WO2026017445A1 - A method for improving user experience in an environment and a controller thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for improving user experience in an environment. The environment comprises a first actuation system and a second actuation system, and a first controller and a second controller are arranged for controlling the first and the second actuation system respectively. The method comprises, receiving, at the first controller, a control request from the second controller, said control request comprising a query to adjust the first actuation system, and transmitting, from the first controller, an origin request to the second controller, said origin request comprising a query to provide an origin of the control request. The method further comprises, receiving, in response to said origin request, at the first controller, said origin of the control request, determining a priority value associated with the control request based on the origin of the control request, said priority value being indicative of the level of priority of the control request, and determing whether to adjust the first actuation system in accordance with the control request based on the priority value.

Description

A method for improving user experience in an environment and a controller thereof

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a method for improving user experience in an environment comprising a first and a second actuation system. The invention further relates to a controller, a system and a computer program product for improving user experience in an environment.

BACKGROUND

A smart home system is arranged for monitoring and/or controlling home attributes such as lighting, climate, entertainment systems, smell dispensers, haptic systems, fans and appliances. A smart actuation system comprises functions of sensing, actuation and/or control in order to describe and analyse a situation in an environment. The sensing enables the system to ‘see’ the environment, machine learning/ Al algorithms bring the ‘intelligence to think/decide based on what is seen’ and the actuating elements provide the means to impact the environment based on the ‘smart’ decisions taking by the machine learning/ Al algorithm.

When connected with the Internet, smart (home) devices are an important constituent of the Internet of Things (loT). Although the convention of smart ‘home’ system is used, the concept of connected/smart systems are equally used in other non-home environments such as offices, retail, hotels, restaurants, public spaces, malls, hospitals etc.

When multiple smart systems co-exist in an environment, they can work together to create a cohesive and efficient ecosystem that enhances the overall functionality and convenience of the environment. However, the co-existence of multiple smart systems in an environment may also pose challenges.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventors have realized that the interactions between different smart systems in a multi-smart systems environment are constantly increasing and evolving. Due to these ever-increasing interactions, the overall effect as a result of such joint actuation of different actuation systems may improve or deteriorate a user’s overall experience in the environment. For example, performance of a camera security system may be (negatively or positively) affected by the status of the lighting system. Since, these smart systems are aimed at improving user experiences in the environment, the actuations of different actuation systems should be coordinated in such a way that the user experience is improved or at least not compromised. In the context of this application, "environment" refers to the physical area or space where the first and second actuation systems are operating. This could be a home, office, industrial setting, or any other location where these systems are installed and functioning.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to improve user experience in an environment in view of a co-existence of multiple actuation/sensing systems in a multismart systems environment.

According to a first aspect, the object is achieved by a method for improving user experience in an environment, said environment comprising a first actuation system and a second actuation system, and wherein a first controller and a second controller are arranged for controlling the first and the second actuation system respectively. Said method is for controlling the first actuation system wherein said first actuation system has an at least partially overlapping range of actuation with the second actuation system The method comprises, receiving, at the first controller, a control request from the second controller, said control request comprising a query for the first controller to adjust the first actuation system, transmitting, from the first controller, an origin request to the second controller, said origin request comprising a query for the second controller to provide an origin of the control request to the first controller. Said control request is originated either by a user of the second actuation system or by an inference of the second controller The method further comprises, receiving, in response to said origin request, at the first controller, said origin of the control request, determining, by the first controller, a priority value associated with the control request based on the origin of the control request, said priority value being indicative of the level of priority of the control request, and determining, by the first controller, whether to adjust the first actuation system in accordance with the control request based on the priority value.

The method relates to improving user experience in an environment. The environment may be an indoor environment such as a home, a hotel, an elderly care home, a hospital, an office, a grocery/shopping store etc., or an outdoor environment such as a street, a parking lot, a stadium etc. The user experience or a user’s sensory experience may comprise an overall experience of a person in an environment. This may include the user's perceptions, attitudes, and emotions towards the system. The user experience may be provided by a first actuation system and a second actuation system, wherein a first controller and a second controller are arranged for controlling the first and the second actuation system respectively. An actuation system refers to a network of interconnected devices, appliances, and systems that can be controlled and automated to perform various tasks and functions, such as lighting control, temperature control, security, entertainment, and more. The first and second actuation systems may have at least a partially overlapping range of actuation in the environment. The effect of actuation may be limited to a subzone of the (shared) environment or extended to the complete environment. For example, a first lighting actuation system may provide illumination in a region while a second HVAC actuation system may control the temperature of that region.

The method comprises receiving, at the first controller, a control request from the second controller, said control request comprising a query (for the first controller) to adjust the first actuation system. The adjustment may comprise adjusting (changing) the values of one or more parameters of at least one device of the first actuation system. For example, if the first actuation system is a lighting system comprising one or more lighting devices, the adjustment may comprises adjusting the intensity, color temperature, color, beam width, beam direction, polarization of illumination, infrared spectrum illumination, UV spectrum, illumination intensity of one or more devices of the lighting system. The change or adjustment of the actuation may be at least observed or perceived by the user in the at least partially overlapping range of actuation.

The method further comprises transmitting, from the first controller, a origin request to the second controller, said origin request comprising a query to provide an origin of the control request. Said transmission is in response to said control request. The control request, sent by the second controller, may be originated by a first or a second source. For example, the control request may be originated directly from a user of the second actuation system, i.e., the user may directly request, e.g., via a user interface in the second actuation system, a setting or actuation of the second actuation system that requires or triggers the adjustment of the first actuation system. For example, a user may request a vision-based security system (second actuation system) to increase its video analysis. The vision-based security system requires an increase in brightness on the environment to achieve said increased analysis and transmits a request to the lighting system (first actuation system) to increase brightness of the lighting devices such that the environment can be better lit. In another example, the control request may be originated by the second controller, i.e., an inference/prediction/analysis performed on the second controller that requires/triggers the adjustment of the first actuation system. The second controller may use a machine learning model for inference based on the available (current/past) observations of the environment/user. For example, the vision-based system may infer that the brightness of the environment affects video accuracy and requests the lighting system to increase brightness of the lighting devices. In another example, an audio rendering system (second actuation system) may infer, via a machine learning model, that the user is meditating and requests the lighting system to control the lighting devices according to a “meditating” lighting scene to complement the rendered audio.

In another example, the control request may be originated from an Al agent trained to be the Al “digital twin” of the user; the Al digital twin is configured to maintain a virtual representation of an individual's physiological state, using real-time data from sensors, with the purpose of simulating the decisions the human user would make if consulted, for instance, whether and how to adjust the actuation systems. The Al digital twin may be known to be highly accurate in representing a first aspect of the human user, such as the user’s need for rest. In this case, a high priority value is assigned to the control request, if the second controller requests from the first controller a lighting scene promoting the user to decompress and relax. The Al digital twin may be known to be less accurate in representing a second aspect of the human user, such as the user being open for a surprise. In this case, a low priority value may be assigned to the control request, if the second controller requests from the first controller a “surprise me!” lighting scene.

The method further comprises receiving at the first controller, in response to said origin request, the source of said control request from the second controller. The method comprises determining a priority value associated with the control request based on the source of the control request, said priority value being indicative of the level of priority of the control request. For example, if the source (origin) of the control request is directly from a user, a higher priority value is determined compared to a control request originated from the second controller (e.g., based on an inference of the second controller).

The method further comprises determining whether to adjust the first actuation system in accordance with the control request based on the priority value. For example, if the determined priority value exceeds a (predetermined) priority threshold, the first controller adjusts (controls) the first actuation system according to the control request. That is, the first controller adjusts the values of parameters of the actuation system according to the control request by the second controller. On the contrary, if the determined priority value does not exceed the (predetermined) priority threshold, the first controller refrains from adjusting (controlling) the first actuation system based on the control request.

Since the method comprises determining whether to accept a control request coming from a second system based on the determined priority value, the user experience is improved. For example, requests originated by a user of the second actuation system are assigned a higher priority compared to requests originated from an inference of the second controller. For instance, a first lighting controller provides more weight to the request coming directly from the first user for a change of a light scene compared to a request inferred by a second controller to change the light scene.

There may be also a relative difference between the weight the lighting controller provides to the request from the first user and the second user such as an adult, elderly and kid, respectively. For example, a request originated from an adult may be associated with a higher priority value compared to a request originated by a kid.

The first controller may determine whether and at which degree to adjust the first actuation system based on the priority value. For example, if said priority value is below a first priority threshold, the first controller refrains from adjusting the first actuation system according to the control request. However, if said priority value is above the first priority threshold and below a second priority threshold, the first controller may adjust in part the first actuation system, such that at least part of the control request is satisfied. If said priority value is above the second priority threshold, the first controller adjusts the first actuation system in accordance with the control request. The second priority threshold is higher than the first priority threshold. For example, the first controller may refrain from increasing the brightness level of a lighting system in response to a control request with a low priority value, e.g., request originated by a low-accuracy inference of a second non-lighting system. On the other hand, the first controller may increase the brightness of only one of the devices in the environment in response to a medium-priority control request, e.g., request originated by a high-accuracy inference of the second system. The first controller may fully satisfy the control request to adjust brightness of the lighting system in response to a high-priority control request, e.g., request originated directly from the user. This is beneficial as the degree at which the control request is accepted\satisfied depends on the determined priority value.

The method may further comprise receiving, at the first controller, information indicative of a characteristic of the second controller, and the determining of the priority value may be based on the received information. The characteristic of the second controller may comprise one or more of a trustworthiness value indicative of a trustworthiness level of the second controller, a physical location of the second controller, a type of the second controller, an inference accuracy of the second controller. This is beneficial as the determination of whether to accept and at what degree the control request is based on characteristics of the second controller. For example, the first controller may not accept control request from a non-trustworthy controller. In another example, the second controller may verify the authentication data of a digital twin claiming to be authorized to represent the human user. If the digital twin behind the request sent by the second controller is authorized to act on behalf of the user, we assign a high priority value. In another example, the first controller may assign a high priority value to a control request originated from a security/alarm system but may assign a lower priority value to a control request originated from an entertainment system, e.g., an audio rendering device.

The method may further comprise receiving, at the first controller, information indicative of a characteristic of the control request, and the determining of the priority level may be further based on the received information. The characteristic of the control request may comprise one or more of a type of the control request, a time at which the control request is received, an encryption of the control request, an authorization of the control request. This is beneficial as the determination of whether to accept and at what degree the control request is based on characteristics of the request. For example, an urgent control request for providing illumination due to a security threat may be assigned a higher priority value compared to a request at night to provide illumination with high intensity. In another example, the control request may originate from an Al mobile agent acting through the user. The priority value may depend on whether the mobile agent is authorized to perform the requested control actuation from the user.

The method may further comprise receiving, at the first controller, information indicative of a characteristic of the environment comprising the first and the second actuation system, and the determining of the priority value may be further based on the received information. The characteristic of the environment may comprise one or more of a communication channel between the first and the second controller (e.g., local communication channel, cloud-to-cloud interface), a type of the environment (e.g., indoors vs outdoors), an occupancy status of the environment (e.g., a single user present or multiple users present in the environment), an energy saving goal of the environment (e.g., assign higher priority value to control requests that are aligned with the target energy saving goals), an environmental health status of the environment (e.g., indoor air quality, temperature and humidity levels, ventilation and air flow). For example, a control request received via a local communication channel may be assigned a higher priority value from a control request received via a cloud-to-cloud interface.

The first actuation system may be a lighting system and the received control request may comprise a request to adjust a value of one or more parameters of the lighting system. For example, the control request may comprise a request to adjust one or more of a brightness level, color, beam width, beam angle, etc. of one or more devices of the lighting system.

The lighting system may comprise a lighting actuation plan defining the values of the parameters of the lighting system and the determining of whether to adjust the lighting system in accordance with the control request may be further based on a degree of difference between the lighting actuation plan and the requested adjustment. For example, the first lighting controller may have an actuation plan according to a circadian rhythm of the user. For example, the actuation plan may comprise high brightness levels in the morning and low brightness levels in the evening. In such cases, the first lighting controller may not accept the control request if the request contradicts with the lighting output which is according to the circadian rhythm of the user. For example, the lighting controller may reject a control request for increasing the brightness levels late in the evening. On the other hand, a control request for increasing the brightness levels in the morning has a low degree of difference with the lighting actuation plan and thus can be accepted.

According to a second aspect, the object is achieved by a controller of a first actuation system, said controller for improving user experience in an environment. The controller is configured to receive a control request from a second controller, said control request comprising a query to adjust the first actuation system. The second controller is comprised in a same environment with the first controller. The controller is further configured to transmit a origin request to the second controller, said origin request comprising a query to provide an origin of the control request and receive, in response to said request, said source of the control request from the second controller. The controller is further configured to determine a priority value associated with the control request based on the source of the control request, said priority value being indicative of the level of priority of the control request, and determine whether to adjust the first actuation system in accordance with the control request based on the priority value. According to a third aspect, the object is achieved by an actuation system comprising the controller described thereof, said actuation system comprised in a common (shared) environment with a second actuation system. The two systems may have a partially overlapping zone of actuation.

According to a fourth aspect, the object is achieved by a computer program product comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the steps of the method described thereof.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the present invention may be embodied as a device, a method or a computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a "circuit", "module" or "system." Functions described in this disclosure may be implemented as an algorithm executed by a processor/microprocessor of a computer. Furthermore, aspects of the present invention may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable medium(s) having computer readable program code embodied, e.g., stored, thereon.

Any combination of one or more computer readable medium(s) may be utilized. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of a computer readable storage medium may include, but are not limited to, the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of the present invention, a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain, or store, a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal with computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

Program code embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wireline, optical fiber, cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing. Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of the present invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Java(TM), Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. The program code may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer, or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

Aspects of the present invention are described below with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the present invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor, in particular a microprocessor or a central processing unit (CPU), of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other devices to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide processes for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of devices, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustrations, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the disclosed systems, devices 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:

Fig. 1 shows schematically and exemplary an embodiment of a system for improving user experience in an environment;

Fig. 2 shows schematically and exemplary an embodiment of a controller for improving user experience in an environment;

Fig. 3 shows and exemplary a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method for improving user experience in an environment via a first actuation system and a second actuation system. 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.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Fig. 1 shows schematically and exemplary an embodiment of a first actuation system 100 for improving user 130 experience in an environment 101. The environment 101 further comprises a second actuation system 150.

The first actuation system 100 is a lighting system comprising a plurality of lighting devices 1 lOa-d. A lighting device 1 lOa-d is a device or structure arranged to emit light suitable for illuminating an environment 101, providing or substantially contributing to the illumination on a scale adequate for that purpose. A lighting device 1 lOa-d comprises at least one light source or lamp, such as an LED-based lamp, gas-discharge lamp or filament bulb, etc., plus (or optionally) any associated support, casing or other such housing. Each of the lighting devices 1 lOa-d may take any of a variety of forms, e.g., a ceiling mounted luminaire, a wall-mounted luminaire, a wall washer, or a free-standing luminaire (and the luminaires need not necessarily all be of the same type). In this exemplary figure, the lighting devices 1 lOa-c are ceiling luminaires, and the lighting device 1 lOd is a standing lamp. Any number and types of the lighting devices 1 lOa-d may be present in the environment 101. For the connected lighting system (connected lighting devices 1 lOa-d), the lighting devices 110a- d may further comprise a wireless transceivers or transmitter/receiver (not shown) for wireless communication according to a wireless communication protocol such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Thread etc. The wireless communication radio frequency signals may be used for radiofrequency -based sensing for different sensing tasks, e.g., presence sensing, motion detection, vital sign detection, fall detection, emotions detection etc. In an example, the output of the lighting illumination may be controlled based on the sensing performed via the radiofrequency -based sensing by the lighting system 1 lOa-d. In this example, the first lighting system may further comprise sensing system via radiofrequency-based sensing. In an advanced example, the adjustment of the lighting system may further comprise adjusting radiofrequency -based sensing performed via the lighting devices.

The second actuation system 150 is exemplary shown as a smart thermostat system (temperature control system) 150. A smart thermostat is a type of thermostat that can be controlled remotely using a user device 131 such as a mobile phone, laptop, tablet etc. or other internet-connected device. The smart thermostat may learn a user's 130 schedule and automatically adjust the temperature to save energy. The smart thermostats may be controlled using voice commands with a smart speaker (not shown). The second actuation system 150 may comprise more than one device, e.g., an n number of devices. In embodiments, the second actuation system 150 may comprise an audio/video system, windows blinds, a visionbased security system, a sprinkler system, a scent system etc.

A first controller 110 and a second controller 120 may be arranged for controlling the first 100 and the second actuation system 150 respectively. In the exemplary figure, the first controller 110 is a lighting controller and shown external to the lighting devices 1 lOa-d, whereas the second controller 120 is shown to be integrated in the second actuation system 120. Alternatively, the first controller 110 may be integrated in one or more lighting devices 1 lOa-d, and/or the second controller 120 may be external to the second actuation system 150. Further, the first controller 110 and the second controller 120 may comprise a distributed controller distributed over space and/or distributed among different devices. The first 100 and the second 150 actuation system may have at least a partially overlapping range of actuation in the environment 101. The range of actuation comprises the area/volume where the impact of the actuation can be observed, e.g., perceived by a user 130 present in the environment 101. The overlapping range may be the complete environment 101 or at least a part of it. For example, the lighting devices 1 lOa-d illuminate the same area/volume in the environment 101 where the temperature is adjusted/controlled by the smart thermostat.

Fig. 2 shows schematically and exemplary an embodiment of a controller 210 for improving user experience in an environment 101. The controller 210 may comprise an input unit 214 and an output unit 215. The input 214 and the output 215 units may be comprised in a transceiver 5 (not shown) or input 214 may be comprised in a receiver and the output 215 is comprised in a transmitter, arranged for receiving (input unit 214) and transmitting (output unit 215) radio frequency signals or any wireless signal for communicating with the second controller 150 according to any suitable wireless communication protocol such as Bluetooth, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, Thread etc. The input 214 and the output unit 215 may be arranged for wired communication according to any suitable wired communication protocol such as power-over-ethernet, power-line communication etc.

The controller 210 may further comprise a memory 212 which may be arranged for storing communication IDs of the first controller 210, the second controller 120, the lighting devices 1 lOa-d, and/or of any actuation/sensing device. The controller 210 may comprise a processor 213 arranged for executing or at least controlling the execution of the steps of the method according to the first aspect. Further, the controller 210 may be implemented in the environment 101 or remote from the environment 101 (e.g. on a server); and the controller 210 may be implemented in a single unit or in the form of distributed functionality distributed amongst multiple separate units (e.g. a distributed server comprising multiple server units at one or more geographical sites, or a distributed control function distributed amongst the user device 131, the lighting devices 1 lOa-d, etc. The controller 210 may be communicatively connected to the cloud 220. Furthermore, the controller 210 may be implemented in the form of software stored on a memory (comprising one or more memory devices) and arranged for execution on a processor (comprising one or more processing units), or the controller 210 may be implemented in the form of dedicated hardware circuitry, or configurable or reconfigurable circuitry such as a PGA or FPGA, or any combination of these. To enable the controller 210, for example, to receive or transmit communication signals, the communication may be implemented in by any suitable wired or wireless means such as a local (short range) RF network, e.g., a Wi-Fi, ZigBee, Bluetooth or Thread network, Power-over-Ethernet, power-line communication or any combination of these and/or other means.

Fig. 3 shows schematically and exemplary a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method 300 for improving user 130 experience in an environment 101 comprising a first actuation system 100 and a second actuation system 150. A first controller 110 and a second controller 120 are arranged for controlling the first 100 and the second actuation system 150 respectively. The method 300 comprises receiving 310, at the first controller 110, a control request from the second controller 120, wherein the control request comprises a query to the first controller 120 to adjust the actuation of the first actuation system. That is, the control request comprises a query (requesting the first controller 120) to adjust (change) one or more parameter values of parameters of the one or more devices of the first actuation system. The adjustment may comprise adjusting the lighting outcome of one or more the lighting devices 1 lOa-d, e.g., adjusting the intensity, brightness, polarization of the light source (not shown) of the lighting devices 1 lOa-d. In another example, when the lighting devices 1 lOa-d are further used for radiofrequency -based sensing, the adjustment of the actuation of the first actuation system (lighting system) may comprise adjusting the sensing characteristics of the radiofrequency- based sensing such as sensing area, sensing nodes, sensing sensitivity etc.

The method further comprises transmitting 320, from the first controller 120, an origin request to the second controller, said origin request comprising a query to provide an origin of the control request. The control request, sent by the second controller 120 to the first controller 110, may be originated from a first or a second origin. For example, a control request may be originated directly from the user 130 (e.g., through a command to a mobile phone Al agent, direct control command through a user interface such as a mobile app, etc), or may be originated by the second controller 120, e.g., by an inference\prediction of the second controller 120. For example, the second controller 120 may comprise or be arranged for using machine learning models to determine at least some of the control decisions for controlling its respective actuation and/or sensing system. A machine learning model may comprise a mathematical function or representation of a relationship between input(s) and output(s). A model is the result of a machine learning algorithm applied to a training data set. A model is often a parametrized mathematical formula, where parameters are learned by a machine learning algorithm. Given input data, a model can produce a classification label or a regression value directly, or it can produce a probability for each possible value (input).

In an example, the controller 110 may infer the origin of the control request, e.g., via a received message ID, via a sensing system, etc.

The method further comprises receiving 330, at the first controller 110, said origin of the control request (or information indicative of the origin of the control request) and determining 340, by the first controller 110, a priority value associated with the control request based on the origin of the control request. The priority value is indicative of a level of priority of the control request. The controller 110 may use a look-up table associating origins of the control request and priority values, may use a machine learning model to infer said priority value, etc. A request originated directly from a user may be assigned a higher priority value compared to a request originated by the second controller 120.

The method of further comprises determining 350 whether to adjust the first actuation system in accordance with the control request based on the priority value. For example, the controller 110 may accept the control request (adjust the first actuation system 100 in accordance with the control request), if said priority value is above a predetermined priority threshold. The controller 110 may reject the control request (refrain from adjusting the first actuation system 100 in accordance with the control request), if said priority value is below the predetermined priority threshold. A plurality of predetermined priority thresholds may be defined and the controller 110 may determine the level of adjustment of the first actuation system 100 based on the plurality of thresholds. For example, if said priority value is below a first priority threshold, the controller 110 may refrain from adjusting the first actuation system, if said priority value is above the first priority threshold and below a second priority threshold, the controller 110 may adjust in part the first actuation system, such that at least part of the control request is satisfied (partially accept the control request), and if said priority value is above the second priority threshold, the controller 110 may adjust the first actuation system in accordance with the control request (fully accept the control request). The second priority threshold is higher than the first priority threshold.

In an example, the user may directly request, e.g., via user device 131 used to control the smart thermostat of the temperature control system 150, to generate a tropical experience in the environment 101. The controller 120 of the temperature control system 150 requests the lighting system 100 to control the lighting devices 1 lOa-d according to a “tropical scene” such that a more immersive environment is created for the user. A “tropical scene” may refer to a specific pre-determined settings (values of parameters) of the lighting devices 1 lOa-d that is designed to simulate the lighting conditions of a tropical environment. This could include warm, yellow-toned lighting color values. A high priority value (above threshold) may be determined for such a request originating directly from the user 130 and thus, the controller 110 may adjust the lighting control system 100 according to the control request. That is, the first controller 110 accepts the control request from the second controller 120. In another example, the control request may be originated by the second controller, i..e, an inference/prediction/analysis performed on the second controller that requires/triggers the adjustment of the first actuation system. The second controller may use a machine learning model for inference based on the available (current/past) observations of the environment/user. For example, the temperature control system may infer (via its sensing system) that the user 130 is away from the environment 101 and requests the lighting system to turn off the lighting devices 1 lOa-d to save energy. The controller 110 may determine a higher priority value for the control request originated from the user compared to the control request inferred by the second controller 120. A lower priority value (below threshold) may be determined for such a request and thus, the controller 110 may not adjust the lighting control system 100 according to the control request. That is, the first controller 110 rejects the control request from the second controller 120.

The method 300 may be executed by computer program code of a computer program product when the computer program product is run on a processing unit of a computing device, such as the processor 110 of the first actuation system 100.

In embodiments, the method 300 may further comprise receiving, at the first controller 110, information indicative of a characteristic of the second controller 120. The determination of the priority value may further be based on the received information indicative of a characteristic of the second controller 120. The characteristic of the second controller may comprise one or more of a trustworthiness value indicative of a trustworthiness level of the second controller, a physical location of the second controller, a type of the second controller, an inference accuracy of the second controller. For example, a request originated from the second controller 120 using an explainable machine learning model may be assigned a higher priority value compared to a request originated from the second controller using a non-explainable model.

In embodiments, the method 300 may further comprise receiving, at the first controller 110, information indicative of a characteristic of the control request. The determination of the priority value may further be based on the received information indicative of a characteristic of the control request. The characteristic of the control request may comprise one or more of a type of the control request, a time at which the control request is received, an encryption of the control request, etc.

In embodiments, the method 300 may further comprise receiving, at the first controller 110, information indicative of a characteristic of the environment comprising the first and the second actuation system. The determination of the priority value may further be based on the received information indicative of the characteristic of the environment. The characteristic of the environment may comprise one or more of a communication channel between the first and the second controller, a type of the environment, an occupancy status of the environment, an energy saving goal of the environment, an environmental health status of the environment. For example, a higher priority value may be assigned to (determined) a control request comprising a query to adjust the first actuation system if the environment is occupied by a single person compared to an environment occupied by multiple persons. Similarly, a higher priority value may be assigned to (determined) a control request received via a wired communication channel compared to a control request received via a wireless communication channel. In another example, a higher priority value may be assigned to (determined) a control request for an indoor compared to an outdoor environment, etc.

In embodiments, the lighting system 100 may comprise a lighting actuation plan for actuating the lighting system defining the values of the parameters of the lighting system. The method comprises determining whether to adjust the lighting system in accordance with the control request based on a degree of difference between the lighting actuation plan and the requested adjustment. For example, the first lighting controller 110 may have an actuation plan according to a circadian rhythm of the user. In such cases, the first lighting controller may not accept Ithe request if the request contradicts with the lighting output which is according to the circadian rhythm of the user. Hence, further improving the user experience as the user will e.g., sleep better with the well-regulated circadian rhythm and hence be energized during the day.

Various embodiments of the invention may be implemented as a program product for use with a computer system, where the program(s) of the program product define functions of the embodiments (including the methods described herein). In one embodiment, the program(s) can be contained on a variety of non-transitory computer-readable storage media, where, as used herein, the expression “non-transitory computer readable storage media” comprises all computer-readable media, with the sole exception being a transitory, propagating signal. In another embodiment, the program(s) can be contained on a variety of transitory computer-readable storage media. Illustrative computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to: (i) non-writable storage media (e.g., read-only memory devices within a computer such as CD-ROM disks readable by a CD-ROM drive, ROM chips or any type of solid-state non-volatile semiconductor memory) on which information is permanently stored; and (ii) writable storage media (e.g., flash memory, floppy disks within a diskette drive or hard-disk drive or any type of solid-state random-access semiconductor memory) on which alterable information is stored. The computer program may be run on the processor 302 described herein.

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

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the implementations in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. The embodiments were chosen and described to best explain the principles and some practical applications of the present invention, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the present invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A method for controlling a first actuation system, said first actuation system having an at least partially overlapping range of actuation with a second actuation system, wherein a first controller and a second controller are arranged for controlling the first and the second actuation system respectively, the method comprising: receiving (310), at the first controller, a control request from the second controller, said control request comprising a query for the first controller to adjust the first actuation system; transmitting (320), from the first controller, an origin request to the second controller, said origin request comprising a query for the second controller to provide an origin of the control request to the first controller, wherein said control request is originated by a user of the second actuation system or by an inference of the second controller; receiving (330), at the first controller, said origin of the control request; determining (340), by the first controller, a priority value associated with the control request based on the origin of the control request, said priority value being indicative of a level of priority of the control request, and determining (350), by the first controller, whether to adjust the first actuation system in accordance with the control request based on the priority value.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the determining of whether to adjust the first actuation system in accordance with the control request based on the priority value comprises: adjusting the first actuation system in accordance with the control request if said priority value is above a priority threshold.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the determining of whether to adjust the first actuation system in accordance with the control request based on the priority value comprises: if said priority value is below a first priority threshold, refrain from adjusting the first actuation system; if said priority value is above the first priority threshold and below a second priority threshold, adjusting in part the first actuation system, such that at least part of the control request is satisfied; if said priority value is above the second priority threshold, adjusting the first actuation system in accordance with the control request, and wherein said second priority threshold is higher than said first priority threshold.

4. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein the method further comprises: receiving, at the first controller, information indicative of a characteristic of the second controller, and wherein the determining of the priority value is further based on the received information.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein said characteristic of the second controller comprises one or more of a trustworthiness value indicative of a trustworthiness level of the second controller, a physical location of the second controller, a type of the second controller, an inference accuracy of the second controller.

6. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein the method further comprises: receiving, at the first controller, information indicative of a characteristic of the control request, and wherein the determining of the priority level is further based on the received information.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein said characteristic of the control request comprises one or more of a type of the control request, a time at which the control request is received, an encryption of the control request, an authorization of the control request.

8. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein the method further comprises: receiving, at the first controller, information indicative of a characteristic of the environment comprising the first and the second actuation system, and wherein the determining of the priority value is further based on the received information.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein said characteristic of the environment comprises one or more of a communication channel between the first and the second controller, a type of the environment, an occupancy status of the environment, an energy saving goal of the environment, an environmental health status of the environment.

10. The method according to any preceding claim wherein the first actuation system is a lighting system and wherein said received control request comprises a request to adjust values of one or more parameters of the lighting system.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the lighting system comprises a lighting actuation plan defining values of the parameters of the lighting system and wherein the determining of whether to adjust the lighting system in accordance with the control request is further based on a degree of difference between the lighting actuation plan and the requested adjustment.

12. A controller of a first actuation system, said first actuation system having an at least partially overlapping range of actuation with a second actuation system, said controller configured to: receive a control request from a second controller, said second controller arranged for controlling the second actuation system, said control request comprising a query for the first controller to adjust the first actuation system; transmit an origin request to the second controller, said origin request comprising a query for the second controller to provide an origin of the control request to the first controller, wherein said control request is originated by a user of the second actuation system or by an inference of the second controller; receive said source of the control request; determine a priority value associated with the control request based on the source of the control request, said priority value being indicative of the level of priority of the control request, and determine whether to adjust the first actuation system in accordance with the control request based on the priority value.

13. An actuation system (100) comprising a controller according to claim 12, said actuation system comprised in a shared environment with the second actuation system (110).

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein the first actuation system is a lighting system and wherein the second actuation system is a non-lighting system.

15. A computer program product comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the steps of the method of any one of claims 1-11.