WO2013011411A1

WO2013011411A1 - Method and configuration unit for configuring a lighting system

Info

Publication number: WO2013011411A1
Application number: PCT/IB2012/053500
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ashish Vijay Pandharipande; Wolfgang Otto Budde
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.; Philips Intellectual Property & Standards Gmbh
Priority date: 2011-07-20
Filing date: 2012-07-09
Publication date: 2013-01-24

Abstract

A method and a configuration unit for configuring a lighting system (1), wherein the lighting system comprises an illumination device (2) arranged to illuminate a space (3). The method comprises the steps of monitoring a location of a target (8) within the space for a setting of a lighting of the lighting system. Furthermore, the method comprises the step of establishing a correlation between the setting and the monitored location of the target.

Description

Method and configuration unit for configuring a lighting system

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and a configuration unit for configuring a lighting system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of artificial lighting to achieve practical or aesthetic effects is continuously increasing. Both for indoor and outdoor settings, there are numerous examples of lighting systems including e.g. light bulbs, light emitting diodes (LEDs), and spot lights for offices, restaurants, museums, advertising boards, homes, shops, shop windows, and so on.

Whatever the light source may be, however, there is a wish to save energy. The saving of energy may be improved by manual control of the light source, e.g. that a person in a room is more attentive to use the lighting only when needed, thereby switching on the light upon arrival and switching off the light when leaving the room.

However, manual control of the lighting may sometimes be undesired when considering energy saving. For example, a user may easily forget to turn off the lighting when leaving a room/space. Furthermore, a manual control of the lighting may be undesired and/or inefficient, e.g. for the lighting in stores. Instead, it is advantageous that a lighting control unit is able to turn off or turn on light sources without the operation of a person. In other words, it is advantageous to provide an automatic control of the lighting. In addition, automatic control of the lighting is especially advantageous in systems comprising a plurality of light sources, and in particular if the light sources are placed at different locations in a room.

In light of the above observations, there is an increasing need for automatic lighting systems which can lead to an energy-efficient lighting.

In patent document WO-2005/069698, a lighting control related to the detection of occupants is disclosed. Light which is emitted in each local area is uniquely modulated to identify the respective area. The modulated light is detected by wearable occupancy detectors in the local areas, which in turn transmit detector-locator signals to lighting control units, thereby identifying which local areas are occupied. These signals may also uniquely identify the respective detectors, thereby enabling a lighting system controller to determine the number and identities of the detectors in each local area.

However, alternative and/or complementary solutions for lighting may be of interest, such that a more energy efficient lighting is provided.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to mitigate the above problems and to provide methods and devices for an improved lighting.

This and other objects are achieved by providing a method of configuring a lighting system, a configuration unit, and a control unit having the features defined in the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

Hence, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of configuring a lighting system. The lighting system comprises at least one illumination device arranged to illuminate a space. The method comprises the steps of monitoring a location of a target within the space for a setting of a lighting of the lighting system. Furthermore, the method comprises the step of establishing a correlation between the setting and the monitored location of the target.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a configuration unit for configuring a lighting system. The configuration unit is adapted to monitor a location of a target within the space for a setting of a lighting of the lighting system. Furthermore, the configuration unit comprises the step of establishing a correlation between the setting of the lighting and the monitored location of the target.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control unit for controlling lighting in a lighting system. The control unit is configured to receive a correlation between a setting of the lighting of the lighting system and a location of a target. Furthermore, the control unit is configured to control the illumination device based on the correlation and a desired location of the target.

Thus, the present invention is based on the idea of configuring a lighting system with respect to location(s) of target(s) within a space by establishing a correlation between the setting of light and the location(s) of the target(s), i.e. the position(s) of the target(s). The correlation is representative of the relationship between the setting of light and the location(s) of the target(s). Thus, a configuration process is first provided wherein a correlation is established between the setting of light and the location(s) of the target(s) within the space. The present invention is advantageous in that location(s) of the target(s) within the space may be estimated or derived from setting(s) of the lighting of the lighting system within the space, based on the correlation. In other words, a location of a target within a space may be estimated in advance, based on a setting of light within that space.

During the configuration process/session, the method of the present invention establishes/determines a correlation by which, at a later stage (e.g. during control of the lighting system), location(s) of target(s) may be estimated from the setting(s) of light within the space. By means of the correlation, corresponding to a mapping/transfer function from the setting of light to the location of a target, the correlation is used for providing an estimation/prediction, i.e. a beforehand (a priori) estimate, of the location of the target by a setting of the lighting within the space. Furthermore, the location of the target may be estimated without the need of performing in situ presence detections and/or estimations of the target in the space.

It will be appreciated that the inventors have realized that a method of configuring and a configuration unit may be provided to configure a lighting system with respect to illumination/light within a space and a location of a target within the space by a correlation, established during a prior/preparatory configuration process or session.

Furthermore, after the configuration process, a control unit may be provided to control the illumination device based on the correlation and a desired (or intended) location of the target.

As a result, the lighting system is prepared for forthcoming

estimations/determinations of target locations in the space for a setting/control of the lighting. The present invention is advantageous in that it provides a configuration of the lighting system with respect to location(s) of target(s) in a space. The correlation established during the configuration process provides an estimation/determination of location(s) of target(s) in the space from the setting of the lighting in the space. By this, the location of the target may be anticipated in advance. Moreover, the location of the target may be

anticipated/estimated/determined without the need of direct measurements/estimations of the location of the target in the space (e.g. by presence sensors). In contrast, prior art systems, based on e.g. presence detection of a person in a room, may adjust the light only when presence of a person is sensed. However, these systems are inferior to the present invention, e.g. in that the systems do not set the light based on any knowledge of the relation between the lighting and the target location. The prior art systems are thereby related to numerous drawbacks, e.g. in that the lighting is not energy efficient and/or that the lighting is not conveniently set for the target(s). Conversely, the configuring method, the configuration unit and the control unit of the present invention are highly advantageous in that they efficiently and conveniently prepare the lighting system for an energy-saving setting/control of the lighting in a space and/or for a desired/convenient lighting for target(s) in the space.

The present invention is further advantageous in that the correlation between the setting of the lighting and the monitored location of the target(s) provides a saving in energy based on the knowledge of how a setting of the lighting influences/affects the target. In other words, the lighting may be optimized in terms of energy savings, based on the correlation. For example, a lighting in a space may be reduced if the correlation function provides an estimate that a presence of a target (dependent on the lighting) in that space is low. Alternatively, the lighting in a space may be increased if the presence of a target in that space is low, with the purpose of increasing the target presence in that space. Furthermore, the lighting may be concentrated to areas wherein targets are estimated to be present, based on the correlation. Hence, the setting of the lighting may be adjusted/controlled to save energy based on the correlation, i.e. the relationship between the setting of light and the location(s) of the target(s).

Another advantage of the present invention is that the correlation between the setting of the lighting and the monitored location of the target(s) provides a knowledge how a setting of the lighting influences/affects the target to be led/guided to a space. In other words, the lighting may be set to guide a target to a space, based on the beforehand estimate

(provided by the correlation) that a setting of the light guides target to that space. For example, the correlation of the present invention provides the information (estimation) that a setting of the lighting may attract/guide/re-orient targets to a space of interest, e.g. a chair, sofa or book shelf in a room, a painting, sculpture or model in a museum, etc. Furthermore, the observation that the correlation provides a knowledge/estimate how the target to be led/guided to a space is influenced/affected by the lighting, may even further contribute to the saving of energy. This is understood in that the correlation provides an optimized setting of the lighting (e.g. by a concentration of light into spots and/or paths in the space) while still providing a desired/intended presence/movement of the target in/to that space.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the lighting in a space, based on the correlation between the setting of the lighting and the monitored location of the target(s) (from the configuration process/session), may be set without any presence detection(s) of target(s) in a control process/session after the configuration session. Hence, presence detection devices, e.g. sensors, may be refrained from in the setting of the lighting in the space, as the setting of the lighting may instead be based on the correlation. For example, sensors activated during the configuration process may be turned off during the ensuing setting of the lighting. By this, the correlation even further contributes to the saving of energy in the setting of the lighting in the space and/or provides a more simple setting of light.

The present invention is even further advantageous in that the correlation between the setting of the lighting and the monitored location of the target(s) may be implemented/used in a setting of the lighting for other spaces other than that/those during the configuration process. For example, by establishing a correlation in a space (or a plurality of spaces), the correlation may be used for the setting of the lighting in another space, (possibly) different from the space(s) of the configuration process. For example, a correlation established for a home, museum, store, or the like, may be implemented/used in a setting of the lighting for other homes, museums and/or stores. Hence, the present invention is convenient in that the lighting may be set in spaces other than the space wherein the configurations process was performed.

The method of the present invention comprises the step of monitoring a location of a target within the space for a setting of a lighting of the lighting system. It will be appreciated that the term "space" may be construed as a position/region/area (indoor or outdoor) wherein a target is estimated to be temporarily present, or to be present in a future time. The space may e.g. be a house, a store, a museum, or the like, or a partially closed space, e.g. a room, or a sub-space (zone) of the space itself. Analogously, the terms

"illuminate a space" may relate to indoor lighting, i.e. lighting in an indoor space, as well as outdoor lighting, i.e. lighting in an outdoor space. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the terms "monitoring a location" may comprise the action(s) of observing, registering, controlling, saving and/or storing a location (of a target). Furthermore, the terms "setting of a lighting" may be construed as a distribution of light from the illumination device(s) of the lighting system, wherein the distribution of light may arise from e.g. the spatial configuration and/or the power of the illumination device(s). Alternatively, the "setting of the lighting" may be construed as the actual switch of the illumination device, e.g. modes of "on", "off, "dimmed", etc. Hence, the monitoring implies that for a setting of a lighting of the lighting system, a corresponding location of the target(s) is monitored/registered. Preferably, a plurality of settings (e.g. comprising different spatial arrangements and/or different emitted power of the illumination devices) are performed, wherein a plurality of locations of the target are monitored, corresponding to these settings of the lighting.

The method of the present invention further comprises the step of establishing a correlation between the setting of the lighting and the monitored location of the target(s). The term "correlation" may be construed as a relationship (mapping) between (from) the setting of the lighting of the lighting system and (to) the monitored location of the target. In other words, the correlation may here be construed as a mathematical function or operative matrix relating the setting to the (estimated) location of the target.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the step of monitoring may be performed at a plurality of time instants. In other words, a plurality of target locations are monitored for target(s) within the space at corresponding points in time. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the correlation between the setting and the monitored location of the target is established based on a plurality of setting/location data in time, leading to a more precise correlation.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the method may further comprise the step of determining a utilization of the space or a zone of the space based on the monitored location of the target as a function of time, and assigning a score related to the utilization of the space. It will be appreciated that the term "utilization" may be construed as to what extent one or more target(s) are present in the space or zone of the space as a function of time. In the embodiment of the present invention, a score is assigned based on this utilization, wherein the score is related to the number of targets in the space and/or the time the targets are located in the space. For example, a high score may be assigned to a space or a zone of a space if a large number of targets are present in that space/zone and/or for a long period of time. The present embodiment is advantageous in that a space or a zone of the space may be evaluated based on its score, i.e. it may be evaluated to what extent the zone/space is utilized. The present embodiment thereby saves energy in that a lighting may be dimmed or switched off in a space/zone having a low score. Furthermore, an increased lighting may be provided to a space/zone having a high score. The present embodiment is further advantageous in that an arrangement of objects in the spaces/zones may be evaluated based on the scores of the spaces/zones. For example, if it is desired that an object (e.g. a painting in a museum) attracts more attention, the object may be re-arranged into a space/zone of a higher score and/or that the setting of the lighting is changed such that the space/zone of the object attracts more targets and/or that the targets stay in the space/zone for a longer time. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the step of monitoring may be performed for a plurality of settings of the lighting system. It will be appreciated that the terms "plurality of settings" may be construed as a plurality of spatial configurations and/or settings of the power of the illumination device(s). The present embodiment is advantageous in that the correlation between the setting and the monitored location of the target is established based on a plurality of settings of the lighting, leading to an even more precise and/or versatile correlation. Furthermore, the step of monitoring may be performed at a plurality of time instants and a plurality of settings of the lighting, leading to an even more precise/versatile correlation between the setting of light and the monitored location(s) of the target(s).

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the method may further comprise the steps of obtaining information relative to the space and establishing the correlation based on the information. The information relative to the space may be obtained in situ, e.g. information relating to the shape of the space and/or furniture arranged in the space. Alternatively, the information may be obtained in advance relative to the space (e.g. drawings, designs and/or plans). The present embodiment is advantageous in that the information even further improves the correlation between the setting and the monitored location of the target. A further advantage provided by the information relative to the space (compared to any previously provided information of the space) is that the information may comprise possible changes in the space (e.g. refurnishing). This is beneficial, as the correlation may be based on information regarding the present structure/appearance of the space. Furthermore, the correlation may be based on information on how the structure of the space and/or the furniture cast shadows in the space. Information relative to the space may be obtained by means for transmitting and receiving signals, e.g. a sensor and a receiver.

Alternatively, the means may be any picture recording system (e.g. a camera or film camera) for receiving information relative to the space.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the method may further comprise the steps of estimating a velocity of the target such that a trajectory of the target is estimated as a function of time, and establishing a correlation between the setting and the estimated trajectory. Compared to monitoring presence detection of a target, the present embodiment is advantageous in that a location of the target in the space is obtained in advance via the estimated trajectory. In other words, independently or in addition to a current/momentary location of the target, the correlation is established based on an anticipated/estimated location of the target, leading to an even more improved correlation. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the step of monitoring may include recording an instantaneous location of a target and a time stamp for the instantaneous location. It will be appreciated that the terms "instantaneous location" may be construed as a location of the target(s) at a point in time. In other words, the locations of the target(s) may be sampled. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the instantaneous location of target(s), recorded with a time stamp, provides a structured and/or precise recording/documentation of the location of the target. From this recording, numerous pieces of information may be deduced, e.g. an increase/decrease of targets to/from a space, the concentration of targets in a space, the velocity/acceleration of targets, etc. Consequently, the correlation between the setting of the lighting and the location of the target may be even further improved.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the setting may include at least one of the illumination intensity, the spatial coverage, the color temperature, the spectral characteristics and the wavelength of the light source of the lighting system. In other words, the setting of the lighting system may comprise the lighting itself (e.g.

intensity(power) and/or wavelength) and/or the distribution of the light source (e.g.

arrangement and/or number of light sources). By this, substantially any aspect of the term "setting" may be construed for the setting of a lighting of the lighting system. The present embodiment is advantageous in that a correlation may be established between substantially any (or a plurality of) setting(s) and the monitored location of the target. For example, a correlation may be established from the intensity distribution in the space to the monitored location(s) of target(s).

In the present application, it will be appreciated that the distribution of light within the space may include both artificial lighting (from the setting of the light) and/or daylight. The daylight, such as sunlight, may be provided in the space by radiation into the space (such as a room) via e.g. a window, or any artificial lighting such as e.g. street lighting or corridor lighting. The correlation between the setting and the monitored location of the target may therefore include daylight, as the targets may be located/move with respect to the total distribution of light within the space, i.e. both artificial lighting and daylight.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the method may further comprise the step of establishing a behavior pattern based on the estimated trajectory for a setting. It will be appreciated that the terms "behavior pattern" may be construed as e.g. a recurrent/periodical scheme of the movement of the target(s). In other words, based on the behavior pattern, trajectories may be estimated/predicted in advance. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the behavior patterns of the targets may be documented and/or analyzed for numerous purposes. For example, a behavior pattern based on the estimated trajectory for a setting of the lighting of the lighting system may be studied for investigating how the setting may be optimized in terms of energy saving and/or for studying how the target may be guided in a space by the lighting.

Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the configuration unit is adapted to operate in accordance with any one of the methods described.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit may further be configured to receive a location of a target within the space, and control the illumination device based on the received location of the target. Hence, in addition to the control of the illumination device based on the correlation between the setting of the light of the lighting system and a location of the target, the control unit may further control the illumination device based on a received (actual) location (e.g. monitored by a sensor) of the target. The present embodiment is advantageous in that an even more improved control is provided, as the control may be based both on the correlation and the (momentary) location(s) of the target(s). The received location of the target may e.g. serve as a feedback for the correlation, such that the control unit to an even higher extent may control the illumination device with respect to the purpose(s) of the lighting (e.g. energy saving and/or guidance of targets).

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a lighting control system for controlling a lighting function of an illumination device, comprising a configuration unit and a control unit. By the advantages previously described for the configuration unit and the control unit, the lighting control system may provide an improved control of the lighting function of the illumination device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing a currently preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a configuration unit for configuring a lighting system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,

Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration of a transmitter and a plurality of receivers in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 3 is a schematic illustration of a trajectory of a target in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

In the following description, the present invention is described with reference to a configuration unit for configuring a lighting system and a lighting configuration system for configuring a lighting function of an illumination device.

Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a lighting configuration system 1 for configuring a lighting function of an illumination device 2 arranged to illuminate a space 3. Here, the space 3 is exemplified as a room 3 with length 1, width w and height h, and the illumination device 2 is shown as a single light source 2 positioned in the ceiling of the room 3.

A configuration unit 9 is adapted to monitor a location of a target 8 within the space 3, wherein the monitoring of the target 8 may be performed as follows: on a wall of the room 3 is positioned at least one transmitter 4 for transmitting a probing signal 5 within a transmitting range. The transmitter 4 is positioned approximately half way up on the wall. Close to the transmitter 4 on the wall of the room 3 is positioned a plurality of receivers 6, wherein the transmitter 4 and the plurality of receivers 6 may be separated. Alternatively, the transmitter 4 and the plurality of receivers 6 may be integrated in one single

transmitter/receiver arrangement.

The probing signal 5 may be reflected against a target 8 present within the transmitting range, thereby resulting in a return signal 7. Here, the probing signal 5 is reflected on a target 8, schematically depicted as a person, who is positioned approximately in the middle of the room 3. The probing signal 5, transmitted by the transmitter 4, may be a series of pulsed sinusoids.

In the exemplifying embodiment of Fig. 1, the configuration unit 9 is in communication with the plurality of receivers 6, and is adapted to monitor the location of the target 8 within the space 3, based on the return signal 7. However, it will be appreciated that the monitoring of the location of the target 8 may be performed in substantially any other way.

Furthermore, in the exemplifying embodiment, the configuration unit 9 is in communication with the light source 2. Hence, the configuration unit 9 is able to receive information about the location of the target 8 and the setting of the light 2. From this, the configuration unit 9 is adapted to establish a correlation between a setting of the light of the illumination device 2 and the monitored location of the target 8. For example, if the setting of the light 2 is "on", the location of the target 8 may be close to the light 2, as shown in Fig. 1, and the configuration unit 9 may establish a correlation of this relationship. Alternatively, if the light 2 is "off or dimmed, the location of the target 8 may be further away from the light 2, and the correlation may be established on that information.

It will be appreciated that the terms "setting of light" may be construed as substantially any feature of the light 2, e.g. spatial configuration in the room 3,

power/intensity ("on'V'of '/"dimmed") of the light 2, light distribution in the room 3, etc. Hence, the monitoring implies that for a setting of a lighting of the lighting system, a corresponding location of the target(s) is monitored/registered. Preferably, a plurality of settings of the light 2 (e.g. different positions and/or emitted power) are performed, wherein a plurality of locations of the target 8 are monitored for these settings of the light 2 for establishing the correlation. Alternatively, the setting of light may be determined from measurements of light distribution(s) from the light 2 into the space 3, e.g. measured by light sensors located in the space 3.

Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the monitoring of location of targets 8 as described may be performed at an initial configuration process. In other words, the described means for target location (e.g. at least one transmitter 4 and/or plurality of receivers 6) may be omitted at a later stage, when a correlation has been established between the setting of the light 2 and the location of the target(s) 8 within the space 3. Alternatively, a combination of the correlation and a location of a target 8 may be envisaged, for an even more improved correlation, e.g. based on feedback from the present location of the target 8.

The configuration unit 9 may further be configured to monitor the location of the target 8 at a plurality of time instants. For example, at a first time instant, the target may be located at a first location, e.g. at an end of the room 3 (e.g. at a door of the room 3), wherein the illumination device 2 has a first setting (e.g. "on", "off, dimmed, etc.). Then, at a second time instant, the target may be located at a second location, e.g. at the middle of the room 3, wherein the illumination device 2 has a second setting. Further, at a third time instant, the target may be located at a third location, e.g. at the opposite side of the room 3 compared to the first location, wherein the illumination device 2 has a third setting. From this example, the monitoring may be performed for three locations of the target 8 and three settings of light 2 at three time instants.

The configuration unit 9 may further be configured to determine a utilization of the space 3 or a zone lOa-c of the space 3. In Fig. 1, three exemplifying zones lOa-c are provided at different locations in the space 3, wherein the target 8 is (momentarily) located in zone 10b. Hence, in Fig. 1, a location/dwelling of target 8 in zone 10b may imply a relatively high utilization of zone 10b, compared to zones 10a and 10c. Furthermore, the configuration unit 9 may assign a score related to the utilization of the space 3 or zone lOa-c. For example, a high score may be assigned to a space 3 or a zone lOa-c if a large number of targets 8 are present in that space 3 or zone lOa-c and/or that the targets 8 are present in the space 3 or zone lOa-c for a long period of time.

The configuration unit 9 may further be configured to obtain information relative to the space 3, and establish the correlation based on the information. For example, the information relative to the space 3 may comprise information of any object (e.g.

furniture) present in the space 3 which may obstruct the location of a target 8. In Fig. 1 , a cupboard 13 is provided in the zone 10a, such that location(s) of target(s) 8 may, at least partially, be obstructed by the cupboard 13. The configuration unit 9, being configured to establish the correlation between the setting of light 2 and the location of the target 8, may thereby establish the correlation based on this information. Furthermore, the correlation may e.g. be based on the information that furniture provide paths for the target(s) 8, between the furniture. Moreover, it will be appreciated that the information relative to the space 3 may be obtained in many different ways. For example, the information may be obtained e.g. by the transmitter 4 and the plurality of receivers 6, which may be further configured to detect any information relative to the space such as stationary objects (e.g. furniture), the

structure/formation of the room 3, etc.

Furthermore, the information relative to the space 3 may contain estimates of shadows, e.g. caused by furniture and/or target(s) 8.

Fig. 2 is a view of a transmitter 4 which is positioned above a plurality of receivers 6. However, the transmitter 4 and the plurality of receivers 6 could alternatively be closely positioned, or positioned at a longer distance from each other. Furthermore, the transmitter 4 and the plurality of receivers 6 may be a single integrated transceiver which acts both as a transmitter and as a receiver.

The transmitter 4 for transmitting the probing signal may be provided on the side wall of the room 3, preferably on a height substantially above furniture or the like, present in the room 3. However, the transmitter/receiver could be provided on any wall of the room 3, e.g., in the ceiling. If the transmitter/receiver is placed in the ceiling, 3-D localization may be possible. The plurality of receivers 6 for receiving return signals are provided in a linear array of eight receivers, the array being horizontally elongated.

Fig. 3 is a view of a trajectory 1 1 of a target 8 in a room 3 which is

approximately 4.5 m long and 3 m wide. The transmitter 4 and the plurality of receivers 6 are located on the middle of the wall at the left hand side of the room 3. Close to the plurality of receivers 6 is provided a light source 2.

As shown by the trajectory 1 1 marked by a number of stars, the target 8, depicted as a person, enters the room 3 from approximately the middle of the long side of the room 3, or, expressed in coordinates of Fig. 3, from x=2.8, y= -1.4. The person then turns left and walks to the left side of the room 3 towards the short end of the room 3, at x=0.5, y=0. From there, the target 8 turns right and walks along the long side of the room 3 opposite the long side from which the person entered the room 3. The target 8 then exits the room 3 at x=4.5, y=0.5, at the right side of the room 3.

The configuration unit 9 (not shown in Fig. 3) may estimate the trajectory 11 of the target 8 as a function of time, and establish a correlation between the setting of the light 2 and the trajectory 11. In other words, the trajectory 1 1 may be dependent on the setting of the light 2, and this dependency is estimated by the configuration unit 9. The result of such an estimate is shown in Fig. 3. For a setting of the light 2, an estimated trajectory 12, shown as a number of asterisks, is estimated by the configuration unit 9. As shown, the estimated trajectory 12 closely follows the real trajectory 1 1 of the target 8 in the room 3. Thus, the configuration unit 9 may accurately estimate/predict the trajectory 11 of the target 8, and establish the correlation such that a relationship is given between the setting of the light 2 and the trajectory 1 1.

Furthermore, a behavior pattern may be established by the configuration unit 9 based on the estimated trajectory 11 for a setting of the light 2. For example, a setting of the light 2 which remains relatively unchanged, e.g. on a day-to-day basis, may render similar trajectories 11 of target(s) 8 in the room 3. As another example, a recurring increase of the setting of the light 2 may attract the interest of targets 8. Hence, based on any

periodic/recurring/schematic behavior of the target(s) 8, based on their trajectories 11, a behavior pattern may be established by the configuration unit. Hence, the behavior pattern implies that the trajectory 11 in the space 3 may lead to an estimate of possible future trajectory/trajectories 11 of target(s), wherein this information is highly beneficial for an even more improved correlation. Even though the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplifying embodiments thereof, many different alterations, modifications and the like will become apparent for those skilled in the art. The described embodiments are therefore not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.

For example, the configuration unit 9 may be provided outside the room 3 and/or have a wireless communication with the plurality of receivers 6 and light 2.

Moreover, the array and number of receivers 6 may be different from that shown in Fig. 2, and the numbers and the sizes of the plurality of receivers 6, as well as the distances between them, may vary. The same holds for the one or more transmitters 4, which position and/or size may be different from that depicted.

Furthermore, the trajectory 11, and the respective estimated trajectory 12 of the target 8 are shown in Fig. 3 as an example, and any other trajectories within the room 3 may be feasible. Moreover, the kind of furniture and/or size of the room 3 may also be different from that depicted.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A method of configuring a lighting system (1) comprising at least one illumination device (2) arranged to illuminate a space (3), the method comprising the steps of:

monitoring a location of at least one target (8) within the space for at least one setting of a lighting of the lighting system; and

establishing a correlation between the at least one setting and the monitored location of the at least one target.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step of monitoring is performed at a plurality of time instants.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, further comprising the steps of:

determining a utilization of the space or a zone (10) of the space based on the monitored location of the at least one target as a function of time; and

assigning a score related to the utilization of the space.

4. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of monitoring is performed for a plurality of settings of the lighting system.

5. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the steps of:

obtaining information relative to the space, and

establishing the correlation based on the information.

6. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the steps of:

estimating a velocity of the at least one target such that at least one trajectory (11) of the at least one target is estimated as a function of time; and establishing a correlation between the at least one setting and the estimated trajectory.

7. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of monitoring includes recording at least one instantaneous location of a target and a time stamp for the at least one instantaneous location.

8. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the setting includes at least one of the illumination intensity, the spatial coverage, the color temperature, the spectral characteristics and the wavelength of the at least one light source of the lighting system.

9. The method as claimed in claim 6, further comprising the step of establishing a behavior pattern based on the estimated trajectory for a setting.

10. A configuration unit for configuring a lighting system (1) comprising at least one illumination device (2) arranged to illuminate a space (3), the configuration unit being adapted to:

monitor a location of at least one target (8) within the space for at least one setting of a lighting of the lighting system; and

establish a correlation between the at least one setting of the light and the monitored location of the at least one target.

11. The configuration unit as claimed in claim 10, further being adapted to operate in accordance with any one of the methods as defined in claims 2-9.

12. A control unit for controlling lighting in a lighting system comprising at least one illumination device (2) arranged to illuminate a space (3), the control unit being configured to:

receive a correlation between at least one setting of the light of the lighting system and a location of at least one target (8); and

control the at least one illumination device based on the correlation and a desired location of the at least one target.

13. The control unit as claimed in claim 12, the control unit further being configured to:

receive a location of at least one target within the space; and

control the at least one illumination device based on the received location of the target.

14. A lighting configuration system for configuring a lighting function of at least one illumination device, comprising

at least one sensor for presence detection of a target, comprising at least one transmitter and a plurality of receivers, and

a configuration unit as claimed in any one of claims 10 or 11, the

configuration unit being in communication with the plurality of receivers to receive a location of the at least one target within the space.

15. A lighting control system for controlling a lighting function of at least one illumination device, comprising

a configuration unit as claimed in any one of claims 10-11, and a control unit as claimed in any one of claims 12-13.