JP2013211218A - Luminaire and display device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a luminaire in which the amount of light emitted from a light source can be adjusted in an appropriate set range, even if the emission characteristics of the light source vary due to secular change or temperature change, and to provide a display device using the luminaire as a backlight.SOLUTION: The luminaire includes a setting unit 7 for receiving the setting of the amount of light desired by a user over the entire range of a light source 1 from the maximum amount of light to the minimum amount of light, a photosensor 5 for measuring the amount of light from the light source 1 and outputting a signal of a level corresponding to the amount of light, a target value calculation unit 4 for calculating a target value of the amount of light from the light source 1 on the basis of the setting received by the setting unit 7, and a light control unit 3 for adjusting a light control signal on the basis of an output from the photosensor 5 and the target value thus calculated. The luminaire is further provided with a determination unit 8 for determining whether or not the setting received by the setting unit 7 satisfies predetermined conditions.

Description

  The present invention relates to an illuminating device that stably lights at a set luminance, and more particularly to an illuminating device that can adjust the amount of light from a light source within an appropriate setting range and a liquid crystal display device that uses the illuminating device as a backlight.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there are lighting devices that can adjust the light amount of the lighting device according to the use time zone, use place, or user preference. When the surrounding environment is bright, the user may adjust the light amount of the lighting device so that the maximum brightness is obtained, and when the surrounding environment is dark, the light amount may be reduced to prevent eyes from getting tired. Some lighting devices automatically adjust the amount of light according to the illuminance of the surrounding environment. In particular, many liquid crystal display devices using such an illuminating device as a backlight can be adjusted by an OSD (On Screen Display) or the like so that an image can be displayed at a luminance or color temperature desired by the user.

  On the other hand, the light source used in the lighting device has a characteristic in which the light emission efficiency fluctuates with environmental factors such as aging and ambient temperature, so that the amount of light from the light source is feedback controlled to compensate for these. Yes.

  Patent Document 1 discloses an invention relating to a backlight luminance control device in a liquid crystal display device. The liquid crystal display device equipped with this device has a built-in optical sensor that detects the amount of light from the backlight, and the detection result of the amount of light when the backlight in the new use state is lit at the maximum brightness (after current-voltage conversion) The light intensity is detected with reference to (MAX), and the dimming signal is adjusted so that the brightness is set by the user.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-222129

  However, in the control device disclosed in Patent Document 1, although the light amount of the light source can be accurately controlled by feeding back the output from the optical sensor, the light emission efficiency of the light source fluctuates due to aging, ambient temperature, etc. There is a problem that the case where adjustment of the dimming signal becomes impossible is not taken into consideration.

  FIG. 27 is an explanatory view schematically showing a problem in the conventional lighting device. In FIG. 3, the horizontal axis indicates user setting values in 101 steps from 0 to 100, and the vertical axis indicates the amount of light from the light source in a graph.

  It is assumed that the maximum light intensity setting range of the light source used in the illumination device is 10% to 100%. In the graph, a indicates the maximum light amount setting range of the light source. For example, the conventional illumination device is configured such that the light source setting range is 10% to 90%, and the amount of light can be adjusted in 101 steps from 0 to 100. In the graph, b indicates the light amount setting range of the conventional lighting device. However, since the light source used in the lighting device varies in luminous efficiency with environmental factors such as aging and ambient temperature, the light amount of the light source is changed even if the user changes the set value as shown in c in the graph. May not change.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an illumination device capable of adjusting the light amount of a light source within an appropriate setting range even when the light emission characteristics of the light source fluctuate due to aging or temperature change. And a display device using the lighting device as a backlight.

  The illumination device according to the present invention receives a dimming signal, a light source whose light amount changes based on the dimming signal, and a setting for accepting a user-desired light amount setting in the entire range from the maximum light amount to the minimum light amount in the light source A target value for calculating a target value of the light amount from the light source based on a setting received by the setting unit, an optical sensor that measures a light amount from the light source and outputs a signal of a level corresponding to the light amount In a lighting device including a calculation unit and a dimming control unit that adjusts the dimming signal based on an output from the optical sensor and a calculated target value, whether the dimming feature amount of the light source satisfies a predetermined condition And a determination unit for determining whether or not.

  In the illumination device according to the present invention, the dimming feature value is a setting accepted by the setting unit, and the determination unit is configured such that the setting accepted by the setting unit is equal to or less than a first threshold value and / or the first. It is characterized by determining whether it is more than the 2nd threshold value smaller than this threshold value.

  The illumination device according to the present invention further includes a temperature sensor that detects an ambient temperature, and the target value calculation unit calculates a target value based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

  In the illumination device according to the present invention, the dimming feature value is an output from the optical sensor, and the determination unit has an output from the optical sensor equal to or lower than a first threshold value and / or smaller than the first threshold value. It is characterized by determining whether it is more than a 2nd threshold value.

  In the lighting device according to the present invention, the dimming feature value is a dimming signal adjusted by the dimming control unit, and the determination unit has a dimming signal adjusted by the dimming control unit as a first value. It is characterized in that it is determined whether or not the threshold is less than or equal to and / or greater than or equal to a second threshold smaller than the first threshold.

  In the illumination device according to the present invention, the dimming feature amount is a target value calculated by the target value calculation unit, and the determination unit determines that the target value calculated by the target value calculation unit is a first threshold value. It is characterized in that it is determined whether or not it is below or / and a second threshold value that is smaller than the first threshold value.

  The illumination device according to the present invention further includes a notification unit that notifies a user of the determination result of the determination unit, and the notification unit outputs an amount of light set by the user using the setting unit based on the determination result of the determination unit. It is characterized by notifying the user of availability.

  In the illumination device according to the present invention, when the determination unit determines that the dimming feature amount exceeds the first threshold value, or the dimming feature amount does not satisfy the second threshold value, the target value The calculation unit limits the setting range in the setting unit to a first light amount smaller than a maximum light amount in the light source and / or a second light amount range larger than a minimum light amount in the light source.

  In the illuminating device according to the present invention, when the setting range of the setting unit is limited, the dimming feature amount is not more than the first threshold and / or not less than the second threshold. The target value calculation unit cancels the restriction of the setting range in the setting unit.

  The illumination device according to the present invention is characterized in that the target calculation unit has a predetermined dead zone with respect to the dimming feature amount.

  In the lighting device according to the present invention, the notification unit performs notification when the setting range of the setting unit is limited by the target value calculation unit and when the limitation of the setting range of the setting unit is released. It is characterized by.

The illumination device according to the present invention is characterized in that the notification unit performs notification only when a determination result of the determination unit is changed.

  A display device according to the present invention includes any one of the above-described illumination devices, and displays an image by modulating light from the illumination device.

In the present invention, a light source capable of dimming is used, and based on the dimming feature amount of the light source, it is determined whether or not the light source can emit light with a setting desired by the user. The determination result is notified to the user by the notification unit.
As a notification method, a display color of a warning lamp using an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like may be changed, or a lighting state such as blinking may be changed. When the present invention is used as a backlight of a display device, display using OSD may be used. Thereby, even if the light emission efficiency of the light source varies due to temperature change, secular change, etc., the user can adjust the light amount of the light source within an appropriate setting range.

In the present invention, when the user sets the target light amount by operating the setting unit for the light amount from the light source, the first threshold value for the received setting and / or the second threshold value smaller than the first threshold value is set. Whether or not the light source can emit light with the setting desired by the user is determined depending on whether the received setting is equal to or less than the first threshold and / or equal to or greater than the second threshold. Thereby, even if the light emission efficiency of the light source varies due to secular change or the like, the user can adjust the light amount of the light source within an appropriate setting range.
At this time, the first threshold is an upper limit value of the amount of light that can be emitted even when the light emission efficiency of the light source varies due to changes over time, environmental temperature variations, and the like. The second threshold is This is the lower limit of the amount of light that can be emitted even when the light emission efficiency of the light source fluctuates due to changes over time, environmental temperature fluctuations, and the like.

  In the present invention, the target value is calculated based on the detection result of the ambient temperature (for example, the ambient temperature around the light source or the device), and the dimming signal is adjusted so that the target value is stabilized. This makes it possible to control the amount of light emitted from the light source more appropriately and accurately even when the ambient temperature changes such that the light emission efficiency of the light source fluctuates.

In the present invention, when the light quantity from the light source is measured by the optical sensor and the light control at the light source is controlled based on the target value of the characteristic of the light from the light source and the measurement result, the first threshold for the output of the optical sensor. Or / and having a second threshold value smaller than the first threshold value, and depending on whether or not the accepted setting is less than or equal to the first threshold value and / or greater than or equal to the second threshold value, the light source has a setting desired by the user. It is determined whether or not light emission is possible. Accordingly, even when the light emission efficiency of the light source varies due to changes over time, environmental temperature variations, or the like, the user can adjust the light amount of the light source within an appropriate setting range.
At this time, the first threshold value is an upper limit value of the optical sensor value corresponding to the amount of light that can be emitted even when the light emission efficiency of the light source varies due to secular change or environmental temperature variation. The threshold value 2 is a lower limit value of an optical sensor value corresponding to the amount of light that can be emitted even when the light emission efficiency of the light source fluctuates due to a secular change or a change in environmental temperature.

In the present invention, the amount of light from the light source is measured by an optical sensor, and the light adjustment at the light source is controlled based on the target value of the characteristic of the light from the light source and the measurement result. The user has a first threshold value for the optical signal and / or a second threshold value smaller than the first threshold value, and the user determines whether the accepted setting is equal to or less than the first threshold value and / or equal to or greater than the second threshold value. Determines whether the light source can emit light with the desired setting. Accordingly, even when the light emission efficiency of the light source varies due to changes over time, environmental temperature variations, or the like, the user can adjust the light amount of the light source within an appropriate setting range.
At this time, the first threshold value is an upper limit value of the dimming signal value corresponding to the amount of light that can be emitted even when the light emission efficiency of the light source varies due to secular change, environmental temperature variation, etc. The second threshold is a lower limit value of the dimming signal value corresponding to the fact that light can be emitted even when the light emission efficiency of the light source fluctuates due to changes over time, environmental temperature fluctuations, and the like.

In the present invention, when the user operates the setting unit to set the target light amount, and the target value is calculated based on the accepted setting, the first threshold value for the target value calculated by the target value calculating unit or The light source emits light with a setting desired by the user depending on whether the received setting is less than or equal to the first threshold and / or greater than or equal to the second threshold. Determine whether it is possible. As a result, it is possible to avoid a change in the amount of light while waiting for feedback, and even when the light emission efficiency of the light source varies due to aging, environmental temperature variations, etc., the user can set the light amount of the light source within an appropriate setting range. It is possible to adjust.
At this time, the first threshold value is an upper limit value of the target value corresponding to the amount of light that can be emitted even when the light emission efficiency of the light source varies due to aging, environmental temperature fluctuation, or the like. This threshold value is a lower limit value of the target value corresponding to the fact that light emission can occur even when the light emission efficiency of the light source varies due to changes over time, environmental temperature variations, and the like.

In the present invention, a light source capable of dimming is used, and based on the dimming feature amount of the light source, it is determined whether or not the light source can emit light with a setting desired by the user. The determination result is notified to the user by the notification unit.
As a notification method, a display color of a warning lamp using an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like may be changed, or a lighting state such as blinking may be changed. When the present invention is used as a backlight of a display device, display using OSD may be used. Thereby, even if the light emission efficiency of the light source varies due to temperature change, secular change, etc., the user can adjust the light amount of the light source within an appropriate setting range.

  In the present invention, when the determination unit determines that the dimming feature amount satisfies a predetermined condition, the light amount can be set in a range from the maximum light amount to the minimum light amount. On the other hand, when it is determined by the determination unit that the dimming feature amount does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the target value calculation unit determines the first light amount smaller than the maximum light amount and / or the second light amount range larger than the minimum light amount. The first light amount smaller than the maximum light amount or the second light amount larger than the minimum light amount is automatically set. Thereby, even when the light quantity that the light source cannot emit is set, it is possible to automatically set the optimum light quantity.

  In the present invention, when the target value calculation unit limits the setting range of the setting unit, the target value calculation is performed when the dimming feature amount changes to a value satisfying a predetermined condition due to a change in environmental temperature or the like. The part releases the restriction of the setting range of the setting part. As a result, even when the setting range of the setting unit is limited, if the light source can emit light with a light amount set by the user due to a change in environmental temperature or the like, the light amount is automatically reset to the optimum light amount. It is possible to set.

In the present invention, when the restriction of the light amount setting range is released according to the light control feature amount, the dead zone for the light control feature amount is set, so that the light amount setting range restriction and restriction release are not frequently switched.
The dead zone here has a first threshold value for the dimming feature value of the light source and a first tolerance corresponding thereto, and the difference between the dimming feature value and the first threshold value is the first tolerance. If it is smaller than that, the limitation of the light amount setting range is not released. Similarly, for the second threshold value smaller than the first threshold value, a second margin is provided, and the light amount setting range when the difference between the dimming feature amount and the second threshold value is smaller than the second tolerance. Suppose that there is no limit.
At this time, the difference between the first threshold and the third threshold and the difference between the second threshold and the fourth threshold serving as a reference for canceling the restriction of the setting range is the fluctuation of the environmental temperature or the optical sensor. It is preferable to set in consideration of the ripple and noise level of the output signal.
Furthermore, as a second method, hysteresis is given to the restriction cancellation of the light amount setting range. That is, the limitation of the light amount setting range according to the dimming feature amount of the light source and the determination of the restriction release are controlled based on not only the first threshold value but also the third threshold value that is smaller than the first threshold value. Similarly, the second threshold value smaller than the first threshold value is controlled on the basis of the fourth threshold value larger than the second threshold value. As a result, it is possible to avoid changing the light amount setting range restriction and restriction release switching too frequently.

  In the present invention, the notification unit performs notification when the setting range of the setting unit is limited by the target value calculation unit and when the limitation of the setting range of the setting unit is released. Accordingly, it is possible to avoid a state in which the light amount setting range is constantly notified, and to notify the user of the appropriate light amount setting range without feeling troublesome.

  In the present invention, the determination result is notified to the user only when the determination result of the determination unit is changed. Thereby, it is possible to avoid the state in which the determination result is constantly notified, and to notify whether the light source can emit light with a desired setting without feeling troublesome for the user.

  In the case of the present invention, since it is possible to determine whether or not the light amount can be set and to switch the light amount setting range according to the dimming feature amount of the light source, even if the light emission characteristics of the light source fluctuate due to aging or temperature change, The amount of light can be adjusted within an appropriate setting range.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a lighting device according to Embodiment 1. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for setting luminance confirmation executed by the lighting apparatus in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a lighting device in a second embodiment. 12 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for setting luminance confirmation executed by the lighting apparatus in the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a lighting device in a third embodiment. 12 is a flowchart showing a measurement value confirmation processing procedure executed by the lighting apparatus in the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a lighting device in a fourth embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a dimming signal check performed by the illumination device in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a lighting device in a fifth embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for target luminance confirmation executed by the illumination device in the fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a lighting device in a sixth embodiment. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for target luminance value restriction that is executed by the illumination device according to the sixth embodiment. 23 is a flowchart showing another target luminance value restriction processing procedure executed by the lighting apparatus in the sixth embodiment. 22 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for releasing the target luminance value restriction, which is executed by the lighting apparatus in the sixth embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the illuminating device in the modification 1 of Embodiment 6. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the illuminating device in the modification 2 of Embodiment 6. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the illuminating device in the modification 3 of Embodiment 6. FIG. FIG. 38 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a lighting device in a seventh embodiment. 32 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for releasing the target luminance value restriction that is executed by the lighting apparatus according to the seventh embodiment. 32 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for releasing the target luminance value restriction that is executed by the lighting apparatus according to the seventh embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the illuminating device in the modification 1 of Embodiment 7. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the illuminating device in the modification 2 of Embodiment 7. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the illuminating device in the modification 3 of Embodiment 7. FIG. FIG. 38 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a lighting device according to Embodiment 8. FIG. 38 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a lighting device in a modification of the eighth embodiment. FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of a display device in Embodiment 9. It is explanatory drawing which shows the subject in the conventional illuminating device typically.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof.

<Embodiment 1>
In the first embodiment, the threshold value for the high luminance region is stored in the storage unit 9 for the luminance setting value, and the determination unit 8 determines whether or not the light amount can be set based on the threshold value.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a lighting device according to Embodiment 1. The lighting device in Embodiment 1 may be a lighting device used as a backlight in a display device as will be described later, or may be lighting that illuminates the interior and exterior. The lighting device includes a light source 1, a light source driving unit 2 that drives the light source 1, a dimming control unit 3 that outputs a dimming signal to the light source driving unit 2, and a target luminance value that the dimming control unit 3 targets. The target value calculation unit 4 to be calculated, the optical sensor 5 that measures the amount of light from the light source 1, the measurement value acquisition unit 6 that acquires the measurement value from the signal output from the optical sensor 5, and the light amount of the light source 1 are set. A setting unit 7, a determination unit 8 that determines whether or not the light amount set by operating the setting unit 7 can be output from the light source 1, and a storage unit 9 that stores a first threshold value 9a in advance. And a notification unit 10 that notifies the determination result of the determination unit 8.

  The light source 1 uses, for example, an LED. The light source 1 may be a CCFL (Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp), an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode), or a laser light source.

  The light source driver 2 controls the drive current to the light source 1 based on the input dimming signal.

  The dimming control unit 3 compares the target luminance value obtained from the target value calculation unit 4 with the light amount from the light source 1 obtained from the measurement value acquisition unit 6 so that the light amount from the light source 1 matches the target value. A light control signal by PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control is given to the light source drive unit 2. Note that the dimming control unit 3 is not limited to the PWM control, and the dimming control by the dimming control unit 3 may be controlled using a dimming signal by DC (Direct Current) control.

  The target value calculation unit 4 is a preset target luminance value, or a set luminance value set by a user by operating the setting unit 7 or a detection value obtained by various sensors, as will be described in the following embodiments. Based on the above, the target luminance value of the light source 1 is calculated and supplied to the dimming control unit 3. The target value calculation unit 4 calculates a target value for other characteristics of light from the light source 1 such as a target chromaticity value, a target emission intensity value, or a target tristimulus value instead of the target luminance value, and dimming You may make it give to the control part 3. FIG.

  The optical sensor 5 uses a light receiving element such as a phototransistor or a photodiode, for example, and outputs a current value corresponding to the detected light amount.

  The measurement value acquisition unit 6 converts the output from the optical sensor 5 into current and voltage, includes an AD converter, converts an analog signal (voltage value) into a digital measurement value, and outputs the digital measurement value.

  The setting unit 7 is configured to accept the setting of the luminance value by the user. Of course, the accepted setting value may be not only a luminance value but also a chromaticity value, a light emission intensity value, or a tristimulus value. The setting unit 7 is composed of buttons and the like provided on the lighting device, and can be pressed by the user. For example, there are a “plus” button and a “minus” button, and each time the user presses these buttons, the maximum light amount may be continuous from the minimum light amount, or may be set to be increased or decreased by a certain value. Good. When the lighting device is used as a backlight of the display device, the set luminance value is displayed by the OSD of the display device, and the light amount is set by the user operating a button or the like provided on the display device body.

  The determination unit 8 can read the threshold value 9a stored in the storage unit 9 in advance. The determination unit 8 determines whether the set luminance value N1 (dimming feature amount) set by the operation of the setting unit 7 is equal to or less than the threshold value 9a stored in the storage unit 9, and the set luminance value N1 is the threshold value If it is smaller than 9a, the brightness value set by the user is determined to be valid, and if it is greater than or equal to the threshold value 9a, the brightness value set by the user is determined to be invalid.

  The storage unit 9 stores a threshold value 9a in advance. The threshold value 9a is an upper limit value of the luminance that can be output by the light source 1 even when the light emission efficiency of the light source varies due to changes over time, environmental temperature variations, or the like.

The notification unit 10 notifies the user of the determination result of the determination unit 8. As a notification method, the display color of a warning lamp using an LED or the like may be changed, or the lighting state such as blinking may be changed. When the present invention is used as a backlight of a display device, the determination result of the determination unit 8 may be notified using the OSD, or a warning display that prompts the user to reset the luminance value may be used.
In addition, it is preferable that the notification part 10 notifies only when the determination result of the determination part 8 is changed.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for setting luminance confirmation executed by the lighting apparatus according to the first embodiment. The lighting device performs the following processing at the time of activation or when a trigger that changes the set luminance value occurs.

  In order to determine whether or not the light quantity can be set, the determination unit 8 acquires the set luminance value N1 from the setting unit 7 (step S1), and determines whether or not the acquired set luminance value N1 exceeds the threshold value 9a read from the storage unit 9. (Step S2). If the determination unit 8 determines that the set luminance value N1 is equal to or less than the threshold value 9a (S2: YES), the process proceeds to step S4 as it is. If the determination unit 8 determines that the set luminance value N1 exceeds the threshold value 9a (S2: NO), the notification unit 10 notifies that the luminance value set by the user is invalid (step S3). At this time, the notification unit 10 may always notify, but it is desirable to end the notification after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the notification display. Note that the determination result of the determination unit 8 is temporarily stored in a rewritable memory element such as SRAM or DRAM (not shown). If the latest determination result matches the previous determination result, step S3 is performed. Is omitted, and the process proceeds to step S4 as it is.

  The lighting device calculates a target luminance value by the target value calculation unit 4 (step S4). The dimming control unit 3 adjusts the pulse width based on the calculated target luminance value and outputs a dimming signal (step S5).

  For feedback control, the lighting device obtains a measurement value from the optical sensor 5 (step S6), compares it with the calculated target luminance value, adjusts the pulse width so as to approach the target luminance value, and performs dimming A signal is output (step S7).

  The lighting device returns the process to step S6 after step S7. The dimming control unit 3 acquires the measurement value based on the output from the amplified optical sensor 5 from the measurement value acquisition unit 6 (step S6), compares the measurement value with the calculated target luminance value, and sets the target value. The process of outputting the dimming signal by adjusting the pulse width so as to approach the luminance value (step S7) is repeated. The lighting device repeats the processes in steps S6 to S7 until the lighting device is turned off or the light quantity is stabilized, and controls the light source 1 to emit light stably at the set luminance value.

  In the first embodiment, it is determined whether or not the light amount can be set in the high luminance area, but it is also possible to determine whether or not the light amount can be set in the low luminance area with the same configuration. At this time, the threshold value 9a stored in advance in the storage unit 9 is a lower limit value of the luminance that can be output by the light source 1 even when the light emission efficiency of the light source varies due to secular change or the environmental temperature variation. . The determination unit 8 determines whether or not the set brightness value N1 is greater than or equal to the threshold value 9a in step S2 of FIG. 2, and the determination unit 8 determines that the set brightness value N1 is greater than or equal to the threshold value (S2: YES). Advances the process to step S4 as it is. When the determination unit 8 determines that the set luminance value N1 is less than the threshold value 9a (S2: NO), the notification unit 10 notifies that the luminance value set by the user is invalid (step S3). .

  As a result, it is possible to determine whether or not the light amount can be set according to the set luminance value. Therefore, even when the light emission characteristics of the light source fluctuate due to aging, etc., the light amount of the light source can be adjusted within an appropriate setting range. it can.

  In carrying out the present invention, various forms are conceivable as specific configurations of the determination unit 8 and the target calculation unit 4. Each of the embodiments will be described below in Embodiments 2 to 9. In each of the second to ninth embodiments, among the components of the lighting device of the present invention described above, the components that are not changed are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted.

<Embodiment 2>
In the second embodiment, a plurality of threshold values for the high luminance region and the low luminance region are stored in the storage unit 9 for the luminance setting value N1, and the determination unit 8 determines whether or not the light amount can be set based on the plurality of threshold values. .

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the lighting apparatus according to the second embodiment. The illumination device according to Embodiment 2 includes a determination unit 81 that refers to a storage unit 91 in which two threshold values are stored.

  The determination unit 81 in the second embodiment can read out the first threshold 9ah and the second threshold 9al stored in the storage unit 91. When the luminance setting value N1 (dimming feature amount) acquired from the setting unit 7 is equal to or less than the first threshold value 9ah and greater than or equal to the second threshold value 9al stored in the storage unit 91, the determination unit 81 When it is determined that the brightness value set by the user is valid and the brightness setting value N1 acquired from the setting unit 7 exceeds the first threshold value 9ah stored in the storage unit 91, or the second threshold value 9al is set. If not, it is determined that the brightness value set by the user is invalid.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for setting luminance confirmation executed by the lighting apparatus according to the second embodiment. The lighting device performs the following processing at the time of activation or when a trigger that changes the set luminance value occurs. Note that, among the processing procedures shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4, the same procedures as those in the flowchart of FIG. 2 are denoted by the same step numbers and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The determination unit 81 acquires the set luminance value N1 from the setting unit 7 (step S1), and determines whether or not the acquired set luminance value N1 is equal to or less than the first threshold value 9ah read from the storage unit 91 ( Step S21). When the determination unit 81 determines that the set luminance value N1 exceeds the first threshold 9ah (S21: NO), the notification unit 10 notifies that the luminance value set by the user is invalid (step S21). S3) When the determination unit 81 determines that the set brightness value N1 is equal to or less than the first threshold value 9ah (S21: YES), the set brightness value N1 is further read from the storage unit 91. It is determined whether it is 9al or more (step S22). When the determination unit 81 determines that the set luminance value N1 is less than the second threshold 9al (S22: NO), the notification unit 10 notifies that the luminance value set by the user is invalid (step S22). S3) When the determination unit 81 determines that the set brightness value N1 is equal to or greater than the second threshold 9al (S22: YES), the process proceeds directly to step S4.

As a result, it is possible to determine whether or not the light amount can be set from the high luminance region to the low luminance region. Therefore, even when the light emission characteristics of the light source fluctuate due to aging, etc., the high luminance region reaches the low luminance region. Until then, it is possible to adjust the light quantity of the light source within an appropriate setting range.

<Embodiment 3>
In the third embodiment, the lighting device includes a temperature sensor, and the target luminance value is calculated based on the ambient temperature as well as the light amount set by the setting unit 7. In the third embodiment, the timing for determining whether or not the light quantity can be set by the determination unit 8 is the time when the output from the optical sensor 5 is acquired.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the lighting apparatus according to the third embodiment. The lighting device in Embodiment 3 includes not only the setting unit 7 but also a target value calculation unit 41 to which the temperature sensor 11 is connected, a determination unit 82 that determines whether or not the light amount can be set using an output from the optical sensor 5 as a trigger, A storage unit 92 that stores a threshold corresponding to the output from the optical sensor 5 is provided. Other configurations are the same as those in the second embodiment, and thus the same reference numerals are given and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

  In addition, the target value calculation unit 41 of the lighting device in the third embodiment is connected not only to the temperature sensor 11 but also to a sensor group 20 such as an illuminance sensor, a color sensor, a human sensor, an angular velocity sensor, and an acceleration sensor. Also good.

  The temperature sensor 11 measures the ambient temperature of the light source 1 and outputs a measurement result.

  The target value calculation unit 41 calculates the target luminance value so as to reduce the light intensity to, for example, 60% of the maximum luminance when the ambient temperature obtained by the temperature sensor 11 becomes higher than a predetermined temperature.

  Even when connected to the sensor group 20, the target luminance calculation unit 41 has no person around the lighting device when the illuminance of the place illuminated from the light source 1 by the illuminance sensor is lower than a predetermined value or by the human sensor. In some cases, the target luminance value is calculated to be reduced. In addition, each time the lighting device is detected to be moved by the angular velocity sensor or acceleration sensor, the target luminance value is increased, or conversely, the target luminance value is decreased when the lighting device has not been moved for a certain period. It may be calculated as if

  The determination unit 82 according to the third embodiment can read the first threshold value 9bh and the second threshold value 9bl stored in the storage unit 92. The determination unit 82 determines that the measurement value N2 (dimming feature amount) acquired from the measurement value acquisition unit 7 is equal to or less than the first threshold 9bh stored in the storage unit 92 and equal to or greater than the second threshold 9bl. Determines that the brightness value set by the user is valid and the measured value N2 acquired from the measured value acquisition unit 6 exceeds the first threshold value 9bh stored in the storage unit 92, or the second threshold value If it is less than 9bl, it is determined that the brightness value set by the user is invalid.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a measurement value confirmation processing procedure executed by the lighting apparatus according to the third embodiment. The lighting device performs the following processing when the set luminance value is changed or the environmental temperature is changed at the time of activation. Of the processing procedures shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6, the same procedures as those in the flowchart of FIG. 2 are denoted by the same step numbers, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The illuminating device acquires the output from the optical sensor 5 by the measurement value acquisition unit 6. The acquired measurement value is input to the dimming control unit 3 and the determination unit 82.

  The determination unit 82 acquires the measurement value N2 from the measurement value acquisition unit 6 (step S61), and determines whether or not the acquired measurement value N2 is equal to or less than the first threshold 9bh read from the storage unit 92 ( Step S62). If the determination unit 82 determines that the measurement value N2 exceeds the first threshold 9bh (S62: NO), the notification unit 10 notifies that the luminance value set by the user is invalid (step S64). When the determination unit 82 determines that the measurement value N2 is equal to or less than the first threshold value 9bh (SS62: YES), the determination unit 82 further determines whether the measurement value N2 is equal to or greater than the second threshold value 9bl. (Step S63). When it is determined that the measured value N2 is less than the second threshold value 9bl (S63: NO), the notification unit 10 notifies that the luminance value set by the user is invalid (step S64), and the determination unit 82 If it is determined that the measured value N2 is greater than or equal to the second threshold 9bl (S63: YES), the process proceeds to step 7 as it is.

<Embodiment 4>
In the fourth embodiment, the timing for determining whether or not the light amount can be set by the determination unit 8 is the time when the dimming signal is adjusted.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a lighting device according to Embodiment 4. The illuminating device according to the fourth embodiment includes a determination unit 83 that determines whether the light amount can be set by using the output from the dimming control unit 3 as a trigger, and a storage unit 93 that stores a threshold corresponding to the output from the dimming control unit 3. Is provided. Other configurations are the same as those in the third embodiment, and thus the same reference numerals are given and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

  The determination unit 83 according to the fourth embodiment can read the first threshold value 9ch and the second threshold value 9cl stored in the storage unit 93. When the light control signal N3 (light control feature amount) acquired from the light control unit 3 is equal to or less than the first threshold value 9ch and greater than or equal to the second threshold value 9cl stored in the storage unit 93, the determination unit 83 If the brightness value set by the user is determined to be valid and the dimming signal N3 acquired from the dimming control unit 3 exceeds the first threshold value 9ch stored in the storage unit 93, or the second When the threshold value 9cl is not satisfied, it is determined that the luminance value set by the user is invalid.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the dimming signal confirmation process executed by the lighting apparatus in the fourth embodiment. The lighting device performs the following processing when the set luminance value is changed or the environmental temperature is changed at the time of activation. Of the processing procedures shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8, the same procedures as those in the flowchart of FIG. 2 are denoted by the same step numbers, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In the lighting device, the dimming control unit 3 adjusts the dimming signal (step S71). The adjusted light control signal is input to the light source drive unit 2 and the determination unit 8.

  The determination unit 83 determines whether or not the adjusted dimming signal N3 is equal to or less than the first threshold value 9ch read from the storage unit 93 (step S72). If the determination unit 83 determines that the dimming signal N3 exceeds the first threshold 9ch (S72: NO), the notification unit 10 notifies that the luminance value set by the user is invalid (step S74). ) When determining that the dimming signal N3 is equal to or less than the first threshold 9ch (S72: YES), the determination unit 83 further determines whether the dimming signal N3 is equal to or greater than the second threshold 9cl. Is determined (step S73). When the determination unit 83 determines that the dimming signal N3 is less than the second threshold value 9cl (S74: NO), the notification unit 10 notifies that the luminance value set by the user is invalid ( If the determination unit 83 determines that the dimming signal N3 is greater than or equal to the second threshold 9cl (S73: YES), the process proceeds directly to step S6.

  In the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment, the light quantity of the light source can be adjusted within an appropriate setting range even when there is a change in the apparatus or the surrounding environment where the target luminance of the light source needs to be changed. Is possible.

<Embodiment 5>
In the fifth embodiment, the timing for determining whether or not the light quantity can be set by the determination unit 8 is the time when the target luminance value is calculated.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the lighting apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. The illumination device according to the fifth embodiment includes a determination unit 84 that determines whether or not the light amount can be set using an output from the target value calculation unit 41 as a trigger, and a storage unit 94 that stores a threshold corresponding to the output from the target value calculation unit 41. . Other configurations are the same as those in the third embodiment, and thus the same reference numerals are given and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

  The determination unit 84 in the fifth embodiment can read out the first threshold 9dh and the second threshold 9dl stored in the storage unit 94. When the target luminance value N4 (dimming feature amount) obtained from the target calculation unit 41 is equal to or less than the first threshold 9dh stored in the storage unit 94 and equal to or greater than the second threshold 9dl, the determination unit 84 Determines that the brightness value set by the user is valid and the target brightness value N4 obtained from the target calculation unit 41 exceeds the first threshold value 9dh stored in the storage unit 94, or the second threshold value If it is less than 9 dl, it is determined that the luminance value set by the user is invalid.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a target luminance value confirmation processing procedure executed by the lighting apparatus in the fifth embodiment. The lighting device performs the following processing when the set luminance value is changed or the environmental temperature is changed at the time of activation. Of the processing procedures shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10, the same procedures as those in the flowchart of FIG. 2 are denoted by the same step numbers and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The lighting device calculates a target luminance value by the target value calculation unit 41 (step S41). The calculated target luminance value is input to the dimming control unit 3 and the determination unit 8.

  The determination unit 84 determines whether or not the calculated target luminance value N4 is equal to or greater than the first threshold value 9dh read from the storage unit 94 (step S42). If the determination unit 84 determines that the target luminance value N4 exceeds the first threshold value 9dh (S42: NO), the notification unit 10 notifies that the luminance value set by the user is invalid (step S44). ) When determining that the target luminance value N4 is equal to or less than the first threshold value 9dh (S42: YES), the determination unit 84 further determines whether the target luminance value N4 is equal to or greater than the second threshold value 9dl. Is determined (step S43). When the determination unit 84 determines that the target luminance value N4 is less than the second threshold 9dl (S43: NO), the notification unit 10 notifies that the luminance value set by the user is invalid ( If the determination unit 84 determines that the target luminance value N4 is equal to or greater than the second threshold value 9dl (S43: YES), the process proceeds directly to step S5.

  In the fifth embodiment, since it is determined whether or not the light intensity can be set for the calculated target luminance value, the light intensity of the light source is appropriately set without having to wait for a feedback cycle in order to actually acquire the measurement value by the optical sensor 5. It is possible to adjust within the setting range.

<Embodiment 6>
In the sixth embodiment, when the determination unit 8 determines that the luminance value set by the user is invalid, the target calculation unit 4 recalculates the target luminance value so that the luminance value set by the user satisfies a predetermined condition. The configuration.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the lighting apparatus according to the sixth embodiment. The lighting device according to Embodiment 6 includes a target value calculation unit 42 that recalculates the target luminance value when the determination unit 8 determines that the luminance value set by the user is invalid. Since other configurations are the same as those in the fifth embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

  The determination unit 84 in the sixth embodiment can read out the first threshold 9dh and the second threshold 9dl stored in the storage unit 94. The determination unit 84 is set by the user when the target luminance value N4 obtained from the target calculation unit 42 is equal to or less than the first threshold 9dh stored in the storage unit 94 and equal to or greater than the second threshold 9dl. When it is determined that the luminance value is valid and the target luminance value N4 obtained from the target calculation unit 42 exceeds the first threshold value 9dh stored in the storage unit 94, or when the luminance value is less than the second threshold value 9dl Determines that the luminance value set by the user is invalid.

  When the determination unit 84 determines that the luminance value set by the user is invalid, the target calculation unit 42 recalculates the target luminance value so that the luminance value set by the user satisfies a predetermined condition.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for target luminance value restriction executed by the lighting apparatus according to the sixth embodiment. The lighting device performs the following processing when the set luminance value is changed or the environmental temperature is changed at the time of activation. Of the processing procedures shown in the flowchart of FIG. 12, the same procedures as those in the flowchart of FIG. 10 are denoted by the same step numbers, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The lighting device calculates a target luminance value by the target value calculation unit 41 (step S401). The calculated target luminance value is input to the dimming control unit 3 and the determination unit 8.

  The determination unit 84 determines whether or not the calculated target luminance value N4 is equal to or greater than the first threshold value 9dh read from the storage unit 94 (step S402). When the determination unit 84 determines that the target luminance value N4 exceeds the first threshold value 9dh (S402: NO), the notification unit 10 confirms whether or not the target luminance value needs to be changed (step S405). . When the user permits the change of the target luminance value N4 (S405: YES), the target value calculation unit 42 recalculates the target luminance value N4 ′ so that the target luminance value N4 becomes equal to or less than the first threshold value 9dh (Step S405). In step S406, the notification unit 10 notifies that the target luminance value N4 is limited to the target luminance value N4 ′ (step S407). When the user does not permit the change of the target luminance value N4 (S405: NO), the notification unit 10 notifies that the luminance value set by the user is invalid. If the determination unit 84 determines that the target luminance value N4 is equal to or less than the first threshold value 9dh (S402: YES), the determination unit 84 further determines whether the target luminance value N4 is equal to or greater than the second threshold value 9dl. (Step S403). If the determination unit 84 determines that the target luminance value N4 is less than the second threshold value 9dl (S403: NO), the notification unit 10 confirms whether or not the target luminance value needs to be changed (step S405). ). When the user permits the change of the target luminance value N4 (S405: YES), the target value calculation unit 42 recalculates the target luminance value N4 ″ so that the target luminance value N4 becomes equal to or greater than the second threshold 9dl. Then, the notification unit 10 notifies that the target luminance value N4 is limited to the target luminance value N4 ″ (step S407). When the user does not permit the change of the target luminance value N4 (S405: NO), the notification unit 10 notifies that the luminance value set by the user is invalid. If the determination unit 84 determines that the target luminance value N4 is equal to or greater than the second threshold value 9dl (S403: YES), the process proceeds directly to step S5.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing another target luminance value restriction processing procedure executed by the lighting apparatus according to the sixth embodiment. The lighting device that executes the process of FIG. 12 is configured to inquire the user whether or not the target luminance value needs to be changed. However, the lighting device that executes the process of FIG. 13 is configured to automatically change the target luminance value. To do. The lighting device performs the following processing when the set luminance value is changed or the environmental temperature is changed at the time of activation. Of the processing procedures shown in the flowchart of FIG. 13, the same procedures as those in the flowchart of FIG. 12 are denoted by the same step numbers, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The determination unit 84 determines whether or not the calculated target luminance value N4 is equal to or greater than the first threshold value 9dh read from the storage unit 94 (step S402). When the determination unit 84 determines that the target luminance value N4 exceeds the first threshold 9dh (S402: NO), the target value calculation unit 42 sets the target luminance value N4 to be equal to or less than the first threshold 9dh. The brightness value N4 ′ is recalculated (step S406), and the notification unit 10 notifies that the target brightness value N4 has been changed to the target brightness value N4 ′, that is, the set brightness value has been automatically changed (step S407). If the determination unit 84 determines that the target luminance value N4 is equal to or less than the first threshold value 9dh (S402: YES), the determination unit 84 further determines whether the target luminance value N4 is equal to or greater than the second threshold value 9dl. (Step S403). When the determination unit 84 determines that the target luminance value N4 is less than the second threshold value 9dl (S403: NO), the target value calculation unit 42 sets the target luminance value N4 to be equal to or greater than the second threshold value 9dl. The target luminance value N4 ″ is recalculated (step S406), and the notification unit 10 notifies that the target luminance value N4 is changed to the target luminance value N4 ″, that is, the set luminance value is automatically limited ( Step S407). If the determination unit 84 determines that the target luminance value N4 is equal to or greater than the second threshold value 9dl (S403: YES), the process proceeds directly to step S5.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for releasing the target luminance value restriction, which is executed by the lighting apparatus according to the sixth embodiment. The lighting device performs the following process when the set brightness value is changed or the environmental temperature is changed in a state where the set brightness value is changed or the environmental temperature is changed in a state where the target brightness value is recalculated by the target value calculation unit 42. Of the processing procedures shown in the flowchart of FIG. 14, the same procedures as those in the flowchart of FIG. 12 are denoted by the same step numbers, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The determination unit 84 determines whether or not the calculated target luminance value N4 is equal to or greater than the first threshold value 9dh read from the storage unit 94 (step S402). When the determination unit 84 determines that the target luminance value N4 exceeds the first threshold 9dh (S402: NO), the target value calculation unit 42 causes the target luminance value N4 to be equal to or less than the first threshold 9dh. The target luminance value N4 ′ is recalculated and the target luminance value restriction state is maintained (step S410). If the determination unit 84 determines that the target luminance value N4 is equal to or less than the first threshold value 9dh (S402: YES), the determination unit 84 further determines whether the target luminance value N4 is equal to or greater than the second threshold value 9dl. (Step S403). If the determination unit 84 determines that the target luminance value N4 is less than the second threshold value 9dl (S403: NO), the notification unit 10 notifies the upper limit restriction release of the target luminance value (step S408), The target value calculation unit 42 recalculates the target luminance value N4 ″ so that the target luminance value N4 is equal to or greater than the second threshold 9dl, and maintains the target luminance value restricted state (step S410). If the determination unit 84 determines that the target luminance value N4 is equal to or greater than the second threshold 9dl (S403: YES), the notification unit 10 notifies the target luminance value restriction release (step S409).

  In the sixth embodiment, since the set brightness value is automatically changed based on the recalculated target brightness value, the light quantity of the light source can be automatically adjusted to an appropriate setting without any special operation by the user. It is.

<Modification 1>
As in the first and second embodiments, the determination unit 8 or the determination unit 81 obtains the set luminance value N1 from the setting unit 7, and the determination unit 8 or the determination unit 81 includes the set luminance value N1 and the threshold value. It is also possible to determine whether or not the light amount can be set according to the comparison, and when the set luminance value is invalid, the target calculation unit 42 may calculate the target luminance value again. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the lighting device in the first modification of the sixth embodiment.

<Modification 2>
As in the third embodiment, a determination unit 82 that acquires the measurement value N2 from the measurement value acquisition unit 6 is provided, and the determination unit 82 determines whether or not the light amount can be set according to the comparison between the measurement value N2 and the threshold value. When the set brightness value is invalid, the target calculation unit 42 may calculate the target brightness value again. FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the illumination device in the second modification of the sixth embodiment.

<Modification 3>
Further, as in the fourth embodiment, a determination unit 83 that acquires the dimming signal N3 from the dimming control unit 3 is provided, and the determination unit 83 determines whether or not the light amount can be set according to a comparison between the dimming signal N3 and a threshold value. However, when the set luminance value is invalid, the target calculation unit 42 may calculate the target luminance value again. FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the lighting device in the third modification of the sixth embodiment.

<Embodiment 7>
In the seventh embodiment, hysteresis is given to the determination of the target luminance value restriction release by the determination unit 8.

  FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the lighting apparatus according to the seventh embodiment. The illumination device according to the seventh embodiment includes a determination unit 85 that refers to a storage unit 95 in which two threshold values and two tolerances corresponding to the threshold values are stored. Other configurations are the same as those in the sixth embodiment, and thus the same reference numerals are given and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The determination unit 85 in the seventh embodiment can read out the first threshold 9dh, the first tolerance 9dhm, the second threshold 9dl, and the second tolerance dlm stored in the storage unit 85. It is. The determination unit 85 is set by the user when the target luminance value N4 obtained from the target calculation unit 43 is equal to or less than the first threshold value 9dh stored in the storage unit 95 and equal to or greater than the second threshold value 9dl. When it is determined that the luminance value is valid and the target luminance value N4 obtained from the target calculation unit 42 exceeds the first threshold value 9dh stored in the storage unit 94, or when the luminance value is less than the second threshold value 9dl Determines that the luminance value set by the user is invalid, and the target value calculation unit 43 recalculates the target luminance value so that the luminance value set by the user satisfies a predetermined condition. When the target brightness value is limited by the target value calculation unit 43 and there is a change in the set brightness value or a change in the ambient temperature, the determination unit 85 determines that the target brightness value N4 obtained from the target calculation unit 43 is When the first threshold value 9dh or less stored in the storage unit 95 and the difference between the target luminance value N4 and the first threshold value 9dh stored in the storage unit 95 is greater than or equal to the first tolerance 9dhm, or The target luminance value N4 obtained from the target calculation unit 43 is not less than the second threshold value 9dl stored in the storage unit 95, and the difference between the target luminance value N4 and the second threshold value 9dl is not less than the second tolerance 9dlm. In this case, it is determined that the luminance value set by the user is valid, and the restriction state of the target luminance value is released.

  19 and 20 are flowcharts showing a processing procedure for releasing the target luminance value restriction, which is executed by the lighting apparatus according to the seventh embodiment. The lighting device performs the following processing when the set brightness value is changed or the environmental temperature is changed in a state where the set brightness value is changed or the environmental temperature is changed in a state where the target brightness value is recalculated by the target value calculation unit 43. Of the processing procedures shown in the flowchart of FIG. 16, the same procedures as those in the flowchart of FIG. 14 are denoted by the same step numbers, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The lighting device calculates a target luminance value by the target value calculation unit 43 (step S411). The calculated target luminance value is input to the dimming control unit 3 and the determination unit 85.

The determination unit 85 determines whether or not the calculated target luminance value N4 is equal to or less than the first threshold value 9dh read from the storage unit 94 (step S412). When it is determined that the target luminance value N4 exceeds the first threshold value 9dh (S412: NO), the target value calculation unit 43 sets the target luminance value N4 ′ so that the target luminance value N4 is equal to or less than the first threshold value 9dh. Is recalculated and the target value limited state is maintained (step S421). When determining that the target brightness value N4 is equal to or less than the first threshold value 9dh (S412: YES), the determination unit 85 further calculates a difference between the target brightness value N4 and the first threshold value 9dh (step S413). It is determined whether or not the difference is greater than or equal to the first tolerance 9 dhm (step S414). When the difference between the target brightness value N4 and the first threshold value 9dh is less than the first threshold value 9dhm (S414: NO), the target value calculation unit 43 causes the target brightness value to be equal to or less than the first threshold value 9dh. The target luminance value N4 ′ is recalculated and the target value limited state is maintained (step S421). When the difference between the target luminance value N4 and the first threshold value 9dh is greater than or equal to the first threshold value 9dhm (S414: YES), the determination unit 85 further includes the second luminance value that the target luminance value N4 is read from the storage unit 94. It is determined whether or not the threshold value is 9 dl or more (step S415). When it is determined that the target luminance value N4 is less than the second threshold value 9dl (S415: NO), the notification unit 10 notifies the upper limit restriction release of the target luminance value (step S419), and the target value calculation unit 43 Re-calculates the target luminance value N4 ″ so that the target luminance value is equal to or greater than the second threshold 9dl, and maintains the target value limited state (step S420). If the determination unit 85 determines that the target luminance value N4 is greater than or equal to the second threshold value 9dl (S415: YES), it further calculates the difference between the target luminance value N4 and the second threshold value 9dl (step S416). It is determined whether or not the difference is greater than or equal to the second tolerance 9dlm (step S417). When the difference between the target luminance value N4 and the second threshold value 9dl is less than the second threshold value 9dlm (S417: NO), the notification unit 10 notifies the upper limit restriction release of the target luminance value (step S419). The target value calculation unit 43 recalculates the target luminance value N4 ″ so that the target luminance value is equal to or greater than the second threshold 9dl, and maintains the target value limited state (step S421). When the difference between the target brightness value N4 and the second threshold value 9dl is equal to or greater than the second threshold value 9dlm (S417: YES), the notification unit 10 notifies the target brightness value limit release (step S418).

  The processing procedure of target value restriction by the determination unit 85 is the same as the processing procedure (FIGS. 12 and 13) by the determination unit 84 shown in the sixth embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In the sixth embodiment, hysteresis is given to the determination of the restriction release of the target luminance value. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the target luminance value restriction and restriction release being repeated unnecessarily.

<Modification 1>
As in the first and second embodiments, the determination unit 8 or the determination unit 81 obtains the set luminance value N1 from the setting unit 7, and the determination unit 8 or the determination unit 81 includes the set luminance value N1 and the threshold value. , And a tolerance corresponding thereto, may be configured to switch between limiting and canceling the target luminance value. FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the lighting device in the first modification of the seventh embodiment.

<Modification 2>
As in the third embodiment, a determination unit 82 that acquires the measurement value N2 from the measurement value acquisition unit 6 is provided, and the determination unit 82 refers to the measurement value N2, the threshold value, and the tolerance corresponding to the target luminance value. It is good also as a structure which switches a restriction | limiting and restriction | limiting cancellation | release. FIG. 22 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the lighting device in the second modification of the seventh embodiment.

<Modification 3>
Further, similarly to the fourth embodiment, a determination unit 83 that obtains the dimming signal N3 from the dimming control unit 3 is provided, and the determination unit 83 refers to the dimming signal N3, the threshold value, and the tolerance corresponding thereto, to achieve the target It is good also as a structure which switches the restriction | limiting of a luminance value, and restriction | limiting cancellation | release. FIG. 23 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the lighting apparatus in the third modification of the seventh embodiment.

<Eighth embodiment>
In the eighth embodiment, the determination unit 8 is configured to determine whether or not the light amount can be set and whether or not the target luminance value is limited based on the set luminance value N1, the measured value N2 of the optical sensor 5, and the target luminance value N4.

  FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the lighting apparatus according to the eighth embodiment. The lighting apparatus according to the eighth embodiment uses the acquisition of the set luminance value N1 received by the setting unit 7 as a trigger to determine whether the light amount can be set, and uses the target luminance value N4 calculated by the target value calculation unit 43 as a trigger. A determination unit 86 that determines the target luminance value limitation and determines whether to release the target luminance value limitation by using the output of the measurement value N2 of the optical sensor 5 as a trigger, a threshold for the set luminance value N1, a threshold for the target luminance value N4, and the optical sensor 5 A storage unit 96 that stores a threshold for the measured value N2 and a tolerance corresponding to the measured value N2. Since other configurations are the same as those in the seventh embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

  The determination unit 86 of the lighting device according to the eighth embodiment includes a first luminance threshold 9ah, a second luminance threshold 9al, a first target value threshold 9dh, and a second target value threshold 9dl stored in the storage unit 96. The first measurement value threshold value 9bh, the first measurement value tolerance 9bhm, the second measurement value threshold value 9bl, and the second measurement value tolerance 9blm can be read out. First, the determination unit 86 determines whether or not the light amount can be set with the acquisition of the set luminance value N1 as a trigger. The determination unit 86 is set by the user when the luminance setting value N1 acquired from the setting unit 7 is equal to or less than the first luminance threshold value 9ah stored in the storage unit 96 and equal to or greater than the second luminance threshold value 9al. If the brightness setting value N1 acquired from the setting unit 7 exceeds the first brightness threshold 9ah stored in the storage unit 96, or is less than the second brightness threshold 9al. In this case, it is determined that the brightness value set by the user is invalid.

  At this time, the notification unit 10 notifies the determination result of the determination unit 86 to the user. As a notification method, the display color of a warning lamp using an LED or the like may be changed, or the lighting state such as blinking may be changed. When the present invention is used as a backlight of a display device, the determination result of the determination unit 86 may be notified using the OSD, or a warning display that prompts the user to reset the set luminance value may be used. In addition, it is preferable that the notification part 10 notifies only when the determination result of the determination part 8 is changed.

  Further, the determination unit 86 determines the target luminance value limitation using the target luminance value N4 calculated by the target value calculation unit 43 as a trigger. The determination unit 86 can read out the first target value threshold 9dh and the second target value threshold 9dl stored in the storage unit 96. When the target luminance value N4 obtained from the target calculation unit 43 is equal to or less than the first target value threshold 9dh stored in the storage unit 96 and equal to or greater than the second target value threshold 9dl, When the brightness value set by the user is determined to be valid and the target brightness value N4 obtained from the target calculation unit 43 exceeds the first target value threshold value 9dh stored in the storage unit 96, or the second target value When the value threshold value is less than 9dl, it is determined that the brightness value set by the user is invalid.

  When the determination unit 84 determines that the luminance value set by the user is invalid, the target calculation unit 43 recalculates the target luminance value so that the luminance value set by the user satisfies a predetermined condition.

  Further, when the target luminance value is limited by the target value calculation unit 43, the determination unit 86 determines the target luminance value restriction cancellation using the output of the measurement value N2 of the target luminance value light control sensor 5 as a trigger. The first measurement value threshold value 9bh, the first measurement value tolerance 9bhm, the second measurement value threshold value 9bl, and the second measurement value tolerance 9blm stored in the storage unit 86 can be read out. . When there is a change in the set brightness value or a change in the ambient temperature in a state where the target brightness value is recalculated by the target value calculation unit 43, the determination unit 86 is obtained from the measurement value acquisition unit 6. When the measurement value N2 is equal to or less than the first threshold 9bh stored in the storage unit 96 and the difference between the measurement value N2 and the first threshold 9bh is equal to or greater than the first tolerance 9bhm, or the measurement value acquisition unit When the measured value N2 obtained from 6 is greater than or equal to the second measured value threshold 9bl stored in the storage unit 96, and the difference between the measured value N2 and the second threshold 9bl is greater than or equal to the second tolerance 9blm The brightness value set by the user is determined to be valid, and the restriction state of the target brightness value is released.

  The processing procedure by the determination unit 86 includes the determination unit 81 (FIG. 3) shown in the second embodiment, the determination unit 84 (FIG. 11) shown in the sixth embodiment, and the determination unit 85 (FIG. 11) shown in the seventh embodiment. Since it is the same as FIG. 20), detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

<Modification>
The determination unit 8 may be configured to determine whether or not the light amount can be set and whether or not the target luminance value is limited based on the set luminance value N1, the dimming signal N3, and the target luminance value N4. FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the illumination device in a modification of the eighth embodiment.

<Embodiment 9>
Embodiment 9 shows an example of a display device using the lighting device according to the present invention as a backlight.

  FIG. 26 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the display device 100 according to the ninth embodiment. The display device 100 includes a lighting device including the light source 1, the light source driving unit 2, the dimming control unit 3, the target value calculation unit 4, the optical sensor 5, the measurement value acquisition unit 6, and the determination unit 8 according to the present invention. Prepare. The illumination device 100 further includes a video signal input unit 101 that inputs a video signal from another video signal output device (not shown), an image processing unit 102 that appropriately performs image processing on the input video signal, and an image An optical modulation unit driving unit 103 that drives the optical modulation unit 104 in accordance with the video signal processed by the processing unit 102 and an optical modulation unit 104 are provided.

  The image processing unit 102 appropriately performs image processing on the input video signal. For example, when the target luminance value set by the setting unit 9 is a low luminance of about 30% of the maximum luminance, image processing such as strengthening a specific color component is performed. You may perform the image process which changes color temperature according to the kind of image | video of a video signal. In this case, the changed color temperature may be input to the target value calculation unit 4 and the target luminance value may be calculated according to the content of the image processing performed on the video signal.

  The light modulation unit 104 is a liquid crystal using, for example, a transmission type light modulation element, and the light modulation unit driving unit 103 is a liquid crystal driving unit. It is good also as a structure using another light modulation element.

  As described above, by using the lighting device of the present invention for the backlight used in the display device, it is possible to determine whether the light amount and color temperature can be set according to the dimming feature amount of the light source, and the light amount and color temperature setting range. Therefore, even when the light emission characteristics of the light source fluctuate due to aging or temperature change, the light amount of the light source can be adjusted within an appropriate setting range.

  It goes without saying that the illumination device incorporated in the display device 100 according to the ninth embodiment may be any one of the illumination devices according to the first to eighth embodiments and the modified examples.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Light source 2 Light source drive part 3 Dimming control part 4,41,42,43 Target value calculation part 5 Optical sensor 6 Measurement value acquisition part 7 Setting part 8,81,82,83,84,85,86,87,88 , 801, 802 Judgment unit 9, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 901, 902 Storage unit 10 Notification unit 11 Temperature sensor 20 Sensor group N1 Set luminance value (dimming feature value)
Measured value of N2 light sensor (dimming feature amount)
N3 dimming signal (dimming feature)
N4 target luminance value (dimming feature value)

Claims (13)

A light source that receives a dimming signal and whose light amount changes based on the dimming signal, a setting unit that accepts setting of a light amount desired by the user in the entire range from the maximum light amount to the minimum light amount in the light source, and the light amount from the light source An optical sensor that outputs a signal of a level corresponding to the amount of light, a target value calculation unit that calculates a target value of the amount of light from the light source based on the setting received by the setting unit, and the optical sensor And a dimming controller that adjusts the dimming signal based on the output and the calculated target value,
And a determination unit that determines whether or not a dimming feature amount of the light source satisfies a predetermined condition. The dimming feature amount is a setting accepted by the setting unit,
2. The determination unit according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines whether the setting received by the setting unit is equal to or less than a first threshold value and / or a second threshold value that is smaller than the first threshold value. The lighting device described. A temperature sensor for detecting the ambient temperature;
The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the target value calculation unit calculates a target value based on a temperature detected by the temperature sensor. The dimming feature amount is an output from the optical sensor,
The said determination part determines whether the output from the said optical sensor is below a 1st threshold value and / or more than a 2nd threshold value smaller than a 1st threshold value. Lighting device. The dimming feature amount is a dimming signal adjusted by the dimming control unit,
The determination unit determines whether or not the dimming signal adjusted by the dimming control unit is equal to or less than a first threshold value and / or a second threshold value smaller than the first threshold value. The lighting device according to claim 3. The dimming feature amount is a target value calculated by the target value calculation unit,
The determination unit determines whether or not the target value calculated by the target value calculation unit is equal to or smaller than a first threshold value and / or a second threshold value smaller than the first threshold value. Item 4. The lighting device according to Item 3. A notification unit for notifying a user of the determination result of the determination unit;
The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit notifies the user of whether or not the light amount set by the user in the setting unit is output based on the determination result of the determination unit. When the determination unit determines that the dimming feature value exceeds the first threshold value, or the dimming feature value does not satisfy the second threshold value, the target value calculation unit includes: The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the setting range is limited to a range of a first light amount smaller than a maximum light amount in the light source and / or a second light amount larger than a minimum light amount in the light source. When the determination unit determines that the dimming feature amount is less than or equal to the first threshold and / or greater than or equal to the second threshold when the setting range of the setting unit is limited, the target value The lighting device according to claim 8, wherein the calculation unit releases a restriction on a setting range in the setting unit. The lighting device according to claim 9, wherein the target value calculation unit has a predetermined dead zone with respect to the light control feature amount. The notification section performs notification when the setting range of the setting section is limited by the target value calculation section and when the limitation of the setting range of the setting section is released. The lighting device according to 10. The lighting device according to claim 7 or 11, wherein the notification unit performs notification only when a determination result of the determination unit is changed.   A display device comprising the lighting device according to claim 1, wherein an image is displayed by modulating light from the lighting device for each color.