JP2023142927A - Conversion device and lighting system - Google Patents

Abstract

To facilitate the setting of a terminal device when being connected to a lighting system.SOLUTION: A conversion device according to the embodiment includes a conversion unit that mutually converts a first signal that is a signal related to a target device connected to a baton, which is an Ethernet communication standard, and a second signal that is an RDM communication standard, a reception unit that receives a connection request from a terminal device to a target device specified by an IP address via the Ethernet, and a providing unit that provides a web page that accepts control of the target device when the reception unit accepts a connection request to the target device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a conversion device and a lighting system.

Conventionally, lighting systems that provide lighting effects have been introduced in lighting spaces such as studios and stages. In such a lighting system, the illuminance of the lighting equipment, the color of the illuminating light, etc. are adjusted (dimmer) by a dimming console. The light control console is configured to be able to communicate with a lighting fixture that complies with the RDM (Remote Device Management) standard, for example, based on a signal that complies with the RDM (Remote Device Management) standard.

Furthermore, in recent years, a technology has been proposed in which a lighting system is remotely controlled from a communicable terminal device such as a user's smartphone (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP2021-22470A

However, in the conventional technology, there is room for improvement in, for example, facilitating various settings of a terminal device when connecting to a lighting system.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a conversion device and a lighting system that can facilitate the setting of a terminal device when connecting to a lighting system.

The conversion device according to the embodiment includes a conversion section, a reception section, and a provision section. The conversion unit mutually converts a first signal, which is a signal related to a target device connected to the baton, which is based on the Ethernet communication standard, and a second signal, which is based on the RDM communication standard. The receiving unit receives a connection request from a terminal device to the target device specified by an IP address via Ethernet. The providing unit provides a web page that accepts control of the target device when the reception unit accepts a connection request to the target device.

According to the present invention, it is possible to easily set up a terminal device when connecting it to a lighting system.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a lighting system. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the light control console. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a node. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a web page provided by a node. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a web page provided by a node. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure executed by the node.

The node 50 (corresponding to the conversion device) according to the embodiment described below sends a signal related to the lighting device L (corresponding to the target device) connected to the baton 20, which is a communication standard of Ethernet (registered trademark). a converting unit 54a that mutually converts the first signal and a second signal that is the RDM communication standard, and a receiving unit 54b that receives a connection request from the terminal device 100 to the lighting device L specified by the IP address via Ethernet. , a providing unit 54c that provides a web page for accepting control of the lighting device L when a connection request is accepted by the accepting unit 54b.

Further, the node 50 according to the embodiment described below includes a casing on which a two-dimensional code related to an IP address is pasted on the exterior, and the reception unit 54b receives information from the terminal device 100 by reading the two-dimensional code. A connection request is accepted from 100.

Further, the node 50 according to the embodiment described below includes a notification unit that notifies the terminal device 100 of the IP address when the node 50 is communicatively connected to the terminal device 100 by the third communication. .

Further, the providing unit 54c according to the embodiment described below provides a web page that displays the status of the lighting device L.

Further, the converting unit 54a according to the embodiment described below converts a first signal input from the terminal device 100 into a second signal in response to an operation on a web page, and converts a first signal input from the terminal device 100 into a second signal, and converts a lighting device L specified by the terminal device 100 into a second signal. control.

Further, the lighting system 1 according to the embodiment described below is a lighting system including a node 50 and a dimming console 10 connected to the node 50 via Ethernet, where the dimming console 10 is connected to the node 50 via Ethernet. , obtains address information of a web page from each of the nodes 50 connected via the first communication, and provides the terminal device 100 with a web page displaying the web page provided by each node 50 as a link destination.

Hereinafter, a conversion device and a lighting system according to embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments, the same parts are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted.

First, an overview of a lighting system according to an embodiment will be described using FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a lighting system. The lighting system 1 according to the embodiment is a lighting system that performs lighting effects in a lighting space such as a studio or a stage.

As shown in FIG. 1, the lighting system 1 includes a light control console 10 and a plurality of batons 20-1, 20-2...20-n (n is any natural number), The desk 10 and a plurality of batons 20-1, 20-2, . . . 20-n (hereinafter also simply referred to as batons 20) are connected via a hub H.

The hub H functions as a repeater that relays signals compliant with the Ethernet communication standard. Therefore, in the lighting system 1, communication between the dimming console 10 and the baton 20 is performed via Ethernet.

Each baton 20 has a node 50 and a plurality of lighting devices L. For example, the lighting device L is a lighting fixture that is controlled by a control signal generated from control information corresponding to the DMX standard or the RDM standard. In the lighting device L, the output of the light source is controlled based on a control signal from the dimming console 10 received via the node 50. The lighting device L is, for example, a spotlight, a flood light, a border light, or the like.

The node 50 is called, for example, a DMX node or an RDM node, and is a device that relays communication between the lighting device L and the dimming console 10. That is, the node 50 is capable of bidirectional communication with the lighting device L using a predetermined communication protocol, for example, a communication protocol according to the DMX standard or a communication method according to the RDM standard, which is an extension of DMX. The node 50 is connected to the lighting device L via a port provided in the baton 20. Note that DMX and RDM correspond to an example of second communication.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, an access point A is connected to the hub H, and the terminal device 100 can access the lighting system 1 through wireless communication via the access point A. Although FIG. 1 shows a case where the terminal device 100 is a smartphone, the terminal device 100 may be any terminal with a communication function such as a tablet terminal, a PC, or AR (Augmented Reality) glasses. Good too.

By the way, conventionally, when connecting to a lighting system from a terminal device, there is a device in which a general-purpose application is installed in advance and each baton is controlled on the application. In such a case, the user is required to perform troublesome processes such as installing an application on the terminal device or manually configuring connection settings with the lighting system.

In contrast, in the lighting system 1 according to the embodiment, a two-dimensional code regarding the IP address of each lighting device L is attached to the casing (not shown) of each node 50. Thereby, in the lighting system 1 according to the embodiment, the terminal device 100 can acquire an IP address by reading the two-dimensional code, and can easily access each node 50. Note that the two-dimensional code is, for example, a QR code (registered trademark), but may be any code such as a barcode.

Further, in the lighting system 1 according to the embodiment, the node 50 connected to the terminal device 100 by the IP address provides the terminal device 100 with a web page for controlling the lighting device L connected to its own baton 20. .

In other words, in the lighting system 1 according to the embodiment, by providing the node 50 with a function as a web server, operations can be completed on the web browser of the terminal device 100. Note that the lighting system 1 has a configuration that provides a web page to the dimming console 10 as well as each node 50, but this point will be described later. Further, a specific example of the web page provided by the node 50 will be described later using FIGS. 4 and 5.

In this way, in the lighting system 1 according to the embodiment, by providing the node 50 with a function as a web server, it is not necessary to install a versatile application on the terminal device 100. Further, in the lighting system 1 according to the embodiment, by providing information regarding the IP address to the terminal device 100 using a two-dimensional code, it is possible to facilitate access to each node 50 by the terminal device 100.

Therefore, in the lighting system 1 according to the embodiment, the setting of the terminal device 100 connected to the lighting system 1 can be facilitated.

Next, a configuration example of the light control console 10 according to the embodiment will be described using FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the light control console 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the light control console 10 includes a communication section 11, a display section 12, an operation section 13, a storage section 14, and a control section 15.

The communication unit 11 has a function of controlling communication with the node 50, the terminal device 100, etc., and is realized by, for example, a communication device such as a NIC (Network Interface Card).

The display unit 12 displays various information regarding the control of the lighting device L executed by the dimming console 10. The display unit 12 is realized by, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal monitor or a liquid crystal display.

The operation unit 13 has a plurality of faders 13a to 13n (n is a natural number), and accepts operations related to the level value of the submaster (SM), etc., illuminance, color, etc. regarding each lighting device L.

The storage unit 14 stores programs and the like for realizing control by the control unit 15. The storage unit 14 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. Furthermore, the storage section 14 includes an operation section information storage section 14a, a dimming information storage section 14b, and an address information storage section 14c.

The operating unit information storage unit 14a stores operating unit information. The operation unit information here is information indicating the relationship between each fader 13a to 13n and each lighting device L, and information indicating which lighting device L each fader 13a to 13n is used to operate. It is.

Further, the operation section information storage section 14a stores various information regarding the lighting devices L, such as the number of the port to which each lighting device L is connected, UID, DMX address, manufacturer name, model number, etc., in association with each other. Note that the UID is a number unique to the lighting device L that is given to each lighting device L used in the DMX standard. The DMX address is an address on the DMX data link, that is, a control address used when the dimming console 10 controls the lighting device L.

The dimming information storage section 14b stores dimming information. The dimming information here is information regarding the current dimming (output level, illuminance, color, etc.) of each lighting device L.

The address information storage unit 14c stores address information. The address information here includes information regarding the address of the web page provided by each node 50 described above and information regarding the IP address of each lighting device.

The control unit 15 is a controller that controls the entire dimming operation console 10. For example, the control unit 15 can be implemented by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). Alternatively, the control unit 15 may be implemented using an integrated circuit such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

In the example of FIG. 2, the control section 15 includes a reception section 15a, an operation control section 15b, an acquisition section 15c, and a provision section 15d. The reception unit 15a receives operation information regarding operations performed on the operation unit 13. For example, the operation information is information such as which fader 13 was operated and how.

The operation control unit 15b controls the dimming of each lighting device L based on the operation information received by the reception unit 15a. For example, the operation control unit 15b refers to the operation unit information storage unit 14a, identifies the lighting device L to be controlled based on the operation information, and then controls the node 50 to which the corresponding lighting device L is connected. Output a signal. Note that, for example, information regarding a control pattern set in advance for each stage scene may be stored, and the operation control unit 15b may control each lighting device L based on the control pattern.

Further, the reception unit 15a can also receive operation information from the terminal device 100 via a web page as described later, and the operation control unit 15b controls each lighting device L based on the operation information received via the web page. It can also be controlled.

The acquisition unit 15c acquires address information of web pages provided by each node 50. For example, the acquisition unit 15c acquires address information from each node 50 at an arbitrary timing such as the first connection, and stores it in the address information storage unit 14c.

Further, for example, the acquisition unit 15c acquires various information (product information, information regarding dimming, IP address, etc.) from each RDM-compatible lighting device L connected to each node 50 via each node 50.

The providing unit 15d provides a web page in response to a request from the terminal device 100. For example, the providing unit 15d generates a web page with a link to each node 50, and provides the generated web page in response to a request from the terminal device 100.

For example, on the web page provided by the providing unit 15d, information regarding the dimmer console 10 and information regarding the nodes 50 connected to the dimmer console 10 are displayed together with the link destinations of the web pages provided by each node 50. Ru.

In addition, a UI (User Interface) for changing settings related to the light control console 10 and each lighting device L is displayed on the web page, and the user can operate the UI displayed on the terminal device 100 to Various settings can be changed.

For example, a web page provided by the node 50 has a link to a web page provided by the dimmer console 10, and by following the link, the terminal device 100 can access the web page provided by the dimmer console 10. Web pages can be accessed.

Next, a configuration example of the node 50 will be described using FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of node 50. As shown in FIG. 3, the node 50 includes a communication section 51, a plurality of ports 52a to 52n (hereinafter simply referred to as ports 52), a storage section 53, and a control section 54.

The communication unit 51 has a function of controlling communication with the dimming console 10, the terminal device 100, etc., and is realized by a communication device such as a NIC (Network Interface Card), for example. The plurality of ports 52 are each assigned a port number for identification, and are connectors for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the lighting device L according to the RDM standard. For example, each of the plurality of ports 52 is connected to a lighting device L that supports DMX or RDM.

The storage unit 53 stores programs and the like for realizing control by the control unit 54. The storage unit 53 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. Furthermore, the storage section 53 includes an address information storage section 53a and a control pattern information storage section 53b.

The address information storage section 53a stores address information. The address information here includes, for example, information regarding the IP address of each lighting device L and information regarding the address of the web page provided by the node 50.

The control pattern information storage section 53b stores control pattern information. The control pattern information here is, for example, information regarding the control pattern of each lighting device L that is preset for each stage scene. For example, the control unit 54, which will be described later, provides the terminal device 100 with a web page that includes a UI from which a control pattern can be selected, and controls each lighting device L using the control pattern specified by the terminal device 100. Good too.

The control unit 54 is a controller that controls the entire node 50. For example, the control unit 54 can be implemented by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). Alternatively, the control unit 54 may be implemented using an integrated circuit such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

In the example of FIG. 3, the control unit 54 includes a converting unit 54a, a receiving unit 54b, and a providing unit 54c. The converter 54a mutually converts a first signal compliant with the Ethernet communication standard and a second signal compliant with the RDM communication standard.

For example, the conversion unit 54a converts a control signal for each lighting device L input from the dimming console 10 via the hub H into a control signal compliant with the RDM communication standard. Further, the converter 54a converts a control signal compliant with the RDM communication standard inputted from each lighting device L into a control signal compliant with the Ethernet communication standard.

Further, the conversion unit 54a can also receive input of a control signal for each lighting device L from the terminal device 100 via Ethernet, and can control each lighting device L according to the control signal from the terminal device 100. You can also do it.

The receiving unit 54b receives a connection request from the terminal device 100 to the lighting device L specified by the IP address via Ethernet. As described above, for example, in the lighting system 1, a two-dimensional code is pasted on the exterior, and the terminal device 100 acquires information regarding the IP address by reading the two-dimensional code with a camera.

Then, by connecting the terminal device 100 to the IP address via Ethernet, the reception unit 54b receives a connection request from the terminal device 100. Furthermore, when receiving a connection request from the terminal device 100, the receiving unit 54b requests the providing unit 54c to create a web page.

The providing unit 54c provides a web page that accepts control of the lighting device L when the reception unit 54b accepts a connection request to the lighting device L. The providing unit 54c creates a web page based on a connection request from the terminal device 100 and provides it to the terminal device 100.

For example, the providing unit 54c acquires the status of each lighting device L connected to its own port, creates a web page that displays the acquired status, and provides the web page to the terminal device 100. As described later, the status here includes not only the status related to dimming such as the current output level and color, but also the status such as the operation mode and how many control signals are being received from the dimming consoles 10. included.

Here, a specific example of a web page will be described using FIGS. 4 and 5. 4 and 5 are diagrams showing examples of web pages provided by the node 50.

As shown in Figure 4, tabs such as "Node information", "Appliance information", and "Dimmer information" are displayed on the web page, and in Figure 4, the "Node information" tab is selected. Indicates when

The “appliance information” tab is a tab for displaying a screen related to the lighting device L connected to each port. Note that an example of the screen related to "appliance information" will be described later using FIG. 5. Further, “dimmer console information” is a tab for displaying a screen related to the light control console 10. On this screen, for example, a list of the light control consoles 10 connected to the node 50 is displayed, and information regarding each light control console 10 can be checked and settings can be changed from the displayed screen.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the "Node Information" tab is selected, a screen regarding the setting status of each port of the node 50 is displayed. For example, as shown in Figure 4, on the screen related to "Node information", "Look", "Response", "No", "Node name", "Universe", "IN/DMX/RDM", "HTP/LTP ”, “Number of dimming signal merges”, etc. are displayed.

“Response” indicates the response state of the node 50, and indicates whether there is a response from the corresponding node 50. “No” and “Node name” are individual information stored in the corresponding node 50. Note that "No" and "Node name" can be changed from the web page.

“Universe” is the Universe number set for each port of the node 50, and icons related to the setting status are displayed. Note that FIG. 4 shows a case where there are four ports. For example, when the user selects an icon, a UI for operating the corresponding lighting device L is displayed. The user can then change the settings of the lighting device L by operating the UI.

“IN/DMX/RDM” is information indicating whether the lighting device L connected to each port is controlled by DMX or RDM. For example, a user can switch between DMX and RDM by selecting and operating an icon corresponding to each port.

“HTP/LTP” is information indicating control settings for the lighting device L connected to each port. HTP indicates that when control signals are received from a plurality of dimming operation consoles 10, control is performed using the control signal with the highest output level. LTP indicates that when control signals are received from a plurality of dimming consoles 10, control is performed using the last received control signal. The user can switch between HTP and LTP by selecting and operating the icons corresponding to each port.

The "number of dimming signal merges" indicates from how many dimming consoles 10 control signals are received for each port. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the denominator is 4, which indicates that four dimmer control consoles 10 are connected to the lighting system 1, and the numerators are all 0, so any port This indicates that the control signal is not being received from the dimming console 10 even if the control signal is not received.

Additionally, a clear button is displayed within the "number of dimming signal merges". For example, when a clear button is operated, the control value based on the control signal is erased. In the lighting system 1, when the power of the dimmer console 10 connected to the node 50 is turned off, or when communication with the dimmer console 10 is interrupted, the node 50 is switched off at the end to prevent darkening. The specification is such that each lighting device L is controlled while holding the control value of the received control signal, and by operating the clear button, the control value of the last received control signal can be erased.

Next, a screen related to "appliance information" will be explained using FIG. 5. As shown in Figure 5, for example, on the screen related to "appliance information", information on items such as "Node list", "RDM compatible appliance list", etc. is displayed, and in the upper right of the screen, "Node/appliance information collection" is displayed. ” button is displayed. When the "Node/appliance information collection" button is selected, information on the appliances connected to the node 50 is read, and information regarding the appliances is displayed in the "Node list" and the "RDM compatible appliance list".

For example, in the "Node list", icons related to the setting status of each port are displayed along with the response, Node name, and number of devices.

Further, in the "RDM compatible appliance list", information regarding the appliances (for example, lighting device L) that are compatible with RDM among the appliances connected to the node 50 is displayed. As shown in Figure 5, the "RDM compatible appliance list" includes, for example, "Node name", "Port/Uni", "Response", "Manufacturing company name", "Device model number", "UID", and "DMX address". Displays information on items such as "Settings" and "Mode Settings."

“Node name” is the name of the node 50, and can be set arbitrarily by the user. “Port/Uni” indicates the port number (connector number) of each node 50 and the Universe number set for that port.

"Response" indicates whether there is a response from the lighting device L connected to the corresponding port, that is, whether the lighting device L can be normally controlled. “Blink” is a button for blinking the lighting device L connected to the corresponding port. For example, when a blinking operation is performed, the corresponding lighting device L can be caused to blink, thereby allowing the user to visually check the corresponding lighting device L.

“Manufacturing company name” and “equipment model number” indicate the manufacturing company name (manufacturer name) and product model number of the lighting device L connected to the corresponding port. "UID" indicates the IP address of the port, and "DMX address setting" indicates the DMX address of the lighting device L connected to the corresponding port. The user can arbitrarily change the DMX address by selecting the "Setting" button of "DMX Address Setting". “Mode setting” indicates the operating mode and setting of the lighting device L connected to each port.

Next, the processing procedure executed by the node 50 according to the embodiment will be described using FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure executed by the node 50.

As shown in FIG. 6, the node 50 determines whether or not it has received a connection request to the lighting device L from the terminal device 100 (step S101), and if the connection request has been received (step S101; Yes), the node 50 performs step S102. Proceeding to the process, if a connection request is not accepted (step S101; No), the process ends.

Subsequently, the node 50 acquires the state of the lighting device L connected to the baton 20 (step S102). Subsequently, the node 50 provides a web page to the terminal device 100 based on the acquired state of the lighting device L (step S103).

Thereafter, the node 50 controls the lighting device L in response to the operation via the web page of the terminal device 100 (step S104), and ends the process.

As described above, the node 50 (an example of a conversion device) according to the embodiment includes a conversion section 54a, a reception section 54b, and a provision section 54c. The conversion unit 54a mutually converts a first signal, which is a signal related to the lighting device L (corresponding to the target device) connected to the baton 20, which is based on the Ethernet communication standard, and a second signal, which is based on the RDM communication standard. Convert.

The receiving unit 54b receives a connection request from the terminal device 100 to the lighting device L specified by the IP address via Ethernet. The providing unit 54c includes a providing unit 54c that provides a web page that accepts control of the lighting device L when a connection request is accepted by the receiving unit 54b. Therefore, according to the node 50 according to the embodiment, it is possible to easily configure the terminal device when connecting to the lighting system.

Incidentally, in the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which the IP address is notified to the terminal device 100 using a two-dimensional code, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the IP address may be notified to the terminal device 100 by pairing using wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or NFC (Near Field Communication).

In this case, the node 50 further includes a communication unit for wireless communication and a notification unit that notifies the terminal device 100 of the IP address when pairing is established with the terminal device 100.

Further, in the embodiment described above, a case has been described in which a web page for controlling the lighting device L connected to the node 50 is provided, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a web page regarding an elevation control device that controls the elevation state of the node 50 may be provided.

In this case, the UI regarding the lift control device may be displayed within the web page provided by the node 50, or the lift control devices may create their own web pages and attach links to each other's web pages. Good too. Note that the elevation control device corresponds to an example of target equipment.

Further advantages and modifications can be easily deduced by those skilled in the art. Therefore, the broader aspects of the invention are not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Accordingly, various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

1 Lighting system 10 Dimming operation console 13 Operation section 13 Fader 14a Operation section information storage section 14b Dimming information storage section 14c Address information storage section 15 Control section 15a Reception section 15b Operation control section 15c Acquisition section 15d Providing section 20 Baton 50 Node 51 Communication unit 52 Port 53 Storage unit 53a Address information storage unit 53b Control pattern information storage unit 54 Control unit 54a Conversion unit 54b Reception unit 54c Providing unit 100 Terminal device L Lighting device (an example of target device)

Claims (6)

a conversion unit that mutually converts a first signal that is a signal related to a target device connected to the baton and is in accordance with the Ethernet communication standard, and a second signal that is in the RDM communication standard;
a reception unit that receives a connection request from a terminal device to the target device specified by an IP address via the Ethernet;
a providing unit that provides a web page that accepts control of the target device when the reception unit accepts a connection request to the target device;
A conversion device comprising: a housing on which a two-dimensional code related to the IP address is pasted;
Equipped with
The reception department is
receiving the connection request from the terminal device by the terminal device reading the two-dimensional code;
The conversion device according to claim 1. a notification unit that notifies the terminal device of the IP address when a communication connection is established between the terminal device and the terminal device;
The conversion device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: The provision department is
providing the web page displaying the status of the target device;
A conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The conversion unit is
converting the first signal input from the terminal device into the second signal in response to an operation on the web page, and controlling the target device specified by the terminal device;
A conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 5;
a dimming console connected to the conversion device via the Ethernet;
A lighting system comprising:
The light control console is
an acquisition unit that acquires address information of the web page from each of the conversion devices connected via the Ethernet;
a providing unit that provides the terminal device with a web page displaying the web page provided by each of the conversion devices as a link destination based on the address information acquired by the acquisition unit;
A lighting system comprising:

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