MXPA06009246A - Lamp. - Google Patents

Abstract

A lamp, luminaire, lamp system or the like containing at least one light source which is associated with a memory individual thereto and in which a data set is recorded that describes at least one characteristic of this light source, preferably the color value or spectrum or the maximum light current or lumen output or a temperature dependency or aging dependency thereof.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE LAMPS TO RELATED REQUESTS The present application is related to the jointly owned joint application with serial number 11 / 091,356 registered on March 23, 2005, and with the German application 10 2005009228. Registered on February 25, 2005, whose contents are incorporated herein by reference, and to German application 10 2005024 449.1 of May 25, 2005 and 20 2005003285.9 of February 25, 2005 in accordance with the international convention. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to lamps and lamp systems, and with a method to operate a lamp (luminaire) or lamp system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a lamp that has at least one light source, which can receive coordinates on a signal line, to lamp systems that include these lamps, to a network or arrangement to give coordinates to the source of light, and a method to operate them. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Lamps that have at least one light source that can receive coordinates for individual control along a signal line are widely used, and have been manufactured for a decade by the assignee of the present application.

The present invention is especially related to these lamps that can be used as indoor lighting, outdoor lighting, for accent lighting or object lighting, for landscape lighting, for lighting buildings and structures, and for surface lighting, open areas or specific objects or regions, including atable lighting and decorative lighting. It can also be said that the invention relates to lamps that when manufactured, that is to say in the factory, can have at least one light source ated in the lamp. The term "light source" is used herein to refer to the part of a lamp that produces light. As the following discussion will show, this source will often be one or more light-emitting diodes (LED), although the term light source, as used herein, will encompass all other light generating elements and types. This includes incandescent, fluorescent, discharge, glow, halogen and other similar light sources. From the German patent document DE 19 817 0731 of the assignee of the present application, it is already known to assemble a multiplicity of lamps to form a network of lamps. This system comprises a multiplicity of individually controllable lamps, and has a control unit that can be directed to each lamp and transmit signals or control information on a separate line of signal transmission. In the state of the art represented by this system, each lamp has an individual source of light and control information that is transmitted on the signal line to the light source, which will generally be information that can turn it on or off, can reduce its intensity, or you can make it blink or glow, or similar actions. For the case in which the lamp has several light sources of different colors, the control information can be such that it effects a change of color in the illumination produced by the lamp, so that the illumination is of mixed colors. To the extent that the present invention also relates to a lamp that can be connected in a system or network of individually controllable lamps, and that these lamps can be controlled by one or more controllers or control units through signal lines, also it is considered that the invention applies to such systems. However, not only lamps of the present invention can be connected in a network operating in accordance with the DALÍ protocol. DALÍ (abbreviation in English of Digital Interface Addressable of Illumination) is a protocol of connection of signals that has been accepted by companies in the association DALÍ, specifically the Central Federation of the Electrotechnical Industry and the Electronics Industry (ZVEI). In the published DALÍ manual (AG DALÍ, an activity of the industrial community of ZVEI, Editors Richard Pflauna, Munich, Germany), a system is specified to control a multiplicity of lamps, where each lamp has a respective DALÍ electronic control unit ( interrupt unit) or unit or operating device that has a memory in which you can enter or record coordinate data and information of lighting scenes. The lamps assembled in a DALÍ network are connected to the common controller through the signal connection line. In this context, mention may also be made of the lamps described in the copending application mentioned above. For the case where several lamps connected directly to one another are provided in the same space to be illuminated, ie one next to the other, and function to illuminate, for example the same surface or directly neighboring surfaces, it is important to be able to control the colors , brightness and similar parameters of each light, and therefore their colors, so that they can coincide. For example, when a wall has a length of a number of meters that should be illuminated by several lamps, differences in color and even brightness in the lamps are immediately noticed. In addition, different lamps or light sources can have variations in their manufacture, for example with respect to the maximum possible light currents (maximum outputs in lumens), the colors produced, the aging and the color dependent on the temperature, as well as differences in the brightness and the like. These problems arise especially when a lamp can have several light sources with different colors, and is intended to produce a mixed color output. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the main object of the present invention is to provide an improved lamp or luminaires that can avoid the disadvantages described above and the prior art. Another object of the present invention is to provide a light source that is free from these disadvantages. It is also an object of the following invention to provide a lighting system consisting of at least one lamp, with at least one light source and at least one control line connecting the lamp or lamps with at least one controller, thereby the disadvantages of previous systems of this type are avoided. Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved method for operating a lamp, a light source for a lamp, a lamp system or a network of lamps, so that better control over lighting effects can be obtained. It is also an object of the present invention to extend the principles originally set forth in the co-pending application mentioned above. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These and other objects that will subsequently become apparent are obtained, in accordance with the present invention, by providing the lamp with a memory or data storage in which data can be entered, or in which data can be stored and stored. which describe at least one characteristic of a light source of the lamp. In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the lamp or lamps of a network of lamps or lighting system will include a memory in which the data can be recorded, where the data describe at least one characteristic of the light source of the lamp. The characteristic that is stored can, for example, be a maximum current of this light source (maximum output in lumens). Especially when the light source is comprised of one or more LEDs, it is discovered that the manufacture of LEDs, even with the highest quality standards and with the most effective preselection, can produce a variation of between 70 and 100% of their Maximum current possible for the LEDs received from the manufacturer. Generally, the maximum possible light current is determined by the quality of the wafers. This means that a first LED manufactured in a series can be operated at 100% of the maximum light current, while a second LED can only be operated at 70% of the maximum light current within the batch size. If these two LEDs are installed in two different lamps to generate the same colors, a light with the first LED at the maximum supply current would be significantly brighter in that color than the other LED lamp. The illumination of mixed colors would reflect the maximum current of light that can be produced by the respective light sources. In accordance with the present invention, the characteristic of the light source that is stored in the memory, for example the maximum light current or lumen output that can be obtained with the particular light source, is especially a measured value of the maximum possible light current from this light source. The measured value can be stored directly, or as information associated with, or representing, that stream of light in a memory of the lamp as the data series or part of this data series. This series of data can be considered during the subsequent control of the lamp, so that when both lamps with the two LEDs receive a control signal that indicates a maximum brightness, the LED with the highest maximum light current will be illuminated only with the 70 % of the maximum current, while the lamp with the LED that can only generate 70% will be supplied with 100% of its capacity, and therefore will produce a maximum light output. In this way, both lamps can generate the same brightness from the respective light sources, so that the surface or region is illuminated uniformly. The data series also allows a consideration of the stored characteristics, and especially a measured value of the guarded characteristic associated with the particular light source to effect a correction in the operation of the corrected lamps. The data series is preferably recorded or recorded in the memory when the lamp is manufactured, that is, by installing the light source in the lamp, ie, a series of factory data. This can be obtained, for example, by directly following the measurement of the maximum light current, or, for example, when the light source is mounted on the lamp. For example, the memory may be in a separate electrical element connected upstream of the lamp in a switch device or electronic control device or unit, where the latter receives the control signals from a signal line and functions as a kind of repeater which can transmit the control signal to an electronic control unit of the light source, or directly from the light source. Correction can be made automatically based on the stored characteristic of the light source. Alternatively, the memory can be read with a signal line connected to the memory, whereby the control subsequent to the reading of the characteristic of the respective light source can be based on the reading of information in the controller, or any other circuit to make or receive the reading. In this case, the memory can be that which is provided in the electronic control unit or electronic control device of the lamp, such as, for example, a light scene memory of an electronic control device DALÍ. Similarly, in the same way that the LEDs may have different maximum light currents, the LEDs may also vary in regard to their color, and may have wavelength differences of for example ± 5mn. These parameters can also be determined by measurement, and stored in the memory as characteristics of the light sources in the form of a series of data or co or information contained in a series of data. Especially when a multiplicity of light sources of different colors is provided, the exact color of light that is produced by a particular light source can be recorded in the memory., so that an optimum color mixing can be obtained by energizing the light sources and correcting the energization based on the stored editions of the exact colors, or the frequency or wavelength of the particular light source. The result is an intelligent control based on the correction that uses the stored information, so as to ensure identical or controlled color emissions for the different light sources. The data series recorded in the memory can then include, in addition to the information previously described, information related to the exact light color produced by the light source. Instead of the information that the LED produces a red or red color, the exact wavelength in the red region assigned to the particular LED can be recorded in the memory, especially the location of the maximum emission spectrum of the LED. LED when it is incorporated into the lamp. The information can be the color of light measured for the particular diode. In addition to the exact color of light in this sense, it is also possible to record in the memory a spectral distribution of light from the light source as part of the data series. The exact spectrum of the light source can also be measured at the time of manufacture, and it has been especially discovered that the LEDs differ from one light source to the other. Accordingly, according to the following invention, characteristics of each light source can be saved, including information about the maximum light current, or exact light color information, as well as other parameters such as temperature dependent properties of the source of light or some aging property of the light source. Both properties can be those of the maximum current of light allowed (output in lumens) as well as the spectral variation. These characteristics not only play a role with the LEDs but also with other sources of light, for example with OLED or even fluorescent or phosphorescent lamps. Accordingly, the present invention is applicable to light sources of all types and to lamps containing light sources of all types. The temperature dependence of the light sources may reflect variations at room temperature or differences in chip temperatures, especially when the LEDs are the light sources, since the temperature of the chip is also a function of the duration during which an LED is energized. It is possible, in accordance with the following invention, to provide a sensor in the lamp that can measure a temperature, for example the ambient temperature or the temperature of a chip, and particularly a temperature that affects the operation of the light source. The information of the sensor is used together with the information stored in the memory in regard to the property dependent on the temperature of the lamp, to provide a corresponding correction or adjustment of the control information provided by the signal line, especially in the way described to match the light stream that is sent, or to match a mixture of colors. For the case where the data series contains information related to some property related to the aging of the light source, it has been found that it is advantageous to associate with the memory and with the lamp a device or unit that detects the duration of operation of the light source. the lamp. This can be, for example, a kind of counter of operation duration or hour counter which can be in the case that the light sources are LED, not only recording the supply "at the moment" but also the current to the LED precisely during the duration of the operation, so that the work contributed by the LED can be detected directly by the circuits. Of the information related to the total operational duration of the light source and the age-dependent properties of the light source that may result in an effect on the spectrum, or cause a shift or change of the spectrum in the maximum light current, a corresponding correction or adjustment can be made. When the lamp, by means of its memory, contains information related to the property dependent on the aging of the light source, it may also be beneficial to control the light source automatically taking into consideration the maximum permissible operating temperature or, for example, in the case of LED, its maximum permissible operating current. With these additional contributions to control the mixing of colors and the general distribution of light, the control unit can automatically limit the maximum temperature or allowable operating current, and with this increase the life of the light source. In accordance with a method aspect of the present invention, a method for operating a luminaire may comprise the steps of: a) providing at least one light source in a lamp compartment; b) at the time of manufacture, store in a memory assigned to the light source at least one series of data, including information specific to the light source, where the information comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of: a value Exact color of the light source, a maximum light current of the light source, an age-dependent property of the light source, a property dependent on the temperature of the light source, the wavelength of the light source, and a spectrum of the light source; c) download the data series to a controller; d) to direct the light source selectively through a control line connected to the lamp, with corrected signals with reference to the data series downloaded from the memory. In accordance with a feature of the present invention, the memory and the controller are provided in a relation to the lamp that is selected from: i) the memory and the controller are both located in the lamp; ii) the memory is located in the lamp and the controller is located in a central control system connected to the lamp via the line; iii) the memory is a data carrier that can be separated from the lamp and marketed with it, and the controller is located in a central control system connected to the lamp through the line, or is in the lamp itself. Preferably the lamp is connected by the signal line with a controller. One or more controllers may be used to control the lamp in accordance with the present invention. The controller or controllers can communicate with the lamp or lamps, in accordance with a preferred feature of the present invention, with control signals that use the DALÍ protocol, thereby acting on a widely used standard. The lamps may have a memory that contains a series of data, or a memory or data storage in which a plurality of data series is recorded, or a plurality of memories or data storage units in which a plurality of data are recorded. of data series. The memories, or each memory, may contain one or more data series that include one or more characteristics of one or more lamps. These characteristics, which are individual to the lamp, may preferably include: an exact color value of the light source, a maximum light current of the light source, a property dependent on the aging of the light source, a dependent property of the temperature of the light source, the wavelength of the light source, and the spectrum of the light source. Preferably the lamps each have an operative device or switch accessible to the controller or controllers, especially an electr control device (ECG) DALÍ. As a result, known components can be used to carry out the invention.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, the memory or data storage is located in the operating device (ECG) and is installed with the operating device (ECG) in the lamp. In this way, the memory can be a light scene memory already provided in an electronic control device (ECG) DALÍ, with which the lamp or luminaire can be equipped. In accordance with the present invention this memory is provided at the factory or at the time of manufacture or assembly of the luminaire with the series of data or series of data describing one or more of the above-mentioned individual characteristics to the light source or light sources of the luminaire. In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the controller can read on the signal line the series of data recorded in the operating device. Even when the memory or data storage is not located in the operative device (ie the DALÍ ECG), but is provided in a separate electronic component, the memory can be read by the controller and its data series is sent by the line of signals to the controller or any other objective component, for processing. As a general matter, the data series can be recognized and processed by the controller. The controller or controllers may, depending on the content of the data series, transmit control signals to the luminaire based on the characteristics of the source or light sources. This means that the controller transmits control information to the luminaire or lamp, especially to the operating device or ECG contained in the luminaire or lamp that corrects, compensates or adjusts the source or light sources on the basis of the characteristics reported by the series or series of recorded data. If, for example, the controller has obtained the information that a first light source at a maximum possible light current (100%) can obtain a certain color of light, and another source of light from another lamp can emit the same color light only 70% of the maximum light current, and it is desired that both lamps generate light uniformly with the maximum possible brightness, the controller can transmit to the first lamp a signal to ensure that its source of high energy light will emit light as a light current at only 70% of the maximum, and can transmit to the second weaker lamp a signal to operate its light source at a maximum current of light so that the two lamps will have the same intensities as output of light. In this way the desired uniform illumination is obtained. In accordance with a useful feature of the present invention, the controller uses the data series for correction of the control signal to be transmitted. This means that you can review the characteristics of the particular light source (as it was downloaded from memory), and especially in the case where the controller is connected to at least two light sources, the signals to these will be corrected for you would adjust based on the characteristics communicated to the controller. The data series can be stored in another memory, after being discarded from the memory assigned to the luminaire, for example a memory of the controller. Therefore, it is no longer necessary for the memory of the luminaire to store the data series, and the data series can be overwritten in the memory of the luminaire. In particular, the reading of the memory of the luminaire and the transfer of the data series to the controller can occur in the context of an initialization of the network of lamps or luminaires. The controller can be operated with a recognition process where the luminaires or lamps are provided, for example, with individual addresses, and information is obtained such as the types of light source, and the series of data that imply the characteristics of the light sources they are transferred to the controller. In accordance with a second alternative aspect of the present invention, the memory or data storage is a part of a separate electronic component that connects to the operating device. This separate electronic component can be connected in series with the operating device, and therefore can be located between the operating device and the controller. It can receive control signals from the controller and be used for the operating device and correct or adjust them, based on the series of data, and send the control signals corrected or adjusted to the operating device. It is not necessary for the controller to recognize an electronic component provided that modifies the transmitted control signals. It is also possible that the electronic component is connected with a plurality of operating devices and connected to the controller to receive control signals intended only for a particular operating device. When a corresponding correction is made, a corresponding route is selected so that the control signals, corrected or adjusted, are transmitted to the respective operative devices. The electronic component may have one or more memories in which the different data series of different light sources can be recorded. Of course, different light sources can have their respective operating devices assigned to them. The electronic component can also connect or adjust differently, for example, the control signals intended only for a certain operating device and obtained from the controller, and transmit the control signals of different settings to the plurality of operating devices. In this way, the electronic component can handle a multiplicity of luminaires in a kind of subsystem within a luminaire network, for example in a DALÍ network. In accordance with another advantageous feature of the present invention, the luminaries can each have at least two light sources of different colors that can be individually addressed by a controller to produce a light distribution of mixed colors. A series of data is assigned to each light source that describes the characteristics of the respective light source. The present embodiment of the invention allows an invention of mixed colors which, for example, can obtain a red, a green and a blue component from red, green and blue light sources respectively or, alternatively or in addition, a source of light cyan or amber dye and two or, in total only with two, different sources of white light to mix different white tones. In the simplest case of a luminaire containing red, green and blue LEDs, the light emitted by the LEDs is measured by the manufacture of the lamp and its maximum light currents (outputs in lumen) are kept in exact light colors or similar characteristics in the data series of the luminaire memory, or data series of the memories of the luminaires. In the case of a luminaire comprising a red, a green and a blue LED, it is customary to provide a RGB switch power packet, ie an operating device in the sense of the present disclosure, which can collectively control the three LEDs. This operating device can have an electronic component of the type described above, connected in series with it, and this electronic component can be provided with a memory in which the series of data describing the characteristic or characteristics of the three different light sources is stored. . If this electronic component receives a control signal from the controller that indicates to the luminaire to output a certain color, for example a tone in mixed yellowish color, the electronic component will adjust the output colors of the three LEDs based on the characteristics stored in the data series, so that exactly the desired color tone is produced. As previously suggested, a problem that can arise with a luminaire that has at least two light sources of different colors is that they can differ their exact values of color and maximum currents of light. For example, a red LED will certainly produce basically red light. The exact color or color value can vary within a range of wavelengths of several nanometers and the specific color value is generally determined by manufacturing, and differences in the color value can generally not be avoided. With other light sources of other colors, for example, blue LEDs, green LEDs and light sources such as OLED (Organic LEDs) and other light sources, deviations from the exact color values and maximum output in lumens, ie the maximum light current, may also arise. Although deviations from an exact color value for each light source generally do not create problems when providing lamps or luminaires that have mixed color lighting output, a problem arises in the sense that the tone of the light can not be exactly achieved. desired color. This can be especially problematic when several luminaires are directly adjacent, and are intended to generate identical light colors or color values. In these cases, color deviations in the mixed color outputs can be a particular problem. It is therefore important that a particular color can be reproduced reproducibly with a high degree of chromatic precision. In accordance with the present invention, this can be achieved by providing the luminaire with a memory or data storage in which a series of data can be recorded, containing information regarding the exact color values of the individual light source, or containing information related to the maximum light currents or lumen outputs of each light source. In this way, a correction device can be provided that can correct the control signals for the light sources taking into account the exact color values or the maximum light currents or lumen outputs, and that the individual light sources can be controlled with the control signals corrected. The exact color values or maximum light currents or lumen output can be recorded in the memory, or recorded in the form of a series of data, or with an appropriate coating in manufacturing or in the factory. The process by which the data series can be written into the memory can include a measurement step, also in the factory, in which the exact color value is measured and, for example, the exact wavelength emitted by the particular LED or its maximum light current or output in lumens. A corrective device can adjust or correct the control signal according to the data series, so that the control of the individual light source can be carried out with the necessary correction. Accurate color mixing can be ensured, ie in mixing of precise wavelengths to obtain a mixed output color, so that the desired mixed color value is obtained. An exact color value in the sense of the present invention can be a measured color value that takes into consideration the fact that a color designation, such as "red" or "blue" is in itself imprecise. The exact color value must be a nanometer wavelength with a certain degree of measurement accuracy, such as ± 1 nm, which is a significantly more accurate result than mere color designation such as red, vede or blue. The correction device may be part of an electronic component that is preferably incorporated in the lamp or luminaire. The corrector device can automatically process the data series, and in this way generate the information that is considered to provide the exact color value and the maximum light current. In accordance with a feature of the present invention, the correction device can also be part of an operative device for at least one lamp. In this way an operating device, for example, an electronic switch block for the light source and which optionally can control a plurality of light sources, can include an appropriate electronic unit, for example, a microprocessor, which can output the correction and thus make a correction of the control signal transmitted automatically to the light source of the lamp. Especially when an operating device has its own controller, this controller can assume the function of the correction device and perform the corrective function in a system in accordance with the present invention. In an alternative configuration of the present invention, the corrector device is assigned to the controller, so that the control signal from the controller through the signal light to the lamp is already corrected at least in part, because here the correction is run on the controller. According to another aspect of the present invention, a lamp or luminaire has a memory or data storage in which a series of data is recorded containing information related to the exact color value of each light source of the luminaire, or information of the maximum light current or output in lumens of each light source of the luminaire, which provides a device to produce a light distribution of mixed colors that generates specific color illumination and exact mixing controlling each source of light, taking into account the values of consideration of exact color and the maximum currents of light. The present invention is based on the principle that a device for producing a mixed color light distribution can output a predetermined and accurate mixed color illumination by controlling each light source of a luminaire containing a plurality of light sources of different colors when the signals that control each light source take into consideration the exact color values of each light source or its maximum outputs in lumens or light currents. The exact color values and the maximum light currents are derived from the values stored in the memory of the luminaire directly, or as data series. Of course, the exact color values or light currents of each light source must be previously measured, usually at the factory, and the values or data series must be written into the memory, usually also in factory environments for each source of data. light. The device for producing light distribution of mixed colors can refer to multiplying data series or a single series of data so that an exact color mixing can be produced. The device may be located in the lamp or luminaire, or it may be a component or part of a controller connected to the lamp by a signal line.

In case this device is part of the lamp, it is especially helpful to directly provide the lamp or luminaire with a memory where the data series having information of the plurality of exact mixtures of colors that can be selected is stored. This embodiment of the present invention allows the memory to have the various illuminations of exact mixtures of colors previously defined therein, using the same storage space that is used for the data series, and which contains information of the multiplicity of exact mixtures of colors that can be selected. However, the memory containing the information of the plurality of color mixtures can be separated from the lamp, although associated with it, if desired. If, in addition to the series of data related to each light source, the luminaire's memory contains a series of data with respect to a series of exact mixtures of colors set at the factory that can be selected, a simple fixing device can be used , for example a rotary switch of the color potentiometer type for selecting the predesigned output colors, where each may be one of the exact blend colors of the present invention, ie, taking into account accurate and pre-stored color values, or light currents or maximum outputs of lumens of each light source, previously determined by measurements. According to another aspect of the present invention, based on the information of the exact colors or the maximum light current of each light source, the control device that responds to such information can signal a color space that can be reached by the lamp or luminary. If they determine, ie measure, the exact color values or maximum light currents or lumen output of the light sources of the lamps, and if the lamp is provided with a memory in which data series can be stored that contain information of the exact color values or maximum light currents, the device can, especially by means of a signal line connecting the control device with the lamp, read these values, and based on these provide additional information of the color space Exactly where the lamp is effective. Since the device knows the exact color values and the light current of each light source, it can indicate the color space that can be obtained with the luminaire. The color space obtainable by the luminaire is a group of total light distributions of mixed colors, and therefore a multiplicity of different colors can be obtained with this lamp or luminaire. Although theoretically, by mixing light from red, green and blue sources, virtually all colors can be mixed in infinitely fine graduations, in practice the lamp or luminaire can only reach a portion of all the possible colors of finishes by the exact color values. and the maximum outputs in lumens. The color space that can actually be obtained is therefore always smaller than the theoretically possible color space, and yet it is an infinitely fine graduation of color mixtures within the obtainable color space, and is limited by the exact color values and maximum light currents. The device can indicate the color space obtainable in reality, for example, in the form of a normal color board, a color wheel or color palette of some other diagram that allows to conveniently display the colors. It is significant that a maintainer or user receives a sample of the device only from the colors that can actually be produced by the device and the lamp, so that the colors indicated (chosen) can be obtained with a high degree of precision and reproducibility, and The colors can also be displayed on a screen of the device also in an exact and identical way to the distribution of mixed colors that can be produced by the luminaire.

Since the user can directly see a screen of available colors or color mixtures, the selection of colors for the luminaire is simplified. In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the device contains information of color subspaces representing true parts of the color spaces that can be obtained. In this aspect of the present invention, in which color subspaces are provided ie a subspace which can include a subset of all the colors obtainable from the lamp, the user can see and select a precise portion of the obtainable color space. The subspace can contain specific colors of the os that the user can make a selection in accordance with certain rules. For example, subspaces may include only pastel shades or only favorite shades, or mixed colors that may be desirable for a particular purpose, for example a particular corporate entity, or that satisfy particular requirements. A subspace of color is especially useful when certain shades of color are desired for certain applications, for example lighting in shops, lighting to allow true identification of color, for example, of clothing in a store and when, for example, want to sell or show a product that does not appear differently in daylight or similar. Subspaces are also useful when lighting should simulate particular situations, for example for sales or demonstrations of cosmetics. The color subspaces can be displayed as a kind of template that is projected onto the obtainable color space, if desired. This template can be, for example, a curved or flat region that can be projected onto the entire available color space, and which can be seen to overlap on the latter. This allows the lighting planner to immediately determine the ratio of the color subspaces to the available color subspaces. Beneficially, the device can have a memory that can store a group of color subspaces. From this group, a maintenance person can select particular color subspaces. This allows factory-set definitions of several color subspaces and that the maintenance person conveniently choose distributions of mixed total light in particular, for example a lighting planner, after mounting the luminaire containing the device and the ability to illuminate specific locations with reproducible and identical color illuminations in different place of a trade. Similarly, the present invention comprises lamps and luminaires with the characteristics described above, taken individually or in any combination, in which the light source is an LED, but where other light sources can be used if desired. The lamp or luminaire will generally have a compartment with one or more light sources, preferably with a memory. It has been pointed out that the memory is preferably arranged in the same place, or attached to the light source, or is associated with it in some other way. In this case, the memory can be an electronic component that transports the light source, or it can be an electronic component on a conveyor from the light source such as, for example, a mounting plate such as a printed circuit board, or a Support as a base for the LED or light source.

Alternatively, the memory may be a data carrier separate from the light source, but which is normally attached to it or packaged with it at the factory, but which may be separated from the light source. For example, the data carrier may be a CD-ROM, an RFID (radio frequency identification tag) or the like that is sold with the light source. The memory is preferably an electronic memory that can contain the data series that describes the characteristic of the light source. Preferably, the data series can be written into the memory as part of a reading and writing process, and can be recorded permanently in the memory. The data series can then include at least one characteristic of the light source as described, namely the maximum allowable light current or output in lumens or the exact color value, ie an exact indication of the color value emitted by the light source and in operation or its spectrum of colors. However, both are preferably included in the data series assigned to the light source. Alternatively, or in addition, information of the age-dependent properties or dependent on the temperature of the light source is written into the memory. In the case where the memory is directly coupled with the light source and there is a transporter for both, for example, a circuit board, the memory, for example, after mounting the light source or the entire component in the lamp , it can be read. The reading can be done by an electronic component in the lamp or on the lamp, or by a controller that can be connected to the lamp by a signal line. Reading the data series allows the lamp or controller to correct a control signal based on the stored database. In this way, the light source can have a correct device built in, or associated with, the lamp or luminaire, or be connected to them by the signal line. According to the present invention, the memory described above for the light source can be the same memory as that associated with a lamp or luminaire, a memory that can replace the memory of the luminaire, or a memory that can also be provided of the memory of the luminaire. In case the lamp or luminaire has a memory that is separated from the light source, it could be helpful to transfer the content of the memory from the light source to the memory of the luminaire. In case the memory of the light source is the memory of the luminaire, or complete it, or replace, no additional memory is necessary. The light source of the present invention can facilitate the assembly of the lamp or luminaire, since a measurement of the characteristics of the light source can be omitted when the lamp or luminaire is assembled, having previously been measured by the manufacturer of the lamp. light source. The manufacturer of the lamp only needs to read the memory of the light source, and, of course, this can facilitate the replacement of a defective light source, since it is only necessary to consider the information contained in the data series of a source of spare light, to ensure the proper connection in and for the lamp. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other objects, features and advantages will become more apparent from the following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of two lamps connected with a line common signal, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which a separate electronic component with a memory is provided. Figure 2 is a more simplified block diagram with respect to Figure 1, wherein two lamps are connected to a common line of signals in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein the memory is contained in a control unit for a source of light. Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 1 for a system in which three lamps are connected to a common line of signals in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a block diagram that can be compared to Figure 2 of another embodiment of a lamp system in accordance with the present invention. Figure 5 is a highly diagrammatic view, explaining the principles of the present invention, and that shows how the actual color space can be obtained using a standard color table. Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of the actual color space of Figure 5, together with a first possible sub-space or subspace color space in the form of a diagram. Figure 7 is an illustration of compliance with Figure 6, showing a second possible space of sub-colors. Figure 8 is a highly diagrammatic illustration of a lamp in accordance with the present invention. SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION Initially, a first mode of a lamp according to the present invention will be described, in relation to Figure 1. The lamp is indicated as a whole in Figure 1, with the reference number 10. As a general matter, it will be indicated similar structural elements in a given figure or in subsequent figures of the drawing for any modality or part of the modality, with the same reference number followed by a lower case letter. Similar structural elements may also be represented by the Arabic reference character followed by one or more cousins. Figure 1, for example, shows a signal line 11 to which a first lamp 10 and a second lamp 10b can be connected, and which can be for example a two-wire 24-volt control line that can supply signals of compliance with the DALÍ protocol. Alternatively, other signal or bus lines may optionally be used, depending on the signal transmission or communication protocol used. The protocols used can be, for example, a DMX protocol, a protocol or TCP / IP control, the EIB system (European Installation Bus), a LON (Local Operative Network) bus system or communication protocols or systems that use the light control buses of any lamp manufacturer. The signal line 11 is connected to a controller 12 which transmits control signals to the individual lamp 10, 10b. If so desired, the transmission of the control information may also be bidirectional on the bus or signal line 11. The number of lamps or luminaires 10, 10b connected to the controller 12 depends on the control system used, and may be, for example, in the DALÍ control system, 64 units per controller 12, that is 64 subscribers or controlled units. Optionally, more than one controller 12 can be provided, each with a maximum number of subscribers allowed by the control system used. For simplification of the following description, the invention will be discussed as if a DALÍ control system were used with a two-wire signal line 11 and a single controller 12 that emits control signals using the DALÍ protocol. However, the reader can understand that other control systems can be used in combination with a DALÍ control system, or instead of the DALÍ control system. The lamp or luminaire 10, preferably within a lamp compartment represented by dotted line 10"in Figure 1, may contain a light source 13, an operating device 14 as a light source switch 13, and an electronic component. 15. The signal line 11 connected to the controller 12 has a branch 16 to the separate electronic component 15 which, in turn, is connected by a branch 17 of the control line to the operating device 14, and the operating device 14 is in turn connected by a branch 18 to the light source 13. In this embodiment, the operating device 14 of Figure 1 can be a DALI operating device or switch unit, which is a device that satisfies the requirements of the DALÍ protocol. This operating device will be the electronically controlled ECG device of a DALI system, of course, other operational devices that are capable of provide power to modulate the power supplied to, or terminate the power supply to the light source 13. A voltage supply line 19, representing the master voltage, can supply the lamp or luminaire with the operating voltage of 115 or, for example, 230 volts. Figure 1 only shows a portion of the voltage supply line 19 that supplies the lamp or luminaire 19, it being understood that the controller 12, the lamp or luminaire 10b and other lamps or luminaires (not shown) can also be connected to the common voltage supply line 19, and that the voltage supply line can carry control signals, or the central signals can be transmitted wirelessly. Within the lamp or luminaire 10 itself, the master voltage can be derived at 20 to the operating device or ECG 14 to supply the operating voltage, and with the voltage to be interrupted towards the light source 13. The latter can receive the operating voltage through of the line 18. If the light source 13 is supplied with the operating voltage in a controlled manner, the light source will illuminate. An additional branch 21 from the voltage supply can supply the electronic component 15 with its operating voltage.

In one embodiment of the present invention which has not been illustrated 1, a voltage supply for the separated electronic component 15 can be provided with the operating device 14 so that the bypass 21 can be omitted. Alternatively, it is possible to supply the electronic component 15. the operating voltage and cause the operating device 14 and the light source to be supplied through the electronic component 15. In this case, it has been found that it is advantageous to provide the electronic component 15 with an accumulator (i.e. a battery or cell). stored rechargeable) to store energy. According to a feature of the present invention, the electronic component 15 has a memory 22 that is illustrated only schematically in Figure 1. The memory 22 can be an EEPROM in which a series of data can be written describing a characteristic of the light source 13, especially a measured value of a parameter of the light source 13. Especially the memory 22 may contain information about the maximum light current of the light source 13 that is, the maximum output in lumens or intensity of light. Alternatively or in addition, the memory 22 may contain information of the exact color of the light emitted by the light source 13 and is detected in the form of a measured value similar to the maximum output in lumens. Both measured values are recorded in the memory 22 as factory configuration when the luminaire 10 is manufactured. This information is then available for the electronic component 15 to function as a basis for a correction or adjustment of the control signals received by the electronic component 15. of the controller 12. It should be noted that the electronic component 15 is placed upstream of the operating device or ECG 14. The controller 12, which has not been informed that the luminaire 10 is provided with the separate electronic component 15, thinks that is sending its control information or control signal directly to the operating device 14. If, for example, in the memory 22 information is recorded that the light source 13 has a maximum light current or 70% lumen output, it is you can use this information for a correction of the control signal that is supplied to the lamp as will be described later tea. However, it may first be noted that in a second lamp or luminaire 10b in the mode d to Figure 1 have the second light source 13b which, for discussion purposes only, can be assumed to be of the same color as the source of light. light 13 of the luminaire 10. It can be assumed that the two light sources 13, 13b, which can be LED, have a blue light output for purposes of this example. However, the light source 13b has a maximum light current or output in 100% lumens, and information of this maximum light current can be recorded in the memory 22b of the electronic component 15b of the luminaire 10b. If the two luminaires 10, 10b receive from their common controller 12 signals to generate a maximum light current of 100%, the light sources 13 and 13b, without correction, would receive identical color commands corresponding to the brightness requested from the two sources of light, and therefore the light sources will receive energy to output a maximum light current or output in lumens. However, with the present invention, the electronic component 15 can adjust the control signal based on the data series in the memory 22, indicating that the light source 13 has a maximum light output or light current of 70% , which could be the lower limit of a tolerance range for different light outputs, and therefore could correspond to a minimum usable current. The control signal appearing at the input of the electronic component 15 and in the absence of the invention would be sent to the control device 14 without correction, to make the light source 13 generate its maximum light current, which in the case described is 70%. If the uncorrected signal was applied to the operating device 14b and the light source 13b, it would operate 100% and therefore the light sources 13 and 13b would have different outputs. The result would be a non-uniform illumination of the region provided with the luminaires connected to the controller. However, with the correction made based on the content of the memory in the electronic component 15b, ie the memory 22b, the intensity of the light source 13b would be reduced by a factor of 0.7 to a light current of 70%. , which is identical to that of the light source 13 (supplied at 100% power). It is therefore apparent that the electronic components 15, 15b or a correction device 24, which can be provided in the electronic component 15, for example, can correct or adjust the control signals based on the contact of the data series in the memories 22 and 22b. Accordingly, different electronic components 15, 15b can recognize that different light sources 13, 13b have different characteristics and require different connections. The electronic components 15, 15b may be electronically converting or repeating which are provided with the correction functions. The data series remain in the respective memories assigned to the light sources 13, 13b ie they are permanently recorded in the memory so that the data can be downloaded via the control line 11, and supplied to other control circuits, or they can disconnect the luminaires from the signal line 11 and connect to other signal lines of other controllers 12 without losing the information. An important advantage of this mode is that the controller 12 does not need to recognize or know that the data series for correction of the control signals have been provided, and consequently the lamps or luminaires 10 and 10b of the present invention can also be used with other controllers 12 operating with the same protocol, for example the DALÍ protocol or with different protocols or different control signals on the signal lines 11, and despite these differences, the controller can effectively operate the light sources. In an alternative configuration of the present invention, the controller 12 can read the contents of the memory of the memories 22, 22b, and the respective data series can be transferred through the signal line 11. The controller 12 can consider these data series and can even process these series of data to show the operator the technical characteristics of the lamps connected to the controller. It is also possible for the central controller, from the data series transferred from the memories 22 and 22 b, to correct the signals that are transmitted to the lamps 10 and 10b. In this case, the electronic components 15, 15b will have the corrections already built in them. The electronic components 15 and 15b can be configured in such a way that once the controller 12 reads the memories 22 and 22b, the corrective functions of the electronic components 15, 15b are suppressed or canceled, and these units transmit received signals unaltered to the respective operating device 14, 14b. In the above-described embodiment of Figure 1, it is assumed that the electronic component 15 is a separate element from the operating device 14 contained in the lamp 10. In Figure 2, a mode is shown in which it is not necessary to provide the memory 22b 22d in the separate electronic component 15. Rather, Figure 2 shows a structure similar to that of Figure 1, and in the block diagram, a system having two lamps or luminaires 10c and 10d, as well as a light source 13c or 13d which can receive power through the voltage supply lines 18c and 18d through the respective operating devices or switch units 14c or 14d. The respective operating devices are connected through derivations of the signal line 16c and 16d with the signal line, and can receive through these the operating voltage, or a separate line 19 as shown in Figure 1. The signal line 11 is connected to the controller 12. The memories in which the data series that record the characteristics of the respective light sources 13c and 13d are shown in this embodiment at 22c 22d as part of the operating devices 14c and 14d. These can be DALÍ operative devices that in accordance with the DALÍ protocol have memories of lighting scenarios. Accordingly, in this case the illumination scenario memories are provided with the data series describing the characteristics of the light sources 13c and 13d. In contrast to a system of Figure 1, in the embodiment of Figure 1 correction of control information does not occur in lamps 10c or lOd. Instead, when the lamps 10c or lOd are connected to the signal line 11 of the controller, there is an initialization step of a subsequent step of the method, in which the contents of the memories of the memory 22c or 22d are read and the respective data series are transferred to the controller 12. From the respective data series, the controller 12 transmits corrected control information to the individual lamps 10c and lOd to allow it to be reached, as in Figure 1, the desired objective of a given brightness for all lamps 10c, 10d, etc. Figure 3 shows a further embodiment of an IOE lamp or luminaire in accordance with the present invention, also in a block schematic diagram as in Figure 1. In this embodiment, a separate electronic component 15e is provided including a memory 22e . The lamp also includes an operative device 14e, such as a DALÍ ECG, which feeds three different light sources, 13el, 13e2 and 13e3 which may be, for example, a red LED, a green LED, and a blue LED. In that case, the operating device 14e can be a conventional RGB-DALI operating device (RGB-DALI-ECG) for 3 LEDs. The operating device 14 and the electronic component 15e receive supply of the line voltage via the voltage supply line 19e and the leads 20 and 21. The electronic component 15e is analogous to that shown in Figure 1 and is connected by the derivation 16 with the signal line 11 and therefore with the controller 12. Similarly, comparable lamps or luminaires 10e 'and 10e "are connected to the signal line 11. In the memory 22e of the electronic component 15e, one or more is stored. series of data that instead of, or in addition to, the maximum light currents or maximum lumen outputs of each light source 13el, 13e2, 13e3, also contain the exact color values of the light sources 13el, 13e2, 13e3 that, for example, in the form of nanometer wavelengths that were actually emitted, can be measured for these light sources. For example, in the manufacture of the lOe lamp, it can be determined that the blue light source or LED13 e3 has a wavelength LE3, the green light or LED 13e2 has a wavelength LE2 and the red light source 13el, a wavelength I read. The red, green and blue light sources of the lamp or luminaire 10e 'which is not shown in detail in Figure 3 can, for example, emit different wavelengths which are distinguishable from the wavelengths LE3, 1E2 and 1E1 which are described for the lOe luminaire. For example, green LEDs can have wavelengths that vary between 505nm and 515nm, a range of values given only as an example. Although green LED 13el of lamp 13e2 can emit green light of wavelength 515, the corresponding green LED of lamp 10e '(not shown) can emit green light with wavelength 505nm. The lamp 10e 'and other lamps of the specific subsystem can be connected with the same signal line 11 and, in the case of their green LEDs, may have slightly different green values. Similarly, the red and blue LEDs of the lamps may have different color values. In addition, lamps with light sources of other colors can be provided, for example, in addition to the red, green and blue LEDs of certain lamps, white or yellow LEDs and cyan or amber colored LEDs. Although the color variations are somewhat complex compared to systems where only monochromatic lamps or lightings are used, slight differences in color can be obtained in the range of several nanometers, as well as slight variations in the maximum outputs in lumens or currents of light, and practically all color mixtures can be achieved with a system of the type shown in Figure 3. If the lamps are controlled by a controller 12 by the signal line 11 shown in Figure 3, the lamp lOe may emit a mixed color tone of a certain color when the lamp 10 receives a collective signal to the ECG 14e, which correspondingly controls the three light sources. If it is desired that the lamps 10e 'and 10e' 'generate identical colors, these lamps can receive identical control signals from the controller 12. The memory 22e of the electronic component 15e of the lamp IOe in accordance with Figure 3 stores a series of data according to the invention, which describes the exact color of light and the maximum light current or output in lumens of each light source 13el, 13e2, 13e3. The information can be information such as that obtained directly from each light source, or information about the deviations of the light sources from a standard value or, in another alternative, information in the form of a correction factor. If the lamp 10 receives, for example, from the controller 12 the signal of producing a certain mixed color, the electronic component 15e, from the exact color and the maximum light current or lumen output of the three light sources, 13 , 13e2, 13e3, will correct the obtained control signals, and will operate the light sources in the corrected form by operating device 14e so that the light sources 13el, 13e2, 13e3, as a consequence of the corrected control inputs, produce exactly the selected light color indicated by the control from the controller 12. In this way, despite different value colors and different maximum light currents and human outputs from the light sources contained in the light sources 10e ' and 10e ", the three different lamps can in practice have a light output of identical colors. Subsequently, the exact mechanism for correction using correction matrices will be described.

However, at this point it may be noted that the lamp 10 of FIG. 3 has an electronic component 15e in which, in addition to the memory 22e, a separate component 24e is disposed and can be called a correction device or component. This correction device, which may have as output a corrected value of the control signal from the controller to the operational device or ECAL DALY 14, may be formed as a separate electronic component and may be, or may contain, a microprocessor. Alternatively, the memory 22e and the correction device 24e can form a single component in the electronic component 15e, or form part of the electronic component 15e. In order to be complete, it should also be noted that in Figure 1 a corresponding corrective device 24 is shown, and the skilled artisan will recognize that this correction device can be located elsewhere, and can also be present in the other modalities. The important thing is that the correction can be made in the electronic component 15e when a control signal is received from the controller 12 through the signal line 11 and that it is directed towards the lamp 10e. For example, this signal may indicate that the IOE lamp should only have a red light as output. However, the light source 13el might not emit the desired red tone of the light, because it could have a color value that could vary by several nanometers from the required red tone. The correction may also allow a mixture of small amounts of green or blue from the light sources 13e2 and 13e3 to correct the light of the lOe lamp. Figure 3 reveals a modality in which a separate electronic component 15e operates as the electronic component 15 in the embodiment of Figure 2. However, by analogy to Figure 2, the lOe lamps can have light sources 13el, 13e2 and 13e3 of different colors, which have their characteristics recorded in memory 22e, which is then found in electronic component 14e (compare memories 22e and 22d in operating devices 14e and 14c of Figure 2). This modification of Figure 3 may also be within the scope of the present invention. In any case, it is also possible to have the controller 12 read the memory 22e so that it can instruct the electronic component 15e to perform a correction function, or make the correction itself. Figure 3 also shows a sensor 23 that detects a temperature. This temperature can be the ambient temperature of the lamp lOe. Alternatively, a temperature of a chip could also be measured, specifically the LED chip. It is also possible to measure different temperatures of each light source 13el, 13e2 and 13e3. The ambient or operating temperatures of each light source, especially in the case of LEDs, have an influence on the operation of the LED itself, and the correction applied to the light sources or adjustments can take these temperatures into consideration. The data series is then stored in the memory 22e and can describe temperature dependent properties of each light source 13el, 13e2, 13e3. Since the exact operating temperature can often not be detected, the temperature can be measured up to a certain approximation, for example based on the current passing through the LED or actual use at particular ambient temperatures, and the electronic component 15e can be connected to a device that provides instantaneous control of the light source 13el, 13e2, 13e3, based on this or on the temperature conditions in the 30 or 60 seconds before this. In this way, instantaneous or continuous control can take into consideration the actual temperatures, or temperatures that represent approximately the actual temperatures, to optimally correct the control signals for the temperature-dependent conditions of each light source. One or more temperature sensors 23 may also be used in the other disclosed embodiments.

Finally, it is also possible to provide an operational counter of hours C in the electronic component 15e in order to determine the duration with which the lamp has been used (for example lOe). In such a case, the memory 22e contains a series of additional data or information that includes the conditions dependent on the aging of each light source. The correction made by the component 15e can be in response, therefore, not only to the dependence of the temperature of the operation of the light source, but also to its dependence on aging, and the corrected signal from the controller 12 through The signal line 11 transmitted by the electronic component 15e to the operating device 15e can also contain these corrections. From the knowledge of the temperature-dependent properties of the light source, or the knowledge of the properties dependent on the aging of the light source, over several temperature ranges or over very long operating durations or lives, an High precision colors of the luminaires. Similarly, in modalities that are not illustrated, the data series may contain the information regarding the temperature and age dependence of the light source, and this information may be transferred through the signal line 11 to the controller 12 after reading the respective memory, ie the memory 22e. A series of data of the temperature or age-dependent properties of the light source or light sources in the controller 12 can also be provided originally and, for example, in the framework of an initialization process, the lamps can inform the controller 12, for example the lOe lamp, which are the light sources that are contained in it, so that this aging or temperature dependency information can be used to control the signal corrections. Figure 3 shows that the electronic control element 15e can include an additional memory 25e. This memory 25e can receive a series of mix data, specifically, information of the exact mixed colors that can be selected. An exact mixed color will be understood as a color of light that can be generated by a plurality of light sources of respective color which can then be energized with signals to produce respective values of exact colors or maximum light currents or output in lumens of each source of light 13e, 13e2 and 13e3 that will generate precise illumination of mixed colors. By providing a data series containing a multiplicity of these exact mixed colors, and storing this series of data in a separate data memory 25e or an appropriate part of another system memory, a selection can be made by a device 26 that is shows schematically in Figure 3, for example, a kind of color potentiometer, to allow the output of, for example, 12 selected colors. The selector 26 can, of course, be a series of buttons to be pressed or any other keyboard or switch device with buttons. The advantage of a selector 26 for selecting between exact mixed colors is that a plurality of different lamps can be provided, each with the same series of mixed data so that the different exact color values and different maximum light currents of the different sources of the different luminaires can be ignored when the user, in the simple way described by the selector 26, wishes to output identical and exact light colors from the multiplicity of luminaires. Naturally, the memory 25e and the memory 22e can be formed in a common memory. The selector device 26 for the selection of the mixed color can be formed in the same component as the memories 22e and 25e, or be provided • in the same component as the corrective device 24e as a separate element, or as part of the electronic component 15e. The device 26 can be incorporated into the controller 12, if desired, or it can be operated by the controller 12 and can be an electronically initiated or manually operated device that passes its control signals through the controller 12, or create control signals for an exact selection of mixed colors independently of the controller 12, if so desired. Advantageously, the series of data recorded in the memories 22, 22b, 22c, 22e may contain information of the maximum light current or lumen output in each light source, as well as the exact color value or color spectrum. Depending on the type of light source used in the luminaire, it may be sufficient to provide information in the memory of only one of these two characteristics. For example, it may be sufficient to provide accurate color value information when the color values for these light sources vary greatly, but the maximum light current or output in lumens varies only slightly. Conversely, when there is a significant variation in the maximum light current or output in lumens of the different LEDs, but their color values are practically unchanged, it may be sufficient for the memory to have a series of data containing only information of the maximum possible light current. Finally, for different light sources, regardless of their types, different properties depending on aging and temperature can be provided. When these properties strongly affect the light current or the exact color value, the parameters can include this information although it can be omitted if the dependence on aging or the temperature of the particular parameter is small for the particular light source. Figure 4 illustrates a further embodiment of an IOF lamp or luminaire described below. The lamp or luminaire lOf whose compartment is represented by dotted line 10"can be connected to a signal line 11, ie a two-wire line of a network of lamps operated by the controller 12. A supply line can be provided of voltage or power for the luminaire as described in relation to Figure 2. The lOf luminaire is comprised of 2 lOfl and 10f2 lamps, each comprising three colored light sources. The lOfl lamp, for example, has a red light source 3fll, a green light source 3fl2 and a blue light source 3fl3. The light sources can be identical to the three light sources 13f21, 13f22 and 13f23 of the second lamp 10f2, and all the light sources can be LEDs. Each lamp lOfl, 10f2 may contain its own operating device or electronic control device ECG 14fl and 14f2. The ECGs 14fl and 14f2 are for example RGB DALI electronic control devices. One characteristic of the lOf luminaire is that the two lamps lOfl and 10f2 can be separated from each other or can be level. However, they have a common electronic component 15f which has a memory 22f registered in the memory 22f which is a series of data containing the characteristics of the different light sources 13fll, 13fl2, 13fl3, 13f21, 13f22, 13f23 of the lOfl lamps and 10f2, and in particular the exact color values or maximum light currents or lumen outputs of each lamp. The electronic component 15f can have a characteristic DALY address so that it can be addressed by the controller 12. Uniquely, the electronic component 15f, like a conventional DALI operating device or ECG can be accessed by the controller 12. However, the electronic component 158 is characterized by the fact that it does not simply pass control signals, but rather corrects the control sections fed through it to the operating devices 14fl and 14f2 of the two lamps lOfl and 10f2. Corrections are dependent on the light source, and are typically different for the two series of light sources in the two lamps lOfl and 10f2. If the electronic component 15f illustrated receives a control signal from the controller 12, for example, which is to generate a certain color of light, then from the corrections and adjustments of the actual measured color value or the maximum light current of each light source of the two lamps, corrected control signals are transmitted to the operating devices so that the two lamps lOfl and 10f2 actually generate light of exactly the same colors. The electronic component 15f can, of course, also address a large number of operating devices 14fl, 14f2 to handle them so that on the output side in the electronic component 15f, a subsystem of a DALY network can practically be connected. Since the electronic component 15f of the DALÍ network has only one coordinate, a very large number of lamps can be handled, instead of a limit of 64 subscribers to which the usual DALÍ network could be restricted in the absence of the intermediate electronic component 15f. Such an arrangement using the electronic component 15f can have coordinates in the general DALÍ network, and yet it can handle a large number of operational devices 14fl and 14f2. The component 15f also functions to ensure that the lamps lOfl and 10f2 have identical colors as output. Figure 4 further shows that the electronic component 15f can be equipped with two or more temperature sensors 23fl 23f2. The temperature sensors measure the different ambient or local temperatures (operating temperatures of the lamps) to provide a correction for the temperature-dependent properties of the individual light sources in the manner described above. Figure 5 shows a standard table of colors as known in the field of lighting technology and is of the type found, for example, in the Lange Handbook for Illumination, published by the German Light Technology Company, fourth edition, 1996, page 16. From this reference and the general principles of lighting technology, it is understood that the standard color table is an essentially triangular surface with a right region 27 in which the red color is assigned, a lower region left 28 to which a blue color is assigned, and an upper border region 29, to which the green color is assigned. A central region 30 is the region of essentially white light. The intermediate regions represent mixed colors obtained by mixing the primary colors. The standard color table theoretically shows all the possible colors that can be obtained by an ideal lamp with three ideal light sources, specifically a true blue light source, for example a blue LED of a lamp as previously described. The other two light sources are a true red LED and a real green LED. A blue LED emits an exact color value that is unique only to the particular light source, and may differ from the exact color values of other blue LEDs. The crosses indicated at 31 in region 28 of Figure 5 represent a group of measurement points for the color values of the blue LEDs produced by an LED manufacturer and supplied to the lamp manufacturer. Since these measured values lie in different locations in the color triangle of the standard color table, mixing the blue light with the light of a briar or green LED in the same luminaire can result in different color tones, and the field The color space may not cover the entire color space of the color table as represented by the area 32 but rather, for example, only a limited color space 33 represented by the triangle shown in Figure 5. The color space obtainable is therefore significantly limited with respect to the theoretically possible color space. This obtainable color space is different for each lamp based on the different color values of each light source, and represents the totality of the mixed color illuminations that can be obtained from the luminaire. The control device 12 can be provided to handle a plurality of lamps IOe in accordance with Figure 3 or other lamps or luminaires, and can have a display device which in Figures 6 and 7 is denoted as 34. Figures 6 and 7 7 show only the content of the screen. The screen selected is a screen like that of a standard color table, although other screens of color spaces may be provided, for example a color wheel, color palette, or the like. Figure 6 shows that the display device, for example a computer screen, can show really obtainable color at 33 of the respective lamps. In the case where the controller 12 handles a multiplicity of different luminaries, the screen can cover any number or group that must operate together. In Figure 6 the screen that is monitored by the maintenance manager shows a triangle of mixed-color illuminations that can be actually produced by the lamps or luminaires operated or controlled. In addition to this triangular screen, Figure 6 shows five circles 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, 35e projecting as a kind of template in the actually obtainable color space 33. The five mutually separated discrete circles together form a space of sub-colors or color subspace 35 which represents a true portion of the obtainable color space 33. Figure 7 shows in an illustration, which can be purchased with Figure 6, the really obtainable color space 33 and another sub-color space 36 which differs from the subcolor space 35 in accordance with FIG. 6. The subcolour space 36 is shown basically as a flat closed region with a predetermined contour K which also forms a true part of the really obtainable color space 33. This subcolors space 36 is projected similarly as a template on the space of colors really obtainable 33. The maintainer who follows the screen a desired sub-space of a plurality of sub-color spaces (eg, 35 and 36) stored in the memory of the controller 12 can be selected. The person tracking the system can easily produce mixed-color illumination that can be reproduced exactly of the predetermined available lighting information stored in the memory in the form of actually obtainable color spaces, where the particular sub-color space can be projected onto the really obtainable color space and the mixed-color illumination specific to the sub-color space. In all modes, a supercontrol line 37 can be provided such as that illustrated in Figure 1, which can be derived from the electronic control element 15b and cause the respective operating device (e.g. 14b) to operate without correction. This direct or manual operation can be desired for example when a user wishes to generate the maximum possible light current or lumen output of the luminaire, regardless of the color to be produced or in the case where a compensation or correction might not be desirable. The lamps or luminaires of the present invention, insofar as they offer electronic components 15 that are provided separately with a memory, and are specially designed to have a corrective function, can function as converters of the type in which especially DALI control signals can become corrected DALI control signals for a downstream operating device. Alternatively, they can participate in other conversions, for example in translation of protocols such as a port type, for example from DMX to DALÍ or from DALÍ to DMX, or from DALÍ to modulated signals of pulse width or from DALÍ to LON or EIB bus, or vice versa. These conversion functions are preferably integrated directly into the separately provided components 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d, 15f. The manner in which the electronic component I5e of an IOE luminaire in accordance with Figure 3, and particularly in the manner in which the collector device 24 of the electronic component 15e of the lamp effects a correction of the control signal received by the controller 12, it is described in greater detail later.

The signal transmitted by the controller 12 and received by the electronic component 15e may for example have the form of a current vector of the type: Ir 1 = ig Ib Where the individual components Ir, Ig and Ib are respectively the current components They should send themselves to the three light sources 13el 13e2 and 13e3. The current component Ir of the light current refers to the light current of the red light source 13el. It should be clear that the current components Ir, Ig and Ib can each be between 0 and 100%, and when the DALI protocol is used, each of the three values Ir, Ig and Ib can be defined with 8 bits, so that 256 different gradual subdivisions are possible. The current vector with the current components Ir, Ig and Ib is supplied as an input or input signal to the electronic component 15e. The electronic component transmits an output signal to the respective operating device 14e which is also a vector, and has the form: Where the three variables Or, Og and Ob represent each light current that will actually be emitted by the three light sources 13el, 13e2 and 13e3 after having made the correction. The variable Or represents the current of light emitted by the red light source 13el.

In addition, the Or, Og and Ob values are between 0 and 100% and, in the case of an 8-bit resolution, encompass 256 light current values. The electronic component 15e automatically performs a correction of the input signal I to the output signal O, and the correction can be equal to the form 0 = K * I, where K is a matrix. The array can be, or is representative of, the aforementioned data series and includes information on the characteristics of the light source. The matrix is of the form for example: The matrix has nine entries in which the following typical values can be provided: The values for rr, gg and bb are > 70% y = 100%, with light sources such as LED colors. Similarly, the values rg, rb, gr, gb, br and bg are > 0% y = 5%. In addition, the minimum output (ie 70%) < (rr + rg + rb = 100%.) The minimum output is for example the maximum light current conceivably smaller than a light source As an example, it can be assumed that the input signal has the form: This means that the signal transmitted by the controller 12 is only intended to control the red light source 13el. Since the red light source 13el has an exact color value, what is known as the actual color value, from which a fixed-point color value can deviate (ie deviate from an ideal red by several nanometers), It may be necessary to mix small amounts of green or blue light from the light sources 3e2 and 13e3 to obtain the desired red color which is the desired mixed color illumination and general lighting distribution. The output can be determined in accordance with the formula. i 0 = I * K = O *? o It is clear that in case the variables gr and br deviate from 0, the output vector will correspond to Representing the control signal that leaves operating device 14e and also contains green and blue light components when gr and br are not equal to zero. From the above it will be apparent that the gr and br variants give additional light components that must be mixed with the red light source or LED 13el to produce a certain predefined exact red hue or coloration. In other words, the electronic component 15e, which ensures that an exact color value of the red light source 13e is produced, can take into consideration an actual value deviating from a fixed point value of the red light source 13el. The corrective device or circuit 24e of the electronic component 15e or of the component itself, by using the correction matrix K, can effect the desired correction and produce an exact mixed coloration. The matrix K described has nine constants where each typically requires one byte, that is, 8 bits. Correction matrices can be more complicated when considering color differences, maximum possible differences in light color or maximum outputs in lumens and their temperature dependencies. In this case, the output O is determined from the correction matrix K (T) dependent on the temperature and the input signal I in accordance with the formula 0 = K (T) * I, where, rr (Tr) rg (Tg) rb (Tb) K (T) = gr (Tr) gg (Tg) gb (Tb) Br (Tr) bg (Tg) bb (Tb) This matrix has nine elements that are dependent on temperature, and assumes that the dependencies of the temperature of the values are known at least approximately, or have been determined at least approximately by measurement. The temperature term is Tr, for example, the temperature of the red light source, the temperature of Tg is the temperature of the green light source, and the temperature Tb is the blue light source temperature. Generally, it is sufficient to measure a single ambient temperature, for example, the temperature of the circuit board, and thereby provide a single temperature value M. On knowing the outputs of channel O and the M value of temperature measurement, one can deduce the Actual temperatures of each light source (red, green, blue).

Finally, the corrective matrix K can include a correction factor that takes into account the dependence of the generation of light by each light source. In such a case, a corrective matrix can be provided with the dependencies of aging in the form of Where 0 = K (A) * I. The Ar, Ag and Ab values, that is, the age of the light sources, are determined by integrating the output signals dependent on the associated light sources with respect to time. There may be an intermediate storage of the individual outputs integrated with respect to time. To allow the differences in color and light current to be taken into account, and the temperature and age characteristics, finally, the corrective matrix that is used and stored in the memory can be of the form rr (TrrAr) rg (Tr , Ar) rb (Tr, Ar) K (A) = gr (Tg, Ag) gg (TgrAg) gb (TgrAg) Br (TbrAb) bg (TbrAb) bb (TbrAb) Preferably, the correction device 24e uses this last matrix corrector and multiplies the input vector I in the form of the controller signal received from the controller 12 by the matrix K (TA) to produce the output signal that is transmitted to the operating device 14e. As previously described, the matrix can be used directly in the controller 12, when, for example, the value of the K matrix is not a matrix dependent on temperature or age, and is downloaded from the memory of the lamp to the controller Alternatively, only a part of the stored correction matrix, for example the part dependent on aging or the temperature-dependent part, can be used, or the correction is made only with respect to the color value or the maximum output in lumens. Figure 8 shows in a schematic partial section and open from the side, a mode wherein the light source 13g, for example, an LED, is a surface mounted diode SMD. The SMD LED 13g is here fixed on a printed circuit board 38 in which it provides a memory 22g where a series of data acingados to the LED 13g is stored. This series of data may be one of the correction matrices that have been described, and may include characteristics of the light source 13g. The light emitted from LED 13g is symbolized by the arrows that start from there. It is apparent that the light 13g, together with the circuit panel 38 and its memory 22g form a unit that can be mounted as in the lamp. The memory 22g can be electrically connected to the LED 13g by means of conductors of the panel 38. In this case, the memory 22g, which is typically an electrical component and which preferably could contain a microprocessor, can also function as a control unit for the light source 13g. The light source 13g can be a monochromatic LED, or it can represent several LEDs with different colors. When the memory 22g is electrically connected to the light source 13b in the circuit panel, it is sufficient to connect the entire unit represented as 39 in Figure 8 with a pair of conductors in the system of Figure 1. In the case of that the memory 22g is not electrically connected to the light source 13g, separate communications, pegs or contacts are provided in the unit 39 to allow the memory 22g and separately from it, the light source 13g, to connect with the other elements in the lamp 10. In the memory 22 g, in the manner described above and as it is knocked down with respect to the modality of Figures 1 and 4, or similarly, a series of data is registered that allows a correction of the signals of control to the light source 13g. A difference from other light sources is that the light source 13g, generally a single diode, but possibly several diodes of different colors, is specifically associated with the memory 22 g, whose data series specifically includes the critical information regarding the light source. The contents of the memory 22g can be read so that the correction function can be operated by a correction device that can be provided in the lamp separated from the unit 39, or in such a way that the memory can perform the correction itself. When a reading is involved, the controller 12 can assume the corrective function. It is also possible in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 8 to provide a correction device 24g on the circuit panel 38 and as part of the unit 39, to correct the signal supplied to the light source 13g. The correction device 24g and the memory 22g can have respective microprocessors and EEPROM storage, can be a single electronic component with a microprocessor and stored EEPROM, or can respectively be a microprocessor and an EEPROM memory. The memory 22g that is assigned to the light source 13g can also be made structurally independent of the light source 13g and the component 39, and may be in the form of a data carrier, for example a CD ROM or SD card packaged and sold or supplied with the light source 13g or the component 39 in this case, where the light source 13g and the memory 22g are provided, or are supplied in a unit that prevents the memory 22g and the light source 13g from separating to each other. that the light source is incorporated into the lamp. This allows a decentralized reading of the contents of the memory when, for example, the light source 13g is placed in the lamp 10 and the memory is read to the controller 12 separately from the connection of the light source to the lamp. When the memory 22g and the light source 13g are separated from one another, it is possible to provide a component of the lamp that can read the memory 22g when the lamp is mounted in the luminaire, or the assembly is complete. Although Figure 8 shows an LED as a light source, other light sources with comparable memories 22g can be provided, for example memory can be provided in a lamp holder or carrier for another type of lamp, and in this the lamp forms a unit with some other type of operating device where the 22g memory can also be placed. The data series can be recorded in the memory 22g when the light source 13g or the unit 39 is manufactured, and the registration of the data series in the factory ensures that it will preferably be applied by the manufacturer. The invention is considered to include all the novelty features individually described herein, and in any possible combination, and each in combination with the various embodiments described.

Claims (60)

1. CLAIMS 1. A lamp comprising at least one light source controllable addressable through a signal line; and a memory containing a series of data that describes at least one characteristic of the light source. The lamp defined in claim 1, wherein the data series contains a measured value of a parameter of the light source. 3. The lamp defined in claim 2, wherein the data series includes information of the maximum measured light current of the light source. The lamp defined in claim 3, wherein the data series includes information of the exact light color or wavelength or spectrum of the light source. The lamp defined in claim 2, wherein the data series includes property information dependent on the temperature of the light source. The lamp defined in claim 5, further comprising a sensor to detect a temperature that affects the operation of the light source. The lamp defined in claim 2, wherein the data series includes information on the age-dependent characteristics of the light source. The lamp defined in claim 7, wherein the memory is connected to a device for detecting an operative duration of the light source. 9. The lamp defined in claim 2, wherein the data series is written in the memory during manufacture. The lamp defined in claim 2, further comprising a controller connected to the signal line. The lamp defined in claim 10, wherein the lamp is connected to a power supply line. The lamp defined in claim 10, wherein the controller communicates with the lamp with control signals in accordance with the DALÍ protocol. The lamp defined in claim 10, wherein the lamp is provided with an electronic control unit DALÍ addressable by the controller. The lamp defined in claim 13, wherein the electronic control unit is connected to the voltage supply line and the signal line. 15. The lamp defined in claim 14, wherein the light source is connected to the electronic control unit. 16. The lamp defined in claim 15, wherein the memory is located in the electronic control unit. 17. The lamp defined in claim 16, wherein the memory can be read by the controller. 18. The lamp defined in claim 17, wherein the data series can be transmitted on the control line. The lamp defined in claim 18, wherein the controller transmits control signals to the lamp by reconfiguring the data series from the properties of the light source. 20. The lamp defined in claim 10, wherein the controller uses the data series to correct data signals transmitted by the controller. 21. The lamp defined in claim 20, wherein the memory can be overwritten when reading the series of data. 22. The lamp defined in claim 16, wherein the memory is a lighting stage memory of a DALI electronic control device. The lamp defined in claim 15, wherein the memory is a component of a separate electronic circuit element that is connected to the electronic control device and the signal line. 24. The lamp defined in claim 23, wherein the component is located in a compartment of the lamp. 25. The lamp defined in claim 24, wherein the component is connected after the electronic control device 26. The lamp defined in claim 25, wherein the component corrects or adjusts control signals received from the controller from the series of data and transmits the control signals corrected or adjusted to the electronic control device 27. The lamp defined in claim 12, which has at least two sources of light of different colors individually addressable by the controller, to produce an illumination of mixed colors. 28. The lamp defined in claim 27, wherein the data series written in the memory includes at least one characteristic of each of the at least two light sources. 29. The lamp defined in claim 26, wherein the component is connected with a plurality of electronic control devices. 30. The lamp defined in claim 29, wherein the memory includes different series of data containing characteristics of different light sources. 31. The lamp defined in claim 30, wherein the component corrects or adjusts control signals received from the controller, from different data series and the corrected control signals are transmitted to the plurality of control devices. 32. A lamp having at least two light sources of different colors, especially at least one red light source, at least one green light source, and at least one blue light source, addressable with control signals supplied to the lamp through a signal line from a controller, where the lamp has a memory that contains a series of data with information of the exact color value of each light source, or that contains information of the maximum light current of each source of light, where a correction device is provided that corrects the control signals from the exact control values or maximum light currents, and operates each light source with corrected control signals. 33. The lamp according to claim 32, characterized in that the correction device is associated with the lamp as one of its components. 34. The lamp according to claim 33, wherein the correction device is a component of the electronic lamp control element. 35. The lamp defined in claim 32, wherein the correction device is a component of an electronic control device of at least one lamp. 36. The lamp defined in claim 32, wherein the correction device is controlled in the controller. 37. A lamp having at least two light sources of different color and especially at least one red light source, at least one green light source and at least one blue light source individually addressable by control signals where the lamp possesses a memory in which a series of data containing information of the exact color value of each light source is kept, or which contains information of the maximum light currents of each light source, where a device for producing light patterns is provided of mixed colors where a specific mixing of exact colors is effected by the controlled operation of each light source, taking into consideration the exact color values or maximum light currents. 38. The lamp defined in claim 37, wherein the lamp has a memory in which a series of mixed data can be stored with the information of the plurality of colors to be mixed. 39. The lamp according to claim 38, which is provided with a device for adjusting the exact colors to be mixed from the mixed data series. 40. A device for controlling at least one lamp that has at least two light sources of different colors, especially at least one red light source, at least one green light source and at least one blue light source, to generate a light source. illumination of mixed colors of the lamp and where the light sources can be addressed individually, where the device responds to the information of the exact color values or maximum light currents of each light source, to make a signal of the color space obtainable by the lamp. 41. The device according to claim 40, where the device contains subcolor space information that can represent a true partial quantity of the obtainable color space. 42. The device according to claim 41, wherein the device indicates a subcolor space. 43. The device according to claim 42, wherein the subcolor space is projected into the color space obtainable as a kind of template. 44. The device according to claim 43, wherein the device comprises a memory that spans a group of several subcolor spaces. 45. The device according to claim 44, wherein the device allows a selection of a subcolors space of the group. 46. A light source for a lamp, which has a memory associated with it, in which a series of data can be recorded. 47. The light source defined in claim 46, wherein the series of damage describes a characteristic of the light source. 48. The light source according to claim 47, wherein the data series contains information of the measured maximum light current of the light source. 49. The device defined in the claim 48, where the data series includes information of the exact measured light color and a wavelength, and an exact measured spectrum of the light source. 50. The light source defined in claim 49, wherein the data series includes information of a property dependent on the temperature of the light source. 51. The light source defined in claim 50, wherein the data series includes information of an aging property of the light source. 52. The light source according to claim 51, wherein the data series is inscribed in the memory as a factory parameter in manufacturing. 53. A light source according to claim 52, wherein the light source, when mounted on a lamp, is directly or indirectly addressable by a controller through a signal line. 54. The light source according to claim 53, wherein the memory can be read by a component of the lamp or by the controller. 55. The light source according to claim 54, which is formed by an LED attached to a circuit board, mounting plate or luminaire, and the memory is provided in a circuit board, mounting plate or luminaire. 56. The light source according to claim 55, wherein a corrective unit is provided, which corrects control signals received by the light source from the data series, including an exact color value of the light source or maximum light current from it, and controls the light source with the corrected control signals. 57. The light source according to claim 56, wherein after mounting the light source in or on the lamp, the data series is transmitted to another electronic component of the lamp. 58. A method for operating a lamp comprising the steps of: (a) providing at least one light source in a lamp compartment; b) at some point in the manufacture, store in a memory assigned to the lamp at least one series of data that includes information specific to the light source, where the information comprises at least one category selected from the group consisting of: i) an exact color value of the light source; ii) a maximum current of light from the light source; iii) a property dependent on the aging of the light source; iv) a property dependent on the temperature of the light source; v) the wavelength of the light source; and vi) a spectrum of the light source; c) download the data series to a controller; and d) selectively directing the light source through a control line connected to the lamp with corrected signals with reference to the data series downloaded from the memory. 59. The method defined in claim 58, wherein the memory and the controller are provided in a relation to the selected lamp of: i) the memory and the controller are both located in the lamp; ii) the memory is located in the lamp, and the controller is located in a central control system connected to the lamp by this line; and iii) the memory is a detachable data carrier of the lamp and is marketed therewith, and the controller is located in a central control system connected to the lamp by the line, or is in this lamp. 60. The method defined in claim 59, further comprising the step of measuring at least one object of the group for the light source of the lamp.