Lighting system and control method thereof

A lighting device may include a communication unit for establishing a communication connection with a terminal, a light emitting unit (including one or more light emitting units), and a controller for receiving physical information from the communication unit and controlling the light emitting unit based on the physical information.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 from Korean Application No. 10-2014-0044974, filed Apr. 15, 2014, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments may relate to a lighting system and a control method thereof that allow for lighting control based on physical information about a user.

The lighting industry has continued to grow over the years. Research on light sources, light emission methods, operation methods, and/or efficiency improvement may be under way in connection with the lighting industry.

Light sources used mainly for illumination may include incandescent lamps, discharge lamps, and/or fluorescent lamps. Lighting using these light sources may be used for various purposes such as home lighting, landscape lighting, industrial lighting, etc. Resistant light sources, such as the incandescent lamps, may have problems of poor efficiency and heat generation. Discharge lamps may have problems of high price and high voltage. Fluorescent lamps may have environmental problems caused by use of mercury.

There may be a growing interest in light emitting diode (LED) lighting to solve drawbacks of light sources. The LED lighting may have advantages in efficiency, color variability, design flexibility, etc.

The light emitting diode is a semiconductor device that emits light when a voltage is applied thereto in a forward direction. The light emitting diode may have a long lifetime, a low power consumption, and electric, optical and physical characteristics suitable for mass production, to rapidly replace incandescent lamps and fluorescent lamps.

Smart technologies may get attention to provide a domestic ubiquitous environment where computing can occur anytime, in any place, and/or on any device by employing home networking and internet information home appliances based on wired/wireless communications and digital information appliances.

By combining smart technologies with lighting, technical advancements may be made in lighting control with a terminal when the lighting and the terminal are connected for communication. However, a user may have to enter a command on the terminal to control the lighting using the terminal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments may provide a lighting system and a control method thereof that allow for lighting control based on physical information about a user.

An exemplary embodiment may be directed to a lighting device including: a communication unit that establishes a communication connection with a terminal having a sensing unit for sensing physical information about a user and receives the physical information sensed by the sensing unit; a light emitting unit (including one or more light emitting elements); and a controller for receiving the physical information from the communication unit and controlling the light emitting unit based on the physical information.

An exemplary embodiment may be directed to a lighting control method including: establishing a communication connection with a terminal having a sensing unit for sensing physical information about a user; receiving the physical information sensed by the sensing unit; and controlling a light emitting unit (including one or more light emitting elements) based on the physical information.

An exemplary embodiment may be directed to a terminal including: a sensing unit for sensing physical information about a user; a wireless communication unit for establishing a communication connection with a lighting device; and a terminal controller for controlling the transmission of the physical information sensed by the sensing unit to the lighting device via the wireless communication unit.

An exemplary embodiment may be directed to a lighting system including: a terminal including a sensing unit for sensing physical information about a user, a wireless communication unit for establishing a communication connection with a lighting device, and a terminal controller for controlling the transmission of the physical information sensed by the sensing unit to the lighting device via the wireless communication unit. The lighting device may include a communication unit for establishing a communication connection with the terminal, a light emitting unit (including one or more light emitting units), and a controller for receiving the physical information from the communication unit and controlling the light emitting unit based on the physical information.

A control method of a mobile terminal according to at least one exemplary embodiment may have the following:

A lighting system can find out user status information upon receipt of physical information about a user and control lighting based on the user status information. Accordingly, embodiments may have an active lighting control effect.

The lighting system may enable active lighting control corresponding to user status information without user's command. Accordingly, embodiments may increase user convenience.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments may be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the following description, usage of suffixes such as ‘module’, ‘unit’ used for referring to elements is given merely to facilitate explanation of the present disclosure, without having any significant meaning by itself. Accordingly, both ‘module’ and ‘unit’ can be used in combination.

FIG. 1is a view showing an environment where a lighting system according to an exemplary embodiment used.FIG. 2is a block diagram showing components of the lighting system according to the exemplary embodiment. Other embodiments and configurations may also be provided.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, embodiments may pertain to a lighting system that controls a light emitting unit270based on information sensed by a sensing unit130of a terminal100by communicating with the terminal100. The lighting system may include one lighting device200according to an exemplary embodiment to be described with reference to the drawings. However, the lighting system may be applicable to a plurality of lighting devices.

The lighting system may include a terminal100and a lighting device200.

This specification may be described, focusing on, but not limited to, a wearable device. The wearable device may refer to an electronic device that can be worn. However, the wearable device is not the type of electronic device that can be simply worn on the body, like an accessory, but an electronic device that enables communication with the user from a closest point to the user's body.

The terminal100may include a wireless communication unit110, a terminal input unit120, a sensing unit130, a terminal memory140, a terminal output unit150, and a terminal controller180.

The wireless communication unit110may include one or more modules that enable wireless communications between the terminal100and the lighting device200or between the terminal100and another terminal100. The wireless communication unit110may include one or more modules that connect the terminal100to one or more communication networks.

The wireless communication unit110may communicate with the lighting device200over Bluetooth. Bluetooth may allow for communication at low power and may be set up at low cost. Accordingly, Bluetooth may be preferred for indoor short range communication between the terminal100and the lighting device200.

The wireless communication unit110may use communication protocols such as Wi-Fi Direct, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), IrDA (Infrared Data Association), UWB (Ultra Wideband), ZigBee, and NFC (Near Field Communication), as well as Bluetooth.

The wireless communication unit110may communicate with the lighting device200, and transmit information sensed by the sensing unit130to the lighting device200.

The terminal input unit120may include a camera or an image input unit for inputting an image signal, a microphone or an audio input unit for inputting an audio signal, and a user input unit (for example, a touch key or a mechanical key) for receiving information from the user. Audio data or image data collected by the terminal input unit120may be analyzed and processed into a user's control command.

The sensing unit130may include one or more sensors for sensing at least one of the following: information in the terminal100, information on the environment surrounding the terminal100, and user information.

For example, the sensing unit130may include at least one of the following: an illumination sensor131, a motion sensor132, an optical sensor133(e.g., camera), a touch sensor, a proximity sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic sensor, a G-sensor, a gyroscope sensor, an RGB sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a finger scan sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a microphone, a battery gauge, an environment sensor (e.g., barometer, hygrometer, thermometer, radiation sensor, thermal sensor, or gas sensor), and a chemical sensor (e.g., electronic nose, health-care sensor, or biometric sensor). A mobile terminal may use information sensed by at least two of these sensors in combination.

The illumination sensor131may sense the level of illumination of surrounding light in a certain space. The illumination sensor131may include an element whose resistance changes depending on intensity of the surrounding light. The illumination sensor131may calculate variations of voltage or current caused by variations in the resistance of the element.

The motion sensor132may include a location sensor or an acceleration sensor. The terminal100may measure an amount of exercise and calories the user burns by means of the location sensor or the acceleration sensor. That is, the terminal100is a wearable device, and when the user is wearing the wearable device and moving the body unit wearing it, the terminal100can measure the amount of exercise and calories the user burns by using the motion sensor132.

The optical sensor133may sense the blood flow in the user's body. The terminal100can measure the heart rate and blood pressure of the user using the sensed blood flow. For example, if the terminal100is in the form of an earphone that is worn on the user's ear, the optical sensor133can measure the blood flow in the user's ear. In this example, the terminal controller180may measure the heart rate and blood pressure of the user using the sensed blood flow. In another example, if the terminal100is a glasses-type device configured to be worn on a human head, the optical sensor133can sense how much the user's pupil dilates. The optical sensor133can also sense whether the user's eyes are closed or not.

Human skin is normally transparent. When strong light is flashed on the skin, the light may shine through the skin. When the heart beats, skin transparency may change.

If the terminal100further includes a light emitting unit (e.g., LED device), the terminal100may flash strong light emitted from the light emitting unit on the user's skin. The optical sensor133senses a change in skin transparency with heart rate. The terminal controller180can measure the heart rate or pulse rate of the user using the amount of change in skin transparency.

The terminal memory140may store data that supports various functions of the terminal100. The terminal memory140may store multiple application programs (or applications) that run on the terminal100and data and commands for operating the terminal100. The terminal memory140may store blood flow, blood pressure, heart rate, pulse rate, or how much the pupil dilates, which are sensed by the sensing unit130or calculated by the terminal controller180.

The terminal output unit150may be for producing output related to visual, auditory, and tactile senses. The wearable device output unit150may include at least one of a display, a sound output module, a haptic module, and a light output unit. The display may be implemented as a touch screen that forms an interlayer structure with a touch sensor or is integrated with it. The touch screen may function as the terminal input unit120that provides an input interface between the terminal100and the user, or may provide an output interface between the terminal100and the user.

The terminal controller180may control the overall operation of the terminal100. The terminal controller180may process signals, data, information, etc. input or output through each of the components. The terminal controller180may provide proper information or function to the user or process them by running an application program stored in the terminal memory140.

The terminal controller180may control at least some of the components. The terminal controller180may operate at least two of the components contained in the terminal100in combination, in order to run the application program.

The terminal controller180may include a user status determiner181. The user status determiner181may determine the user's status based on physical information about the user received from the sensing unit130. The user status determiner181can calculate blood pressure, heart rate, pulse rate, etc., based on a change in skin transparency with respect to the blood pressure or heart rate in a unit of the user's body sensed by the optical sensor133.

For example, the heart rate or pulse rate of the user, which is determined based on the blood flow in a unit of the user's body sensed by the optical sensor133, may be greater than or equal to a first reference value. The motion sensor132can sense that the terminal100is continuously moving. In this example, the user status determiner181may determine that the user is exercising. The first reference value may be a set value that is determined from a test.

For example, the heart rate or pulse rate of the user, which is determined based on the blood flow in a specific unit of the user's body sensed by the optical sensor133, may be less than the first reference value and greater than or equal to a second reference value. The motion sensor132can sense that the terminal100is not continuously moving. In this example, the user status may determine181determines that the user is taking a rest. The first and second reference values are set values that are determined from a test.

For example, the heart rate or pulse rate of the user, which is determined based on the blood flow in a specific unit of the user's body sensed by the optical sensor133, may be less than the second reference value. The motion sensor132can sense that the terminal100is not continuously moving. The optical sensor133may sense that the use's eyes are closed. In this example, the user status determiner181may determine that the user is sleeping. The second reference value may be a set value that is determined from a test.

The terminal controller180may transmit information sensed by the sensing unit130to the lighting device200via the wireless communication unit110. Alternatively, the terminal controller180may transmit user status information determined by the user status determiner181to the lighting device200via the wireless communication unit110.

The terminal controller180may be implemented using at least one of application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGSs), processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors and electrical units for executing other functions.

The lighting device200may include a communication unit210, an input unit220, a memory240, an indication unit250, a drive unit260, a light emitting unit270, a controller280, and a power supply290.

The communication unit210may send and receive data by communicating with the terminal100. The communication unit210may connect with the controller280, and send and receive data to and from the terminal100in response to a control signal. The communication unit210may transmit the data received from the terminal100to the controller280.

The wireless communication unit210may communicate with the terminal100over Bluetooth. The wireless communication unit210may use communication protocols such as Wi-Fi Direct, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), IrDA (Infrared Data Association), UWB (Ultra Wideband), ZigBee, and NFC (Near Field Communication), as well as Bluetooth.

The communication unit210may include an RF (Radio Frequency) circuit. The communication unit210may send and receive RF signals (i.e., electromagnetic signals). The RF circuit may convert an electrical signal into an electromagnetic signal or vice versa, and communicate with the terminal100using the electromagnetic signal.

For example, the RF circuit may include an antenna system, an RF transceiver, one or more amplifiers, a tuner, one or more oscillators, a digital signal processor, a CODEC chipset, memory, etc. The RF circuit may include well-known circuitry for performing communication functions.

The communication unit210may receive information sensed by the sensing unit130by communicating with the terminal100having the sensing unit130. For example, the communication unit210may receive physical information about the user from the terminal100. The physical information may include blood flow, blood pressure, heart rate, pulse rate, and how much the pupil dilates.

Alternatively, the communication unit210may receive, from the terminal100, information on the level of illumination in the surrounding environment sensed by the illumination sensor131.

The input unit220may receive the brightness of the light emitting unit270which is selected by the user. The input unit220may be embedded in the lighting device200. Alternatively, the input unit220may be configured separately from the lighting device200. The input unit220may be connected to a remote controller either by wires or wirelessly, and receive user input. The input unit220may include a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (static pressure/capacitance), a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like.

For example, if the input unit220is a jog wheel, the user may adjust the brightness of the lighting device200by turning the jog wheel. According to the user's selection, the input unit220may generate a brightness selection signal and output it to the controller280. In this example, the user may choose to switch on or off the lighting device200that is not powered up, and accordingly decide to apply power to the lighting device200.

When the user chooses to increase brightness of the lighting device200, the input unit200generates a brightness increase signal. On the other hand, when the user chooses to decrease the brightness of the lighting device200, the input unit200generates a brightness decrease signal. That is, the input unit220may directly receive user input.

The memory240may include non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic disk storage devices, flash memory devices, and/or other non-volatile solid state memory devices. Embodiments are not limited to these examples, and the memory240may include a readable storage medium.

For example, the memory240may include EEP-ROM (Electronically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory). Information can be written to or erased from EEP-ROM by the controller280during operation of the controller280. EEP-ROM may be a memory device that keeps the information stored in it without erasing it even when power is lost.

The memory240may store data and commands for operating the lighting device200.

The memory240may store preset PIN (Personal Identification Number) information of the terminal100which is used for communications security.

The indication unit250may externally indicate whether a communication connection is made (or not made) between the lighting device200and the terminal100. The indication unit250may externally indicate whether a communication connection is currently made between the lighting device200and the terminal100or not, in order to prevent an attempt for connection to other additional terminals100from making control of the lighting device200complicated and disturbing the user settings for lighting.

The indication unit250may include a speaker or bulb for outputting indicator sound upon establishing a communication connection with the terminal100, and externally indicate whether a communication connection is established (or not).

The drive unit260may receive a control signal from the controller280. The drive unit260may apply driving current to the light emitting unit270in response to the control signal. The illumination, dimming, color temperature, color, and flickering of light emitted from the light emitting unit270are controlled according to the driving current applied from the drive unit260.

The light emitting unit270includes a substrate and at least one light emitting element mounted on the substrate. The light emitting element may emit light when powered, and its brightness may vary with the amount of power applied. The color temperature of the light emitting element may vary with power, and the color of emitted light may vary from combinations of red (R), green (G), and blue (B). The light emitting unit270may include a plurality of LED elements. More specifically, the light emitting unit270includes white, red, green, and blue LED elements by reaction with fluorescent materials. The light emitting unit270is driven by receiving driving current from the drive unit260.

The controller280receives data from the communication unit210. The controller280controls the light emitting unit270based on the received data. That is, the controller280transmits a control signal to the drive unit260based on lighting control data to control the light emitting unit270and adjust lighting properties.

The controller280may include a user status determiner281. The user status determiner281may determine the user's status based on physical information about the user received from the communication unit210or information about motions of the terminal100. The physical information may include blood flow, blood pressure, heart rate, pulse rate, and how much the pupil dilates.

For example, if the heart rate or pulse rate of the user is greater than or equal to a first reference value, the terminal100is continuously moving, and the user's pupil dilates by a reference value or more, the user status determiner281determines that the user is exercising. The first reference value is a set value that is determined from a test.

For example, if the heart rate or pulse rate of the user is less than the first reference value and greater than or equal to a second reference value and the terminal100is not continuously moving, the user status determiner281determines that the user is taking a rest. The first and second reference values are set values that are determined from a test.

For example, if the heart rate or pulse rate of the user is less than the second reference value, the terminal100is not continuously moving, and the user's eyes are closed, the user status determiner281determines that the user is sleeping. The second reference value is a set value which is determined from a test.

The controller280may transmit a control signal to the drive unit260in response to the user status determined by the user status determiner281.

The controller280may transmit a control signal to the drive unit260and control at least one of the illumination, dimming, color temperature, color, and flickering of light emitted from the light emitting unit270.

For example, the controller280may adjust the color temperature or color of light by transmitting a control signal to the drive unit260and selectively driving the white, red, and blue LEDs included in the light emitting unit270. In another example, the controller280may transmit a control signal to the drive unit260to give the dimming effect.

If the user status determiner281determines that the user is exercising, the controller280checks if the pulse rate of the user received from the communication unit210is greater than or equal to a reference pulse rate. The reference pulse rate is a pulse rate at which the risk to the user's health starts to increase. If the received pulse rate is greater than or equal to the reference pulse rate, the controller280transmits a control signal to the drive unit260to make the light emitted from the light emitting unit270flicker. The user can stop exercising when seeing flickers of light, and this prevents the user from exercising hard, posing a health risk to the user.

Alternatively, if the user status determiner281determines that the user is taking a rest, the controller280transmits a control signal to the drive unit260to decrease the color temperature of the light emitted from the light emitting unit270. In this example, the user can rest comfortably since the color temperature of the light is decreased.

Alternatively, if the user status determiner281determines that the user is sleeping, the controller280transmits a control signal to the drive unit260to dim down the light emitted from the light emitting unit270or make the light emitting unit270emit no light. In this example, the user can sleep deeply since the light is dimmed down.

The controller280may be implemented using at least one of application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGSs), processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors and electrical units for executing other functions.

The power supply290(or power supply unit) is connected to a power supply source and supplies electric power to the lighting device. The power supply290may include a converter that converts between AC and DC depending on the type of power used. The power supply290may further include a power conservation circuit or a voltage step-down regulator for supplying a certain level of static current.

If a plurality of terminals100are positioned in proximity to the lighting device200, this may cause a problem with the communication connection between the lighting device200and the terminals100. When the lighting device200and the terminal100are connected for communication, there may be a problem with an attempt to connect to other additional terminals100.

In this example, the controller280may control the communication unit210to form a communication channel with the first terminal100awith a highest priority according to the order of connection requests made. That is, the communication unit210forms a communication channel with the first terminal100athat has made the earliest connection attempt, among the plurality of terminals100that have sent and received a connection signal to and from the lighting device200. The communication channel is formed without entering a pin code, which simplifies formation of a communication channel by the lighting device, requires less time, and offers convenience for use.

When a communication channel with the first terminal100ais established, the controller280may control the communication unit210not to respond to a connection signal from other terminals100b. Accordingly, this prevents a connection between the lighting device200and the plurality of terminals100aand100bfrom making the control of the light emitting unit270complicated and prevents other people from changing the user settings.

The communication unit210may also form a plurality of communication channels with other terminals100bsimultaneously in response to a connection signal after forming a communication channel with the first terminal100a.

When the communication unit210receives a connection signal from a plurality of wearable devices, the controller280may receive pin codes from the plurality of terminals100, compares them with the PIN (Personal Identification Number) codes stored in the memory240, and control the communication unit210to form a communication channel with the first terminal100awhich is given the highest priority, among the terminals100having a matching PIN code. In this example, the PIN codes of the communication unit210and priorities of connection of the terminals100may be stored in the memory240.

More specifically, the controller280controls the communication unit210to transmit a PIN code request signal to the plurality of terminals100that have sent a connection signal. Afterwards, the controller280may compare the pin codes transmitted from the plurality of the terminals100with the PIN codes stored in the memory240and determines the priorities of the terminals100having a matching PIN code.

Accordingly, the lighting device200forms a communication channel with the first terminal100awith the highest priority. The communication unit210does not respond to any terminal having no matching PIN code.

This type of communication channel formation requires a PIN code when forming a communication channel, and therefore has the advantage of preventing the light emitting unit from being controlled by other wearable devices connected without permission.

FIG. 3is a view showing a terminal according to an exemplary embodiment. Other embodiments and configurations may also be provided.

This embodiment may be described assuming that the terminal100is a wearable device, but embodiments are not limited to this assumption.

The wearable device200may be in the form of a watch100a, glasses100b, a band100c, or an earphone100d.

Referring toFIG. 3(a), a watch-type wearable device (hereinafter referred to as smartwatch)100acan be worn on the user's wrist.

The smartwatch100amay include a main body311and a band portion313. The main body311may be provided in the form of a round or rectangular case, and the case may incorporate various kinds of electronic units.

The band portion313may include a first band portion and a second band portion, and the first and second band portions are connected or disconnected by a fastening device. A display, a sound output module, a camera, and/or a microphone may be arranged on the front side of the main body311.

With a touchpad overlaid in a layered manner, the display may be configured to operate as a touch screen that enables input of information by a user's touch.

The sound output module may be implemented in the form of a receiver or speaker. The camera may be implemented in a form suitable for capturing images or videos of the user, etc. The microphone may be implemented in a form suitable for receiving the voice of the user and other sounds. The microphone may convert an audio signal input from the user into an electrical signal and outputs it.

An interface and a power supply may be arranged on the rear side of the main body311.

The interface may be used as a channel through which data is exchanged with external devices. The power supply may act as a battery for supplying power to the smartwatch100aand may be detachably attached to the main body311for charging.

A user input unit and an antenna may be arranged on the side of the main body311.

The user input unit can employ any method so long as they can be manipulated in a tactile manner. The user input unit may be implemented as a dome switch or a touch pad that allows the user to input commands or information by pushing or touching it, or as a wheel, jog, or joystick that is manipulated by turning the keys.

The antenna includes an antenna for calling and a broadcast signal receiving antenna, and may be installed in such a way that it is retractable from the main body311.

The band portion313is connected to the main body311and acts to secure the smartwatch100ato the user's wrist. The band portion313may be made of, but not limited to, rubber, metal, ceramics, leather, or urethane.

The band portion313may include a touchpad for receiving commands or information by the user's touch. The touchpad may be implemented in areas of a given length of the first and second band portions from the point of connection to the main body311.

The smartwatch100amay include the sensing unit130, as discussed with reference toFIG. 2.

As described above, the motion sensor132included in the smartwatch100amay include a location sensor or an acceleration sensor. The smartwatch100amay measure an amount of exercise and calories the user burns by means of the location sensor or the acceleration sensor. That is, when the user is wearing the smartwatch100aand moving the arm wearing it, the smartwatch100acan measure the amount of exercise and calories the user burns by means of the motion sensor132.

The smartwatch100amay include the optical sensor133. In this example, the optical sensor133can sense the blood flow in the user's arm or a change in skin transparency with heartbeat. The smartwatch100acan measure the heart rate, blood pressure, etc. of the user using the sensed blood flow or the sensed amount of change in skin transparency with heart rate.

Referring toFIG. 3(b), a glasses-type wearable device (hereinafter referred to as smartglasses)100bcan be worn on the user's head for use.

The smartglasses100bmay include a frame323, glasses325L and325R, and a display327. The internal space of the frame323constituting the glasses incorporates various kinds of electronic units.

A sound output module, a camera, a microphone, an interface, and/or a power supply may be arranged on the frame323.

The sound output module may be implemented in the form of a receiver or speaker. The camera may be implemented in a form suitable for capturing images or videos of the user, etc. The microphone may be implemented in a form suitable for receiving the voice of the user and other sounds. The microphone converts an audio signal input from the user into an electrical signal and outputs it.

The interface may be used as a channel through which data is exchanged with external devices. The power supply may act as a battery for supplying power to the smartglasses100band may be detachably attached to the frame323for charging.

The glasses325L and325R and the display327may be mounted on the frame323.

The glasses325may include a left-eye glass325L and a right-eye glass325R. The left-eye glass325L and the right-eye glass325R may transmit light. This may allow the user wearing the smartglasses100bto see an external object with the naked eye. That is, the user can recognize a real object transmitted through the glasses325L and325R.

The smartglasses100bmay include the sensing unit130, as disclosed with reference toFIG. 2.

The smartglasses100bmay include the optical sensor133. The optical sensor133may be arranged to sense the user's eye. In this example, the optical sensor133can sense how much the user's pupil dilates. The optical sensor133can sense whether the user's eyes are closed or not.

Referring toFIG. 3(c), a band-type wearable device (hereinafter referred to as smartband)100ccan be worn on the user's arm for use.

The smartband100cmay include a main body331including a band portion and a display333.

The main body331may incorporate various kinds of electronic units. A sound output module, a camera, a microphone, an interface, and/or a power supply may be arranged on the main body331.

The sound output module may be implemented in the form of a receiver or speaker. The camera may be implemented in a form suitable for capturing images or videos of the user, etc. The microphone may be implemented in a form suitable for receiving the voice of the user and other sounds. The microphone converts an audio signal input from the user into an electrical signal and outputs it.

The interface may be used as a channel through which data is exchanged with external devices. The power supply may act as a battery for supplying power to the smartband100cand may be detachably attached to the main body331for charging.

With a touchpad overlaid in a layered manner, the display333may be configured to operate as a touch screen that enables the input of information by user's touch.

The smartband100cmay include the sensing unit130, as described with reference toFIG. 2.

As described above, the motion sensor132included in the smartband100cmay include a location sensor or an acceleration sensor. The smartband100cmay measure the amount of exercise and calories the user burns by means of the location sensor or the acceleration sensor. That is, when the user is wearing the smartband100cand moving the arm wearing it, the smartband100ccan measure the amount of exercise and calories the user burns by means of the motion sensor132.

When the user moves the arm wearing the smartband100cwhile the smartband100cis powered off, the user's motions can be sensed by the motion sensor132and the smartband100ccan be powered on.

The smartband100cmay include the optical sensor133. In this example, the optical sensor133can sense the blood flow in the user's arm or a change in skin transparency with heartbeat. The smartband100ccan measure the heart rate, blood pressure, etc. of the user using the sensed blood flow or the sensed amount of change in skin transparency with heart rate.

Referring toFIG. 3(d), an earphone-type wearable device (hereinafter referred to as smart earphones)100dcan be worn on the user's ear for use.

The smart earphones100dmay include a main body345, a cable343, and a wearing unit341. The main body345and the wearing unit341incorporate various kinds of electronic units.

A manipulation module, a microphone, an interface, and/or a power supply may be arranged on the main body331.

The manipulation module may act to generate a control signal for controlling operation of the terminal100in response to user input and convert the generated control signal into an electrical signal and provide it to the mobile terminal.

The microphone may be implemented in a form suitable for receiving the voice of the user and other sounds. The microphone may convert an audio signal input from the user into an electrical signal and outputs it. The microphone may be arranged on the cable343.

The interface may be used as a channel through which data is exchanged with external devices. The power supply may act as a battery for supplying power to the smart earphones100dand may be detachably attached to the main body331for charging.

The cable343may electrically connect the main body345and the wearing unit341.

The wearing unit341may be worn on both ears. The wearing unit341may include a sound output module and an optical sensor.

The sound output module may be implemented in the form of a receiver or speaker. The sound output module may convert an electrical signal applied from the mobile terminal100into an audio signal and output it. Accordingly, the user can listen to voice signals of the person the user is talking to or audio signals from multimedia being played.

The smart earphones100dmay include the sensing unit130, as described with reference toFIG. 2.

The smart earphones100dmay include the optical sensor133. In this example, the optical sensor133can sense the blood flow in the user's ears or a change in skin transparency with heartbeat. The smart earphones100dcan measure the heart rate, blood pressure, etc. of the user using the sensed blood flow or the sensed amount of change in skin transparency with heart rate.

FIG. 4is a flowchart illustrating operation of the lighting system according to a first exemplary embodiment. Other embodiments and configurations may also be provided.

Referring toFIG. 4, the controller280establishes a communication connection with the terminal100(S410). Communication with the terminal100can be performed using Bluetooth for example. The controller280may use communication protocols such as Wi-Fi Direct, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), IrDA (Infrared Data Association), UWB (Ultra Wideband), ZigBee, and NFC (Near Field Communication), as well as Bluetooth.

While connected to the terminal100for communication, the controller280may perform authentication of the terminal100(S420). If a plurality of terminals100are positioned in proximity to the lighting device200, this may cause a problem with the communication connection between the lighting device200and the plurality of terminals100. Additionally, when the lighting device200and the terminal100are connected for communication, there may be a problem with an attempt to connect to other terminals100.

In this example, the controller280may control the communication unit210to form a communication channel with the first terminal100awith a highest priority according to an order of connection requests made. That is, the communication unit210may form a communication channel with the first terminal100athat has made an earliest connection attempt, from among the plurality of terminals100that have sent and received a connection signal to and from the lighting device200. The communication channel may be formed without entering a pin code, which simplifies formation of a communication channel by the lighting device, requires less time, and/or offers convenience for use.

When a communication channel with the first terminal100ais established, the controller280may control the communication unit210to not respond to a connection signal from other terminals100b. Accordingly, this may prevent a connection between the lighting device200and the plurality of terminals100aand100bfrom making control of the light emitting unit270complicated and prevent other people from changing the user settings.

The communication unit210may also form a plurality of communication channels with other terminals100bsimultaneously in response to a connection signal after forming a communication channel with the first terminal100a.

When the communication unit210receives a connection signal from a plurality of wearable devices, the controller280may receive pin codes from the plurality of terminals100, compare them with the PIN (Personal Identification Number) codes stored in the memory240, and control the communication unit210to form a communication channel with the first terminal100athat is given the highest priority, from among the terminals100having a matching PIN code. In this example, the PIN codes of the communication unit210and priorities of connection of the terminals100may be stored in the memory240.

More specifically, the controller280may control the communication unit210to transmit a PIN code request signal to the plurality of terminals100that have sent a connection signal. Afterwards, the controller280may compare the pin codes transmitted from the plurality of the terminals100with the PIN codes stored in the memory240and determine priorities of the terminals100having a matching PIN code.

Accordingly, the lighting device200may form a communication channel with the first terminal100awith the highest priority. The communication unit210does not respond to any terminal having no matching PIN code.

This type of communication channel formation may require a PIN code when forming a communication channel, and therefore has an advantage of preventing the light emitting unit from being controlled by other wearable devices connected without permission.

Once authentication of the terminal100is completed, the controller280may receive, from the terminal100, physical information about the user or information about motions of the terminal100(S430). The physical information about the user may include blood flow, blood pressure, heart rate, pulse rate, and how much the pupil dilates. The physical information about the user or the information about motions of the terminal100may be based on information sensed by the sensing unit130(of the terminal100).

Upon receiving, from the terminal100, the physical information about the user or information about motions of the terminal100, the controller280may determine the user's physical status (S440).

For example, if the heart rate or pulse rate of the user is greater than or equal to a first reference value, the terminal100is continuously moving, and the user's pupil dilates by a reference value or more, then the user status determiner281determines that the user is exercising. The first reference value may be a set value that is determined from a test.

For example, if the heart rate or pulse rate of the user is less than the first reference value and greater than or equal to a second reference value and the terminal100is not continuously moving, then the user status determiner281may determine that the user is taking a rest. The first and second reference values are set values that are determined from a test.

For example, if the heart rate or pulse rate of the user is less than the second reference value, the terminal100may not be continuously moving, and the user's eyes are closed, then the user status determiner281determines that the user is sleeping. The second reference value is a set value that is determined from a test.

Once determination of the user's physical status is completed, the controller280may control lighting in response to the user's physical status (S450).

The controller280may transmit a control signal to the drive unit260and control at least one of the illumination, dimming, color temperature, color, and/or flickering of light emitted from the light emitting unit270.

For example, the controller280may adjust a color temperature of color of light by transmitting a control signal to the drive unit260and selectively driving the white, red, and blue LEDs included in the light emitting unit270. In another example, the controller280may transmit a control signal to the drive unit260to give the dimming effect.

If the user status determiner281determines that the user is exercising, the controller280may check or determine if the pulse rate of the user received from the communication unit210is greater than or equal to a reference pulse rate. The reference pulse rate is a pulse rate at which the risk to the user's health starts to increase. If the received pulse rate is greater than or equal to the reference pulse rate, the controller280transmits a control signal to the drive unit260to make the light emitted from the light emitting unit270flicker. The user can stop exercising when seeing flickers of light, and this may prevent the user from exercising hard, posing a health risk to the user.

Alternatively, if the user status determiner281determines that the user is taking a rest, the controller280may transmit a control signal to the drive unit260to decrease color temperature of the light emitted from the light emitting unit270. In this example, the user can rest comfortably since the color temperature of the light is decreased.

Alternatively, if the user status determiner281determines that the user is sleeping, the controller280may transmit a control signal to the drive unit260to dim down the light emitted from the light emitting unit270or make the light emitting unit270emit no light. In this example, the user can sleep deeply since the light is dimmed down.

If the physical information about the user or the information about the motions of the terminal100is not received from the terminal100(in operation S430), the controller280controls lighting in a general way (S460).

FIG. 5is a flowchart illustrating operation of the lighting system according to a second exemplary embodiment. Other embodiments and configurations may also be provided.

Referring toFIG. 5, the controller280may establish a communication connection with the terminal100(S510). A detailed description of operation S510is identical to operation S410, which is provided with reference toFIG. 4, so redundant description may be omitted.

While connected to the terminal100for communication, the controller280may perform authentication of the terminal100(S520). A detailed description of operation S520is identical to operation S420which is given with reference toFIG. 4, so redundant description may be omitted.

Once authentication of the terminal100is completed, the controller280may receive illumination information from the terminal100(S530). The terminal100may include the illumination sensor131. The controller280may receive illumination information from the terminal100via the communication unit210.

Having received illumination information from the terminal100, the controller280may determine if the level of illumination is greater than or equal to a first reference value (S540).

If the level of illumination received from the terminal100is greater than or equal to the first reference value, the controller280may apply a control signal to the drive unit260to decrease the level of illumination from the light emitting unit270(S550). The first reference value is a set value that is determined by the user's setting.

If the level of illumination received from the terminal100is not greater than or equal to the first reference value in operation S540, the controller280may determine if the level of illumination is less than or equal to a second reference value (S560).

If the level of illumination received from the terminal100is less than or equal to the second reference value, the controller280may apply a control signal to the drive unit260to increase the level of illumination from the light emitting unit270(S570). The second reference value is a set value that is determined by the user's setting.

FIGS. 6 to 8are illustrations of use of a lighting system according to an exemplary embodiment. Other embodiments and configurations may also be provided.

Referring toFIG. 6, the user is exercising wearing the terminal100in a place where the lighting device200is installed. The sensing unit130(included in the terminal100) may include the motion sensor132or the optical sensor133for sensing at least one of the following: information in the terminal100, information on the environment surrounding the terminal100, and user information.

The motion sensor132may sense a motion of the terminal100. The terminal100can determine the user's motion based on the sensed motion of the terminal100. The optical sensor133can sense blood flow in the user's body or a change in skin transparency with heartbeat. The terminal100can measure the heart rate or pulse rate of the user using the sensed blood flow or the sensed amount of change in skin transparency with heartbeat.

If the heart rate or pulse rate of the user is greater than or equal to a first reference value, the terminal100is continuously moving, and the user's pupil dilates by a reference value or more, then the controller280may determine that the user is exercising. The first reference value is a set value that is determined from a test.

If the controller280determines that the user is exercising, the controller280checks if the pulse rate of the user received from the communication unit210is greater than or equal to a reference pulse rate. The reference pulse rate is a pulse rate at which the risk to the user's health starts to increase. If the received pulse rate is greater than or equal to the reference pulse rate, the controller280may transmit a control signal to the drive unit260to make the light emitted from the light emitting unit270flicker. The user can stop exercising when seeing flickers of light, and this may prevent the user from exercising hard, posing a health risk to the user.

Referring toFIG. 7, the user may be taking a rest wearing the terminal100in a place where the lighting device200is installed. The sensing unit130(included in the terminal100) may include the motion sensor132or the optical sensor133for sensing at least one of the following: information in the terminal100, information on the environment surrounding the terminal100, and user information.

The motion sensor132may sense a motion of the terminal100. The terminal100can determine the user's motion based on the sensed motion of the terminal100. The optical sensor133can sense the blood flow in the user's body or a change in skin transparency with heart rate. The terminal100can measure the heart rate, blood pressure, etc. of the user using the sensed blood flow or the sensed amount of change in skin transparency with heart rate.

If the heart rate or pulse rate of the user is less than the first reference value and greater than or equal to a second reference value and the terminal100is not continuously moving, then the user status determiner281may determine that the user is taking a rest. The first and second reference values are set values that are determined from a test.

If the user status determiner281determines that the user is taking a rest, then the controller280transmits a control signal to the drive unit260to decrease the color temperature of the light emitted from the light emitting unit270. In this example, the user can rest comfortably since the color temperature of the light is decreased.

Referring toFIG. 8, the user is taking a rest wearing the terminal100in a place where the lighting device200is installed. The sensing unit130(included in the terminal100) may include the motion sensor132or the optical sensor133for sensing at least one of the following: information in the terminal100, information on the environment surrounding the terminal100, and user information.

The motion sensor132may sense a motion of the terminal100. The terminal100can determine the user's motion based on the sensed motion of the terminal100. The optical sensor133can sense the blood flow in the user's body or a change in skin transparency with heart rate. The terminal100can measure the heart rate, blood pressure, etc. of the user using the sensed blood flow or the sensed amount of change in skin transparency with heart rate. If the terminal100is a glasses-type device configured to be worn on a human head, the optical sensor133can sense how much the user's pupil dilates. The optical sensor133may sense whether the user's eyes are closed or not.

If the heart rate or pulse rate of the user is less than the second reference value, the terminal100is not continuously moving, and the user's eyes are closed, then the user status determiner281may determine that the user is sleeping. The second reference value is a set value that is determined from a test.

If the user status determiner281determines that the user is sleeping, the controller280transmits a control signal to the drive unit260to dim down the light emitted from the light emitting unit270or make the light emitting unit270emit no light. In this example, the user can sleep deeply since the light is dimmed down.

Embodiments may be implemented in processor-readable codes in a processor-readable recording medium provided on the SCA-based application system. The processor-readable recording medium includes all kinds of recording devices for storing processor-readable data. Examples of the processor-readable recording medium include a computer-readable storage medium such as ROM, RAM, a CD-ROM, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, and optical data storage devices, and a means implemented in the form of carrier waves, for example, transmission via the Internet. The processor-readable recording medium may be distributed among computer systems connected to a network, and processor-readable codes may be stored and executed in a decentralized fashion.

Furthermore, although the exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, embodiments are not limited to the above specific embodiments, and a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs may modify the embodiments in various ways without deuniting from the gist which is written in the claims. The modified embodiments should not be interpreted individually from the technical spirit or prospect of the present invention.