AU2008285874B2

AU2008285874B2 - Dimming of lighting control devices to a predefined level

Info

Publication number: AU2008285874B2
Application number: AU2008285874A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Joachim Maier; Markus Sandholzer
Original assignee: Tridonicatco GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Tridonicatco GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2007-08-08
Filing date: 2008-08-08
Publication date: 2014-03-13
Anticipated expiration: 2028-08-08
Also published as: WO2009019037A1; DE102007048341A1; EP2177089A1; EP2177089B1; CN101822126A; ATE531235T1; AU2008285874A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for controlling electronically controlled lighting control devices or parts thereof as a function of the detection of a movement in a defined space, said method comprising the following steps: Evaluating an output signal of a motion detector connected to a supply voltage that outputs the supply voltage as an output signal as a function of the detection of motion, and actuating the electronically controlled lighting control device to one of a plurality of predefined dimming levels as a function of the output signal of the motion detector.

Description

1 Dimming of illuminant control devices to predefined levels [0001] The present invention, in its preferred form, relates in general to methods and devices, by means of which illuminants, such as LEDs, gas-discharge lamps, high-pressure lamps etc. can be controlled and/or regulated to predefined dimming levels (dimming steps). [0002] In the field of gas-discharge lamps, electronic control devices of this kind are generally referred to as electronic ballasts (EVG). [0003] The control of electronic ballasts (EVG) of this kind, to mention just one example of illuminant control devices, for example, via a digital bus is known from the prior art. Reference is made to the relevant literature in conjunction with the so-called DALI (Digital Addressable Light Interface) standard. In this context, digital signals, which can specify inter alia dimming set values, are supplied to an illuminant control device at a control input. [0004] Since a user does not always wish also to use the associated bus device including digital control device (controller) for an illuminant control device with a digital interface of this kind, control devices, with which a digital signal or also a signal generated by means of a momentary-contact switch supplied with mains voltage can optionally also be connected to a digital control input (digital interface), are also known from the prior art. In this case, if she/he does not wish to use the digital periphery, the user can accordingly control the digital control input of the control device by activating the momentary-contact switch. In this context, for example, the time duration and the repetition rate of the activation of the momentary contact switch are evaluated by the connected control device as a signal for switching on/off or for dimming. [0005] One example of a control device of this kind, to the digital control input of which a signal originating from a momentary-contact switch or a switch supplied with mains voltage can be connected, is specified, for example, in the German utility model DE 297 24 657. [0006] Now, the present invention, in its preferred form, has the object of transferring to different fields the knowledge, obtained from the field of momentary contact switches and switches, that, with a corresponding design, signals generated 2 by means of a mains voltage can also be connected to a digital control input of an illuminant control device. [0007] In this context, a preferred form of the invention has, in particular, recognised that such an approach can also be transferred to the field of movement detection by means of a movement detector. [0008] Expressed more precisely, the named object is achieved, in a preferred embodiment, by the features of the independent claims. The dependent claims develop the central idea of the invention further in a particularly advantageous manner. [0009] It is also an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative. [0010] Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field. [0011] According to the invention, a method is therefore proposed for the control of electronically controlled illuminant control devices. A typical example of an illuminant control device of this kind is an electronic ballast (EVG) for gas-discharge lamps. According to the invention, an output signal of a movement detector connected to a supply voltage is evaluated. Dependent upon the output signal of the movement detector, the electronically controlled illuminant control device is then controlled to one of several predefined dimming levels (normally greater than zero). In this context, the condition of a further interface, for example, the output signal of a light sensor, in particular, of a daylight sensor, is evaluated in order to adjust the value of one or more of these dimming levels dependent upon the former. [0012] In this context, the resting level, that is, the dimming level with no detected movement, can depend upon the output signal of the light sensor. [0013] With a relatively low detected light value the resting level can be higher than with a relatively high detected light value. [0014] The active level, that is, the dimming level with a detected movement, can depend upon the output signal of the light sensor. [0015] With a relatively low detected light value, the active level can be higher than with a relatively high detected light value.

3 [0016] The active level can be set to zero, if the detected light value is disposed above a predefined threshold value. [0017] The output signal of the movement detector in this context can be detected at a control input of the control device, which is provided separately from the voltage supply of the illuminant control device. [0018] In this context, the control input can be designed in such a manner that a digital signal or a mains voltage signal can optionally be connected to it. [0019] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a method for controlling electronically controlled illuminant control devices, the method including the following steps: - evaluating an output signal of a movement detector that is connected to a mains voltage and which, upon the detection of a movement, outputs the mains voltage as an output signal to a control input of a control device, - at a further interface of the illuminant control device, evaluating an externally supplied signal or providing an externally connected, active or passive electronic component, and - setting the electronically controlled illuminant control device to one of several predefined dimming levels dependent upon the output signals of the movement detector and the further interface. [0020] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method for the control of electronically controlled illuminant control devices, the method including the following steps: - pre-programming two different dimming levels in an illuminant control device, and - selectively controlling one of the two dimming levels based on at least one control signal, supplied to the illuminant control device, wherein at least one control signal originates from a daylight sensor. [0021] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method for controlling electronically controlled illuminant control devices, the method including the following steps: - detecting a movement within a defined space with a movement detector connected to a supply voltage, the movement detector outputting the supply voltage as an output signal dependent upon the detection of a movement to a control input of an illuminant control device, 4 - detecting a further interface of the illuminant control device, and - in the event of a detection of a movement, controlling the illuminant control device starting from a rest value to a control set value that is different from the rest value, which indicates an increased lighting power of the connected illuminant by comparison with the rest value, wherein at least one of the rest value and the control set value depends upon the evaluation of the further interface. [0022] According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided an illuminant control device, including: - a first control input, which is configured for inputting signals from a movement detector and also from a momentary-contact switch, and - a second control input independent of the first control input, wherein a rest level and at least two different dimming levels are stored in the control device, the rest level and dimming levels each being greater than 0% and a connected illuminant being controlled and/or regulated dependent upon a signal connected to the control input. [0023] According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a system for controlling electronically controlled illuminant control devices, including an illuminant control device, according to the fourth aspect, and a movement detector connected to the mains voltage and also connected to a control input of the illuminant control device, in such a manner that a connected illuminant is controlled to a relatively higher lighting power in response to a movement detected by the movement detector. [0024] According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided a system for controlling illuminants, comprising: - a movement detector for the detection of a movement within a defined space, - a further interface, and - an illuminant control device connected to the latter and having a movement detector connected to a supply voltage, the movement detector outputting the supply voltage as an output signal dependent upon the detection of a movement to a control input of the illuminant control device, which, upon the detection of a movement by the movement detector, controls a connected illuminant to a control set value different from a rest value, which indicates 5 an increased lighting power of the connected illuminant by comparison with the rest value, wherein the rest value and/or the control set value depends upon the condition of the further interface. [0025] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling electronically controlled illuminant control devices is provided, wherein at least two different dimming steps (dimming levels) are pre-programmed in advance in an illuminant control device. Dependent upon a control signal, which is supplied to the illuminant control device, one of the two dimming levels are then controlled selectively. In this context, both dimming levels indicate a lighting power of more than 0%. [0026] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling electronically controlled illuminant control devices is provided, wherein a movement is detected within a defined space. If a movement is positively detected, the illuminant control device is controlled starting from a rest value to a control set value different from the rest value, wherein the control set value indicates a lighting power of the connected illuminant increased by comparison with the rest value. [0027] The control set value here can be automatically retained during a defined period before the rest value is once again controlled. [0028] The rest value and/or the control set value here can be adjustable or programmable. [0029] In this context, the rest value can be adjusted to a value of more than 0% lighting power. [0030] The invention also relates to a computer software product, which supports a method of the type named above when it is run on a computer device or when it is implemented by hardwiring. [0031] The invention also relates to a control means for illuminants, which is designed for the implementation of a method of this kind. [0032] A further aspect of the present invention relates to an illuminant control device, which provides a control input. In this context, two different dimming levels are stored in the control device, which are each greater than 0% and to which a connected illuminant is controlled and/or regulated dependent upon a signal connected to the control input.

6 [0033] In this context, the control input can be designed in such a manner that a digital signal with a first voltage level or a signal originating from the mains voltage with a level different from the latter can optionally be connected. Both named signal types can be evaluated by the control device and switched over for the control of the connected illuminant. [0034] The invention also relates to a system for the control of electronically controlled illuminant control devices, wherein the system provides a movement detector connected to a supply voltage and an illuminant control device. The illuminant control device provides a control input, to which an output signal of the movement detector can be supplied. In response to a movement detected by the movement detector, the illuminant control device can then automatically control a connected illuminant to a relatively higher lighting power. [0035] A yet further aspect of the present invention relates to a system for the control of illuminants, which provides a movement detector and an illuminant control device connected to the latter. The illuminant control device controls a connected illuminant to a control set value different from the rest value, if a movement is detected by the movement detector within a defined space. The control set value in this context is disposed relatively higher than a rest value. [0036] The illuminant control device can in particular be an electronic ballast (EVG). [0037] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to". [0038] Further advantages, features and properties of the present invention will now be explained with reference to the figures of the drawings, wherein: [0039] Figure 1 shows a first system according to the invention for the control of an illuminant, and [0040] Figure 2 shows a further exemplary embodiment, in which a movement detector communicates with an illuminant control device via a digital bus. [0041] Figure 1 shows schematically a basically known movement detector 1, an electronic ballast (EVG) 2 and, connected to the output 3 of the ballast, two illuminants 4. Reference has already been made in the introduction to the fact that 7 the ballast 2 represents only one example for a control device for illuminants, and the present invention can be freely applied to any other illuminants and accordingly beyond gas-discharge lamps. [0042] The ballast 2 illustrated provides three terminals PE, L, N, which can be connected to the earth, the phase and the neutral terminal of a voltage supply 5. [0043] Moreover, the illustrated ballast also provides an interface with two terminals D1, D2. As is already evident from the brief description of terminals, this interface D1, D2 can be designed in such a manner that digital signals, for example, according to the DALI standard, can be supplied to it, in order to communicate instructions to the ballast 2 or in order to communicate instructions to a connected bus, for example, to the DALI bus, at these terminals from the ballast 2, when a bidirectional communication is provided. [0044] Optionally, the terminals D1, D2 can also be designed to receive digital instructions with subsequent signal processing. In this case, the terminals D1, D2 are designed in such a manner that they can be connected to signals, which originate from a supply voltage, such as the mains voltage, and are modulated, for example, by a momentary-contact switch or switch. In the illustrated example, the terminal D2 is connected to the neutral terminal N of the voltage supply 5. [0045] As an alternative, the terminals D1, D2 can also be selectively shorted by a switch, momentary-contact switch etc., in order to input signals in this manner. [0046] A conventional movement detector 1 is connected between the other signal control input D1 of the ballast 2 and the phase conductor L of the voltage supply 5 (the function of the optional timer 6, also connected between the latter, will be explained below). The phase L of the supply voltage 5 is therefore supplied to this movement detector 1 at the input end. The output signal of the movement detector 1, which is accordingly supplied to the control input D1 of the ballast 2, is marked with reference L'. [0047] Accordingly, in essence, two different signals can be connected to the control input D1, namely, one for the case of the detection of a movement by the movement detector 1 and one signal differing from the latter for the case that the movement detector 1 detects no movement. [0100] In this context, the signal need not come directly from a movement detector; on the contrary, this signal can also be triggered indirectly by the movement 8 detector. For this purpose, for example, a centrally controlled relay can take over the generation of the signals, wherein the relay or another comparable mains switching unit are controlled by a movement detector. [0048] In particular, these two signal conditions, which correspond to the output signal of the movement detector, can be defined as follows: [0049] In the case of a detection of a movement by the movement detector 1, the latter closes the connection between the phase conductor L and the control input D1, so that the signal level of the phase conductor L is connected to the control input D1. In the ballast 2, a defined dimming level is stored in advance, which is controlled by the ballast 2, when the detection of a movement by the movement detector 1 is reproduced by connecting the phase conductor L to the control input D1. [0050] Conversely, if the movement detector 1 detects no movement in the region monitored by it, the connection between the control input D1 and the phase conductor L of the voltage supply 5 is cut, according to this exemplary embodiment, so that no voltage is connected to the control input D1. In this case, which can be interpreted by the ballast 2 as a non-detection of a movement, a second dimming value can be pre-programmed in the ballast 2, which will be referred to below as the resting value corresponding to the non-detection of a movement. In particular, this resting value can be a dimming level relatively lower by comparison with the control set value in the event of a detection of movement. [0051] One typical application for a system of this kind for the control of illuminants, for example, is staircases or landings. In an advantageous manner, no further control unit in addition to the illuminant control device and the movement detector is necessary. [0052] If a movement is detected by the movement detector 1 and, as a result, for example, the mains voltage is connected to the control input D1 of the ballast 2, this can automatically control, for example, a connected illuminant to 100% lighting power. Conversely, if no movement is detected, and accordingly the signal "0" (zero potential) is connected to the control input D1, it is possible to control to a relatively lower value, for example, 5% lighting power. [0053] Accordingly, if the movement detector detects the presence of a person, for example, on the staircase, the staircase is automatically illuminated with an adequate lighting power, for example 100%.

9 [0054] In every case, the resting level (no movement) differs from the active level (movement detected), wherein the resting level is conventionally disposed below the active level. However, the active level can also be disposed below the resting level. [0055] After a predefined period, which can be programmed or set, for example, in the ballast 2, or, alternatively, which corresponds to the delay time (once again optionally adjustable) of the movement detector 1 after the detection of a movement, the movement detector once again interrupts the connection with the control phase L. Accordingly, a connected illuminant is again controlled to the resting value, which corresponds to a substantially lower level by comparison with the control set value. [0056] As already mentioned, both the resting value and also the control set value upon detection of a movement can be adjustable or programmable at the ballast 2. [0057] Furthermore, it can be provided that in addition to the movement detector, a timer (timer) 6 is also connected upstream, which specifies periods of use (for example, morning, evening, dusk, etc.), in which the function of the movement detector is switched to be active. Accordingly, the timer only connects the control phase L to the movement detector within the period of use, so that the movement detector can only establish a connection between the control input D1 and the control phase L again during the period of use. [0058] However, these periods of use can also be adjusted within the control device or within the movement detector itself. [0059] The adjustment of the two dimming levels (resting value, control set value) can be implemented, for example, via an interface. This can be implemented during operation, during installation, during manufacture etc. The interface can also be designed to be wireless. [0060] The ballast can also be designed to recognise the connection of a movement detector automatically. For example, this is advantageous, if the ballast provides a continuous dimming range or quasi continuous dimming range from, for example, 1% to 100%, which, upon detection of the connection of a movement detector to the terminals D1, D2, automatically switches to an operating mode with 2 dimming-levels. [0061] Accordingly, a typical application is the detection of persons at particular periods (hours in the morning, hours in the evening) on a staircase.

10 [0062] Figure 2 shows that a movement detector 7 can also be an element of a digital bus system (for example, according to the DALI standard). In this case, the movement detector 7 can communicate the information regarding the detection of a movement via a bus line 8 to connected control devices 2, 2' in the form of a digital signal. This information can be addressed, for example, as provided in the DALI standard, and can address one or a group of connected control devices with illuminants 4, 4' with the corresponding address. [0063] Additionally, for example, the digital controllers (DALI GC, DALI SC), control elements (DALI touch panel) and interfaces (DALI SCI) can of course also be connected. A programming of the levels and periods described above can be implemented, for example, via these interfaces. [0064] As is also evident from Figure 1, it is provided according to the present invention that the control device 2 also detects the condition of a further interface, for example, an output signal from a daylight sensor (daylight sensor) 9 additionally and independently of the signal from the movement detector 1. Daylight sensors of this kind are basically well-known to a person skilled in the art. [0065] According to the present invention, the resting level (dimming level with no detected movement) and/or the active level (level with detected movement) can be formed independently of the output signal of the daylight sensor 9. For example, the resting level can be set to 0% or different from 0% dimming power dependent upon the ambient light. Accordingly, if the daylight sensor detects light above a predefined threshold value, in the case of a non-present detected movement, the resting level can even be set to zero. By contrast, if the daylight is disposed below the predefined threshold value, the resting level can again be selected as greater than 0%. Accordingly, for example, three conditions are possible, namely: 0%/resting level/active level (with detection of a movement). [0066] According to a further aspect, the active level (dimming value with detection of movement) can also be influenced dependent upon the output signal of the daylight sensor 9. For example, if ambient light above the threshold value is present during the day, this can be detected by the daylight sensor, and the active level can then be reduced below the level, which is set with a relatively lower ambient light. Accordingly, an energy-saving effect is achieved, because, especially in the case of frequent movement, full lighting power is not controlled quasi continuously, but only to the reduced active level.

11 [0067] In an extreme case, it can be provided that with adequate daylight, the light is not switched on even with a detected movement; the active level is therefore set to 0% dimming value, and this dependent upon the output signal of the daylight sensor. [0068] Accordingly, the invention ensures an energy-saving, in that the lighting level in the presence (active level) or also in the absence of movement (passive level) is adjusted in a daylight-dependent manner. The available daylight is therefore evaluated and taken into consideration in the adjustment of the active level and/or of the passive level. [0069] A control device according to the invention for illuminants therefore preferably provides an input for digital signals. This input can also be used for momentary-contact switch signals, which short-circuit these terminals (in this case, the terminals are supplied internally) or to supply with mains voltage (that is a voltage with a level, which is significantly higher than the digital signal level). The sensor signals can also be connected to a terminal or terminal pair different from the digital signals. Finally, a terminal is also provided for a movement detector. [0070] According to a further aspect of the invention, the resting level or active level can depend upon an incoming signal or upon the condition of a component connected to the interface for the daylight sensor. The resting and/or active level can therefore also be predefined differently than by a light sensor. [0071] According to this exemplary embodiment, the ballast 2 provides a further interface for monitoring the daylight sensor 9. The daylight sensor 9 can be a passive brightness sensor, which is mounted in the luminaire in such a manner that only the ambient light or the daylight is measured. The daylight sensor 9 can be designed as a passive brightness sensor, for example, through an LDR (light dependent resistor). Dependent upon the change in brightness, the LDR changes its resistance; this change in resistance is evaluated by the ballast 2. The daylight sensor 9 can also be designed as an active brightness sensor, for example, this sensor can be supplied with energy via the sensor interface through the ballast 2 and transmit the brightness information via digital signals. [0072] However, the interfaces for the daylight sensor can also be provided with an externally supplied signal or connected, active or passive electronic component. An externally supplied signal can be, for example, a defined (for example, analog) level or also a digitally transmitted signal. The connected electronic component can be an IC memory or also a memory card (flash memory) as an active component; a 12 passive component can be, for example, a resistor or a capacitor. A special variant is a light dependent resistor. Via the data stored in the active component or also the value of the passive component, a control information can be supplied to the ballast 2 via the interface for the daylight sensor 9. Dependent upon the externally supplied signal or the connected active or passive electronic component, a dimming level of the ballast 2, for example, the resting level or the active level, can be adapted in the event of a detection of movement. Within the ballast 2, various dimming levels can be stored by the user for the various possible input signals or components to be connected to the interface for the daylight sensor 9, so that different resting levels or active levels for the daylight sensor 9 are stored dependent upon the configuration of the interface. [0073] Accordingly, different performance profiles can be stored by the user in the ballast 2 as a kind of scenario memory and then simply selected without intervention into the ballast 2.

Claims

1. A method for controlling electronically controlled illuminant control devices, the method including the following steps: - evaluating an output signal of a movement detector that is connected to a mains voltage and which, upon the detection of a movement, outputs the mains voltage as an output signal to a control input of a control device, - at a further interface of the illuminant control device, evaluating an externally supplied signal or providing an externally connected, active or passive electronic component, and - setting the electronically controlled illuminant control device to one of several predefined dimming levels dependent upon the output signals of the movement detector and the further interface.

2. The method according to claim 1 wherein the externally supplied signal is an output signal of a light sensor

3. The method according to claim 2 wherein the light sensor is a daylight sensor.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein a rest level, that is, a dimming level with no detected movement, depends upon the evaluation of the further interface.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the rest level with a relatively lower detected light value is higher than with a relatively higher detected light value.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an active level, that is, a dimming level with a detected movement, depends upon the evaluation of the further interface.

7. Method according to claim 6, wherein the active level with a relatively lower detected light value is higher than with a relatively higher detected light value.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the active level is set to zero, if the detected light value is disposed above a predefined threshold value. 14

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the output signal of the movement detector is detected at a control input of the control device, which is provided separately from the voltage supply of the illuminant control device.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein a digital signal or a signal originating from a supply voltage, especially the mains voltage, can optionally be connected to the control input.

11. A method for the control of electronically controlled illuminant control devices, the method including the following steps: - pre-programming two different dimming levels in an illuminant control device, and - selectively controlling one of the two dimming levels based on at least one control signal supplied to the illuminant control device, wherein the at least one control signal originates from a daylight sensor.

12. A method for controlling electronically controlled illuminant control devices, the method including the following steps: - detecting a movement within a defined space with a movement detector connected to a supply voltage, the movement detector outputting the supply voltage as an output signal dependent upon the detection of a movement to a control input of an illuminant control device, - detecting a further interface of the illuminant control device, and - in the event of a detection of a movement, controlling the illuminant control device starting from a rest value to a control set value that is different from the rest value, which indicates an increased lighting power of the connected illuminant by comparison with the rest value, wherein at least one of the rest value and the control set value depends upon the evaluation of the further interface.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the control set value is retained during a defined period, before the rest value is controlled again.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the defined period of the retention of the control set value is adjustable or programmable. 15

15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the rest value and/or the control set value are adjustable.

16. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the rest value is adjusted to a value of more than 0% lighting power.

17. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, including a control device, which is capable of controlling more than two dimming levels, and which recognises the connection of the movement detector and switches to an operating mode with only two dimming levels.

18. A computer software product configured to implement a method according to any one of the preceding claims when run on a computer device.

19. A control means for illuminants, configured to implement a method according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

20. An illuminant control device, including: - a first control input, which is configured for inputting signals from a movement detector and also from a momentary-contact switch, and - a second control input independent of the first control input, wherein a rest level and at least two different dimming levels are stored in the control device, the rest level and dimming levels each being greater than 0% and a connected illuminant being controlled and/or regulated dependent upon a signal connected to the control input.

21. An illuminant control device according to claim 20 wherein the second control input is a daylight sensor.

22. The control device according to claim 20, wherein a rest level, that is, a dimming level with no detected movement, depends upon the output signal of the light sensor.

23. The control device according to claim 22, wherein the rest level with a relatively lower detected light value is higher than with a relatively higher detected light value. 16

24. The control device according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein an active level, that is, a dimming level with a detected movement, depends upon the output signal of the light sensor.

25. The control device according to claim 24, wherein the active level with a relatively lower detected light value is higher than with a relatively higher detected light value.

26. The control device according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the active level is set to zero if the detected light value is disposed above a predefined threshold value.

27. The control device according to claim 20, wherein a digital signal with a first voltage level or a signal originating from the mains voltage with a level different from the mains voltage can optionally be connected to the second control input and that both named signal types can be switched by the control device for the control of a connected illuminant.

28. The control device according to claim 20 or claim 27, including more than two dimming levels, which, upon connection of a movement detector, switches to an operating mode with two defined dimming levels.

29. The control device according to any one of claims 20 to 28, configured to retain a control set value during a defined period, before it again controls the rest value.

30. A system for controlling electronically controlled illuminant control devices, including an illuminant control device according to any one of claims 20 to 29 and a movement detector connected to the mains voltage and also connected to a control input of the illuminant control device in such a manner that a connected illuminant is controlled to a relatively higher lighting power in response to a movement detected by the movement detector.

31. The system according to claim 30, wherein the movement detector is connected to a control input of the illuminant control device, the control input being provided separately from the voltage supply of the illuminant control device. 17

32. The system according to claim 31, wherein the control input is configured such that both a digital signal and also a mains voltage signal can be connected.

33. A system for controlling illuminants, comprising: - a movement detector for the detection of a movement within a defined space, - a further interface, and - an illuminant control device connected to the latter and having a movement detector connected to a supply voltage, the movement detector outputting the supply voltage as an output signal dependent upon the detection of a movement to a control input of the illuminant control device, which, upon the detection of a movement by the movement detector, controls a connected illuminant to a control set value different from a rest value, which indicates an increased lighting power of the connected illuminant by comparison with the rest value, wherein the rest value and/or the control set value depends upon the condition of the further interface.

34. A system according to claim 33 wherein the further interface a daylight sensor.

35. The system according to claim 33, wherein the control set value is retained during a defined period, before the rest value is again controlled.

36. The system according to claim 34, wherein the defined period of the retention of the control set value is adjustable and/or programmable.

37. The system according to any one of claims 33 to 36, wherein the rest value and/or the control set value are adjustable.

38. The system according to any one of claims 33 to 37, wherein the rest value is adjustable to a value of more than 0% lighting power.

39. The system according to any one of claims 33 to 38, wherein the illuminant control device is an electronic ballast (EVG). 18

40. A method, a computer software product, a control means, an illuminant control device or a system substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings and/or examples.