EP1587347B1 - Device for controlling a plurality of lighting units - Google Patents

Device for controlling a plurality of lighting units Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1587347B1
EP1587347B1 EP05007956A EP05007956A EP1587347B1 EP 1587347 B1 EP1587347 B1 EP 1587347B1 EP 05007956 A EP05007956 A EP 05007956A EP 05007956 A EP05007956 A EP 05007956A EP 1587347 B1 EP1587347 B1 EP 1587347B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
colour
unit
color
brightness level
values
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP05007956A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1587347A2 (en
EP1587347A3 (en
Inventor
Holger Dipl.-Phys. Ing. Flüss
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Erco GmbH
Original Assignee
Erco GmbH
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Filing date
Publication date
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Priority to PL05007956T priority Critical patent/PL1587347T3/en
Publication of EP1587347A2 publication Critical patent/EP1587347A2/en
Publication of EP1587347A3 publication Critical patent/EP1587347A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1587347B1 publication Critical patent/EP1587347B1/en
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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B47/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light sources in general, i.e. where the type of light source is not relevant
    • H05B47/10—Controlling the light source
    • H05B47/175—Controlling the light source by remote control
    • H05B47/18—Controlling the light source by remote control via data-bus transmission
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B47/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light sources in general, i.e. where the type of light source is not relevant
    • H05B47/10—Controlling the light source
    • H05B47/155—Coordinated control of two or more light sources
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B47/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light sources in general, i.e. where the type of light source is not relevant
    • H05B47/10—Controlling the light source
    • H05B47/175—Controlling the light source by remote control
    • H05B47/18—Controlling the light source by remote control via data-bus transmission
    • H05B47/183—Controlling the light source by remote control via data-bus transmission using digital addressable lighting interface [DALI] communication protocols
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B47/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light sources in general, i.e. where the type of light source is not relevant
    • H05B47/10—Controlling the light source
    • H05B47/175—Controlling the light source by remote control
    • H05B47/198—Grouping of control procedures or address assignation to light sources
    • H05B47/1985—Creation of lighting zones or scenes

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for controlling a plurality of luminaires according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • Such a device of the applicant is from the DE 198 17 073.4 known.
  • the known device has proven itself in use.
  • the known device is according to the object of the invention further develop such that it is variable in use.
  • the invention achieves this object with the features of claim 1, in particular with those of the characterizing part, and is accordingly characterized in that at least one luminaire has at least three differently colored luminous means, e.g. a red lamp, a blue lamp and a green lamp, wherein each of the three lamps is assigned its own, individually addressable ballast, with each of which the brightness level of the associated lamp is adjustable, wherein an input unit is provided at the at least one color value for the Luminaire is input, and wherein a computer unit is provided which converts the input color value into brightness level values of the three lamps, the computer unit for displaying the color value by the lights at least the brightness level values individually addressed to the ballasts sends.
  • luminous means e.g. a red lamp, a blue lamp and a green lamp
  • each of the three lamps is assigned its own, individually addressable ballast, with each of which the brightness level of the associated lamp is adjustable
  • an input unit is provided at the at least one color value for the Luminaire is input
  • a computer unit is
  • luminaires which have a plurality of differently colored partial lamps, for example a red, a green and a blue partial lamp.
  • Bulbs are for example colored fluorescent lamps but also any other light sources, such as LEDs, into consideration.
  • colorless lamps are also white lamps, so colorless lamps into consideration, which with a coloring element, such as a color filter, e.g. a color foil, interact.
  • a coloring element such as a color filter, e.g. a color foil
  • the color generated by a luminaire consists of the sum of the individual colors. Depending on the brightness level of the individual lamps results in a different overall color of the lamp.
  • Every single lamp is assigned a single-addressable ballast. This may be a separate component for each individual lamp or, alternatively, a common component for a plurality of different lamps, which has an individual addressing possibility for the three lamps.
  • the device is also assigned an input unit to which a color value for the luminaire can be entered.
  • the entered color value shall be displayed by the luminaire by appropriate calculation of the brightness levels of the individual lamps and by transmission of these brightness level values to the ballasts.
  • the computer unit converts the color value into brightness level values of the three lamps.
  • the computer unit then transmits the brightness level values for displaying the color value to the ballasts individually addressed.
  • the invention initially makes it possible to input defined color values to the input unit. Furthermore, the device enables a particularly simple forwarding of the brightness level values to the ballasts.
  • the device according to the invention makes it possible to use the DALI protocol for the communication between the memory unit and the ballasts.
  • the DALI protocol is described in Annex E of the ballast standard IEC 60929. Further information can be found on the website of the DALI Working Group at www.dali-ag.org. The content of the there retrievable DALI manual, 2nd edition, is hereby included in the content of the present patent application.
  • the DALI protocol is not intended and designed for the control of colored luminaires. Nevertheless, the device according to the invention makes it possible to use the DALI protocol for changing the color of luminaires.
  • the computer unit transmits the brightness level values directly to the ballasts in an individually addressed manner in order to display the color value. It is not necessary to use the light scene memories provided in the individual ballasts according to the DALI protocol for the retrieval of light scenes. In contrast, the direct, individually addressed transmission of the brightness level values allows a very high variability.
  • the computer unit may, for example, consist of two computer sub-units, which are assigned to both the memory unit and the input unit.
  • a computer subunit arranged on the input unit takes over part of the arithmetic work, z. Example, while inputs are made, and when the memory unit associated second computer subunit takes over the transmission of the control information to the individual ballasts, in particular, even if the input unit is disconnected from the device.
  • An individual addressing of the ballasts within the meaning of the invention means that the transmission of the brightness level values in each case to a specific, individual ballast and thus to a specific subscriber of the Network, in particular to a particular colored lamp.
  • the control command which is sent to represent the color value by the light from the computer unit and / or from the storage unit, thus always contains an address component.
  • a device for controlling a plurality of lights is known under the name "LUXMATE-Emotion" by Zumtobel-Staff GmbH, based in Dornbirn, Austria.
  • color values can be input at an operator control unit, wherein the color values are converted into brightness level values and the brightness level values are individually addressed and stored as light scenes in electronic ballasts.
  • the device uses the possibility provided by the DALI protocol to store light scenes. To display the color value, commands are sent via the signal line, which retrieve the stored light scenes. For the representation of the color value by the luminaire, brightness level values are thus not transmitted directly to the individual addressed.
  • the known device does not allow input of more than two color values and in particular no arbitrary selectable sequence of color stations.
  • a real-time representation, ie color rendering, of a color value specified on the input unit is also not provided by the known device. Also, due to the instruction sets given by the DALI protocol, the number of possible storable light scenes, ie static color stations, is limited to 16.
  • the color value is reached starting from one of the lamp before input of the color value associated output color value within a time adjustable by the user (target time).
  • target time can also be chosen close to zero.
  • the input unit thus provides the possibility of entering a target time by the user, which corresponds to the time to change the color generated by the lamp to the new value.
  • the adjustable by the user target time can also be a round trip time, which is needed for a run of a color transition of several color stations.
  • the target time is in this sense, for example, the total circulation time of the color passage. If, for example, a target time of 500 seconds is specified for a run through ten different color stations, then the time interval between two color stations-indirectly adjustable by the user-is 50 seconds.
  • the computer unit and / or the memory unit subdivides the target time into a multiplicity of time intervals (fading times).
  • the computer and / or the memory unit calculates a corresponding multiplicity of intermediate color values and associated intermediate brightness level values between the output color value and the color value. It then sends the calculated intermediate brightness level values and the brightness level values corresponding to the color value subsequently to the ballasts in the time intervals individually addressed.
  • This embodiment of the invention offers particular advantages in terms of a design of the color transition. Based on an output color value that represents the luminaire at an output time, the user may enter a color value that represents a target value for the luminaire. The target value should be reached within a target time.
  • this embodiment of the invention can be used to calculate and control a multiplicity of intermediate values and intermediate stages, which are controlled within respectively short time intervals. The steps can be shortened in this way so that it no longer arrives to achieve a color transition to the dimming curve stored in the individual ballasts. The dimming curve is no longer resolvable in this sense.
  • time intervals are selected to be shorter than 10 seconds, advantageously shorter than 5 seconds, and in particular shorter than 2 seconds. Color transitions of such short time intervals can virtually not resolve the human eye - assuming small color differences.
  • the input unit is provided by a device separate from the operating unit.
  • the much more complicated, for example, to be operated by a lighting planner input unit may be a separate unit, for example, part of a computer.
  • the operating unit can be designed in this way very simple and is therefore inexpensive to produce.
  • the essential requirements for storage capacity and performance are provided by the storage unit.
  • the input unit is assigned a color value display for (almost) all representable color values, the color value being derived from the color value Color value display is selectable.
  • the color value display may be, for example, a color wheel or a color standard table, which represents essentially all the colors that can be generated by the luminaire.
  • a particular problem in this context is that the colors displayed on a screen do not necessarily correspond to the color produced by the luminaire in the room.
  • the representation of the color value can be controlled by the lamp in the installed state.
  • the color value display is assigned a cursor which can be moved by means of a positioning device, e.g. a mouse, along the color value display by changing the Cursorortes is controllable.
  • the computer location and / or the memory unit assigns a color value to the cursor location. In this way, it is possible to have the color value set on the color value display directly, that is to say almost in real time, or online, represented by the luminaire.
  • the color value is calculated from the cursor location in real time and displayed by the lamp. In this way, a shift of the cursor is sufficient, for example, by moving the mouse to change the color. A mouse click is no longer required in this embodiment of the invention.
  • the actuation of an actuating element is required for calculating the color value from the cursor location, for example a left mouse button. This allows a more defined, safer operation of the input unit to select a color value.
  • a plurality of color values is present at an input unit (Color stations) can be entered.
  • the multiple color values may be combined by the user in any order.
  • a color transition is possible, which is formed by the color stations red-green-red-blue-red-yellow-red-green-red-orange-red-blue-red-violet-red-blue-red-green-red-orange, etc.
  • the input unit sequentially polls the plurality of color values from the user.
  • the combination of the color values leads to a color transition. This can also be formed endlessly encircling, so that an infinite loop is programmable to generate corresponding dynamic lighting.
  • the information are stored in a retrievable manner via the color transition in the memory unit.
  • a retrievability is possible through the control unit. The once entered by a lighting designer at the input unit color stations or color passages can be accessed in this way very comfortable.
  • the memory unit and / or the computer unit for displaying the color passage sends the corresponding brightness level values one after the other individually addressed to the ballasts.
  • a transmission process can take place during normal operation of the device, for example when a corresponding selection from a menu item has taken place on the operating device.
  • the transmission process can also be carried out during a programming phase of the device, ie at a time when the input device is connected to the device. This embodiment enables the input of any number of color stations of a color passage, since the memory locations provided for in the DALI protocol for light scenes which are limited to 16 need not be used.
  • the ballasts communicate with the memory unit and / or with at least a part of the computer unit according to the DALI protocol. This allows compatibility of different ballasts with each other. In addition, known standards can be used.
  • the signal line is associated with an interface designed in particular as a USB interface.
  • a computer in particular a laptop, can be connected to the device in a simple manner.
  • the interface is arranged according to a further embodiment of the invention on a housing of the operating unit. This allows a particularly easy accessibility.
  • the interface in a mounted state of the operating unit, in particular in a wall-mounted state of the operating unit, freely accessible on the housing, in particular on its underside.
  • Fig. 1 10 In their entirety in Fig. 1 10 is shown by way of example only in the figures.
  • the device comprises three lights 11a, 11b, 11c, which are attached to a mounting location in a building, eg ceiling-mounted.
  • Each individual lamp for example the lamp 11a, comprises not shown, differently colored, individual lamps, for example a red lamp, a green lamp and a blue lamp.
  • Each individual lamp of a lamp is assigned its own, individually addressable, electronic ballast. Consequently, the light fixture 11a, which comprises three individual lamps, comprises a group 12a of three individual, individually addressable ballasts. It is conceivable that each ballast for each individual lamp has its own housing.
  • ballasts from Osram, Tridonic or Philips come into question, which are commercially available.
  • Osram, Tridonic or Philips come into question, which are commercially available.
  • ballasts are combined to form a common component. It is crucial that each individual lamp of the respective lamp 11a, 11b, 11c is individually addressable via the corresponding ballast.
  • the illustrated three lights are to be understood as an example.
  • the maximum number of network subscribers is limited to 64 by the DALI protocol, with one colored light emitting light having three lamps and thus three subscribers.
  • the network can also be equipped with conventional monochrome lights.
  • the individual ballasts are connected via a common signal line 13 to a memory unit 14.
  • the memory unit 14 is a controller for the network and can send commands to the ballasts according to the DALI protocol.
  • the individual ballasts used in Fig. 1 are indicated only schematically, understand the of the memory unit 14 via the Signal line 13 sent control commands according to the DALI protocol and convert the received information into control information for the individual lamps.
  • the electrical ballasts generate different control voltages for the individual lamps in order to achieve different dimming values and thus different brightness level values of the individual ones.
  • the lamp 11a is associated with a red, a green and a blue fluorescent lamp
  • a change in the brightness levels of individual lamps, a change in the total light color, ie the color value of this lamp 11a can be achieved.
  • the memory unit 14 is connected via a line 17 to an operating unit 20.
  • the operating unit 20 communicates with the memory unit 14 via a protocol different from the DALI protocol according to the RS485 standard. Via the operating unit 20 stored in the memory unit 14 control commands and information can be retrieved. In the event that a specific light scene is stored in the memory unit 14, for example, this can be called up by the operating unit 20.
  • the light scene may be, for example, a static light scene, so that a constant color is generated.
  • a dynamic light scene to be stored in the storage unit 14, for example in the form of an endlessly circulating color passage which leads over a multiplicity of color stations.
  • the operating unit 20 is in Fig. 2 shown in a schematic, perspective view. It becomes clear that the operating unit 20 has a substantially circumferential frame 21, which delimits a display 22, that is to say a screen display.
  • the display 22 is designed as a touch-screen display, so that a circuit for retrieving control commands of the memory unit 14 can be made by touching the display.
  • a socket is provided at the bottom 23 of the frame 21 of the control unit 20, a socket is provided.
  • This is a USB interface 19, the connection of a in Fig. 1 serves with 18 designated cable.
  • the arranged on the back of the control unit 20, in Fig. 3 schematically indicated fastening elements 24 serve the wall-side mounting of the operating unit 20, for example in the field of a flush-mounted socket. In wall-mounted state of the control unit 20, the USB interface 19 is readily accessible.
  • Fig. 1 shows that an input unit 15, in particular a portable computer (laptop) via the cable 18 can be connected to the control unit 20.
  • the function and operation of the input unit 15 will be described later.
  • USB interface 19 may be arranged for connection to the input unit 15.
  • USB interface As an alternative to using a USB interface, other interfaces may also be considered. However, a USB interface enables a particularly high level of operating convenience.
  • Fig. 4 shows by way of example a first color value display 25a in the form of a color wheel and a second color value display 25b in the form of a color palette.
  • a cursor 26 shown in the color value display 25b in the form of a stylized hand with an extended index finger as is commonly used as a cursor in Windows programs, a color value can be selected from the color spectrum.
  • the operation of the device is as follows:
  • the memory unit 14, the lights 11a, 11b, 11c, the individual electronic ballasts (eg the groups 12a, 12b, 12c of ballasts) and the control unit 20 are fixedly mounted in a building. Via the USB interface 19, the device 10 can be connected to an input unit 15.
  • the input unit 15 has a color value display for all, at least for substantially all, representable color values. Exemplary is in Fig. 4 a color wheel 25a representing the entire color spectrum is shown.
  • a cursor not shown in the color chart 25a can now be moved along the color wheel.
  • the running or callable on the input unit 15 software or alternatively a fixed wiring assign the current location of the cursor in the color wheel to a color value.
  • a color value For example, as shown in boxes 27a, 27b, and 27c in FIG Fig. 4 also be represented in the form of scale values of a red value, a green value and a blue value.
  • 256 scale graduations are provided for each of the three colors, the scale value 0 corresponding, for example, to an off state of the red lamp and the scale value 255 to a maximum on state of the red lamp.
  • the intermediate values correspond to the dimming conditions.
  • the input unit 15 assigns a color value to the current cursor location by means of a computer unit 16a.
  • the computer unit 16a transmits this color value via the cable 18, the operating unit 20 and the cable 17 to the memory unit 14 or to a computer subassembly 16b assigned to the memory unit 14.
  • the computer subunit 16a and the computer subunit 16b thus form a common computer unit.
  • the color value received by the computer subunit 16b is converted by the latter into brightness level values for the individual partial lamps of the luminaires and sent directly to the individual ballasts.
  • a representation of the color value assigned to a cursor location in the color value display is thus possible almost in real time by means of all luminaires 11a, 11b, 11c connected to the device 10.
  • the color selected on the input unit 15 can be checked directly with respect to its spatial effect.
  • a representation of the Color value, which is selected on the input unit 15, is practically in real time, so "online” possible. It should be noted that a maximum of 64 subscribers can be connected to the device 10 using the DALI protocol. In the case of colored luminaires, these are a maximum of 21 luminaires each with three individual, differently colored lamps.
  • the device 10 according to the invention also allows the setting of a variety of different color stations and their link to a color passage.
  • the number of different color stations is unlimited.
  • the color stations form a color passage that revolves endlessly.
  • the total cycle time is adjustable by the user, as for example the field 28 in Fig. 4 suggests.
  • the number of color stations can be set in advance in, for example, field 29.
  • the input device 15 can sequentially query which individual color values are to be assigned to the color stations.
  • a color red-green-red-blue-red-orange-red-blue-red-yellow-red-purple etc. can be entered, which is then repeated as desired.
  • the total cycle time is 320 seconds, for example, in a 16-station color pass. This means that there is a time interval of 20 seconds between two color stations.
  • the device 10 now calculates, with the aid of the computer subunit 16a and / or with the aid of the computer subunit 16b, between each two adjacent color stations a multiplicity of intermediate color stations; in the aforementioned example, for example, nine intermediate stations. In this way, approximately every 2 seconds to generate a color transition from the computer subunits 16b and 16a or from the memory unit 14 control information via the signal line 13 individually addressed to all ballasts sent.
  • the device 10 thus enables a fine gradation and almost constant transmission of new brightness values within short time intervals. This allows a precise, predictable color transition without having to resort to the fading times stored in the ballasts.
  • DALI terminals ie ballasts operating according to the DALI protocol
  • fading time a so-called "fading time”
  • the individual ballasts have different stored dimming curves, a precise, predictable color transition using the individual dimming curves stored in the ballasts is not achievable.
  • the device 10 according to the invention thus also allows the use of different ballasts, for example, different manufacturers, without causing inaccuracies in the color transition.
  • the device according to the invention transmits information about new brightness values to be reached to the ballasts no later than every 10 seconds, preferably at the latest every 5 seconds and more preferably at the latest every 2 seconds, from the computer subunit 16b or from the memory unit 14 , In this way, the color changes of a human eye within this time interval can not be practically resolved. Further fine tuning is no longer required.
  • the computer subunit 16b and the memory unit 14 in the embodiment represent a common structural unit, in particular a small computer.
  • the device according to the invention also offers the possibility that a color transition, that is to say a dynamic light scene, can be set individually with regard to its entire course. A user can select each individual color station individually and in this way assemble a color sequence of any order and sequence.
  • the input unit 15 can be disconnected from the device 10 by releasing the USB interface connection 18/19 after entering the individual color values and the color transitions.
  • the illumination information for example a specific color transition, is stored on the memory unit 14 and can be called up by the operating unit 20.
  • this output color value is denoted by A and, for example, represents the color triplel values (255, 0.0) as representative of the brightness level values of a red one green and a blue lamp. According to the output color value A, the light emits red light.
  • a target color value Z is to be achieved which has the color triplel values 0, 255, 0.
  • the target color value corresponds to green light, since only the green lamp is lit.
  • a target time t z of, for example, 500 seconds is provided for this purpose.
  • the device 10 thus has 500 seconds to transfer the color emitted by the luminaires from the output value A to the target color value Z.
  • the device 10 in particular the computer units 16a or 16b, automatically calculates a plurality of intermediate color values, preferably 254 intermediate color values. The device then sends every 2 seconds a new color value to the individual ballasts associated with the lamps.
  • the new brightness level value 254 is transmitted within the first 2 seconds, for example to the ballast associated with the red lamp, in a target-addressed manner.
  • the target brightness is also sent to the ballast associated with the green lamp, the brightness level value 1 being transmitted.
  • the brightness level value 253 is then transmitted to the red-lamp ballast in an individually addressed manner and the brightness level value 2 allocated to the green lamp is assigned. In this way, every single ballast is addressed 250 times within 500 seconds and confronted with a new brightness level value.
  • the lights or participants of the network are summarized in any way to groups. For example, e.g. defining a first dynamic light scene in the form of a color passage responsive to a first group of lights or participants of the network, and a second dynamic light scene in the form of a color passage responsive to a second group of lights or participants of the network.

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  • Circuit Arrangement For Electric Light Sources In General (AREA)
  • Arrangement Of Elements, Cooling, Sealing, Or The Like Of Lighting Devices (AREA)
  • Circuit Arrangements For Discharge Lamps (AREA)
  • Discharge-Lamp Control Circuits And Pulse- Feed Circuits (AREA)

Abstract

A device for controlling lights (11a-11c) has a common signal line (13) which connects the lights together. At least one light has at least three different colored light sources (e.g. red,blue,green), in which each of the three lamps has an addressable ballast device with which the lighting level of the lamp is adjusted. An input unit (15) is provided into which at least one color value (Z) for the lights can be inputted and in which a computer device (16a,16b) is provided for computing the inputted color value in brightness level values of the three lamps, in which the computer unit for representing the color value (Z) sends through the lights, at least the brightness level value to the ballast device.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung zur Steuerung einer Vielzahl von Leuchten gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Anspruches 1.The invention relates to a device for controlling a plurality of luminaires according to the preamble of claim 1.

Eine solche Vorrichtung der Anmelderin ist aus der DE 198 17 073.4 bekannt. Bei der bekannten Vorrichtung erfolgt die Adressierung der einzelnen Leuchten über einen LON-Bus. Die bekannte Vorrichtung hat sich im Einsatz bewährt.Such a device of the applicant is from the DE 198 17 073.4 known. In the known device, the addressing of the individual lights via a LON bus. The known device has proven itself in use.

Die bekannte Vorrichtung ist gemäß der Aufgabe der Erfindung derart weiterzuentwickeln, dass sie variabler einsetzbar ist.The known device is according to the object of the invention further develop such that it is variable in use.

Die Erfindung löst diese Aufgabe mit den Merkmalen des Anspruches 1, insbesondere mit denen des Kennzeichenteils, und ist demgemäß dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass zumindest eine Leuchte wenigstens drei unterschiedlich farbige Leuchtmittel aufweist, z.B. eine rote Lampe, eine blaue Lampe und eine grüne Lampe, wobei jeder der drei Lampen ein eigenes, einzeln adressierbares Vorschaltgerät zugeordnet ist, mit dem jeweils das Helligkeitsniveau der zugehörigen Lampe einstellbar ist, wobei eine Eingabeeinheit vorgesehen ist, an der zumindest ein Farbwert für die Leuchte eingebbar ist, und wobei eine Rechnereinheit vorgesehen ist, die den eingegebenen Farbwert in Helligkeitsniveauwerte der drei Lampen umrechnet, wobei die Rechnereinheit zur Darstellung des Farbwertes durch die Leuchten zumindest die Helligkeitsniveauwerte einzeladressiert an die Vorschaltgeräte sendet.The invention achieves this object with the features of claim 1, in particular with those of the characterizing part, and is accordingly characterized in that at least one luminaire has at least three differently colored luminous means, e.g. a red lamp, a blue lamp and a green lamp, wherein each of the three lamps is assigned its own, individually addressable ballast, with each of which the brightness level of the associated lamp is adjustable, wherein an input unit is provided at the at least one color value for the Luminaire is input, and wherein a computer unit is provided which converts the input color value into brightness level values of the three lamps, the computer unit for displaying the color value by the lights at least the brightness level values individually addressed to the ballasts sends.

Das Prinzip der Erfindung besteht zunächst darin, unterschiedlich farbiges Licht zu erzeugen. Hierzu werden Leuchten bereitgestellt, die eine Vielzahl unterschiedlich farbiger Teillampen besitzen, beispielsweise eine rote, eine grüne und eine blaue Teillampe. Als Leuchtmittel kommen beispielsweise farbige Leuchtstofflampen aber auch beliebige andere Lichtquellen, beispielsweise LED's, in Betracht.The principle of the invention is first to produce different colored light. For this purpose, luminaires are provided which have a plurality of differently colored partial lamps, for example a red, a green and a blue partial lamp. When Bulbs are for example colored fluorescent lamps but also any other light sources, such as LEDs, into consideration.

Als unterschiedlich farbige Lampen kommen auch weiße Lampen, also farblose Lampen in Betracht, die mit einem farbgebenden Element, beispielsweise einem Farbfilter, z.B. einer Farbfolie, zusammenwirken.As differently colored lamps are also white lamps, so colorless lamps into consideration, which with a coloring element, such as a color filter, e.g. a color foil, interact.

Die von einer Leuchte erzeugte Farbe setzt sich aus der Summe der Einzelfarben zusammen. Je nach Helligkeitsniveau der einzelnen Lampen ergibt sich eine unterschiedliche Gesamtfarbe der Leuchte.The color generated by a luminaire consists of the sum of the individual colors. Depending on the brightness level of the individual lamps results in a different overall color of the lamp.

Die Besonderheit besteht nun darin, dass jeder einzelnen Lampe ein einzeladressierbares Vorschaltgerät zugeordnet ist. Dabei kann es sich um ein gesondertes Bauelement für jede einzelne Lampe handeln oder alternativ um ein gemeinsames Bauelement für mehrere unterschiedliche Lampen, welches eine individuelle Adressiermöglichkeit für die drei Lampen aufweist.The special feature consists in the fact that every single lamp is assigned a single-addressable ballast. This may be a separate component for each individual lamp or, alternatively, a common component for a plurality of different lamps, which has an individual addressing possibility for the three lamps.

Der Vorrichtung ist auch eine Eingabeeinheit zugeordnet, an der ein Farbwert für die Leuchte eingebbar ist. Der eingegebene Farbwert soll von der Leuchte durch entsprechende Berechnung der Helligkeitsniveaus der einzelnen Lampen und durch Übermittlung dieser Helligkeitsniveauwerte an die Vorschaltgeräte dargestellt werden. Hierzu rechnet die Rechnereinheit den Farbwert in Helligkeitsniveauwerte der drei Lampen um. Die Rechnereinheit sendet dann die Helligkeitsniveauwerte zur Darstellung des Farbwertes einzeladressiert an die Vorschaltgeräte.The device is also assigned an input unit to which a color value for the luminaire can be entered. The entered color value shall be displayed by the luminaire by appropriate calculation of the brightness levels of the individual lamps and by transmission of these brightness level values to the ballasts. For this purpose, the computer unit converts the color value into brightness level values of the three lamps. The computer unit then transmits the brightness level values for displaying the color value to the ballasts individually addressed.

Die Erfindung ermöglicht zunächst die Eingabe definierter Farbwerte an der Eingabeeinheit. Des Weiteren ermöglicht die Vorrichtung eine besonders einfache Weiterleitung der Helligkeitsniveauwerte an die Vorschaltgeräte. Die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung ermöglicht eine Verwendung des DALI-Protokolls für die Kommunikation zwischen Speichereinheit und den Vorschaltgeräten. Das DALI-Protokoll ist im Anhang E der für Vorschaltgeräte vorgesehenen Norm IEC 60929 beschrieben. Weitere Informationen können der Website der Arbeitsgemeinschaft DALI unter www.dali-ag.org entnommen werden. Der Inhalt des dort abrufbaren DALI Handbuch, 2. Auflage, wird hiermit in den Inhalt der vorliegenden Patentanmeldung mit eingeschlossen.The invention initially makes it possible to input defined color values to the input unit. Furthermore, the device enables a particularly simple forwarding of the brightness level values to the ballasts. The device according to the invention makes it possible to use the DALI protocol for the communication between the memory unit and the ballasts. The DALI protocol is described in Annex E of the ballast standard IEC 60929. Further information can be found on the website of the DALI Working Group at www.dali-ag.org. The content of the there retrievable DALI manual, 2nd edition, is hereby included in the content of the present patent application.

Das DALI-Protokoll ist nicht für die Ansteuerung von farbigen Leuchten vorgesehen und ausgelegt. Trotzdem ermöglicht die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung die Verwendung des DALI-Protokolls zur Farbänderung von Leuchten. Insbesondere ist in diesem Zusammenhang darauf hinzuweisen, dass die Rechnereinheit zur Darstellung des Farbwertes die Helligkeitsniveauwerte unmittelbar einzeladressiert an die Vorschaltgeräte sendet. Ein Rückgriff auf die gemäß DALI-Protokoll eigentlich für den Abruf von Lichtszenen vorgesehenen Lichtszenenspeicher in den einzelnen Vorschaltgeräten ist nicht erforderlich. Die unmittelbare, einzeladressierte Übermittlung der Helligkeitsniveauwerte erlaubt demgegenüber eine sehr hohe Variabilität.The DALI protocol is not intended and designed for the control of colored luminaires. Nevertheless, the device according to the invention makes it possible to use the DALI protocol for changing the color of luminaires. In particular, it should be pointed out in this connection that the computer unit transmits the brightness level values directly to the ballasts in an individually addressed manner in order to display the color value. It is not necessary to use the light scene memories provided in the individual ballasts according to the DALI protocol for the retrieval of light scenes. In contrast, the direct, individually addressed transmission of the brightness level values allows a very high variability.

Die Rechnereinheit kann beispielsweise aus zwei Rechnerteileinheiten bestehen, die sowohl der Speichereinheit als auch der Eingabeeinheit zugeordnet sind. Insbesondere ist vorteilhaft, wenn eine an der Eingabeeinheit angeordnete Rechnerteileinheit einen Teil der Rechenarbeit übernimmt, z. B. während Eingaben vorgenommen werden, und wenn die der Speichereinheit zugeordnete zweite Rechnerteileinheit die Übermittlung der Steuerinformationen an die einzelnen Vorschaltgeräte übernimmt, insbesondere auch dann, wenn die Eingabeeinheit von der Vorrichtung getrennt ist.The computer unit may, for example, consist of two computer sub-units, which are assigned to both the memory unit and the input unit. In particular, it is advantageous if a computer subunit arranged on the input unit takes over part of the arithmetic work, z. Example, while inputs are made, and when the memory unit associated second computer subunit takes over the transmission of the control information to the individual ballasts, in particular, even if the input unit is disconnected from the device.

Eine Einzeladressierung der Vorschaltgeräte im Sinne der Erfindung bedeutet dabei, daß die Übermittlung der Helligkeitsniveauwerte jeweils an ein bestimmtes, einzelnes Vorschaltgerät und damit an einen bestimmten Teilnehmer des Netzwerkes, insbesondere an eine bestimmte farbige Lampe erfolgt. Der Steuerbefehl, der zur Darstellung des Farbwertes durch die Leuchte von der Rechnereinheit und/oder von der Speichereinheit versandt wird, enthält somit immer einen Adreßbestandteil.An individual addressing of the ballasts within the meaning of the invention means that the transmission of the brightness level values in each case to a specific, individual ballast and thus to a specific subscriber of the Network, in particular to a particular colored lamp. The control command, which is sent to represent the color value by the light from the computer unit and / or from the storage unit, thus always contains an address component.

Eine Vorrichtung zur Steuerung einer Vielzahl von Leuchten ist unter der Bezeichnung "LUXMATE-Emotion" von der Zumtobel-Staff GmbH mit Sitz in Dornbirn, Österreich bekannt. Bei der bekannten Vorrichtung sind Farbwerte an einer Bedieneinheit eingebbar, wobei eine Umrechnung der Farbwerte in Helligkeitsniveauwerte erfolgt und die Helligkeitsniveauwerte einzeladressiert als Lichtszenen in elektronischen Vorschaltgeräten abgespeichert werden. Die Vorrichtung verwendet insofern die von dem DALI-Protokoll bereitgestellte Möglichkeit, Lichtszenen zu speichern. Zur Darstellung des Farbwertes werden über die Signalleitung Befehle gesandt, die die gespeicherten Lichtszenen abrufen. Zur Darstellung des Farbwertes durch die Leuchte werden Helligkeitsniveauwerte somit nicht unmittelbar einzeladressiert übermittelt. Die bekannte Vorrichtung ermöglicht keine Eingabe von mehr als zwei Farbwerten und insbesondere keine beliebig wählbare Folge von Farbstationen. Auch eine Echtzeitdarstellung, also Farbwiedergabe, eines an der Eingabeeinheit angegebenen Farbwertes ist mit der bekannten Vorrichtung nicht vorgesehen. Auch ist aufgrund der durch das DALI-Protokoll vorgegebenen Befehlssätze die Zahl möglicher speicherbarer Lichtszenen, also statischer Farbstationen, auf 16 begrenzt.A device for controlling a plurality of lights is known under the name "LUXMATE-Emotion" by Zumtobel-Staff GmbH, based in Dornbirn, Austria. In the case of the known device, color values can be input at an operator control unit, wherein the color values are converted into brightness level values and the brightness level values are individually addressed and stored as light scenes in electronic ballasts. The device uses the possibility provided by the DALI protocol to store light scenes. To display the color value, commands are sent via the signal line, which retrieve the stored light scenes. For the representation of the color value by the luminaire, brightness level values are thus not transmitted directly to the individual addressed. The known device does not allow input of more than two color values and in particular no arbitrary selectable sequence of color stations. A real-time representation, ie color rendering, of a color value specified on the input unit is also not provided by the known device. Also, due to the instruction sets given by the DALI protocol, the number of possible storable light scenes, ie static color stations, is limited to 16.

Gemäß einer vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung der Erfindung wird der Farbwert ausgehend von einem der Leuchte vor Eingabe des Farbwertes zugeordneten Ausgangsfarbwertes innerhalb einer von dem Benutzer einstellbaren Zeit (Ziel-Zeit) erreicht. In einem Echtzeitmodus kann die Ziel-Zeit auch nahezu 0 gewählt werden. Die Eingabeeinheit sieht somit die Möglichkeit vor, eine Ziel-Zeit durch den Benutzer einzugeben, die der Zeit zur Änderung der von der Leuchte erzeugten Farbe auf den neuen Wert entspricht.According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the color value is reached starting from one of the lamp before input of the color value associated output color value within a time adjustable by the user (target time). In a real-time mode, the target time can also be chosen close to zero. The input unit thus provides the possibility of entering a target time by the user, which corresponds to the time to change the color generated by the lamp to the new value.

Die von dem Benutzer einstellbare Zielzeit kann dabei auch eine Umlaufzeit sein, die für einen Durchlauf eines Farbganges mehrerer Farbstationen benötigt wird. Die Ziel-Zeit ist in diesem Sinne beispielsweise die Gesamtumlaufzeit des Farbganges. Wird beispielsweise eine Ziel-Zeit von 500 Sekunden für einen Durchlauf durch zehn unterschiedliche Farbstationen vorgegeben, so beträgt der zeitliche Abstand zwischen zwei Farbstationen - mittelbar einstellbar durch den Benutzer - 50 Sekunden.The adjustable by the user target time can also be a round trip time, which is needed for a run of a color transition of several color stations. The target time is in this sense, for example, the total circulation time of the color passage. If, for example, a target time of 500 seconds is specified for a run through ten different color stations, then the time interval between two color stations-indirectly adjustable by the user-is 50 seconds.

Gemäß einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung der Erfindung unterteilt die Rechnereinheit und/oder die Speichereinheit die Ziel-Zeit in eine Vielzahl von Zeitintervallen (Fading-Zeiten). Die Rechner und/oder die Speichereinheit errechnet dabei zwischen dem Ausgangsfarbwert und dem Farbwert eine entsprechende Vielzahl an Zwischenfarbwerten und zugehörigen Zwischenhelligkeitsniveauwerten. Anschließend sendet sie die errechneten Zwischenhelligkeitsniveauwerte und die dem Farbwert entsprechenden Helligkeitsniveauwerte nachfolgend in den Zeitintervallen einzeladressiert an die Vorschaltgeräte. Diese Ausgestaltung der Erfindung bietet besondere Vorteile hinsichtlich einer Gestaltung des Farbüberganges. Ausgehend von einem Ausgangsfarbwert, den die Leuchte zu einem Ausgangszeitpunkt darstellt, kann der Benutzer einen Farbwert eingeben, der für die Leuchte einen Zielwert darstellt. Der Zielwert soll innerhalb einer Ziel-Zeit erreicht werden.According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the computer unit and / or the memory unit subdivides the target time into a multiplicity of time intervals (fading times). The computer and / or the memory unit calculates a corresponding multiplicity of intermediate color values and associated intermediate brightness level values between the output color value and the color value. It then sends the calculated intermediate brightness level values and the brightness level values corresponding to the color value subsequently to the ballasts in the time intervals individually addressed. This embodiment of the invention offers particular advantages in terms of a design of the color transition. Based on an output color value that represents the luminaire at an output time, the user may enter a color value that represents a target value for the luminaire. The target value should be reached within a target time.

Würde man an die Vorschaltgeräte lediglich die dem Farbwert entsprechenden Helligkeitsniveauwerte senden und würde man einen Übergang von dem Ausgangsfarbwert zu dem Farbwert allmählich innerhalb der Ziel-Zeit stattfinden lassen, könnte man unter Verwendung des DALI-Protokolls an die Vorschaltgeräte lediglich den Zielfarbwert senden und die im Vorschaltgerät gespeicherte Fading-Zeit verwenden. Problematisch ist dabei jedoch, dass in unterschiedlichen Vorschaltgeräten unterschiedliche Dimmkurven bezogen auf den zu emittierenden Lichtstrom gespeichert sind. Dies bedeutet, dass innerhalb bestimmter, gewählter Fading-Zeiten die Ansteuerungskurven zur Schaltung der Dimmzustände der Lampen in unterschiedlichen Vorschaltgeräten unterschiedlich sind. Um saubere, klare und präzise Farbübergänge zu erreichen, können mit diesem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung eine Vielzahl von Zwischenwerten und Zwischenstufen errechnet und angesteuert werden, welche innerhalb von jeweils kurzen Zeitintervallen angesteuert werden. Die Schritte können auf diese Weise derartig verkürzt werden, dass es zur Erzielung eines Farbüberganges auf die in den einzelnen Vorschaltgeräten gespeicherte Dimmkurve gar nicht mehr ankommt. Die Dimmkurve ist in diesem Sinne gar nicht mehr auflösbar.If only the brightness level values corresponding to the color value were to be sent to the ballasts, and if a transition from the output color value to the color value were to take place gradually within the target time, one could send only the target color value to the ballasts using the DALI protocol and the one in the Ballast store stored fading time. The problem is, however, that in different ballasts different dimming curves relative to the emitting luminous flux are stored. This means that within certain selected fading times, the driving curves for switching the dimming states of the lamps in different ballasts are different. In order to achieve clean, clear and precise color transitions, this embodiment of the invention can be used to calculate and control a multiplicity of intermediate values and intermediate stages, which are controlled within respectively short time intervals. The steps can be shortened in this way so that it no longer arrives to achieve a color transition to the dimming curve stored in the individual ballasts. The dimming curve is no longer resolvable in this sense.

Besonders vorteilhaft ist, wenn die Zeitintervalle kürzer als 10 Sekunden, vorteilhaft kürzer als 5 Sekunden, und insbesondere kürzer als 2 Sekunden gewählt sind. Farbübergänge von derart kurzen Zeitintervallen kann das menschliche Auge - entsprechend geringe Farbabstände vorausgesetzt - praktisch nicht mehr auflösen.It is particularly advantageous if the time intervals are selected to be shorter than 10 seconds, advantageously shorter than 5 seconds, and in particular shorter than 2 seconds. Color transitions of such short time intervals can virtually not resolve the human eye - assuming small color differences.

Gemäß einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist die Eingabeeinheit von einem von der Bedieneinheit gesonderten Gerät bereitgestellt. Dies ermöglicht eine Bedieneinheit, die praktisch nur die wesentlichen, für einen Endbenutzer erforderlichen Steuerbefehle abrufen kann. Die wesentlich kompliziertere, beispielsweise von einem Lichtplaner zu bedienende Eingabeeinheit, kann eine gesonderte Baueinheit, beispielsweise Bestandteil eines Computers sein. Die Bedieneinheit kann auf diese Weise sehr einfach ausgestaltet sein und ist somit preiswert herstellbar. Die wesentlichen Voraussetzungen für Speicherkapazität und Performance werden von der Speichereinheit bereitgestellt.According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the input unit is provided by a device separate from the operating unit. This allows a control panel that can practically only retrieve the essential control commands required for an end user. The much more complicated, for example, to be operated by a lighting planner input unit may be a separate unit, for example, part of a computer. The operating unit can be designed in this way very simple and is therefore inexpensive to produce. The essential requirements for storage capacity and performance are provided by the storage unit.

Gemäß einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist der Eingabeeinheit eine Farbwertanzeige für (nahezu) alle darstellbaren Farbwerte zugeordnet, wobei der Farbwert aus der Farbwertanzeige auswählbar ist. Die Farbwertanzeige kann beispielsweise ein Farbkreis oder eine Farbnormtafel sein, die im Wesentlichen sämtliche von der Leuchte erzeugbaren Farben darstellt. Eine besondere Problematik besteht in diesem Zusammenhang darin, dass die auf einem Bildschirm dargestellten Farben nicht unbedingt der Farbe entsprechen, die die Leuchte in dem Raum erzeugt. Mit der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung kann die Darstellung des Farbwertes durch die Leuchte im installierten Zustand kontrolliert werden.According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the input unit is assigned a color value display for (almost) all representable color values, the color value being derived from the color value Color value display is selectable. The color value display may be, for example, a color wheel or a color standard table, which represents essentially all the colors that can be generated by the luminaire. A particular problem in this context is that the colors displayed on a screen do not necessarily correspond to the color produced by the luminaire in the room. With the device according to the invention, the representation of the color value can be controlled by the lamp in the installed state.

Hierzu ist gemäß einer Ausführung der Erfindung der Farbwertanzeige ein Cursor zugeordnet, der mittels einer Positioniereinrichtung, z.B. einer Maus, entlang der Farbwertanzeige durch Veränderung des Cursorortes steuerbar ist. Dem Cursorort ordnet die Rechnereinheit und/oder die Speichereinheit einen Farbwert zu. Auf diese Weise besteht die Möglichkeit, den auf der Farbwertanzeige eingestellten Farbwert unmittelbar, das heißt nahezu in Echtzeit, beziehungsweise Online, von der Leuchte darstellen zu lassen.For this purpose, according to one embodiment of the invention, the color value display is assigned a cursor which can be moved by means of a positioning device, e.g. a mouse, along the color value display by changing the Cursorortes is controllable. The computer location and / or the memory unit assigns a color value to the cursor location. In this way, it is possible to have the color value set on the color value display directly, that is to say almost in real time, or online, represented by the luminaire.

Gemäß einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung der Erfindung wird der Farbwert aus dem Cursorort in Echtzeit errechnet und durch die Leuchte dargestellt. Auf diese Weise genügt eine Verlagerung des Cursors, beispielsweise durch Verschieben der Maus, um die Farbe zu ändern. Ein Mausklick ist bei dieser Ausgestaltung der Erfindung nicht mehr erforderlich.According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the color value is calculated from the cursor location in real time and displayed by the lamp. In this way, a shift of the cursor is sufficient, for example, by moving the mouse to change the color. A mouse click is no longer required in this embodiment of the invention.

Gemäß einer alternativen Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist zur Errechnung des Farbwertes aus dem Cursorort die Betätigung eines Betätigungselementes erforderlich, beispielsweise einer linken Maustaste. Dies ermöglicht eine definiertere, sicherere Bedienung der Eingabeeinheit zur Wahl eines Farbwertes.According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the actuation of an actuating element is required for calculating the color value from the cursor location, for example a left mouse button. This allows a more defined, safer operation of the input unit to select a color value.

Gemäß einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist an einer Eingabeeinheit eine Vielzahl von Farbwerten (Farbstationen) eingebbar. Die mehreren Farbwerte können von dem Benutzer in einer beliebigen Reihenfolge kombiniert werden. Möglich ist beispielsweise ein Farbgang, der durch die Farbstationen rot-grün-rotblau-rot-gelb-rot-grün-rot-orange-rot-blau-rot-violett-rot-blau-rot-grünrot-orange usw. gebildet ist. Vorteilhafterweise fragt die Eingabeeinheit in einem entsprechenden Modus nacheinander die Vielzahl von Farbwerten von dem Benutzer ab. Die Kombination der Farbwerte führt zu einem Farbgang. Dieser kann auch endlos umlaufend ausgebildet sein, so dass zur Erzeugung entsprechender dynamischer Beleuchtung eine Endlosschleife programmierbar ist.According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a plurality of color values is present at an input unit (Color stations) can be entered. The multiple color values may be combined by the user in any order. For example, a color transition is possible, which is formed by the color stations red-green-red-blue-red-yellow-red-green-red-orange-red-blue-red-violet-red-blue-red-green-red-orange, etc. Advantageously, in a corresponding mode, the input unit sequentially polls the plurality of color values from the user. The combination of the color values leads to a color transition. This can also be formed endlessly encircling, so that an infinite loop is programmable to generate corresponding dynamic lighting.

Vorzugsweise sind die Informationen (Helligkeitsniveauwerte) über den Farbgang in der Speichereinheit abrufbar abgespeichert. Eine Abrufbarkeit ist durch die Bedieneinheit möglich. Die einmalig von einem Lichtplaner an der Eingabeeinheit eingegebenen Farbstationen beziehungsweise Farbgänge können auf diese Weise sehr komfortabel abgerufen werden.Preferably, the information (brightness level values) are stored in a retrievable manner via the color transition in the memory unit. A retrievability is possible through the control unit. The once entered by a lighting designer at the input unit color stations or color passages can be accessed in this way very comfortable.

Gemäß einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung der Erfindung sendet die Speichereinheit und/oder die Rechnereinheit zur Darstellung des Farbganges die entsprechenden Helligkeitsniveauwerte nacheinander einzeladressiert an die Vorschaltgeräte. Ein derartiger Sendevorgang kann während des Normalbetriebes der Vorrichtung erfolgen, beispielsweise wenn eine entsprechende Auswahl aus einem Menüpunkt an dem Bediengerät stattgefunden hat. Alternativ kann der Sendevorgang aber auch während einer Programmierphase der Vorrichtung durchgeführt werden, zu einem Zeitpunkt also, zu dem die Eingabevorrichtung mit der Vorrichtung verbunden ist. Dieses Ausführungsbeispiel ermöglicht die Eingabe einer beliebigen Anzahl von Farbstationen eines Farbganges, da auf die in dem DALI-Protokoll vorgesehenen Speicherplätze für Lichtszenen, die auf 16 begrenzt sind, nicht zurückgegriffen werden muss.According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the memory unit and / or the computer unit for displaying the color passage sends the corresponding brightness level values one after the other individually addressed to the ballasts. Such a transmission process can take place during normal operation of the device, for example when a corresponding selection from a menu item has taken place on the operating device. Alternatively, however, the transmission process can also be carried out during a programming phase of the device, ie at a time when the input device is connected to the device. This embodiment enables the input of any number of color stations of a color passage, since the memory locations provided for in the DALI protocol for light scenes which are limited to 16 need not be used.

Gemäß einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung der Erfindung kommunizieren die Vorschaltgeräte mit der Speichereinheit und/oder mit zumindest einem Teil der Rechnereinheit nach dem DALI-Protokoll. Dies ermöglicht eine Kompatibilität unterschiedlicher Vorschaltgeräte miteinander. Außerdem kann auf bekannte Standards zurückgegriffen werden.According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the ballasts communicate with the memory unit and / or with at least a part of the computer unit according to the DALI protocol. This allows compatibility of different ballasts with each other. In addition, known standards can be used.

Gemäß einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist der Signalleitung eine insbesondere als USB-Schnittstelle ausgebildete Schnittstelle zugeordnet. Mittels dieser ist ein Computer, insbesondere ein Laptop, an die Vorrichtung auf einfache Weise anschließbar. Die Schnittstelle ist gemäß einer weiteren Ausgestaltung der Erfindung an einem Gehäuse der Bedieneinheit angeordnet. Dies ermöglicht eine besonders leichte Zugänglichkeit.According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the signal line is associated with an interface designed in particular as a USB interface. By means of this, a computer, in particular a laptop, can be connected to the device in a simple manner. The interface is arranged according to a further embodiment of the invention on a housing of the operating unit. This allows a particularly easy accessibility.

Hierzu ist die Schnittstelle in einem montierten Zustand der Bedieneinheit, insbesondere in einem wandmontierten Zustand der Bedieneinheit, frei zugänglich an dem Gehäuse angeordnet, insbesondere an dessen Unterseite.For this purpose, the interface in a mounted state of the operating unit, in particular in a wall-mounted state of the operating unit, freely accessible on the housing, in particular on its underside.

Weitere Vorteile der Erfindung ergeben sich aus den nicht zitierten Unteransprüchen sowie anhand der nun folgenden Beschreibung eines in den Figuren dargestellten Ausführungsbeispieles. Darin zeigen:

Fig. 1
in schematischer Blockdarstellung die Struktur der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung,
Fig. 2
in perspektivischer Ansicht die Bedieneinheit,
Fig.3
in Unteransicht gemäß Ansichtspfeil III in Fig. 2 die Bedieneinheit der Fig. 2, und
Fig. 4
eine Farbwertanzeige sowie weitere Eingabemöglichkeiten auf dem Bildschirm einer Eingabeeinheit.
Further advantages of the invention will become apparent from the non-cited subclaims and with reference to the following description of an embodiment shown in the figures. Show:
Fig. 1
in a schematic block diagram, the structure of the device according to the invention,
Fig. 2
in perspective view the operating unit,
Figure 3
in bottom view according to arrow III in Fig. 2 the operating unit of Fig. 2 , and
Fig. 4
a color value display and other input options on the screen of an input unit.

Die in ihrer Gesamtheit in Fig. 1 mit 10 bezeichnete Vorrichtung ist lediglich beispielhaft in den Figuren dargestellt. Gemäß Fig. 1 umfasst die Vorrichtung drei Leuchten 11a, 11b, 11c, die an einem Einbauort in einem Gebäude, z.B. deckenseitig, befestigt angebracht sind. Jede einzelne Leuchte, z.B. die Leuchte 11a, umfasst nicht dargestellte, unterschiedlich farbige, einzelne Lampen, beispielsweise eine rote Lampe, eine grüne Lampe und eine blaue Lampe. Jeder einzelnen Lampe einer Leuchte ist jeweils ein eigenes, einzeln adressierbares, elektronisches Vorschaltgerät zugeordnet. Demzufolge weist die Leuchte 11a, die drei einzelne Lampen umfaßt, eine Gruppe 12a von drei einzelnen, einzeln adressierbaren Vorschaltgeräten auf. Es ist vorstellbar, dass jedes Vorschaltgerät für jede einzelne Lampe ein eigenes Gehäuse aufweist. Hierfür kommen beispielsweise DALI-Vorschaltgeräte der Firmen Osram, Tridonic oder Philips in Frage, die kommerziell erhältlich sind. Alternativ besteht auch die Möglichkeit, dass mehrere einzeln adressierbare Vorschaltgeräte zu einem gemeinsamen Bauelement zusammengefasst sind. Entscheidend ist, dass jede einzelne Lampe der jeweiligen Leuchte 11a, 11b, 11c über das entsprechende Vorschaltgerät einzeladressierbar ist.In their entirety in Fig. 1 10 is shown by way of example only in the figures. According to Fig. 1 The device comprises three lights 11a, 11b, 11c, which are attached to a mounting location in a building, eg ceiling-mounted. Each individual lamp, for example the lamp 11a, comprises not shown, differently colored, individual lamps, for example a red lamp, a green lamp and a blue lamp. Each individual lamp of a lamp is assigned its own, individually addressable, electronic ballast. Consequently, the light fixture 11a, which comprises three individual lamps, comprises a group 12a of three individual, individually addressable ballasts. It is conceivable that each ballast for each individual lamp has its own housing. For this example, DALI ballasts from Osram, Tridonic or Philips come into question, which are commercially available. Alternatively, it is also possible that several individually addressable ballasts are combined to form a common component. It is crucial that each individual lamp of the respective lamp 11a, 11b, 11c is individually addressable via the corresponding ballast.

Die dargestellten drei Leuchten sind beispielhaft zu verstehen. Die maximale Anzahl von Teilnehmern eines Netzes ist durch das DALI-Protokoll auf 64 begrenzt, wobei eine farbiges Licht ausstrahlende Leuchte drei Lampen und somit drei Teilnehmer aufweist. Das Netzwerk kann neben farbigen Leuchten selbstverständlich zusätzlich auch noch herkömmliche, einfarbige Leuchten aufweisen.The illustrated three lights are to be understood as an example. The maximum number of network subscribers is limited to 64 by the DALI protocol, with one colored light emitting light having three lamps and thus three subscribers. Of course, in addition to colored lights, the network can also be equipped with conventional monochrome lights.

Die einzelnen Vorschaltgeräte sind über eine gemeinsame Signalleitung 13 mit einer Speichereinheit 14 verbunden. Die Speichereinheit 14 ist eine Steuerung für das Netzwerk und kann an die Vorschaltgeräte Befehle gemäß dem DALI-Protokoll versenden. Die einzelnen Vorschaltgeräte, die in Fig. 1 lediglich schematisch angedeutet sind, verstehen die von der Speichereinheit 14 über die Signalleitung 13 gesandten Steuerbefehle gemäß dem DALI-Protokoll und setzen die empfangenen Informationen in Steuerinformationen für die einzelnen Lampen um. Insbesondere erzeugen die elektrischen Vorschaltgeräte unterschiedliche Steuerspannungen für die einzelnen Lampen, um unterschiedliche Dimmwerte und damit unterschiedliche Helligkeitsniveauwerte der einzelnen zu erzielen. Für den Fall, dass beispielsweise der Leuchte 11a eine rote, eine grüne und eine blaue Leuchtstofflampe zugeordnet ist, kann durch Änderung der Helligkeitsniveaus einzelner Lampen eine Änderung der Gesamtlichtfarbe, also des Farbwertes dieser Leuchte 11a, erreicht werden.The individual ballasts are connected via a common signal line 13 to a memory unit 14. The memory unit 14 is a controller for the network and can send commands to the ballasts according to the DALI protocol. The individual ballasts used in Fig. 1 are indicated only schematically, understand the of the memory unit 14 via the Signal line 13 sent control commands according to the DALI protocol and convert the received information into control information for the individual lamps. In particular, the electrical ballasts generate different control voltages for the individual lamps in order to achieve different dimming values and thus different brightness level values of the individual ones. In the event that, for example, the lamp 11a is associated with a red, a green and a blue fluorescent lamp, a change in the brightness levels of individual lamps, a change in the total light color, ie the color value of this lamp 11a, can be achieved.

Die Speichereinheit 14 ist über eine Leitung 17 mit einer Bedieneinheit 20 verbunden. Die Bedieneinheit 20 kommuniziert mit der Speichereinheit 14 über ein von dem DALI-Protokoll unterschiedliches Protokoll gemäß dem RS485-Standard. Über die Bedieneinheit 20 sind in der Speichereinheit 14 gespeicherte Steuerbefehle und Informationen abrufbar. Für den Fall, dass in der Speichereinheit 14 beispielsweise eine bestimmte Lichtszene abgespeichert ist, kann diese von der Bedieneinheit 20 abgerufen werden. Die Lichtszene kann beispielsweise eine statische Lichtszene sein, so dass eine konstante Farbe erzeugt wird. Es kann aber auch eine dynamische Lichtszene in der Speichereinheit 14 abgespeichert sein, beispielsweise in Form eines endlos umlaufenden Farbganges, der über eine Vielzahl von Farbstationen führt.The memory unit 14 is connected via a line 17 to an operating unit 20. The operating unit 20 communicates with the memory unit 14 via a protocol different from the DALI protocol according to the RS485 standard. Via the operating unit 20 stored in the memory unit 14 control commands and information can be retrieved. In the event that a specific light scene is stored in the memory unit 14, for example, this can be called up by the operating unit 20. The light scene may be, for example, a static light scene, so that a constant color is generated. However, it is also possible for a dynamic light scene to be stored in the storage unit 14, for example in the form of an endlessly circulating color passage which leads over a multiplicity of color stations.

Die Bedieneinheit 20 ist in Fig. 2 in schematischer, perspektivischer Ansicht dargestellt. Es wird deutlich, dass die Bedieneinheit 20 einen im Wesentlichen umlaufenden Rahmen 21 aufweist, der ein Display 22, also eine Bildschirmanzeige, umgrenzt. Das Display 22 ist als Touch-Screen-Display ausgebildet, so dass durch Berührung des Displays eine Schaltung zum Abruf von Steuerbefehlen der Speichereinheit 14 vorgenommen werden kann.The operating unit 20 is in Fig. 2 shown in a schematic, perspective view. It becomes clear that the operating unit 20 has a substantially circumferential frame 21, which delimits a display 22, that is to say a screen display. The display 22 is designed as a touch-screen display, so that a circuit for retrieving control commands of the memory unit 14 can be made by touching the display.

An der Unterseite 23 des Rahmens 21 der Bedieneinheit 20 ist eine Steckbuchse vorgesehen. Es handelt sich hierbei um eine USB-Schnittstelle 19, die dem Anschluss eines in Fig. 1 mit 18 bezeichneten Kabels dient. Die auf der Rückseite der Bedieneinheit 20 angeordneten, in Fig. 3 schematisch angedeuteten Befestigungselemente 24 dienen der wandseitigen Montage der Bedieneinheit 20, beispielsweise im Bereich einer Unterputzsteckdose. Im wandmontierten Zustand der Bedieneinheit 20 ist die USB-Schnittstelle 19 ohne Weiteres zugänglich.At the bottom 23 of the frame 21 of the control unit 20, a socket is provided. This is a USB interface 19, the connection of a in Fig. 1 serves with 18 designated cable. The arranged on the back of the control unit 20, in Fig. 3 schematically indicated fastening elements 24 serve the wall-side mounting of the operating unit 20, for example in the field of a flush-mounted socket. In wall-mounted state of the control unit 20, the USB interface 19 is readily accessible.

Fig. 1 zeigt, dass eine Eingabeeinheit 15, insbesondere ein tragbarer Computer (Laptop) über das Kabel 18 mit der Bedieneinheit 20 verbunden werden kann. Die Funktion und Arbeitsweise der Eingabeeinheit 15 wird später beschrieben. Zunächst sei darauf hingewiesen, dass auch an der Speichereinheit 14 eine in Fig. 1 nicht dargestellte USB-Schnittstelle 19 zur Verbindung mit der Eingabeeinheit 15 angeordnet sein kann. Fig. 1 shows that an input unit 15, in particular a portable computer (laptop) via the cable 18 can be connected to the control unit 20. The function and operation of the input unit 15 will be described later. First, it should be noted that also on the memory unit 14 a in Fig. 1 not shown USB interface 19 may be arranged for connection to the input unit 15.

Alternativ zu der Verwendung einer USB-Schnittstelle kommen auch andere Schnittstellen in Betracht. Eine USB-Schnittstelle ermöglicht jedoch einen besonders hohen Bedienkomfort.As an alternative to using a USB interface, other interfaces may also be considered. However, a USB interface enables a particularly high level of operating convenience.

Fig. 4 zeigt beispielhaft eine erste Farbwertanzeige 25a in Form eines Farbkreises und eine zweite Farbwertanzeige 25b in Form einer Farbpalette. Mittels eines in der Farbwertanzeige 25b dargestellten Cursors 26 in Form einer stilisierten Hand mit ausgestrecktem Zeigefinger, wie sie als Cursor bei Windows-Programmen üblicherweise Verwendung findet, kann aus dem Farbspektrum ein Farbwert ausgewählt werden. Die Funktionsweise der Vorrichtung ist wie folgt: Fig. 4 shows by way of example a first color value display 25a in the form of a color wheel and a second color value display 25b in the form of a color palette. By means of a cursor 26 shown in the color value display 25b in the form of a stylized hand with an extended index finger, as is commonly used as a cursor in Windows programs, a color value can be selected from the color spectrum. The operation of the device is as follows:

Die Speichereinheit 14, die Leuchten 11a, 11b, 11c, die einzelnen elektronischen Vorschaltgeräte (z.B. die Gruppen 12a, 12b, 12c von Vorschaltgeräten) und die Bedieneinheit 20 sind in einem Gebäude fest montiert. Über die USB-Schnittstelle 19 kann die Vorrichtung 10 mit einer Eingabeeinheit 15 verbunden werden. Die Eingabeeinheit 15 weist eine Farbwertanzeige für alle, zumindest für im Wesentlichen alle, darstellbaren Farbwerte auf. Beispielhaft ist in Fig. 4 ein Farbkreis 25a dargestellt, der das gesamte Farbspektrum darstellt.The memory unit 14, the lights 11a, 11b, 11c, the individual electronic ballasts (eg the groups 12a, 12b, 12c of ballasts) and the control unit 20 are fixedly mounted in a building. Via the USB interface 19, the device 10 can be connected to an input unit 15. The input unit 15 has a color value display for all, at least for substantially all, representable color values. Exemplary is in Fig. 4 a color wheel 25a representing the entire color spectrum is shown.

Ein in der Farbtafel 25a nicht dargestellter Cursor kann nun entlang dem Farbkreis bewegt werden. Die auf der Eingabeeinheit 15 laufende oder aufrufbare Software oder alternativ auch eine fest Verdrahtung ordnen dem jeweils aktuellen Ort des Cursors in dem Farbkreis einen Farbwert zu. Der Farbwert kann beispielsweise, wie dies die Felder 27a, 27b und 27c in Fig. 4 zeigen, auch in Form von Skalenanteilen eines Rotwertes, eines Grünwertes und eines Blauwertes dargestellt werden. Beispielsweise sind für jede der drei Farben 256 Skaleneinteilungen vorgesehen, wobei der Skalenwert 0 z.B. einem ausgeschalteten Zustand der roten Lampe und der Skalenwert 255 einem maximal eingeschalteten Zustand der roten Lampe entspricht. Die dazwischenliegenden Werte entsprechen den Dimmzuständen. Entscheidend ist, dass die Eingabeeinheit 15 mittels einer Rechnereinheit 16a dem aktuellen Cursorort einen Farbwert zuordnet. Die Rechnereinheit 16a sendet diesen Farbwert über das Kabel 18, die Bedieneinheit 20 und das Kabel 17 an die Speichereinheit 14 beziehungsweise an eine der Speichereinheit 14 zugeordnete Rechnerteileinheit 16b. Die Rechnerteileinheit 16a und die Rechnerteileinheit 16b bilden auf diese Weise eine gemeinsame Rechnereinheit.A cursor not shown in the color chart 25a can now be moved along the color wheel. The running or callable on the input unit 15 software or alternatively a fixed wiring assign the current location of the cursor in the color wheel to a color value. For example, as shown in boxes 27a, 27b, and 27c in FIG Fig. 4 also be represented in the form of scale values of a red value, a green value and a blue value. For example, 256 scale graduations are provided for each of the three colors, the scale value 0 corresponding, for example, to an off state of the red lamp and the scale value 255 to a maximum on state of the red lamp. The intermediate values correspond to the dimming conditions. It is crucial that the input unit 15 assigns a color value to the current cursor location by means of a computer unit 16a. The computer unit 16a transmits this color value via the cable 18, the operating unit 20 and the cable 17 to the memory unit 14 or to a computer subassembly 16b assigned to the memory unit 14. The computer subunit 16a and the computer subunit 16b thus form a common computer unit.

Der von der Rechnerteileinheit 16b empfangene Farbwert wird von dieser in Helligkeitsniveauwerte für die einzelnen Teillampen der Leuchten umgerechnet und unmittelbar an die einzelnen Vorschaltgeräte gesandt. Eine Darstellung des einem Cursorort in der Farbwertanzeige zugeordneten Farbwertes ist damit nahezu in Echtzeit durch sämtliche an die Vorrichtung 10 angeschlossene Leuchten 11a, 11 b, 11 c möglich. Auf diese Weise kann im Rahmen einer Lichtplanung die an der Eingabeeinheit 15 ausgewählte Farbe hinsichtlich ihrer Raumwirkung unmittelbar überprüft werden. Eine Darstellung des Farbwertes, der an der Eingabeeinheit 15 ausgewählt wird, ist praktisch in Echtzeit, also "online" möglich. Zu berücksichtigen ist dabei, dass an die Vorrichtung 10 unter Verwendung des DALI-Protokolls maximal 64 Teilnehmer angeschlossen werden können. Im Falle farbiger Leuchten sind dies maximal 21 Leuchten mit jeweils drei einzelnen, unterschiedlich farbigen Lampen.The color value received by the computer subunit 16b is converted by the latter into brightness level values for the individual partial lamps of the luminaires and sent directly to the individual ballasts. A representation of the color value assigned to a cursor location in the color value display is thus possible almost in real time by means of all luminaires 11a, 11b, 11c connected to the device 10. In this way, in the context of a lighting design, the color selected on the input unit 15 can be checked directly with respect to its spatial effect. A representation of the Color value, which is selected on the input unit 15, is practically in real time, so "online" possible. It should be noted that a maximum of 64 subscribers can be connected to the device 10 using the DALI protocol. In the case of colored luminaires, these are a maximum of 21 luminaires each with three individual, differently colored lamps.

Wollte man sämtliche einzeladressierte Lampen ansprechen, erfordert dies bei der nach dem DALI-Protokoll zur Verfügung stehenden Übertragungsrate eine Gesamtansprechzeit von 1,6 Sekunden. Eine Darstellung des Farbwertes nach dessen Auswahl in der Farbwertanzeige in Echtzeit bedeutet in diesem Sinne eine Verzögerung von ca. 1,6 Sekunden.If one wanted to address all individually addressed lamps, this requires a total response time of 1.6 seconds for the transmission rate available according to the DALI protocol. A representation of the color value after its selection in the color value display in real time means in this sense a delay of about 1.6 seconds.

Die soeben beschriebene Möglichkeit einer Onlinebeziehungsweise Echtzeitüberprüfung einer eingestellten Farbe ermöglicht eine an die tatsächlichen architektonischen Verhältnisse angepasste Licht- und Farbplanung.The just described possibility of online or real-time verification of a set color allows for a light and color planning adapted to the actual architectural conditions.

Die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung 10 ermöglicht darüber hinaus auch die Einstellung einer Vielzahl unterschiedlicher Farbstationen und deren Verknüpfung zu einem Farbgang. Die Zahl unterschiedlicher Farbstationen ist dabei unbegrenzt. Die Farbstationen bilden einen Farbgang, der endlos umläuft. Auch die Gesamt-Umlaufzeit ist von dem Benutzer einstellbar, wie dies beispielsweise das Feld 28 in Fig. 4 andeutet. Die Zahl der Farbstationen kann im Vorhinein beispielsweise in dem Feld 29 eingestellt werden.The device 10 according to the invention also allows the setting of a variety of different color stations and their link to a color passage. The number of different color stations is unlimited. The color stations form a color passage that revolves endlessly. The total cycle time is adjustable by the user, as for example the field 28 in Fig. 4 suggests. The number of color stations can be set in advance in, for example, field 29.

Zur Eingabe eines Farbganges kann beispielsweise nach Einstellung der Anzahl der von dem Benutzer gewünschten Farbstationen von der Eingabevorrichtung 15 nacheinander abgefragt werden, welche einzelnen Farbwerte den Farbstationen zugeordnet werden sollen. So kann beispielsweise ein Farbgang rot-grün-rot-blaurot-orange-rot-blau-rot-gelb-rot-violett etc. eingegeben werden, der sich anschließend beliebig wiederholt. Die Gesamtumlaufzeit beträgt beispielsweise bei einem Farbgang mit 16 Stationen 320 Sekunden. Dies bedeutet, dass zwischen zwei Farbstationen ein Zeitintervall von 20 Sekunden liegt.To enter a color transition, for example, after setting the number of color stations desired by the user, the input device 15 can sequentially query which individual color values are to be assigned to the color stations. Thus, for example, a color red-green-red-blue-red-orange-red-blue-red-yellow-red-purple etc. can be entered, which is then repeated as desired. The total cycle time is 320 seconds, for example, in a 16-station color pass. This means that there is a time interval of 20 seconds between two color stations.

Die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung 10 errechnet nun mit Hilfe der Rechnerteileinheit 16a und/oder mit Hilfe der Rechnerteileinheit 16b zwischen jeweils zwei benachbarten Farbstationen eine Vielzahl von Zwischenfarbstationen, bei dem vorgenannten Beispiel beispielsweise neun Zwischenstationen. Auf diese Weise werden ca. alle 2 Sekunden zur Erzeugung eines Farbganges von den Rechnerteileinheiten 16b und 16a beziehungsweise von der Speichereinheit 14 Steuerinformationen über die Signalleitung 13 einzeladressiert an alle Vorschaltgeräte gesendet. Die Vorrichtung 10 ermöglicht somit eine Feinabstufung und ein nahezu ständiges Senden neuer Helligkeitswerte innerhalb kurzer Zeitabstände. Dies ermöglicht einen präzisen, vorhersehbaren Farbübergang ohne dass auf die in den Vorschaltgeräten gespeicherten Fading-Zeiten zurückgegriffen werden muss. In diesem Zusammenhang ist anzumerken, dass DALI-Endgeräte, also nach dem DALI-Protokoll arbeitende Vorschaltgeräte, typischerweise einen Speicherplatz für eine sogenannte "Fading-Zeit" aufweisen, der dafür sorgt, dass die an das elektronische Vorschaltgerät gesandten Ziel-Helligkeitsniveauwerte innerhalb der eingestellten Fading-Zeit erreicht werden. Da die einzelnen Vorschaltgeräte jedoch unterschiedliche, abgespeicherte Dimmkurven aufweisen, ist ein präziser, vorhersehbarer Farbgang unter Verwendung der in den Vorschaltgeräten gespeicherten, individuellen Dimmkurven nicht erzielbar.The device 10 according to the invention now calculates, with the aid of the computer subunit 16a and / or with the aid of the computer subunit 16b, between each two adjacent color stations a multiplicity of intermediate color stations; in the aforementioned example, for example, nine intermediate stations. In this way, approximately every 2 seconds to generate a color transition from the computer subunits 16b and 16a or from the memory unit 14 control information via the signal line 13 individually addressed to all ballasts sent. The device 10 thus enables a fine gradation and almost constant transmission of new brightness values within short time intervals. This allows a precise, predictable color transition without having to resort to the fading times stored in the ballasts. In this context, it should be noted that DALI terminals, ie ballasts operating according to the DALI protocol, typically have a memory space for a so-called "fading time", which ensures that the target brightness level values sent to the electronic ballast are within the setpoint Fading time can be achieved. However, because the individual ballasts have different stored dimming curves, a precise, predictable color transition using the individual dimming curves stored in the ballasts is not achievable.

Die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung 10 ermöglicht somit auch die Verwendung unterschiedlicher Vorschaltgeräte, beispielsweise auch unterschiedlicher Hersteller, ohne dass Ungenauigkeiten im Farbübergang entstehen.The device 10 according to the invention thus also allows the use of different ballasts, for example, different manufacturers, without causing inaccuracies in the color transition.

Die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung sendet für den Fall, dass Farbänderungen gewünscht sind, von der Rechnerteileinheit 16b bzw. von der Speichereinheit 14 Informationen über neue, zu erreichende Helligkeitswerte an die Vorschaltgeräte spätestens alle 10 Sekunden, vorzugsweise spätestens alle 5 Sekunden und weiter vorzugsweise spätestens alle 2 Sekunden. Auf diese Weise können die Farbänderungen von einem menschlichen Auge innerhalb dieses Zeitintervalles praktisch nicht mehr aufgelöst werden. Eine weitere Feinabstimmung ist nicht mehr erforderlich.In the event that color changes are desired, the device according to the invention transmits information about new brightness values to be reached to the ballasts no later than every 10 seconds, preferably at the latest every 5 seconds and more preferably at the latest every 2 seconds, from the computer subunit 16b or from the memory unit 14 , In this way, the color changes of a human eye within this time interval can not be practically resolved. Further fine tuning is no longer required.

Anzumerken ist in diesem Zusammenhang, daß die Rechnerteileinheit 16b und die Speichereinheit 14 ein bei dem Ausführungsbeispiel eine gemeinsame Baueinheit, insbesondere einen kleinen Computer darstellen.It should be noted in this context that the computer subunit 16b and the memory unit 14 in the embodiment represent a common structural unit, in particular a small computer.

Die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung bietet darüber hinaus die Möglichkeit, dass ein Farbgang, also eine dynamische Lichtszene, hinsichtlich ihres gesamten Verlaufes individuell einstellbar ist. Ein Benutzer kann jede einzelne Farbstation individuell auswählen und auf diese Weise einen Farbgang beliebiger Reihenfolge und Abfolge zusammenstellen.The device according to the invention also offers the possibility that a color transition, that is to say a dynamic light scene, can be set individually with regard to its entire course. A user can select each individual color station individually and in this way assemble a color sequence of any order and sequence.

Hervorzuheben ist, dass die Eingabeeinheit 15 nach Eingabe der einzelnen Farbwerte und der Farbgänge von der Vorrichtung 10 durch Lösen der USB-Schnittstellenverbindung 18/19 getrennt werden kann. Die Beleuchtungsinformationen, beispielsweise ein bestimmter Farbgang, sind auf der Speichereinheit 14 abgespeichert und können von der Bedieneinheit 20 aufgerufen werden. Insbesondere besteht die Möglichkeit, über die Eingabeeinheit 15 einem bestimmten Farbgang einen bestimmten Titel zuzuordnen, der nach Speicherung des Farbganges in der Speichereinheit 14 auf einer Anzeige der Bedieneinheit 20 ersichtlich ist und dort ohne Weiteres abgerufen werden kann.It should be emphasized that the input unit 15 can be disconnected from the device 10 by releasing the USB interface connection 18/19 after entering the individual color values and the color transitions. The illumination information, for example a specific color transition, is stored on the memory unit 14 and can be called up by the operating unit 20. In particular, there is the possibility of assigning a specific color to a specific color over the input unit 15, which can be seen after storage of the color passage in the memory unit 14 on a display of the control unit 20 and can be retrieved there without further notice.

Im Folgenden soll verdeutlicht werden, wie eine Änderung der Farbwerte tatsächlich erreicht wird:The following is intended to clarify how a change in the color values is actually achieved:

Ausgehend von einem Ausgangs-Farbwert, also einem Ist-Zustand, den die Leuchten zu einem bestimmten Zeitpunkt einnehmen, wird dieser Ausgangs-Farbwert mit A bezeichnet und weist beispielsweise die Farbtripelwerte (255, 0,0) stellvertretend für die Helligkeitsniveauwerte einer roten, einer grünen und einer blauen Lampe auf. Gemäß dem Ausgangs-Farbwert A strahlt die Leuchte somit rotes Licht ab.Starting from an initial color value, ie an actual state, which the luminaires adopt at a particular time, this output color value is denoted by A and, for example, represents the color triplel values (255, 0.0) as representative of the brightness level values of a red one green and a blue lamp. According to the output color value A, the light emits red light.

Ausgehend von dem Ausgangs-Farbwert A soll ein Ziel-Farbwert Z erreicht werden, der die Farbtripelwerte 0, 255, 0 aufweist. Der Ziel-Farbwert entspricht grünem Licht, da nur die grüne Lampe leuchtet.Starting from the output color value A, a target color value Z is to be achieved which has the color triplel values 0, 255, 0. The target color value corresponds to green light, since only the green lamp is lit.

Für den Fall, dass ein Benutzer den Ziel-Farbwert Z auswählt und die Vorrichtung 10 ausgehend von einem Ausgangs-Farbwert A den Ziel-Farbwert Z erreichen soll, ist hierfür eine Ziel-Zeit tz von beispielsweise 500 Sekunden vorgesehen. Die Vorrichtung 10 hat somit 500 Sekunden Zeit, die von den Leuchten emitierte Farbe vom Ausgangswert A in den Ziel-Farbwert Z zu überführen. Hierzu errechnet die Vorrichtung 10, insbesondere die Rechnereinheiten 16a beziehungsweise 16b, selbsttätig eine Vielzahl von ZwischenFarbwerten, vorzugsweise 254 Zwischen-Farbwerte. Die Vorrichtung sendet dann alle 2 Sekunden einen neuen Farbwert an die einzelnen, den Lampen zugeordneten Vorschaltgeräten.In the event that a user selects the target color value Z and the device 10 is to reach the target color value Z starting from an output color value A, a target time t z of, for example, 500 seconds is provided for this purpose. The device 10 thus has 500 seconds to transfer the color emitted by the luminaires from the output value A to the target color value Z. For this purpose, the device 10, in particular the computer units 16a or 16b, automatically calculates a plurality of intermediate color values, preferably 254 intermediate color values. The device then sends every 2 seconds a new color value to the individual ballasts associated with the lamps.

Ausgehend von dem Ausgangs-Farbwert A wird innerhalb der ersten 2 Sekunden beispielsweise an das der roten Lampe zugehörige Vorschaltgerät zieladressiert der neue Helligkeitsniveauwert 254 übermittelt. Zugleich wird innerhalb der ersten 2 Sekunden, ebenfalls zieladressiert an das der grünen Lampe zugeordnete Vorschaltgerät der Helligkeitsniveauwert 1 übermittelt.Based on the output color value A, the new brightness level value 254 is transmitted within the first 2 seconds, for example to the ballast associated with the red lamp, in a target-addressed manner. At the same time, within the first 2 seconds, the target brightness is also sent to the ballast associated with the green lamp, the brightness level value 1 being transmitted.

Innerhalb der nachfolgenden 2 Sekunden wird anschließend an das der roten Lampe zugehörige Vorschaltgerät der Helligkeitsniveauwert 253 einzeladressiert übermittelt und an das der grünen Lampe zugeordnete Vorschaltgerät der Helligkeitsniveauwert 2 zugeordnet. Auf diese Weise wird innerhalb der 500 Sekunden 250 mal jedes einzelne Vorschaltgerät angesprochen und mit einem neuen Helligkeitsniveauzielwert konfrontiert.Within the following 2 seconds, the brightness level value 253 is then transmitted to the red-lamp ballast in an individually addressed manner and the brightness level value 2 allocated to the green lamp is assigned. In this way, every single ballast is addressed 250 times within 500 seconds and confronted with a new brightness level value.

Von Bedeutung ist noch, daß die Leuchten bzw. Teilnehmer des Netzwerkes in beliebiger Weise zu Gruppen zusamenfassbar sind. So ist z.B. eine erste dynamische Lichtszene in Form eines Farbganges definierbar, die eine erste Gruppe von Leuchten oder Teilnehmern des Netzwerkes anspricht, und eine zweite dynamische Lichtszene in Form eines Farbganges definierbar, die eine zweite Gruppe von Leuchten oder Teilnehmern des Netzwerkes anspricht.Of importance is still that the lights or participants of the network are summarized in any way to groups. For example, e.g. defining a first dynamic light scene in the form of a color passage responsive to a first group of lights or participants of the network, and a second dynamic light scene in the form of a color passage responsive to a second group of lights or participants of the network.

Claims (31)

  1. Device (10) to control multiple luminaires (11a, 11b, 11c), with a common signal line (13), which connects the luminaires to each other, with at least one control unit (20), at which a user can at least call up control commands for the luminaires, and with at least one memory unit (14), which is connected to the signal line, for lighting information, characterized in that at least one luminaire has at least three illuminants of different colours, e.g. a red lamp, a blue lamp and a green lamp, a specific, individually addressable ballast, with which the brightness level of the associated lamp in each case can be adjusted, being associated with each of the three lamps, an input unit (15), at which at least one colour value (Z) for the luminaire can be entered, being provided, and a computer unit (16a, 16b), which converts the entered colour value into brightness level values of the three lamps, being provided, the computer unit, so that the luminaires show the colour value (Z), sending at least the brightness level values to the ballasts, individually addressed.
  2. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the colour value (Z), starting from an initial colour value (A) which is associated with the luminaire, in particular before the colour value (Z) is entered, is reached within a time (target time (tz)) which the user can adjust.
  3. Device according to Claim 2, characterized in that the computer unit and/or the memory unit divides the target time into multiple time intervals (fading times (t1, t2, t3, ...)), and between the initial colour value (A) and the colour value (Z), calculates a corresponding plurality of intermediate colour values and/or associated intermediate brightness level values, and subsequently sends the calculated intermediate brightness level values and the brightness level values corresponding to the colour value to the ballasts, individually addressed and within the time intervals.
  4. Device according to Claim 3, characterized in that a time interval is shorter than 10 seconds.
  5. Device according to Claim 3, characterized in that a time interval is shorter than 5 seconds.
  6. Device according to Claim 3, characterized in that a time interval is shorter than 2 seconds.
  7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the input unit (15) is provided by a separate device from the control unit (20).
  8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a colour value display (25a, 25b) for multiple, in particular for all, colour values which can be shown is associated with the input unit (15), it being possible to select the colour value (Z) from the colour value display.
  9. Device according to Claim 8, characterized in that the colour value display is a colour circle (25a), a colour palette (25b) or a colour standard table.
  10. Device according to Claim 8 or 9, characterized in that a cursor (26) is associated with the colour value display, and can be controlled by means of a positioning device, e.g. a mouse, along the colour value display, changing its cursor location.
  11. Device according to Claim 10, characterized in that the computer unit (16a, 16b) and/or the memory unit (14) associates a colour value with the cursor location.
  12. Device according to Claim 11, characterized in that the computer unit and/or the memory unit converts the colour value which is determined from the cursor location directly, almost in real time, into brightness level values, and sends them directly, almost in real time, to the ballasts, individually addressed.
  13. Device according to Claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the colour value is calculated from the cursor location in real time.
  14. Device according to Claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the colour value is calculated from the cursor location only after an actuating element, e.g. a left mouse button, is actuated.
  15. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that multiple colour values (colour stations) can be entered at the input unit (15).
  16. Device according to Claim 15, characterized in that the input unit (15) asks the user for a desired number of colour values (Z) to be entered, and/or for the multiple colour values (Z) in succession.
  17. Device according to Claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the multiple colour values (colour stations) can be combined into a colour course, in a sequence which the user can choose.
  18. Device according to any one of Claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the colour course is in endlessly cyclical form, and the user can choose the cycle duration.
  19. Device according to any one of Claims 15 to 18, characterized in that the information (brightness level values) about the colour course can be stored in the memory unit (14).
  20. Device according to any one of Claims 15 to 19, characterized in that for the luminaire to show the colour course, the memory unit (14) and/or the computer unit (16a, 16b) sends the corresponding brightness level values to the ballasts, in succession and individually addressed.
  21. Device according to Claim 20, characterized in that the memory unit and/or the computer unit calculates, between each two colour stations (A, Z) of a colour course, multiple intermediate brightness level values, and sends the intermediate brightness level values to the ballasts, in succession and individually addressed, in particular at short time intervals, for the luminaire to show intermediate colour values.
  22. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ballasts communicate with the memory unit and/or the computer unit (16a, 16b) according to the DALI protocol.
  23. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the individual illuminants of the luminaire can be combined into groups.
  24. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an interface (19), by which a connection to a computer (15) can be achieved, is associated with the signal line.
  25. Device according to Claim 24, characterized in that the input unit (15) is provided by the computer.
  26. Device according to Claim 24 or 25, characterized in that at least one (part 16a) of the computer unit is provided by the computer (15).
  27. Device according to any one of Claims 24 to 26, characterized in that the interface (19) is arranged on a housing of the control unit (20).
  28. Device according to Claim 26 or 27, characterized in that the interface (19) is freely accessible in a mounted state of the control unit (20), in particular in a wall-mounted state of the control unit.
  29. Device according to Claim 28, characterized in that the interface (19), in a mounted state of the control unit, is arranged on its underside (23).
  30. Device according to any one of Claims 24 to 29, characterized in that the interface is a USB interface.
  31. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least part (16b) of the computer unit and the memory unit (14) form a structural unit.
EP05007956A 2004-04-15 2005-04-12 Device for controlling a plurality of lighting units Not-in-force EP1587347B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL05007956T PL1587347T3 (en) 2004-04-15 2005-04-12 Device for controlling a plurality of lighting units

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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DE102004018804 2004-04-15
DE102004018804A DE102004018804A1 (en) 2004-04-15 2004-04-15 Device for controlling a plurality of luminaires

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EP1587347A2 EP1587347A2 (en) 2005-10-19
EP1587347A3 EP1587347A3 (en) 2010-01-27
EP1587347B1 true EP1587347B1 (en) 2010-11-03

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US (1) US20060167572A1 (en)
EP (1) EP1587347B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE487358T1 (en)
DE (2) DE102004018804A1 (en)
DK (1) DK1587347T3 (en)
ES (1) ES2353879T3 (en)
PL (1) PL1587347T3 (en)

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Publication number Publication date
US20060167572A1 (en) 2006-07-27
DE102004018804A1 (en) 2005-11-10
EP1587347A2 (en) 2005-10-19
ES2353879T3 (en) 2011-03-07
DE502005010461D1 (en) 2010-12-16
EP1587347A3 (en) 2010-01-27
DK1587347T3 (en) 2011-02-14
ATE487358T1 (en) 2010-11-15
PL1587347T3 (en) 2011-04-29

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