CONTROLLING AT LEAST ONE CONTROLLABLE DEVICE ARRANGED IN A REGION PREDEFINED BY A LIGHTING DEVICE

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for controlling at least one controllable device, arranged in a predefined region, by means of a communications terminal, wherein a transmitting device sends out a radio signal wirelessly, the radio signal having identification data specific to the transmitting device, having the steps: assigning the at least one controllable device to the transmitting device, receiving the radio signal by means of the communications terminal, evaluating the radio signal in order to capture the specific identification data, identifying the at least one controllable device assigned to the transmitting device using the captured specific identification data, establishing a communication link between the at least one device and the communications terminal and transmitting data corresponding to a control command in order to control the at least one device.

Claims

1. A method for controlling at least one controllable device arranged in a preset region by operation of a communications terminal, wherein a transmitting device wirelessly emits a radio signal with identification data specific to the transmitting device, comprising the steps of the method comprising: assigning the at least one controllable device to the transmitting device, receiving the radio signal by mens of operation of the communications terminal, evaluating the radio signal for capturing the specific identification data, ascertaining the at least one controllable device assigned to the transmitting device based on the captured specific identification data, establishing a communication link between the at least one device and the communications terminal, and communicating data corresponding to a control command for controlling the at least one device and/or the transmitting device itself.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein ascertaining includes providing enabling data, which allows the controllable device to execute the control command of the communications terminal, and/or allows the communications terminal to pass the control command to the controllable device.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein ascertaining the enabling data includes that position data for a position of the communications terminal is ascertained at least using the specific identification data of the transmitting device and it is ascertained if the communications terminal is positioned in the preset region based on the ascertained position data.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein ascertaining includes installing a specific computer program for a computer unit of the communications terminal.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein ascertaining includes matching with a database, which contains data at least with respect to a lighting device, the at least one controllable device and the preset region.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein establishing the communication link includes that the communication link is established at least via a control center.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein establishing the communication link includes establishing a communication link with the control center, wherein the at least one controllable device is controlled via the control center.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein for the purpose of authentication of the position of the communications terminal, the position data is matched with the preset region and the data for controlling is only communicated to the at least one controllable device and/or the controllable device only executes the control command corresponding to the data for controlling if the position of the communications terminal is authenticated.

9. The method according to claim 2, wherein the enabling data includes authorization information, wherein the authorization information is specific to an individual preset communications terminal or to a preset group of communications terminals.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting device is at least partially supplied with electrical energy for its intended operation via a lighting device.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein a setting profile associated with the communications terminal is used for controlling the at least one controllable device.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein controlling the at least one controllable device is effected in automated manner according to the setting profile as soon as the communications terminal receives the radio signal.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein controlling the at least one controllable device includes taking an initial setting in automated manner if the communications terminal is outside of a reception range with respect to the radio signal.

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one controllable device establishes a communication link with the transmitting device in automated manner, whereby the controllable device is assigned to the transmitting device.

15. The method according to claim 1, wherein controlling also includes controlling the transmitting device.

16. The method according to any one of the preceding claims claim 1, wherein controlling the at least one device is effected at least partially in an automated manner based on at least one suitable parameter.

17. The method according to claim 1, wherein when the communications terminal receives the radio signal, updates for computer programs are proposed.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the updates are carried out in an automated manner as soon as the communications terminal gets into communication range to the transmitting device.

19. A system for controlling at least one controllable device arranged in a preset region, comprising: the controllable device, a transmitting device wirelessly emitting a radio signal with identification data specific to the transmitting device, wherein the at least one controllable device is assigned to the transmitting device, a communications terminal for controlling the controllable device and/or the transmitting device, wherein the communications terminal is formed to receive the radio signal and to evaluate it for capturing the specific identification data, an ascertaining unit for ascertaining the at least one controllable device assigned to the transmitting device based on the captured specific identification data, wherein a communication link can be established between the at least one device and the communications terminal to communicate data corresponding to a control command for controlling the at least one controllable device.

20. The system according to claim 19, wherein the transmitting device is arranged in or immediately at a lighting device.

Description

[0107] There show:

[0108] FIG. 1 in a schematic block diagram an integration of a beacon as a transmitting device in a lighting device of an illumination system comprising multiple lighting devices,

[0109] FIG. 2 a schematic block diagram for a first configuration of a system according to the invention,

[0110] FIG. 3 a schematic block diagram for a second configuration of a system according to the invention, and

[0111] FIG. 4 a schematic representation of a floor of an office building comprising a system according to the invention.

[0112] FIG. 1 shows an illumination system 10 as a system in a schematic block diagram, which includes a lighting device 12 as well as a plurality of further lighting devices 20. Each of the lighting devices 12, 20 comprises an illuminant 14 for emitting light as well as a beacon 16 as a transmitting device. The beacon 16 is presently arranged in the lighting device 12. The beacon 16 wirelessly unidirectionally emits a radio signal 18 with identification data specific to the beacon 16 in the manner of broadcast. The emission is presently effected using near-field radio based on a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol.

[0113] The beacon 16 includes a control unit 28, which includes a computer unit 30 as well as a storage unit 32 communicatively coupled to the computer unit 30. An executable computer program for the computer unit 30 is stored in the storage unit 32 such that a preset functionality can be provided by the computer unit 30. Presently, the functionality serves for operating the beacon 16 in presettable manner. The further lighting devices 20 are fundamentally constructed comparable to the lighting device 12.

[0114] Presently, the beacon 16 is formed as a transmitting-receiving device, which also can provide a bidirectional communication link 24 besides the emission of the radio signal 18. The lighting device 12, and here in particular the beacon 16, is connected to the further lighting devices 20 or the beacons thereof, which are correspondingly formed, via the communication link 24.

[0115] The communication link 24 is presently a bidirectional communication link, which is also based on near-field radio and uses the above mentioned BLE standard.

[0116] Moreover, the lighting device 12 and here also again in particular the beacon 16 is in communication link with an infrastructure device 22 via a further communication link 26, via which data relating to an intended operation of the lighting device 12 as well as also data with respect to the further lighting devices 20 can be exchanged. Accordingly, the lighting device 12 and here in particular the beacon 16 thereof also serve as a device for forwarding corresponding data from the infrastructure device 22 to the lighting devices 20 and vice versa at the same time, for example in the manner of a network node.

[0117] The radio signal 18 respectively emitted by the beacon 16 or the beacons of the lighting devices 20 can be received and evaluated by one or also multiple communications terminals 34. The communications terminal 34 is presently a mobile radio terminal in the manner of a smartphone. In the present configuration, it is provided that only the communications terminals 34 receive and evaluate the radio signal 18. Therefore, communication is only unidirectionally effected. Non-illustrated beacons of the further lighting devices 20 can also be received by the communications terminal 34 if they are in communication range to the communications terminal 34. Thereby, a series of services can be provided or allowed by means of the communications terminal 34, which allow a user of the communications terminal 34 to use very different additional services.

[0118] Within a preset region, in which the lighting devices 12, 20 are arranged and in which the radio signal 18 can be received by the communications terminal 34, the user of the communications terminal 34 can thereby better orient himself and navigate, respectively, as well as also locate and use other local, in particular digital, services, such as for example apps, app functions, Google Maps, Lightify, light control and/or the like. The illumination system 10 with the beacons 16 arranged in the respective lighting devices 12, 20 allows a localization and orienting system, respectively, for the above mentioned user potentials. In particular, it is possible to provide an accurate self-localization of the communications terminal 34, whereby services become usable, such as for instance the navigation or the provision of location-specific information.

[0119] An aspect of the beacon technology is the possibility of configuration of typical parameters such as for example a signal strength and/or a transmission interval of the radio signal 18 of the beacon 16. With different configurations, different application scenarios can be individually supported. For example, if high service quality, for example accurate localization in short intervals, is desired, as it is in particular required in indoor navigation, very short transmission intervals can preferably be configured.

[0120] FIG. 2 shows an illumination system 10 according to the invention in a schematic block diagram, which is presently arranged in an office building not illustrated in more detail. In FIG. 2, the illumination system 10 is arranged in a room of the office building. The illumination system 10 includes a controllable device, which is presently formed by an electrically drivable shutter 38 as a technical infrastructure element. The illumination system 10 further includes a transmitting device presently arranged in a lighting device 12, which is formed by a beacon 16. The beacon 16 wirelessly emits a radio signal 18 with identification data specific to the beacon 16 in the manner of near-field radio into the room as the preset region. The shutter 38 is assigned to the beacon 18. The radio signal 18 is fundamentally formed as the radio signal 18 according to FIG. 1.

[0121] Presently, the lighting device 12 includes the illuminant 14, which is illustrated together with the beacon 16 in an enlarged representation in detail in FIG. 2 in the upper area. Accordingly, the illuminant 14 includes a unit 44 for information processing and light control, which is connected to an electronic ballast 46 via an energy transfer channel 54. The electronic ballast 46 is further connected to an energy interface 48 via an energy transfer channel 56, which in turn is connected to a light emitting diode module 50 via an energy transfer channel 60. Light 36 is emitted by the lighting device 12 by means of the light emitting diode module 50 in preset manner.

[0122] As already explained to FIG. 1the beacon 16 comprises the control unit 28, which presently includes a non-illustrated radio unit, by means of which the radio signal 18 is emitted in preset manner. The control unit 28 is connected to an energy interface 52 of the beacon 16 via an energy transfer channel 64 together with the radio unit. The energy interface 52 in turn is immediately connected to the illuminant 14 via an energy transfer channel 62 and is supplied with electrical energy for the intended operation of the beacon 16 by it. Presently, it is provided that an uninterrupted energy supply is provided for the beacon 16 via the lighting device 12.

[0123] The illuminant 14 as well as also the beacon 16 is arranged in a common housing (not illustrated) of the lighting device 12. For the purpose of the energy supply of the lighting device 12, it is connected to a mains supply 58 via an energy transfer channel 68, which is provided by a public energy supply network. The mains supply 58 also supplies the shutter 38 with electrical energy for its intended operation via an energy supply channel 66.

[0124] Presently, it is provided that the operation of the beacon 16 is independent of an operating state of the illuminant 14 and the beacon 16 is in particular also supplied with electrical energy via the lighting device 12 if the illuminant 14 is deactivated and light 36 is not emitted. Thereby, the intended operation of the beacon 16 can be realized independently of the operation of the illuminant 14.

[0125] In the present configuration, it is provided that the building includes a building management device 42, which includes a light management unit 70. The light management unit 70 is connected to the unit 44 for information processing and light control of the illuminant 14 via a communication interface 72 and hereby controls the light emission of the illuminant 14.

[0126] Among other things, the building management device 42 constitutes a control center and further includes a central data processing 74, which is in communication link with the light management unit 70. Moreover, a communication link 76 exists between the central data processing 74 and the shutter 38, via which control commands for the intended operation of the shutter 38 can be communicated. Moreover, operating states of the shutter 38 can be communicated to the central data processing 74.

[0127] The illumination system 10 further includes a communications terminal 34 for controlling the shutter 38, wherein the communications terminal 34 is formed to receive and evaluate the radio signal 18 to capture the specific identification data. Presently, the communications terminal 34 is constituted by a smartphone. The communications terminal 34 is presently further in communication with the central data processing 74 via a communication link 40.

[0128] The illumination system 10 further includes the central data processing 74 as an ascertaining unit for ascertaining the shutter 38 as the controllable device assigned to the beacon 16 based on the captured specific identification data, which has been extracted from the radio signal 18. For this purpose, the communications terminal 34 communicates the received radio signal via the communication link 40 to the central data processing 74, which ascertains the shutter 38 as the controllable device assigned to the beacon 16 and communicates corresponding data via the communication link 40 back to the communications terminal 34.

[0129] In an alternative configuration, it can also be provided at this place that the communications terminal 34 itself includes the ascertaining unit and ascertains the shutter 38 as the controllable device assigned to the beacon 16 by query to the central data processing 74 via the communication link 40.

[0130] For the purpose of ascertaining the shutter 38 as the controllable device assigned to the beacon 16, thus, centralized map data on a server can be matched and a unique position of the communications terminal 34 can be ascertained.

[0131] For controlling the shutter 38, data corresponding to a control command is now communicated to the shutter 38 via the communication link 40 as well as the communication link 76, which then carries out a corresponding control function. If the ascertaining unit is encompassed by the communications terminal 34, establishing the communication link 40 with the shutter 38 can also first be provided hereto. The communication link 40 is preferably also a wireless communication link, in particular a radio link, which can for example be formed via a mobile radio network or also a near-field radio communication network, for example based on WLAN or the like.

[0132] In this configuration, ascertaining the shutter 38 as the controllable device assigned to the beacon 16 includes providing enabling data, which allows the communications terminal 34 to pass the control command to the shutter 38. For this purpose, it is presently further provided that the enabling data includes position data for a position of the communications terminal 34 using the specific identification data of the beacon 16, wherein it is ascertained based on the ascertained position data if the communications terminal 34 is positioned in the preset region. Only if the communications terminal is positioned in the preset region, the communications terminal 34 can communicate the data corresponding to the control command to the shutter 38. For this purpose, it is further provided that an application or app is installed on the communications terminal 34, which includes a specific computer program for a computer unit of the communications terminal 34. By means of the application, it can be achieved that the data corresponding to the control command is only communicated to the shutter 38 if the communications terminal 34 is positioned in the preset region. This is presently determined by a communication range, which is determined in that the communications terminal 34 receives the radio signal 18.

[0133] Even if it is presently provided that the data for the control command is immediately forwarded to the shutter 38 by the central data processing, thus, the central data processing 74 presently functions as a network node, it can also be provided in an alternative configuration that the central data processing 74 performs corresponding conversion and converts the data received from the communications terminal 34, optionally even subjects it to further examination, and communicates specific control data to the shutter 38.

[0134] Thus, position determination of the communications terminal 34 within the building is effected preferably based on digital layout plans, in which positions of the individual beacons 16 are recorded with the corresponding specific identification data within a service area. If the communications terminal 34 receives one or more radio signals 18, the accurate position thereof in the building can now be ascertained. Therein, the position accuracy can depend on various factors like a number of received radio signals, evaluation algorithms and the like. Depending on the ascertained position of the communications terminal 34 in the service area, for example the preset region, which is here constituted by a room of the building, the controllable technical devices, here the shutter 38, in the environment can be displayed on the communications terminal 34. Access to the controllable devices is presently effected via the communications terminal 34, on which the corresponding application or app for the device to be operated, here the shutter 38, is installed.

[0135] FIG. 4 shows a floor of the building in a schematic representation, in which the illumination system 10 is arranged. It is apparent that a plurality of rooms are provided, in which beacons 16 are arranged, which each emit specific identification data by means of respective radio signals 18. Moreover, controllable devices 38 are arranged in the respective rooms, which can be controlled by the above described method. The building management device 42 is not illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0136] The beacons 16 are presently arranged in respective lighting devices 12 (not illustrated), as it has already been explained based on FIGS. 1 and 2. In one of the rooms, namely the room 78, a user with his communications terminal 34, the smartphone, is positioned. The communications terminal 34 receives two radio signals 18 from two beacons 16 arranged in the room 78. Thereby, an accurate position of the communications terminal 34 can now be ascertained. Presently, the communications terminal 34 is located in the room 78 as the preset region. Further, controllable devices 38 not further specified are arranged in the room 78, which can for example represent a shutter. However, the controllable device 38 can moreover also be a heating or air conditioning device. According to the invention, the controllable devices 38 of the room 78 are controllable by means of the communications terminal 34. In particular, the controllable devices 38 of the room 78 are assigned to the beacons 16 of the room 78. Presently, room-wise assignment is preferably provided.

[0137] In an adjacent one of the rooms, namely the room 80, further controllable devices 38 are arranged, but which are assigned to other beacons 16, namely the beacons 16, which are also arranged in the room 80. By means of the method according to the invention, this is recognized such that the controllable devices 38 of the room 80 cannot be controlled by the communications terminal 34, which is located in the room 78. This is prevented by the invention, as already previously explained with respect to FIG. 2. In FIG. 4, the controllable devices 38, which are not controllable in the currently illustrated position of the communications terminal 34 in the room 78, are identified with a lock symbol. Presently, they are the controllable devices 38 outside of the room 78.

[0138] Thus, it is provided that the communications terminal 34 determines its own position within the building from the specific identification data. Presently, the own position is within the room 78. For determining the position, a layout plan of the lighting devices 12 is used, which contain the beacons 16, which include respective specific identification data. From a matching of the received radio signal 18 as well as a field strength measurement of the radio signals 18, an accurate position can be ascertained in this manner.

[0139] Preferably, the communications terminal 34 communicates with the central data processing 74, wherein both a wired and a wireless communication link as well as combinations hereof are possible. The central data processing 74 authenticates a site of the communications terminal 34 and thereupon forwards the control commands and the corresponding data, respectively, to the corresponding controllable devices like the shutter 38. Herein, depending on the controllable devices like the shutter 38, wired as well as also wireless communication links as well as combinations hereof can be used as the communication channels.

[0140] FIG. 3 shows a further configuration for an illumination system 10 according to the invention, wherein this configuration is based on the above described configuration already explained according to FIG. 2 for an illumination system 10 according to the invention, wherefore reference is additionally made to the explanations in this respect.

[0141] In contrast to the configuration according to FIG. 2, it is provided in the configuration according to FIG. 3 that the communications terminal 34 establishes a communications link 40 immediately with the shutter 38. Thus, a central data processing is here no longer interposed. Preferably, here too, the communication link 40 is wirelessly formed. However, according to type of the communications terminal 34, it can also be wired or also be formed by a combination hereof.

[0142] In this configuration, the communications terminal 34 can determine the own position within the preset region from the specific identification data of the beacon 16. For determining the own position, a layout plan of the lighting device 12 and the beacons 16 arranged therein, respectively, is presently again used, in which the respective specific identification data of the beacons 16 of the lighting devices 12, 20 are recorded. From matching the radio signal as well as a field strength measurement, the position and thereby position data can be ascertained in this manner. The communications terminal 34 thus directly communicates with the controllable device, presently the shutter 38. Herein, authentication of the site of the communications terminal 34 is effected by the communications terminal 34 itself.

[0143] The embodiments only serve for explaining the invention and are not intended to restrict it.

LIST OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS

[0144] 10 Illumination system [0145] 12 illumination device [0146] 14 lighting device [0147] 16 beacon [0148] 18 radio signal [0149] 20 illumination device [0150] 22 infrastructure device [0151] 24 communication link [0152] 26 communication link [0153] 28 control unit [0154] 30 computer unit [0155] 32 storage unit [0156] 34 communications terminal [0157] 36 light [0158] 38 controllable device [0159] 40 communication link [0160] 42 building management device [0161] 44 light control [0162] 46 ballast [0163] 48 energy interface [0164] 50 light emitting diode module [0165] 52 energy interface [0166] 54 energy transfer channel [0167] 56 energy transfer channel [0168] 58 mains supply [0169] 60 illumination device [0170] 62 energy transfer channel [0171] 64 energy transfer channel [0172] 66 energy supply channel [0173] 68 energy transfer channel [0174] 70 light management unit [0175] 72 communication interface [0176] 74 central data processing [0177] 76 communication link [0178] 78 room [0179] 80 room