WO2019234093A1 - Lighting device with flexible adaptation of device-status data capability - Google Patents

Lighting device with flexible adaptation of device-status data capability Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2019234093A1
WO2019234093A1 PCT/EP2019/064628 EP2019064628W WO2019234093A1 WO 2019234093 A1 WO2019234093 A1 WO 2019234093A1 EP 2019064628 W EP2019064628 W EP 2019064628W WO 2019234093 A1 WO2019234093 A1 WO 2019234093A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
lighting device
firmware
lighting
status data
status
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2019/064628
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Matthias Wendt
Eduard Gerhard ZONDAG
Priya Ranjan MISHRA
Harald Josef Günther RADERMACHER
Goutam MAJI
Original Assignee
Signify Holding B.V.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Signify Holding B.V. filed Critical Signify Holding B.V.
Publication of WO2019234093A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019234093A1/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B47/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light sources in general, i.e. where the type of light source is not relevant
    • H05B47/10—Controlling the light source
    • H05B47/175—Controlling the light source by remote control
    • H05B47/19—Controlling the light source by remote control via wireless transmission
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08C—TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS FOR MEASURED VALUES, CONTROL OR SIMILAR SIGNALS
    • G08C17/00—Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link
    • G08C17/02—Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q9/00—Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems for selectively calling a substation from a main station, in which substation desired apparatus is selected for applying a control signal thereto or for obtaining measured values therefrom
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B47/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light sources in general, i.e. where the type of light source is not relevant
    • H05B47/10—Controlling the light source
    • H05B47/175—Controlling the light source by remote control
    • H05B47/198—Grouping of control procedures or address assignation to light sources
    • H05B47/199—Commissioning of light sources
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08C—TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS FOR MEASURED VALUES, CONTROL OR SIMILAR SIGNALS
    • G08C2201/00—Transmission systems of control signals via wireless link
    • G08C2201/50—Receiving or transmitting feedback, e.g. replies, status updates, acknowledgements, from the controlled devices
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2209/00—Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems
    • H04Q2209/20—Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems using a distributed architecture
    • H04Q2209/25—Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems using a distributed architecture using a mesh network, e.g. a public urban network such as public lighting, bus stops or traffic lights

Definitions

  • the present invention is directed to a lighting device, to a lighting device arrangement and to a method for operating a lighting device.
  • US 9,445,482 B2 discloses an intelligent light bulb.
  • the intelligent light bulb comprises an LED lighting element and a programmable controller.
  • the programmable controller comprises firmware storing instructions for controlling operations of the LED lighting element, where the firmware includes a passive memory component having a near field communication memory (NFC memory).
  • the firmware is responsive to a signal carrying firmware update information received over a wireless communication link from an auxiliary device external to the intelligent light bulb for causing a firmware update process to be performed to modify the instructions of the firmware based on the update information carried by the signal.
  • the programmable controller also includes a processing unit in communication with the firmware for operating the LED lighting element at least in part in accordance with the instructions of the firmware.
  • the proposed intelligent light bulb can be configured using the signal carrying the firmware update information. In some embodiments, this may allow modifications of certain operating characteristics of the intelligent light bulb to be performed after manufacturing, including modifications pertaining to light color emitted and/or manner of operating the light bulb.
  • US 9,445,482 B2 describes performing a firmware update and a modification of operating characteristics of the light bulb after manufacturing by means of an auxiliary device by employing a near field communication technique.
  • One example describes the auxiliary device performing a firmware update prior to installation of the light bulb, while the light bulb is still packaged for shipping.
  • Publication US20170364348A1 describes providing lighting devices, which have been installed and powered, with lighting device programming via an over-the-air update.
  • a lighting device that comprises:
  • a lighting control unit configured to control a lighting function of the lighting device under provision of electrical power received from an external primary power supply device
  • a storage unit for storing device- status data
  • a secondary power supply unit for providing operating power in absence of a connection to the primary power supply device
  • an inter- lighting device communication unit that is configured: to receive power from the secondary power supply,
  • the lighting device is configured to perform a lighting function when connected to an external primary power supply device.
  • the lighting device comprises a secondary power supply unit that provides power to an inter-lighting device communication unit.
  • the inter-lighting device communication unit is configured, using the electrical power supplied from the secondary power supply unit, to transmit an outgoing device status signal indicative of the device-status data and to monitor for reception of incoming device-status signals indicative of external device-status data associated with one or more external peer lighting devices.
  • the transmitted and received signals are in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol.
  • the lighting devices of the first aspect of the invention is capable of exchanging device-status data with one or more peer lighting devices.
  • Transmission of an outgoing device status signal which is a communication signal in accordance with the communication protocol in the sense of the present invention, is triggered by a trigger signal that the inter-lighting device communication unit is configured to receive or to generate.
  • the device status signal is indicative of device-status data that is in turn indicative of either hardware-related parameters or software-related parameters or of both hardware-related or software-related information of the lighting device itself or of external peer lighting devices.
  • the inter-lighting device communication unit is configured to monitor for reception of incoming device-status signals indicative of external device-status data associated with an external peer lighting device.
  • the incoming device status signals are also communication signals in the sense of the present invention and are also in accordance with the communication protocol. Therefore, the lighting device in accordance with the present invention is capable of exchanging at least part of the hardware- related or of the software-related information of the lighting devices with an external lighting device of the same type.
  • the inter-lighting device communication unit is also configured to perform an adaptation function for adapting the device-status data that is stored in the storage unit.
  • the adaptation of the device-status data is performed using (only) the current device-status data pertaining to the lighting device itself data and the received external device-status data of one or more peer lighting devices, which are also in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.
  • the lighting device of the first aspect of the present invention does not require an external auxiliary device of a different type to drive or control the adaptation of the device-status data since the lighting device is configured to perform the adaptation (only) based on the current device-status data stored in the storage unit and that external device status data received from external peer lighting devices, i.e. similar lighting devices that are also in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.
  • the device-status data is indicative of hardware-related parameters or software-related parameters of the lighting device.
  • it comprises product information pertaining to the lighting device, such as, but not limited to, one of a serial number, product code, date of manufacturing, installed software version(s), firmware version, type of secondary power supply unit installed, expected lifespan of the secondary power supply unit, or a combination of more two or more of these.
  • the adaptation function for adapting the device-status data is a commissioning function that comprises determining whether the lighting device or any of its components are configured according to predetermined operational requirements.
  • the commissioning function also comprises, in the case it is determined that the predetermined operational requirements are currently not fulfilled, performing exchange with the one or more peer lighting devices under the communication protocol to achieve fulfilment of the operational requirements and updating the device-status data in the storage unit.
  • the secondary power supply unit comprises a built- in battery, even more preferably an exchangeable battery.
  • the trigger signal that the inter-lighting device communication unit is configured to receive is, in a particular embodiment, an external trigger signal.
  • the trigger signal is an internal trigger signal generated by the lighting device.
  • the internal trigger signal is generated by a timing unit that is powered by the secondary power supply unit.
  • the transmission of the outgoing device signal is triggered by an internal trigger signal generated by the timing unit at one or more predetermined points in time.
  • Communication between the lighting device and external peer lighting devices is preferably performed under provision of power from only the secondary power supply unit and may be implemented in different ways.
  • the inter- lighting device communication unit is configured to perform the exchange with any peer lighting device using a direct point-to-point connection with that lighting device only.
  • the inter-lighting device communication unit for adapting the device-status data, is configured to establish, in compliance with a
  • This embodiment is thus advantageously configured to create a network of lighting devices and thus allows implementing different variants that use a point-to-multipoint communication or a broadcast communication, which both are advantageous in terms of efficiency regarding speed of information exchange and energy consumption.
  • the inter- lighting device communication unit for adapting the device-status data, is additionally configured to establish, in compliance with a predetermined network protocol, a networking connection with an external commissioning device under provision of power from only the secondary power supply unit.
  • commissioning device is in one embodiment a dedicated commissioning device having no lighting function. This embodiment achieves compatibility with pre-existing solutions using an external commissioning device, as an option forming an addition or alternative to the provided commissioning capability via exchange between peer lighting devices.
  • the external commissioning device is for example, a server, master or other type of primary device configured to have unidirectional control over one or more lighting devices and to transmit and receive communication signals in accordance with the communication protocol.
  • the option of an external commissioning device is in some examples used for only a limited number of commissioning functions, whereas other commissioning functions different from those of the limited number are performed via peer exchange according to the present invention.
  • the lighting device is configured to act as the commissioning device for peer lighting devices, i.e., form the primary device in the networking connection with its peer lighting devices and thus coordinate the commissioning of connected peer lighting devices.
  • the inter-lighting device communication unit is further configured to share, with the one or more peer-lighting devices in the network connection or with the commissioning device, security-key data indicative of a security key to be applied for mutual encrypted wireless communication or a group identifier indicative of a lighting device group comprising the lighting device and the one or more peer-lighting devices.
  • connection with peer lighting devices is suitably based on a wireless signal exchange.
  • the inter- lighting device communication unit is configured to transmit and receive electromagnetic communication signals, suitably in accordance with a predetermined wireless-communication protocol.
  • Two or more peer devices are thus capable of communication with each other if they are placed at a distance within a suitable communication range.
  • the intensity and spectral range of electromagnetic signals is selected to allow penetration of typical packaging material such as cardboard, plastics or styrofoam and allow communication between packaged peer lighting devices over a distance of, e.g., up to 20 meters.
  • the electromagnetic communication signals are suitably in the radio frequency spectrum of electromagnetic radiation.
  • the communication protocol used by the peer lighting devices to communicate with each other is in this embodiment any suitable wireless-communication protocol.
  • a particular embodiment is suitably configured to establish a networking connection with peer lighting devices in accordance with the IEEE 802.15 standards for wireless personal area networks.
  • the establishment of the networking connection is performed in accordance with IEEE 802.15.4 communication protocols used to create personal area wireless networks, such as ZigBee, Thread, 6L0WPAN, WirelessHART, Bluetooth or ISA100.1 la.
  • ZigBee is, for instance, typically used in low data rate, low-power applications for secure networking, and is thus particularly well suited to be used for adapting the device-status data in exchange with peer lighting devices by the lighting device of the first aspect of the invention.
  • the inter-lighting device communication unit for adapting the device-status data, is additionally or
  • This particular embodiment is thus configured to update and store device-status data that comprises a device-data list with data pertaining to the lighting device itself and to those peer lighting devices that are within a suitable communication range, in the case of using a wireless- communication protocol, and have transmitted its respective outgoing device status signals that have been received as incoming device-status signals at the inter- lighting device communication unit.
  • the device-data list is then stored in the storage unit.
  • the stored device-status data comprises the stored device-data list.
  • This embodiment enables the definition of a lighting device group for all luminaries within the suitable communication range by, for instance, assigning a group identifier to the lighting devices via the device-data list and storing the device-status data comprising the group identifier in the storage unit.
  • the lighting control unit comprises a processor configured to perform the control of the lighting function by executing an installed firmware.
  • the device-status data additionally or alternatively comprises firmware- version data indicative of a current firmware version installed.
  • the inter- lighting device communication unit is additionally configured to provide a firmware-warning signal upon determining that no firmware is installed, or that the stored firmware- version data of the installed firmware and those firmware-version data that have been received from the one or more peer lighting devices pertain to different firmware versions.
  • the lighting device determines that at least one external peer device has a different firmware version from the one that is currently installed in the lighting device itself, or in the case it determined that no firmware is currently installed, it inter-lighting device communication unit provides the firmware-warning signal as an output.
  • the output signal is a perceivable signal that is used to inform a user or an external control device, such as for instance a
  • the commissioning device that there are lighting devices that do not have the same firmware version.
  • the user or the external control device have access to the storage unit of the lighting devices, where the device-status data indicate which firmware version each lighting device comprises.
  • the inter- lighting device communication unit is additionally configured to perform a firmware update function.
  • the inter- lighting communication unit is configured to ascertain, using the device-status data, internal firmware- version data pertaining to version the current firmware of the lighting device itself. It is also configured to ascertain, using the external device-status data, external firmware- version data pertaining to a version of the firmware of the external peer lighting device. Further, and using the ascertained information, it is configured to determine whether or not the firmware installed forms a newest firmware version in comparison with the ascertained external firmware -version data, i.e. the newest firmware version among those firmware versions installed in the lighting device itself and the one or more peer lighting devices.
  • the inter-lighting device communication unit is configured to receive and install, upon determining that the firmware installed does not form the newest firmware version, the newest firmware version from one of the peer lighting devices.
  • the inter- lighting device communication unit is configured to provide, upon determining that the firmware installed forms the newest firmware version and that any of the peer lighting devices does not have the newest firmware version installed, the newest firmware version for installation by the respective peer lighting devices.
  • the provision of the data comprising the newest firmware version is performed upon request by any respective peer lighting device requiring the firmware update, and to adapt the device-status data by updating the firmware- version data.
  • the functionality of this embodiment is in one variant extended to updating any kind of software used for driving operation of any part of the lighting device.
  • Lighting devices of this particular group of embodiments are advantageously configured to monitor and ensure that all lighting devices of a given network that have received or generated the trigger signal have the newest firmware version installed, among those installed in any of the lighting devices.
  • the lighting device comprises a switch configured to be in one of an off-state, in which an electrical connection between the secondary power supply unit and the inter- lighting device communication unit is interrupted, and an on-state, in which the mentioned electrical connection is enabled.
  • the switch is configured to provide the trigger signal upon switching from the off-state to the on-state.
  • the switch comprises an isolation strip that, when pulled, brings the secondary power supply unit in electrical contact with the inter-lighting device communication unit.
  • the switch is a mechanical switch.
  • another embodiment comprises an acceleration sensor configured to output the trigger signal upon detecting a predetermined movement pattern of the lighting device.
  • the acceleration sensor may comprise, for instance, a tilting sensor configured to provide the trigger signal when detecting that the lighting device has been tilted at an angle exceeding a threshold angle value with respect to a predetermined reference angle associated with, for instance, a horizontal positioning of the lighting device.
  • the lighting device is embedded with a small, low-cost battery used only for storage time and delivery time before installation, which is provided in a battery compartment accessible and designed for allowing replacement of the low-cost battery with a large-capacity battery, suitably after unpacking the lighting device at the installation site.
  • the lighting device is advantageously designed to be used in combination with a suitable packing box, in such a way that a clip-on battery, acting as a secondary power supply unit, can be accessed from the outside of the box without opening it, for easy battery replacement (if the battery has exhausted its energy) or removal of the battery to disable RF communication when not intended, e.g., in case of delivery to a highly secure customer establishment such as a military or defense application or any other facility where they may have restrictions to allow any RF enabled devices entry for security reasons.
  • the battery is activated by positioning the packaging box on a designated side onto a surface, such as onto another packaging box. This activation arrangement of boxes is suitably indicated on the outside of the boxes to help the installation staff.
  • the packaging box is placed on another side, the battery is automatically deactivated, thus saving energy when not used. Activation can also be based on a protrusion or bulging element on the box’ surface, or on a user switch element.
  • the lighting device arrangement comprises at least two lighting devices that are in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.
  • the lighting device arrangement of the second aspects of the invention shares the advantages of the lighting device of the first aspect or of any of its embodiments.
  • the lighting device arrangement comprises at least two lighting devices in accordance to a same embodiment, that are capable of communicating with each other in accordance with the communication protocol.
  • a lighting device arrangement in accordance with the present invention is particularly suitable for adapting the device-status data while the individual lighting devices are packed, for instance for being transported prior to installation.
  • the lighting devices not installed and packed for transport contain at least partially charged batteries as secondary power supply units.
  • the inter- lighting device communication unit gets activated by a trigger-signal.
  • a trigger-signal In the simplest form an isolation strip is pulled or a mechanical switch or sensor is activated e.g. by tilting or mechanical movement or repositioning of the box.
  • an internal trigger signal is generated by a timing unit that is powered by the secondary power supply unit. The transmission of the outgoing device signal is thus triggered by an internal trigger signal generated by the timing unit at one or more predetermined points in time.
  • the reception or generation of the trigger signal turns on the inter lighting device communication unit, which tries to reach other RF capable devices.
  • the lighting devices can comprise electrical pins that are suitably brought in contact, when the lighting device is packed, with metals strips or contact points arranged on the packing box, so that when boxes are piled up or otherwise brought into contact, an electrical wired connection is established between at least two lighting devices.
  • device-status data can be exchanged and the information collected in this way may be used to prepare for installation or commissioning.
  • the lighting devices can also transmit their production information, firmware status and request firmware checks and updates.
  • Product information to be exchanged with other products may be about own product code, date of manufacturing, expected battery life span, etc.
  • a networking connection is established with a commissioning device that may be, for instance, a master device with regard to configuration data, and may be linked to the products with the same wireless-communication protocol.
  • some lighting devices are configured to compare their firmware status with the same type of devices within RF reach and issue a firmware- warning signal if different firmware versions are installed in different lighting devices.
  • Warning could be via a blinking light or beeping or, in another embodiment, a message sent to the commissioning device.
  • the lighting devices are
  • the lighting devices of the arrangement are additionally or alternatively configured to assign themselves to a common group of lighting devices which are able to communicate with each other, or give themselves consecutive addresses or device names so that commissioning can be simplified afterwards.
  • a different auto-commissioning method may use a list of serial numbers as compiled during the performance of the commissioning function and stored in one or all luminaires.
  • the lighting device arrangement further comprises a commissioning device configured to act as a master or primary device in a networking connection of lighting devices.
  • the lighting devices are configured to share a security key or group identifier from a commissioning device in the vicinity. This is advantageously used to encrypt or specify further communication within the lighting arrangement, also after installation. For instance, only product boxes placed together they will be able to access and share the key.
  • diagnostic information about the installed hardware modules may be available in the device-status data of a particular lighting device. This supports processes for recycling and reuse of products. Also expected remaining life time or battery diagnostic information may be contained. This in turn supports use cases where old lighting devices get packed together for transportation away of the building site.
  • pre-commissioning of lighting devices that that get extracted or transported at a specific moment is enabled. This can be for instance triggered by placing all lighting devices to be grouped together on one pallet and then issuing a grouping action via the wireless communication protocol, e.g. a ZigBee network protocol. Preferably such an action is automatically triggered when transferring the pallet through a dedicated grouping gate. This would allow using directional antennas to keep the signal focused only on the products on that specific pallet.
  • the wireless communication protocol e.g. a ZigBee network protocol.
  • product package delivery status with numbers, types etc. can be verified at the customer place using handheld connected devices, e.g. smart phone, by communicating with packaged lighting devices after delivery.
  • this method can smartly count the numbers of delivered lighting devices at each point, and the same can be verified at multiple points, e.g.
  • a method for operating a lighting device comprises:
  • the method of the third aspect of the invention shares the advantages of the lighting devices of the first aspect or of any of its embodiments and is suitable for controlling a lighting device arrangement in accordance with the second aspect of the invention.
  • the communication signals are electromagnetic communication signals, and the transmission and reception of the electromagnetic
  • communication signals is performed in accordance with a predetermined wireless- communication protocol.
  • adapting the device- status data comprises establishing, in compliance with a predetermined network protocol, a networking connection with one or more peer lighting devices under provision of power from only the secondary power supply unit.
  • the networking connection is additionally or alternatively established with an external commissioning device
  • the device-status data comprises a device-data list including internal device-status data of the lighting device itself, wherein adapting the device-status data comprises:
  • the method is for controlling a lighting device wherein the lighting control unit of the lighting device comprises a processor configured to perform the control of the lighting function by executing an installed firmware, wherein the device-status data comprises firmware-version data indicative of a current firmware version installed.
  • adapting the device-status data comprises:
  • firmware-warning signal upon determining that no firmware is installed or the stored firmware-version data of the installed firmware and those firmware- version data that have been received from the one or more peer lighting devices pertain to different firmware versions.
  • the method additionally comprises: ascertaining, using the external device-status data, external firmware-version data pertaining to a version of the firmware of the external peer lighting device and to determine whether or not the firmware installed forms a newest firmware version in comparison with the ascertained external firmware -version data;
  • the lighting device of claim 1 the lighting device arrangement of claim 11 , and the method for controlling a lighting device according to claim 12 have similar and/or identical preferred embodiments, in particular, as defined in the dependent claims.
  • Fig. la shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a lighting device arrangement.
  • Fig. lb shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of a lighting device arrangement and of a commissioning device.
  • Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a lighting de- vice.
  • Fig. 3 shows a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method for operating a lighting device.
  • Fig. la shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a lighting device arrangement lOOa and Fig lb shows a schematic representation of another
  • a lighting device arrangement lOOb and a commissioning device 150 comprise four lighting devices 1 lOa, 111, 112 and 113, and 110b, 111, 112 and 113 respectively.
  • the lighting devices are peer lighting devices and are configured to perform a lighting function under provision of electrical power received from an external primary power supply device, such as, for instance, mains electricity, after having been installed and electrically connected at an intended position.
  • an external primary power supply device such as, for instance, mains electricity
  • operation of an integrated lighting control unit only starts when connected to the mains. This leads to a number of interesting actions that cannot be exploited during stock keeping, transport and delivery at the mounting site.
  • the lighting devices 1 lOa, 1 lOb, 111, 112 and 113 are packed in a respective packing box (e.g. box 101) and comprise a respective secondary power supply unit in the form of an at least partially charged battery 140, 141, 142 and 143 when in stock or before being installed, in order to enable accessibility of the lighting-devices' processing or memory capabilities.
  • the lighting devices 140, 141, 142 and 143 are able to contribute actively to stock related information exchange processes by activating communication and processing means.
  • each lighting device comprises a respective inter-lighting device communication unit 130, 131, 132 and 133 which are configured to receive power form the respective batteries 140., 141, 142 and 143.
  • the inter- lighting device communication unit is configured to transmit and receive communication signals in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol.
  • the communication signals are radio frequency signals sent and received in accordance with a wireless-communication protocol.
  • the inter-lighting device communication unit is further configured, upon reception of a trigger signal, to transmit an outgoing device-status signal indicative of the device-status data and to monitor for reception of incoming device-status signals indicative of external device-status data associated with one or more external peer lighting devices.
  • the inter- lighting device communication unit is further configured to perform an adaptation function for adapting the device-status data using (only) the current device-status data and the received external device-status data.
  • Adapting the device-status data comprises in an exemplary lighting device determining whether the lighting device or any of its components are configured according to predetermined operational requirements.
  • the adaptation function also comprises, in the case it is determined that the predetermined operational requirements are currently not fulfilled, performing exchange with the one or more peer lighting devices under the communication protocol to achieve fulfilment of the operational requirements and updating the device-status data in the storage unit.
  • lighting devices 1 lOa and 1 lOb are advantageously configured to start communicating with their immediate surrounding peer lighting devices 111, 112 and 113 even while packed in a packing box 102.
  • the lighting device 110b is further configured to establish a networking connection with an external commissioning device 150 under provision of power from only the secondary power supply unit.
  • the commissioning device comprises a wireless communication unit 151 and is configured to transmit and receive electromagnetic communication signals in accordance with the wireless-communication protocol.
  • the commissioning device 150 acts as a master device configured to have unidirectional control over one or more lighting devices 1 lOb.
  • the commissioning device 150 is in this particular example a dedicated device different from a lighting device.
  • An exemplary commissioning device 150 is configured to receive the device- status data from the lighting devices forming the lighting device arrangement and to output valuable information regarding the lighting device arrangement to a user or to an external control unit.
  • a particular commissioning device is also configured to drive an adaptation of the device-status data of one or more of the lighting devices, for instance, by providing firmware data in accordance with a required firmware version, that may or may not be the newest firmware version among those firmware versions installed in the respective lighting devices.
  • firmware data in accordance with a required firmware version, that may or may not be the newest firmware version among those firmware versions installed in the respective lighting devices.
  • Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a lighting device 110.
  • the lighting device 110 comprises a lighting control unit 102 that is configured to control a lighting function of the lighting device 110 under provision of electrical power received from an external primary power supply device (not shown). The electrical power is received from the external primary power supply device via a power input interface 104.
  • the lighting device also comprises a storage unit 106 for storing device-status data indicative of hardware-related parameters or software-related parameters or both hardware- and software- related parameters of the lighting device itself or of both the lighting device itself and of peer lighting devices.
  • a secondary power supply unit for example an at least partially charged battery 140 is used for providing operating power in absence of a connection to the primary power supply device.
  • the lighting device 110 comprises an inter- lighting device communication unit 130 that is configured to receive power from the secondary power supply 140, to transmit and receive electromagnetic communication signals in accordance with a predetermined wireless-communication protocol.
  • the inter-lighting device communication unit Upon reception of a trigger signal 108, the inter-lighting device communication unit is configured to transmit an outgoing device-status signal 116 indicative of the device-status data, to monitor for reception of incoming device-status signals 118 indicative of external device-status data associated with one or more external peer lighting devices, and to adapt the device-status data using (only) the current device-status data and the received external device-status data.
  • the lighting device 110 comprises a switch 120 configured to be in one of an off- state, in which an electrical connection between the secondary power supply unit 140 and the inter- lighting device communication unit 130 is interrupted, and an on-state, in which the mentioned electrical connection is enabled, and to provide the trigger signal upon switching from the off-state to the on-state.
  • the trigger signal is the provision of operating power to the inter- lighting device communication unit 130.
  • the switch is in a particularly simple embodiment an isolating strip that can be removed in order to create the mentioned electrical connection.
  • the device may comprise an accelerating sensor configured to output the trigger signal upon detecting a predetermined movement pattern of the lighting device.
  • the inter- lighting device communication units 130 of some lighting devices are also configured to transmit and receive either wirelessly or via a wired connection, the communication signals when installed at the intended location, under provision of power from the primary power supply source via the power input interface 104.
  • This preferred optional feature is indicated by the dashed line linking the power input 104 interface to the inter- lighting device communication unit 130.
  • a lighting device can be configured to perform the lighting function also under provision of power from the secondary power supply unit 140. This is particularly advantageous in lighting devices designed for emergency lighting when power from the primary power supply device is unwillingly interrupted, due to, for instance, a power failure.
  • This optional feature is also indicated in Fig. 1 as a dashed line linking the secondary power supply unit 140 to the lighting control unit.
  • the inter- lighting device communication unit 130 can be configured to perform one or more of the following functions that are particular examples of possible adaptation functions.
  • the inter-lighting device communication unit for adapting the device-status data, can be configured to establish, in compliance with a predetermined network protocol, a networking connection with one or more peer lighting devices (e.g. 111, 112 113) under provision of power from only the secondary power supply unit 140.
  • a predetermined network protocol e.g. 111, 112 113
  • peer lighting devices e.g. 111, 112 113
  • the inter-lighting device communication unit 130 for adapting the device status data, can be configured to establish, in compliance with the predetermined network protocol, a networking connection with an external commissioning device 150 under provision of power from only the secondary power supply unit 140.
  • the inter-lighting device communication unit 130 for adapting the device-status data, is further configured to share with the one or more peer- lighting devices 111, 112, 113 in the network connection or with the commissioning device security-key data indicative of a security key to be applied for mutual encrypted wireless communication or a group identifier indicative of a lighting device group comprising the lighting device and the one or more peer-lighting devices.
  • the inter-lighting device communication unit for adapting the device- status data, is alternatively or additionally configured to generate a device-data list comprising the device-status data pertaining to the lighting device itself and the external device-status data pertaining to the one or more external peer lighting devices and to store the device-data list in the storage unit.
  • the lighting device 110 can optionally comprise a processor 122 configured to perform the control of the lighting function by executing an installed firmware and wherein the device-status data comprises firmware- version data indicative of a current firmware version installed.
  • the inter-lighting device communication unit for adapting the device-status data, is advantageously configured to provide a firmware-warning signal upon determining that no firmware is installed or the stored firmware- version data of the installed firmware and those firmware- version data that have been received from the one or more peer lighting devices pertain to different firmware versions.
  • a particular lighting device comprises an inter- lighting device communication unit that is further configured to ascertain, using the external device-status data, external firmware- version data pertaining to a version of the firmware of the external peer lighting device and to determine whether or not the firmware installed forms a newest firmware version in comparison with the ascertained external firmware-version data. Further, upon determining that the firmware installed does not form the newest firmware version, the inter- lighting device communication unit is configured to receive from one of the peer lighting devices and to install the newest firmware version. Also upon determining that the firmware installed forms the newest firmware version and that any of the peer lighting devices does not have the newest firmware version installed, the inter-lighting device communication unit is configured to provide the newest firmware version for installation by the respective peer lighting devices.
  • Fig. 3 shows a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method 300 for operating a lighting device.
  • the method for operating a lighting device comprises, in a first step 302, providing a lighting control unit for controlling a lighting function of the lighting device under provision of electrical power received from an external primary power supply device.
  • the method further comprises, in a step 304, storing device-status data.
  • the method also includes, in a step 306 receiving operating power from a secondary power supply unit at an inter- lighting device communication unit that is configured to transmit and receive communication signals in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol.
  • the method also comprises, in a step 308, receiving or generating a trigger signal.
  • the method includes, in a step 310 transmitting an outgoing device status signal indicative of device-status data indicative of hardware-related parameters or software-related parameters of the lighting device itself, in a step 312, which is preferably performed simultaneously, monitoring for reception of incoming device-status signals indicative of external device-status data associated with one or more external peer lighting device and, in a step 314 adapting the device-status data using (only) the current device-status data and the received external device-status data.
  • the step 314, during which the adaptation for adapting the device-status data is performed comprises establishing, in compliance with a predetermined network protocol und under provision of power from only the secondary power supply unit, a networking connection with one or more peer lighting devices or with a commissioning device.
  • the step 314 comprises generating a device-data list comprising internal device-status data pertaining to the lighting device itself and the external device-status data pertaining to the external peer lighting device and storing the device-data list in a storage unit of the lighting device.
  • the step 314 of method 300 advantageously comprises providing a firmware-warning signal upon
  • step 314 of this variant of method 300 further comprises:
  • a lighting device comprising a lighting control unit configured to control a lighting function of the lighting device under provision of electrical power received from an external primary power supply device, a storage unit for storing device-status data, an inter-lighting device communication unit that is configured to receive power from a secondary power supply unit in absence of a connection to the primary power supply device, to transmit and receive communication signals in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol, upon reception or generation of a trigger signal, to transmit an outgoing device-status signal indicative of the device-status data, to monitor for reception of incoming device-status signals indicative of external device-status data associated with one or more external peer lighting devices and to adapt the device-status data using (only) the current device-status data and the received external device-status data.

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Abstract

The invention relates to relates to a lighting device (110), comprising a lighting control unit (102) configured to control a lighting function of the lighting device under provision of electrical power received from an external primary power supply device, a storage unit (106) for storing device-status data, an inter-lighting device communication unit (130) that is configured to receive power from a secondary power supply unit in absence of a connection to the primary power supply device, to transmit and receive communication signals in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol, upon reception of a trigger signal (108), to transmit an outgoing device-status signal (116) indicative of the device-status data, to monitor for reception of incoming device-status signals (118) indicative of external device-status data associated with one or more external peer lighting devices and to perform an adaptation function using only the current device-status data and the received external device-status data.

Description

Lighting device with flexible adaptation of device-status data capability
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a lighting device, to a lighting device arrangement and to a method for operating a lighting device. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
US 9,445,482 B2 discloses an intelligent light bulb. The intelligent light bulb comprises an LED lighting element and a programmable controller. The programmable controller comprises firmware storing instructions for controlling operations of the LED lighting element, where the firmware includes a passive memory component having a near field communication memory (NFC memory). The firmware is responsive to a signal carrying firmware update information received over a wireless communication link from an auxiliary device external to the intelligent light bulb for causing a firmware update process to be performed to modify the instructions of the firmware based on the update information carried by the signal. The programmable controller also includes a processing unit in communication with the firmware for operating the LED lighting element at least in part in accordance with the instructions of the firmware. The proposed intelligent light bulb can be configured using the signal carrying the firmware update information. In some embodiments, this may allow modifications of certain operating characteristics of the intelligent light bulb to be performed after manufacturing, including modifications pertaining to light color emitted and/or manner of operating the light bulb.
Accordingly, US 9,445,482 B2 describes performing a firmware update and a modification of operating characteristics of the light bulb after manufacturing by means of an auxiliary device by employing a near field communication technique. One example describes the auxiliary device performing a firmware update prior to installation of the light bulb, while the light bulb is still packaged for shipping.
Publication US20170364348A1 describes providing lighting devices, which have been installed and powered, with lighting device programming via an over-the-air update. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It would be beneficial to provide a lighting device allowing more flexible ways of performing an adaptation function for adapting device-status data.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, a lighting device is provided that comprises:
a lighting control unit configured to control a lighting function of the lighting device under provision of electrical power received from an external primary power supply device;
a storage unit for storing device- status data;
a secondary power supply unit for providing operating power in absence of a connection to the primary power supply device; and
an inter- lighting device communication unit that is configured: to receive power from the secondary power supply,
to transmit and receive communication signals in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol;
to generate and receive a trigger signal, and upon generation or reception of the trigger signal, to transmit an outgoing device status signal indicative of the device-status data;
to monitor for reception of incoming device-status signals indicative of external device-status data associated with one or more external peer lighting devices; and to adapt the device-status data in exchange with the one or more external peer lighting devices, using (only) the current device-status data and the received external device- status data.
Thus, the lighting device is configured to perform a lighting function when connected to an external primary power supply device. In addition, in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the lighting device comprises a secondary power supply unit that provides power to an inter-lighting device communication unit. The inter-lighting device communication unit is configured, using the electrical power supplied from the secondary power supply unit, to transmit an outgoing device status signal indicative of the device-status data and to monitor for reception of incoming device-status signals indicative of external device-status data associated with one or more external peer lighting devices. The transmitted and received signals are in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol.
Therefore, the lighting devices of the first aspect of the invention is capable of exchanging device-status data with one or more peer lighting devices. Transmission of an outgoing device status signal, which is a communication signal in accordance with the communication protocol in the sense of the present invention, is triggered by a trigger signal that the inter-lighting device communication unit is configured to receive or to generate. The device status signal is indicative of device-status data that is in turn indicative of either hardware-related parameters or software-related parameters or of both hardware-related or software-related information of the lighting device itself or of external peer lighting devices. Also, the inter-lighting device communication unit is configured to monitor for reception of incoming device-status signals indicative of external device-status data associated with an external peer lighting device. The incoming device status signals are also communication signals in the sense of the present invention and are also in accordance with the communication protocol. Therefore, the lighting device in accordance with the present invention is capable of exchanging at least part of the hardware- related or of the software-related information of the lighting devices with an external lighting device of the same type.
The inter-lighting device communication unit is also configured to perform an adaptation function for adapting the device-status data that is stored in the storage unit. The adaptation of the device-status data is performed using (only) the current device-status data pertaining to the lighting device itself data and the received external device-status data of one or more peer lighting devices, which are also in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.
Thus the lighting device of the first aspect of the present invention does not require an external auxiliary device of a different type to drive or control the adaptation of the device-status data since the lighting device is configured to perform the adaptation (only) based on the current device-status data stored in the storage unit and that external device status data received from external peer lighting devices, i.e. similar lighting devices that are also in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.
Therefore, by providing lighting devices in accordance with the invention, the flexibility in performing the adaptation function for adapting the device-status data is greatly enhanced.
In the following, embodiments of the first aspect of the invention will be described.
The device-status data is indicative of hardware-related parameters or software-related parameters of the lighting device. In alternative embodiments it comprises product information pertaining to the lighting device, such as, but not limited to, one of a serial number, product code, date of manufacturing, installed software version(s), firmware version, type of secondary power supply unit installed, expected lifespan of the secondary power supply unit, or a combination of more two or more of these.
In an embodiment the adaptation function for adapting the device-status data is a commissioning function that comprises determining whether the lighting device or any of its components are configured according to predetermined operational requirements.
Preferably, the commissioning function also comprises, in the case it is determined that the predetermined operational requirements are currently not fulfilled, performing exchange with the one or more peer lighting devices under the communication protocol to achieve fulfilment of the operational requirements and updating the device-status data in the storage unit.
In a preferred embodiment, the secondary power supply unit comprises a built- in battery, even more preferably an exchangeable battery.
The trigger signal that the inter-lighting device communication unit is configured to receive is, in a particular embodiment, an external trigger signal. In an alternative embodiment, the trigger signal is an internal trigger signal generated by the lighting device. Particularly, in an embodiment, the internal trigger signal is generated by a timing unit that is powered by the secondary power supply unit. In this embodiment, the transmission of the outgoing device signal is triggered by an internal trigger signal generated by the timing unit at one or more predetermined points in time.
Communication between the lighting device and external peer lighting devices is preferably performed under provision of power from only the secondary power supply unit and may be implemented in different ways. In one embodiment, the inter- lighting device communication unit is configured to perform the exchange with any peer lighting device using a direct point-to-point connection with that lighting device only.
In preferred embodiment, the inter-lighting device communication unit, for adapting the device-status data, is configured to establish, in compliance with a
predetermined network protocol, a networking connection with a plurality of external peer lighting devices under provision of power from only the secondary power supply unit. This embodiment is thus advantageously configured to create a network of lighting devices and thus allows implementing different variants that use a point-to-multipoint communication or a broadcast communication, which both are advantageous in terms of efficiency regarding speed of information exchange and energy consumption.
In another embodiment the inter- lighting device communication unit, for adapting the device-status data, is additionally configured to establish, in compliance with a predetermined network protocol, a networking connection with an external commissioning device under provision of power from only the secondary power supply unit. The
commissioning device is in one embodiment a dedicated commissioning device having no lighting function. This embodiment achieves compatibility with pre-existing solutions using an external commissioning device, as an option forming an addition or alternative to the provided commissioning capability via exchange between peer lighting devices. The external commissioning device is for example, a server, master or other type of primary device configured to have unidirectional control over one or more lighting devices and to transmit and receive communication signals in accordance with the communication protocol. The option of an external commissioning device is in some examples used for only a limited number of commissioning functions, whereas other commissioning functions different from those of the limited number are performed via peer exchange according to the present invention.
In one variant of the lighting device, the lighting device is configured to act as the commissioning device for peer lighting devices, i.e., form the primary device in the networking connection with its peer lighting devices and thus coordinate the commissioning of connected peer lighting devices.
Preferably, in embodiments of the lighting device configured to establish a networking connection, the inter-lighting device communication unit is further configured to share, with the one or more peer-lighting devices in the network connection or with the commissioning device, security-key data indicative of a security key to be applied for mutual encrypted wireless communication or a group identifier indicative of a lighting device group comprising the lighting device and the one or more peer-lighting devices.
The connection with peer lighting devices is suitably based on a wireless signal exchange. In a preferred embodiment, the inter- lighting device communication unit is configured to transmit and receive electromagnetic communication signals, suitably in accordance with a predetermined wireless-communication protocol. Two or more peer devices are thus capable of communication with each other if they are placed at a distance within a suitable communication range. In preferred embodiments, the intensity and spectral range of electromagnetic signals is selected to allow penetration of typical packaging material such as cardboard, plastics or styrofoam and allow communication between packaged peer lighting devices over a distance of, e.g., up to 20 meters. To this end, the electromagnetic communication signals are suitably in the radio frequency spectrum of electromagnetic radiation. The communication protocol used by the peer lighting devices to communicate with each other is in this embodiment any suitable wireless-communication protocol. A particular embodiment is suitably configured to establish a networking connection with peer lighting devices in accordance with the IEEE 802.15 standards for wireless personal area networks. Preferably, the establishment of the networking connection is performed in accordance with IEEE 802.15.4 communication protocols used to create personal area wireless networks, such as ZigBee, Thread, 6L0WPAN, WirelessHART, Bluetooth or ISA100.1 la. ZigBee is, for instance, typically used in low data rate, low-power applications for secure networking, and is thus particularly well suited to be used for adapting the device-status data in exchange with peer lighting devices by the lighting device of the first aspect of the invention.
In another embodiment, wherein the device-status data comprises a device- data list including internal device-status data of the lighting device itself, the inter-lighting device communication unit, for adapting the device-status data, is additionally or
alternatively configured, upon reception of incoming device-status signals, to update the device-data list with data pertaining to the lighting device itself and the external device-status data pertaining to the one or more external peer lighting devices; and to store the device- status data including the updated device-data list in the storage unit. This particular embodiment is thus configured to update and store device-status data that comprises a device-data list with data pertaining to the lighting device itself and to those peer lighting devices that are within a suitable communication range, in the case of using a wireless- communication protocol, and have transmitted its respective outgoing device status signals that have been received as incoming device-status signals at the inter- lighting device communication unit. The device-data list is then stored in the storage unit. In a particular embodiment, the stored device-status data comprises the stored device-data list. This embodiment enables the definition of a lighting device group for all luminaries within the suitable communication range by, for instance, assigning a group identifier to the lighting devices via the device-data list and storing the device-status data comprising the group identifier in the storage unit.
In another embodiment, the lighting control unit comprises a processor configured to perform the control of the lighting function by executing an installed firmware. In this embodiment, the device-status data additionally or alternatively comprises firmware- version data indicative of a current firmware version installed. Further, the inter- lighting device communication unit is additionally configured to provide a firmware-warning signal upon determining that no firmware is installed, or that the stored firmware- version data of the installed firmware and those firmware-version data that have been received from the one or more peer lighting devices pertain to different firmware versions. Thus, in the case that the lighting device determines that at least one external peer device has a different firmware version from the one that is currently installed in the lighting device itself, or in the case it determined that no firmware is currently installed, it inter-lighting device communication unit provides the firmware-warning signal as an output.
In a particularly simple embodiment, the output signal is a perceivable signal that is used to inform a user or an external control device, such as for instance a
commissioning device, that there are lighting devices that do not have the same firmware version. Advantageously, the user or the external control device have access to the storage unit of the lighting devices, where the device-status data indicate which firmware version each lighting device comprises.
In a particular advantageous variant of this embodiment, the inter- lighting device communication unit is additionally configured to perform a firmware update function. To this end, the inter- lighting communication unit is configured to ascertain, using the device-status data, internal firmware- version data pertaining to version the current firmware of the lighting device itself. It is also configured to ascertain, using the external device-status data, external firmware- version data pertaining to a version of the firmware of the external peer lighting device. Further, and using the ascertained information, it is configured to determine whether or not the firmware installed forms a newest firmware version in comparison with the ascertained external firmware -version data, i.e. the newest firmware version among those firmware versions installed in the lighting device itself and the one or more peer lighting devices. The inter-lighting device communication unit is configured to receive and install, upon determining that the firmware installed does not form the newest firmware version, the newest firmware version from one of the peer lighting devices.
Furthermore, the inter- lighting device communication unit is configured to provide, upon determining that the firmware installed forms the newest firmware version and that any of the peer lighting devices does not have the newest firmware version installed, the newest firmware version for installation by the respective peer lighting devices. In this embodiment, suitably, the provision of the data comprising the newest firmware version is performed upon request by any respective peer lighting device requiring the firmware update, and to adapt the device-status data by updating the firmware- version data. The functionality of this embodiment is in one variant extended to updating any kind of software used for driving operation of any part of the lighting device.
Lighting devices of this particular group of embodiments are advantageously configured to monitor and ensure that all lighting devices of a given network that have received or generated the trigger signal have the newest firmware version installed, among those installed in any of the lighting devices.
In one embodiment the lighting device comprises a switch configured to be in one of an off-state, in which an electrical connection between the secondary power supply unit and the inter- lighting device communication unit is interrupted, and an on-state, in which the mentioned electrical connection is enabled. The switch is configured to provide the trigger signal upon switching from the off-state to the on-state. In a particularly simple embodiment the switch comprises an isolation strip that, when pulled, brings the secondary power supply unit in electrical contact with the inter-lighting device communication unit. In another embodiment the switch is a mechanical switch.
Alternatively, another embodiment comprises an acceleration sensor configured to output the trigger signal upon detecting a predetermined movement pattern of the lighting device. The acceleration sensor may comprise, for instance, a tilting sensor configured to provide the trigger signal when detecting that the lighting device has been tilted at an angle exceeding a threshold angle value with respect to a predetermined reference angle associated with, for instance, a horizontal positioning of the lighting device.
In an embodiment the lighting device is embedded with a small, low-cost battery used only for storage time and delivery time before installation, which is provided in a battery compartment accessible and designed for allowing replacement of the low-cost battery with a large-capacity battery, suitably after unpacking the lighting device at the installation site.
In another embodiment, the lighting device is advantageously designed to be used in combination with a suitable packing box, in such a way that a clip-on battery, acting as a secondary power supply unit, can be accessed from the outside of the box without opening it, for easy battery replacement (if the battery has exhausted its energy) or removal of the battery to disable RF communication when not intended, e.g., in case of delivery to a highly secure customer establishment such as a military or defense application or any other facility where they may have restrictions to allow any RF enabled devices entry for security reasons. In another embodiment the battery is activated by positioning the packaging box on a designated side onto a surface, such as onto another packaging box. This activation arrangement of boxes is suitably indicated on the outside of the boxes to help the installation staff. In a variant, when the packaging box is placed on another side, the battery is automatically deactivated, thus saving energy when not used. Activation can also be based on a protrusion or bulging element on the box’ surface, or on a user switch element.
According to a second aspect of the invention, a lighting device arrangement is presented. The lighting device arrangement comprises at least two lighting devices that are in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.
The lighting device arrangement of the second aspects of the invention shares the advantages of the lighting device of the first aspect or of any of its embodiments. The lighting device arrangement comprises at least two lighting devices in accordance to a same embodiment, that are capable of communicating with each other in accordance with the communication protocol.
A lighting device arrangement in accordance with the present invention is particularly suitable for adapting the device-status data while the individual lighting devices are packed, for instance for being transported prior to installation. For example, the lighting devices, not installed and packed for transport contain at least partially charged batteries as secondary power supply units. When still in the box the inter- lighting device communication unit gets activated by a trigger-signal. In the simplest form an isolation strip is pulled or a mechanical switch or sensor is activated e.g. by tilting or mechanical movement or repositioning of the box. Alternatively, or additionally an internal trigger signal is generated by a timing unit that is powered by the secondary power supply unit. The transmission of the outgoing device signal is thus triggered by an internal trigger signal generated by the timing unit at one or more predetermined points in time.
In embodiments of the lighting device arrangements, where the lighting devices are configured to communicate with each other in accordance with a wireless- communication protocol, the reception or generation of the trigger signal turns on the inter lighting device communication unit, which tries to reach other RF capable devices.
Potentially these are other lighting devices that have been also just activated. Alternatively, or additionally, the lighting devices can comprise electrical pins that are suitably brought in contact, when the lighting device is packed, with metals strips or contact points arranged on the packing box, so that when boxes are piled up or otherwise brought into contact, an electrical wired connection is established between at least two lighting devices. In any of these two manners, i.e. wirelessly or by a wired connection, device-status data can be exchanged and the information collected in this way may be used to prepare for installation or commissioning. The lighting devices can also transmit their production information, firmware status and request firmware checks and updates.
Product information to be exchanged with other products may be about own product code, date of manufacturing, expected battery life span, etc. In another embodiment, a networking connection is established with a commissioning device that may be, for instance, a master device with regard to configuration data, and may be linked to the products with the same wireless-communication protocol.
Additionally, or alternatively, some lighting devices are configured to compare their firmware status with the same type of devices within RF reach and issue a firmware- warning signal if different firmware versions are installed in different lighting devices.
Warning could be via a blinking light or beeping or, in another embodiment, a message sent to the commissioning device. In a preferred embodiment, the lighting devices are
advantageously configured to forward the newest firmware version to all other devices of the same type. This feature is particularly advantageous when performed while the lighting devices are narrowly packed, e.g. during transport, as then RF energy needed for exchanging and updating the newest firmware version is lowest and there might be sufficient time. This is also a powerful tool getting actual firmware into the lighting devices that have been refurbished. Only one lighting device needs having the newest firmware version; the other peer lighting devices in the lighting device arrangement will take over from that one over time.
In another embodiment, the lighting devices of the arrangement are additionally or alternatively configured to assign themselves to a common group of lighting devices which are able to communicate with each other, or give themselves consecutive addresses or device names so that commissioning can be simplified afterwards. A different auto-commissioning method may use a list of serial numbers as compiled during the performance of the commissioning function and stored in one or all luminaires.
In another embodiment, the lighting device arrangement further comprises a commissioning device configured to act as a master or primary device in a networking connection of lighting devices.
In another embodiment of the lighting device arrangement, the lighting devices are configured to share a security key or group identifier from a commissioning device in the vicinity. This is advantageously used to encrypt or specify further communication within the lighting arrangement, also after installation. For instance, only product boxes placed together they will be able to access and share the key.
In an advanced embodiment, diagnostic information about the installed hardware modules may be available in the device-status data of a particular lighting device. This supports processes for recycling and reuse of products. Also expected remaining life time or battery diagnostic information may be contained. This in turn supports use cases where old lighting devices get packed together for transportation away of the building site.
In another embodiment, pre-commissioning of lighting devices that that get extracted or transported at a specific moment is enabled. This can be for instance triggered by placing all lighting devices to be grouped together on one pallet and then issuing a grouping action via the wireless communication protocol, e.g. a ZigBee network protocol. Preferably such an action is automatically triggered when transferring the pallet through a dedicated grouping gate. This would allow using directional antennas to keep the signal focused only on the products on that specific pallet.
In another embodiment, product package delivery status with numbers, types etc., can be verified at the customer place using handheld connected devices, e.g. smart phone, by communicating with packaged lighting devices after delivery. In case of a single shipment requiring multiple delivery, this method can smartly count the numbers of delivered lighting devices at each point, and the same can be verified at multiple points, e.g.
warehouse, customer end and delivery person etc.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, a method for operating a lighting device comprises:
providing a lighting control unit for controlling a lighting function of the lighting device under provision of electrical power received from an external primary power supply device;
storing device-status data in a storage unit;
receiving power from a secondary power supply at an inter-lighting device communication unit that is configured to transmit and receive communication signals in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol;
receiving or generating a trigger-signal;
upon reception or generation of the trigger signal, transmitting an outgoing device status signal indicative of device-status data;
monitoring for reception of incoming device-status signals indicative of external device-status data associated with one or more external peer lighting device; adapting the device-status data using (only) the current device-status data and the received external device-status data.
The method of the third aspect of the invention shares the advantages of the lighting devices of the first aspect or of any of its embodiments and is suitable for controlling a lighting device arrangement in accordance with the second aspect of the invention.
In the following, embodiments of the method of the third aspect of the invention will be described.
In a preferred embodiment, the communication signals are electromagnetic communication signals, and the transmission and reception of the electromagnetic
communication signals is performed in accordance with a predetermined wireless- communication protocol.
In another embodiment of the method of the third aspect, adapting the device- status data comprises establishing, in compliance with a predetermined network protocol, a networking connection with one or more peer lighting devices under provision of power from only the secondary power supply unit. In another embodiment, the networking connection is additionally or alternatively established with an external commissioning device
In another embodiment, the device-status data comprises a device-data list including internal device-status data of the lighting device itself, wherein adapting the device-status data comprises:
updating, upon reception of incoming device-status signals, the device-data list with data pertaining to the lighting device itself and the external device-status data pertaining to the one or more external peer lighting devices;
storing the device-status data including the updated device-data list in the storage unit.
In yet another embodiment the method is for controlling a lighting device wherein the lighting control unit of the lighting device comprises a processor configured to perform the control of the lighting function by executing an installed firmware, wherein the device-status data comprises firmware-version data indicative of a current firmware version installed. In this embodiment, adapting the device-status data comprises:
providing a firmware-warning signal upon determining that no firmware is installed or the stored firmware-version data of the installed firmware and those firmware- version data that have been received from the one or more peer lighting devices pertain to different firmware versions.
In another embodiment, the method additionally comprises: ascertaining, using the external device-status data, external firmware-version data pertaining to a version of the firmware of the external peer lighting device and to determine whether or not the firmware installed forms a newest firmware version in comparison with the ascertained external firmware -version data;
upon determining that the firmware installed does not form the newest firmware version, receiving from one of the peer lighting devices and to install the newest firmware version; and
upon determining that the firmware installed forms the newest firmware version and that any of the peer lighting devices does not have the newest firmware version installed, providing the newest firmware version for installation by the respective peer lighting devices.
It shall be understood that the lighting device of claim 1 , the lighting device arrangement of claim 11 , and the method for controlling a lighting device according to claim 12 have similar and/or identical preferred embodiments, in particular, as defined in the dependent claims.
It shall be understood that a preferred embodiment of the present invention can also be any combination of the dependent claims or above embodiments with the respective independent claim.
These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the following drawings:
Fig. la shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a lighting device arrangement.
Fig. lb shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of a lighting device arrangement and of a commissioning device.
Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a lighting de- vice.
Fig. 3 shows a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method for operating a lighting device.
DETAIFED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Fig. la shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a lighting device arrangement lOOa and Fig lb shows a schematic representation of another
embodiment of a lighting device arrangement lOOb and a commissioning device 150. These particular lighting device arrangements lOOa and lOOb comprise four lighting devices 1 lOa, 111, 112 and 113, and 110b, 111, 112 and 113 respectively. The lighting devices are peer lighting devices and are configured to perform a lighting function under provision of electrical power received from an external primary power supply device, such as, for instance, mains electricity, after having been installed and electrically connected at an intended position. In typical lighting devices, operation of an integrated lighting control unit only starts when connected to the mains. This leads to a number of interesting actions that cannot be exploited during stock keeping, transport and delivery at the mounting site. The lighting devices 1 lOa, 1 lOb, 111, 112 and 113 are packed in a respective packing box (e.g. box 101) and comprise a respective secondary power supply unit in the form of an at least partially charged battery 140, 141, 142 and 143 when in stock or before being installed, in order to enable accessibility of the lighting-devices' processing or memory capabilities. Thus, the lighting devices 140, 141, 142 and 143 are able to contribute actively to stock related information exchange processes by activating communication and processing means. In this particular example, each lighting device comprises a respective inter-lighting device communication unit 130, 131, 132 and 133 which are configured to receive power form the respective batteries 140., 141, 142 and 143. Under provision of operating power from the battery, the inter- lighting device communication unit is configured to transmit and receive communication signals in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol. In this particular lighting device arrangement, the communication signals are radio frequency signals sent and received in accordance with a wireless-communication protocol. The inter-lighting device communication unit is further configured, upon reception of a trigger signal, to transmit an outgoing device-status signal indicative of the device-status data and to monitor for reception of incoming device-status signals indicative of external device-status data associated with one or more external peer lighting devices. The inter- lighting device communication unit is further configured to perform an adaptation function for adapting the device-status data using (only) the current device-status data and the received external device-status data. Adapting the device-status data comprises in an exemplary lighting device determining whether the lighting device or any of its components are configured according to predetermined operational requirements. Preferably, the adaptation function also comprises, in the case it is determined that the predetermined operational requirements are currently not fulfilled, performing exchange with the one or more peer lighting devices under the communication protocol to achieve fulfilment of the operational requirements and updating the device-status data in the storage unit. Thus, lighting devices 1 lOa and 1 lOb are advantageously configured to start communicating with their immediate surrounding peer lighting devices 111, 112 and 113 even while packed in a packing box 102.
The lighting device 110b is further configured to establish a networking connection with an external commissioning device 150 under provision of power from only the secondary power supply unit. The commissioning device comprises a wireless communication unit 151 and is configured to transmit and receive electromagnetic communication signals in accordance with the wireless-communication protocol. The commissioning device 150 acts as a master device configured to have unidirectional control over one or more lighting devices 1 lOb. The commissioning device 150 is in this particular example a dedicated device different from a lighting device.
An exemplary commissioning device 150 is configured to receive the device- status data from the lighting devices forming the lighting device arrangement and to output valuable information regarding the lighting device arrangement to a user or to an external control unit. A particular commissioning device is also configured to drive an adaptation of the device-status data of one or more of the lighting devices, for instance, by providing firmware data in accordance with a required firmware version, that may or may not be the newest firmware version among those firmware versions installed in the respective lighting devices. Thus, an update of the firmware installed with a firmware version that is not installed in any of the lighting devices can be performed using a suitable commissioning device 150 before the lighting devices are installed, for example, during storing or transporting of the lighting devices.
Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a lighting device 110. The lighting device 110 comprises a lighting control unit 102 that is configured to control a lighting function of the lighting device 110 under provision of electrical power received from an external primary power supply device (not shown). The electrical power is received from the external primary power supply device via a power input interface 104. The lighting device also comprises a storage unit 106 for storing device-status data indicative of hardware-related parameters or software-related parameters or both hardware- and software- related parameters of the lighting device itself or of both the lighting device itself and of peer lighting devices. A secondary power supply unit, for example an at least partially charged battery 140 is used for providing operating power in absence of a connection to the primary power supply device. Additionally, the lighting device 110 comprises an inter- lighting device communication unit 130 that is configured to receive power from the secondary power supply 140, to transmit and receive electromagnetic communication signals in accordance with a predetermined wireless-communication protocol.
Upon reception of a trigger signal 108, the inter-lighting device communication unit is configured to transmit an outgoing device-status signal 116 indicative of the device-status data, to monitor for reception of incoming device-status signals 118 indicative of external device-status data associated with one or more external peer lighting devices, and to adapt the device-status data using (only) the current device-status data and the received external device-status data.
The lighting device 110 comprises a switch 120 configured to be in one of an off- state, in which an electrical connection between the secondary power supply unit 140 and the inter- lighting device communication unit 130 is interrupted, and an on-state, in which the mentioned electrical connection is enabled, and to provide the trigger signal upon switching from the off-state to the on-state. In this particular case, the trigger signal is the provision of operating power to the inter- lighting device communication unit 130. The switch is in a particularly simple embodiment an isolating strip that can be removed in order to create the mentioned electrical connection. In alternative lighting devices, the device may comprise an accelerating sensor configured to output the trigger signal upon detecting a predetermined movement pattern of the lighting device.
The inter- lighting device communication units 130 of some lighting devices are also configured to transmit and receive either wirelessly or via a wired connection, the communication signals when installed at the intended location, under provision of power from the primary power supply source via the power input interface 104. This preferred optional feature is indicated by the dashed line linking the power input 104 interface to the inter- lighting device communication unit 130. Additionally, or alternatively, a lighting device can be configured to perform the lighting function also under provision of power from the secondary power supply unit 140. This is particularly advantageous in lighting devices designed for emergency lighting when power from the primary power supply device is unwillingly interrupted, due to, for instance, a power failure. This optional feature is also indicated in Fig. 1 as a dashed line linking the secondary power supply unit 140 to the lighting control unit. The inter- lighting device communication unit 130 can be configured to perform one or more of the following functions that are particular examples of possible adaptation functions.
The inter-lighting device communication unit, for adapting the device-status data, can be configured to establish, in compliance with a predetermined network protocol, a networking connection with one or more peer lighting devices (e.g. 111, 112 113) under provision of power from only the secondary power supply unit 140.
The inter-lighting device communication unit 130, for adapting the device status data, can be configured to establish, in compliance with the predetermined network protocol, a networking connection with an external commissioning device 150 under provision of power from only the secondary power supply unit 140.
In a particular lighting device, the inter-lighting device communication unit 130, for adapting the device-status data, is further configured to share with the one or more peer- lighting devices 111, 112, 113 in the network connection or with the commissioning device security-key data indicative of a security key to be applied for mutual encrypted wireless communication or a group identifier indicative of a lighting device group comprising the lighting device and the one or more peer-lighting devices.
In a particular lighting device, the inter-lighting device communication unit, for adapting the device- status data, is alternatively or additionally configured to generate a device-data list comprising the device-status data pertaining to the lighting device itself and the external device-status data pertaining to the one or more external peer lighting devices and to store the device-data list in the storage unit.
The lighting device 110 can optionally comprise a processor 122 configured to perform the control of the lighting function by executing an installed firmware and wherein the device-status data comprises firmware- version data indicative of a current firmware version installed. In this lighting device, the inter-lighting device communication unit, for adapting the device-status data, is advantageously configured to provide a firmware-warning signal upon determining that no firmware is installed or the stored firmware- version data of the installed firmware and those firmware- version data that have been received from the one or more peer lighting devices pertain to different firmware versions. In addition, a particular lighting device comprises an inter- lighting device communication unit that is further configured to ascertain, using the external device-status data, external firmware- version data pertaining to a version of the firmware of the external peer lighting device and to determine whether or not the firmware installed forms a newest firmware version in comparison with the ascertained external firmware-version data. Further, upon determining that the firmware installed does not form the newest firmware version, the inter- lighting device communication unit is configured to receive from one of the peer lighting devices and to install the newest firmware version. Also upon determining that the firmware installed forms the newest firmware version and that any of the peer lighting devices does not have the newest firmware version installed, the inter-lighting device communication unit is configured to provide the newest firmware version for installation by the respective peer lighting devices.
Fig. 3 shows a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method 300 for operating a lighting device. The method for operating a lighting device, comprises, in a first step 302, providing a lighting control unit for controlling a lighting function of the lighting device under provision of electrical power received from an external primary power supply device. The method further comprises, in a step 304, storing device-status data. The method also includes, in a step 306 receiving operating power from a secondary power supply unit at an inter- lighting device communication unit that is configured to transmit and receive communication signals in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol. The method also comprises, in a step 308, receiving or generating a trigger signal. Once the trigger signal is received or generated, the method includes, in a step 310 transmitting an outgoing device status signal indicative of device-status data indicative of hardware-related parameters or software-related parameters of the lighting device itself, in a step 312, which is preferably performed simultaneously, monitoring for reception of incoming device-status signals indicative of external device-status data associated with one or more external peer lighting device and, in a step 314 adapting the device-status data using (only) the current device-status data and the received external device-status data.
In a particular variant of the method 300, the step 314, during which the adaptation for adapting the device-status data is performed, comprises establishing, in compliance with a predetermined network protocol und under provision of power from only the secondary power supply unit, a networking connection with one or more peer lighting devices or with a commissioning device.
Alternatively, or additionally, in another variant of the method 300, the step 314 comprises generating a device-data list comprising internal device-status data pertaining to the lighting device itself and the external device-status data pertaining to the external peer lighting device and storing the device-data list in a storage unit of the lighting device.
Alternatively, or additionally, for operating lighting devices in which the lighting control unit comprises a processor configured to perform the control of the lighting function by executing an installed firmware and wherein the device-status data comprises firmware- version data indicative of a current firmware version installed, the step 314 of method 300 advantageously comprises providing a firmware-warning signal upon
determining that no firmware is installed or the stored firmware-version data of the installed firmware and those firmware-version data that have been received from the one or more peer lighting devices pertain to different firmware versions.
Preferably, the step 314 of this variant of method 300 further comprises:
ascertaining, using the external device-status data, external firmware-version data pertaining to a version of the firmware of the external peer lighting device and to determine whether or not the firmware installed forms a newest firmware version in comparison with the ascertained external firmware -version data,
upon determining that the firmware installed does not form the newest firmware version, receiving from one of the peer lighting devices and to install the newest firmware version; and
upon determining that the firmware installed forms the newest firmware version and that any of the peer lighting devices does not have the newest firmware version installed, providing the newest firmware version for installation by the respective peer lighting devices.
In summary, a lighting device is disclosed that comprises a lighting control unit configured to control a lighting function of the lighting device under provision of electrical power received from an external primary power supply device, a storage unit for storing device-status data, an inter-lighting device communication unit that is configured to receive power from a secondary power supply unit in absence of a connection to the primary power supply device, to transmit and receive communication signals in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol, upon reception or generation of a trigger signal, to transmit an outgoing device-status signal indicative of the device-status data, to monitor for reception of incoming device-status signals indicative of external device-status data associated with one or more external peer lighting devices and to adapt the device-status data using (only) the current device-status data and the received external device-status data.
In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a” or "an" does not exclude a plurality.
A single step or other units may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

CLAIMS:
1. A lighting device arrangement (100) comprising a first lighting device (110) and a second lighting device (111), the first and the second lighting device each comprising:
a lighting control unit (102) configured to control a lighting function of the respective lighting device under provision of electrical power received from an external primary power supply device;
a storage unit (106) for storing first lighting device-status data or second lighting device-status data, respectively;
a secondary power supply (140) unit for providing operating power in absence of a connection to the primary power supply device; and
- an inter-lighting device communication unit (130) that is configured:
to receive power from the secondary power supply unit,
to transmit and receive communication signals in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol;- to generate or receive a trigger signal, and upon generation or reception of the trigger signal (108), to transmit an outgoing device-status signal (116) indicative of the first lighting device-status data or the second lighting device- status data, respectively; and
wherein the inter-lighting device communication unit of the first lighting device is further configured:
to monitor for reception of incoming device-status signals (118) indicative of external device-status data associated with the second lighting device (111); and
to adapt the first lighting device-status data using the current first lighting device-status data and the received incoming device-status signals (118) indicative of external device-status data;
wherein the inter-lighting device communication unit of the second lighting device is further configured:
to monitor for reception of incoming device-status signals (118) indicative of external device-status data associated with the first lighting device (110); and
to adapt the second lighting device-status data using the current second lighting device-status data and the received incoming device-status signals (118) indicative of the first lighting device-status data..
2. The lighting device arrangement (100) of claim 1, wherein the device-status data comprises a device-data list including internal device-status data of the lighting device itself and wherein each inter-lighting device communication unit (130) of the first lighting device and the second lighting device, for adapting the device-status data, is configured:
upon reception of incoming device-status signals, to update the device-data list with data pertaining to the lighting device itself and the external device-status data pertaining to the first lighting device or the second lighting device, respectively; and
to store the device-status data including the updated device-data list in the storage unit.
3. The lighting device arrangement (100) of claim 1, wherein the inter-lighting device communication unit, for adapting the device-status data, is configured to establish, in compliance with a predetermined network protocol, a networking connection with the first lighting device or the second lighting device, respectively, under provision of power from only the secondary power supply unit (140).
4. The lighting device arrangement (100) of claim 3, wherein the inter-lighting device communication unit, for adapting the device-status data, is configured to establish, in compliance with the predetermined network protocol, a networking connection with an external commissioning device (150) under provision of power from only the secondary power supply unit (140).
5. The lighting device arrangement (100) of claim 3, wherein the inter-lighting device communication unit (130), for adapting the device-status data, is further configured to share with the hrst lighting device (110) or the second lighting device (111), respectively, security-key data indicative of a security key to be applied for mutual encrypted wireless communication or a group identifier indicative of a lighting device group comprising the first lighting device and the second lighting device.
6. The lighting device arrangement (100) of claim 3, wherein the inter-lighting device communication unit (130) is configured to transmit and receive electromagnetic communication signals in accordance with a predetermined wireless-communication protocol.
7. The lighting device arrangement (100) of claim 1, wherein:
the lighting control unit (102) comprises a processor (122) configured to perform the control of the lighting function by executing an installed firmware and wherein the first lighting device-status data and the second lighting device data comprises firmware- version data indicative of a current firmware version installed on the first lighting device and the second lighting device, respectively; and wherein
the inter- lighting device communication unit (130) is further configured to provide a firmware-warning signal upon determining that no firmware is installed or upon determining that a stored firmware- version data of the installed firmware and firmware- version data, that have been received as incoming device-status signals (118), from the first lighting device or the second lighting device (111), respectively, pertain to different firmware versions.
8. The lighting device arrangement (100) of claim 7, wherein the inter-lighting device communication unit, for further performing a firmware update function, is configured:
to ascertain, using the external device-status data, external firmware-version data pertaining to a version of the firmware of the first lighting device or the second lighting device, respectively, and to determine whether or not the firmware installed forms a newest firmware version in comparison with the ascertained external firmware-version data;
upon determining that the firmware installed does not form the newest firmware version, to receive from the first lighting device or the second lighting device, respectively, the newest firmware version and to install the newest firmware version; and upon determining that the firmware installed forms the newest firmware version and that of the first lighting device or the second lighting device, respectively, does not have the newest firmware version installed, to provide the newest firmware version for installation by the first lighting device or the second lighting device, respectively, and to adapt the device-status data by updating the firmware-version data.
9. The lighting device arrangement (100) of claim 1, further comprising a switch (120) configured to be in one of an off-state, in which an electrical connection between the secondary power supply unit and the inter-lighting device communication unit is interrupted, and an on-state, in which the mentioned electrical connection is enabled, and to provide the trigger signal upon switching from the off-state to the on-state.
10. The lighting device arrangement (100) of claim 1, further comprising an acceleration sensor configured to output the trigger signal upon detecting a predetermined movement pattern of the lighting device.
11. A method (300) for operating a lighting device arrangement (100) comprising a first lighting device (110) and a second lighting device (111), the method comprising
providing, for each of the first lighting device and the second lighting device, a lighting control unit (302) for controlling a lighting function of the respective lighting device under provision of electrical power received from an external primary power supply device;
storing first lighting device-status data or second lighting device-status data, respectively, (304) in a storage unit;
receiving power (306) from a secondary power supply unit at an inter- lighting device communication unit that is configured to transmit and receive communication signals in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol;
receiving or generating a trigger signal (308);
upon reception or generation of the trigger signal, transmitting an outgoing device status signal (310) indicative of the first lighting device-status data or the second lighting device-status data, respectively;- monitoring, by the first lighting device, for reception of incoming device-status signals (312) indicative of external device-status data associated with the second lighting device; and monitoring, by the second lighting device, for reception of incoming device-status signals (312) indicative of external device-status data associated with the first lighting device;
adapting (314), by the first lighting device, the first lighting device status-data using the current first lighting device-status data and the received incoming device-status signals (118) indicative of external device-status data; or adapting (314), by the second lighting device, the second lighting device status-data using the current second lighting device-status data and the received incoming device-status signals (118) indicative of external device-status data.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein adapting the first lighting device-status data or the second lighting device-status data (310), respectively, comprises establishing, in compliance with a predetermined network protocol, a networking connection with the first lighting device or the second lighting device, respectively, under provision of power from only the secondary power supply unit.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the lighting control unit of the first lighting device and the second lighting device each comprises a processor configured to perform the control of the lighting function by executing an installed firmware, wherein the first lighting device-status and the second lighting device-status data comprises firmware-version data indicative of a current firmware version installed on the first lighting device and the second lighting device, respectively, and wherein adapting the first lighting device-status or the second lighting device-status data (310) comprises:
providing a firmware-warning signal upon determining that no firmware is installed or upon determining that a stored firmware-version data of the installed firmware and firmware- version data, that have been received as incoming device-status signals (118), from the first lighting device or the second lighting device, respectively, pertain to different firmware versions.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:
ascertaining, using the external device-status data, external firmware-version data pertaining to a version of the firmware of the first lighting device or the second lighting device, respectively, and to determine whether or not the firmware installed forms a newest firmware version in comparison with the ascertained external firmware-version data;
upon determining that the firmware installed does not form the newest firmware version, receiving from the first lighting device or the second lighting device, respectively, the newest firmware version and to install the newest firmware version; and upon determining that the firmware installed forms the newest firmware version and that of the first lighting device or the second lighting device, respectively, does not have the newest firmware version installed, providing the newest firmware version for installation by the first lighting device or the second lighting device, respectively.
PCT/EP2019/064628 2018-06-08 2019-06-05 Lighting device with flexible adaptation of device-status data capability WO2019234093A1 (en)

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