EP4245099A1

EP4245099A1 - Device for emitting electromagnetic radiation and/or sound waves

Info

Publication number: EP4245099A1
Application number: EP21844981.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Tobias Grau
Original assignee: Tipsycontrol GmbH
Current assignee: Tipsycontrol GmbH
Priority date: 2020-12-23
Filing date: 2021-12-22
Publication date: 2023-09-20
Also published as: DE102020134895B4; WO2022136564A1; DE102020134895A1; CA3203237A1; US20240053145A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1, 30, 40, 50) for emitting electromagnetic radiation and/or sound waves by means of a corresponding emitter (39, 49, 55, 59) and to a corresponding method, the device having a control module (2) connected to the emitter, the control module having a processor (2.2) and an inclination sensor, and the inclination sensor being electrically connected to the processor. The processor is designed to evaluate an angle of inclination and/or a change in the angle of inclination detected by the inclination sensor continuously or at regular intervals in each case after a time interval has elapsed in relation to a movement of the inclination sensor and to use same to control the emitter (3) in an active state (A, A1, A2) in which the emitter is switched on, or in a passive state (P) in which the emitter is switched off. As a result, intuitive control of the emitter is achieved by means of a tilting movement of the inclination sensor.

Description

Device for emitting electromagnetic radiation and/or sound waves

The invention relates to a device for emitting electromagnetic radiation and/or sound waves by a corresponding transmitter, a method for controlling such a transmitter, and a corresponding control module.

In a device for emitting electromagnetic radiation, for example a lamp, various concepts for switching on and off and for dimming have been implemented to date. A light can be switched on or off using a mechanical switch, e.g. a toggle switch or a push button. More modern options for switching on and off and dimming are referred to as touch dimming (switching and dimming by touching the luminaire) or gesture control (switching and dimming by predetermined gestures that a person performs near the luminaire). However, these more modern switching and dimming methods are error-prone in operation. Analogous means of controlling volume and switching on and off are also known for a sound player.

Based on the known solutions specified above, there is a need to switch or dim a transmitter of such a device without using a mechanical switch for this purpose, since such a switch is often perceived as being aesthetically unappealing for the design. In addition, the control of the device should be easy, error-free and safe for the person carrying out the work to handle.

The object of the present invention is therefore to create an above-mentioned device and a control module and a method for Control of a transmitter that emits electromagnetic radiation and/or sound waves, which(s) correspond(s) to the needs outlined above.

The above object is achieved by a device for emitting electromagnetic radiation and/or sound waves having the features of claim 1, a control module having the features of claim 14 and a method for controlling a transmitter which emits electromagnetic radiation and/or sound waves the features of claim 15 solved.

The device according to the invention for emitting electromagnetic radiation (in particular in the wavelength range visible to humans, i.e. visible light) and/or sound waves (in particular in the wavelength range audible to humans) with a transmitter for emitting the electromagnetic radiation and/or the sound waves has in particular a control module connected to the transmitter. The control module includes a processor and a tilt sensor, with the tilt sensor being electrically connected to the processor. The processor is set up in such a way that it evaluates an angle of inclination and/or a change in the angle of inclination detected by the inclination sensor continuously or regularly after at least one time interval has elapsed in relation to a movement of the inclination sensor and, for controlling the transmitter in an active state, in which the transmitter is on, or a passive state in which the transmitter is off, used in such a way

• that the processor, upon detection of a tilting movement of the tilt sensor from a rest position or from a tilted position with respect to the rest position with a first tilt angle change over a first tilting time interval, controls the transmitter in such a way that it changes from an active state to a setting state, wherein in which Setting state by the processor at least one setting size of the Transmitter can be changed according to a predetermined change method, or transitions into a further active state, wherein in the further active state the mode of operation of the transmitter is changed in relation to at least one setting variable compared to the active state, and

• that the processor, upon detection of a tilting movement of the tilt sensor from the rest position or from the tilted position with a second tilt angle change over the first tilting time interval, controls the transmitter in such a way that it changes from the active state or the further active state to the passive state or vice versa , transitions from the passive state to the active state (the transitions in both directions are hereinafter also referred to as "active/passive state transition"), wherein the second tilt angle change differs from the first tilt angle change.

In particular, the processor is set up to

• that the processor, upon detection of a slow tilting movement of the inclination sensor from a rest position, controls the transmitter in such a way that it changes from an active state to a setting state, wherein in the setting state the processor can change at least one setting variable of the transmitter according to a predetermined change method, and

• that the processor, upon detection of a rapid tilting movement of the tilt sensor from the rest position, controls the transmitter in such a way that it changes from the active state to a passive state in which the transmitter is switched off, with a small tilt angle change in the first tilting time interval causing a slow tilting movement and a large pitch angle change is a rapid tilt movement. The device can, for example, comprise a light and the transmitter can comprise at least one light source, the light source having, for example, at least one LED, fluorescent tube, metal vapor lamp or the like.

Alternatively, the device may comprise a playback device (e.g. radio, loudspeaker box, MP3 player, smartphone and similar devices for playback of sound/sound waves, which may include the playback of images), the transmitter having at least one loudspeaker.

The respective transmitter can have a transmitter control which converts the control signals of the processor so that the transmitter with the light source and/or the loudspeaker emits the electromagnetic radiation and/or the sound waves in the respectively desired manner. The transmitter can have an active state in which the transmitter emits a specific electromagnetic radiation and/or sound waves, i.e. it is switched on, a passive state in which the transmitter does not emit any electromagnetic radiation and/or sound waves, i.e. it is switched off, or a setting state take, in which at least one setting variable of the transmitter can be changed according to a predetermined change. In this case, the way in which the at least one setting variable (eg brightness, color temperature, volume) is changed can be specified by the processor using corresponding control signals. For example, the processor controls the transmitter control, which sets the transmitter according to the control signals from the processor. The transmitter control has a driver stage and/or an amplifier, for example. In addition, the transmitter can implement further active states in which at least one setting variable has changed compared to the active state. This includes, for example, different, preset brightness states of the lamps (e.g. only part of a large number of LEDs or all LEDs of the large number are switched on) or states in which several different transmitter media (e.g. loudspeakers and Lamps) are used, which are combined differently in terms of their mode of operation or possibly their on and off state.

In one exemplary embodiment, the transmitter is arranged in at least one transmitter unit that is spatially separate from the control module, with each transmitter unit having a transmitter and a housing and/or holder, with the transmitter being arranged in the housing and/or on the holder. The transmitter unit(s) is/are, for example, a lamp or several lamps, eg wall lamps, each having at least one light source, and/or a playback device or several playback devices, eg a speaker system, each having at least one speaker. The control module with the processor and the inclination sensor can be moved separately from the at least one transmitter unit. The device is therefore designed in at least two parts. The at least one transmitter unit can be controlled with a single but separate control module. For this purpose, the control module is set up to transmit and each transmitter unit to receive control signals from the processor located in the control module via a communication channel, through which the transmitter can be controlled according to the state it is in (e.g. switching on and off, dimming, changing the color temperature, the separate light(s) and/or changing the volume of the separate speakers). To control the at least one transmitter, the control module can carry out the tilting movements as described above and below. The tilt sensor, which is permanently installed in the control module, can detect these movements and forward the corresponding data to the processor. The data is analyzed in the processor and appropriate transitions of the states of the transmitter effected based on this analysis. Based on the respective status of the transmitter, the processor communicates (sends) control signals to the transmitter unit in order to control the transmitter (eg at least one light source and/or at least one loudspeaker) accordingly. For this purpose, the control module has a corresponding transmitter or transceiver for the communication of the control signals and the transmitter unit has a corresponding receiver or transceiver for the communication of these control signals.

Communication can take place, for example, via Bluetooth, ZigBee (IEE E802.15.4), LoRa / LoRaWAN, NFC (Near Field Communication) or WLAN.

Alternatively, the control module can have a common housing and/or a common holder together with the transmitter and the control module, with the transmitter and the control module being arranged in the housing and/or on the holder. Alternatively or additionally, the transmitter and the control module can be integrated with the processor in a single assembly (printed circuit board) or in a single component (chip). In these embodiments, the device forms a single unit with an integrated control module, e.g., in the form of a desk lamp or in the form of a desk speaker. The control module (with the tilt sensor) together with the transmitter carries out the tilting movements defined up and down. The inclination sensor is firmly arranged in the housing together with the control module.

The lamp (with or without a separate control module) can have a housing (also referred to as a lamp body), inside which the at least one lamp is arranged. The housing, which is for example translucent or transparent and/or provided with continuous openings, is transilluminated by the electromagnetic radiation (light). The housing preferably has a surface that is sealed against moisture. In one exemplary embodiment, the housing is designed in at least two parts, with a hollow body and a base plate being able to be provided, which are fastened to one another. In one exemplary embodiment, the base plate closes the hollow body, for example by means of a clip connection or screw connection or bayonet connection. The hollow body of any shape can be made of porcelain, glass and/or plastic. The base plate can be designed as a floor plate and serve as a stand or foot on which the hollow body rests. For this purpose, the base plate has a straight, flat bottom surface. Alternatively, the base plate can be designed as a cover plate.

For example, as already explained above, the at least one light source can be arranged as a transmitter together with the control module in the housing of the device. In this case, the base plate of the housing can carry the processor, the at least one light source, and the inclination sensor and possibly an acceleration sensor (described further below). Well sealed, the lamp can also be used outdoors. In addition, the luminaire is aesthetically more attractive due to the omission of an opening for a plug connection.

Alternatively, the housing can have an opening through which a plug connector can be passed if the lamp can be charged by means of cable-bound energy transmission.

In one exemplary embodiment, the at least one light source is integrated into a circuit board, which is arranged on the base plate and fastened there. Alternatively, the at least one light source (for example LEDs) can be arranged separately from the base plate above the base plate in a head part of the housing of the device. A body portion disposed beneath or adjacent to the translucent head portion of the housing may be formed optically dense with respect to the electromagnetic radiation used in the luminaire. In this case, a lens or lenses can be provided, which is/are placed in front of the at least one illuminant so that it lies in the path of the light emitted by the illuminant. This allows a functional light, such as a desk, reading or Travel light can be realized.

Analogously to the lamp, the playback device can have a housing inside which the at least one loudspeaker and optionally the control module with the processor and the inclination sensor and optionally an additional acceleration sensor are arranged. Analogously to the lamp, the display device can have a base which is attached to a head part of the housing and supports the other elements and assemblies arranged inside the housing.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the transmitter can have a combination of at least one light source and at least one loudspeaker, for example for use as a table loudspeaker. This exemplary embodiment of a device can also be designed in such a way that the combined transmitter is arranged together with the control module in a common housing or is designed separately as two separate units.

In a separate design of the control module, this can be designed, for example, as a cuboid, cube, cylinder or another shape with a defined footprint, so that it is intuitively clear to the user which position represents the rest position of the control module. This also makes it clear to the user in which direction the control module must be tilted, so that the tilt sensor detects a tilting movement and, on this basis, as described above and below, controls the transmitter depending on the state assumed by the transmitter. The possible tilting direction(s) for operating the control module can also be made clearer by a special surface design of the control module, for example by a color and/or pattern design. In one embodiment, with such a combination, the "transition active/passive" presented above can be modified in such a way that the associated, above-described tilting movement between a first active state and several other active states and optionally a passive state, for example in a predetermined sequence , Can be "switched", with the transitions between the different active states of the at least one speaker of the playback device and the at least one lamp being controlled separately, so that a wide variety of speaker/lamp combinations can be realized. In the passive state, the transmitter, ie loudspeaker and light source, is switched off. This means that in the various active states the mode of operation of the transmitter differs with regard to at least one setting variable (e.g. with regard to brightness, color temperature, volume), which includes that part of the (possibly combined) transmitter is switched off (i.e brightness or volume equal to zero). For example, in a device in which the transmitter consists of a combination of a loudspeaker and at least one light source, when a tilting movement from the rest position or from the tilted position is detected with a second change in the tilt angle over a first tilting time interval, the transmitter

• transition from a passive state to a first active state in which the loudspeaker and the at least one light source are switched on,

• With another such tilting movement with a first change in the angle of inclination, the transmitter can change from the first active state to a second active state in which the loudspeaker is switched on and the at least one light source is switched on with low brightness or, if there are several light sources, some of these light sources are switched on ,

• With another such tilting movement, the transmitter can switch from the second active state to a third active state in which the at least one lamp with low brightness or, if there are several lamps, some of these lamps are switched on and the loudspeaker is switched off,

• with another such tilting movement, the transmitter can change from the third active state to a fourth active state, in which the at least one light source is switched off and the loudspeaker is switched on,

• With another such tilting movement, the transmitter can change from the fourth active state to a fifth active state in which the at least one light source is switched on, its brightness is controlled as a function of the playback device sound pressure level and the loudspeaker is switched on, and

• In the event of another such tilting movement with a second change in the angle of inclination, the transmitter can switch to the passive state.

In this way, the various wishes of the users with regard to the design of such a combined device can be met. The third active state of the transmitter can be used, for example, to find the device at night. The second active state can be for use in a cozy ambient atmosphere, the fourth active state allows use only as a display device, while the lighting effect is not desired. In the fifth active state, the transmitter can be used at a party, for example. Other sequences of the states and states with other specific settings of the lamps and the loudspeaker are also possible.

With regard to the processor, in one exemplary embodiment in particular a state can be implemented in which the processor allows a connection setup for wireless communication (Bluetooth pairing) and this state can be exited automatically as soon as such a connection has been successfully set up. According to the invention, the processor of the control module can use the detected inclination angle change values or the traversed inclination angle of the inclination sensor to determine in a predetermined time interval whether the device in the predetermined time interval is a slow tilting movement or a fast tilting movement, no movement or one of the two Movements distinguishing movement (e.g. a pure translatory movement without tilting) performs. This measurement and evaluation is repeated continuously or at regular intervals (corresponds to the first tipping time interval, eg every 50 ms). By determining the angle of inclination/the change in the angle of inclination as specified above, the inclination sensor measures an inclination of the inclination sensor in relation to the vertical direction predetermined by gravity or a predetermined z-axis, which can run in the vertical direction, for example. Alternatively, it can be determined by the processor whether the device is performing a slow tilting movement or a fast tilting movement, no movement or a movement that differs from these two movements (e.g. a pure translational movement without tilting) by measuring the time in which the Device undergoes a predetermined change in inclination angle. This measurement and evaluation is repeated continuously or regularly over predetermined angle changes (e.g. every 5°). The measurement variables specified above can then be related either to the rest position or to a tilted position of the inclination sensor.

The device according to the invention has the advantage that switches or buttons are not required for switching and dimming. With regard to touch dimming, there is the advantage that the device can be touched and its position changed without the brightness changing at that moment, for example. The situation is similar with the device according to the invention when it is compared with conventional gesture control. In the Gesture control can lead to unwanted dimming or switching when the hands approach, which is avoided with the device according to the invention.

Devices according to the invention such as lights or playback devices, in particular for the table and/or for outdoor use, can be switched on and off and dimmed easily, error-free and safely without a visible switch, or their color or color temperature can be changed.

In relation to the present invention, the processor is an electronic circuit that controls the transmitter and possibly other elements of the device according to commands given, thereby executing and driving an algorithm. For example, the processor is designed as a microcontroller or central processing unit (CPU) for signal evaluation and for controlling the transmitter. The transmitter can also have a driver stage that is used to control the transmitter. The driver stage can be provided with a number of channels, for example for a large number of light sources. The processor also has a clock unit/clock generator in order to determine time intervals.

The tilt sensor measures the tilt angle with respect to the plumb line (explanation of this see below) or its change. The inclination sensor can correspond to a classic inclination sensor, a precision mechanical or electrical measuring device that measures the mechanical change/deflection of solid, liquid and/or gaseous elements when inclined in relation to the vertical direction (ie in the direction of gravitational acceleration). Alternatively, the inclination sensor can be implemented by an acceleration sensor (also referred to as an accelerometer, accelerometer, accelerometer) aligned in the direction of a rest position, which measures the acceleration in relation to a z-direction, the z-direction being im Substantially corresponds to the vertical direction and the device has a defined inclination to the vertical direction in the rest position. In relation to the present invention, the additional acceleration sensor that may be present in an exemplary embodiment is a sensor that measures its acceleration in all three directions of three-dimensional space or the change in acceleration, or at least in a direction that differs from the z-direction. The additional acceleration sensor and the inclination sensor can be integrated into a common sensor module, which in turn is part of the control module. The variables specified above can be recorded continuously or regularly after a specified time interval (e.g. every 50 ms) has elapsed. The inclination sensor and the additional acceleration sensor can each be designed as a semiconductor component. As an alternative or in addition, non-semiconductor sensors can be used which are based on a mechanical, electrical and/or magnetic operating principle. If a large acceleration is measured by an acceleration sensor, this corresponds to a large change in inclination angle, while the measurement of a small acceleration with respect to the respective direction corresponds to a small change in inclination angle. Alternatively, as has already been explained above, the periods of time over which a predetermined change in the angle of inclination is passed can be measured. This corresponds to a measurement of a change in the angle of inclination over a predetermined period of time and represents an embodiment of the invention.

The state of the transmitter in which the transmitter emits electromagnetic radiation and/or sound waves is referred to as the active state. In order to emit the electromagnetic radiation and/or sound waves, the transmitter is switched on in the active state. If the transmitter is switched on, the transmitter can be switched off by the processor and hereby goes into the passive state. After switching off, ie in the passive state, the transmitter does not emit any electromagnetic radiation and/or sound waves. in the In the passive state, the device has a low power consumption, which, however, is higher overall than the power consumption in the so-called sleep state of the processor, which is explained in detail below.

In addition, the transmitter can change from the active state to a setting state in which, as already explained above, the processor can change at least one setting variable of the transmitter in accordance with a predetermined change method. In the case of an illuminant, the setting variable can include an intensity and/or a frequency and/or color temperature and/or another setting variable. In the adjustment state, the intensity and/or the frequency and/or the color temperature and/or another adjustment variable of the electromagnetic radiation can be changed according to a predetermined change manner. In the case of a loudspeaker, the setting variable can include a sound pressure level (volume) emitted by the at least one loudspeaker and/or a selection of a piece of music stored in a memory for playback and/or another setting variable. In the adjustment state, the sound pressure level and/or the selection of a piece of music stored in the memory for playback and/or another adjustment quantity are changeable according to a predetermined changing manner. For example, a transition back to the active state can take place from the setting state if the inclination sensor is tilted back into its rest position. The at least one setting variable can be changed, for example, as long as the inclination sensor is slowly tilted and/or as long as it remains in the tilted position. As explained above, only the tilting back can lead to the end of the adjustment/change of the at least one setting variable and to a return to the active state. In an exemplary embodiment, the speed or extent of the change can be influenced by a larger or smaller tilt angle in the adjustment state. For example, the at least one setting size can be changed greatly when continues to be tilted slowly. A small amount of change occurs when the tilt sensor remains at the tilt angle. Furthermore, a renewed (second) transition into the setting state (after a first slow tilting, returning to the rest position and renewed slow tilting) can result in a reversal of the direction of change of the mode of change of the at least one setting variable. For example, during the first transition to the setting state, the at least one lamp can be dimmed to a higher intensity and after returning to the active state and another transition to the setting state, the at least one lamp can be dimmed to a lower intensity of the electromagnetic radiation. The processor of the device can store the last used direction of change of the last setting state in a corresponding memory device and with each new transition into the setting state reverses the direction of change of the respective setting quantity of the transmitter compared to the last used direction of change.

In one embodiment, the determination of the type of tilting movement defined above may be made from a tilted position. For example, the device and thus the inclination sensor can be tilted from the rest position into a tilted position, the tilted position being detected, for example, by the tilt angle in relation to the rest position or the vertical direction exceeding a predetermined starting tilt angle. Exceeding the starting tilt angle can also be referred to as initialization. As soon as the processor has detected the tilted position, the processor monitors the change in tilt angle measured by the tilt sensor within a first tilting time interval (eg within an interval of 200 ms to 1.5 s, eg 800 ms). The first tilt time interval starts when the predetermined starting tilt angle is exceeded (ie when the tilted position is assumed). Is in the first tilting time interval based on the Tilted position, a first change in the angle of inclination, for example a maximum change in the angle of inclination over a first small amount of angle of inclination (e.g. 5°), determined (corresponds to a slow tilting movement), the transmitter goes into the setting state and a setting of the transmitter can be changed. For example, the brightness of a lamp can be dimmed, as shown above. However, if a second change in the tilt angle is detected in this exemplary embodiment in the first tilting time interval, for example a large change in the tilt angle, for example a change in the tilt angle of at least 30° or a change in the tilt angle that reaches at least a predetermined end tilt angle (corresponds to a rapid tilting movement), then the transmitter goes off from the active state (transmitter switched on) to the passive state (transmitter switched off). For example, the final tilt angle can differ from the rest position by only a second small tilt angle amount, so that this tilting movement describes a rapid tilting movement from the tilted position to a position near and in the region of the rest position. In one embodiment, the first tilt angle amount is significantly smaller than the amount of the difference between the starting tilt angle and the ending tilt angle. In addition, the starting angle of inclination is greater than the end angle of inclination, in each case based on the z-axis (rest position).

It should be emphasized at this point that the behavior of the device specified above when performing the tilting movement in relation to the rest position or from a tilted position is based on determining whether the tilting movement is fast or slow. In each case, the change in inclination angle is considered in relation to the same (first) tilting time interval. If the change in tilt angle is large, the device will be tilted quickly, while if the change in tilt angle is small, the device will be tilted slowly. The above definition encompasses an embodiment in which the transition from the active to the passive state (and vice versa) occurs with a rapid Tilt motion occurs (ie, with a large change in tilt angle over the first tilt time interval), while the transition from the active state to a set state occurs with a slow tilt motion (ie, with a small change in tilt angle over the first tilt time interval). Conversely, the above definition also encompasses an embodiment in which the transition from the active to the passive state (and vice versa) occurs with a slow tilting movement (ie with a small change in tilt angle over the first tilting time interval), while the transition from the active state to a Setting state with a rapid tilting movement (ie with a large change in tilt angle over the first tilting time interval) takes place. In this case, the change in the angle of inclination is measured, for example, continuously in second tilting time intervals (for example every 50 ms to 1 s, for example 500 ms). If, for example, the angle of inclination in relation to the rest position exceeds a predetermined trigger angle of inclination, a decision is made by reading out a memory with changes in the angle of inclination according to the principle of a queue buffer memory (FIFO buffer) as to whether the change in the inclination angle occurred in the period before the trigger angle of inclination was exceeded angle of inclination quickly or slowly (large or small change in the angle of inclination). Correspondingly, after reading the queue buffer memory, either an "active/passive state transition", a transition to another active state or a transition to a setting state is effected. When the above-defined starting tilt angle is exceeded, the processor, as described above, can then observe the tilt angle change starting from this tilted position and determine whether this is slow (e.g. slow tilting or holding) or fast (e.g. fast tilting back). to rest position).

In a further embodiment, after the transition from the passive state to the active state of the transmitter, a predetermined change in a setting variable (e.g. dimming the brightness of the illuminant or volume change of the speaker). In this case, the initial value of the respective setting variable is specified for the transition to the active state (eg minimum brightness, minimum volume). The slow change in the setting size can be stopped as soon as the device reaches a certain state, eg the rest position.

In one embodiment, the way in which the at least one setting variable is changed (i.e. the way in which it is changed) can be specified individually in a respective setting state (e.g. by the manufacturer of the luminaire or the user). For example, in a pure dimming mode of the lamp, only the intensity of the at least one lamp can be changed, e.g. in 5 percent increments, in the direction of higher intensity and (in the opposite direction) in the direction of lower intensity. In a pure color change mode, for example, the frequency and/or the color temperature can be changeable, e.g. from a color temperature of 1,000 K to a color temperature of 12,000 K. A mixed dimming/color change mode can also include a combination of the two aforementioned modes. For example, the mode of change can include the following procedure: In the middle range of the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation, a pure dimming mode is implemented, in a low-intensity range dimming with an additional change in the direction of a lower color temperature, and in a high-intensity range dimming with an additional change Change in color temperature towards high color temperature.

In order to enable different setting parameters of the electromagnetic radiation and/or the sound waves to be set in a simple and intuitive manner, the active state in one embodiment can have at least a first mode and a second mode (e.g. a dimming mode and a color changing mode). Correspondingly, the setting state can have at least one first mode (e.g. setting state for dimming for the Dimming mode) and a second mode (e.g. setting state for changing the color for the color changing mode), wherein

• the processor, upon detection of a tilting movement from the rest position or from the tilted position with a first change in tilt angle over a first tilting time interval, controls the transmitter in such a way that it changes from the first active state mode to the first setting state mode, in which at least a first adjustment amount is changeable according to a first predetermined change manner, and

• the processor, upon detection of a tilting movement from the rest position or from the tilted position with a first change in tilt angle over a first tilting time interval, controls the transmitter in such a way that it changes from the second mode of the active state to the second mode of adjustment state, in which at least a second The setting variable can be changed according to a second predetermined way of changing, wherein the at least one second setting variable differs from the at least one first setting variable and/or the second predetermined way of changing the at least one second setting variable differs from the first predetermined way of changing the at least one first setting variable, and/ or

• wherein the processor controls the transmitter in such a way that it can change from the first mode of the active state to the second mode of the active state, or vice versa, upon detection of a rapid, two-times consecutive tilting movement of the tilt sensor from the rest position or the tilted position, as the case may be , which mode was adopted by the transmitter before the double tilt movement, or

• the processor controls upon detection of a tilting movement of the tilt sensor from the rest position or from the tilted position with a third change in tilt angle over the first tilt time interval, the transmitter so that it from the first mode of the active state to the second mode of the active state or vice versa, depending on which mode was assumed by the transmitter prior to said tilting movement, the third bank angle change being different from the first bank angle change and the second bank angle change.

The provision of different modes in the active state and associated setting states allows the user to make different settings of the device or the transmitter very easily, without a button or the like having to be provided for this purpose. The control (operation) is quite intuitive and corresponds to the control described above for the transition from the active state to the setting state or to the further active state, for the control in the setting state or for the return to the active state, namely for the at least one first mode and the second mode separately. The first mode of the active state and the second mode of the active state are toggled back and forth by the two quick toggle motions mentioned above. Alternatively, it is possible to switch back and forth between the active modes by a particularly slow tilting movement (for example from the tilted position, ie the third change in the angle of inclination is small) or a particularly fast tilting movement (also for example from the tilted position). It is analogously possible to represent more than two active state modes and corresponding attitude state modes. In one embodiment, the possibility can be provided, e.g. if the first setting state mode is the more frequently used setting state, that the transmitter automatically switches to the first mode of the active state after a predetermined period of time in the second mode of the active state without transition to the second setting state mode active state changes. This makes operation much easier for the user. The predetermined period of time for this can be 30 seconds or several minutes, for example. For the same reason, acceptance of the new control concept is also made easier if, in one exemplary embodiment, the first mode of the active state is assumed after the transmitter has transitioned from the passive state to the active state.

As already described above, in the setting state the processor changes the at least one setting variable in accordance with the specified method of change until it detects a tilting movement back into the rest position. This also applies correspondingly to the first setting state mode and the second setting state mode.

According to one exemplary embodiment of the device, a sleep state of the processor is to be distinguished from the active state and the passive state of the transmitter. In the sleep state of the processor, the device consumes extremely little power. The transmitter can neither be switched on nor off in the sleep state of the processor and it is not possible to transition to the setting state. The sleep state serves in particular to save energy during transport or storage of the device, which is stored in a rechargeable storage element (battery), for example. The sleep state of the processor is designed in such a way that in this state only the transition to the active state of the processor can take place. Only a small part of the electrical circuitry of the device is energized in the sleep state, so that only a wake-up signal can be transmitted to the control module when the device is to leave the processor's sleep state and the processor is to transition to the active state, wherein the processor in the active state operates according to its predetermined mode of operation, is energized and controls the device and in particular the transmitter, in all the states of the transmitter described above. It is advantageous if the device has a rechargeable storage element (battery) for supplying the device with electrical energy, which can be charged by a charging unit using wireless energy transmission via inductive or capacitive coupling. Alternatively or additionally, the rechargeable storage element can be charged by means of wired energy transmission via an electrical coupling. The device is also referred to as a battery-operated device. For the inductive coupling, the device has a corresponding induction coil, which is connected to the storage element. A corresponding electronic circuit is also provided for charging. A storage element (and optionally the induction coil and the electronic circuit for charging) can be provided in a multi-part device both in the at least one transmitter unit and in the control module. The storage element, the induction coil and/or the electronic circuit can be arranged on a base plate, it being possible for the base plate, as explained below, to serve as a bottom or top plate. If the base plate is designed as a base plate, the device with the base plate is placed on the loading unit. If the base plate forms a cover plate, the device must be turned over before charging and placed with this cover plate, quasi upside down, on the charging unit. The charging unit can be designed as a charging plate or charging pad, for example. This eliminates the need for connectors or cable connections on the outside of the device which could detract from the aesthetic appeal of the device. If the storage element is charged by cable, a connection for plugging in the charging cable can be provided, for example, on the base plate. The device can also be made portable and does not rely on placement near a power supply. A battery-operated device is usually designed in such a way that it can assume the sleep state described above, in which only a very small amount of power is consumed in order not to unnecessarily discharge the storage element. In one embodiment, the tilt sensor and possibly the acceleration sensor in the sleep state of the processor without supply voltage and thus without current, but supplied with voltage in the active state of the processor.

Alternatively, the device can also be designed as a device that is operated under mains voltage with and without the use of power supply units. With regard to their electronic circuitry, such devices are designed in such a way that they have a low, tolerable power consumption, in particular when the transmitter is not being operated (so-called standby mode).

In one embodiment, the device has the sleep state in which the consumption of electrical energy in the device is limited to a minimum value, the processor being set up in such a way that it makes a transition from a sleep state to the active state of the processor of the Processor causes (so-called wake-up) when a coupling of the device with the charging unit is detected, for example over a predetermined period of time, which is e.g. between 1 and 5 seconds. In one exemplary embodiment, the transmitter can be switched off automatically during the transition to the sleep state, so that electromagnetic radiation or sound waves are no longer emitted. Correspondingly, the transmitter can be switched on in the event of a transition to the active state of the processor. As a result, a user receives feedback that the processor is now in the sleep state or active state.

It is also helpful for transporting the device if the device can be put back into the sleep state. For this purpose, the processor is set up, for example, in such a way that a transition from the active state to the sleep state is effected if the inclination sensor detects a shaking movement within a predetermined period of time. The shaking motion can be predominantly vertical (toward the vertical) or predominantly vertical to (transverse) and is characterized by a multiple rapid back and forth movement (without significant tilting). The shaking movement can be detected by means of an inclination sensor and/or by means of an acceleration sensor. Alternatively, the processor may be placed in the sleep state if the processor detects a tilt movement of the tilt sensor from the rest position or from the tilted position with a fourth tilt angle change over a second tilt time interval, the fourth tilt angle change being greater than the first tilt angle change and than the second change in the angle of inclination, for example, a change in the angle of inclination greater than 150° in relation to the rest position is detected. This means that if necessary, the control module is flipped (turned upside down) together with the luminaire or the display device.

For mains powered devices, a sleep state is not required. Therefore, the evaluation of an interrupt (see below) can be omitted.

With regard to the above features of devices according to the invention, the angle of inclination of the axis of the inclination sensor to the axis position in the rest position of the inclination sensor is regarded as the angle of inclination. When the device is placed on a flat, level surface, the axis position at rest may be vertical (parallel to the plumb direction).

With regard to the present invention, the rest position of the inclination sensor includes either an unchangeable, fixed predetermined course of the axis of the inclination sensor (e.g. along the vertical) or the rest position of the inclination sensor, ie the current tilt angle or course of the axis of the inclination sensor, is tracked. This means that in the latter case, the rest position is always the position of the inclination sensor or its axis, which is assumed over a longer period of time. A short term Changes in position (e.g. due to slow or fast tilting) are not or only minimally taken into account. The idle position can be tracked by the processor tracking the inclination angle of the inclination sensor, for example by means of a PT1 element with a comparatively large time constant T(rest) (eg T(rest)>10 seconds).

According to one embodiment, the slow tilting of the inclination sensor in the active state of the transmitter can be determined by a change in inclination angle within a predetermined first time interval being in a predetermined first range, for example in a range between 10° and 45°. The change can relate to the current position of rest or an angle of inclination of the inclination sensor present at the beginning of the time interval of the measurement or the tilted position. In the implementation, the determination of the slow tilting can take place with a PT1 element with a corresponding time constant T(LK)<T(rest).

According to one embodiment, the rapid tilting of the inclination sensor in the active state of the transmitter can be determined in that a change in inclination angle within a predetermined second time interval is in a predetermined second range, for example in a range between 10° and 45°, preferably between 10° and 30 °. Here, the distinction between rapid tipping and slow tipping takes place over the specified time interval. For fast tilting, the second time interval may be below a time interval threshold, while for slow tilting the first time interval may be above and possibly include the time interval threshold. In this case, the time interval limit value is, for example, in the range between 100 ms and 800 ms, preferably in the range between 300 ms and 600 ms. For example, if the time interval limit is 500 ms, then a fast flip is detected when the Angle change between 10 ° and 45 ° takes place over a time interval (period) which is less than 500 ms, for example 400 ms. On the other hand, slow tilting is determined when an angle change in the range of 10° to 45° occurs over a time interval (period) equal to or greater than 500 ms, eg 600 ms. Alternatively, the time intervals for each form of tipping can be specified separately. In addition, it is advantageous if the first time interval and the second time interval or the time interval limit value is specified or set individually, depending on the respective device. When specifying/setting the time intervals or the time interval limit value, the weight of the device or the control module, its shape and the weight distribution of the device/the control module along its vertical and/or horizontal extension are taken into account, for example, because a light device / a light control module can be tilted more quickly than a heavy device / a heavy control module, etc. These parameters can be specified/adjusted by the manufacturer and/or by the user. As already explained above, this procedure is equivalent to a different change in inclination angle for fast/slow tilting over the same time interval, because in both cases it is measured whether the tilting is fast or slow.

The change in the angle of inclination can relate to the current position of rest or to an angle of inclination of the inclination sensor (tilted position) at the beginning of the time interval of the measurement. In the implementation, the slow tipping can be determined with a PT1 element with a corresponding time constant T(SK)<T(LK). According to the invention, the rapid flipping causes the transition from the active state to the passive state or from the passive state to the active state or, if the active state has several modes, the first mode of the active state or the second mode of the active state. A double quick tilting for the detection of the double tilting can be determined, for example, by the fact that a double quick tilt angle change according to the above statements for the (single) quick tilting and a return occurring between the first tilting and the second tilting approximately to the rest position (e.g. tilting angle deviates by 10° from the angle of inclination in the rest position) is detected. The change can relate to the current position of rest or to an angle of inclination of the inclination sensor that is present at the beginning of the time interval of the measurement. This results in a transition from the first mode of the active state to the second mode of the active state or vice versa.

In one embodiment, an acceleration sensor can also be provided in the control module, which is electrically connected to the processor and movable with the inclination sensor, the processor being set up in such a way that it detects an acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor continuously or regularly after at least one time interval has elapsed and/or the change in acceleration and also used to control the transmitter, with the additional acceleration sensor evaluating, for example, the acceleration and/or change in acceleration in a direction that differs from a direction of rest, the direction of rest being, for example, a direction that is in the rest position of the inclination sensor is essentially vertical.

The acceleration sensor is used, for example, to determine the shaking movement, for example also in combination with the inclination sensor. Alternatively, the only tilt sensor can be used to detect the shaking movement. The shaking motion triggers the processor to go into sleep mode. The additional acceleration sensor can also, if its observation direction differs from the axis occupied by the inclination sensor in the rest position Detection of a further direction of the tilting movement can be used. Different tilting movement directions can be distinguished in relation to the axis of the rest position, since the acceleration sensor detects the acceleration in relation to its direction.

The sensor signals from the acceleration sensor and the inclination sensor are preferably present in the processor as digital information, which is obtained, for example, via an I2C or SPI interface. The processor reads the information supplied by the sensors and uses it with its integrated software. For this purpose, the software can filter the signals and, in one exemplary embodiment, carries out a plausibility check before it concludes/determines a change in status. In one embodiment, the sensors can have a 3D movement and inclination measurement, but it is also possible to use sensors that have fewer sensor signals, e.g. 2D.

In one exemplary embodiment, the processor has no power in the sleep state in order to keep the energy consumption as low as possible in this state. In order to ensure that the electronics have as little power consumption as possible in the sleep state, the sensors are programmed in such a way that they set a direct switching output if there is a significant signal (e.g. a movement that exceeds a certain level). This switching output causes the processor to be informed about the motion detection, preferably via an interrupt input. The processor, which was previously de-energized, is reactivated by the set interrupt input and then immediately reads out all the sensor signals from the sensors. After a plausibility check, the interpretation of the sensor values that are now available in detail leads to the activation of the processor, which is then in the active state (possibly in the first mode of the active state). In this state, the processor reads regularly cyclically, eg every 10 ms or every 50 ms, the sensor signals and evaluates them.

As an alternative to the interrupt signal from the acceleration sensor and the tilt sensor, a signal from an additional vibration sensor or position sensor separate from the acceleration sensor or tilt sensor can also be used to cause the processor to transition to the active, switched-on state. For this purpose, the vibration sensor or the position sensor either operates the interrupt input of the processor or ensures that the power supply for the entire electronics is switched on. Vibration sensors and position sensors are often designed as mechanical sensors and do not require a power supply. If the sensor switches, the power pack of the electronics is reactivated. This circuit technology requires a power supply circuit that can be activated by the vibration or position sensor and switched off again by the processor.

Alternatively, the inclination and/or acceleration sensor can be realized by a mechanical structure, e.g. by a pendulum, which operates simple switching elements or by a magnetized ball, which activates components sensitive to magnetic fields (e.g. reed switches, Hall elements). This also results in an extremely low power consumption in the active, switched-off state and in the sleep state.

With regard to a device that has a transmitter for emitting sound waves, the processor can use the acceleration values detected by the acceleration sensor and the inclination angles detected by the inclination sensor in relation to a movement of the inclination sensor after evaluation to control the transmitter in an active state use such that the transmitter upon detection of a rapid double tilting movement of the tilt sensor from the rest position by the processor a selection of a Piece of music for playback caused by switching a piece of music to the next piece of music, the double tilting movement must be done within a predetermined period of time.

In particular, the invention also includes a method for controlling a device described above with the following steps:

• continuous or regular, in each case after at least one time interval, detecting an inclination angle and/or a change in inclination angle in relation to a movement of the inclination sensor,

• Evaluation of the detected inclination angle and / or the detected change in inclination angle and use of the evaluated data to control the transmitter in an active state in which the transmitter is switched on, or a passive state in which the transmitter is switched off, such that o the processor upon detection of a tilting movement of the tilt sensor from a rest position or from a position tilted with respect to the rest position with a first change in tilt angle over a first tilting time interval controls the transmitter in such a way that it changes from an active state to a setting state, in the setting state by the processor at least one setting variable of the transmitter can be changed according to a predetermined change method, or transitions to a further active state, wherein in the further active state the mode of operation of the transmitter with regard to at least one setting variable is changed compared to the active state, and o that the processor upon detection of a tilting movement of the tilt sensor from the rest position or from the tilted position with a second change in tilt angle over the first tilting time interval controls the transmitter such that it moves from the active state or the further active state to the passive state transitions or transitions from the passive state to the active state, wherein the second change in bank angle is different than the first change in bank angle.

In one embodiment, the active state includes at least a first mode and a second mode, and the adjusted state includes at least a first mode and a second mode, where

• the processor, upon detection of a tilting movement from the rest position or from the tilted position with a first change in tilt angle over a first tilting time interval, controls the transmitter in such a way that it changes from the first active state mode to the first setting state mode, in which at least a first setting variable is changeable according to a first predetermined way of change, and

• wherein the processor controls the transmitter upon detection of a two-time consecutively executed tilting movement of the tilt sensor from the rest position or the tilted position in such a way that it changes from the first mode of the active state to the second mode of the active state or vice versa, whichever is the case mode was adopted by the transmitter before the double tilt movement, or • the processor transitions from the first active state mode to the second active state mode or vice versa, whichever mode precedes it, upon detecting a tilt movement of the tilt sensor from the rest position or from the tilted position with a third change in tilt angle over the first tilt time interval Tilting movement has been taken up by the transmitter, the third change in tilt angle being different from the first change in tilt angle and the second change in tilt angle.

In one embodiment, the control/operation of a transmitter described above by means of a tilting movement can also be carried out with touch operation, with operation using an electrical or mechanical switch or button and/or with contactless gesture control (e.g. via a camera, a proximity sensor and/or an E-field sensor) of this transmitter.

The mode of operation of the method according to the invention and its advantages have already been described in detail above in connection with the device. Reference is made to this and to the other exemplary embodiments presented there.

The invention is explained below using exemplary embodiments and with reference to the figures. All of the features described and/or illustrated form the subject matter of the invention, either alone or in any combination, even independently of their summary in the claims or their back-references.

It show schematic 1a shows a first exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention in the form of a lamp in a perspective view from the side and with the transmitter in a passive state,

1 b shows a second exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention with a lamp as a transmitter unit and a separate control module in a perspective view from the side with the transmitter in a passive state,

Fig. 2 a quick tilting of the embodiment according to Fig. 1 a,

3 shows the embodiment according to FIG. 1a in an active state in a perspective view from the side,

4 shows the rapid tilting of the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1a,

Fig. 5 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1a in a passive

State in a perspective view from the side,

6 shows the embodiment according to FIG. 1a in an active state in a perspective view from the side,

7 shows a slow tilting of the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1a,

Fig. 8 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1a in an active

State after dimming in a perspective view from the side,

Fig. 9 - 11 a second to fourth embodiment of a device according to the invention in the form of a lamp, each in a perspective view from the side and in an active state of the transmitter,

12a a shaking of the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1a in an active, switched-on state in a view from the side and the sleep state of the processor being reached,

12b shows a second variant of the shaking of the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1a in an active state in a view from the side and the processor reaching the sleep state,

13a shows the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1a in a sleep state in a view from the side, its activation to reach the active state of the processor and rapid tilting to reach the active state of the transmitter,

13b shows a variant of the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1a in a sleep state in a view from the side, its activation to reach the active state of the processor and rapid tilting to reach the active state of the transmitter,

14 shows a fifth exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention in the form of a lamp in a view from the side in a sleep state,

FIG. 15 shows the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 14 in a longitudinal section

16 shows a sixth exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention in the form of a lamp in a perspective view from below in a sleep state, FIG. 17 shows the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 16 in a view from the side in a sleep state,

18-23 components of the embodiment according to FIG. 16, each in a perspective view from the side,

24 shows a seventh exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention in the form of a playback device in a perspective view from the side in a sleep state,

FIG. 25 shows the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 24 in a view from the side in a sleep state,

26 shows the embodiment according to FIG. 24 in a longitudinal section,

FIG. 27 shows a block diagram of that shown in FIG. 1a

embodiment,

28 shows a scheme for a first exemplary embodiment of a control method,

29 shows a scheme for a second exemplary embodiment of a control method,

30 shows an eighth exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention in a perspective view from the side,

FIG. 31 shows the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 30 in a view from the side, 32 shows the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 30 in a longitudinal section along the line AA (see FIG. 31),

33 shows a ninth exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention in a perspective view from the side,

FIG. 34 shows the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 33 in a side view, and

Fig. 35 shows the embodiment according to Fig. 33 in a longitudinal section along the line B-B (see Fig. 34).

The following description of exemplary embodiments takes place in particular with regard to devices which have a transmitter for emitting electromagnetic radiation (in the visible wavelength range--ie light). The description can be applied analogously to exemplary embodiments with a transmitter that emits sound waves (in the audible wavelength range) or combinations of such transmitters.

1a shows a device according to the invention in the form of a lamp 1 in a rest position, in which the lamp 1 stands on a base, the base, for example a table top, being indicated with the aid of hatching. A block diagram of the electronic elements of the lamp 1 is shown in FIG. The lamp 1 has an integrated control module 2 which is arranged inside the lamp 1 . In addition, the lamp 1 has a multiplicity of light sources 3 which, in the context of the invention, represent a transmitter for emitting electromagnetic radiation in the visible wavelength range. The lighting means 3 can be in the form of LEDs, for example. The bulbs 3 are also arranged inside the lamp 1 and with the Control module 2 connected via a driver stage 4. The light 1 also has a power pack 5 and a rechargeable storage element (battery 6), the battery 6 being connected to the control module 2 via the power pack 5. There is also an electrical connection between the rechargeable battery 6 and a charging circuit 7, which has a first charging coil and is set up to charge the rechargeable battery 6 via an inductive coupling in a known manner with an external second charging coil. The second charging coil can be contained in a so-called charging pad 20 (see FIG. 13). The control module 2 also has a processor 2.2 and a sensor module 2.1 with an inclination sensor. The sensor module 2.1 can additionally or alternatively have one or more acceleration sensors. The sensor module 2.1 is connected to the processor 2.2 via a data line 2.3 for direct transmission of the angle of inclination (and possibly acceleration values) detected by the sensor module 2.1 to the processor 2.2. In addition, sensor module 2.1 and processor 2.2 are connected via an interrupt 2.4.

1b shows a further exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention with a lamp T as a transmission unit and a separate control module 2' with a processor and sensor module, which is constructed and operates analogously to the illustration in FIG. In this exemplary embodiment, the luminaire T additionally has a first communication unit and the control module 2' has a second communication unit, with the processor of the control module 2' sending control signals for controlling the illuminant of the luminaire T to the luminaire T by means of the second communication unit and by means of the first communication unit of the lamp T can be received (e.g. the communication channel Bluetooth is used). For this purpose, the first communication unit is connected to the light source of the lamp T and the second communication unit is connected to the processor of the control module 2'.

9 to 11 further lamps 1 are shown by way of example, each having the same structure as the lamp 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment exhibit. All of them are distinguished by the fact that they have a closed housing, in particular one that is closed against moisture and other environmental influences. The lamp 1 shown in FIG. 9 has the shape of a segment of a sphere. The lamp 1 shown in FIG. 10 has a cylindrical shape, while the lamp 1 sketched in FIG. 11 is also designed approximately cylindrical, but has a concavely curved lateral surface. All three lamps 1 of FIGS. 9 to 11 are shown in an active state (ie in a switched-on state). This is symbolized by the hatch pattern.

14 and 15 show a further embodiment of a lamp 1 whose housing consists of an approximately cylindrical hollow body 11 and a base plate 12 . The translucent hollow body, which consists of a plastic, for example, is illuminated by LEDs arranged inside the hollow body as illuminants. Above the base plate 12 are on a printed circuit board 15, the control module with inclination sensor (and possibly acceleration sensor) and processor, also arranged the lamps, a driver stage, a power supply, a battery 6 and a charging circuit. The base plate 12 is flat on the underside so that it can serve as a base for the lamp 1 . On the side of the base plate 12 , on the side opposite the underside, finger-shaped projections 13 protrude upwards into the cavity of the hollow body 11 which is arranged on the base plate 12 . At its upper end remote from the base plate, each finger-shaped projection 13 has a snap-hook-like head which, when the hollow body 11 is arranged on the base plate, engages behind an inwardly curved edge 14 of the hollow body 11 in the manner of a snap or clip connection to fix the hollow body 11 to the base plate 12 and at the same time to close the interior of the housing.

A further embodiment of a lamp 1 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 16 to 23. FIG. The one at the top with a hemispherical cap The lamp 1 provided has a base plate 12 made of Santoprene on the underside. Together with a cover 19 made of translucent glass, which forms the hemispherical cap, the base plate 12 seals the inside of the lamp 1 tightly. Above the bottom plate 12 there is a plastic base plate 16 which supports the remaining internal elements of the lamp. An induction coil 12A arranged on the base plate 12 extends through a central opening in the plastic base plate 16 . A circuit board 15 is also provided, on which the lighting means (for example a large number of LEDs) and the charging and control electronics with the processor and sensor module are arranged. Next three batteries 7 are held with a battery holder 21 on the board. The battery holder 21 covers the three batteries 7 from above, protrudes through corresponding continuous openings in the circuit board 15 and is held by the plastic base plate 16 by means of a clip connection.

The functioning and control of the lamp 1 is described below with reference to FIGS. 1a to 8, 12a to 13b and 28 and 29.

In Fig. 1a, the lamp 1 is initially in the passive (non-luminous) state resting on a flat surface. This state is denoted by P in FIG. With a quick tilting movement of the body to the side (see Fig. 2, double arrow and Fig. 28, left arrow 102), no matter which side, the transmitter of the light is switched on and the lamps light up. The transmitter is in the active state (A in Fig. 28). This is illustrated by the hatched pattern in the lamp in FIG. In Fig. 3, the lamp 1 is again stationary on the background described above. By quickly tilting lamp 1 again (see FIG. 4 and right arrow 102 in FIG. 28), lamp 1 is switched off again (FIG. 5) and the transmitter enters the passive state P. The sensors of the sensor module detect during the tilting movement 2.1 the change in the angle of inclination with respect to a z-axis (see axis 2A in Fig. 1a) which, for example, is approximately the axis in the perpendicular direction corresponds, for example, in a first time period that is less than 500 ms and in a second time period that is greater than 500 ms. In this case, the inclination sensor has detected a large change in inclination in a period of less than 500 ms. As a result, the rapid tilting is recognized by the processor 2.2 and the transmitter of the lamp 1 is first switched on (in the step shown in Fig. 2 and left arrow 102 in Fig. 28) and then switched off again (in the step and shown in Fig. 4 right arrow 102 in Fig. 28).

If the luminaire 1 is to be dimmed in the active state A, then the luminaire 1 is slowly tilted, as illustrated by the single arrows in FIG. 7 . This was determined by the processor 2.2 because the change in the inclination angle took place in a predetermined range between 10° and 45° over a period of time which is longer than 500 ms (e.g. amounts to 600 ms). As a result, the transmitter of the lamp reaches the setting state E (see arrow 110 in FIG. 28). As long as the device continues to be slowly tilted or held, the control module 2 changes the intensity of the light emitted by the light sources 3 . For example, the intensity is dimmed down (i.e., the light intensity is reduced - lamp 1 becomes dimmer), which is illustrated by the changed pattern in lamp 1 in FIG. The setting state E for dimming is completed by returning to the rest position with the lamp upright (arrow 111 in FIG. 28). With another slow tilting movement 110, the transmitter of the lamp can return to the setting state E for dimming and can be dimmed up (i.e. the light intensity can be increased - lamp 1 becomes brighter) and then, if there has been a brief switch to the rest position in between, with a next one be dimmed down again with a slow tilting movement, and so on.

In order to load the rechargeable battery 6 as little as possible and to save energy, the lamp 1 is delivered in a sleep state of the processor (S see Fig. 28), which is shown in FIG. 13a (left lamp 1). In addition, lamp 1 cannot be accidentally switched on when the processor is in sleep mode. In the sleep state S, the power consumption is very low, only the charging circuit 7 is active. The processor 2.2 and the sensor module 2.1 are de-energized. To activate the lamp 1, this is brought into the vicinity of the charging pad 20 (middle of Fig. 13a) so that the charging circuit 7 inductively couples the first charging coil of the lamp and the second charging coil of the charging pad 20 over a predetermined period of time (e.g. 2 seconds ) recognizes. As a result, the processor 2.2 and the sensor module 2.1 are switched on. The processor 2.2 with the sensor module is then in the active state and the transmitter is in the passive state P (see arrow 101 in FIG. 28). As already explained above with reference to FIGS. 1a to 3, the transmitter of the lamp 1 can then be switched on by means of a quick tilting movement (left arrow 102) and is located, as is sketched on the right-hand side of the charging pad 20 shown in FIG then in the active state A. From the active state A of the transmitter, the lamp 1 can be switched off (arrow 102 in the direction of P) and dimmed (arrow 110 in the direction of E). This has already been described above. The charging circuit 7 is also provided for charging the rechargeable battery 6 in a known manner by means of the charging pad 20 via inductive coupling.

Finally, with reference to FIG. 12, it is described how the lamp 1 returns to the sleep state S of the processor. For sending, transporting or inserting the lamp 1, it is necessary to put the lamp 1 back into the sleep state S to avoid a deep discharge of the battery. This occurs, for example, from the active state A of the transmitter of the lamp 1 (see illustration on the left in FIG. 12a) with a brief, vigorous shaking of the lamp, which is illustrated by the double arrows in FIG. 12a. The transition to the sleep state S of the processor is shown with the arrow 120 in the diagram of FIG. Through the transition to the sleep state S, for example, the processor 2.2 and the sensor module 2.1 switched off, so that the lamp 3 is switched off. This is shown in the center and right image of lamp 1 in FIG. This also allows the user to see that the processor has been put into sleep mode. The lamp 1 can be easily shipped or stored in the sleep state. This sleep state S is only left again, as described above, and the lamp 1 is switched to the passive state P (see arrow 101 in FIG. 28) with another brief charge on the charging pad 20 .

12a shows shaking in the horizontal direction, with the lamp 1 having only a small tilting angle. Alternatively, the shaking can also take place in the vertical direction, as shown in FIG. 12b.

The transition to the sleep state S can also take place from the passive state P or from the setting state E of the transmitter by shaking as described above. This is shown in Figure 28 by the respective arrows 120 (starting from P or E).

A further alternative is that the transition from the sleep state S of the processor takes place directly to the (one) active state A of the transmitter. The advantage of this solution is that the user is given an immediate indication that the sleep state has been exited, since the lamp 1 is lit in the active state A. In the scheme of FIG. 28, the arrow 101 would then not be connected to P but to A.

Another alternative is illustrated in Figure 13b. In one embodiment, the lamp 1 can have a connection 8 for charging the rechargeable battery 6 via a cable (eg a USB-C socket). After inserting a connector 9 (e.g. a USB-C connector) into port 8 and connecting to a power source for a predetermined period of time (e.g. 2 seconds) the charging circuit 9 recognizes the coupling to the energy source. As a result, analogous to the inductive coupling, the processor 2.2 and the sensor module 2.1 are switched on (activated) and the transmitter is put into the passive state P (middle image of FIG. 13.b). The transmitter of the light 1 can then switch to the active state A by means of a quick tilting movement and thus light up (see the right-hand representation in FIG. 13b). Analogously to the inductive coupling, here too a transition from the sleep state S of the processor can take place directly into the active state A of the transmitter. A similar way of working can also be implemented for the capacitive coupling. Furthermore, other connections and associated plugs can also be used for wired charging or the transition from the sleep mode S of the processor to the passive state P (or the active state A) of the transmitter.

29 shows a further embodiment of the control of the lamp according to the invention. In this embodiment, the active state of the transmitter has a first mode A1 and a second mode A2. Analogously, a first setting state mode E1 and a second setting state mode E2 are provided for the setting state of the transmitter. A configuration with further modes is possible. In the first setting state mode E1, for example, the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation can be set (dimming) and in the second setting state mode E2, for example, the color temperature. In principle, the controller works analogously to the controller shown in FIG. The user can enter the sleep mode S of the processor by shaking (arrow 120) from any other state (P, A1, A2, E1, E2). A transition to the active mode of the processor and the passive state P of the transmitter can take place from the sleep mode S by means of coupling detection (inductive, capacitive, wired electrical) (arrow 101). From there, by quickly tilting the transmitter, the user gets into the first mode of the active state A1 of the transmitter, but not in the second mode of the active state A2 (see curved arrow 102). From any mode of the active State A1, A2, a transition to the passive state P of the transmitter is achieved by rapid tilting (straight arrows 102). From the first mode of the active state A1, the user can reach the setting state mode of the transmitter E1 (dimming) by slowly tilting (arrow 110). The dimming E1 is ended by returning to the rest position (arrow 111) and the transmitter is again in the first mode of the active state A1. The color temperature is set in the second setting state mode E2 by slowly toggling (arrow 110) out of the second mode of the active state. The second mode of the active state A2 is reached again by returning to the rest position (arrow 111). You can jump back and forth between the modes A1 and A2 of the active state of the transmitter by quickly double-tilting (double arrow 115). In addition, in one embodiment, a reset from the second mode of the active state A2 to the first mode A1 can take place after a predetermined time interval (eg 30 seconds) has elapsed in which no change in the color temperature was made.

Reference is also made to FIGS. 24 to 26, which show a device in the form of a playback device for sound waves (eg radio or MP3 player or the like) 30. FIG. The playback device has a housing 31 and a base plate 32, with the base plate 32 serving as a stand. As the longitudinal section in FIG. 26 shows, the playback device 30 has a circuit board 35 and rechargeable batteries 36 within the perforated housing 31, which are supported by the base plate 32. FIG. Various loudspeakers 39 are also provided, which represent the transmitters within the meaning of the present invention. The base plate 32 has snap hooks 33 on the side, which snap into place behind corresponding projections 34 on the lower end of the housing 31 when arranged appropriately. In this way, the bottom plate 32 is fixed to the housing 31 . The display device 30 works analogously to the lamp 1, the states and the transitions between the states of the lamp 1 being shown in detail above. Instead of the intensity/brightness of the electromagnetic radiation of the luminaire, the sound pressure level of the loudspeakers can be controlled in a first setting state mode. Analogously to the light color of the lamp, a piece of music can be selected for playback in a second setting state mode.

A further exemplary embodiment of a device 40 according to the invention, which represents a lamp, is shown in FIGS. 30 to 32. Correspondingly, the transmitter comprises lighting means, the lighting means causing the light to be emitted from the cylindrical lamp both laterally outwards and upwards.

The lamp 40 shown in FIGS. 30 and 32 has a hollow-cylindrical housing 41 which is closed in a first section 41a and in a second section 41b has annular lenses 41c running all around in a circle, through which the light emitted by the LED ring 49 lying LEDs can escape to the outside. The light from the LEDs of the LED ring 49 in the housing 41 is reflected by a reflector 44 in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing 41, so that they can exit the housing 41 via the ring lenses 41c. The device also has a base plate 42 with the processor of the control module, an induction coil for wireless charging of the battery 47 and a holder for the battery 47. The LEDs of the LED ring 49 arranged above the battery 47 are connected to the processor. The light emitted by this/these LED(s) is also emitted upwards along a translucent logo column 46 arranged in the reflector 44 in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the housing 41 . In this way, a column of light emerging upwards from the housing 41 is realized, which in one exemplary embodiment can light up in the form of a brand logo. A further exemplary embodiment of a device in the form of a display device 50 is shown in FIGS. 33 to 35. FIG. In this playback device, both loudspeakers and lamps are controlled as transmitters by a processor.

The playback device shown in FIGS. 33 and 35 has a hollow-cylindrical housing 51, which is closed in a first section 51a and in a second section 51b has circular, all-round acoustic lamellae 51c, which represent openings in the housing through which sound waves generated by the internal loudspeakers 59 can escape to the outside. The sound waves are reflected in the housing 51 by a reflector 54 in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing 51, so that they can exit the housing 51 via the fins 51c. The device also has a base plate 52 with the processor of the control module and an induction coil for charging the battery 57 wirelessly. Furthermore, an illuminant 55 is provided in the form of an LED or several LEDs, which are connected to the processor. The light emitted by this/these LED(s) is emitted upwards along a translucent logo column 56 arranged in the reflector 54 in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the device 50 . In this way, a column of light emerging from the housing 51 is realized, which in one exemplary embodiment lights up in the form of a brand logo. Alternatively or additionally, the light source 55 can display the status of the device 50 . The device 50 represents a combined playback device with a lighting function. In addition, such a display device can have additional lamps that illuminate the housing from the inside, for example the lamellae, so that colored, translucent lamellae give the impression of glowing or glowing. Such a combined device can be designed in such a way that the processor controls the lighting means and the loudspeakers of the transmitter independently of one another. In this exemplary embodiment, the method of operation of the processor explained above can be used, in which the transitions of the transmitter from the passive state to a first active state and further into at least one second active state (e.g. the transitions between the first active state and the second, third, fourth and fifth active state) and back to the passive state can be performed in a specific, predetermined order.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the detection of a tilting movement of a device illustrated or described above in the form of a lamp or a display device or a combination of both devices can be carried out from a tilted position. The mode of operation is explained below using a device that is a lamp, for example a table lamp. The mode of operation can be transferred analogously to a device with a playback device or a combined device. The tilted position differs, for example, from the rest position (in the rest position, the lamp is in a predetermined standing position on the table) by an angle of inclination of 30°. (start tilt angle). For example, the lamp is first tilted from the rest position by the starting angle of inclination based on a z-axis into the tilted position. In the rest position, for example, the z-axis runs approximately in the vertical direction. After detecting this tilted position of the tilt sensor (meaning that the starting angle of tilt is detected), the transmitter goes from the passive state to the active state (turns on) when the light and the tilt sensor placed in it with a quick tilting movement is moved back to the rest position (ie quickly reaches a predetermined final tilt angle). Here, the starting angle of inclination is based on the z-axis greater than the final tilt angle (eg at least 5° greater), which is 10°, for example. The switching on of the lamps of the lamp (ie the transition to the active state) is carried out in such a way that the set brightness and color temperature of the lamps corresponds to the setting during the last lighting process. The transition from the active state to the passive state of the transmitter takes place analogously. Furthermore, an adjustment mode for the brightness can be achieved by moving the lamp and thus the inclination sensor to the above-mentioned tilted position when the transmitter is active and then holding the lamp in this position (i.e. only a slow tilting movement is carried out in the tilted position becomes). Dimming begins after a specified holding time in the tilted position (during this time, the luminaire does not fall below the specified end angle of inclination and the inclination sensor only detects a small change in the angle of inclination) and is stopped when the luminaire is tilted back into the rest position (the Luminaire position falls below the specified final tilt angle). From the tilted position, with a subsequent rapid change in the angle of inclination back to the rest position, either the lighting means can be switched on or off, or with a subsequent slow change in the angle of inclination, a transition to a setting state (dimming) can be effected.

In a further exemplary embodiment, in addition to the procedure explained in the previous paragraph, a transition from the passive state to the active state can take place if the processor detects a slow tilting movement starting from the rest position. For this purpose, the acceleration acting on the sensor is continuously, ie at predetermined time intervals (e.g. every 500 ms) in the passive and active states by means of an acceleration sensor as a tilt sensor which detects the acceleration in the direction of a z-axis. The acceleration measured is over a specified period of time, multiple of the specified Includes time intervals stored, for example by means of a FIFO buffer. When a trigger tilt angle is exceeded, the processor determines whether the device has been tilted quickly or slowly in the previous predetermined period of time. The processor determines this by analyzing the accelerations in the direction of the z-axis stored for the specified period of time. In the case of large accelerations and the comparatively small angles of inclination, it can be assumed that the change in the angle of inclination took place quickly over the period of time, and correspondingly with small measured accelerations, that the change in the angle of inclination over the period of time was slow. In this exemplary embodiment, the transition to the active state takes place when there is a slow change in the angle of inclination (for example above a threshold value for the acceleration which must not be exceeded in the period of time). So if the device is slowly tilted over a predetermined trigger tilt angle (e.g. 10°), the transition from the passive to the active state of the transmitter takes place, for example with a lamp illuminating with a minimum intensity of the light emitted by the lamp. In the case of a lamp, in one exemplary embodiment, this can be followed directly by a dimming process in which the brightness is increased slowly, in predetermined steps. The dimming can be terminated, for example, when the acceleration sensor detects that the light has been reset to the idle position. The light then lights up with the intensity that was set immediately before the neutral position was detected. In the exemplary embodiment, the trigger tilt angle is significantly smaller than the start tilt angle.

In a further exemplary embodiment, when there are several active modes (e.g. the modes A1 and A2 of the active state described above) it is possible to jump back and forth between these modes by making a small change in the inclination angle relative to the tilted one explained above over a very long period of time (e.g. 8 seconds). position is detected (corresponds to holding in the tilted position for a very long time. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1b, the device has a lamp 1' as a transmitter unit and a separate control module 2' in the form of a cuboid. The control module 2′ comprises a processor, an inclination sensor which is permanently attached to the control module 2′ and an acceleration sensor which is also permanently connected to the control module 2′. The methods described above for the one-piece device can be implemented analogously with the two-piece device, with the control module 2' now carrying out the aforementioned tilting movements instead of the lamp 1'. The lamp 1' does not move during the tilting movement of the control module 2'. For example, the luminaire 1' can be switched from a passive state to the active state from a tilted position back to the rest position with respect to the z-axis (see axis 2A' in Fig. 1b) by means of the rapid tilting movement of the control module 2' described above go over, thereby the bulbs of the lamp 1 'are turned on. For this purpose, the processor of the control module 2' sends a corresponding control signal to the lamp 1', which correspondingly receives this control signal.

The cuboid of the control module 2' has side faces of different colors. As a result, different tilting directions are displayed for the user. If the control module 2' is tilted in the direction of the first two opposite side surfaces (arrow 1 C), a tilting movement is implemented in a first mode of the active state of the lamp 1' as described above (e.g. by the brightness of the lamp of the lamp 1 'to change), while the control module 2' is tilted in the direction of the second two, opposite side surfaces (arrow 1 D) to a tilting movement in a second mode of the active state as described above (e.g. to change the light color) to realize. The distinction between the two tilting directions (arrows 1C and 1D) is achieved by providing a further acceleration sensor which also records the acceleration in relation to a y Axis (see axis 2B 'in Fig. 1b) recorded, which is perpendicular to the z-axis (axis 2A' in Fig. 1b) of the rest position. The tilting movement in the direction of arrow 1C is along the y-axis, while the tilting movement in the direction of arrow 1D is perpendicular to the y-axis.

The device according to the invention enables simple, intuitive and reliable control without pushbuttons or switches that are unappealing from an aesthetic point of view. Openings for charging the battery are also not necessary, but can be provided in embodiments. The device according to the invention can also be sealed in such a way that it can also be used outdoors. The solution according to the invention can be used, for example, for a device with a size or weight that can be carried and moved by a user. In the variant in which the control module is designed separately from the transmitter unit, other non-movable devices (e.g. wall lights) can also be controlled using the method described above.

Claims

52 patent claims

1 . Device (1, 30, 40, 50) for emitting electromagnetic radiation and/or sound waves by a corresponding transmitter (39, 49, 55, 59), the device having a control module (2) connected to the transmitter, the The control module has a processor (2.2) and an inclination sensor, the inclination sensor being electrically connected to the processor, the processor being set up in such a way that it transmits an inclination angle(s) continuously or regularly detected by the inclination sensor after a time interval has elapsed and / or evaluates the change in inclination angle in relation to a movement of the inclination sensor and for controlling the transmitter (3) in an active state (A, A1, A2), in which the transmitter is switched on, or in a passive state (P), in which the transmitter is switched off, used in such a way

• that the processor controls the transmitter upon detection of a tilting movement (110) of the tilt sensor from a rest position or from a position tilted in relation to the rest position with a first change in tilt angle over a first tilting time interval such that it changes from an active state (A, A1, A2) transitions into a setting state (E, E1, E2), in which case at least one setting variable of the transmitter can be changed by the processor in accordance with a predetermined change method, or transitions into a further active state, in which further active state the mode of operation of the Transmitter is changed in relation to at least one setting variable compared to the active state, and

• that the processor, upon detection of a tilting movement (102) of the tilt sensor from the rest position or from the tilted position with a second change in tilt angle over the first tilting time interval, controls the transmitter in such a way that it changes from the active state (A, A1, A2) or the other active state to passive state (P) or from 53 transitions from the passive state (P) to the active state (A, A1, A2), the second change in inclination angle being different from the first change in inclination angle.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the device comprises a lamp (1, 40, 50) and the transmitter comprises at least one light source (49, 55), e.g. at least one LED, in which an intensity and/or a frequency or a frequency interval and/or a color temperature of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the at least one illuminant can be changed.

3. Device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the device comprises a playback device (30, 50) and the transmitter comprises at least one loudspeaker (39, 59), in which a sound pressure level emitted by the at least one loudspeaker and/or a selection of a piece of music for playback can be changed.

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the active state has at least a first mode (A1) and a second mode (A2) and the setting state has at least a first mode (E1) and a second mode (E2), wherein

• the processor, upon detection of a tilting movement (110) of the tilt sensor from the rest position or from the tilted position with a first change in tilt angle over a first tilting time interval, controls the transmitter in such a way that it changes from the first mode of the active state (A1) to the first setting state Mode (E1) transitions, in which at least one first setting variable can be changed in accordance with a first predetermined change, and

• the processor upon detection of a tilting movement (110) of the inclination sensor from the rest position or from the tilted position with a first 54

The change in inclination angle over a first tilting time interval controls the transmitter in such a way that it changes from the second mode of the active state (A2) to the second setting state mode (E2), in which at least one second setting variable can be changed according to a second predetermined way of change, the at least a second setting variable is different from the at least one first setting variable and/or the second predetermined way of changing the at least one second setting variable is different from the first predetermined way of changing the at least one first setting variable, and/or

• the processor controlling the transmitter upon detection of a twofold tilting movement (115) in quick succession from the rest position or the tilted position so that it changes from the first mode of the active state (A1) to the second mode of the active state ( A2) transitions or vice versa, depending on which mode was adopted by the transmitter before the double tilting movement, or

• upon detection of a tilting movement of the tilt sensor from the rest position or from the tilted position with a third tilt angle change over the first tilting time interval, the processor controls the transmitter in such a way that it changes from the first mode of the active state to the second mode of the active state or vice versa, depending on which mode was assumed by the transmitter prior to this tilting movement, the third change in tilt angle being different from the first change in tilt angle and the second change in tilt angle.

5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that the processor controls the transmitter such that after the transition from the passive 55

State (P) in the active state first the first mode of the active state (A1) is assumed.

6. Device according to one of claims 4 to 5, characterized in that the processor is set up in such a way that it controls the transmitter in such a way that after a predetermined period of time it is in the second mode of the active state (A2) without transition to the second setting state mode automatically transitions to the first mode of the active state (A1 ).

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the processor is set up such that it controls the transmitter such that it is in the setting state (E) or in the first setting state mode (E1) and in which second setting status mode (E2) changes the at least one setting variable or the at least one first setting variable and the at least one second setting variable according to the specified change method or according to the specified first change method and the specified second change method until the inclination sensor is in a lower limit position is tilted, in which a tilt angle at or below a final tilt angle relative to the rest position (111) is reached.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a rechargeable storage element (6, 17, 37, 47, 57) for supplying the device with electrical energy, which is supplied by a charging unit by means of wireless energy transmission via inductive or capacitive coupling and / or can be charged by means of wired energy transmission via an electrical coupling.

9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that the device has a sleep state (S) in which the consumption of electrical energy in the processor is limited to a minimum value and the transmitter is switched off, the processor being arranged to transition from the sleep state (S) to an active state when coupling of the device to the charging unit is detected.

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the processor is set up such that a transition from the active state to the sleep state (S) is effected if the inclination sensor detects a shaking movement (120) within a predetermined period of time or the processor detects a tilt movement of the tilt sensor from the rest position or from the tilted position with a fourth tilt angle change over a second tilt time interval, the fourth tilt angle change being greater than the first tilt angle change and than the second tilt angle change.

11 . Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control module additionally has an acceleration sensor which is electrically connected to the processor and movable with the inclination sensor, the processor being set up in such a way that it sends a signal from the acceleration sensor continuously or regularly in each case after expiration evaluates the acceleration and/or change in acceleration detected at least one time interval and also uses it to control the transmitter, the additional acceleration sensor being set up, for example, in such a way that it evaluates the acceleration and/or change in acceleration in a direction that differs from a direction of rest, the direction of rest being is, for example, a direction which is essentially vertical when the inclination sensor is in the rest position.

12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transmitter in at least one of the control module (2 ') spatially separate transmitter unit (1'), each transmitter unit having a transmitter and a housing and/or holder, the transmitter being arranged in the housing and/or on the holder, the control module with the inclination sensor being movable separately from the transmitter unit , wherein the control module is set up to transmit and each transmitter unit to receive control signals from the processor via a communication channel, through which the transmitter can be controlled by the processor.

13. Device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the transmitter (39, 49, 55, 59) and the control module have a common housing (11, 31, 41) and / or a common holder, the transmitter and the control module are arranged in the housing and/or on the holder.

14. Control module (2') for use in a device according to any one of the preceding claims.

15. Method for controlling a transmitter (39, 49, 55, 59) of a device (1, 30, 40, 50) according to one of claims 1 to 13, with the following steps:

• continuous or regular, in each case after at least one time interval, detecting an inclination angle and/or a change in inclination angle in relation to a movement of the inclination sensor by the inclination sensor,

• Evaluation of the detected inclination angle and / or the detected change in inclination angle and use of the evaluated data to control the transmitter (39, 49, 55, 59) in an active state (A, A1, A2), in which the transmitter is switched on, or in a passive state (P), in which the transmitter (39, 49, 55, 59) is switched off, such that o the processor upon detection of a tilting movement (110) of the inclination sensor from a rest position or from a with respect to 58 controls the home tilted position with a first tilt angle change over a first tilting time interval so that it transitions from an active state (A, A1, A2) to an adjustment state, wherein in the adjustment state (E, E1, E2) by the processor at least one setting variable of the transmitter can be changed according to a predetermined change method, or transitions to a further active state, wherein in the further active state the mode of operation of the transmitter with regard to at least one setting variable is changed compared to the active state, and o that the processor upon detection a tilting movement (102) of the tilt sensor from the rest position or from the tilted position with a second change in tilt angle over the first tilting time interval controls the transmitter in such a way that it switches from the active state (A, A1, A2) or the further active state to the passive state (P) transitions or from the passive state (P) to the active State (A, A1, A2) transitions, wherein the second change in inclination angle differs from the first change in inclination angle.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that the active state has at least a first mode (A1) and a second mode (A2) and the setting state has at least a first mode (E1) and a second mode (E2), wherein

• the processor, upon detection of a tilting movement (110) of the tilt sensor from the rest position or from the tilted position with a first change in tilt angle over a first tilting time interval, controls the transmitter in such a way that it changes from the first mode of the active state (A1) to the first setting state Mode (E1) transitions in which at least 59 a first setting variable can be changed according to a first predetermined way of change and

• the processor, upon detection of a tilting movement (110) of the tilt sensor from the rest position or from the tilted position with a first change in tilt angle over a first tilting time interval, controls the transmitter in such a way that it changes from the second mode of the active state (A2) to the second setting state mode (E2), in which at least one second setting variable can be changed in accordance with a second predetermined way of changing, the at least one second setting variable being different from the at least one first setting variable and/or the second predetermined way of changing the at least one second setting variable being different from the first predetermined way Modification of the at least one first setting variable is different, and/or

• where the processor controls the transmitter upon detection of a two-time tilting movement (115) performed in quick succession from the rest position or the tilted position in such a way that it switches from the first mode of the active state (A1) to the second mode of the active state (A2 ) or vice versa, depending on which mode the transmitter was in prior to the double toggle, or

• upon detection of a tilting movement of the tilt sensor from the rest position or from the tilted position with a third tilt angle change over the first tilting time interval, the processor controls the transmitter in such a way that it changes from the first mode of the active state (A1) to the second mode of the active state ( A2) transitions or vice versa, depending on which mode was assumed by the transmitter prior to this tilting movement, the third change in bank angle being different from the first change in bank angle and the second change in bank angle. 60

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that the processor controls the transmitter in such a way that after the transition of the processor from the passive state (P) to the active state, the first mode of the active state (A1) is initially adopted.

18. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 17, characterized in that the processor controls the transmitter in such a way that after a period of time in the second mode of the active state (A2) has elapsed without transition to the second adjustment state mode, it automatically switches to the first mode of the active state (A1 ).

19. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that the processor controls the transmitter in such a way that in the setting state or in the first setting state mode (E1) and in the second setting state mode (E2) it transmits the at least changes a first setting variable or the at least one first setting variable and the at least one second setting variable according to the specified change method or according to the specified first change method and the specified second change method until the inclination sensor is tilted into a lower limit position in which an inclination angle is at or below a final inclination angle relative to the rest position (111) is reached.

20. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that the device has a sleep state (S) in which the consumption of electrical energy in the processor is limited to a minimum value and the transmitter is switched off, the processor from which sleep state (S) transitions to an active state when pairing of the device with the charging unit is detected. 61

21. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 20, characterized in that a transition of the processor from the active state to the sleep state (S) is effected if the inclination sensor detects a shaking movement (120) in a predetermined period of time or the processor detecting a tilt movement from the rest position or from the tilted position with a fourth tilt angle change over a second tilt time interval, the fourth tilt angle change being greater than the first tilt angle change and than the second tilt angle change.

22. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 21, characterized in that an acceleration sensor is additionally provided, which is electrically connected to the processor and can be moved with the inclination sensor, the processor continuously or regularly receiving information from the acceleration sensor after at least one time interval has elapsed evaluates the detected acceleration and/or change in acceleration and also uses it to control the transmitter, with the additional acceleration sensor evaluating, for example, the acceleration and/or change in acceleration in a direction that differs from a direction of rest, with the direction of rest being, for example, a direction that the rest position of the inclination sensor is essentially vertical.