JP2024069934A - lighting equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a lighting device capable of improving the controllability of a light source unit. [Solution] According to an embodiment, a lighting device includes a light source unit and a lighting control unit. The light source unit includes multiple types of light-emitting elements that emit light in different colors relative to each other. The lighting control unit sets adjustment items related to the operation of the light source unit for each of a predetermined number of channels, and adjusts parameters related to the set adjustment items in correspondence with the signal values of the channel signals from each of the predetermined number of channels. The lighting control unit is capable of setting one or more of the predetermined number of channels to an off channel. [Selected Figure] Figure 2

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a lighting fixture.

2. Description of the Related Art Illumination fixtures having light source units equipped with light emitting elements such as LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are used, for example, on stages, in studios, and the like.
In such lighting fixtures, the operation of the light source unit is controlled in response to operational input on an operator console such as a dimmer control desk, and, for example, the light irradiated from the light source unit is dimmed and adjusted in color in response to operational input on the operator console.
Furthermore, as the above-mentioned lighting fixture, there is a lighting fixture in which a light source unit is equipped with a plurality of types of light-emitting elements that emit light in different colors.
In such lighting fixtures, the output ratio from multiple types of light-emitting elements, i.e., the mixed color ratio of the light colors of the multiple types of light-emitting elements, is adjusted in response to operational input from an operating device, and the color of the light irradiated from the light source unit is adjusted.

On stages and studios, multiple lighting fixtures such as those described above are used, and a lighting system is made up of multiple lighting fixtures and one or more controllers. In such a lighting system, a predetermined number of channels are assigned to control the operation of the light source unit in each lighting fixture. Each lighting fixture receives a channel signal based on the operation input on the controller from the assigned channel, and the operation of the light source unit is controlled based on the signal value of the channel signal from the assigned channel.

As mentioned above, in a lighting system consisting of a lighting fixture and an operating device, there is a demand for improved controllability of the light source unit, such as flexible control of the operation of the light source unit in the lighting fixture in response to the situation in which the lighting system is used (improving the adaptability of the control of the operation of the light source unit).

JP 2020-9594 A

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a lighting device that can improve the controllability of the light source unit.

According to an embodiment, the lighting device includes a light source unit and a lighting control unit. The light source unit includes multiple types of light-emitting elements that emit light in different colors relative to each other. The lighting control unit can assign a predetermined number of channels to control the operation of at least the light source unit, and sets adjustment items related to the operation of the light source unit for each of the predetermined number of channels. The lighting control unit adjusts parameters related to the set adjustment items in correspondence with the signal values of the channel signals from each of the predetermined number of channels, and can set one or more of the predetermined number of channels to an off channel.

The present invention provides a lighting device that can improve the controllability of the light source unit depending on the situation in which it is used.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a lighting system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a process for setting adjustment items for each channel assigned to control the operation of a light source unit in a predetermined mode of the lighting device according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a setting pattern of adjustment items set for a predetermined number of channels assigned to control the operation of a lighting device according to the embodiment.

The lighting device (10A) of the embodiment includes a light source unit (111) and a lighting control unit (112). The light source unit (111) includes multiple types of light-emitting elements (E1 to Ek) that emit light in different colors. The lighting control unit (112) can assign a predetermined number (Nb) of channels to control the operation of at least the light source unit (111), and sets adjustment items related to the operation of the light source unit (111) for each of the predetermined number (Nb) of channels. The lighting control unit (112) adjusts parameters related to the set adjustment items in correspondence with the signal values of the channel signals from each of the predetermined number (Nb) of channels, and can set one or more of the predetermined number (Nb) of channels to off-channels. Therefore, when one or more of the predetermined number (Nb) of channels assigned to control the operation of the lighting device (10A) are assigned to off-channels, the channel signals from the off-channels can be assigned to uses other than controlling the operation of the lighting device (10A). This improves the adaptability of the control of the operation of the light source unit (111) in the lighting fixture (10A) to the situation in which the lighting system (1) is used.

In the lighting fixture (10A) of the embodiment, the lighting control unit (112) sets, as an adjustment item, an adjustment for the off channel to set the dimming rate to 0% for all of the multiple types of light-emitting elements (E1 to Ek) of the light source unit (111) regardless of the signal value of the channel signal. This appropriately creates a state in which the operating state of the light source unit (111) does not change even if the signal value of the channel signal from the off channel changes, and appropriately creates a state in which the signal value of the channel signal from the off channel does not affect the operation of the light source unit (111) of the lighting fixture (10A).

In the lighting fixture (10A) of the embodiment, the lighting control unit (112) makes it possible to assign an off channel to a state in which the operation of another fixture is controlled by a channel signal from the off channel. This makes it possible to increase the number of lighting fixtures (10) whose operation is controlled by one controller (11) even if the number of channels that can be assigned to the controller (11) is limited.

In the lighting fixture (10A) of the embodiment, the lighting control unit (112) sets one of the adjustment items, including the off channel, indicated in the adjustment item data (116) as the adjustment item for the predetermined number (Nb) of channels. This allows the user of the lighting system (1) to select and set an appropriate adjustment item for each of the predetermined number (Nb) of channels in accordance with the situation in which the lighting system (1) including the lighting fixture (10A) is used.

The following describes the embodiment with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a lighting system 1 according to an embodiment. The lighting system 1 of the example of FIG. 1 is used, for example, in a stage, a studio, or the like. In the example of FIG. 1, the lighting system 1 includes a plurality of lighting fixtures 10 including a lighting fixture 10A, and an operating device 11. Each of the lighting fixtures 10 is, for example, a moving light, a spotlight, a horizon light, a border light, a flood light, a downlight, or the like. In one example, the lighting system 1 includes one or more batons, each of which supports two or more lighting fixtures 10. The operating device 11 is, for example, a dimming console. In FIG. 1, a configuration in which the lighting system 1 includes one operating device 11 is disclosed, but the lighting system 1 may include two or more operating devices 11.

A communication line is connected to each of the lighting fixtures 10 including lighting fixture 10A, and each of the lighting fixtures 10 communicates with external devices such as the controller 11 through the connected communication line. For example, a DMX line is connected to each of the lighting fixtures 10, which is a communication line used in DMX (Digital Multiplex), a communication standard specific to lighting-related devices, and RDM (Remote Device Management), a communication standard that extends DMX. In this case, each of the lighting fixtures 10 communicates with the outside world through the DMX line and receives a DMX signal as a signal from the outside world. The communication standard DMX is also referred to as DMX512.

The controller 11 communicates with the outside world through a connected communication line or network. In one example, the controller 11 is connected to the aforementioned DMX line. In this case, each of the lighting fixtures 10 receives a DMX signal transmitted from the controller 11 through the DMX line. In this example, the controller 11 communicates with each of the lighting fixtures 10 via one or more splitters as intermediate devices. The DMX signal from the controller 11 is then distributed to multiple lighting fixtures 10 by the splitters.

In another example, the controller 11 communicates with the outside via a network, for example, via any one of Ethernet (registered trademark), an IP (Internet Protocol) network, and a LAN (Local Area Network). In this case, the controller 11 communicates with each of the lighting fixtures 10 via one or more nodes as intermediate devices. Then, a signal transmitted from the controller 11 via the network is converted into a DMX signal by the node. Then, the DMX signal converted by the node is distributed to multiple lighting fixtures 10.

Intermediate devices such as splitters and nodes are mounted, for example, on a baton that supports the lighting fixtures 10. In one example, multiple intermediate devices are provided in the lighting system 1, and one or more lighting fixtures 10 are connected to each of the multiple intermediate devices via a communication line such as a DMX line. The multiple intermediate devices to which the lighting fixtures 10 are connected are then cascaded together via the communication line. Lighting fixtures 10 may also be cascaded together via the communication line.

The controller 11, which is a dimming console or the like, includes an operation input unit 101, a control unit 102, a storage unit 103, and a communication unit 105. The controller 11 is provided with a processor or integrated circuit, and a storage medium such as a memory. The processor or integrated circuit provided in the controller 11 includes any of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The controller 11 may include only one integrated circuit or multiple integrated circuits. The controller 11 may include only one storage medium or multiple storage media. In the controller 11, the processor or integrated circuit performs processing of the control unit 102. In the controller 11, the storage medium functions as the storage unit 103.

The communication unit 105 is configured from an interface provided in the controller 11, such as a port or a network interface. The communication unit 105 communicates with external devices including the lighting fixture 10, as described above. The controller 11 may also be provided with a notification unit. In this case, the notification unit is configured from a user interface. The notification unit notifies the user of the lighting system 1 of information, etc., by displaying it. In one example, the notification unit includes either a display or a touch panel. The notification unit may also be provided separately from the controller 11.

In addition, in the controller 11, the operation input unit 101 is configured by a user interface. In the operation input unit 101 of the controller 11, various operations are input by the user of the lighting system 1, etc. In the operation input unit 101, for example, operation input related to the operation of the lighting fixture 10 that communicates with the controller 11 is performed. In one example, the controller 11 is a dimming operation console, and the controller 11 is provided with multiple faders as the operation input unit 101. Then, operation input related to the operation of the lighting fixture 10 is performed in each of the faders. In another example, multiple fader images (virtual faders) are displayed on a display screen provided in the controller 11 or on a display screen of a terminal or computer separate from the controller 11. Then, operation input related to the operation of the lighting fixture 10 is performed using the multiple fader images.

The control unit 102 of the controller 11 generates a command signal for the operation of the lighting fixture 10 that communicates with the controller 11, based on the operation input at the operation input unit 101. Then, in the lighting system 1, the communication unit 105 transmits the command signal generated by the control unit 102 to the multiple lighting fixtures 10 including the lighting fixture 10A. As a result, a DMX signal or the like that serves as a command signal from the controller 11 is input to each of the lighting fixtures 10.

Each of the lighting fixtures 10 includes a light source unit 111, a lighting control unit 112, a memory unit 113, and a communication unit 115. Note that FIG. 1 shows the light source unit 111, lighting control unit 112, memory unit 113, and communication unit 115 for only one lighting fixture 10A, but lighting fixtures 10 other than lighting fixture 10A are also similarly provided with the light source unit 111, lighting control unit 112, memory unit 113, and communication unit 115.

Each lighting fixture 10 is provided with a processor or integrated circuit, and a storage medium such as a memory. In each lighting fixture 10, as with the controller 11, the processor or integrated circuit includes any of a CPU, ASIC, FPGA, DSP, etc. Each lighting fixture 10 may include only one integrated circuit, etc., or multiple integrated circuits, etc. Also, each lighting fixture 10 may include only one storage medium, or multiple storage media. In each lighting fixture 10, the processing of the lighting control unit 112 is performed by the processor or integrated circuit. Also, in each lighting fixture 10, the storage medium functions as the storage unit 113.

In each of the lighting fixtures 10, the communication unit 115 is composed of an interface such as a port, and the communication unit 115 communicates with external devices including the controller 11 as described above. In one example, a setting device such as a remote control (not shown) for performing various settings for each of the lighting fixtures 10 may be provided as a user interface in the lighting system 1. In one example, a user interface (e.g., a button, a touch panel, etc.) for performing various settings for each of the lighting fixtures 10 may be provided in each of the lighting fixtures 10 in the lighting system 1. In these cases, the user of the lighting system 1 performs operation input related to the settings of each of the lighting fixtures 10 in the setting device. In one example, one lighting fixture 10 can be switched between multiple modes. Then, operation input for switching the mode of a lighting fixture 10 that can be switched between multiple modes is performed in the setting device.

In each of the lighting fixtures 10 that communicate with the controller 11, the communication unit 115 receives a DMX signal or the like that serves as a command signal from the controller 11. Then, in each of the lighting fixtures 10 that receive the command signal, the lighting control unit 112 controls the operation of the light source unit 111 based on the command content indicated in the received command signal. Therefore, in each of the lighting fixtures 10 that communicate with the controller 11, the operation of the lighting fixture 10, such as the operation of the light source unit 111, is controlled in response to the operation input at the operation input unit 101 of the controller 11. For example, in each of the lighting fixtures 10, the light irradiated from the light source unit 111 is dimmed and adjusted in color in response to the operation input at the controller 11.

When the operation of multiple lighting fixtures 10 is controlled by command signals from the controller 11, the control unit 102 of the controller 11 assigns Na channel (Na is a natural number equal to or greater than 2) to the transmission of command signals from the controller 11. At this time, the control unit 102 of the controller 11 acquires the channel number and the like for the Na channel assigned to the transmission of command signals. In each of the lighting fixtures 10 whose operation is controlled by the controller 11, a channel signal is input from each of the Na channels assigned to the transmission of command signals by receiving the command signal from the controller 11. The signal value of the channel signal from each of the Na channels assigned to the transmission of command signals corresponds to the operation input at the operation input unit 101 of the controller 11. In one example, the controller 11 is a dimmer console equipped with multiple faders, and the same number of channels as the number of faders provided on the controller 11 are assigned to the transmission of command signals from the controller 11.

In each of the lighting fixtures 10, whose operation is controlled by a command signal from the controller 11, the lighting control unit 112 assigns one or more of the Na channels to control the operation of the light source unit 111. In each of the lighting fixtures 10, the lighting control unit 112 acquires the channel number, etc., for the one or more channels assigned to control the operation of the light source unit 111. In each of the lighting fixtures 10, upon receiving a command signal from the controller 11, the lighting control unit 112 acquires the signal value of the channel signal input from each of the one or more channels assigned to control the operation of the light source unit 111. In each of the lighting fixtures 10, the lighting control unit 112 controls the operation of the light source unit 111 based on the signal value of the channel signal input from the channel assigned to control the operation.

Here, the DMX line used in DMX allows a maximum of 512 channels to be used per system. In one example, each of the lighting fixtures 10 in the lighting system 1 communicates through the DMX line, and each of the lighting fixtures 10 receives a DMX signal, which is a command signal from the controller 11, and a channel signal is input from each of the Na channels among the 512 channels. Then, in each of the lighting fixtures 10, one or more of the Na channels are assigned to control the operation of the light source unit 111, and the lighting control unit 112 controls the operation of the light source unit 111 based on the signal value of the channel signal from each of the channels assigned to control the operation. Also, in communication using DMX, the signal value of the channel signal is set to any value between 0 and 255 in each of the 512 channels.

The number of channels assigned to control the operation of the light source unit 111 in each lighting fixture 10 varies depending on the type of lighting fixture 10. In addition, in a lighting fixture 10 that can be switched between multiple modes, the number of channels assigned to control the operation of the light source unit 111 may vary depending on the mode. The number of channels is also referred to as the footprint, occupied area, etc.

The configuration of the light source unit 111 of the lighting fixture 10A and the control of the operation of the light source unit 111 in the lighting fixture 10A are described below. Note that in the lighting system 1, the configuration of the light source unit 111 and the control of the operation of the light source unit 111 in the lighting fixtures 10 other than the lighting fixture 10A may be the same as that of the lighting fixture 10A or may be different from that of the lighting fixture 10A.

As shown in FIG. 1 etc., in the lighting device 10A, the light source unit 111 includes multiple types of light-emitting elements E1 to Ek (k is a natural number of 2 or more). The multiple types of light-emitting elements E1 to Ek emit light of different colors. In the lighting device 10A, the color of the light irradiated from the light source unit 111 is adjusted by adjusting the output ratio from the multiple types of light-emitting elements E1 to Ek, that is, the color mixing ratio of the light colors of the light-emitting elements E1 to Ek, in response to the command signal from the operation device 11. In one example, red, green, blue and white light-emitting elements are provided as the multiple types of light-emitting elements E1 to Ek. The white light-emitting element is, for example, a light-emitting element that emits white light with a color temperature of 3000K. In another example, in addition to the above-mentioned four types of light-emitting elements, cyan and amber light-emitting elements are provided as the multiple types of light-emitting elements E1 to Ek.

Furthermore, lighting device 10A has one or more modes including mode α0, which is a predetermined mode, and controls the operation of light source unit 111 in each of the one or more modes. Furthermore, when lighting device 10A can be switched to multiple modes, the number of channels assigned to control the operation of light source unit 111 in lighting device 10A may change according to the mode. In lighting device 10A, lighting control unit 112 sets adjustment items corresponding to the mode for each channel assigned to control the operation. Then, lighting control unit 112 adjusts parameters related to the adjustment items set for each channel in correspondence with the signal value of the channel signal from each channel assigned to control the operation. Lighting control unit 112 controls the operation of light source unit 111 by adjusting parameters related to the set adjustment items, and adjusts the brightness and color of the light irradiated from light source unit 111.

The following describes the control of the operation of the light source unit 111 of the lighting fixture 10A in mode α0, which is a predetermined mode of the lighting fixture 10A. In the lighting fixture 10A, the lighting control unit 112 assigns up to Nb channels (Nb is a natural number equal to or less than Na) among the Na channels assigned to the transmission of command signals from the controller 11 to the control of the operation of the light source unit 111 in mode α0. That is, in mode α0 of the lighting fixture 10A, a predetermined number Nb of channels can be assigned to the control of the operation of the light source unit 111 of the lighting fixture 10A. In the lighting fixture 10A, the lighting control unit 112 controls the operation of the light source unit 111, etc., in mode α0 based on the signal values of the channel signals input from each of the assigned Nb channels. In one example, the predetermined number Nb, which is the number of channels that can be assigned to the control of the operation of the lighting fixture 10A in mode α0, is any one of 4, 8, and 16.

The memory unit 113 of the lighting fixture 10A stores adjustment item data 116. The adjustment item data 116 indicates adjustment items related to the operation of the light source unit 111 of the lighting fixture 10A, and indicates M number of adjustment items. In one example, the number M of adjustment items indicated in the adjustment item data 116 is greater than the number of channels (predetermined number Nb) that can be assigned to control the operation of the light source unit 111 in mode α0.

In mode α0, the user of lighting system 1 or the like selects an adjustment item to be set for each of the Nb channels assigned to control the operation of lighting fixture 10A from among the M number of adjustment items indicated in adjustment item data 116. At this time, the operation input to select the adjustment item to be set for each of the predetermined number Nb channels is performed, for example, on a setting device (not shown) such as a remote control. Then, in mode α0, lighting control unit 112 of lighting fixture 10A sets one of the adjustment items selected from the M number of adjustment items indicated in adjustment item data 116 as the adjustment item for each of the Nb channels.

Figure 2 shows an example of a process for setting adjustment items for each channel assigned to control the operation of the light source unit 111 in mode α0, which is a predetermined mode of the lighting device 10A. In the example in Figure 2, the aforementioned predetermined number Nb is 8, and 8 channels are assigned to control the operation of the light source unit 111 of the lighting device 10A in mode α0.

2, channel number Ch. 6 is set as the first channel of lighting device 10A, and eight channels, channel numbers Ch. 6 to Ch. 13, can be assigned to control the operation of light source unit 111 of lighting device 10A. In one example, lighting control unit 112 of lighting device 10A sets the first channel of lighting device 10A based on an operation input from a setting device such as a remote control. In another example, lighting control unit 112 of lighting device 10A acquires information on channels assigned to control the operation of devices other than lighting device 10A by communicating with external devices including operation device 11. Then, lighting control unit 112 sets the first channel of lighting device 10A based on information acquired through communication with external devices.

In the example of FIG. 2, the lighting control unit 112 sets adjustment items for each of the eight channels, channel numbers Ch. 6 to Ch. 13, assigned to control the operation of the lighting device 10A. That is, each of the adjustment items β1 to β8 is set. Also, in the example of FIG. 2, the M adjustment items indicated in the adjustment item data 116 include j adjustment items of "intensity of light color γ1", "intensity at light color γ2", ..., "intensity at light color γj-1", and "intensity at light color γj". Here, j is a natural number smaller than M. The light colors γ1 to γj are different light colors from each other, and in the light colors γ1 to γj, the color mixing ratios of the light colors of the light-emitting elements E1 to Ek, which correspond to the output ratios from the multiple types of light-emitting elements E1 to Ek, are different from each other. The relationship between each of the light colors γ1 to γj and the output ratio from the light-emitting elements E1 to Ek is stored, for example, in the memory unit 113, and the lighting control unit 112 can acquire the output ratio corresponding to each of the light colors γ1 to γj.

Here, light color γa, which is one of light colors γ1 to γj, is, for example, a light color obtained by mixing the light color of a red light-emitting element and the light color of a blue light-emitting element in a color mixing ratio of 1:1, and light color γb, which is another one of light colors γa of light colors γ1 to γj, is, for example, the light color of light from a red light-emitting element. Furthermore, light color γc, which is another one of light colors γa and γb of light colors γ1 to γj, is, for example, the light color of white light with a color temperature of 3000K. In one example, the light colors γ1 to γj include four types of white (3000K, 4000K, 5000K, 6500K) with different color temperatures relative to each other, and colors (also called filter colors; colors that correspond to (reproduce) filter Nos. #140, #16, #22, #31, #40, #57, #59, #63, #64, #65, #71, #72, #77, #78, #84, #86, #87, #88) that correspond to (reproduce) the light colors of the 19 types of polycolors described above. The aforementioned 23 types of light colors included in the light colors γ1 to γj are preset, for example, during the manufacturing stage of the lighting fixture 10A. Furthermore, in addition to the 23 types of light colors mentioned above, the light colors γ1 to γj may include one or more types of light colors registered by a user or the like of the lighting system 1. In this case, j is an integer equal to or greater than 24, and the lighting device 10A is capable of emitting a preset light color and a light color registered by a user or the like.

Let us now assume that any one of the light colors γ1 to γj is the light color γm, and the lighting control unit 112 has set the "intensity of light color γm" as an adjustment item for one of the Nb channels. In this case, the lighting control unit 112 adjusts the brightness (strength) of the light of the light color γm by making it correspond to the signal value of the channel signal from the channel for which the "intensity of light color γm" is set as an adjustment item. In other words, dimming is performed on the light obtained by mixing the light colors of multiple types of light-emitting elements E1 to Ek at an output ratio corresponding to the light color γm, making it correspond to the signal value of the channel signal from the channel for which the "intensity of light color γm" is set as an adjustment item.

Also, the operation of the light source unit 111 is controlled based only on the channel signal from the channel for which the "intensity of light color γm" is set as an adjustment item, and channel signals from other channels are not used to control the operation of the light source unit 111. In this case, the lighting control unit 112 adjusts the brightness (intensity) of the light irradiated from the light source unit 111 in correspondence with the signal value of the channel signal from the channel for which the "intensity of light color γm" is set as an adjustment item, while maintaining the light color γm, i.e., while maintaining the output ratio from the light-emitting elements E1 to Ek at the output ratio that results in light color γm. In other words, the emission intensity of each of the light-emitting elements E1 to Ek is adjusted while maintaining the output ratio of each of the light-emitting elements E1 to Ek that constitute the light color γm.

In the example of FIG. 2, the adjustment items of the M items indicated by the adjustment item data include "intensity". When "intensity" is set as an adjustment item for one of the Nb channels, the lighting control unit 112 adjusts the brightness (intensity) of the light irradiated from the light source unit 111 in correspondence with the signal value of the channel signal from the channel for which "intensity" is set as an adjustment item. This adjusts the light irradiated from the light source unit 111. Also, assume that "intensity" is set as an adjustment item for one of the Nb channels, and "intensity of light color γm" is set as an adjustment item for another one of the Nb channels. In this case, the lighting control unit 112 adjusts the brightness (intensity) of the light of light color γm in correspondence with both the signal value of the channel signal from the channel for which "intensity of light color γm" is set as an adjustment item, and the signal value of the channel signal from the channel for which "intensity" is set as an adjustment item.

In the example of FIG. 2, the light source unit 111 has a strobe function, and the adjustment items of the M items indicated by the adjustment item data include "strobe". When "strobe" is set as an adjustment item for one of the Nb channels, the lighting control unit 112 adjusts and controls the operation of the strobe function of the light source unit 111 by making "strobe" correspond to the signal value of the channel signal from the channel set as the adjustment item. For example, the lighting control unit 112 switches between a state in which the strobe function is operating and a state in which the strobe function is stopped by making "strobe" correspond to the signal value of the channel signal from the channel set as the adjustment item. In addition, when the strobe function can operate in multiple operating states, the lighting control unit 112 switches the operation of the strobe function between multiple operating states by making "strobe" correspond to the signal value of the channel signal from the channel set as the adjustment item. In one example, the strobe function can operate in four operating states: "normal strobe", "opening pulse", "closing pulse", and "random strobe".

In the example of FIG. 2, among the eight channels assigned to control the operation of the light source unit 111 of the lighting device 10A, the "intensity of light color γ1" is set as the adjustment item β1 of Ch. 6, the "intensity of light color γ2" is set as the adjustment item β2 of Ch. 7, the "intensity of light color γj-1" is set as the adjustment item β3 of Ch. 8, the "intensity of light color γ3" is set as the adjustment item β4 of Ch. 9, and "strobe" is set as the adjustment item β5 of Ch. 10. Then, the lighting control unit 112 controls the operation of the light source unit 111 in the manner described above in correspondence with the signal values of the channel signals from Ch. 6 to Ch. 10.

In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in the example of FIG. 2, the adjustment items of the M items indicated in the adjustment item data include "0% dimming adjustment". "0% dimming adjustment" corresponds to an adjustment that sets the dimming rate to 0% for all of the multiple types of light-emitting elements E1 to Ek of the light source unit 111 regardless of the signal value of the channel signal. In other words, it is an adjustment that does not operate the light source unit 111 regardless of the signal value of the channel signal. In mode α0 of the lighting fixture 10A, the lighting control unit 112 can set the adjustment item to "0% dimming adjustment" for one or more channels among the Nb channels assigned to control the operation of the light source unit 111. In one example, the adjustment item can be set to "0% dimming adjustment" for multiple channels among the Nb channels.

Here, assume that the adjustment item is set to "0% dimming adjustment" for all Nb channels assigned to control the operation of the light source unit 111. In this case, regardless of the signal value of the channel signal from the assigned Nb channel, the light source unit 111 of the lighting device 10A is maintained in a state where light is not emitted, and the dimming rate of the light emitted from the light source unit 111 is maintained at 0%. Then, when "0% dimming adjustment" is set as an adjustment item for one or more Nb channels, the lighting control unit 112 does not change the operating state of the light source unit 111 even if the signal value of the channel signal from the channel for which "0% dimming adjustment" is set as an adjustment item changes. Therefore, in controlling the operation of the lighting device 10A, the channel for which "0% dimming adjustment" is set as an adjustment item becomes an off channel whose signal value of the channel signal does not affect the operation of the lighting device 10A. The operations of lighting fixture 10A here include, for example, the operations of light source unit 111 included in lighting fixture 10A (such as lighting control operations), the operations of a fan included in lighting fixture 10A (such as ON/OFF operations and speed change operations), and the irradiation direction adjustment operations of an irradiation direction adjustment mechanism included in lighting fixture 10A (a mechanism that changes the direction of light irradiated from lighting fixture 10A in the horizontal and vertical directions using electrical signals). These operations of lighting fixture 10A may be controlled by controller 11, similar to the operations of light source unit 111.

In this embodiment, as described above, the adjustment item can be set to "0% dimming adjustment" for one or more of the assigned Nb channels. Therefore, the lighting control unit 112 can set one or more of a predetermined number Nb of channels to an off channel in which the signal value of the channel signal does not affect the operation of the light source unit 111 of the lighting device 10A.

2, among the eight channels assigned to control the operation of the light source unit 111 of the lighting device 10A, "0% dimming adjustment" is set as adjustment item β6 of Ch. 11, adjustment item β7 of Ch. 12, and adjustment item β8 of Ch. 13. Therefore, with regard to the control of the operation of the lighting device 10A, each of Ch. 11 to Ch. 13 is set to an off channel in which the signal value of the channel signal does not affect the operation of the light source unit 111. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 2, even if the signal value of the channel from Ch. 11 to Ch. 13 changes, the operating state of the light source unit 111 of the lighting device 10A does not change. In other words, the signal value of a channel that is not set as an off channel is prioritized over the signal value of a channel that is set as an off channel.

In addition, in this embodiment, when one or more of the Nb channels assigned to control the operation of the lighting fixture 10A are set to the off channel, the channel set to the off channel can be assigned to control the operation of a fixture other than the lighting fixture 10A of the lighting system 1. The other fixture here may be a lighting fixture of the same type as the lighting fixture 10A, a lighting fixture of a different type from the lighting fixture 10A, or a fixture that is not a lighting fixture (for example, a baton, a screen, a projector, a blower, etc.). For example, the lighting control unit 112 makes the channel set to the off channel assignable to control the operation of any of the light source units 111 of the lighting fixtures 10 other than the lighting fixture 10A. When the off channel is assigned to control the operation of a fixture other than the lighting fixture 10A, the operation of the other fixture is controlled by a channel signal from the channel set to the off channel in the lighting fixture 10A. Then, the operation state of the other fixture changes as the signal value of the channel signal from the channel set to the off channel in the lighting fixture 10A changes.

In the example of FIG. 2, each of Ch. 11 to Ch. 13 set as an off channel can be assigned to control the operation of a device other than lighting device 10A. In other words, each of Ch. 11 to Ch. 13 can be assigned to a state in which the operation of a device other than lighting device 10A is controlled by the channel signal.

As described above, in this embodiment, a predetermined number Nb of channels can be assigned to control the operation of the light source unit 111 of the lighting device 10A in mode α0. The lighting control unit 112 of the lighting device 10A sets an adjustment item related to the operation of the light source unit 111 for each of the predetermined number Nb of channels, and adjusts parameters related to the set adjustment item in correspondence with the signal value of the channel signal from each of the predetermined number Nb of channels. In mode α0, the lighting control unit 112 sets one selected from the adjustment items indicated by the adjustment item data 116 as the adjustment item for the predetermined number Nb of channels. Therefore, a user of the lighting system 1 can select and set an appropriate adjustment item for each of the Nb channels in correspondence with the situation in which the lighting system 1 including the lighting device 10A is used. Therefore, the adaptability of the control of the operation of the light source unit 111 in the lighting device 10A to the situation in which the lighting system 1 is used is improved, and the controllability of the light source unit 111 is improved.

In mode α0, any of the j items from "intensity of light color γ1" to "intensity of light color γj" can be set as an adjustment item for each of the assigned Nb channels. The lighting control unit 112 then adjusts the brightness (intensity) of light of light color γm by making it correspond to the signal value of the channel signal from the channel for which "intensity of light color γm" is set as an adjustment item. Therefore, the user of the lighting system 1 can control the operation of the lighting fixture 10A, including dimming and adjusting the color of the light from the lighting fixture 10A, using the light color registered in the storage unit 113 as the light color that can be irradiated from the light source unit 111 of the lighting fixture 10A. This allows the user of the lighting system 1 to omit the trouble of newly creating and setting the light color of the light from the lighting fixture 10A, and makes it possible to appropriately respond to situations in which the time between renting a stage or studio in which the lighting system 1 is used and the performance is short.

In addition, in this embodiment, in mode α0 of lighting fixture 10A, one or more of a predetermined number Nb of channels can be set to an off channel in which the signal value of the channel signal does not affect the operation of lighting fixture 10A. Therefore, when one or more of the Nb channels assigned to control the operation of lighting fixture 10A in mode α0 are assigned to an off channel, the channel signal from the channel set as an off channel can be assigned to a purpose other than controlling the operation of lighting fixture 10A. This improves the adaptability of the control of the operation of light source unit 111 in lighting fixture 10A to the situation in which lighting system 1 is used, and improves the controllability of light source unit 111.

In addition, in this embodiment, in mode α0 of lighting device 10A, lighting control unit 112 sets, as an adjustment item, an adjustment for the off channel to set the dimming rate to 0% for all of the multiple types of light-emitting elements E1 to Ek of light source unit 111 regardless of the signal value of the channel signal. This appropriately creates a state in which the operating state of light source unit 111 does not change even if the signal value of the channel signal from the off channel changes. In other words, a state in which the signal value of the channel signal from the off channel does not affect the operation of light source unit 111 of lighting device 10A is appropriately created.

In addition, in mode α0 of lighting fixture 10A, lighting control unit 112 allows a channel to be assigned so that the operation of a fixture other than lighting fixture 10A is controlled by a channel signal from a channel set as an off channel in lighting fixture 10A. That is, it becomes possible to assign a channel set as an off channel among the Nb channels assigned to control the operation of lighting fixture 10A to control the operation of another lighting fixture. This makes it possible to increase the number of lighting fixtures 10 whose operation is controlled by the Na channel assigned to transmitting a command signal from controller 11. Therefore, even if the number of channels assigned to controller 11 is limited, for example by limiting the number of faders provided on controller 11, it is possible to increase the number of lighting fixtures 10 whose operation is controlled by one controller 11.

In addition, in this embodiment, in mode α0 of lighting fixture 10A, for each of the Nb channels assigned to control the operation of lighting fixture 10A, an appropriate adjustment item corresponding to the situation in which lighting fixture 10A is used can be selected and set from among the M adjustment items indicated in the adjustment item data. Therefore, with only one mode, mode α0, it is possible to respond to various situations in which lighting fixture 10A and lighting system 1 are used. Therefore, the number of modes for lighting fixture 10A can be reduced, and the effort of selecting a mode to operate lighting fixture 10A from a large number of modes is reduced.

Note that the adjustment items that can be set for the Nb channels assigned to control the operation of lighting fixture 10A in mode α0 are not limited to the adjustment items described above. Figure 3 shows examples of setting patterns of adjustment items set for the Nb channels assigned to control the operation of lighting fixture 10A. In Figure 3, an example is described in which the predetermined number Nb is 8 and 8 channels are assigned to control the operation of lighting fixture 10A. Also, in Figure 3, setting patterns ε1 to ε5 are shown as setting patterns of adjustment items for the 8 assigned channels.

In setting pattern ε1, adjustment items are set for the eight assigned channels, similar to the example in FIG. 2. That is, of the eight channels, the adjustment item of one channel is set to "intensity of light color γ1," the adjustment item of another channel is set to "intensity of light color γ2," the adjustment item of another channel is set to "intensity of light color γ3," the adjustment item of another channel is set to "intensity of light color γj-1," the adjustment item of another channel is set to "strobe," and the adjustment item of the remaining three channels is set to "0% dimming adjustment."

In one example, the M adjustment items indicated by the adjustment item data 116 include "hue" and "saturation". In the setting pattern ε2, the adjustment item of one channel among the eight assigned channels is set to "intensity", the adjustment item of another channel is set to "hue", the adjustment item of another channel is set to "saturation", and the adjustment items of the remaining five channels are set to "0% dimming adjustment". When the adjustment items of the eight channels are set to the setting pattern ε2, the lighting control unit 112 adjusts the hue of the light irradiated from the light source unit 111 by making the "hue" correspond to the signal value of the channel signal from the channel set to the adjustment item. Then, the lighting control unit 112 adjusts the saturation of the light irradiated from the light source unit 111 by making the "saturation" correspond to the signal value of the channel signal from the channel set to the adjustment item. Adjusting the hue adjusts the circumferential position of the circle on the a ^* b ^* chromaticity diagram of the CIE LAB color space, and adjusting the saturation adjusts the radial position of the circle on the a ^* b ^* chromaticity diagram.

In one example, the M adjustment items indicated in the adjustment item data 116 include "Dim to Warm". In the setting pattern ε3, the adjustment item of one of the eight assigned channels is set to "Dim to Warm", and the adjustment items of the remaining seven channels are set to "0% dimming rate adjustment". When the adjustment items of the eight channels are set to the setting pattern ε3, the lighting control unit 112 simultaneously adjusts the dimming (brightness adjustment) and color temperature of the light irradiated from the light source unit 111 in correspondence with the signal value of the channel signal from the channel in which "Dim to Warm" is set as the adjustment item. In this case, the lighting control unit 112 lowers the color temperature as the dimming rate is lowered in correspondence with the signal value of the channel signal.

In one example, the adjustment items of the M items indicated by the adjustment item data 116 include "color temperature" and "hue of white". In the setting pattern ε4, the adjustment item of one channel among the eight assigned channels is set to "intensity", the adjustment item of another channel is set to "color temperature", the adjustment item of another channel is set to "hue of white", and the adjustment items of the remaining five channels are set to "0% dimming rate adjustment". When the adjustment items of the eight channels are set to the setting pattern ε4, the lighting control unit 112 adjusts the color temperature of white for the light irradiated from the light source unit 111 by making the "color temperature" correspond to the signal value of the channel signal from the channel set to the adjustment item. Then, the lighting control unit 112 adjusts the hue of the light irradiated from the light source unit 111 while maintaining the color temperature of white by making the "hue of white" correspond to the signal value of the channel signal from the channel set to the adjustment item. In this case, for example, the blackbody locus on the xy chromaticity diagram is used as a reference to determine whether the hue is in the positive color deviation (duv) direction (towards the green side) or the negative color deviation (duv) direction (towards the magenta side).

In one example, the adjustment items of the M items indicated by the adjustment item data 116 include "cut/fade switching". In one of the setting patterns of adjustment items for the Nb channels assigned to control the operation of the lighting device 10A, "cut/fade switching" is set as an adjustment item for one channel, and "intensity" or "intensity of light color γj" is set as an adjustment item for another channel. In this case, as described above, the lighting control unit 112 adjusts the brightness (strength) of the light irradiated from the light source unit 111 by making the intensity correspond to the signal value of the channel signal from the channel set as the adjustment item. When changing the brightness of the light irradiated from the light source unit 111, the lighting control unit 112 changes the brightness changing operation between cut and fade by making the "cut/fade switching" correspond to the signal value of the channel signal from the channel set as the adjustment item. That is, the brightness of the light can be changed suddenly (cut) or gradually (fade) depending on the signal value of the channel signal from the channel for which "cut/fade switching" is set as an adjustment item. Note that the fade operation may be configured so that the time for changing the brightness of the light can be adjusted depending on the channel value.

In one example, the adjustment items of the M items indicated by the adjustment item data 116 include "Filter Color Preset". In the channel to which "Filter Color Preset" is set, at least one of the pre-registered light colors corresponding to the filter color can be reproduced. In the setting pattern ε5, the adjustment item of one channel among the eight assigned channels is set to "intensity", the adjustment item of another channel is set to "Filter Color Preset", and the adjustment items of the remaining six channels are set to "dimming rate 0% adjustment". When the adjustment items of the eight channels are set to the setting pattern ε5, the lighting control unit 112 switches the light color of the light irradiated from the light source unit 111 among 23 types of light colors preset at the manufacturing stage of the lighting device 10A, etc., in correspondence with the signal value of the channel signal from the channel in which "Filter Color Preset" is set as the adjustment item. For example, the light colors that can be switched in response to the signal value of the channel signal from the channel for which "Filter Color Preset" is set as an adjustment item are 23 types in total, including the four types of white with different color temperatures relative to each other, as described above, and the 19 types of polycolor light colors shown in the JATET filter correlation DMX level table.

In one example, the M adjustment items indicated in the adjustment item data 116 include "User Color Preset." In a channel to which "User Color Preset" is set, a light color previously registered by the user can be reproduced. In one of the setting patterns of adjustment items for the Nb channels assigned to control the operation of the lighting device 10A, "User Color Preset" is set as an adjustment item for one channel. In this case, the lighting control unit 112 switches the light color of the light irradiated from the light source unit 111 between multiple light colors registered by the user of the lighting system 1, by corresponding it to the signal value of the channel signal from the channel in which "User Color Preset" is set as an adjustment item.

In any of the above examples, in mode α0 of the lighting device 10A, one or more of the predetermined number Nb of channels can be set to an off channel where the signal value of the channel signal does not affect the operation of the light source unit 111. Therefore, in any of the examples, when one or more of the Nb channels assigned to control the operation of the lighting device 10A in mode α0 are assigned to an off channel, the channel signal from the channel set as an off channel can be assigned to a purpose other than controlling the operation of the lighting device 10A. This improves the adaptability of the control of the operation of the light source unit 111 in the lighting device 10A to the situation in which the lighting system 1 is used, and improves the controllability of the light source unit 111.

It is preferable that the lighting device 10A has two modes: a mode in which the user can freely set the adjustment items, as described above, and a mode in which the items are predefined.

In the mode in which adjustment items can be freely set, the predetermined number Nb, which is the upper limit of the number of channels that can be assigned to control the operation of the lighting device 10A, is, for example, 4, 8, or 16. For example, the lighting device 10A has a mode in which adjustment items of 4 channels can be freely set, a mode in which adjustment items of 8 channels can be freely set, and a mode in which adjustment items of 16 channels can be freely set. Then, with at least one off channel set for each channel, the adjustment items as described above and the adjustment items as shown in Figures 2 and 3 are set. By configuring the lighting device 10A in this way, it is possible for the user to flexibly set channels according to the adjustment items and number of channels required. Therefore, in the control of the light source unit, it is not necessary to provide unnecessary channels, and it is possible to improve the controllability of the light source unit. For example, if a user wants to use only three channels for control, the mode in which adjustment items of 4 channels can be freely set is selected, and an off channel is set for one channel. By setting in this way, it is possible to suppress malfunction of the light source unit when the signal value of an unused channel is mistakenly operated.

The mode with predefined items is, for example, a mode using four channels, which includes a channel for adjusting the intensity of a red LED, a channel for adjusting the intensity of a green LED, a channel for adjusting the intensity of a blue LED, and a channel for adjusting the intensity of a white LED. Also, for example, a mode using one channel, which includes a channel for adjusting whether or not to perform a Dim to Warm operation. It is desirable for the lighting device 10A to have one or more modes with predefined items. By selecting this mode with predefined items, a user who is not familiar with operating lighting devices can operate the lighting device 10A without detailed setting of the mode, thereby improving the controllability of the light source unit. In addition, by providing the lighting device 10A with two types of modes, a mode in which the user can freely set adjustment items and a mode with predefined items, the user can use different modes depending on the operation he or she wants to perform and his or her level of proficiency in operating the lighting device, thereby improving the controllability of the light source unit.

Note that each channel may control not only the light source unit 111, but also, for example, a fan disposed integrally or separately from the lighting fixture 10A, an irradiation direction adjustment mechanism of the lighting fixture 10A, etc. Also, in one mode (either a mode in which the user can freely set adjustment items or a mode in which items are set in advance), both adjustment items that control the operation of the light source unit 111 and adjustment items that control the operation of items other than the light source unit 111 may be set.

According to at least one of these embodiments, the lighting control unit sets an adjustment item related to the operation of the light source unit for each of the predetermined number of channels, and adjusts a parameter related to the set adjustment item in response to the signal value of the channel signal from each of the predetermined number of channels. The lighting control unit can then set one or more of the predetermined number of channels to an off channel. This makes it possible to provide a lighting device that allows for improved controllability of the light source unit.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.

1...lighting system, 10, (10A)...lighting fixture, 11...operation device, 101...operation input unit, 102 control unit, 103...storage unit, 105...communication unit, 111...light source unit, 112...lighting control unit, 113...storage unit, 115...communication unit, 116...adjustment item data, E1 to Ek...light-emitting elements.

Claims (4)

a light source unit including a plurality of types of light emitting elements that emit light in different colors;
a lighting control unit capable of allocating a predetermined number of channels to control at least the operation of the light source unit, and setting an adjustment item related to the operation of the light source unit for each of the predetermined number of channels, adjusting a parameter related to the set adjustment item in correspondence with a signal value of a channel signal from each of the predetermined number of channels, and capable of setting one or more of the predetermined number of channels to an off channel;
A lighting fixture comprising: The lighting device of claim 1, wherein the lighting control unit sets, as the adjustment item, an adjustment to set the dimming rate to 0% for all of the multiple types of light-emitting elements of the light source unit, regardless of the signal value of the channel signal, for the off channel. The lighting device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the lighting control unit is capable of allocating the off-channel to a state in which the operation of another device is controlled by the channel signal from the off-channel. The lighting device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the lighting control unit sets, for the predetermined number of channels, one adjustment item selected from among the adjustment items including the off channel indicated by the adjustment item data, as the adjustment item.