FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an interactive lighting system, a remote interaction unit for interacting with said lighting system, and a method of interacting with an interactive lighting system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Increasingly, spaces and environments are becoming equipped with connected lighting infrastructures, which as well as simplifying and economising the maintenance and oversight of lighting systems, also opens up new possibilities for controlling networks of lighting devices in smart and creative ways. In particular, connected lighting infrastructures provide new opportunities for enabling interaction with users of a space or environment.

In one example for instance, coded light infrastructures have been implemented within retail environments to guide shoppers towards certain areas, or to promote specific products.

Such interaction however is substantially one-way, allowing an operator of the lighting system to communicate with a user of the space, but not enabling any return interaction on the part of the user. Increasingly however, consumers are coming to demand the availability of more immediately diverting and entertaining experiences in their everyday environments, wherein they may interact and connect with the spaces around them in a playful and interesting way. This might be done while shopping, playing at home, visiting an event or exploring a city.

Presently, offering truly interactive experiences to users, consumers or shoppers often requires the installation of dedicated infrastructures to facilitate this interactivity. Increasingly however, interaction with environments by means of standard mobile communication devices will come to be demanded and expected by consumers.

There is a need therefore for connected lighting infrastructures which are able to facilitate more interactive experiences to users of a space or environment, and in particular experiences which can be accessed and implemented by means of standard mobile communication devices.

International application WO2014184009A1 discloses a method for calibrating an ambience lighting system for providing an ambient light effect for a cinema display screen. The method is based on implementing the ambience lighting system in the form of one or more of coded light (CL) sources. The method then includes processing one or more images of a scene being illuminated by the ambience lighting system to determine, based on the CL embedded into the light output of the individual CL sources, color and/or an intensity of the light generated by the individual CL source. The set of control data for controlling the CL sources to provide the desired ambient light effect is then based not only on the color and/or intensity of image content to be displayed on the cinema display screen, but also on the determined color and/or intensity of the light output of the individual CL sources.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is defined by the claims.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a lighting system for generating an interactive light display, comprising:

a network of lighting devices, each operable to generate one or more coded light outputs for projection into a space, each coded light output being encoded with identifier information associated with the respective coded light output; and

a controller configured to:

control the network of lighting devices to generate a light display consisting of one or more of said coded light outputs, each projected toward a respective projection location;

receive from a remote interaction unit one or more feedback messages containing identifier information associated with at least one of the coded light outputs captured by the remote interaction unit and

control the network of lighting devices to change the light display by changing at least one subsequent coded light output in response to said received one or more feedback messages in accordance with a pre-defined control schedule, wherein the predefined control schedule defines a sequence for controlling the lighting devices.

Embodiments of the invention hence make use of coded light outputs to provide a light display with which users may interact by means of a remote interaction unit. The remote interaction unit may in examples be a mobile communication device such as a smartphone or tablet computer. A network of lighting devices may project a number of these coded light outputs in a number of different locations. Each light output is encoded with identifier information which enables the particular light output to be uniquely identified. In use, a remote interaction unit (such as a smart phone or tablet) may be used to scan and decode (i.e. capture) any particular one (or more) of the given coded light outputs, and to communicate the decoded identifier information back to a controller of the lighting system. The controller may then vary or alter the lighting display in a way which depends or relates specifically to the particular one (or more than one) coded light outputs which the user has scanned. In this way, a degree of interaction between the user and the lighting display is implemented.

In response to receipt of a feedback message, the controller is configured to control the light display to change in accordance with a pre-defined control schedule, wherein the pre-defined control schedule defines a sequence for controlling the lighting devices. In embodiments, the pre-defined control schedule (the sequence) may furthermore be configurable in accordance with information contained in the received one or more feedback messages. The pre-defined control schedule may comprise steps which include a pre-defined dependency upon one or more input parameters for instance.

The steps may typically include certain decision steps for example, in which the particular path followed by the control schedule is determined in a pre-defined way in dependence upon information transmitted in said messages. The transmitted information may provide one or more inputs or control parameters for the control schedule. For example, the pre-defined control schedule may include steps for controlling a lighting device of the network in a particular manner, and wherein the received feedback message(s) are used by the control schedule in determining which one of the lighting devices the steps are to be applied to.

In particular, the controller may be configured to control the at least one coded light output identified by the identifier information in the received one or more feedback messages in accordance with said pre-defined control schedule.

The coded light outputs may in examples be temporally coded luminous patterns, wherein identifier information is encoded by means of a temporally varying luminous intensity pattern for example. The light output may in examples have an overall (global) intensity which varies in a binary way over time (i.e. on and off), or may have an overall global intensity which varies in a more continuous fashion. Additionally or alternatively, the coded light output may have a spatial intensity distribution which varies (spatially) locally as a function of time.

The lighting devices may comprise LED light sources for generating the coded light outputs. In these cases, spatially coded light outputs may be generated through rapid on/off switching of the LED(s) (i.e. through pulse-width modulation). The frequency of the pulses may be controlled to be non-constant over time, for example, so as to enable encoding of information within the light.

In accordance with some examples, one or more of the coded light outputs may consist of structured light patterns, said structure being configured to encapsulate or encode the identifier information. The coded light output may comprise a spatial intensity profile structured or configured to encode the identifier information. The pattern or intensity distribution may consist or comprise of a structured arrangement of discrete binary regions of high or low intensity (e.g. black and white or dark and light), or may comprise a more continuous intensity distribution pattern (e.g. including 'grey-shades').

The coded light outputs may or may not be directly visible to observers. They may be coloured to render them difficult to see, or may be coloured to make them clearly distinguishable from background objects and surfaces. They may be coloured so as to be only subtly perceptible, e.g. to be visible upon careful inspection, but not so obvious as to cause a distraction or eyesore for users of a space (e.g. shoppers) who are not participating in interaction with the lighting system.

The overall light display may be a light output or light effect, or may be composed or comprised of light outputs or effects. The light display may in examples comprise one or more functional light outputs for illuminating locations or regions within the space or area covered by the network of lighting devices. These functional light outputs may be temporally encoded, as described above, in such a way as to render the encoding invisible to the human eye. In this way, at least portions of the light display may provide a functional role in illuminating a space in addition to enabling user interactivity with the system.

In examples, the light display may comprise one or more light outputs for providing a decorative light effect or display. As above, the encoding of the light may be implemented in a manner that is invisible to observers (such as through high-frequency cycling/switching of the light sources comprised by the lighting devices). In this way, the aesthetic effect of the light outputs may be left unaffected by the encoding.

The identifier information may be of any form, and may be embodied or expressed in any language or medium, so long as the information is sufficient to uniquely identify a given coded light output. The identifier information may in particular examples comprise a code such a string of numerals, letters and/or other characters, this code being uniquely associated with the particular coded light output in question. Alternatively, the identifier information may be a differently codified form of information. For instance, the information may consist entirely in the particular structure or pattern of a given coded light output. In some cases, the identifier information may simply take the form of a particular image. Furthermore, in particular examples, the identifier information may be expressed or embodied in different forms or different presentational media, provided that the information continues to enable unique identification of the same coded light output.

The projection locations toward which coded light outputs are projected define a (vector) direction of projection of the particular light output. In accordance with at least one set of examples, the coded light outputs may be projected toward a projection location on a surface within the space (e.g. a wall, floor or a surface of an object in the space). Capturing and decoding the coded light output in this case may comprise capturing or scanning the surface projection of the coded light output.

In further examples, one or more of the coded light outputs may be configured for direct or 'mid-beam' capturing or scanning. In this case, capturing or scanning the coded light output may comprise placement of remote interaction unit within the path of the beam. In these examples, the projection location of the particular coded light output may refer to a (possibly notional) location within the space onto which the pattern would be projected for example in the absence of any intercepting bodies within the path of the beam.

As noted above, upon detection and decoding (capturing) of at least one of the coded light outputs, the controller is configured to vary or alter the lighting display in a way which depends upon the received feedback message(s). In particular, the light display may be changed in a way which depends or relates to the at least one captured coded light output (which is identified by the identifier information contained in the at least one feedback message).

In particular examples, the controller may be configured to change said light display by changing a configuration of said at least one captured coded light output (which the user has detected and decoded).

The controller may be configured to change the particular identifier information encoded in said at least one captured coded light output for example. This may be particularly advantageous in examples in which the lighting system is intended to enable interaction with a plurality of potential users. By changing the identifier information, a 'new' code is created, ready for potential scanning or capturing by a different user for instance.

Additionally or alternatively, the controller may be configured to change said light display by changing the projection locations of said at least one captured coded light output. This may be achieved by changing a projection direction of the lighting device generating the given coded light output, or may be achieved by controlling a different one of the network of lighting devices to generate the coded light output in place of the original source of the light output. This provides a very visible and identifiable form of interactivity, since, upon capturing and communicating the coded light output, the light output in question shifts or moves to a new location. This may prevent a user scanning the same light output twice for instance, or may alternatively enable the same light output to be captured multiple times without loss of interest or absorption for a user.

In further examples, the controller may be configured to change the light display by changing a colour of said at least one captured coded light output. One or more of the lighting devices may accordingly comprise light sources having a configurable or adjustable light output colour. Alternatively, one or more of the lighting devices may comprise light sources of a plurality of different light output colours, such that the controller may change a colour of the coded light output by switching the relative intensities of light sources used to generate the light output.

In further examples still, the controller may be configured to change the light display by terminating projection of said at least one captured coded light output. This example also provides a highly accessible and visible form of interactivity, since upon capturing a given coded light output, the pattern in question appears to vanish or disappear. This provides a satisfying visual effect for a user. This may also be advantageous in examples in which the lighting system is for enabling interaction with multiple users, since it prevents any single coded light pattern from being captured by more than one user. Such an operation mode may be particularly suited for 'game-like' applications of the lighting system, wherein individual users might compete with one another to capture each of the coded light outputs.

In accordance with any of the above examples, the controller may be configured to change said light display by generating and projecting a further light pattern toward a projection location proximal to a projection location of the at least one captured coded light output (whose identifier information has been communicated to the controller). This might for example be an image, light pattern or message projected close to the location of the captured light output. The further light pattern may be an animation. The further light pattern may be implemented through co-ordinated control of a plurality of the lighting devices of the network. In examples, the further light pattern may communicate information to a user, such as the projection location of a further coded light output to be captured. In accordance with any of these examples, a further projected light pattern provides a clear form of visual feedback to a user upon detection of a given code.

In accordance with any of the above examples, the controller may be further configured to generate one or more output messages for transmission to said remote interaction unit.

According to at least one set of examples, these messages may be data messages conveying for instance 'digital credits' or 'points' to a user of the remote interaction unit. In these examples, the lighting system may be used to provide a game-like experience for users. Upon scanning a given coded light output, the user may be 'rewarded' by the issuance of a certain number of tokens or credits. These may in examples carry a degree of financial reward, conferring for instance discounts or special offers to a user (for instance within a retail environment). Alternatively, they may relate exclusively to the 'game' being implemented by the lighting system itself. For instance they may 'buy' certain light effects or experiences created in the environment.

In addition to (or instead of) communicating said output messages, the controller may be configured to update a central database so as to ascribe to a given user a certain number of credits or tokens. This database may then be accessible by retail assistants at payment points within the retail environment, and allow a user to 'cash in' their accrued credits, tokens, discounts or vouchers.

In examples of the system, further interactivity may be achieved in addition to that which arises through scanning the coded light outputs. In particular, the controller may be adapted to vary a projection location or a projected appearance of one or more of the coded light outputs in dependence upon one or more variables, and optionally wherein said one or more variables include at least one of:

a time variable; and

a position of said remote interaction unit, where said position is determined on the basis of position information included in one or more messages transmitted to the controller by the remote interaction unit.

According to these examples, the location or appearance of one or more of the coded light outputs is controlled to change in dependence upon one or more variables. One or more coded light outputs may be controlled to move as a function of time (i.e. their projection locations change as a function of time). This may be in accordance with a predefined motion routine or may be arbitrary or random motion. The movement may add a degree of excitement to the interactive experience, for instance making it more difficult for a user to capture a given coded light output.

Movement or change in a light output appearance may also be controlled in dependence upon a detected location of a given user. For instance, light outputs may be controlled to 'follow' a user as they move around an environment, or might be controlled to move away from a user as they approach.

The location of the user may be identified through communication of location information from the remote interaction unit to the controller. This may be GPS data or information, or RF (radio frequency) beacon data for instance. Alternatively, a location of the remote interaction unit may be identified through other means, for example through communicating recognition by the unit of certain location-specific light codes generated by the lighting system.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, the lighting network may comprise a plurality of geographically isolated sub-networks, each being operatively coupled to the controller. The sub-networks may be networks of lighting devices located in different towns or cities for instance. This would enable multi-user game-like interactivity to be implemented for a plurality of users who are spread across a range of different geographical areas. The lighting system may be controlled so as to require a degree of co-operation between multiple users in different locations, for instance rewarding the capturing of coded light outputs in a specific order, where the coded light outputs are spread across the different isolated sub-networks.

Examples in accordance with a further aspect of the invention provide an interactive lighting system, comprising:

a lighting system in accordance with any of the examples described above; and at least one remote interaction unit operable to:

identify and decode said coded light outputs to thereby extract the encoded identifier information, and

generate one or more feedback messages containing said identifier information.

Said one or more feedback messages may comprise data messages, wherein the remote interaction unit is further configured to transmit said one or more feedback messages to the controller. In alternative examples, the one or more feedback messages may be visual messages, presented on a display of the at least one remote interaction unit, and wherein the interactive lighting system further comprises a camera unit mounted in a location proximal to at least one of the lighting devices of the network, the camera unit being configured to identify the visual message presented on the display and to transmit at least the contained identifier information to said controller.

This latter example obviates the need for a remote interaction unit to communicate with the controller via a direct data link. This may be preferable in cases for instance where simultaneous data communication with a large number of remote interaction units would be impractical or unfeasibly expensive. It also may render the system more immediately accessible to users, since they are not required to engage in a potentially time- consuming process of initiating connection between their personal remote interaction unit and the controller.

In accordance with one or more examples, the feedback messages may also contain further identifier information associated with the remote interaction unit. This may enable identification of the particular user who has scanned a given code. This may enable for example the ascription of credits or tokens to the user by the controller in the manner described above. A database storing user credit balances may be updated in accordance with the communicated further identification user so as to allocate to the user said credits or tokens.

Examples in accordance with a further aspect of the invention provide a remote interaction unit for interacting with a lighting system comprising

a display;

a light-sensitive element adapted to detect one or more coded light inputs, each coded light input being encoded with identifier information;

a second controller adapted to:

decode any detected coded light input to extract identifier information control the display to present a visual output in dependence upon the extracted identifier information; and

autonomously generate a feedback message containing the identifier information for communication to the controller of said lighting system for use by said controller in changing the light display generated by the system by changing at least one coded light output in response to said feedback message in accordance with a pre-defined control schedule.. The remote interaction unit in examples may be a mobile communication device such as a smartphone or tablet computer.

The light sensitive element may be, or may be comprised by, a camera.

The feedback message may be for further communication to the controller via a suitable communication means.

In examples, the second controller may comprise a memory containing entries pertaining to previously extracted identifier information, wherein the second controller is configured to

compare the identifier information extracted from each decoded light input with entries in the memory to identify if there is a match, and

to generate said feedback message only in the event that no match is identified.

In these examples, the remote interaction unit first implements a local duplication check to determine whether a scanned light output has been previously captured and decoded. In the event that it has, the remote interaction unit may cease any further action and desist from generating the feedback message. This check may prevent a user from for example accruing tokens or credits for codes that they have already captured. By implementing the check locally, computing resources of the controller are conserved.

Examples in accordance with a further aspect of the invention also provide a method of controlling a remote interaction unit to interact with a light display generated by a lighting system, the light display comprising one or more coded light outputs projected toward one or more projection locations, each coded light output being encoded with identifier information associated with the respective coded light output, and the method comprising:

controlling a light-sensitive element of the remote interaction unit to detect one or more of the coded light outputs;

decoding the detected one or more coded light outputs to extract the identifier information;

controlling a display of the remote interaction unit to present a visual output in dependence upon the extracted identifier information; and

autonomously generating a feedback message containing the identifier information for communication to the controller of the lighting system for use by said controller in changing the light display generated by the system by changing at least one subseqent coded light output in response to said feedback message in accordance with a pre- defined control schedule, wherein the pre-defined control schedule defines a sequence for controlling the lighting devices.

Examples in accordance with another aspect of the invention also provide a computer program product comprising a computer-readable storage medium, said medium comprising computer program code for implementing the method of controlling a remote interaction unit outlined above when executed on at least one processor of a computer system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Examples of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a block diagram illustrating a first example lighting system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention;

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates application of an example lighting system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention;

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates an example remote interaction unit as provided in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention;

Fig. 4 schematically illustrates an example control mode of a lighting system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention;

Fig. 5 schematically illustrates an example application of a lighting system in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

Fig. 6 schematically illustrates the communication of visual feedback messages between a remote interaction unit and a controller of an example lighting system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention; and

Fig. 7 shows a block diagram schematically illustrating an example method of controlling a remote interaction unit in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The invention provides a lighting system for generating an interactive lighting display comprising a network of lighting devices controlled by a controller to generate a light display comprising one or more coded light outputs. The coded light outputs are each encoded with identifier information. The controller is configured to be receptive to feedback messages issued by one or more remote interaction units, said messages containing identifier information associated with one or more of the coded light outputs. The controller is configured to vary the light display in dependence upon the received feedback messages.

A remote interaction unit may for example be adapted to detect (e.g. scan) and decode one or more of the coded light outputs and to communicate the decoded identifier information, via one or more feedback messages, to the controller.

A block diagram schematically illustrating a first example lighting system in accordance with embodiments of the invention is shown in Fig. 1. The lighting system 10 in accordance with this example comprises a network of three lighting devices 20, 22, 24 operatively coupled to a controller 40. The provision of three lighting devices is by way of non- limiting example only, and in further examples any suitable number of lighting devices may instead be provided.

Each of the lighting devices is operable to generate one or more coded light outputs for projection into a space. In the example of Fig. 1, each of the lighting devices 20, 22, 24 is shown generating a single respective coded light output, illustrated respectively by outputs 30, 32, 34. The plurality of coded light outputs together generate a light display within the space.

The coded light outputs may in examples comprise structured light patterns, said structure being configured to encode certain information which includes at least unique identifier information associated with the specific coded light output in question.

The coded light outputs may comprise temporally coded light patterns, having an output pattern which varies as a function of time in a systematic manner so as thereby to encode information in the thus provided luminous output.

In particular examples, the lighting device may comprise LED light sources for generating the coded light outputs. In these cases, the coded light signals may be generated through rapid ON/OFF switching of the LEDs so as to form a temporal pattern within which information may be encoded. The LEDs may be controlled to thus fluctuate or oscillate at a frequency in for example the kHz range. In this case, such fluctuations would be imperceptible to the human eye. Thus, the light outputs may be encoded with information without affecting the aesthetic appearance of the light display.

In further examples, the coded light outputs may be spatially modulated or structured so as to encode information. The light outputs may be patterned to form a light output having a patterned structure within which information is encoded.

The controller 40 is configured to be receptive to feedback messages received from one or more remote interaction units containing identifier information associated with one or more of the coded light outputs generated by the network of lighting devices. Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an example remote interaction unit 46 communicatively linked with the controller 40 and operable to detect and decode one or more of the generated coded light outputs 30, 32, 34. The remote interaction unit and controller may be linked for example by means of a direct data connection, or by means a suitable network connection. Alternatively the two may be linked in a more indirect manner, for instance through an optical or visual communication means. An example of visual communication means will be described in greater detail in examples to follow.

Upon detection and decoding of one or more of the coded light outputs 30, 32, 34, the remote interaction unit 46 generates one or more feedback messages containing at least the decoded identifier information associated with the scanned coded light output(s) and is adapted to transmit, convey or communicate said one or more feedback messages to the controller 40.

Upon receipt of the feedback message(s), the controller 40 is configured to change the collective light display being generated by the lighting devices 20, 22, 24 in dependence upon the identifier information contained within the feedback message.

In particular, the controller 40 may be configured to change the light display by changing a configuration of at least the particular coded light output to which the identifier information pertains. For example, upon successful detection of a particular coded light output, the source lighting device of the respective light output may be controlled by the controller to cease projection of the light output, such that it appears to an observer to vanish.

Additionally or alternatively, the controller may control the network of lighting devices 20, 22, 24 to relocate the coded light output to a different projection location.

This may consist in ceasing projection of the respective coded light output at its initial location and controlling a different one of the lighting devices 20, 22, 24 to commence projection of the respective coded light output instead. Alternatively it may consist in changing a projection direction of the original source lighting device for the coded light output.

In accordance with one or more examples, upon receipt of a feedback message, the controller 40 may be configured to control the network of lighting devices 20, 22, 24 to generate a form of visible feedback in the form of a further lighting effect. This lighting effect may comprise projection of a new or additional lighting pattern or image, or it may consist in changing the visible appearance of one or more lighting patterns already being generated by one or more of the lighting devices. For example, a colour of one or more of the coded light outputs 30, 32, 34 being generated by the network of lighting devices may be changed.

Additionally or alternatively a dynamic light pattern may be generated, either in the form of a new or additional light output or by controlling one of the existing coded light outputs to change (at least temporarily) in a dynamic fashion. This new or additional light pattern may be generated in proximity to the particular coded light output to which the identifier information pertains, such that it will be readily visible to the user who has just scanned said particular coded light output.

In some examples, an animated lighting pattern may be generated through coordinated control by the controller 40 of a plurality of the network of lighting devices 20, 22, 24.

In accordance with any of the above examples, the visible feedback generated by the network of lighting devices may contain or communicate information to a user or participant of the system, for instance directing the way to a location of a further coded light output being generated by the system.

According to one or more examples, the controller 40 may be configured to provide two-way communication with the remote interaction unit 46, to enable for example transmission of return feedback messages in response to receipt of feedback messages from the remote interaction unit. These return feedback messages may for instance simply confirm receipt of the received feedback message or may convey additional information pertaining to the scanned coded light output. For example, the return feedback message may convey the information that the scanned code has already been scanned by the user during the session, or that another user has already scanned the code. The messages may communicate a running 'score' of the user based on feedback messages which have been previously received by the controller from the same remote interaction unit.

According to one or more examples, the controller may be configured to control the network of lighting devices to generate one or more coded light outputs assigned as 'penalty' light outputs. These might be controlled such as to have an appearance which differs in some noticeable respect from non-penalty coded light outputs. Upon receipt of a feedback message containing identifier information associated with a penalty light output, the controller may be configured to transmit or communicate to said remote interaction unit a return feedback message indicating that a penalty light output has been scanned. The controller may for instance adjust a 'score' of the user downwards, and communicate this information to the remote interaction unit for conveying to the user via a suitable user output means comprised by the device.

In accordance with one or more examples, the controller 40 may be adapted to communicate with the remote interaction unit 46 via a direct or indirect network link, for instance via a local area network connection, or via an internet-based connection. In further examples, the remote interaction unit may communicate with the controller via a short-range form of communication such as Bluetooth or radio frequency communication for example. Any other suitable communication means may also be used (see in particular the example of Fig. 6, to be described later in this document).

Depending upon the particular character or nature of the coded light outputs, the scanning or capturing of the light output by the remote interaction unit may differ.

It may be advantageous in some cases to provide coded light outputs in the form of a highly narrow or focussed beam. Such a configuration enables a relatively larger number of coded light outputs to be provided within a given space, before the outputs begin to overlap or coincide with one another, thereby causing interference.

However, one difficulty with providing very narrow coded beams is that such outputs are more difficult (both technically and practically) to capture by using remote interaction unit 46. Use of a camera unit within the remote interaction unit to capture the coded lights is typically preferable in practical terms, since a camera has a wide field of view and hence it is easier for a user seeking to capture a code to accurately aim the camera field of view at the light output.

However, cameras have a relatively slow frame rate (approximately 25Hz). This therefore limits the frequency at which information can be encoded in the light, and hence limits the achievable data transmission rates. This may significantly slow down the process of 'capturing' or scanning a given light, since a user must hold their device under the light output for an extended period in order to receive the totality of the encoded information.

Alternatively, a diode-based sensor may be used. This allows for a much more rapid sensing frequency, and therefore for a faster data of data transfer (e.g. in MHz).

However, the field of view of a diode-based luminous sensor is much narrower, rendering it less practical since it is difficult for a user to accurately align the field of view of the sensor with the narrow output beam.

Alternative optical sensors have been proposed which might combine the practical advantages of a camera with the technical advantages of the diode. In particular, there has been proposed (IEEE Photonics Journal - DOI: 10.1109/JPHOT.2013.2277881) a camera sensor for sensing coded light. This camera sensor combines features of a camera (an array of image pixels) with an array of diodes (communication pixels). The camera part provides information about the location of coded light sources. The array of image pixels is then used to select a small region (analogous to a Region of Interest in cameras) which is read out at high speed. Communication speeds of 10 Mbps have been demonstrated (in a controlled environment).

In the case that such a combined camera-sensor were provided in a remote interaction unit, it may then be preferable to use more narrow beam-like light coded light outputs. These might be generated for instance by means of a laser light source.

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates the example lighting system 10 of Fig. 1 as implemented within an example space. Each of the lighting devices 20, 22, 24 is provided within the space mounted at a suitable mounting location, for example to a point on the ceiling of the space. For clarity, the mounting arrangements of the lighting devices in Fig. 2 are not shown in detail. Any suitable mounting arrangement may be used for mounting the lighting devices, and examples of suitable such arrangements will be immediately apparent to the skilled person.

Each of the lighting devices is controlled by the controller (not shown in Fig. 2) to generate and project a respective coded light output toward a respective projection location within the space. In the shown example, a first 20 and second 22 lighting device respectively project a first 30 and second 32 coded light output onto a first wall 52 within the space. A third lighting device 24 projects a respective third coded light output 34 onto a second wall 54 within the space. This particular set of projection locations for the light outputs is described by way of non- limiting example only. As will be immediately apparent to the skilled person, the light sources may be configured so as to direct a respective (one or more) coded light outputs in any given direction within the relevant space.

A user located within the space may interact with the provided light display through use of a remote interaction unit (such as a smart phone or tablet computer) operable to detect and decode any one or more of the projected coded light outputs 30, 32, 34. For example, a user within the space might choose to direct a light receptive element of a remote interaction unit toward the first coded light output 30 on first wall 52. The remote interaction unit may detect the coded light output and, using for example an installed application, decode the identifier information encoded within the coded light output. The remote interaction unit may then generate a feedback message containing at least the identifier information associated with the respective scanned coded light output and transmit this message to the controller (not shown in Fig. 2).

Upon receipt of the feedback message, the controller may, as described above, control the network of lighting devices 20, 22, 24 to vary the light display in one or more ways in accordance with the pre-defined control schedule, wherein the pre-defined control schedule defines a sequence for controlling the lighting devices. For example the controller may control the first lighting device 20 to cease projection of the scanned first coded light output 30, such that this coded light output appears to vanish from the first wall 52.

Alternatively, the controller may control lighting device 20 to vary or change a direction of projection of the first coded light output 30 such that it moves to a new projection location, either still on the first wall 52, on a different wall, or toward a different location altogether.

Additionally or alternatively, the controller may control the first lighting device 20 to cease projection of the first coded light output 30 and control a different

(subseqent) one of the lighting devices of the network (e.g. either second lighting device 22 or third lighting device 24) to generate the coded light output instead. The controller might implement a swap for example wherein the first coded light output 30 is instead generated for instance by third lighting device 24 and the third coded light output 34 generated by the first lighting device 20.

In accordance with one or more examples, the controller 40 may be configured to control the network of lighting devices 20, 22, 24 to vary a projection location or a projected appearance of one or more of the respective coded light outputs 30, 32, 34 in dependence upon one or more independent variables. For example the controller may control one or more of the lighting devices to change a location or appearance of its respective coded light outputs as a function of time in accordance with the pre-defined control schedule (the sequence for controlling the lighting devices). This may for example be in accordance with some predetermined movement routine, for instance a routine designed to give the appearance of random or arbitrary motion of the light output about a particular localised area. The movement for example may be designed to render the respective coded light output more difficult for a user to capture with their remote interaction device. This may add an extra element of challenge to the process of capturing the code, which may increase the absorption or enjoyment of the interaction experience.

In accordance with further examples, the controller may vary the light pattern generated in the space in dependence upon a detected location of a remote interaction unit which is communicatively coupled with the controller. The location may be determined based on location information communicated to the controller by the remote interaction unit.

Additionally or alternatively, the location of the remote interaction unit relative to one or more of the lighting devices of the network may be determined on the basis of detection by the remote interaction unit of one or more location specific coded light patterns. In particular, at least a subset of the coded light outputs may be configured for 'mid- beam' capturing or scanning, wherein the code may be captured through placement of a camera of a remote interaction unit within the light path of a light output. As a user moves through the space(s) covered by the lighting system, and passes into and out of the beams of successive lighting devices, an appropriately out-held remote interaction unit may detect and decode each successive coded light output, and transmit the decoded identifier information to the controller (in one or more feedback messages).

The controller, based on known spatial locations of each of the coded light outputs, is able, based on the received feedback messages, to determine a present location of the user operating the remote interaction unit. In this way, a location of the remote interaction unit (and the user) may be determined based on detection of the coded light outputs.

This coded light based method of determining location relies upon appropriate positioning of a camera of the remote interaction unit within each projected light output, so that the code can be successfully scanned. In some cases however, a user may hold the remote interaction unit in a manner which makes scanning of the code difficult or impossible, for instance by holding the camera of the unit at an oblique angle to an optical axis of the projected light output.

In these cases, additional sensors within the remote interaction unit may be employed to supplement or substitute the coded light based location detection information. For instance, a combination of an in-built compass sensor and an accelerometer may be used to provide an estimated present location, based on the last known location of the remote interaction unit (i.e. through a dead-reckoning process). For example, the compass may provide an indication of direction of travel, and the accelerometer an indication of number of steps taken. From this, an estimate of the present location may be determined. This may then be regularly updated by more accurate coded-light based location detection, where the positioning or orientation of the remote interaction unit makes this possible.

As noted above, this determined location information may be used to at least partly inform the manner in which the light pattern is varied by the controller. For example, one or more of the coded light outputs 30, 32, 34 may be controlled to 'follow' a user as they move about within a space. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the coded light outputs might be controlled to move away from the detected location of a user. This may for example make it more difficult for a user to scan a given coded light output, thereby adding a further element of challenge to the interaction experience.

The particular space shown in Fig. 2 is intended to provide a schematic illustration only. In particular, although each of the respective coded light outputs are shown projected toward locations relatively close to one another, in further examples the coded light outputs may be provided to locations more spatially isolated from one another. The network of lighting devices may be distributed across a large environment, space or area for example and controlled to provide coded light outputs which are spatially far removed from one another. The positions of the coded light outputs might require a user to walk some distance from one to the next for instance.

As discussed above, a user may interact with the lighting system 10 by means of a remote interaction unit, such as a smart phone or tablet computer. An example remote interaction unit in accordance with an aspect of the invention is schematically illustrated in Fig. 3. The remote interaction unit 46 comprises, on a front side, a display 62 and, on a reverse side, a camera unit 64. The remote interaction unit typically further comprises a second controller or processor, for example a microprocessor (not shown in Fig. 3), for controlling the display and the camera unit.

The provision of a camera 64 on an opposite side of the remote interaction unit

46 to the display 62 confers the advantage that images presented on the display may be viewed by the user at the same time as capturing the code. However, in further examples, the camera unit may instead be positioned on the same side as the display, and/or two camera units may be provided, one on each of a front and reverse side of the remote interaction unit.

As shown in Fig. 3, to interact with the lighting system 10, a user may point the camera unit 64 of the remote interaction unit 46 in the direction of a coded light output (first coded light output 30 is shown by way of example). The remote interaction unit, in accordance with this example, is adapted to detect the coded light output and to decode the identifier information encoded therein.

Detecting and decoding the coded light outputs may be achieved for example by means of an application installed on the remote interaction unit 46. The app might be a dedicated app for interacting with the lighting system 10, or may be a generic app for decoding certain standard varieties of coded light patterns, and in particular for receiving visible light communications. Upon decoding the coded light output 30, the remote interaction unit 46 is configured to generate a feedback message containing at least the decoded identifier information. In accordance with at least some examples the feedback message is a data message and the remote interaction unit 46 is configured to transmit or communicate the data message to the controller 40 by means of a suitable data link, e.g. a direct link or a network link.

In accordance with at least a subset of examples, the controller may be configured to respond to receipt of said one or more feedback messages by generating and transmitting a further return feedback message to the remote interaction unit 46. The return feedback message may for example communicate or transmit one or more points or credits to the remote interaction unit.

These points or credits may confer some financial reward, for example entitling a user to certain discounts or special offers. This might be particularly advantageous for example where the lighting system 10 is being implemented in a retail environment. Additionally or alternatively credits or points communicated to a remote interaction unit 46 may simply convey entitlement to the user of certain light patterns or experiences within the interactive lighting environment.

According to at least one or more examples, the feedback message generated by the remote interaction unit for conveyance to the controller may contain further identifier information specific to either the remote interaction unit or the user. The further identifier information may allow the controller 40 to associate the received feedback message with a specific interacting user of the system, such that it may for example keep a user-specific record of the codes captured by the given user during their interaction experience.

It may also enable the controller to centrally ascribe digital points, credits or tokens to individual participating users of the system via for instance a centralised database. Where, for instance, the lighting system is being implemented in a retail environment, retail assistants may be provided access to this centralised database, such that tokens, vouchers, or credits which a user has accrued during their experience may be cashed in upon purchase of goods or otherwise upon leaving the environment.

The concept of the invention may be applied in a wide range of different ways.

In accordance with some examples, there may be provided a dedicated coded lighting infrastructure to enable an interactive lighting experience. For example, a city centre or a theme park may be equipped with a dedicated network of coded light beacons for generating the necessary coded light outputs for users or occupants of the spaces to catch as they explore or move through the environment. In alternative examples, it may be implemented through exploitation of existing coded lighting infrastructure. For example, the coded light capabilities of certain existing consumer lighting systems may be utilised, such as for instance the coded light enabled positioning systems implemented in certain retail environments.

In accordance with at least one set of example applications, the lighting system 10 may be applied within a dedicated interaction space, and configured to provide a gamelike experience for one or more users or participants. The controller may be configured to control the network of lighting devices within the dedicated space to provide a plurality of target coded light patterns within the space or area which a user may capture by means of a remote interaction unit.

The experience may be controlled to take the form of a code-capture game for instance, whereby a user is tasked to capture as many of the generated target light codes as possible within for example a given space of time. This interactive experience may be implemented by means of dedicated remote interaction units. These might be shaped in particular way, for instance to resemble a gun or other weapon. Alternatively it may be implemented through use of users' personal mobile devices such as smartphones or wearable devices having integrated cameras. One advantage of this approach is that it is far more flexible and adaptable, and easier to implement since it does not require dedicated remote interaction unit hardware.

In the case that the remote interaction units are provided by mobile communication devices, said devices may comprise software for facilitating the necessary interaction with the lighting system. Said software may contain code which when run on the remote interaction unit implements steps of capturing and decoding one or more of the coded light outputs and generating a feedback message containing at least the identifier information comprised by said one or more coded light outputs. The code may further comprise steps for controlling the display of the remote interaction unit to communicate game-related information to a user, for instance indicating when the user has successfully scanned a given coded light output and/or communicating a cumulative score of the user and/or other users in the game.

Implementation within a dedicated interaction space represents one advantageous example application of the invention. However in further examples, embodiments of the system may alternatively make use of more widely available home lighting infrastructure, such as remotely controllable light bulbs or luminaires. For example the system may be configured such that a controller is provided (at least temporary) control of the user's home lighting infrastructure so as to generate the interactive light display. For example, a user's remotely controllable lamp might be controlled by the controller is such a way as to provide an encoded light output. This may be most particularly applicable for lamps which make use of LED based light sources. The controller may be configured to control the LEDs to output a temporally coded light pattern, by means for instance of controlling a rapid ON/OFF pulsing of the LEDs in such a way as to encode the light with information. By for instance varying the frequency of the pulsing, it is possible to encode the light with information.

This temporal coding may be applied within or on top of a particular light output or effect emitted from the user's lamp. This might for instance be a light output of a particular colour shade or combination of colours. The colour of the light may provide a means for the user to identify one code from another for instance.

Multiple users might compete for example to capture the light output as soon as the lamp changes to a particular colour (indicating that the correct code is now embedded). The controller may be configured to 'reward' the user who captures the lamp, upon changing colour, with the shortest reaction time.

In one or more examples, the controller may be configured to switch the lamp through a number of different colours (and associated temporally embedded codes) before switching it to the target colour which users are required to capture. The controller may be configured to ascribe penalty points to users who capture the light output of the lamp before it has changed to the target colour.

Such a game like interactive experience might be implemented with multiple users located at a plurality of locations. For example a controller of the system may be configured to operatively connect with the home lighting infrastructure of a plurality of geographically isolated individual users and to control these home infrastructures in a coordinated way to provide an interactive lighting system distributed across the multiple locations. For example, the controller may be configured to control lamps at each of the plurality of connected locations to implement a competitive game like experience, wherein each participant competes to capture a target light code generated at their home location using their home infrastructure faster than other participants.

In accordance with at least some examples, remote interaction units might be operable by a user to send or communicate certain specific challenges to be set for other participants in the game. For example a user might challenge another participant at a different location to scan a particular light code in order to receive a particular reward. This might be implemented by means of features provided by code comprised in dedicated software installed on the remote interaction unit for instance.

Additionally or alternatively to one or more examples, audio and/or video communication between multiple participants of the interactive experience may be further implemented.

Use of home-based infrastructure in accordance with any of these examples may also enable implementation of far more immersive interactive lighting experiences, wherein target light codes may be controlled to appear at any of a number of different locations within a person's home and to appear for example at random times during the day (or even night).

Large-scale multiplayer game like interactivity might be implemented in accordance with one or more examples of the invention. For example, a network of lighting devices in accordance with embodiments of the invention might be distributed across different areas of a town or city. Individuals or teams of individuals may compete to capture and decode coded light outputs projected at different locations within the city.

In accordance with some examples, upon receipt of feedback messages, the controller may be configured to change the light display so as to generate one or more new coded light outputs at one or more new locations which are geographically remote from the projection location of the coded light output which has just been captured. These new coded light outputs may be controlled to appear for only a temporary period of time for example. This may then require coordination between geographically spread members of a team to capture the new coded light outputs at the remote location before they disappear. In some examples, the network of lighting devices may be distributed across a plurality of different cities or towns, thereby requiring coordination between members of the team distributed across multiple towns and cities.

Locations of remote interaction units used by participants may in accordance with some examples be tracked and this location information used to influence the locations of new coded light outputs generated by the system. Location information may be communicated by each remote interaction unit to the controller in certain examples. In some cases this may be implemented by means of GPS or RF sensors installed within the remote interaction unit. Alternatively, the location of one or more remote interaction units may be determined through the scanning of coded light outputs whose location is known (in accordance with methods described above). In examples described above, lighting devices have been controlled to project coded light outputs onto a particular surface within the space, and remote interaction units controlled to capture the given light output by capturing this surface incident projection. However in accordance with further examples, one or more of the coded light outputs may be configured for 'mid-beam' capturing, wherein the coded light output may be detected through placement of a remote interaction unit within the optical path of the light output. This form of code capturing provides possibilities for new modes of interactivity with the lighting system.

One example is illustrated in Fig. 4, which schematically depicts implementation of an example control mode for a lighting device comprised by an example lighting system. The lighting device 20 is controlled by a controller (not shown) to sweep a coded light output 30 projection across, for example, a large crowd of people located in an open space 70 below. This movement is indicated by the curved arrow in Fig. 4 which illustrates an example path of motion of the coded light output over the open space, between an initial projection location (indicated by the solid projection lines) and later projection locations (indicated by the further dashed projection lines). This sweeping motion may be smooth, so that the dashed lines represent just two example snapshots of the projection output in its motion across the space 70.

This example control mode might be implemented for instance in a stadium or concert during for example an intermission in a game or performance. The group might be informed that the sweeping light projection contains a code and the controller may be configured to identify the user whose remote interaction unit is the first to transmit to it a feedback message containing the decoded identifier information associated with the light output (i.e. to identify the first user to scan the code).

The controller may be further configured to ascribe to the given identified user certain credits or tokens which may correspond for instance to a free ticket to the next concert, the opportunity to come onstage, or some other reward or prize. In accordance with some examples, the user might be given the opportunity to make an announcement over the PA system of the stadium or arena, where a microphone installed in their remote interaction unit is utilised to capture the audio content of their voice.

The sweeping of the coded light output 30 may be enabled using a lighting device 20 having a suitable mechatronically controllable spotlight head, or beam-directing element. Alternatively, a flying drone having a lighting device installed may be utilised to provide a moving beam output. The flying drone may be wirelessly connected with the controller of the lighting system for instance.

Movement of the coded light output may be controlled in such a way as to render the coded light output difficult for users to capture, so as to thereby add an element of challenge to the interactive experience. For instance the beam may be optically processed to have only a very narrow beam width, and/or the beam may be controlled to move very quickly for instance. The coded light output might only be emitted during certain periods of time, or the controller may be configured to only reward a user with the reward credits or tokens upon the capturing by the user of a plurality of partial codes for example.

Upon successful detection of the target code, the controller may be configured to control the lighting device 20 or other lighting devices within an associated lighting network to generate some form of visual feedback display. For example, the controller may control the lighting device 20 to instantaneously cease movement of the coded light output, thereby (theoretically) maintaining illumination of the successful participant. Additionally or alternatively, other light effects may be generated in the arena or stadium by means of other lighting devices comprised within the broader lighting network controlled by the controller.

In accordance with a further example embodiment, the controller may be configured to implement a game like control scheme, wherein users or participants of the interactive lighting system are tasked to collect a plurality of different target codes. For instance, they may be tasked to collect as many target codes as possible, or to collect a specific set of the target light codes, or to collect target light codes in a specific sequence.

In one example, a network of lighting devices may be established at different locations within a city or an attraction, with the object of encouraging people to visit certain highlights within those spaces. For example they might be positioned at different sightseeing landmarks within a city, or particular retail locations that it would be desirable to encourage persons to visit. In the case of for instance of a museum or gallery, they might be located at particular exhibitions or areas which typically tend to attract lower traffic levels, so as to thereby ease congestion in other areas of the space.

The lighting network may in some examples be populated by lighting devices already installed within the space, for instance spotlights directed onto museum artworks.

These might be controlled to emit temporally encoded light outputs, for instance by means of a rapid ON/OFF pulsing scheme (as described in more detail above).

In some examples, it may be desirable to encourage users to follow a specific route through the city or an attraction. This might be achieved by requiring users to collect target light codes in a specific sequence. Upon detection of a particular target light code, the controller may be configured to transmit to the remote interaction unit a message containing instructions for the user to direct them along the next part of the route. The controller may be further configured to control the network of lighting devices to provide a visible indication to participants of the particular sequence of light beacons that they should follow. For example subsequent coded light outputs may be controlled to have a similar colour, and/or the change in colour between subsequent coded light outputs may follow a specific colour sequence or scheme (such as the standard colour wheel).

An example of this control scheme is illustrated schematically in Fig. 5 which depicts an example street or path layout within a space. Distributed across the space are a set of three lighting devices 82, 84, 86, each controlled by a controller (not shown) to generate a respective coded light output 92, 94, 96. Upon successfully scanning for example the first coded light output 92, a feedback message is communicated to the user's remote interaction unit indicating that the next (subsequent) coded light output to be captured is coded light output 94. Instructions for the correct direction to walk to reach this coded light output would be included in the message for example. Code comprised by software installed on the remote interaction unit may then control a display of the device to generate suitable visual message to communicate this information to the user.

Upon successful scanning of coded light output 94, a further feedback message may be transmitted to the remote interaction unit indicating to the user that the next required coded light output is coded light output 96, and appropriate instructions for reaching the location of this coded light output would be included in the message.

In this way, the system successfully encourages a user to follow a particular route along the paths of the example area schematically depicted in Fig. 5. In particular it encourages the user to follow the route indicated by the arrows shown in Fig. 5. This route might for example take the user past certain particular landmarks or highlights or may direct the user toward particular locations which it is desired that they might visit.

By using connected coded lighting infrastructure, dynamic adjustments may be made to the global light pattern being generated by the network of lighting devices. For example, the particular route which a user is encouraged to follow and/or the locations of the coded light outputs may be adjusted in dependence for instance upon a particular event or upon the season.

Additionally, the density or visible prominence of the lighting devices might be adjusted to the age or skill level of the particular user group which is following a given route. In some cases the controller may be configured to adapt these parameters dynamically during a given interaction session. For instance, a remote interaction unit might communicate to the controller that a group following a given route has got lost or is finding difficulty in determining the correct way. The controller may be configured to respond to receipt of such information by activating additional lighting devices to assist the group in the correct direction. A remote interaction unit may utilise GPS functionality for example to detect that a group is about to get lost or moving the wrong direction, and may communicate this to the controller so as to enable additional lighting devices to be activated to assist the users.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, an example lighting system may be implemented to encourage collection of certain collectable light emitting products. The various collectable light emitting products provide the functionality of a network of lighting devices, wherein each is configured to emit a certain unique coded light output which can be collected by the purchaser of the light emitting product. The lighting device may only emit the unique coded light output upon connection with a central controller, for example via a home internet connection of the purchaser of the product. Upon establishing connection with the controller, the controller may be configured to control the collectable light emitting product to begin emitting the coded light output ready for capture by the purchaser.

Upon successful scanning of the coded light output with a remote interaction unit, the controller may be configured to control the light emitting product to cease emitting the coded light output, to prevent the user from capturing the given code more than once. A registration system may also be implemented such that if the user sells or otherwise disposes of the lighting unit to a further user, he may deregister his ownership of the light emitting product. At this point the controller may then allow re-commencement of the projection of coded light output ready for the new purchaser to capture.

In examples described above, communication of feedback messages between a remote interaction unit and a controller has been achieved by means of a suitable data network link between the two units. In accordance with a further set of examples however, communication between the remote interaction unit and the controller may be implemented indirectly through a visual communication medium.

An example is illustrated in Fig. 6 which schematically depicts a sample portion of an example lighting system which is configured in particular for implementing a 'treasure hunt' experience for one or more participants. In this control scheme, each coded light output is associated with a particular 'treasure', and the user is tasked with capturing as many of the treasure items (i.e. coded light outputs) that they can.

The shown portion of the system includes a lighting device 20 which is controlled by a controller 40 to generate and project a coded light output 30 into a space below. The system as a whole may typically comprise a plurality of such lighting devices, each configured to generate a respective coded light output.

The coded light output in this example is configured for 'mid-beam' detection, wherein the coded light output may be captured by holding a light sensitive element of a suitable remote interaction unit 46 within the optical path of the light output. A remote interaction unit, in accordance with this example, is configured, upon decoding the coded light output 30, to display on a display of the device an image 106 corresponding to the particular 'treasure' that has been captured.

A camera 102, operatively coupled with the controller 40, is located proximal to the projection location of the coded light output 30. The camera is arranged such that remote interaction units positioned in the path of the coded light output 30 fall within its field of view. Upon display by the remote interaction unit 46 of the image 106 of the captured treasure, the camera is able to identify that the image has been displayed on the screen of the device and communicate this information to the controller 40. The controller may then be configured to control the lighting device 20 to vary the projected light output in particular way. It may control the lighting device to cease projection of the coded light output. It may alternatively control the lighting device to change the projection location of the coded light output. Alternatively still, it may control the lighting device to change the particular identifier information encoded within the coded light output, such that the coded light output corresponds to a different item of treasure within the treasure hunt.

Hence in accordance with this example, the remote interaction unit 46 essentially generates a visual feedback message and is able to communicate this feedback message to the controller 40 by means of a camera unit 102 included within the infrastructure of the lighting system itself. One benefit of this means of interaction is that it obviates the need for the remote interaction unit 46 to establish a direct network link with the controller 40. This may simplify operation of the system since it does not need to coordinate multiple connections with a potentially large number of remote interaction units. It may also simplify use of the system by users, since they need not engage in a (potentially lengthy or complicated) process of establishing connection with the controller of the lighting system. Rather the interactive lighting system may be engaged with immediately by users of the system.

As noted above, Fig. 6 shows only a portion of the whole lighting system. The system as a whole may typically comprise a plurality of lighting devices 20, for instance each associated with proximally located camera unit 102. There may be provided a separate camera unit 102 associated with each lighting device. Alternatively, each camera unit 102 may be associated with a plurality of lighting devices.

Embodiments of the lighting system described above are configured for interaction with a suitable remote interaction unit. In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of controlling a remote interaction unit to interact with a lighting system in accordance with examples described above. A simple first example of such a method is illustrated in block diagram form in Fig. 7.

The example method comprises, as a first step 1 12, controlling a light sensitive element of the remote interaction device to detect a coded light output, and as a second step 114, decoding the detected light output to extract the identifier information comprised therein. Following the decoding of the identifier information, the method further comprises the step 116 of controlling a display of the remote interaction unit to present a visual output in dependence upon the extracted identifier information. This is followed by a final step 1 18 of generating a feedback message containing the identifier information for communication to the controller of the lighting system.

In accordance with further particular examples, the method may comprise further steps directed to refining or modifying the interaction experience for the user operating the remote interaction unit. For example, the method may comprise a step of first checking whether a detected and decoded light output has been detected and decoded by the remote interaction unit previously (for example during the same interaction session). This may be achieved through implementation of a local database or memory configured to store all decoded identifier information obtained during the given interaction session. The identifier information extracted from each newly decoded light output may then be checked against this local database to determine whether the coded light output has been previously scanned by the user.

The method may further comprise steps such that in the event that the code has been previously scanned, the feedback message for communicating to the controller of the lighting system is not generated. The visual output generated on the device display may be controlled to convey a message indicating to the user that the code has previously been scanned.

In accordance with further examples, the method may further comprise steps directed to enabling search of a centralised memory or database to determine whether a given scanned and decoded light output has been already decoded by another interacting user of the lighting system. This search might be performed by the controller of the lighting system after receipt from the remote interaction unit of the feedback message containing the identifier information. There may therefore be further included in the method an additional step of receiving from the controller of the lighting system a return feedback message which comprises information indicating whether the light output has been previously captured by another user.

The visual output generated by the display of the device may then be adapted in dependence upon the information contained in this return feedback message. For instance, if the message indicates that the code has been scanned by another user, the visual output may comprise a message conveying this information to the user. In this example, the step of controlling the display to generate a visual output may be performed after the step of generating the feedback message for communication to the controller of the lighting system.

In accordance with further examples, there may be included further steps directed to checking or restricting the circumstances under which the step of generating a feedback message for communication to the controller of the lighting system is performed. In particular, further steps of the method may impose additional requirements or conditions for generating the feedback message. For example, a user may be required to accompany scanning of a coded light output with some appropriate further input to the remote interaction device (e.g. pressing a certain combination of buttons, or inputting a certain gesture using a touchscreen input, or saying a certain phrase into a microphone of the device).

Additionally or alternatively, there may be included in the method further steps directed to controlling or modifying the experience of capturing a coded light output. In particular, where the remote interaction device comprises a camera for detecting coded light outputs, there may be included steps for controlling the display of the remote interaction unit so as to frame or filter the 'view-finder' images presented to the user. In particular, the viewfinder images may be overlaid with one or more graphics, such as a target circle or other graphic, and wherein the user is required by steps of the method to ensure that a coded light output falls within the target circle or other target mark or graphic before it may be scanned and decoded. This may add an extra element of challenge and enjoyment to the interaction experience.

Examples in accordance with a further aspect of the invention may provide a computer program product comprising a computer-readable storage medium, said medium comprising computer program code for implementing, when executed on at least one processor of a computer system, any of the example methods described above..

The computer-readable storage medium may be any medium that can be accessed by a computer for the retrieval of digital data from said medium. Non- limiting examples of a computer-readable storage medium include a CD, DVD, flash memory card, a USB memory stick, a random access memory, a read-only memory, a computer hard disk, a storage area network, a network server, an Internet server and so on.

In the context of the present application, a (computer) system may be a single device or a collection of distributed devices that are adapted to execute one or more embodiments of the methods of the present invention. For instance, a system may be a personal computer (PC), a server or a collection of PCs and/or servers connected via a network such as a local area network, the internet and so on to cooperatively execute at least one embodiment of the methods of the present invention.

Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. 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. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.