DE102008025475A1 - Furniture e.g. storage rack, illumination method for use in building, involves changing assignment rule by assigning changed operating conditions to selected illumination condition, and storing changed rule in illumination units - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves selecting an illumination condition of an illumination system at a control unit (26). An operating condition of a diode (16) i.e. LED, corresponding to the selected illumination condition is determined by an assignment rule stored within illumination units (14). The diode is adjusted to an operating condition. The operating condition of the diode is changed according to an adjustment of the diode. The rule is changed by assigning the changed operating condition to the selected illumination condition. The changed rule is stored in the illumination units. An independent claim is also included for an illumination system comprising a diode and control elements.

Description

The The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for the programmable lighting of a piece of furniture.

in the In the course of the progressive development of small and flexible lighting systems In recent years it has been for furniture manufacturers become increasingly commonplace, their pieces of furniture, For example, cabinets or sideboards, optional or factory equipped with lighting systems. The illuminated pieces of furniture On the one hand, they can contribute to room lighting. On the other hand, the lighting creates a decorative effect, which enhances the furniture. In addition allows a lighting system to the user, the piece of furniture his living environment, the light conditions and his Adapt preferences and moods. This will be an increasing Need for customization and personalization the furnishings.

looks a piece of furniture several, separated from each other Light elements before, the control of the individual lighting elements for example via the so-called digital addressable Lighting Interface (DALI). A DALI system transfers over a bus a bidirectional data exchange between a central Control unit and individual light elements ago, each over a DALI interface are coupled to the bus. DALI used a serial, asynchronous data protocol with a transmission rate of 1200 bits per second and sees a maximum of 64 connection points per Bus in a variety of possible configurations can be arranged. A DALI system offers this way great design possibilities. It is oriented but rather to the requirements of a permanently installed distributed Lighting system inside or outside a building, in which the light elements individually or in groups separately controlled be a reconfiguration or reprogramming of the circuit However, it is rarely required and if necessary by a specialist is carried out.

Of the Users of an illuminated piece of furniture feels by experience, in contrast, often the desire to change the individual lighting elements into new lighting groups to match the appearance of the piece of furniture to change and set a light scene of his choice. light the individual lighting elements, for example, individual subjects of a shelf, there may be such a need for every time he changes the furnishing of the shelves and adjust the lighting of the compartments to the new facility would like to. Conventional DALI systems require in In such a case, a change in the programming, at the individual lighting elements using the STEU ersoftware be grouped into new groups. Such a reprogramming is not only relatively time consuming, but also sets a certain familiarity with the tax system ahead and contains numerous sources of error.

alternative can be single in a furniture lighting system Lighting elements also using so-called dip-switches be assigned to individual lighting groups, which then over an operating unit can be controlled. When a dip switch acts it is a manual electrical switch of small size, which is set up with other electronic components directly to be used on a printed circuit board. A change the switch position acts directly on the circuit board. Should in a lighting system equipped with such dip switches, the individual lighting elements are combined into new groups, is a manual change of switch position on all concerned Lighting elements required. Often, however, the dip switches are due to the spatial conditions and with consideration on the external appearance of the furniture can be accessible and because of its small size In addition, for some users difficult to use. Even with a lighting system with dip switches is a reconfiguration The circuit for choosing new light scenes therefore usually cumbersome and time consuming. In addition, many such lighting systems exist the limitation that every single lighting element only can be assigned to a single lighting group. Also are with only discrete switch positions can be implemented in the mechanical dip switches. in the In general, the choice is only between switched on and switched off light element; Dimming conditions are for example not provided. This results in unwanted for the user Restrictions.

task The present invention is therefore a method and a Provide device for furniture lighting, the user greatest possible flexibility and Versatility in the selection of light scenes allowed and simultaneously a quick, straightforward and intuitive reconfiguration of the Systems allows.

These The object is achieved by the method according to the invention or the device according to the invention with the Characteristics of claims 1 and 16 solved.

An inventive lighting system for furniture lighting provides a plurality of lighting units, each of which is a lighting element and connected to the lighting element Steue include. Each luminous element can have both a single luminous element and a multiplicity of luminous elements. If the luminous element comprises a plurality of luminous bodies, these may also be arranged spatially separated depending on the shape and shape of the furniture and / or the lighting effects to be achieved. The number of luminous elements within a luminous element and the lighting units as a whole is limited solely by the design of the piece of furniture to be illuminated.

moreover the device according to the invention comprises a Control unit connected to the controls for selecting a under several lighting conditions. Every lighting condition can doing a light scene, d. H. a combination of lighting elements with freely selectable operating state within the operating specifications of the corresponding luminous element correspond.

Of the Operating state can include both the positions on and off, which correspond to a switched on or off light element, as well as a brightness level that give a power consumption of the luminous element between the minimum power consumption and corresponds to the maximum power consumption. Furthermore the operating state can also include one or more color values, if the lighting elements different luminous bodies Have luminous colors. The operating state can also also information about a temporal variation of said and include other operating parameters of the lighting element. For example The operating state could be the rhythmic flashing in one or more colors of one or more of the filaments of the corresponding luminous element. It is also possible, to control the luminous bodies in such a way that a color gradient is generated is, for example, with a continuous color change in the rainbow spectrum.

The Lighting system according to the invention can be arbitrary provide many lighting conditions, between which the Can select users. In addition, the user can the inventive Reconfigure system by selecting desired light scenes assigns new lighting conditions. The determination of available lighting conditions and their modification in the context of the method according to the invention described below.

each the controls of the illumination system according to the invention includes a memory element in which each of the available ones Illumination states an operating state of the with the control associated lighting element is associated. To change the assignment, as for example in a reconfiguration The controller may need to save the control in its associated memory element the current operating state of the luminous element.

at The storage elements may be a persistent or volatile Memory, in particular a semiconductor memory act. The storage element In addition, a read / write access element can also be used for writing data into the memory or reading out data from the store.

The Control unit can be wirelessly connected to the controls. The operating unit can for this purpose a transmitting element for emitting signals to the controls, the controls each a receiving element for receiving the signals emitted by the transmitting element include. Such a control unit, for example in the form of a portable remote control, allows the user a particularly simple and comfortable selection of a lighting condition.

The Lighting system can alternatively also a central mediator unit comprising, wherein the operating unit wirelessly with the central broker unit may be connected, in turn, over a cable route can be connected to the controls. Signals from the control unit can then via the central broker unit be sent to the controls of the lighting units. This results in the advantage that not every one of the lighting units must have its own receiving element for wireless reception, whereby the lighting units are both particularly space-saving as well as cost-saving.

The central mediator unit may be a central control unit and / or a central receiving unit and / or one connected to the central control unit Supply voltage source include. The central intermediary unit, the central control unit and the supply voltage source can each arranged spatially separated or in one be integrated common component.

The Control unit may also be adapted to change signals the operating state of one or more lighting elements and / or Signals to reconfigure the lighting conditions to send the appropriate controls. Also these signals can each wirelessly directly to the lighting unit or indirectly by means of the central broker unit to the Lighting units are sent.

The controls used to control the light elements can be isolated from each other be arranged within each separate lighting units. Alternatively, however, two or more control elements can also be combined in a common central control unit. As a result, taking into account the spatial and formal design of the piece of furniture to be illuminated, advantages in the voltage supply of the control elements and the data supply of the lighting elements can result.

Some or all lighting units of the invention Lighting system can also be a switching element for changing an operating state of an associated Include lighting element. The switching element can in particular be connected to the associated control, so that a switching of the switching element as a signal to the control sent and from the control a corresponding signal to change the operating state be sent to the connected to the control light element can. The switching element can, for example, two switch positions having a switched on or off light element correspond. The switching element can also be a dimmer switch for Selecting a dimming state include. One of the switching element In this case, the control sends the dimming signal from the control be associated with a corresponding power signal for the power consumption of the light emitting element connected to the switching element a value between minimum recording power and maximum recording power provides. The switching element can also switch to select a luminous color. In this case, that will from the switching element to the control transmitted color signal from the control to a command to the lighting element connected to the control implemented within the luminous element, the luminous element corresponding color in a corresponding brightness activated or deactivated. The switching element can also switch for selection a temporally variable lighting process, such as a rhythmic Flashing in changing colors or a gradient include.

The switching elements may comprise sensitive switches, for example touch switches based on capacitive or optoelectronic sensors. Such switches are both reliable and user-friendly and have a relatively small space requirement. As a result, they are advantageous for applications in furniture lighting, where the space is often tight and switching elements with large dimensions are visually distracting. In particular, the switching elements may be reflection light scanners with a radiator for emitting a directed beam and a receiver for detecting the reflected radiation. An advantage of such reflected light scanners in comparison to conventional sensitive switches is increased signal security with low energy consumption. Another advantage of this diffuse reflection sensor is that the illumination unit has lighting elements in the form of LEDs, which are also used as a switching element. The integrated lighting element / switching element is thus integra ler part of the lighting unit. An example of such a diffuse reflection sensor is in EP 1 383 242 A2 to which reference is made.

The Switching elements can be inside the corresponding lighting unit be spatially separated from the lighting elements or even be integrated in the lighting elements. The lighting elements can include any type and number of luminous bodies. It can in particular filament lamps, halogen lamps, Fluorescent tubes or light emitting diodes (LEDs) be used. Light emitting diodes are characterized by their low space and energy requirements and have high efficiency, the too high light output with moderate warming the filament leads. LEDs are therefore for Applications in furniture lighting well suited. moreover results from the moderate heat release when used Of LEDs advantageous the possibility of the switching elements to integrate into the lighting elements. This will not only be the Required space for the lighting units minimized and in this way the range of use of a corresponding furniture lighting system extended. At the same time, such lighting elements are also considered creative particularly appealing.

The The present invention also includes lighting systems, in which a first lighting unit is a transmitting unit for transmission a signal to a second lighting unit may have and the second lighting unit has a receiving unit for receiving of the transmitted by the transmitting unit signal may have. The Signal transmission from the first to the second illumination unit can be wireless or via a cable route. Further For example, the receiving unit may correspond to the receiving element described above.

On This way results in the possibility of information from a first illumination unit to a second illumination unit to transmit, wherein the second illumination unit in particular in Dependence on the received information the operating state one of the second lighting unit associated lighting element can change.

The signal transmitted from the first illumination unit to the second illumination unit may in particular include data on the operating state of a lighting element of the first lighting unit and / or instructions on the operating state of a lighting element of the second lighting unit.

The inventive method for furniture lighting comprising a plurality of lighting units and a control unit Lighting system, each lighting unit is a lighting element comprises the step of selecting a lighting condition under several lighting conditions of the lighting system on the operating unit and also the step of transmitting the lighting state from the control unit to the lighting units. The invention The method further comprises the step of determining a selected one Illumination state corresponding operating state of a luminous element by means of an assignment rule stored within the lighting unit and adjusting the lighting element within the lighting unit on the specific operating condition. Furthermore, the inventive Method of changing the operating state of a luminous element after setting the lighting element to the specific operating condition and changing the assignment rule by assignment of the changed operating state at the selected Illumination state and saving a changed Assignment rule within the lighting unit.

By doing the change of the allocation rule by allocation of the changed operating state to the selected lighting condition can be a choice of new lighting conditions and thus reconfiguring the programming of the lighting circuit in a simple way by adjusting the lighting elements in the desired lighting condition. In this way will be a very simple and intuitive reconfiguration of the lighting control allows a quick choice of new lighting scenes.

The Transmission of the illumination state can be directly to the lighting units respectively. Likewise, the transmission of the illumination state via a central switching unit connected to the operating units respectively.

Change this the operating state of a lighting element can by manual operation a switching element on the lighting unit itself. Alternatively or additionally, changing the Operating state of one or more lighting elements using the control unit done. This can for example be ensured be that the operating state of several lighting elements, for Example of all at a selected lighting condition activated lighting elements, substantially simultaneously and in change the same way.

In The inventive method is each lighting unit assigned their own assignment rule. That way is Ensured that each of the lighting elements in each of the possible Illumination states an operating status freely assigned regardless of the operating status of other lighting elements in the same lighting condition or the same lighting element in other lighting conditions. This results in a Great freedom of choice when choosing and fixing a lighting condition caused solely by the operating parameters the lighting elements used is limited. In the context of these operating parameters can help achieve a desired lighting scene the individual lighting elements are combined as desired. The number storable light scenes is solely due to the number of possible lighting conditions as well as the size of a corresponding memory limited to storing the states.

In Each lighting unit can change the associated one Assignment rule as well as saving the changed Assignment rule according to the invention Procedures be carried out by each change of the Operating state of the lighting element the selected lighting condition automatically assigned the changed operating state and the changed operating state is stored. It is not necessary that the respective lighting units their report the current operating status back to the operating unit; the lighting units only need the current operating state as a mapping rule for the last illumination status sent by the control unit to save. The operating unit itself knows the assignment rules Not. This gives the advantage that when recalling a previously selected lighting condition automatically the last light scene set under this lighting condition is restored without the user saving this light scene explicitly confirm or approve.

Alternatively, it can also be provided by the method according to the invention that changing the assignment rule and saving the changed assignment rule only take place if a change mode has been selected previously. This can prevent a previously set and stored light scene from being accidentally lost by changing the operating state of one or more of the lighting elements. As long as the change mode was not activated when changing the lighting status, fin det no storage of the changed light scene under the current illumination state instead, and the originally set light scene can always be reconstructed by selecting the corresponding illumination state.

The change mode can in particular by sending a signal from the control unit be selected to the lighting units. To this The ease of use of the lighting system additionally increase.

alternative or in addition to selecting the change mode can be used to change the assignment rule and to save the amended assignment rule according to the inventive method the confirmation of the user will be required. Thereby is also stored in an accidental deletion Light scenes effectively prevented.

The Confirmation of the user can in particular by sending a signal from the control unit to the lighting unit. Once again, the ease of use of an inventive Lighting system increases.

The Sending the lighting state from the operating unit to the lighting units can as well as sending a signal to change the operating state of one or more of the lighting elements and / or a signal for selecting the change mode and / or the Sending a signal to confirm the change in the Assignment rule and to save the changed assignment rule be done wirelessly, both directly to the lighting units as also indirectly by means of a central intermediary unit. On This way, the inventive Lighting system in a particularly pleasant for the user Operate the way. In particular, the user can remotely between different lighting conditions and thus light scenes of the furniture.

To the described method according to the invention The lighting units can get information from the Operating unit received. However, the invention also includes also a method for furniture lighting, in which a first Lighting unit additional information to a second Lighting unit transmitted and the second lighting unit depending on the received information, the operating state one of the second lighting unit associated lighting element changes. The information can in particular the operating state one of the first lighting unit associated lighting element and / or Instructions for the operating state of one of the second lighting unit associated lighting element. By having multiple lighting units can also exchange information with each other is the selection of possible light scenes again significantly expanded. For example, it becomes possible to control the operating state of individual Illuminated elements depending on the operating status of others To choose lighting elements. In this way, for example The dimming of a luminous element cause selected ones other lighting elements are dimmed accordingly.

The Inventive device and the invention Lighting control method offers the user the option of a piece of furniture in a variety of possible Illuminate light scenes, quickly and easily between individual light scenes to save, save light scenes of his choice and retrieve them again and the stored light scenes effortlessly through others To replace light scenes.

The inventive method for furniture lighting and the associated lighting system according to the invention can be best described by the description of the following Understand drawings. In a schematic representation:

1 a lighting system for furniture lighting according to a first embodiment of the invention, which comprises nine lighting units and is used to illuminate a shelf with nine shelves;

2 a flowchart illustrating the inventive method for programming lighting conditions;

3 an illumination system according to a second embodiment of the invention comprising a central relay unit.

The inventive device for controlling the lighting of a piece of furniture and the associated method can be used to illuminate furniture of all types, materials and shapes. 1 illustrates the device according to the invention using the example of a shelf 10 with nine separate shelves 12 , each with its own lighting unit 14 exhibit. Each of the lighting units 14 includes a lighting element 16 and one with the lighting element 16 connected control 18 ,

The light element 16 may include one or more lights. This in 1 shown light element 16 includes several light emitting diodes (LEDs). As described above, light-emitting diodes are suitable due to their small dimensions and low heat development at the same time high light output for use in lighting systems for furniture lighting in a special way. However, as an alternative or in addition to LEDs, each of the lighting elements may also comprise conventional filament lamps, halogen incandescent lamps or fluorescent lamps. Also, the inserted Leuchtele elements 16 not necessarily for all lighting units 14 to match. For example, the lighting element 16 one of the lighting units 14 light emitting diodes while another light emitting element 16 ' another lighting unit 14 ' Fluorescent lamps or conventional filament lamps includes. The choice of lighting elements will be based on the shape and design of the furniture, the available space and the desired lighting effects. At the in 1 Shelves all nine lighting units 14 including their lighting elements 16 match. For clarity, in 1 only for one of the lighting units reference numerals introduced.

Each of the in 1 shown lighting units 14 also includes a switching element 20 that with the control 18 is connected and serves to the operating state of the lighting element 16 to change. At the in 1 shown switching element 20 it is an electro-optical proximity sensor, a so-called reflected light sensor. Such a reflective light scanner has a radiator which emits a light beam, and a photosensitive element as a receiver, which detects the light beam reflected by the user's hand. As in 1 shown, such a diffuse sensor can be due to its small size in the luminous element 16 integrate. In each of the in 1 shown lighting units 14 therefore form the luminous element 16 and the switching element 20 one unity. Depending on the luminaires used and the available space, the lighting element 16 and the switching element 20 but equally good in one or more of the lighting units 14 be spatially separated from each other.

The switching element 20 is with the control 18 connected. When in the 1 embodiment shown, the luminous element can due to the integrated design 16 and the switching element 20 via a common cable connection 22 with the control 18 be connected. The cable connection 22 can both to the power supply of the lighting element 16 and the switching element 20 serve as well as the data exchange between control 18 and lighting element 16 or switching element 20 guarantee. In the embodiment shown, in which the luminous element 16 contains light emitting diodes, the cable connection 22 moreover, for transmitting a timing signal from the control 18 to the light element 16 serve. By changing the clock ratio, the brightness of the light from the element 16 emitted light can be selected suitably. There are almost stepless settings between a switched off lighting element 16 and a lighting element operated at maximum input power and brightness 16 possible. The appropriate choice of the clock ratio and thus the operating state of the luminous element 16 is done by the control 16 based on the signals of the switching element 20 , By approaching his hand or an object to the light element 16 the user can use the lighting element 16 switch on or switch off or dim. The operation of such a diffuse reflection sensor is described in detail in the European patent application, for example EP 1 383 242 A2 described.

That in the 1 shown control 18 includes a memory element 24 in which each of a plurality of possible illumination states of the operating state of the control 18 connected lighting element 16 assigned. Under a lighting condition in this context, the entirety of the operating states of all lighting elements 16 all lighting units 14 Understood. Each illumination state therefore corresponds to a light scene, ie an appearance of the shelf provided with the illumination system according to the invention 10 , Possible light scenes and their choice as the illumination state of the device according to the invention will be described below.

At the in 1 By way of example, it is provided that the user can select between four different illumination states A to D. This selection is made in the embodiment shown by the user one of four corresponding to A to D designated switches a control unit 26 tapping. In other embodiments, the user may choose between more or less than four lighting conditions.

In the embodiment shown, the operating unit 26 designed as a remote control, ie wirelessly with each of the controls 18 the lighting units 14 connected. The operating unit contains this 26 a transmitting element 28 to broadcast the selected lighting condition, and each of the controls 18 the lighting units 14 contains a corresponding receiving element 30 for receiving the from the transmitting element 28 emitted signals.

The operating unit 26 In addition to the selection of a lighting state, it can also be used to change the operating states of the lighting elements 16 and to define new lighting conditions.

Should a lighting unit 14 not only from the control unit 26 Receive and process emitted signals, but also in turn data to a second illumination unit 14 ' can send the control 18 the lighting unit 14 moreover, also comprise a transmitting unit (not shown) for transmitting a signal to a second lighting unit.

Other supporting components of the lighting system are shown in the schematic representation of 1 Not shown. In particular, the controls can 18 the lighting units 14 be connected to one or more supply voltage sources for power supply.

The inventive method for selecting and changing lighting conditions will be described below with reference to the 1 and 2 explained.

Everyone the four lighting states A to D is located at the beginning of an initial state. The initial state can be, for example consist in that all the lighting elements of the nine lighting units are turned on. Another initial state could be in it Consist that all the lighting elements of the nine lighting units are turned off. The four initial states can both agree as well as different chosen be.

If the user selects a lighting condition (S32), for example by tapping the control unit key labeled A 26 , the corresponding illumination state A with the help of the transmitting element 28 to the receiving elements 30 within the controls 18 sent (S34).

In the flowchart of 2 are such steps that the user actively performs, characterized by boxes with solid lines. Such method steps, which automatically performs the illumination system according to the invention are, on the other hand, for better distinction by boxes with dashed boundary lines. For example, the selection of a lighting state (S32) is made on the operating unit 26 by the user during the subsequent transmission of the lighting state (S34) from the operating unit 26 to the controls 18 the different lighting units 14 is automatically done in response to the selection of the lighting state (S32).

Upon receipt of the lighting condition is from the control 18 with the help of a memory element 24 stored assignment rule of the lighting state corresponding operating state of the with the control 18 connected lighting element 16 determined (S36). Each of the controls 18 has its own assignment rule. For the initial programming described above, the assigned operating state can be the same for all lighting units 14 a switched on and dimmed lighting element 16 or alternatively a switched off lighting element 16 provide.

The operating state determined by means of the assignment specification differs from the current operating state of the luminous element 16 off, the control turns off 18 the lighting element 16 by sending a signal over the cable connection 22 in the specific operating state (S38). On the other hand, the operating state determined with the aid of the assignment rule is the same as the current operating state of the lighting element 16 match, no switching is required. This method step automatically performs the lighting system according to the invention on all nine lighting units. The current light scene corresponds to the initial lighting condition. By tapping one of the remaining keys B to D of the operating unit 26 the lighting system can be switched to another lighting state.

In addition, the control unit 26 also serve to modify a selected lighting condition. For example, if the lighting condition A is selected, the user can by pressing and holding down the A key of the control unit 26 vary the dimming state of all active in lighting condition A lighting elements. As a result, for example, the overall brightness of a light scene can be adapted quickly and conveniently to changing ambient lighting conditions.

To change one of the four lighting states A to D according to his choice, the user first determines the lighting state to be modified according to the method described above by tapping the corresponding button on the operating unit. Subsequently, the user with the help of the switching elements 20 by changing the operating state (S40) on the lighting units 14 set the new desired lighting condition. If all lighting elements are activated at the beginning, it switches, for example, all those lighting elements by actuating the corresponding switching elements 20 out, which should not contribute to the desired light scene. At the in 1 As shown, the desired light scene could be, for example, that of all nine shelves only the central central compartment should be brightly lit. In this case, the user switches using the switching elements 20 the lighting units 14 all lighting elements except for the central middle lighting element. An alternative light scene could be that only the three shelves of the upper shelf row should be illuminated and the brightness should increase from left to right. In this case, the user switches off all the lighting elements of the lower two rows of shelves and adjusts the three lighting elements of the upper row of shelves using the switching elements 20 the desired dimming condition.

If a light scene is selected according to the wishes of the user, the assignment rule is changed by assigning the changed operating state to the selected lighting state within the controls 18 is changed (S42), and the changed assignment rule is stored (S44).

In the in the 2 Illustrated methods are to change the assignment rule (S42) and to save the changed assignment rule (S44) by changing the operating state of a luminous element each time 16 the automatically selected the new operating state and the changed operating state in the memory element the currently selected lighting state 24 is stored. The lighting system according to the invention thus automatically stores any change in an operating state of one of the lighting elements 16 , Therefore, when the user switches back from a first illumination state A to a second illumination state B and then back to the first illumination state A, he automatically retrieves the light scene last set under the illumination state A. In this way, the four lighting states A to D can be assigned very quickly and easily different light scenes.

In an alternative embodiment, after a change in the operating state (S40) of one of the lighting elements, a change in the assignment rule (S42) and storage of the changed assignment rule (S44) occurs only if the user has previously selected a change mode. This change mode can be achieved, for example, by sending a signal from the operating unit 26 to the lighting units 14 respectively. Alternatively or additionally, to change the assignment rule and to save the changed assignment rule, the confirmation of the user after the setting of the desired light scene may be required. This confirmation can also be done by sending a signal from the control unit 26 to the lighting units 14 respectively. For example, to change the assignment rule and save the changed assignment rule, it may be necessary for the user to set the light scene he has set by continuously pressing the corresponding key on the control unit 26 , for example, for a period of five seconds, confirmed. Only with this confirmation will be within the controls 18 the assignment rule according to the currently selected operating state of the lighting element 16 changed and the changed assignment rule in the memory element 24 saved. In this way, it is ensured that the selected lighting conditions are not caused by accidental changes in the operating state of one of the lighting elements 16 in the memory element 24 be overwritten and lost.

alternative A time limit may be provided so that the user only within a certain period of time, for example within 1 minute, after selecting a lighting condition A changed one Illumination state A can save.

After the user has assigned the selected light scene for a first illumination state A and stored it, he can at the control unit 26 Select a second illumination state B, C or D and assign him a modified according to his preferences light scene according to the method described above. The assignment can take place completely independently of the assignment made for the preceding illumination state A. In particular, the user is completely free within the available parameter range, each of the lighting elements 16 assign an operating state of his choice.

On In this way, the user can successively view each of the four lighting conditions assign a light scene. The invention Method and the device according to the invention allow in this way a very simple and fast programming a great variety of possible light scenes.

3 shows a second embodiment of a lighting system according to the invention for furniture lighting. The corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals as in FIG 1 Mistake. It is different from the one related to 1 described embodiment of the invention in that they in addition to the lighting units 14 and a control unit 26 a central brokerage unit 46 includes, over a cable route 48 with the controls 18 the lighting units 14 connected is. Unlike the related to 1 described embodiment, signals from the control unit 26 So not directly wirelessly to the controls 18 the lighting unit 14 but initially wirelessly from the transmitting element 28 the control unit 26 to the central broker unit 46 and from there via the cable route 48 to the controls 18 ,

This gives the advantage that not every single one of the controls 18 a receiving element for wireless reception of the from the operating unit 26 must have emitted signals. That way you can control the controls 18 form both particularly space-saving and particularly inexpensive.

The central broker unit 46 the Indian 3 embodiment shown has a central control unit 50 and one with the central control unit 50 connected central receiving unit 52 and one with the central control unit 50 connected supply voltage source 54 on.

The central receiving unit 52 serves to receive the from the control unit 26 emitted wireless signals. The received signals are received by the central receiving unit 52 to the central control unit 50 and converted by this into a serial synchronous communication protocol. Instead of a serial synchronous communication protocol, a serial asynchronous transmission method can also be used which requires only three lines for transmission; the communication can also be made via the supply line by the data stream is modulated onto the supply voltage, such as an actuator / sensor bus (ASI). In this case, only two lines for the power supply and the data transmission are necessary.

Over the cable route 48 The converted signals are sent to the controls 18 the lighting units 14 directed. At the cable route 48 It can be a bus line to which a variety of lighting units 14 can be connected. At the in 3 shown embodiment are exemplified four lighting units 14 shown connected to the bus. Nine or a different number of lighting units can also be provided in this exemplary embodiment, although not all lighting units are shown for better clarity.

The bus line can be a 4-wire bus line, with two lines for supplying power to the lighting units 14 , a line for the transmission of a clock signal and a further line for the transmission of the data signal are provided. In this way, the supply voltage source 54 not just to supply the central broker unit 46 serve, but also the lighting units 14 supply. A separate power supply of the lighting units 14 is thereby unnecessary, whereby the space requirement of the lighting system can be further reduced in an advantageous manner.

The operating unit 26 with the transmitting element 28 and the lighting units 14 correspond to with respect to 1 described components with the exception that each of the in 3 shown lighting units 14 several spatially separated luminous bodies 56 having.

Similarly, with respect to the 1 and 2 described inventive method for lighting control, including its variants identical to those with reference to 3 described embodiment of the invention transferable - with the only difference that signals from the control unit 26 to the lighting units 14 by means of the central intermediary unit 46 be sent.

The Embodiments described above and the figures are for illustration only. The scope of protection of the invention Method and apparatus of the invention arises solely from the following claims.

10

shelf

12

shelf

14 14 '

lighting units

16 16 '

lighting elements

18

control

20

switching element

22

cable connection

24

storage element

26

operating unit

28

transmitting element

30

receiving element

S32-S44

steps

46

central intermediary unit

48

cable route

50

central control unit

52

central receiver unit

54

Supply voltage source

56

illuminant

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - EP 1383242 A2 [0020, 0045]

Claims (26)

Method for furniture lighting with a plurality of lighting units ( 14 ) and a control unit ( 26 ) lighting system, each lighting unit ( 14 ) a luminous element ( 16 ), comprising the following steps: selecting a lighting state under a plurality of lighting conditions of the lighting system on the operating unit ( 26 ); Sending the illumination state from the control unit ( 26 ) to the lighting units ( 14 ); Determining an operating state of a lighting element corresponding to the selected lighting state ( 16 ) by means of a within a lighting unit ( 14 ) assignment rule stored; Adjusting the light element ( 16 ) within the lighting unit ( 14 ) to the specific operating condition; Changing the operating state of a lighting element ( 16 ) after adjusting the luminous element ( 16 ); Changing the assignment rule by assigning the changed operating status to the selected lighting condition; Save the changed assignment rule within the lighting unit ( 14 ). Method according to claim 1, wherein the transmission of the illumination state directly to all illumination units ( 14 ) he follows. The method according to claim 1, wherein the transmission of the illumination state via an interface with the control units ( 14 ) central broker unit ( 46 ) he follows. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein changing the operating state of a lighting element ( 16 ) by manually actuating a switching element ( 20 ) of the lighting unit ( 14 ) he follows. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein changing the operating state of one or more light-emitting elements ( 16 ) using the control unit ( 26 ) he follows. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each lighting unit ( 14 ) is assigned its own assignment rule and the steps of determining the operating state and the setting of the lighting element ( 16 ) to the particular operating condition in each of the lighting units ( 14 ) respectively. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein changing the assignment rule and saving the amended allocation rule shall be made only if: previously a change mode is selected. The method of claim 7, wherein the change mode by sending a signal from the control unit ( 26 ) to the lighting units ( 14 ) is selected. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein for changing the assignment rule and for storing the modified assignment rule the confirmation the user is required. The method of claim 9, wherein the acknowledgment by sending a signal from the control unit ( 26 ) to the lighting units ( 14 ) he follows. Method according to one of claims 1, 2, 3, 5, 8 or 10, wherein a wireless signal from the operating unit ( 26 ) to the lighting units ( 14 ) is sent. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the changing of the assignment rule and the storing of the changed assignment rule take place by each time the operating state of a luminous element ( 16 ) of a lighting unit ( 14 ) the changed operating state is automatically assigned to the selected lighting state and the changed operating state is stored. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a first illumination unit ( 14 ) Information to a second lighting unit ( 14 ' ) and the second illumination unit ( 14 ' ) in dependence on the received information, the operating state of one of the second illumination unit ( 14 ' ) associated lighting element ( 16 ' ) changes. The method according to claim 13, wherein the information indicates the operating state of one of the first lighting unit ( 14 ) associated lighting element ( 16 ) and / or instructions for the operating state of one of the second lighting unit ( 14 ' ) associated lighting element ( 16 ' ). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating state is a turn-on state and / or a Dimming state includes. Lighting system for furniture lighting comprising: a plurality of lighting units ( 14 ), each having a lighting element ( 16 ) and a control connected to the lighting element ( 18 ); and one with the controls ( 18 ) connected control unit ( 26 ) for selecting one of a plurality of lighting conditions; with each control ( 18 ) a memory element ( 24 ), in which each of the lighting conditions, an operating state of the with the control ( 18 ) connected luminous element ( 16 ) and to change the association of each control ( 18 ) in its memory element ( 24 ) the current operating state of the lighting element ( 16 ) stores. Lighting system according to claim 16, wherein the operating unit ( 26 ) wirelessly with the controls ( 18 ) and a transmitting element ( 28 ) for sending signals to the controls ( 18 ) and wherein the controls ( 18 ) each a receiving element ( 30 ) for receiving the from the transmitting element ( 28 ) signals. Lighting system according to claim 16, additionally comprising a central switching unit ( 46 ), whereby the operating unit ( 26 ) wirelessly with the central broker unit ( 46 ), which in turn are connected via a cable route ( 48 ) with the controls ( 18 ) connected is. Illumination system according to claim 18, wherein the central broker unit ( 46 ) a central control unit ( 50 ) and / or a central receiving unit ( 52 ) and / or a supply voltage source ( 54 ). Lighting system according to one of claims 16 to 19, wherein two or more control elements ( 18 ) are combined in a common central control unit. Lighting system according to one of claims 16 to 20, wherein at least one lighting unit ( 14 ) a switching element ( 20 ) for changing an operating state of an associated light-emitting element ( 16 ). Lighting system according to claim 21, wherein the switching elements ( 20 ) sensitive switches, in particular reflected light scanners include. Lighting system according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the switching elements ( 20 ) in the light elements ( 16 ) are integrated. Lighting system according to one of claims 16 to 23, wherein the lighting elements ( 16 ) comprise light emitting diodes. Lighting system according to one of claims 16 to 24, wherein a first lighting unit ( 14 ) a transmitting unit for transmitting a signal to a second lighting unit ( 14 ' ) and the second lighting unit ( 14 ' ) comprises a receiving unit for receiving the signal transmitted by the transmitting unit. Illumination system according to claim 25, wherein the signal comprises data on the operating state of a lighting element ( 16 ) of the first lighting unit ( 14 ) and / or instructions for the operating state of a lighting element ( 16 ' ) of the second illumination unit ( 14 ' ).