Controlling a lighting system

Abstract

Proposed concepts thus aim to provide schemes, solutions, concepts, designs, methods and systems pertaining to controlling a lighting system comprising one or more lighting devices. In particular, embodiments aim to provide a method for controlling a lighting system by generating separate parts of a lighting effect (describing a particular color and where it is placed on the lighting system and thus the projected lighting) responsive to a user's input (e.g., a text description) as well as generating corresponding explanations of the relationship between each part and the user's input. The lighting system is then controlled using the lighting effect data and a first user device (e.g., a speaker or display) is controlled to convey the explanation data to the user.

Description

[0001] 2024PF80525

[0002] 1

[0003] Controlling a lighting system

[0004] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0005] This invention relates to the field of controlling a lighting system.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Ambient lighting can be used to provide a variety of lighting effects, such as relevant colors for a particular mood / idea or even (extremely to very) low-resolution images based on a user’s desires (e.g., a text description of the type of lighting effect they want). However, users may struggle to understand how the light effects output in response to their input are related to their input and therefore, for example, be unable to provide accurate feedback or instructions to adjust the effect, or simply appreciate the lighting effect as intended.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The invention is defined by the claims.

[0010] According to examples in accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer-implemented method for controlling a lighting system comprising one or more lighting devices.

[0011] The computer-implemented method comprises: generating lighting effect data responsive to a user input, the lighting effect data comprising a plurality of parts and each part identifying a color to emit and one or more positions of said color on the lighting system; generating explanation data comprising, for each of the plurality of parts of the lighting effect data, a respective explanation of the relationship between the color and the user input; controlling the lighting system responsive to the lighting effect data; and controlling a first user device responsive to the explanation data.

[0012] Proposed concepts thus aim to provide schemes, solutions, concepts, designs, methods and systems pertaining to controlling a lighting system comprising one or more lighting devices. In particular, embodiments aim to provide a method for controlling a lighting system comprising one or more lighting devices by generating separate parts of a lighting effect (describing a particular color and where it is placed on the lighting system and2024PF80525

[0013] 2

[0014] thus the projected lighting) responsive to a user’s input (e.g., a text description) as well as generating corresponding explanations of the relationship between each part and the user’s input. One or more lighting devices of the lighting system are then controlled using the lighting effect data and a first user device (e.g., a speaker or display) is controlled to convey the explanation data to the user.

[0015] In this way, a user is provided with explanations of how each part (i.e., colour and placement) of the lighting effect was arrived at, starting from their input. In other words, a user can be provided with an explanation of a relationship between each part of the lighting effect and their input, and as such, can thus understand the thought process (of an Al or machine-learning model, for example) in arriving at the lighting effect which otherwise, they would not have had access to. The user can thus potentially appreciate the lighting effect more as well as, for example, instructing more accurate and / or reliable corrections / changes.

[0016] This invention may be of particular use in controlling, for example, ambient room lighting, lighting projected on to a wall, a (low-resolution) screen, strip lights, etc.

[0017] Ultimately, an improved method for controlling a lighting system is provided. In some embodiments, controlling the lighting system and the first user device may comprise: controlling the lighting system to output, in sequence, each of the plurality of parts of the lighting effect data synchronously with controlling the first user device to output, in corresponding sequence, the corresponding explanation of each part. In this way, a user may have the lighting effect explained to them part by part (i.e., color by color), essentially guided through the reasoning behind the lighting effect (in view of their input).

[0018] In some embodiments, the user input may comprise at least one of: textual input; spoken input; and / or graphical input. These provide particularly efficient forms of user input.

[0019] In some embodiments, generating the lighting effect data and the explanation data may comprise generating the lighting effect data and the explanation data with an Al model trained to generate the lighting effect data and the explanation data responsive to user input. An Al (artificial intelligence) model provides an effective and / or efficient way to generate both the lighting effect data and the explanation data separately and / or together.

[0020] In some embodiments, the user input may comprise textual and / or spoken input and the Al model may comprise a large language model. A large language model provides a particularly effective Al model for processing textual and / or spoken input data.2024PF80525

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[0022] In some embodiments, the first user device may comprise at least one of: a speaker; a smartphone; a tablet; a smartwatch; and a computer. These provide convenient and efficient options for the first user device.

[0023] In some embodiments, the lighting system may comprise at least one of a strip light; a plurality of strip lights; room lighting; a projector; and / or a screen. This provides effective options for the lighting system.

[0024] In some embodiments, the lighting system may comprise a grid of color-controllable pixels. This provides an effective form for the lighting system to output the lighting effect.

[0025] In some embodiments, the method may further comprise receiving the user input from a second user device. This provides a convenient and efficient way for the user to provide the user input.

[0026] In some embodiments, the first user device and the second user device may be the same. This further improves the convenience and efficiency of the method.

[0027] In some embodiments, the method may further comprise, after controlling the lighting system and the first user device: receiving further user input from a second user device; and adjusting the lighting effect data responsive to the further user input. This allows a user to suggest adjustments for the lighting effect.

[0028] In some embodiments, the user input may comprise a description of a target scene and / or target mood. The method is particularly effective for providing an explanation of a lighting effect with regard to a target scene and / or mood, as these may be particularly hard for a user to understand without any guidance.

[0029] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer program product comprising computer program code means which, when executed on a computing device having a processing system, cause the processing system to perform all of the steps of the computer-implemented method according to any of claims 1 to 12. The computer program product is stored in a non-transitory medium.

[0030] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a processing system for controlling a lighting system comprising one or more lighting devices. The processing system comprising: a processing unit configured to: generate lighting effect data responsive to a user input, the lighting effect data comprising a plurality of parts and each part identifying a color to emit and one or more positions of said color on the lighting system; generate explanation data comprising, for each of the plurality of parts of the lighting effect data, a respective explanation of the relationship between the color and the user input; and a2024PF80525

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[0032] control unit configured to: control the lighting system responsive to the lighting effect data; and control a first user device responsive to the explanation data.

[0033] In some embodiments, the control unit may be configured to: control the lighting system to output, in sequence, each of the plurality of parts of the lighting effect data synchronously with controlling the first user device to output, in corresponding sequence, the corresponding explanation of each part.

[0034] Thus, there may be proposed concepts for controlling a lighting system comprising one or more lighting devices, and this may be done based on generating lighting effect data and corresponding explanation data based on a user input.

[0035] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment s) described hereinafter.

[0036] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0038] Fig. l is a simplified flow diagram of a method for controlling a lighting system comprising one or more lighting devices according to a proposed embodiment;

[0039] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of parts of a lighting effect according to a proposed embodiment;

[0040] Fig. 3 is a flow diagram of a method for controlling a lighting system comprising one or more lighting devices according to a proposed embodiment;

[0041] Fig. 4 is a simplified block diagram of a processing system for controlling a lighting system comprising one or more lighting devices according to a proposed embodiment; and

[0042] Fig. 5 illustrates an example of a computer within which one or more parts of an embodiment may be employed.

[0043] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0044] The invention will be described with reference to the Figures.

[0045] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, systems and methods, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus, systems and2024PF80525

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[0047] methods of the present invention will become better understood from the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the Figures are merely schematic and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the Figures to indicate the same or similar parts.

[0048] Implementations in accordance with the present disclosure relate to various techniques, methods, schemes and / or solutions pertaining to controlling a lighting system comprising one or more lighting devices. According to proposed concepts, a number of possible solutions may be implemented separately or jointly. That is, although these possible solutions may be described below separately, two or more of these possible solutions may be implemented in one combination or another.

[0049] Embodiments of the invention aim to provide a method for controlling a lighting system comprising one or more lighting devices. This can be achieved by generating separate parts of a lighting effect (describing a particular color and where it is placed on the lighting system and thus the projected lighting) responsive to a user’s input (e.g., a text description) as well as generating corresponding explanations of the relationship between each part and the user’s input. The lighting system is then controlled using the lighting effect data and a first user device (e.g., a speaker or display) is controlled to convey the explanation data to the user.

[0050] Referring now to Fig. 1, there is depicted a simplified flow diagram of a computer-implemented method 100 for controlling a lighting system comprising one or more lighting devices according to a proposed embodiment. For example, in some embodiments, the lighting system comprises only a single lighting device and thus is essentially equivalent to the lighting device (e.g., a single projector, screen, or lighting strip). In other embodiments, the lighting system comprises a plurality of lighting devices, e.g., a plurality of lighting strips or a plurality of LEDs, and thus the lighting system is to be understood as the totality of all the lighting devices.

[0051] The method 100 begins with step 110 of generating lighting effect data responsive to (i.e., based on) a user input. The lighting effect data comprises a plurality of parts, wherein each part identifies a color to emit and one or more positions of said color on the lighting system (and thus naturally also identifies a color which will be emitted and one or more positions of said color in the emitted light, e.g., on a wall / ceiling after projection from the lighting system (though, of course, the positions will be mirrored compared to the positions on the lighting system)). The sum of parts (i.e., colors and their respective2024PF80525

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[0053] positions) thus makes up the lighting effect can be put into effect by a lighting system (comprising one or more lighting devices) using the lighting effect data.

[0054] In this embodiment, the user input comprises at least one of: textual input; spoken input; and / or graphical input. These provide particularly efficient forms of user input. For example, textual input allows a user to write their request for the lighting effect; spoken input allows a user to speak their request for the lighting effect; and graphical input allows a user to draw or upload an image which they would like the lighting effect to mimic, be similar to, and / or take inspiration from.

[0055] In this embodiment, the user input comprises a description of a target scene and / or a target mood. The present invention is particularly effective for providing an explanation of a lighting effect in relation to a target scene and / or mood, as these may be particularly hard for a user to understand without any guidance. A target scene can also be referred to as: a target image; a desired scene; a desired image; a target tableau; a target composition; a target arrangement; and a target frame. Some example target scenes are: flocks grazing on the meadows; spring; mountains; space; underwater; and futuristic city. A target mood can also be referred to as: a target feeling; a target ambience; and a target vibe. Some example target moods are: soothing; calming; exciting; happy; and festive.

[0056] The method 100 also comprises step 120 of generating explanation data comprising, for each of the plurality of parts, a respective explanation of the relationship between the color and the user input. In other words, the explanation data describes how each of the parts relates to (i.e., was derived from) the user input. The explanation data can take any suitable form for conveying information to a user, for instance, textual or audio data. The respective explanations could thus take the forms of descriptors, text snippets, portions of textual data, audio snippets, etc., as would be apparent to the skilled person.

[0057] In some embodiments (as will be seen later in relation to method 300), steps 110 and 120 are combined such that the explanation data is generated synchronously with the lighting effect data (e.g., by the same Al model). However, in other embodiments, the explanation data is generated separately to the lighting effect data (i.e., after generation of the lighting effect data) such that the relationship between the user input and the parts of the lighting effect data are effectively post-rationalized. For example, the lighting effect data and the input data could both be input into an Al model for generating an explanation of the relationships between each part and the user input.

[0058] The method 100 also comprises step 130 of controlling the lighting system responsive to (i.e., based on) the lighting effect data. In other words, the lighting effect data is2024PF80525

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[0060] output to the one or more lighting devices of the lighting system which then uses the lighting effect data to output said lighting effect. As the skilled person would understand, the lighting effect data can take any suitable form for facilitating the outputting of the lighting effect using a lighting system, for example, a matrix or list of hex-codes indicating the colors and locations of said colors on the lighting system (or on the intended projected image / lighting effect, though, as mentioned, these positions will of course be inverted compared to the positions on the lighting system).

[0061] In embodiments where the lighting system only comprises a single lighting device, controlling the lighting system can be understood as equivalent to controlling the lighting device. In embodiments where the lighting system comprises multiple lighting devices however, the controlling the lighting system can be understood as controlling at least one of or each of the lighting devices (dependent on the lighting effect data, as would be understood by the skilled person).

[0062] In one embodiment, the lighting system comprises a plurality of strip lights (i.e., each strip light is a lighting device). In other embodiments, however, as the skilled person would understand, the lighting system can comprise any other suitable system (i.e., one or more lighting devices) for outputting a lighting effect (i.e., capable of outputting different colors at different positions simultaneously) such as: a strip light; room lighting; a projector; and / or a screen.

[0063] Further, in one embodiment, the lighting system comprises a grid of color-controllable pixels. The plurality of strip lights may therefore be arranged one over the other to provide a grid of pixels. A grid of color-controllable pixels provides an effective form for the lighting system to output the lighting effect, though as the skilled person would understand, is not essential - for example, a liquid crystal panel could be employed in front of a light source or holographic gratings or diffraction patterns could be used.

[0064] The method 100 also comprises step 140 of controlling a first user device responsive to (i.e., based on) the explanation data. In other words, the explanation data is output to the first user device which then uses the explanation data to output the explanations (of the explanation data) to the user (e.g., visibly and / or audibly). Put another way, step 140 may comprise controlling a first user device to provide a user-perceptible output representing the explanations in the explanation data.

[0065] In this embodiment, the first user device comprises at least one of: a speaker; a smartphone; a tablet; a smartwatch; and a computer. These are all convenient and efficient options for the first user device, though as the skilled person would appreciate, in other2024PF80525

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[0067] embodiments, the first user device can comprise any suitable device for conveying the explanation data to a user.

[0068] Referring now to Fig. 2, there is depicted a diagram showing an example of parts of a lighting effect according to a proposed embodiment. For the purposes of this example, the lighting system comprises a single lighting device comprising a three-by-three grid of color controllable pixels.

[0069] In state 200, the three-by-three grid of color-controllable pixels of the lighting device are all turned off. This may, for instance, represent an initial state of the lighting device, i.e., prior to any control of the lighting device. Using a user input interface, such as their smartphone, a user inputs the prompt: “flocks grazing on the meadows” (which represents a user input).

[0070] In state 200a, all the pixels in the top row are turned blue - this is one part of the lighting effect as all the pixels are the same color and their positions are indicated as each of the top row of pixels. For example, this part of the lighting effect may take the form of instructions stating: RGB Code: #87CEEB; pixel 1, pixel 2, pixel 3.

[0071] Synchronously (i.e., not necessarily exactly simultaneously, but at least before the next part of the lighting effect is output) with this part of the lighting effect being output, the user is also provided with an explanation of said part (e.g., on their smartphone): “the top part represents the blue sky”.

[0072] In state 200b, several of the lower pixels are all turned green - this is the second part of the lighting effect. For example, this part of the lighting effect may take the form of instructions stating: RGB Code: #7CFC00; pixel 4; pixel 5; pixel 8; pixel 9.

[0073] Synchronously with this part of the lighting effect being output, the user is also provided with an explanation of said part: “the lower part represents the grassland”.

[0074] In state 200c, the remaining lower pixels are all turned white - this is the final part of the lighting effect. For example, this part of the lighting effect may take the form of instructions stating: RGB Code: #FFFFFF; pixel 6; pixel 7.

[0075] Synchronously with this part of the lighting effect being output, the user is also provided with an explanation of said part: “the white spots represent flocks of sheep on the grassland”.

[0076] In this way, the lighting system has been controlled to output the lighting effect (responsive to a user input in the form of the prompt) and the user is also provided with an explanation of the relationship between each part of the lighting effect and their input. Thus, now understanding that the top row is meant to represent the sky, the user could more2024PF80525

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[0078] accurately ask for the lighting effect to be adjusted to have a cloudy sky instead of a clear sky.

[0079] Going over the same example in more detail, a user inputs a text description for a desired target scene in the UI of a smartphone application: “Flocks grazing on the meadows”.

[0080] After receiving the input, an instruction is appended in front of the user’s input to guide a large language model (LLM) to output the content of the scene step by step. For example:

[0081] System: Your task is to visualize a scene based on user input, then describe its content with RGB hex step by step. Finally, display the complete scene within a 3x3 pixel grid.

[0082] User: Flocks grazing on the meadows.

[0083] The LLM then generates the following text:

[0084] Let’s visualize this scene step by step and describe the colors used in RGB hex does for the 3x3 pixel grid:

[0085] ### The top part represents the blue sky. **Sky Blue** Hex Code:

[0086] ‘#87CEEB’.

[0087] ### The lower part represents the grassland. **Pasture Green** Hex Code: ‘#7CFC00’.

[0088] ### Then we will have white spots on the green background to represent flocks of sheep on grass. **Sheep White** Hex Code: ‘#FFFFFF.

[0089] ### Complete 3x3 Pixel Grid

[0090] [#87CEEB] [#87CEEB] [#87CEEB]

[0091] [#7CFC00] [#7CFC00] [#FFFFFF]

[0092] [#FFFFFF] [#7CFC00] [#7CFC00]

[0093] The generated content from the LLM is then sent sequentially to the firmware, which lights up the corresponding channels. At the same time, the corresponding descriptions are displayed on the UI of the application.

[0094] As another example of a lighting effect, if the user input was ‘spring’, the white spots could be replaced with pink for blooming flowers, and the green would instead represent leaves instead of grassland. As another example of a lighting effect, if the user input was ‘Christmas’, the lighting effect data could comprise four parts corresponding to:2024PF80525

[0095] 10

[0096] red for a festive ribbon; green for a Christmas tree; gold for tinsel; and white for snow. In yet another example of a lighting effect, if the user input was ‘soothing lighting’, the lighting effect data could comprise two parts corresponding to: blue for gentle waves; and grey for a serene evening.

[0097] Referring now to Fig. 3, there is depicted a flow diagram of a method 300 for controlling a lighting system comprising one or more lighting devices according to a proposed embodiment.

[0098] Step 305 comprises receiving a user input from a second user device (e.g., smartphone, computer, smart home assistant, etc.). In this embodiment, the second user device is the same as the first user device (controlled in step 335) though this need not be the case in other embodiments.

[0099] In step 315, the lighting effect data and the explanation data are generated together. In other words, steps 110 and 120 of method 100 have essentially been combined into one step, i.e., steps 110 and 120 have been replaced by step 315. Step 315 comprises generating the lighting effect data and the explanation data with an Al (artificial intelligence) model trained to generate the lighting effect data and the explanation data responsive to user input. An Al model provides an effective and / or efficient way to generate both the lighting effect data and the explanation data together. In this embodiment, the same Al model which generates the lighting effect data also provides the explanation data as an explanation of its thoughts in arriving at the lighting effect data.

[0100] It should be mentioned that in other embodiments, different Al models can be used to generate the lighting effect data and the explanation data separately. For example, a first Al model can be used to generate the lighting effect data responsive to the user input, and then the lighting effect data and the user input can be input into a second Al model to generate the explanation data (i.e., find the relationships between each part of the lighting effect data and the user input (though these may not necessarily be the same relationships the first Al model was intending).

[0101] As the skilled person would appreciate, an Al model can take many forms, such as: a neural network (feedforward, convolutional, recurrent), a decision tree, a random forest, a support vector machine, a linear / logistic regression model, a hidden Markov model, etc.

[0102] In this embodiment, in fact, the Al model comprises a large language model, and correspondingly, the user input comprises textual and / or spoken input. A large language model is a particularly effective Al model for processing textual and / or spoken input data,2024PF80525

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[0104] and generating both linguistic explanations (for the explanation data) and code (for the lighting effect data). A large language model (LLM) is an artificial neural network trained on vast amounts of text data to understand and generate human-like language. These models process input text (or speech) by predicting the most likely next tokens in a sequence, allowing them to engage in tasks like conversation, writing, analysis, and code generation.

[0105] As the skilled person would understand, artificial intelligence (Al) can be understood as any technology that appears able to emulate the performance of a human (e.g., a program that has been trained on a set of data to recognize certain patterns or make certain decisions without further human intervention). A machine-learning model is an example of an Al and can be understood as an algorithm that can learn from a set of data and generalize to unseen data. A deep-learning model is an example of a machine-learning model and can be understood as an algorithm which imitates the human brain’s large neural network to learn from a vast amount of data without specific domain knowledge. Generative Al is an example of a deep-learning model which is capable of creating new, original content.

[0106] In step 335, the lighting system and the first user device are controlled together. In other words, steps 130 and 140 of method 100 have essentially been combined into one step, i.e., steps 130 and 140 have been replaced by step 335. Step 335 comprises controlling the lighting system to output, in sequence, each of the plurality of parts of the lighting effect data synchronously with controlling the first user device to output, in corresponding sequence, the corresponding explanation of each part. In this way, a user has the lighting effect explained to them part by part (color by color), essentially guided through the reasoning behind the lighting effect (in view of their input).

[0107] The plurality of parts being output in sequence is to be understood as only one part being output at a time before another part is output, such that there is a time delay between the outputting of the plurality of parts, i.e., that no two parts are output at the same time. As described above, the parts and their corresponding explanations being output synchronously is not to be understood as necessarily simultaneously (though this is preferred), but rather the corresponding explanation for a part should be output at least before the next part is output.

[0108] Step 340 comprises receiving further user input from the second user device (the same user device as the user input was received from in step 305. For example, in this embodiment, the further user input comprises a request for an adjustment of the lighting effect, but in other embodiments, for example, it can comprise a request for a whole new lighting effect (in which case, the method 300 would essentially repeat from step 315).2024PF80525

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[0110] Step 350 comprises adjusting the lighting effect data responsive to the further user input. As the skilled person would appreciate, the adjusted lighting effect data can then be used to control the lighting system to adjust the lighting effect currently being output -this can be accompanied by a corresponding explanation or not depending on, for example, settings and / or the complexity of the further user input.

[0111] Referring now to Fig. 4, there is depicted a processing system 400 for controlling a lighting system comprising one or more lighting devices according to a proposed embodiment. The system 400 comprises a processing unit 410 and a control unit 420. The processing system 400 is configured to (i.e., can be adapted to) perform any herein-disclosed method, for example, method 100 or 300.

[0112] In this embodiment, the processing unit 410 is configured to: generate lighting effect data responsive to a user input, the lighting effect data comprising a plurality of parts and each part identifying a color to emit and one or more positions of said color on the lighting system; and generate explanation data comprising, for each of the plurality of parts of the lighting effect data, a respective explanation of the relationship between the color and the user input.

[0113] In this embodiment, the control unit is accordingly configured to: control the lighting system responsive to the lighting effect data; and control a first user device responsive to the explanation data.

[0114] In some embodiments, the processing system 400 further comprises an input interface for receiving the user input.

[0115] Fig. 5 illustrates an example of a computer 500 within which one or more parts of an embodiment (e.g., the system 400 including both the processing unit 410 and the control unit 420) may be employed. Various operations discussed above may utilize the capabilities of the computer 500. In this regard, it is to be understood that system functional blocks can run on a single computer or may be distributed over several computers and locations (e.g. connected via internet).

[0116] The computer 500 includes, but is not limited to, PCs, workstations, laptops, PDAs, palm devices, servers, storages, and the like. Generally, in terms of hardware architecture, the computer 500 may include one or more processors 510, memory 520 and one or more I / O devices 530 that are communicatively coupled via a local interface (not shown). The local interface can be, for example but not limited to, one or more buses or other wired or wireless connections, as is known in the art. The local interface may have additional elements, such as controllers, buffers (caches), drivers, repeaters, and receivers, to enable2024PF80525

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[0118] communications. Further, the local interface may include address, control, and / or data connections to enable appropriate communications among the aforementioned components.

[0119] The processor 510 is a hardware device for executing software that can be stored in the memory 520. The processor 510 can be virtually any custom made or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), or an auxiliary processor among several processors associated with the computer 500, and the processor 510 may be a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip) or a microprocessor.

[0120] The memory 520 can include any one or combination of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM), such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), etc.) and non-volatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), electronically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), programmable read only memory (PROM), tape, compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM), disk, diskette, cartridge, cassette or the like, etc.). Moreover, the memory 520 may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and / or other types of storage media. Note that the memory 520 can have a distributed architecture, where various components are situated remote from one another, but can be accessed by the processor 510.

[0121] The software in the memory 520 may include one or more separate programs, each of which comprises an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementing logical functions (e.g., instructions for implementing method 100 or 300, or any other herein-disclosed method). The software in the memory 520 includes a suitable operating system (O / S) 550, compiler 560, source code 570, and one or more applications 580 in accordance with exemplary embodiments. As illustrated, the application 580 comprises numerous functional components for implementing the features and operations of the exemplary embodiments. The application 580 of the computer 500 may represent various applications, computational units, logic, functional units, processes, operations, virtual entities, and / or modules in accordance with exemplary embodiments, but the application 580 is not meant to be a limitation.

[0122] The operating system 550 controls the execution of other computer programs, and provides scheduling, input-output control, file and data management, memory management, and communication control and related services. It is contemplated by the inventors that the application 580 for implementing exemplary embodiments may be applicable on all commercially available operating systems.2024PF80525

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[0124] Application 580 may be a source program, executable program (object code), script, or any other entity comprising a set of instructions to be performed. When a source program, then the program is usually translated via a compiler (such as the compiler 560), assembler, interpreter, or the like, which may or may not be included within the memory 520, so as to operate properly in connection with the O / S 550. Furthermore, the application 580 can be written as an object oriented programming language, which has classes of data and methods, or a procedure programming language, which has routines, subroutines, and / or functions, for example but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Pascal, Python, BASIC, API calls, HTML, XHTML, XML, ASP scripts, JavaScript, FORTRAN, COBOL, Perl, Java, ADA, .NET, and the like. The application 580 can be stored in a non-transitory medium.

[0125] The I / O devices 530 may include input devices such as, for example but not limited to, a mouse, keyboard, scanner, microphone, camera, etc. Furthermore, the EO devices 530 may also include output devices, for example but not limited to a printer, display, etc. Finally, the EO devices 530 may further include devices that communicate both inputs and outputs, for instance but not limited to, a NIC or modulator / demodulator (for accessing remote devices, other files, devices, systems, or a network), a radio frequency (RF) or other transceiver, a telephonic interface, a bridge, a router, etc. The EO devices 530 also include components for communicating over various networks, such as the Internet or intranet.

[0126] If the computer 500 is a PC, workstation, intelligent device or the like, the software in the memory 520 may further include a basic input output system (BIOS) (omitted for simplicity). The BIOS is a set of essential software routines that initialize and test hardware at start-up, start the O / S 550, and support the transfer of data among the hardware devices. The BIOS is stored in some type of read-only-memory, such as ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM or the like, so that the BIOS can be executed when the computer 500 is activated.

[0127] When the computer 500 is in operation, the processor 510 is configured to execute software stored within the memory 520, to communicate data to and from the memory 520, and to generally control operations of the computer 500 pursuant to the software. The application 580 and the O / S 550 are read, in whole or in part, by the processor 510, perhaps buffered within the processor 510, and then executed.

[0128] When the application 580 is implemented in software it should be noted that the application 580 can be stored on virtually any computer readable medium for use by or in connection with any computer related system or method. In the context of this document, a computer readable medium may be an electronic, magnetic, optical, or other physical device2024PF80525

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[0130] or means that can contain or store a computer program for use by or in connection with a computer related system or method.

[0131] The application 580 can be embodied in any computer-readable medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer-based system, processor-containing system, or other system that can fetch the instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions. In the context of this document, a "computer-readable medium" can be any means that can store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The computer readable medium can be, for example but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, or propagation medium.

[0132] The methods of Figs. 1 and 3, and the system of Fig. 4, may be implemented in hardware or software, or a mixture of both (for example, as firmware running on a hardware device). To the extent that an embodiment is implemented partly or wholly in software, the functional steps illustrated in the process flowcharts may be performed by suitably programmed physical computing devices, such as one or more central processing units (CPUs) or graphics processing units (GPUs). Each process - and its individual component steps as illustrated in the flowcharts - may be performed by the same or different computing devices. According to embodiments, a computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program comprising computer program code configured to cause one or more physical computing devices to carry out an encoding or decoding method as described above when the program is run on the one or more physical computing devices.

[0133] Storage media may include volatile and non-volatile computer memory such as RAM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM, optical discs (like CD, DVD, BD), magnetic storage media (like hard discs and tapes). Various storage media may be fixed within a computing device or may be transportable, such that the one or more programs stored thereon can be loaded into a processor.

[0134] To the extent that an embodiment is implemented partly or wholly in hardware, the blocks shown in the block diagrams of Fig. 5 may be separate physical components, or logical subdivisions of single physical components, or may be all implemented in an integrated manner in one physical component. The functions of one block shown in the drawings may be divided between multiple components in an implementation, or the functions of multiple blocks shown in the drawings may be combined in single2024PF80525

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[0136] components in an implementation. Hardware components suitable for use in embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, conventional microprocessors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). One or more blocks may be implemented as a combination of dedicated hardware to perform some functions and one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuitry to perform other functions.

[0137] A single processor or other unit may fulfil the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. If a computer program is discussed above, it may be stored / distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems. If the term "adapted to" is used in the claims or description, it is noted the term "adapted to" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured to". Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

[0138] The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, 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 instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block 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 illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions, the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0139] Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the2024PF80525

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[0141] disclosure and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0142] The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0143] If the term "adapted to" is used in the claims or description, it is noted the term "adapted to" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured to". If the term "arrangement" is used in the claims or description, it is noted the term "arrangement" is intended to be equivalent to the term "system", and vice versa.

[0144] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

2024PF8052518CLAIMS:

1. A computer-implemented method (100) for controlling a lighting system comprising one or more lighting devices, the computer-implemented method comprising:generating lighting effect data (110) responsive to a user input, the lighting effect data comprising a plurality of parts and each part identifying a color to emit and one or more positions of said color on the lighting system;generating explanation data (120) comprising, for each of the plurality of parts of the lighting effect data, a respective explanation of the relationship between the color and the user input;controlling the lighting system (130) responsive to the lighting effect data; and controlling a first user device (140) responsive to the explanation data.

2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein controlling the lighting system and the first user device comprises:controlling the lighting system to output, in sequence, each of the plurality of parts of the lighting effect data synchronously with controlling the first user device to output, in corresponding sequence, the corresponding explanation of each part (335).

3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the user input comprises at least one of: textual input; spoken input; and / or graphical input.

4. The computer-implemented method of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein generating the lighting effect data and the explanation data comprises generating the lighting effect data and the explanation data with an Al model (315) trained to generate the lighting effect data and the explanation data responsive to user input.

5. The computer-implemented method of claim 4, wherein the user input comprises textual and / or spoken input and the Al model comprises a large language model.2024PF80525196. The computer-implemented method of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first user device comprises at least one of: a speaker; a smartphone; a tablet; a smartwatch; and a computer.

7. The computer-implemented method of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the lighting system comprises at least one of: a strip light; a plurality of strip lights; room lighting; a projector; and / or a screen.

8. The computer-implemented method of claim 7, wherein the lighting system comprises a grid of color-controllable pixels.

9. The computer-implemented method of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the method further comprises receiving the user input (305) from a second user device.

10. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, wherein the first user device and the second user device are the same.

11. The computer-implemented method of any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the method further comprises, after controlling the lighting system and the first user device:receiving further user input (340) from a second user device; and adjusting the lighting effect data (350) responsive to the further user input.

12. The computer-implemented method of any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the user input comprises a description of a target scene and / or a target mood.

13. A computer program product comprising computer program code means which, when executed on a computing device having a processing system, cause the processing system to perform all of the steps of the computer-implemented method according to any of claims 1 to 12.

14. A processing system (400) for controlling a lighting system comprising one or more lighting devices, the processing system comprising:a processing unit (410) configured to:2024PF8052520- generate lighting effect data responsive to a user input, the lighting effect data comprising a plurality of parts and each part identifying a color to emit and one or more positions of said color on the lighting system; and- generate explanation data comprising, for each of the plurality of parts of the lighting effect data, a respective explanation of the relationship between the color and the user input; anda control unit (420) configured to:- control the lighting system responsive to the lighting effect data; and - control a first user device responsive to the explanation data.

15. The processing system of claim 14, wherein the control unit is configured to: control the lighting system to output, in sequence, each of the plurality of parts of the lighting effect data synchronously with controlling the first user device to output, in corresponding sequence, the corresponding explanation of each part.

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