Methods and devices for operating a lighting system

Abstract

A method (1000) for operating a lighting system (100) comprising a first group of light sources (102a-c) and a second group of light sources (104a). The method comprises receiving (1020) a first control input (I1) for the first group of light sources, receiving (1040) a second control input (I2) for the second group of light sources within a first time window (w1) of the reception of the first control input, and receiving a third control input (I3) for either of the first or the second group within a second time window (w2) of the second control input. Upon a determination (1090) that the second control input shares a characteristic with the first control input, the method further comprises temporarily associating (1100) the first group of light sources and the second group of light sources as a temporary group, and controlling (1110) the temporary group according to the third control input.

Description

[0001] 2024PF80267

[0002] 1

[0003] Methods and devices for operating a lighting system

[0004] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0005] The present application relates generally to the field of lighting technology. More specifically, it relates to methods and devices for operating a lighting system.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007] Smart lighting systems are available for a wide range of applications, both for domestic and professional settings. A smart lighting system is an advanced setup that allows a user to control the lighting in a space through various means, such as a smartphone app, voice commands, or automated schedules. Such lighting systems may include smart bulbs including wireless connectivity allowing for remotely controlling the bulbs, smart switches and dimmers, central hubs or bridges connecting the smart lighting devices and enabling communication, various sensors for, e.g., detecting movement, light, sound, and smart plugs, which allow traditional lamps to be controlled.

[0008] Users may control the lighting in the system through, e.g., a remote control, an app, voice control, smart switches, and dimmers. Some lighting systems allow the user to define schedules or routines for lights to turn on or off at specific times or based on specified conditions. Lights may be turned on or off, dimmed, or the output color may be changed. A user may change the color and brightness of the lights to suit different moods or activities, such as reading, watching movies, or hosting a dinner party. Grouped lights may allow lighting scenes, such as dynamic scenes, entertainment scenes, and special effects. For example, the Philips Hue system allows a user to Sync lights with music, movies, or games for an immersive experience. The lights can change color and intensity based on the content played by the user.

[0009] Smart lighting systems often include energy-efficient light-emitting diode, (LED) bulbs, and may provide users with insights into the energy usage of the system. Thus, smart lighting systems may help reduce energy consumption.

[0010] A user may control groups of lights together. For example, the user may control lights arranged in the same physical space, such as a living room or bedroom. A 2024PF80267

[0011] 2 physical space can include several groups of light sources. A user may also control lights in a group which are not necessarily in the same physical space or room.

[0012] SUMMARY

[0013] One general aim of the present disclosure is to facilitate user control of a lighting system. Specifically, there is a desire to be able to improve the user control of groups of lights.

[0014] It is therefore an object of the present invention to meet at least some of the above-mentioned goals, and to provide an improved method for operating a lighting system.

[0015] This and other objects are achieved by means of a method, a lighting system controller, and a computer program product as defined in the appended independent claims. Other embodiments are defined by the dependent claims.

[0016] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a method for operating a lighting system is provided. The lighting system comprises a first group of light sources and a second group of light sources. The method comprises receiving a first control input for the first group of light sources, receiving a second control input for the second group of light sources within a first time window of the reception of the first control input, and receiving a third control input for either of the first or the second group within a second time window of the second control input. The method further comprises, upon a determination that the second control input shares a characteristic with the first control input, temporarily associating the first group of light sources and the second group of light sources as a temporary group and controlling the temporary group according to the third control input.

[0017] The first group of light sources comprises at least one light source, such as two light sources or a plurality of light sources. The second group of light sources comprises at least one light source, such as two light sources or a plurality of light sources.

[0018] The first control input may be an activation or instruction to turn on the first group of light sources. The first control input may for example define light settings for the first group of light sources. The second control input may be an activation or instruction to turn on the second group of light sources. The second control input may for example define light settings for the second group of light sources. Light settings may for example comprise a turn on / off command, a light intensity, a color of the light, a speed and / or pattern for dynamic changes of the light, etc.

[0019] The present disclosure provides methods, controllers and lighting systems allowing to temporarily group activated (regular) groups of light sources as a temporary 2024PF80267

[0020] 3 group and control the light output of both (all) regular groups within the temporary group using inputs received for either one of the regular groups of light sources. Any change input to one of the groups of light sources, such as brightness, or tempo of a light effect, may also be applied to the other group(s) of light sources within the temporary group.

[0021] The temporary association of groups starts when lighting scenes with, e.g., similar input or output are initiated within a first time window and an input to one of the groups is received within a second time window.

[0022] The present disclosure mainly describes the temporary association of two groups of light sources. However, it will be appreciated that the teachings of this disclosure may also be applied to temporarily associate more than two groups of light sources. For example, if a fourth control input for a third group of light sources is received within the second time window, and the third control input is received within the second time window, or within a third time window of the reception of the fourth control input, the first, second and third groups of light sources may be temporarily associated in a temporary group. The third control input may be applied to the temporary group comprising the first, second and third groups of light sources.

[0023] The temporary association of the groups is based on a determination that the first control input and the second control input share a characteristic. For example, the groups may be temporarily associated if the first and second control inputs share the same input and / or have a similar output. For example, an algorithm may be applied to detect similarity between the first and second control inputs.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the shared characteristic may comprise at least one of a color range, a color palette, a light intensity range, a dynamic lighting change rate, and a lighting type.

[0025] Groups of at least one light source may be controllable to provide lighting scenes. A lighting scene may define settings for each light source within the group, such as intensity and color. Light sources may be turned on / off, and their outputs controlled based on a desired lighting type. For example, ambient type light may provide a general illumination of a space, while focused type light may provide directed light for specific purposes, such as reading or cleaning.

[0026] In a static lighting scene, the light sources provide light of a static intensity and color. In groups comprising more than one light source, different light sources may provide different color and / or intensity. 2024PF80267

[0027] 4

[0028] In dynamic scenes, on the other hand, at least one light source may transition smoothly between different colors and / or intensities over time, creating a dynamic and engaging lighting experience. Unlike static scenes, where the lights stay fixed on a single color, dynamic scenes may continuously change colors, which may add a lively and immersive atmosphere to a space. Dynamic scenes may be used to, e.g., set a relaxing mood, create a festive environment, or enhance home decor.

[0029] A lighting system may also provide entertainment features, which may allow a user to synchronize smart lights with played media for an immersive lighting experience. When using an entertainment feature, lights may change colors and brightness in real-time to match what is displayed on a TV or computer display, or to match the changes of music being played. For example, smart lighting systems connected to a TV or computer may be used to create a surround lighting effect which may enhance the viewer experience of movies, shows, and video games. When synchronizing with a music playing device, the lights may adapt to a beat or rhythm of the music, thereby creating a dynamic light show.

[0030] Similarity between the first and second control inputs may be determined in different ways. The first and second control inputs may for example define or request the same type of lighting from their respective groups, such as ambient lighting or focused lighting. The third control input may then define an adjustment of the ambient or focused lighting, such as a dimming (change in intensity) or a change in color.

[0031] The first and second control inputs may for example share a color range or palette. In an example, the first and second control inputs may define different types of lighting, e.g., ambient lighting in one part of a room, and focused lighting in a different part of a room, while both requesting warm white light.

[0032] In a further example, one of the first and second control inputs may define an entertainment feature, linking the light output to a piece of media played on e.g., a TV or computer display or a speaker. The other of the first and second control inputs may define a dynamic scene. The dynamic scene may then be controlled to follow a change rate or a color palette of the entertainment feature.

[0033] According to some embodiments, a length of the first time window may be 3- 10 seconds. A length of the second time window may be 3-10 seconds.

[0034] The length of the first and / or second time window may be defined or adjusted by a user.

[0035] According to some embodiments, the method may further comprise receiving an input indicative of a length of the first time window and setting the length of the first time 2024PF80267

[0036] 5 window based on the input. Alternatively, or additionally, the method may further comprise receiving an input indicative of a length of the second time window and setting the length of the second time window based on the input.

[0037] According to some embodiments, the method may further comprise identifying a user from which the first control input originates, identifying a user from which the second control input originates, and identifying a user from which the third control input originates. The method may further comprise, upon a determination that the first control input, the second input and the third control input originate from one user, performing the temporary association of the first group and second group. The method may further comprise, upon a determination that at least two of the first control input, the second control input and the third control input originate from different users, controlling the first group and the second group separately.

[0038] For example, each control input may be associated with an input device. An input device may for example be a smart switch, a dimmer, or a user device, such as a phone, tablet, smart watch, computer, or the like.

[0039] For example, if the first, the second, and the third control inputs all originate from the same user device, the first and second group may be temporarily associated.

[0040] However, if the first, the second, and the third control inputs originate from at least two different user devices within the same lighting system, the timing of the control inputs may be a coincidence. Thus, in such a situation, the first and second groups may be controlled separately.

[0041] Alternatively, the temporary grouping may be done regardless of the user activating and controlling one of the groups.

[0042] For example, the method may comprise determining whether or not the first and second groups of light sources are arranged in the same space, or in adjacent spaces, such as adjacent rooms, as a step of determining whether to temporarily associate the first group and the second group as a temporary group. If the groups are arranged in the same space, or in adjacent spaces, the groups may be temporarily associated regardless of the user providing the inputs.

[0043] Further, light switches or dimmers may be associated with a specific group of light sources rather than a specific user. They may be referred to as stationary input devices. Inputs from such devices may not be associated with a specific user. If at least one of the first and the second control inputs originate from a stationary input device, the groups may be temporarily associated regardless of the user providing the inputs. Further, a group of light 2024PF80267

[0044] 6 sources may be associated with a specific physical space. For example, a user may register a light source as belonging to a specific physical space. The control may further be based on whether the first and second groups are arranged in (or registered as belonging to) the same or adjacent physical spaces. For example, if at least one of the first and the second control inputs originate from a stationary input device, the method may comprise verifying whether the first and second groups belong to the same or adjacent physical spaces. If it is determined that the first and second groups belong to the same or adjacent physical spaces, the method may proceed toward associating the first and second groups as a temporary group.

[0045] According to some embodiments, the method may further comprise, upon receiving a turn off control input for either of the first group of light sources or the second group of light sources, ending the temporary association of the first group of light sources and the second group of light sources.

[0046] The method may comprise ending the temporary association of the first group of light sources and the second group of light sources in response to receiving a user command, such as turn off control input, or a control input to cancel an effect or light scene.

[0047] The method may comprise ending the temporary association of the first group of light sources and the second group of light sources in response to receiving an indication of an ending of a piece of media to which an entertainment feature of at least one of the first and the second group of light sources is linked. For example, the temporary association may end when an audio or video item comes to an end or is stopped.

[0048] Furthermore, the method may comprise ending the temporary association of the first group of light sources and the second group of light sources in response to the ending of a temporary control input, such as the ending of a temporary light scene or a light schedule. For example, if the third control input is a temporary control input, such as a light scene or a light schedule, which ends at or after a predetermined time, the temporary grouping may also end at that time. If the first and / or the second group is associated with a light schedule starting at a predetermined time, this schedule may override the temporary association, such that the temporary grouping may end at that predetermined time.

[0049] Furthermore, method may comprise ending the temporary association of the first group of light sources and the second group of light sources in response to receiving a control input for either of the first and the second groups from a different user than the user initiating the temporary association of the groups.

[0050] According to some embodiments, the method may further comprise transmitting, to a user, the option to transform the temporary group into a new group, and 2024PF80267

[0051] 7 upon receiving from the user a confirmation to transform the temporary group into a new group, defining a new group comprising the first group and second group of light sources.

[0052] The method may therefore allow the user to generate new regular groups based on temporary groups associated by similar control inputs during a defined time period.

[0053] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a lighting system controller for operating a lighting system is provided. The lighting system comprises a first group of light sources and a second group of light sources. The controller is configured to receive a first control input for the first group of light sources, receive a second control input for the second group of light sources within a first time window of the reception of the first control input, and receive a third control input for either of the first or the second group within a second time window of the second control input. The controller is further configured to, upon a determination that the second control input shares a characteristic with the first control input, temporarily associate the first group of light sources and the second group of light sources as a temporary group and control the temporary group according to the third control input.

[0054] According to some embodiments, the controller may form part of a dedicated lighting system control unit.

[0055] For example, the controller may form part of a lighting system control bridge or a control hub. Such a bridge or hub may be configured to communicate with devices in the lighting system, such as light sources, sensors, and input devices.

[0056] According to some embodiments, the controller may be implemented in a user device.

[0057] For example, the controller may be implemented in or as a smart lighting control application for a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

[0058] According to some embodiments, the lighting system controller may comprise a user input interface. The controller may be configured to receive control inputs via the user input interface.

[0059] For example, the controller may receive control inputs from one or more input devices via the user input interface.

[0060] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a lighting system is provided. The lighting system comprises a first group of light sources, a second group of light sources, and a lighting system controller of the second aspect of the present disclosure. 2024PF80267

[0061] 8

[0062] According to some embodiments, the first group of light sources may comprise at least one light source arranged within a first physical space. The second group of light sources may comprise at least one light source arranged within a second physical space.

[0063] A group of light sources arranged within a same physical space may be referred to as a “room” (of lights). A physical space may be a room, such as a living room or a dining room, or an outdoor space, such as a patio or a garden path. A physical space may also be a part of a room, such as a dining area, seating area or a window area of a room.

[0064] Alternatively, or additionally, the first and / or second group may comprise at least two light sources arranged in different physical spaces. Such a group may be referred to as a “zone” (of lights).

[0065] According to some embodiments, the lighting system may further comprise a first input device, configured to receive the first user input and to convey the first user input to the controller. The lighting system may further comprise a second input device, configured to receive the second user input and to convey the second user input to the controller. The lighting system may further comprise a third input device, configured to receive the third user input and to convey the third user input to the controller.

[0066] A user input device may be a switch, a button, a user interface device such as a phone or tablet, a voice control receiver, etc.

[0067] The first, second, and / or third user input device may be the same user input device. Alternatively, at least one the first, the second and the third user input device may be different from the others.

[0068] At least one of the (first, second and third) user devices may be located separately (remotely) from at least one of the other user devices. For example, at least one user input device may be located in a first room or a first part of a room, and at least another user input device may be located in a second room or a second part of the same room.

[0069] For example, the first user input device may be a first switch configured to control the first group of lights. The second user input device may be a second switch configured to control the second group of lights. The third user input device may be either one of the first and the second switch, such that the third control input can be provided by either the first or second switch.

[0070] The first, second and third control input may be conveyed wirelessly, or via a wired connection to the controller.

[0071] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program product is provided. The computer program product comprises instructions which, when the 2024PF80267

[0072] 9 computer program product is executed by a lighting system controller, cause the lighting system controller to carry out the method according to the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0073] It is noted that other embodiments using all possible combinations of features recited in the above-described embodiments may be envisaged. Thus, the present disclosure also relates to all possible combinations of features mentioned herein. For example, the lighting system controller in accordance with the second aspect of this disclosure, may be configured to perform or execute the method in accordance with the first aspect of the disclosure. The method of the first aspect of this disclosure may be used to operate a lighting system of the third aspect of the present disclosure.

[0074] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0075] Exemplifying embodiments will now be described in more detail, with reference to the following appended drawings:

[0076] Fig. l is a schematic illustration of a room with a lighting system, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0077] Fig. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a lighting system, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0078] Figs. 3a-3c illustrate a timing of control signals, in accordance with some embodiments; and

[0079] Fig. 4 illustrates a lighting system controller, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0080] As illustrated in the figures, the sizes of the elements and regions may be exaggerated for illustrative purposes and, thus, are provided to illustrate the general structures of the embodiments. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

[0081] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0082] Exemplifying embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which currently preferred embodiments are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness, and fully convey the scope of the invention to the skilled person. 2024PF80267

[0083] 10

[0084] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a lighting system 100 arranged in a house comprising two physical spaces 10, 12.

[0085] The lighting system 100 comprises a first group of light sources 102a, 102b, 102c, arranged in the first physical space 10. The first physical space 10 may be a room, such as a living room, a bed room, or a dining room. The first group of light sources comprises a floor lamp 102a, a ceiling lamp 102b and a table lamp 102c. In the second physical space 12, a second group of light sources 104a is arranged. The second group of light sources comprises only a pendant lamp 104a. The second physical space 12 also includes a TV 14. The first and second physical spaces 10, 12 may both be parts of a larger physical space, such as a living room.

[0086] A controller 120, in the form of a dedicated lighting system control unit 108, is in communicative contact with the light sources 102a-c, 104a. A user 20a, 20b may provide control inputs to the controller 120 via an input device 110a, 110b, 112a, 112b. The input devices are illustrated as handheld user devices 1 lOa-b, and light switches 112a, 112b.

[0087] The controller 120 is configured to receive control inputs from the users 20a, 20b, via the input devices 1 lOa-b, 112a-b, and to control the light sources 102a-c, 104a, based on the control inputs. The light sources 102a-c, 104a may be controlled individually, or as groups, such as the first group 102a-c and the second group 104a. The lighting system 100 may also comprise sensors, illustrated as a motion sensor 106a and a microphone 106b. The sensors 106a-b may provide further information to the controller 120. For example, the controller 120 may turn on at least one light source 102a-c in the first space in response to a signal from the motion sensor 106a. The user 20a-b may, for example, provide voice control inputs to the controller 120 using the microphone 106b. In other words, the sensors 106a-b may also act as input devices.

[0088] As is illustrated in Figure 1, the controller may communicate wirelessly or via a wired connection with the light sources 102a-c, 104a, the sensors 106a-b, and the input devices 1 lOa-b, 112a-b. Specifically, the dedicated lighting system control unit 108 is connected with a wire to the ceiling light 102b and the light switch 112a in the first space 10. Further details of the controller 120 will be described below, with reference to Figure 4.

[0089] With additional reference to Figure 2, a method 1000 for operating a lighting system 100, in accordance with some embodiments, will be described.

[0090] The method 1000 may for example be implemented in a lighting system controller 120, such as a dedicated lighting system control unit 108. The method may also be implemented as instructions executable by a controller 120 and organized as a computer 2024PF80267

[0091] 11 program product. In the following, the method 1000 will be described in relation to the lighting system 100 illustrated in Figure 1. In Figure 2, optional method steps are illustrated with dashed outlines.

[0092] In Figure 2, the method 1000 starts with an idle state 1010, in which the system 100 is awaiting instructions. At step 1020, the controller 120 receives a first control input II for the first group of light sources 102a-c. At the reception 1020 of the first control input II, a first time window wl is started. If a second control input 12 for the second group of light sources 104a is received 1040 within the first time window wl, a second time window w2 is initiated. However, if no second control input 12 for the second group of light sources 104a is received 1040 within the first time window wl, the method returns to the idle state 1010.

[0093] If a third control input 13 for either of the first or the second group 102a-c, 104 is received 1060 within the second time window w2, the method proceeds further. However, if no third control input 13 for either of the first or the second group 102a-c, 104 is received 1060 within the second time window w2, the method returns to the idle state 1010.

[0094] At step 1090, a comparison of the first control input II and the second control input 12 is made. Specifically, it is determined whether the first control input II and the second control input 12 share a characteristic. If it is determined that the first and second control inputs 11, 12 do not share a characteristic, the method 1000 returns to the idle state 1010. Specifically, the third control input 13 may be applied, at step 1070, only to the group of light sources for which it was received. In other words, the first and second group of light sources are controlled separately 1070. However, upon a determination that the second control input 12 shares a characteristic with the first control input II, the method 1000 proceeds to temporarily 1100 associating the first group of light sources 102a-c and the second group of light sources 104a as a temporary group GT, and controls 1110 the temporary group according to the third control input 13. The controller 120 may apply control inputs received for either group of light sources in a temporary group to both, or all, of the groups in the temporary group. Specifically, any control inputs received for either one of the first and the second groups of light sources 102a-c, 104, while the first and second group 102a-c, 104 are temporarily associated, may be applied to both the first and the second group of light sources.

[0095] An example of the timing of the control signals is illustrated in Figure 3a. As the first control input II for the first group of light sources 102a-c is received, the first time window wl is triggered. During the first time window wl, a second control input 12 for the 2024PF80267

[0096] 12 second group of light sources 104a is received. This in turn initiates a second time window w2. If the third control input 13 is received, for either one of the first and the second group 102a-c, 104a, during the second time window, the first and second groups 102a-c, 104a are temporarily associated GT.

[0097] Figure 3a also illustrates the reception of a turn off control input lofif for either one of the first and the second group of light sources 102a-c, 104. This is illustrated as step 1150 in Figure 1. Upon the reception of the turn off control input lofif, the method 1000 proceeds to ending 1160 the temporary association GT of the first group of light sources and the second group of light sources and returns to the idle state 1010.

[0098] In an example, a user 20a, 20b may activate 1020 a first dynamic scene for the first group 102a-b and, at step 1040 within the first time window wl, activate a second dynamic scene for the second group 104a. Then, within the second time window, the user 20a, 20b may provide 1060 an input 13 to one of the two groups, e.g., setting the brightness of the second group 104a. From then on, the two groups of light sources 102a-c, 104a are temporarily grouped. Any settings made for the first group 102a-c may be applied also to the second group 104a, and vice versa. The temporary grouping of the scenes may be stopped (at step 1160) when one of the scenes for either of the groups is stopped (i.e., a turn off control input loff is received 1150), regardless of which user 20a, 20b initiated the temporary grouping GT.

[0099] Figure 3b illustrates a situation in which the second control input 12 is not received within the first time window wl. As a result, the first and second groups of light sources 102a-c, 104a, are not grouped. The third control input 13 is only applied to the group for which it was received.

[0100] Figure 3c illustrates a situation in which the second control input 12 is received within the first time window wl, but the third control input 13 is not received within the second time window w2. Also in this case, the first and second groups of light sources 102a- c, 104a, are not grouped, and the third control input 13 is only applied to the group for which it was received.

[0101] According to some embodiments, the method 1000 may comprise identifying the users from which control inputs originate. The reception 1020 of the first control input may comprise identifying 1025 a user U1 from which the first control input II originates. Similarly, a user U2 from which the second control input 12 originates 1040 may be identified 1045, and a user U3 from which the third control input 13 originates 1060 may be 2024PF80267

[0102] 13 identified 1065. For example, a user 20a, 20b, may be identified based on a user device 110a- b from which the control inputs 11-13 are received.

[0103] The method 1000 may further comprise, after receiving 1060 the third control input 13, comparing 1080 the users U1-U3 from which the first, second, and third control inputs 11-13 were received / originates. Upon a determination 1080 that the first control input II, the second input 12 and the third control input 13 originate from one user U1=U2=U3, the method may proceed further, for example to step 1090 where the first and second control inputs II, 12 are compared.

[0104] However, upon a determination 1080 that at least two of the first control input II, the second control input 12 and the third control input 13 originate from different users, the method may instead proceed to controlling 1070 the first group and the second group separately, based on their respective control inputs. Specifically, the third control input 13 may be applied only to the group of light sources for which it was received. Thus, according to some embodiments, the temporary association 1100 of groups of light sources may be made if the relevant control inputs 11- 13 originate from one user.

[0105] Alternatively, the temporary association 1100 of groups of light sources 102a- c, 104a, may be made regardless of the user 20a, 20b from which the control inputs 11-13 originate, or despite the user 20a, 20b not being identifiable for all the relevant control inputs 11-13. For example, identifying the originating user 10a, 20b for a control input received from a switch 112a-l 12b, may require some further input, for example from a sensor 106a-b, or using another user identifier.

[0106] A switch 112a-b, or other input device not necessarily linked to a specific user, may allow the user to determine or switch between scenes. A switch 112a-b for a lighting system 100 may, for example, allow the user 20a, 20b to switch between scenes by pressing multiple times on the switch.

[0107] As an illustrative example, a user 20a, 20b may start in the first space 10, and toggle a switch 112a in the first space 10 to activate (as the first control input II) the first group of light sources 102a-c. Within the first time window wl, the user 20a, 20b, may move to the second space 12, and on the switch 112b in the second space 12, activate (as the second control input 12) the second group of light sources 104a. Within the second time window w2, the user 20a, 20b, may toggle to a certain light scene (as the third control input 13), such as a warm white scene. As a result, according to the present method 1000, the first and second group of light sources 102a-c, 104a, are controlled according to the third control input 13, and thus both provide the warm white light scene selected by the user 20a, 20b. As long as the 2024PF80267

[0108] 14 temporary association of the groups of light sources is active, control inputs, such as a dimming or color temperature changes, received for either of the first and second group of light sources 102a-c, 104a, via any input device 1 lOa-b, 112a-b, may be applied to both groups of light sources 102a-c, 104a.

[0109] In another example, the user 20a, 20b, may activate a dynamic effect in one space, such as the first space 10, and an entertainment effect in another space, such as the second space 20. For example, the user 20b may activate an entertainment effect for the second group of light sources 104a, such that the light output of the light source 104a changes based on what is shown on the TV 14. To harmonize the lighting experience, the users 20a, 20b may prefer that the tempo of a dynamic effect applied to the light sources 104a-c in the first space 10 matches that of the entertainment effect. With the present method, this may be achieved by starting the entertainment effect and the dynamic effect as the first and second inputs II, 12 within the first time window. The tempo may then be adjusted as the third input for either of the first and second groups of light sources 102a-c, 104a, within the second time window w2.

[0110] According to some embodiments, the method 1000 may further comprise transmitting 1120 the option to transform the temporary group into a new (regular, nontemporary) group to a user 20a, 20b. For example, the option to transform the temporary group into a new group, may be transferred to a user device 1 lOa-b, such as a user device from which at least one of the inputs 11-13 were received. Upon reception of a confirmation to transform the temporary group into a new group, the method 1000 may proceed to defining 1140 a new group comprising the first group and second group. If no confirmation is received, the temporary group may remain a temporary group until a turn off control input (loff) is received, or the temporary association is ended for another reason.

[0111] The method 1000 and system 100 may further provide the user the option to define or adjust the lengths of the first and / or second time windows wl, w2. For example, the method 1000 may comprise receiving 1210 an input indicative of a length of the first time window wl. Upon reception of such an input, the method may comprise setting 1220 the length of the first time window wl based on the received input. Similarly, the method 1000 may comprise receiving 1230 an input indicative of a length of the second time window w2. Upon reception of such an input, the method 1000 may comprise setting 1240 the length of the second time window w2 based on the received input. The adjustment or setting of the lengths of the time windows wl, w2 may be initiated by the user inserting an input indicative of the length of a time window. The adjustment or setting of the lengths of the time windows 2024PF80267

[0112] 15 wl, w2 may take place in parallel with, or separately from, any of the other steps of the method 1000.

[0113] Figure 4 shows a block diagram of a controller 120, in accordance with some embodiments. The controller 104 can be implemented, for example, in a consumer or user device 110a, 110b such as a smartphone, other mobile phone, tablet computer, wearable computing device (for example, a smart watch, eyeglasses, or a head wearable display), desktop computer, laptop computer, or implemented with distributed computing devices. The controller 120 may include conventional computer components, such as a processor 124, a storage device 126, a network interface 122, a user input interface 128, and a user output interface 130.

[0114] Network interface 122 can provide a connection to a wide area network (for example, the Internet) to which a WAN interface of a remote server system is also connected. Network interface 120 can include a wired interface (for example, ethernet) and / or a wireless interface implementing various RF data communication standards, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular data network standards (for example, 3G, 4G, 5G, 60 GHz, or LTE).

[0115] User input interface 128 may communicate with any device via which a user can provide signals to the controller 120, which in turn can interpret the signals as indicative of particular user requests or information. User input interface 128 may for example communicate with a keyboard, a touch pad, a touch screen, a mouse or other pointing device, a scroll wheel, a click wheel, a dial, a button, a switch, a keypad, a microphone 106b, a sensor (for example, a motion sensor 106a).

[0116] User output interface 130 may communicate with any device via which the controller 120 can provide information to a user. For example, user output interface 130 can communicate with a display to display images generated by or delivered to the controller 120. A device such as a touch screen that functions as both input and output device can be used. User output devices 424 can be provided in addition to or instead of a display. Examples include indicator lights, speakers, tactile “display” devices, printers, and so on.

[0117] The controller 120 may be implemented in a dedicated unit, such as a lighting system control unit 108. The controller 120 may be implemented in a wall panel, a desktop computer terminal, or even a portable terminal 1 lOa-b, such as a laptop, a tablet, or a smartphone.

[0118] Alternatively, the controller 120 may be incorporated into a light source 102a- c, 104a of the lighting system 100. Further, the controller 120 may be implemented in the environment or remote from the environment (for example, on a server of the building or 2024PF80267

[0119] 16 even outside the building at a different geographical site); and the controller 120 may be implemented in a single unit or in the form of distributed functionality distributed amongst multiple separate units (for example, a distributed server comprising multiple server units at one or more geographical sites, or a distributed control function distributed amongst the luminaires or amongst the luminaires and the sensor).

[0120] Furthermore, the controller 120 may, at least in part, be implemented in the form of software stored on a memory (comprising one or more memory devices) and arranged for execution on a processor (comprising one or more processing units), or the controller 120 may be implemented in the form of dedicated hardware circuitry, or configurable or reconfigurable circuitry, such as a PGA or FPGA, or any combination of these.

[0121] Regarding the various communication involved in implementing the functionality discussed below, to enable the controller 120 to receive, e.g., sensor readings from the sensors 106a-b, and to control the light output of the light sources 102a-c, 104a, these may be implemented in by any suitable wired and / or wireless means, for example, by means of a wired network, such as an ethernet network, a DMX network or the Internet, or by means of a wireless network, such as a local (short range) RF network, for example, a Wi-Fi, ZigBee or Bluetooth network, or any combination of these and / or other means.

[0122] The person skilled in the art realizes that the present invention by no means is limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

[0123] Although features and elements are described above in particular combinations, each feature or element can be used alone without the other features and elements or in various combinations with or without other features and elements.

[0124] Additionally, variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by the skilled person in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain features are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these features cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

2024PF8026717CLAIMS:

1. A method (1000) for operating a lighting system comprising a first group of light sources (102a-c) and a second group of light sources (104a), the method comprising: receiving (1020) a first control input (II) for the first group of light sources; receiving (1040) a second control input (12) for the second group of light sources within a first time window (wl) of the reception of the first control input; receiving (1060) a third control input (13) for either of the first group of light sources or the second group of light sources within a second time window (w2) of the second control input; and upon a determination (1090) that the second control input shares a characteristic with the first control input: temporarily (1100) associating the first group of light sources and the second group of light sources as a temporary group, and controlling (1110) the temporary group according to the third control input.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the shared characteristic may comprise at least one of a color range, a color palette, a light intensity range, a dynamic lighting change rate, and a lighting type.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a length of the first time window is 3-10 seconds, and a length of the second time window is 3-10 seconds.

4. The method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising: receiving (1210) an input indicative of a length of the first time window, and setting (1220) the length of the first time window based on the input; and / or receiving (1230) an input indicative of a length of the second time window, and setting (1240) the length of the second time window based on the input.

5. The method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising: identifying (1025) a user (Ul) from which the first control input originates;2024PF8026718 identifying (1045) a user (U2) from which the second control input originates; identifying (1065) a user (U3) from which the third control input originates; upon a determination (1080) that the first control input, the second input and the third control input originate from one user, performing the temporary association of the first group and second group; and upon a determination (1080) that at least two of the first control input, the second control input and the third control input originate from different users, controlling (1070) the first group and the second group separately.

6. The method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising upon receiving (1150) a turn off control input (lofif) for either of the first group of light sources or the second group of light sources, ending (1160) the temporary association of the first group of light sources and the second group of light sources.

7. The method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising: transmitting (1120), to a user, the option to transform the temporary group into a new group; upon receiving (1130), from the user, a confirmation (IG) to transform the temporary group into a new group, defining (1140) a new group comprising the first group and second group.

8. A lighting system controller (120) for operating a lighting system (100) comprising a first group of light sources (102a-c) and a second group of light sources (104), the controller being configured to: receive (1020) a first control input (II) for the first group of light sources; receive (1040) a second control input (12) for the second group of light sources within a first time window (wl) of the reception of the first control input; receive (1060) a third control input (13) for either of the first or the second group within a second time window (w2) of the second control input; and upon a determination (1090) that the second control input shares a characteristic with the first control input: temporarily associate (1100) the first group of light sources and the second group of light sources as a temporary group, and control (1110) the temporary group according to the third control input.2024PF80267199. The lighting system controller of claim 8, wherein the controller forms part of a dedicated lighting system control unit (108).

10. The lighting system controller of claim 8, wherein the controller is implemented in a user device (1 lOa-b).

11. The lighting system controller of any of claims 8-10, further comprising a user input interface (128), wherein the controller is configured to receive control inputs via the user input interface.

12. A lighting system (100) comprising: a first group of light sources (102a-c); a second group of light sources (104a); and the lighting system controller (120) of any of claims 8-11.

13. The lighting system of claim 12, wherein: the first group comprises at least one light source arranged within a first physical space (10); and / or the second group comprises at least one light source arranged within a second physical space (12).

14. The lighting system of any of claims 12 or 13, further comprising: a first input device (1 lOa-b, 112a-b), configured to receive the first user input and to convey the first user input to the controller; a second input device (1 lOa-b, 112a-b), configured to receive the second user input and to convey the second user input to the controller; a third input device (1 lOa-b, 112a-b), configured to receive the third user input and to convey the third user input to the controller.

15. A computer program product comprising instructions which, when the computer program product is executed by a lighting system controller (120), cause the lighting system controller to carry out the method (1000) according to any one of claims 1-8.

Images