Automated control method and apparatus

A controller for controlling a lighting system including at least two lighting devices in an automated mode, the controller having:

• a memory for storing information relating to the at least two lighting devices;
• a communications interface for communicating with the at least two lighting devices;
• and
• a processor operable to:
• determine a set of lighting devices to be controlled in an automated mode;
• determine a start reference time and an end reference;
• determine that one or more criteria for operating in the automated mode are met;
• select, from deactivated lighting devices of the set of lighting devices, a lighting device to be the first activated lighting device;
• activate the first activated lighting device during a pre-determined time period relative to the start reference time;
• select, from activated lighting devices of the set of lighting devices, a lighting device to be the first deactivated lighting device;
• and
• deactivate the first deactivated lighting device during a pre-determined time period defined relative to the end reference time.