case from a plurality of use case based on a result of the presence detection and further based on at least one of the location of the space and the function of the space, the plurality of use cases comprising at least the use case, and- retrieve the spectral light setting associated with the target functional setting from the memory (87) if the selected use case is the use case.

12. A system (1,51,81) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one processor (5,55,85) is configured to:- determine a range of spectral light settings based on the target functional setting, and- determine the different spectral light settings for the plurality of options within the determined range.

13. A system (1,51,81) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the at least one processor (5,55,85) is configured to:- perform at least one of: obtaining information identifying a user via the at least one communication interface (3,4,53,54,56,83,84,89), and retrieving a history of selected spectral light settings from a memory (87), and- determine the range of spectral settings further based on at least one of the information identifying the user and the history of selected spectral light settings.

14. A method of controlling one or more lighting devices, the method comprising:- obtaining (101) one or more target signals indicative of a target functional setting;- determining (103), based on the target functional setting, a different spectral light setting for each of a plurality of options, each of the plurality of options relating to a different energy consumption and each of the different spectral light settings achieving the target functional setting with the different energy consumption, the plurality of options comprising a first option with a first spectral light setting and a second option with a second spectral light setting, the second spectral light setting having a lower energy consumption than the first spectral light setting and comprising an increased spectral power in the green wavelength range compared to the first spectral light setting;- receiving (105) a selected option, the selected option being selected by a user from the plurality of options via a user interface, and- controlling (107) the one or more lighting devices according to a spectral light setting of the different spectral light settings, the spectral light setting corresponding to the selected option.

15. A computer program product for a computing device, the computer program product comprising computer program code to perform the method of claim 14 when the computer program product is run on a processing unit of the computing device.

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