WO2021171076A1

WO2021171076A1 - System and method for selecting one or more lighting products contained in a collection

Info

Publication number: WO2021171076A1
Application number: PCT/IB2020/061122
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alessandro BETTIOL
Original assignee: Ayuppie Dot Com Italy S.R.L.
Priority date: 2020-02-28
Filing date: 2020-11-25
Publication date: 2021-09-02
Also published as: IT202000004252A1

Abstract

The invention is a system for selecting one or more lighting products (P) included in a collection (C), comprising a processing unit (3), a database (1) and interface means (2) operatively connected to the unit (3) and comprising a screen (4). The database (1) is suited to store series of first data (D1) associated with the pictures of the products (P), series of second data (D2) associated with the technical characteristics of the products (P), series of third data (D3) generated by the user and associated with the characteristics of the products (P) required by the latter. The unit (3) processes the series of second data (D2) to generate fourth data (D4) associated with the technical characteristics shared by the products (P), compares the second data (D2) with the third data (D3) to identify the second data (D2) associated with the products (P) having characteristics similar to those required, extracts from the database (1) the first data (D1) associated with the second data (D2) identified during the comparison and transmits said data to said interface means (2) to display the products (P), processes the fourth data (D4) in such a way as to identify the second data (D2) associated with the products (P) having technical characteristics in common with the displayed products (P), extracts from the database (1) the first data (D1) related to the products (P) associated with the second data (D2) having characteristics in common with the displayed products (P), transmits the first data (D1) to the interface means (2) in such a way as to display the products (P) having characteristics in common with the required products (P). The invention concerns also a method for selecting lighting products (P) included in a collection (C).

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SELECTING ONE OR MORE LIGHTING PRODUCTS CONTAINED IN A COLLECTION

DESCRIPTION

Field of application of the invention

[001] The present invention can be applied in the technical sector of civil and/or industrial lighting systems and the subject of the same comprises a system and a method for selecting one or more lighting products included in a collection of products.

State of the art

[002] As is known, lighting technology concerns the methods and techniques used to light rooms and places exploiting sunlight and/or artificial light.

[003] In the design and execution of public and private building works, the study of the lighting of environments requires high technical skills since the results of this design activity directly affect the wellbeing of people inside (or outside) the building. [004] Furthermore, the lighting of architectural works must often respect some technical and aesthetic criteria established by the designers.

[005] For this reason, the choice of the lighting products intended to be installed in the different rooms represents a crucial and complex step that can be carried out only by highly specialized professionals.

[006] However, lighting products are characterized by the fact that the same object incorporates merely aesthetic and style-related features as well as strictly technical and functional features.

[007] As is nowadays clear for everyone, in fact, the shape of lighting products represents the main selection criterion not only in domestic contexts but also in commercial/productive contexts.

[008] The shape of these products must often match the style and architectural choices made during the design and execution of the architectural work.

[009] For this reason, the choice of the most suitable lighting products from the aesthetic point of view is often made by professionals who specialise in this field, typically architects, designers or interior designers.

[0010] However, the selection of the best product depends also on the selection of some specific electrical and/or lighting-related parameters that need to be in tune with the intended use of the product and the installation environment. [0011] For example, the main electrical parameters involved in this selection can be the degree of protection, the power supply voltage, the absorbed power, the type of LEDs and of control electronics used.

[0012] There are also other parameters associated with the electromagnetic radiation emitted by lighting products. For example, this category of parameters includes the intensity of the light emitted by the sources, luminous flux, luminance, light efficiency, colour temperature, chromatic yield etc.

[0013] The complex nature of these parameters (as well as their effect on the installation environment and on the persons inside said environment) makes the choice of the correct lighting product to be used in a given project particularly difficult.

[0014] For this reason, the most competent professional figure to make such decisions is represented by a technician specialising in the lighting field and having a scientific background based on the physics of visible radiation.

[0015] The above shows the intrinsic complexity of lighting products, which, exactly due to the need to combine aesthetic characteristics with other, technical characteristics, must be selected by professionals having very different competences that are difficult to integrate with one another.

[0016] In most cases, in fact, the selection of the product that must be installed in a given environment is exclusively based on aesthetic factors or on technical factors, but the selection very rarely optimizes both aspects.

[0017] This situation occurs because in most cases the professional who is in charge with the selection has sectoral competences (architect/designer or lighting technician) which evidently lead him/her to privilege the aesthetic aspect or the technical aspect of the products in a selective manner.

[0018] For this reason, the quality of the lighting products installed in a specific environment is often not optimal, being the result of a selection that does not make it possible to achieve a complete “fusion” between the aesthetic characteristics of the product and its functional efficiency.

Presentation of the invention

[0019] The present invention intends to overcome the technical drawbacks mentioned above by providing a method for the selection of one or more lighting products included in a collection of products.

[0020] More specifically, it is the main object of the present invention to provide a method for selecting one or more lighting products included in a collection of products which facilitates the work of the professional who is in charge with the selection of the products intended to be installed in an indoor or outdoor environment.

[0021] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for selecting one or more lighting products included in a collection of products which makes it possible to automatically classify the products according to their aesthetic and technical characteristics.

[0022] It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for selecting one or more lighting products included in a collection of products which makes it possible to automatically support the selection made by the user according to the latter’s previous choices.

[0023] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for selecting one or more lighting products included in a collection of products which supports the user in the definition of a consistent aesthetic style for all the selected products. [0024] It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for selecting one or more lighting products included in a collection of products which is easy to implement and makes it possible to carry out a selection of products in a particularly rapid and intuitive manner.

[0025] Again, it is another and yet not the least object of the present invention to provide a method for selecting one or more lighting products included in a collection of products which is particularly intuitive and realistic in the presentation and selection of the products.

[0026] These objects, together with others which are highlighted in greater detail below, are achieved by a method for selecting one or more lighting products included in a collection of products of the type according to claim 1.

[0027] Other objects which are better described below are achieved by a system for selecting one or more lighting products included in a collection of products according to the dependent claims from 2 to 4.

[0028] The invention also includes a method for selecting one or more lighting products included in a collection of products according to claim 6.

[0029] Further objects associated with said method are achieved through the teachings of the dependent claims from 7 to 12.

Brief description of the drawings [0030] The advantages and the characteristics of the present invention clearly emerge from the following detailed description of some preferred but non-limiting configurations of a method for selecting one or more lighting products included in a collection of products, with particular reference to the following drawings:

- Figure 1 shows a block diagram of the method according to the invention;

- Figure 2 shows a circuit block diagram of a system for selecting a lighting product included in a collection.

Detailed description of the invention

[0031] As is better clarified below, the subject of the present invention is a method for selecting one or more lighting products P included in a collection of products C. [0032] More specifically, in the present description the expression “lighting products” refers to objects intended to light rooms and spaces by means of artificial light such as, for example, lamps, LED light sources, floor lamps, luminous installations, track lighting systems, spotlights etc.

[0033] As indicated in the block diagrams shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the method which is the subject of the present invention includes a step a) of preparation of a number database 1, a step b) of preparation of interface means 2 suited to display information that can be seen by the user, and a step c) of preparation of a processing unit 3.

[0034] More specifically, the processing unit 3 is operatively connected to the number database 1 and to the interface means 2 in such a way as to exchange numerical data with the latter.

[0035] The interface means 2 can be constituted by any electronic device provided with a screen and/or by one or more input devices suited to be connected to a CPU or to a remote server.

[0036] For example, the interface means 2 are contained in computers, tablets, smartphones and other similar devices.

[0037] Furthermore, the database 1 can be of the local or remote type; in the first case it is installed in a memory portion of an electronic device inside which also the processing unit is installed, while in the second case said database 1 is installed in a remote server that can be accessed by the processing unit through a network connection (for example, Internet, LAN, WiFi, etc.).

[0038] The method comprises also a step d) of preparation of series of first data

each one of which is associated with one or more pictures of a predetermined product P of the collection.

[0039] Each series of first data

is thus associated with a single product P and the number N of said series is equal to the total number N of the products P included in the collection C.

[0040] In this way, each product P of the collection is associated with a respective series of first data

[0041] The first data

are configured to be processed by the processing unit 3 and successively transmitted to the interface means 2 in order to display one or more pictures of the product P that can be seen by the user.

[0042] More specifically, the series of first data

can be configured to display some views of the lighting product P (for example, a perspective view, a view from below, a top and a side view).

[0043] Furthermore, the pictures can be photographs of actual examples of the product P or be the result of digital rendering operations.

[0044] The method includes a step e) of storage of the series of first data

in the database 1 and a step f) of preparation of series of second data D₂.

[0045] The step f) is followed by a step g) of storage of the series of second data D₂ in the database 1

[0046] The series of second data D₂ is constituted at least by a plurality of first sub series of data, indicated by the reference letter D₂’ in the present description, and at least by a plurality of second sub-series of data, indicated by the reference letter D₂” in the description.

[0047] The second data D₂ are associated with the technical characteristics of the products P of the collection C and, as already described with reference to the first data Di, also in this case a single series of second data D₂ refers to a specific product P of the collection C and analogously the total number N of the series is equal to the total number N of the products P that make up the entire collection C.

[0048] More specifically, each first sub-series of second data D₂’ is exclusively associated with the technical characteristics of a single product P of the collection C; as a consequence of this univocal association between the first sub-series of second data D₂’ and the single product P it can be easily observed that the total number N of the first sub-series of second data is equal to the total number n of the products P of the collection C.

[0049] Conveniently, the first sub-series of second data D₂’ are variable according to the electrical characteristics and/or the lighting characteristics and/or the geometrical and dimensional characteristics of the products P included in the collection C.

[0050] The first sub-series of second data D₂’ are thus exclusively associated with the electrical, lighting, mechanical and dimensional technical characteristics of the products P of the collection C.

[0051] More specifically, the first sub-series of second data D₂’ may contain information associated with the following technical characteristics: lighting voltage of the lighting products P; rated power required by the lighting products P; current absorbed by the lighting products P; references to parameters related to electromagnetic emissions and to the technical tests required by national and/or international standards; parameters associated with the data communication protocols used in the lighting or IT field for the remote control of the product P (for example, setting of the WiFi network, IP address, DALI protocol or protocols used in the loT - Internet of Things); overall dimensions of the lighting product P; dimensions specified in the drawing of the parts of the lighting product P intended to be anchored to a surface of the installation environment or to a support (for example, an electrified light track); list of one or more materials used for making the lighting product P; any limitations applicable to the installation, for example related to the suitability of the materials used to make the lighting product P for indoor or outdoor installation, to wind resistance, to the possible sensitivity of the electrical parts contained in the product P to temperature, humidity); luminous flux (lumen) associated with the lighting product P; irradiance (lux) associated with the lighting product P; luminance associated with the lighting product P; glare associated with the lighting product P; colour temperature associated with the lighting product P; uniformity of the light radiation emitted by the lighting product P (for example, general and/or longitudinal and/or transversal).

[0052] The electrical, lighting, mechanical and dimensional parameters indicated above are provided by way of example and if necessary the first sub-series of second data D₂’ can be associated also with different technical parameters that characterize one or more lighting products P belonging to the collection C in a customized manner. [0053] However, it is important to underline that the first sub-series of second data D₂’ are associated with the parameters of the lighting products P that describe only the operating (technical) aspects of the latter and that have a primary importance for the correct selection and/or installation and/or maintenance of the products themselves.

[0054] The series of second data D₂ may comprise information concerning some particular shape-related aspects of the product P, more specifically this information may be associated with the shape of the object in a plan view (for example elongated, round, elliptical, circular etc.) as well as to the size and overall dimensions of the object itself.

[0055] In particular, the series of second data D₂ may comprise a second sub-series of data D₂” associated with aesthetic information on the product P related, for example, to its external shape and possibly to dimensions and sizes of the same, which do not represent important technical information for the purposes of the installation/maintenance of the product P and which for this reason have been included in the first sub-series of second data D₂’ described above.

[0056] Finally, the series of second data D₂ may contain information related to the type of lighting product P so as to define to which specific category it belongs (for example, ceiling lamps, spotlights, track lighting systems, floor lamps, table lamps etc.).

[0057] The information associated with the types of lighting products P can be stored in a third sub-series of second data D₂”’.

[0058] In substance, the series of second data D₂ can thus be defined, respectively, through the combination of the first sub-series D₂’ and the second sub-series D₂” described above, and possibly even through the addition of the third sub-series D₂”’ introduced in the previous paragraph (D₂ = D₂’ + D₂” / D₂ = D₂’ + D₂” + D₂”’)· [0059] Said categories, furthermore, can be associated with certain installation spaces; for example, a spotlight can be installed in a living room and/or a bathroom and/or a dining room while a table lamp can be installed in a living room and/or a bedroom.

[0060] As clearly explained in the description provided above, the series of second data D₂ can be at least partially contained in a data sheet of the product P.

[0061] The method that is the subject of the present invention comprises also a step h) carried out by the user, during which third data D₃ at least partially associated with the technical characteristics of the lighting product P required by the same user is generated.

[0062] As already mentioned in the previous paragraphs during the description of step f), also the third data D₃ may contain one or more technical characteristics normally contained in the data sheet of lighting products.

[0063] Conveniently, the third data D₃ may contain technical information of the same type and completely in tune with one or more of the technical data associated with the first sub-series of second data D₂’, that is, associated with the electrical and/or mechanical and/or lighting and/or dimensional parameters of the products P of the collection C.

[0064] In this way, the user can define in a rather precise manner the characteristics of the product P he/she is looking for in the collection C, generating third data associated, for example, with the electrical and/or lighting and/or shape-related and dimensional characteristics of the required product.

[0065] Conveniently, step h) may include a manual operation during which the user uses the interface means 2 to generate the third data D₃ (for example, by interacting with the keyboard of an electronic device).

[0066] Alternatively, step h) may include a more automated operation during which the third data D₃ are not entered manually by the user but are automatically obtained by the processing unit 3 after the display of the products P of the collection C. [0067] In the last case, in fact, the processing unit 3 can be configured to transmit the series of first data D₃ to the interface means 2 in such a way as to have the products P of the collection C (or part of them) displayed on the screen of an electronic device.

[0068] At this point the execution of step h) may comprise a further selection step carried out by the user, during which one or more products P of the collection displayed by the interface means 2 are selected.

[0069] This selection has the only purpose of determining the technical characteristics of the previously selected products P in such a way as to activate the processing unit 3 and automatically generate third data D₃ which are variable according to said selected technical characteristics. [0070] Conveniently, the third data D₃ may vary according to the technical characteristics specified above and also according to the geometric characteristics of the environment where the product will be installed.

[0071] More conveniently, during a specific step of the method, not illustrated in the figures, the user can generate information associated with the environment where the required lighting products P will be installed such as, for example, the definition of the environment (indoor or outdoor), the configuration of the spaces contained in said environment, the dimensions of each space etc.

[0072] According to a particular configuration of the method, not illustrated in the figures, there may be a step of identification of the architectural drawing of the installation environment in a plan view and a successive step of extrapolation from said drawing of all the technical/dimensional information associated with the environment and relevant for the selection of the ideal lighting product P from the collection C.

[0073] For example, the identification step can be configured in such a way as to identify the data present in a plan view (for example, obtained through a .pdf, .dwg or similar file) while the extrapolation step can be suited to automatically obtain all the information contained in the data present in the plan view (intended use of the spaces, length/width/height of the spaces / total number of rooms or spaces etc.). [0074] The data extrapolated in this manner can be used to generate the third data D₃ (in addition to the technical parameters already described above in paragraphs [0043] - [0049]).

[0075] The method includes a step i) of comparison between a respective series of second data D₂, associated with a predetermined product P of the collection C, and the remaining series of second data D₂ associated with the remaining products P of the collection C.

[0076] Each execution (or interaction) of step h) is carried out on the series of second data D₂ related to a single product P of the collection C; in substance, this series of second data D₂ is compared with all the remaining other series of second data D₂ associated with all the other products P of the collection C.

[0077] Conveniently, during the execution of step i) the first sub-series of second data D₂’ associated with a predetermined product P are compared with the first sub series of second data D₂’ associated with all the remaining products P of the collection C. [0078] During the execution of step i), therefore, only the information associated with the technical, lighting, mechanical and dimensional characteristics of the products P are compared, while the aesthetic and/or shape-related information concerning said products P are not taken in consideration in any way.

[0079] The selective and iterative execution of step i) is promoted by the processing unit 3 through access to the database 1 in which all the series of second data D₂ are saved.

[0080] After the comparison step i), there is a step j) of generation of fourth data D₄ associated with the common or particularly similar technical characteristics present in all the series of second data D₂ stored in the database 1 during the execution of step i).

[0081] The fourth data D₄, therefore, contain information exclusively associated with the electrical and/or mechanical and/or lighting and/or dimensional technical characteristics shared by all the first sub-series of second data D₂’ stored in the database 1 during the execution of step i).

[0082] Even in this case step j) is carried out by the processing unit 3 which is able to identify, for each iteration of step i), any common or similar information present in the series of second data D₂ compared in that precise moment. In particular, during step j) it will be possible to identify, for each iteration of step i), any common or similar information present in the first sub-series of second data D₂’ compared in that precise moment.

[0083] Before the execution of step j) there may be a further step of the method, not illustrated in the drawings and suited to establish a predetermined interval of values that must include the shared information contained in the compared series of second data in order to allow said information to be classified as common (or similar). [0084] To clarify this aspect, it should be pointed out that step j) can be suited to generate fourth data D₄ when the parameter contained in the different series has the same numerical value (for example, absorbed power equal to 10W).

[0085] Alternatively, the fourth data D₄ can be generated even when the parameter being examined falls within a predetermined interval of values (for example, with an interval set at 2W step i) will give a positive result even when one series of second data is associated with an absorbed power of 10W and the other series of second data is associated with an absorbed power of 11.5 W [11.5W - 10W = 1.5W < 2W]). [0086] It is important to underline that the comparison step i) and the step j) of generation of the third data D₃ are carried out exclusively on the information associated with the same physical quantities and/or technical parameters contained in the series of second data D₂ (in particular, contained in the first sub-series of second data D₂’)·

[0087] The example below can better clarify this aspect: if during the execution of step i) two series of second data D₂ are compared, which are associated with the following technical characteristics of the products P, P’ included in the collection C: series a)\ information related to the electric current absorbed by LED lamps, to the overall dimensions and to the elongated shape of the product (the latter expressed through a precise range of lengths stored in the information associated with the first sub-series of second data D₂’); series b)\ information related to the absorbed power, to the luminance of the LED lamps, to the colour temperature and to the elongated shape of the product (the latter expressed through a precise range of parameters and physical quantities stored in the information associated with the first sub-series of second data D₂’); during the execution of step i) fourth data D₄ will be generated, which are suited to identify the presence of the common parameter “elongated shape”, meaning of the only technical characteristic present in both series. The presence of this common parameter has been identified following the comparison of the length ranges contained in the information associated with the first sub-series of second data D₂’. In other words, the fourth data D₄ generated by the processing unit 3 following this comparison will contain information suited to indicate that both products P and P’ have an elongated shape according to the technical dimensional information associated with the first sub-series of second data D₂’.

[0088] As already mentioned above, the steps i) and j) can be carried out in an iterative manner to r ail the products P of the collection C, in such a way as to promote the comparison of each series of second data D₂ (associated with a given product X) with the remaining series of second data D₂ (associated with all the products of the collection except for product X).

[0089] Conveniently, the method comprises a step k) of comparison between the information contained in the third data D₃ and those contained in the series of second data D₂ stored in the database 1 during step f) and associated with the technical characteristic of the products P of the collection C.

[0090] Said step k) is carried out by the processing unit 3 for the purpose of identifying all the products P, if any, which are present in the collection and whose technical characteristics match the requests expressed by the user through the execution of the step j) of generation of the fourth data D₄.

[0091] Even in this case, as already seen above, step k) can be carried out on the first sub-series of second data D₂’ and the comparison and identification carried out during said step can be based on a pre-established interval of values that can be determined through the execution of a dedicated step of the method (not illustrated in the figures).

[0092] If the fourth data D₄ contain also the information associated with the characteristics of the environment, a comparison between this information and the information present in the series of second data D₂ and associated with the installation environment will be carried out during the execution of step k).

[0093] For example, following this comparison it will be possible to identify the lighting products P having technical characteristics corresponding to those desired by the user and at the same time suited to be installed in the spaces contained in the environment as seen in a plan view (living room, bathroom, kitchen, dining room, office etc.).

[0094] The method comprises also a step I) of selection of one or more series of second data D₂ for which the comparison carried out during the preceding step k) gave a positive result.

[0095] The expression “positive result” means the identification, after the comparison carried out during step k), of products P having at least one technical characteristic in common and possibly similar aesthetic characteristics or use- related characteristics.

[0096] There is then a step m) of extraction, from the database 1, of the first data D₄ associated with the products P selected during the preceding selection step I). [0097] Both the selection step I) and the extraction step m) are carried out by the processing unit 3.

[0098] Furthermore, these two steps are preparatory to the execution of step n), during which the products P are displayed through the processing of the first data D₄ extracted during step m).

[0099] The processing unit 3 activates the interface means 2 in such a way as to display all the products P of the collection C having characteristics that correspond to those sought for by the user.

[00100] This aspect represents a first advantage of the method that is the subject of the present invention which, starting from a series of requests made by the user (mainly technical and aesthetic), makes it possible to automatically identify one or more products matching those specifications.

[00101] In this way the user does not need to compare the dimensional/aesthetic and electrical/lighting characteristics associated with the various products P of the collection C, since the selection of the best product (or of the best products) is carried out automatically through the steps of this method and in particular through the execution of steps f), h), i), j) - I).

[00102] Conveniently, the method comprises a step o) of identification of the fourth data D₄ associated with the objects selected (or displayed) during the execution of step n).

[00103] The fourth data D₄ selected in this way make it possible to establish a relation between the products P displayed by the interface means 2 [step n)] and the products P belonging to the collection but not yet displayed.

[00104] Even in this case the method includes, respectively, a successive step p) of extraction, from the database 1, of the series of first data D₄ associated with the products P identified during step o), and a step q) of display of said products P through the interface means 2.

[00105] The steps o) - q) make it possible to display the products P of the collection C correlated with those products P already proposed by displaying them to the user during step n); in this way the method makes it possible to “guide” the user in the choice of the optimal product P.

[00106] In particular, the products P displayed during step q) [and identified during step o)] may have technical characteristics relatively similar to those required by the user (as determined by the comparison of the first sub-series of second data D2’) but shape-related and dimensional characteristics that are such as to define a common and consistent “aesthetic style” shared by all of them.

[00107] The products P displayed during step q) may have some style-related features intended to appear repeatedly and to produce a specific aesthetic impression.

[00108] This situation occurs with products P having common geometric features such as, for example, rounded edges and/or a dimension prevailing on the other and/or a characterizing geometric shape that tends to be repeated in a modular manner etc.

[00109] Following the execution of step q) the user can distinguish more easily products P having technical characteristics (electrical/lighting) that match the specifications defined by the fourth data D₄ but have a consistent aesthetic style. [00110] Thanks to the execution of these steps, the method that is the subject of the present invention will be able to automatically propose to the user all the products P of the collection C that are technically compliant and have a harmonized aesthetic component that is such as to allow them to be used in the same installation environment.

[00111] Advantageously, the method may comprise a step s) of selection by the user of one or more products P displayed during step o).

[00112] This selection can be carried out activating the interface means 2 (for example, positioning a mouse pointer on the picture of the product displayed on the screen of an electronic device).

If the selection step s) is carried out after the display step n), it will be possible to carry out the extraction step p) and the display step q) exclusively on the series of first data D₃ associated with the product (or products) indicated by the user during step s).

[00113] In this way, it will be possible to display the products P whose style is more similar to that selected by the user and this can be particularly advantageous when it comes to limiting the selection of the products P to those having aesthetic features more similar to those of the selected product.

[00114] Conveniently, the series of second data D₂ defined during step f) may contain information associated also with the economic value of the product to which they refer. In this case, there can be fourth sub-series of second data D₂ ^lv associated with the economic value of the products P of the collection C.

[00115] The third data D₃generated by the user may contain information associated with the total budget of the user for the selection of the lighting products.

[00116] The processing unit 3 can be configured in such a way as to allow, during the execution of step k), the processing of the numerical data associated with the economic value entered by the user and to that of the various products compared. [00117] In this way, the products displayed during the execution of step n) can be selected also as a function of their economic value, so as to help the user select the products that allow him/her to respect the budget set as a project parameter in the definition of the fourth data D₄.

[00118] In the same way, also the execution of steps o) and q) can take in consideration the cost-related information set by the user and associated with each product, in such a way that even the products stylistically similar to those already displayed respect the limit set by the budget.

[00119] Furthermore, the method may comprise a warning step, not illustrated in the drawings, during the execution of which the user will be warned of the failure to respect the economic parameters if the selection made includes one or more products whose individual or total cost exceeds the ceiling set by the budget. [00120] According to a further aspect of the invention, the same concerns a system for selecting one or more lighting products included in a collection of products. [00121] This system, whose operating principle is schematically shown in Figure 2, comprises a processing unit 3, a database 1 and interface means 2 (provided at least with a screen 4) both connectable to the processing unit 3.

[00122] Furthermore, the operation of the system is based on the method described in the preceding paragraphs.

[00123] As already mentioned with reference to the method, the elements indicated above can be contained in the same device (computer, tablet, smartphone etc.) or, alternatively, be distributed in and require the use of servers and remote terminals connected together through a network connection.

[00124] Series of first data

series of second data D₂ and series of third data D₃ can be stored in the database 1.

[00125] As already mentioned in the preceding paragraphs, the series of first data O_! are associated with one or more pictures of the products P of the collection C, while the series of second data D₂ at least partially refer to the technical characteristics associated with the lighting product P.

[00126] In particular, the series of second data D₂ may comprise a first sub-series associated with information related to the electrical and/or mechanical and/or lighting and/or dimensional characteristics of the products P, as extensively described in the preceding paragraphs.

[00127] Furthermore, the second data D₂ may comprise a second sub-series D₂” and/or a third sub-series D₂”’ and/or a fourth sub-series D₂ ^IV whose information is respectively associated with the aesthetic characteristics of the products P and with the type and economic value of the products P.

[00128] Furthermore, the series of third data D₃ are at least partially associated with the technical characteristics of the lighting product P required by the user.

[00129] Conveniently, the series of second data D₂ and the series of third data D₃ may both contain information associated with the installation environment.

[00130] In particular, the processing unit 3 can be configured to extract the information associated with the installation environment in a completely automatic manner, starting from a digital support supplied to the system by the user (typically a file containing the sectional plan view of the installation environment, with extension .pdf, .dwg etc.).

[00131] The processing unit 3, furthermore, is suited to carry out some numerical operations on the series of data D₃ D₂ D₃, in such a way as to provide the results specified above during the description of the method.

[00132] In particular, the main operations performed by the processing unit 3 are the following:

- processing said series of second data D₂ in such a way as to generate fourth data D₄ associated with the technical characteristics shared by the products P of the collection C, wherein said processing operation can be mainly carried out on the first sub-series of second data D₂’;

- comparing the series of second data D₂ with the series of third data D₃ in such a way as to identify the series of second data D₂ associated with the products P of the collection C having characteristics similar to those required by the user, wherein also this comparison can be mainly carried out on the first sub-series of second data

D₂’;

- extracting from the database 1 the series of first data D₃ associated with the series of second data D₂ obtained following the previous comparison, so as to transmit said series of first data D₃ to the interface means 2 in order to display the corresponding products P on the screen 4;

- processing the fourth data D₄ in such a way as to identify the series of second data D₂ associated with the products P sharing at least one technical characteristic with one or more products P displayed on the screen 4 of the interface means 2 (following the comparison mentioned above);

- extracting from the database 1 the series of first data D₃ associated with the products P whose series of second data D₂ share at least one technical characteristic with one or more products P displayed on the screen 4;

- transmitting the series of first data D₃ to the interface means 2 in such a way as to display on the screen 4 the products P sharing one or more technical characteristics with the products P having characteristics similar to those required by the user.

[00133] At the end of the activities specified above it will be very easy for the user to select the lighting product P belonging to the collection C which is most suitable for the installation environment defined during the project design stage.

[00134] In particular, through the information contained in the series of second data D₂ the processing unit 3 can display the products P of the collection C that are most similar (or most correspond) to the requests made by the user when entering the third data D₃.

[00135] However, the information contained in the fourth data D₄ are used by the processing unit 3 to activate the interface means 2 in such a way as to provide the user with a sequence of products P not identical (or similar) to those already displayed on the screen 4 but able to meet the user’s requests for technical and/or aesthetic reasons.

[00136] In other words, the products P displayed once the fourth data D₄ have been processed share some features with those displayed after the comparison between the series of second data and the series of third data D₃; these common features may refer, for example, to some characteristics related to appearance or shape, or to precise electrical or lighting parameters.

[00137] The generation of the fourth data D₄, therefore, is rather advantageous, since thanks to them it will be possible to improve the selection made by the user, suggesting to the latter one or more products P whose characteristics, even if they do not fully meet the set requirements, are very closed to them in terms of functionality or style.

[00138] The present invention can be carried out in other variants, all of which fall within the scope of the inventive characteristics claimed and described herein; said technical characteristics can be replaced by different technically equivalent elements and any materials, shapes and sizes can be used for the invention, provided that they are compatible with its intended use.

[00139] The reference numbers and signs included in the claims and in the description have the only purpose of making the text clearer and must not be considered as elements limiting the technical interpretation of the objects or processes they identify.

Claims

1. A system for selecting one or more lighting products (P) included in a collection (C), comprising:

- a processing unit (3);

- a database (1) operatively connected to said processing unit (3);

- interface means (2) operatively connected to said processing unit (3), said interface means (2) comprising at least one screen (4); wherein said database (1) is suited to store:

- series of first data (D₄) associated with one or more pictures of the products (P) of the collection (C);

- series of second data (D₂) at least partially associated with the technical characteristics of the respective products (P) of the collection (C), said series of second data (D₂) comprising at least first sub-series of data (D₂’), each of which is exclusively associated with the electrical and/or mechanical and/or lighting and/or dimensional parameters of a respective product (P);

- series of third data (D₃) generated by the user and at least partially associated with the technical characteristics of the lighting product (P) required by the same, said series of third data (D₃) containing at least information associated with the electrical and/or mechanical and/or lighting and/or dimensional parameters of the lighting product (P); and wherein said processing unit (3) is suited to:

- process said first sub-series of second data (D/) in such a way as to generate fourth data (D₄) associated with the technical characteristics shared by the products (P) of the collection (C);

- compare said first sub-series of second data (D/) with said series of third data (D₃) in such a way as to identify the series of second data (D₂) associated with the products (P) of the collection (C) having electrical and/or mechanical and/or lighting and/or dimensional characteristics similar to those required by the user;

- extract from said database (1) the series of first data (D₄) associated with the series of second data (D₂) identified during the comparison and transmit said series of first data (D₄) to said interface means (2) in order to display the corresponding products (P) on the screen (4);

- process said fourth data (D₄) in such a way as to identify the sub series of second data (D/) associated with products (P) having at least one technical characteristic in common with one or more products (P) displayed on the screen (4) of said interface means (2);

- extract from said database (1) the series of first data (D_j) related to the products (P) associated with said sub-series of second data (D₂’) having at least one technical characteristic in common with one or more products (P) displayed on the screen (4);

- transmit said series of first data (D_j) to said interface means (2) in order to display on the screen (4) the products (P) having one or more technical characteristics in common with the products (P) having technical characteristics similar to those required by the user.

2. System as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that said processing unit (3) is configured to process said series of second data (D₂) in such a way as to generate fourth data (D₄) exclusively associated with the electrical and/or mechanical and/or lighting and/or dimensional characteristics of the products (P).

3. System as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said processing unit (3) is configured to automatically identify the information associated with the environment where the products (P) are going to be installed and contained in a digital support provided to the system by the user through said interface means (2).

4. System as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that said series of second data (D₂) and said series of third data (D₃) contain further information associated with the installation environment.

5. A method for selecting one or more lighting products (P) included in a collection (C), said method comprising the following steps: a) preparing a database (1); b) preparing interface means (2) suited to display information that can be seen by a user; c) preparing a processing unit (3) operatively associated with said database (1) and said interface means (2); d) preparing series of first data (D_j), each series of first data (D_j) being associated with one or more pictures of a predetermined product (P) of the collection (C); e) storing said series of first data (D_j) in said database (1); f) preparing series of second data (D₂), each series of second data (D₂) being associated with the technical characteristics of a predetermined product (P) of the collection (C) and comprising at least one first sub-series (D₂’) containing information associated with the electrical and/or mechanical and/or lighting and/or dimensional parameters of the predetermined product (P); g) storing said series of second data (D₂) in said database (1); h) generating third data (D₃) at least partially associated with the technical characteristics of the lighting product (P) required by the user, said third data (D₃) being generated by the user and containing information associated with the electrical and/or mechanical and/or lighting and/or dimensional parameters of the lighting product (P); i) comparing one respective first sub-series of second data (D₂’) associated with a corresponding product (P) of the collection (C) with the remaining sub-series of second data (D₂’) associated with the remaining products (P) of the collection (C), this comparison step i) being carried out by said processing unit (3); j) generating fourth data (4) associated with the shared technical characteristics present in the series of second data (D₂) compared during said step 0; k) comparing said third data (D₃) and said series of second data (D₂’) stored in said database (1) during said step g), this selection step k) being carried out by said processing unit (3);

L) selecting one or more sub-series of second data (D₂’) for which the comparison carried out during said step k) provided a positive result, this selection step I) being carried out by said processing unit (3); m)extracting from said database (1) the series of first data (D_j) associated with the products (P) selected during said step e), this extraction step m) being carried out by said processing unit (3); n) displaying the products (P) associated with the series of first data (D_j) extracted during said step m), this step n) being carried out by said processing unit (3) through the activation of said interface means (2); o) identifying the fourth data (D₄) associated with one or more series of second data (D₂) related to the products (P) displayed during said step n), this identification step o) being carried out by said processing unit (3); p) extracting from said database (1) the series of first data (D_j) associated with the products (P) identified during said step o), this extraction step p) being carried out by said processing unit (3); q) displaying the products (P) associated with the series of first data (D_j) extracted during said step p), this step q) being carried out by said processing unit (3) through the activation of said interface means (2) so as to suggest to the user products (P) with characteristics similar to the characteristics of the products (P) displayed during said step o).

6. Method as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that said comparison step i) and said step j) of generation of said fourth data (D₄) are iteratively carried out for all the products (P) of the collection (C).

7. Method as claimed in claim 5 or 6, characterized in that it comprises a step s) of selection of one or more products (P) selected during said displaying step o), said step s) being carried out by the user.

8. Method as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that said selection step s) is carried out after said displaying step n), said extraction step p) and said displaying step q) being carried out on the series of first data (D_j) associated with the product (P) selected by the user during said selection step s).

9. Method as claimed in one or more of the dependent claims, characterized in that said third data generated during said step h) are also associated with the technical characteristics of the environment where the lighting products (P) are going to be installed.

10. Method as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that said series of second data (D₂) are also variable as a function of the information associated with the aesthetic characteristics and/or the type of the lighting product (P) included in the collection (C).