WO2014187831A2

WO2014187831A2 - A lighting device

Info

Publication number: WO2014187831A2
Application number: PCT/EP2014/060361
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gerard Francis Hamilton
Original assignee: Gerard Francis Hamilton
Priority date: 2013-05-21
Filing date: 2014-05-20
Publication date: 2014-11-27
Also published as: WO2014187831A3; IES20140069A2

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lighting device comprising: lighting means, and adjustment means operable to control the lighting means to set the luminous emittance of light from the lighting means. The lighting device further comprises sensing means operable to detect the illuminance of light at a surface, and whereby the adjustment means is operable to set the luminous emittance of light from the lighting means according to the sensed illuminance. The device intelligently adjusts the brightness levels, based on information it senses about light levels and user presence.

Description

A LIGHTING DEVICE

The present invention relates to a lighting device. Office spaces, clean rooms and desk related jobs and tasks typically require an optimal or minimum lighting level and light quality. However, in order to achieve desired levels of lighting illuminance, as well as lighting uniformity and clarity, there is a significant cost, including initial capital investment and in the form of ongoing costs, such as for energy usage and maintenance.

Issues of security also arise in work environments in terms of ensuring the confidentiality of information, including know how, intellectual property, and other trade secrets. Such issues are of particular concern in open work environments, such as in office interiors and laboratories.

It is a therefore an object of the present invention to provide a lighting device that will address energy and maintenance characteristics by providing a more efficient overall lighting solution. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a lighting device that will address security issues.

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent form the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

According to the invention, there is provided a lighting device comprising: lighting means; adjustment means to set the luminous intensity/emittance of light from the lighting means; characterised in that the lighting device further comprises sensing means operable to detect the illuminance of light at a surface in proximity to the lighting means, and the adjustment means is operable to set the luminous emittance of light from the lighting means according to the sensed illuminance at the surface. In another embodiment of the invention, the lighting means comprises a light emitting diode (LED) light source. Preferably, the LED light source comprises de-glaring means.

Alternatively, the lighting means comprises a lamp.

In another embodiment of the invention, the adjustment means is operable to set the luminous intensity/emittance of light from the lighting means such that the illuminance of light at the surface is substantially constant. In another embodiment of the invention, the lighting device further comprises authentication means operable to enable access by an authorised user(s) to functionality of the light fitting. In this way the light fitting may, for example, be activated to emit light only when an authorised user satisfies the required authentication procedures. Such authentication means may optionally comprise swipe card, pass code, or any other form of suitable access and verification means.

In another embodiment of the invention, the lighting device comprises connection means to a network, such as the internet. Preferably, the lighting device has an internet protocol (IP) address. The lighting device comprises computer processor means and network connectivity and may be controlled at or by a remote computer.

Preferably, the illuminance to be provided at the surface is optionally set via input means provided at the lighting device, and whereby the adjustment means is operable to automatically adjust the luminous intensity/emittance of light from the lighting means to provide the desired illuminance at the surface.

Alternatively, the illuminance to be provided at the surface is optionally set remotely and transmitted to processor means of the lighting device, and whereby the adjustment means is operable to automatically adjust the luminous intensity/emittance of light from the lighting means means to provide the desired illuminance at the surface.

In another embodiment of the invention, the lighting device comprises timing means operable to activate and deactivate the lighting means such that light is emitted at or for predefined time periods. Preferably, the timing means is operable with the authentication means such that the lighting means is activated to emit light following authentication of a user for a set period of time. In another embodiment of the invention, the lighting device comprises photovoltaic panel means.

Preferably, the lighting device further comprises a supporting frame, and the lighting means is connected to the supporting frame via a light enclosure which surrounds the lighting means to direct the light emitted from the lighting means.

Preferably, the lighting device is freestanding. Preferably, the supporting frame comprises a base. Preferably, the surface is provided as a surface of a conventional office desk, table or other surface upon which a task is being performed. The surface is thus any physical surface which may be illuminated by light.

Preferably, the lighting device comprises means to control levels of luminous emittance from the lighting means remotely over a network, such as the internet or a private network. Such a feature provides a company with means to centrally manage the configuration of its lights with minimal physical interaction.

Preferably, the lighting device further comprises sensing means operable to determine proximity of a user to the lighting device, and in which the adjustment means is operable to set the luminous emittance of light from the lighting means according to said proximity of the user.

In another embodiment, the lighting device is operable to automatically power off or reduce luminous emittance after a pre-determined period of time when said proximity of the user to the lighting device is determined as being greater than a pre-determined threshold proximity. In this way the lighting device may switch off or reduce output lighting when the user is determined as being too far away from the lighting device, such as when they are away from their workstation. Preferably, processor means of the lighting device is operable monitor power usage of the device lighting device.

Preferably, the lighting device comprises a solar module and rechargeable battery means operable to be trickle fed by the solar module to harvest energy from ambient light, and which is operable supply power to the lighting device for one or more hours of luminous emittance.

Preferably, the lighting device comprises data display means.

In another embodiment, the display means comprises an integrated e-paper display showing current environmental and device energy data.

Preferably, the camera is triggered to record when said proximity of the user to the lighting device is determined as being greater than a pre-determined threshold proximity from the lighting device. The camera is thus triggered to record when a user is not present at their workstation to provide security at unoccupied workstations to protect confidential work place items. Preferably, the lighting device is configured with personal preference lighting settings for authorised users.

Preferably, the lighting device comprises means for gathering and storing data relating to power consumption of the lighting device, power harvested by photovoltaic means and other environmental data, and in which said stored data is made available for access via a network.

Preferably, the lighting device comprises environmental sensors operable to sense air temperature, humidity levels, and carbon monoxide/dioxide of the ambient air in the vicinity of the lighting device.

Preferably, the lighting device comprises induction recharge functionality and/or or more USB ports for enabling devices to be recharged. Preferably, the lighting device comprises audio input output means in the form of a speaker and/or a microphone. Detailed Description of the Invention

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a front view of a lighting device according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a side view of the device shown in Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3 is a top view of a base of the device shown in Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 4 is a view of a lighting means of the device shown in Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 5 is a side perspective view of a lighting device according to the invention;

Fig. 6 is a side view of the device shown in Fig. 5; Fig. 7 is a side perspective detailed view of a portion of the device shown in Fig. 5, and

Fig. 8 is a block schematic of a lighting device and system according to the invention.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown a lighting device, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 , comprising lighting means 2, which in the instance shown comprises a light emitting diode (LED) light source 3 having de-glaring lighting optical technology to optimise the energy efficiency. For example, the lighting device 1 may provide up to, or above 750 luminous flux per unit area (lux). Any desired increase in the illuminance or luminous emittance from the device 1 may be achieved by altering the propagation of the LED structures of the LED source 3.

The lighting device 1 further comprises a supporting frame 10, and the lighting means 2 is connected to the supporting frame 10 via a light enclosure 12 which surrounds the lighting means 2. The lighting device 1 is optionally freestanding and the supporting frame 10 comprises a base 18. The frame 10 may be telescopic and adjustable in terms of mounting height in order to suit different uses as required or as desired. The lighting device 1 also comprises computer processor means 6 and network connectivity 15 and may be controlled at or by a remote computer 20. Control of light levels remotely over the internet or a private network provides a company with means to centrally manage the configuration of its lights with minimal physical interaction. The lighting device 1 further comprises sensing means 4 operable to detect illuminance of light at a surface, such as the illuminance from ambient lighting and/or natural lighting at the surface of a conventional office desk, table or other surface upon which a task is being performed. The surface is thus any physical surface which may be illuminated with light, which including light derived from general lighting sources 30 such as light from ceiling light fittings or natural light within a room, as well as light from the lighting means 2 from the lighting device 1 of the present invention. The sensing means 4 detects the total illuminance of light at a surface on which or adjacent to which the lighting device 1 is positioned. The sensing means 4 may be provided within, external to or separate from and to the lighting device 1 . As shown, the sensing means 4 is provided as a sensor mounted to the supporting frame 10 of the lighting device, which is coupled to the processor means 6, although this position of the sensor on the frame 10 of the lighting device 1 should not be seen as limiting.

The lighting device 1 further comprises adjustment means 5 operable to set the luminous intensity or emittance of light from the lighting means 2, and is further operable to adjust the luminous intensity/emittance of light from the lighting means 2 according to the sensed illuminance such that the illuminance of light at the surface may be set to a desired level. The lighting device 1 of the present invention thus works with the general lighting 30 in a building to provide a desired level of surface illuminance. In this way the general lighting 30 within a building structure may be supplemented by light emitted from the lighting means 2 to provide an optimal total illuminance of light at a surface of a workstation.

The illuminance to be directed to the surface of a workstation by the lighting device 1 is optionally set via input or user interface means 9, whereby the adjustment means 5 is operable to automatically adjust the luminous intensity/emittance of light from the lighting means 2 to provide the desired luminous intensity/emittance of light. The illuminance to be provided to the surface by the lighting device 1 may also or alternatively be set remotely and transmitted to processor means 6 of the lighting device such that the adjustment means 5 is operable to automatically adjust the luminous intensity/emittance of light from the lighting means 2 to provide the desired illuminance at the surface. The light fitting 1 will thus allow the owner or occupier of an area or desk/cubicle to tailor the lighting level specific to their requirements. Once a touch and dim is set, this illuminance will always be achieved as it is non-volatile and cannot be changed unless the workstation occupier chooses to do so. For example, if a desired illuminance at the surface of a workstation is 750 lux, and the lighting provided by general building lighting 30 is determined by the sensing means 4 to be 300 lux, then the adjustment means 5 is operable to compensate for the shortfall by setting the luminous intensity or emittance of light from the lighting means 2 to 450 lux to be directed at the workstation surface. A desired or target illuminance at the surface of a workstation may be programmed by the processor means 6 of the lighting device 1 which communicates with the sensing means 4 and the adjustment means 5 to ensure that a desired illuminance at the workstation is constantly maintained.

The lighting device 1 may be placed on a desk or surface, or suspended within a user workstation to allow the overall lighting energy footprint of a building to be reduced significantly. In this way, general lighting 30 within a building structure may be reduced in terms of its wattage to approximately 300 lux, being an adequate general illuminance level for movement of personnel through a working task area. Thus, while 300 lux is not sufficient for computer or close task discrimination, the deficiency is made up by the lighting device 1 which will map and mimic the lighting required on the task to maintain a constant set or desired total illuminance of light at a surface of a workstation. In typical luminaire symmetry, it is anticipated that conventional lighting systems using T8 technology in a four tube arrangement can be reduced to a one tube arrangement at ceiling mounted height, set to achieve percentage savings in the order of 75%. This can only be achieved through the utilisation of the present invention. This provides energy saving initiatives greater than conventionally achievable and of potentially 95% over standard line T8 lighting technology. The wattage of the light source 3 of the lighting device 1 may vary depending on the geometry of the fitting, but it is assumed to be in the order of 8 to 10 watts prior to dimming and scene setting. The present invention may utilise LED lighting means with proprietary integrated de- glaring optics to provide a comfortable and uniform intensity which helps to eliminate eye strain, discomfort and poor visual acuity. The device 1 intelligently adjusts the brightness levels, based on information it senses about light levels and user presence. Its behaviour may be personalised using applications executing on smart phones, tablets or other computing devices, thus providing added comfort and energy savings.

The processor means 6 of the lighting device 1 is operable monitor power consumption and usage of the device 1 on per day/week basis and obtain real time and historical energy metrics. In the event of a power failure, the lighting device 1 is able to provide one or more hours of luminance in a standby mode for the purpose of safety and security. This is provided by a compact rechargeable battery that is trickle fed by a solar module, which harvests energy from ambient light. The device further comprises data display means 22. Such a display means 22 has an integrated e-paper display showing current environmental and device energy data. The data logged by the light can also be available to any computing device.

The lighting device 1 further comprises authentication means 13 operable to enable access by an authorised user(s) to functionality of the device 1. In this way the light fitting may, for example, be activated to emit light only when an authorised user satisfies the required authentication procedures. The lighting device 1 may be operated through the individual IP address of the device 1 , or a personal identifier of the owner of the cubicle or desk. Security in terms of illuminance activation is enabled through verification of the IP address of the device 1 via the network connection.

The lighting device 1 comprises timing means 7 operable to activate and deactivate the lighting means 2 such that light is emitted at or for predefined time periods. The processor means 6 further implements the timing means 7 so that it is operable with the authentication means 13 such that the lighting means 2 is activated to emit light only following authentication of a user and for a set period of time. Such a time out facility may be pre-set and not overridden without an authorisation, such as from a central controller 20 or the facility management of the building. The sensing means 4 may also optionally determine whether a user of the lighting device 1 is at his or her workstation. This provides additional energy saving initiatives by ensuring the lighting device 1 will always be switched off when not required. If the device 1 is in an off state, it will not artificially trigger through other interference or occupancy by unauthorised users. This provides an assurance that no-one can use the desk with the lighting device 1 switched on unless they have a particular authorisation from management. After a time out period elapses, the lighting device 1 may fade to its next state which can be set to a predetermined setback level, after which the device 1 will switch to an off or a standby state in which the light is no longer emitted by the lighting means 2. This may be overridden by security or facility management if approved. The lighting device 1 may automatically power off after a period of time when it is sensed that the user is no longer at their workstation.

After the device 1 has switched off it may interrogate any electronic devices connected to a network, such as a LAN, to which the device is connected and can be automatically logged off the system remotely so as to ensure security. The device 1 may also be switched off by security or facility management, such as if a user ID is no longer recognised, or if required for human resources or other security reasons.

The lighting device 1 also comprises storage means 14 to store all log in and log off activity for later retrieval if so desired.

The lighting device 1 may be fitted with a viewing device, such as a camera 16, to track and monitor activity within the task area when the device 1 is in an on or an off state or when the owner or authorised occupant of the workstation area is not in residence. Such data captured may be transmitted to a remote computer 20, at which activity within the area may be monitored and reviewed. This information will also be stored in storage means 14 of the device 1 and can be reproduced and collated into reports for viewing if necessary. The camera 16 thus provides a surveillance system that is triggered to record when the user logs off or is away from the workstation. High level data encryption may optionally be used to prevent hacking. The camera may optionally be triggered when a user is not present at their workstation to provide security at unoccupied workstations to protect confidential work place items. The lighting device 1 comprises motion sensors, RFID security and in built cameras to provide security at the location of the device 1 and provide photographic evidence of unauthorized persons in proximity of the device 1. The lighting device may be configured with personal preference lighting settings for persons authorised to use the light at that location. The lighting device 1 comprises photovoltaic panel means 8 the purpose of harnessing lighting in the area. The purpose of this is to provide greater energy efficiencies over and above the nominal electrical draw of the lighting device 1. Furthermore, it will also provide charging while the device 1 is in an off state through the integration of a high performance battery system, which in the event of a power failure, can be used as an emergency lighting back up. It can furthermore provide energy for use in the on state, thereby reducing the energy requirement significantly, such that the device 1 may be carbon neutral. The energy data of the device 1 is gathered including data relating to the power the light is consuming as well as data relating to how much power is being harvesting from ambient light through the photovoltaic panel means 8. Logged data, including environmental and energy data gathered, may be made available for use through applications on the internet or on a company's private network.

The lighting device 1 further comprises environmental sensors 23 operable to sense air temperature, humidity levels, and carbon monoxide/dioxide of the ambient air to gather data about the air temperature, lighting levels, air quality (by measuring carbon dioxide levels) and humidity in the vicinity of the lighting device 1 . Sensors measure the surrounding temperature, humidity, light and air quality levels. This data is measured and viewed on the digital display 22 on the device 1 and on remote wireless devices such as a smart phone or tablet. Measuring human comfort level with state-of-the art temperature, humidity, air quality, luminance and motion sensors provides the benefit of ensuring that comfort levels may be measured at the workstation, leading to more relevant and accurate information for building automation.

The lighting device 1 further comprises induction recharge functionality 24 for devices, which is optionally incorporated into the base 18. One or more USB ports 25 are also provided for enabling devices to be recharged. The integrated USB 25 ports to enable the user to charge various USB-chargeable devices by plugging them into the lamp base 18.

The lighting device 1 further comprises audio input output means in the form of speakers and microphone 21. The present invention provides an intelligent energy efficient lighting solution that can provide increased security and safety to the owner. The device will optimise the latest in lighting technology achieving the greatest energy efficient lighting design possible in the workplace, while achieving optimum de-glaring lighting quality on the task and to the user.

By extending building monitoring and services to as close a point as possible to where they are consumed - at the workstation - the present invention provides an improvement in building energy consumption and user comfort, security and convenience. Currently significant high lighting levels are required within a building structure (typically 750 lux) in order to provide a constant level for people to perform computer or close task discrimination activity. The present invention provides this high lux levels at the desk workstation. Therefore, a much reduced lux (300 lux instead of 750 lux) can be provided by the building lighting which is adequate for movement of personnel through a working task area.

A specification for an exemplary lighting device according to the invention is provided below:

COMPONENT FEATURES

LED light PCB 4000K; 50 LEDs; 10 parallel; 5 in series;

15.5V; 7.5W; Wago Connector 2060-402

Driver Voltage: 220-240V

Lamp wattage: 20W

Eco Controller Voltage: 220-240V

Sensor Light and presence sensor

90° view

Camera VGA/QVGA/160^*120 resolution

Support capture JPEG from serial port Default baud rate of serial port is 38400 DC 3.3V or 5V power supply Current consumption: 80-100mA Near C03 pin is AV output, analog output pin.

Speaker Rated Power: 1W

Max power: 1 .5W

Mean sound pressure level

Photovoltaic Sanyo AM1816 module (2)

FL 200lux: 3V and 84mA

Multisensor C02 Power Input: 3.25 to 5.5V

(C02, Temp, Humidity) Peak Current 33mA^*., Average Current <1 .5mA^*, C02 Power consumption: 3.5mW^*.

^*Power measurements for standard C02 sensor with 2 readings per second. Temperature and humidity measurements increase the power consumption.

Measurement range: 0-2000ppm, 0-5000ppm, 0-1 %

Temp and Humidity

Temperature: Bandgap; Humidity: Capacitive Measurement range: -25°C -55°C;

0-95% RH

Resolution: 0.08°C; 0.08% RH Accuracy: +/- 1 °C (0°C-55°C); +/- 3% RH (20°C-55°C)

E paper display Module supply voltage: 3.3V

The display is supplied with 3.0V via on- board Ultra low power consumption - due to its bi-stable nature, the EPD panel requires very little power to update the display and needs no power to maintain an image, Very wide viewing angle - near 180°. No backlight - display is daylight visible. PCB Board specification: Electrical Summary, Input Voltage (recommended): 5V, Input Voltage (limits): 5V, Digital I/O Pins:14 (of which 6 provide PWM output), Analog Input Pins 6, Total DC Output Current on all I/O lines:80 mA, DC Current for 3.3V Pin: 800 mA, DC Current for 5V Pin: 800 mA.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciate that additions and/or modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1 . A lighting device comprising: lighting means, and adjustment means operable to control the lighting means to set the luminous emittance of light from the lighting means; characterised in that the lighting device further comprises sensing means operable to detect the illuminance of light at a surface in proximity to the lighting means, and the adjustment means is operable to set the luminous emittance of light from the lighting means according to the sensed illuminance at the surface.

2. A lighting device as claimed in Claim 1 , in which the adjustment means is operable to set the luminous emittance of light from the lighting means according to the sensed illuminance such that the illuminance of light at the surface is set to a specific level.

3. A lighting device as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which the adjustment means is operable to set the luminous emittance of light from the lighting means according to the sensed illuminance such that the illuminance of light at the surface is substantially constant.

4. A lighting device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the illuminance to be provided at the surface is set via input means provided at the lighting device, and whereby the adjustment means is operable to automatically set the luminous emittance of light from the lighting means to provide the set illuminance at the surface.

5. A lighting device as claimed in in any one of the preceding claims, in which the illuminance to be provided at the surface is set remotely and transmitted to the lighting device, and whereby the adjustment means is operable to automatically adjust the luminous emittance of light from the lighting means means to provide the desired illuminance at the surface.

6. A lighting device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the lighting device comprises timing means which is operable to activate and deactivate the lighting means.

7. A lighting device as claimed in Claim 6, in which the timing means is operable in combination with the adjustment means to control the lighting means such that light is emitted at a specific luminous emittance for predefined time periods.

8. A lighting device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the lighting device further comprises sensing means operable to determine proximity of a user to the lighting device, and in which the adjustment means is operable to set the luminous emittance of light from the lighting means according to said proximity of the user.

9. A lighting device as claimed in Claim 8, in which the adjustment means is operable to automatically power off or reduce luminous emittance after a pre-determined period of time when said proximity of the user to the lighting device is determined as being greater than a pre-determined threshold proximity.

10. A lighting device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising authentication means operable to enable access by an authorised user(s) to functionality of the lighting device.

1 1 . A lighting device as claimed in Claim 10, in which the authentication means comprises one or more of swipe card, pass code, or any other form of suitable access and verification means.

12. A lighting device as claimed in Claim 10 or Claim 1 1 , in which timing means is operable with the authentication means such that the lighting means is activated following authentication of a user for a set period of time.

13. A lighting device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the lighting device comprises photovoltaic panel means.

14. A lighting device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a solar module and rechargeable battery means operable to be trickle fed by the solar module to harvest energy from ambient light, and which is operable supply power to the lighting device for one or more hours of luminous emittance.

15. A lighting device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising display means.

16. A lighting device as claimed in Clam 15, in which the display means comprises an integrated e-paper display showing current environmental and device energy data.

17. A lighting device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a camera means.

18. A lighting device as claimed in Claim 17, in which the camera means is activated to record when proximity of the user to the lighting device is determined by sensing means of the lighting device as being greater than a pre-determined threshold proximity from the lighting device.

19. A lighting device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising means for configuring the lighting device with personal preference lighting settings for authorised users.

20. A lighting device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising means for gathering and storing data relating to power consumption of the lighting device, power harvested by photovoltaic means and other environmental data, and in which said stored data is made available for access via a network.

21 . A lighting device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising environmental sensors operable to sense air temperature, humidity levels, and carbon monoxide/dioxide of the ambient air in the vicinity of the lighting device.

22. A lighting device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising induction recharge functionality and/or or more USB ports for enabling devices to be recharged.

23. A lighting device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising audio input output means comprising a speaker and/or a microphone.

24. A lighting device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the lighting means comprises a light emitting diode (LED) light source.

25. A lighting device as claimed in Claim 24, in which the LED light source comprises de-glaring means.

26. A lighting device as claimed any one of the preceding claims, in which the lighting means comprises a lamp.

27. A lighting device as claimed any one of the preceding claims, in which the lighting device further comprises a supporting frame, and the lighting means is connected to the supporting frame via a light enclosure which surrounds the lighting means to direct the light emitted from the lighting means.

28. A lighting device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the surface is provided as a surface of a conventional office desk, table or other surface upon which a task is being performed.

29. A lighting device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising connection means to a network, such as the internet.

30. A lighting device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more processors and a memory comprising program instructions executable by the one or more processors.

31 . A lighting device substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.