This application is the U.S. National Phase application under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Application No. PCT/EP2016/077683, filed on Nov. 15, 2016, which claims the benefit of European Patent Application No. 15194643.1, filed on Nov. 16, 2015. These applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
The invention relates to a controller for controlling a light source. The invention further relates to a method of controlling a light source. The invention further relates to a computer program product for performing the method.
Future and current home and professional environments will contain a large number of lighting devices for creation of ambient, atmosphere, accent or task lighting. These controllable lighting devices may be controlled via user interface of a remote control device, for example a smartphone, via a (wireless) network. An example of such a user interface is disclosed in patent application WO 2013121311 A1, which discloses a remote control unit that comprises a user interface through which a user may identify an area in an image and a light source. The identified image area is linked with the light source and color information of the identified image area is transmitted to the light source. The light source is thereby enabled to adapt its light output to the color information. A user is thereby enabled to pick the color to be outputted by a light source by selecting an area in an image displayed on the remote control unit. This allows the user to create a static light effect. However, users also desire to create dynamic light effects. A dynamic light effect comprises a plurality of light settings that change over time when applied to a (set of) lighting device(s), in other words, a dynamic light effect has a time dependent light output. Thus, there is a need in the art for a user interface which allows a user to create a dynamic light effect.
International patent application WO 2008142603 A2 relates to a lighting system comprising a user interface configured to display an image of an environment including an object provided with a first illumination and a processor configured to change the first illumination to a second illumination in response to a signal and to select at least one light source to provide the second illumination based on attributes of the second illumination and availability and specifications of the light source.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a controller that allows a user to create a dynamic light effect. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a user interface that allows user to control parameters of the dynamic light effect.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, the object is achieved by a controller for controlling a light source, the controller comprising:
a communication unit for communicating with the light source,
an input unit for receiving a first input indicative of a selection of a first color in a first image, and for receiving a second input indicative of a selection of a second color in a second image, and
a processor for morphing the first image into the second image after the first and second user input have been received, whereby at least one intermediate image in between the first image and the second image is generated, the at least one intermediate image being a mixture of the first image and the second image, and for determining at least one intermediate color based on color information of the at least one intermediate image, and for controlling the light output of the light source according to the first color, the at least one intermediate color and the second color sequentially over a period of time, by communicating the first color, the at least one intermediate color and the second color to the light source.
The controller for example allows a user to select a first color in a first image and a second color in a second image, whereupon the processor determines how the first color changes into the second color, based on color information from one or more intermediate images. The processor is further arranged for controlling the light output of the light source according to the colors over time. This provides the advantage that it allows a user to create a dynamic light effect (a time dependent light output), simply by selecting the first color and the second color in the two images.
In an embodiment of the controller, the controller further comprises a display arranged for displaying the morphing of the first image and the first color into the second image and the second color over time. In a further embodiment of the controller, the processor is further arranged for providing, on the display, a graphical representation of the light source in the first, the at least one intermediate and the second image, wherein the graphical representation of the light source is located at the first, the at least one intermediate and the second color, respectively. This embodiment is advantageous because the graphical representations shown on the display (for example the display of a smartphone) allows a user to see how the first color is morphed into the second color based on the color information of the intermediate images.
In a further embodiment of the controller, the input unit is further arranged for receiving user input related to a repositioning of the graphical representation in the first, the at least one intermediate and/or the second image, which repositioning is representative of a selection of the color of the first, the at least one intermediate and/or the second image, respectively. This is advantageous because it allows the user to control/adjust the dynamic light effect at the start (the first image), in between (the one or more intermediate images) and at the end (the second image).
In an embodiment of the controller, the first color is associated with a first set of coordinates in the first image, and the second color is associated with a second set of coordinates in the second image, and the processor is further arranged for:
determining a path which starts at the first set of coordinates and ends at the second set of coordinates,
determining an intermediate set of coordinates on the path in the at least one intermediate image, and
determining the at least one intermediate color based on color information at the intermediate set of coordinates in the at least one intermediate image.
In a further embodiment of the controller, the input unit is further arranged for receiving user input related to a repositioning of at least a part of the path. This is beneficial because it allows the user to control/adjust the dynamic light effect, simply by repositioning the path, whereupon the processor determines the at least one new intermediate color based on color information at the new intermediate set of coordinates in the at least one intermediate image.
In an embodiment of the controller, the input unit is arranged for receiving color information of a light setting from the light source as the first input, and the processor is arranged for selecting the first color in the first image based on the received color information, such that the first color corresponds at least partially to the color information. This is beneficial because it allows the processor to determine the colors based on, for example, an active light setting of the light source. The active light setting may, for example, be a red light, which results in that the processor looks for a red color in the first image and sets the (location of the) red color in the first image as the first color. This further allows the processor to map, for example, the graphical representation of the light source onto that selected color.
In an embodiment of the controller, the input unit is arranged for receiving user input related to the selection of the first color in the first image and/or the selection of the second color in the second image. This allows a user to select a first color in a first image and a second color in a second image, whereupon the processor determines how the first color changes into the second color, based on color information from one or more intermediate images. In a further embodiment of the controller, the input unit is further arranged for receiving user input related to a selection of the first image and/or the second image from a plurality of images.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, the object is achieved by a method of controlling a light source, the method comprising the steps of:
a. receiving a first input indicative of a selection of a first color in a first image,
b. receiving a second input indicative of a selection of a second color in a second image,
c. morphing the first image into the second image after the first and second user input have been received, whereby at least one intermediate image in between the first image and the second image is generated, the at least one intermediate image being a mixture of the first image and the second image,
d. determining at least one intermediate color based on color information of the at least one intermediate image, and
e. controlling the light output of the light source according to the first color, the at least one intermediate color and the second color sequentially over a period of time, by communicating the first color, the at least one intermediate color and the second color to the light source.
In an embodiment of the method, the method further comprises the step of providing a graphical representation of the light source in the first, the at least one intermediate and the second image, wherein the graphical representation of the light source is located at the first, the at least one intermediate and the second color, respectively. Additionally, the method may comprise the step of receiving a user input related to a repositioning of the graphical representation in the first, the at least one intermediate and/or the second image, which repositioning is representative of a selection of the color of the first, the at least one intermediate and/or the second image, respectively.
In an embodiment of the method, step a. comprises receiving a first user input as the first input, and step b. comprises receiving a second user input as the second input.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the object is achieved by a computer program product for a computing device, the computer program product comprising computer program code to perform any of the above-mentioned methods when the computer program product is run on a processing unit of the computing device.
The above, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the disclosed controllers and methods, will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of embodiments of devices and methods, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
All the figures are schematic, not necessarily to scale, and generally only show parts which are necessary in order to elucidate the invention, wherein other parts may be omitted or merely suggested.
The light source 110 may comprise an LED light source, an incandescent light source, a fluorescent light source, a high-intensity discharge light source, etc. The light source 110 may be arranged for providing general lighting, task lighting, ambient lighting, atmosphere lighting, accent lighting, indoor lighting, outdoor lighting, etc. The light source 110 may be installed in a luminaire or in a lighting fixture. Alternatively, the light source 110 may be comprised in a portable lighting device (e.g. a hand-sized device, such as an LED cube, an LED sphere, an object/animal shaped lighting device, etc.) or in a wearable lighting device (e.g. a light bracelet, a light necklace, etc.).
The controller 100 may be any type of control device arranged for communicating with light sources/lighting devices. The controller may be a smart device, such as a smartphone or a tablet, or the controller may be a wearable device, such as smart glasses or a smart watch. Alternatively, the controller may be comprised in a building automation system, be comprised in a lighting device, luminaire, etc. The communication unit 102 of the controller 100 is arranged for communicating with the light source 110. The communication unit 102 may be arranged for communicating with the light source 110 directly, or via any intermediate device (such as a hub, a bridge, a proxy server, etc.). The communication unit 102 may transmit lighting control commands (for example as signals, messages, data packets, etc.) to a receiver of a lighting device comprising light source 110 in order to control the light output of the light source 110. The communication unit 102 may be further arranged for receiving signals/messages/data packets from the lighting device comprising the light source 110. These received signals/messages/data packets may, for example, relate to an (active) light setting of the light source 110, the type of light source 110, the properties of the light source 110, etc. The communication unit 102 may transmit/receive messages, signals or data packets via any communication protocol (e.g. Wi-Fi, ZigBee, Bluetooth, 3G, 4G, LTE, DALI, DMX, USB, power over Ethernet, power-line communication, etc.). It may be beneficial if the controller 100 is arranged for communicating via a plurality of communication channels/protocols, thereby enabling the transmission/reception of messages, signals or data packets to/from a plurality of types of lighting devices.
The processor 106 (a microchip, circuitry, a microcontroller, etc.) is arranged for morphing the first image into the second image in order to generate the at least one intermediate image.
The controller 100 may further comprise a display 108 arranged for displaying the first image and the second image, which allows a user to see the first selected color on the first image and the second selected color on the second image. The processor 106 may be further arranged for providing, on the display 108, one or more intermediate images, which allows a user to see how the first image and the first color are morphed into the second image and the second color.
The processor 106 may be further arranged for providing, on the display 108, a graphical representation of the light source in the first, the at least one intermediate and the second image, wherein the graphical representation of the light source is located at the first, the at least one intermediate and the second color, respectively.
The input unit 104 may be arranged for receiving user input related to a repositioning of the graphical representation in the first, the at least one intermediate and/or the second image, which repositioning is representative of a selection of the color of the first, the at least one intermediate and/or the second image, respectively. The input unit 104 may, for example, comprise a touch sensitive display which displays the graphical representation in the first, the at least one intermediate and/or the second image. A user may reposition a graphical representation from a first location associated with one or more first pixels associated with one or more first color values to a second location associated with one or more second pixels associated with one or more second color values. An example of such a repositioning is shown in
The input unit 104 is arranged for receiving a first input indicative of a selection of a first color in a first image, and for receiving a second input indicative of a selection of a second color in a second image. The first and second input may be selections of a first area/location in the first image and a selection of a second area/location in the second image, which areas/locations determine the first and second color. Alternatively, the first input may be a first signal indicative of first color information, and/or the second input may be a second signal indicative of second color information, which first and second color information may be descriptive of properties of a color (e.g. an RGB value, a hue/saturation/brightness value, etc.). The processor 106 may be arranged for determining a first area/location in the first image of which the pixels have color values similar to the received first color information, and/or a second area/location in the second image of which the pixels have color values similar to the received second color information.
The input unit 104 may be arranged for receiving the first and second input from a further device. The first and second input may be received by the communication unit from the further device. The input unit may, for example, be arranged for receiving color information (color values) of a light setting from the light source as the first input, and the processor 106 may be arranged for selecting the first color in the first image based on the received color information, such that the first color corresponds at least partially to the color information. The processor 106 may be further arranged for analyzing the color information of the light setting (for example a green color with a high saturation and a low intensity), whereupon the processor 106 may analyze the first image and map the light setting on the first image, for example by providing a graphical representation of the light source at a location in the first image of which the color of the pixel(s) has sufficient similarities with the received color of the light setting.
Additionally or alternatively, the input unit 104 may, for example, comprise a user interface arranged for receiving the first and/or the second input. The user interface may comprise a touch sensitive surface, for example a touch screen, which may be arranged for receiving a first touch input indicative of the selection of the first color in the first image and for receiving a second touch input indicative of the selection of the second color in the second image. Alternatively, the user interface may comprise a pointing device, such as a computer mouse or a stylus pen, which may be operated by the user in order to provide the first and second input. Alternatively, the user interface for example comprise an audio sensor such as a microphone, a motion sensor such as an accelerometer, magnetometer and/or a gyroscope for detecting gestures, a camera for detecting gestures and/or one or more buttons for receiving the first and second input.
The processor 106 may be further arranged for determining a path which starts at a first set of coordinates in the first image associated with the first color and ends at a second set of coordinates in the second image associated with the second color, and for determining an intermediate set of coordinates on the path in the at least one intermediate image, and for determining the at least one intermediate color based on color information at the intermediate set of coordinates in the at least one intermediate image. The intermediate set of coordinates may be located on a linear path from the first to the second set of coordinates. Alternatively, the processor may be arranged for determining the path (and therewith the intermediate set of coordinates) based on color information (pixel color value information) of the one or more intermediate images in order to realize a gradual transition from the first color to the second color.
The input unit 104 may be further arranged for receiving user input related to a repositioning of at least a part of the path. An example of such a repositioning is shown in
The input unit 104 may be further arranged for receiving user input related to a selection of the first image and/or the second image from a plurality of images. The images may be stored on a memory, and the processor may be further arranged for accessing the memory, retrieving the images and displaying the images on a display of the controller. The user input unit may, for example, comprise a touch sensitive display for receiving a touch input which is indicative of a selection of the first and/or second image. Additionally or alternatively, the input unit 104 may be arranged for receiving user input related to a selection of a third image. The processor 106 may be arranged for morphing the first image into the second image via the third image, thereby generating at least two intermediate images; a first intermediate image which is a mixture of the first and the third image, and a second intermediate image which is a mixture of the second and the third image. Selecting multiple images to create the dynamic light effect provides a user more detailed control of the creation of the dynamic light effect.
The input unit 104 may further be arranged for receiving a user input related to an adjustment of the period of time. This allows a user to determine, for example, a duration of the dynamic light effect, if and how the dynamic effect is looped, whether the sequential control of the light output of the light source 102 occurs linearly or exponentially, etc.
The controller 100 may be further arranged for controlling a plurality of light sources.
The processor 106 may be further arranged for controlling the light output of the at least one light source 110 while a user is creating the dynamic light effect or adjusting any parameter of the dynamic light effect. This may be useful, because it provides a real time preview of the light effect.
The processor 106 may be further arranged for generating a snapshot of any image (e.g. a first image, a second image, an intermediate image) or any selected color in any of the images. The processor may, for example, generate the snapshot when a dedicated user input is received via the input unit. This is advantageous because it allows a user to save, for example, an intermediate image or an intermediate color selection, which may be (later) selected to generate a static light effect (i.e. a light effect that does not change over time).
It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.
In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb “comprise” and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The article “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed computer or processing unit. In the device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. 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.
Aspects of the invention may be implemented in a computer program product, which may be a collection of computer program instructions stored on a computer readable storage device which may be executed by a computer. The instructions of the present invention may be in any interpretable or executable code mechanism, including but not limited to scripts, interpretable programs, dynamic link libraries (DLLs) or Java classes. The instructions can be provided as complete executable programs, partial executable programs, as modifications to existing programs (e.g. updates) or extensions for existing programs (e.g. plugins). Moreover, parts of the processing of the present invention may be distributed over multiple computers or processors.
Storage media suitable for storing computer program instructions include all forms of nonvolatile memory, including but not limited to EPROM, EEPROM and flash memory devices, magnetic disks such as the internal and external hard disk drives, removable disks and CD-ROM disks. The computer program product may be distributed on such a storage medium, or may be offered for download through HTTP, FTP, email or through a server connected to a network such as the Internet.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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15194643 | Nov 2015 | EP | regional |
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
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PCT/EP2016/077683 | 11/15/2016 | WO | 00 |
Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
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WO2017/085046 | 5/26/2017 | WO | A |
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20050248299 | Chemel | Nov 2005 | A1 |
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20150022123 | Van De Sluis | Jan 2015 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country |
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2008129505 | Oct 2008 | WO |
2008142603 | Nov 2008 | WO |
2011013035 | Feb 2011 | WO |
2013121311 | Aug 2013 | WO |
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20180324921 A1 | Nov 2018 | US |