A controller includes a connection determination unit configured to determine whether a device and a device control apparatus are directly communicatively connected to each other. The device control apparatus functions as a type 1 device control apparatus under a condition where the connection determination unit has determined that the device and the device control apparatus are directly communicatively connected to each other. On the other hand, the device control apparatus functions as a type 2 device control apparatus under a condition where the connection determination unit has determined that the device and the device control apparatus are not directly communicatively connected to each other.

There is provided method for controlling radiation emitting from one or more tubular lamps in an exposure apparatus for exposing a photosensitive element to the radiation. The method involves adjusting an adjustable ballast connected to the one or more lamps thereby adjusting the power received by the one or more lamps, wherein adjusting the ballast of the one or more lamps is based on the actual temperature and radiation of the one or more lamps.

A controller includes a connection determination unit configured to determine whether a device and a device control apparatus are directly communicatively connected to each other. The device control apparatus functions as a type 1 device control apparatus under a condition where the connection determination unit has determined that the device and the device control apparatus are directly communicatively connected to each other. On the other hand, the device control apparatus functions as a type 2 device control apparatus under a condition where the connection determination unit has determined that the device and the device control apparatus are not directly communicatively connected to each other.

Embodiments are included for providing an energy efficient lighting system that includes one or several luminaires. According to certain aspects, when an area covered by the luminaires is vacant, the light level in the area is measured while the luminaires are on and set to a low dim level. The measured light level is used to approximate the amount of natural light in the area and when the measured light level exceeds a predetermined nonzero light level, the luminaires are turned off for a certain time period. Once the time period expires, the light level is measured again to approximate the amount of natural light present in the area.

An IPL apparatus utilizing a Pulse Forming Network (PFN) for generating a plurality of light pulse sequences, comprising a treatment unit comprising one or more lamps adapted to emit a plurality of light pulses towards a treatment face of the IPL apparatus, a PFN and a control unit adapted to operate the PFN to generate a regulated energized pulse driven to the lamp(s). The regulated energized pulse having a desired multi-level voltage waveform with a maximum voltage level and a minimum voltage level which is in a range of 30-50 percent of the maximum voltage level. Rapidly varying heat is induced by a sequence of the plurality of light pulses emitted by the lamp(s) according to the multi-level voltage waveform.