FIELD OF INVENTION

The field of the invention relates to a touchless command method for a lighting system, preferably for outdoor lighting systems or industrial lighting systems, to a control means for performing the method, to a lighting system comprising such control means, and to a luminaire network comprising such control means. Particular embodiments relate to a method for commanding a component of a lighting system.

BACKGROUND

Typically, management of a lighting network, for example an outdoor lighting network (OLN), comprising one or more lighting systems, may be remotely managed to control the lighting behaviour (e.g. scheduling of the on/off times of the luminaires and/or setting dimming levels of the lighting units) and/or to monitor luminaire characteristics (e.g. light source status, energy consumption, luminaire specifications, etc.) of the one or more lighting systems. Management of outdoor lighting networks may provide one or more benefits to customers (e.g. municipalities) such as increased security, energy savings, reduced maintenance costs, reduced lighting pollution, etc.

One or more luminaires of an outdoor luminaire network typically comprises an outdoor lighting controller (OLC) capable of managing one or more luminaires of a lighting system by one or more communication protocols. The OLCs may form a large network in which the communication links are based e.g. on IEEE 802.15.4 or on a LoRa wireless data communication technology. The network may be managed from the back-end by means of a plurality of segment controllers connecting the networks with the Internet. In such a solution an OLC includes a central processing unit (CPU) and a communication interface. In addition or alternatively, the OLC itself may be capable of communicating directly with the Internet. Thus, the OLCs may either communicate directly with the central control system, e.g. through a cellular communication, or may communicate indirectly with the central control system, e.g. via a segment controller through e.g. short-range communication. For example, a group of luminaires may be arranged in a mesh network such that luminaires of the group can communicate with each other, e.g. using short-range communication, wherein all or only some of the OLCs managing the group are capable of communicating with the central control system, e.g. via long-range communication. These communication protocols are typically secured. However, when remote control by a central controller is not possible due to communication issues, there should be present in the one or more lighting systems a possibility for an alternative control method either with the controller of the luminaire directly, or with the segment controller. Additionally, this alternative control method should provide some safety in terms of control commands entry. There is thus a need to have a control method allowing for entering a command in a lighting system while possessing some security mechanism.

SUMMARY

The object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a method for commanding a first component of a lighting system, and a lighting system thereof, allowing for an alternative way to control a lighting system while still providing a safety mechanism in terms of command entry.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for commanding a first component of a lighting system. The lighting system includes a controlling means and a sensing means. The method comprises the following steps: detecting, using at least one of said sensing means and said controlling means, whether a predetermined condition is met receiving, via the sensing means, a preset signal at the controlling means in a time frame after said detecting, which time frame is preferably predetermined, said preset signal comprising a first command; extracting by the controlling means the first command from the preset signal, said first command being related to the first component of the lighting system; and executing the extracted first command.

By checking whether a predetermined condition is met, for example by implementing a trigger event to trigger an opportunity window during which a preset signal containing a command can be received, the reception mechanism of the command is rendered more complex, which in turn increases the safety of the overall commanding mechanism. In the description below, the majority of the examples are described with a trigger event as an example of a predetermined condition. The skilled person will realize that a trigger event is merely an example of a predetermined condition, and that a state which is true may equally be seen as a predetermined condition. Preferably, the predetermined condition comprises at least one of: a trigger event followed by said time frame; and a state which is true during said time frame.

In an exemplary embodiment, the trigger event comprises any one of the following: powering a second component of the lighting system, wherein the first component may be the same or different than the second component; stopping the provision of power to a second component of the lighting system , wherein the first component may be the same or different than the second component and wherein the lighting system comprises an energy storage means.

For example, the powering of the second component may be recorded as a specific event by the controlling means which then unlocks a time -limited reception condition of the controlling means. During this time-limited reception condition, the preset signal may be transferred by a sensing means to the controlling means. The preset signal comprises the first command related to a first component of the lighting system. The first command may correspond to a command selected from a limited set of registered commands, or may correspond to a command that requires to be interpreted by the controlling means. Under the condition that this command has been received within a predetermined time frame, the command will then be executed.

In another example, the stopping of the provision of power may be used as a trigger. The stopping of the provision of power may be achieved by de -connecting the second component. For example, if the second component comprises the controlling means included in a pluggable control module, the pluggable module can be removed from the receptacle as the trigger event. Continued operation of the first and/or second component can be achieved using energy in the energy storage module so that the steps of the method can be performed after stopping of the provisioning of power.

Additionally or alternatively, if the control module comprises a vibration detection means, the trigger event could require that an operator has to “shake” the control module which can be detected by the vibration detection means of the control module.

In an embodiment, the state which is true comprises the presence of an RFID tag or other NFC communication module. During the presence of this RFID tag or other NFC communication module, the preset signal may be received. The mere presence determines the time period, which in that case is not predetermined but is determined by the duration of the state being true. The first component and the second component may be the same or different. For example the first and second components correspond both to the controlling means. Depending on embodiments, the second component may be powered by establishing an electrical connection between a power source and the second component, for example via a switching means or via plugging the second component or a unit comprising the second component in a receptacle.

Preferably, the powered second component is the controlling means. Alternatively, the powered second component may be a power converter of a luminaire of the lighting system. In yet another embodiment, the powered second component may be a lighting driver of the lighting system.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the trigger event comprises the steps of:

- receiving by the controlling means, through the sensing means a trigger signal from an emitting device; said trigger signal being preferably unique for the lighting system or being preferably unique for a component of the lighting system; and

- optionally sending a confirmation signal to the emitting device.

Thus, instead of using a power-on or off event as a trigger it is also possible for the sensing means to sense a trigger signal. For reasons of security, this is preferably a signal which is unique for the lighting system or for a component of the lighting system, and which is preferably confirmed by the controlling means through the emitting of a confirmation signal. The confirmation signal is preferably a coded light signal and may be sent by a dedicated light source or by the light source of the luminaire.

In an exemplary embodiment, the sending of the confirmation signal is done by a light source of the lighting system, e.g. a light source included in a pluggable control module which also comprises the controlling means.

In an exemplary embodiment, the sensing means is configured for sensing a signal and for outputting a signal, and the sending of the confirmation signal is done by the sensing means. For example, the sensing means may be a dimming interface of a pluggable control module, e.g. including a DALI client.

In an exemplary embodiment, the lighting system comprises an RFID tag e.g. an RFID tag included in a receptacle of the lighting system, and the sensing means comprises an RFID reader, e.g. an RFID reader included in a pluggable control module which can be plugged in the receptacle. The state may then comprise the presence of the RFID tag with the preset signal, and the receiving of the preset signal may be done via the RFID reader. The RFID tag with the preset signal may be a reprogrammed RFID tag already present in close proximity to the RFID reader or may be a dedicated RFID tag which is brought into the vicinity of the RFID reader. In yet another embodiment, the sensing means comprises a vibration sensing means, and the trigger event comprises detection of shaking a control module including the controlling means, the shaking may be conducted by an operator.

The controlling means will typically be a centralized controlling means of the lighting system but could also be a distributed controlling means, e.g. a controlling means where parts of the controlling means are located in different parts of the lighting system. Also, when the controlling means is distributed, the execution of the first command may be performed by a distributed controlling means.

Using this approach, a user implementing the method and having to do maintenance due to a failure of remote communication of the lighting system with a remote central controller may have an alternative way of inputting a command to the lighting system. This increases the flexibility in managing the lighting system.

In a preferred embodiment, the lighting system comprises a receptacle and a pluggable module plugged in the receptacle, wherein the controlling means is included in the pluggable module. Preferably, the pluggable module further comprises the sensing means.

In an alternative embodiment, the controlling means is included in a housing of a luminaire of the lighting system and may be directly connected to a luminaire driver of the luminaire. Alternatively, the controlling means may be a part of the driver of the luminaire.

Preferably, the lighting system is for outdoor lighting and/or industrial lighting. By outdoor lighting and/or industrial lighting, it is meant lighting systems which are installed on roads, tunnels, industrial plants, stadiums, airports, harbors, rail stations, campuses, parks, cycle paths, pedestrian paths or in pedestrian zones, for example, and which can be used notably for the lighting of an outdoor area or large indoor area, such as roads and residential areas in the public domain, private parking areas and access roads to private building infrastructures, warehouses, industry halls, etc.

In a preferred embodiment, the first command corresponds to a factory reset command of the first component, wherein the first component preferably comprises the controlling means.

In this manner, the first component may be restored to an initial state which could potentially solve the problem at the origin of the need for maintenance. The factory reset command may be for only a component part of the luminaire system, for example the controlling means, or may be for the entire luminaire system. In other embodiments, the first command may correspond to any one of: a configuration request command, a status request command, an update command, an operating profile command, and in particular a dimming profile command for a light of the lighting system, a diagnostic command, an installation command, etc. The first command may be similar to any command that could be normally inputted by a remote central controller managing an OLN. In an embodiment, the first command may be for a segment controller of the lighting system.

The configuration request command may correspond to a request for reinstalling a prior configuration firmware to a component of the lighting system. The status request command may correspond to a request for a state of a component of the lighting system, e.g. on/off, faulty, running temperature, etc. The factory reset command may correspond to a local wipe of a configuration of a component of the lighting system, and a reinstallation to an initial configuration taking into account the other connected components of the lighting system. The operating profile command may correspond to operating directives for a component of the lighting system such as a schedule of operations, and/or a frequency of operations, and/or an amplitude. The diagnostic command may correspond to an analysis of running conditions of a component of the lighting system. The installation command may correspond to a set-up of a new component to the lighting system such that said new component is running in a compatible manner with the other components of the lighting system.

Depending on embodiment, the first component comprises any one of: the controlling means, the sensing means, a luminaire driver.

In an exemplary embodiment, the preset signal is a signal coded with respect to amplitude, polarization, and/or frequency.

In this way, another layer of safety is added when inputting the first command. Depending on embodiments, the preset signal may be a light signal, an image, a sound signal, a magnetic signal, or a geo-localization signal. Depending on the type of the preset signal, it can be coded using modulations of values with respect to different characteristics of the signal. In another embodiment, the preset signal may correspond to the absence of a signal normally available, for example the absence of a geo-localization signal.

In a favored embodiment, the sensing means comprises an RFID reader and the preset signal is coded in an RFID tag such that, when read, a first command, e.g. a factory reset command, is executed. In another embodiment, the sensing means comprises an accelerometer and the preset signal is a vibration signal and the first command is coded in a pattern of the vibration signal. In a preferred embodiment, the sensing means comprises a light sensor.

In other embodiments, the sensing means may comprise any one or more of the following: an RF sensing means such as an RFID reader, an electricity sensing means, a dimming interface, a vibration sensing means such as an accelerometer, an antenna which preferably is a NFC antenna, a geo-localization sensor, a magnetic sensing means, an image -capturing means, a sound sensing means.

By this approach, one can take advantage of a sensor typically already present in the lighting system.

In an exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises the following steps performed by the controlling means: receiving, in said time frame, a second signal different from the preset signal, said second signal comprising a second command; extracting the second command from the second signal; and executing the extracted second command.

In this manner, a series of commands may be inputted to be executed by the controlling means. It will be clear for the skilled person that the possible advantageous embodiments described above and hereunder with respect to the first command and first signal are equally applicable to the second command and the second signal such that these are not repeated explicitly but are considered implicitly and directly and unambiguously supported by this statement. The second signal may be sensed by the same sensing means as the preset signal or by another sensing means. The second signal may be coded in a similar manner or in a different manner as the preset signal. The second command may be related to the same component or to a different component as the first command.

In a preferred embodiment, the method further comprises the following steps performed by the controlling means: extracting a further command from the preset signal; and executing the extracted further command.

The further command may be related to the same component or to a different component as the first command. By this approach, more than one command may be included in the preset signal.

In one embodiment, the condition of the reception of the preset signal during the predetermined time frame is considered to be fulfilled if the reception has started during the predetermined time frame. In another embodiment, the condition of the reception of the preset signal is considered to be fulfilled if the reception has been finished during the predetermined time frame. Additionally, the reception of the preset signal may trigger a second predetermined time frame to receive another signal by the controlling means.

In an exemplary embodiment, the lighting system comprises a plurality of luminaires. The preset signal comprises a header including at least one identifier of at least one luminaire or luminaire component of the plurality of luminaires, said at least one identifier identifying the at least one luminaire or luminaire component. The first component is preferably a component of the identified luminaire or identified luminaire component

In this way, one luminaire of a plurality of luminaires in communication, wirelessly or in a wired manner, may be managed by inputting a command using the method above. For example, the controlling means may use short-range communication to communicate with the plurality of luminaires of the lighting system. The destination of the preset signal may be indicated by the header.

In an embodiment, a series of commands may be inputted with each command preceded by a header to input commands for different luminaires or luminaire components of the plurality of luminaires. Additionally or alternatively, the header may comprise a plurality of identifiers linked to one command such that a command may be executed by the controlling means with respect to the plurality of luminaires or luminaire components corresponding to the plurality of identifiers.

The flexibility of the alternative managing method is thereby improved.

In a preferred embodiment, the predetermined time frame lasts at most 5 min, preferably at most 3 min, more preferably at most 1 min.

Additionally, the predetermined time frame may last at least Is.

In this manner, the predetermined time frame lasts for a reasonable amount of time both ensuring enough time for a user to proceed in time between the trigger event and the emission of the preset signal, and preventing for the predetermined time frame to be too long and enable a breach by an unauthorized person in the management of the lighting system. Preferably, the controlling means and, optionally, the sensing means are included in a pluggable module suitable for being plugged to a NEMA receptacle or a Zhaga receptacle of the lighting system. The skilled person will understand that these receptacle embodiments are not limiting and that embodiments of the pluggable module can be equally implemented to cooperate with other kinds of receptacle. In such an embodiment, the powering of the second component, the controlling means for example, may be achieved by plugging the module to the corresponding receptacle.

Exemplary embodiments of receptacles are disclosed in patent application

PCT/EP2019/081006 in the name of the applicant which is included herein by reference. Other exemplary embodiments of receptacles are disclosed in patent applications PCT/EP2020/068854 and PCT/EP2020/060751 in the name of the applicant which are included herein by reference.

In a preferred embodiment, extracting the first command comprises decoding the first command encoded in the preset signal.

Indeed, to add still another layer of safety, the first command may be an encoded signal. The decoding may be achieved using a given key. Depending on embodiments, the decoding key may be transferred beforehand to the lighting system using short-range or long-range communication, or may be a decoding key unique to each lighting system.

Preferably, decoding the first command is based on a decoding key unique to the controlling means. In another embodiment, the decoding key may be unique to any component of the lighting system, e.g. the first component.

In an exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises the step of powering the second component as the trigger event.

It is to be noted that the powering of the second component may simply consist in a supply of power to the second component, but does not exclude the use of a more complex powering setup in order to trigger the predetermined time frame. Alternatively, the powering of the second component may be achieved by supplying power to the lighting system, and the powering of the lighting system and the second component is done simultaneously.

For example, the trigger event comprises a specific sequence of events. In an embodiment, for the predetermined time frame to trigger, the second component needs to have been powered on, then powered off for a five seconds time frame, then powered on again. The skilled person will understand that this sequence of events may be parameterized in various ways in order to increase the safety of the above described method. In a preferred embodiment, the method further comprises the step of receiving, by the sensing means, the preset signal and/or the second signal emitted by an emitter of a mobile terminal.

In this manner, the user may have a portable way to manage alternatively the lighting system and input commands. The emission of the preset signal and/or second signal received by the sensing means of the lighting system may be implemented using emission means readily available as part of the mobile terminal.

In an exemplary embodiment, the preset signal and/or the second signal is emitted by the emitter based on a password received by the mobile terminal from a remote server. In some embodiments, the mobile terminal may be a pluggable device which is pluggable in the receptacle, see further.

By this approach, one can use a password with a temporary validity which further improves the safety of the method. More in particular, an operator on-site may, through the mobile terminal, send a command request for a given lighting system to the remote server through the cellular network, and receive a password by the remote server. The password may be associated to the requested command to authenticate the origin of the preset signal and/or second signal to the lighting system as an additional layer of safety.

Alternatively or additionally, the password may be used by the mobile terminal to generate the preset signal and/or the second signal. Also, the password may be unique to the lighting system and a same command may result in a different preset signal and/or second signal if intended for a first or a second lighting system.

In another embodiment, the password may be obtained via a QR code or bar code in proximity of the first component, said QR code or bar code linking to data related to the lighting system comprising the first component.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises emitting a signal, preferably a light signal, by the lighting system after the first command and/or the further command and/or the second command has been executed, wherein preferably the lighting system comprises a pluggable module including the controlling means, and further comprises a light source, and preferably said emitting of said light signal is done by said light source. In this manner an operator can be informed in a simple manner of a correct execution of the first command, and optionally of the further and/or second command. Additionally or alternatively, the pluggable module includes a light indictor and the light signal is emitted by the light indicator. The skilled person will understand that the hereinabove described technical considerations and advantages for embodiments of a method for commanding a first component of a lighting system also apply to the below described corresponding controlling means embodiments, mutatis mutandis.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a controlling means. The controlling means is configured for performing at least some of the steps of the method as above described.

The skilled person will understand that the hereinabove described technical considerations and advantages for embodiments of a method for commanding a first component of a lighting system and of a controlling means also apply to the below described corresponding lighting system embodiments, mutatis mutandis.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a lighting system being fed by a power supply. The lighting system comprises: at least one luminaire; a sensing means; and a controlling means. The controlling means is configured to perform the steps of the method as described above. The power supply may comprise one or more of: a power converter, a battery, a connection to the main grid.

In a preferred embodiment, the lighting system further comprising a switching means of the power supply configured for enabling a supplying of power to a second component of the lighting system. Preferably the second component may be the controlling means.

In an exemplary embodiment, the sensing means comprises any one or more of: a light sensor, a sound sensing means, a vibration sensing means, a magnetic sensing means, an image -capturing means, an antenna which is preferably an NFC antenna, an RF sensing means, a geo-localization sensor, an RFID reader, an electricity sensing means.

In a preferred embodiment, the controlling means is included in a pluggable module of the lighting system, and, optionally, the sensing means is included in said pluggable module.

The skilled person will understand that the hereinabove described technical considerations and advantages for embodiments of a method for commanding a first component of a lighting system and a lighting system thereof also apply to the below described corresponding luminaire network embodiments, mutatis mutandis. According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a luminaire network. The luminaire network comprises a plurality of luminaires and a controlling means for managing said plurality of luminaires according to the method described above.

According to a further aspect there is provided a pluggable device configured to be plugged in a receptacle of a luminaire, wherein said pluggable device comprises an emitter configured to emit a preset signal. The preset signal may be a preset signal as defined above in connection with the method. The receptacle may be a receptacle as defined above, e.g. a NEMA or Zhaga receptacle.

According to an exemplary embodiment the pluggable device is configured as an intermediate receptacle configured to receive a pluggable module comprising a controlling means, e.g. a pluggable module suitable for being plugged to a NEMA receptacle or a Zhaga receptacle of the lighting system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying drawings are used to illustrate presently preferred non-limiting exemplary embodiments of devices of the present invention. The above and other advantages of the features and objects of the invention will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of a method for commanding a first component of a lighting system;

Figure 2 pictures a time chart of an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the invention; Figure 3 illustrates a luminaire head of a lighting system according to the invention;

Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a lighting system with a receptacle and a pluggable module;

Figure 5 is a schematic side view of another embodiment of a lighting system with a receptacle and a pluggable module;

Figure 6, 7A, 7B and 8 illustrate schematically specific exemplary embodiments of lighting systems with a receptacle and pluggable control module in which embodiments of the method may be used.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Figure 1 illustrates a flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of a method for commanding a first component of a lighting system according to the present invention.

The method of the present invention may be implemented by a controlling means of a lighting system. The lighting system is fed by a power supply and comprises: at least one luminaire; a sensing means; and the controlling means. The power supply may comprise one or more of: a power converter, a battery, a connection to the main grid. The controlling means may be a centralized controlling means or could also be a distributed controlling means, e.g. a controlling means where parts of the controlling means are located in different parts of the lighting system.

Preferably, the lighting system is for outdoor lighting and/or industrial lighting. By outdoor lighting and/or industrial lighting, it is meant lighting systems which are installed on roads, tunnels, industrial plants, stadiums, airports, harbors, rail stations, campuses, parks, cycle paths, pedestrian paths or in pedestrian zones, for example, and which can be used notably for the lighting of an outdoor area or large indoor areas, such as roads and residential areas in the public domain, private parking areas and access roads to private building infrastructures, warehouses, industry halls, etc.

The method may comprise a first step 11 of checking whether a second component of the lighting system has been powered up. Alternatively, in an embodiment where the lighting system comprises an energy storage device, this step could consist in checking whether the power by the mains is stopped. Depending on embodiments, the second component may be powered by establishing an electrical connection between a power source and the second component, for example via a switching means or via plugging the second component or a unit comprising the second component in a socket or receptacle. The second component may also be powered up by providing a fuse for example to establish the electrical connection. The second component may preferably be the controlling means. In another embodiment, the second component is any other component that is powered when the luminaire is powered. The second component may correspond to the at least one luminaire.

The powering of the second component triggers the start of a predetermined time frame. In an alternative embodiment, the un-powering triggers the start of a predetermined time frame. In another embodiment, the predetermined time frame may be triggered by a more complex sequence of events than a simple powering up or powering off. For example, the sequence of events may comprise a powering off of the second component, following by a ten seconds powering up, another powering off, and a final powering up of the second component. In yet another embodiment, the controlling means may be included in a control module, and the trigger event may include a shaking of the control module. The skilled person understands that various sequences of events may be elaborated to enable a safe entry of a command according to the method. The method may comprise a second step 12 of, upon powering the second component, receiving a preset signal by the controlling means from the sensing means. The sensing means may comprise any one of: a light sensor, a sound sensing means, a vibration sensing means, a magnetic sensing means, an image -capturing means, an antenna, an RF sensing means, a geolocalization sensor, an RFID reader, an electricity sensing means.

Depending on embodiments, the preset signal may be a light signal, an image, a sound signal, a magnetic signal, or a geo-localization signal. Depending on the type of the preset signal, it can be coded using modulations of values with respect to different characteristics of the signal. In an embodiment, the preset signal may correspond to the absence of a signal normally available, for example the absence of a geo-localization signal. In another embodiment, the preset signal may be a light signal sensed by a light sensor of the lighting system and the preset signal is the light signal modulated in intensity. In yet another embodiment, the preset signal may be an electrical signal sensed via electrical contacts connected to the controlling means, wherein the electrical contacts are included in a DALI connecting interface for example. In a favored embodiment, the sensing means comprises an RFID reader and the preset signal is coded in an RFID tag such that, when read, a first command, e.g. a factory reset command, is executed. In another embodiment, the sensing means comprises an accelerometer and the preset signal is a vibration signal, for example as a result of shaking, and the first command is coded in a pattern of the vibration signal.

The preset signal may comprise only one command or a plurality of commands. The reception of the preset signal may also be followed by the reception of a second signal. The second signal may be similar or different than the preset signal and may be received by the same sensing means or by another sensing means. Additionally, a second command comprised in the second signal may be different than a first command related to the first component comprised in the preset signal, and may be related to the first component or to another component of the lighting system.

The method comprises a third step 13 of checking whether the reception of the preset signal has been achieved within the predetermined time frame. By within the predetermined time frame, it can mean whether the reception of the preset signal has started or has finished within the predetermined time frame. In an embodiment, the predetermined time frame may start when the second component is powered. The predetermined time frame may last at most 5 min, preferably at most 3 min, more preferably at most 1 min. Additionally, the reception of the preset signal may trigger the start of another predetermined time frame for the potential reception of another signal.

The method comprises a fourth step 14 of extracting the first command from the preset signal. The preset signal may comprises a sequence of modulations corresponding to a set command part of a limited set of registered commands, or may need to be interpreted by the controlling means. The extraction of the first command may comprise decoding the first command encoded in the preset signal. Indeed, to add still another layer of safety, the first command may be an encoded signal. The decoding may be achieved using a given key. Depending on embodiments, the decoding key may be transferred beforehand to the lighting system using short-range or long-range communication, or may be a decoding key unique to each lighting system. Preferably, decoding the first command may be based on a decoding key unique to the controlling means. In another embodiment, the decoding key may be unique to any component of the lighting system.

The preset signal may comprise a first command and a further command. The first command and the further command may be related to the same component or to different components of the lighting system.

The lighting system may also be comprised in a network of luminaires and the preset signal and/or the second signal may comprise a header including at least one identifier of a luminaire or luminaire component of the plurality of luminaires. For example, the controlling means may use short-range communication to communicate with the plurality of luminaires of the lighting system. The destination of the preset signal and/or the second signal may be indicated by the header.

In an embodiment, a series of commands may be inputted with each command preceded by a header to input commands for different luminaires of the plurality of luminaires. Additionally or alternatively, the header may comprise of plurality of identifiers linked to one command such that a command may be executed by the controlling means with respect to the plurality of luminaires corresponding to the plurality of identifiers.

If a second signal has been received during the predetermined time frame, the fourth step 14 of the method may be followed by a step of extracting a second command from the second signal. Embodiments of this step may be similar to embodiments of the fourth step 14.

The method comprises a fifth step 15 of executing the extracted first command of the lighting system. The first command is executed by the controlling means. Also, when having the controlling means being distributed, the execution of the command may be performed by a distributed controlling means portion.

The first command may correspond to a factory reset command. In that case, the first component may be reset. The factory reset command may also be a factory reset command for a plurality of components of the lighting system, or even for the whole lighting system. In other embodiments, the first command may correspond to any one of: a configuration request command, a status request command, an update command, an operating profile command and in particular a dimming profile command for a light of the lighting system, a diagnostic command, an installation command, etc. The first command may be similar to any command that could be normally inputted by a remote central controller managing an OLN. The configuration request command may correspond to a request for reinstalling a prior configuration firmware to a component of the lighting system. The status request command may correspond to a request for a state of a component of the lighting system, e.g. on/off, faulty, running temperature, etc. The factory reset command may correspond to a local wipe of a configuration of a component of the lighting system, and a reinstallation to an initial configuration taking into account the other connected components of the lighting system. The operating profile command may correspond to operating directives for a component of the lighting system such as a schedule of operations, and/or a frequency of operations, and/or an amplitude. The diagnostic command may correspond to an analysis of running conditions of a component of the lighting system. The installation command may correspond to a set-up of a new component to the lighting system such that said new component is running in a compatible manner with the other components of the lighting system.

The method may comprise a sixth step 16 in which no further action is undertaken. If the powering up of the second component is not performed, or not performed following a specific sequence of events, of if the preset signal is not received during the predetermined time frame, nothing happens. Alternatively, if the correct sequence of events has been performed in step 11 and no preset signal has been received within the predetermined time frame, or if a signal has been received within the predetermined time frame but the controlling system has not been able to extract the first command, a failure command attempt message may be transmitted by the controlling means to an operator.

Figure 2 pictures a time chart of an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the present invention.

There may be in a first occurrence a powering up event 21 of a second component of a lighting system. The powering up event 21 may be registered by a controlling means of the lighting system. The powering up event 21 triggers a predetermined time frame T _P .

A sensing means of the lighting system receives a preset signal and proceeds with a transmission of the preset signal 22 to the controlling means. The sensing means may be for example a light sensor and the preset signal may be a coded light signal. Since the transmission of the preset signal 22 has been done within the predetermined time frame T _P , the controlling means extracts a first command from the preset signal. The preset signal in the embodiment of Figure 2 may include the first command and also a further command. Each of the first command and the further command may be related to the same component or to different components of the lighting system. The first command may be related to the first component, and the further command may be related to e.g. the second component. After extracting the first command and the further command, the controlling means may perform the execution of the first command 23a for the first component and the execution of the further command 23b for the second component. Alternatively the preset signal comprises a first command common for the first component and the second component and the execution of the command 23a for the first component and the execution of the command 23b for the second component may be the same.

Still within the predetermined time frame T _P , the controlling means may get the transmission of a second signal 24 from the sensing means. In the embodiment of Figure 2, the second signal is received from the same sensing means as for the preset signal. In another embodiment, it can be received from a different sensing means.

After extracting a second command from the second signal, the controlling means may perform the execution of the second command 25 for e.g. the second component. The execution of the second command 25 may be different than the execution of the further command 23b for the second component.

The controlling means may get the transmission of a third signal 26 from the sensing means. However, the predetermined time frame T _P is not ongoing anymore and no further action in reaction will be taken by the controlling means. Alternatively, the controlling means may transmit a message to an operator indicating a command failure attempt.

Figure 3 illustrates a luminaire head of a lighting system according to the present invention.

The luminaire head comprises a housing LH in which electrical components, such as a driver 710 and a PCB 720 with LEDs, are arranged. The housing LH has a wall 600 with an opening O, in which a receptacle socket assembly 1000 is arranged with the rear side 102 of the receptacle 100 facing an inner space of the housing LH. The receptacle 100 and its rear side may be fixed to the wall 600 using a nut 300. Wires W (for reasons of simplicity only one line is drawn, but this line represents more than one wire) connect the receptacle 100 with the electrical components of the luminaire head with the housing LH. As shown, the housing LH may be configured to be attached to a pole P. Mains connection part of a power supply of the luminaire head may run through the pole P.

Figure 3 shows a so-called “side-entry” luminaire of a luminaire, but the skilled person will understand that embodiments of the invention are equally applicable to other types of luminaire such as so called “post-top” luminaires where the pole extends below the housing or modular luminaires comprising a plurality of pole modules mounted one above the other. In the illustrated embodiment the receptacle socket assembly 1000 is arranged in a top wall 600 of the housing LH. However, a receptacle socket assembly 1000 may also be arranged in a bottom wall 600 of the housing LH. This may be particularly advantageous when a pluggable module 500 or the receptacle 100 contains a sensor configured for sensing events on the road, e.g. an image sensor or a proximity sensor or the like or when the pluggable module 500 or the receptacle 100 contains an emitter configured for emitting signals in the direction of the road.

In the illustrated example the road extends in an X direction, the pole P extends in a Z direction and the luminaire head extends in a Y direction. Seen in a projection on an XY plane the receptacle socket assembly 1000 may be arranged between a PCB 720 containing the LEDs and the pole P. In such an embodiment, a flat portion of the receptacle 100 may be oriented at a predetermined angle a with respect of the road direction X.

More generally, in embodiments of the invention, the receptacle socket assembly 1000 may be arranged in any wall 600 of a housing LH of a luminaire.

The example of Figure 3 may be designed according a number ANSI standards, and uses a twist-lock mechanism for the socket pluggable module 500. For uniformity throughout the lighting industry, electrical receptacles for receiving such pluggable modules are mostly made according to specific standards such as the Zhaga Interface Specification Standard (Book 18, Edition 1.0, July 2018, see https://www.zhagastandard.org/ data/downloadables/l/0/8/l/book_ 18.pdf) or standards approved by American National Standards Institute, Inc. (ANSI), such as the ANSI C136.10-2017 NEMA standard or of the ANSI C136.41-2013 NEMA standard. The skilled person will understand that these receptacles are not limiting and that other embodiments of the pluggable module may be equally implemented to cooperate with other kinds of receptacles.

The pluggable module 500 may contain various components, e.g. a controlling means and/or a sensing means (not shown). The pluggable module 500 may comprise e.g. a light sensor for sensing the light level of ambient light to automatically switch light fixtures on at dusk and off at dawn. The pluggable module 500 typically comprises at least three standard prongs 520 (also called plug contacts or simply contacts) which are inserted into corresponding apertures in the receptacle 100, and optionally four signal prongs. After the prongs 520 are completely inserted, the pluggable module 500 is rotated to lock it in place. When locked in place, the prongs 520 contact the receptacle contacts linked to the wires W. The pluggable module 500 may comprise further contacts in the form of conductive springs for cooperating with receptacle contacts of the receptacle 100 in the form of conductive plates.

When implementing the method according to the present invention, an operator may power up a second component, e.g. the controlling means included in the pluggable module 500, by plugging the pluggable module 500 into the receptacle 100. Alternatively, the pluggable module 500 may already be plugged and the operator may place a fuse at the base of the pole P allowing the provision of power to the whole luminaire.

The operator may be provided with a mobile terminal (not shown). The mobile terminal may communicate remotely with a remote server of a luminaire network. The mobile terminal may receive a password from the remote server, and, based on the password received, emit a coded light using a light source of the mobile terminal. The coded light may correspond to the preset signal. By directing the light source of the mobile terminal towards the light sensor of the pluggable module 500, the controlling means may receive the preset signal.

More in particular, the operator on-site may, through the mobile terminal, send a command request for the lighting system to the remote server through the cellular network, and receive a password by the remote server. The password may be associated to the requested command to authenticate the origin of the preset signal to the lighting system as an additional layer of safety. Alternatively or additionally, the password may be used by the mobile terminal to generate the preset signal. Also, the password may be unique to the lighting system and a same command may result in a different preset signal if intended for a first or a second lighting system. In another embodiment, the password may be obtained via a QR code or bar code in proximity of the first component, said QR code or bar code linking to data related to the lighting system comprising the first component.

The preset signal may comprise a first command related to a first component, e.g. the driver 710 of the luminaire head. The first command executed by the controlling means may allow resetting the driver 710 and providing a new dimming profile for the PCB 720 containing the LEDs.

Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a lighting system with a receptacle 100 and a pluggable module 500. The receptacle 100 may be mounted in a housing H. The pluggable module 500 includes a controlling means, and is configured to be plugged in the receptacle 100.

The pluggable module 500 may be a twist-lock pluggable module 500 containing controlling means and/or sensing means (not shown), e.g. a light sensor configured for sensing the light level of ambient light to automatically switch a luminaire of the lighting system on at dusk and off at dawn. For uniformity throughout the lighting industry, electrical receptacles 100 for receiving such pluggable modules 500 are mostly made according to specific standards such as standards approved by American National Standards Institute, Inc. (ANSI). Such receptacles 100 are typically mounted on a luminaire housing and are electrically connected to various components (not shown) of a luminaire of the lighting equipment through wires W.

The pluggable module 500 typically comprises three standard prongs 520, also called plug contacts or simply contacts, which are inserted into corresponding apertures 160 in the receptacle 100. After the prongs 520 are completely inserted, the pluggable module 500 is rotated to lock it in place. When locked in place, the prongs 520 contact the receptacle contacts within the apertures 160. The pluggable module 500 may comprise further contacts 510 in the form of conductive springs for cooperating with receptacle contacts 1 lOa-d of receptacle 100 in the form of conductive plates. Preferably, the receptacle 100 and the pluggable module 500 may fulfil the requirements of the ANSI C136.41-2013 standard or of the Zhaga Interface Specification Standard mentioned above. Additionally, an RFID tag may be provided at or near a front side of the receptacle 100.

In the embodiment of Figure 4, the receptacle 100 may be provided as a configuring unit, independent from the luminaire housing. Thus, in figure 4, the housing H may be the housing of a mobile terminal functioning as a configuring unit. For example, the receptacle 100 may be used in a factory to command components included in the pluggable module 500 before being plugged to a luminaire, or the receptacle 100 may be used as a portable tool by an operator. The pluggable module 500 is plugged into the receptacle 100 to supply power to it. The operator may control the receptacle 100 to send a preset signal to the prongs 520. The prongs 520 may be acting as electricity sensing means included in a DALI connecting interface, for example, and the controlling means may extract and execute a first command from the preset signal. The first command may be a factory reset command for the light sensor or for another component of the lighting system. After performing configuration of the pluggable module 500 with the receptacle 100, the pluggable module 500 may be installed on the luminaire by the operator.

Figure 5 is a schematic side view of another embodiment of a lighting system with a receptacle 100’, a mobile terminal implemented as an intermediary receptacle 800, and a pluggable module 500’. The receptacle 100’ may be mounted in a housing LH of a luminaire. The pluggable module 500’ includes a controlling means, and is configured to be plugged in the intermediary receptacle 800. The intermediary receptacle 800 is configured to be plugged in the receptacle mounted in the housing LH.

The pluggable module 500’ may be a twist-lock pluggable module 500’ containing e.g. controlling means and/or sensing means (not shown), e.g. a light sensor configured for sensing the light level of ambient light to automatically switch a luminaire of the lighting system on at dusk and off at dawn. For uniformity throughout the lighting industry, electrical receptacles 100’ for receiving such pluggable modules 500’ are mostly made according to specific standards such as standards approved by American National Standards Institute, Inc. (ANSI). Such receptacles 100’ are typically mounted on a luminaire housing and are electrically connected to various components (not shown) of a luminaire of the lighting equipment through wires W. The intermediary receptacle 800 may be made according to a similar standard as the receptacle 100’.

The pluggable module 500’ typically comprises three standard prongs 520’, also called plug contacts or simply contacts, which are inserted into corresponding apertures in the intermediary receptacle 800. After the prongs 520’ are completely inserted, the control module 500 is rotated to lock it in place. When locked in place, the prongs 520’ contact the intermediary receptacle contacts within the apertures. The pluggable module 500’ may comprise further contacts in the form of conductive springs for cooperating with intermediary receptacle contacts of intermediary receptacle 800 in the form of conductive plates. The intermediary receptacle 800 may comprise three standard prongs 820 and further contacts similarly as the pluggable module 500’. Preferably, the receptacle 100’, the intermediary receptacle 800, and the pluggable module 500’ may fulfil the requirements of the ANSI C136.41-2013 standard. Additionally, an RFID tag may be provided at or near a front side of the receptacle 100’ and/or the intermediary receptacle 800.

In the embodiment of Figure 5, the intermediary receptacle 800 may be provided as a configuring unit, independent from the luminaire housing. For example, the intermediary receptacle 800 may be used on site to command components included in the pluggable module 500’ or other components in a luminaire by being plugged to the receptacle 100’ of the luminaire, and/or by also plugging the pluggable module 500’ to the intermediary receptacle 800. The pluggable module 500’ is plugged into the intermediary receptacle 800 which is itself plugged to the receptacle 100’ to supply power to it. The operator may control the intermediary receptacle 800 to send a preset signal to the prongs 520’ and/or to the wires W. The prongs 520’ and/or the wires W may be acting as electricity sensing means included in a DALI connecting interface, for example, and the controlling means of the luminaire and/or of the pluggable module 500’ may extract and execute a first command from the preset signal. The first command may be a factory reset command for the light sensor or for another component of the lighting system. After performing configuration of the pluggable module 500’ and/or the another component of the luminaire with the intermediary receptacle 800, the intermediary receptacle 800 may be removed and the pluggable module 500’ may be installed on the receptacle 100’ of the luminaire by the operator.

Figure 6 illustrates a specific example of a lighting system with a receptacle 100 in which a pluggable control module 500 is plugged. The receptacle 100 is mounted on a luminaire housing LH, in any one of the ways described above. The pluggable module 500 comprises a sensing means 501, here a light sensor, a light source 503, e.g. an LED, and a controlling means 502. The receptacle 100 and the pluggable module 500 may be implemented according to the NEMA or Zhaga standards mentioned above. Further a mobile terminal 800 is provided. The mobile terminal 800 comprises an emitter 801 capable of emitting signals that can be sensed by the sensing means 501 of the pluggable control module 500. In the example where the sensing means 501 is a light sensor, the received signal will be a light signal. In order to command a first component of the lighting system, e.g. the controlling means 502, the following method may be performed: receiving via the sensing means, here the light sensor 501, a trigger signal, here a light signal, by the controlling means 502 from the emitter 801 of the mobile terminal 800; preferably the trigger signal is unique for the lighting system or for a component of the lighting system. The mobile terminal 800 may be operated by an operator in order to send the trigger signal. sending a confirmation signal by the light source 503 of the pluggable module 500 to the emitting device, preferably within a predetermined time frame from receiving the trigger signal; instead of using the light source 503 of the pluggable control module 500, it is also possible to use a light source (not shown) included in the luminaire housing LH; waiting for a preset signal from the sensing means 501, preferably during a time frame, preferably a predetermined time frame after receiving the trigger signal, said preset signal comprising a first command; receiving by the controlling means 502 through the sensing means 501 the preset signal from the emitter 801 of the mobile terminal 800, preferably within the predetermined time frame from the receiving of the trigger signal and/or the sending of the confirmation signal;

In this context, it is clarified that the preset signal is only validly received at the controlling means in a time frame after a predetermined condition is met. This predetermined condition, in the present example, is a trigger event followed by a predetermined time frame. In other words, when the preset signal is received within a predetermined time frame which follows after receiving of a valid trigger signal, the preset signal is received in a time frame after a predetermined condition is met. extracting the first command from the preset signal, said first command being related to the first component of the lighting system, e.g. the controlling means 502; and executing the extracted first command; optionally emitting a light signal by the light source 503 to indicate to the operator that first command has been executed. It is noted that this may be a visible light signal such as a colored LED 503 which lights up or a LED 503 which blinks; instead of using the light source 503 of the pluggable control module 500, it is also possible to use a light source (not shown) included in the luminaire housing LH. In this embodiment, the two first steps of receiving a trigger signal and sending a confirmation signal together form part of the detecting whether the predetermined condition is met. This step is followed by the waiting for and receiving of the preset signal.

Figures 7A and 7B illustrate another specific example of a lighting system with a receptacle 100 and a pluggable control module 500. The receptacle 100 is mounted on a luminaire housing LH, in any one of the ways described above. The pluggable module 500 comprises a sensing means 501 ’, here an RFID reader, a light source 503, e.g. an LED, and a controlling means 502. The receptacle 100 and the pluggable module 500 may be implemented according to the NEMA or Zhaga standards mentioned above, although typically the NEMA standard is preferred for this embodiment as a NEMA control module typically comprises an RFID reader.

In the embodiment of figure 7A a mobile terminal 800 is provided in a similar way as described above in connection with figure 5, i.e. structured as an intermediate pluggable receptacle. The mobile terminal 800 comprises an RFID tag 890 capable of storing information that can be sensed by the sensing means 501’ of the pluggable control module 500. In the example where the sensing means 501’ is an RFID reader, the received signal will be an RF signal.

In figure 7A, in order to command a first component of the lighting system, e.g. the controlling means 502, the following method may be performed: programming or providing the RFID tag 890 with a preset signal and inserting the mobile terminal 800 between the controller 500 and the receptacle 100; In this example, the predetermined condition relates to the presence of the RFID tag 890, which is considered to be a state of the lighting system. When the RFID tag 890 is absent, the state is false. When the RFID tag 890 is present, the state is true. This state forms the basis for the further steps. In this context, it is also clarified that the duration of the condition state = true may be the time frame for receiving the preset signal, waiting for a preset signal from the RFID reader 501’ preferably during the time frame, said preset signal comprising a first command; receiving by the controlling means 503 through the RFID reader 501’ the preset signal stored in the RFID tag 890 of the mobile terminal 800, preferably within the time frame wherein the mobile terminal 800 is mounted; extracting the first command from the preset signal, said first command being related to the first component of the lighting system, e.g. the controlling means 502; and executing the extracted first command; optionally emitting a signal, for example a light signal by the light source 503, to indicate to the operator that first command has been executed; instead of using the light source 503 of the pluggable control module 500, it is also possible to use a light source (not shown) included in the luminaire housing LH.

In the embodiment of figure 7B, the receptacle 100 comprises an RFID tag 190 capable of storing information that can be sensed by the sensing means 501’ of the pluggable control module 500. A mobile terminal 800 is provided. The mobile terminal 800 comprises an RF module 880 configured for programming or reprogramming the RFID tag 190 with the preset signal. It is noted that this programming may be done in the factory or in-situ.

In figure 7B, in order to command a first component of the lighting system, e.g. the controlling means 502, the following method may be performed: programming or reprogramming the RFID tag 190 of the receptacle 100 with a preset signal and inserting the pluggable control module 500 in the receptacle 100; In this example, the predetermined condition relates to the presence of the programmed or reprogrammed RFID tag 190, which is considered to be a state of the lighting system. Additionally or alternatively, the predetermined condition may also relate to the plugging in of the pluggable control module 500 in the receptacle 100, which powers on the module 500. This powering on could be seen as a trigger event after which a time period is predetermined. waiting for a preset signal from the RFID reader 501’, preferably during a time frame from the inserting of the control module 500 or from the reprogramming of the RFID tag 190, said preset signal comprising a first command; receiving by the controlling means 502 through the RFID reader 501’ the preset signal stored in the RFID tag 190, preferably within the time frame from the inserting of the control module 500 or from the reprogramming of the RFID tag 190; extracting the first command from the preset signal, said first command being related to the first component of the lighting system, e.g. the controlling means 502; and executing the extracted first command; optionally emitting a signal, for example a light by the light source 503, to indicate to the operator that first command has been executed; instead of using the light source 503 of the pluggable control module 500, it is also possible to use a light source (not shown) included in the luminaire housing LH. Figure 8 illustrates a specific example of a lighting system with a receptacle 100 and a pluggable control module 500. The receptacle 100 is mounted on a luminaire housing LH, in any one of the ways described above. The pluggable module 500 comprises a sensing means 501”, here a dimming interface, e.g. a DALI or 0-10V dimming interface, a light source 503, e.g. an LED, and a controlling means 502. The receptacle 100 and the pluggable module 500 may be implemented according to the NEMA or Zhaga standards mentioned above.

In the embodiment of figure 8, a mobile terminal 800 is provided in a similar way as described above in connection with figure 5, i.e. structured as an intermediate pluggable receptacle. The mobile terminal 800 comprises dimming interface 801”, e.g. a dimming interface with a DALI client, capable of exchanging information with the dimming interface 501’ of the pluggable control module 500. In the example where the sensing means 501’ is a DALI interface, the received signal will be a DALI signal.

In order to command a first component of the lighting system, e.g. the controlling means 502, the following method may be performed: plugging the mobile terminal 800 in the receptacle 100 and plugging the control module 500 into the mobile terminal 800; In this example, the predetermined condition relates to the presence of the dimming interface 801”, which is considered to be a state of the lighting system. When the dimming interface 801” is absent, the state is false. When the dimming interface 801” is present, the state is true. This state forms the basis for the further steps. waiting for a preset signal from the sensing means 501, preferably during a time frame from the plugging of the control module 500, said preset signal comprising a first command; receiving by the controlling means 502 through the sensing means 501” the preset signal, preferably within the time frame from the plugging of the control module 500; extracting the first command from the preset signal, said first command being related to the first component of the lighting system, e.g. the controlling means 502; and executing the extracted first command; optionally emitting a light signal by the light source 503 to indicate to the operator that first command has been executed. It is noted that this may be a visible light signal such as a colored LED 503 which lights up or a LED 503 which blinks.

The skilled person understands that preferred features set out in the summary may also be included in the embodiments of figures 6, 7A, 7B, 8. These examples show that the predetermined condition may relate to a trigger event, which is predetermined, which might be unique for each component, and which may start a predetermined time period. The skilled person understands that other than light signals may be provided, for example vibration or sound signals. These examples also show that a predetermined state which is true may also be considered a predetermined condition. The time frame wherein the state is true may define the time frame for receiving the preset signal. These examples also show that a combination can be made of a state and a trigger event.

Whilst the principles of the invention have been set out above in connection with specific embodiments, it is to be understood that this description is merely made by way of example and not as a limitation of the scope of protection which is determined by the appended claims.