WO2019030114A1

WO2019030114A1 - Dockable lighting control devices

Info

Publication number: WO2019030114A1
Application number: PCT/EP2018/071027
Authority: WO
Inventors: Remco MAGIELSE; Leendert Teunis Rozendaal
Original assignee: Philips Lighting Holding B.V.
Priority date: 2017-08-11
Filing date: 2018-08-02
Publication date: 2019-02-14

Abstract

A method of controlling a lighting system comprising a plurality of illumination sources each controllable to emit respective illumination for illuminating an environment, one or more dockable control devices each configured to control illumination emitted from one or more of the plurality of illumination sources, and one or more docking stations, the method comprising: receiving an indication that a first one of said dockable control devices has been docked at a first one of the plurality of docking stations; and on condition of receiving the indication that the first dockable control device has been docked at the first docking station, associating the first dockable control device with a first subset of the plurality of illumination sources, and based thereon controlling the first subset of illumination sources with the first dockable control device.

Description

Dockable lighting control devices

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a method of controlling a lighting system using dockable control devices and docking stations. BACKGROUND

Connected lighting refers to a system of one or more luminaires (or illumination sources) which are controlled not by (or not only by) a traditional wired, electrical on-off or dimmer circuit, but rather by using a data communications protocol via a wired or more often wireless connection, e.g. a wired or wireless network. Typically, the luminaires, or even individual lamps within a luminaire, may each be equipped with a wireless receiver or transceiver for receiving lighting control commands from a lighting control device according to a wireless networking protocol such as ZigBee, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (and optionally also for sending status reports to the lighting control device using the wireless networking protocol). The lighting control device may take the form of a user terminal, e.g. a portable user terminal such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop or smart watch; or a static user terminal such as a desktop computer or wireless wall-panel. In such cases the lighting control commands may originate from an application running on the user terminal, either based on user inputs provided to the application by the user through a user interface of the user terminal (e.g. a touch screen or point-and-click interface), and/or based on an automatized function of the application. The user equipment may send the lighting control commands to the luminaires directly, or via an intermediate device such as a wireless router, access point or lighting bridge.

In current connected lighting systems, selection and control of the light sources usually occurs by fixed devices, such as wall switches and wall-mounted control panels. Controls such as switches mounted on the wall are used to control the light sources such as to turn lights on or off, or dim the lights. Current connected lighting systems also include portable remote control devices for adjusting light sources, such as a smartphone or tablet installed with a suitable lighting control app. In this way, users can modify light sources without having to use a fixed wall-mounted device. Connected lighting systems may also comprise a portable dimmer switch which can be docked magnetically in a dedicated fixed wall docking plate. The portable dimmer switch can be carried around by the user but can also be docked at the docking plate so as to resemble a more conventional wall switch.

SUMMARY

However, current docking plates only act as a mechanical holder of the portable switch. Further, the user often has multiple control devices which may be unintentionally mixed up, e.g. because they are visually identical for aesthetic purposes (the control devices may contain no visual indication as to which respective luminaire(s) they control). This may therefore lead to unexpected behavior if the switch associated with one room or subset of lights ends up getting docked in the plate physically located in another room or near another subset of lights.

According to a first aspect disclosed herein, there is provided a method of controlling a lighting system comprising a plurality of illumination sources each controllable to emit respective illumination for illuminating an environment, one or more dockable control devices each configured to control illumination emitted from one or more of said plurality of illumination sources, and one or more docking stations, the method comprising: receiving an indication that a first one of said dockable control devices has been docked at a first one of said plurality of docking stations; and on condition of receiving said indication that the first dockable control device has been docked at the first docking station, associating the first dockable control device with a first subset of said plurality of illumination sources, and based thereon controlling the first subset of illumination sources with the first dockable control device.

That is, a user can readily control a set of lights with any dockable control device by docking the dockable control device at a docking station associated with that set of lights. This is particularly advantageous if the user has multiple dockable control devices which appear to be similar. For example, the user may be confused as to which dockable control device is associated with which set of lights.

In embodiments, the method may comprise: subsequently receiving an indication that removing the first dockable control device has been removed from the first docking station, and then receiving an indication that docking the first dockable control device has been docked at a second one of said plurality of docking stations; on condition of receiving said indication that docking of the first dockable control device has been docked at the second docking station, associating the first dockable control device with a second subset of said plurality of illumination sources, and controlling the second subset of illumination sources with the first dockable control device.

Thus if a user re-docks a control device such as a portable switch or dimmer switch in a new docking station, the switch now automatically adopts the behavior of controlling a subset of lights associated with the new docking station.

In embodiments, one or more of said plurality of illumination sources may be contained within both the first subset of said plurality of illumination sources and the second subset of said plurality of illumination sources.

In some embodiments, the first or second subset of illumination sources may be contained with the second or first subset of illumination sources respectively.

Alternatively the first subset contains at least one illumination source not in the second subset and the second subset contains at least one illumination source not in the first subset. In some embodiments the first and second sets may be completely exclusive of one another (i.e. contain none of the same illumination sources).

In embodiments, the method may comprise: whilst the first dockable control device is associated with the first subset of illumination sources, associating a first lighting setting of the first subset of illumination sources with the first dockable control device and based thereon using the first dockable control device to control the first subset of illumination sources to emit their respective illumination in accordance with the first lighting setting.

In embodiments the method may comprise: based on receiving said indication that the first dockable control device has been docked at the second docking station and the association of the first dockable control device with the first illumination setting,

automatically configuring the first dockable control device to control the second subset of illumination sources to emit their respective illumination in accordance with the first lighting setting.

That is, when the first device is re-docked at the second docking station, it automatically brings one or more of the settings from the previous combination of the first control device with the first docking station. E.g. the setting could be color. For instance, if the lights in the first subset were set to blue, then when the first control device is now placed in the second docking station controlling the second subset, the second subset automatically adopts the blue setting from the first control device. When the first control device is then used to turn the illumination from the second subset on, it turns them on with the blue setting; or when it is used to dim the illumination from the second subset up or down, they are dimmed on a blue scale. Similar behavior could apply for other colors, or other types of setting such as a certain atmosphere (e.g. cosy or cool) or a certain spatial pattern (e.g. spatial intensity distribution). In other words, by moving the control unit from one station to another, the user can copy and paste the lighting settings from one subset of illumination sources to a second subset of illumination sources.

In embodiments, the method may comprise: based on receiving said indication that the first dockable control device has been docked at the second docking station, automatically controlling the first subset of illumination sources to dim or switch off their respective illumination.

That is, when the first dockable control device is docked at a second docking station, the lights associated with the first docking station may no longer be required and thus may be dimmed or switched off, e.g. for energy saving purposes.

In embodiments, the method may comprise: based on receiving said indication that the first dockable control device has been docked at the second docking station and the association of the first dockable control device with the first illumination setting,

automatically configuring the first dockable control device to control the second subset of illumination sources to emit their respective illumination to a produce a second, different lighting setting based on the first lighting setting.

That is, the second subset of illumination sources are automatically controlled to emit illumination based on the first lighting setting. For example, the first lighting setting may be a particular stage of circadian lighting. The second subset may then be automatically controlled to emit the subsequent stage of circadian lighting. The first and second subset of illumination sources may be in different rooms such that as the user moves (i.e. docks the device) from one room to another, the cycle of stages progresses.

In embodiments the method may comprise: prior to receiving said indication that the first dockable control device has been docked at the second docking station, receiving an indication that a second dockable control device has been removed from the second docking station, and receiving an indication that the second dockable control device has been replaced with the first dockable control device.

In embodiments, the method may comprise: whilst the second dockable control device is associated with the second subset of illumination sources, associating a second lighting setting of the second subset of illumination sources with the second docking station and based thereon using the second dockable control device to control the second subset of illumination sources to emit their respective illumination in accordance with the second lighting setting.

In embodiments, the method may comprise: based on receiving said indication that the first dockable control device has been removed from the first docking station, automatically controlling the first subset of illumination sources to dim and subsequently switch off their respective illumination within a predetermined period of time.

That is, the first set of lights may be controlled to dim down and switch off within a certain time period (e.g. one minute) after the first dockable control device is removed from the first docking station. This may allow the user enough lighting time to exit the room in which the first docking station is located, e.g. so that the user does not bump into any furniture.

In embodiments, the method may comprise: based on receiving said indication that the first dockable control device has been docked at the second docking station and the association of the second illumination setting with the second docking station, automatically configuring the first dockable control device to control the second subset of illumination sources to emit their respective illumination in accordance with the second lighting setting.

That is, when the first device is re-docked at the second station, it automatically adopts the setting from the previous combination of the second station with the second control device. E.g. again the setting could be color. For instance, if the lights in the second subset were originally set to red by the second device, then when the first control device is now placed in the second docking station controlling the second subset, the first control device automatically adopts the red setting from the second docking station. When the first control device is then used to turn the illumination from the second subset on, it turns them on with the red setting; or when it is used to dim the illumination from the second subset up or down, they are dimmed on a red scale. Again similar behavior could apply for other colors or other types of settings such as atmosphere or spatial pattern.

Alternatively, when the first device is re-docked at the second station, it need not automatically adopt the setting from the previous combination of the second station with the second control device and it does not copy the previous lighting setting of the first group of lights to the second group of lights. For example, the first device may simply take control of the second group of lights with the buttons, dials, switches, etc. of the first device.

In embodiments, the method may comprise: based on receiving said indication that the first dockable control device has been removed from the first docking station, disassociating the first lighting setting of the first subset of illumination sources from the first dockable control device, such that the first dockable control device can no longer control the first subset.

In embodiments, the method may comprise: following receiving said indication that the first dockable control device has been removed from the first docking station, maintaining the association between the first lighting setting of the first subset of illumination sources with the first dockable control device, such that the first dockable control device can continue to control the first subset.

In embodiments, each of the plurality of docking stations may comprise a unique identifier and wherein said associating of the first dockable control device with the first and/or second docking station is based on the first dockable control device detecting the unique identifier of the first and/or second docking station respectively.

In embodiments, said associating of the second dockable control device with the first and/or second docking station may be based on the second dockable control device detecting the unique identifier of the first and/or second docking station respectively.

In embodiments, the second dockable control device may comprise a unique identifier and wherein said associating of the second dockable control device with the first and/or second docking station is based on the first and/or second docking station detecting the unique identifier of the second dockable control device.

In embodiments, the unique identifier upon which at least one of said associations is based may comprise a near field communication (NFC) element.

In embodiments, the NFC element may comprise a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag.

In embodiments, unique identifier may comprise an optical identifier. For example, the optical identifier may be a barcode or a quick response (QR) code.

In embodiments, said unique identifier upon which at least one of said associations is based may comprise a non-NFC wireless signal, said associating of the first and/or second dockable control devices with the first and/or second docking station is on condition that a received signal strength threshold is reached, and the first and second docking stations comprise a body formed such that the received signal strength threshold is reached only when the first and/or second dockable control device is docked in the body.

In embodiments, an illumination source may comprise a docking station, the first subset of illumination sources comprising said illumination source, such that when the dockable control device is docked at the illumination source, the received signal strength threshold is reached. For example, the illumination source may be a table lamp with a dedicated slot serving as a docking station. When the dockable control device is docked at the table lamp, it can control the table lamp.

For example, the user may control the illumination sources within a desired room by docking any dockable control device with the docking station located within the desired room.

In embodiments, each of said plurality of docking stations is fixed to a surface of a room. For example, each docking station may be fixed to a wall, ceiling or floor within a room. In another example, each docking station may be fixed to a door or window within the room. In further embodiments, one or more of the plurality of docking stations may be fixed to or embedded into an item of furniture within the room.

In embodiments, the method may comprise: based on said docking of the first dockable control device at the second docking station, automatically controlling the second subset of illumination sources based on a position of the second docking station within the room.

For example, if the first dockable control device is docked at a docking station positioned next to a bed within the bedroom, the lights within that room may be switched to 'Night Mode' (e.g. low level navigation lighting).

In embodiments, each of said plurality of docking stations is associated with an individual room. For example, each docking station may be associated with the illumination sources within the room in which the docking station is located. In another example, one or more docking stations may be associated with the illumination sources within a room in which the docking station is not located. For example, the docking station may be located alongside the doorway into a room and docking station may be associated with the illumination sources within said room.

In embodiments, the behavior of the second dockable control device may depend on whether the first dockable control device is docked at a docking station. For example, if the first dockable control device is docked at the first docking station, with the first dockable control device being associated with a first subset of illumination sources within a room, the second dockable control device (which is associated with the remaining illumination sources within the room) may determine that the first dockable control device is docked at the second dockable control device, and based on said determination, control all of the illumination sources in that room. In this case, this allows the user to control all of the lights in the room without having to use both the first and second dockable control device to control the first and second subsets. According to a second aspect disclosed herein, there is provided a lighting system comprising: a plurality of illumination sources each controllable to emit respective illumination for illuminating the environment; one or more dockable control devices each configured to control the illumination emitted from one or more of said plurality of illumination sources; one or more docking stations configured such that each of the dockable control devices can be docked in and removed from each of the docking stations; and control logic configured to perform operations of: detecting a first dockable control device being docked at a first docking station; on condition of said detecting the first dockable control device being docked at a first docking station, associating the first dockable control device with a first subset of said plurality of illumination sources, and based thereon controlling of the first subset of illumination sources with the first dockable control device.

In embodiments, the control logic is also configured to perform operations of: detecting the first dockable control device being docked at a second docking station; and on condition of detecting the first dockable control device being docked at a second docking station, associating the first dockable control device with a second subset of said plurality of illumination sources, and enabling the control of the second subset of illumination sources with the first dockable control device.

In embodiments, the control logic may be partially or wholly implemented on one or more of the dockable control devices such as the first and/or second dockable control device. In additional or alternative embodiments, the control logic may be partially or wholly implemented on one or more of the plurality of docking stations such as the first and/or second dockable control device. In further embodiments, the control logic may be partially or wholly implemented on a central bridge or a remotely located server. In yet another embodiment, the control logic may be implemented across one or more illumination sources.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To assist understanding of the present disclosure and to show how embodiments may be put into effect, reference is made by way of example to the

accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 shows schematically an environment comprising a lighting system, and

Fig. 2 shows schematically a block diagram of a control system for controlling a lighting system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As mentioned above, portable remote lighting controls, e.g. dimmer switches, can be used to control the luminaires within a lighting system. The portable remote lighting controls, referred to herein as a dockable control device, may be docked at a docking station, e.g. a dedicated fixed wall plate. The dockable control device may be used whilst docked at the docking station or when carried by the user. As an example, the dockable control device may take the form of a portable toggle switch, rocker switch or dimmer switch unit.

The dockable control device is designed to be portable, i.e. carried around by the user. However, if the user has multiple devices they may get mixed up. There may be no visual indication as to which light dockable control device (e.g. dimmer switch) controls which room (or which set of lights within a room, house, building, etc.) since each dockable control device may look identical.

This invention disclosed herein uses the docking station to dynamically link a dockable control device (to which it is docked) to a room (or a set of lights within a room, house, building, etc.). The dockable control devices may therefore operate independently of their original setup and can be used in any and every room.

The system disclosed herein comprises a docking station which may be in the form of a wall plate which may be given a fixed position within a room. For example, the docking station may be mounted on the wall of a room. The system further comprises, a dockable control device (e.g. a remote control) that the user can dock/remove from the docking station. For example, the user may attach/detach a dimmer switch with/from a mounted wall plate.

The system may further comprise a component that enables each dockable control device to uniquely identify each docking station. Alternatively, the system may comprise a component that enables each docking station to uniquely identify each dockable control device. The dockable control device and/or docking station therefore comprise a component that enables the reading of said unique identifier.

Alternatively, the system may comprise a component that enables each dockable control device or docking station to uniquely identify a plurality of docking stations or dockable control devices respectively. For example, the unique identifier may be unique to the docking stations within a room, e.g. there may be two docking stations within a room that are associated with the same subset of illumination sources (i.e. the illumination sources within that room). This is particularly useful if the form of the unique identifier only allows for a relatively small number of different identifiers. Alternatively, each dockable control device may be able to uniquely identify some docking stations but not others. For example, a dockable control device may be able to detect that it has been docked at a docking station whilst not being able to detect the unique identifier of the docking station.

The docking station may be static and located in a fixed, known position within a room, house, building, etc. The dockable control device may be docked with the fixed docking station. Alternatively, the dockable control device may be temporarily held close to the docking station in order to "dock" with said docking station.

The docking station may have a unique identifier that is linked/associated to a lighting control group, i.e. a set of illumination sources. For example, the docking station may be a wall plate located in the living room and the lighting control group may be the illumination source(s) located in the living room.

When the user places (i.e. docks) the dockable control device with the docking station, the dockable control device reads the unique identifier of the docking station. As discussed above, the unique identifier may be unique to the docking station or two or more docking stations may share a unique identifier such that docking the dockable control device at any one or those docking stations has the same effect when using the dockable control device. Alternatively, the docking station reads the unique identifier of the dockable control device. In some examples, the unique identifier of the dockable control device need not be unique as it is the docking station that is associated with a particular subset of illumination sources. Instead, two or more dockable control devices may share the same unique identifier. From that moment on, the dockable control device commands that are transmitted from the dockable control device (e.g. in response to user inputs) are targeted at the lighting control group that is associated with the docking station. The remote control therefore now targets the lighting control group (e.g. the living room lights).

The targeting of a lighting control group may be achieved, for example, by the dockable control device changing the commands that it transmits (e.g. to target the living room lights). Alternatively, the targeting may be achieved, for example, by the dockable control device transmitting the unique identifier of the docking station in its commands to a central bridge. The central bridge may therefore route the commands accordingly to the correct control group. The central bridge may be installed within the environment, e.g. a wall mounted control unit, or may be implemented on a server, the server being located remotely. In yet another example, the commands may be routed via the docking station. In an alternative example, upon docking the dockable control device with a docking station, the dockable control device and/or docking station may transmit the unique identifier of the docking station to the central bridge or directly to the lighting control group. That is, the central bridge or the lighting control group subsequently know how to interpret later commands received from the dockable control device. These later commands therefore do not have to include the unique identifier.

Furthermore, when the lighting system comprises multiple dockable control devices and multiple docking stations, the docking station may define the function of the dockable control device. For example, a first docking station may define the dockable control device associated with it (i.e. docked with it) to control a first set of illumination sources. The docking station may comprise an identifier such as an RFID tag, an optical identifier such as a barcode or a QR code, etc. and the dockable control device may read the identifier to adapt its function. For example, docking the 'kitchen remote' in the living room reprograms the dockable control device to work as the 'living room remote'.

In another example, placing the 'living room remote' in the 'kitchen docking station' will transfer the (current) lighting effect of the living room to the kitchen.

Figure 1 illustrates an example environment 100 in which embodiments disclosed herein may be employed. The environment 100 is a space that may be occupied by one or more users 104. The environment 100 may take the form of an indoor space such as one or more rooms of a home, office or other building; an outdoor space such as a garden or park; a partially covered space such as a gazebo; or a combination of such spaces such as a campus or stadium comprising both indoor and outdoor spaces.

The environment 100 is equipped with a plurality of illumination sources 102 installed or otherwise disposed at different locations throughout the environment 100. An illumination source may refer to any kind of illumination device for illuminating an environment or part of the environment occupied by a user 104, whether providing ambient lighting or task lighting. Each of the illumination sources 102 may take any of a variety of possible forms, such as a ceiling or wall mounted luminaire, a free-standing floor or table illumination source, or a less traditional form such as an illumination source embedded in a surface or item of furniture (and the different illumination sources 102 in the environment 100 need not take the same form as one another). Whatever form it takes, each illumination source 102 comprises at least one lamp (illumination element) and any associated housing, socket and/or support. Examples of suitable lamps include LED-based lamps, or traditional filament bulbs or gas discharge lamps. In some scenarios the environment 100 may be divided into a plurality of different zones or localities 106a, 106b, such as different rooms, each illuminated by a different respective subset of one or more of the illumination sources 102. In the schematized example of Figure 1 for instance, there are illustrated two rooms: a downstairs room 106a and an upstairs room 106b, with the user 104 happening to currently occupy the downstairs room 106a. It will be appreciated of course that the user's environment 100 may in fact comprise more than two rooms (e.g. living room, kitchen, hall, bathroom and multiple bedrooms in home; or multiple offices, hallways, a reception and a canteen or breakroom in an office building).

The environment 100 is also equipped with one or more docking stations 108a,

108b disposed at one or more locations throughout the environment 100. For example, each zone or locality 106a, 106b may comprise a single respective docking station 108.

Alternatively, each zone or locality 106a, 106b may comprise more than one respective docking station 108a, 108b. Each of the docking stations 108 may take the form of a stand- alone docking station, or alternatively a docking station integrated in another device such as static computer terminal. For example, the docking station 108 may be a dedicated station such as a wall plate. Alternatively, the docking station 108 may be integrated into a static central lighting control device or alternatively it may be integrated into an illumination source 102 such as a free-standing floor or table illumination source, or a less traditional form such as an illumination source embedded in a surface or item of furniture.

The environment 100 is also equipped with one or more dockable control devices 110a, 110b disposed at one or more locations throughout the environment 100. Each of the dockable control devices 110 may take the form of a stand-alone dockable control device 110 such as a smart light switch, or alternatively a dockable control device integrated in another user device such as a mobile user terminal such as a smartphone or tablet, or even a wearable device that can be worn about the user's person. For example, the user terminal may be installed with a suitable lighting control app. The dockable control device 110 can be mains powered, battery powered, or use energy-harvesting techniques to supply its energy. The dockable control device 110 is configured to be able to control the illumination emitted by one or more illumination sources 102 in the environment 100. This may include switching the illumination sources 102 on/off, controlling the color of the illumination, controlling the dimming level, controlling a time-varying effect of the illumination, etc.

Each docking station 108 is configured to associate one or more dockable control devices 110a, 110b with a corresponding subset of illumination sources 102 whereby the associated dockable control device 110 is configured to control the corresponding subset of illumination sources 102. For example, docking station 108a may be configured to associate a first dockable control device 110a or a second dockable control device 110b with the illumination sources 102 located in zone 106a. Similarly, docking station 108b may be configured to associate the first dockable control device 110a or the second dockable control device 110b with the illumination sources 102 located in zone 106b. Alternatively, docking station 108a may be configured to associate the first dockable control device 110a or the second dockable control device 110b with one or more but not all of the illumination sources 102 located in zone 106a. Similarly, docking station 108b may be configured to associate the first dockable control device 110a or the second dockable control device 110b with one or more but not all of the illumination sources 102 located in zone 106b. Alternatively, docking station 108a may be configured to associate the first dockable control device 110a or the second dockable control device 110b with one or more illumination sources 102 located in zone 106b. In yet another example, docking station 108a may be configured to associate a dockable control device 110 with one or more illumination sources 102 located in zone 106a and one or more illumination sources 102 located in zone 106b.

Each association between a docking station 108 and a subset of illumination sources 102 may be stored at the individual docking stations 108. Additionally or

alternatively, the associations may be stored at the individual dockable control devices 110 and/or the illumination sources 102. Alternatively, the associations may be stored at a central bridge, said central bridge capable of communicating with each docking station 108 and/or dockable control device 110 via wired or wireless means. Alternatively, the associations may be stored at a server, said server being capable of communicating with each docking station 108 and/or dockable control device 110 via wired or wireless means. The server may comprise one or more server units and may be located within the environment 100 or alternatively located off-site at a remote location.

Figure 2 illustrates a control system 200 enabling the user 104 to control the lighting from one or more of the illumination sources 102 based on the association between a dockable control device 110 and a docking station 108. This may be to control the lighting in the same part of the environment 106a as that in which the user 104 inputs a lighting command to the dockable control device 110a (e.g. in a downstairs room), or a different part 106b (e.g. in an upstairs room).

The dockable control device 110 comprises a user interface 202 arranged to receive an input from the user 104 and operatively coupled to a controller 204. The user interface 202 may comprise a display in the form of a screen and means for receiving inputs from the user. For example, the user interface 202 may comprise a touch screen, or a point- and-click user interface comprising a mouse, track pad, or tracker ball or the like.

Alternatively or in addition, the user interface 202 may comprise a dedicated actuator or control panel for controlling the illumination sources 102 within the environment 100. For example, the dockable control device 110 may be in the form of a dedicated control unit (wired or wireless) which can be operated by the user 104, e.g. by using one or more buttons, sliders, switches and/or dials of the dedicated control panel.

The dockable control device 110 further comprises a controller 204 coupled to the user interface 202 in order to receive an indication of the user's commands. The controller 204 of the dockable control device 110 is also coupled to a lighting system 206 comprising the illumination sources 102 discussed in relation to Figure 1 via a wireless transceiver 208. The controller 204 can thereby control the lighting system 206 based on the identified commands in order to adjust one or more aspects of the illumination emitted by the illumination sources 102, e.g. to turn one or more of them on or off, to dim the illumination level up or down, to adjust the color of the emitted illumination, to set a dynamic effect (e.g. varying in space and/or time), or to adjust any other aspects of the illumination that may be applicable to the illumination sources 102 within the environment 100. In some examples, the controller 204 can also control the actuators of non-illumination sources within the environment, e.g. blinds, television set, stereo, etc.

In embodiments the controller 204 is implemented in the form of software stored in memory and arranged for execution on a processor (the memory on which the software is stored comprising one or more memory units employing one or more storage media, e.g. EEPROM or a magnetic drive, and the processor on which the software is run comprising one or more processing units). Alternatively it is not excluded that some or all of the controller 204 could be implemented in dedicated hardware circuitry, or configurable or reconfigurable hardware circuitry such as a PGA or FPGA. Whatever form it takes, in embodiments the controller 204 may be implemented internally in a single dockable control device 110 along with the user interface 202 and the wireless transceiver 208, i.e. in the same housing. Alternatively the controller 204 could, partially or wholly, be implemented externally such as on a lighting bridge or a server comprising one or more server units at one or more geographic sites (not shown). Alternatively, the controller 204 may be partially or wholly implemented across one or more dockable control devices 110. Alternatively, the controller 204 may be partially or wholly implemented across one or more docking stations 108. Where required suitable remote communication and/or distributed processing techniques will, in themselves, be familiar to a person skilled in the art.

The controller 204 is configured to perform the actions of the dockable control device 110 described below and elsewhere herein. For example, the controller 204 is configured to receive the user commands via the user interface 202. The controller 204 is also configured to communicate with the one or more illumination sources 102 within the environment 100 via the wireless transceiver 208 as detailed below. The controller 204 is also configured to communicate with the central bridge or server 210 via the wireless transceiver 208 as detailed below. The controller 204 is also configured to transmit and receive the signals to/from the unique identifier reader 212 as detailed below. The controller 204 is configured to associate a dockable control device 110 with a subset of illumination sources 102 on condition of receiving an indication that the dockable control device 110 has been docked with a docking station 108. For example, the controller 204 is configured to associate the first dockable control device 110a with a first subset of illumination sources 102 on condition of docking the first dockable control device 110a with the first docking station 108a.

In embodiments, the controller 204 is configured to receive an indication that the dockable control device 110 has been docked at a docking station 108. The controller 204 is also configured to receive an indication that the dockable control device has been removed (or undocked) from a docking station. The indication may be received from a docking station 108, from the user 104 or from the central bridge or server 210. For example, an indication may be received when a unique identifier 214 of a dockable control device 110 or docking station 108 is detected by a unique identifier reader 212 of a docking station 108 or dockable control device 110 respectively.

In embodiments, the controller 204 is configured to, upon being docked at a docking station 108, store in memory an identifier of the docking station 108 such that the controller 204, central bridge or server 210 is aware of where the dockable control device 110 was last docked.

The dockable control device 110 comprises the wireless transceiver 208 for communicating via any suitable wireless medium, e.g. a radio transceiver for communicating via a radio channel (though other forms are not excluded, e.g. an ultrasound or infrared transceiver). The wireless transceiver 208 may comprise a Wi-Fi, ZigBee, Bluetooth, Thread etc. interface for communicating with the illumination sources 102. Each illumination source 102 is configured to be able to communicate over a wireless channel based on a medium other than visible light, preferably a radio channel (though the possibility of other media such as ultrasound or infrared are not excluded). For instance the radio channel may be based on a radio access technology such as ZigBee, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Thread, JupiterMesh, Wi-SUN, 6L0WPAN, etc. The radio channel can be used by the dockable control device 110 to control the lighting devices 102.

Alternatively, the wireless transceiver 208 may communicate with the illumination sources 102 via a central bridge or a server 210, for example, over a local area network such as a WLAN or a wide area network such as the internet. In the case of receiving commands direct from the dockable control device 110, the illumination sources 102 may each comprise a receiver or transceiver. Alternatively, the illumination sources 102 may each comprise a wired connection, e.g. to communicate with a central bridge or a docking station 108. The illumination sources 102 may also receive commands via the central bridge/server 210 or docking station 108 via a wireless connection.

In embodiments the functionality of the central bridge/server 210 is implemented in the form of software stored in memory and arranged for execution on a processor (the memory on which the software is stored comprising one or more memory units employing one or more storage media, e.g. EEPROM or a magnetic drive, and the processor on which the software is run comprising one or more processing units). Alternatively it is not excluded that some or all of the functionality of the central bridge/server 210 could be implemented in dedicated hardware circuitry, or configurable or reconfigurable hardware circuitry such as a PGA or FPGA. Also note again that the server or bridge 110 may be implemented locally within the environment 100 or at a remote location, and may comprise one or more physical units at one or more geographic sites.

The wireless transceiver 208 may comprises a Wi-Fi, ZigBee, Bluetooth, Thread etc. interface for communicating with the central bridge/server 210 over a local and/or wide area network. For instance a radio channel may be based on a radio access technology such as ZigBee, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Thread, JupiterMesh, Wi-SUN, 6L0WPAN, etc. Alternatively or additionally, in embodiments the dockable control device 110 may communicate with the central bridge/server 210 over a wired network, e.g. via a wired connector in the docking station 108.

The dockable control device 110 further comprises a unique identifier reader 212 coupled to the controller 204. The unique identifier reader may be used to read a unique identifier 214 of the docking station 108. For example, the unique identifier 214 may be a near field communication (NFC) element and the unique identifier reader 212 may be an NFC reader. In one example, the unique identifier 214 may be a radio frequency

identification device (RFID) tag and the unique identifier reader 212 may be an RFID reader. In another example, the unique identifier 214 may be an optical identifier. For example, the optical identifier may be a barcode or a quick response (QR) code and the unique identifier reader 212 may be a barcode reader or a QR code reader such as a camera installed in the dockable control device 110.

In another example, the unique identifier 214 may not be a non-NFC wireless signal. For example, the non-NFC wireless signal may be Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc. In this example, the docking station 108 may be configured to detect a received signal strength. The physical body of the docking station 108 may be designed such that a received signal strength threshold is reached only when the dockable control device 110 is docked with the docking station 108. For example, the threshold may only be reached when the dockable control device 110 is placed within a slot within the docking station 108. In this example, docking of a dockable control device 110 at a docking station 108 only occurs when the received signal strength is reached.

Further examples of unique identifier 214 and unique identifier reader 212 combinations include the following examples.

A first example is a reed relay in the dockable control device 110 or docking station 108 and a permanent magnet in the docking station 108 or dockable control device 110 respectively.

A second example is a mechanical switch in the docking station 108 and/or a mechanical switch in the dockable control device 110.

A third example is an electronic component in the docking station 108 or dockable control device 108 with one or more contacts which can be read by the dockable control device 110 or docking station respectively, e.g. serial EEPROM or a resistor.

A fourth example is contacts (e.g. electrical) between the docking station 108 and the dockable control device 110, wherein the docking station 108 contains cross-wiring (which may be unique to each docking station 108) to identify the dockable control device 110.

Further examples include a barcode and barcode reader, a fingerprint or physical unclonable feature (PUF) located on the docking station 108 or dockable control device 110 and a fingerprint scanner or equivalent installed on the dockable control device 110 or docking station 108 respectively; a series of reed relays located on the dockable control device 110 or docking station 108 defining a number of positions and magnets in the docking station 108 or dockable control device respectively, located at corresponding positions.

In another example, the docking station 108 may be a charging pad and the charging signal produced by the charging pad may include a modulation such that the dockable control device 100 may detect on which charging pad (i.e. docking station 108) it is placed. The charging pad may charge the dockable control device 110.

The docking station 108 may further comprise a docking mechanism 216 for physically docking the dockable control device 110. The docking mechanism 216 may be for example a mechanical docking mechanism. Alternatively or additionally, the docking mechanism 216 may be magnetic. In one possible embodiment the magnetic docking mechanism may utilize the same magnets used for the unique identifier 214 and unique identifier reader 212 combination detailed above. In alternative examples, the docking station 108 does not comprise a docking mechanism 216. For example, the dockable control device 110 may be placed (i.e. rested) on top of the docking station 108 (e.g. a charging pad).

Preferably, docking the dockable control device 110 means placing the dockable control device 110 in/on the docking station 108 such that the docking station 108 supports the dockable control device 110. For example, the docking station 108 may be mounted on a wall and comprise a docking mechanism 216 in the form of a slot into which the dockable control device 110 may be placed. In another example the docking station 108 may be a horizontal platform onto which the dockable control device 110 may be rested. In yet another example, docking the dockable control device 110 at a docking station 108 may comprise placing the dockable control device 110 on/near the docking station 108 for a predetermined period of time.

As detailed above, docking a dockable control device 110 at a docking station 108 causes the dockable control device 110 to be associated with a subset of the illumination sources 102 in the environment. In one example, the dockable control device 110 uses the unique identifier reader 212 to detect the unique identifier 214 of the docking station 108, causing said association between the dockable control device 110 and a subset of the illumination sources 102 associated with the docking station 108. In another example, the docking station uses the unique identifier reader 212 to detect the unique identifier 214 of the dockable control device 110, causing said association between the dockable control device 110 and a subset of the illumination sources 102 associated with the docking station 108. On condition of said detection of a unique identifier 214 by a unique identifier reader 212, the dockable control device 110 is configured to communicate with the central bridge or server 210 to receive the respective association between the respective docking station 108 and the respective subset of illumination sources 102. I.e. the central bridge or server 210 is aware of the subset of illumination sources 102 associated with each docking station 108.

Alternatively, the dockable control device 110 can retrieve said associations directly from the respective docking station 108. I.e. each docking station 108 stores the association between their respective subset of illumination sources 102. Alternatively, each dockable control device 110 stores said associations and uses the unique identifier 214 of each docking station 108 to retrieve the respective associations.

For example, on condition of docking a first dockable control device 110a at a first docking station 108a, the first dockable control device 110a retrieves the information relating to which respective subset of illumination sources 102 is associated with the first docking station 108a and in doing so is associated with a first subset of illumination sources 102, e.g. the illumination sources in zone 106a. The first dockable control device 110a is therefore able to control the first subset of illumination sources 102. Subsequently removing the first dockable control device 110a from the first docking station 108a allows the first dockable control device 110a to be re-docked at a second docking station 108b. On condition of re-docking the first dockable control device 110a at the second docking station 108b, the first dockable control device 110a retrieves the information relating to which respective subset of illumination sources 102 is associated with the second docking station 108b and in doing so is associated with a second subset of illumination sources 102, e.g. the illumination sources in zone 106b. The first dockable control device 110a is therefore able to control the second subset of illumination sources 102. No other input is needed from the user 104 to update the subset of illumination sources 102 controlled by the first dockable control device 110a.

In embodiments, whilst the first dockable control device 110a is associated with the first subset of illumination sources 102, a first lighting setting of the first subset of illumination sources 102 may be associated with the first dockable control device 110a; and based on said association, the first subset of illumination sources 102 can be controlled to emit with the first lighting setting. For example, the current or subsequent user implemented lighting setting of the first subset of illumination sources 102 can be associated with the first dockable control device 110a.

In embodiments, the user 104 may configure the associations between a docking station 108 and the respective subset of illumination sources 102, using the dockable control device 110, the docking station 108 or the central bridge/server 210. For example, the user may program the associations using the user interface 202 of the dockable control device 110. For example, the user 104 may use the dockable control device 110 to associate the illumination sources 102 in each room 106a, 106b with the docking station in each room 108a, 108b.

The illumination sources 102 are capable of emitting with a variety of different lighting settings, each of which may be transported from one subset of illumination sources 102 to a different subset of illumination sources 102, for example, by transferring a dockable control device 110 from one docking station 108 to another. The transportable settings include: on/off state, dimming level, color setting, a time and/or spatial varying effect, brightness, color temperature or any other aspects of the illumination that may be applicable to the illumination sources 102 within the environment 100.

In an example, the first lighting setting remains associated with the first dockable control device 110a when said dockable control device is removed from the first docking station 108a. This example allows the user to transport the first lighting setting to a different subset of illumination sources 102, as will be discussed below. This allows the user to copy-paste the lighting setting from one subset of illumination sources to a second subset of illumination sources. For example, the first lighting setting could be a dimming level, a brightness level or a lighting scene, etc. A lighting scene could be a "Concentrate" scene in which the illumination sources 102 emit cool bright white light. The first lighting setting may be transported to a second subset of illumination sources 102 such that the second subset now emits with the same dimming level, brightness level, lighting scene, etc.

In another example, the association is lost/removed when said first dockable control device 110a is removed from the first docking station 108a. This allows the first dockable control device 110a to be 'memoryless' such that it can be docked at a second docking station 108b without automatically updating the lighting setting of the second subset of illumination sources 102 associated with said second docking station 108b. For example, if the first subset of illumination sources 102 was initially emitting with the Concentrate scene, docking the first dockable control device 110a at the second docking station 108b would not cause the second subset of illumination sources 102 to emit with the Concentrate scene. Instead, the first dockable control device 110a, upon being docked at the second docking station 108b, would only control the second subset of illumination sources 102 associated with the second docking station 108b, e.g. upon receiving a command from the user. Docking the first dockable control device 110a at the second docking station 108b would not automatically control the second subset of illumination sources to change their illumination setting.

In embodiments, based on said docking of the first dockable control device 110a at the second docking station 108b, the second subset of illumination sources 102 may be automatically controlled to emit with the first lighting setting. In an example, this allows the user 104 to transfer the lighting setting of a first subset of illumination sources 102 to a second subset of illumination sources 102. For example, the user 104 first activates a lighting setting or scene in one room (e.g. the kitchen) with the first dockable control device 110a (e.g. kitchen remote) and then re-docks (after removing from the kitchen docking station) the first dockable control device 110a at the second docking station 108b in a second room (e.g. the living room). The second docking station 108b in the second room detects that the first dockable control device 110a is associated with the first lighting setting. Alternatively, the first dockable control device 110a informs the second docking station 108b that it is associated with the first lighting setting. This allows the lighting setting that was emitted by the kitchen lights to be transferred to the living room lights. The user 104 does not have to manually configure the lighting setting in the living room to match the lighting setting in the kitchen. In an example, transferring means updating the lighting setting in a second room to match that of a first room and keeping the original setting of the first room. In another example, transferring means updating the lighting setting in a second room to match that of a first room and switching the illumination sources 102 off in the first room.

In other embodiments, docking the first dockable control device 110a at a second docking station 108b does not automatically control the second subset of illumination sources 102 to emit with the first lighting setting. In one example, the user may be provided with feedback from the first dockable control device 110a, e.g. via the user interface 202, to request whether the lighting setting of the first subset of illumination sources 102 should be applied to the second subset of illumination sources 102. In another example, no user feedback is provided and the second subset of illumination sources 102 are not controlled to match the first subset of illumination sources.

In embodiments, removing the first dockable control device 110a from the first docking station 108a disassociates the first lighting setting of the first subset of illumination sources 102 from the first dockable control device 110a. For example, placing the kitchen remote in the living room docking station has no effect on the living room lights. In another example, removing the first dockable control device 110a from the first docking station 108a disassociates the first lighting setting of the first subset of illumination sources 102 from the first dockable control device 110a such that the first dockable control device 110a can no longer control the first subset of illumination sources 102. In yet another example, as discussed above, removing the first dockable control device 110a from the first docking station 108a does not disassociate the first lighting setting of the first subset of illumination sources 102 from the first dockable control device 110a.

In embodiments, prior to re-docking the first dockable control device 110a at the second docking station 108b, the user 104 may remove a second dockable control device 110b from the second docking station 108b, and replace the second dockable control device 110b with the first dockable control device 110a. For example, the user 104 may have more than one dockable control device 110. In addition, each docking station 108 may be able to dock more than one dockable control device 110. For example, the docking station 108 may be a charging pad configured to store and charge multiple dockable control devices 110. In a further example, each docking station 108 may be docked with a dockable control device 110. For example, the living room docking station may be docked with the second dockable control device 110b (e.g. the living room remote). Replacing the living room remote with the first dockable control device 110a (e.g. the kitchen remote) updates the kitchen remote to control the living room lights. In one example, the second dockable control device 110b is no longer able to control the living room lights. In another example, the second dockable control device 110b is still able to control the living room lights. In a further example, the second dockable control device 110b is able to control the living room lights until it is docked a different docking station 108 (e.g. the bedroom docking station). In another example, the user may have only one dockable control device 110.

In embodiments, each docking station 108 comprises a unique identifier 214 and each dockable control device 110 may detect the unique identifier 214 of the docking station to associate the dockable control device 110 with the subset of illumination sources 102 associated with the respective docking station 108. For example, each dockable control device 110 may comprise a unique identifier reader 212. In other embodiments, each dockable control device 110 comprises a unique identifier 214 and each docking station 108 may detect the unique identifier 214 of the dockable control device 110 to associate the dockable control device 110 with the subset of illumination sources 102 associated with the respective docking station 108. For example, each docking station 108 may comprise a unique identifier reader 212. In further embodiments, each dockable control device 110 and each docking station 108 both contain a unique identifier 214. In yet further embodiments, each dockable control device 110 and each docking station 108 both contain a unique identifier reader 212.

In embodiments, each unique identifier 214 uniquely identifies each dockable control device 110 and/or docking station 108 within the lighting system 206. In an example, the unique identifier 214 is not visible to the user 104 such that each dockable control device 110 and/or docking station 108 is visually identical. For example, the unique identifier 214 may be embedded within the dockable control device 110. In another example, the unique identifier 214 is visible to the user 104 but cannot be used by the user 104 to visually identify each dockable control device 110, e.g. each unique identifier 214 is visually identical.

In alternative embodiments, each docking station 108 may have a visible unique identifier 214. For example, two docking stations 108 may be side by side, each with a different colored unique identifier 214. When docking a dockable control device 110 at a docking station 108 with one colored unique identifier 214 (e.g. the docking station 108 on the left), the dockable control device 110 controls a first subset of illumination sources 102 (e.g. those on the left side of the room). When docking the dockable control device 110 at a second docking station 108 with a different colored unique identifier 214 (e.g. the docking station 108 on the right), the dockable control device 110 controls a second subset of illumination sources 102 (e.g. those on the right side of the room).

In embodiments, the unique identifier comprises a near field communication (NFC) element. In such embodiments, the unique identifier 214 comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and the unique identifier reader 212 is capable of detecting the RFID tag. In other embodiments, the unique identifier 214 comprises an optical identifier (e.g. a barcode or quick response (QR) code) and the unique identifier reader 212 is capable of detecting the barcode or QR code. For example, the unique identifier reader 212 may be a sensor (e.g. a camera) embedded within the dockable control device 110 and/or docking station 108.

In embodiments, each docking station 108 is fixed to a surface of a room 106, e.g. a wall or the floor. In other embodiments, some docking stations 108 may be fixed to a surface whilst other docking stations 108 are not fixed to a surface. For example, some docking stations 108 may be integrated into an illumination source 102 or into an item of furniture. In other embodiments, none of the docking stations 108 are fixed to a surface of a room 106. For example, the docking stations 108 may be portable.

In embodiments, each docking station 108 may be associated with an individual room 106a. For example, a 'kitchen docking station' may be associated with the kitchen such that it is configured to associate any docked dockable control devices with the illumination sources 102 in the kitchen. In an example, each room 106 may have more than one docking station 108. For example, the living room may have two docking stations 108, each controlling a subset of illumination sources 102 within the living room. In another example, each docking station 108 within a room 106 may be associated with all of the illumination sources 102 within that room 106. In yet another example, the docking station 108 in one room 106a may be associated with the illumination sources 102 with a different room 106b.

In a preferred implementation, as described above, as the user 104 activates a lighting scene (e.g. a particular lighting setting) in one room with the dockable control device 110 and then docks the dockable control device 110 in the docking station 108 of another room, the lighting scene can be moved (or copied) to the second room.

In an example scenario, Aileen is reading a magazine. She sets up a scene that reminds her of the beach party in Thailand. That reminds her of the nice hot bath and massage she had there. Since it is Friday evening and she has no plans, she decides to have a bath. She picks up the remote from the living room and docks it in the bathroom. As she docks it the beach scene (or an associated scene) is moved (or copied) to the bathroom.

In an additional implementation, when the user 104 removes a dockable control device 110 from a docking station 108, the dockable control device 110a detects said removal as it is no longer able to detect the unique identifier 214 of the docking station. In an example, detecting the removal of a dockable control device 110 can be achieved by detecting the lack of a magnetic connection between the dockable control device 110 and the docking station 108, without the requirement of having a unique identifier 214. Upon detecting the removal of the dockable control device 110 from the docking station 108, the dockable control device 110 may transmit a command to the illumination sources 102 associated with said docking station, e.g. to switch on the lights in the room. When the user 104 re-docks the dockable control device 110 at the docking station 108, the unique identifier 214 of the docking station 108 is detected again. In an example, this may cause the lights in the room to be switched off.

In an example scenario, Paul enters his house after a long day at work. He picks up the remote located at the entrance of his apartment. As he picks up the remote, the lights in his apartment are switched on. When he sits on the couch he toggles through the light recipes to activate a relaxing setting. Paul puts the remote on his coffee table and grabs his favorite magazine to wind down. Later that night as Paul goes to bed, he puts the remote back in the holder and the lights gradually dim down and switch off.

In another additional implementation, when the user 104 enters a new room 102a in the environment 100 he places the dockable control device 110 in the docking station 108a of that room. The dockable control device 110 is associated (e.g. paired) with that room and control commands from the dockable control device 110 are now executed in that room. The association/pairing may happen in multiple ways. The dockable control device 110 may read the unique identifier 214 from the docking station 108a. It then reconfigures itself to send out different commands, e.g. based on the docking station 108a or the illumination sources within the room 102a. Alternatively, the dockable control device 110 may send out the unique identifier 214 with its regular control commands and a central bridge/server 210 may use this unique identifier 214 to the convert the commands to the correct commands for the illumination sources 102 within the room 102a.

In another additional implementation, a dockable control device 110 can be docked at a docking station 108 in different orientations. For example, the dockable control device 110 may be docked in a vertical or horizontal orientation. When the dockable control device 110 is docked in a first orientation (e.g. vertical), it can control a first function of the subset of illumination sources 102 it is associated with (e.g. brightness). When the dockable control device 110 is docked in a second orientation (e.g. horizontal), it can control a second function (e.g. cycling through lighting scenes).

In a further additional implementation, each dockable control device 110 may be physically connected to another dockable control device 110. For example, the physical connection may be a mechanical or magnetic connection. When physically connected, the first dockable control device 110a may control the first subset of illumination sources 102 whilst the second dockable control device 110b may control the second subset of illumination sources 102. In an example, the first and/or second dockable control device 110 may detect the unique identifier 214 of the second and/or first dockable control device 110 respectively. This may allow one or both of the dockable control devices 110 to determine which subset of illumination sources 102 it should control.

In an example scenario, Melanie wakes up gently as the light slowly comes on in the morning at a configured wake-up time. She gets out of bed, picks up her remote and goes to the bathroom. She places the remote in the bathroom wall plate and it now controls the lights in the bathroom. She puts on an energizing scene. After her shower she goes downstairs to have breakfast. She picks up the remote and places it in or on a docking station near the bar in her kitchen. The control now controls all the lights in the kitchen. As she leaves the house she places the control next to her door, causing all of the lights in the home to automatically switch off. These actions can be done with any remote which may be available in the home - even when they get "mixed up".

In one example, if the first dockable control device 110a is docked at a second docking station 108b, the illumination sources 102 originally associated with the first dockable control device 110a are automatically dimmed or switched off. This is

advantageous as the system may recognize that the user no longer requires the first lights and therefore they can be switched off.

In another example, when the first dockable control device 110a is docked at the second docking station 108b, the first dockable control device 110a is automatically configured to control the second subset of illumination sources 102. This may involve controlling the second subset to emit a different illumination setting compared to the illumination setting emitted by the first subset originally associated with the first dockable control device 110a.

For example, when moving a controller around the house this triggers the system to set the subsequent stages of circadian lighting, matching the actual cycle of the user (rather than a pre-programmed timed behavior which may not be correct when the user gets up earlier or later than scheduled.

In yet another example, removing the first dockable control device from the first docking station automatically controls the first subset of illumination sources to dim and subsequently switch off their respective illumination within a predetermined period of time. That is, the first set of lights may be controlled to dim down and switch off within a certain time period (e.g. one minute) after the first dockable control device is removed from the first docking station. This may allow the user enough lighting time to exit the room in which the first docking station is located, e.g. so that the user does not bump into any furniture.

In another example, the docking station 108 may be located (e.g. housed) within an illumination source 102. For example, the illumination source 102 may be a table lamp with a dedicated slot serving as a docking station 108. When the dockable control device 110 is docked at the table lamp, it can control the table lamp.

In yet another example, docking the first dockable control device at the second docking station automatically controls the second subset of illumination sources based on a position of the second docking station within the room. For example, if the first dockable control device is docked at a docking station positioned next to a bed within the bedroom, the lights within that room may be switched to 'Night Mode' (e.g. low level navigation lighting).

In another example, the behavior of the second dockable control 110b device may depend on whether the first dockable control device 110a is docked at a docking station 108. For example, in a room with two dockable control devices 110 and two docking stations 108, if both dockable control devices 110 are undocked (and held by a user), each may be configured to only control one part of the room (e.g. dining vs living area). If one dockable control device 110 is docked, the behavior of the other (non-docked) dockable control device 110 is modified to control the whole room since otherwise the user holding this other dockable control device 110 may not be able to control all of the lights in the room.

Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfil the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. A computer program may be stored/distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A method of controlling a lighting system comprising a plurality of illumination sources (102) each controllable to emit respective illumination for illuminating an environment (100), one or more dockable control devices (110a, 110b) each configured to control illumination emitted from one or more of said plurality of illumination sources (102), and a plurality of docking stations (108a, 108b) each associated with a subset of said plurality of illumination sources (102); the method comprising:

receiving an indication that a first one of said one or more dockable control devices (110a) has been docked at a first one of said plurality of docking stations (108a) associated with a first subset of said plurality of illumination sources (102); and

on condition of receiving said indication that the first dockable control device (110a) has been docked at the first docking station (108a), automatically associating the first dockable control device (110a) with the first subset of said plurality of illumination sources (102), and based thereon controlling the first subset of illumination sources (102) with the first dockable control device (110a).

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the lighting system comprises a plurality of docking stations, comprising:

subsequently receiving an indication that the first dockable control device (110a) has been removed from the first docking station (108a), and then receiving an indication that the first dockable control device (110a) has been docked at a second one of said plurality of docking stations (108b), wherein said second one of said plurality of docking stations is associated with a second subset of said plurality of illumination sources (102);

on condition of receiving said indication that the first dockable control device (110a) has been docked at the second docking station (108b), automatically associating the first dockable control device (110a) with a second subset of said plurality of illumination sources (102), and controlling the second subset of illumination sources (102) with the first dockable control device (110a).

3. A method according to any preceding claim comprising:

whilst the first dockable control device (110a) is associated with the first subset of illumination sources (102), associating a first lighting setting of the first subset of illumination sources (102) with the first dockable control device (110a) and based thereon using the first dockable control device to control the first subset of illumination sources (102) to emit their respective illumination in accordance with the first lighting setting.

4. A method according to any of claim 2 comprising:

whilst the first dockable control device (110a) is associated with the first subset of illumination sources (102), associating a first lighting setting of the first subset of illumination sources (102) with the first dockable control device (110a) and based thereon using the first dockable control device to control the first subset of illumination sources (102) to emit their respective illumination in accordance with the first lighting setting;

based on receiving said indication that the first dockable control device (110a) has been docked at the second docking station (108b) and the association of the first dockable control device with the first lighting setting, automatically configuring the first dockable control device to control the second subset of illumination sources (102) to emit their respective illumination in accordance with the first lighting setting. 5. A method according to claim 2 comprising:

prior to receiving said indication that the first dockable control device (110a) has been docked at the second docking station (108b), receiving an indication that a second dockable control device (110b) has been removed from the second docking station (108b), and receiving in indication that the second dockable control device (110b) has been replaced with the first dockable control device (110a).

6. A method according to claim 5, comprising:

whilst the second dockable control device (110b) is associated with the second subset of illumination sources (102), associating a second lighting setting of the second subset of illumination sources (102) with the second docking station (110b) and based thereon using the second dockable control device to control the second subset of illumination sources (102) to emit their respective illumination in accordance with the second lighting setting.

7. A method according to claim 6 wherein:

based on receiving said indication that the first dockable control device (110a) has been docked at the second docking station (108b) and the association of the second lighting setting with the second docking station, automatically configuring the first dockable control device to control the second subset of illumination sources (102) to emit their respective illumination in accordance with the second lighting setting.

8. A method according to claim 3 comprising:

based on receiving said indication that the first dockable control device (110a) has been removed from the first docking station (108a), disassociating the first lighting setting of the first subset of illumination sources (102) from the first dockable control device (110a), such that the first dockable control device can no longer control the first subset of illumination sources. 9. A method according to claim3 comprising:

following receiving an indication that the first dockable control device (110a) has been removed from the first docking station (108a), maintaining the association between the first lighting setting of the first subset of illumination sources (102) with the first dockable control device (110a), such that the first dockable control device can continue to control the first subset.

10. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the plurality of docking stations (108a, 108b) comprises a unique identifier (214) and wherein said associating of the first dockable control device (110a) with the first docking station (108a, 108b) is based on the first dockable control device (110a) detecting the unique identifier (214) of the first docking station (108a, 108b).

11. A method according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first dockable control device (110a) comprises a unique identifier (214) and wherein said associating of the first dockable control device (110a) with the first docking station (108a, 108b) is based on the first docking station (108a, 108b) detecting the unique identifier (214) of the first dockable control device (110a).

12. A method according to any of claims 10 or 11, wherein the unique identifier

(214) upon which at least one of said associations is based comprises a near field

communication (NFC) element. 13. A method according to any of claims 9 or 10, wherein the unique identifier

(214) comprises an optical identifier.

14. A method according to claim 10, wherein said unique identifier (214) upon which at least one of said associations is based comprises a non-NFC wireless signal, wherein

said associating of the first dockable control device (110) with the first docking station (108) is on condition that a received signal strength threshold is reached, and wherein the first docking station (108) comprise a body formed such that the received signal strength threshold is reached only when the first dockable control device is docked in the body.

15. A lighting system comprising :

a plurality of illumination sources (102) each controllable to emit respective illumination for illuminating an environment (100);

one or more dockable control devices (110a, 110b) each configured to control the illumination emitted from one or more of said plurality of illumination sources (102);

a plurality of docking stations (108a, 108b), each associated with a subset of said plurality of illumination sources (102), configured such that each of the dockable control devices can be docked in and removed from each of the docking stations; and

control logic (204) configured to perform operations of:

detecting a first dockable control device (110a) being docked at a first docking station (108a);

on condition of said detecting the first dockable control device (110a) being docked at a first docking station (108b), said first docking station associated with a first subset of said plurality of illumination sources (102), associating the first dockable control device (110a) with the first subset of said plurality of illumination sources (102), and based thereon controlling of the first subset of illumination sources (102) with the first dockable control device (110a).