LIGHTING SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING THE COLOUR TEMPERATURE OF ARTIFICIAL LIGHT UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF THE DAYLIGHT LEVEL

Abstract: The invention relatives to a lighting system, comprising at least one light source (100) for supplying artificial light and a control unit (120) for controlling the light source. The light source (100) is of the type having an adjustable colour temperature. The control unit (120) comprises means (110) for forming a control signal which is dependent on the daylight level. The control unit (120) is arranged to adjust the colour temperature of the light source in dependence on a predetermined relationship between the daylight level and the colour temperature of the artificial light. Tests have demonstrated that test persons prefer a lighting system in which the predetermined relationship between the daylight level and the colour temperature of the artificial light means that when the daylight level, measured on an office desk, increases from approximately 400 lux to approximately 800 lux, the colour temperature increases from approximately 3300 K to approximately 4300 K.

Description: lighting system for controlling the colour temperature of artificial light tinder the influence of the daylight level. The invention relates to a lighting system, comprising at least one light source for supplying artificial light and a control unit for controlling the light source, the control unit comprising means for forming a control signal which is dependent on the daylight level. The invention also relates to a control unit for use in such a lighting system. A lighting system of this kind is widely used, notably for the lighting of office buildings. In known systems the means for forming a control signal which is dependent on the daylight level generally comprise a light sensor for measuring the daylight level. The control unit is then arranged to switch on the artificial light when the measured daylight level drops below a predetermined minimum or, conversely, to switch off the artificial light when the measured daylight level exceeds a predetermined maximum. Systems of this kind are also known as street lighting systems. It is known in particular that in office lighting systems the control unit adjusts the intensity of the artificial light mainly inversely proportionally to the level of the daylight. A large-scale study has revealed that for 85% of the office workers good lighting highly contributes to office comfort [Harris Louis: Office lighting, comfort and productivity-how the workers feel. Lighting Design and Application No. 10, July 1980]. It is known that in this respect light plays a visual as well as a non-visual role. As regards the visual role, it is important, evidently, that the appropriate amount and type of lighting are used to perform a given task. As regards the non-visual role it is known that various processes within the human body are influenced by light. Examples of such processes are the 24-hour rhythm (Orcadian rhythm) of the sleeping-activity cycle and of the production of some hormones. The non-visual aspects of light, consequently, have an indirect effect on the performance and effectiveness of humans. The foregoing emphasizes the important role of light. In many environments, such as offices, factories but also living rooms, light is formed by a combination of incident daylight and added artificial light. In many cases the daylight cannot be influenced, or only to a limited extent, by the user, for example by opening or closing a blind. This makes control of the artificial light all the more important. It is an object of the invention to provide a lighting system of the kind set forth which takes into account human preferences. To this end, the lighting system in accordance with the invention is characterized in that the light source is of the type having an adjustable colour temperature, and the control unit is arranged to adjust the colour temperature of the light source in dependence on a predetermined relationship between the daylight level and the colour temperature of the artificial light. The invention is based on the insight, gained by tests, that test persons demonstrate a preference for a given colour temperature of the artificial light, which colour temperature is dependent on the intensity of the incident daylight. For example, by utilizing a light sensor for measuring the level of the incident daylight, the control unit can adjust the colour temperature of the artificial light in dependence on the measured daylight level. An embodiment of the lighting system in accordance with the invention is characterized in that the means for forming the control signal comprise a day calendar unit for determining the day of the year and are arranged to form the control signal in dependence on a predetermined relationship between the day of the year and the mean daylight level. In a simple version of this embodiment the daylight level is estimated while utilizing a day calendar unit for determining the day of the year. On the basis of a predetermined relationship between the day of the year and the mean daylight level, the daylight level can be estimated so as to be used to adjust the colour temperature. A less simple version of said embodiment is characterized in that the means for forming the control signal also comprise a clock and are arranged to form the control signal in dependence on a predetermined relationship between on the one hand the day of the year and the time of day and on the other hand the mean daylight level. As a result of the use of a clock, the daylight level at any time of day can be simply estimated better, resulting in a better adjustment of the colour temperature of the artificial light. An even more advanced version of said embodiment is characterized in that the means for forming the control signal also comprise a light sensor for measuring the actual daylight level, that the control unit stores at least two different, predetermined relationships between the daylight level and the colour temperature, and that the control unit is arranged to select one of said relationships in dependence on the measured actual daylight level. For example, by storing different relationships for different types of weather, such as clear, overcast or mixed, and by selecting the most appropriate relationship on the basis of the measured daylight level, an even better adjustment of the colour temperature of the artificial light is achieved. An embodiment of the lighting system in accordance with the invention is characterized in that the control unit stores at least two different, predetermined relationships between the daylight level and the colour temperature, and that the control unit comprises a first control member which is arranged to select one of said relationships. Human tastes, generally speaking, are very diverse. This also becomes apparent in the form of different preferences for light settings. Some people prefer "warmer" light whereas others prefer "cooler" light. In order to satisfy these various preferences in a simple manner, the latter embodiment of the system offers the user a selection from at least two predetermined relationships. An embodiment of the lighting system in accordance with the invention is characterized in that the control unit comprises modification means which are arranged to modify the predetermined relationship between the daylight level and the colour temperature. In order to comply even better with the user's preferences, this embodiment of the system offers the possibility of modification of the predetermined relationship. Like in the foregoing embodiment, on the one hand this enables optimization of the control system for a given office building, for example taking into account the situation and general layout of die building. On the other hand, if the offices can be individually controlled, per office a relationship can thus be adapted to the individual wishes of the user. An improved version of this embodiment of the lighting system in accordance with the invention is characterized in that the control unit comprises a second control member which is arranged to readjust the adjusted colour temperature and to operate the modification means. As opposed to the foregoing embodiments, where the user influences the control only indirectly by selection or modification of a relationship, in this embodiment the user can readjust the colour temperature directly. On the basis of this readjustment, the system also modifies the desired relationship between the daylight level and the colour temperature. The individual preferences of persons can thus be satisfied even better. An embodiment of the lighting system in accordance with the invention is characterized in that the predetermined relationship between the daylight level and the colour temperature of the artificial light, adjusted by the user, constitutes mainly an increase of the colour temperature as the daylight level increases. Tests have shown that a positive correlation exists between the daylight level and the colour temperature of the artificial light, so that a lighting system satisfying these requirements can satisfy the wishes of the average user. An embodiment of the lighting system in accordance with the invention is 4 characterized in that the predetermined relationship between the daylight level and d e colour temperature of the artificial light means that when the daylight level, measured on an office desk, increases from approximately 400 lux to approximately 1800 lux, the colour temperature increases from approximately 3300 K to approximately 4300 K. Tests have demonstrated that such a relationship is a suitable representation of the wishes of the average test person. A lighting system utilizing such a relationship as a basis can highly satisfy user wishes concerning the adjustment of the colour temperature. These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. In the drawings: Fig. 1 illustrates the relationship between the mean daylight level and the mean colour temperature of the artificial light as chosen by test persons, Fig. 2 shows a general block diagram of a lighting system in accordance with the invention, Fig. 3 shows a block diagram of a first embodiment of the system shown in Fig. 2, Fig. 4 shows a block diagram of a second embodiment, Fig. 5 shows a block diagram of a third embodiment, Fig. 6 shows a block diagram of a fourth embodiment, Fig. 7 shows a block diagram of a fifth embodiment, and Fig. 8 shows a block diagram of a sixth embodiment. Fig. 1 illustrates the results of tests carried out to determine d e preferences of humans in respect of the settings of artificial light in an office environment. Measurements were performed in two identical offices for a period of 14 months. The preferred settings were measured for approximately 100 test persons, each of whom used an office for at least one day. The offices were furnished as normal offices in which the test persons carried out their normal work. The test persons could adjust the intensity as well as the colour temperature of the artificial light. The intensity could be adjusted between approximately 400 and 2000 lux; the colour temperature could be adjusted between approximately 2700 and 2400 Kelvin (K). The level and the colour temperature of the incident daylight were also measured. The overall light intensity (daylight and artificial light) was measured on a horizontal desk top. A similar measurement was carried out in a scale model in which daylight was incident but no artificial light was used. After calibration the daylight level in the office was determined from the last measurement. In order to enable reliable determination of the effect of daylight on the preferred settings, the artificial light was switched off a number of times a day, after which the test persons had to adjust the artificial light again. The tests demonstrated that the test persons only slightly readjusted the intensity of the artificial light under the influence of the incident daylight. On average approximately 800 lux of artificial light was added, regardless of the level of the daylight. In the case of very strong daylight, for example an incidence of more 2000 lux on the desk, often the artificial light was not switched off but the intensity was increased. With a very high daylight level the intensity of the artificial light was decreased, however, by partly closing the blinds. Surprisingly it was found that d e test persons did readjust d e colour temperature of the artificial light to a high degree under the influence of the incident daylight. It was found notably that d e level of incident light played an important part in adjusting the colour temperature of the artificial light. The colour temperature of the daylight was not found to play an important part. Therefore, from the measurements a relationship can be derived between die mean level of the incident daylight and die colour temperature of die artificial light as chosen by the test persons. Fig. 1 illustrates this relationship. The graph shows the measurements performed during me period from January 1993 till February 1994. In order to gain insight also as regards die setting of die colour temperature as a function of die type of weatiier and as a function of the period of the year, the individual measurements are represented in the form of groups. For each day for which measurements were carried out the weather type is characterized as being clear, overcast or mixed. The measurements performed for a whole month are combined per type of weather. In principle this results in three bars per month, the centre of the bar representing the average value of die colour temperatures chosen whereas the height of the bar represents twice the standard deviation, thus constituting an indication as regards d e differences in die personal preferences and the spread in die settings. In Fig. 1 d e mean contribution of die daylight to d e luminous intensity E in lux is plotted along die horizontal axis and the mean colour temperature T t of the artificial light in Kelvin is plotted along the vertical axis. It can be deduced from d e measurements that as the daylight level is higher, die desired colour temperature of the artificial light also increases. It appears notably that as the daylight level increases from approximately 400 lux to approximately 1800 lux, the colour temperature increases from approximately 3300 K to approximately 4300 K. In many lighting systems a linearly increasing relationship between the daylight level and d e colour temperature of the artificial light will suitably satisfy d e wishes of the average person. Many people do not appreciate an excessively high colour temperature, for example of more than 4200 K. As can be deduced from Fig. 1, the desired colour temperature hardly increases beyond die point where it reaches approximately 4000 K at a daylight level of 1500 lux. In some cases it may even occur that die desired colour temperature decreases when the daylight level rises beyond approximately 1800 lux. A lighting system utilizing a relationship as represented by die curve 10 in Fig. 1 can satisfy d e wishes of die average person even better. A system of this kind can be used for artificial illumination of spaces where people stay, such as offices, factory halls, schools and public buildings. Daylight can also enter these premises, for example through windows or skylights. The premises are not represented in the Figures. Fig. 2 shows a general block diagram of a lighting system in accordance with the invention which is based on d e above insights. The lighting system comprises at least one light source 100 for the supply of artificial light. This light source is of a type with an adjustable colour temperature. The light source is used to illuminate the relevant parts of the room, such as the desk, the table and die walls. A light source having an adjustable colour temperature can be formed, for example by combining at least two dimmable light sources, each of which has a fixed, different colour temperature. Lamps which can be suitably combined are the Philips fluorescent lamps of the type HFD (High Frequency Dimmable) TLD. The colour temperature can be adjusted through a very wide range when a lamp having a fixed colour temperature of 2700 K, such as die TLD colour 82 is combined, with a lamp having a fixed colour temperature of 6500 K, such as die TLD colour 86. The colour temperature is adjusted by changing die flux ratio of die lamps, preferably the total flux being maintained. It will be evident mat adjustability through a smaller range, for example from 3500 K to 4000 K, already suffices for many applications. Evidendy, die combination of lamps can be assembled so as to form one lamp. Otiier forms of light sources having an adjustable colour temperature are disclosed in d e Patent Applications EP-A 439861, EP-A 439862, EP-A 439863, EP-A 439864, EP-A 504967 and DE-A 4200900. The lighting system also comprises means 110 for forming a control signal which is dependent on the daylight level. The means 110 may comprise, for example a light sensor which is known per se and signal processing means for converting die signal supplied by die light sensor into a control signal which is suitable for d e remainder of the lighting system. The light sensor is preferably arranged in such a manner that it measures a representative part of d e incident light. Photosensitive resistors and photosensitive diodes are known examples of light sensors. The lighting system also comprises a control unit 120 for controlling the light source (sources). The control unit is arranged to adjust die colour temperature of the light source in dependence on a predetermined relationship between the daylight level and d e colour temperature of the artificial light. The relationship is preferably as described above. The Philips control unit 800-LFS is an example of a unit suitable for implementation in accordance with the invention. The program of this control unit can be adapted so as to execute die described control operations, die relationship between the daylight level and die colour temperature being stored in d e ROM (or RAM) of the control unit. Fig. 3 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of die lighting system in accordance with the invention in which d e means 110 for forming a control signal which is dependent on d e daylight level comprise a day calendar unit 130 for determining the day of d e year. The means 110 also comprise signal processing means 135 which are arranged to form the control signal in dependence on a predetermined relationship between die day of die year and the mean daylight level. Day calendar units suitable for determining die day of die year are generally known. When use is made of a control unit 120 comprising a microcontroller, the day calendar unit 130 can be advantageously combined witii the clock functions of die microcontroller. A further advantage can be achieved by combining die signal processing means 135 with the control unit 120. Thus, a control unit can be used which is arranged to adjust the colour temperature of the light source in dependence on a predetermined relationship between die day of the year and die colour temperature of the artificial light (a combination of on the one hand die relationship between the day of die year and die mean daylight level and on the other hand the relationship between the mean daylight level and the colour temperature of the artificial light). Fig. 4 shows a block diagram of a further embodiment in which die means 110 for forming a control signal which is dependent on die daylight level also comprise a clock 140 for determining die time of day. The signal processing means 135 are arranged to form the control signal in dependence on a predetermined relationship between on the one hand die day of the year and die time of day and on die other hand the mean daylight level. A clock suitable for determining die time of day is generally known. When use is made of a control unit 120 comprising a microcontroller, the clock functions of die microcontroller can be advantageously used for the clock 140. A further advantage can then be achieved by combining die signal processing means 135 witii the control unit 120. Thus, a control unit can be used which is arranged to adjust die colour temperature of the light source in dependence on a predetermined relationship between on the one hand die day of die year and die time of day, and on die otiier hand die colour temperature of the artificial light. Fig. 5 shows a block diagram of a further embodiment in which the means 110 for forming a control signal which is dependent on die daylight level also comprise a light sensor 180 for measuring the actual daylight level. The signal processing means 135 are also arranged to convert die signal supplied by die light sensor into a second control signal which is suitable for the remainder of die lighting system. The control unit 120 stores at least two different, predetermined relationships between die daylight level and the colour temperature. For example, three relationships, corresponding to die weather types "clear", "overcast" and "mixed" as shown in Fig. 1, can be stored. The control unit 120 is arranged to select one of said relationships in dependence on the second control signal. Fig. 6 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of die device in accordance witii the invention in which die control unit 120 stores at least two different, predetermined relationships between the daylight level and the colour temperature. The control unit 120 also comprises a first control member 150 which is arranged to select one of said relationships. The control member 150 may be provided, for example with a knob, the position of the knob indicating die selected relationship. It is alternatively possible to provide the control unit 120 with a display screen for displaying die relationships to be selected, the control member 150 then being provided with a keyboard or a mouse. Evidently, the control member 150 may also be provided witii a remote control or a switch. Fig. 7 shows a block diagram of a further embodiment of the device in accordance with the invention in which the control unit 120 comprises modification means 160 which are arranged to modify the predetermined relationship between the daylight level and the colour temperature. Numerous ways are known for modifying such relationships. For example, in this respect the same increase or decrease of die colour temperature may be considered for each daylight level. If the relationship is stored in a ROM or a RAM of die control unit, it suffices to store an offset in a permanent memory such as an EEPROM. An alternative way of modification consists in modifying, notably if the relationship is linear, die colour temperature at die starting point (for example, 400 lux, 3300 K) and/or the end point (for example, 200 lux, 4300 K). It men suffices to store die colour temperature of the starting and end points in die permanent memory. In the above two embodiments an additional advantage is achieved by utilizing light sources which can be adjusted through a very wide range of, for example from 2700 K to 5400 K and allow for such a modification or selection of relationships that die entire range of the light sources can be utilized. Personal preferences for "warmer" or "colder" light can thus be complied with even better. Fig. 8 shows a block diagram of a further embodiment of die lighting system in accordance with the invention in which the control unit comprises a second control member 170. The second control member 170 is arranged to readjust die adjusted colour temperature and to operate die modification means 160. The second control member 170 may be of the same type as the first control member 150. The second control member is preferably provided with a dimmer for simple readjustment of die colour temperature. Evidently, die lighting system in accordance witii die invention can be combined with a lighting system in which the intensity of the artificial light is controlled in dependence on the daylight level. Such a lighting system also comprises at least one light source of the type with an adjustable intensity. In addition, die system comprises a control unit which is arranged to adjust die intensity of the light source in dependence on a predetermined relationship between die daylight level and the intensity of the artificial light. In such a lighting system it is advantageous to use a light source which is adjustable in respect of intensity as well as colour temperature. The control unit can then be arranged to control die intensity as well as the colour temperature of the artificial light in dependence on the daylight level. For die control of lighting it is important to take into account human feelings. Human feelings can be readily represented in mainly quantitative rules, such as "if it becomes darker outside, tiien more and warmer artificial light". A rule-oriented control unit, such as a "fuzzy logic" controller, therefore, is extremely suitable for use in die lighting system in accordance witii die invention. Fuzzy logic control units offer major advantages, notably in advanced embodiments of die lighting system in accordance with die invention. This holds, for example, for lighting systems which also take into account seasons or the weather conditions, such as clear or overcasts skies, shrouds and changing cloudiness, in order to arrive at a given setting of the colour temperature or the intensity of the artificial light. Such a system for controlling die light intensity is described in die non-prepublished Application EP-A-0 652 692 (PHF 93.577). It is extremely advantageous to combine said known system with die system in accordance with the invention.

Claims: CLAIMS: 1. A lighting system, comprising at least one light source for supplying artificial light and a control unit for controlling the light source, the control unit comprising means for forming a control signal which is dependent on die daylight level, characterized in that the light source is of the type having an adjustable colour temperature, and the control unit is arranged to adjust die colour temperature of the light source in dependence on a predetermined relationship between die daylight level and die colour temperature of die artificial light. 2. A lighting system as claimed in Claim 1, characterized in tiiat die means for forming die control signal comprise a day calendar unit for determining the day of die year and are arranged to form the control signal in dependence on a predetermined relationship between die day of die year and the mean daylight level. 3. A lighting system as claimed in Claim 2, characterized in that die means for forming the control signal also comprise a clock and are arranged to form die control signal in dependence on a predetermined relationship between on die one hand die day of die year and the time of day and on the otiier hand die mean daylight level. 4. A lighting system as claimed in Claim 3, characterized in that the means for forming the control signal also comprise a light sensor for measuring the actual daylight level, that the control unit stores at least two different, predetermined relationships between die daylight level and the colour temperature, and that the control unit is arranged to select one of said relationships in dependence on the measured actual daylight level. 5. A lighting system as claimed in any one of die Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the control unit stores at least two different, predetermined relationships between die daylight level and die colour temperature, and tiiat die control unit comprises a first control member which is arranged to select one of said relationships. 6. A lighting system as claimed in any one of die preceding Claims, characterized in that the control unit comprises modification means which are arranged to modify the predetermined relationship between the daylight level and die colour temperature. 7. A lighting system as claimed in Claim 6, characterized in tiiat die control unit comprises a second control member which is arranged to readjust the adjusted colour temperature and to operate die modification means. 8. A lighting system as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that die predetermined relationship between die daylight level and die colour temperature of the artificial light constitutes mainly an increase of the colour temperature as die daylight level increases. 9. A lighting system as claimed in Claim 8, characterized in that die predetermined relationship between the daylight level and die colour temperature of the artificial light means that when die daylight level, measured on an office desk, increases from approximately 400 lux to approximately 800 lux, the colour temperature increases from approximately 3300 K to approximately 4300 K. 10. A control unit of a lighting system as claimed in any one of die preceding Claims.

Inventors: BEGEMANN SIMON HENDRIK ANTON, TENNER ADRIADE DOLORA, VAN DEN BELD GERRIT JAN, BEGEMANN, SIMON, HENDRIK, ANTON, TENNER, ADRIADE, DOLORA, VAN DEN BELD, GERRIT, JAN
Applicants: PHILIPS ELECTRONICS NV, PHILIPS NORDEN AB, PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
Application year: 1996
Main classification: H05B37
IPC codes: H05B37, H05B39, H05B41