WO2010088887A2

WO2010088887A2 - Method for operating a lighting system, computer program and lighting system

Info

Publication number: WO2010088887A2
Application number: PCT/DE2010/000115
Authority: WO
Inventors: Philipp van Beeck; Dirk Beiner
Original assignee: E:Cue Control Gmbh
Priority date: 2009-02-05
Filing date: 2010-02-02
Publication date: 2010-08-12
Also published as: WO2010088887A3; DE102009024412B4; DE102009024412A1

Abstract

In at least one embodiment, the method according to the invention comprises the following steps: at least temporarily connecting a configuration device to at least two control devices via a first data connection, associating a plurality of optoelectronic semiconductor components with the control devices using the configuration device so that every semiconductor component is associated with one of the control devices in an unambiguous manner and a plurality of the semiconductor components is associated with every control device, associating addresses with the semiconductor components and with the control devices using the configuration device, and generating an at least two-dimensional image of a physical arrangement of the semiconductor components using the configuration device.

Description

description

Method for operating a lighting system, computer program and lighting system

A method for operating a lighting system and a computer program for such a method are provided. In addition, a lighting system is specified.

The document US Pat. No. 7,495,671 B2 relates to a lighting organization system.

An object to be solved is to specify a method for operating a lighting system with a multiplicity of optoelectronic semiconductor components. Another object to be solved is to provide a computer program by which such a method is implemented. Further, an object to be solved is to provide a lighting system with a plurality of optoelectronic semiconductor devices.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the illumination system, this is set up for architectural lighting. The lighting system extends, for example, over one or more facades and / or interiors of buildings. A spatial extent of the illumination system is thus comparatively large, for example, the illumination system extends over an area of at least 50 m ² , in particular of at least 100 m ² . It is also possible that the illumination system extends over spatially smaller dimensions and one or more display-like Includes arrangements, in particular with a plurality of light sources.

According to at least one embodiment of the illumination system, the latter has at least one configuration device. About the configuration device, the lighting system can be configured in particular with regard to electronic configuration, management and control.

According to at least one embodiment of the illumination system, this comprises at least two control devices. The control devices are at least temporarily connected to the configuration device via a first data connection. The data connection can be used by the

Configuration device are sent to the control devices. Preferably, at least temporarily, a bidirectional data transmission is possible.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the illumination system, the first data line is a physical, electrically conductive connection between the configuration device and the control device. The data connection can be, for example, an Ethernet connection. Alternatively, it is possible that the data connection is wireless, so for example via radio signals.

According to at least one embodiment of the illumination system, the latter comprises a multiplicity of optoelectronic semiconductor components. In this case, a semiconductor component is to be understood as meaning such a component which is based on a semiconductor material, in particular for generating electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet or visible spectral range is designed and that represents a separately electrically controllable component. In other words, the semiconductor component forms an electronically controllable unit, which preferably has no electronically separately controllable subunits for generating radiation. The electronically controllable unit is, for example, a single light-emitting diode chip or a group of light-emitting diode chips connected in parallel or in series, wherein the light-emitting diode chips of the group can not be controlled individually independently of one another.

By way of example, such an optoelectronic semiconductor component comprises precisely one semiconductor chip which is set up for radiation emission. It is also possible for the semiconductor component to have a multiplicity of, in particular, identical semiconductor chips for generating radiation, wherein all the semiconductor chips are controlled by a single electronic drive signal and therefore the semiconductor chips within the semiconductor component can not be controlled separately.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the illumination system, the semiconductor component or at least one of the semiconductor components is an RGB semiconductor component. In this case, the semiconductor component comprises, for example, three semiconductor chips, wherein preferably one of the semiconductor chips emits in the red, another in the green and a third semiconductor chip in the blue spectral range. In such an RGB semiconductor device, for example, three semiconductor chips emitting in different colors can be individually controlled by means of a single control signal with three sub-signals, so that a color locus of the total radiation to be emitted by the semiconductor component Control signal is adjustable. The example, three semiconductor chips in this case form a the RGB semiconductor device defining separately electronically controllable unit.

According to at least one embodiment of the illumination system, the semiconductor components comprise or consist of light emitting diodes, in short LEDs, organic light emitting diodes and / or laser diodes.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the illumination system, each of the semiconductor components is connected to one, preferably to exactly one of the control devices. The control devices can therefore be used to unambiguously control the semiconductor components.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the illumination system, a plurality of the semiconductor components are connected to each of the control devices. The control devices are therefore preferably configured to control a plurality of semiconductor components connected thereto.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the illumination system, the control devices are configured to generate a serial control signal from an input signal and to forward this control signal to the semiconductor components. The input signal may be a serial or else a parallel digital signal. For example, the input signal is a so-called Ethernet signal.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the illumination system, the semiconductor components are arranged in at least one two-dimensional and / or three-dimensional arrangement. For example, the semiconductor devices are over one or more external facades of a building distributed or mounted on several facades of different buildings, such as on a street, mounted. It is also possible that the semiconductor components are distributed over one or more interiors of a building or a building complex.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the illumination system, the semiconductor components are uniquely assigned to the control devices in particular electronically by the configuration device. In other words, the configuration device makes it possible to selectively send a signal for driving the semiconductor components via the control devices to specific control devices and semiconductor components.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the illumination system, the configuration device produces an at least two-dimensional image of the two-dimensional and / or three-dimensional arrangement of the semiconductor components.

The at least two-dimensional image is present, for example, in the form of a computer graphic or as a file. The image here is preferably an imitation of the real arrangement of the semiconductor components. In particular, the image can reproduce the real, relative positions of individual semiconductor components relative to one another in a greatly simplified manner and / or to scale. The image may be designed in such a way that it is an illustration of the arrangement of the semiconductor components, just as the arrangement of the semiconductor components results from a specific viewing angle, for instance for a viewer. In other words, the image can be understood as a kind of map or topography of the arrangement of the semiconductor devices. In accordance with at least one embodiment of the illumination system, a respective control circuit is assigned to each of the optoelectronic semiconductor components. The control circuit is in particular as an integrated circuit, short IC or

Integrated circuit, formed. Likewise, the control circuit may be an application specific integrated circuit, ASIC for short.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the illumination system, the image of the semiconductor components that is created by the configuration device includes an address assignment of the semiconductor components. The image thus includes, in particular, the addresses of the semiconductor components and preferably also of the control devices. For example, the image comprises a plurality of planes, with visualization of the arrangement of the semiconductor components occurring approximately in a topmost plane. In levels below, for example, an address assignment table of the semiconductor devices is accessible.

Address assignment may mean that, in particular, each of the separately electronically controllable units, that is to say, for example, the semiconductor components, is assigned a fixed address. Based on this address, the separately electronically controllable unit is clearly in the

Lighting system electronically accessible, controllable and / or interrogatable. The address may be stored in the control circuit associated, for example, with the LED chip.

In at least one particular embodiment according to the invention of the illumination system, this is set up for architectural lighting and comprises a Configuration device and at least two control devices. The control devices are at least temporarily connected to the configuration device via a first data connection. Furthermore, the illumination system comprises a plurality of optoelectronic

Semiconductor components, wherein each of the semiconductor devices is connected to one, in particular to exactly one of the control devices. To each of the control devices, a plurality of the semiconductor devices are connected. The control devices are for generating a serial

Control signal from an input signal and for forwarding this control signal to the semiconductor devices set. The semiconductor components are present in at least one two-dimensional and / or three-dimensional arrangement. By the configuration device are the

Semiconductor components in particular electronically assigned to the control devices unique. The configuration device furthermore produces an at least two-dimensional image of the arrangement of the semiconductor components. This image includes an address assignment of the semiconductor devices.

According to at least one embodiment of the illumination system, this comprises at least 300 optoelectronic semiconductor components, in particular at least 500 semiconductor components, preferably at least 1000 semiconductor components, particularly preferably at least 2000 semiconductor components.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the illumination system, at least one, preferably all, of the control units is set up to have at least 128 semiconductor components, in particular at least 150 semiconductor devices, preferably at least 170 semiconductor devices to drive.

According to at least one embodiment of the illumination system, this comprises only similar control units. In other words, all the control units of the lighting system are of the same type.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the illumination system, the latter comprises at least two DMX data connections via which DMX signals or DMX-like signals can be transmitted. For example, part of the semiconductor devices is connected to a first one of the control devices via a DMX data link, and another part of the semiconductor devices is connected to another control device via another DMX data link. In other words, the lighting system includes at least two so-called DMX universes.

A DMX signal here is a serial signal in which

Data transmitted at a transfer rate of 250 kbit / s. The DMX signal comprises 513 bytes, the first byte being a start code indicating the type of data to be transmitted to a receiver and transmitted via a 3-pin or 5-pin data line. A

Signal line for DMX signals follows the standard EIA-485. In this case, a data signal is transmitted with a line pair, wherein one of the conductors of the pair carries an inverted and the other conductor carries a non-inverted version of the data signal. Input voltages of the signal-carrying line pair are -7 V and +12 V. An input resistance of a receiver, for example of the semiconductor components, is approximately 12 kΩ. For a DMX-like signal, the transmission rate may be increased. For example, the transmission rate is increased to 1 Mbit / s. DMX-like signals also include bidirectional data transmission, for example via RDM. RDM refers to Remote Device Management. Via RDM bidirectional communication is possible, in particular via DMX data connections between components.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the illumination system, at least the semiconductor components, and preferably also the control devices for processing DMX signals, are set up. In other words, the semiconductor components, which are assigned to or include a control circuit, for example, and preferably also the control devices can be driven by DMX signals or DMX-like signals and / or process such signals.

According to at least one embodiment of the illumination system, this comprises at least one control device. During normal operation of the illumination system, the control device is used, in particular, to display a time-varying light pattern via the arrangement of the semiconductor components.

There is also provided a method of operating a lighting system for architectural lighting. For example, by means of the method, an illumination system can be operated, as described in conjunction with one or more of the abovementioned embodiments. Characteristics of the lighting system are therefore also disclosed for the method described here and vice versa.

In at least one embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method comprises the following steps:

At least temporarily connecting one

Configuration device via a first data connection with at least two control devices, - allocating a plurality of optoelectronic

Semiconductor devices to the control devices with the configuration device, so that each of the semiconductor devices is uniquely associated with one of the control devices and each of the control devices is associated with a plurality of the semiconductor devices,

Assigning addresses to the semiconductor devices and the control devices by the configuration device, and

Creating an at least two-dimensional image of a real arrangement of the semiconductor components with the configuration device.

Such a method makes it possible to operate, configure and drive a lighting system with a large number of optoelectronic semiconductor components. The lighting system to be configured and controlled is hereby preferably designed to display chronologically variable, in particular complex, lighting patterns. In other words, the illumination system may preferably have moving images and / or temporally variable ones

Create light moods. In accordance with at least one embodiment of the method, the configuration device is at least temporarily connected to the control device and the control devices via the first data connection and / or via at least one second data connection.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the method, the configuration device transmits the image of the arrangement of the semiconductor components and the address assignment to the control device. For example, the

Address map and the topography of the image from the configuration device stored in a file, and this file is sent from the configuration device to the control device. The controller generates based on the image and the address assignment

Input signal by which a luminous pattern is set on the arrangement of the semiconductor devices.

Information about the geometry of the arrangement of the semiconductor devices as well as about the electronic

Address allocation receives the control device in particular exclusively from the configuration device. Both the configuration device and the control device may be a computer program. The control device and the

Configuration devices may be implemented in the same computer program.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the method, the control devices generate a serial control signal from the

Input signal and forward this control signal to the semiconductor devices. In other words, the control device generates the input signal, and from the Input signal is generated by the control devices, a control signal by means of which the semiconductor components are driven.

Each of the control device preferably addresses only a part of the semiconductor components. By individual control devices so the light pattern can not be adjusted in its entirety. The coordination of the control devices and the semiconductor devices takes place with the aid of the configuration device via the control device.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the method, each of the optoelectronic semiconductor components is assigned one, in particular exactly one, control circuit. Of the

Control circuit is preferably formed as an integrated circuit, short IC, molded. Associated means that the semiconductor devices may comprise such a control circuit or be directly associated with such a control circuit uniquely, in particular one-to-one, physically and logically. Directly connected may mean that there is only one electrical connection line with negligible electrical resistance between the semiconductor device and the associated control circuit.

According to at least one embodiment of the method, each of the control circuits processes a control signal from one of the control devices and energizes the semiconductor device associated with the control circuit in accordance with the control signal. In other words, the

Control circuits the preferred digital control signal in a current to which the semiconductor device is energized. About the amperage is also a brightness of set the radiation generated by the semiconductor devices. It is also possible that the control circuits include at least one constant current source and the brightness is adjustable via a pulse width modulation of the constant current source.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the method, the control devices and / or the semiconductor components and / or the control circuits are each given an electronic identification code. The identification code can be imprinted on the corresponding components permanently, for example by a manufacturer, or else can only be assigned to the corresponding components electronically. For example, the identification code is formed by an electronically interrogatable serial number and / or product number. Likewise, the identifier may for example be assigned in a non-volatile memory of the corresponding components, for example by the configuration device.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the method, the configuration device detects the identification tags. In other words, the configuration device reads out the identification codes or requests them from the corresponding components.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the method, the configuration device assigns addresses to the control device and / or the semiconductor components on the basis of the identification codes. The configuration device can store the particular logical addresses, for example. The addresses are the corresponding components within the lighting system in particular electronically uniquely identifiable and controllable.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the method, the configuration device arranges the control devices and / or the semiconductor components on the basis of FIG

Identification identifiers in the image. Arranging may refer to all or even parts of the semiconductor devices and / or the control devices. In other words, the address assignment is done by the

Configuration device completely or partially independently and / or automated. Also, the creation of the image can be partially or completely automated by the configuration device and / or done independently.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the method, the semiconductor components and / or the control devices temporarily transmit a radio signal. The radio signal is received by at least one, in particular at least three receivers, which are preferably connected to the configuration device. It is possible to use this radio signal for a location determination, for example of the semiconductor components.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the method, at least the configuration device and / or use at least the control devices at least temporarily an RDM protocol.

According to at least one embodiment of the method, a data exchange between the configuration device and / or the control device takes place at least at times and at least one of the control devices or all control devices by means of carrier frequency modulation via a power supply line. It is therefore possible for the first and / or the second data connection to be formed by a power supply line, via which, for example, a part of the semiconductor components or all semiconductor components are supplied with electrical power. The power supply line may be comprised of a power grid permanently installed in one or more buildings. For example, the power line is a 230V or 110V power line. A bidirectional data transmission between, for example, the configuration device and / or the control device and the control devices is preferably made possible via the power supply line.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the method, the configuration device is directly connected to a

Power supply line of a power grid connected. It is also possible that the configuration device and / or the control device is connected via an adapter or a so-called feeder, English Injectorbox, to the power supply line.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the method, a data transmission between the configuration device and / or the control device and the control device of the semiconductor components or the control devices of semiconductor components grouped into groups or modules occurs predominantly or exclusively via at least one power supply line. That is, a data transfer within the lighting system can take place without additional data lines, in addition to the at least one power supply line, are required.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the method, the configuration device and / or the scanner scans

Control device at least at times a power grid for components, for example, after control devices and / or sensors with which via a carrier frequency modulation data transmission can take place. In other words, the configuration device and / or the control device is configured to search a power network for such components.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the method, the configuration device and / or the control device is set up to determine data transmission details of the carrier frequency modulation, ie, for example, a data transmission rate or a data transmission quality, and / or to transmit data via the power network on the basis of FIG

Set data transfer details. Setting may mean adjusting a data transfer rate or sending data multiple times.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the method, the configuration device determines, at least temporarily, a maximum power consumption of the illumination system and / or of the semiconductor components. The power consumption is determined, for example, by querying the configuration device for the semiconductor components, which have the maximum power consumption of the semiconductor components, for example based on a measured value. It is also possible that the configuration device based on the maximum power consumption identifies the identifiers of the semiconductor devices, such as in connection with a component library with manufacturer specifications.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the method, the configuration device determines an average power consumption of the illumination system. Preferably, the configuration device can estimate how high a power consumption is in a certain period of time, depending on external lighting conditions, a temperature or a time of day, for example. For example, the

Configuration device determine a period of time that the lighting system can be operated via a battery.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the method, the configuration device interrogates, at least temporarily, an operating status of the control devices and / or of the semiconductor components. Operating status may mean that it is determined whether a semiconductor device is functional, defective, or in operation at the time of polling. A current power consumption of a semiconductor device can also be detected by the operating status query. Likewise, at least one temperature can be interrogated and evaluated, for example, for a location of the illumination system which is particularly prone to becoming warm, a so-called hot spot.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the method, the configuration device and / or the control device sets one based on the operating status of a part of the control devices and / or the semiconductor components

Energizing another part of the control devices and / or the semiconductor devices. Thus, for example, in the case of failure of a semiconductor device, energization of others Semiconductor devices are increased to ensure approximately a homogeneous appearance of the lighting system.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the method, the configuration device generates at least temporarily

Test signal for setting a test light pattern and / or a diagnostic light pattern on the arrangement of the semiconductor devices. The test signal is preferably forwarded to the control devices and converted by the control devices into a control signal and transmitted to the semiconductor devices.

The test signal makes it possible to determine whether the lighting system is electrically correctly connected and electronically correctly addressed and / or addressed. The test signal may also be in connection with a status request by the configuration device. Then preferably incorrectly connected or defective semiconductor components are determined. The address assignment can also be tested via the test signal.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the method, the configuration device and / or the control device at least temporarily reads sensors for temperature, brightness, humidity, movement and / or current intensity. In other words, the illumination system to be operated comprises such sensors, and their measured values are read out, for example, by the configuration device.

About the sensors, it is possible to adapt a light pattern, which is set to the arrangement of the semiconductor devices, such as weather conditions. For example, a Power consumption of the semiconductor devices are reduced at high outdoor temperatures or in direct sunlight. Likewise, for example, sensors for brightness can be used for a fault diagnosis or for generating the image of the arrangement of

Semiconductor devices by the configuration device serve.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the method, the illumination system comprises at least one module with a multiplicity of matrix-like or linearly arranged semiconductor components and with at least one control device, wherein the semiconductor components are preferably applied exclusively to an upper side of a connection carrier and adjacent semiconductor components each at a distance of at least 20 mm and at most 50 mm from each other. In this context, matrix-like means, in particular, that the multiplicity of semiconductor components are preferably in the form of rows and columns or at grid points of a regular grid, for

Example of a rectangular grid, are applied to the top of the connection carrier. For example, the semiconductor devices are in shape. an 8 x 8 or 16 x 16 matrix arranged.

Distance is in this context in particular the minimum distance between two side surfaces of two adjacent semiconductor components. The distance between two side surfaces of two adjacent semiconductor components is then at least 20 mm and at most 50 mm, preferably at least 30 mm and at most 40 mm. Preferably, intermediate spaces are formed between the semiconductor devices arranged in the form of a matrix. With others Words, the semiconductor devices are then spaced from each other. In a plan view of the module, the interspaces are bounded by the side surfaces of two respectively adjacent or adjoining semiconductor components and the surface facing the semiconductor components, in this case the upper side of the connection carrier.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the method in which the illumination system extends over a plurality of building parts and in which the illumination system comprises a plurality of motion sensors and / or heat sensors, only segments of the illumination system are energized in or on parts of the building in which a viewer is located and in particular Also, such segments of the lighting system that border on a segment of the lighting system in which a viewer is staying. In this case, a segment of the illumination system is, for example, a specific part of the illumination system which is located on a room of a building, on a straight part of a corridor or on a corridor

Facade is limited. A segment preferably comprises one or more modules of semiconductor components. By dividing the lighting system into segments and using, for example, motion sensors, it is possible to operate only those parts of the lighting system in which a viewer is located or which can be perceived by a viewer. Thus, it may appear to a viewer that the entire lighting system is operated, although only relevant segments of the lighting system are operated.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the method, the illumination system comprises at least one Operating hours counter, which is set up to record operating periods of the semiconductor components. For example, the operating hours counter is integrated in the control devices or in the control device. For example, via the configuration device and / or the control device, the

Operating hours counter can be read out. The operating hours counter preferably determines the operating times of the individual color channels independently of one another. In this case, a color reproduction can be kept constant over the operating hours counter based on a characteristic of an aging process of the different color channels and / or readjusted.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the method, at least some of the semiconductor components and / or the control devices have a data memory in which operating data of the semiconductor components are stored. Such operating data may include, but is not limited to, a current level, a duration of operation, a brightness, a temperature, and / or a number of turn-ons and turn-offs. The data memory is preferably readable by the configuration device and / or by the control device. Based on the stored operating data, it is possible to draw conclusions about a

Error reason, why, for example, a semiconductor device has failed to pull.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the method, the configuration device reads the data memory of

Semiconductor components and / or the control devices evaluates the operating data in particular statistically and preferably creates a forecast when a particular part the lighting system to replace or maintain is. Especially in safety-relevant lighting systems, this avoids the fact that too large a proportion of semiconductor components fails and the lighting system thereby loses its functionality as a whole.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the method, the configuration device and / or the control device at least temporarily detects temperatures of the semiconductor components, of modules of semiconductor components and / or of groups of semiconductor components. Preferably, the

Configuration device and / or the control device, an energization of the semiconductor devices, the groups and / or the modules depending on the temperatures. The energization here is preferably different from zero. It is therefore preferred, with respect to the temperature, no semiconductor components completely switched off, but only reduces the Bestromungsstärke to a lower, non-zero value.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the method, the illumination system comprises a plurality of further light sources, wherein at least a portion of the semiconductor components is at least temporarily dimmed as a function of a signal of at least one sensor by the control device and / or the configuration device, and wherein the further light sources are not dimmed. The further light sources are in particular no semiconductor components. The further light sources are preferably discharge lamps. For example, then an energy-saving mode is feasible, in which the

Semiconductor components are energized only with at most 90%, in particular only with at most 80% of a maximum current, and the other light sources are fully energized. By such a reduction in the energization of the semiconductor components, a significant electrical power component of a power consumption of the illumination system can be saved, whereas a brightness of the emitted radiation to the human eye appears almost undiminished.

The illumination system may also have features that are mentioned in conjunction with one or more of the above-mentioned embodiments of the method for operating the illumination system.

There is also provided a computer program having program code, wherein the computer program executes a method as described in connection with one or more of the above embodiments when the computer program is executed in a computer.

Hereinafter, a method described here for

Operating a lighting system, a lighting system described herein and a computer program described herein with reference to the drawings using exemplary embodiments explained in more detail. The same reference numerals indicate the same elements in the individual figures. However, there are no scale relationships shown, but individual elements can be shown exaggerated for better understanding.

Show it:

Figures 1 to 3 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of one described here Lighting system and a method described herein for operating a lighting system,

Figure 4 is schematic representations of embodiments of described here

Semiconductor devices,

Figure 5 is a schematic representation of another

Embodiment of a lighting system described herein, and

Figure 6 is a schematic sectional view of a

Embodiment of a module described here.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a lighting system 1. A computer or computer 4 comprises a configuration device 10 and a control device 40. The configuration device is via an internal permanent second data connection 102 running in the computer 4

10 and the control device 40 connected to each other. During operation of the illumination system 1, a particularly temporally variable light pattern is transmitted via the

Control device 40 is set and displayed by the lighting system 1.

Via a first data connection 101, the configuration device 10 and the control device 40 are furthermore connected to a plurality of control devices 3. The first data connection 101 can be a permanent, ie always existing, connection. It is likewise possible for the first data connection 101 to be present only intermittently. The first data connection 101 is, for example, via an Ethernet Connection realized. Also, the first data connection 101 may be radio based.

Each of the control devices 3 is connected to a plurality of semiconductor components 2 via a respective DMX data connection or a DMX-like data connection 104. Each of the semiconductor components 2 is in this case preferably connected to exactly one of the control devices 3. The DMX data link 104 is preferably a wire-based connection to which the semiconductor devices 2 are connected in series. The semiconductor components 2 each have at least one light-emitting diode 20 and optionally a control circuit 6, which can be designed as an integrated circuit.

From the configuration device 10 or the

Control device 40, an input signal via the first data link 101 is transmitted to the control devices 3. The control devices 3 process this input signal and in particular generate a serial DMX signal or a DMX-like signal, which is forwarded to the semiconductor components 2 via the DMX data links 104. For example, via the control circuits 6, the DMX signal is converted into a current for energizing the LEDs 20.

Preferably, at least at times, bidirectional data via the DMX data links 104 are transmitted. This can be done for example by means of RDM.

The semiconductor components 2 are mounted in at least one two-dimensional and / or three-dimensional arrangement 5, for example on a facade of a building 9, see FIG. 2. In particular, the semiconductor components 2 be arranged in modules 8. Each of the modules 8 includes, for example, a plurality of individually controllable semiconductor components 2, which are preferably arranged in a matrix-like manner within the module 8. Likewise, the semiconductor devices 2 may be linearly arranged along a straight or curved line.

Unlike in FIG. 2, in addition to the modules 8, further, for example individual, semiconductor components 2 not arranged in modules 8 may be included in the arrangement 5. The arrangement 5 can extend over several facades or over several buildings.

FIG. 3 illustrates an image 50 of the arrangement 5 of the semiconductor components 2 according to FIG. The image 50 is generated by means of the configuration device 10. The image 50 contains images 80 of the modules 8 corresponding to the real topography of the modules 8. A representation of the image 50 takes place, for example, via a screen connected to the computer 4. In particular, that is

Image 50 is a true-to-scale rendition or map of the real array 5. The image 50 may also be a three-dimensional representation of the array 5 on the screen.

In addition to the topography of the arrangement 5 of the semiconductor components 2, the image 50 also includes an assignment of the semiconductor components 2 to electronic addresses via which the semiconductor components 2 can be electronically addressed and controlled. Likewise, the image 2 includes a

Assignment, for example, of the modules 8 or their images 80 to the control devices 3 or their images 30, in FIG. 3 by dashed-dot lines symbolizes. Unlike in FIG. 3, a plurality of modules 8 or images of the modules 80 may be assigned to one of the control devices 3.

Image 50, unlike that illustrated in FIG. 3, can have multiple representation levels. In a top level of the image 50, for example, only the topography of the arrangement 5 is reproduced. In lower levels, an address assignment can be viewed, an electrical circuit diagram can be included, or sensor data from sensors of the lighting system 1 not shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 can be shown. Similarly, underlying levels may be configured for diagnostics and / or troubleshooting. Alternatively, it is also possible that all functions of the configuration device 10 are contained in a single plane of the image 50.

The address assignment by the configuration device 10 preferably takes place automatically, for example on the basis of identification identifications of the semiconductor components and / or the control circuits 6.

A topography of the image 50 can also be automated or semi-automated by means of the configuration device 10, for example based on the

Control circuits 6. In this case, the control circuits 6 can be set up for the temporary emission of radio signals, whereby a local determination or an approximate location determination of the semiconductor components 2 or at least of the modules 8 is made possible via these radio signals. For this purpose, the lighting system 1 at least temporarily, for example, at least one, preferably at least comprise three receivers, which are not shown in the figures.

It is preferably possible to output via the configuration device 10 a test signal to the arrangement 5, via which a check of a correspondence between the real arrangement 5 and the image 50 can take place. Likewise, a fault diagnosis via the test signal can preferably also be carried out.

Various embodiments of the semiconductor components 2 are shown schematically in FIG. According to FIG. 4A, the semiconductor component 2 comprises three light-emitting diodes 20 emitting in different colors. Each of the light-emitting diodes 20 can preferably be controlled separately. In a case of the

Semiconductor device 2, the control circuit 6 is integrated. The DMX data link 104 is connected to the control circuit 6. A color of a radiation to be emitted by the semiconductor component 2 can be set via the three light-emitting diodes 20.

According to FIG. 4B, a control circuit 6 is likewise uniquely assigned to the semiconductor component 2. In this case, the light-emitting diode 20 and the control circuit 6 are not integrated in a single housing, unlike in accordance with FIG. 4A.

Rather, the light emitting diode 20 is connected via a power line 105 to the control circuit 6. In this case, the control circuit 6 processes the DMX signal at the DMX data connection 104 and converts this into a current for energizing the light-emitting diode 20.

According to FIG. 4C, a large number of the LEDs 20 are connected to the control circuit 6 via the power line 105. It includes the semiconductor device 2 so a plurality of light-emitting diodes 20, which are arranged, for example, a matrix. The light-emitting diodes 20 are not individually controllable according to FIG. 4C, but receive an approximately equal current from the control circuit 6, respectively.

According to FIG. 4D, the module 8 has a multiplicity of semiconductor components 2, which are arranged in a matrix-like manner. Each of the semiconductor components 2 can be driven individually via the DMX data connection 104. Each of the semiconductor devices 2 each have a control circuit 6 is assigned directly.

In the exemplary embodiment of the illumination system 1 according to FIG. 5, the control device 40 is located on a first computer 4a and the configuration device 10 is located, for example, on a second computer 4b. The configuration device 10 is only temporarily connected to the control device 40 via the second data connection 102. The second data connection 102 is, for example, a direct wired connection, a radio connection, a network connection or an Internet connection.

The connection between the configuration device 10 and the control devices 3 can be made via the control device 40 and thus via the first data connection 101 and the second data connection 102. Optionally, it is also possible for the configuration device 10 to be connected directly to the control devices 3 via a temporary second data connection 103.

The illumination system 1 according to FIG. 5 comprises a plurality of sensors 7. One or more of the sensors 7 may be connected via the first data connection 101, which may be a Ethernet connection is to be read by the configuration device 10 and / or the control device 40.

Alternatively or additionally, it is possible for the sensors 40 to be connected analogously to the semiconductor components 2, as in the case of the control device 3 a. Likewise, the sensors 7 may be disposed downstream of the semiconductor devices 2, as illustrated with respect to the control device 3b. Furthermore, the sensors 7 may be connected upstream of the semiconductor components 2, as shown in connection with the control device 3c.

FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view of a module 8 described here having a connection carrier 82 with the semiconductor components 2 applied to an upper side 85 of the connection carrier 82. The semiconductor components 2 are arranged like a matrix, so that a gap is formed between two respectively adjacent semiconductor components 2. A distance D between two respectively adjacent semiconductor components 2, which are each individually controllable, is in the present case 30 mm. Within the scope of manufacturing tolerances, all distances D are preferably the same size. On the underside of the connection carrier 82, a control device 3 and at least one sensor 7 are mounted. The control device 3 is temporarily or permanently connected to the first data connection 101.

In the present case, the connection carrier 82 is a printed circuit board which is used for contacting and fastening the individual components, that is to say, for example

Semiconductor components 2, corresponding connection points and conductor tracks both on the upper side 85 and preferably also on one of the upper side 85 opposite bottom of the Connection carrier 82 has. The connection carrier 82 is formed, for example, with an electrically insulated basic body, for example with a plastic material or with a ceramic material. The connection carrier 82 is in particular designed to be mechanically rigid so that it does not deform or does not significantly deform during normal use and during intended installation. It is also possible that the connection carrier 82 is mechanically flexible and / or foil-like or has a net-like structure. Also, the connection carrier 82, in particular on the upper side 85, can be designed to be reflective, diffusely scattering or, at least in places, transparent.

The invention described here is not by the

Description limited to the embodiments. Rather, the invention encompasses any novel feature as well as any combination of features, including in particular any combination of features in the claims, even if this feature or combination itself is not explicitly stated in the patent claims or exemplary embodiments.

This patent application claims the priority of German patent applications 10 2009 007 499.6 and 10 2009 024 412.3, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Claims

Patent Claims

1. Method for operating a lighting system (1) for architectural lighting with the steps: - at least temporarily connecting a

Configuration device (10) via a first data connection (101) with at least two control devices (3),

- Assigning a plurality of optoelectronic semiconductor components (2) to the control devices (3) with the configuration device (10), so that each of the semiconductor components (2) is uniquely assigned to one of the control devices (3) and each of the control devices (3) has a plurality of the semiconductor components ( 2) is assigned,

- Assigning addresses to the semiconductor components (2) and to the control devices (3) by the configuration device (10), and

- Creating an at least two-dimensional image (50) of an arrangement (5) of the semiconductor components (2) with the configuration device (10), whereby

- the configuration device (10) is connected at least temporarily to a control device (40) and the control devices (3) via the first data connection (101) and/or via at least one second data connection (102, 103),

- the configuration device (10) transmits the image (50) and the address assignment to the control device (40),

- The control device (40) uses the image (50) and the address assignment to provide an input signal through which a light pattern of the arrangement (5) is created Semiconductor components (2) are set, generated and forwarded to the control devices, and

- the control devices (3) generate a serial control signal from the input signal and forward this control signal to the semiconductor components (2),

- a control circuit (6) is assigned to each of the optoelectronic semiconductor components (2),

- each of the control circuits (6) processes a control signal from one of the control devices (3) and energizes the associated semiconductor component (2) in accordance with the control signal, and

- at least some of the semiconductor components (2) are arranged in modules (8) and each of the modules (8) comprises a plurality of the semiconductor components (2) and is attached to a part of the building, the semiconductor components (2) each being within the modules (8 ) are arranged in a matrix or linear manner and can be controlled individually.

Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the control devices (3) and/or the semiconductor components (2) and/or the control circuits (6) are each given an electronic identification code, and wherein the configuration device (10) detects the identification codes and sends them to the control devices (3 ) and/or the semiconductor components

(2) assigns addresses based on the identification identifiers and/or arranges them in the image (50).

3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the configuration device (10) and/or at least the control devices (3) use an RDM protocol at least temporarily.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least temporarily a data exchange between the configuration device (10) and / or the control device (40) and at least one of the control devices (3) by means of carrier frequency modulation via a

Power supply line of a power network takes place, and the configuration device (10) and / or the control device (40) temporarily searches the power network for control devices (3) that can be controlled via carrier frequency modulation.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the configuration device (10) determines a maximum power consumption of the lighting system (1) and / or the semiconductor components (2).

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the configuration device (10) at least temporarily queries an operating status of the control devices (3) and / or the semiconductor components (2), and wherein the configuration device (10) and / or the control device (40) based on the operating status of a part of the control devices (3) and/or the semiconductor components (2) sets a power supply to another part of the control devices (3) and/or the semiconductor components (2).

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the configuration device (10) at least temporarily generates a test signal for setting a test light pattern and / or a diagnostic light pattern on the arrangement (5) of the semiconductor components (2) and forwards it to the control devices (3).

8. The method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the configuration device (10) and / or at least the control device (40) at least temporarily sensors (7) for temperature,

Brightness, humidity, movement and / or current intensity is read and signals from the sensors (7) are evaluated to control the lighting system (1).

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the configuration device (10) and/or the control device (40) at least temporarily monitors temperatures of the semiconductor components (2), of modules (8) of semiconductor components (2) and/or of groups of semiconductor components (2) detected, and wherein the configuration device (10) and/or the

Control device (40) sets a non-zero current supply to the semiconductor components (2), the groups and / or the modules (8) depending on the temperatures.

10. The method according to claim 8 or a claim related to claim 8, wherein the lighting system (1) comprises several further light sources, and at least some of the semiconductor components (2) depending on a signal from at least one sensor (7) through the Control device (40) and / or the configuration device (10) is dimmed at least temporarily, and the other light sources are not dimmed.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lighting system (1) extends over several building parts (9) and comprises a plurality of segments and motion sensors (7) and / or heat sensors (7), and only such segments of the Lighting system (1) in or on those parts of the building (9) in which a viewer is located and / or those segments that border on a segment of the lighting system (2) in which a viewer is located.

12. Computer program that has program code by which a method according to one of the preceding claims is carried out when the computer program is processed in a computer.

13. Lighting system (1) for architectural lighting

- a configuration device (10),

- at least two control devices (3), which are at least temporarily connected to the configuration device (10) via a first data connection (101), and

- A plurality of optoelectronic semiconductor components (2), so that each of these semiconductor components (2) is connected to one of the control devices

(3) is connected, where - a plurality of semiconductor components (3) are connected to each of the control devices (3),

- the control devices (3) are set up to generate a serial control signal from an input signal and to forward this control signal to the semiconductor components (2),

- the semiconductor components (2) are present in at least one two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional arrangement (5), - through the configuration device (10).

Semiconductor components (2) are clearly assigned to the control devices (3),

- an at least two-dimensional image (50) of the arrangement (5) is created by the configuration device (10) and this image (50) is one

Address assignment of the semiconductor components (2) includes,

- the configuration device (10) is at least temporarily connected to a control device (40) and the control devices (3) via the first data connection (101) and/or via at least one second data connection (102, 103),

- the configuration device (10) is set up to transmit the image (50) and the address assignment to the control device (40), - the control device (40) is set up to transmit an input signal based on the image (50) and the address assignment that a lighting pattern of the arrangement (5) of the semiconductor components (2) can be adjusted and forwarded to the control devices,

- the control devices (3) generate a serial control signal from the input signal and send this control signal to the semiconductor components (2) forwards,

- Each of the control circuits (6) is set up to process a control signal from one of the control devices (3) and the associated one

Semiconductor component (2) to be energized according to the control signal, and

- at least some of the semiconductor components (2) are arranged in modules (8) and each of the modules (8) is attached to a part of the building and comprises a plurality of the semiconductor components (2), each of which is arranged in a matrix-like or linear manner within the modules (8). and can be controlled individually.

14. Lighting system (1) according to the preceding claim, which comprises at least 300 semiconductor components (2) and in which at least one of the control units (3) is set up to control at least 128 semiconductor components (2).

15. Lighting system (1) according to one of claims 13 or 14, which comprises at least two DMX data connections or DMX-like data connections (104) via which the semiconductor components (2) are connected to the control devices (3), and wherein at least the Control devices (3) and/or the semiconductor components (2) are set up for processing DMX signals and/or RDM signals or DMX-like and/or RDM-like signals.