WO2024172725A1

WO2024172725A1 - Light control unit and method for operating a light control unit

Info

Publication number: WO2024172725A1
Application number: PCT/SE2024/050121
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gustav Josefsson; Marcus Nordström
Original assignee: Plejd Ab
Priority date: 2023-02-13
Filing date: 2024-02-12
Publication date: 2024-08-22
Also published as: SE546231C2; SE2350134A1

Abstract

The present disclosure generally relates to a light control unit (100) configured to control a light source (202), specifically allowing for dynamic control of the light source (202) based on light control data from multiple data sources. The present disclosure also relates to a corresponding method and a computer program product. The invention involves defining a future operational state (S2) for the control unit (102) based on a present operational state, indication of a type of data source received as input (S1 ) and a predefined control logic. The input light control data source includes a first data source and a second data source, with the second data source being a clock function. The light source (202) is then controlled (S4) with a drive command (S3) based on the determined future operational state.

Description

LIGHT CONTROL UNIT AND METHOD

FOR OPERATING A LIGHT CONTROL UNIT

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to a light control unit configured to control a light source, specifically allowing for dynamic control of the light source based on light control data from multiple data sources. The present disclosure also relates to a corresponding method and a computer program product.

BACKGROUND

In using a conventional lighting system, for example in a residential home, each luminaire, such as for example arranged in a ceiling of a room, is controlled using an individually provided light control device, such as a push-on/push-off switch button. Recently, there has been a desire to improve the overall control of lighting and possibly further electrical equipment, forming the so-called “intelligent home”, where intelligent lighting systems combine light emitting diodes (LEDs), embedded sensors and controls, and low-cost pervasive networking to create an integrated illumination system that is highly responsive to its environment. Benefits of some or all such intelligent systems may include, but are not limited to, a much higher quality of light tailored specifically to user needs and energy savings, compared to legacy lighting system technologies.

However, the logic need for operating such a lighting system as would be desired by the end user quickly becomes complex, since multiple light control device, such as the above mentioned push-on/push-off switch button, occupancy sensors and preset lighting scenes will “compete” for the control of the lighting system.

With the above in mind, it would be desirable to introduce a novel methodology with focus on structured handling of control signals from a multitude of different light control devices.

Further attention is drawn to EP3820255A1, presenting a lighting system that is able to support the circadian rhythm of people in a space illuminated by the lighting arrangement or lighting system by automatically and autonomously adapting its operation in response to information obtained from its operating environment.

Additionally, in US9936556B2 there is disclosed a lighting unit that utilizes sensor data to select a fade-in or fade-out profile for one or more light sources. SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the above is at least partly met by a light control unit, comprising a communication module configured to receive light control data from a first data source arranged remotely from the light control unit, a drive module configured to control a light source electrically connected to the light control unit, and a control unit connected to the communication module and the drive module, wherein the control unit is arranged to receive the light control data from one of the first data source and a second data source, the second data source in turn forming light control data from a clock function, wherein the light control data comprises an indication of a type of the data source, define a future operational state for the control unit based on a present operational state for the control unit, the indication of the type of the data source comprised with the received light control data, and a predefined control logic implemented by the control unit, form a drive command based on the future operational state, and control the light source using the drive module and based on the drive command.

By means of the present disclosure, there is provided a way of handling multiple data sources, such as in the form of light control device, ensuring that light control data from the multiple data sources are handled in a structured manner and in accordance to an expectation of an end user. The structured approach as provided by the present disclosure allows for a scalability, ensuring that further data sources may be added along the way.

The general idea behind the present disclosure relies in the introduction of the predefined control logic that is implemented at the control unit and in close conjunction with the light source to be controlled. Accordingly, rather than relying on drive command generated at a remote location from the light source, such as at a hub, the processing is in line with the present disclosure performed in a wired relation to the light source. Thus, the scheme according to the present disclosure allows for an increase reliability in the control of the light source.

The present invention introduces an advancement in light control by incorporating the type of data source into the decision-making process of the light control unit. Traditional systems typically treat input data uniformly, without regard to its origin. In contrast, the light control unit according to the present disclosure differentiates between the data sources (i.e. the second data source as presented above), e.g. occupancy sensors, manual switches, or environmental sensors, and processes these inputs based on their type. The distinction enables the light control unit to apply a specific logic path for each type of second data source, thereby optimizing light control for energy efficiency, user comfort, and operational effectiveness. For instance, the light control unit can apply a different operational state or priority level when receiving data from a manual control compared to an automated sensor, reflecting the light control unit’s adaptive response to human intervention versus automated environmental adjustments.

Additionally, the architecture of the light control unit allows for an improved flexibility, allowing additional second data sources to be used and integrated as they become available or necessary. Each new type of second data source can be seamlessly incorporated into the system’s predefined control logic, enhancing the system’s ability to fine-tune lighting conditions based on a comprehensive understanding of the environment and user interactions. The light control unit’s capability to maintain multiple operational states and transitions between these states based on the type and priority of incoming data exemplifies the light control unit’s approach to dynamic lighting control. By making use of detailed information about the data source type, the light control unit achieves an improved control over lighting environments but also opens up new possibilities for customization and automation in response to diverse and evolving user needs and preferences. The predefined control logic will take into past operation of the light source when determining how the light source is to be controlled in the near future. Additionally, the predefined control logic may further handle different types of data sources differently, meaning that some data sources may be allowed to have priority over other data sources. As an example, it is generally desirable to allow manual input to a data source to have a higher priority than e.g. a movement detected by an occupancy sensor.

Additionally, the operation of the control logic is generally dependent on clock function. Such a clock function should be interpreted broadly and may be arranged to define turn on/off timers, information relation to the current time or current day of the year, etc.

In some embodiments it may be possible to implement the predefined control logic as a state machine. Such a state machine may comprise hard coded rules combined with user defined rules. Accordingly, a user may at least party be allowed to adjust the logic defined by the state machine.

The general scheme according to the present disclosure is preferably arranged to repeatedly define a future operational state for the control unit when new light control data is made available. That is, the control logic implemented at the control unit will continuously determine if, how and for how long the light source is to emit light once one of the data sources is providing a new piece of light control data. Generally, when controlling one or a plurality of light sources through a logic unit these sources could generate different light output based on the input type and typically the systems are event driven, meaning that the latest command is what controls the light. The present light control unit introduce at least two distinguishing features. One being that the control logic as implemented by the control unit does not only prioritize control commands. Rather, the control type may put the logic in different states that makes it susceptible to other commands without actually changing e.g. the amount of light, or color, emitted by the light source. Also a light level command may be of lower priority when it comes to light level, but still records the command type for future decisions on interaction.

Another distinguishing feature is that it is possible to keep several states and levels in the memory simultaneously for the same light source, meaning that it operates as a virtual parallel connection. The light source could be set to intensity A from source type X, a command is received with another intensity B (higher or lower than A) from source type Y with an equal intensity priority, meaning the output is set to, for example, max(A, B). Based on future events, the A event may terminate, meaning the light source returns to intensity B, or the even B may terminate meaning the light source returns to intensity A.

Aside from being in different states based on previous events however the light intensity or source type will affect decisions on current or future states is also dependent on settings in turn dependent to the present time based on a clock.

The light source is as indicated above controlled based on a drive command. The drive command may in turn define an “operational state” of the light source. In the simplest scenario, the light source is either on or off. However, it should be understood that the expression operational state should be interpreted broadly. In accordance to the present disclosure, it may also be possible to adjust light parameters for the light source in relation to e.g. light intensity, color temperature, color saturation, distribution/direction of light, distribution of color of light illuminated by the light source, etc. Other operational states are of course possible and within the scope of the present disclosure.

Within the context of the present disclosure, it should be understood that the expression “light source electrically connected to the light control unit” is to be interpreted as the light source and the light control unit being electrically connected in a wired manner. Such a wired connection may in some embodiments be used for e.g. direct control of the light source (e.g. including pulse width modulation, PWM, in case of the light source being an LED light source). However, a wired connection between the light source and the light control unit may also include an embodiment where the light source is arranged remotely from the light control unit, such as when the light source is e.g. a DALI controlled light source. In such an embodiment, digital control commands may be sent over the wired connection from the light control unit to the light source, for controlling the light source.

In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the first data source is an occupancy sensor. Accordingly, in such an embodiment light control data generated by the clock function (provided as the second data source) will be handled by the control logic in conjunction with presence detection by the occupancy sensor (provided as the first data source). In line with the present disclosure, the present operational state (e.g. being dependent on the second data source) could in line with the predefined control logic be “overridden” in case presence is detected, as will be further elaborated below in the detailed description of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment the clock function provides information relating to at least one of a sunrise and a sunset at an approximate geographical location of the light control unit. Such a function may be defined as an astronomic clock. The light control unit may in one embodiment further comprise GPS circuitry, and/or other by means of technologies, connected to the control unit and adapted to determine the approximate geographical location of the control unit. The approximate geographical location may alternatively be e.g. manually “programmed” with the control unit. The geographical location either determined automatically using the GPS circuitry or manually, is typically used as an input to the astronomic clock for determining sunrise and sunset times.

As an alternative, the clock function may be implemented as a timer module, implementing e.g. daily or weekly programs that are not dependent on sunrise and sunset times. Possibly, the clock function may implement both an astronomic and a (weekly/daily) timer function.

It should be understood that further data sources may be remotely arranged in connection with the communication module, e.g. a third, a fourth, etc. data source. Such a data source may for example be a manually operated switching device. The manually operated switching device may be implemented as e.g. a wall mounted light switch. However, it could also be possible to arrange a further manually operated switching device as a “virtual” switching device. Such a virtual switching device could be implemented as a portion of a computer-based user interface, e.g. shown within a mobile device, at a computer screen, etc.

A further example of an additional data source is a light sensor for measuring incident light. Such an implementation may in some situations, for example where a user environment lacks windows, be used for compensating for the expected amount of ambient light as mentioned above. Alternatively, information relating to a measured incident light may also be used for compensating a case where the user environment receives a high amount of direct sun light.

Preferably, the communication module is arranged to receive the light control data over wired or wirelessly. As such, the communication module may be implemented as a wireless transceiver, e.g. a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi transceiver, adapted for wireless communication with different data sources.

In one embodiment ,the light control unit further comprises a housing enclosing the communication module, the drive module and the control unit. The light control unit may as such be provided as a stand-alone device, e.g. to be installed within a wall/roof box. As an alternative, e.g. a light switch or rotary knob may be directly attached to the light control unit.

In another embodiment it is possible to provide the light control unit as a component of a luminaire, further comprising a light source. Accordingly, the functionality of the light control unit is here integrated with the luminaire.

In a possible embodiment, the luminaire further comprises the occupancy sensor, also provided as an integrated component of the luminaire.

In another embodiment, the light control unit as discussed above is provided as a component of a lighting system, further comprising a light source, and a first data source. The first data source may for example, as indicated above, be an occupancy sensor, possibly an occupancy sensor arranged in wireless connection with the light control unit. It should be understood that the expression “occupancy sensor” should be interpreted broadly. For example, an occupancy sensor may in some embodiments for example include a passive infrared (PIR) occupancy sensor, arranged to detect if a person is present in a vicinity of the PIR sensor. Other technologies may also be used for the same purpose. As an alternative, e.g. a manual (physical or virtual) switch may be provided for defining occupancy. Accordingly, the expression occupancy sensor includes both automatic and manual means for defining presence.

Furthermore, as an alternative to using a PIR sensor, it could be possible to use e.g. a camera for detecting is e.g. a person is present within an area overseen by the camera. In such an embodiment, the camera could be adapted to determine a type of object that is currently been detected. Such information (i.e. the detected object type) could be provided to the light control unit and used when determining the future state of the light control unit. It may be worth noting that also a PIR sensor potentially could be used in a similar manner, where e.g. “a size of a heat signature" detected by the PIR sensor could be provided to the light control unit. Possibly, the light control unit may be adapted to suppress some of the movements detected by the camera or PIR sensor, in case the detected movement is from a “smaller” object, such as a cat, etc.

In a general embodiment the lighting system comprises further data sources, such as one or a plurality of manually operated light control devices. The lighting system may also comprise multiple light source.

It should be understood that a lighting system as discussed above may comprise multiple light control units arranged in wireless connection. The multiple wirelessly connected lighting units may in such an embodiment share light control data and/or drive commands.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a computer-implemented method for operating a light control unit, the light control unit comprising a communication module configured to receive light control data from a first data source arranged remotely from the light control unit, a drive module configured to control a light source electrically connected to the light control unit, and a control unit connected to the communication module and the drive module, wherein the method comprises the steps of receiving, at the control unit, the light control data from one of the first data source and a second data source, the second data source in turn forming light control data from a clock function, wherein the light control data comprises an indication of a type of the data source, defining, using the control unit, a future operational state for the control unit based on a present operational state for the control unit, the indication of the type of the data source comprised with the received light control data, and a predefined control logic implemented by the control unit, forming, using the control unit, a drive command based on the future operational state, and controlling, using the control unit and the drive module, the light source using the drive module and based on the drive command. This aspect of the present disclosure provides similar advantages as discussed above in relation to the previous aspect of the present disclosure.

According to a still further aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon computer program means for operating a light control unit, the light control unit comprising a communication module configured to receive light control data from a first data source arranged remotely from the light control unit, a drive module configured to control a light source electrically connected to the light control unit, and a control unit connected to the communication module and the drive module, wherein the computer program product comprises code for receiving, at the control unit, the light control data from one of the first data source and a second data source, the second data source in turn forming light control data from a clock function, wherein the light control data comprises an indication of a type of the data source, code for defining, using the control unit, a future operational state for the control unit based on a present operational state for the control unit, the indication of the type of the data source comprised with the received light control data, and a predefined control logic implemented by the control unit, code for forming, using the control unit, a drive command based on the future operational state, and code for controlling, using the control unit and the drive module, the light source using the drive module and based on the drive command. Also this aspect of the present disclosure provides similar advantages as discussed above in relation to the previous aspects of the present disclosure.

A software executed by the server for operation in accordance to the present disclosure may be stored on a computer readable medium, being any type of memory device, including one of a removable nonvolatile random access memory, a hard disk drive, a floppy disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a USB memory, an SD memory card, or a similar computer readable medium known in the art.

Further features of, and advantages with, the present disclosure will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following description. The skilled addressee realize that different features of the present disclosure may be combined to create embodiments other than those described in the following, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various aspects of the present disclosure, including its particular features and advantages, will be readily understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 conceptually illustrates a light control unit according to a currently preferred embodiment of the present disclosure,

Fig. 2 shows a conceptual installation of the lighting system where the light control unit of Fig. 1 forms part,

Fig. 3 present a time axis presenting an exemplary flow of operation of the light control unit, and Fig. 4 shows a flow chart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. This present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein, rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness, and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the skilled addressee. Like reference characters refer to like elements throughout.

Referring now to the drawings and to Fig. 1 in particular, there is depicted a light control unit 100 according to a possible embodiment of the present disclosure. The light control unit 100 comprises a control unit 102, a communication module 104 configured to receive light control data from a first data source arranged remotely from the light control unit 100, and a drive module 106 configured to control a light source electrically connected to the light control unit 102.

The control unit 102 may include a microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable digital signal processor or another programmable device. The control unit 102 may also, or instead, each include an application specific integrated circuit, a programmable gate array or programmable array logic, a programmable logic device, or a digital signal processor. Where the control unit 102 includes a programmable device such as the microprocessor, microcontroller or programmable digital signal processor mentioned above, the processor may further include computer executable code that controls operation of the programmable device.

The communication module 104 may be adapted to function as a receiver and preferably as a transceiver, arranged to send and receive light control data in a wired and/or a wireless manner. If the communication module 104 comprises a wireless transceiver, such a wireless transceiver is preferably configured for Bluetooth communication. However, other wireless implementations are possible, such as using WLAN, CDMA, GSM, GPRS, 3G mobile communications, 4G mobile communications, Zig-Bee, infrared, or similar. The wireless communication is preferably performed within a radio spectrum comprising frequency bands within the 2.4 GHz range, possibly also or instead at the 5 GHz radio frequency spectrum. The drive module 106 is adapted for controlling the above discussed light source. In the simplest implementation the drive module 106 is arranged to comprise circuitry to allow the light source to turn on and off. As such, the drive module 106 may for example comprise a relay and/or switching circuitry, and/or any other form or circuitry for controlling the light source. As an example, the drive module 106 may, as mentioned above, be arranged for remote control of one or a plurality of light sources using e.g. the DALI communication protocol. Other communication protocols are of course possible and within the scope of the present disclosure.

With further reference to Fig. 2, the light control unit 100 may be provided as a component of a lighting system 200, further comprising a light source or luminaire 202. Further light sources or luminaires 202 may be comprised with the lighting system 200 and controlled by one single light control unit 100, where the light sources 20 may include a mixture of e.g. halogen based or light emitting diode (LED) based luminaires. A halogenbased luminaire may for example be configured to receive an unregulated electrical mains AC signal, e.g. rated at 230 or 110 V, whereas an LED based luminaire may need a regulated DC drive signal at e.g. 5 V, 12 V, 18 V, etc. Other technologies and/or solutions are of course possible and within the scope of the present disclosure.

Additionally, the lighting system 200 may comprise the first data source, in Fig. 2 exemplified as a PIR sensor 204. If e.g. a person enters into an active area of the PIR sensor 204, the PIR sensor 204 will form light control data that is transmitted to the light control unit 100.

A further data source is exemplified in Fig. 2 in the form of a software application running on a mobile device, such as a mobile phone 206. In a graphical user interface (GUI) of the mobile phone 206 there is in Fig. 2 resented a “virtual light controller” (or “button”) for controlling forming light control data that is to be transmitted to the light control unit 100.

In Fig. 2, a garage driveway is presented, where the PIR sensor 204 and the mobile phone 206 are arranged to, under certain situations as will be elaborated below in relation to Figs. 3 and 4, control the light source 202. The concept according to the present disclosure is applicable for outdoor as well as indoor environments.

In addition to the first data source in the form of the PIR sensor 202 and the further data source in the form of the mobile phone 206, a second data source (not explicitly shown) is provided as a clock function. The clock function is preferably implemented as a component of the control unit 102. However, the clock function could possibly be provided as a remote module (e.g. at a server function or similar), generating timer and/or clock data to the light control unit 100.

One example of how to operate lighting at the garage driveway shown in Fig. 2 could be to arrange light control unit 100 to control the light source 102 to be lit between sunset to sunrise and turned off daytime (i.e. using the clock function). The intensity is 20% during midnight hours between 00-05 and 100% other hours (from sunset to 00 and from 05 to sunrise). Connected wirelessly to the same system controlling the same light source is also the PIR sensor 204 that triggers the light to turn to 80% during one minute when presence is detected. This should have action one hour before sunset to one hour after sunrise. The light will turn on if presence is detected between one hour before sunset and sunset and turn off after one minute if it’s still before sunset. If motion is detected when the emitted light is at 100% it will not change intensity but will record that motion is active at least one minute more and not drop light intensity below 80% based on time events. If the time turns past 00 it will drop to 20% if there’s no presence detected, in the case presence is detected within one minute before it will not drop intensity until after the presence is not detected anymore. If motion is detected between 00-05 it will increase light intensity to 80% (from 20%) and if the clock turns 05 and motion is present it will increase to 100% (from 80%).

Manual direct-action control for example from an app or button will override all intensities mentioned since that is intended active control. If turned off when presence is detected. The light will remain off as long as presence is detected instead of going to 80% since a present person has made an informed decision and that should not be automatically overridden by presence sensors. But may be overridden by manual control or time events.

Furthermore the clock data may be used not only to trigger/create light control data but also to time gate received light control data e.g motion commands to have impact or not to have impact in the control logic to define or not to define the current and future operational state and/or light intensity.

Above was an example of how a system could make different decisions on light intensity changes based on the same command depending on previous command types and previous intensity levels while also influencing the susceptibility of future command types and intensity changes. The clock and keeping several intensity levels stored in memory are used as means for making proper decisions as well.

A similar example of operating the lighting system 200 is presented with further reference to Figs. 3 and 4, where a user has installed the lighting system 200 within his/her environment, as exemplified with the garage driveway of Fig. 2. The clock function has been arranged to generate light control data comprising an instruction to activate the light source 202 at an intensity level of 20% from just before sunset to just after sunrise. This light control data here represents the light control data that is provided by the second data source and received, SI, by the control unit 102. However, the control unit is arranged to also receive light control data from the first data source, here represented by the PIR sensor 204.

In accordance with the present disclosure, the control unit 102 is further arranged to define, S2, a future operational state for the control unit based on a present operational state for the control unit 102, the indication of the type of the data source comprised with the received light control data, and a predefined control logic implemented by the control unit 102.

In line with the present disclosure, the control unit 102 will thus decide, once light control data is received, of how the light source is to illuminate the garage driveway based on a current (and possibly past) operation of the control unit 102, for example including how the light source 202 is presently operating. This information is used in conjunction with the type of source that is sensing the light control data and a pre-set logic for light control. The pre-set logic preferably includes a state machine that has been adapted to, in a state machine manner, handle upcoming lighting scenarios. Some portions of the state machine may be “hardcoded”, whereas some portions of the state machine may be “configurable”.

Once the future operational state has been decided, the control unit 102 will form, S3, form a drive command based on the future operational state, and then control, S4, the light source 202 using the drive module 106 and based on the drive command.

As discussed above, the operation of the light control unit 100 is continuously repeated once further light control data is received, whereby the control logic will handle if and how e.g. the intensity of the light source should be adjusted.

In Fig. 3, a person is entering within the active area of the PIR sensor 204, whereby the PIR sensor 204 will transmit light control data to the light control unit 100. The control unit 102 will identify the received light control data as coming from a data source that is considered, by the control logic, to have “higher priority” as compared to the clock function. Accordingly, an intensity level that has been set for the PIR sensor 204 is arranged to form the drive command to be used for controlling the light source. When no further light control data is received from the PIR sensor 204, this is considered by the light control unit 100 as a “non-activity” and the state machine may “move back” to the state where the intensity level is defined by the clock function, i.e. to 20%.

However, at a later stage (but before sunrise) the third data source, i.e. the mobile phone 206, is used for forming light control data defining a desire to manually operating the light intensity to 50%. Also manual control is considered, by the control logic, to have a higher priority as compared to the clock function at that specific time of the day. As such, the light intensity is adjusted to 50%.

However, when sunrise has passed and the clock function forms light control data to turn off the light source 202, this light control data is considered by the control logic to have a higher priority as compared to the previous manual control, since the control logic has been defined with the intention to turn off the light source 202 when natural light is available. Accordingly, the amount of energy consumed by the light source 202 may be reduced.

In summary, the present disclosure relates to a light control unit, comprising a communication module configured to receive light control data from a first data source arranged remotely from the light control unit, a drive module configured to control a light source electrically connected to the light control unit, and a control unit connected to the communication module and the drive module, wherein the control unit is arranged to receive the light control data from one of the first data source and a second data source, the second data source in turn forming light control data from a clock function, wherein the light control data comprises an indication of a type of the data source, define a future operational state for the control unit based on a present operational state for the control unit, the indication of the type of the data source comprised with the received light control data, and a predefined control logic implemented by the control unit, form a drive command based on the future operational state, and control the light source using the drive module and based on the drive command.

The control functionality of the present disclosure may be implemented using existing computer processors, or by a special purpose computer processor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or another purpose, or by a hardwire system. Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure include program products comprising machine- readable medium for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example, such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a machine, the machine properly views the connection as a machine-readable medium. Thus, any such connection is properly termed a machine-readable medium. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data, which cause a general-purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain function or group of functions.

Although the figures may show a sequence the order of the steps may differ from what is depicted. In addition, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Such variation will depend on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps and decision steps. Additionally, even though the present disclosure has been described with reference to specific exemplifying embodiments thereof, many different alterations, modifications and the like will become apparent for those skilled in the art.

In addition, variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by the skilled addressee in practicing the claimed present disclosure, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. Furthermore, in the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

Claims

1. A light control unit, comprising:

- a communication module configured to receive light control data from a first data source arranged remotely from the light control unit;

- a drive module configured to control a light source electrically connected to the light control unit, and

- a control unit connected to the communication module and the drive module, wherein the control unit is arranged to:

- receive the light control data from one of the first data source and a second data source, the second data source in turn forming light control data from a clock function, wherein the light control data comprises an indication of a type of the data source,

- define a future operational state for the control unit based on a present operational state for the control unit, the indication of the type of the data source comprised with the received light control data, and a predefined control logic implemented by the control unit,

- form a drive command based on the future operational state, and

- control the light source using the drive module and based on the drive command.

2. The light control unit according to claim 1, wherein the predefined control logic implemented by the control unit is arranged as a state machine.

3. The light control unit according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein each of a plurality of different types of data sources has a corresponding priority level, and defining the present operational state is further based on the priority level.

4. The light control unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive command defines at least one of an operational state of the light source, an intensity level for the light source, a color temperature for the light source.

5. The light control unit according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a housing enclosing the communication module, the drive module and the control unit.

6. The light control unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit is arranged to repeatedly define a present operational state for the control unit when new light control data is made available.

7. The light control unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first data source is an occupancy sensor.

8. The light control unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication module configured to receive light control data from a third data source arranged remotely from the light control unit.

9. The light control unit according to claim 8, wherein the third data source is a manually operated switching device.

10. The light control unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clock function provides information relating to at least one of a sunrise and a sunset at an approximate geographical location of the light control unit.

11. The light control unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication module is arranged to receive the light control data over wired or wirelessly.

12. A luminaire, comprising:

- a light control unit according to any one of the preceding claims, and

- a light source.

13. A lighting system, comprising:

- a light control unit according to any one of the preceding claims,

- a light source, and

- a first data source.

14. The lighting system according to claim 13, wherein the lighting system comprises a plurality of individually controllable light sources.

15. A computer-implemented method for operating a light control unit, the light control unit comprising:

- a control unit connected to the communication module and the drive module, wherein the method comprises the steps of:

- receiving, at the control unit, the light control data from one of the first data source and a second data source, the second data source in turn forming light control data from a clock function, wherein the light control data comprises an indication of a type of the data source,

- defining, using the control unit, a future operational state for the control unit based on a present operational state for the control unit, the indication of the type of the data source comprised with the received light control data, and a predefined control logic implemented by the control unit,

- forming, using the control unit, a drive command based on the future operational state, and

- controlling, using the control unit and the drive module, the light source using the drive module and based on the drive command.

16. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon computer program means for operating a light control unit, the light control unit comprising:

- a control unit connected to the communication module and the drive module, wherein the computer program product comprises:

- code for receiving, at the control unit, the light control data from one of the first data source and a second data source, the second data source in turn forming light control data from a clock function, wherein the light control data comprises an indication of a type of the data source, - code for defining, using the control unit, a future operational state for the control unit based on a present operational state for the control unit, the indication of the type of the data source comprised with the received light control data, and a predefined control logic implemented by the control unit, - code for forming, using the control unit, a drive command based on the future operational state, and

- code for controlling, using the control unit and the drive module, the light source using the drive module and based on the drive command.