BE1024372B1 - METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR WIRELESS AND LOCATION-BASED CONTROL OF A LIGHTING SYSTEM - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an improved method and system for centralized management of spatially distributed lighting based on location, as well as the individual components used in the system. The invention further relates to a method for installing such a system. In a further aspect, the invention relates to a system for centralized and wireless management of a spatially distributed lighting system. In a further aspect, the invention relates to a system for location-based management of a spatially distributed lighting system.

Description

(30) Priority data:

(73) Holder (s):

TELECOM-IT NV 8730, BEERNEM Belgium

EEG NV

8560, WEVELGEM Belgium (72) Inventor (s):

LAUNCHED Filip 8730 BEERNEM Belgium

NEYRINCK Karl 8560 WEVELGEM Belgium (54) METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR WIRELESS AND LOCATION-BASED CONTROL OF A LIGHTING SYSTEM (57) The present invention relates to an improved method and system for the centralized management of spatially distributed lighting on the basis of location, as well as the individual components used in the system. The invention furthermore relates to a method for installing such a system. In a further aspect, the invention relates to a system for the centralized and wireless management of a spatially distributed lighting system. In a further aspect, the invention relates to a system for the location-based management of a spatially distributed lighting system.

FÎG. 1

BELGIAN INVENTION PATENT

FPS Economy, K.M.O., Self-employed & Energy

Publication number: 1024372 Filing number: BE2016 / 5335

Intellectual Property Office

International classification: H05B 33/08 H05B 37/02 Date of issue: 02/02/2018

The Minister of Economy,

Having regard to the Paris Convention of 20 March 1883 for the Protection of Industrial Property;

Having regard to the Law of March 28, 1984 on inventive patents, Article 22, for patent applications filed before September 22, 2014;

Having regard to Title 1 Invention Patents of Book XI of the Economic Law Code, Article XI.24, for patent applications filed from September 22, 2014;

Having regard to the Royal Decree of 2 December 1986 on the filing, granting and maintenance of inventive patents, Article 28;

Having regard to the application for an invention patent received by the Intellectual Property Office on 13/05/2016.

Whereas for patent applications that fall within the scope of Title 1, Book XI, of the Code of Economic Law (hereinafter WER), in accordance with Article XI.19, § 4, second paragraph, of the WER, the granted patent will be limited. to the patent claims for which the novelty search report was prepared, when the patent application is the subject of a novelty search report indicating a lack of unity of invention as referred to in paragraph 1, and when the applicant does not limit his filing and does not file a divisional application in accordance with the search report.

Decision:

Article 1

TELECOM-IT NV, Wingene Steenweg 49, 8730 BEERNEM Belgium;

EEG NV, Oostlaan 5, 8560 WEVELGEM Belgium;

represented by

BRANTS Johan Philippe Emile, Pauline Van Pottelsberghelaan 24, 9051, GHENT;

VAN CAUTEREN Tim, Pauline Van Pottelsberghelaan 24, 9051, GHENT;

a Belgian invention patent with a term of 20 years, subject to payment of the annual fees as referred to in Article XI.48, § 1 of the Code of Economic Law, for: METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR WIRELESS AND LOCATION-BASED CONTROL OF A LIGHTING SYSTEM.

INVENTOR (S):

LOUDED Filip, Wingene Steenweg 49, 8730, BEERNEM;

NEYRINCK Karl, Oostlaan 5, 8560, WEVELGEM;

PRIORITY:

BREAKDOWN:

Split from basic application: Filing date of the basic application:

Article 2. - This patent is granted without prior investigation into the patentability of the invention, without warranty of the Merit of the invention, nor of the accuracy of its description and at the risk of the applicant (s).

Brussels, 07/02/2018,

With special authorization:

BE2016 / 5335

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR WIRELESS AND LOCATION-BASED CONTROL OF AN ILLUMINATION SYSTEM

TECHNICAL DOMAIN

The invention relates inter alia to a system and a method for managing lighting, specifically in a large complex, controlled from a central decision-making device on the basis of detection of portable identifiers.

STATE OF THE ART

In large complexes, specifically hospitals, rest and care homes and the like, there is an increasing trend towards centrally controllable (controllable) systems for a number of basic accommodations such as heating, ventilation and lighting. This takes into account the advantages of control from a central decision-making body, usually a central server, such as more efficient use of energy, the possibility of pre-programmed safety regulations and scenarios, and simplified remote monitoring of individual devices. The object of the invention is specifically to provide an improved lighting management system.

In addition, in the above complexes it is often interesting and even necessary to automatically control lighting in such a way that the lighting responds locally specifically to certain contacts and is centrally guided in this. Moreover, such a system should be easy and inexpensive to implement in existing buildings without the need for large investments or major infrastructure adaptation works. On the one hand, time can be saved in the local control of lighting, which offers advantages in emergency situations, but also in the case of users who may experience difficulties in the local control of lighting, such as wheelchair users, disabled people, and are supported in this way.

The applicant wishes to offer an improved lighting management system that offers optimal comfort for both user and operator of the complex, by combining economy with user-friendliness, as well as a particularly adaptive system that can be adjusted to different levels of functionality, ranging from general settings, up to specific user-dependent instances.

A problem with the known Systems is that they often require extensive installation, and an abundance of necessary cabling. This often leads to

BE2016 / 5335 extensive infrastructure work, which is not only impractical, but also often expensive, both in terms of materials and manpower. In addition, it goes without saying that with more cabling, the chance of errors or problems increases.

A further problem with the known systems and methods is that they often interact with the environment via motion sensors that (especially with cheap solutions) can often cause problems, such as insufficient detection of movements, false positives, malfunctions, simply breaking down, not working if the field of view of the sensor is (partially) blocked and others.

A first example of such a system can be found in document WO2015 / 113003, in which lighting, specifically solid-state lighting (SSL), is controlled from a control circuit to the lighting itself, whereby the control circuit can receive commands from remote devices (via IR, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and others), where it is possible to transmit these commands via a central server or a central control system to the control circuits on the lighting. Although this system provides sufficient control to users in a number of home automation applications, it does not meet the lighting needs in large complexes, where a large number of users may be present where the majority would be (some degree of ) must be able to control the lighting. In addition, many users will require familiarity of use with the controllers (remote devices) to control the lighting. Since in many cases the users are visitors who are only present once or very infrequently, or are even unable to actively use the controller (patients, but also nurses in emergency / emergency situations), this familiarity cannot be expected. Hence, there remains a need for a system that has a low entry threshold for users who only need a limited level of functionality.

Another example of this is presented in WO2014 / 138822, where the lighting elements comprise a control device which can be controlled via personal controllers in order to be able to control the brightness of the lighting elements. However, there is no capable control that provides more general aspects if no personal controllers are present. In addition, the aforementioned problem related to inexperienced users, or simply unauthorized users, is recurring and a simpler lighting management system remains necessary.

^J BE2016 / 5335

There is a need for an improved lighting management system, as well as a method for functioning and interacting with it.

The present invention aims to find a solution for at least some of the above-mentioned probemes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the invention relates to a lighting management system. This lighting management system comprises a plurality of spatially distributed luminous elements, the luminous elements being provided separately and / or in clusters with a control component. The control components are in turn controlled by a central decision-making body, preferably a server, based on the location determination of one or more portable identifiers. The luminous elements are connected to a power supply, preferably such that the control component controls the power supply. The control components are arranged to communicate with the central decision-making device and to detect the proximity of the portable identifiers, preferably via a short-range wireless connection, and to control the luminescent elements. The luminescent elements are preferably also locally controllable, for instance with an ordinary switch.

Preferably, the central decision-making body has information about the physical locations of the control components (see also location BL address on FIG. 2A, 2B, 3), so that the control components can be controlled further based on location, and in this way the luminous elements controlled by the control components. This is also discussed further in the document.

The advantages of the above-mentioned system are many. On the one hand, the need for automation is increasing at large complexes such as hospitals, where there is often no time or opportunity to actively engage in lighting (emergency situations) and the aim is for Systems that can be controlled from a central point via a preferably wireless network such as Wi-Fi. Moreover, such Systems are often also more efficient in terms of consumption, as this is monitored more accurately and can be remediated more quickly. However, these systems still rely on old-fashioned parts, such as physical switches. It is desirable, however, that the lighting be switched on automatically when users approach it. Solutions for this that are usually used are motion sensors, or sensors that are built into other elements that undergo movements (such as entrance door to a corridor / hall that switches on the lighting here when opened). However, these Systems are impractical and

BE2016 / 5335 are also prone to or easily prone to errors (visual field limitation, field of view blocked by conditions, poor adjustment, wear, damage and others).

On the other hand, the Systems must respond quickly and easily to variable parameters, such as the presence of users, users with a certain authorization and others.

By allowing the detection to take place via a proximity detection, preferably over a wireless short-range connection (such as Bluetooth), the detection is prevented from being subject to the aforementioned errors. Moreover, it is even easier to indicate a precise physical location of the portable identifiers. In addition, by detecting an identifier instead of movement or other, it is also ensured that it is an authorized user (and not an animal, accidentally falling object, unauthorized user or other).

By combining the information related to the detected identifier with the information available to the central decision-making body (institutions, rules, orders, ...), an optimal management system is provided that is both robust and can provide a general lighting protocol, but also flexible and is adaptable according to specific wishes of users. Moreover, by using a simple control component for this, installation costs will be greatly reduced since it can be easily built in, for example as a controlling intermediate station of the power supply for the luminescent elements.

In a further embodiment, the luminescent elements are operationally suspended in (lighting) luminaires and the control components are built into the luminaires. Preferably, the control components are built in such that the power supply to the luminaire, which is normally routed to the luminescent elements of the luminaire, passes through the control component and then to the luminescent elements, such that they can simply be controlled by the control component, and moreover it is ensured that the control component is supplied with power.

Providing the control components built-in luminaires for lighting simplifies the installation of such a system, since no specific knowledge of the control components is required for an installer. As usual, the luminaire can connect the luminaire to the power network, whereby the internal components of the luminaire ensure that the control can proceed in a desired manner.

BE2016 / 5335

In a further embodiment, the control component can be provided with a separate battery.

In a further embodiment, the control components comprise a Bluetooth module, preferably a Bluetooth Low Energy module. The control components are further adapted to communicate with the portable identifiers via a Bluetooth (Low Energy) connection.

Detecting the portable identifiers via Bluetooth offers numerous advantages. First of all, Bluetooth (or BLE) is supported by the vast majority of mobile devices (mobile phone, smartphone, tablet and others) and it is also simple, compact and inexpensive to incorporate in all kinds of objects. The disadvantage, the short range of these connections, is not a problem in this application, and even an advantage, as there will be less interference from distant Bluetooth signals, and thus the closest identifiers are more clearly detectable through better RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indication) or other techniques known in the art (eg AOA or Angle Of Arrival, TOA Of Time of Arrival, TDOA Of Time Difference Of Arrival, TWR or Two Way Ranging, SDS TWR or Symmetrical Double-Sided Two Way Ranging). In addition, Bluetooth also offers better possibilities for more precise location determination via all kinds of algorithms that can determine a precise location (triangulation, trilateration, maximum likelihood, fingerprinting, or other) through a combination of multiple signal observations (multiple RSSIs). In addition, communication between the identifier and the control component should also not require a large flow rate, as it often only involves the detection of an identifier.

In a further embodiment, the control components are arranged to separately recognize the portable identifiers on the basis of an identifier of the portable identifiers. The light-emitting elements are controlled by the central decision-making element, via the control components, on the basis of, inter alia, the identifier of an identifier detected by the control component of the light-emitting elements, and preferably further on the basis, inter alia, of the proximity of the detected portable identifier to the control components of the luminescent elements. The identifiers are further preferably detected as previously indicated via Bluetooth or similar connections (ZigBee).

By providing the identifiers (or at least some of them) with a separate identifier, it is possible to broaden the functionalities of the identifiers, so as to

BE2016 / 5335 empower a number of users to issue commands to the luminescent elements (whether or not without being detected by the control components of the luminescent elements). For example, one or more of the identifiers can be provided with a specific final destination (for example, location of doctor where appointment is, room of patient to be visited), whereby the user of the identifier in question is guided to the determined final destination via the luminous elements. (which light up a path to the determined final destination in advance, for example leading a few meters). This can also be done by short flashes, color shades, indications with Symbols (arrows, name of user, ...) via the luminous elements. The functionalities are further explained in the examples. Preferably, this can be easily adapted, such that it can be set, for example, in the reception or at the reception upon arrival of the user, or already pre-programmed.

In a further embodiment, at least one of the one or more portable identifiers can control one or more of the luminous elements via the central decision-making element. Preferably, different permissions are possible for the identifiers, which can also exist in different forms (ranging from a simple token without functionality, to a smartphone or tablet with application). For example, custom identifiers can be provided that can control luminous elements when they are within "range" of the identifier (when the control component of the luminous element detects the identifier), and the identifiers can dim or turn these luminous elements on and off. Other identifiers can receive more extensive permissions, such as control over luminescent elements that are not within 'range' of the identifier, for example by contacting the central decision-making body that processes the commands and communicates to (the control components of) the luminescent elements. This can be done, for example, via a simple visual interface with a touchscreen (e.g. map with luminescent elements). Control over other Systems can also be included in such a master identifier, such as heating, air conditioning, electricity supply, water supply and / or others. This offers possibilities for better control and therefore more efficient use of energy, as well as more efficient control of the lighting from a user's point of view. For example, it is possible to use the lighting without switches (which are a source of germs, especially in hospitals) to control the lighting, since it can, for example, automatically respond to the approach of a user, or illuminate a predetermined path (whether or not based on approach). In addition, a caregiver or, in a more general situation, an employee can concentrate

BE2016 / 5335 on the task it is to perform, and should not be concerned with lighting.

In a further embodiment, the control components comprise a microcontroller. The microcontroller is arranged to communicate with the portable identifiers via Bluetooth and to communicate with the central decision-making body via a Wi-Fi connection.

Using a microcontroller makes it possible to provide control options for the luminescent elements in a very compact and inexpensive manner, whereby both Wi-Fi possibilities and Bluetooth functionality can be provided without much additional costs or space requirements. The microcontrollers can easily be built into a luminaire, in such a way that the power supply to the luminaire, which supplies the luminescent elements, also feeds the microcontroller. Preferably, it is built in such that the microcontroller, as an intermediate station, receives the power supply and whether or not (or partly) switches it on to the luminous elements in order to control it in this way. The microcontroller can control a chopper, for example based on a TRIAC (triode for alternating current), which in turn supplies power to a luminous element. The operation of the chopper and the TRIAC is not discussed further in this document. It should be noted, however, that similar devices for current or voltage regulation (e.g., an adjustable resistor) may also be provided as an alternative or extension of this invention and, as a result, part of the invention.

In a further embodiment, the central decision-making device further controls the luminous elements on the basis of, inter alia, time and / or location and / or temperature and / or movement.

Further sensors that register environmental parameters can be used to control the central decision-making body that receives these registrations and can make decisions based on them. For example, a motion sensor can remain for users who do not have an identifier (for example, in emergency situations, or to detect unauthorized visitors), and / or temperature sensors to detect emergency situations. A difference can also be made in decisions based on location (lights in a toilet, for example, remain on for a fixed period of time, ...) or on time (lights stay on longer at night, or light elements that are further away from an identifier also turned on, while only the closest are turned on during the day).

BE2016 / 5335

In one embodiment, the control components are arranged to communicate with one or more of the other control components, preferably wherein the control components comprise a Bluetooth module and the control components can communicate with each other via Bluetooth.

Further preferably, the Bluetooth module is a Bluetooth Low Energy module to minimize consumption, since usually no large data stream is required for communication. The operation behind Bluetooth (Classic) and Bluetooth Low Energy is not further discussed in this document, as this is state of the art. It should be noted, however, that similar technologies are to be considered as a logical extension of this invention, and as a result, part of the invention.

In a further embodiment, at least one, and preferably alien, of the control components is arranged to dim one or more of the luminescent elements, preferably wherein the at least one, and preferably alien, of the control components has a TRIAC (triode for alternating current ) for dimming the luminescent elements. Alternatively, ballasts other than a TRIAC can be used, such as a DALI dimmer, a trailing edge dimmer or so-called electronic dimmer, a PWM (Power Width Modulation) dimmer or older systems such as DSI (digital serial interface) dimmers. In addition, the luminous elements can also be controlled via a 0-10 V (or 1-10 V) controller (in practice 0 to -10 V or 0 to 10 V), or via DMX 512 protocol.

The benefits of using DALI as a network protocol include that DALI is internationally recognized as an open standard for network communication in lighting systems and will thus be compatible with many other Systems and components, regardless of suppliers or manufacturers. In addition, the use of DALI protocol also allows to use fewer control cables than with some older Systems, which allows for both a more practical (including reduced danger of faulty connections) and cheaper installation. Furthermore, the use of DALI also makes it possible to easily replace or add components afterwards, and it can easily be connected to a building management system (BMS) such as LonWorks, BACnet or EIB.

Among other things, DSI offers the advantage that all luminescent elements are controlled in the same way by digital data transfer, and the elements in the system are easy to replace, since they are directly connected to a controller (and therefore have no address per component / element as in network systems).

0-10 V control can also count on a wide range of components suitable for use in this system, as well as being easy to understand.

BE2016 / 5335

Further options exist, such as the so-called trailing edge (phase cut) dimming or the leading edge (phase cut) dimming, and all have their specific advantages and disadvantages.

Further systems as known by an expert in the field may also be implemented by extension in the invention and such embodiments are as such covered by the invention as proposed in this document.

The first option of a TRIAC as part of a chopper that controls the luminous element is only an option for dimming the luminous elements. This option is very suitable for managing the light intensity of the luminescent elements, as the compact construction of the TRIAC and its low cost allow to efficiently manage the light intensity more efficiently and also allow the installer to easily install the necessary components into the luminaire of the luminescent elements. However, the invention is by no means limited to embodiments with a TRIAC as part.

In a second aspect, the invention relates to a control component for controlling a plurality of luminescent elements, the control component comprising a microcontroller and this microcontroller arranged to communicate with other devices via Bluetooth, preferably via Bluetooth Low Energy and via a wireless communication, preferably via Wi-Fi, to communicate with a server.

In a further embodiment, the control component is adapted to be incorporated into a luminaire for one or more of the luminous elements, such that the control component can control incoming power to the one or more luminous elements and such that the control component can control the luminous elements.

In a further embodiment, the control component is further adapted according to one or more embodiments already described in this document.

The advantages of such a control component have already been explained in previous parts of this document and are also further explained in subsequent parts.

In a third aspect, the invention relates to a luminaire comprising a control component, wherein the control component is arranged for communicating with a central decision-making device, preferably via a wireless network, and the control component is designed for detecting the proximity of portable identifiers, preferably via a Bluetooth connection, and wherein the control component is arranged to control the luminescent elements.

BE2016 / 5335

By providing a luminaire including a control component as described in this document, it is possible to use and install the system as proposed in this document without requiring any great prior knowledge. The luminaires can be positioned and supplied with power as usual, with the internal components (including the control component) of the luminaires then controlling and managing them in order to control the luminescent elements, which can also be placed in a usual manner in the fixtures.

In a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a method of controlling a lighting management system with a plurality of spatially distributed light components, wherein the light components can be controlled individually and / or in clusters in a centralized manner, preferably from a central decision-making body such as a server via a wireless network, preferably further over a Wi-Fi network. The light components are thereby arranged to detect portable identifiers, preferably detection takes place via a wireless short-distance connection, more preferably via a Bluetooth connection. The working method includes the following steps:

a. Detection by one of the light components of one or more of the portable identifiers, preferably via a short-range wireless connection, further preferably via a Bluetooth connection;

b. transmitting by the light component information about the detected portable identifier to a central decision maker;

c. processing the information about the detected portable identifier by the central decision-making body;

d. receiving a command on the light component for controlling the light component, the command being arranged, inter alia, with information about the detected portable identifier;

e. the execution of the received command by the light component.

In a further embodiment, at least one, preferably alien, of the light components comprises one or more light-emitting elements, for example LED lamps, and a luminaire for operationally receiving the one or more light-emitting elements. The luminaire here comprises a control component, preferably built into the luminaire, the control components being arranged to communicate with the central decision-making body, preferably via a wireless network, preferably further via a Wi-Fi connection. The steering components have been further designed

BE2016 / 5335 to detect the portable identifiers, preferably via a short-range wireless connection, further preferably via a Bluetooth connection.

In a preferred embodiment, the lighting management system more precisely comprises a plurality of spatially dispersed luminescent elements from a central decision member, the luminescent elements being contained in luminaires, the luminaires comprising a control component for controlling the luminescent elements, the control components being arranged to control the communicating central decision-making, preferably over a wireless network, further preferably over a Wi-Fi connection, and wherein the control components are arranged to detect portable identifiers, preferably over a wireless short-range connection, further preferably over a Bluetooth connection. In this embodiment, the method translates as comprising the following steps:

a. detecting by one of the control components one or more of the portable identifiers, preferably via a wireless short-range connection, more preferably via a Bluetooth connection;

b. communicating by the control component information about the detected portable identifier to the central decision maker;

c. processing the information about the detected portable identifier by the central decision-making body;

d. receiving a command on the control component to drive the luminescent elements of the control component armature, the command being arranged, inter alia, with information about the detected portable identifier;

e. the execution of the received command by the control component.

The advantages of these methods have already been discussed in this document, as they largely correspond to the advantages of the system itself. The method makes it possible to detect identifiers over a short-distance connection, which connections are much more efficient and thus also save other networks. In this way, the location of an identifier (and thus the user) can be determined very precisely, and in this way the lighting can be controlled to optimally support the user in question. This can be switching on a local lighting (within a certain radius), or dimming lighting, switching off lighting, illuminating a known or predicted path for the user, displaying information via luminescent elements or others. In addition, by communicating with and being controlled from a central decision-making body, the light components or luminescent elements can function optimally, since the

BE2016 / 5335 central decision-making body, much more information is available and it is possible to reason faster and deeper ('smarter') in order to provide instructions for a large number of luminous elements and for a large number of identifiers at the same time. In this way, the logical parts of the light components can also be kept minimal, in terms of size, cost and complexity. Given the ubiquity of Wi-Fi networks in many large buildings, such as a hospital, this is a preferred mode of communication. A further advantage of the proposed method, which also applies to the Systems, components and further methods of this document, is that the installation of a system suitable for applying the method does not require additional cabling for communication, and it may even be carried out by an installer without additional knowledge of the system, since the control component is preferably built into the luminaire.

In a further embodiment, the light components are arranged to communicate with neighboring light components via a wireless short-range connection, preferably via a Bluetooth connection, and the method comprises following alternative steps in the event of an inability to transmit information about the detected portable identifier by a particular light component to the central decision-making body:

a. detecting by the given light component one or more of the portable identifiers, preferably via a short-range wireless connection, further preferably via a Bluetooth connection;

bl. transmitting by the determined light component the information about the detected portable identifier to one or more neighboring light components via the wireless short-range connection;

b2. transmitting the transmitted information by the one or more neighboring light components to the central decision-making body;

c. processing the information about the detected portable identifier by the central decision-making body;

dl. receiving an order on the one or more neighboring light components for controlling the determined light component, wherein the order is drawn up on the basis of, inter alia, the information about the detected portable identifier;

d2. transmitting the received command of the one or more neighboring light components to the determined light component via the wireless short-range connection;

e. executing the received command by the determined light component.

BE2016 / 5335

In a more precise further embodiment, the control components are arranged to communicate with neighboring control components via a wireless short-range connection, preferably via a Bluetooth connection, and the method comprises the following alternative steps in the event of an inability to transmit information about the detected portable identifier by a particular steering component to the central decision-making body:

a. detecting by the particular control component one or more of the portable identifiers, preferably via a short-range wireless connection, further preferably via a Bluetooth connection;

bl. transmitting by the determined control component the information about the detected portable identifier to one or more neighboring control components via the wireless short-range connection;

b2. the passing of the transmitted information by the one or more neighboring control components to the central decision-making body;

c. processing the information about the detected portable identifier by the central decision-making body;

dl. receiving a command on the one or more neighboring control components for controlling the luminescent elements of the luminaire of the particular control component, the command having been drawn up, inter alia, on the information about the detected portable identifier;

d2. transmitting the received command of the one or more neighboring control components to the determined control component via the wireless short-range connection;

e. the execution of the received command by the determined control component.

The described extension of the method offers a very elegant and simple failsafe if one or more control components or light components experience problems communicating with the central decision-making body. By passing the information via a different communication channel (short-distance connection, eg Bluetooth) to a neighboring component, it can still pass the information on to the central decision-making body, which in turn can also serve as a conduit to the first component ( with communication problems).

For example, based on the previous methodology, it may also be possible to have only one light component (control component) per zone (a zone with a certain spatial extent, for example per room, every 2m, 5m, 10m, ... in a corridor , and

BE2016 / 5335, depending on the strength and range of the short-distance link) to provide the functionality to communicate with the central decision-making body, or even to provide a separate component for it, such that only a limited number of light components (control components) adaptation, which is further cost effective.

In a further embodiment, the center decision maker, in predetermined emergency situations, establishes a flight path for each of the detected portable identifiers based on information about the detected portable identifiers and passes the center decision maker on to the light components to have the light components display the flight plan , preferably via a sequence of temporarily illuminated light components along the escape path.

In a more precise embodiment, in the case of predetermined emergencies, the centersi decision-maker creates a flight path for each of the detected portable identifiers based on the information about the detected portable identifiers and the centersai decision-maker transmits commands to the control components for the luminous elements of the flight plan to be displayed, preferably via a sequence of temporarily illuminated luminous elements along the flight path. Other ways to display the flight plan include illuminated Symbols (arrows and the like), instructions displayed on luminescent elements (screen) or others.

The benefits of these practices speak for themselves, an improved way of evacuating users in an emergency, with the central decision-making body also aware of the locations of the users in the building, which can be of great help to rescuers in their search of people left behind.

In a further embodiment, the light components are suitable for displaying information, and on the basis of a detected portable identifier, information relevant to the detected portable identifier is displayed on nearby light components. For example, this may include instructions to reach a desired location (when identifying an identifier assigned to a particular destination, such as for a doctor's appointment at a hospital), or other notices.

BE2016 / 5335

In a preferred embodiment, the light components are of a type as discussed in this document and the light components comprise one or more light emitting elements, and a luminaire with a control component therein, and nearby light emitting elements are controlled to display the relevant information.

In a further embodiment, based on information from one or more light components about a particular portable identifier, the central decision-maker predicts a trajectory for the determined portable identifier, and the central decision-maker directs light components to the predicted trajectory. Preferably, the predicted trajectory is adjusted as new information is received at the central decision maker and the light components are controlled along the adjusted trajectory. Predicting a trajectory can range from pre-illuminating luminous elements in a corridor to the speed of movement of the indicator, or predetermining which direction is most likely to be taken at a junction and others.

Preferably, the lighting management system of the method is a lighting management system as described in this document, and / or the control components and / or luminaires used herein are also as described in this document.

In a fifth aspect, the invention relates to a lighting management system comprising a plurality of spatially dispersed luminescent elements suitable for operationally hanging in luminaires, the luminescent elements being provided individually and / or in clusters with one or more control components, the control components being arranged for detecting the proximity of one or more portable identifiers, preferably via a Bluetooth connection to the portable identifiers, and to control the luminous elements on the basis of information about the detected portable identifiers. Preferably, the control components are suitable to be built into the luminaire, more preferably the control components are built into the luminaire.

The advantages of such a lighting management system include the simplicity with which the system can be placed, especially if the control component is already integrated in the luminaire, so that an installer can install and connect it without prior knowledge. In addition, the previously mentioned advantages over known Systems for user proximity

BE2016 / 5335, such as motion sensors, which need to be installed separately, can be easily bypassed and are often particularly vulnerable. The invention as discussed in this document has no additional fragile components located in locations where they can easily be damaged. In addition, much more information can be transferred via the short-distance connection, such as an identification (and / or authorization) of a user, the purpose of a user and other matters.

In a sixth aspect, the invention relates to a lighting management system comprising a plurality of spatially dispersed luminescent elements, the luminescent elements being suitable for operationally hanging in luminaires, the luminescent elements being provided individually and / or in clusters with one or more control components, wherein the control components control the luminescent elements, and wherein the control components are controlled via a Wi-Fi network from a central decision-making body, preferably a central server. Preferably, the control components are suitable to be built into the luminaire, more preferably the control components are built into the luminaire.

Again, the system allows a very practical installation. Moreover, it uses a wireless network, which is practically everywhere, so that no wired connection has to be made between the central decision-making body and the individual light components. This allows for far-reaching control, both automatic and manual, which can provide great energy savings and increased programmability and flexibility of the lighting.

In a seventh aspect, the invention relates to a method of installing a lighting management system according to the first aspect (and subsequent embodiments). The method includes the following steps:

a. placing one or more luminaires comprising one or more control components, such that the luminaires are connected to a power supply, preferably providing one or more luminescent elements in the luminaires;

b. providing a wireless network, preferably a Wi-Fi network, with which the control components can communicate with a central decision-making body, preferably a server;

c. providing one or more identifiers suitable for detection by the control components.

BE2016 / 5335

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment for a connected control component with a luminous element, a central decision-making element and a portable identifier.

FIG. 2A-2B show an embodiment for a lighting management system according to the invention with a moving portable identifier.

FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment for a lighting management system.

FIG. 4 shows (a part of) a control component according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in the description of the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art of the invention. For a better assessment of the description of the invention, the following terms are explicitly explained.

One, de and the in this document refer to both the singular and the plural unless the context clearly assumes otherwise. For example, a segment means one or more than a segment.

The terms include, include, consist of, consist of, include, contain, contain, control, controlling, contents, containing are synonyms and are inclusive or open terms that indicate the presence of what follows, and do not exclude or prevent the presence of other components, features, elements, members, steps, known from or described in the prior art.

The term portable identifiers refers to a wide variety of objects suitable for recognition by an electronic component. This can be a simple token (or badge, bracelet or other) with an NFC (near field communication) tag or RFID (radio frequency identification) chip or a Bluetooth tag integrated therein. The advantage of this is, among other things, the small volume of the tag or chip. On the other hand, it is also possible to use a smartphone, PDA, tablet, smart watch, mobile phone or other devices with the possibility of short-distance connections as a portable

BE2016 / 5335 identifier, optional with specific mobile application thereon for increased functionalities (controlling lighting and the like).

The term control component refers to an electronic circuit (for example on SoCbord) with a number of components, the first of which for detecting portable identifiers, preferably this is a Bluetooth module (other options are certainly not excluded here, as well as cumulative) that have a Bluetooth tag of the portable identifiers. A second optional component is responsible for communication with the central decision-making body, preferably via Wi-Fi. These functionalities can also be present in combination in a microcontroller. In addition, the electronic circuit must be able to control luminous elements (switching on and off, possibly also dimming, color changes, ...). This can be made possible by including a TRIAC or a similar component.

The term luminous elements refers to lamps of all tendencies (fluorescent, incandescent, LED, OLED, QD-LED, AMOLED, LEC, PMOLED, but also screens.

The term light components refers to a combination of about one or more luminous elements as described previously, as well as a control component as described previously, and optionally a luminaire for the operational reception of the luminous elements.

In what follows, the invention is described by means of non-limiting examples illustrating the invention, which are not intended or may be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention.

EXAMPLES

EXAMPLE 1:

In a possible embodiment, a lighting management system is integrated over the lighting of a hospital. All luminescent elements (lamps) are provided with a control component, in this embodiment a simple chip with a microcontroller (eg Atmegal68 microcontroller from Atmel), which is preferably built into the luminaire of the luminescent elements. In this way, a simple installation of the management system is ensured, since the control components can already be pre-built operationally in the

BE2016 / 5335 luminaires, such that they can be placed as usual without further knowledge of the control components, or that additional connections have to be made. The power supply for the luminescent elements is routed as usual to the luminaire, which can then pass through the microcontroller to the luminescent elements. In addition, the power supply can preferably also be pulled further from the luminaire to a subsequent luminaire (and then further). The microcontrollers are suitable for communicating with a central decision-making body, in practice a central server of the hospital, via a wireless connection, in practice a Wi-Fi network (or over several). In addition, the microcontrollers are suitable for detecting portable identifiers (and even estimating the distance between the control component and the identifier) via RTLS (real-time locating system). The control components will in practice detect the portable identifiers via Bluetooth, since this is a practical and widely supported form for short-distance communication. A distinction can also be made here between different types of portable identifiers. A first type can be, for example, a visitor badge, with built-in Bluetooth functionality such that this badge can be detected by the control components as being a visitor badge. The control components that detect the badge as being close enough can then act on instructions from the central server, for example switching on the light emitting elements, brightening, dimming or others. However, the visitor badge does not grant any further permissions to the user, in other words does not allow a user to control lighting himself (although this could also be made possible). A second type can be, for example, a patient badge, with limited functionality in a specific zone (room, hospital wing, ...) and / or specific time (at night, during the day, ...). A third type can be an employee badge that makes it possible to control the lighting directly (or after communication with the server) on top of the aforementioned functionalities, since it can be useful for doctors and nurses to check the lighting. Other types can of course also be provided, such as a master badge. This can, for example, be provided with the possibility to control lighting elements of which the control component has not detected the master badge, and so can control lighting remotely by passing the lighting commands to the central server via a wireless network, and the central server further processes the orders and passes them on to the individual lighting elements. This can be made possible, for example, via a graphical user environment for users with certain permissions. In addition, the central decision-making body (server) can also be conflicting

BE2016 / 5335 solve commands, for example by taking into account authorization, time since command or other.

In addition, the term 'badge' should not be considered limiting. For example, it may also be appropriate for staff to use a smartphone or other device as an identifier, with or without an application installed specifically for checking the lighting. In this way it is easy to see which authorization a user has exactly by personalizing the application (and possibly providing guest accounts with the lowest functionalities).

In a preferred embodiment, the visitor badges can be provided with additional functionalities. For example, a visitor can indicate at the reception which service, patient, room, doctor or other person wishes to visit it. This can easily be uploaded to the visitor badge in such a way that only lighting along the path to the desired location lights up or gives another sign when the specific visitor badge is detected. Preferably, the lighting can even take the lead in relation to the visitor and thus indicate the direction to the desired location. On the other hand, screens can be placed at various locations throughout the hospital (for example at corridors and the like) that respond to the proximity of the visitor's badge and in this way indicate a correct direction. Furthermore, the visitor badge (and others) can be provided with a 'home' button that sends the visitor back to the (main) entrance in the same way, which can be useful after the visit. Other buttons can also be provided, such as an emergency button, information button or others.

EXAMPLE 2:

In a possible embodiment, the lighting management system is arranged largely similar to the above, but here it has the (additional or alternative) functionality to handle emergency situations. In emergencies, such as a fire, attack, flood, electrical faults, earthquake or other, this is registered from a central decision-making body (which may receive this event from a user with certain authority). The central decision-maker then inquires from the control components at which identifiers have been detected, and also has the physical location of the control components (or even the physical location or approximate of the identifier itself). Based on the detected identifiers and their approximate location, an evacuation path can be set up for all identifiers, specifically at their location, and escort the identifiers to an exit. This is similar to 'running lighting' used in

BE2016 / 5335 emergency situations are already used to indicate a desired path. The extension proposed in this invention is, based on the knowledge of the individual locations of the identifiers, to indicate these evacuation paths separately by illumination shapes, patterns, strengths, colors or others.

EXAMPLE 3:

In possible embodiments, the control component may further include sensors to monitor the condition locally, such as temperature sensors, motion sensors, pressure sensors, CO sensors and / or other sensors. In this way, these measurements can be communicated with the central decision-making body and possibly included in controlling the lighting (or indicating emergency situations and the like). By placing sensors on it, they are both in a safe location where accidental damage will be rare, and there is no need to power them separately, since the power supply can be easily branched from the power supply to the luminaire. This is also visible in FIG. 4.

EXAMPLE 4:

In the Figures, some embodiments are visible according to some of the described Systems and Methods. Note that the term Arduino is always used as a specific implementation of a component of the control component, and that this should in no way be interpreted restrictively, and only serves to represent a more detailed implementation option. Arduino as used here actually refers to a microcontroller suitable for the Arduino platform. However, it should be noted that the capabilities extend beyond microcontrollers to the Arduino platform (with alternatives such as Raspberry Pi, Dwengo board and others).

For example, FIG. 1 generally a light component (2 and 7), showing a possible control component (2), in this case comprising a TRIAC and an Arduino microcontroller. The control component (2) is powered by two current-carrying cables coming from the left, with the microcontroller (Arduino) driving the TRIAC, which in turn supplies a particular power or power regime to the luminescent element (7). The live cables lead to a next unit of control component (2) and luminous element (s) (7). The microcontroller (Arduino) is capable of communicating with a central decision-making body (3) via a wireless connection (4). In addition, the microcontroller

BE2016 / 5335 (Arduino) also equipped for detecting portable identifiers (1) via a short-distance connection (5), in this case via Bluetooth.

FIG. 2A shows a lighting management system of a number of light components (luminous element is not shown) with a control component (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d), which can communicate via a wireless connection (4a, 4b, ...) with a central decision-making body (3 ). In addition, the steering components (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) can detect portable identifiers (1), in this case a smartphone, via a short-range connection (5a, 5b) if they are within range of the steering component (2a, 2b).

In FIG. 2B, the same situation is visible as in FIG. 2A, however, with the user, and his portable identifier (1) in a further position and thus detectable by other control components (in this case control components 2a, 2b and 2c) via the short-range connections (5a, 5b, 5c).

In FIG. 3, finally, the situation is visible in which only one control component (2) is arranged to communicate with the central decision-making body (3) over a wireless connection (4), and this one control component communicates with the neighboring control components (2a, 2b) via short-distance connections , 2c, 2d), and thus acts as a conduit for the neighboring control components (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d). This may be the case, for example, with problems with communication between the central decision-making element (3) and the neighboring control components (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d), as well as being a standard embodiment, so that not every control component must have Wi-Fi functionality.

Note that specific terms used in the examples are by no means limiting, and that logical additions as invented by one of skill in the art of the invention are to be considered to be included as part of the invention.

It is believed that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and that some modifications or changes to the described examples can be added without revaluating the added claims. For example, the present invention has been described with reference to lighting, but it is to be understood that the invention may be applied to e.g. other general systems, such as ventilation, heating, air conditioning, screens or even 'turning on' electrical contacts and the like.

BE2016 / 5335

Claims (27)

CONCLUSIONS A lighting management system comprising a plurality of spatially distributed luminous elements, wherein the luminous elements are provided separately and / or in clusters with a control component, the control components being controlled by a central decision-making body, preferably a server, on the basis of location determination of one or a plurality of portable identifiers, wherein the light emitting elements are connected to a power supply, and the control components are arranged to communicate with the central decision-making device and to detect the proximity of the portable identifiers, preferably via a short-range wireless connection, and to controlling the light-emitting elements, and preferably the light-emitting elements can also be controlled locally. A lighting management system according to the preceding claim 1, wherein luminescent elements in luminaires are operationally suspended and wherein the control components are built into the luminaires. The lighting management system according to any of the preceding claims 1 or 2, wherein the one or more control components comprise a Bluetooth module, preferably a Bluetooth Low Energy module, and are arranged for communicating with the portable identifiers, and wherein communicating with the portable identifiers are carried out via a Bluetooth connection. The lighting management system according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein the one or more control components are provided with Wi-Fi functionality to communicate wirelessly with the central decision-making body. Lighting management system according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein the control components are arranged to be able to recognize the portable identifiers individually by means of an identifier, wherein the luminous elements are controlled by the central decision-making body on the basis of, inter alia, the identifier of a detected portable identifier, and preferably further based, inter alia, on the proximity of the detected portable identifier to the control components of the luminescent elements. BE2016 / 5335 Lighting management system according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one of the one or more portable identifiers can control one or more of the luminous elements via the central decision-making element. Lighting management system according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, wherein the control components comprise a microcontroller, the microcontroller being arranged to communicate with the portable identifiers via Bluetooth and to communicate with the central decision-maker via a Wi-Fi connection . Lighting management system according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 7, wherein the central decision-making element further controls the luminous elements on the basis of, inter alia, time and / or location and / or temperature and / or movement. Lighting management system according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 8, wherein the control components are arranged to communicate with one or more of the control components, preferably wherein the control components comprise a Bluetooth module and wherein the control components can communicate with each other via Bluetooth . Lighting management system according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one, and preferably alien, of the control components is arranged to dim the luminescent elements, preferably wherein the at least one, and preferably alien, of the control components include a TRIAC (alternating current triode) for dimming the luminescent elements. The lighting management system according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one, and preferably alien, of the control components is arranged to dim the luminescent elements, preferably wherein the at least one, and preferably alien, of the control components include a DALI dimmer, a DMX512 dimmer, a DSI dimmer, a phase cut-off dimmer, a 0-10 V dimmer or a PWM dimmer for dimming the luminescent elements. 12. A control component for driving a plurality of luminescent elements, the control component comprising a microcontroller and this microcontroller adapted to communicate via Bluetooth with other BE2016 / 5335 devices and communicate with a server via a wireless connection, preferably via Wi-Fi. Control component according to the preceding claim 12, wherein the control component is arranged to be built into a luminaire for one or more of the light-emitting elements, such that the control component can control incoming power to one or more of the light-emitting elements and such that the control component can control one or more of the luminous elements. The control component according to any of the preceding claims 12 or 13, wherein the control component is a control component according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 11. A luminaire comprising a control component, wherein the control component is arranged for communicating with a central decision-making device, preferably via a wireless network, and the control component is arranged for detecting the proximity of portable identifiers, preferably via a Bluetooth connection, and wherein the control component is adapted to control the luminous elements. Method for controlling a lighting management system with a plurality of spatially dispersed light components, wherein the light components can be controlled individually and / or in clusters in a centralized manner, preferably via a wireless network, further preferably via a Wi-Fi network , and wherein the light components are arranged to detect portable identifiers, preferably via a short-range wireless connection, further preferably via a Bluetooth connection, the method comprising the following steps: a. detecting by one of the light components one or more of the portable identifiers, preferably via a wireless short-range connection, further preferably via a Bluetooth connection; b. transmitting by the light component information about the detected portable identifier to a central decision maker; c. processing the information about the detected portable identifier by the central decision-making body; d. receiving a command on the light component for controlling the light component, the command being arranged, inter alia, with information about the detected portable identifier; e. the execution of the received command by the light component. BE2016 / 5335 Method according to the foregoing method 16, wherein the light components comprise one or more light-emitting elements, a luminaire for operationally receiving the one or more light-emitting elements and the luminaire comprises a control component, the control components being arranged to be connected to the central communicating decision means, preferably via a wireless network, further preferably via a Wi-Fi connection, and wherein the control components are arranged to detect the portable identifiers, preferably via a short-range wireless connection, further preferably via a Bluetooth connection . A method according to any of the preceding claims 16 or 17, wherein the light components are arranged to communicate with neighboring light components via a short-range wireless connection, preferably via a Bluetooth connection, comprising the following alternative steps in the event of the inability to transmit information about the detected portable identifier by a given light component to the central decision-making body: a. detecting by the given light component one or more of the portable identifiers, preferably via a short-range wireless connection, further preferably via a Bluetooth connection; bl. transmitting by the determined light component the information about the detected portable identifier to one or more neighboring light components via the short-range wireless connection; b2. transmitting the transmitted information by the one or more neighboring light components to the central decision-making body; d. processing the information about the detected portable identifier by the central decision-making body; dl. receiving an order on the one or more neighboring light components for controlling the determined light component, wherein the order is drawn up on the basis of, inter alia, the information about the detected portable identifier; d2. transmitting the received command of the one or more neighboring light components to the determined light component via the short-range wireless connection; e. executing the received command by the determined light component. BE2016 / 5335 A method according to any one of the preceding claims 16 to 18, wherein in predetermined emergencies, the central decision-making unit draws a flight path for each of the detected portable identifiers based on the information about the detected portable identifiers and passes commands to the light components to have the light components display the flight plan, preferably via a sequence of temporarily illuminated light components along the flight path. A method according to any one of the preceding claims 16 to 19, wherein the light components are suitable for displaying information, and relevant information is displayed on nearby light components on the basis of a detected portable identifier for the detected portable identifier. A method according to any one of the preceding claims 16 to 20, wherein the central decision-making unit predicts a trajectory and controls light components along the predicted trajectory based on information from one or more light components about a particular portable identifier. A method according to any one of the preceding claims 17 to 21, wherein the lighting management system is a lighting management system according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 11, and / or wherein the control components are preferably control components according to any of the preceding claims 12 through 14 and / or wherein the luminaires are preferably luminaires according to the preceding claim 15. Lighting management system comprising a plurality of spatially dispersed luminescent elements are suitable for operationally hanging in luminaires, the luminescent elements being provided individually and / or in clusters with one or more control components, the control components being arranged for detecting proximity of one or more portable identifiers, preferably via a Bluetooth connection to the portable identifiers, and to control the luminous elements on the basis of information about the detected portable identifiers. A method according to the preceding claim 23, wherein the control components are suitable to be built into the luminaires. BE2016 / 5335 Lighting management system comprising a plurality of spatially dispersed luminescent elements, the luminescent elements being arranged to be operatively suspended in luminaires, the luminescent elements being provided individually and / or in clusters with one or more 5 control components, wherein the control components control the luminescent elements, and wherein the control components are controlled via a Wi-Fi network from a central decision-making body, preferably a central server. The method of the preceding claim 25, wherein the control components 10 are suitable for installation in the luminaires. A method for installing a lighting management system as described in any one of the preceding claims 1 to 11, comprising the following steps: A. Placing one or more luminaires comprising one or more control components, such that the luminaires are connected to a power supply, preferably providing one or more luminescent elements in the luminaires; b. providing a wireless network, preferably a Wi-Fi network, 20 with which the control components can communicate with a central decision-making body, preferably a server; c. providing one or more identifiers suitable for detection by the control components. BE2016 / 5335