WO2016112815A1

WO2016112815A1 - Method for brightness level adjustment, led lighting device, and lighting system

Info

Publication number: WO2016112815A1
Application number: PCT/CN2016/070260
Authority: WO
Inventors: Xingming DENG; Ge Zhu; Jianbing Zheng; Lirong Zhang; Jinxiang Shen
Original assignee: Sengled Optoelectronics Co., Ltd
Priority date: 2015-01-13
Filing date: 2016-01-06
Publication date: 2016-07-21
Also published as: CN104619082B; CN104619082A

Abstract

A method for brightness level adjustment of an LED (light emitting diode) lighting system with a plurality of LED lighting devices (1) includes each LED lighting device (1) receiving brightness level adjustment information (5001), wherein the brightness level adjustment information (5001) includes a group-control brightness level adjustment value (5002) for adjustment brightness level of the lighting system and an individual-control brightness level adjustment value (5003, 5004, 5005) for adjusting brightness level of the LED lighting device (1). The method further includes the LED lighting device (1) performing calculation to obtain brightness level value of the LED lighting device (1) based on the group-control brightness level adjustment value (5002) and the individual-control brightness level adjustment value (5003, 5004, 5005). The brightness level value is configured to indicate a desired brightness level of the LED lighting device (1). The method also includes the LED lighting device (1) adjusting brightness corresponding to the brightness level value.

Description

METHOD FOR BRIGHTNESS LEVEL ADJUSTMENT, LED LIGHTING DEVICE, AND LIGHTING SYSTEM

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority of Chinese Patent Application No. 201510016458.0 filed on January 13, 2015, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to the field of light emitting diode (LED) technologies and, more particularly, relates to a method for brightness level adjustment, an LED lighting device, and a related lighting system.

BACKGROUND

As a high-efficiency lighting method, LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting has been widely used in various applications. In an LED lighting device, after the desired brightness level of the LED lighting device is determined, the brightness level of the LED lighting device may often be adjusted by controlling the intensity of the LED current (i.e., the power supply current flowing through the LED) .

When a lighting system includes more than one LED lighting devices, if the user needs to adjust/vary the brightness level of the entire lighting system (i.e., the more than one LED lighting devices) , the user often needs to individually set and adjust the LED current of each LED lighting device based on the desired brightness level of each LED lighting device. Thus, the brightness level of each LED lighting device can be adjusted. However, the adjustments among the LED lighting devices may need to be coordinated, and the user experience may be adversely affected.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosed systems and methods are directed to solve one or more problems set forth above and other problems.

One aspect or embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for brightness level adjustment of an LED (light emitting diode) lighting system with a plurality of LED lighting devices. The method includes each LED lighting device receiving brightness level adjustment information, wherein the brightness level adjustment information includes a group-control brightness level adjustment value for adjustment brightness level of the lighting system and an individual-control brightness level adjustment value for adjusting brightness level of the LED lighting device. The method also includes the LED lighting device performing calculation to obtain brightness level value of the LED lighting device based on the group-control brightness level adjustment value and the individual-control brightness level adjustment value. The brightness level value indicates a desired brightness level of the LED lighting device. The method further includes the LED lighting device adjusting brightness corresponding to the brightness level value.

Another aspect or embodiment of the present disclosure provides an LED lighting device in a lighting system. The LED lighting device includes an RF module to receive brightness level adjustment information. The brightness level adjustment information includes a group-control brightness level adjustment value for controlling brightness level of the lighting system and an individual-control brightness level adjustment value for controlling brightness level of the LED lighting device. The LED lighting device also includes a control unit to perform calculation for obtaining brightness level value based on the group-control brightness level adjustment value and the individual-control brightness level adjustment value, wherein the brightness level value indicates a desired brightness level of the LED lighting device. The LED lighting device further includes a lighting circuit to adjust brightness level of the LED lighting device according to the brightness level value.

Another aspect or embodiment of the present disclosure provides a lighting system. The lighting system includes a plurality of LED lighting devices and a smart control terminal connected to the LED lighting devices for generating brightness level adjustment information based on a group-control brightness level adjustment value and individual-control brightness level adjustment values and sending the brightness level adjustment information to the LED lighting devices. Each LED lighting device includes an RF module to receive brightness level adjustment information, wherein the brightness level adjustment information includes a group-control brightness level adjustment value for controlling brightness level of the lighting system and an individual-control brightness level adjustment value for controlling brightness level of the LED lighting device, and a control unit to perform calculation for obtaining brightness level value based on the group-control brightness level adjustment value and the individual-control brightness level adjustment value, wherein the brightness level value indicates a desired brightness level of the LED lighting device. The lighting system also includes a lighting circuit to adjust brightness level of the LED lighting device according to the brightness level value.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings are merely examples for illustrative purposes according to various disclosed embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary LED lighting device consistent with the disclosed embodiments；

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of another exemplary LED lighting device consistent with the disclosed embodiments；

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary LED lighting system consistent with the disclosed embodiments；

FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of another exemplary LED lighting system consistent with the disclosed embodiments；

FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary process of brightness level adjustment consistent with the disclosed embodiments；

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary process of brightness level adjustment consistent with the disclosed embodiments； and

FIG. 7 illustrates another exemplary process of brightness level adjustment consistent with the disclosed embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the invention, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, embodiments consistent with the disclosure will be described with reference to drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. It is apparent that the described embodiments are some but not all of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the disclosed embodiment, persons of ordinary skill in the art may derive other embodiments consistent with the present disclosure, all of which are within the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates the structure of an exemplary LED lighting device. The LED lighting device can be placed in a lighting system. As shown in FIG. 1, the LED lighting device may include an RF (radio frequency) module 11, a control unit 12, and a lighting circuit 13. The arrows in FIG. 1 indicate the directions that data/information are transmitted. In the present disclosure, the arrows in FIGS. 1 to 5 indicate the directions that data/information are transmitted.

The RF module 11 may be used to receive brightness level adjustment information. The brightness level adjustment information may include a group-control brightness level adjustment value and one or more individual-control brightness level adjustment values. The group-control brightness level adjustment value can be used to adjust the brightness level of the lighting system, and an individual-control brightness level adjustment value may be used to adjust the brightness level of the corresponding LED lighting device. That is, in the lighting system, the group-control brightness level adjustment value may be applied to the brightness levels of all the LED lighting devices in the lighting system. Each LED lighting device may receive the same group-control brightness level adjustment value contained in brightness level adjustment information. An individual-control adjustment value may be only applied to the corresponding LED lighting device. Each LED lighting device may receive a different or same individual-control brightness level adjustment value contained in the brightness level adjustment information according to certain applications.

The RF module 11 may include a circuit, containing a communication chip for receiving brightness level adjustment information from a smart control terminal. Certain applications or programs for generating the brightness level adjustment information based on the group-control brightness level adjustment value and the individual-control brightness level adjustment values defined by the user may be installed in the smart control terminal. The smart control terminal may include at least one smart device. The smart device may be a smart phone, a laptop, a desktop, a PDA (personal digital assistant) , a smart wearable device, or any suitable smart devices.

Alternatively, the RF module 11 may be used to receive the brightness level adjustment information from the smart control terminal through a wireless network-forming device. The wireless network-forming device may include a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) router, a ZigBee protocol gateway, an RF routing coordinator, and other networking devices.

The control unit 12 may be connected to the RF module 11. Based on the group-control brightness level adjustment value, the control unit 12 may perform calculations to determine the brightness level value.

The control unit 12 may include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) in the LED lighting device or any suitable chip with processing functions. The brightness level value may indicate the desired brightness level of the LED lighting device (i.e., the desired brightness level of illumination provided by the LED lighting device) .

Specifically, if the group-control brightness level adjustment value equals to a ratio of the desired brightness level of the lighting system to the maximum brightness level of the lighting system, the control unit 12 may be used to multiply the group-control brightness level adjustment value by the obtained individual-control brightness level adjustment value to determine the brightness level value of the corresponding LED lighting device. The individual-control brightness level adjustment value may be the ratio of the current brightness level of the LED lighting device to the maximum brightness level of the LED lighting device.

In one embodiment, the individual-control brightness level adjustment value may be determined based on the previously received brightness level adjustment information. This is because the brightness level adjustment information may contain both the group-control adjustment information and the individual brightness level adjustment value.

The lighting circuit 13 may be connected to the control unit 12 to adjust the brightness level of the LED lighting device brightness level corresponding to the brightness level value.

The lighting circuit 13 may be used to obtain the value of the LED current (i.e., the power supply current of the LED in the LED lighting device) of the LED lighting device based on the brightness level value calculated or determined by the control unit 12 (i.e., the desired brightness level of the LED lighting device) . Further, the LED current can be used to provide power to the LED such that the brightness level of the LED lighting device can be adjusted corresponding to the brightness level value. The process described above can be realized though a dimming process with a silicon-controlled rectifier.

For example, if the group-control brightness level adjustment equals to the ratio of the desired brightness level of the lighting system to the maximum brightness level of the lighting system, and if the individual-control brightness level adjustment equals to the ratio of the current brightness level of the LED lighting device to the maximum brightness level of the LED lighting device, the brightness level value calculated may be between 0 and 1. The lighting circuit 13 may multiply the maximum power supply current value of the LED lighting device by the obtained brightness level value. The product may be used as the LED current value to provide electricity/power to the LED.

In one embodiment, after the LED lighting device in the lighting system receives the brightness level adjustment information, the LED lighting device may determine the brightness level value based on the group-control brightness level adjustment value. The LED lighting device may adjust the brightness level to the brightness level corresponding to the brightness level value. As the group-control brightness level adjustment value indicates the desired brightness level of the lighting system (i.e., the brightness required to be displayed by the lighting system) and each LED lighting devices in the lighting system may determine the corresponding desired brightness level value based on the group-control brightness level adjustment value, each LED lighting device may adjust the corresponding brightness level based on the desired brightness level value. The embodiments described above may reduce certain inconvenience in conventional LED technologies. For example, the user would not need to individually determine the desired brightness level of each LED lighting device when adjusting the brightness levels of the LED lighting devices in the lighting system. Further, because the brightness level adjustment information includes the individual-control brightness level adjustment value and group-control brightness level adjustment value, the brightness level adjustment among LED lighting devices can be improved to meet the operating preferences of users. Thus, embodiments consistent with the present disclosure can be more convenient to use and provide users with more options. User experience can be improved.

FIG. 2 illustrates the structure of another exemplary LED lighting device. As shown in FIG. 2, based on the structure shown in FIG. 1, the LED lighting device may further include a storage module 14.

In one embodiment, the storage module 14 may be connected to the control unit 12 to store the group-control brightness level adjustment value and the individual-control brightness level adjustment value.

The storage module 14 may include any suitable media capable of storing data such as ROM (read-only-memory) , RAM (random-access-memory) , a memory disk, and/or a CD (compact disc) . The storage module 14 may be connected to the control unit 12 for storing the brightness level value, the group-control brightness level adjustment value, and the individual-control brightness level adjustment value. By storing the group-control brightness level adjustment value and the individual-control brightness level adjustment value in the storage module 14 of the LED lighting device, a user can always retrieve the group-control brightness level adjustment value and the individual-control brightness level adjustment value from the smart control terminal when changing smart control terminals (e.g., from a smart phone to a tablet) or changing applications or updating programs on the smart control terminal. In some embodiments, the group-control brightness level adjustment value and the individual-control brightness level adjustment value can be displayed on a real-time basis on the smart control terminal and the group-control brightness level adjustment value and the individual-control brightness level adjustment value displayed on each smart control terminal may be consistent.

In some embodiments, the brightness level value, the group-control brightness level adjustment value, and the individual-control brightness level adjustment value can be expressed as percentages.

The control unit 12 may be connected to the storage module 14. After the lighting of the LED lighting device is turned off, when the control unit 12 receives a "light on" command (i.e., a command for turning on the lighting of the LED in the LED lighting device) , the control unit 12 may compare the brightness level value with a preset threshold brightness level value. If the brightness level value is less than the threshold brightness level value, the control unit 12 may command the lighting circuit 13 to turn on the LED with brightness corresponding to a preset target brightness level value. If the brightness level value is greater than or equal to the threshold brightness level value, the control circuit 12 may command the lighting circuit 13 to turn on the LED with brightness corresponding to the brightness level value. The embodiment described above may ensure sufficient lighting brightness level can be provided by only switching on the LED lighting device once. The brightness level adjustment can be achieved through controlling the LED current in the LED lighting device as described above. For example, the control unit 12 may determine the value of the LED current based on the target brightness level value and/or the brightness level value of the LED lighting device. The brightness level of the LED can be adjusted accordingly.

In some embodiments, the individual-control brightness level adjustment value of an LED lighting may be obtained by the LED lighting device through a self-check process to determine the current brightness level and further stored in the storage module 14. In some embodiments, the individual-control brightness level adjustment value of an LED lighting device may be determined based on the brightness level adjustment information. In some embodiments, the individual-control brightness level adjustment value may also be preset by the user and stored in the storage module 14.

In one embodiment, after the LED lighting device in the lighting system receives the brightness level adjustment information, the LED lighting device may obtain the brightness level value based on the group-control brightness level adjustment value. The LED lighting device may adjust the brightness level to the brightness level corresponding to the brightness level value. Since the group-control brightness level adjustment value indicates the desired brightness level of the lighting system (i.e., the brightness level of illumination required by the lighting system) and each LED lighting devices in the lighting system may determine the corresponding desired brightness level value based on the group-control brightness level adjustment value, each LED lighting device may adjust the corresponding brightness level based on the desired brightness level value. This may reduce certain inconvenience in conventional LED technologies. For example, a user would not need to individually determine the desired brightness level of each LED lighting device when adjusting the brightness level of the LED lighting devices in the lighting system. Further, since the brightness level adjustment information includes the individual-control brightness level adjustment value and group-control brightness level adjustment value, the brightness level adjustment among LED lighting devices can be improved to meet operating preferences of users. Thus, embodiments consistent with the present disclosure can be more convenient to use and provide users with more options. User experience can be improved.

FIG. 3 illustrates the structure of an exemplary lighting system provided by the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3, the lighting system may include LED lighting devices 1 and a smart control terminal 2.

A plurality of LED lighting devices 1 can be included in the lighting system. The structure of the LED lighting devices in some embodiments are described in relation to FIGS. 1 and 2.

The smart control terminal 2 may be connected to each LED lighting device 1 through wireless connections. The smart control terminal 2 may generate brightness level adjustment information based on the group-control brightness level adjustment value and the individual-control brightness level adjustment values set by the user, and send the brightness level adjustment information to the LED lighting devices 1.

In some embodiments, the smart control terminal may be connected to the LED lighting devices through suitable cables. In some embodiments, the LED lighting devices 1 may be connected to the smart control terminal 2 directly.

In some embodiments, the LED lighting devices 1 may be connected to the smart control terminal 2 through a wireless network-forming device 3. FIG. 4 illustrates structure of another exemplary lighting system provided by the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4, the lighting system may include LED lighting devices 1, a smart control terminal 2, and a wireless network-forming device 3.

The wireless network-forming device 3 may send the brightness level adjustment information, generated/sent by the smart control terminal 2, to the LED lighting devices 1.

The wireless network-forming device 3 may be a Wi-Fi router, a ZigBee gateway, or an RF routing coordinator.

Specifically, an RF module may be installed on a plurality of LED lighting devices 1. The RF module may be a Wi-Fi module, a Bluetooth module, a ZigBee module, and/or other suitable wireless modules. A functional RF module may be contained in the smart control terminal 2 such that the smart control terminal 2 may be connected to the wireless network-forming device 3. Certain applications (APP) or programs for controlling the LED lighting devices may be installed in the smart control terminal 2. A user can set group-control brightness level adjustment value and individual-control brightness level adjustment values through the APPs or programs to generate brightness level adjustment information based on the group-control brightness level adjustment value and individual-control brightness level adjustment values. Thus, user can adjust the brightness level of the LED lighting devices 1.

Optionally, the smart control terminal 2 may be a smart phone, a laptop/desktop, an iPad, a smart watch, and other suitable smart devices. The LED lighting devices 1 and the smart control terminal 2 may be connected to the wireless network-forming device 3 such that the LED lighting devices 1 and the smart control terminal 2 may be in the same lighting system.

The smart control terminal 2 may send the brightness level adjustment information to the LED lighting devices 1 through the wireless network-forming device 3. The brightness level adjustment information may include a group-control adjustment value and individual-control adjustment values. The group-control adjustment value can be used to coordinate the brightness levels of all the LED lighting devices 1 in the lighting system, and each individual-control adjustment value can be used to individually adjust the brightness level of a corresponding LED lighting device 1 in the lighting system. The LED lighting device 1 may adjust the brightness level according to the received brightness level adjustment information. The brightness level value of each LED lighting device 1 may be a product of the group-control brightness level adjustment value and the corresponding individual-control brightness level adjustment value. The brightness level value, the group-control brightness level adjustment value, and the individual-control brightness level adjustment values may be percentages. That is, an individual-control brightness level adjustment value may be equal to the ratio of the current brightness level of the LED lighting device 1 to the maximum brightness level of the LED lighting device 1. The group-control brightness level adjustment value may equal to the ratio of the desired brightness level of the lighting system to the maximum brightness level of the lighting system.

Optionally, the LED lighting device 1 may include a storage module for storing the received group-control brightness level adjustment value and the individual-control brightness level adjustment value. Meanwhile, the storage module may be used to store the brightness level value of the corresponding LED lighting device 1. A threshold brightness level value and/or a target brightness level value may be set in the LED lighting device 1. If the brightness level value of the LED lighting device is less than the threshold brightness level value when it is switched off, the brightness level value of the LED lighting device may be the target brightness level value when it is turned on again. The process to adjust the brightness level value can be implemented by controlling the LED current by the lighting circuit connected to the control unit, which is further connected to the storage module. Further, the brightness level of the LED lighting device can be adjusted through varying the LED current by the control unit and lighting circuit when the brightness level value or the target brightness level value is determined. The above process are described in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 and is not repeated herein.

The lighting system provided by the present disclosure may realize a method for brightness level adjustment as follows. The smart control terminal 2 may send brightness level adjustment information to the to-be-adjusted LED lighting devices 1, where the brightness level adjustment information may include a group-control brightness level adjustment value and one or more of individual-control brightness level adjustment values. The group-control brightness level adjustment value may be used to adjust the brightness level of all the LED lighting devices 1 in the lighting system, and an individual-control brightness level adjustment value may be used to adjust the brightness level of the corresponding LED lighting device 1. The brightness level value of each LED lighting device 1 may be a product of the group-control brightness level adjustment value and the corresponding individual-control brightness level adjustment value, and each LED lighting device 1 may adjust the brightness according to the brightness level value. Preferably, the brightness level adjustment information may be sent by the smart control terminal 2 (i.e., in the same lighting system with a plurality of the LED lighting devices 1) such as a smart phone. The smart control terminal 2 and the plurality of the LED lighting devices 1 may form a network through a wireless network-forming device 3, such as a wireless router.

It should be noted that, a remote signal, e.g., data sent from internet, could also be used to generate the brightness level adjustment information. For example, the remote signal can be sent from the internet and received by the wireless network-forming device 3 (e.g., a wireless router) . Further, the wireless network-forming device 3 may provide the brightness level adjustment information to the LED lighting devices 1.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of brightness level adjustment provided by the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5, the LED lighting device may be LED lights, the wireless network-forming device may be a wireless router, and the smart control terminal may be a smart phone. The smart phone and the LED lights A, B, and C may each include a Wi-Fi module connected to the wireless router. An APP for controlling the LED lights A, B, and C may be installed on the smart phone. The user can adjust/change the group-control brightness level adjustment value and the individual-control brightness level adjustment value of each LED light on the user interface of the APP. The user interface may display a control bar or a knob to represent the values (e.g., percentages) of the group-control brightness level adjustment value and the individual-control brightness level adjustment values. The brightness level value of each LED light may correspond to the product of the group-control brightness level adjustment value and the corresponding individual-control brightness level adjustment value.

For example, in FIG. 5, the brightness level adjustment information 5001 sent by the smart control terminal, i.e., the smart phone, may include a group-control brightness level adjustment value 5002 and a plurality of individual-control brightness level adjustment values (5003, 5004, and 5005) for a plurality of LED lights (5006, 5007, and 5008) in the lighting system. In one embodiment, the group-control brightness level adjustment value 5002 may be 80％, the individual-control brightness level adjustment value A 5003 may be 50％, the individual-control brightness level adjustment value B 5004 may be 56％, and the individual-control brightness level adjustment value C 5005 may be 48％. The individual-control brightness level adjustment values A5003 , B 5004, and C 5005 may each correspond to the individual-control brightness level adjustment value of LED lights A (5006) , B (5007) , and C (5008) . When the group-control brightness level adjustment value 5002 is 0, LED lights A (5006) , B (5007) , and C (5008) may all be turned off. When the group-control brightness level adjustment value 5002 is 100％, the brightness level of each LED light may correspond to the corresponding individual-control brightness level adjustment value. For example, when the group-control brightness level adjustment value 5002 is 0, the brightness level values of LED lights A (5006) , B (5007) , and C (5008) may all be 0, and the LED lights A (5006) , B (5007) , and C (5008) may be turned off. When the group-control brightness level adjustment value 5002 is 100％, the brightness level values of LED lights A (5006) , B (5007) , and C (5008) are 50％ (50％*100％) , 56％ (56％*100％) , and 48％ (48％*100％) , respectively. The LED lights A (5006) , B (5007) , and C (5008) may each adjust the corresponding brightness level according to the corresponding brightness level value.

In certain embodiments, at least the individual-control brightness level adjustment values may have certain addressing functions such that an LED lighting device can receive only the group-control brightness level adjustment value and the corresponding individual-control brightness level adjustment value for the calculation of the corresponding brightness level value. In some embodiments, an LED light may receive the entire brightness level adjustment information and the LED light may only select the corresponding individual-control brightness level adjustment value and the group-control brightness level adjustment value to calculate the corresponding brightness level value.

Further, a user can enable certain memorization function on each LED light. That is, the user can store the group-control brightness level adjustment value, the individual-control brightness level adjustment value, and the current brightness level value of the LED light in the storage module of the LED light. Each LED light may be at brightness-memorization-ON state or at brightness-memorization-OFF state. Specifically, user can choose the brightness-memorization-ON state of the brightness-memorizing-OFF state in the APP on the smart phone. When the memorization function is at the brightness-memorizing-ON state, the LED light may monitor the change of the brightness level value of the LED light and store the changed brightness level value in the storage module of the LED light. If the LED light is turned off when the brightness level value of the LED light is less than the threshold brightness level value, e.g., 40％, the brightness level value of the LED light may be set as the target brightness level value when it is turned on again. The target brightness level value may also be, for example, the maximum brightness level value of 100％or a brightness level value preset by the user such as 70％.

The arrangement/design described above may ensure the lighting system and/or the LED lights can provide sufficient or expected brightness level of illumination by turning on only once when the brightness level value of an LED light is adjusted to be too low. Also, since the individual-control brightness level adjustment value and the group-control brightness level adjustment value are stored in the storage module of each LED light, when user changes to a different smart control terminal (e.g., a different smart phone) or updates the APP on the smart control terminal, the user can still obtain the group-control brightness level adjustment value and the individual-control brightness level adjustment value of each LED light from the smart control terminal on a real-time basis. The embodiments described above can also ensure the content displayed by each smart control terminal is consistent.

Compared to conventional LED technologies, the lighting system provided by the present disclosure provides the user with options to adjust the brightness level of the LED lighting device in a lighting system individually or as a group. The brightness level adjustment information received by each LED lighting device may include a group-control brightness level adjustment value and an individual-control brightness level adjustment value. The group-control brightness level adjustment value may be applied on all the LED lighting devices in the lighting system, and the individual-control brightness level adjustment value may be applied on the corresponding LED lighting device. The brightness level value of each LED lighting device may be a product of the group-control brightness level adjustment value and the corresponding individual-control brightness level adjustment value. When only adjusting the brightness level of a single LED lighting device, the individual-control brightness level adjustment value corresponding to the LED lighting device may be varied, and the brightness level value of the LED lighting device may vary according to the individual-control brightness level adjustment value. When adjusting the brightness level of all the LED lighting devices in the lighting system, the brightness level of all the LED lighting devices in the same lighting system may be varied as a group according to the variation of the group-control brightness level adjustment value. Thus, the present disclosure provides a method to enable the user to adjust the brightness level of the LED lighting devices in a lighting system individually or as a group. In other words, the present disclosure enables the user to combine individual control and group control of the brightness levels of the LED lighting devices in the lighting system. The brightness level value of each LED lighting device in the lighting system can be varied according to the group-control brightness level adjustment value and the corresponding individual-control brightness level adjustment value to ensure the brightness level of the LED lighting devices in the lighting system can be well coordinated to meet user requirements. User experience can be improved.

In one embodiment, after an LED lighting device receives the brightness level adjustment information, the LED lighting device may calculate the corresponding brightness level value based on the group-control brightness level adjustment value. The LED lighting device may adjust the brightness level to the brightness level corresponding to the brightness level value. The group-control brightness level adjustment value may indicate the desired brightness displayed by the lighting system, and each LED lighting device in the lighting system may determine and adjust the corresponding brightness level value based on the group-control brightness level adjustment value. The embodiments described above can reduce problems in the conventional LED technologies such as technical problems caused by adjusting the brightness level of each LED device individually according to the desired brightness level of each LED lighting device.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary process of brightness level adjustment. As shown in FIG. 6, the process includes

steps

501, 502, and 503.

In step 501, the LED lighting devices in the lighting system may receive brightness level adjustment information.

The brightness level adjustment information may include a group-control brightness level adjustment value and an individual-control brightness level adjustment value. The group-control brightness level adjustment value may be used to adjust the brightness level of the lighting system and the individual-control brightness level adjustment value may be used to adjust the brightness level of the corresponding LED lighting device.

Specifically, an LED lighting device may receive the brightness level adjustment information from the smart control terminal. An APP or programs can be installed on the smart control terminal to generate brightness level adjustment information based on the group-control brightness level adjustment value set by the user. The smart control terminal may include at least one of a smart phone, a laptop/desktop, a PDA, and a smart wearable device.

Alternatively, the LED lighting device may receive the brightness level adjustment information from the smart control terminal through a wireless network-forming device. The network-forming device may include at least one of a Wi-Fi router, a ZigBee gateway, and an RF routing coordinator.

In step 502, the LED lighting device may calculate, based on the group-control brightness level adjustment value, the corresponding brightness level value.

The brightness level value may be used to indicate the desired brightness level of the LED lighting device.

Specifically, if the group-control brightness level adjustment value equals to the ratio of the desired brightness level of the lighting system to the maximum brightness level of the lighting system, the LED lighting device may multiple the group-control brightness level adjustment value by the corresponding individual-control brightness level adjustment value to determine the brightness level value of the LED lighting device. The individual-control brightness level adjustment value may equal to the ratio of the current brightness level of the LED lighting device to the maximum brightness level of the LED lighting device. Correspondingly, the brightness level adjustment information may also include an individual-control brightness level adjustment value.

In step 503, the LED lighting device may adjust the brightness level to the brightness level corresponding to the calculated brightness level value.

Compared to conventional LED technologies, the lighting system provided by the present disclosure provides options to adjust the brightness level of the LED lighting device in a lighting system individually or as a group. The brightness level adjustment information received by each LED lighting device may include a group-control brightness level adjustment value and an individual-control brightness level adjustment value. The group-control brightness level adjustment value may be applied on all the LED lighting devices in the lighting system, and the individual-control brightness level adjustment value may be applied on the corresponding LED lighting device. The brightness level value of each LED lighting device may be a product of the group-control brightness level adjustment value and the corresponding individual-control brightness level adjustment value. When only adjusting the brightness level of a single LED lighting device, the individual-control brightness level adjustment value corresponding to the LED lighting device may be changed, and the brightness level value of the LED lighting device may vary according to the individual-control brightness level adjustment value. When adjusting the brightness level of all the LED lighting devices in the lighting system, the brightness level of all the LED lighting devices in the same lighting system may be varied as a group according to the variation of the group-control brightness level adjustment value. Thus, the present disclosure provides a method to enable the user to adjust the brightness level of the LED lighting devices in a lighting system individually or as a group. In other words, the present disclosure enables the user to combine individual control and group control of the brightness level of the LED lighting devices in the lighting system. The brightness level value of each LED lighting device in the lighting system can be varied according to the group-control brightness level adjustment value and the corresponding individual-control brightness level adjustment value to ensure the brightness level of the LED lighting devices in the lighting system are well coordinated to meet user requirements. User experience can be improved.

In one embodiment, after an LED lighting device receives the brightness level adjustment information, the LED lighting device may calculate the corresponding brightness level value based on the group-control brightness level adjustment value. The LED lighting device may adjust the brightness level to the brightness level corresponding to the brightness level value. The group-control brightness level adjustment value may indicate the desired brightness level of illumination of the lighting system, and each LED lighting device in the lighting system may determine and adjust the corresponding brightness level value based on the group-control brightness level adjustment value. The embodiments described above can reduce certain problems in the conventional LED technologies such as problems caused by adjusting the brightness level of each LED device individually according to the desired brightness level of each LED lighting device.

FIG. 7 illustrates another exemplary process of brightness level adjustment. As shown in FIG. 7, after the step 503 described above, the process may further include

steps

601, 602, 603, and 604.

In step 601, the LED lighting device may store the brightness level value.

Further, the LED lighting device may also store the group-control brightness level adjustment value and the corresponding individual-control brightness level adjustment value. Since the group-control brightness level adjustment value and the corresponding individual-control brightness level adjustment value may both be stored in the storage module of the LED lighting device, a user may always retrieve the group-control brightness level adjustment value and the corresponding individual-control brightness level adjustment value of each LED lighting device from the smart control terminal on a real-time basis even in case of changing smart control terminals (e.g., changing of smart phones) or APP/software updates on the smart control terminal. Thus, the content displayed by each smart control terminal may be consistent.

In step 602, after turning off the lighting, when the LED lighting device receives a "light on"command, the LED lighting device may compare the stored brightness level value with a preset threshold brightness level value.

The "light on" command may be sent by the smart control terminal directly or through a wireless network-forming device, and received by the RF module of an LED light after the lighting of an LED device is turned off. The LED lighting device may compare the brightness level value of the LED light stored in the storage module of the LED light, with a threshold brightness level value set by the user.

In step 603, if the brightness level value is less than the threshold brightness level value, the LED lighting device may be turned on with brightness level corresponding to a preset target brightness level value.

If the brightness level value is less than the threshold brightness level value, the LED lighting device turns on with brightness corresponding to a preset target brightness level value to ensure when the previous brightness level of the LED lighting device is too low, sufficient lighting brightness can be provided by the LED lighting device by only switching on the LED lighting device once.

In step 604, if the brightness level value is equal to or greater than the threshold brightness level value, the LED lighting device may be turned on with a brightness level corresponding to the brightness level value.

Steps

603 and 604 may include adjusting the LED current to adjust the brightness level of the LED light. Detailed description is aforementioned and is not repeated herein.

In one embodiment, after an LED lighting device receives the brightness level adjustment information, the LED lighting device may calculate the corresponding brightness level value based on the group-control brightness level adjustment value. The LED lighting device may adjust the brightness level to the brightness level corresponding to the brightness level value. The group-control brightness level adjustment value may indicate the desired brightness level of the lighting system, and each LED lighting device in the lighting system may determine and adjust the corresponding brightness level value based on the group-control brightness level adjustment value. The arrangement/design described above can avoid certain problems in the conventional LED technologies such as problems caused by adjusting the brightness level of each LED device individually according to the desired brightness level of each LED lighting device.

In some embodiments consistent with the present disclosure, the lighting system may provide the user with an option to control the LED lighting devices individual only, as a group only, or individually and as a group. The user may identify on the smart control terminal whether an LED lighting device is to be controlled individually only, as a group only, or both individually and as a group. In some embodiments, the lighting system may provide the user with a choice to control the brightness levels of the LED lighting devices both individually and as a group, and further in combination with other environment or control data. For example, if a light sensor connected to or embedded in the lighting system determines that the lighting system is in a low light environment, the lighting system may set the group-control brightness adjustment value to a high value to ensure sufficient lighting. In another example, if a motion sensor connected to or embedded in the lighting system detects that there is a movement in certain area, the lighting system may set the group-control brightness adjustment value to a high value, and the individual-control brightness level adjustment values of the LED lighting devices at or close to the area at high values, to ensure sufficient lighting is provided in the area. Further, in some embodiments, the lighting system may monitor the status of the LED lighting devices and control the brightness levels of the LED lighting devices accordingly. For example, if one of the LED lighting devices stopped working, the lighting system may adjust the individual-control brightness level adjustment values of one or more of the LED lighting devices located close to the non-operational LED light device to ensure sufficient lighting is provided in that area.

It should be understandable to those skilled in the art that, a portion and/or the entire content of the disclosed embodiments described above may be realized by using suitable hardware with appropriate programs. The programs may be stored in readable storage medium of a computer. When executing the programs, the computer may execute the steps described above. The readable storage medium may include ROM (read-only-memory) , RAM (random-access-memory) , a disk, a CD (compact disk) , and/or other suitable medium capable of storing programs.

The embodiments disclosed herein are exemplary only. Other applications, advantages, alternations, modifications, or equivalents to the disclosed embodiments are obvious to those skilled in the art and are intended to be encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure.

REFERENCE SIGN LIST

RF module 11

Control unit 12

Lighting circuit 13

Storage module 14

LED lighting device 1

Smart control terminal 2

Wireless network-forming device 3

Brightness level adjustment information 5001

Group-control brightness level adjustment value 5002

Individual-control brightness level adjustment value A 5003

Individual-control brightness level adjustment value B 5004

Individual-control brightness level adjustment value C 5005

LED light A 5006

LED light B 5007

LED light C 5008

Claims

A method for brightness level adjustment of an LED (light emitting diode) lighting system with a plurality of LED lighting devices, comprising:

each LED lighting device receiving brightness level adjustment information, wherein the brightness level adjustment information includes a group-control brightness level adjustment value for adjustment a brightness level of the lighting system and an individual-control brightness level adjustment value for adjusting a brightness level of the LED lighting device；

each LED lighting device determining a brightness level value of the LED lighting device based on the group-control brightness level adjustment value and the individual-control brightness level adjustment value, the brightness level value indicating a desired brightness level of the LED lighting device； and

each LED lighting device adjusting a brightness level corresponding to the brightness level value.
The method according to claim 1, wherein:

the group-control brightness level adjustment value equals to a ratio of a desired brightness level of the lighting system to a maximum brightness level of the lighting system； and the individual-control brightness level adjustment value equals to a ratio of the desired brightness level of the lighting device to a maximum brightness level of the lighting device； and

the determining the brightness level value includes multiplying the group-control brightness level adjustment value by the individual-control brightness level adjustment value.
The method according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising:

the LED lighting device receiving the brightness level adjustment information from a smart control terminal with an application for generating the brightness level adjustment information based on the group-control brightness level adjustment value and the individual-control brightness level adjustment value, the smart control terminal including a smart phone, a computer, a PDA (personal digital assistant) , and a smart wearable device.
The method according to claim 3, further comprising the LED lighting device receiving the brightness level adjustment information from the smart control terminal through a wireless network-forming device, the network-forming device including a Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) router, a ZigBee gateway, and an RF (Radio Frequency) routing coordinator.
The method according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising:

the LED lighting device storing the brightness level value, the group-control brightness level adjustment value, and the corresponding individual-control brightness level adjustment value；

after being turned off, the LED lighting device comparing a stored brightness level value with a preset threshold brightness level value when receiving a "light on" command；

if the stored brightness level value is less than the preset threshold brightness level value, the LED lighting device being turned on with a brightness level corresponding to a preset target value； and

if the stored brightness level value is equal to or greater than the preset threshold brightness level value, the LED lighting device being turned on with a brightness level corresponding to the stored brightness level value.
An LED lighting device in a lighting system, comprising:

an RF module configured to receive brightness level adjustment information, wherein the brightness level adjustment information includes a group-control brightness level adjustment value for controlling brightness level of the lighting system and an individual-control brightness level adjustment value for controlling brightness level of the LED lighting device；

a control unit configured to determine a brightness level value based on the group-control brightness level adjustment value and the individual-control brightness level adjustment value, wherein the brightness level value indicates a desired brightness level of the LED lighting device； and

a lighting circuit configured to adjust a brightness level of the LED lighting device according to the brightness level value.
The LED lighting device according to claim 6, wherein:

the group-control brightness level adjustment value equals to a ratio of a desired brightness level of the lighting system to a maximum brightness level of the lighting system； and the individual-control brightness level adjustment value equals to a ratio of the desired brightness level of the lighting device to a maximum brightness level of the lighting device； and

the control unit determines the brightness level value by multiplying the group-control brightness level adjustment value with the individual-control brightness level adjustment value.
The LED lighting device according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the RF module receives brightness level adjustment information from a smart control terminal, the smart control terminal including a smart phone, a computer, a PDA (personal digital assistant) , and a smart wearable device.
The LED lighting device according to claim 8, wherein the RF module receives the brightness level adjustment information from the smart control terminal through a wireless network-forming device, the network-forming device including a Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) router, a ZigBee gateway, and an RF (Radio Frequency) routing coordinator.
The LED lighting device according to claim 6 or claim 7, further comprising:

a storage module configured to store the group-control brightness level adjustment value, the individual-control brightness level adjustment value, and the brightness level value；

after the LED lighting device is turned off and receives a "light on" command, the control unit is configured to compare the brightness level value with a preset threshold brightness level value such that if the brightness level value is less than the preset threshold brightness level value, the control unit is configured to turn on the LED lighting device with a brightness level corresponding to the a preset target brightness level value, and if the brightness level value is equal to or greater than the preset threshold brightness level value, the control unit is configured to turn on the LED lighting device with brightness level corresponding to the brightness level value.
A lighting system, comprising a plurality of LED lighting devices and a smart control terminal connected to the LED lighting devices for generating brightness level adjustment information based on a group-control brightness level adjustment value and individual-control brightness level adjustment values and sending the brightness level adjustment information to the LED lighting devices, wherein each LED lighting device includes:

an RF module configured to receive brightness level adjustment information, wherein the brightness level adjustment information includes a group-control brightness level adjustment value for controlling brightness level of the lighting system and an individual-control brightness level adjustment value for controlling brightness level of the LED lighting device；

a control unit configured to determine brightness level value based on the group-control brightness level adjustment value and the individual-control brightness level adjustment value, wherein the brightness level value indicates a desired brightness level of the LED lighting device； and

a lighting circuit configured to adjust brightness level of the LED lighting device according to the brightness level value.
The lighting system according to claim 11, wherein each LED lighting device includes a storage module configured to store the brightness level adjustment information and provide the brightness level adjustment information to the control unit.
The lighting system according to claim 11, wherein the smart control terminal includes a smart phone, a computer, a PDA (personal digital assistant) , and a smart wearable device.
The lighting system according to claim 11, further includes a wireless network-forming device connected to the LED lighting devices and the smart control terminal, the wireless network-forming device sending the brightness level adjustment information to the LED lighting devices.
The lighting system according to claim 13, wherein the network-forming device includes a Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) router, a ZigBee gateway, and an RF (Radio Frequency) routing coordinator.
The lighting system according to claim 11, wherein the smart control terminal is connected to the LED lighting devices through a wireless connection, a cable connection, or a combination thereof.