FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to control of two or more light sources. In particular, the
invention relates to an apparatus and to a computer program for controlling operation
of two or more light sources, such as two or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), two
or more fluorescent lamps, two or more high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps, two or
more incandescent lamps, etc.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an exemplifying conceptual switching arrangement
100 known in the art. The switching arrangement 100 comprises a switch unit 110, a
controller 120 and a light source 140. The switch unit 110 comprises a user-operable
push button or a corresponding arrangement configured to provide an input control
signal to the controller 120 in response to the push button being pushed, the input
control signal having a duration essentially corresponding to the duration of the
push button being pushed. Consequently, the controller 120 is configured to control
the light source 140 in dependence of the duration of the input control signal such
that a short input control signal results in switching the light source 140 on or
off, whereas a long input control signal results in changing the light intensity provided
by the light source 140, thereby providing a dimming functionality.
[0003] In particular, a short input control signal received during the off state of the
light source 140 results in switching the light source 140 on, while a short drive
signal received during the on state results in switching the light source 140 off.
Moreover, if the most recent input control signal was a short input control signal
switching the light source 140 on or a long input control signal for decreasing the
light intensity provided by the light source 140, a long input control signal results
in increasing the light intensity provided by the light source 140. In contrast, if
the most recent input control signal was a long input control signal for increasing
the light intensity, a long input control signal results in decreasing the light intensity
provided by the light source 140. Furthermore, a long input control signal received
when the light source 140 is in the off state may result in switching the light source
140 on.
[0004] While the exemplifying arrangement 100 as described above enables the control of
the on/off state of the light element 140 and the intensity of light provided by the
light element 140 by a single switch operated by a single push-button, it would be
desirable to also enable different and/or more versatile adjustment of characteristics
of light provided by the light element 140 in order to enable better adaptation to
variations in ambient light conditions and different usages of a space the light element
140 is employed to illuminate. Known solutions for providing further or alternative
functions typically require further components to be introduced to the arrangement
100 and/or a significant modification of the arrangement 100, resulting in an arrangement
that is typically more complex to construct and more expensive to manufacture.
[0005] A prior art document
EP 2 219 418 A2 discloses a LED illumination device, with determination means that determines light
amounts of the light-emitting diodes of the illumination light source, corresponding
to an operation input received at operation input receiving means, so that a color
temperature and a light amount of the illumination light increase and decrease in
conjunction with each other. The light color and the illumination intensity of the
illumination light can be adjusted with the characteristic proximate to an incandescent
lamp.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide an approach that enables different
and/or more versatile control of one or more light sources on basis of input control
signals having user-controllable duration. Another object of the present invention
is to enable different and/or more versatile approach for controlling operation of
one or more light sources on basis of input control signals having user-controllable
duration that does not introduce a significant change to the existing approach employed
for controlling one or more light sources, e.g. the light source 140 of the arrangement
100.
[0007] The objects of the invention are reached by apparatuses and a computer program as
defined by the respective independent claims.
[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention, an apparatus for controlling operation
of a first light source of a first color and a second light source of a second color
is provided. The apparatus comprises an input portion configured to receive an input
control signal having a user-controllable duration and a control portion configured
to switch, in response to a single input control signal having the overall duration
not exceeding a first predetermined threshold, the first and second light sources
on or off, wherein the control portion is further configured to change characteristics
of light provided by the first and second light sources in response to the duration
of an input control signal exceeding a second predetermined threshold that is no smaller
than the first predetermined threshold, the change in characteristics being dependent
on duration of the input control signal and the change comprising adjustment of the
ratio between the light intensities of the first light source and the second light
source.
[0009] The apparatus for controlling operation of a first light source of a first color
and a second light source of a second color may comprise at least one processor and
at least one memory including computer program code for one or more programs. The
at least one memory and the computer program code may in such case be configured to,
with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus, at least, to receive an input
control signal having a user-controllable duration, to switch, in response to a single
input control signal having the overall duration not exceeding a first predetermined
threshold, the first and second light sources on or off, and to change characteristics
of light provided by the first and second light sources in response to the duration
of an input control signal exceeding a second predetermined threshold that is no smaller
than the first predetermined threshold, the change in characteristics being dependent
on duration of the input control signal and the change comprising adjustment of the
ratio between the light intensities of the first light source and the second light
source.
[0010] According to a third aspect of the invention, a computer program for controlling
operation of a first light source of a first color and a second light source of a
second color is provided, the computer program comprising one or more sequences of
one or more instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause an
apparatus, at least, to receive an input control signal having a user-controllable
duration, to switch, in response to a single input control signal having the overall
duration not exceeding a first predetermined threshold, the first and second light
sources on or off, and to change characteristics of light provided by the first and
second light sources in response to the duration of an input control signal exceeding
a second predetermined threshold that is no smaller than the first predetermined threshold,
the change in characteristics being dependent on duration of the input control signal
and the change comprising adjustment of the ratio between the light intensities of
the first light source and the second light source.
[0011] The computer program may be embodied on a volatile or a non-volatile computer-readable
record medium, for example as a computer program product comprising at least one computer
readable non-transitory medium having program code stored thereon, the program code,
which when executed by an apparatus, causes the apparatus at least to perform the
operations described hereinbefore for the computer program in accordance with the
third aspect of the invention.
[0012] The exemplifying embodiments of the invention presented in this patent application
are not to be interpreted to pose limitations to the applicability of the appended
claims. The verb "to comprise" and its derivatives are used in this patent application
as an open limitation that does not exclude the existence of also unrecited features.
The features described hereinafter are mutually freely combinable unless explicitly
stated otherwise.
[0013] The novel features which are considered as characteristic of the invention are set
forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as
to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects
and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following detailed description
of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014]
Figure 1 schematically illustrates an exemplifying arrangement known in the art.
Figure 2 schematically illustrates an exemplifying arrangement in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3 schematically illustrates a controller in accordance with an embodiment of
the invention.
Figure 4a provides an example illustrating a relationship between input control signals
and the changes in the overall light intensity and in the color temperature by an
example.
Figure 4b provides an example illustrating a relationship between input control signals
and the changes in the overall light intensity and in the color temperature by an
example.
Figure 5 schematically illustrates an exemplifying arrangement in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 6 schematically illustrates an exemplifying arrangement in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 7 schematically illustrates an exemplifying arrangement in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 8 schematically illustrates an apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of
the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] Figure 2 schematically illustrates an exemplifying conceptual arrangement 200 comprising
a switch unit 210, a controller 220 and two or more light sources 240. For clarity
and brevity of description, the one or more light sources 240 are depicted as comprising
a first light source 240a and a second light source 240b, although the two or more
light sources 240 may comprise further light sources. The two or more light sources
240 may be arranged into one or more light elements, such that each light element
comprises one or more of the two or more light sources 240.
[0016] The arrangement 200 presents a logical architecture, and the elements thereof may
be provided as units or portions of a single apparatus or units or portions of one
or more apparatuses. In other words, the switch unit 210 and the controller 220 are
logical entities which may be implemented in one or more apparatuses, with the two
or more light sources 240 being connectable to the apparatus of the one or more apparatuses
comprising the controller 220 or a portion thereof. Examples in this regard are described
in the following.
[0017] As an example, all elements may be implemented in a single apparatus, the single
apparatus hence comprising the switch unit 210, the controller 220 and an arrangement
for connecting the two or more light sources 240 thereto. Such an apparatus may be
referred to e.g. as a switch apparatus, as a control apparatus, as a switch control
apparatus, as a driver apparatus, etc.
[0018] As another example, the switch unit 210 may be implemented in a first apparatus and
the controller 220 may be implemented in a second apparatus together with an arrangement
for connecting the two or more light sources 240 thereto. In such an arrangement the
second apparatus may be referred to e.g. as a control apparatus, as a switch control
apparatus, as a driver apparatus, etc.
[0019] As a further example, the switch unit 210 may be implemented in a first apparatus,
a first portion of the controller 220 may be implemented in a second apparatus, and
a second portion of the controller 220 may be implemented in a third apparatus together
with an arrangement for connecting the two or more light sources 240 thereto. In such
an arrangement the second apparatus may be referred to as a control apparatus, as
a switch control apparatus, etc. whereas the third apparatus may be referred to e.g.
as a driver apparatus.
[0020] Regardless of a manner of arranging the aforementioned elements into one or more
apparatuses, the controller 220 or parts thereof may be embodied as hardware, as software
or as a combination of hardware and software. In particular, the hardware may comprise
e.g. an electric circuit including a number of discrete components, one or more integrated
circuits, one or more microcontrollers, one or more processors, etc. whereas the software
may comprise e.g. computer readable instructions arranged into a program code executable
by a microcontroller or by a processor.
[0021] The switch unit 210 may be similar to the control unit 110 of the arrangement 100
referred to hereinbefore. The switch unit 210 may comprise a push button 212, which
is a user operable button that is arranged to cause an input control signal being
provided to or issued at the controller 220. In particular, the switch unit 210 is
configured to provide, upon pressing the push button 212, an input control signal
to the controller 220, the input control signal having a duration matching or essentially
matching the duration of the push button 212 being pushed. In other words, the switch
unit 210 is configured to provide a control signal having a user-controllable duration.
Such a push button arrangement may be implemented for example by using the push button
212 as an actuator closing a switch of an electric circuit, which is configured to
provide an input control signal exhibiting predetermined voltage and/or predetermined
electric current upon push of the button.
[0022] The switch unit 210 is coupled to the controller 220 either directly or via one or
more intervening components or elements. As an example, the switch unit 210 may be
in a wired connection to the controller 220, hence enabling direct provision of the
input control signal thereto as an electric signal, for example as an electric signal
exhibiting predetermined characteristics with respect to voltage and/or electric current.
Wired connection between the switch unit 210 and the controller 220 may involve a
wired connection between separate apparatuses hosting the switch unit 210 and the
controller 220 or a wired connection within a single apparatus hosting the switch
unit 210 and the controller 220.
[0023] On the other hand, the connection between the switch unit 210 and the controller
220 may be a wireless one. In such an approach the switch unit 210 may comprise e.g.
an infrared (IR) transmitter configured to provide an IR signal descriptive of the
input control signal and to transmit the IR signal to the controller 220 provided
with an IR receiver configured to receive the IR signal and to convert the IR signal
back to the input control signal into a format suitable for subsequent processing
in the controller 220. Alternatively, the wireless transmission may make use of Radio
Frequency (RF) transmitter and a RF receiver with the RF transmitter arranged in the
switch unit 210 and the RF receiver arranged in the controller 220. Instead of IR
or RF, wireless connectivity of other type known in the art may be employed. Such
an approach based on wireless connection between the switch unit 210 and the controller
220 enables e.g. implementing the switch unit 210 in a remote controller.
[0024] The controller 220 is coupled to the two or more light sources 240 either directly
or via one or more intervening components or elements. Figure 3 schematically illustrates
an exemplifying structure of the controller 220. The controller 220 comprises an input
portion 222 for receiving in input control signal and a control portion for controlling
operation of the two or more light sources 240. The input portion 222 is configured
to receive an input control signal, wherein the input control has a user-controllable
duration. The input control signal may originate, for example, from the switch unit
210. In particular, the input control signal may be received directly from the switch
unit 210 or the input control signal may be received via an intermediate element that
may result in buffering of the input control signal for a short duration. While for
practical purposes any buffering should be kept to a minimum in order to ensure timely
response to an input control signal originating from the (user-operated) switch unit
210, even a very short buffering may result in a temporal difference between the starting
and ending times of the input control signal as issued at the switch unit 210 and
those of the input control signal as received in the controller 220. Consequently,
the termination of the input control signal at the controller 220 may be temporally
different from the termination of respective input control signal at the switch unit
210.
[0025] The input portion 222 may be further configured to process the input control signal
before passing it to the control portion 224. An example of such processing is conversion
of an input control signal received over a wireless connection into a format suitable
for subsequent processing by a control portion 224.
[0026] The control portion 224 may be configured to control operation of the two or more
light sources 240 by issuing one or more output control signals or commands or by
otherwise controlling operating parameters of the two or more light sources 240 to
switch a light source 240a, 240b of the two or more light sources 240 on or off and/or
to change, i.e. increase or decrease, the light intensity provided by a light source
240a, 240b of the two or more light sources 240. In particular, the control portion
224 may be configured to control operation of the two or more light sources 240 by
issuing one or more output control signals or commands, each configured to cause a
change of a predetermined amount in light intensity of the first light source 240a
and/or in the light intensity of the second light source 240b. The operations of the
controller 220 and the input portion 222 and the control portion 224 comprised therein
are described in more detail hereinafter.
[0027] Herein, the term light intensity is employed to refer to any applicable measure of
intensity of light provided by a light source. As example, the light intensity may
be a measure of luminous intensity, measured in lumens per steradian (Im/sr) or in
candela (cd). As further examples, the light intensity may be a measure of illuminance
or luminous emittance, measured in lumens per square meter (lm/m
2) or lux (lx), or a measure of luminance, measured in candela per square meter (cd/m
2). As a yet further example, the light intensity provided by a light source may be
directly proportional to electric current and/or voltage used to drive the light source
and, consequently, the electric current and/or the voltage may hence serve as the
measure of the light intensity. For example for a LED light source the light intensity
may be directly a measure of the prevailing electric current supplied thereto. As
a further example, at given electric current and/or given voltage the duty cycle or
the duty ratio of a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal controlling the light intensity
of a light source may be directly proportional to the prevailing light intensity such
that 100 % duty cycle implies maximum light intensity of the light source at the given
electric current and/or given voltage, e.g. 60 % duty cycle implies 60 % of the maximum
light intensity of the light source at the given electric current and/or given voltage,
e.g. 40 % duty cycle implies 40 % of the maximum light intensity of the light source
at the given electric current and/or given voltage etc. The measures of light intensity
discussed herein serve as a non-limiting set of examples and hence other applicable
measures of light intensity may be employed without departing from the scope of the
present invention.
[0028] The two or more light sources 240 may be connected or coupled to the controller 220,
and the two or more light sources 240 may be coupled to the controller 220 either
directly or via an intermediate element. The first light source 240a of the two or
more light sources 240 is capable of providing light at a first color and the second
light source 240b of the two or more light sources 240 is capable of providing light
at a second color. The first color and the second color may be distinctly different
predetermined colors. Alternatively, the first color and the second color may be similar
or essentially similar colors at different predetermined color temperatures, e.g.
white at different predetermined color temperatures. In other words, the first light
source 240a may be a light source of the first color or a first color temperature
and the second light source 240b may be a light source of the second color or a second
color temperature, where the first color or the first color temperature is different
from the second color or the second color temperature. As a further alternative, the
first color and the second color may be similar or essentially similar colors at similar
or essentially similar color temperature.
[0029] As a particular example, the first light source 240a may be capable of providing
white light at the color temperature
B1 and the second light source 240b may be capable of providing white light at the color
temperature
B2, where
B1 <
B2. The first and second light sources 240a, 240b may be controlled to provide a color
temperature in the range from
B1 to
B2: when the combined light intensity of the first and second light sources 240a, 240b
relies solely on the first light source 240a, the resulting color temperature is
B1 whereas when relying solely on the second light source 240b the resulting color temperature
is
B2. If, for example, the first light source 240a contributes 60 % of the combined light
intensity and the second light source 240b contributes 40 % of the combined light
intensity - in other words if the ratio between the light intensity provided by the
first light source 240a and the light intensity provided by the second light source
204b is 60/40 = 1.5 - the resulting color temperature is 0.6 x
B1 + 0.4 x
B2. Hence, such an exemplifying arrangement of the first and second light sources 240a,
240b enables provision of a desired color temperature by adjusting the relative light
intensity of the first and second light sources 240a, 240b accordingly.
[0030] The above example of providing a desired color temperature by using two light sources
capable of providing light at fixed predetermined color temperatures different from
each other generalizes into an arrangement comprising further light sources in addition
to the first and second light sources 240a, 240b, i.e. into two or more light sources
240, each capable of providing light at a color temperature different from that of
the other light sources, where the combined color temperature is a weighted sum of
the color temperatures of the two or more light sources 240, the weighting factors
being indicative of the fraction of the combined light intensity contributed by the
respective light source. Along similar lines, the above example generalizes into an
arrangement into two or more light sources 240, each capable of providing light at
a color different from that of the other light sources, where the combined color is
a weighted sum of the colors of the two or more light sources 240, the weighting factors
being indicative of the fraction of the combined light intensity contributed by the
respective light source.
[0031] Returning to the controller 220, the input portion 222 may be configured to determine,
upon and/or during reception of the input control signal, the duration of the input
control signal
tin. In particular, the input portion 222 may be configured to determine the duration
tin as the duration of a period during which the input control signal fulfills predetermined
characteristics. As an example, the predetermined characteristics may comprise a requirement
that the input control signal exceeds or is less than a predetermined voltage level.
As another example, the predetermined characteristics may, additionally or alternatively,
comprise a requirement that the input control signal exhibits electric current exceeding
or being less than a predetermined current level. The input portion 222 may be further
configured to provide the determined duration of the input control signal to the control
portion 224.
[0032] The input portion 222 may be configured to monitor the input control signal and,
in particular, the duration of the input control signal
tin during reception of the input control signal. Monitoring may involve the input portion
222, or the controller 220 in general, keeping up and updating information regarding
the accumulated duration of an input control signal that is still continuing and making
this information available to the control portion 224 for controlling the operation
of the first and the second light sources 240a, 240b e.g. via determination of one
or more corresponding output control signals. Monitoring may further comprise detecting
an end of the input control signal and providing an indication thereof to the control
portion 224 to be used for additional information that may be made use of in control
of the first and second light sources 240a, 240b.
[0033] The input portion 222 may be configured to monitor reception of a sequence of input
control signals on basis of a monitoring period. A pair of consecutive input control
signals may be considered to belong to the same sequence if they are separated by
a temporal interval that is smaller than a predetermined margin
tm. In particular, the predetermined margin
tm may define the maximum time between an end of a first input control signal of a pair
of consecutive input control signals and a beginning of a second input control signal
of the pair of consecutive input control signals that are considered to belong to
the same sequence. Monitoring sequences of input control signal enables control of
the first and the second light sources 240a, 240b on basis of a sequence of input
control signals in addition to or instead of controlling the first and second light
sources 240a, 240b on basis of duration of the input control signal(s).
[0034] The control portion 224 may be configured to determine whether the determined duration
of the input control signal
tin fails to exceed a first predetermined threshold
ThL1 and/or whether the determined duration of the input control signal exceeds a second
predetermined threshold
ThL2. The first predetermined threshold
ThL1 is set to a value indicative of an upper limit of the duration of an input control
signal that is considered as a short input control signal, while the second predetermined
threshold
ThL2 is set to a value indicative of a lower limit of the duration of an input control
signal
tin that is considered as a long input control signal, thereby enabling control of the
first and the second light sources 240a, 240b, e.g. by determination and composition
of one or more output control signals or by otherwise controlling parameters that
control operation of the first and the second light sources 240a, 240b, in dependence
of duration and sequence of the input control signal(s), e.g. in dependence of a single
input control signal being classified as a short one or as a long one. Preferably,
the first predetermined threshold
ThL1 and the second predetermined threshold
ThL2 are set to an equal value in order to guarantee classification of each input control
signal either as short or long. However, it is possible to employ a second predetermined
threshold
ThL2 having a value higher than the first predetermined threshold
ThL1 to ensure clearer distinction between short and long inputs. However, this approach
results in an input control signals having the duration falling between
ThL1 and
ThL2 to be classified neither as short nor long input control signal, which may require
special processing of input control signals of such an intermediate duration.
[0035] The control portion 224 is configured to control, in response to a single input control
signal having the overall duration
tin not exceeding the first predetermined threshold
ThL1, switching the two or more light elements 240 on or off. Controlling may comprise
the control portion 224 controlling switching the first light source 240a and the
second light source 240b - together with possible further light sources of the two
or more light sources 240 - on if the first and the second light sources 240a, 240b
are currently off. Controlling may further comprise the control portion 224 controlling
switching the first light source 240a and the second light source 240b - together
with possible further light sources of the two or more light sources 240 - off if
the first and second light sources 240a, 240b are currently on. Controlling operation
of the first and second light sources 240a, 240b in this regard cannot commence until
an input control signal has been received in full due to the overall duration of the
input control signal
tin not being known before termination of the input control signal.
[0036] The control portion 224 may be configured to store information indicative of the
prevailing ratio between the light intensities of the first light source 240a and
the second light source 240b and/or information indicative of the prevailing combined
light intensity provided by the first and the second light sources 240a, 240b in a
memory upon switching off the two or more light sources 240. Such a memory may be
provided in the controller 220 or the memory may be otherwise accessible by the controller
220. As an example, such information may comprise information indicative of the light
intensity of the first light source 240a and the light intensity of the second light
source 240b upon switching the two or more light sources 240 off. As another example,
such information may comprise information indicative of either the light intensity
of the first light source 240a or the light intensity of the second light source 240b
together with the prevailing ratio between the two upon switching off the two or more
light sources 240. Such information enables e.g. switching the first and the second
light sources 240a, 240b on at ratio of light intensities and/or at the combined light
intensity employed upon switching off the first and the second light sources 240a,
240b.
[0037] The control portion 224 may be configured to acquire the information indicative of
the desired ratio between the light intensities of the first light source 240a and
the second light source 240b from the memory upon switching on the two or more light
sources 240 and to switch on the first light source 240a and the second light source
240b such that the desired ratio between the light intensities is provided. This may
involve switching the first light source 240a and the second light source 240b on
at the respective light intensities read from the memory. Alternatively, this may
involve switching the first light source 240a and the second light source 240b on
at different light intensities from the ones read from the memory while still keeping
the desired ratio between the light intensities of the first and second light sources
240a, 240b, thereby enabling provision of a desired, possibly predetermined, combined
light intensity of the first and the second light sources 240a, 240b at the desired
ratio therebetween upon switching on the two or more light sources 240.
[0038] The control portion 224 is further configured to change, in response to the duration
of the input control signal
tin exceeding the second predetermined threshold
ThL2, characteristics of light provided by the first and the second light sources 240a,
240b. The change in characteristics of the light is dependent on the duration of the
input control signal, the change comprising adjusting the ratio between the light
intensity of the first light source 240a and the light intensity of the second light
source 240b. In other words, the change comprises adjustment of the relative light
intensities of the first and second light sources 240a, 240b. As described hereinbefore,
the second predetermined threshold
ThL2 has a value that is no smaller than the first predetermined threshold
ThL1. In case the second predetermined threshold
ThL2 has a value larger than the first predetermined threshold
ThL1, the control portion 224 may be configured to ignore an input control signal having
a duration falling between the first and second predetermined thresholds.
[0039] As an example, the first and second predetermined thresholds
ThL1 and
ThL2 may be set e.g. to a value in the range 300 to 450 milliseconds, for example to 350
milliseconds. As another example, the first predetermined threshold
ThL1 may be set to a value in the range 200 to 300 milliseconds, for example to 250 milliseconds
while the second predetermined threshold
ThL2 may be set to a value in the range 300 to 450 milliseconds, for example to 350 milliseconds.
However, these values are provided as examples only and any values of the first and
second predetermined thresholds such that
ThL1 ≤
ThL2 are applicable within scope of the present invention. The predetermined margin
tm may be set e.g. to a value in the range 100 to 300 milliseconds, for example to 200
milliseconds.
[0040] The control portion 224 may be configured to adjust the ratio between the light intensities
of the first and second light elements 240a, 240b by increasing the light intensity
of the first light source 240a in relation to the light intensity of the second light
source 240b until termination of the input control signal or until reaching a maximum
light intensity of the first light source 240a or a minimum light intensity of the
second light source 240b, whichever occurs first. A maximum light intensity in this
context refers to a selected maximum intensity of the respective light source 240a,
240b, which may be the maximum light intensity the respective light source 240a, 240b
is capable of providing, referred to herein as an absolute maximum light intensity
of the respective light source 240a, 240b. Alternatively, the selected maximum light
intensity may be a predetermined selected light intensity that is lower than the absolute
maximum light intensity of the respective light source 240a, 240b. Similarly, a minimum
light intensity in this context refers to a selected minimum light intensity of the
respective light source 240a, 240b, which is typically zero, e.g. the respective light
source 240a, 240b essentially switched off or, alternatively, the minimum light intensity
may be a predetermined selected non-zero light intensity.
[0041] Along similar lines, the control portion 224 may be configured to adjust the ratio
between the light intensities of the first and second light elements 240a, 240b by
decreasing the light intensity of the first light source 240a in relation to the light
intensity of the second light source 240b until termination of the input control signal
or until reaching a minimum light intensity of the first light source 240a or a maximum
light intensity of the second light source 240b, whichever occurs first. As in the
previous example, the selected maximum light intensity may be the absolute maximum
intensity of the respective light source or a predetermined selected light intensity
that is lower than the absolute maximum intensity and the selected minimum light intensity
may be zero or a predetermined selected non-zero light intensity.
[0042] In context of increasing the light intensity of the first light source 240a in relation
to the light intensity of the second light source 240b, the adjustment of the ratio
upon reaching one or both of the maximum intensity of the first light source 240a
and the minimum light intensity of the second light source 240b may be handled at
least in two different ways. As a first example, the adjustment of the ratio may be
terminated in response to the termination of the input control signal or in response
to reaching one of the maximum light intensity of the first light source 240a and
the minimum light intensity of the second light source 240b, as already described
hereinbefore. As a second example, the adjustment of the ratio may continue until
termination of the input control signal or until both the maximum light intensity
of the first light source 240a and the minimum light intensity of the second light
source 240b have been reached. This may involve keeping, upon reaching the maximum
light intensity of the first light source 240a, the light intensity of the first light
source 240a at its maximum and continuing to adjust (to decrease) the light intensity
of the second light source 240b until reaching its minimum and/or keeping, upon reaching
the minimum light intensity of the second light source 240b, the light intensity of
the second light source 240b at its minimum and continuing to adjust (to increase)
the light intensity of the first light source 240a until reaching its maximum. Similar
considerations are valid when reaching the minimum light intensity of the first light
source 240a and/or the maximum light intensity of the second light source 240b in
context of decreasing the light intensity of the first light source 240a in relation
to the light intensity of the second light source 240b.
[0043] The control portion 224 may be configured to adjust the ratio by increasing the light
intensity of the first light source 240a in relation to the light intensity of the
second light source 240b in case the most recent adjustment of the ratio caused decreasing
the light intensity of the first light source 240a in relation to the light intensity
of the second light source 240b. Conversely, the control portion 224 may be configured
to adjust the ratio by decreasing the light intensity of the first light source 240a
in relation to the light intensity of the second light source 240b in case the most
recent adjustment of the ratio caused increasing the light intensity of the first
light source 240a in relation to the light intensity of the second light source 240b.
In this context the most recent adjustment of ratio refers to the most recent adjustment
of ratio caused by the most recent input control signal and, in particular, caused
by the most recent input control signal that has already terminated, i.e. the most
recent preceding input control signal but not by the 'current' input control signal
that is still continuing.
[0044] Increasing the light intensity of the first light source 240a in relation to the
light intensity of the second light source 240b may comprise increasing the light
intensity of the first light source 240a without changing the light intensity of the
second light source 240b. As a consequence, the combined light intensity of the first
and second light sources 240a, 240b is also increased. As a variation of this technique,
increasing the light intensity of the first light source 240a in relation to the light
intensity of the second light source 240b may comprise decreasing the light intensity
of the second light source 240b without changing the light intensity of the first
light source 240a, resulting in decreasing the combined light intensity of the first
and second light sources 240a, 240b.
[0045] Similarly, decreasing the light intensity of the first light source 240a in relation
to the light intensity of the second light source 240b may comprise decreasing the
light intensity of the first light source 240a without changing the light intensity
of the second light source 240b with the consequence of decreasing the combined light
intensity of the first and second light sources 240a, 240b. A related technique comprises
decreasing the light intensity of the first light source 240a in relation to the light
intensity of the second light source 240b by increasing the light intensity of the
second light source 240b without changing the light intensity of the first light source
240a, thereby resulting in increasing the combined light intensity of the first and
second light sources 240a, 240b.
[0046] As a further option, increasing the light intensity of the first light source 240a
in relation to the light intensity of the second light source 240b may comprise increasing
the light intensity of the first light source 240a by a first amount and decreasing
the light intensity of the second light source 240b by a second amount, with the first
amount being larger than or equal to the second amount. In particular, the first amount
may be equal to the first amount, thereby resulting in adjustment of ratio to be carried
out such that the combined light intensity of the first light source 240a and the
second light source 240b remains constant or essentially constant. Similarly, decreasing
the light intensity of the first light source 240a in relation to the light intensity
of the second light source 240b may comprise decreasing the light intensity of the
first light source 240a by the first amount and increasing the light intensity of
the second light source 240b by the second amount, with the preferred case of the
first and second amounts being equal resulting in adjustment of ratio to be carried
out such that the combined light intensity of the first light source 240a and the
second light source 240b remains constant or essentially constant.
[0047] As an example, the adjustment of the ratio may further comprise, after reaching one
or both of the (selected) maximum light intensity of the first light source 240a and
the (selected) minimum light intensity of the second light source 240b, termination
of the adjustment of ratio regardless of the status of the input control signal. The
adjustment of ratio may likewise comprise, after reaching one or both of the (selected)
minimum light intensity of the first light source 240a and the (selected) maximum
light intensity of the second light source 240b, termination of the adjustment of
ratio regardless of the status of the input control signal.
[0048] As a first alternative example, the adjustment of the ratio may comprise, after reaching
one or both of the (selected) maximum light intensity of the first light source 240a
and the (selected) minimum light intensity of the second light source 240b, decreasing
the light intensity of the first light source 240a in relation to the light intensity
of the second light source 240b until termination of the input control signal or until
reaching the (selected) minimum light intensity of the first light source 240a or
the (selected) maximum light intensity of the second light source 240, whichever occurs
first. Alternatively, this adjustment of the ratio may be continued until termination
of the input control signal or until reaching both the (selected) minimum light intensity
of the first light source 240a and the (selected) maximum light intensity of the second
light source 240, whichever occurs first. Similarly, the adjustment of the ratio may
comprise, after reaching one or both of the (selected) minimum light intensity of
the first light source 240a and the (selected) maximum light intensity of the second
light source 240b, increasing the light intensity of the first light source 240a in
relation to the light intensity of the second light source 240b until termination
of the input control signal or until reaching the (selected) maximum light intensity
of the first light source 240a or the (selected) minimum light intensity of the second
light source 240b, whichever occurs first. Alternatively, this adjustment of the ratio
may be continued until termination of the input control signal or until reaching both
the (selected) maximum light intensity of the first light source 240a and the (selected)
minimum light intensity of the second light source 240b, whichever occurs first.
[0049] As a second alternative example, the adjustment of the ratio may comprise, after
reaching one or both of the (selected) maximum light intensity of the first light
source 240a and the (selected) minimum light intensity of the second light source
240b, setting the light intensity of the first light source 240a to the (selected)
minimum light intensity thereof and the light intensity of the second light source
240b to the (selected) maximum light intensity thereof and, subsequently, increasing
the light intensity of the first light source 240a in relation to the light intensity
of the second light source 240b until termination of the input control signal or until
reaching the (selected) maximum light intensity of the first light source 240a or
the (selected) minimum light intensity of the second light source 240b, whichever
occurs first. Alternatively, this adjustment of the ratio may be continued until termination
of the input control signal or until reaching both the (selected) maximum light intensity
of the first light source 240a and the (selected) minimum light intensity of the second
light source 240b, whichever occurs first. Similarly, the adjustment of the ratio
may comprise, after reaching one or both of the (selected) minimum light intensity
of the first light source 240a and the (selected) maximum light intensity of the second
light source 240b, setting the light intensity of the first light source 240a to the
(selected) maximum light intensity thereof and the light intensity of the second light
source 240b to the (selected) minimum light intensity thereof and, subsequently, decreasing
the light intensity of the first light source 240a in relation to the light intensity
of the second light source 240b until termination of the input control signal or until
reaching the (selected) maximum light intensity of the first light source 240a or
the (selected) minimum light intensity of the second light source 240b, whichever
occurs first. Alternatively, this adjustment of the ratio may be continued until termination
of the input control signal or until reaching both the (selected) maximum light intensity
of the first light source 240a and the (selected) minimum light intensity of the second
light source 240b, whichever occurs first.
[0050] In the first and second alternative examples for operation in response to reaching
the (selected) maximum and/or the (selected) minimum light intensity of the first
or the second light source 240a, 240b described hereinbefore, the adjustment of ratio
may further comprise waiting for a predetermined period of time
tw, which may be referred to as a waiting time, before further adjusting the ratio between
the light intensities of the first and the second light sources 240a, 240b. Such a
waiting time serves to facilitate setting a ratio of light intensities that involves
operating the first and/or second light source 240a, 240b at or close to its (selected)
maximum or minimum light intensity. The waiting
time tw may be set e.g. into a value in the range 0.5 to 1.5 seconds, for example to one
second.
[0051] Instead of only providing adjustment of ratio between light intensities of the first
and second light sources 240a, 240b, the control portion 224 may be further configured
to enable adjustment of the combined light intensity of the first and second light
sources 240a, 240b. In other words, the change in characteristics of the light in
response to the duration of the input control signal t
in exceeding the second predetermined threshold
ThL2 may further comprise adjusting the combined light intensity of the first light source
240a and the second light source 240b. This adjustment is preferably carried out such
that the ratio between the light intensities of the first light source 240a and the
second light source 240b remains constant or essentially constant.
[0052] In particular, the control portion 224 may be configured to perform the adjustment
of ratio and the adjustment of combined light intensity in a sequential manner in
response to a single input control signal having duration
tin exceeding the second predetermined threshold
ThL2. Such sequential adjustment of characteristics of light may comprise first adjusting
the combined light intensity without changing the ratio, followed by adjustment of
the ratio in dependence of the duration of the input control signal and in dependence
of the current light intensities of the first and/or second light sources 240a, 240b.
[0053] In this regard, the control portion 224 may be configured to change, in response
to the duration of the input control signal
tin exceeding the second predetermined threshold
ThL2, characteristics of light provided by the first and second light sources 240a, 240b
by adjusting the combined light intensity of the first light source 240a and the second
light source 240b such that the ratio of the light intensities is kept unchanged or
essentially unchanged. The control portion 224 may be configured to continue the adjustment
of combined light intensity until termination of the input control signal, until reaching
a (selected) maximum combined light intensity of the first and the second light sources
240a, 240b, or until reaching a (selected) minimum combined light intensity of the
first and the second light sources 240a, 240b, whichever occurs first. The control
portion 224 may be further configured to change characteristics of light by adjusting
the ratio between the light intensities of the first light source 240a and the second
light source 240b in accordance with a first predetermined rule in response to the
input control signal continuing after a predetermined period of time
tCT has elapsed since reaching the (selected) maximum combined light intensity of the
first and the second light sources 240a, 240b. In other words, if
tX denotes the moment of time of reaching the (selected) maximum combined light intensity
of the first and the second light sources 240a, 240b, the adjustment of ratio is initiated
at
tx +
tCT denoting the predetermined period of time
tCT having passed after reaching the (selected) maximum combined light intensity.
[0054] The adjustment of the combined light intensity of the first and second light sources
240a, 240b may comprise increasing the combined light intensity in case the most recent
preceding input control signal resulted in decreasing the combined light intensity
and/or the adjustment of the combined light intensity of the first and second light
sources 240a, 240b may comprise decreasing the combined light intensity in case the
most recent preceding input control signal resulted in increasing the combined light
intensity.
[0055] The (selected) maximum combined intensity referred to above may be the light intensity
where at least one of the first and the second light sources 240a, 240b has reached
its (selected) maximum light intensity, as described hereinbefore. While such an approach
makes the available maximum combined light intensity dependent on the current ratio
of intensities, at the same time it enables making full use of the capabilities of
the first and the second light sources 240a, 240b in order to provide a maximal light
intensity at the current ratio of light intensities.
[0056] As another example, the (selected) maximum combined light intensity may be limited
in accordance with the prevailing light intensities of the first and the second light
sources 240a, 240b such that if the first light source 240a is operating at x % of
its (selected) maximum light intensity and the second light source 240b is operating
at y % of its (selected) maximum light intensity, the combined value of x + y is not
allowed to exceed 100 %. In other words, the (maximum) combined light intensity may
be defined by the fractions of the respective (selected) maximum light intensities
of the first and the second light sources 240a, 240b such that at the (selected) maximum
combined light intensity the sum of the fractions is 100 %. While such an approach
may not make full use of the capabilities of the first and second light sources 240a,
240b, at the same time it makes the available maximum combined light intensity independent
of the ratio between the light intensities of the first and the second light sources
240a, 240b provided that the (selected) maximum light intensities of the first and
the second light sources 240a, 240b are equal or essentially equal.
[0057] While the above example of basing the (selected) combined maximum light intensity
of fractions of the (selected) individual light intensities of the first and the second
light sources 240a, 240b provides a straightforward approach for controlling the (selected)
combined maximum light intensity at the prevailing ratio of light intensities, it
may result in e.g. making the perceived (selected) combined maximum light intensity
dependent on the prevailing ratio of light intensities in case the (selected) maximum
light intensities of the first and second light sources 240a, 240b are not equal.
In an alternative exemplifying approach the (selected) combined maximum light intensity
is set to a minimum of the (selected) maximum light intensity of the first light source
240a and the (selected) maximum light intensity of the second light source 240b. Consequently,
the combined light intensity is limited such that the sum of the light intensities
of the first and the second light sources 240a, 240b is not allowed to exceed the
smaller of the (selected) maximum light intensity of the first light source 240a and
the (selected) maximum light intensity of the second light source 240b. In this approach
the (selected) combined maximum intensity is independent of the prevailing ratio of
light intensities also in case the (selected) maximum light intensities of the first
and the second light sources 240a, 240b are different.
[0058] The (selected) minimum combined light intensity is preferably the light intensity
where either of the first and the second light sources 240a, 240b has reached its
(selected) minimum light intensity. Alternatively, the (selected) minimum combined
light intensity may be the light intensity where both light sources 240a, 240b have
reached their respective (selected) minimum intensities. However, this alternative
approach may result in a change in the ratio between the light intensities before
reaching the (selected) minimum light intensities of the both light sources 240a,
240b.
[0059] Alternatively, the sequential adjustment of characteristics of light in response
to a single input control signal having duration
tin exceeding the second predetermined threshold
ThL2 may comprise first adjusting the ratio between the light intensities followed by
adjustment of the combined light intensity without changing the ratio, where the adjustment(s)
are carried out in dependence of the duration of the input control signal and in dependence
of the current light intensities of the first and/or second light sources 240a, 240b.
[0060] In this regard, the control portion 224 may be configured to change, in response
to the duration of the input control signal
tin exceeding the second predetermined threshold
ThL2, characteristics of light provided by the first and second light sources 240a, 240b
by adjusting the ratio between the light intensities of the first light source 240a
and the second light source 240b. The control portion 224 may be configured to continue
the adjustment of the ratio until termination of the input control signal, until reaching
the (selected) maximum light intensity of the first light source 240a or the (selected)
minimum light intensity of the second light source 240b or until reaching the (selected)
minimum light intensity of the first light source 240a or the (selected) maximum light
intensity of the second light source 240b, whichever occurs first. Alternatively,
this adjustment of the ratio may be continued until termination of the input control
signal, until reaching the (selected) maximum light intensity of the first light source
240a and the (selected) minimum light intensity of the second light source 240b or
until reaching the (selected) minimum light intensity of the first light source 240a
and the (selected) maximum light intensity of the second light source 240b, whichever
occurs first.
[0061] The control portion 224 may be further configured to change characteristics of light
by adjusting the combined light intensity of the first light source 240a and the second
light source 240b such that the ratio of the light intensities is kept unchanged or
essentially unchanged in accordance with a second predetermined rule in response to
the input control signal continuing after a predetermined period of time
tCT has elapsed since reaching said (selected) maximum light intensity of the first light
source 240a and/or said (selected) minimum light intensity of the second light source
240b. Along the lines described hereinbefore, if
ty denotes the moment of time of reaching said (selected) maximum light intensity of
the first light source 240a and/or said (selected) minimum light intensity of the
second light source 240b, the adjustment of the combined light intensity is initiated
at
tY +
tCT denoting the predetermined period of time
tCT having passed after reaching said (selected) maximum light intensity of the first
light source 240a and/or said (selected) minimum light intensity of the second light
source 240b.
[0062] The adjustment of ratio may comprise adjusting the ratio by increasing the light
intensity of the first light source 240a in relation to the light intensity of the
second light source 240b in case the most recent preceding input control signal resulted
in decreasing the light intensity of the first light source 240a in relation to the
light intensity of the second light source 240b. Conversely, the adjustment of ratio
may comprise, additionally or alternatively, adjusting the ratio by decreasing the
light intensity of the first light source 240a in relation to the light intensity
of the second light source 240b in case the most recent preceding input control signal
resulted in increasing the light intensity of the first light source 240a in relation
to the light intensity of the second light source 240b.
[0063] The predetermined period
tCT may be for example in the range 1 to 5 seconds, for example 3 seconds. However, these
values are provided as non-limiting examples only and the predetermined period may
have values outside the exemplifying range without departing from the scope of the
present invention. A short value for the predetermined period
tCT, e.g. 1 second or even less, may be beneficial in case also the adjustment of ratio
is made available to all users to avoid unnecessarily long delay between changing
from adjusting the combined light intensity (to the (selected) maximum value) to the
adjustment of ratio. On the other hand, a long value for the predetermined period
tCT, e.g. 5 seconds or more, may be beneficial in case the adjustment of ratio is intended
only for maintenance personnel to decrease the risk of a casual user accidentally
activating the ratio adjustment function.
[0064] The first predetermined rule for adjusting the ratio between light intensities of
the first and second light sources 240a, 240b referred to hereinbefore may comprise
adjusting the ratio by increasing the light intensity of the first light source 240b
in relation to the light intensity of the second light source 240b until termination
of the input control signal or until reaching one or both of the (selected) maximum
light intensity of the first light source 240b and the (selected) minimum light intensity
of the second light source 240b.
[0065] The first predetermined rule for adjusting the ratio between light intensities of
the first and second light sources 240a, 240b may comprise adjusting the ratio by
increasing the light intensity of the first light source 240a in relation to the light
intensity of the second light source 240b in case the most recent preceding input
control signal that caused adjustment of the ratio resulted in increasing the light
intensity of the first light source 240a in relation to the light intensity of the
second light source 240b. Conversely, the first predetermined rule may comprise adjusting
the ratio by decreasing the light intensity of the first light source 240a in relation
to the light intensity of the second light source 240b in case the most recent preceding
input control signal that caused adjustment of the ratio resulted in decreasing the
light intensity of the first light source 240a in relation to the light intensity
of the second light source 240b. In other words, the first predetermined rule may
comprise continuing the adjustment of ratio between light intensities of the first
and second light sources 240a, 240b in the same direction with the most recent adjustment
of ratio.
[0066] Alternatively, the first predetermined rule may comprise always starting the adjustment
of ratio in a predetermined direction, i.e. by increasing the light intensity of the
first light source 240a in relation to the light intensity of the second light source
240b or by decreasing the light intensity of the first light source 240a in relation
to the light intensity of the second light source 240b. As a further alternative,
the first predetermined rule may comprise starting the adjustment of ratio in a direction
opposite to that of the adjustment of ratio caused by the most recent preceding input
control signal.
[0067] The first predetermined rule for adjusting the ratio between light intensities of
the first and second light sources 240a, 240b may further comprise, after reaching
one or both of the (selected) maximum light intensity of the first light source 240a
and the (selected) minimum light intensity of the second light source 240b, decreasing
the light intensity of the first light source 240a in relation to the light intensity
of the second light source 240b until termination of the input control signal or until
reaching the (selected) minimum light intensity of the first light source 240a or
the (selected) maximum light intensity of the second light source 240b, whichever
occurs first. Alternatively, this adjustment of the ratio may be continued until termination
of the input control signal or until reaching both the (selected) minimum light intensity
of the first light source 240a and the (selected) maximum light intensity of the second
light source 240b, whichever occurs first. Conversely, the first predetermined rule
may further comprise, after reaching one or both of the (selected) minimum light intensity
of the first light source 240a and the (selected) maximum light intensity of the second
light source 240b, increasing the light intensity of the first light source 240a in
relation to the light intensity of the second light source 240b until termination
of the input control signal or until reaching the (selected) maximum light intensity
of the first light source 240a or the (selected) minimum light intensity of the second
light source 240b, whichever occurs first. Alternatively, this adjustment of the ratio
may be continued until termination of the input control signal or until reaching both
the (selected) maximum light intensity of the first light source 240a and the (selected)
minimum light intensity of the second light source 240b, whichever occurs first.
[0068] Alternatively, the first predetermined rule for adjusting the ratio between light
intensities of the first and second light sources 240a, 240b may further comprise,
after reaching one or both of the (selected) maximum light intensity of the first
light source 240a and the (selected) minimum light intensity of the second light source
240b, setting the light intensity of the first light source 240a to the (selected)
minimum light intensity thereof and the light intensity of the second light source
240b to the (selected) maximum light intensity thereof and increasing the light intensity
of the first light source 240a in relation to the light intensity of the second light
source 240b until termination of the input control signal or until reaching the (selected)
maximum light intensity of the first light source 240a or the (selected) minimum light
intensity of the second light source 240b, whichever occurs first. Alternatively,
this adjustment of the ratio may be continued until termination of the input control
signal or until reaching both the (selected) maximum light intensity of the first
light source 240a and the (selected) minimum light intensity of the second light source
240b, whichever occurs first.
[0069] Regardless of the approach applied in response to reaching the (selected) maximum
and/or the (selected) minimum of the first and/or the second light source 240a, 240b,
the first predetermined rule may further comprise applying the waiting time
tw described hereinbefore before further adjusting the ratio between the light intensities
of the first and the second light sources 240a, 240b.
[0070] The second predetermined rule for adjusting the combined light intensity of the first
and the second light sources 240a, 240b referred to hereinbefore may comprise adjusting
the combined light intensity by increasing or decreasing the light intensity of the
first and second light sources 240a, 240b such that the ratio between the light intensities
remains constant or essentially constant until termination of the input control signal,
until reaching the (selected) maximum combined light intensity of the first light
source 240a and the second light source 240b or until reaching the (selected) minimum
combined light intensity of the first light source 240b and the second light source
240b, whichever occurs first.
[0071] The second predetermined rule for adjusting the combined light intensity may comprise
increasing the combined light intensity in case the most recent preceding input control
signal that resulted in adjustment of the combined light intensity resulted in increasing
the combined light intensity. Conversely, the second predetermined rule for adjusting
the combined light intensity may comprise decreasing the combined light intensity
in case the most recent preceding input control signal that resulted in adjustment
of the combined light intensity resulted in decreasing the combined light intensity.
In other words, the second predetermined rule may comprise continuing the adjustment
of the combined light intensity of the first and the second light sources 240a, 240b
in the same direction with the most recent adjustment the combined light intensity
thereof. Alternatively, the second predetermined rule may comprise always starting
the adjustment of the combined light intensity in a predetermined direction, i.e.
by increasing the combined light intensity or by decreasing the combined light intensity.
As a further alternative, the second predetermined rule may comprise starting the
adjustment of the combined light intensity in a direction opposite to that of the
adjustment of the combined light intensity caused by the most recent preceding input
control signal.
[0072] The second predetermined rule for adjusting the combined light intensity of the first
and the second light sources 240a, 240b may further comprise, after reaching the (selected)
maximum combined light intensity of the first light source 240a and the second light
source 240b, decreasing the light intensities of the first light source 240a and the
second light source 240b such that the ratio therebetween is kept unchanged or essentially
unchanged until termination of the input control signal or until reaching the (selected)
minimum combined light intensity of the first light source 240a and the second light
source 240b, whichever occurs first. Conversely, additionally or alternatively, the
second predetermined rule may further comprise, after reaching the (selected) minimum
combined light intensity of the first light source 240a and the second light source
240b, increasing the light intensities of the first light source 240a and the second
light source 240b such that the ratio therebetween is kept unchanged or essentially
unchanged until termination of the input control signal or until reaching the (selected)
maximum combined light intensity of the first light source 240a and the second light
source 240b, whichever occurs first.
[0073] Along the lines described in context of the first predetermined rule, the second
predetermine rule may further comprise applying the waiting time t
w described hereinbefore after reaching the (selected) maximum combined light intensity
and/or the (selected) minimum combined light intensity of the first and the second
light sources 240a, 240b before further adjusting the combined light intensity.
[0074] Instead of applying sequential adjustment of the ratio between the light intensities
of the first and second light sources 240a, 240b and the combined light intensity
of the first and the second light sources 240a, 240b in response to a single input
control signal having duration t
in exceeding the second predetermined threshold
ThL2, the control portion 224 may be configured to alternately adjust the ratio of light
intensities and the combined light intensity in response to a single input control
signal having duration
tin exceeding the second predetermined threshold
ThL2.
[0075] In particular, the control portion 224 may be configured to adjust, in response to
a single input control signal having duration
tin exceeding the second predetermined threshold
ThL2 and until termination of the input control signal, the ratio between the light intensities
of the first light source 240a and the second light source 240b in accordance with
the first predetermined rule in case the most recent preceding input control signal
has resulted in adjustment of the combined light intensity of the first light source
240a and the second light source 240b. Conversely, the control portion 224 may be
configured to adjust, in response to a single input control signal having duration
tin exceeding the second predetermined threshold
ThL2 and until termination of the input control signal, the combined light intensity of
the first light source 240a and the second light source 240b such that the ratio of
the light intensities is kept unchanged or essentially unchanged in accordance with
the second predetermined rule in case the most recent preceding input control signal
has resulted in adjustment of the ratio between the light intensities of the first
light source 240a and the second light source 240b. This may be considered as an approach
for adjusting either the ratio between the light intensities or the combined light
intensity in accordance with the current state of the controller 220, where the state
is changed in response to each input control signal having duration
tin exceeding the second predetermined threshold
ThL2.
[0076] As an alternative exemplifying approach for adjusting either the ratio between the
light intensities or the combined light intensity in accordance with the current state
of the controller 220 in response to an input control signal having duration
tin exceeding the second predetermined threshold
ThL2, the control portion may be configured to adjust the ratio between the light intensities
in a first state and adjusting the combined light intensity in a second state.
[0077] In particular, in the first state the control portion 224 may be configured to, for
example, to adjust ratio between the light intensities of the first light source 240a
and the second light source 240b by increasing the light intensity of the first light
source 240a in relation to the light intensity of the second light source 240b until
termination of the input control signal or until reaching the (selected) maximum light
intensity of the first light source 240a or the (selected) minimum light intensity
of the second light source 240b, whichever occurs first. Alternatively, this adjustment
of the ratio may be continued until termination of the input control signal or until
reaching the (selected) maximum light intensity of the first light source 240a and
the (selected) minimum light intensity of the second light source 240b, whichever
occurs first. In the second state the control portion 224 may be configured to adjust,
i.e. to increase or to decrease, the combined light intensity of the first light source
240a and the second light source 240b such that the ratio of the light intensities
is kept unchanged or essentially unchanged until termination of the input control
signal or until reaching the (selected) maximum combined light intensity of the first
and the second light sources 240a, 240b or until reaching the (selected) minimum combined
light intensity of the first and the second light sources 240a, 240b.
[0078] The control portion 224 may be configured to change the state of the controller 220
from the first state to the second state or from the second state to the first state
in response to a predetermined number of control signals, each having the overall
duration not exceeding the first predetermined threshold
ThL1. As a non-limiting example, the predetermined number of such 'short' input control
signals initiating the change between the first and second states may be for example
two. In particular, the control portion 224 may be configured to trigger the change
between the first and second states in response to receiving a sequence of a predetermined
number of 'short' control signals, where individual input control signal is separated
from the adjacent 'short' input control signal by a temporal interval that is smaller
than the predetermined margin
tm, as described hereinbefore. Additionally, the control portion 224 may be configured
to change state of the controller 220 from the first state to the second state in
response to each input control signal having duration
tin exceeding the second predetermined threshold
ThL2, i.e. in response to a 'long' input control signal resulting in change of the ratio
or in change of the combined light intensity.
[0079] The control portion 224 may be configured to cause change in light intensity of a
light element 240a, 240b by controlling the respective light source to increase or
decrease its light intensity by a predetermined amount. Consequently, in order to
result in desired change of light intensity, a number of consecutive changes by the
predetermined amount may be required. In particular, the control portion 224 may be
configured to repeatedly control a light source to increase or decrease its light
intensity by the predetermined amount at predetermined intervals as long as the input
control signal continues, thereby resulting in step-wise change of the ratio between
intensities of the first and the second light sources 240a, 240, or a step-wise change
in the combined light intensity of the first and the second light sources 240a, 240b.
[0080] Alternatively, instead of repeatedly controlling a series of consecutive changes
of the predetermined amount at predetermined intervals, the control portion 224 may
be configured to control initiation of step-wise increase or decrease of light intensity
of the respective light source 240a, 240b by the predetermined amount at the predetermined
intervals. The control portion 224 may be further configured to control termination
of the step-wise increase or decrease of light intensity of the respective light source
240a, 240b in response the termination of the input control signal.
[0081] As a variation of the approach involving the control portion 224 causing the change
in light intensity of the first and the second light sources 240a, 240b in steps,
the control portion 224 may be configured to adjust the ratio between the light intensities
of the first and the second light sources 240a, 240b by changing between a plurality
of predetermined ratios in accordance with a predetermined pattern during a period
the input control signal fulfilling the criterion or criteria for adjusting the ratio.
In particular, such a predetermined pattern may comprise, in context of an example
involving five different predetermined ratios from
R1 to
R5, adjusting the ratio from the ratio
Ri to the ratio
Ri+1 with the adjustment from the ratio
R5 to the ratio
R1. As another example, the predetermined rule may comprise adjusting the ratio from
the ratio
Ri to the ratio
Ri+1 with the adjustment after reaching the ratio
R5 involving adjusting the ratio from the ratio
Ri to the ratio
Ri-1 until reaching the ratio
R1. The adjustment may comprise adjusting from the current ratio to the next predetermined
ratio according to the predetermined pattern after a predetermined interval since
the most recent adjustment or since the initiation of the adjustment (initiated by
the currently on-going input control signal), thereby providing a change from one
predetermined ratio to another according to the predetermined pattern at predetermined
intervals while the input control signal continues. The plurality of predetermined
ratios
Ri and/or the predetermined pattern may be arranged, for example, to provide a sequence
of ratios where the ratio monotonously changes from one predominantly relying on the
first light source 240a towards one predominantly relying on the second light source
240b and/or vice versa. As another example, the plurality of predetermined ratios
Ri and/or the predetermined pattern may be arranged to provide an essentially random
change from one ratio to another, e.g. from one lighting scene to another without
providing a monotonous or smooth change in contribution by either one of the first
and the second light sources 240a, 240b. Instead of using a set of five predetermined
ratios as in the example described hereinbefore, any number of predetermined ratios,
e.g. any number in the range from 2 to 20 may be employed, depending on the requirements
of the usage scenario.
[0082] The predetermined amount for increasing or decreasing the light intensity of a light
source 240a, 240b may be a predetermined fixed amount. As a non-limiting example,
the predetermined amount may be fixed e.g. to a predetermined fraction of a maximum
light intensity provided by the respective light source 240a, 240b, e.g. to 5 % of
the respective (absolute or selected) maximum light intensity. Selecting a smaller
value for the predetermined amount results in more accurate and hence smoother - but
typically slower - adaptation of characteristics of lighting, whereas selecting a
larger value results in faster - but typically coarser - adaptation.
[0083] As another example, the predetermined amount may depend on the current light intensity
provided by the respective light source 240a, 240b, e.g. in such a way that a smaller
step size, e.g. in the range 1 to 3 % of the respective (absolute or selected) maximum
light intensity, is applied if the current light intensity of the respective light
source 240a, 240b is close to the (absolute or selected) minimum light intensity of
the respective light source 240a, 240b (e.g. if the current light intensity is in
the range 0 to 10 % of the (absolute or selected) maximum light intensity of the respective
light source 240a, 240b) or close to the (absolute or selected) maximum light intensity
of the respective light source 240a, 240b (e.g. if the current light intensity is
in the range 90 to 100 % of the maximum light intensity of the respective light source
240a, 240b). In contrast, a larger step size is used in the mid-range of light intensities,
e.g. if the current light intensity is in the range 10 to 90 % of the (absolute or
selected) maximum light intensity of the respective light source 240a, 240b. Such
an adaptation of the step size results in slower adaptation of characteristics of
lighting close to the ends of the available light intensity range(s).
[0084] Instead of employing a predetermined fraction or percentage of the (absolute or selected)
maximum light intensity of a light source 240a, 240b to determine the predetermined
amount, the predetermined amount may be fixed absolute amount that is not directly
related to the respective (absolute or selected) maximum light intensity. However,
typically, the fixed absolute amount is small in relation to the respective (absolute
or selected) maximum light intensity, for example, in the order of one tenth of the
respective (absolute or selected) maximum light intensity or smaller in order to provide
a step size enabling smooth change in light intensity of the respective light source.
[0085] The predetermined interval is preferably a fixed interval in order to provide constant
and continuous response to an input control signal. The temporal length of the predetermined
interval is a parameter whose value may be selected to provide desired speed of adjustment
in view of the respective predetermined amount described hereinbefore. As a non-limiting
example, the predetermined interval may be a value in the range from 0.01 to 0.3 seconds,
e.g. 0.1 seconds. Moreover, the predetermined amount and the predetermined interval
may be selected such that adjustment of the ratio between light intensities of the
first and the second light sources 240a, 240b and/or the adjustment of the combined
light intensity of the first and the second light sources 240a, 240b is carried out,
if resulting from a single input control signal having duration
tin exceeding the second predetermined threshold
ThL2, during a desired period of time. Such a desired period of time may be e.g. in the
range from 1 to 5 seconds, e.g. two seconds.
[0086] In the following, an exemplifying scenario regarding the change in light intensities
of the first and the second light sources 240a, 240b is provided in order to further
illustrate some concepts described in more detail hereinbefore. In particular, this
exemplifying scenario involves usage of a first light source 240a capable of providing
white light at color temperature 3200 K and a second light source 240b capable of
providing with light at color temperature of approximately 7000 K. Moreover, a single
input control signal having duration
tin exceeding the second predetermined threshold
ThL2 is assumed to result in the adjustment of ratio and the adjustment of combined light
intensity in a sequential manner by first adjusting the combined light intensity of
the first and the second light sources 240a, 240b without changing the ratio, followed
by adjustment of the ratio of light intensities of the first and the second light
sources 240a, 240b without changing the combined light intensity in dependence of
the duration of the input control signal and in dependence of the current light intensities
of the first and/or second light sources 240a, 240b.
[0087] In this regard, Figure 4a provides an example illustrating the relationship between
the input control signal, the change in the combined light intensity and the color
temperature. Note that in this example the color temperature reflects the ratio between
the light intensities of the first and the second light sources 240a, 240b. The upper
diagram of Figure 4a shows as the bold line the status of the switch controlled by
the push-button 212 as a function of time and, consequently, indicates input control
signals received by the controller 220. The lower diagram of Figure 4a illustrates
as the bold solid line the (relative) combined light intensity as a function of time
and as the bold dashed line the color temperature as a function of time.
[0088] A first input control signal commencing at time
t1 in response to the push-button 212 being pushed is a short one, hence causing the
controller 220 to control switching the one or more light elements 240 on after termination
of the first input control signal at a maximum combined light intensity at color temperature
of approximately 4500 K. A second input control signal commencing at time
t2 is a long one, causing the controller 220 to control decreasing the combined light
intensity starting
at t2 +
ThL2 until termination of the second input control signal, resulting in the combined light
intensity being brought to approximately 55 % of the maximum combined light intensity
without affecting the color temperature.
[0089] A third input control signal commencing at time
t3 is a long one, and it first causes the controller 220 to control increasing the combined
light intensity starting at
t3 +
ThL2 until the maximum combined light intensity has been reached at time
t4. The third input control signal still continues at time
t5 =
t4 +
tCT, hence exceeding the predetermined period
tCT after reaching the maximum combined light intensity at time
t4 and causing the controller 220 to change the ratio between light intensities of the
first and the second light sources 240a, 240b and hence to change the color temperature.
Consequently, starting from time
t5 the ratio is adjusted first to provide higher color temperatures, followed by adjustment
of the ratio to provide lower color temperatures after reaching the maximum color
temperature approximately at 7000 K, further followed by adjustment of the ratio to
provide higher color temperatures after reaching the minimum color temperature at
approximately 3200 K. The maximum color temperature is reached when the first light
source 240a provides a zero light intensity with the second light source 240b providing
the (selected) maximum light intensity, while the minimum color temperature is reached
when the first light source 240a provides its (selected) maximum light intensity with
the second light source 240b providing a zero light intensity. The adjustment of the
ratio is terminated in response to termination of the third input control signal,
resulting in the color temperature of approximately 5200 K.
[0090] A fourth input control signal commencing at time
t6 is a long one, causing the controller 220 to control decreasing the combined light
intensity starting at
t6 +
ThL2 until termination of the fourth input control signal, resulting in the combined light
intensity being brought to approximately 35 % of the maximum overall light intensity
without affecting the ratio between the light intensities and hence the color temperature.
Finally, a fifth input control signal commencing at time t
7 is a short one, causing the controller 220 to control switching the one or more light
elements 240 off after termination of the fifth input control signal.
[0091] The example provided in context of Figure 4a assumed the adjustment of the ratio
to continue in another direction after a desired waiting time
tw in response to reaching a (selected) maximum or a (selected) minimum light intensity
of a light source 240a, 240b. In contrast, Figure 4b provides an example illustrating
the relationship between the input control signal, the change in the combined light
intensity and the ratio between the light intensities (reflected in the color temperature)
in accordance with a second exemplifying scenario assuming the adjustment of the ratio
to the other extreme in response to reaching a (selected) maximum or a (selected)
minimum light intensity of a light source 240a, 240b.
[0092] As in Figure 4a, also in Figure 4b the upper diagram shows as the bold line the status
of the switch controlled by the push-button 212 as a function of time and the lower
diagram illustrates as the bold solid line the (relative) combined light intensity
as a function of time and as the bold dashed line the ratio of light intensities and
hence the color temperature as a function of time. The durations and timing of the
input control signals of the example of Figure 4b are identical to those of the example
of Figure 4a.
[0093] In the example illustrated in Figure 4b the responses to the first and second input
control signals are the same as described hereinbefore in context of the example illustrated
in Figure 4a. Also the response to the third input control signal is the same described
for the example of Figure 4a until time
t5. Due to the third input control signal still continuing at time
t5 =
t4 + tCT, hence exceeding the predetermined period
tCT after reaching the (selected) maximum combined light intensity at time
t4, the controller 220 controls adjusting the ratio between the light intensities and
hence changing the color temperature. Consequently, starting from time
t5 the ratio is adjusted first to provide higher color temperatures, followed by continuing
the adjustment of the ratio towards higher color temperatures from the minimum color
temperature approximately at 3200 K after reaching the maximum color temperature approximately
at 7000 K. The adjustment of ratio and hence the adjustment of the color temperature
is terminated in response to termination of the third input control signal, resulting
in the color temperature of approximately 3700 K. The responses to the fourth and
fifth control signals are identical to those described in context of the example of
Figure 4a, while the ratio of light intensities of the first and the second light
sources 240a, 240b and hence the resulting color temperature after the third input
control signal is different from that of the first exemplifying scenario of Figure
4.
[0094] The controller 220 may, optionally, further comprise a driver portion 226, as schematically
illustrated in Figure 5. The driver portion 226 is configured to drive operation of
the two or more light sources 240, e.g. the first light source 240a and the second
light source 240b in accordance with control provided by the controller 220. The control
may be carried out by the controller 220 issuing control signal(s) or commands, as
described hereinbefore. In particular, the driver portion 226 may be configured to
switch the first light source 240a and/or the second light source 240b on or off and
to change the light intensity provided by the first light source 240a and/or by the
second light source 240b in accordance with the control provided by the controller
220. The driver portion 226 may be further configured to drive or control further
functions of the two or more light elements 240.
[0095] The driver portion 226 may be configured to switch the first and the second light
sources 240 on or off and/or to change light intensity of the first or the second
light source 240a, 240b by changing the operating parameters of the respective light
sources 240. This may involve initiating or discontinuing provision of the operating
power to the two or more light sources 240 in order to switch the respective light
sources on or off. Moreover, this may involve changing a signal providing operating
power to the first or the second light source 240a, 240b, e.g. by changing the characteristics
of the voltage and/or electric current provided to the respective light source 240a,
240b in order to result in a desired change in its light intensity. Such change of
characteristics may comprise e.g. changing the voltage level or the current level
provided to the first and/or the second light sources 240a, 240b and/or changing the
duty cycle or the duty ratio of a PWM signal controlling the light intensity of the
first and/or the second light source 240a, 240b.
[0096] The driver portion 226 may be configured to provide to the control portion 224 an
indication of the (selected) maximum light intensity of a light source 240a, 240b
or the (selected) minimum light intensity of a light source 240a, 240b having been
reached to facilitate controlling the change of characteristics. Moreover, the driver
portion 226 may be further configured to provide to the control portion 224 indication(s)
of the current light intensities of the first and the second light sources 240a, 240b
to facilitate monitoring of the prevailing combined light intensity and/or the ratio
of the light intensities. Conversely, the control portion 224 may be configured to
receive such indication(s) from the driver portion 226.
[0097] Instead of providing the controller 220 with the driver portion 226, the function(s)
and/or the operation(s) of the driver portion 226 may be provided as a driver 230
forming a logical and functional entity separate from the controller 220, as schematically
illustrated in Figure 6. In particular, the driver 230, performing the operations
and/or functions described hereinbefore for the driver portion 226 may be provided
in an apparatus separate from the apparatus acting as or hosting the controller 220.
[0098] In such an arrangement involving a dedicated driver 230, the driver 230 may be provided
with a single input for receiving control information, e.g. output control signals
or commands, from the controller 220 addressed for the first light source 240a or
the second light source 240b. The control signals or commands may comprise information
identifying the respective light source 240a, 240b to enable the driver 230 to address
the output control signal or the command to the intended light source 240a, 240b of
the two or more light sources 240. Alternatively, the driver 230 may be provided with
a dedicated input for each light source 240a, 240b for receiving control, e.g. output
control signals or commands, from the controller 220 addressed to the respective light
source 240a, 240b. In case of dedicated inputs it may not be necessary to include
the information identifying the respective light element in the control signals or
commands received at the driver 230.
[0099] Instead of a single driver 230, the controller 220 may control operation of the two
or more light sources 240 via two or more drivers. In particular, the two or more
drivers may comprise a first driver 230a for driving operation of the first light
source 240a and a second driver 230b for driving operation of the second light source
240b, as schematically illustrated in Figure 7. The first driver 230a and the second
driver 230b may be hence considered to represent two or more drivers, each configured
to control operation of the respective light source 240a, 240b connectable thereto
independently of the other drivers (but in control of the controller 220).
[0100] In general, the driving portion 226 or the driver 230, if present, provides a driver
function or a driver apparatus in accordance with the characteristics and requirements
of the light source 240a, 240b it is configured to drive.
[0101] As an example, the driver may comprise a LED driver and the light sources connectable
thereto may comprise one or more LED light sources. As another example, the driver
may comprise an electrical ballast and the light sources connectable thereto may comprise
one or more fluorescent lamps. As a further example, the driver may comprise a driver
for a HID lamp while the light sources connectable thereto may comprise one or more
HID lamps.
[0102] The operations, procedures and/or functions assigned to the structural units of the
controller 220, e.g. to the input portion 222, to the control portion 224 and to the
possible driver portion 226, may be divided between these portions in a different
manner. Moreover, the controller 220 may comprise further portions or units that may
be configured to perform some of the operations, procedures and/or functions assigned
to the input portion 222, to the control portion 224 and/or to the possible driver
portion 226 in the description hereinbefore. On the other hand, the operations, procedures
and/or functions assigned to the input portion 222, to the control portion 224 and
to the possible driver portion 226 may be assigned to a single portion or to a single
processing unit within the controller 220.
[0103] In particular, the controller 220 may be provided as a control apparatus for controlling
operation of a first light source 240a of a first color and a second light source
240b of a second color, the control apparatus comprising means for receiving an input
control signal having a user-controllable duration, means for switching, in response
to a single input control signal having the overall duration t
in not exceeding a first predetermined threshold
ThL1, the first light source 240a and the second light source 240b on or off, and means
for changing the characteristics of light provided by the first and second light sources
240a, 240b, in response to the duration of the input control signal
tin exceeding a second predetermined threshold
ThL2 that is no smaller than the first predetermined threshold, the change in characteristics
being dependent on duration of the input control signal and the change comprising
adjustment of the ratio between the light intensities of the first light source and
the second light source.
[0104] As a non-limiting example, Figure 8 schematically illustrates an exemplifying apparatus
800 that may be employed for embodying the present invention. The apparatus 800 comprises
a processor 810 and a memory 820, the processor 810 being configured to read from
and write to the memory 820. The apparatus 800 may further comprise a communication
interface 830, such as a network card or a network adapter enabling wireless or wired
communication with one or more another apparatuses. The apparatus 800 may further
comprise a user interface 840 for providing data, commands and/or other input to the
processor 810 and/or for receiving data or other output from the processor 810, the
user interface 840 comprising for example one or more of a display, one or more keys,
a keyboard, a mouse or a respective pointing device, a touchscreen, etc. The apparatus
800 may comprise further components not illustrated in the example of Figure 8.
[0105] Although the processor 810 is presented in the example of Figure 8 as a single component,
the processor 810 may be implemented as one or more separate components. Although
the memory 820 is illustrated as single component, the memory 820 may be implemented
as one or more separate components, some or all of which may be integrated/removable
and/or may provide permanent/semi-permanent/ dynamic/cached storage.
[0106] The apparatus 800 may be embodied as a special-purpose or as a general purpose device
with a sufficient processing capacity. Alternatively, the apparatus 800 may be embodied
as an apparatus dedicated for operating as the controller 220 described hereinbefore.
[0107] The memory 820 may store a computer program 850 comprising computer-executable instructions
that control the operation of the apparatus 800 when loaded into the processor 810
and executed by the processor 810. As an example, the computer program 850 may include
one or more sequences of one or more instructions. The computer program 850 may be
provided as a computer program code. The processor 810 is able to load and execute
the computer program 850 by reading the one or more sequences of one or more instructions
included therein from the memory 820. The one or more sequences of one or more instructions
may be configured to, when executed by one or more processors, cause an apparatus,
for example the apparatus 800, to implement the operations, procedures and/or functions
described hereinbefore in context of the controller 220.
[0108] Hence, the apparatus 800 may comprise at least one processor 810 and at least one
memory 820 including computer program code for one or more programs, the at least
one memory 820 and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one
processor 810, cause the apparatus 800 to perform the operations, procedures and/or
functions described hereinbefore in context of the controller 220.
[0109] The computer program 850 may be provided independently of the apparatus, and the
computer program 850 may be provided at the apparatus 800 via any suitable delivery
mechanism. As an example, the delivery mechanism may comprise at least one computer
readable non-transitory medium having program code stored thereon, the program code
which when executed by an apparatus cause the apparatus at least implement processing
to carry out the operations, procedures and/or functions described hereinbefore in
context of the controller 220. The delivery mechanism may be for example a computer
readable storage medium, a computer program product, a memory device a record medium
such as a CD-ROM, a DVD, a corresponding optical media, an article of manufacture
that tangibly embodies the computer program 850, etc. As a further example, the delivery
mechanism may be a signal configured to reliably transfer the computer program 850.
[0110] Reference to a processor should not be understood to encompass only programmable
processors, but also dedicated circuits such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA),
application specific circuits (ASIC), signal processors, etc.
1. An apparatus for controlling operation of a first light source (240a) of a first color
and a second light source (240b) of a second color, the apparatus comprising
an input portion (222) configured to receive an input control signal having a user-controllable
duration,
characterized in that the apparatus comprises a control portion (224) configured to
switch, in response to a single input control signal having the overall duration not
exceeding a first predetermined threshold, the first (240a) and second (240b) light
sources on or off, and
change characteristics of light provided by the first (240a) and second (240b) light
sources in response to the duration of the input control signal exceeding a second
predetermined threshold that is no smaller than the first predetermined threshold,
the change in characteristics being dependent on duration of the input control signal
and the change comprising adjustment of the ratio between the light intensities of
the first light source (240a) and the second light source (240b).
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment of the ratio comprises increasing
the light intensity of the first light source (240a) in relation to the light intensity
of the second light source (240b) until termination of the input control signal or
until reaching a maximum light intensity of the first light source (240a) and/or a
minimum light intensity of the second light source (240b).
3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the adjustment of ratio further comprises,
after reaching said maximum light intensity of the first light source (240a) and/or
said minimum light intensity of the second light source (240b), one of the following:
termination of the adjustment of the ratio,
decreasing the light intensity of the first light source (240a) in relation to the
light intensity of the second light source (240b) until termination of the input control
signal or until reaching a minimum light intensity of the first light source (240a)
and/or a maximum light intensity of the second light source (240b), and
setting the light intensity of the first light source (240a) to the minimum light
intensity thereof and the light intensity of the second light source (240b) to the
maximum light intensity thereof and increasing the light intensity of the first light
source (240a) in relation to the light intensity of the second light source (240b)
until termination of the input control signal and/or until reaching the maximum light
intensity of the first light source (240a) or the minimum light intensity of the second
light source (240b).
4. An apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the adjustment of ratio further comprises
decreasing the light intensity of the first light source (240a) in relation to the
light intensity of the second light source (240b), in response to the most recent
preceding input control signal having resulted in increasing the light intensity of
the first light source (240a) in relation to the light intensity of the second light
source (240b), until termination of the input control signal or until reaching a minimum
light intensity of the first light source (240a) and/or a maximum light intensity
of the second light source (240b).
5. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the change further comprises adjustment
of the combined light intensity of the first light source (240a) and the second light
source (240b) such that the ratio between the light intensity of the first light source
(240a) and the second light source (240b) remains essentially constant.
6. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the change comprises
adjustment of the combined light intensity of the first light source (240a) and the
second light source (240b), the adjustment of combined light intensity being continued
until termination of the input control signal or until reaching a maximum or a minimum
combined light intensity of the first (240a) and the second (240b) light sources,
and
adjustment of the ratio between the light intensities of the first light source (240a)
and the second light source (240b) in accordance with a first predetermined rule in
response to the input control signal continuing after a predetermined period of time
after reaching said maximum combined light intensity of the first (240a) and the second
(240b) light sources has elapsed.
7. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the change comprises
adjustment of the ratio between the light intensities of the first light source (240a)
and the second light source (240b), the adjustment of the ratio being continued until
termination of the input control signal, until reaching a maximum light intensity
of the first light source (240a) and/or a minimum light intensity of the second light
source (240b), and
adjustment of the combined light intensity of the first light source (240a) and the
second light source (240b) in accordance with a second predetermined rule in response
to the input control signal continuing after a predetermined period of time after
reaching said maximum light intensity of the first light source (240a) and/or the
minimum light intensity of the second light source (240b) has elapsed.
8. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the change comprises, until termination
of the input control signal,
adjustment of the ratio between the light intensities of the first light source (240a)
and the second light source (240b) in accordance with a first predetermined rule in
response to the most recent preceding input control signal having resulted in adjustment
of the combined light intensity of the first light source (240a) and the second light
source (240b), and
adjustment of the combined light intensity of the first light source (240a) and the
second light source (240b) in accordance with a second predetermined rule in response
to the most recent preceding input control signal having resulted in adjustment of
the ratio between the light intensities of the first light source (240a) and the second
light source (240b).
9. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the change comprises adjustment of the
ratio between the light intensities of the first light source (240a) and the second
light source (240b) or adjustment of the combined light intensity of the first light
source (240a) and the second light source (240b) in accordance with the current state
of the apparatus,
wherein in a first state of the apparatus the change comprises adjustment of the ratio
between the light intensities of the first light source (240a) and the second light
source (240b) by increasing the light intensity of the first light source (240a) in
relation to the light intensity of the second light source (240b) until termination
of the input control signal or until reaching a maximum light intensity of the first
light source (240a) or a minimum light intensity of the second light source (240b),
and
wherein in a second state of the apparatus the change comprises adjustment of the
combined light intensity of the first light source (240a) and the second light source
(240b) until termination of the input control signal or until reaching a maximum or
a minimum light intensity of the first light source (240a) or the second light source
(240b).
10. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the state of the apparatus is changed from
the first state to the second or vice versa in response to a predetermined number
of control signals, each having the overall duration not exceeding the first predetermined
threshold.
11. An apparatus according to any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the first predetermined rule
comprises adjusting the ratio by increasing the light intensity of the first light
source (240a) in relation to the light intensity of the second light source (240b)
until termination of the input control signal or until reaching the maximum light
intensity of the first light source (240a) and/or the minimum light intensity of the
second light source (240b).
12. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the adjustment of ratio further comprises,
after reaching the maximum light intensity of the first light source (240a) and/or
the minimum light intensity of the second light source (240b), one of the following:
decreasing the light intensity of the first light source (240a) in relation to the
light intensity of the second light source (240b) until termination of the input control
signal or until reaching a minimum light intensity of the first light source (240a)
and/or a maximum light intensity of the second light source (240b), and
setting the light intensity of the first light source (240a) to the minimum light
intensity thereof and the light intensity of the second light source (240b) to the
maximum light intensity thereof and increasing the light intensity of the first light
source (240a) in relation to the light intensity of the second light source (240b)
until termination of the input control signal or until reaching the maximum light
intensity of the first light source (240a) and/or the minimum light intensity of the
second light source (240b).
13. An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the adjustment of ratio further comprises,
after reaching the maximum light intensity of the first light source (240a) and/or
the minimum light intensity of the second light source (240b), waiting for a second
predetermined period of time before further adjusting the ratio between the light
intensities of the first (240a) and the second (240b) light sources.
14. An apparatus according to any of claims 6 to 8 or 11 to 13, wherein the second predetermined
rule comprises adjusting the combined light intensity by increasing or decreasing
the light intensity of the first (240a) and second (240b) light sources until termination
of the input control signal, until reaching the maximum light intensity of the first
light source (240a) or the second light source (240b) or until reaching the minimum
light intensity of the first light source (240a) or the second light source (240b).
15. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the adjustment of combined light intensity
further comprises,
after reaching the maximum light intensity of the first (240a) or the second (240b)
light source, decreasing the light intensity of the first (240a) and second (240b)
light sources until termination of the input control signal or until reaching the
minimum light intensity of the first (240a) or the second (240b) light source, and/or
after reaching the minimum light intensity of the first (240a) or the second (240b)
light source, increasing the light intensity of the first (240a) and second (240b)
light sources until termination of the input control signal or until reaching the
maximum light intensity of the first (240a) or the second (240b) light source.
16. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the adjustment of the ratio
between the light intensities of the first light source (240a) and the second light
source (240b) is carried out such that the combined light intensity of the first light
source (240a) and the second light source (240b) remains essentially constant.
17. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the change in light intensity
of the first light source (240a) and/or the second light source (240b) is provided
as one or more changes of a predetermined amount, each change increasing or decreasing
the light intensity of the respective light source by the predetermined amount.
18. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is configured
to issue one or more control signals to cause a desired change in light intensity
of the first light source (240a) and/or the second light source (240b).
19. An apparatus according to claim 1, comprising
at least one processor (810) and at least one memory (820) including computer program
code for one or more programs, the at least one memory (820) and the computer program
code configured to, with the at least one processor (810), cause the apparatus to
implement at least said input portion (222) and said control portion (224).
20. A computer program for controlling operation of a first light source (240a) of a first
color and a second light source (240b) of a second color, the computer program including
one or more sequences of one or more instructions which, when executed by one or more
processors, cause an apparatus to at least perform the following:
receive an input control signal having a user-controllable duration,
characterized in that the computer program, when executed by the one or more processors, causes the apparatus
to
switch, in response to a single input control signal having the overall duration not
exceeding a first predetermined threshold, the first (240a) and second (240b) light
sources on or off, and
change characteristics of light provided by the first (240a) and second (240b) light
sources in response to the duration of the input control signal exceeding a second
predetermined threshold that is no smaller than the first predetermined threshold,
the change in characteristics being dependent on duration of the input control signal
and the change comprising adjustment of the ratio between the light intensities of
the first light source (240a) and the second light source (240b).
1. Vorrichtung zum Steuern/Regeln vom Betrieb einer ersten Lichtquelle (240a) einer ersten
Farbe und einer zweiten Lichtquelle (240b) einer zweiten Farbe, wobei die Vorrichtung
einen Eingabeabschnitt (222) aufweist, der konfiguriert ist, um ein Eingabesteuersignal
mit einer vom Benutzer steuerbaren Dauer zu empfangen,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Vorrichtung einen Steuerabschnitt (224) aufweist, welcher konfiguriert ist zum:
Ein- oder Ausschalten der ersten (240a) und der zweiten (240b) Lichtquelle, in Antwort
auf ein einzelnes Eingabesteuersignal, dessen Gesamtdauer einen ersten vorbestimmten
Schwellenwert nicht überschreitet, und
Ändern von Charakteristiken des Lichts, das von der ersten (240a) und zweiten (240b)
Lichtquelle geliefert wird, in Antwort darauf, dass die Dauer des Eingabesteuersignals
einen zweiten vorbestimmten Schwellenwert überschreitet, der nicht kleiner als der
erste vorbestimmte Schwellenwert ist, wobei die Änderung in den Charakteristiken von
der Dauer des Eingabesteuersignals abhängig ist, und die Änderung eine Einstellung
des Verhältnisses zwischen den Lichtintensitäten der ersten Lichtquelle (240a) und
der zweiten Lichtquelle (240b) aufweist.
2. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Einstellung des Verhältnisses aufweist, die
Lichtintensität der ersten Lichtquelle (240a) in Bezug auf die Lichtintensität der
zweiten Lichtquelle (240b) zu erhöhen, bis das Eingabesteuersignal endet oder bis
eine maximale Lichtintensität der ersten Lichtquelle (240a) und/oder eine minimale
Lichtintensität der zweiten Lichtquelle (240b) erreicht ist.
3. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 2, wobei die Einstellung des Verhältnisses, nachdem die
maximale Lichtintensität der ersten Lichtquelle (240a) und/oder die minimale Lichtintensität
der zweiten Lichtquelle (240b) erreicht ist, ferner eines von Folgendem aufweist:
Beenden der Einstellung des Verhältnisses,
Verringern der Lichtintensität der ersten Lichtquelle (240a) in Bezug auf die Lichtintensität
der zweiten Lichtquelle (240b), bis das Eingabesteuersignal endet oder bis eine minimale
Lichtintensität der ersten Lichtquelle (240a) und/oder eine maximale Lichtintensität
der zweiten Lichtquelle (240b) erreicht ist, und
Setzen der Lichtintensität der ersten Lichtquelle (240a) auf ihre minimale Lichtintensität
und der Lichtintensität der zweiten Lichtquelle (240b) auf ihre maximale Lichtintensität,
und Erhöhen der Lichtintensität der ersten Lichtquelle (240a) in Bezug auf die Lichtintensität
der zweiten Lichtquelle (240b), bis das Eingabesteuersignal endet und/oder bis die
maximale Lichtintensität der ersten Lichtquelle (240a) oder die minimale Lichtintensität
der zweiten Lichtquelle (240b) erreicht ist.
4. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 2 oder 3, wobei die Einstellung des Verhältnisses ferner
aufweist:
Verringern der Lichtintensität der ersten Lichtquelle (240a) in Bezug auf die Lichtintensität
der zweiten Lichtquelle (240b) in Antwort darauf, dass das jüngst vorangehende Eingabesteuersignal
in einer Erhöhung der Lichtintensität der ersten Lichtquelle (240a) in Bezug auf die
Lichtintensität der zweiten Lichtquelle (240b) resultiert hat, bis das Eingabesteuersignal
endet oder bis eine minimale Lichtintensität der ersten Lichtquelle (240a) und/oder
eine maximale Lichtintensität der zweiten Lichtquelle (240b) erreicht ist.
5. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Änderung ferner aufweist:
Einstellung der kombinierten Lichtintensität der ersten Lichtquelle (240a) und der
zweiten Lichtquelle (240b) derart, dass das Verhältnis zwischen der Lichtintensität
der ersten Lichtquelle (240a) und der zweiten Lichtquelle (240b) im Wesentlichen konstant
bleibt.
6. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 5, wobei die Änderung aufweist:
Einstellen der kombinierten Lichtintensität der ersten Lichtquelle (240a) und der
zweiten Lichtquelle (240b), wobei die Einstellung der kombinierten Lichtintensität
fortgesetzt wird, bis das Eingabesteuersignal endet oder bis eine maximale oder eine
minimale kombinierte Lichtintensität der ersten (240a) und der zweiten (240b) Lichtquelle
erreicht ist, und
Einstellen des Verhältnisses zwischen den Lichtintensitäten der ersten Lichtquelle
(240a) und der zweiten Lichtquelle (240b) gemäß einer ersten vorbestimmten Regel in
Antwort darauf, dass das Eingabesteuersignal nach einer vorbestimmten Zeitdauer fortdauert,
nachdem das Erreichen der maximalen kombinierten Lichtintensität der ersten (240a)
und der zweiten (240b) Lichtquelle abgelaufen ist.
7. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 5, wobei die Änderung aufweist:
Einstellen des Verhältnisses zwischen den Lichtintensitäten der ersten Lichtquelle
(240a) und der zweiten Lichtquelle (240b), wobei die Einstellung des Verhältnisses
fortgesetzt wird, bis das Eingabesteuersignal endet, bis eine maximale Lichtintensität
der ersten Lichtquelle (240a) und/oder eine minimale Lichtintensität der zweiten Lichtquelle
(240b) erreicht ist, und
Einstellen der kombinierten Lichtintensität der ersten Lichtquelle (240a) und der
zweiten Lichtquelle (240b) gemäß einer zweiten vorbestimmten Regel in Antwort darauf,
dass das Eingabesteuersignal nach einer vorbestimmten Zeitdauer fortdauert, nachdem
das Erreichen der maximalen Lichtintensität der ersten Lichtquelle (240a) und/oder
der minimalen Lichtintensität der zweiten Lichtquelle (240b) abgelaufen ist.
8. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 5, wobei die Änderung, bis zum Ende des Eingabesteuersignals,
aufweist,
Einstellen des Verhältnisses zwischen den Lichtintensitäten der ersten Lichtquelle
(240a) und der zweiten Lichtquelle (240b) gemäß einer ersten vorbestimmten Regel in
Antwort darauf, dass das jüngst vorangehende Eingabesteuersignal in einer Einstellung
der kombinierten Lichtintensität der ersten Lichtquelle (240a) und der zweiten Lichtquelle
(240b) resultiert hat, und
Einstellen der kombinierten Lichtintensität der ersten Lichtquelle (240a) und der
zweiten Lichtquelle (240b) gemäß einer zweiten vorbestimmten Regel in Antwort darauf,
dass das jüngst vorangehende Steuersignal in einer Einstellung des Verhältnisses zwischen
den Lichtintensitäten der ersten Lichtquelle (240a) und der zweiten Lichtquelle (240b)
resultiert hat.
9. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 5, wobei die Änderung aufweist: Einstellen des Verhältnisses
zwischen den Lichtintensitäten der ersten Lichtquelle (240a) und der zweiten Lichtquelle
(240b), oder Einstellen der kombinierten Lichtintensität der ersten Lichtquelle (240a)
und der zweiten Lichtquelle (240b) gemäß dem gegenwärtigen Zustand der Vorrichtung,
wobei in einem ersten Zustand der Vorrichtung die Änderung aufweist:
Einstellen des Verhältnisses zwischen den Lichtintensitäten der ersten Lichtquelle
(240a) und der zweiten Lichtquelle (240b) durch Erhöhen der Lichtintensität der ersten
Lichtquelle (240a) in Bezug auf die Lichtintensität der zweiten Lichtquelle (240b),
bis das Eingabesteuersignal endet oder bis eine maximale Lichtintensität der ersten
Lichtquelle (240a) oder eine minimale Lichtintensität der zweiten Lichtquelle (240b)
erreicht ist, und
wobei in einem zweiten Zustand der Vorrichtung die Änderung aufweist: Einstellen der
kombinierten Lichtintensität der ersten Lichtquelle (240a) und der zweiten Lichtquelle
(240b), bis das Eingabesteuersignal endet, oder bis eine maximale oder minimale Lichtintensität
der ersten Lichtquelle (240a) oder der zweiten Lichtquelle (240b) erreicht ist.
10. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 9, wobei der Zustand der Vorrichtung von dem ersten Zustand
zum zweiten oder umgekehrt in Antwort auf eine vorbestimmte Anzahl von Steuersignalen
geändert wird, deren jeweilige Gesamtdauer den ersten vorbestimmten Schwellenwert
nicht überschreitet.
11. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 6 bis 8, wobei die erste vorbestimmte Regel aufweist:
Einstellen des Verhältnisses durch Erhöhen der Lichtintensität der ersten Lichtquelle
(240a) in Bezug auf die Lichtintensität der zweiten Lichtquelle (240b), bis das Eingabesteuersignal
endet oder bis die maximale Lichtintensität der ersten Lichtquelle (240a) und/oder
die minimale Lichtintensität der zweiten Lichtquelle (240b) erreicht ist.
12. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 11, wobei die Einstellung des Verhältnisses, nach Erreichen
der maximalen Lichtintensität der ersten Lichtquelle (240a) und/oder der minimalen
Lichtintensität der zweiten Lichtquelle (240b), ferner eines vom Folgenden aufweist:
Verringern der Lichtintensität der ersten Lichtquelle (240a) in Bezug auf die Lichtintensität
der zweiten Lichtquelle (240b), bis das Eingabesteuersignal endet oder bis eine minimale
Lichtintensität der ersten Lichtquelle (240a) und/oder eine maximale Lichtintensität
der zweiten Lichtquelle (240b) erreicht ist, und
Setzen der Lichtintensität der ersten Lichtquelle (240a) auf ihre minimale Lichtintensität
und der Lichtintensität der zweiten Lichtquelle (240b) auf ihre maximale Lichtintensität,
und Erhöhen der Lichtintensität der ersten Lichtquelle (240a) in Bezug auf die Lichtintensität
der zweiten Lichtquelle (240b), bis das Eingabesteuersignal endet oder bis die maximale
Lichtintensität der ersten Lichtquelle (240a) und/oder die minimale Lichtintensität
der zweiten Lichtquelle (240b) erreicht ist.
13. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 12, wobei die Einstellung des Verhältnisses, nach Erreichen
der maximalen Lichtintensität der ersten Lichtquelle (240a) und/oder der minimalen
Lichtintensität der zweiten Lichtquelle (240b), ferner aufweist: Abwarten einer zweiten
vorbestimmten Zeitdauer vor einer weiteren Einstellung des Verhältnisses zwischen
den Lichtintensitäten der ersten (240a) und der zweiten (240b) Lichtquelle.
14. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 6 bis 8 oder 11 bis 13, wobei die zweite vorbestimmte
Regel aufweist: Einstellen der kombinierten Lichtintensität durch Erhöhen oder Verringern
der Lichtintensität der ersten (240a) und der zweiten (240b) Lichtquelle, bis das
Eingabesteuersignal endet, bis die maximale Lichtintensität der ersten Lichtquelle
(240a) oder der zweiten Lichtquelle (240b) erreicht ist, oder bis die minimale Lichtintensität
der ersten Lichtquelle (240a) oder der zweiten Lichtquelle (240b) erreicht ist.
15. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 14, wobei die Einstellung der kombinierten Lichtintensität
ferner aufweist:
nach Erreichen der maximalen Lichtintensität der ersten (240a) oder der zweiten (240b)
Lichtquelle, Verringern der Lichtintensität der ersten (240a) und der zweiten (240b)
Lichtquelle, bis das Eingabesteuersignal endet oder bis die minimale Lichtintensität
der ersten (240a) oder der zweiten (240b) Lichtquelle erreicht ist, und/oder
nach Erreichen der minimalen Lichtintensität der ersten (240a) oder der zweiten (240b)
Lichtquelle, Erhöhen der Lichtintensität der ersten (240a) und der zweiten (240b)
Lichtquelle, bis das Eingabesteuersignal endet oder bis die maximale Lichtintensität
der ersten (240a) oder der zweiten (240b) Lichtquelle erreicht ist.
16. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Einstellung des Verhältnisses
zwischen den Lichtintensitäten der ersten Lichtquelle (240a) und der zweiten Lichtquelle
(240b) derart erfolgt, dass die kombinierte Lichtintensität der ersten Lichtquelle
(240a) und der zweiten Lichtquelle (240b) im Wesentlichen konstant bleibt.
17. Vorrichtung nach einem vorhergehenden Anspruch, wobei die Änderung in der Lichtintensität
der ersten Lichtquelle (240a) und/oder der zweiten Lichtquelle (240b) als eine oder
mehrere Änderungen eines vorbestimmten Betrags bereitgestellt wird, wobei jede Änderung
die Lichtintensität der entsprechenden Lichtquelle um einen vorbestimmten Betrag erhöht
oder verringert.
18. Vorrichtung nach einem vorhergehenden Anspruch, wobei die Vorrichtung konfiguriert
ist, um ein oder mehrere Steuersignale auszugeben, um eine gewünschte Änderung in
der Lichtintensität der ersten Lichtquelle (240a) und/oder der zweiten Lichtquelle
(240b) zu bewirken.
19. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, welche aufweist:
zumindest einen Prozessor (810) und zumindest einen Speicher (820), der einen Computerprogramm-Code
für ein oder mehrere Programme enthält, wobei der zumindest eine Speicher (820) und
der Computerprogramm-Code konfiguriert sind, um mit dem zumindest einen Prozessor
(810) zu bewirken, dass die Vorrichtung zumindest den Eingabeabschnitt (222) und den
Steuerabschnitt (224) implementiert.
20. Computerprogramm zum Steuern/Regeln vom Betrieb einer ersten Lichtquelle (240a) einer
ersten Farbe und einer zweiten Lichtquelle (240b) einer zweiten Farbe, wobei das Computerprogramm
eine oder mehrere Sequenzen von einer oder mehreren Instruktionen enthält, die, wenn
sie von einem oder mehreren Prozessoren ausgeführt werden, bewirken, dass eine Vorrichtung
zumindest das Folgende durchführt:
Empfangen eines Eingabesteuersignals mit einer vom Benutzer steuerbaren Dauer,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Computerprogramm, wenn es von dem einen oder mehreren Prozessoren ausgeführt
wird, bewirkt, dass die Vorrichtung:
die erste (240a) und die zweite (240b) Lichtquelle, in Antwort auf ein einzelnes Eingabesteuersignal,
dessen Gesamtdauer einen ersten vorbestimmten Schwellenwert nicht überschreitet, ein-
oder ausschaltet, und
Charakteristiken des Lichts ändert, das von der ersten (240a) und der zweiten (240b)
Lichtquelle geliefert wird, in Antwort darauf, dass die Dauer des Eingabesteuersignals
einen zweiten vorbestimmten Schwellenwert überschreitet, der nicht kleiner als der
erste vorbestimmte Schwellenwert ist, wobei die Änderung in den Charakteristiken von
der Dauer des Eingabesteuersignals abhängig ist, und die Änderung eine Einstellung
des Verhältnisses zwischen den Lichtintensitäten der ersten Lichtquelle (240a) und
der zweiten Lichtquelle (240b) aufweist.
1. Appareil pour commander le fonctionnement d'une première source de lumière (240a)
d'une première couleur et d'une seconde source de lumière (240b) d'une seconde couleur,
l'appareil comprenant
une partie d'entrée (222) configurée pour recevoir un signal de commande d'entrée
ayant une durée pouvant être commandée par l'utilisateur,
caractérisé en ce que l'appareil comprend une partie de commande (224) configurée pour
allumer ou éteindre, en réponse à un seul signal de commande d'entrée ayant la durée
totale ne dépassant pas un premier seuil prédéterminé, les première (240a) et seconde
(240b) sources de lumière, et
changer des caractéristiques de lumière fournie par les première (240a) et seconde
(240b) sources de lumière en réponse à la durée du signal de commande d'entrée dépassant
un second seuil prédéterminé qui n'est pas inférieur au premier seuil prédéterminé,
le changement de caractéristiques dépendant de la durée du signal de commande d'entrée
et le changement comprenant l'ajustement du rapport entre les intensités de lumière
de la première source de lumière (240a) et de la seconde source de lumière (240b).
2. Appareil selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'ajustement du rapport comprend l'augmentation
de l'intensité de lumière de la première source de lumière (240a) par rapport à l'intensité
de lumière de la seconde source de lumière (240b) jusqu'à la terminaison du signal
de commande d'entrée ou jusqu'à atteindre une intensité de lumière maximale de la
première source de lumière (240a) et/ou une intensité de lumière minimale de la seconde
source de lumière (240b).
3. Appareil selon la revendication 2, dans lequel l'ajustement du rapport comprend en
outre, après avoir atteint ladite intensité de lumière maximale de la première source
de lumière (240a) et/ou ladite intensité de lumière minimale de la seconde source
de lumière (240b), un de ce qui suit :
la terminaison de l'ajustement du rapport,
la diminution de l'intensité de lumière de la première source de lumière (240a) par
rapport à l'intensité de lumière de la seconde source de lumière (240b) jusqu'à la
terminaison du signal de commande d'entrée ou jusqu'à atteindre une intensité de lumière
minimale de la première source de lumière (240a) et/ou une intensité de lumière maximale
de la seconde source de lumière (240b), et
le réglage de l'intensité de lumière de la première source de lumière (240a) à l'intensité
de lumière minimale de celle-ci et de l'intensité de lumière de la seconde source
de lumière (240b) à l'intensité de lumière maximale de celle-ci et l'augmentation
de l'intensité de lumière de la première source de lumière (240a) par rapport à l'intensité
de lumière de la seconde source de lumière (240b) jusqu'à la terminaison du signal
de commande d'entrée et/ou jusqu'à atteindre l'intensité de lumière maximale de la
première source de lumière (240a) ou l'intensité de lumière minimale de la seconde
source de lumière (240b).
4. Appareil selon la revendication 2 ou 3, dans lequel l'ajustement du rapport comprend
en outre la diminution de l'intensité de lumière de la première source de lumière
(240a) par rapport à l'intensité de lumière de la seconde source de lumière (240b),
en réponse au signal de commande d'entrée précédent le plus récent ayant entraîné
l'augmentation de l'intensité de lumière de la première source de lumière (240a) par
rapport à l'intensité de lumière de la seconde source de lumière (240b), jusqu'à la
terminaison du signal de commande d'entrée ou jusqu'à atteindre une intensité de lumière
minimale de la première source de lumière (240a) et/ou une intensité de lumière maximale
de la seconde source de lumière (240b).
5. Appareil selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le changement comprend en outre l'ajustement
de l'intensité de lumière combinée de la première source de lumière (240a) et de la
seconde source de lumière (240b) de sorte que le rapport entre l'intensité de lumière
de la première source de lumière (240a) et de la seconde source de lumière (240b)
reste essentiellement constant.
6. Appareil selon la revendication 5, dans lequel le changement comprend
l'ajustement de l'intensité de lumière combinée de la première source de lumière (240a)
et de la seconde source de lumière (240b), l'ajustement de l'intensité de lumière
combinée étant continué jusqu'à la terminaison du signal de commande d'entrée ou jusqu'à
atteindre une intensité de lumière combinée maximale ou minimale de la première (240a)
et de la seconde (240b) source de lumière, et
l'ajustement du rapport entre les intensités de lumière de la première source de lumière
(240a) et de la seconde source de lumière (240b) conformément à une première règle
prédéterminée en réponse au signal de commande d'entrée continuant après qu'une période
de temps prédéterminée après avoir atteint ladite intensité de lumière combinée maximale
de la première (240a) et de la seconde (240b) source de lumière s'est écoulée.
7. Appareil selon la revendication 5, dans lequel le changement comprend
l'ajustement du rapport entre les intensités de lumière de la première source de lumière
(240a) et de la seconde source de lumière (240b), l'ajustement du rapport étant continué
jusqu'à la terminaison du signal de commande d'entrée, jusqu'à atteindre une intensité
de lumière maximale de la première source de lumière (240a) et/ou une intensité de
lumière minimale de la seconde source de lumière (240b), et
l'ajustement de l'intensité de lumière combinée de la première source de lumière (240a)
et de la seconde source de lumière (240b) conformément à une seconde règle prédéterminée
en réponse au signal de commande d'entrée continuant après qu'une période de temps
prédéterminée après avoir atteint ladite intensité de lumière maximale de la première
source de lumière (240a) et/ou l'intensité de lumière minimale de la seconde source
de lumière (240b) s'est écoulée.
8. Appareil selon la revendication 5, dans lequel le changement comprend, jusqu'à la
terminaison du signal de commande d'entrée,
l'ajustement du rapport entre les intensités de lumière de la première source de lumière
(240a) et de la seconde source de lumière (240b) conformément à une première règle
prédéterminée en réponse au signal de commande d'entrée précédent le plus récent ayant
entraîné l'ajustement de l'intensité de lumière combinée de la première source de
lumière (240a) et de la seconde source de lumière (240b), et
l'ajustement de l'intensité de lumière combinée de la première source de lumière (240a)
et de la seconde source de lumière (240b) conformément à une seconde règle prédéterminée
en réponse au signal de commande d'entrée précédent le plus récent ayant entraîné
l'ajustement du rapport entre les intensités de lumière de la première source de lumière
(240a) et de la seconde source de lumière (240b).
9. Appareil selon la revendication 5, dans lequel le changement comprend l'ajustement
du rapport entre les intensités de lumière de la première source de lumière (240a)
et de la seconde source de lumière (240b) ou l'ajustement de l'intensité de lumière
combinée de la première source de lumière (240a) et de la seconde source de lumière
(240b) conformément à l'état actuel de l'appareil,
dans lequel dans un premier état de l'appareil, le changement comprend l'ajustement
du rapport entre les intensités de lumière de la première source de lumière (240a)
et de la seconde source de lumière (240b) en augmentant l'intensité de lumière de
la première source de lumière (240a) par rapport à l'intensité de lumière de la seconde
source de lumière (240b) jusqu'à la terminaison du signal de commande d'entrée ou
jusqu'à atteindre une intensité de lumière maximale de la première source de lumière
(240a) ou une intensité de lumière minimale de la seconde source de lumière (240b),
et
dans lequel dans un second état de l'appareil, le changement comprend l'ajustement
de l'intensité de lumière combinée de la première source de lumière (240a) et de la
seconde source de lumière (240b) jusqu'à la terminaison du signal de commande d'entrée
ou jusqu'à atteindre une intensité de lumière maximale ou minimale de la première
source de lumière (240a) ou de la seconde source de lumière (240b).
10. Appareil selon la revendication 9, dans lequel l'état de l'appareil est changé du
premier état au second état ou vice versa en réponse à un nombre prédéterminé de signaux
de commande, chacun ayant la durée totale ne dépassant pas le premier seuil prédéterminé.
11. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 6 à 8, dans lequel la première
règle prédéterminée comprend l'ajustement du rapport en augmentant l'intensité de
lumière de la première source de lumière (240a) par rapport à l'intensité de lumière
de la seconde source de lumière (240b) jusqu'à la terminaison du signal de commande
d'entrée ou jusqu'à atteindre l'intensité de lumière maximale de la première source
de lumière (240a) et/ou l'intensité de lumière minimale de la seconde source de lumière
(240b).
12. Appareil selon la revendication 11, dans lequel l'ajustement du rapport comprend en
outre, après avoir atteint l'intensité de lumière maximale de la première source de
lumière (240a) et/ou l'intensité de lumière minimale de la seconde source de lumière
(240b), un de ce qui suit :
la diminution de l'intensité de lumière de la première source de lumière (240a) par
rapport à l'intensité de lumière de la seconde source de lumière (240b) jusqu'à la
terminaison du signal de commande d'entrée ou jusqu'à atteindre une intensité de lumière
minimale de la première source de lumière (240a) et/ou une intensité de lumière maximale
de la seconde source de lumière (240b), et
le réglage de l'intensité de lumière de la première source de lumière (240a) à l'intensité
de lumière minimale de celle-ci et de l'intensité de lumière de la seconde source
de lumière (240b) à l'intensité de lumière maximale de celle-ci et l'augmentation
de l'intensité de lumière de la première source de lumière (240a) par rapport à l'intensité
de lumière de la seconde source de lumière (240b) jusqu'à la terminaison du signal
de commande d'entrée ou jusqu'à atteindre l'intensité de lumière maximale de la première
source de lumière (240a) et/ou l'intensité de lumière minimale de la seconde source
de lumière (240b).
13. Appareil selon la revendication 12, dans lequel l'ajustement du rapport comprend en
outre, après avoir atteint l'intensité de lumière maximale de la première source de
lumière (240a) et/ou l'intensité de lumière minimale de la seconde source de lumière
(240b), l'attente d'une seconde période de temps prédéterminée avant d'ajuster en
outre le rapport entre les intensités de lumière de la première (240a) et de la seconde
(240b) source de lumière.
14. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 6 à 8 ou 11 à 13, dans lequel la
seconde règle prédéterminée comprend l'ajustement de l'intensité de lumière combinée
en augmentant ou en diminuant l'intensité de lumière des première (240a) et seconde
(240b) sources de lumière jusqu'à la terminaison du signal de commande d'entrée, jusqu'à
atteindre l'intensité de lumière maximale de la première source de lumière (240a)
ou de la seconde source de lumière (240b) ou jusqu'à atteindre l'intensité de lumière
minimale de la première source de lumière (240a) ou de la seconde source de lumière
(240b).
15. Appareil selon la revendication 14, dans lequel l'ajustement de l'intensité de lumière
combinée comprend en outre,
après avoir atteint l'intensité de lumière maximale de la première (240a) ou de la
seconde (240b) source de lumière, la diminution de l'intensité de lumière des première
(240a) et seconde (240b) sources de lumière jusqu'à la terminaison du signal de commande
d'entrée ou jusqu'à atteindre l'intensité de lumière minimale de la première (240a)
ou de la seconde (240b) source de lumière, et/ou
après avoir atteint l'intensité de lumière minimale de la première (240a) ou de la
seconde (240b) source de lumière, l'augmentation de l'intensité de lumière des première
(240a) et seconde (240b) sources de lumière jusqu'à la terminaison du signal de commande
d'entrée ou jusqu'à atteindre l'intensité de lumière maximale de la première (240a)
ou de la seconde (240b) source de lumière.
16. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'ajustement
du rapport entre les intensités de lumière de la première source de lumière (240a)
et de la seconde source de lumière (240b) est effectué de sorte que l'intensité de
lumière combinée de la première source de lumière (240a) et de la seconde source de
lumière (240b) reste essentiellement constante.
17. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le changement
de l'intensité de lumière de la première source de lumière (240a) et/ou de la seconde
source de lumière (240b) est fourni comme un ou plusieurs changements d'une quantité
prédéterminée, chaque changement augmentant ou diminuant l'intensité de lumière de
la source de lumière respective de la quantité prédéterminée.
18. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'appareil
est configuré pour émettre un ou plusieurs signaux de commande pour provoquer un changement
souhaité de l'intensité de lumière de la première source de lumière (240a) et/ou de
la seconde source de lumière (240b).
19. Appareil selon la revendication 1, comprenant au moins un processeur (810) et au moins
une mémoire (820) incluant un code de programme informatique pour un ou plusieurs
programmes, la au moins une mémoire (820) et le code de programme informatique configurés
pour, avec le au moins un processeur (810), amener l'appareil à mettre en oeuvre au
moins ladite partie d'entrée (222) et ladite partie de commande (224).
20. Programme informatique pour commander le fonctionnement d'une première source de lumière
(240a) d'une première couleur et d'une seconde source de lumière (240b) d'une seconde
couleur, le programme informatique incluant une ou plusieurs séquences d'une ou plusieurs
instructions qui, lorsqu'elles sont exécutées par un ou plusieurs processeurs, amènent
un appareil à effectuer au moins ce qui suit :
la réception d'un signal de commande d'entrée ayant une durée pouvant être commandée
par l'utilisateur,
caractérisé en ce que le programme informatique, lorsqu'il est exécuté par les un ou plusieurs processeurs,
amène l'appareil à
allumer ou éteindre, en réponse à un seul signal de commande d'entrée ayant la durée
totale ne dépassant pas un premier seuil prédéterminé, les première (240a) et seconde
(240b) sources de lumière, et
changer des caractéristiques de lumière fournie par les première (240a) et seconde
(240b) sources de lumière en réponse à la durée du signal de commande d'entrée dépassant
un second seuil prédéterminé qui n'est pas inférieur au premier seuil prédéterminé,
le changement de caractéristiques dépendant de la durée du signal de commande d'entrée
et le changement comprenant l'ajustement du rapport entre les intensités de lumière
de la première source de lumière (240a) et de la seconde source de lumière (240b).