Light fixtures, systems for controlling light fixtures, and methods of controlling fixtures and methods of controlling lighting control systems

Abstract

A fixture comprising a light sensor and an actuator for assigning the fixture to at least one zone. A fixture comprising a light source, a motion sensor and a light sensor. A fixture comprising a motion sensor, a light sensor and a wireless transmitter (optionally also a wireless receiver). A fixture configured to detect light brightness values over a time-span, and identify a period of time with smallest average brightness. A fixture configured to dim at a first rate when a motion sensor senses no motion for a designated period of time, and optionally also configured to brighten at a second rate when the motion sensor detects motion. A fixture configured to dim to not less than a designated percentage unless motion is detected during the dimming. A lighting control system, comprising fixtures and an actuator configured to assign fixtures to zones. Also, other lighting control systems and methods.

Claims

1. A lighting fixture comprising: a light source; an ambient light sensor; and a control system configured to: drive the light source; instruct another lighting fixture to flash lights associated with the another lighting fixture; monitor light flashing of the another lighting fixture via the ambient light sensor; and based on the light flashing, associate the lighting fixture with the another lighting fixture to form a group of lighting fixtures.

2. The lighting fixture as recited in claim 1, wherein the control system is further configured to cause the lighting fixture to be illuminated and then dimmed.

3. The lighting fixture as recited in claim 1, wherein the lighting fixture further comprises at least a motion sensor.

4. The lighting fixture as recited in claim 1, wherein the lighting fixture further comprises at least one wireless transmitter.

5. The lighting fixture as recited in claim 1, wherein the lighting fixture further comprises at least one wireless receiver.

6. The lighting fixture as recited in claim 1, wherein the lighting fixture further comprises at least one microprocessor.

7. The lighting fixture as recited in claim 1, wherein the lighting fixture is pre-programmed.

8. The lighting fixture as recited in claim 7, wherein: the lighting fixture further comprises at least a motion sensor, and the lighting fixture is pre-programmed to dim if no motion is detected by the motion sensor for at least a first length of time.

9. The lighting fixture as recited in claim 7, wherein the lighting fixture is pre-programmed to dim if the ambient light sensor detects a brightness in excess of a first light brightness.

10. The lighting fixture as recited in claim 1, wherein: the lighting fixture begins to dim when the ambient light sensor detects light of a brightness that is in excess of a particular set brightness level.

11. The lighting fixture as recited in claim 1, wherein: the lighting fixture varies in brightness of light emission when the ambient light sensor detects light of a brightness that exceeds a particular set brightness level and continues to vary the brightness of light emission until the ambient light sensor detects that the brightness of light emission no longer exceeds the particular set brightness level.

12. The lighting fixture as recited in claim 1, wherein: the lighting fixture begins to dim when the ambient light sensor detects light of one or more particular set color hues.

13. The lighting fixture of claim 1, wherein the control system is further configured to: monitor ambient light; and control an output of the lighting fixture based on the ambient light.

14. The lighting fixture of claim 1, wherein the control system comprises a processor.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

(1) FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a fixture 10 according to the present inventive subject matter.

(2) FIG. 2 is a schematic bottom view of the fixture 10 depicted in FIG. 1.

(3) FIG. 3 is a schematic overhead view of a pair of rooms (comprising a first room 45 and a second room 46) in which there is provided a lighting control system according to the present inventive subject matter

(4) FIG. 4 illustrates a lighting fixture in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(5) The present inventive subject matter now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the inventive subject matter are shown. However, this inventive subject matter should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the inventive subject matter to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

(6) As used herein the term and/or includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

(7) The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the inventive subject matter. As used herein, the singular forms a, an and the are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms comprises and/or comprising, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

(8) When an element such as a layer, region or substrate is referred to herein as being on another element, it can be in or on the other element, and/or it can be directly on the other element, and/or it can extend directly onto the other element, and it can be in direct contact or indirect contact with the other element (e.g., intervening elements may also be present). In contrast, if an element is referred to herein as being directly on another element, there are no intervening elements present. In addition, a statement that a first element is on a second element is synonymous with a statement that the second element is on the first element.

(9) Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, sections and/or parameters, these elements, components, regions, layers, sections and/or parameters should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present inventive subject matter.

(10) Relative terms, such as bottom, may be used herein to describe an orientation and/or one element's relationship to another element (or to other elements), e.g., as illustrated in the Figures. Such relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures and/or as described herein. For example, if a device is turned over, elements described as being on the bottom side (or below other elements) would then be oriented on the top side (or above other elements).

(11) The expression lighting device, as used herein, is not limited, except that it indicates that the device is capable of emitting light.

(12) Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this inventive subject matter belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

(13) As noted above, various aspects of the present inventive subject matter comprise and/or employ one or more light sources.

(14) Persons of skill in the art are familiar with, and have access to, a wide variety of light sources, and any suitable light sources can be employed in accordance with the present inventive subject matter. Representative examples of types of light sources include incandescent lights, fluorescent lamps, solid state light emitters (e.g., light emitting diodes (inorganic or organic, including polymer light emitting diodes (PLEDs)), luminescent materials, and combinations (e.g., one or more light emitting diodes and/or one or more luminescent materials), laser diodes, thin film electroluminescent devices, light emitting polymers (LEPs), halogen lamps, high intensity discharge lamps, electron-stimulated luminescence lamps, etc., with or without filters. Fixtures that comprise two or more light sources can comprise a plurality of light sources of a particular type, or any combination of one or more light sources of each of two or more types. Light sources can be one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes and arrangements (e.g., A lamps, B-10 lamps, BR lamps, C-7 lamps, C-15 lamps, ER lamps, F lamps, G lamps, K lamps, MB lamps, MR lamps, PAR lamps, PS lamps, R lamps, S lamps, S-11 lamps, T lamps, Linestra 2-base lamps, AR lamps, ED lamps, E lamps, BT lamps, Linear fluorescent lamps, U-shape fluorescent lamps, circline fluorescent lamps, single twin tube compact fluorescent lamps, double twin tube compact fluorescent lamps, triple twin tube compact fluorescent lamps, A-line compact fluorescent lamps, screw twist compact fluorescent lamps, globe screw base compact fluorescent lamps, reflector screw base compact fluorescent lamps, etc). Light sources can be supplied with energy in any suitable way (e.g., with an Edison connector, a battery connection, a GU24 connector, direct wiring to a branch circuit, etc.). Light sources can be selected from among those designed so as to serve any of a variety of functions (e.g., as a flood light, as a spotlight, as a downlight, etc.), and/or for residential, commercial or other applications.

(15) Light sources within a single fixture can be arranged in any suitable way, and fixtures within a lighting control system can be arranged in any suitable way.

(16) As noted above, various aspects of the present inventive subject matter comprise and/or employ one or more light sensors. Persons of skill in the art are familiar with, and have access to, a wide variety of light sensors, and any of such sensors can be employed in the fixtures and the methods of the present inventive subject matter. Among these well known sensors are sensors that are sensitive to all visible light, as well as sensors that are sensitive to only a portion of visible light. By using a sensor that monitors output selectively (by color), the output of one color can be selectively controlled to maintain the proper ratios of outputs and thereby maintain the color output of the device. One or more light sensors (when employed) can be mounted in or on fixtures in any suitable way and at any suitable location(s) in or on the fixtures.

(17) As noted above, various aspects of the present inventive subject matter comprise and/or employ one or more motion sensors. Persons of skill in the art are familiar with, and have access to, a wide variety of motion sensors, and any of such motion sensors can be employed in the fixtures and methods according to the present inventive subject matter. One or more motion sensors (when employed) can be mounted in or on fixtures in any suitable way and at any suitable location(s) in or on the fixtures.

(18) As noted above, various aspects of the present inventive subject matter comprise and/or employ one or more wireless transmitters and/or one or more wireless receivers. Persons of skill in the art are familiar with, and have access to, a wide variety of wireless transmitters and wireless receivers, and any of such wireless transmitters and wireless receivers (including components that can function both as a wireless transmitter and as a wireless receiver) can be employed in the fixtures and methods according to the present inventive subject matter. One or more wireless transmitters and/or one or more wireless receivers (when employed) can be mounted in or on fixtures in any suitable way and at any suitable location(s) in or on the fixtures.

(19) As noted above, various aspects of the present inventive subject matter comprise and/or employ one or more processors. Persons of skill in the art are familiar with, and have access to, a wide variety of processors, and any of such processors can be employed in the systems and methods according to the present inventive subject matter. One or more processors (when employed) can be positioned in or on fixtures in any suitable way and at any suitable location(s).

(20) As noted above, various aspects of the present inventive subject matter comprise and/or employ one or more actuators. Persons of skill in the art are familiar with, and have access to, a wide variety of actuators (e.g., manual actuators, such as push-buttons, levers, etc., and signal actuators that enable selections to be made and relayed by sending signals, e.g., infrared signal remote controllers, smart phones running applications that enable virtual selections to be made, computers running software that enable selections to be made on line, regions of touch screens, etc.), and any of such actuators can be employed in the fixtures and methods according to the present inventive subject matter. One or more actuators (when employed) can be provided in or on one or more fixtures, in or on one or more processors, in or on one or more wireless gateways, in one or more applications run on a portable computing device, etc.

(21) The present inventive subject matter can optionally comprise and/or employ one or more housings, trim elements, accessories, mounting structures, enclosing structures, etc. Persons of skill in the art are familiar with, and have access to, a wide variety of such structures, and any of such structures can be employed as desired.

(22) The present inventive subject matter can optionally comprise and/or employ one or more heat management structures and/or schemes. Persons of skill in the art are familiar with, and have access to, a wide variety of such structures and schemes, and any of such structures and/or schemes can be employed as desired.

(23) The present inventive subject matter comprise and/or employ one or more lenses, diffusers or light control elements, etc. Persons of skill in the art are familiar with, and have access to, a wide variety of lenses, diffusers or light control elements, and any of such lenses, diffusers or light control elements can be employed in the present inventive subject matter. One or more lenses, diffusers or light control elements (when employed) can be mounted in any suitable way and at any suitable location(s).

(24) Embodiments in accordance with the present inventive subject matter are described herein in detail in order to provide exact features of representative embodiments that are within the overall scope of the present inventive subject matter. The present inventive subject matter should not be understood to be limited to such detail.

(25) Embodiments in accordance with the present inventive subject matter are also described with reference to cross-sectional (and/or plan view) illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments of the present inventive subject matter. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments of the present inventive subject matter should not be construed as being limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. Thus, the regions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shape of a region of a device and are not intended to limit the scope of the present inventive subject matter.

(26) FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a fixture 10 according to the present inventive subject matter, and FIG. 2 is a schematic bottom view of the fixture 10. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the fixture 10 comprises a housing 11, a plurality of light sources 12, an actuator 13, a light sensor 14, a motion sensor 15, a wireless transmitter 16 and a wireless receiver 17.

(27) FIG. 3 is a schematic overhead view of a pair of rooms (comprising a first room 45 and a second room 46) in which there is provided a lighting control system according to the present inventive subject matter, the lighting control system comprising a first fixture 31, a second fixture 32, a third fixture 33, a fourth fixture 34, a fifth fixture 35, a processor 36, a wireless gateway 37, and an ethernet cable 38. There are also depicted in FIG. 3 a portable computer 39, a smart phone 40, a wireless switch 41 and a lighting device 42 (in the form of a flashlight). In the lighting control system depicted in FIG. 3, the first fixture 31, the second fixture 32, and the third fixture 33 are in a first zone 43, while the fourth fixture 34 and the fifth fixture 35 are in a second zone 44.

(28) While certain embodiments of the present inventive subject matter have been illustrated with reference to specific combinations of elements, various other combinations may also be provided without departing from the teachings of the present inventive subject matter. Thus, the present inventive subject matter should not be construed as being limited to the particular exemplary embodiments described herein and illustrated in the Figures, but may also encompass combinations of elements of the various illustrated embodiments.

(29) Below are a series of numbered passages, each of which defines subject matter within the scope of the present inventive subject matter:

(30) Passage 1. A fixture comprising:

(31) at least a first light sensor; and

(32) at least a first actuator configured to, when actuated, cause the fixture to be assigned to at least one zone.

(33) Passage 2. A fixture as recited in Passage 1, wherein the fixture further comprises at least a first light source.

(34) Passage 3. A fixture as recited in Passage 2, wherein the first actuator is configured to, when actuated, cause the fixture to be illuminated and then dimmed.

(35) Passage 4. A fixture as recited in Passage 2, wherein the first actuator is configured to, when actuated, cause the fixture to be illuminated to a first brightness and then dimmed to a second brightness, the second brightness not greater than about 25 percent of the first brightness.

(36) Passage 5. A fixture as recited in Passage 4, wherein the second brightness is between no light and about one percent of the first brightness.

(37) Passage 6. A fixture as recited in Passage 1, wherein the fixture further comprises at least a first motion sensor.

(38) Passage 7, A fixture as recited in Passage 1, wherein the fixture further comprises at least one wireless transmitter.

(39) Passage 8. A fixture as recited in Passage 1, wherein the fixture further comprises at least one wireless receiver.

(40) Passage 9. A fixture as recited in Passage 1, wherein the fixture further comprises at least one microprocessor.

(41) Passage 10. A fixture as recited in Passage 1, wherein the fixture is pre-programmed.

(42) Passage 11. A fixture as recited in Passage 10, wherein: the fixture further comprises at least a first motion sensor, and the fixture is pre-programmed to dim if no motion is detected by the first motion sensor for at least a first length of time.

(43) Passage 12. A fixture as recited in Passage 10, wherein the fixture is pre-programmed to dim if the first light sensor detects a brightness in excess of a first light brightness.

(44) Passage 13. A fixture as recited in Passage 1, wherein:

(45) the fixture further comprises at least a first light source, and

(46) the first light source is a solid state light emitter.

(47) Passage 14. A fixture as recited in Passage 1, wherein:

(48) the fixture begins to dim when the first sensor detects light of a brightness that is in excess of a particular set brightness level.

(49) Passage 15. A fixture as recited in Passage 1, wherein:

(50) the fixture begins to vary in brightness of light emission when the first sensor detects light of a brightness that is in excess of a particular set brightness level and continues to vary in brightness of light emission until the first sensor ceases to detect light of a brightness that is in excess of the particular set brightness level.

(51) Passage 16. A fixture as recited in Passage 1, wherein:

(52) the fixture begins to dim when the first sensor detects light of one or more particular set color hues.

(53) Passage 17. A fixture comprising:

(54) at least a first light source;

(55) at least a first motion sensor; and

(56) at least a first light sensor.

(57) Passage 18. A fixture as recited in Passage 17, wherein the fixture further comprises at least one wireless transmitter.

(58) Passage 19. A fixture as recited in Passage 17, wherein the fixture further comprises at least one wireless receiver.

(59) Passage 20. A fixture as recited in Passage 17, wherein the fixture further comprises at least a first actuator configured to, when actuated, cause the fixture to be assigned to at least one zone.

(60) Passage 21. A fixture as recited in Passage 20, wherein the first actuator is configured to, when actuated, cause the fixture to be illuminated and then dimmed.

(61) Passage 22. A fixture as recited in Passage 20, wherein the first actuator is configured to, when actuated, cause the first fixture to be illuminated to a first brightness and then dimmed to a second brightness, the second brightness not greater than about 25 percent of the first brightness.

(62) Passage 23. A fixture as recited in Passage 22, wherein the second brightness is between no light and about one percent of the first brightness.

(63) Passage 24. A fixture as recited in Passage 17, wherein the fixture further comprises at least one microprocessor.

(64) Passage 25. A fixture as recited in Passage 17, wherein the fixture is pre-programmed.

(65) Passage 26. A fixture as recited in Passage 25, wherein the fixture is pre-programmed to dim if no motion is detected by the first motion sensor for at least a first length of time.

(66) Passage 27. A fixture as recited in Passage 25, wherein the fixture is pre-programmed to dim if the first light sensor detects a brightness in excess of a first light brightness.

(67) Passage 28. A fixture as recited in Passage 17, wherein the first light source is a solid state light emitter.

(68) Passage 29. A fixture comprising:

(69) at least a first motion sensor;

(70) at least a first light sensor; and

(71) at least one wireless transmitter.

(72) Passage 30. A fixture as recited in Passage 29, wherein the fixture further comprises at least one wireless receiver.

(73) Passage 31. A fixture as recited in Passage 29, wherein the fixture further comprises at least a first actuator configured to, when actuated, cause the fixture to be assigned to at least one zone.

(74) Passage 32. A fixture as recited in Passage 31, wherein:

(75) the fixture further comprises at least a first light source; and

(76) the first actuator is configured to, when actuated, cause the fixture to be illuminated and then dimmed.

(77) Passage 33. A fixture as recited in Passage 31, wherein:

(78) the fixture further comprises at least a first light source; and

(79) the first actuator is configured to, when actuated, cause the first fixture to be illuminated to a first brightness and then dimmed to a second brightness, the second brightness not greater than about 25 percent of the first brightness.

(80) Passage 34. A fixture as recited in Passage 33, wherein the second brightness is between no light and about one percent of the first brightness.

(81) Passage 35. A fixture as recited in Passage 29, wherein the fixture further comprises at least one microprocessor.

(82) Passage 36. A fixture as recited in Passage 29, wherein the fixture is pre-programmed.

(83) Passage 37. A fixture as recited in Passage 36, wherein the fixture is pre-programmed to dim if no motion is detected by the first motion sensor for at least a first length of time.

(84) Passage 38. A fixture as recited in Passage 36, wherein the fixture is pre-programmed to dim if the first light sensor detects a brightness in excess of a first light brightness.

(85) Passage 39. A fixture as recited in Passage 29, wherein:

(86) the fixture further comprises at least a first light source, and

(87) the first light source is a solid state light emitter.

(88) Passage 40. A fixture comprising:

(89) at least a first light source; and

(90) at least a first light sensor,

(91) the fixture configured to: detect a sequence of light brightness measurement values at the first light sensor over a time-span of at least twenty-four hours, each light brightness measurement value comprising a value corresponding to a light brightness at the first light sensor, and identify at least a first period of time that is of a first duration and that has the smallest average light brightness of any period of said first duration during said time-span.

(92) Passage 41. A fixture as recited in Passage 40, wherein the fixture is configured to also dim the fixture when the brightness at the first light sensor exceeds the smallest average light brightness after the time-span.

(93) Passage 42. A fixture as recited in Passage 40, wherein the fixture is configured to also dim the fixture to maintain the brightness at the first light sensor at about the smallest average light brightness, during at least one time period that is after the time-span.

(94) Passage 43. A fixture as recited in Passage 40, wherein the fixture is configured to detect a sequence of light brightness measurement values over a time-span of at least twenty-four hours, each light brightness measurement value comprising a value corresponding to a light brightness at the first light sensor, said time-span occurring during the first forty-eight hours after the fixture is first supplied with power.

(95) Passage 44. A fixture comprising: at least a first light source, the fixture configured to dim at a first rate when at least a first motion sensor senses no motion for at least a designated period of time.

(96) Passage 45. A fixture as recited in Passage 44, wherein the designated period of time is five seconds.

(97) Passage 46. A fixture as recited in Passage 44, wherein the designated period of time is five minutes.

(98) Passage 47. A fixture as recited in Passage 44, wherein the designated period of time is ten minutes.

(99) Passage 48. A fixture as recited in Passage 44, wherein the fixture is also configured to permit the designated period of time to be altered.

(100) Passage 49. A fixture as recited in Passage 44, wherein the first motion sensor is on the fixture.

(101) Passage 50. A fixture as recited in Passage 44, wherein the first rate is not greater than ten percent every three seconds.

(102) Passage 51. A fixture as recited in Passage 44, wherein the first rate is not greater than ten percent every ten seconds.

(103) Passage 52. A fixture as recited in Passage 44, wherein the fixture is also configured to permit the first rate to be altered.

(104) Passage 53. A fixture as recited in Passage 44, wherein the fixture is configured to dim, at said first rate when at least said first motion sensor senses no motion for at least a designated period of time, to not less than a designated percentage.

(105) Passage 54. A fixture as recited in Passage 53, wherein the designated percentage is ten percent.

(106) Passage 55. A fixture as recited in Passage 53, wherein the designated percentage is forty percent.

(107) Passage 56. A fixture as recited in Passage 53, wherein the designated percentage is seventy percent.

(108) Passage 57. A fixture as recited in Passage 53, wherein the fixture is also configured to permit the designated percentage to be altered.

(109) Passage 58. A fixture as recited in Passage 44, wherein the fixture is further configured to brighten at a second rate when the fixture is at a dimmed brightness and at least one motion sensor detects motion.

(110) Passage 59. A fixture as recited in Passage 58, wherein the fixture is configured to brighten at said second rate back to one hundred percent brightness when the fixture is at a dimmed brightness and said at least one motion sensor detects motion.

(111) Passage 60. A fixture as recited in Passage 44, wherein the fixture is further configured to brighten at a second rate when the fixture is at a dimmed brightness and the first motion sensor detects motion.

(112) Passage 61. A fixture comprising: at least a first light source, the fixture configured to initiate dimming when at least a first motion sensor senses no motion for at least a designated period of time, said dimming to continue to not less than a designated percentage unless motion is detected by at least one motion sensor during said dimming.

(113) Passage 62. A fixture as recited in Passage 61, wherein the designated percentage is ten percent.

(114) Passage 63. A fixture as recited in Passage 61, wherein the designated percentage is forty percent.

(115) Passage 64. A fixture as recited in Passage 61, wherein the designated percentage is seventy percent.

(116) Passage 65. A fixture as recited in Passage 61, wherein the fixture is also configured to permit the designated percentage to be altered.

(117) Passage 66. A fixture as recited in Passage 61, wherein the designated period of time is five seconds.

(118) Passage 67. A fixture as recited in Passage 61, wherein the designated period of time is three minutes.

(119) Passage 68. A fixture as recited in Passage 61, wherein the designated period of time is ten minutes.

(120) Passage 69. A fixture as recited in Passage 61, wherein the fixture is also configured to permit the designated period of time to be altered.

(121) Passage 70. A fixture as recited in Passage 61, wherein the first motion sensor is on the fixture.

(122) Passage 71. A fixture as recited in Passage 61, wherein the fixture is further configured to brighten, when the fixture is at a dimmed brightness and at least one motion sensor detects motion.

(123) Passage 72. A fixture as recited in Passage 71, wherein the fixture is configured to brighten back to one hundred percent brightness when the fixture is at a dimmed brightness and said at least one motion sensor detects motion.

(124) Passage 73. A lighting control system, comprising:

(125) at least a first fixture and a second fixture; and

(126) at least a first actuator,

(127) the first fixture comprising at least a first light sensor,

(128) the second fixture comprising at least a second light sensor,

(129) the first actuator configured to, when actuated, cause the first fixture to be assigned to at least one zone and the second fixture to be assigned to at least one zone.

(130) Passage 74. A lighting control system as recited in Passage 73, wherein the first actuator is on the first fixture.

(131) Passage 75. A lighting control system as recited in Passage 73, wherein: each fixture in the system has at least one actuator, and each actuator in the system is configured to, when actuated, cause each fixture in the system to be assigned to at least one zone.

(132) Passage 76. A lighting control system as recited in Passage 75, wherein each actuator in the system is configured to, when actuated, cause each fixture in the system to flash.

(133) Passage 77. A lighting control system as recited in Passage 76, wherein: the lighting control system is configured to assign the first and second fixtures to different zones if (1) brightness detected by the first light sensor is less than a first brightness when the second fixture is illuminated, and/or (2) brightness detected by the second light sensor is less than said first brightness when the first fixture is illuminated.

(134) Passage 78. A lighting control system as recited in Passage 73, wherein: the first fixture further comprises at least a first light source, and the second fixture further comprises at least a second light source.

(135) Passage 79. A lighting control system as recited in Passage 78, wherein: the first actuator is configured to, when actuated, cause the first fixture to be assigned to at least one zone and the second fixture to be assigned to at least one zone, the second actuator is configured to, when actuated, cause the first fixture to be assigned to at least one zone and the second fixture to be assigned to at least one zone.

(136) Passage 80. A lighting control system as recited in Passage 78, wherein the first actuator is configured to, when actuated: cause the first fixture to flash, and cause the second fixture to flash.

(137) Passage 81. A lighting control system as recited in Passage 80, wherein: the lighting control system is configured to assign the first and second fixtures to different zones if (1) brightness detected by the first light sensor is less than a first brightness when the second fixture is illuminated, and/or (2) brightness detected by the second light sensor is less than said first brightness when the first fixture is illuminated.

(138) Passage 82. A lighting control system as recited in Passage 80, wherein: the first actuator is on the first fixture, and a second actuator is on the second fixture.

(139) Passage 83. A lighting control system as recited in Passage 78, wherein: the first actuator is on the first fixture, a second actuator is on the second fixture, the first actuator is configured to, when actuated: cause the first fixture to flash, and cause the second fixture to flash, the second actuator is configured to, when actuated: cause the first fixture to flash, and cause the second fixture to flash.

(140) Passage 84. A lighting control system as recited in Passage 78, wherein: each fixture in the system has at least one actuator, and each actuator in the system is configured to, when actuated, cause each fixture in the system to flash.

(141) Passage 85. A lighting control system as recited in Passage 73, wherein: the system further comprises at least a first processor, and the first actuator is on the processor.

(142) Passage 86. A lighting control system as recited in Passage 73, wherein: the system further comprises at least a first wireless gateway, and the first actuator is on the processor.

(143) Passage 87. A lighting control system, comprising:

(144) at least a first fixture and a second fixture; and

(145) at least a first processor,

(146) the first fixture comprising at least a first light sensor and at least a first wireless transmitter,

(147) the second fixture comprising at least a first light source and at least a first wireless receiver,

(148) the first wireless transmitter configured to transmit wireless signals to the first processor,

(149) the first wireless receiver configured to receive wireless signals from the first processor.

(150) Passage 88. A lighting control system, comprising:

(151) at least a first fixture and a second fixture; and

(152) the lighting control system configured to assign to at least the first fixture and the second fixture a first profile selected from among at least two profiles,

(153) each of the at least two profiles comprising: a limit on the highest rate at which fixtures can be dimmed as a result of no motion being detected, a limit on the lowest light level down to which fixtures can be dimmed as a result of no motion being detected, a limit on the highest rate at which fixtures can be dimmed as a result of a particular level of light being detected, a limit on the lowest light level down to which light sources can be dimmed as a result of a particular level of light being detected, and/or a limit on the maximum difference between the light level of the first fixture and the light level of the second fixture.

(154) Passage 89. A lighting control system as recited in Passage 88, wherein the lighting control system is configured: to have selections made to indicate that the profile is to be changed for a fixture, and to allow a fixture to be selected by shining at least one lighting device toward the fixture.

(155) Passage 90. A lighting control system as recited in Passage 88, wherein the lighting control system is configured: to have selections made to indicate that the profile is to be changed for a zone comprising at least one fixture, and to allow a first zone to be selected by shining at least one lighting device toward a fixture in the first zone.

(156) Passage 91. A lighting control system as recited in Passage 88, wherein the lighting control system is configured to have at least one selection made to indicate that the profile is to be changed for the lighting control system.

(157) Passage 92. A lighting control system as recited in Passage 88, wherein the first fixture and the second fixture are both in a first zone.

(158) Passage 93. A lighting control system as recited in Passage 88, wherein the lighting control system is configured to assign a profile to the entire lighting control system, the lighting control system comprising the first fixture, the second fixture and at least a third fixture.

(159) Passage 94. A lighting control system as recited in Passage 93, wherein: the lighting control system comprises at least two zones, and at least one fixture is in each of the zones.

(160) Passage 95. A lighting control system as recited in Passage 88, wherein: the lighting control system is configured: to assign each fixture to at least one zone, and to assign a profile to each zone.

(161) Passage 96. A lighting control system as recited in Passage 88, wherein: the lighting control system is configured to assign a profile to each fixture in the lighting control system.

(162) Passage 97. A method, comprising:

(163) actuating a first actuator on a first fixture in a lighting control system, thereby causing the first fixture and at least a second fixture in the lighting control system to each be assigned to at least one zone.

(164) Passage 98. A method as recited in Passage 97, wherein: the first fixture comprises at least a first light source and at least a first light sensor, the second fixture comprises at least a second light source and at least a second light sensor, and said actuating said first actuator: causes the first fixture to be illuminated and then dimmed, and causes the second fixture to be illuminated and then dimmed.

(165) Passage 99. A method as recited in Passage 97, wherein said actuating said first actuator causes every fixture in the system to be assigned to at least one zone.

(166) Passage 100. A method as recited in Passage 97, wherein said actuating said first actuator causes every fixture in the system that comprises at least one light source to be illuminated and then dimmed.

(167) Passage 101. A method as recited in Passage 97, wherein said actuating said first actuator causes every fixture in the system that comprises at least one light source to be illuminated to a first brightness and then dimmed to a second brightness, the second brightness not greater than about 25 percent of the first brightness.

(168) Passage 102. A method, comprising:

(169) shining at least one lighting device toward a first fixture in a first zone in a lighting control system, thereby selecting the first fixture to be moved from the first zone.

(170) Passage 103. A method as recited in Passage 102, wherein the method further comprises shining at least one lighting device toward a second fixture in a second zone in the lighting control system, thereby causing the first fixture to be changed from the first zone to the second zone.

(171) Passage 104. A method, comprising:

(172) detecting a sequence of light brightness measurement values at a first light sensor of a first fixture over a time-span of at least twenty-four hours, each light brightness measurement value comprising a value corresponding to a light brightness at the first light sensor, and

(173) identifying at least a first period of time that is of a first duration and that has the smallest average light brightness of any period of said first duration during said time-span.

(174) Passage 105. A method as recited in Passage 104, wherein the method further comprises dimming the fixture when the brightness at the first light sensor exceeds the smallest average light brightness after the time-span.

(175) Passage 106. A method as recited in Passage 104, wherein the method further comprises dimming the fixture to maintain the brightness at the first light sensor at about the smallest average light brightness, during at least one time period that is after the time-span.

(176) Passage 107. A method as recited in Passage 104, wherein the method further comprises detecting a sequence of light brightness measurement values over a time-span of at least twenty-four hours, each light brightness measurement value comprising a value corresponding to a light brightness at the first light sensor, said time-span occurring during the first forty-eight hours after the fixture is first supplied with power.

(177) Passage 108. A method, comprising dimming a fixture at a first rate when at least a first motion sensor senses no motion for at least a designated period of time.

(178) Passage 109. A method as recited in Passage 108, wherein the first motion sensor is on the fixture.

(179) Passage 110. A method as recited in Passage 108, wherein said dimming comprises dimming the fixture at said first rate when at least said first motion sensor senses no motion for at least a designated period of time, to not less than a designated percentage.

(180) Passage 111. A method as recited in Passage 108, wherein the method further comprises brightening the fixture at a second rate when the fixture is at a dimmed brightness and at least one motion sensor detects motion.

(181) Passage 112. A method, comprising dimming a fixture to not less than a designated percentage when at least a first motion sensor senses no motion for at least a designated period of time.

(182) Passage 113. A method as recited in Passage 112, wherein the first motion sensor is on the fixture.

(183) Passage 114. A method as recited in Passage 112, wherein the fixture is further configured to brighten, when the fixture is at a dimmed brightness and at least one motion sensor detects motion.

(184) Passage 115. A method comprising:

(185) assigning to at least a first fixture and a second fixture a first profile selected from among at least two profiles,

(186) the first fixture and the second fixture both in a lighting control system,

(187) each of the at least two profiles comprising: a limit on the highest rate at which fixtures can be dimmed as a result of no motion being detected, a limit on the lowest light level down to which fixtures can be dimmed as a result of no motion being detected, a limit on the highest rate at which fixtures can be dimmed as a result of a particular level of light being detected, a limit on the lowest light level down to which light sources can be dimmed as a result of a particular level of light being detected, and/or a limit on the maximum difference between the light level of the first fixture and the light level of the second fixture.

(188) Passage 116. A method as recited in Passage 115, wherein the method further comprises: making selections to indicate that the profile is to be changed for a fixture, and selecting a fixture by shining at least one lighting device toward the fixture.

(189) Passage 117. A method as recited in Passage 115, wherein the method further comprises: making selections to indicate that the profile is to be changed for a zone comprising at least one fixture, and selecting a first zone by shining at least one lighting device toward a fixture in the first zone.

(190) Passage 118. A method as recited in Passage 115, wherein the method further comprises making at least one selection to indicate that the profile is to be changed for the lighting control system.

(191) Passage 119. A method as recited in Passage 115, wherein the first fixture and the second fixture are both in a first zone.

(192) Passage 120. A method as recited in Passage 115, wherein the method further comprises assigning a profile to the entire lighting control system, the lighting control system comprising the first fixture, the second fixture and at least a third fixture.

(193) Passage 121. A method as recited in Passage 120, wherein: the lighting control system comprises at least two zones, and at least one fixture is in each of the zones.

(194) Passage 122. A method as recited in Passage 115, wherein the method comprises assigning each fixture to at least one zone, and assigning a profile to each zone.

(195) Passage 123. A method as recited in Passage 115, wherein the method comprises assigning a profile to each fixture in the lighting control system.

(196) Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of the present disclosure, without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventive subject matter. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of example, and that it should not be taken as limiting the inventive subject matter as defined by the following claims. The following claims are, therefore, to be read to include not only the combination of elements which are literally set forth but all equivalent elements for performing substantially the same function in substantially the same way to obtain substantially the same result. The claims are thus to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptually equivalent, and also what incorporates the essential idea of the inventive subject matter.

(197) Any two or more structural parts of the lighting control systems and/or the fixtures described herein can be integrated. Any structural part of the lighting control systems and/or the fixtures described herein can be provided in two or more parts (which may be held together in any known way, e.g., with adhesive, screws, bolts, rivets, staples, etc.). Similarly, any two or more actions in the methods described herein can be conducted simultaneously, and/or any action can be conducted in a series of steps.

(198) FIG. 4 illustrates the lighting fixture 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Here, the lighting fixture 10 comprises the actuator 13, the light sensor 14, and the motion sensor 15. In addition, the lighting fixture 10 includes the wireless transmitter 16, the wireless receiver 17, and a processor 18. In some embodiments, the processor 18 causes the lighting fixture 10 to be assigned to a zone when the actuator 13 is activated.

(199) FIG. 5 is a schematic overhead view of a pair of rooms (comprising the first room 45 and the second room 46) in which there is provided a lighting control system according to the present inventive subject matter, the lighting control system comprising the first fixture 31, the second fixture 32, the third fixture 33, the fourth fixture 34, the fifth fixture 35, the processor 36, the wireless gateway 37, and the ethernet cable 38. There are also depicted in FIG. 5 the portable computer 39, the smart phone 40, the wireless switch 41 and the lighting device 42 (in the form of a flashlight). In the lighting control system depicted in FIG. 5, the first fixture 31, the second fixture 32, and the third fixture 33 are in a first zone 43, while the fourth fixture 34 and the fifth fixture 35 are in a second zone 44. Moreover, the first fixture 31 includes the actuator 13, which is depicted in FIG. 2 and the fixture 10.