JP2009010363A - Light-emitting system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a light-emitting system which is, even when a light-emitting body is formed using a plurality of assembling blocks, capable of controlling light-emission of each assembled block independently of light-emission of other assembled blocks. <P>SOLUTION: The light-emitting system 1 has a plurality of assembling blocks 20 that form a light-emitting body 2 through connecting one another, and a light-emission controller 3 connected to the light-emitting body 2 and adapted to transmit command codes used for controlling light emission in each assembled block 20. The light-emission controller 3 has: an acquisition means for acquiring information which represents connection relations of each assembled block 20 to other assembled blocks 20 in the light-emitting body 2, from the plurality of assembled blocks 20; a creation means adapted to analyze the information that represents a plurality of connection relations and create connection-reproductive data which represent the states of connections in the plurality of assembled blocks 20 of the light-emitting body 2; and a transmission means adapted to transmit command codes for individually controlling the plurality of assembled block 20 in accordance with communication control based on the connection-reproductive data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a light emitting system.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-259561 discloses a straight line, a curve, and a dot matrix display in a light emitting device that emits illumination light by attaching a plurality of light emitters such as LEDs on a wall surface of a building and blinking each light emitter at a predetermined light emission timing. Disclosed is a light-emitting device that can be configured to have a surface and that can adjust the arrangement position and interval of light-emitting bodies that are the minimum light-emitting units in controlling blinking. In addition, the light emitting device of Patent Document 1 forms a light emitting unit by fixing a plurality of light emitters containing LEDs to an attachment base and connecting them with a flexible cable, and further connecting the light emitting units to each other. It is comprised by doing.

Patent document 2 discloses the assembly block for assembly type toys. Further, Patent Document 2 discloses that assembly blocks for assembling toys are electrically connected in the concavo-convex portion, and a power line or a network line is connected by this electrical connection.
JP 2005-32649 A (summary etc.) JP-A-10-108985 (Claims, paragraph 0022, detailed description of the invention, FIG. 1, FIG. 4, etc.)

  Conventionally, when a light emitting system is arranged on a wall surface of an exhibition space, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, first, a light emitting unit having a complicated structure is formed according to the wall surface of the exhibition space, and then A plurality of light emitting units are connected to each other. By configuring the light emitting system in such a manner that can be disassembled and assembled, the light emitting system can emit light in a free shape.

  However, when the light emitting system is provided on the wall or the like of the exhibition space by such a method, a plurality of light emitters are screwed to the mounting base, the plurality of light emitters are connected by a flexible cable, A plurality of light emitting units must be fixed and connected. This is a great effort. In addition, when using a lighting system used in one exhibition space in another exhibition space, the user first disassembles the used lighting system into units of light emitters, and then assembles the lighting system in accordance with other exhibition spaces. I must fix it. The user has to repeat this troublesome work every time it is used in an exhibition space or the like.

  Therefore, it is conceivable to use an assembly block that emits light by diverting the assembly block for the assembly-type toy disclosed in Patent Document 2. By using a plurality of assembly blocks that emit light, it is expected that assembly and disassembly operations that match the exhibition space will be facilitated.

  However, when a light emitting system such as an exhibition space is configured using a plurality of assembly blocks that emit light, there is a possibility that the electrical connection between the plurality of assembly blocks may not be known. As a result, there is a possibility that the light emission of each assembly block cannot be controlled appropriately. For example, there is a possibility that the light emission of each assembly block cannot be controlled independently of the light emission of other assembly blocks. Such a situation is more likely to occur as the assembly shape of the plurality of assembly blocks is larger or complicated.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a light emitting system capable of controlling the light emission of each assembly block independently of the light emission of other assembly blocks even when a light emitter is formed using a plurality of assembly blocks. To do.

  A light emitting system according to the present invention includes a plurality of assembly blocks that are connected to each other to form a light emitter, and a light emission control device that is connected to the light emitter and transmits a command code used to control light emission in each assembly block. And having. The light emission control device analyzes the information indicating the connection relationship of each assembly block with the other assembly blocks in the light emitter from the plurality of assembly blocks, and analyzes the information indicating the plurality of connection relationships to emit light. A generation means for generating connection reproduction data indicating a connection state of a plurality of assembly blocks in the body, and a command code for individually controlling each of the plurality of assembly blocks by communication control based on the connection reproduction data. Transmitting means.

  If this configuration is adopted, the light emission control device generates connection reproduction data based on information indicating a plurality of connection relationships acquired from the plurality of assembly blocks, and a plurality of assembly blocks are obtained by communication control based on the connection reproduction data. A command code for individually controlling each is transmitted. Therefore, the light emission control device can control the light emission of each assembly block independently of the light emission of other assembly blocks even when a large light emitter or a complex light emitter is formed using a plurality of assembly blocks. it can.

  The light emitting system according to the present invention has the following features in addition to the above-described configuration of the invention. In other words, the acquisition means acquires the type of each assembly block and information indicating the connection direction with other assembly blocks as information indicating the connection relationship.

  If this structure is employ | adopted, the light emission control apparatus can produce | generate connection reproduction data based on the information which shows the kind of several assembly block, and the connection direction with another assembly block.

  The light-emitting system according to the present invention has the following features in addition to the components of the above-described invention. That is, each assembly block has a control means for controlling each light emission. The plurality of control means constitutes one serial communication loop for transmitting and receiving command codes in order with the light emission control device by connecting a plurality of assembly blocks.

  If this configuration is adopted, the command code transmitted from the light emission control device to one control means is transmitted to the control means of all assembly blocks connected by the serial communication loop. Further, the light emission control device can know that the command code has been transmitted to all the assembly blocks by receiving the command code. Therefore, each assembly block does not need to reply to the light emission control device for receiving the command code. Further, the number of assembly blocks that can be connected is not limited.

  The light-emitting system according to the present invention has the following features in addition to the components of the above-described invention. That is, the acquisition unit causes the transmission unit to transmit a command code requesting the connection relationship of each assembly block, and then acquires information indicating the connection relationship of the plurality of assembly blocks received together with the transmitted command code. Each control means transmits information indicating its own connection relationship, following the received command code and information indicating the connection relationship of the assembly blocks generated by the other control means received. Further, the generation unit generates connection reproduction data under a condition in which the plurality of assembly blocks are connected in the order of reception of the information indicating the connection relationship between the plurality of assembly blocks.

  If this configuration is adopted, it is preferable to use serial communication by a plurality of control means, and only the information indicating the connection relationship of each assembly block is used to indicate the connection status of the plurality of assembly blocks in the light emitter. Linked reproduction data can be generated.

  The light-emitting system according to the present invention has the following features in addition to the components of the above-described invention. In other words, the transmission unit rearranges and transmits color data specifying the display colors of the plurality of assembly blocks in the order of the plurality of control units in the serial communication loop based on the connection reproduction data.

  If this structure is employ | adopted, the some assembly block which comprises a light-emitting body can light-emit with each designated color.

  The light-emitting system according to the present invention has the following features in addition to the components of the above-described invention. That is, the transmission means transmits the latch command code after transmitting the color data to all the assembly blocks. Each control unit changes the display color to the color designated by the color data based on the reception of the latch command code.

  If this configuration is adopted, the latch command code is transmitted within the command communication loop, whereby the plurality of control means can switch the display color substantially simultaneously. In one light emitter, the display colors of the plurality of assembly blocks are switched substantially simultaneously according to the transmission timing of the latch command code. Accordingly, it is possible to emit light other than the color flowing in one direction according to the connection in the serial communication loop in the plurality of linked assembly blocks.

  The light-emitting system according to the present invention has the following features in addition to the components of the above-described invention. That is, the plurality of assembly blocks are connected to each other to constitute a communication path for transmitting / receiving communication data to / from the light emission control device. Further, the transmission means transmits color data and a command code designating each display color to each assembly block using this communication path.

  If this configuration is adopted, the transmission means can transmit color data and a command code designating each display color to each assembly block.

  In the present invention, even when a light emitter is formed using a plurality of assembly blocks, the light emission of each assembly block can be controlled independently of the light emission of other assembly blocks.

  Hereinafter, a light emitting system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The light emitting system will be described by taking a light emitting device as an example.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a light emitting device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The light emitting device 1 includes a light emitter 2 formed in a square tower shape by combining a plurality of dot modules, and a computer terminal 3 as a controller that supplies power to the light emitter 2 and controls light emission of the light emitter 2. Have. The light emitter 2 and the computer terminal 3 are connected by a flat cable 4. The flat cable 4 includes a power supply line for supplying power from the computer terminal 3 to the light emitter 2 and a communication line for transmitting communication data between the computer terminal 3 and the light emitter 2.

  The computer terminal 3 that functions as a light emission control device includes a display device 11, an input device 12, and a PC body 13. The PC main body 13 has a power supply circuit 14 as an external power supply, and supplies power to the light emitter 2 with a predetermined voltage generated by the power supply circuit 14. In addition to the computer terminal 3, for example, a controller dedicated to the display device may be used as a controller for supplying power to the light emitter 2 and controlling the light emission of the light emitter 2.

  The light emitter 2 is a combination of various assembly blocks 20 that function as at least one dot module. As will be described later, the dot module has at least one LED (Light Emitting Diode) element (a kind of light-emitting element) 51 and independently controls the light emission of the LED element 51 based on received luminance data and the like. Is. That is, the dot module is a light emission control unit in the light emitter 2.

  FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective side views showing examples of various assembly blocks 20 that can be used for the light emitter 2. FIG. 2A shows a single block 21 that functions as one dot module. FIG. 2B shows a standard block 22 that functions as two dot modules. FIG. 2C shows an oblique block 23 that functions as two dot modules. FIG. 3A shows a single input block 24 to which the flat cable 4 described above can be connected using one dot module as a basic structure. FIG. 3B shows a single termination block 25 for returning communication data to the computer terminal 3 using one dot module as a basic structure. Although not shown, the assembly block 20 has a standard block 22 as a basic structure, a standard input block to which the flat cable 4 can be connected, and a standard block 22 as a basic structure. There is a standard termination block to return to 3.

  FIG. 4 is an exploded view showing a housing structure of a single-size assembly block 20 that functions as one dot module. A single block 21 in FIG. 2A, a single input block 24 in FIG. 3A, and a single termination block 25 in FIG. 3B are single-size assembly blocks 20. Note that an input block and an end block can be formed even in a double-size assembly block 20 described later.

  The single-sized assembly block 20 has a common single body 31. The single body 31 has a cubic outer shape, and has a through-hole having a square cross section that penetrates from the upper surface to the lower surface of the single body 31. For this reason, the single body 31 has a frame structure including four side portions.

  The housing of the single block 21 in FIG. 2A has a convex skirt 32, this single body 31, and a concave skirt 33. The convex skirt 32 is disposed on the upper side of the single body 31, and the concave skirt 33 is disposed on the lower side of the single body 31. In the single block 21, the convex skirt 32 and the concave skirt 33 are integrated with the single body 31 by screwing their four corners together with the single body 31.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the convex skirt 32 includes a substantially plate-shaped portion 32 a having a square shape having the same size as the outer shape of the single body 31, and a convex portion 32 b protruding from the upper surface thereof. Further, a hole 32c communicating with the through hole of the single body 31 in the above arrangement state is provided inside the convex portion 32b.

  The concave skirt 33 has a substantially rectangular plate-like portion 33a having the same size as the outer shape of the single body 31, and a concave portion 33b formed on the lower surface thereof. The convex portion 32b of the convex skirt 32 is fitted into the concave portion 33b. In addition, a hole 33c that communicates with the through hole of the single body 31 in the above arrangement state is provided inside the recess 33b.

  2A, the housing of the single input block 24 shown in FIG. 3A includes a convex skirt 32, a single body 31, a concave skirt 33, and an input cover 34. . The input cover 34 is disposed below the concave skirt 33. The convex skirt 32, the concave skirt 33, and the input cover 34 are integrated with the single body 31 by screwing the four corners together with the single body 31.

  The input cover 34 has substantially the same shape and structure as the convex skirt 32 as shown in the lower right of FIG. An input printed board 35 is disposed in the input cover 34. One end of the input printed circuit board 35 passes through a hole formed in the side surface of the input cover 34 and protrudes out of the input cover 34. Further, the input printed circuit board 35 is provided with two female connectors 36 in the recess 34a, and is provided with a connector 37 for the flat cable 4 outside. The two female connectors 36 are arranged in the same arrangement as the two female connectors 54 of the sub-printed circuit board 42 described later, and the main printed circuit board described later in a state where the input cover 34 is integrated with the single body 31. 41 male connectors 53 are connected.

  The housing of the single end block 25 in FIG. 3B includes an end cover 38, a convex skirt 32, a single body 31, and a concave skirt 33. The end cover 38 is disposed on the upper side of the convex skirt 32. The end cover 38, the convex skirt 32 and the concave skirt 33 are integrated with the single body 31 by screwing their four corners together with the single body 31.

  The end cover 38 has substantially the same shape and structure as the recessed skirt 33 as shown in the upper right of FIG. A termination printed circuit board 39 is disposed in the termination cover 38. Four male connectors 40 are disposed on the termination printed circuit board 39. The four male connectors 40 are arranged in the same arrangement as four male connectors 53 of a main printed circuit board 41 to be described later, and a sub printed circuit board to be described later in a state in which the end cover 38 is integrated with the single body 31. 42 female connectors 54.

  Further, the single body 31, convex skirt 32, concave skirt 33, input cover 34, end cover 38, double body 55, which will be described later, and the like used as the housing of the assembly block 20 are formed of a translucent plastic material. Therefore, the assembly block 20 that functions as one or more dot modules transmits the light emitted from the LED elements 51 disposed therein substantially entirely and substantially uniformly. That is, the assembly block 20 emits light three-dimensionally for each dot module based on the light emitted from the LED element 51.

  A single-size main printed circuit board 41 and a single-sized sub-printed circuit board 42 are disposed in the housing of the single-sized assembly block 20. The main printed circuit board 41 and the sub printed circuit board 42 are electrically connected by four lead wires 43. The four lead wires 43 are used as a part of a VCC line 72 described later, a part of a ground line 71 described later, a part of a serial communication line 73 described later, and a part of a return line 74 described later.

  An LED element 51, a dot control IC (Integrated Circuit) 52, and the like are mounted on the upper surface of the main printed circuit board 41, and four male connectors 53 are mounted on the lower surface. The main printed circuit board 41 is disposed below the single body 31. The dot control IC 52 is a control unit that controls light emission of the LED element 51.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the arrangement of the four male connectors 53 in the single-size assembly block 20. FIG. 5 is actually a bottom view of the single block 21. The four male connectors 53 are disposed in a positional relationship that is substantially point-symmetric with respect to the center of the single body 31 along each side surface of the single body 31 having a square frame shape.

  Two female connectors 54 are mounted on the upper surface of the sub printed circuit board 42. The sub printed circuit board 42 is disposed on the upper side of the single body 31.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the arrangement of the two female connectors 54 in the single-size assembly block 20. FIG. 6 is actually a top view of the single block 21. The two female connectors 54 are arranged in a positional relationship that is substantially point-symmetric with respect to the center of the single body 31 along a pair of opposite side surfaces of the single body 31 having a square frame shape.

  In contrast to the single-size assembly block 20 described above, the double-size assembly block 20 illustrated in FIGS. 2B and 2C has a common double body 55 in which two single bodies 31 are integrated. The double body 55 has a cubic frame shape that is long in one direction. In addition, an inner wall portion 56 having a thickness twice that of the side portion of the single body 31 is formed between the two cubes. By interposing the inner wall portion 56 between the two cubes, the light emitted from the LED element 51 in one cube (dot module) is difficult to transmit into the other cube (dot module). That is, the cubes (dot modules) are optically separated inside the double body 55. Therefore, color mixing between the two integrated cubes (dot modules) hardly occurs, and each cube (dot module) can emit light with the respective brightness by the respective control color. For example, it is possible to prevent a cube (dot module) that glows dark from becoming bright due to the light of another integrated cube (dot module).

  The housing of the standard block 22 shown in FIG. 2B includes the double body 55, the convex skirt 32, the concave skirt 33, and two caps 57. The cap 57 is for sealing the through hole of the double body 55 so that dust or the like does not enter the housing. In the standard block 22 of FIG. 2B, the convex skirt 32 and the concave skirt 33 are arranged side by side below the double body 55. The two caps 57 are arranged side by side above the double body 55. Note that the two caps 57 may be integrated.

  A double-size main printed circuit board 58 is disposed in the housing of the standard block 22. The main printed circuit board 58 for the standard block 22 is disposed below the double body 55. On the surface of the main printed circuit board 58 for the standard block 22, an LED element 51 and a dot control IC 52 are mounted for each dot module (cube). Further, four male connectors 53 and two female connectors 54 are disposed on the back surface of the main printed circuit board 58 for the standard block 22. Four male connectors 53 are disposed in the concave skirt 33, and two female connectors 54 are disposed in the convex skirt 32.

  The housing of the oblique upper block 23 in FIG. 2C includes a double body 55, a convex skirt 32, a concave skirt 33, and two caps 57. The convex skirt 32 and one cap 57 are arranged side by side above the double body 55. The concave skirt 33 and the remaining cap 57 are arranged side by side below the double body 55. Further, the convex skirt 32 and the concave skirt 33 are disposed so as to overlap with separate through holes. Therefore, the convex skirt 32 is positioned obliquely above the concave skirt 33 in the oblique upper block 23.

  In addition, a double-size main printed circuit board 58 and a single-sized sub printed circuit board 42 on which two female connectors 54 are mounted are disposed in the housing of the oblique upper block 23. The main printed circuit board 58 for the oblique block 23 is disposed below the double body 55. The sub printed circuit board 42 is disposed in the convex skirt 32 on the upper side of the double body 55.

  An LED element 51 and a dot control IC 52 are mounted on the surface of the main printed circuit board 58 for the oblique block 23 for each dot module. Further, four male connectors 53 are disposed on the back surface of the main printed circuit board 58 for the oblique block 23. The four male connectors 53 are disposed in the concave skirt 33.

  The plurality of types of assembly blocks 20 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 have the above-described configuration. The convex skirt 32 of each assembly block 20 can be fitted with the concave skirt 33 of another assembly block 20. Thereby, each assembly block 20 can be connected with any kind of assembly block 20. Further, the convex skirt 32 and the concave skirt 33 can be fitted with four degrees of freedom based on the cubic shape. As a result, a plurality of types of assembly blocks 20 can be freely combined to form a three-dimensional shape.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the degree of freedom in the connecting direction of the two standard blocks 22. There are three degrees of freedom in the connecting direction of the two standard blocks 22.

  FIG. 7A is a diagram showing a state in which two standard blocks 22 are connected in a direction in which the longitudinal directions of the two standard blocks form 90 degrees. In this connected state, the two female connectors 54 of the lower standard block 22 in the figure are electrically connected to the two male connectors 53 arranged in the short direction in the upper standard block 22 in the figure. The upper standard block 22 in the figure is connected in a 90-degree orientation with respect to the lower standard block 22 in the figure.

  FIG. 7B is a diagram showing a state in which two standard blocks 22 are connected in such a direction that their longitudinal directions are in a straight line. In this connected state, the two female connectors 54 of the lower standard block 22 in the figure are electrically connected to the two male connectors 53 arranged in the longitudinal direction in the upper standard block 22 in the figure. The standard block 22 on the upper side in the figure is connected in an orientation of 180 degrees with respect to the standard block 22 on the lower side in the figure.

  FIG. 7C is a diagram showing a state in which two standard blocks 22 are connected in such a direction that their longitudinal directions are 90 degrees opposite to that in FIG. 7A. In this connected state, the two female connectors 54 of the lower standard block 22 in the figure are electrically connected to the two male connectors 53 arranged in the short direction in the upper standard block 22 in the figure. The upper standard block 22 in the drawing is connected in a direction of 270 degrees with respect to the lower standard block 22 in the drawing.

  As in the above connection example, the plurality of types of assembly blocks 20 shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are basically different in four degrees of freedom while obtaining electrical connection between the male connector 53 and the female connector 54. The assembly block 20 can be connected.

  Therefore, by combining the assembly blocks 20 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a square tower-shaped light emitter 2 can be formed as shown in FIG. Moreover, in the tower-shaped light-emitting body 2, all the dot modules can be electrically connected. Further, the tower-shaped light emitter 2 shown in FIG. 1 can be disassembled, and a plurality of assembly blocks 20 used in the tower-shaped light emitter 2 can be used to form another three-dimensional light emitter 2. . The user can form the light-emitting body 2 having a desired three-dimensional shape simply by fitting the assembly blocks 20 to each other. The user does not need to screw the assembly block 20. The assembly work and disassembly work of the light emitter 2 are simple.

  FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a light emitting device 1 having a light emitter 2 having a flat panel shape. FIG. 9 is an internal connection diagram showing electrical connection of a plurality of assembly blocks 20 (dot modules) in the light emitter 2 of FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the flat panel light emitter 2 combines one single input block 24, two single blocks 21, one single termination block 25, and eight standard blocks 22. It is formed by. Therefore, the flat panel-shaped light emitter 2 of FIG. 8 can be formed by using the assembly block 20 or the like used in the tower-shaped light emitter 2 of FIG.

  The single input block 24 is used in the lowermost stage in the right side of the figure, the two single blocks 21 are used in the second and third stages from the left side in the figure, and the single terminal block 25 is in the right side in the figure. Used at the top. The two standard blocks 22 at the lowest level and the two standard blocks 22 at the third level from the bottom are used with the concave skirt 33 and the convex skirt 32 facing upward, and are connected to the respective upper assembly blocks 20. Is done. With the assembly structure based on such a two-stage stacked structure, the plurality of assembly blocks 20 are formed in a flat panel shape, and all the dot modules are electrically connected to each other in that shape.

  FIG. 10 is an internal connection diagram showing electrical connection of a plurality of assembly blocks 20 (dot modules) in the tower-shaped light emitter 2 of FIG. 1 includes 13 standard blocks 22, one diagonally upper block 23 (third stage from the bottom), one standard input block (bottom stage), and one standard terminal block ( (Top stage). When the tower shape of FIG. 1 is configured, for example, four standard blocks 22 are arranged in a square frame shape to configure each stage. In addition, the odd-numbered standard blocks 22 counted from the bottom are used in the direction in which the concave skirt 33 and the convex skirt 32 are on the upper side, and are connected to the respective upper assembly blocks 20. With the assembly structure based on such stacking, the plurality of assembly blocks 20 are formed in a tower shape and are electrically connected to each other in the shape.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the assembly block 20 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 will be described in detail.

  FIG. 11 is a wiring diagram showing a detailed electric circuit mounted on the standard block 22 of FIG. The standard block 22 that functions as two dot modules has two LED elements 51, two dot control ICs 52, two three-terminal regulators 59, and two DIP switches 60 as circuits for each dot module. . The standard block 22 includes an input connector 61 as a first connection portion and an output connector 62 as a second connection portion.

  The LED element 51 has a red light emitter, a green light emitter, and a blue light emitter that can emit light by mutually different control (for example, PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control), and can emit light in full color. The LED element 51 may be capable of emitting light in a single color such as red or blue.

  The input connector 61 includes four male connectors 53, and is supplied with power or receives communication data from an output connector 62 of another assembly block 20 to be connected. The male connector 53 has pins 63 as ten connection terminals.

  The output connector 62 includes two female connectors 54, and supplies power and transmits communication data to the input connector 61 of another assembly block 20 to be connected. The female connector 54 has pin insertion holes 64 as ten connection terminals. Each female connector 54 can be electrically connected to each male connector 53.

  In these male connector 53 and female connector 54, ten pins 63 or ten pin insertion holes 64 are arranged in two rows of five each. In the following description, when the plurality of pins 63 or the plurality of pin insertion holes 64 in each connector are distinguished from each other, numbers 1 to 10 (in fact, in the drawing) shown around each connector in FIG. (Only “1”, “5”, “6”, and “10” are illustrated).

  Further, in the following description, when the four male connectors 53 of the input connector 61 and the two female connectors 54 of the output connector 62 are distinguished from each other, they are distinguished using up, down, left and right in the posture of FIG. That is, the input connector 61 includes an upper male connector 53, a lower male connector 53, a left male connector 53, and a right male connector 53. The output connector 62 includes a left female connector 54 and a right female connector 54.

  Further, when the two dot control ICs 52, the two LED elements 51, the two three-terminal regulators 59, the two DIP switches 60, etc. in the standard block 22 are distinguished from each other, the input connector 61 side in FIG. , The characters “input side” are attached, and the characters “output side” are attached to the output connector 62 side in FIG.

  Next, electrical connection in the standard block 22 will be described.

  The first pin 63, the sixth pin 63 and the seventh pin 63 of the four male connectors 53 are connected to the ground line 71. Further, the 4th pin 63, the 5th pin 63 and the 10th pin 63 of the four male connectors 53 are connected to a VCC line 72 as a power supply line. The ground line 71 and the VCC line 72 are connected to two three-terminal regulators 59. The DC voltage generated by each three-terminal regulator 59 is supplied to the left and right sets of dot control ICs 52 and LED elements 51. Thereby, electric power is supplied to each element in the standard block 22. In each dot module, the red control terminal, the green control terminal, and the blue control terminal of each LED element 51 are connected to each dot control IC 52.

  Further, in order to realize power supply between the assembly blocks 20, the fifth pin insertion hole 64, the ninth pin insertion hole 64, and the tenth pin insertion hole 64 of the two female connectors 54 are connected to the ground line 71. . The first pin insertion hole 64, the second pin insertion hole 64, and the sixth pin insertion hole 64 of the two female connectors 54 are connected to the VCC line 72. By connecting these power supply lines, the standard block 22 can supply power to another assembly block 20 connected to the output connector 62.

  In order to enable transmission of communication data between the assembly blocks 20, the eighth pin 63 of the left male connector 53 and the eighth pin 63 of the lower male connector 53 are connected by a serial communication line (a kind of signal line) 73. Are connected to the serial input terminal of the dot control IC 52 on the input side. The serial output terminal of the dot control IC 52 on the input side is connected to the serial input terminal of the dot control IC 52 on the output side by a serial communication line 73. Further, the serial output terminal of the dot control IC 52 on the output side is connected to the eighth pin insertion hole 64 of the two female connectors 54 by the serial communication line 73. The third pin insertion hole 64 of the two female connectors 54 is connected to the third pin 63 of the left male connector 53 and the third pin 63 of the lower male connector 53 by a return line (a kind of signal line) 74. Is done.

  With this connection, each dot control IC 52 in the standard block 22 receives communication data from the input connector 61 and transmits communication data from the output connector 62. That is, the input dot control IC 52 receives communication data from the input connector 61 and transmits the received communication data to the output dot control IC 52. Further, the dot control IC 52 on the output side transmits the received communication data to the dot control IC 52 on the input side of the other assembly block 20 connected to the output connector 62. The return line 74 is used for connecting the last one of the plurality of dot control ICs 52 to be connected to the computer terminal 3.

  In order to detect the connecting direction of each assembly block 20 to the other assembly block 20, the 9th pin 63 of the left male connector 53 and the 9th pin 63 of the right male connector 53 are in the direction of the dot control IC 52 on the input side. Connected to the detection terminal (bit 0). The second pin 63 of the upper male connector 53 and the second pin 63 of the right male connector 53 are connected to the direction detection terminal (bit 1) of the dot control IC 52 on the input side. These direction detection terminals are connected to the VCC line 72 through a pull-up resistor element (not shown) inside the dot control IC 52. Further, the fourth pin insertion hole 64 and the seventh pin insertion hole 64 of the left female connector 54 are connected to the ground wire 71.

  FIG. 12 shows the connection direction of the assembly block 20 with respect to the other assembly block 20 and the 2-digit direction detection bit obtained by the dot control IC 52 on the input side based on the two direction detection terminals (bit 0 and bit 1). It is a table which shows a correspondence. The two-digit direction detection bit corresponds to the level of the two direction detection terminals (bit 1 and bit 0), and is “0” when the terminal is at a low level and “1” when the terminal is at a high level. . The table shown in FIG. 12 is stored in an internal memory (not shown) of the computer terminal 3 and is used to determine the connection direction of each assembly block 20 to the assembly block 20 on the upstream side based on profile data described later. Is done.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 7B, when two standard blocks 22 are connected in a straight line (with a connection angle of 180 degrees), the 9th pin 63 of the left male connector 53 of the upper standard block 22 in FIG. It is connected to the 7th pin insertion hole 64 of the left female connector 54 of the standard block 22 on the middle lower side. Further, the ninth pin 63 of the right male connector 53 of the upper standard block 22 in the figure is connected to the seventh pin insertion hole 64 of the right female connector 54 of the lower standard block 22 in the figure. As described above, the seventh pin insertion hole 64 of the left female connector 54 is connected to the ground wire 71. Therefore, the direction detection terminal (bit 0) of the dot control IC 52 on the input side of the upper standard block 22 in the figure is at a low level, and the value of the direction detection bit 0 is “0”.

  7B, the second pin 63 of the right male connector 53 of the upper standard block 22 in the figure is the fourth pin of the right female connector 54 of the lower standard block 22 in the figure. 63. The fourth pin 63 of the female connector 54 is not connected to either the VCC line 72 or the ground line 71. Further, the upper male connector 53 of the upper standard block 22 in the figure is not connected to either the right female connector 54 or the left female connector 54 of the lower standard block 22 in the figure. Therefore, the direction detection terminal (bit 1) of the dot control IC 52 on the input side of the upper standard block 22 in the drawing becomes high level by an internal pull-up, and the value of the direction detection bit 1 becomes “1”.

  As a result, in the connection of 180 degrees in FIG. 7B, the dot control IC 52 on the input side of the upper standard block 22 in the figure generates “10” as the two-digit direction detection bit. Then, the computer terminal 3 compares the detected data with the table of FIG. 12, and the upper standard block 22 in FIG. 7B is connected to the lower standard block 22 in FIG. It can be determined that they are connected by an angle.

  In addition to this, for example, in the case of the connection angle of 90 degrees in FIG. 7A, the direction detection terminal (bit 1) of the dot control IC 52 on the input side of the upper standard block 22 in the figure is at the low level, and the direction Since the detection terminal (bit 0) is at a high level, the dot control IC 52 on the input side of the upper standard block 22 in the figure generates “01” as a two-digit direction detection bit. Then, the computer terminal 3 compares the detected data with the table of FIG. 12, and the standard block 22 on the upper side in FIG. 7A is connected to the standard block 22 on the lower side in FIG. It can be determined that they are connected by an angle.

  In addition, for example, in the case of the connection angle of 270 degrees in FIG. 7C, the two direction detection terminals (bit 1 and bit 0) of the dot control IC 52 on the input side of the upper standard block 22 in the figure are both high. Therefore, the dot control IC 52 on the input side of the upper standard block 22 in the drawing generates “11” as a two-digit direction detection bit. Then, the computer terminal 3 compares the detected data with the table of FIG. 12, and the upper standard block 22 in FIG. 7C is connected to the lower standard block 22 in FIG. It can be determined that they are connected by an angle.

  The description is returned to the description of the electrical connection in the standard block 22 based on FIG.

  The DIP switch 60 has a switch for 4 bits, and outputs a value set in each switch to each dot control IC 52. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a correspondence relationship between the dot control IC 52 and the 4-bit set value of the DIP switch 60. Based on FIG. 13, for example, “0000” is set in the DIP switch 60 corresponding to the input-side dot control IC 52 of the standard block 22, and “D” is set in the DIP switch 60 corresponding to the output-side dot control IC 52. 1111 "is set. Thus, different values are set in the DIP switch 60 according to the type of the assembly block 20 and the order of the dot control ICs 52 in the assembly block 20 (the order counted from input to output). In addition, the lead wire 43 or the like may be used instead of the DIP switch 60, and the terminal to which the DIP switch 60 of the dot control IC 52 is connected may be fixedly connected to the VCC line 72 or the ground line 71.

  The assembly block 20 other than the standard block 22 in FIG. 11 also includes an LED element 51, a dot control IC 52, a three-terminal regulator 59, and a DIP switch 60 as a circuit for each dot module. Each assembly block 20 includes an input connector 61 and an output connector 62. Also, the structures and connections of the input connector 61 and the output connector 62 are the same as those of the standard block 22 of FIG. That is, each assembly block 20 includes the above-described power supply function between blocks, the above-described communication data transmission function between blocks, the above-described detection function of the connection angle with respect to the upstream block, and the above-described DIP switch 60. And a setting function for the dot control IC 52.

  FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing functions realized in each dot control IC 52 in FIG. The dot control IC 52 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory (not shown). When the CPU reads and executes a program (not shown) stored in the memory, the dot control IC 52 includes a receiving unit 81, a latch processing unit 82, three PWM signal generation units 83, three logical sum calculation units 84, Functions such as the profile generation unit 85 and the transmission unit 86 are realized. The memory includes an on / off control register 87, a red luminance data register 88, a red luminance reception buffer 89, a green luminance data register 90, a green luminance reception buffer 91, a blue luminance data register 92, a blue luminance reception buffer 93, and a command reception buffer. 94, a profile register 95, etc. are generated.

  The receiving unit 81 as receiving means receives communication data input to the serial input terminal of the dot control IC 52 and stores it in various registers 87, 89, 81, 93, 94. The communication data received by the receiving unit 81 is communication data having a predetermined number of bits (for example, 8 bits). The communication data includes a command code for controlling the light emission of the dot control IC 52, data such as luminance data and profile data.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of command codes and accompanying data transmitted / received between a plurality of linked dot control ICs 52 and the computer terminal 3. The command code and accompanying data are transmitted and received as separate transmission data. The command codes in FIG. 15 are the command codes for turning off the LED elements 51 by the dot control ICs 52 in order from the top (80H: H is a hexadecimal number, and so on), and the command codes for turning on the LED elements 51. (81H), a data transfer command code (83H) for designating the display color of the LED element 51, a latch command code (84H) for starting lighting color control by the newly transferred display color designation data, and a connection status inquiry command code ( FEH), a command code (FFH) for initializing the dot control IC 52, and the like.

  The data transfer command code (83H) is accompanied by red luminance data (R data), green luminance data (G data), and blue luminance data (B data). The most significant bit of the luminance data of each color is 0, and the luminance value is designated by the remaining 7 bits. The connection status inquiry command code (FEH) is accompanied by number data and profile data for counting the number of connected dot control ICs 52.

  When receiving one piece of communication data, the receiving unit 81 stores it in various registers 87, 89, 81, 93, 94. For example, when receiving the command code, the receiving unit 81 stores the command code in the command receiving buffer 94. In addition to this, for example, when receiving the luminance data of a predetermined color, the receiving unit 81 stores it in the corresponding luminance data receiving buffers 89, 91, 93. save. When receiving the command code (81H) for turning on the LED element 51, the receiving unit 81 writes “1” in the on / off control register 87, and when receiving the command code (80H) for turning off the LED element 51, the on / off control is performed. Write “0” to the register 87.

  When the latch command code (84H) is written in the command receiving buffer 94, the latch processing unit 82 writes the luminance data of the luminance data receiving buffers 89, 91, 93 for each color into the luminance data registers 88, 90, 92 for each color. .

  Each PWM signal generation unit 83 serving as a light emission control unit reads the luminance data written in the luminance data registers 88, 90, and 92 of the corresponding color, and generates a PWM signal corresponding to the value.

  Each logical sum calculation unit 84 calculates the logical sum of the PWM signal generated by the corresponding PWM signal generation unit 83 and the value of the on / off control register 87. Each OR operation unit 84 outputs a PWM signal when the value of the on / off control register 87 is “1”, and does not output a PWM signal when the value of the on / off control register 87 is “0”. This signal generated by each OR operation section 84 is supplied to the LED element 51 as a light emission control signal for each color.

  As a result, the red light emitter, the green light emitter, and the blue light emitter of the LED element 51 output a light amount corresponding to the PWM signal supplied to each. The LED element 51 emits light of a color corresponding to a combination of luminance data values written in the red luminance data register 88, the green luminance data register 90, and the blue luminance data register 92. The dot module (cube) emits light entirely depending on the light emission color of the LED element 51.

  When the connection status inquiry command code (FEH) is written in the command reception buffer 94, the profile generation unit 85 generates its own profile data. The profile generation unit 85 reads the levels of the two direction detection terminals and the set values by the DIP switch 60 of the dot control IC 52, and generates own profile data having values based on them. Further, the profile generation unit 85 stores the generated own profile data in the profile register 95.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a data structure of profile data generated by the profile generation unit 85 in FIG. The profile data in FIG. 16 is 8-bit communication data.

  The most significant bit of the profile data is fixed to “0”. The most significant bits of the various commands in FIG. 15 described above are all “1”. In the light emitting device 1 of this embodiment, the command and data can be distinguished depending on whether the most significant bit (first bit) of the communication data is “0” or “1”.

  The values set by the DIP switch 60 in FIG. 13 (shape setting bits indicating the type of the assembly block) are assigned to the sixth bit to the third bit of the profile data. In the first bit and the 0th bit, values corresponding to the levels of the two direction detection terminals of each dot control IC 52 (bit 1 and bit 0: a direction detection bit indicating the connection direction with other assembly blocks) are provided. Can be applied.

  When new communication data is written in the command reception buffer 94 of the dot control IC 52, the transmission unit 86 serving as a transmission means reads the data and transmits it from the serial output terminal of the dot control IC 52. For example, when a command code or the like is stored in the command reception buffer 94, the transmission unit 86 reads it and transmits it from the serial output terminal.

  Next, the light emission control of the light emitter 2 by the computer terminal 3 will be described using the light emitting device 1 of FIG. 17 as an example. FIG. 17A is a connection diagram of the assembly block 20 in the light emitter 2. FIG. 17B is an internal connection diagram showing electrical connection of the plurality of assembly blocks 20 in the coupled state of FIG. FIG. 17C is an explanatory diagram showing a connection relationship between each LED element 51 and a plurality of dot control ICs 52 corresponding to each LED element and signal lines (signal lines for serial communication including return lines 74) connecting them. It is. Note that the light emitter 2 in FIG. 17 can also be configured using the assembly block 20 used in the light emitter 2 in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 17A, the light emitting device 1 includes a light emitter 2 in which assembly blocks 20 are stacked in two stages. The light emitter 2 is configured by combining one single input block 24, five standard blocks 22, and one single terminal block 25. The light emitter 2 is a display panel in which dot modules are combined in two rows and six columns.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 17C, a serial communication loop is configured by the serial communication lines 73 and the return lines 74 of the plurality of assembly blocks 20. The computer terminal 3 and the plurality of dot control ICs 52 perform serial communication of communication data using this serial communication loop.

  For example, the computer terminal 3 transmits the communication data to the dot control IC 52 (M1) of the single input block 24 at the lower right in FIG. The dot control IC 52 (M1) of the single input block 24 transmits the received communication data and the like to the dot control IC 52 (M2) on the input side of the standard block 22 thereabove. Then, the dot control IC 52 (M12) of the single terminal block 25 in the lower left of FIG. 17C transmits the received communication data and the like to the computer terminal 3 via the return lines 74 of all the assembly blocks 20. The communication data is sequentially transmitted from the upstream dot control IC 52 to the downstream dot control IC 52 by serial communication, and in accordance with the connection order of the plurality of dot control ICs 52, all the dot control ICs 52 in FIG. Sent sequentially.

  FIG. 18 is a timing chart showing the flow of communication data when the initialization process, the extinguishing process, and the lighting process are executed continuously. In FIG. 18, T1 to T15 are communication timings. Further, for example, the uppermost row in FIG. 18 is communication data transmitted from the computer terminal 3 to the first dot control IC 52 (M1) via the flat cable 4, and the lowermost row in FIG. 18 is the last connected dot. This is communication data transmitted from the control IC 52 (M12) to the computer terminal 3 via the return line 74 and the flat cable 4.

  As described in the top row in FIG. 18, the computer terminal 3 uses the initialization command code (FFH), the turn-off command code (80H), and the turn-off command code in order to cause each dot control IC 52 to execute the above three processes. The lighting command code (81H) is serially transmitted in order (timing T1 to T3). As shown in FIG. 14, the receiving unit 81 of the first dot control IC 52 (M1) receives these command codes one by one and writes them in the command reception buffer 94 in order.

  Further, the transmission unit 86 of the first dot control IC 52 (M1) sequentially transmits the command codes written in order in the command reception buffer 94 as described in the second row from the top in FIG. Therefore, the first dot control IC 52 (M1) delays each command code received from the computer terminal 3 one by one and transmits it to the next dot control IC 52 (M2) (timing T2 to T4). The first dot control IC 52 (M1) interprets each command code written in the command reception buffer 94, and sequentially executes initialization processing, turn-off processing, and lighting processing.

  The twelve dot control ICs 52 (M1 to M12) in FIG. 17 repeat the same processing as shown in the third and subsequent rows from the top of FIG. The transmission timing of communication data is delayed by one each time one dot control IC 52 is passed. Therefore, the last dot control IC 52 (M12) transmits the communication data received by the computer terminal 3 at a timing delayed by 12 times for each communication data transmitted by the computer terminal 3, as shown in the bottom row of FIG. (Timing T13 to T15). For example, when N (N is a natural number) dot control ICs 52 are connected, the computer terminal 3 receives communication data transmitted by itself after a delay corresponding to N serial communications. Become.

  FIG. 19 is a timing chart showing the flow of communication data when the computer terminal 3 transmits a connection status inquiry command code (FEH). As shown in FIG. 15, the computer terminal 3 serially transmits two pieces of communication data of the connection status inquiry command code “FEH” and the number data “00” to the first dot control IC 52 (M1) (timing T1, T1). T2).

  As shown in FIG. 14, the reception unit 81 of the first dot control IC 52 (M1) receives these communication data one by one and writes them in the command reception buffer 94 in order. Then, when the connection status inquiry command code “FEH” is stored in the command reception buffer 94, the profile generation unit 85 generates its own profile data and stores it in the profile register 95. The first dot control IC 52 (M 1) is a single input block 24. Therefore, the profile generation unit 85 generates “10H” and stores it in the profile register 95.

  Further, the transmission unit 86 of the first dot control IC 52 (M1) transmits the connection status inquiry command code “FEH” stored in the command reception buffer 94, and increments the number data stored in the command reception buffer 94 by one. The number data “01” is transmitted, and the own profile data stored in the profile register 95 is read and transmitted. Therefore, the first dot control IC 52 (M1) serially transmits the three communication data (timing T2 to T4).

  The twelve dot control ICs 52 (M1 to M12) in FIG. 17 repeat the same processing as shown in the third and subsequent rows from the top of FIG. The transmission timing of communication data is delayed by one each time one dot control IC 52 is passed. In addition, new profile data is added to the end of the communication data every time it passes through the dot control IC 52.

  Accordingly, as shown in the bottom line of FIG. 19, the last dot control IC 52 (M12) transmits the connection status inquiry command code “FEH” transmitted by the computer terminal 3 to the computer terminal 3 with a delay of 12 times. , The number data of the value “12” is transmitted to the computer terminal 3, and 12 pieces of profile data are transmitted to the computer terminal 3 (timing T13 to T26).

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of the three-dimensional shape reproduction process of the light emitter 2 by the computer terminal 3.

  In the three-dimensional shape reproduction process, the computer terminal 3 functioning as an acquisition unit first transmits a connection status inquiry command code “FEH” requesting the connection relationship of each assembly block 2 and the number data, and starts the acquisition process ( Step ST1).

  Thereafter, according to FIG. 19, when the transmitted connection status inquiry command code “FEH” and the profile data of all the connected dot control ICs 52 are received (step ST2), the computer terminal 3 functioning as a generating means The analysis process is started under the condition that the plurality of assembly blocks 20 are connected in the order of reception of profile data indicating the connection relationship of the plurality of assembly blocks 20. First, the computer terminal 3 acquires unprocessed first profile data in the received profile data (step ST3). Then, the computer terminal 3 maps the dot control IC 52 in the virtual three-dimensional space at the position indicated by the profile data (step ST4).

  In the first process immediately after reception, the computer terminal 3 acquires the first one of the received profile data and maps the dot control IC 52 corresponding to this profile data to the origin of the virtual three-dimensional space.

  After mapping the dot control IC 52 corresponding to the acquired profile data, the computer terminal 3 determines whether or not unprocessed profile data remains (step ST5). If unprocessed profile data remains, the computer terminal 3 obtains the next profile data (step ST3), maps the dot control IC 52 to the position specified by analyzing it (step ST4). ). The computer terminal 3 repeats the above processing until there is no unprocessed profile data, that is, until it is determined as Yes in step ST5.

  For example, in the case of the twelve profile data in FIG. 19, the computer terminal 3 determines that the first dot control IC 52 is the single block 21 based on the first profile data “10”. The computer terminal 3 maps this first dot control IC 52 to the origin of the virtual three-dimensional space.

  Further, the computer terminal 3 determines that the second dot control IC 52 is on the input side of the standard block 22 based on the second profile data “00”. In this case, the computer terminal 3 maps the second dot control IC 52 at a position shifted in one axial direction (for example, the positive direction of the Y axis) in the virtual three-dimensional space.

  Further, the computer terminal 3 determines that the third dot control IC 52 is for the output side based on the third profile data “78”. Further, the computer terminal 3 determines that the second dot control IC 52 is on the input side of the standard block 22 based on the second profile data “00”. In this case, the computer terminal 3 determines that the dot control IC 52 corresponding to the third profile data “78” is on the output side of the standard block 22, and the straight line connecting the first and the second The third dot control IC 52 is mapped to a position shifted by 1 in the vertical direction, for example, the positive direction of the Y axis.

  Further, the computer terminal 3 determines that the fourth dot control IC 52 is on the input side of the standard block 22 based on the fourth profile data “00”. It can be determined that the standard block 22 is connected to the standard block 22 by analyzing the profile data up to the third. The computer terminal 3 maps the fourth dot control IC 52 at a position shifted in one axial direction (for example, the negative direction of the Y axis) in the virtual three-dimensional space.

  If it is determined that the standard block 22 is connected to the diagonally upper block 23 by the analysis processing of the third profile data, the computer terminal 3 moves in the opposite direction (in the virtual three-dimensional space ( Here, the fourth dot control IC 52 may be mapped to a position shifted by 1 in the positive direction of the Y axis).

  By repeating the above processing, the computer terminal 3 maps the dot control IC 52 corresponding to all the profile data in the virtual three-dimensional space. When the analysis process for all received profile data is completed, the computer terminal 3 determines Yes in step ST5, and ends the profile data analysis process. At this time, connection reproduction data (not shown) is generated in the computer terminal 3.

  FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the mapping result of the twelve dot control ICs 52 to the virtual three-dimensional space. The mapping result example in FIG. 21 is based on the twelve profile data in FIG. As described above, the computer terminal 3 can obtain a mapping result that matches the actual connection relationship of the 12 dot control ICs 52 shown in FIG.

  Returning to FIG. 20, when the computer terminal 3 determines in step ST5 that the mapping process is completed and there is no unprocessed profile data, the computer terminal 3 uses the arrangement of the plurality of dot control ICs 52 specified by the linked reproduction data indicating the mapping result. 2 or 3 is combined with polygon data corresponding to the outer shape of the assembly block 20 to generate display data in which the three-dimensional shape of the light emitter 2 is reproduced in a virtual three-dimensional space (step ST6).

  FIG. 22 is a display screen example of a reproduction image of the light emitter 2. The reproduced image of the light emitter 2 in FIG. 22 is reproduced based on the profile data in FIG. 19 and displayed on the display device 11. The light-emitting body 2 in the reproduced image of FIG. 22 has a shape in which the assembly blocks 20 are stacked in two rows and six rows, and single blocks 21 are disposed on the left and right ends of the first row, and the standard blocks 22 are disposed in the remaining portions. Is provided. The character “← input” in the figure indicates the input of communication data, and means that communication data is input from the single block 21 at the lower right end. These correspond to the connection structure of the assembly blocks 20 in the actual light emitter 2 shown in FIG.

  Next, light emission control of the light emitter 2 by the computer terminal 3 will be described.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a flow of light emission control processing of the light emitter 2 by the computer terminal 3. For example, when there is a light emission instruction from the input device 12 or the like (step ST11), the computer terminal 3 reads display data used for one display of the light emitter 2 from a memory (not shown) or the like (step ST12). Note that the display data used for one display of the light emitter 2 is generated based on, for example, a coloring process performed for each bit module in the reproduced image of FIG. 22, and has color data for each bit module. The color data can be composed of red luminance data, green luminance data, and blue luminance data. Further, the light emission instruction is generated by the input device 12 or the like when starting light emission by the light emitter 2 or changing the light emission color of the light emitter 2.

  The computer terminal 3 that has read the display data used for one display of the light emitter 2 rearranges the display data in the order of transmission, and generates a transmission data string for a light emission instruction (step ST13). The plurality of dot control ICs 52 are not connected in the order according to the arrangement direction of the light emitters 2 in FIGS. For example, the light emitters 2 in FIGS. 17 and 21 are not aligned in a horizontal row order or the like. The computer terminal 3 changes the display data used for one display from the dot control IC 52 (here, M12) connected to the end to the dot control IC 52 (here, M1) connected to the front. The color data (luminance data) for each bit module is rearranged so as to match the order up to the one for use.

  FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of the transmission data string after the rearrangement process. In FIG. 24, each cell corresponds to color data (luminance data) for each bit module. Further, the number in each cell indicates the (X, Y) coordinate value in the mapping result of FIG. As shown in FIG. 24, the computer terminal 3 starts with the color data (luminance data) for the dot control IC 52 (here, M12) at the end, and the color for the foremost dot control IC 52 (here, M1). A transmission data sequence with data (luminance data) as the last is generated.

  After the color data for each dot in the display data is rearranged in the order of the plurality of dot control ICs 52 in the serial communication loop, the computer terminal 3 functioning as a transmission means transmits all the colors in the transmission data string by serial communication. Data and a command code for switching light emission (latch processing command code) are transmitted (step ST14).

  FIG. 25 is a timing chart showing the flow of communication processing executed by the computer terminal 3 and the plurality of dot control ICs 52 for one display data transmission. In this display data transmission processing, the computer terminal 3 first transmits a data transfer command code (83H) (timing T1), and then the first set of color data (dot control IC 52 (dot control IC 52 ( (Brightness data for M12) is transmitted (timing T2 to T4).

  The computer terminal 3 repeats the same processing for each color data (luminance data) in the transmission data string, and adds a data transfer command code (83H) to all sets of color data in the transmission data string for transmission. (Timing T1 to T48). Thereafter, the computer terminal 3 transmits a latch command code (84H) (timing T49).

  Note that in the timing chart of FIG. 25, three cycles are used to transmit color data for each bit module (note that one communication data transmission process by serial communication is referred to as one cycle). This is because it is necessary to transmit three luminance data of red luminance data, green luminance data, and blue luminance data as color data for the IC 52.

  The plurality of communication data transmitted from the computer terminal 3 to the timing T1 to the timing T49 are sequentially received by the first dot control IC 52 (M1). When a new data transfer command “83H” is received, the transmission unit 86 of the first dot control IC 52 (M1) transmits the data transfer command “83H” and then stores the data transfer command “83H” in the reception buffers 89, 91, and 93. One set of luminance data is serially transmitted to the next dot control IC 52 (M2). That is, the first dot control IC 52 (M1) uses the color data used by all the dot control ICs 52 (M2 to 12) connected downstream in the connection direction, and the next dot control IC 52 (M2). (Timing T6 to T49). Thereafter, the transmission unit 86 of the first dot control IC 52 (M1) transmits the latch command code (84H) received from the computer terminal 3 (timing T50).

  In FIG. 17, the 11 dot control ICs 52 (M2 to 12) connected in order after the first dot control IC 52 (M1), in the same way as the first dot control IC 52 (M1), have a new data transfer command “ When “83H” is received, the luminance data stored in the reception buffer until then is transmitted to the next dot control IC 52 (M2) (timing T11 to T59). When the latch command code (84H) is received, the latch command code (84H) is transmitted to the next dot control IC 52 (M3 to 12) (timing T51 to T60).

  When the latch command code (84H) is received, each dot control IC 52 writes the luminance data stored in the respective luminance data receiving buffers 89, 91, 93 to the respective luminance data registers 88, 90, 92 (latch). To do). When the values of the luminance data registers 88, 90, and 92 are changed, each PWM signal generation unit 83 generates a PWM signal corresponding to the changed value.

  As a result, the emission color of each LED element 51 whose emission is controlled by each dot control IC 52 is individually changed. The light emission color of each dot module (cube) changes according to the change of the light emission color of each LED element 51.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the light emitting device 1 is connected to the plurality of assembly blocks 20 that form the light emitter 2 by being connected to each other, and the light emitter 2 emits light in each assembly block 20. And a computer terminal 3 that transmits a command code used for control. The light emitter 2 can emit light in a free shape. In addition, a light emitter having a desired shape can be created or disassembled by a simple manual operation simply by connecting a plurality of assembly blocks 20. In addition, it is easy to change the shape of the panel or the object or move the object using the light emitter 2.

  And the computer terminal 3 produces | generates connection reproduction data based on the profile data which shows the some connection relation acquired from the some assembly block 20, and with respect to the some assembly block 20 by communication control based on this connection reproduction data Command codes to control each of the above.

  Therefore, even when the computer terminal 3 forms a large light emitter 2 or a complex light emitter 2 using a plurality of assembly blocks 20, the light emission of each assembly block 20 is independent of the light emission of the other assembly blocks 20. Can be controlled. That is, even when a light emitting device such as an exhibition space is configured using a plurality of assembly blocks 20 that emit light, the electrical connection between the plurality of assembly blocks 20 is not lost, and light emission is preferably performed. Can be controlled.

  In this embodiment, the computer terminal 3 uses, as profile data indicating the connection relationship, a shape setting bit indicating the type of each assembly block 20 and the like, and a direction detection bit indicating the connection direction with the other assembly block 20. To get. Therefore, the computer terminal 3 can generate connection reproduction data based on a plurality of shape setting bits and direction detection bits.

  Further, in this embodiment, each assembly block 20 has a dot control IC 52 for controlling the respective light emission, and the plurality of dot control ICs 52 are connected to the plurality of assembly blocks 20. Together with the computer terminal 3, one serial communication loop for transmitting and receiving command codes in order is configured.

  If this configuration is adopted, the command code transmitted from the computer terminal 3 to one dot control IC 52 is transmitted to the dot control ICs 52 of all the assembly blocks 20 connected by the serial communication loop. Further, the computer terminal 3 can know that the command code has been transmitted to all the assembly blocks 20 by receiving the command code. Therefore, each assembly block 20 does not need to reply to the computer terminal 3 for receiving the command code. Further, the number of assembly blocks 20 that can be connected is not limited. Furthermore, it is not necessary to distinguish the assembly block 20 from those that return and those that do not return.

  In this embodiment, the computer terminal 3 transmits a command code for requesting a connection relationship between the assembly blocks 20. Further, each dot control IC 52 transmits profile data indicating its own connection relationship following the received command code and profile data indicating the connection relationship of the assembly blocks 20 generated by the other received dot control ICs 52. . Further, the computer terminal 3 obtains profile data indicating the connection relationship of the plurality of assembly blocks 20 received together with the transmitted command code, and under the condition that the plurality of assembly blocks 20 are connected in the order of reception of the profile data, Generate consolidated reproduction data.

  If this configuration is adopted, it is preferable to use the plurality of dot control ICs 52 for serial communication, and only the profile data indicating the connection relationship of each assembly block 20 is used, and the plurality of assembly blocks 20 in the light emitter 2 are used. It is possible to generate connection reproduction data indicating the connection status of

  Further, in this embodiment, the computer terminal 3 arranges the color data specifying the display colors of the plurality of assembly blocks 20 in the order of the plurality of dot control ICs 52 in the serial communication loop based on the connection reproduction data. Send it instead. Therefore, the plurality of assembly blocks 20 constituting the light emitter 2 can emit light in their designated colors.

  In this embodiment, the computer terminal 3 transmits the latch command code after transmitting the color data to all the assembly blocks 20. Each dot control IC 52 changes the display color to the color specified by the color data based on the reception of the latch command code.

  Therefore, the latch command code is transmitted in the command communication loop, and thus the plurality of dot control ICs 52 can switch the display colors substantially simultaneously. In one light-emitting body 2, the display colors of the plurality of assembly blocks 20 are switched substantially simultaneously according to the transmission timing of the latch command code. As a result, the plurality of linked assembly blocks 20 can emit light other than color flowing in one direction according to the connection in the serial communication loop.

  The above embodiment is an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. is there.

  In the above embodiment, the input connector 61 of each assembly block 20 is the four male connectors 53, and the output connector 62 is the two female connectors 54. These correspondences may be reversed. In addition to this, for example, a common connector in which a plurality of pins or a plurality of pin insertion holes are arranged in a square may be used for the input connector 61 and the output connector 62. In the case of this modification, the common connector may be disposed so that the center thereof coincides with the center of the housing.

  FIG. 26 shows a crimp connector 101 having eight pins that can be expanded and contracted. Eight pins are arranged in two rows. The input connector 61 or the output connector 62 can be configured using only one such crimp connector 101.

  FIG. 27 is an explanatory view showing an arrangement when the crimp connector 101 is arranged on the single-size assembly block 20. FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing the arrangement of the plurality of pads 102 that can be electrically connected to the crimping connector 101 during crimping with respect to the single-size assembly block 20. In FIG. 28, 24 pads 102 (connection terminals) are divided into 12 groups, and in each group, 12 pads 102 are divided into 3 rows.

  As shown in FIG. 27, the crimp connector 101 is disposed so that the center position of one row coincides with the center of the single-size assembly block 20. Further, as shown in FIG. 28, the 24 pads 102 are arranged so that the centers of the 12 pads 102 divided into three rows coincide with the centers of the single-size assembly blocks 20. Note that the two groups of twelve pads 102 are offset from each other by an angle of 90 degrees.

  27 and 28, when the two assembly blocks 20 are connected to each other with four degrees of freedom, the electrical connection between the crimp connector 101 and the plurality of pads 102 in all the connecting directions is achieved. Secure connection. That is, the crimping connector 101 is electrically connected to any one of the eight pads 102 in the group at the time of connection, as shown by a square frame that divides it into four groups of two rows in FIG. .

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, one LED element 51 is provided in one dot module (cube). In addition to this, for example, a plurality of light emitting elements that produce one emission color by being coordinated and controlled may be disposed in one dot module (cube). The total number of the plurality of light emitting elements is an integral multiple of the number of dot modules (cubes). In addition, for example, a plurality of light emitting elements that generate a plurality of light emission colors may be arranged in one dot module (cube). In addition to LEDs, various types of light emitting elements such as photodiodes, organic EL (organic electroluminescence), inorganic EL (inorganic electroluminescence), and plasma light emitting devices can be employed.

  In the above embodiment, the dot control IC 52 is provided for each dot module (cube) in the standard block 22 in which two dot modules (cubes) are connected. In addition, for example, the dot control IC 52 may be provided for each assembly block 20 or for each of the plurality of assembly blocks 20.

  In the above embodiment, all types of assembly blocks 20 have one input connector 61 and one output connector 62. In addition to this, for example, an assembly block 20 having a plurality of input connectors 61 or a plurality of output connectors 62 may be added to the types of assembly blocks 20.

  In the above-described embodiment, a single-size assembly block 20 composed of one cube and a double-size assembly block 20 composed of two cubes are disclosed. In addition, for example, the assembly block 20 may be composed of three or more cubes.

  In the above embodiment, each assembly block 20 is provided with one input connector 61 and one output connector 62. In addition, for example, at least one of the input connector 61 and the output connector 62 may be provided in each assembly block 20.

  The light emitter 2 of the above-described embodiment includes only a plurality of assembly blocks 20. In addition to this, for example, the light emitter 2 may be configured by a combination of a base member and an assembly block 20 attached to the base member.

  Each assembly block 20 of the above embodiment is premised on that serial communication lines 73 and return lines 74 of a plurality of assembly blocks 20 constituting the light emitter 2 are connected in a loop shape, and communication data is input from the input connector 61. The communication data is transmitted from the output connector 62. In addition to this, for example, on the assumption that the serial communication lines 73 of the plurality of assembly blocks 20 constituting the light emitter 2 are connected to form one bus, each assembly block 20 is connected to the computer terminal 3 from the computer terminal 3. Communication data (command code, color data, etc.) may be received from the input connector 61. Furthermore, for example, the serial communication line 73 and the return line 74 constitute two communication lines that connect the plurality of assembly blocks 20 and the computer terminal 3 (host), and these two communication lines are used. A clock signal and communication data may be transmitted from the computer terminal 3 to each assembly block 20.

  Each assembly block 20 of the above embodiment can communicate with each other by connecting the input connector 61 and the output connector 62 to those of the other assembly blocks 20, and determines the connecting direction with respect to the other assembly blocks 20. is doing. In addition to this, for example, each assembly block 20 communicates with another assembly block 20 mechanically connected by, for example, an optical signal or a wireless communication signal, and the connection direction with respect to the other assembly block 20 is determined. May be determined.

  The present invention can be suitably used as a panel or an object installed in an exhibition hall or a store.

It is a perspective view which shows the light-emitting device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective side view of various assembly blocks that can be used for the light emitter in FIG. 1 (No. 1). FIG. 3 is a perspective side view of various assembly blocks that can be used for the light emitter in FIG. 1 (part 2). It is an exploded view which shows the housing structure of a single size assembly block. It is explanatory drawing which shows arrangement | positioning of the male connector in a single size assembly block. It is explanatory drawing which shows arrangement | positioning of the female connector in a single size assembly block. It is explanatory drawing of the freedom degree of the connection direction by two standard blocks. It is a perspective view which shows the recombination example of the light-emitting body of FIG. It is an internal connection figure which shows the electrical connection of the some assembly block (dot module) in the flat panel-shaped light-emitting body of FIG. It is an internal connection figure which shows the electrical connection of the some assembly block (dot module) in the tower-shaped light-emitting body of FIG. It is a wiring diagram which shows the detailed electric circuit mounted in the standard block of FIG. 2 (B). It is a table which shows the correspondence of the connection direction of an assembly block, and a 2-digit direction detection bit. It is a figure which shows the correspondence of the kind of dot control IC, and the setting value of a DIP switch. It is a block diagram which shows the function implement | achieved by each dot control IC in FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the command code and accompanying data transmitted / received between a computer terminal and several dot control IC. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the profile data transmitted / received between a computer terminal and several dot control IC. It is a perspective view which shows the other example of rearrangement of the light-emitting body of FIG. 1, and the serial communication loop in the connection. 18 is a timing chart showing the flow of communication data when the initialization process, the extinguishing process, and the lighting process are continuously executed in the light emitting device of FIG. 18 is a timing chart showing the flow of communication data when the connection status is inquired in the light emitting device of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the solid shape reproduction process of a light-emitting body by a computer terminal. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a mapping result to the virtual three-dimensional space of dot control IC by a computer terminal. It is an example of the display screen of the reproduction image of a light-emitting body by a computer terminal. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the light emission control processing of a light-emitting body by a computer terminal. It is a figure which shows an example of the transmission data sequence which a computer terminal produces | generates by rearranging display data. 18 is a timing chart showing the flow of communication processing in one transmission of display data in the light emitting device of FIG. It is a figure which shows the modification (crimp connector) of the connector. It is explanatory drawing which shows the arrangement | positioning position of the crimp connector of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the arrangement | positioning position of the pad used in combination with the crimp connector of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 Light-emitting device (light-emitting system)
2 luminous body 3 computer terminal (light emission control device, acquisition means, generation means, transmission means)
14 Power supply circuit (external power supply)
21 Single block (a kind of assembly block)
22 Standard block (a kind of assembly block)
23 diagonal block (a kind of assembly block)
24 Single input block (a kind of assembly block)
25 Single end block (a kind of assembly block)
51 LED elements (light emitting elements)
52 Dot control IC (control means)
56 Internal wall 61 Input connector (first connection part)
62 Output connector (second connection)
63 pin (connection terminal)
64 pin insertion hole (connection terminal)
71 Ground line 72 VCC line (power supply line)
73 Serial communication line (signal line, serial communication loop)
74 Return line (signal line, serial communication loop)
81 Receiver (Receiving means)
83 PWM signal generator (light emission control means)
86 Transmitter (Transmitter)

Claims (7)

A plurality of assembly blocks that are connected to each other to form a light emitter, and a light emission control device that is connected to the light emitter and transmits a command code used to control light emission in each of the assembly blocks;
The light emission control device
Acquisition means for acquiring information indicating a connection relationship of each of the assembly blocks with respect to the other assembly blocks in the light emitter from the plurality of assembly blocks;
Generating means for analyzing information indicating a plurality of the connection relations and generating connection reproduction data indicating a connection state of the plurality of assembly blocks in the light emitter;
Transmission means for transmitting a command code for individually controlling each of the plurality of assembly blocks by communication control based on the connection reproduction data;
A light emitting system comprising:   The light emitting system according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires, as information indicating the connection relationship, a type of each assembly block and information indicating a connection direction with other assembly blocks. . Each of the assembly blocks has a control means for controlling the respective light emission,
The plurality of control means constitutes one serial communication loop for transmitting and receiving the command codes in order together with the light emission control device by connecting the plurality of assembly blocks. Lighting system. The obtaining means obtains information indicating the connection relation of the plurality of assembly blocks received together with the transmitted command code after causing the transmission means to transmit a command code requesting the connection relation of the assembly blocks. ,
Each of the control means, after the received command code and information indicating the connection relationship of the assembly blocks generated by the other control means received, transmits information indicating its own connection relationship,
The generating means generates connection reproduction data under a condition in which the plurality of assembly blocks are connected in the order of reception of information indicating a connection relationship of the plurality of assembly blocks;
The light-emitting system according to claim 3.   The transmitting means rearranges the color data specifying the display colors of the plurality of assembly blocks based on the connection reproduction data in the order of the plurality of control means in the serial communication loop; The light-emitting system according to claim 3 or 4. The transmitting means transmits the latch command code after transmitting the color data to all the assembly blocks,
Each of the control means changes each display color to the color specified by the color data based on the reception of the latch command code,
The light-emitting system according to claim 5. The plurality of assembly blocks are connected to each other to constitute a communication path for transmitting and receiving communication data to and from the light emission control device,
The transmitting means transmits color data specifying the display color and the command code to each assembly block using the communication path,
The light-emitting system according to claim 1.

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