EP1684552A2 - Extended toggle-switch control for light source control devices - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves manual operation of switch (4) in order to apply supply voltage (3) as control signal to a control input of the operating equipment. The control signal is evaluated and stored or deleted depending upon the functionality of operating equipment. Independent claims are also included for the following: (A) Ballast device for illuminant; and (B) Electronic ballast for gas discharge lamp.

Description

The present invention relates generally to methods and apparatus by which bulbs, such as LEDs, gas discharge lamps, high pressure lamps, etc. can be controlled and / or regulated to predefined dimming levels (dimming levels).

In the field of gas discharge lamps, such electronic operating devices are generally called electronic ballasts (ECGs).

It is known from the prior art, for example, such electronic ballasts (ECGs), to call only one example of light bulbs, to control via a digital bus. Reference is made in this regard to the literature in connection with the so-called DALI (Digital Addressable Light Interface) standard. In this case, therefore, a light source operating device to a control input digital signals are supplied, the u.a. Can specify dimming setpoints.

Since a user is not always willing to use the associated bus device including a digital controller for a light bulb operating device with such a digital interface, operating devices are also known from the prior art in which at such a digital control input (digital interface) optionally just a digital signal or else a signal generated by means of a mains-powered pushbutton can be applied. In this case, so a user, if he does not want to get over the digital peripherals, the Activate the digital control input of the operating device by pressing the button. In this case, for example, the time duration and the repetition rate of the push-button operation are evaluated by the connected operating device as a signal for switching on / off or for dimming.

An example of such an operating device, to whose digital control input a signal originating from a mains-powered pushbutton or switch originating signal can be applied, is given for example in German Utility Model DE 297 24 657.

From DE 42 36 145 A1 an electronic ballast (ECG) is known in which an energy saving can be done by daylight-dependent two-stage lighting control. For this purpose, a dimming connection is provided, on which direct currents are taken whose size and dimension is for the control frequency and thus also for the lamp brightness.

The present invention now has the task of expanding the known button control.

According to the invention, the extension consists in programming and / or calling complex functionalities for the first time in this way, as previously known only in the field of digital or analog bus control.

A "complex" functionality is characterized by the fact that not as in the known "simple" functionality essentially timely 1: 1 a control signal is traced. Examples of "simple" functionalities are the switching on and off as well as the specification of dimming values.

With functionalities according to the present invention, on the other hand, time-shifted processes can also be triggered, which are often programmed in advance. The control signal can also have the character of a selection signal, by one of several pre-programmed functionalities is triggered.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for configuring a control device for lighting means from a pushbutton or switch connected to a supply voltage. The button or switch is manually operated to selectively apply the supply voltage as a control signal to a control input of the operating device. The control signal is evaluated. Depending on the evaluation, a functionality of the operating device is stored, changed or deleted. Thus, this functionality can be made available according to the changed extent in a future operation of the operating device accordingly.

After successful configuration, the stored functionality can then be called, for example by pressing the button or switch, or by other wireless or wired interfaces.

By a predefined actuation of the button or switch, the operating device can be set in a configuration mode. In this configuration mode it is possible to store, modify or delete functionalities.

With the configuration mode activated, the operating device can thus interpret further push-button or switch operations as an editing of functionalities.

The functionality can also be, for example, the assignment of an address to the operating device.

The control signal itself can also be transmitted address-specific, i. At least part of the control signal is interpreted by a connected operating device as a (logical) address.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for controlling a control device for lighting means starting from a pushbutton or switch connected to a supply voltage, such as mains voltage. Functionalities in the operating device are programmed in advance. These functions can then be called by manual operation of the button or switch, wherein the operation of the button or switch selectively the supply voltage is applied as a control signal to a control input of the operating device.

The functionalities mentioned may include, for example, the address assignment, the addressed control, the programming of functionalities, the programming of parameters for future activations and / or the calling of sequences (sequences).

Finally, a method for controlling an operating device for lighting means is provided starting from a connected to a supply voltage, such as the mains voltage switch or switch. The control based on the button or switch is addressable, i. E. the operating device interprets at least a portion of the signal generated by the button or switch as a logical address.

In particular, a group-wise addressing can thus take place.

The invention also relates to control gear for lighting, in particular to an electronic ballast for gas discharge lamps, the Support of such a method are formed.

Further advantages, features and characteristics of the present invention will now be explained with reference to the single figure of the accompanying drawings. This figure shows an inventive system for controlling a lighting means.

As shown in the sole figure of the drawing, a system according to the invention comprises a control gear electronics 1, which may be, for example, an electronic ballast for gas discharge lamps. This operating device 1 controls lighting means, such as lamps 2. The operating device 1 is connected to a supply voltage 3, such as the mains voltage. Furthermore, the operating device 1 has an interface 5, 6, wherein in the illustrated embodiment, a terminal 6 of the interface 5, 6 is connected to the neutral of the supply voltage 3. Between the second terminal 5 of the interface and the phase conductor L, a button or switch 4 is connected. By manual actuation of the switch or push-button 4, therefore, the voltage of the phase conductor L can be selectively applied to the terminal 5 of the interface 5, 6 of the operating device 1.

Overall, it is a system with an operating device 1 for lamp 2, which can be controlled by manual operation of a button or switch 4.

From the prior art, it is known as already introductory to convey by means of the operation of the button or switch simple, directly implemented by the operating device dimming commands and the commands ON / OFF. The present invention goes far beyond this relatively simple concept, by providing a pushbutton operation also to provide more complex functionalities.

As will be explained in more detail below, these more complex functionalities relate to features that go beyond the already known immediate execution of a coming from the button / switch control signal.

• Adressvergabe,
• adressierte Ansteuerung,
• Programmierung von Funktionalitäten,
• Programmierung von Parametern für zukünftige Ansteuerungen, und/oder
• Aufruf von Sequenzen.

By way of example only, the following more complex functionalities may be mentioned:

• Address assignment,
• addressed control,
• Programming of functionalities,
• Programming of parameters for future control, and / or
• Calling sequences.

For most of these more complex functionalities, it is assumed that this functionality is stored in a memory of the operating device 1. In this case, the key signal no longer represents a drive signal in the actual sense, but rather a selection signal for the more complex functionalities.

• Parameter für zukünftige Dimmvorgänge, beispielsweise Einstellen der Dimmgeschwindigkeit,
• Abspeicherung von programmierten Lichtszenen,
• Abruf von vorab programmierten Lichtszenen,
• Auswählen von Betriebsmodi,
• Programmierung eines Minimum- und Maximum-Dimmpegels,
• Programmierung eines Einschalt-Dimmpegels für zukünftige Einschaltvorgänge,
• Adresszuweisung,
• Steuerung von Gruppen von Adressen,
• Zuordnung zu einer logischen Gruppe von Adressen.

Specific examples of these more complex functionalities include:

• Parameters for future dimming operations, for example setting the dimming speed,
• Storage of programmed light scenes,
• Recall of pre-programmed light scenes,
• Selecting operating modes,
• Programming a minimum and maximum dimming level,
• Programming a switch-on dimming level for future switch-on operations,
• Address assignment,
• Control of groups of addresses,
• Assignment to a logical group of addresses.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, moreover, it is provided that these complex functionalities can also be configured in the operating device. For example, a new functionality may be activated by a special button press with a defined duration or a defined sequence (sequence) of pushbutton operations (e.g., 'double click').

For this purpose, it can be provided that the operating device can be brought into a configuration mode by a special push-button operation, in which the following button actuations are interpreted as programming commands by the operating device.

If a functionality is already preprogrammed in the operating device, which can be carried out, for example, during production or via other wired or wireless interfaces, one of the complex functionalities can be executed directly by a special keystroke or a defined sequence of pushbutton actuations. For example, it can be provided that a defined light scene is selected and activated by a keystroke with a predetermined duration.

For the first time, it is also provided in the present invention that a control system with a pushbutton connected to a supply voltage is made addressable. In other words, the operating devices are designed such that at least a part of the control signals originating from the push button is interpreted as a logical address, in particular as an operating address. Thus, if previously assigned to the operating device, for example, again via a button or via wired or wireless interfaces, a logical address has been established, the operating device can determine whether, especially in the case of several operating devices connected to a pushbutton, a currently incoming control command is intended for the present operating device. Thus, a group-wise control can take place when several operating devices are combined to form a group with matching logical addresses.

The address assignment to an operating device can be effected by simple coding, for example by inserting resistors on an externally accessible interface (see, for example, EP 1 492 391 A1), via firmware programming or via other wired or wireless interfaces.

As already stated, of course, the address assignment itself can be done by pressing the button.

As an example of an addressed control of operating devices, the following scenarios are given:

When a button is pressed for a certain period of time, a mode for storing light scenes can be activated. All addressed and connected operating devices are then dimmed to a minimum value.

In each case by a short keystroke operating equipment can be selected according to their address, i. the operating device with the corresponding address dimms to a maximum value, while all others remain dimmed to the minimum value.

By pressing the button for a long time, the currently selected operating device can be dimmed to the desired light value of the light scene (light sequence). After completion of the selection (for example, a short keystroke), the relevant operating device then the store set light value as a value of the light scene (light sequence).

• Einstellen der Dimmgeschwindigkeit:
  Bei einer speziellen Tasterbetätigung, beispielsweise bei einer Tasterbetätigung mit definierter Dauer oder einer definierten Abfolge (Sequenz) von Tasterbetätigungen können die angesprochenen Betriebsgeräte die Dimmgeschwindigkeit zwischen vorab definierten Werten für die Dimmgeschwindigkeit wechseln.
  Beispielsweise können in einem Betriebsgerät drei verschiedene Dimmgeschwindigkeiten einstellt sein.
  Bei dem ersten Tastendruck wird also dann die erste Dimmgeschwindigkeit eingestellt.
  Beim zweiten Tastendruck wird die zweite Dimmgeschwindigkeit einstellt.
  Beim dritten Tastendruck wird die dritte Dimmgeschwindigkeit einstellt.
  Beim vierten Tastendruck wird wiederum die erste Dimmgeschwindigkeit eingestellt etc.
• Abruf von Lichtszenen (Lichtsequenzen):
  Bei einem speziellen Tastendruck mit definierter Dauer oder einer definierten Sequenz von Tasterbetätigungen kann ein programmiertes Betriebsgerät eine von mehreren vorgegebenen Lichtsequenzen auswählen. Auch in diesem Fall stellt also die Tasterbetätigung ein Auswahlsignal dar.
• Auswahl von verschiedenen Betriebsmodi:
  In diesem Fall sind verschiedene Betriebsmodi in dem Betriebsgerät für Leuchtmittel abgelegt. Die Tasterbetätigung stellt also in diesem Fall ein Auswahlsignal für Betriebsmodi dar. Die Betriebsmodi können sich beispielsweise durch die Art und Anzahl der vom Betriebsgerät ausgeführten Funktionen unterscheiden. Beispielsweise kann durch Wahl des Betriebsmodus festgelegt werden, ob ein Ausgangssignal von einem angeschlossenen Lichtsensor oder Bewegungssensor ausgewertet wird oder nicht.
• Reset:
  Bei einer definierten Tasterbetätigung kann selbstverständlich auch die werkseitig vorgenommene Auswahl aller einstellbarer Parameter in dem Betriebsgerät wieder hergestellt werden.
• Gruppensteuerung:
  Bei einem definierten Tastendruck bzw. einer definierten Sequenz von Tasterbetätigungen kann für alle nachfolgenden Tasterbetätigungen eine neue Gruppe aus einer definierten Anzahl von vordefinierten oder vorprogrammierten Gruppen ausgewählt werden. Somit reagieren dann nur noch jene Betriebsgeräte auf die folgenden Tasterbetätigungen, welche der ausgewählten Gruppe angehören. In diesem Fall ist also das erste Tastersignal ein Auswahlsignal für die verschiedenen Gruppen.
• Adressvergabe:
  Bei einem speziellen Tastendruck mit definierter Dauer oder einer Sequenz von Tasterbetätigungen können die angeschlossenen Betriebsmittel in den Adressiermodus (Adressiervergabemodus) wechseln. Im folgenden warten also alle angeschlossenen Betriebsmittel darauf, dass sie selektiert werden (die Selektion kann beispielsweise durch eine manuelle Manipulation direkt am Betriebsgerät oder durch eine Manipulation der angeschlossenen Leuchtmittel, wie beispielsweise dem An- und Abschließen der Lampe erfolgen). Ein derart selektiertes Gerät weist sich dann selbst den niedrigsten Wert des Adressvorrats zu. Daraufhin kann eine weitere Tasterbetätigung erfolgen, wodurch die Adressierung des ersten Betriebsgeräts abgeschlossen ist. Alle weiteren, noch unadressierten Betriebsmittel wissen nunmehr, dass die niedrigste Adresse bereits vergeben wurde. Das nächste Gerät, das wiederum durch Manipulation des Betriebsgeräts selbst oder der angeschlossenen Leuchtmittel selektiert ist, weist sich daraufhin die nächsthöhere Adresse des Adressvorrats zu.
  Schließlich kann durch einen weiteren definierten Tastendruck (bzw. einer Abfolge) der Adressiervergabemodus für die Betriebsgeräte beendet werden.
• Gruppenzuordnung:
  Wiederum kann eine spezielle Tasterbetätigung bzw. eine spezielle Abfolge von Tasterbetätigungen ein Auswahlsignal für die angeschlossenen Betriebsgeräte darstellen, dass diese in den Gruppenzuordnungs-Modus wechseln. Vorausgesetzt ist dabei, dass die Betriebsgeräte bereits eine logische Adresse besitzen.
  Durch eine bestimmte Tasterbetätigung werden dann die Betriebsgeräte entsprechend ihrer Adresse selektiert, d.h. das Betriebsgerät mit der Adresse, die beispielsweise der Anzahl langer Tasterbetätigung entspricht, zeigt eine Reaktion (beispielsweise optisch durch Dimmen der angeschlossenen Leuchtmittel auf Maximum, während alle übrigen Betriebsmittel ihre angeschlossenen Leuchtmittel auf Minimum dimmen). Durch jeweils eine Anzahl von beispielsweise kurzen Tasterbetätigungen wird dann das aktuell selektierte Betriebsgerät jener zur Gruppe zugeordnet, die der Anzahl der kurzen Tastenbetätigungen entspricht. Nach Aufheben des Selektionsmodus durch entsprechende Tasterbetätigung speichert dann das entsprechende Betriebsgerät die Gruppenzuordnung (entsprechend einer Gruppenadresse) ab. Durch eine weitere definierte Tasterbetätigung beenden schließlich sämtliche angeschlossenen Betriebsgeräte den Gruppenzuordnungsrnodus.
• Einstellen von Parameter
  (Parameterkonfigurationsmodus):
  Bei einer definierten Tasterbetätigung wechseln die angeschlossenen Betriebsgeräte in einen Konfigurationsmodus. In diesem Konfigurationsmodus können Parameter zukünftiger Betätigungen der Betriebsgeräte eingestellt werden. Unterschiedliche Konfigurationsmodi sind dabei möglich, wie beispielsweise Speichern von Lichtszenen, Einstellen des Einschalt-Levels, Einstellen von Minimum/Maximum-Dimmwerten etc.).
  Im folgenden wird rein beispielsweise der Konfigurationsmodus zum Einstellen von Lichtszenen beschrieben, ein derartiger Ablauf kann aber auch bei anderen Konfigurationensmodi angewendet werden.
  Es sei angenommen, dass den angeschlossenen Betriebsgeräten bereits eine Adresse zugewiesen wurde. Durch einen definierten Tastendruck werden wiederum die Betriebsgeräte entsprechend ihrer Adresse selektiert, d.h. das Betriebsgerät mit der Adresse, die der Anzahl beispielsweise kurzer Tastenbetätigungen entspricht, zeigt eine Reaktion (wiederum beispielsweise optisch durch Dimmen der angeschlossenen Leuchtmittel). Durch jeweils eine lange Tasterbetätigung wird dann das aktuell selektierte Betriebsgerät auf den gewünschten Lichtwert gedimmt. Nach Aufheben der Selektion durch einen definierten Tastendruck speichert dieses Betriebsgerät den entsprechenden Wert als einen Szenewert ab. Durch eine weitere definierte Tasterbetätigung beenden die Betriebsgeräte den Konfigurationsmodus.
• Alternative Vergabe von Adressen:
  Bei einer speziellen Tasterbetätigung, die vorab definiert ist, wechseln alle angeschlossenen Betriebsgeräte in den Adressiermodus. Nun können alle Betriebsgeräte eine Zufallszahl zwischen 1 und N erzeugen. Mittels langer Tastendrücke entsprechend einer Zeitdauer zwischen 1 und N werden nunmehr die Zufallsadressen der angeschlossenen Betriebsgeräte ermittelt. Korreliert die Dauer des Tastendrucks mit der Zufallszahl, gilt das Betriebsgerät, das sich selbst die Zufallszahl zugewiesen hat, als selektiert und bestätigt dies durch eine Reaktion beispielsweise optischer Art (Dimmen auf Maximum etc). Durch einen kurzen Tastendruck weist sich nun das selektierte Betriebsgerät die niedrigste Adresse des Adressstapels zu. Alle in diesem Schritt nicht adressierten Betriebsgeräte wissen nunmehr, dass die niedrigste Adresse aus dem Adressstapel vergeben wurde. Das nächste Gerät, welches über einen langen Tastendruck selektiert wird, weist sich dann die nächsthöhere Adresse aus dem Adressstapel zu. Durch einen weiteren speziellen Tastendruck bzw. einer definierten Sequenz kann der Adressiermodus sämtlicher angeschlossener Betriebsmittel ausgehend von dem Taster beendet werden.

The following additional functionalities are mentioned:

• Setting the dimming speed:
  In the case of a special push-button actuation, for example with a pushbutton actuation with a defined duration or a defined sequence (sequence) of pushbutton actuations, the addressed operating devices can change the dimming speed between predefined values for the dimming speed.
  For example, three different dimming speeds can be set in one operating device.
  At the first keypress, the first dimming speed is set.
  The second key press sets the second dimming speed.
  The third button press sets the third dimming speed.
  The fourth key press sets the first dimming speed, etc.
• Retrieval of light scenes (light sequences):
  With a special keystroke with a defined duration or a defined sequence of pushbutton actuations, a programmed operating device can select one of several predefined light sequences. Also in this case, so the button operation is a selection signal.
• Selection of different operating modes:
  In this case, various operating modes are stored in the operating device for lamps. The Push-button operation thus represents in this case a selection signal for operating modes. The operating modes may differ, for example, by the type and number of functions performed by the operating device. For example, can be determined by selecting the operating mode, whether an output signal from a connected light sensor or motion sensor is evaluated or not.
• reset:
  In the case of a defined pushbutton actuation, it is of course also possible to restore the factory-made selection of all adjustable parameters in the operating device.
• Group control:
  With a defined keystroke or a defined sequence of pushbutton actuations, a new group from a defined number of predefined or preprogrammed groups can be selected for all subsequent pushbutton actuations. Thus, only those operating devices react to the following button actuations, which belong to the selected group. In this case, therefore, the first button signal is a selection signal for the different groups.
• Address assignment:
  With a special keystroke with a defined duration or a sequence of pushbutton actuations, the connected equipment can switch to the addressing mode (addressing mode). In the following, therefore, all connected resources waiting for them to be selected (the selection can be done for example by a manual manipulation directly on the operating device or by manipulation of the connected bulbs, such as the connection and disconnection of the lamp). Such a selected device then has even the lowest value of the address supply to. Thereupon, another push-button operation can take place, whereby the addressing of the first operating device is completed. All other unaddressed resources now know that the lowest address has already been assigned. The next device, which in turn is selected by manipulation of the operating device itself or the connected lamps, then assigns itself to the next higher address of the address supply.
  Finally, by a further defined keypress (or a sequence) of addressing mode for the operating devices are terminated.
• Group assignment:
  Again, a particular push-button action or sequence of push-button operations may constitute a selection signal for the connected operating devices to switch to the group-association mode. It is assumed that the operating devices already have a logical address.
  By a specific push-button operation, the operating devices are then selected according to their address, ie the operating device with the address corresponding for example to the number of long button operation shows a reaction (for example, optically by dimming the connected bulbs to maximum, while all other resources their connected bulbs Minimum dimming). By a number of, for example, short button actuations then the currently selected operating device is assigned to those to the group, which corresponds to the number of short key presses. After canceling the selection mode by corresponding push-button operation, the corresponding operating device then stores the group assignment (corresponding to a group address). Stop by another defined push-button operation Finally, all connected devices the group assignment mode.
• Setting parameters
  (Parameter configuration mode):
  With a defined pushbutton actuation, the connected operating devices change to a configuration mode. In this configuration mode parameters of future actuations of the operating devices can be set. Different configuration modes are possible, such as storing light scenes, setting the switch-on level, setting minimum / maximum dimming values, etc.).
  In the following, for example, the configuration mode for setting light scenes is described purely, but such a procedure can also be used in other configuration modes.
  It is assumed that the connected operating devices have already been assigned an address. By a defined keystroke the operating devices are in turn selected according to their address, ie the operating device with the address corresponding to the number of short key presses, for example, shows a reaction (again, for example, optically by dimming the connected bulbs). Each time a long button operation, the currently selected operating device is then dimmed to the desired light value. After canceling the selection by a defined keystroke, this operating device stores the corresponding value as a scene value. The operating devices terminate the configuration mode by means of a further defined pushbutton actuation.
• Alternative assignment of addresses:
  In the case of a special pushbutton actuation that has been defined in advance, all connected operating devices change to the addressing mode. Now everyone can Operating devices generate a random number between 1 and N. By means of long key presses corresponding to a time duration between 1 and N, the random addresses of the connected operating devices are now determined. If the duration of the keystroke is correlated with the random number, the operating device that has assigned itself the random number is considered as selected and confirms this by a reaction, for example of an optical type (dimming to maximum, etc). A short key press now indicates the selected operating device to the lowest address of the address stack. All operating devices not addressed in this step now know that the lowest address has been allocated from the address stack. The next device, which is selected by a long key press, then assigns the next higher address from the address stack. By another special keystroke or a defined sequence, the addressing of all connected resources can be terminated starting from the button.

Claims (12)

Method for configuring a control device for lamps starting from a pushbutton or switch connected to a supply voltage,
the method comprising the following steps: - Manual operation of the button or switch so as to selectively apply the supply voltage as a control signal to a control input of the operating device, and - Evaluation of the control signal and storage, modification or deletion of a functionality of the operating device, such that this functionality in the future operation of the operating device according callable is available or deleted. Method according to claim 1,
wherein the stored functionality is called by pressing the button or switch. Method according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein by a predefined operation of the button or switch, the operating device is set in a configuration mode by the laying down, changing or deleting a functionality is enabled. Method according to claim 3,
characterized,
if the configuration mode is activated, the operating unit will make further push-button or switch operations as a store, change or Deleting a functionality interpreted. Method according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the functionality is the assignment of an address to the operating device. Method according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the control signal is transmitted address-specific. Method for controlling an operating device for lamps starting from a pushbutton or switch connected to a supply voltage,
the method comprising the following steps: - Pre-programming of functionalities in the operating device, and - Manual actuation of the push button or switch so as to selectively apply the supply voltage as a control signal to a control input of the operating device and to activate one of the previously programmed functionalities. Method according to claim 7,
the functionalities include: - Address assignment, - addressed control, - programming of functionalities, - Programming parameters for future controls and / or - Calling sequences. Method for controlling a control gear for lamps starting from one with a Supply voltage connected button or switch,
characterized,
that the control is addressable based on the button or switch. Method according to claim 9,
characterized,
that a groupwise addressing takes place. Operating device for light bulbs,
which is designed to support a method according to the preceding claims. Electronic ballast for gas discharge lamps,
which is designed to support a method according to claims 1 to 10.

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