WO2023031446A1

WO2023031446A1 - Illumination assembly communication

Info

Publication number: WO2023031446A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/074543
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chento Didden
Original assignee: Summa Ip B.V.
Priority date: 2021-09-06
Filing date: 2022-09-05
Publication date: 2023-03-09
Also published as: NL2029131B1

Abstract

According to the invention, a Illumination assembly (100) for managing illumination comprising an illumination communication network, comprising: a control node (110) comprising a first level communication module (150); an optimizer (120) configured for optimizing network communication; a plurality of illumination armatures (130-149) functionally coupled and/or controllable via the control node, wherein each illumination armature comprises a first level communication module (150) for one or more of a group of long range and high bandwidth communication, and a second level communication module (160) for one or more of a group of short range and low bandwidth communication; wherein the first level communication modules are configured for communication with the other first level communication modules; wherein the second level communication modules are configured for communication with the other second level communication modules; and wherein the illumination assembly is configured for: compiling (610) for each illumination armature a first list of illumination armatures at least within radio range of the first level communication module; compiling (620) for each illumination armature a second list of illumination armatures at least within radio range of the second level communication module; inputting (630) for each illumination armature the first list and the second list into the optimizer; obtaining (640) from the optimizer an arrangement of the illumination armatures in groups wherein for each group one of the illumination armatures is designated as group gateway; establishing (650) a mesh communication network using the first level communication modules comprising the group gateways and the control node; and establishing (660) for each group a star communication network with the group gateway as central node.

Description

ILLUMINATION ASSEMBLY COMMUNICATION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an illumination assembly, more specifically to optimizing communication within an illumination assembly. The invention further relates to an illumination armature, a method for an armature controller, a method for an optimizer, and a computer program product.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Older light networks relied on switches and armatures coupled by wires. Changes to illumination and control of these older type of light networks require considerable effort as typically rewiring is needed and/or replacement of light bulbs. More modern solutions of light networks, such as sold at DIY or constructions markets e.g., Home Depot, sell lighting kits containing remote control kits for one or more light bulbs. The remote control is a remote wireless switch or remote wireless dimmer.

US2017196069A1 discloses that a wireless led lamp is a combination of led lamp and wireless mesh environmental sensors network, and a related Method for creating a Local Sensors Mesh Network. The device and method includes a combination of Led Lamp lighting and wireless mesh network sensors node. The combination of Led Lamp+Sensors assembly is available both as original equipment, and as a retrofit kit for legacy environmental Sensors. The Led Lamp portion of the combination of Led Lamp+Sensors provides area of lighting through a lens located in the housing within which the combination Led Lamp+Sensors is housed. The node portion of the assembly provides sophisticated sensors wireless mesh network functionality such that the placement of a series of devices of the present invention should provide a high quality, Wireless mesh “mesh” environmental habitat or public sensors network. The Led Lamp+Sensors assembly may optionally provide local security/safety functionality, including environmental sensors in order to enable typical safe and “green” habitat environment functionality. A disadvantage of the disclosed network is that the wireless network is not managed or flexible. Another disadvantage is that the wireless network is not adapting to changing conditions especially external conditions, such as environmental conditions. Another disadvantage is that the wireless led lamp is not managed. Another disadvantage is that the wireless network is not extendable.

US2020068627A1 discloses a lighting control system that includes a first transceiver in a controller device for IEEE 802 connection to a routed mesh network that connects the control device to a luminaire. The routed mesh network is based on an IEEE 802 standard and includes a first WiFi connection of the controller device to a router, a second WiFi connection of the router to a gateway, and a gateway connection from the gateway to the luminaire. The lighting control system further includes a second transceiver based on Bluetooth radio frequency standard, the second network including a first Bluetooth connection between the controller device and the luminaire, and a second network connection between the controller device and the gateway. The lighting control system further includes a data exchange application run from the controller device for sharing address information for the gateway and the luminaires between the first and second network. US2020068627A1 teaches to use two networks next to each other and select the network with the higher connection performance. A disadvantage of US2020068627A1 is that the network reliability is increased marginally as well as that the network is marginally flexible.

US2020029411A1 discloses a two-layer lighting control network systems and methods are disclosed. Embodiments include client lighting devices having a first type of radio for receiving wireless control signals, a lighting controller including a second type of radio, and a hub lighting device having a second type of radio for wireless communication with the lighting controller and a first type of radio for communicating with the client lighting devices. The first wireless network includes the first type of radio of hub lighting devices and the first type of radio of client lighting devices, and the second wireless network includes the second type of radio of the lighting controller and the second type of radio of the hub lighting devices. In at least one embodiment, client lighting devices are lamps having the first type of radio. In other embodiments, hub lighting devices are light fixtures having the first and second types of radios. A disadvantage of US2020029411A1 that the resulting network is not flexible to changing conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to overcome one or more of the disadvantages mentioned above.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a Illumination assembly for managing illumination, comprising an illumination communication network comprising: a control node comprising a first level communication module; an optimizer configured for optimizing network communication; a plurality of illumination armatures functionally coupled and controllable via the control node, wherein each illumination armature comprises a first level communication module for one or more of a group of long range and high bandwidth communication, and a second level communication module for one or more of a group of short range and low bandwidth communication; wherein the first level communication modules are configured for communication the other first level communication modules; wherein the second level communication modules are configured for communication with the other second level communication modules; and wherein the illumination assembly is configured for: compiling for each illumination armature a first list of illumination armatures at least within radio range of the first level communication module; compiling for each illumination armature a second list of illumination armatures at least within radio range of the second level communication module; inputting for each illumination armature the first list and the second list into the optimizer; obtaining from the optimizer an arrangement of the illumination armatures in groups wherein for each group one of the illumination armatures is designated as group gateway; establishing a mesh communication network using the first level communication modules comprising the group gateways and the control node; and establishing for each group a star communication network with the group gateway as central node.

An illumination assembly typically comprises multiple armatures with lamp providing illumination to the environment surrounding the lamps. Control over the lamps may be done through switches and/or dimmers. Control over the lamps may alternatively be done with more sophisticated control devices such as control apps on smartphones or the like. The control over the lamp may comprise more than on/off or a particular illumination or dimmer setting. Control over the lamp may comprise change of illumination depending on the occupation of the room, temperature, humidity, cloudiness, time, and/or day. Control over the lamp may comprise changing the lamp colour. Control over the lamp may comprise determining the lamp and/or armature life cycle status and e.g., adapting its use to the life cycle status. The illumination assembly comprises a control node. The control node typically receives the different control signals from the different controllers. The control node may generate its own control signals based on typically predefined settings. The control node may combine these control signals to a coherent set of control signals sent to the different illumination armatures. The control node may be seen as an aggregation point for the control signals from the different control signal generators in the network. Furthermore, the control node may be seen as a distribution point for the control signals to the plurality of illumination armatures. The sending of the control node of these control signals to the different illumination armatures is typically whole or in part via wireless communication. The wireless communication provides flexibility in, extendibility of, and/or adaptability of the network.

The control node and each illumination armature comprise a first level communication module. The first level communication module for one or more of a group of long range and high bandwidth communication. Long range communication may be long range communication in view of a local area network environment. The range of the communication is typically measured with line of sight between the communicating modules. The range may be influenced by obstacles such as a wall, a window, a roof, a floor construction, vegetation, etc. Long range communication may be communication over 10 metre, preferably 20 metre, more preferably 40 metre, even more preferably 80 metre, even more preferably 160 metre, most preferably 300 metre. High bandwidth may be high bandwidth communication in view of a control and sensor network typically in a local area network. High bandwidth may be high bandwidth communication in view of a low energy or even an extremely low energy communication network. For example, switches and dimmers may be battery operated or even use energy scavenging. High bandwidth may be a bitrate of over 54 Mbit/s, preferably 20 Mbit/s, preferably 10 Mbit/s, more preferably 5 Mbit/s, more preferably 2 Mbit/s, even more preferably 1 Mbit/s, most preferably 500 kbit/s.

Each illumination armature also comprises a second level communication module. The second level communication module for one or more of a group of short range and low bandwidth communication. Short range communication may be short range communication in view of a local area network environment. The range of the communication is typically measured with line of sight between the communicating modules. The range may be influenced by obstacles such as a wall, a window, a roof, a floor construction, vegetation, etc. Long range communication may be communication less than 200 metre, preferably 150 metre, more preferably 100 metre, even more preferably 80 metre, even more preferably 50 metre, most preferably 30 metre. Low bandwidth may be low bandwidth communication in view of a control and sensor network typically in a local area network. Low bandwidth may be low bandwidth communication in view of a low energy or even an extremely low energy communication network. For example, switches and dimmers may be battery operated or even use energy scavenging, low bandwidth may be a bitrate of less than 10 Mbit/s, preferably 5 Mbit/s, preferably 2 Mbit/s, more preferably 1 Mbit/s, more preferably 500 kbit/s, even more preferably 250 kbit/s, most preferably 100 kbit/s.

The illumination assembly is configured for compiling for the control node and each illumination armature a first list of illumination armatures at least within radio range of the first level communication module. The first list is typically compiled by each illumination armature individually. The first list is typically thereafter communicated to or inputted into the optimizer for use in the optimization of the optimizer of the network communication. The illumination assembly is configured for compiling for each illumination armature a second list of illumination armatures at least within radio range of the second level communication module. The second list is typically compiled by each illumination armature individually. The second list is typically thereafter communicated to or inputted into the optimizer for use in the optimization of the optimizer of the network communication.

Within radio range may be one or more of the characteristics of received signal strength, received signal reliability, received message reliability, reported channel quality or reliability by the transmitting illumination armature or other radio, and any other indication of the radio channel quality and/or reliability. Radio range may be established by measuring one or more characteristics over time. Typically, the radio range may consider radio loss in particular conditions, such as environmental conditions. As an example, a steel door may impair radio communication in closed, but not in open position.

The optimizer selects an arrangement, a structure, a topology or an ordering of the control node and illumination armatures. The arrangement, a structure, a topology or an ordering specifies the communication paths or communication links between the control node and the illumination armatures.

Based on the arrangement, the communication in the illumination network is established. The illumination network comprises a first level communication network, which has a mesh network topology. The illumination network comprises a second level communication network, which has a star network topology. The star network topology has a central hub, which is a group gateway. The group gateway aggregates the communication within the star network. The group gateway provides the link between the first level communication network and the second level communication network. The control node and the group gateways form the nodes of the mesh network. The mesh network may be self-organizing. The mesh network may be provided with optimized or preferred communication paths by the optimizer. The optimizer may provide additional information to the group gateways for optimizing or flexibly changing or adapting communication in the mesh network.

The star network provides for a limitation of the depth of the network. The star network has the typical advantage of low communication delays and/or turn around times for messages as no intermediate hubs process and/or forward messages. The mesh network provides for a reliable network as typically multiple routes may be followed by messages through the network when certain communication paths may be temporarily blocked due to changing conditions. Splitting the communication network in two levels combines the reliability of the mesh network and the short delay of the star network. To enhance or bring forward the advantages of each network type, the within radio range criteria for first level communication and second level communication may be different. For example, radio range for the second level communication module may be more stringent than the radio range for the first level communication module. Typically, the star network advantageously becomes more stable in changing conditions, while the mesh network advantageously uses different routes in changing conditions.

The combination of optimizing the communication in the illumination network and the split in the first and second level communication network provides for a reliable and flexible communication network. Furthermore, optimizing the communication in the illumination network causes the illumination network to advantageously be self-organizing preferably for optimizing towards an optimized illumination assembly, such as an optimized illumination communication network.

The star network with its typical shorter range and/or lower bandwidth will typically only occupy the radio medium local to the star network and/or with a low duty cycle or limited amount of time. This allows radio medium, such as frequency, reuse for different star networks or reuse of the radio medium, such as a particular frequency, by other communication channels operating in the same radio medium, such as at the same frequency. The mesh network typically operates at a different part of the radio medium, such as a different frequency. Hence, the combination of networks provide the advantage of minimizing the radio medium, such as frequency, use and/or optimizes the use of the radio medium, such as a specific frequency.

According to another aspect of the invention, an illumination armature for an illumination assembly, comprising: a first level communication module for one or more of a group of long range and high bandwidth communication, and configured for communication with the other first level communication modules; a second level communication module for one or more of a group of short range and low bandwidth communication, and configured for communication with the other second level communication modules; an armature controller configured for: compiling a first list of illumination armatures at least within radio range of the first level communication module; compiling a second list of illumination armatures at least within radio range of the second level communication module; communicating the first list and the second list to the optimizer of the illumination assembly; obtaining from the optimizer a group gateway; communicating directly with the group gateway; and if the illumination armature is the group gateway, establishing a mesh communication network comprising the group gateways and the control node. The illumination armature advantageously provides the information through compiling lists and obtains the configuration or arrangement for functioning as part of the illumination assembly, preferably the illumination communication network.

Each illumination armature typically comprises an armature controller. The armature controller functionally couples several functional blocks or modules of the armature for causing these functional blocks or modules to operate as a coherent system. The functional blocks may comprise the first level communication module and the second level communication module. The armature controller typically controls the illumination armature.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method for an armature controller of an illumination armature for an illumination assembly, comprising the steps of: compiling a first list of illumination armatures at least within radio range of a first level communication module of the illumination armature; compiling a second list of illumination armatures at least within radio range of a second level communication module of the illumination armature; communicating the first list and the second list to the optimizer of the illumination assembly; obtaining from the optimizer a group gateway; communicating directly with the group gateway; and if the illumination armature is the group gateway, establishing a mesh communication network comprising the group gateways and the control node. The method for the armature controller advantageously provides the information through compiling lists and obtains the configuration or arrangement for functioning as part of the illumination assembly, preferably the illumination communication network.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method for an optimizer, preferably comprising a neural network, configured for optimizing network communication of an illumination assembly, comprising the steps of: accepting a first list and a second list from each illumination armature; organizing the illumination armatures in groups under the conditions of: per group one illumination armature is designated as group gateway; each group forms a star network with the group gateway as central node; and the group gateways and the control node form a mesh network; and transmitting to each illumination armature its group gateway. The optimizer advantageously provides the self-organizing functionality to the illumination assembly, such as the illumination communication network. The optimizer typically advantageously adapts the network based on changing environmental conditions. The changing environmental conditions may be measured through the changes in the radio ranges of the different illumination armatures. The changing environmental conditions may be measured through additional sensors providing the sensor information to the optimizer directly or indirectly. An example of an additional sensor may be a door sensor sensing if a door is in an open or closed position. The door sensor may result in one or more specific illumination armatures being in radio range from one another for the first and/or second level communication module. The optimizer may advantageously make the illumination communication network flexible and/or adaptive to adding to and/or removing of an illumination armature. For example, failure of an illumination armature and subsequent replacement of the defect illumination armature with a functioning illumination armature may be accommodated without the need for additional configuration advantageously simplifying the maintenance of the illumination assembly, such as the illumination communication network.

According to another aspect of the invention, a computer program product comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by an armature controller, cause the armature controller to carry out the steps of the inventive method for the armature controller. The computer-readable storage medium provides the same advantages as mentioned for the illumination assembly, illumination controller and/or illumination armature.

According to another aspect of the invention, a computer program product comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by an optimizer, preferably a neural network, cause the optimizer to carry out the steps of any of the inventive methods for the optimizer. The computer-readable storage medium provides the same advantages as mentioned for the illumination assembly, and/or optimizer.

According to another aspect of the invention, an illumination assembly for managing illumination, comprising: a control node comprising a first level communication module; an optimizer configured for optimizing network communication; a plurality of illumination armatures functionally coupled and/or controllable via the control node, wherein each illumination armature comprises a first level communication module, and a second level communication module; wherein the first level communication modules are configured for communication with the other first level communication modules; wherein the second level communication modules are configured for communication with the other second level communication modules; and wherein the illumination assembly is configured for: determining for a subset of the illumination armatures, preferably each illumination armature, a first cluster of illumination armatures at least within radio range, preferably communication range, of the first level communication module; determining for a subset of the illumination armatures, preferably each illumination armature, a second cluster of illumination armatures at least within radio range, preferably communication range, of the second level communication module; inputting for the subset of illumination armatures, preferably each illumination armature, the first cluster and the second cluster into the optimizer; obtaining from the optimizer an arrangement of the illumination armatures in groups wherein for each group one of the illumination armatures is designated as group gateway; establishing a mesh communication network using the first level communication modules comprising the group gateways and the control node; and establishing for each group a star communication network with the group gateway as central node. The illumination assembly according to this aspect provides the same advantages as mentioned for the preceding and following illumination assemblies. Furthermore, this illumination assembly may be combined with preferred embodiments to obtain similar advantages as mentioned for the preferred embodiments.

In a preferred embodiment, the requirements for accepting within radio range and/or communication range may be advantageously set higher for the second level communication or star network communication relative to the first level or mesh network communication. This features improves reliability as the mesh network typically provides alternative communication paths through the network in case of temporal or permanent loss of communication between two node thereby reestablishing communication, while this solution is not available for a star network.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

In an embodiment of the illumination assembly, the optimizer comprises a cost function configured for optimizing the illumination assembly, more specifically the illumination communication network, based on increasing reliability of the communication within a group and/or reducing communication delay in the communication network to and from the control node. The cost function may comprise valuing a communication path based on one or more of reliability, signal strength, average signal strength, packet loss, minimal signal strength, signal strength variation, packet delay, and packet delay variation. The communication path typically is between the central node and an illumination armature. The cost function may evaluate several or even all possible communication paths. Typically, for the star communication networks formed in the illumination assembly, most or even all possible communication hops are evaluated. A communication hop is from one node to another node. A node may be a central node, an illumination armature, or a node having a first and/or second level communication module without having an illuminating function, such as a sensor or repeater node. Typically, for a mesh communication network formed in the illumination assembly, the dominantly used communication hops are evaluated in the cost function. Weights may be assigned in the cost functions to specific communication hops, such as higher weights for more frequently used communication hops.

In an embodiment of the illumination assembly, the optimizer comprises a trained neural network. The trained network may be fed with data from all the communication hops as specified above for training the trained network while optimizing the illumination assembly. The cost function as specified above may be used to train or further train the neural network.

In an embodiment of the illumination assembly, the control node comprises the optimizer. The optimizer is typically computing intensive and may require sufficient electrical power and/or ventilation. The central node is typically at a central access location of the illumination assembly. The central node may be located at the meter cupboard, installation room or control room of a building. This is a location where sufficient electrical power and/or ventilation is available. Arranging the optimizer as comprised by the central node advantageously provides a simplification, such as simplifying installation.

In an embodiment of the illumination assembly, at least a part of the plurality of illumination armatures comprises a medium usage detector, and are configured for providing the detected medium usage to the optimizer. Medium usage or radio medium usage may be important for estimating the reliability of radio communication. Typically, an overused medium causes radio messages to collide or to be unintelligible at the receiver. Providing medium usage data to the optimizer advantageously provides the optimizer with useful data for optimizing towards a more reliable illumination communication network.

In an embodiment of the illumination assembly, a building information model is provided based on a structure; the model comprises the positions of the illumination armatures within the structure; and the illumination assembly is also configured for inputting the building information model into the optimizer. A building typically comprises materials forming roofs, doors, windows, doorframes, window frames, ceilings, walls, floors, foundations, etc. These materials may mirror and/or block radio signals. These materials may cause radio reception to be bad or even impossible from one particular location to another particular location. The building information model may provide the necessary information to the optimizer to advantageously predict and/or to advantageously optimize the illumination assembly, more specific the illumination communication network, for the building wherein the illumination communication network is placed.

In an embodiment of the illumination assembly, compiling a first list is based on determining when communicating with another illumination armature if a received radio signal strength of the first level communication module is above a first radio signal threshold. One parameter for selecting or placing a particular illumination armature, such as a particular first level communication module associated with for example an illumination armature, on the first list may advantageously be the received radio signal strength.

The list may advantageously contain an ordering wherein for example the highest ranked first communication module is received with the highest signal strength. The received signal strength may be part of the first list communicated to the optimizer. Alternatively, other parameters used for selecting an illumination armature, such as a first communication module associated with for example an illumination armature, may be added to the first list as additional information shared or exchanged with the optimizer.

In an embodiment of the illumination assembly, the received radio signal strength of the first level communication module is measured over a predefined amount of time. The signals strength may vary over time, hence, advantageously measuring the signal strength over time provides the advantage of detecting any dips in the signal strength.

In an embodiment of the illumination assembly, the received radio signal strength of the first level communication module is averaged. Averaging the signal strength is another advantageous statistical method for determining the reliability of the communication link over time.

In an embodiment of the illumination assembly, compiling a first list is based on determining when communicating with another illumination armature if a packet loss of the first level communication module is below a first packet loss threshold. Packet loss is advantageously easily measured on a higher level in the communication stack and therefore may be more easily implemented.

In an embodiment of the illumination assembly, compiling a second list is based on determining when communicating with another illumination armature if a received radio signal strength of the second level communication module is above a second radio signal threshold. One parameter for selecting or placing a particular illumination armature, such as a particular second level communication module associated with for example an illumination armature, on the second list may advantageously be the received radio signal strength.

The list may advantageously contain an ordering wherein for example the highest ranked second communication module is received with the highest signal strength. The received signal strength may be part of the second list communicated to the optimizer. Alternatively, other parameters used for selecting an illumination armature, such as a second communication module associated with for example an illumination armature, may be added to the second list as additional information shared or exchanged with the optimizer. In an embodiment of the illumination assembly, the received radio signal strength of the second level communication module is measured over a predefined amount of time. The signals strength may vary over time, hence, advantageously measuring the signal strength over time provides the advantage of detecting any dips in the signal strength.

In an embodiment of the illumination assembly, the received radio signal strength of the second level communication module is averaged. Averaging the signal strength is another advantageous statistical method for determining the reliability of the communication link over time.

In an embodiment of the illumination assembly, compiling a second list is based on determining when communicating with another illumination armature if a packet loss of the second level communication module is below a second packet loss threshold. Packet loss is advantageously easily measured on a higher level in the communication stack and therefore may be more easily implemented.

In an embodiment of the illumination assembly, the control node comprises an illumination armature. The control node may advantageously therefore also illuminate or radiate light. The control node may advantageously be an illumination armature making the illumination assembly more flexible and/or configurable.

In an embodiment of the illumination assembly, the illumination assembly comprises a second control node wherein the control nodes are configured for negotiating for selecting a dominant control node. The two control nodes may advantageously be an illumination armature making the illumination assembly more flexible and/or configurable. The optimizer may advantageously be split over the multiple control nodes for using the computing power available on the at least two control nodes. In a further embodiment, the control node is an illumination armature, wherein the optimizer is split over multiple illumination armatures for advantageously using the processing power available on the multiple illumination armatures.

In an embodiment of the illumination assembly, the non-dominant control node behaves as an illumination armature in the illumination assembly advantageously making the illumination assembly more flexible and/or configurable.

In an embodiment of the illumination assembly, the second control node comprises an illumination armature advantageously making the illumination assembly more flexible and/or configurable.

In an embodiment of the illumination assembly, the control node comprises an illumination armature advantageously making the illumination assembly more flexible and/or configurable. In a preferred embodiment of the illumination assembly, the illumination assembly comprises: a communication hub functionally coupled and controllable via the control node, wherein the communication hub comprises a first level communication module for one or more of a group of long range and high bandwidth communication, and/or a second level communication module for one or more of a group of short range and low bandwidth communication; wherein the illumination assembly is configured for: compiling for the communication hub a first list of illumination armatures at least within radio range of the first level communication module; compiling for the communication hub a second list of illumination armatures at least within radio range of the second level communication module; inputting for the communication hub the first list and the second list into the optimizer; obtaining from the optimizer an arrangement of the illumination armatures and the communication hub in groups wherein for each group one of the illumination armatures and the communication hub is designated as group gateway; establishing a mesh communication network using the first level communication modules comprising the group gateways and the control node; and establishing for each group a star communication network with the group gateway as central node. The communication hub typically advantageously comprises sensors for measuring illumination in the environment or surroundings of the illumination assembly. The communication hub may advantageously be arranged as repeater in the illumination communication network for bridging a radio communication gap in the network.

In an embodiment of the method for the optimizer, the step of organizing the illumination armatures comprises the step of optimizing the illumination assembly based on increasing reliability of the communication within a group and/or reducing communication delay in the communication network to and from the control node. The optimizer may advantageously incorporate a cost function as described.

Within radio range may be defined as when communication modules are able to establish a functionally wireless communication link, typically with a particular packet loss, reliability and/or signal strength. A radio range may be asymmetric. Asymmetric means that a communication module A is within radio range of communication module B, but not vice versa. Coupled communication modules are typically functionally coupled communication modules, such as communication modules within radio range of each other. An arrangement of illumination armatures and control node may be an ordering in space and/or a spatial distribution of these features. Illumination may be light. The control node may comprise a communication module for communicating to an external network. The communication module for communicating to the external network may be wired or wireless. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be apparent from and elucidated further with reference to the embodiments described by way of example in the following description and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 schematically shows an illumination assembly;

Figure 2 schematically shows a mesh communication network;

Figure 3 schematically shows a star communication network;

Figure 4 schematically shows an illumination armature;

Figure 5 schematically shows a control node;

Figure 6 schematically shows a method for an illumination assembly;

Figure 7 schematically shows a method for an armature controller;

Figure 8 schematically shows a method for an optimizer; and

Figure 9 schematically shows an embodiment of a computer program product, computer readable medium and/or non-transitory computer readable storage medium according to the invention.

The figures are purely diagrammatic and not drawn to scale. In the figures, elements which correspond to elements already described may have the same reference numerals.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The following figures may detail different embodiments. Embodiments can be combined to reach an enhanced or improved technical effect. These combined embodiments may be mentioned explicitly throughout the text, may be hint upon in the text or may be implicit.

Figure 1 schematically shows an illumination assembly 100. The illumination assembly comprises a control node 110 and an optimizer 120. The illumination assembly comprises a plurality of illumination armatures 130-132. The number of illumination armatures may be more, such as much more than three. The control node may comprise the optimizer. Alternatively, the optimizer may be arranged somewhere else, but is at least arranged such that the optimizer may communicate with each illumination armature directly or indirectly.

The illumination assembly may communicate externally 11. The external communication may comprise control signals controlling the illumination armatures, such as switching these illumination armatures or dimming these illumination armatures.

The illumination armatures communicate 170, 171, 172 with the optimizer. The optimizer arranges the control node and illumination armatures in a mesh network and/or in one or more star networks. The optimizer determines an appropriate role for each illumination armature. The role is typically based on the information provided by the illumination armatures, such as which other illumination armatures are within radio range. The roles may comprise end node of a star network, or gateway. The gateway is typically the central hub of the star network, as well as that the gateway a node in the mesh network is.

The illumination armatures communicate 180, 181, 182 with the control node. This communication may be directly or indirectly. The communication typically involves exchange of control information. The control information may comprise information obtained from sensors and/or control units. An example of a control unit may be a switch. The control information may comprise information controlling the status of one or more illumination armatures, such as on/off information or dimming information of the illumination armatures.

Figure 2 schematically shows a mesh communication network 200. The mesh communication module comprises a control node 110 and a plurality of illumination armatures 133, 134, 135, 136, 137. The mesh communication network may comprise a communication hub.

The communication hub may be able to communicate as part of the mesh communication network, but does not necessarily have an illumination function, such as an illumination source and/or LED for illuminating the environment. The communication hub may comprise sensors generating data typically regarding illumination of the illumination armatures. The communication hub may comprise sensors generating data regarding radio medium occupancy or use. The communication hub may be arranged to also assume the role of gateway in a star network.

The mesh communication network comprises multiple nodes as specified above having a first level communication module. The first level communication modules may communicate with each other. The first level communication modules typically setup communication between nodes. This first level communication may comprise point-to-point communication. The different first level communications between nodes may use different communication technologies. The different first level communications between nodes typically use the same communications technologies for advantageously being interchangeable and/or more easily adaptable.

Figure 3 schematically shows a star communication network 300. The star communication network comprises multiple armatures 138, 139, 140, 141 , 142, 143, 144, 145. The node in the middle of the figure may communicate with every other node in the star communication network. This node may be labelled as central node. As this node is also part of the mesh communication network, this node 138 functions as a gateway between the star communication network and the mesh communication network. Thus, central node and gateway may be interchanged.

The star communication network may comprise a communication hub 21. The communication hub may be able to communicate as part of the star communication network, but does not necessarily have an illumination functions, such as an illumination source and/or LED for illumination the environment. The communication hub may comprise sensors generating data typically regarding illumination of the illumination armatures. The communication hub may comprise sensors generating data regarding radio medium occupancy or use. The communication hub may be arranged to also assume the role of gateway in a star network.

The star communication network comprises multiple nodes as specified above having a second level communication module. The second level communication modules may communicate with each other according to the specified topology. The second level communication modules typically setup communication between nodes. This second level communication may comprise point-to-point communication. The different second level communications between nodes may use different communication technologies. The different second level communications between nodes typically use the same communications technologies for advantageously being interchangeable and/or more easily adaptable.

Figure 4 schematically shows an illumination armature 146. The illumination armature comprises an armature controller 410, a first level communication module 150, and a second level communication module 160. The first and second level communication modules are functionally coupled to the armature controller. This illumination armature may be suitable for assuming the role of gateway as the first and second level communication modules may exchange data via the armature controller.

Figure 5 schematically shows a control node 110. The control node comprises control node controller 510, and a first level communication module 150. The control node controller is functionally coupled to the first level communication module for handling the information from the first level communication module. The control node may comprise an external communication module functionally coupled to the control node controller. The external communication module facilitates the external communication 11 shown in the figure 1. The external communication may comprise communication to the optimizer. The external communication may comprise control data obtained from an external source. The external communication may comprise monitoring data provided for externa monitoring the illumination assembly, specifically the reliability and/or delay of data in the illumination assembly, and/or condition of one or more of the illumination armatures.

Figure 6 schematically shows a method for an illumination assembly 600. The method for the illumination assembly comprises the step of compiling 610 for each illumination armature a first list of illumination armatures at least within radio range of the first level communication module. The method for the illumination assembly comprises the step of compiling 620 for each illumination armature a second list of illumination armatures at least within radio range of the second level communication module. The step of compiling the first list and the step of compiling the second list may be interchanged or executed partly or whole in parallel. The method for the illumination assembly comprises the step of inputting 630 for each illumination armature the first list and the second list into the optimizer. The method for the illumination assembly comprises obtaining 640 from the optimizer an arrangement of the illumination armatures in groups wherein for each group one of the illumination armatures is designated as group gateway. The method for the illumination assembly comprises the step of establishing 650 a mesh communication network using the first level communication modules comprising the group gateways and the control node. The method for the illumination assembly comprises the step of establishing 660 for each group a star communication network with the group gateway as central node.

Figure 7 schematically shows a method for an armature controller 700. The method for the armature controller comprises the step of compiling 710 a first list of illumination armatures at least within radio range of a first level communication module for one or more of a group of long range and high bandwidth communication, and configured for communication with the other first level communication modules. The method for the armature controller comprises the step of compiling 720 a second list of illumination armatures at least within radio range of a second level communication module for one or more of a group of short range and low bandwidth communication, and configured for communication with the other second level communication modules. The step of compiling the first list and the step of compiling the second list may be interchanged or executed partly or whole in parallel. The method for the armature controller comprises the step of communicating 730 the first list and the second list to the optimizer of the illumination assembly. The method for the armature controller comprises the step of obtaining 740 from the optimizer a group gateway. The method for the armature controller comprises the step of communicating 750 directly with the group gateway. The method for the armature controller comprises the step of if the illumination armature is the group gateway, establishing 760 a mesh communication network comprising the group gateways and the control node.

Figure 8 schematically shows a method for an optimizer 800. The method for the optimizer comprises the step of accepting 810 a first list and a second list from each illumination armature. The method for the optimizer comprises the step of organizing 820 the illumination armatures in groups under the conditions of: per group one illumination armature is designated as group gateway; each group forms a star network with the group gateway as central node; and the group gateways and the control node form a mesh network. The method for the optimizer comprises the step of transmitting 830 to each illumination armature its group gateway.

Figure 9 schematically shows an embodiment of a computer program product 1000, computer readable medium 1010 and/or non-transitory computer readable storage medium according to the invention comprising computer readable code 1020.

It will also be clear that the above description and drawings are included to illustrate some embodiments of the invention, and not to limit the scope of protection. Starting from this disclosure, many more embodiments will be evident to a skilled person without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. These embodiments are within the scope of protection and the essence of this invention and are obvious combinations of prior art techniques and the disclosure of this patent. Devices functionally forming separate devices may be integrated in a single physical device.

The term “substantially” herein, such as in “substantially all emission” or in “substantially consists”, will be understood by the person skilled in the art. The term “substantially” may also include embodiments with “entirely”, “completely”, “all”, etc. Hence, in embodiments the adjective substantially may also be removed. Where applicable, the term “substantially” may also relate to 90% or higher, such as 95% or higher, especially 99% or higher, even more especially 99.5% or higher, including 100%. The term “comprise” also includes embodiments wherein the term “comprises” means “consists of”.

The term "functionally" will be understood by, and be clear to, a person skilled in the art. The term “substantially” as well as “functionally” may also include embodiments with “entirely”, “completely”, “all”, etc. Hence, in embodiments the adjective functionally may also be removed. When used, for instance in “functionally parallel”, a skilled person will understand that the adjective “functionally” includes the term substantially as explained above. Functionally in particular is to be understood to include a configuration of features that allows these features to function as if the adjective “functionally” was not present. The term “functionally” is intended to cover variations in the feature to which it refers, and which variations are such that in the functional use of the feature, possibly in combination with other features it relates to in the invention, that combination of features is able to operate or function. For instance, if an antenna is functionally coupled or functionally connected to a communication device, received electromagnetic signals that are receives by the antenna can be used by the communication device. The word “functionally” as for instance used in “functionally parallel” is used to cover exactly parallel, but also the embodiments that are covered by the word “substantially” explained above. For instance, “functionally parallel” relates to embodiments that in operation function as if the parts are for instance parallel. This covers embodiments for which it is clear to a skilled person that it operates within its intended field of use as if it were parallel.

Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or other prioritization of such elements.

The devices or apparatus herein are amongst others described during operation. As will be clear to the person skilled in the art, the invention is not limited to methods of operation or devices in operation.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb "to comprise" and “to include”, and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. Also, the use of introductory phrases such as “at least one” and “one or more” in the claims should not be construed to imply that the introduction of another claim element by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim element to inventions containing only one such element, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an." The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In the device or apparatus claims enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. 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.

The invention further applies to an apparatus or device comprising one or more of the characterising features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings. The invention further pertains to a method or process comprising one or more of the characterising features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings.

It will be appreciated that the invention also applies to computer programs, particularly computer programs on or in a carrier, adapted to put the invention into practice. The program may be in the form of a source code, a code intermediate source and an object code such as in a partially compiled form, or in any other form suitable for use in the implementation of the method according to the invention. It will also be appreciated that such a program may have many different architectural designs. For example, a program code implementing the functionality of the method or system according to the invention may be sub-divided into one or more sub-routines. Many different ways of distributing the functionality among these sub-routines will be apparent to the skilled person. The sub-routines may be stored together in one executable file to form a self-contained program. Such an executable file may comprise computer-executable instructions, for example, processor instructions and/or interpreter instructions (e.g. Java interpreter instructions). Alternatively, one or more or all of the sub-routines may be stored in at least one external library file and linked with a main program either statically or dynamically, e.g. at run-time. The main program contains at least one call to at least one of the sub-routines. The sub-routines may also comprise function calls to each other. An embodiment relating to a computer program product comprises computer-executable instructions corresponding to each processing stage of at least one of the methods set forth herein. These instructions may be subdivided into sub-routines and/or stored in one or more files that may be linked statically or dynamically. Another embodiment relating to a computer program product comprises computer-executable instructions corresponding to each means of at least one of the systems and/or products set forth herein. These instructions may be subdivided into sub-routines and/or stored in one or more files that may be linked statically or dynamically.

The carrier of a computer program may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. For example, the carrier may include a data storage, such as a ROM, for example, a CD ROM or a semiconductor ROM, or a magnetic recording medium, for example, a hard disk. Furthermore, the carrier may be a transmissible carrier such as an electric or optical signal, which may be conveyed via electric or optical cable or by radio or other means. When the program is embodied in such a signal, the carrier may be constituted by such a cable or other device or means. Alternatively, the carrier may be an integrated circuit in which the program is embedded, the integrated circuit being adapted to perform, or used in the performance of, the relevant method.

The various aspects discussed in this patent can be combined in order to provide additional advantages. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Furthermore, some of the features can form the basis for one or more divisional applications.

Claims

-23- CLAIMS

1. Illumination assembly (100) for managing illumination, comprising an illumination communication network comprising:

- a control node (110) comprising a first level communication module (150);

- an optimizer (120) configured for optimizing network communication;

- a plurality of illumination armatures (130-149) functionally coupled and/or controllable via the control node, wherein each illumination armature comprises a first level communication module (150) for one or more of a group of long range and high bandwidth communication, and a second level communication module (160) for one or more of a group of short range and low bandwidth communication; wherein the first level communication modules are configured for communication with the other first level communication modules; wherein the second level communication modules are configured for communication with the other second level communication modules; and wherein the illumination assembly is configured for:

- compiling (610) for each illumination armature a first list of illumination armatures at least within radio range of the first level communication module;

- compiling (620) for each illumination armature a second list of illumination armatures at least within radio range of the second level communication module;

- inputting (630) for each illumination armature the first list and the second list into the optimizer;

- obtaining (640) from the optimizer an arrangement of the illumination armatures in groups wherein for each group one of the illumination armatures is designated as group gateway;

- establishing (650) a mesh communication network using the first level communication modules comprising the group gateways and the control node; and

- establishing (660) for each group a star communication network with the group gateway as central node.

2. Illumination assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein the optimizer comprises a cost function configured for optimizing the illumination assembly based on increasing reliability of the communication within a group and/or reducing communication delay in the communication network to and from the control node.

3. Illumination assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the optimizer comprises a trained neural network preferably trained with data obtained from use of the illumination assembly.

4. Illumination assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control node comprises the optimizer.

5. Illumination assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least a part of the plurality of illumination armatures comprises a medium usage detector, and are configured for providing the detected medium usage to the optimizer, preferably the trained neural network.

6. Illumination assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a building information model is provided based on a structure; wherein the model comprises the positions of the illumination armatures within the structure; and wherein the illumination assembly is also configured for inputting the building information model into the optimizer.

7. Illumination assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein compiling a first list is based on determining when communicating with another illumination armature if a received radio signal strength of the first level communication module is above a first radio signal threshold.

8. Illumination assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein the received radio signal strength of the first level communication module is measured over a predefined amount of time.

9. Illumination assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein the received radio signal strength of the first level communication module is averaged.

10. Illumination assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein compiling a first list is based on determining when communicating with another illumination armature if a packet loss of the first level communication module is below a first packet loss threshold.

11. Illumination assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein compiling a second list is based on determining when communicating with another illumination armature if a received radio signal strength of the second level communication module is above a second radio signal threshold.

12. Illumination assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein the received radio signal strength of the second level communication module is measured over a predefined amount of time.

13. Illumination assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein the received radio signal strength of the second level communication module is averaged.

14. Illumination assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein compiling a second list is based on determining when communicating with another illumination armature if a packet loss of the second level communication module is below a second packet loss threshold.

15. Illumination assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control node comprises an illumination armature.

16. Illumination assembly according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a second control node wherein the control nodes are configured for negotiating for selecting a dominant control node.

17. Illumination assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein the nondominant control node behaves as an illumination armature in the illumination assembly.

18. Illumination assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein the second control node comprises an illumination armature; and/or wherein the control node comprises an illumination armature.

19. Illumination assembly according to the preceding claim, comprising:

- a communication hub functionally coupled and controllable via the control node, wherein the communication hub comprises a first level communication module (150) for one or more of a group of long range and high bandwidth communication, and -26- a second level communication module (160) for one or more of a group of short range and low bandwidth communication; wherein the illumination assembly is configured for:

- compiling (610) for the communication hub a first list of illumination armatures at least within radio range of the first level communication module;

- compiling (620) for the communication hub a second list of illumination armatures at least within radio range of the second level communication module;

- inputting (630) for the communication hub the first list and the second list into the optimizer;

- obtaining (640) from the optimizer an arrangement of the illumination armatures and the communication hub in groups wherein for each group one of the illumination armatures and the communication hub is designated as group gateway;

20. Illumination armature for an illumination assembly according to claim 1-19, comprising:

- a first level communication module for one or more of a group of long range and high bandwidth communication, and configured for communication with the other first level communication modules;

- a second level communication module for one or more of a group of short range and low bandwidth communication, and configured for communication with the other second level communication modules;

- an armature controller configured for: compiling a first list of illumination armatures at least within radio range of the first level communication module; compiling a second list of illumination armatures at least within radio range of the second level communication module; communicating the first list and the second list to the optimizer of the illumination assembly; obtaining from the optimizer a group gateway; communicating directly with the group gateway; and if the illumination armature is the group gateway, establishing a mesh communication network comprising the group gateways and the control node. -27-

21. Method for an armature controller of an illumination armature for an illumination assembly according to claim 1-19, comprising the steps of:

- compiling (710) a first list of illumination armatures at least within radio range of the first level communication module of the illumination armature;

- compiling (720) a second list of illumination armatures at least within radio range of the second level communication module of the illumination armature;

- communicating (730) the first list and the second list to the optimizer of the illumination assembly;

- obtaining (740) from the optimizer a group gateway;

- communicating (750) directly with the group gateway; and

- if the illumination armature is the group gateway, establishing (760) a mesh communication network comprising the group gateways and the control node.

22. Method for an optimizer, preferably comprising a neural network, configured for optimizing network communication of an illumination assembly according to any of the claims 1-19, comprising the steps of:

- accepting (810) a first list and a second list from each illumination armature;

- organizing (820) the illumination armatures in groups under the conditions of: per group one illumination armature is designated as group gateway; each group forms a star network with the group gateway as central node; and the group gateways and the control node form a mesh network; and

- transmitting (830) to each illumination armature its group gateway.

23. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the step of organizing the illumination armatures comprises the step of optimizing the illumination assembly, preferably training a neural network, based on increasing and/or balancing reliability of the communication within a group and/or reducing communication delay in the communication network to and from the control node.

24. Computer program product comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by an armature controller, cause the armature controller to carry out the steps of claim 21 , and/or when the program is executed by an optimizer, preferably a neural network, cause the optimizer to carry out the steps of any of the claims 22-23.