Method and apparatus for proximity detection for device control

A system for granting a user input device control of a lighting device comprising at least one light source, the system comprising:

• a first sound sensor,
• the lighting device, and
• a controller comprising a receiver arranged for receiving a first sound signal recorded within a first time frame by the first sound sensor and a second sound signal recorded within a second time frame by a second sound sensor located at the user input device, and for receiving a control command from the user input device,
• and a processor arranged for determining a level of similarity between the first sound signal and the second sound signal, wherein the first time frame and the second time frame at least partially overlap, and for granting the user input device control of the lighting device if a sufficient level of similarity has been determined, wherein the controller is further arranged for controlling the lighting device based on the control command when control of the lighting device has been granted to the user input device.

A method of granting a user input device control of a lighting device, the method comprising the steps of:

• receiving a first sound signal recorded within a first time frame by a first sound sensor,
• receiving a second sound signal recorded within a second time frame by a second sound sensor located at the user input device,
• determining a level of similarity between the first sound signal and the second sound signal, wherein the first time frame and the second time frame at least partially overlap, and
• granting the user input device control of the lighting device if a sufficient level of similarity has been determined,
• the method further comprising the steps of:
• receiving a control command from the user input device, and
• controlling the lighting device based on the control command when control of the lighting device has been granted to the user input device.