JP2024071322A - Lighting fixtures and lighting systems - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a wide variety of lighting that can be provided as a lighting fixture having a light source and a display unit capable of displaying an image.
[Solution] The device includes a light source 1 that emits light, image display panels 2a-2d that display images, an acquisition unit 301 that acquires operation data including time series data of a predetermined image whose content changes over time, a first control unit 303 that causes the image display panels 2a-2d to display a predetermined image based on time series data 60a of the predetermined image from the operation data acquired by the acquisition unit 301, and a second control unit 305 that changes the light emission mode of the light source 1 in response to the content of the predetermined image. The operation data may further include time series data 60b of the light emission mode of the light source 1 whose light emission mode changes in response to the content of the predetermined image, and the second control unit 305 may change the light emission mode of the light source 1 based on the time series data 60b of the light emission mode of the light source 1 from the operation data acquired by the acquisition unit 301.
[Selected Figure] Figure 6B

Description

The present invention relates to lighting fixtures and lighting systems.

Conventionally, lighting fixtures have been known that have a light source that emits light and a display unit that can process the light emitted by the light source and display an image. In Patent Document 1, the applicant has proposed a lighting fixture that uses an electronic panel for the display unit that processes the light emitted by the light source and transmits it, and displays a predetermined image on the electronic panel based on data received from an external storage unit that is separate from the lighting fixture.

International Publication No. 2019/082789

For lighting fixtures that have a light source and a display unit that can display images, further ingenuity is required in terms of the variety of lighting that can be provided by the lighting fixture.

The present invention was made in consideration of the problems inherent in the conventional technology. The object of the present invention is to provide a wide variety of lighting that can be provided as a lighting fixture having a light source and a display unit capable of displaying images.

In order to solve the above problems, a lighting device according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises:
A light source that emits light;
an image display panel for displaying an image;
an acquisition unit that acquires motion data including time-series data of a predetermined image whose content changes over time;
a first control unit that causes the image display panel to display the predetermined image based on time-series data of the predetermined image among the action data acquired by the acquisition unit;
A second control unit that changes a light emission state of the light source in response to the content of the predetermined image;
Equipped with.

A lighting system according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises:
A lighting system comprising a plurality of lighting fixtures,
Each of the plurality of lighting fixtures is configured by a lighting fixture having at least the configuration of the lighting fixture according to the first aspect of the present invention,
The first control units of the plurality of lighting devices synchronize the predetermined images displayed on the image display panels of the plurality of lighting devices with each other.

This disclosure makes it possible to provide a wide variety of lighting options as a lighting fixture that has a light source and a display unit capable of displaying images.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a lighting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lighting fixture of FIG. 1 for use in a lighting system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a predetermined image displayed on each flat panel of the electronic panel of FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of light sources inside the electronic panel of FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the angle of a user's line of sight with respect to the lighting fixture of FIG. 1 in a space in which the lighting fixture is placed. FIG. 6A is a block diagram illustrating the input and output of signals to and from the control unit of each lighting fixture in FIG. FIG. 6B is a block diagram illustrating a plurality of information processing circuits virtually constructed in the control unit of FIG. 6A. FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure related to time-series data of a predetermined image in the action data acquired by the acquisition unit in FIG. 6B. FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure related to time-series data on the light emission mode of a light source in the operation data acquired by the acquisition unit in FIG. 6B. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the lighting fixture of FIG. 1 for use in a lighting system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a system to which a lighting device according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure is applied. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a lighting device according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the first image processing unit and the second image processing unit according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12A is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a first image processing unit according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12B is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the second image processing unit according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13A is a schematic diagram for explaining image data displayed on multiple panels of a lighting device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13B is a schematic diagram for explaining image data displayed on multiple panels of a lighting device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13C is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of image data in a stream acquired by a lighting device according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the first image processing unit according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the second image processing unit according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

The embodiments of the lighting fixture and lighting system described below are comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, the arrangement and connection of the components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for the convenience of explanation and may differ from the actual ratios.

As shown in FIG. 1, a lighting system 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has a plurality of lighting fixtures 100 each having a light source and a display unit capable of displaying an image. The lighting fixtures 100 may be arranged in the same space, or some or all of the lighting fixtures 100 may be arranged in separate spaces. The spaces may be, for example, spaces physically separated by structures such as floors, ceilings, or walls in the same building, or may be spaces in separate buildings. Each lighting fixture 100 in the lighting system 1000 has the configuration described below.

First Embodiment
The lighting device 100 of the lighting system 1000 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 7B.

As shown in FIG. 2, each lighting fixture 100 includes a light source 1, a lamp cover 2, and a control unit 3.

In FIG. 2, as an example of the lighting fixture 100, an example is shown in which the lighting fixture 100 is suspended from a ceiling by a support rod 4 indoors. In this example, a DC cable (not shown) that supplies power to the lighting fixture 100 can be arranged in the hollow part of the support rod 4. The configuration for suspending the lighting fixture 100 is not limited to the support rod 4. The lighting fixture 100 may be mounted on an interior wall indoors or placed on a floor. The lighting fixture 100 may also be embedded in a ceiling, wall, or floor. Furthermore, the lighting fixture 100 may be installed outdoors, such as on the exterior wall of a building, on a roof, on a road, in a square, or in a park.

The light source 1 emits light, and can be, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamp in which a light emitting diode is enclosed in a transparent cover. The light source 1 is not limited to an LED lamp, and can be anything that emits light. In this embodiment, a case where a light bulb-shaped light source 1 is used will be described.

The light source 1 can change its light emission mode. The change in the light emission mode may be, for example, a change in the brightness of the light, including blinking, or a change in the color temperature of the light emitted by the light source 1. The brightness of the light can be changed, for example, by dimming control, which controls the amount of light emitted by the light source 1, the luminous intensity of the light source 1 itself, and the illuminance or brightness of the area illuminated by the light source 1. The light distribution range of the light emitted by the light source 1 in this embodiment will be described later.

The lamp cover 2 has a space inside for housing the light source 1. The lamp cover 2 can be composed of one image display panel that displays an image, or multiple image display panels that display images facing different directions. As shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment, four flat panels 2a to 2d are used as the multiple image display panels. The four flat panels 2a to 2d are combined into a rectangular cylindrical shape and are arranged to surround the light source 1.

The flat panels 2a to 2d each display a predetermined image. The predetermined images are images whose content changes over time. Images whose content changes over time may be, for example, images that make up a slideshow that switches between still images in sequence, or may be videos that are moving images. Videos are also called images.

The flat panels 2a to 2d can be configured, for example, by a liquid crystal display that can transmit the light emitted by the light source 1. The flat panels 2a to 2d configured by a liquid crystal display can use the light of the light source 1 as a backlight. The flat panels 2a to 2d configured by a liquid crystal display that uses the light of the light source 1 as a backlight can emit image light, which is the light of a predetermined image displayed on each of the flat panels 2a to 2d, from the surface of each of the flat panels 2a to 2d to the outside of the lamp cover 2. The surface of each of the flat panels 2a to 2d means the surface exposed to the outside of the lamp cover 2; for example, FIG. 3 illustrates the surfaces of the flat panels 2a and 2d. The light distribution range of the image light emitted by each of the flat panels 2a to 2d will be described later.

The image display panel constituting the lamp cover 2 may be something other than a liquid crystal display, so long as it is capable of displaying predetermined image data by transmitting light of a specific wavelength or restricting the transmission of light of a specific wavelength. Specifically, one example of an image display panel is an organic electro-luminescence (OEL). Other examples of image display panels include an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) or electronic paper.

In this embodiment, the image display panel that constitutes the lamp cover 2 is four flat panels 2a to 2d combined into a rectangular cylindrical shape, but it may also be a curved panel made of organic electroluminescence or electronic paper. For example, the lamp cover 2 may be a single cylindrical curved panel, or if possible, a hemispherical curved panel. The lamp cover 2 may have any shape as long as it can process and transmit the light emitted by the light source 1 and display specified image data.

In this embodiment, the bottom end of the cylindrical lamp cover 2 is open. As shown in FIG. 4, the light source 1 inside the lamp cover 2 is disposed above the bottom end of the lamp cover 2. When the lamp cover 2 is suspended in the direction of gravity by the support rod 4, the angle between the horizontal plane HP and the straight line S connecting the bottom end of the lamp cover 2 and the surface of the light source 1 is at least θ1.

The light source 1 of this embodiment emits light with a light distribution range A1. The light distribution range A1 of the light source 1 is a range inside the light distribution angle θ11 of the light source 1. The light distribution range A1 of the light source 1 of this embodiment includes the rear surfaces of the flat panels 2a to 2d and the opening at the open lower end of the cylindrical lamp cover 2. For example, when a commercially available LED (Light Emitting Diode) bulb is used as the light source 1, the light distribution range A1 of the light source 1 varies depending on whether the LED bulb is an omnidirectional type, a wide light distribution type, or a downward type.

Each of the flat panels 2a to 2d in this embodiment emits image light in a light distribution range A3. In this embodiment, each of the flat panels 2a to 2d uses, as a backlight, a portion of the light of the light source 1 having a light distribution angle θ11 that passes through the flat panels 2a to 2d. As shown in FIG. 4, the light distribution range A3 of the image light emitted by each of the flat panels 2a to 2d is a portion of the light distribution range A1 of the light source 1 in the light distribution range A3 of the image light emitted by the flat panels 2b and 2c. The light source 1 emits light whose light distribution range includes an area outside the light distribution range A3 of the image light. In this embodiment, for example, of the light emitted by the light source 1, the light that passes through the opening of the lamp cover 2 and proceeds downward from the lamp cover 2 corresponds to the light in the area outside the light distribution range A3 of the image light.

In Figs. 3 and 4, the predetermined image displayed on each of the flat panels 2a to 2d is a still image of a flower pattern or a polka dot pattern. The predetermined image displayed on each of the flat panels 2a to 2d may be a still image of a landscape, text, symbol, etc. other than a pattern, or may be a moving image such as an animation or a live image taken by a camera.

As shown in FIG. 5, when a user H in a space in which a lighting fixture 100 is installed looks up at the lighting fixture 100 suspended from a ceiling W at an elevation angle θ of angle θ1 or more, the light source 1 inside is visible from the open bottom end of the lamp cover 2. The four flat panels 2a-2d of the lamp cover 2 can block the view of the user H in a specified direction toward the light source 1 when the direction of the line of sight L of the user H looking up at the lighting fixture 100 is a direction of an elevation angle θ less than angle θ1. By blocking the view of the user H in a specified direction toward the light source 1, the visual target of the user H can be guided to the flat panels 2a-2d instead of the light source 1, and the visibility of the user H to a specified image displayed on the flat panels 2a-2d can be improved.

In this embodiment, the lamp cover 2 is made of four flat panels 2a to 2d and has an open bottom end. However, the light source 1 may be enclosed in the lamp cover 2, which has a housing-like structure, so that the light source 1 inside cannot be seen directly from outside the lamp cover 2.

The lamp cover 2 may be a flat image display panel that is substantially flush with the surface of a wall, floor, or ceiling. In this case, the lighting device 100 may include a light source 1 provided on the rear side of the lamp cover 2, and a control unit 3 that controls the light source 1 and the lamp cover 2.

The control unit 3 can obtain the operation data of the lighting device 100 from an internal memory unit (not shown) provided in the lighting device 100. The internal memory unit may be a storage device (not shown) provided outside the control unit 3, or may be a memory (described below) that the control unit 3 has inside.

The operation data of the internal storage unit may be generated in advance and stored in the internal storage unit, for example. The operation data of the internal storage unit may be generated inside the lighting device 100, for example, based on a user's operation (not shown) in a user interface (UI) device connected to the lighting device 100 by wire or wirelessly. The operation data inside the lighting device 100 may be generated by the control unit 3, or may be generated by a device (not shown) provided in the lighting device 100 separately from the control unit 3.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the control unit 3 may receive and acquire operational data of the lighting device 100 stored in an external storage unit 30 separate from the lighting device 100 from the external storage unit 30. The operational data includes time series data of a specific image to be displayed on each of the flat panels 2a to 2d of the lamp cover 2. The control unit 3 causes each of the flat panels 2a to 2d of the lamp cover 2 to display a specific image whose content changes over time based on the acquired time series data of the specific image.

When the predetermined image displayed on each of the flat panels 2a to 2d is different for each of the flat panels 2a to 2d, the time series data of the predetermined image may be data of a different image for each of the flat panels 2a to 2d. When the same predetermined image is displayed on some of the flat panels 2a to 2d, the time series data of the predetermined image may include data of an image common to some of the flat panels 2a to 2d. When the same predetermined image is displayed on all of the flat panels 2a to 2d, the time series data of the predetermined image may be data of a single image common to all of the flat panels 2a to 2d.

By displaying a specific image on each of the flat panels 2a to 2d based on the time series data of the specific image acquired by the control unit 3, it is possible to enrich the variation of the specific image by changing or diversifying the data of the specific image.

The predetermined image may be any image, such as a landscape, a person, an animal, a plant, an object, a device, or a building. The predetermined image may also include at least one of characters, figures, and symbols. Furthermore, the predetermined image may be an image that includes predetermined information, such as an advertisement. In this way, the predetermined information can be conveyed to people around the lighting device 100.

The specified images may be images forming a slide show that is changed at regular intervals according to a predefined program, or may be videos that are changed continuously. This allows the display of the lighting device 100 to be changed automatically.

As shown in FIG. 6A, when the control unit 3 obtains the operation data of the lighting device 100 from the external memory unit 30, the external memory unit 30 may be, for example, a server 30a communicably connected to the control unit 3 via an electric communication information network I such as the Internet. In this case, the server 30a stores data of a predetermined image. When the external memory unit 30 is the server 30a, the control unit 3 causes each of the flat panels 2a to 2d of the lamp cover 2 to display a predetermined image based on the data transmitted from the server 30a. As a result, the lighting device 100 can cause each of the flat panels 2a to 2d to display a predetermined image selected from the vast number of images whose data is stored in the server 30a.

When the control unit 3 receives and acquires the operation data of the lighting device 100 from the external storage unit 30, the external storage unit 30 may be a communication device 30s capable of wireless communication, such as a remote controller or a mobile phone called a smartphone. When the external storage unit 30 is a communication device 30s, the communication device 30s downloads image data from the server 30a in advance. Thereafter, when necessary, the communication device 30s transmits the specified image data to the control unit 3 directly or via the electric communication information network I.

When the control unit 3 receives data of a specified image from the communication device 30s, the control unit 3 causes the specified image to be displayed on each of the flat panels 2a to 2d of the lamp cover 2 based on the received data. This makes it possible to easily display a specified image on each of the flat panels 2a to 2d by using a communication device 30s that the user already owns, such as a mobile phone.

In addition, request information may be sent from the communication device 30s to the server 30a. In this case, the server 30a sends data of a specified image to the control unit 3 via the electric communication information network I based on the request information. In either case, the specified image to be displayed on the lighting device 100 can be selected simply by operating the communication device 30s.

Instead of a remote controller or a smartphone, a computer 50 such as a personal computer communicatively connected to a telecommunications information network I such as the Internet may be used as the communication device 30s. In this case, the computer 50 such as a personal computer downloads image data in advance from the server 30a via the telecommunications information network I. Thereafter, when necessary, the computer 50 such as a personal computer transmits data of a specified image to the control unit 3 via the telecommunications information network I. The computer 50 may have built-in artificial intelligence.

In this embodiment, data of a large number of predetermined images to be displayed on the flat panels 2a to 2d is stored in the internal memory of the lighting fixture 100. The data of the predetermined images stored in the internal memory may be downloaded from the server 30a to the lighting fixture 100 via, for example, the electric communication information network I.

The data of the specified image to be downloaded from the server 30 may be specified by a communication device 30s that can connect to the server 30a via the electric communication information network I. The communication device 30s may be, for example, a tablet terminal or a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. In this case, information requesting the data of the specified image selected by a user (not shown) operating the communication device 30s is transmitted from the communication device 30s to the server 30a. The server 30a can then transmit the data of the specified image to the lighting fixture 100 based on the information received from the communication device 30s.

Data may be transmitted from server 30a to lighting fixture 100 via communication device 30s. Communication device 30s can transmit data of a specific image downloaded from server 30a and operation data including time series data of the specific image to lighting fixture 100 paired with communication device 30s, for example, using Bluetooth (registered trademark).

When the external storage unit 30 is used as the source of data for the specified image, the external storage unit 30 may be something other than the server 30a or the communication device 30s. For example, the external storage unit 30 may be a database unit DB capable of communicating with the computer 50. The database unit DB may be configured, for example, as an accessible storage device that stores data for a large number of specified images. The storage device may be configured, for example, as an SSD (Solid State Drive) or HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

As shown in FIG. 3, for example, recording medium 30b may be used as an external storage unit that supplies data of a specified image instead of server 30a, communication device 30s, or database unit DB. Recording medium 30b stores data of a specified image that can be read by being attached to control unit 3. Recording medium 30b can be inserted, for example, into insertion port 3a of control unit 3. This allows recording medium 30b to be electrically connected to control unit 3 and to communicate with control unit 3. As a result, control unit 3 can display a specified image on each of flat panels 2a to 2d using data read from recording medium 30b attached to control unit 3.

This allows a specified image to be displayed on each of the flat panels 2a to 2d of the lamp cover 2 by the simple task of attaching the recording medium 30b to the control unit 3. In this case, the data on the recording medium 30b is changed, or several recording media 30b with different stored data are used. This allows for a wide variety of specified images to be displayed on each of the flat panels 2a to 2d.

The recording medium 30b may be any type that can store the specified image data in a non-volatile manner in a manner that can be read by the control unit 3, such as a memory device equipped with a memory chip such as a flash memory, an optical disk, or a magnetic disk. In addition, the recording medium 30b may store the specified image data in a manner that can be rewritten by electronic devices that are already in widespread use, such as a personal computer or a smartphone, in order to facilitate changing the stored data of the specified image.

The control unit 3 has, for example, a general-purpose microcontroller. The microcontroller has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory. The memory includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory).

The microcontroller can virtually construct multiple information processing circuits by having the CPU execute a program stored in the memory. The multiple information processing circuits can, for example, constitute the acquisition unit 301, first control unit 303, and second control unit 305 (see FIG. 6B) of the control unit 3, which will be described later.

In this embodiment, an example is shown in which multiple information processing circuits built in a microcontroller are realized by software. Of course, it is also possible to configure the information processing circuits by providing dedicated hardware for executing each of the information processes described below for each of the units 301 to 305 of the control unit 3. The multiple information processing circuits may also be configured by individual hardware. The dedicated hardware includes devices such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) arranged to execute the functions of each of the units 301 to 305, and conventional circuit components.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the control unit 3 has an acquisition unit 301, a first control unit 303, and a second control unit 305.

The acquisition unit 301 acquires the operation data of the lighting device 100 from an external storage unit such as the server 30a, the recording medium 30b, the communication device 30s, or the database unit DB. The operation data includes time series data of a predetermined image to be displayed on each of the flat panels 2a to 2d of the lamp cover 2. The operation data may also include time series data of the light emission state of the light source 1. In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 301 acquires the operation data including the time series data of the predetermined image and the time series data of the light emission state of the light source 1 from the external storage unit.

Time series data of a specified image is data that defines the contents of a specified image to be displayed on flat panels 2a to 2d on a time axis. In time series data of a specified image, for example, the contents of a specified image to be displayed on flat panels 2a to 2d can be defined on a one cycle time series from the start to the end of the display.

If the specified image is an image that constitutes a slideshow, for example, the timing for switching still images in one cycle and the content of the still image to be displayed between two consecutive switching timings can be defined in the time series data of the specified image. If the specified image is a video, for example, the content and playback time of the video to be displayed can be defined in the time series data of the specified image.

The time series data of the light emission mode of the light source 1 is data that defines on a time axis the light emission mode of the light source 1 that changes in response to the content of a specified image to be displayed on the flat panels 2a to 2d. In the time series data of the light emission mode of the light source 1, for example, the content of the light emission mode of the light source 1 can be defined on a time series of one cycle from the start to the end of display.

As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the time series data of a specified image and the time series data of the light emission mode of light source 1 can each be created, for example, in an XML (Extensible Markup Language) file format. Figure 7A is an example of a data structure related to the time series data of a specified image, and Figure 7B is a diagram explaining an example of a data structure related to the time series data of the light emission mode of light source 1.

The examples shown in Figures 7A and 7B show a case where a time is specified for the timing at which a specific image to be displayed on the flat panels 2a to 2d or the light emission mode of the light source 1 changes, and the display of the specified image or light emission in the light emission mode is continued until the next timing is specified. In other examples, the start and end times for continuing the specific image to be displayed on the flat panels 2a to 2d or the light emission mode of the light source 1 may be specified in the respective time series data.

In the time series data 60a of a specific image shown in FIG. 7A, the portion separated by <Cue> and </Cue> defines the content of the specific image to be displayed on the flat panels 2a to 2d at a specific time. The first portion specifies that text will be written in the background as a timeline from start time "0", as well as the color of the background, and the font and size of the text. The second portion specifies that image data related to the input image "Opening" will be displayed as a timeline from start time "5.0", as well as the color of the background.

In the time series data 60b of the light emission mode of light source 1 shown in FIG. 7B, the portion separated by <Cue> and </Cue> defines the light emission mode of light source 1 at a specified time. The first portion specifies that the light emission mode of light source 1 is color temperature 255, brightness 255, and lighting method "normal" from start time "0" as a timeline. The second portion specifies that the color temperature of the light emission mode of light source 1 changes to 125 from start time "5.0" as a timeline. In the example shown in FIG. 7B, the brightness of light source 1 is defined by the illuminance of a reference location in the space illuminated by the light of light source 1. Note that in the time series data 60b, the color temperature and brightness are expressed as values that index the actual values (lux in the case of illuminance) into 256 levels.

In the lighting method of the time series data 60b, in addition to normal, which means on, you can specify blinking, flickering, etc. When "on (normal)" is specified as the lighting method, the illuminance and color temperature do not change over time at the specified value. When "blinking" is specified as the lighting method, the illuminance and color temperature can be changed over time, for example, with a rectangular wave, sine wave function, or triangular wave function, with the specified value as the peak value. When "flickering" is specified as the lighting method, the illuminance and color temperature can be changed, for example, with a flickering period.

The period of the fluctuation can be, for example, the period of 1/f fluctuation. 1/f fluctuation is a fluctuation in which the power (spectral density) is inversely proportional to the frequency f. Illumination light with 1/f fluctuation is said to have the effect of providing healing to people. The period of the fluctuation can be a period in which the distribution of the frequency spectrum relating to the change in illuminance and color temperature is expressed by a function other than 1/f, in addition to the period of 1/f fluctuation. Specifically, for example, the period of the fluctuation of illuminance and color temperature can be a period expressed by a waveform obtained by adding up inverted quadratic functions over frequency, such as the output waveform of a full-wave rectifier circuit.

The lighting method of the time series data 60b can be specified separately for each of the illuminance and color temperature. For example, the lighting method for illuminance can be specified as "flickering lighting" and the lighting method for color temperature can be specified as "blinking."

A data table can be used for the "blinking" and "wavering" lighting methods. The data table defines the illuminance and color temperature to be changed per unit time. A separate data table can be prepared for each of "blinking" and "wavering". For each sampling period, the control unit 3 reads out from the corresponding data table the changes to be applied until the next sampling period for the illuminance and color temperature for which "blinking" or "wavering" is specified in the data lighting method. The contents of the read data table can be used by the control unit 3 to control the illuminance and color temperature of the light source 1.

In the time series data 60b, if the data sampling period is specified, it is possible to control, for example, the frequency band of the time series changes in illuminance and color temperature in blinking and flickering lighting. By controlling the frequency band, it is possible to control the pulse width of the square wave in the "blinking" lighting method, or the speed of amplitude change of the sine function or triangular wave function, and the speed of time series changes in illuminance and color temperature in the "flickering" lighting method.

Depending on the content specified in the time series data 60b, the change in the brightness of the light of the light source 1, including blinking and flickering, can be defined in the time series data 60b as the content of the light emission mode of the light source 1. If the time series data 60b defines that the brightness of the light of the light source 1 is changed, the lighting device 100 can provide lighting in which the brightness of the light of the light source 1 changes by turning on the light source 1 based on the time series data 60b. In particular, if the time series data 60b defines that the brightness of the light of the light source 1 is changed with 1/f fluctuation, the lighting device 100 can provide lighting in which the brightness of the light of the light source 1 changes with 1/f fluctuation, which is expected to have a relaxation effect.

Depending on the content specified in the time series data 60b, a change in the color temperature of the light of the light source 1 can be defined in the time series data 60b as the content of the light emission mode of the light source 1. If the time series data 60b defines that the color temperature of the light of the light source 1 is changed, the lighting fixture 100 can provide lighting in which the color temperature of the light of the light source 1 changes by turning on the light source 1 based on the time series data 60b.

In this embodiment, the timeline of the time series data 60b is specified to match the timeline of the time series data 60a. The light emission mode of the light source 1 defined by the time series data 60b for a certain timeline corresponds to the display content of a specific image on the flat panels 2a to 2d defined by the time series data 60a for the same timeline.

The first control unit 303 causes each of the flat panels 2a to 2d to display a predetermined image based on time series data 60a of a predetermined image from among the operation data acquired by the acquisition unit 301. If the time series data 60a is data common to all of the flat panels 2a to 2d, the first control unit 303 causes each of the flat panels 2a to 2d to display the same predetermined image. If time series data 60a exists for each of the flat panels 2a to 2d, the first control unit 303 causes each of the flat panels 2a to 2d to display a predetermined image corresponding to each time series data 60a.

The first control unit 303 of each lighting fixture 100 in the lighting system 1000 may synchronize the predetermined images displayed on the flat panels 2a to 2d between the lighting fixtures 100. Synchronization between the lighting fixtures 100 here includes displaying the same predetermined image on the flat panels 2a to 2d of each lighting fixture 100. Synchronization between the lighting fixtures 100 also includes shifting the timing at which the content of the predetermined image displayed on the flat panels 2a to 2d of each lighting fixture 100 changes between the lighting fixtures 100. By synchronizing the predetermined images displayed on the flat panels 2a to 2d of each lighting fixture 100 between the lighting fixtures 100, it is possible to execute the display of the predetermined images coordinated between the lighting fixtures 100 in the lighting system 1000.

The second control unit 305 turns on the light source 1. The second control unit 305 changes the light emission mode of the light source 1 to be turned on based on the time series data 60b of the light emission mode of the light source 1 among the operation data acquired by the acquisition unit 301.

When the time series data 60b includes content defining changes in the brightness of the light of the light source 1, including blinking, the second control unit 305 changes the brightness of the light of the light source 1. In particular, when the time series data 60b includes content for adjusting the brightness of the light of the light source 1 with 1/f fluctuation, the second control unit 305 changes the brightness of the light of the light source 1 with 1/f fluctuation. When the time series data 60b includes content defining changes in the color temperature of the light emitted by the light source 1, the second control unit 305 changes the color temperature of the light of the light source 1.

Since the timeline of the time series data 60b is specified to match the timeline of the time series data 60a, the second control unit 305 changes the brightness of the light from the light source 1 in response to the content of the predetermined image on the flat panels 2a to 2d. If the content of the predetermined image displayed on each of the flat panels 2a to 2d is not the same, the second control unit 305 may change the light emission mode of the light source 1 in response to the content of the predetermined image displayed on some of the flat panels 2a to 2d.

The second control unit 305 can change the light emission mode of the light source 1 based on the time series data 60b to change the light emission mode of the light source 1 in response to the content of a specified image on the flat panels 2a to 2d. By defining in the time series data 60b the content for changing the brightness of the light of the light source 1 in accordance with the content of the image to be displayed on the flat panels 2a to 2d, the lighting device 100 can provide illumination with light of a brightness corresponding to the content of the image on the flat panels 2a to 2d. By defining in the time series data 60b the content for changing the color temperature of the light of the light source 1 in accordance with the content of the image to be displayed on the flat panels 2a to 2d, the lighting device 100 can provide illumination with light of a color temperature corresponding to the content of the image on the flat panels 2a to 2d.

In particular, when the second control unit 305 changes the brightness of the light from the light source 1 with 1/f fluctuation, the lighting device 100 provides illumination with light whose brightness changes with 1/f fluctuation in accordance with the content of the image on the flat panels 2a to 2d. For example, if a specific image displayed on the flat panels 2a to 2d is an image of a landscape or the like that has a soothing effect, then changing the brightness of the light from the light source 1 with 1/f fluctuation in accordance with the content of this image can be expected to provide a relaxation effect with the lighting from the lighting device 100.

When the first control unit 303 of each lighting fixture 100 synchronizes the predetermined images to be displayed on each of the flat panels 2a to 2d between the lighting fixtures 100, the second control unit 305 of each lighting fixture 100 synchronizes the change in the light emission mode of the light source 1 between the lighting fixtures 100. By synchronizing the change in the light emission mode of the light source 1 between the lighting fixtures 100, it is possible to execute the change in the light emission mode of the light source 1 coordinated between the lighting fixtures 100 in the lighting system 1000.

When the light emission mode of the light source 1 of the lighting device 100 is instructed by a remote control device (not shown), the second control unit 305 may interrupt the control based on the time series data 60b and control the light emission mode of the light source 1 according to the instructions from the remote control device. When performing interrupt control based on the instructions from the remote control device, the second control unit 305 fixes the illuminance and color temperature of the light source 1 to the values instructed by the remote control device.

This disclosure makes it possible to provide a wide variety of lighting options as a lighting fixture 100 having a light source 1 and a lamp cover 2 that serves as a display unit capable of displaying a specified image on flat panels 2a to 2d.

In this embodiment, the operation data of the lighting device 100 acquired by the acquisition unit 301 includes time series data 60a of a specific image and time series data 60b of the light emission mode of the light source 1. The operation data of the lighting device 100 acquired by the acquisition unit 301 does not have to include time series data 60b of the light emission mode of the light source 1. If the operation data of the lighting device 100 does not include time series data 60b, the second control unit 305 may, for example, perform control to change the light emission mode of the light source 1 in accordance with the time line of the time series data 60a. By the second control unit 305 changing the light emission mode of the light source 1 in accordance with the time line of the time series data 60a, the lighting device 100 can provide illumination with light whose light emission mode changes in response to the content of the images of the flat panels 2a to 2d.

Second Embodiment
In the first embodiment, a case where a light source 1 having a bulb shape is used has been described, but the shape of the light source 1 is not limited to a bulb shape. Hereinafter, a lighting device 100 of a lighting system 1000 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 8 .

In the lighting fixture 100 of this embodiment, a COB (Chip On Board) type LED light is used as the light source 1. As shown in FIG. 8, a COB type LED light can be configured, for example, by mounting an array chip 1a, in which multiple LED chips are connected in series, on a support plate 1b.

In this embodiment, the light source 1 is disposed near the open lower end of the lamp cover 2. The light source 1 disposed in this position in this embodiment does not function as a backlight for each of the flat panels 2a to 2d of the lamp cover 2, and serves solely to illuminate the space below the lighting fixture 100. Since the light source 1 does not function as a backlight, each of the flat panels 2a to 2d may be configured with a liquid crystal display having a backlight separate from the light source 1, or may be configured with a self-luminous organic electroluminescence panel that does not require a backlight.

In this embodiment, instead of the support rod 4 (see FIG. 2) of the first embodiment, a wire 5 is used to suspend the lighting fixture 100, one end of which is attached to the mounting plate 2e at the top of the lamp cover 2. The number of wires 5 used to suspend the lighting fixture 100 can be determined as necessary from a range of one or more. A DC cable 6 that supplies power to the lighting fixture 100 is routed through the mounting plate 2e to the control unit 3.

The configuration for suspending the lighting fixture 100 is not limited to that using the wire 5. The lighting fixture 100 of the second embodiment may also adopt a configuration for suspending the lighting fixture 100 using the support rod 4 in FIG. 2, as in the first embodiment. The configuration for suspending the lighting fixture 100 using the wire 5 is also applicable to the lighting fixture 100 of the first embodiment.

In another embodiment, the lighting fixture 100 may be mounted on a floor or a table, etc., so that the bottom of the lighting fixture 100 is in contact with the surface of the installation location. When the bottom of the lighting fixture 100 is in contact with the surface of the installation location, the mounting plate 2e and wire 5 at the top of the lamp cover 2 are omitted, and a support plate 1b is provided above the control unit 3. The array chip 1a of the LED light is mounted on the top surface of the support plate 1b, and the light emitted from the array chip 1a passes through an opening at the open top end of the lamp cover 2 and travels above the lamp cover 2. The light of the light source 1 that travels above the lamp cover 2 illuminates the space around the lighting fixture 100. The wiring path of the DC cable 6 is changed as appropriate.

The content disclosed in the second embodiment described above can also provide a wide variety of lighting options as a lighting fixture 100 having a light source 1 and a lamp cover 2.

The subject of the device, system, or method in this disclosure includes a computer. The computer executes a program to realize the function of the subject of the device, system, or method in this disclosure. The computer includes a processor that operates according to a program as a main hardware configuration. The type of processor is not important as long as it can realize the function by executing the program. The processor is composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or an LSI (large scale integration). Here, it is called an IC or an LSI, but the name changes depending on the degree of integration, and it may be called a system LSI, VLSI (very large scale integration), or ULSI (ultra large scale integration). A field programmable gate array (FPGA) that is programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or a reconfigurable logic device that can reconfigure the connection relationship inside the LSI or set up the circuit partition inside the LSI, can also be used for the same purpose. Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated into one chip or provided on multiple chips. Multiple chips may be integrated into one device or provided on multiple devices. The program is recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a computer-readable ROM, an optical disk, or a hard disk drive. The program may be pre-stored on the recording medium, or may be supplied to the recording medium via a wide area communication network including the Internet.

Third Embodiment
Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the following description, when the same reference numerals as those in the first and/or second embodiment are used, they indicate the same configuration as in the first and/or second embodiment, and the preceding description will be referred to unless otherwise specified. Here, a configuration different from that of the first and/or second embodiment with respect to synchronization of images displayed on the flat panels 2a to 2d will be described. In the third embodiment, the configuration of the control unit 3 shown in the first and second embodiments will be shown in more detail.

(Lighting system configuration)
Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a lighting system to which lighting device 100 according to the third embodiment is applied. As shown in Fig. 9, the lighting system includes lighting device 100, a server 30a, and a user terminal 60. In the third embodiment, lighting device 100, server 30a, and user terminal 60 are capable of communicating with each other via network 40.

In the lighting system shown in FIG. 9, a user can control the lighting fixture 100 by using a user terminal 60 operated by the user. In the lighting system shown in FIG. 9, control information for controlling the light source 1 and image data to be displayed on the flat panel 2 are sent from the server 30a to the lighting fixture 100 via the network 40. The configuration of the lighting fixture 100 is the same as in the first and second embodiments, so a description thereof will be omitted here.

(Configuration of control unit 3)
Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control unit 3 provided in a lighting device 100 according to the third embodiment. As shown in Fig. 10, the control unit 3 includes an acquisition unit 301, a first control unit 303, and a second control unit 305. The first control unit 303 includes a first image processing unit 101a, a second image processing unit 101b, a first output port 131a, and a second output port 131b.

The second control unit 305 controls the light source 1 based on a control signal from the first image processing unit 101a. In the third embodiment, the light source 1 can change the light emission mode. This change in the light emission mode may be, for example, a change in the brightness of the light, including blinking, or a change in the color temperature of the light emitted by the light source 1. The change in the brightness of the light is performed, for example, by dimming control, which controls the amount of light emitted by the light source 1, the luminous intensity of the light source 1 itself, and the illuminance or brightness of the area illuminated by the light source 1. The control signal from the first image processing unit 101a may be a signal corresponding to the dimming control of the light source 1. In other words, the first image processing unit 101a controls the second control unit 305 so that light is emitted from the light source 1 in synchronization with the timing of displaying image data on the flat panel 2a and the flat panel 2b. This makes it possible for the control unit 3 to harmonize the light emitted from the light source 1 with the image displayed on the flat panel 2.

The first output port 131a is a port that outputs image data sent from the first image processing unit 101a to the flat panels 2a and 2b. The second output port 131b is a port that outputs image data sent from the second image processing unit 101b to the flat panels 2c and 2d.

Figure 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the first image processing unit 101a and the second image processing unit 101b according to the third embodiment. As shown in Figure 11, the first image processing unit 101a is configured by a general microcomputer including a CPU 110a, a memory unit 120a, an input/output IF 130a, and a communication IF 140a. Similarly, the second image processing unit 101b is configured by a general microcomputer including a CPU 110b, a memory unit 120b, an input/output IF 130b, and a communication IF 140b.

In the third embodiment, an example is shown in which the multiple information processing functions provided in the first image processing unit 101a and the second image processing unit 101b are realized by software. The first image processing unit 101a and the second image processing unit 101b function as multiple information processing circuits provided in the first image processing unit 101a and the second image processing unit 101b by executing a computer program.

As another configuration, the first image processing unit 101a can be provided with dedicated hardware for executing each information processing shown in FIG. 12A, and the information processing function can be configured with a system LSI (Large Scale Integration) or the like. Similarly, the second image processing unit 101b can be provided with dedicated hardware for executing each information processing shown in FIG. 12B, and the information processing function can be configured with a system LSI or the like. A system may also be configured with multiple information processing functions using separate hardware. Details of the CPU 110a, CPU 110b, memory unit 120a, and memory unit 120b will be described later.

The input/output interfaces 130a and 130b are interfaces for sending and receiving data such as image data and control signals.

The input/output IF 130a of the first image processing unit 101a is connected to the first output port 131a, the second control unit 305, and the input/output IF 130b of the second image processing unit 101b. The first image processing unit 101a transmits image data to be displayed on the flat panels 2a and 2b to the first output port 131a via the input/output IF 130a. The first image processing unit 101a also transmits a synchronization signal related to the display of the image data to the input/output IF 130b of the second image processing unit 101b via the input/output IF 130a. Furthermore, the first image processing unit 101a transmits a signal for controlling the light source 1 to the second control unit 305 via the input/output IF 130a.

The input/output IF 130b of the second image processing unit 101b is connected to the second output port 131b and the input/output IF 130a of the first image processing unit 101a. The second image processing unit 101b transmits image data to be displayed on the flat panels 2c and 2d to the second output port 131b via the input/output IF 130b. The second image processing unit 101b also transmits a response signal to the input/output IF 130a of the first image processing unit 101a via the input/output IF 130b.

Communication IFs 140a and 140b are interfaces for communicating with the outside world of lighting device 100 via a wired or wireless network.

(Functional configuration of first image processing unit 101a)
12A and 12B are block diagrams showing the functional configurations of a first image processing unit 101a and a second image processing unit 101b according to the third embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 12A, the CPU 110a of the first image processing unit 101a includes, as functions, a first stream acquisition unit 111a, a first decoding unit 112a, a synchronization signal transmission unit 113, a response signal reception unit 114, a first output unit 115a, and a second output unit 116a. Details of each function of the CPU 110a will be described later.

The CPU 110a also controls the entire first image processing unit 101a by, for example, running an operating system. Furthermore, the CPU 110a operates based on a program stored in the storage unit 120a and executes each of the above-mentioned functions. Note that the program is not limited to being stored in the storage unit 120a, and may be stored, for example, in a ROM (Read Only Memory) (not shown) within the first image processing unit 101a.

As shown in FIG. 12A, the storage unit 120a stores information contained in a setting information DB 121a (DB: Database) and an image data DB 122a as data. Note that there may be one or more storage units 120a storing these data. For example, a single storage unit 120a may be configured to store data in separate areas. Alternatively, data may be distributed and stored in multiple storage devices installed in physically separate locations.

The setting information DB 121a stores setting information related to the control unit 3 in advance. The setting information DB 121a may also include setting information related to the first stream acquired by the first stream acquisition unit 111a. The setting information DB 121a may also include setting information related to the first image data and second image data decoded by the first decoding unit 112a. The setting information related to the first stream, the first image data, and the second image data may be stored in advance by the user. Alternatively, the setting information may be stored setting information obtained by decoding the first stream.

The image data DB 122a stores the first image data and the second image data decoded by the first decoding unit 112a.

The first stream acquisition unit 111a acquires a first stream including first compressed data and second compressed data obtained by compressing image data to be displayed on the flat panel 2a and the flat panel 2b. The first image display panel corresponds to the flat panel 2a. The second image display panel corresponds to the flat panel 2b.

In the third embodiment, the first compressed data and the second compressed data included in the first stream are data compressed based on a predetermined video compression standard. The predetermined video compression standard may be, for example, H.264. Note that the video compression standard in the third embodiment does not limit the configuration of the embodiment, and may be a video compression standard other than H.264, such as MPEG2.

In addition, the first compressed data and the second compressed data contained in the first stream are data that have been synchronized in advance.

Fig. 13A is a schematic diagram for explaining image data displayed on multiple flat panels 2 of a lighting device 100 according to the third embodiment. In the example shown in Fig. 13A, for explanatory purposes, the character "1" is displayed on flat panel 2a, and the character "2" is displayed on flat panel 2b. Although not shown in Fig. 13A, it is assumed that the character "3" is displayed on flat panel 2c, and the character "4" is displayed on flat panel 2d.

Figure 13B is a diagram for explaining image data displayed on multiple flat panels 2 of a lighting device 100 according to the third embodiment. As an example, the image data displayed on each flat panel 2 is 800 pixels wide and 1280 pixels high. Note that the size of the image data displayed on the flat panel 2 is not limited to the above-mentioned size.

Fig. 13C is a diagram for explaining the configuration of image data included in a stream acquired by a lighting device 100 according to the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, the control unit 3 of the lighting device 100 acquires a first stream and a second stream. In the first stream, as shown in Fig. 13C, image data to be displayed on flat panels 2a and 2b is combined and stored in a form rotated 90 degrees to the left as viewed in the drawing. Similarly, in the second stream, as shown in Fig. 13C, image data to be displayed on flat panels 2c and 2d is combined and stored in a form rotated 90 degrees to the left as viewed in the drawing.

The first and second streams may also include at least one of metadata, audio data, thumbnails, and a program for controlling the light source. This allows the control unit 3 to realize not only the display of an image on the flat panel 2, but also audio playback and lighting control of the light source 1 in harmony with the image data.

The metadata may include stream identification information, creation date and time, content title, content time, information indicating content details, audio title, etc. The audio data is audio data that can be played from an audio playback unit (not shown) of the lighting device 100. The thumbnail is an image (still image) cut out from the image data, and in the third embodiment, the size of the thumbnail is 640 x 400 pixels, which is half the size of the image data. Note that the size of the thumbnail is not limited to the above size, and may be a size other than 640 x 400 pixels.

The program for controlling the light source is a program for controlling the light source 1, and corresponds to control information related to the color information, brightness, and lighting method of the light. In the third embodiment, the lighting method includes lighting, blinking, flickering, etc.

The first decoding unit 112a decodes the first stream and generates first image data and second image data to be displayed on the flat panel 2a and the flat panel 2b based on the first compressed data and the second compressed data. The first decoding unit 112a also stores the generated first image data and second image data in the image data DB 122a.

The synchronization signal transmission unit 113 transmits a synchronization signal for an image to be displayed on the flat panel 2 to the second image processing unit 101b. In the third embodiment, the synchronization signal is a signal output from the first image processing unit 101a, and is a signal that is synchronized with the display timing of the first image data and the second image data.

The synchronization signal transmission unit 113 also sends a control signal to the second control unit 305 so as to cause the light source 1 to emit light in synchronization with the timing at which the first image data and the second image data are displayed on the flat panel 2a and the flat panel 2b. The control signal may be a synchronization signal that is synchronized with the display timing of the first image data and the second image data.

The response signal receiving unit 114 receives a response signal to the synchronization signal from the second image processing unit 101b. The first output unit 115a outputs the first image data decoded by the first decoding unit 112a to the flat panel 2a. The second output unit 116a outputs the second image data decoded by the first decoding unit 112a to the flat panel 2b.

In the third embodiment, the output of the first image data and the second image data from the first output unit 115a and the second output unit 116a may start after the response signal is received by the response signal receiving unit 114. This allows the control unit 3 to synchronize the start timing of displaying the first image data, the second image data, the third image data, and the fourth image data on the flat panel 2.

In addition, in the third embodiment, the first image data and the second image data may be output from the first output unit 115a and the second output unit 116a without waiting for the response signal to be received by the response signal receiving unit 114. In this case, the display of the third image data and the fourth image data can be synchronized from the middle of the display of the first image data and the second image data.

(Functional configuration of second image processing unit 101b)
FIG. 12B is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a second image processing unit 101b according to the third embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 12B, the CPU 110b of the second image processing unit 101b includes, as functions, a second stream acquisition unit 111b, a second decoding unit 112b, a synchronization signal receiving unit 117, a response signal transmitting unit 118, a third output unit 115b, and a fourth output unit 116b. Details of each function of the CPU 110b will be described later.

Similarly to CPU 110a, CPU 110b runs an operating system to control the entire second image processing unit 101b. Furthermore, CPU 110b operates based on a program stored in storage unit 120b to execute the above-mentioned functions. Note that the program is not limited to being stored in storage unit 120b, and may be stored, for example, in a ROM (Read Only Memory) (not shown) within second image processing unit 101b.

As shown in FIG. 12B, the storage unit 120b stores information contained in the setting information DB 121b and the image data DB 122b as data. Note that there may be one or more storage units 120b storing these data. For example, a single storage unit 120b may be configured to store data in separate areas. Alternatively, data may be distributed and stored in multiple storage devices installed in physically separate locations.

The setting information DB 121b stores setting information related to the control unit 3 in advance. The setting information DB 121b may also include setting information related to the second stream acquired by the second stream acquisition unit 111b. The setting information DB 121b may also include setting information related to the third image data and the fourth image data decoded by the second decoding unit 112b. The setting information related to the second stream, the third image data, and the fourth image data may be stored in advance by the user. Alternatively, the setting information may be stored setting information obtained by decoding the second stream.

The image data DB 122b stores the third image data and the fourth image data decoded by the second decoding unit 112b.

The second stream acquisition unit 111b acquires a second stream including third compressed data and fourth compressed data obtained by compressing image data to be displayed on the flat panel 2c and the flat panel 2d. The third image display panel corresponds to the flat panel 2c. The fourth image display panel corresponds to the flat panel 2d.

In the third embodiment, the third compressed data and the fourth compressed data included in the second stream are data compressed based on a predetermined video compression standard, similar to the first stream described above. The predetermined video compression standard may be, for example, H.264. Note that the video compression standard in the third embodiment does not limit the configuration of the embodiment, and may be a video compression standard other than H.264, such as MPEG2.

The third compressed data and fourth compressed data contained in the second stream are data that have been synchronized in advance.

The second stream may also include at least one of metadata, audio data, thumbnails, and a program for light source control, similar to the first stream.

The second decoding unit 112b decodes the second stream and generates third image data and fourth image data to be displayed on the flat panel 2c and the flat panel 2d based on the third compressed data and the fourth compressed data. The second decoding unit 112b also stores the generated third image data and fourth image data in the image data DB 122b.

The synchronization signal receiving unit 117 receives a synchronization signal transmitted from the first image processing unit 101a. In the third embodiment, the synchronization signal is a signal output from the first image processing unit 101a, and is a signal that is synchronized with the display timing of the first image data and the second image data.

The response signal transmission unit 118 transmits a response signal to the synchronization signal transmitted from the first image processing unit 101a to the first image processing unit 101a. The third output unit 115b outputs the third image data decoded by the second decoding unit 112b to the flat panel 2c. The fourth output unit 116b outputs the fourth image data decoded by the second decoding unit 112b to the flat panel 2d.

(Outline of processing flow of control unit 3)
Next, the process (lighting control method) related to the lighting control in the control unit 3 will be described with reference to the flowcharts in Figures 14 and 15. The series of operations for lighting control shown in the flowcharts in Figures 14 and 15 begins when the control unit 3 is started, and ends when the power is turned off. In addition to when the power is turned off, the process in the flowcharts shown in Figures 14 and 15 also ends when an interrupt is issued to end the process. In the following description of the flowcharts, the same content as that described in the above description of the control unit 3 will be omitted or simplified.

In step S1401, the first stream acquisition unit 111a determines whether or not the first stream has been acquired. The first stream includes first compressed data and second compressed data obtained by compressing image data to be displayed on the flat panel 2a and the flat panel 2b. The first image display panel corresponds to the flat panel 2a. The second image display panel corresponds to the flat panel 2b.

If the first stream acquisition unit 111a determines in step S1401 that the first stream has been acquired (step S1401: YES), the process proceeds to step S1402. On the other hand, if the first stream acquisition unit 111a determines in step S1401 that the first stream has not been acquired (step S1401: NO), the process repeats the process of step S1401. In other words, the first stream acquisition unit 111a repeats the process of step S1401 until the first stream is acquired.

In step S1402, the first decoding unit 112a decodes the first stream and generates first image data and second image data to be displayed on the flat panel 2a and the flat panel 2b based on the first compressed data and the second compressed data. The first decoding unit 112a also stores the generated first image data and second image data in the image data DB 122a. After that, the process proceeds to step S1403.

In step S1403, the synchronization signal transmission unit 113 transmits a synchronization signal for the image to be displayed on the flat panel 2 to the second image processing unit 101b. Then, the process proceeds to step S1404.

In step S1404, the response signal receiving unit 114 determines whether or not a response signal has been received from the second image processing unit 101b. If the response signal receiving unit 114 determines in step S1404 that a response signal has been received from the second image processing unit 101b (step S1404: YES), the process proceeds to step S1405. On the other hand, if the response signal receiving unit 114 determines in step S1404 that a response signal has not been received from the second image processing unit 101b (step S1404: NO), the process repeats the process of step S1404. That is, the process of step S1404 is repeated until a response signal is received from the second image processing unit 101b.

In step S1405, the first output unit 115a outputs the first image data decoded by the first decoding unit 112a to the flat panel 2a via the first output port 131a. Also, in step S1405, the second output unit 116a outputs the second image data decoded by the first decoding unit 112a to the flat panel 2b via the second output port 131b. Note that the output of the first image data and the second image data from the first output unit 115a and the second output unit 116a may be based on a synchronization signal. Then, the process proceeds to step S1406.

In step S1406, the CPU 110a of the first image processing unit 101a determines whether the display of the image data has ended. In step S1406, if the CPU 110a of the first image processing unit 101a determines that the display of the image data has ended (step S1406: YES), the process ends. On the other hand, in step S1406, if the CPU 110a of the first image processing unit 101a determines that the display of the image data has not ended (step S1406: NO), the process returns to step S1405, and the process from step S1405 is repeated.

In addition, the setting information of the image data stored in the setting information DB 121a may be used to determine whether the display of the image data has ended in step S1406. In addition, the control information stored in the setting information DB 121a may be used to determine whether the display of the image data has ended in step S1406.

Next, we will explain the processing of the second image processing unit 101b shown in Figure 15.

In step S1501, the second stream acquisition unit 111b determines whether or not the second stream has been acquired. The second stream includes third compressed data and fourth compressed data obtained by compressing image data to be displayed on the flat panel 2c and the flat panel 2d. The third image display panel corresponds to the flat panel 2c. The fourth image display panel corresponds to the flat panel 2d.

If the second stream acquisition unit 111b determines in step S1501 that the second stream has been acquired (step S1501: YES), the process proceeds to step S1502. On the other hand, if the second stream acquisition unit 111b determines in step S1501 that the second stream has not been acquired (step S1501: NO), the process repeats the process of step S1501. In other words, the second stream acquisition unit 111b repeats the process of step S1501 until the second stream is acquired.

In step S1502, the second decoding unit 112b decodes the second stream and generates third image data and fourth image data to be displayed on the flat panel 2c and the flat panel 2d based on the third compressed data and the fourth compressed data. The second decoding unit 112b also stores the generated third image data and fourth image data in the image data DB 122b. After that, the process proceeds to step S1503.

In step S1503, the synchronization signal receiving unit 117 determines whether or not the synchronization signal transmitted from the first image processing unit 101a has been received. In the third embodiment, the synchronization signal is a signal output from the first image processing unit 101a and is a signal that synchronizes with the display timing of the first image data and the second image data. In step S1503, if the synchronization signal receiving unit 117 determines that the synchronization signal transmitted from the first image processing unit 101a has been received (step S1503: YES), the process proceeds to step S1504. On the other hand, in step S1503, if the synchronization signal receiving unit 117 determines that the synchronization signal transmitted from the first image processing unit 101a has not been received (step S1503: NO), the process repeats the process of step S1503. That is, the process of step S1503 is repeated until the synchronization signal from the first image processing unit 101a is received.

In step S1504, the response signal transmission unit 118 transmits a response signal to the synchronization signal transmitted from the first image processing unit 101a to the first image processing unit 101a. Then, the process proceeds to step S1505.

In step S1505, the third output unit 115b outputs the third image data decoded by the second decoding unit 112b to the flat panel 2c via the second output port 131b based on the synchronization signal. Also, in step S1505, the fourth output unit 116b outputs the fourth image data decoded by the second decoding unit 112b to the flat panel 2d via the second output port 131b based on the synchronization signal. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1506.

In step S1506, the CPU 110b of the second image processing unit 101b determines whether the display of the image data has ended. In step S1506, if the CPU 110b of the second image processing unit 101b determines that the display of the image data has ended (step S1506: YES), the process ends. On the other hand, in step S1506, if the CPU 110b of the second image processing unit 101b determines that the display of the image data has not ended (step S1506: NO), the process returns to step S1505 and the process from step S1505 is repeated.

In addition, the setting information of the image data stored in the setting information DB 121b may be used to determine whether the display of the image data has ended in step S1506. In addition, the control information stored in the setting information DB 121b may be used to determine whether the display of the image data has ended in step S1506.

As described above, the image display panel according to the third embodiment includes a first image display panel, a second image display panel, a third image display panel, and a fourth image display panel. The first control unit 303 includes a first image processing unit 101a and a second image processing unit 101b. The first image processing unit 101a includes a first stream acquisition unit 111a that acquires a first stream including first compressed data and second compressed data obtained by compressing image data for display on the first image display panel and the second image display panel from the acquisition unit 301. The first image processing unit 101a also includes a first decoding unit 112a that decodes the first stream and generates first image data and second image data to be displayed on the first image display panel and the second image display panel based on the first compressed data and the second compressed data. The first image processing unit 101a also includes a first output unit 115a that outputs the first image data decoded by the first decoding unit 112a to the first image display panel. The first image processing unit 101a also includes a second output unit 116a that outputs the second image data decoded by the first decoding unit 112a to the second image display panel. The second image processing unit 101b also includes a second stream acquisition unit 111b that acquires from the acquisition unit 301 a second stream including third compressed data and fourth compressed data obtained by compressing image data for display on the third image display panel and the fourth image display panel. The second image processing unit 101b also includes a second decoding unit 112b that decodes the second stream and generates third image data and fourth image data to be displayed on the third image display panel and the fourth image display panel based on the third compressed data and the fourth compressed data. The second image processing unit 101b also includes a third output unit 115b that outputs the third image data decoded by the second decoding unit 112b to the third image display panel. The second image processing unit 101b also has a fourth output unit 116b that outputs the fourth image data decoded by the second decoding unit 112b to the fourth image display panel. The third output unit 115b and the fourth output unit 116b output the third image data and the fourth image data to the third image display panel and the fourth image display panel based on a synchronization signal. The synchronization signal is a signal output from the first image processing unit 101a and is a signal that is synchronized with the display timing of the first image data and the second image data. The first image display panel, the second image display panel, the third image display panel, and the fourth image display panel correspond to the flat panel 2a, the flat panel 2b, the flat panel 2c, and the flat panel 2d, respectively.

This allows the control unit 3 to properly synchronize and display each image displayed on multiple flat panels.

In addition, in the third embodiment, the first image processing unit 101a controls the second control unit 305 so that light is emitted from the light source 1 in synchronization with the timing of displaying the first image data and the second image data on the flat panel 2a and the flat panel 2b. This enables the control unit 3 to harmonize the light emitted from the light source 1 and the image displayed on the flat panel 2.

In addition, in the control unit 3, the first compressed data, second compressed data, third compressed data, and fourth compressed data contained in the first stream and the second stream are data compressed based on a predetermined video compression standard. As a result, by compressing the first stream and the second stream based on the video compression standard, the control unit 3 can display images more efficiently and with higher performance than when uncompressed image data is exchanged.

In the third embodiment, the first compressed data and the second compressed data included in the first stream are data that have been synchronized in advance. In the third embodiment, the third compressed data and the fourth compressed data included in the second stream are data that have been synchronized in advance. This allows the control unit 3 to more appropriately synchronize the image data to be displayed on the flat panel.

The first and second streams in the third embodiment include at least one of metadata, audio data, thumbnails, and a program for controlling the light source. This allows the control unit 3 to harmonize the image on the flat panel with the light from the light source 1, for example, by including a program for controlling the light source in the first and second streams. Furthermore, by including audio data in the first and second streams, it becomes possible to play audio for more effectively presenting the image data and the light from the light source 1.

(Additional Note)
The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

(Technique 1)
A light source that emits light;
A plurality of image display panels for displaying images;
an acquisition unit that acquires motion data including time-series data of a predetermined image whose content changes over time;
a first control unit that causes the image display panel to display the predetermined image based on time-series data of the predetermined image among the action data acquired by the acquisition unit;
A second control unit that changes a light emission state of the light source in response to the content of the predetermined image;
A lighting fixture comprising:

With this configuration, the light emission state of the light source changes in response to the content of a specific image displayed on the image display panel based on the time series data of the specific image among the operational data acquired by the acquisition unit. This makes it possible to provide a wide variety of lighting options as a lighting fixture having a light source and a display unit capable of displaying a specific image.

(Technique 2)
The lighting device described in Technology 1, wherein the operational data further includes time series data of the light emission mode of the light source, the light emission mode of which changes in response to the content of the specified image, and the second control unit changes the light emission mode of the light source based on the time series data of the light emission mode of the light source included in the operational data acquired by the acquisition unit.

With this configuration, the second control unit changes the light emission mode of the light source in response to the content of a predetermined image displayed on the image display panel, based on the time series data of the light emission mode of the light source from the operation data acquired by the acquisition unit. Therefore, it is easy to realize the control of the second control unit that changes the light emission mode of the light source in response to the content of the predetermined image.

(Technique 3)
The lighting device according to claim 2, wherein the time series data of the light emission mode of the light source is time series data for changing the brightness of the light emitted by the light source.

With this configuration, the second control unit changes the brightness of the light from the light source in response to the content of a specific image displayed on the image display panel, based on the time series data of the light emission mode of the light source from among the operational data acquired by the acquisition unit. Therefore, it is possible to change the brightness of the light from the light source in response to the content of a specific image displayed on the image display panel.

(Technique 4)
The lighting device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the time series data of the light emission state of the light source is time series data for dimming the light emitted by the light source at a fluctuation period.

With this configuration, the second control unit changes the brightness of the light from the light source with a fluctuation period in response to the content of a predetermined image displayed on the image display panel, based on the time series data of the light emission mode of the light source from among the operational data acquired by the acquisition unit. Therefore, a change in the light emission mode of the light from the light source in response to the content of a predetermined image displayed on the image display panel can be realized by changing the light emission mode with a fluctuation period.

(Technique 5)
The lighting device according to claim 4, wherein the fluctuation is 1/f fluctuation.

With this configuration, the second control unit changes the brightness of the light from the light source with 1/f fluctuation in response to the content of a specific image displayed on the image display panel, based on the time series data of the light emission mode of the light source from the operational data acquired by the acquisition unit. Therefore, it is possible to provide lighting that can be expected to have a relaxation effect by changing the brightness of the light from the light source with 1/f fluctuation in response to the content of a specific image displayed on the image display panel.

(Technique 6)
The lighting device according to any one of Techniques 2 to 5, wherein the time series data of the light emission mode of the light source is time series data for changing the color temperature of the light emitted by the light source.

With this configuration, the second control unit changes the color temperature of the light from the light source in response to the content of a predetermined image displayed on the image display panel, based on the time series data of the light emission mode of the light source from among the operational data acquired by the acquisition unit. Therefore, it is possible to change the color temperature of the light from the light source in response to the content of a predetermined image displayed on the image display panel.

(Technique 7)
The lighting device according to any one of the first to sixth techniques has a plurality of image display panels that display images in different directions, and the plurality of image display panels are arranged so as to surround the light source.

With this configuration, the light from the light source is transmitted through the image display panel and emitted to the outside of the image display panel. Therefore, the light from the light source can be used as a backlight for a specific image displayed by the image display panel.

(Technique 8)
The lighting device described in Technology 7, wherein the operational data includes time series data of a plurality of the predetermined images corresponding to each of the plurality of image display panels, and the first control unit causes the plurality of image display panels to display the predetermined images corresponding to each of the plurality of image display panels based on the time series data of the plurality of predetermined images.

With this configuration, the first control unit causes each of the multiple image display panels to display a predetermined image based on the time series data corresponding to each image display panel. Therefore, the content of the predetermined image to be displayed on each of the multiple image display panels can be set for each image display panel.

(Technique 9)
The lighting device described in technology 7 or 8, wherein the light source is positioned above the open lower ends of the plurality of image display panels, and the user's field of view in a predetermined direction toward the light source is blocked by the plurality of image display panels.

With this configuration, when a user directs their gaze toward a light source in a specific direction, the light source is blocked by the multiple image display panels and becomes invisible to the user. This allows the user's visual focus to be guided to the multiple image display panels rather than the light source, improving the user's visibility of a specific image displayed on the multiple image display panels.

(Technique 10)
The image display panel is a light-emitting display device that emits image light of the image from its surface, and the light source emits light that includes an area outside the irradiation range of the image light within its own irradiation range.

With this configuration, the light source has the function of illuminating at least the space in which the lighting device is installed within its own illumination range. Therefore, the illumination of the space by the light source, which is performed separately from the display of an image by the display device, can be realized by changing the light emission mode according to the content of the image, thereby realizing illumination of the space that is related to the image on the display device.

(Technique 11)
A lighting system comprising a plurality of lighting fixtures,
Each of the plurality of lighting fixtures is configured by the lighting fixture described in any one of Techniques 1 to 10;
The first control units of the plurality of lighting devices synchronize the predetermined images displayed on the image display panels of the plurality of lighting devices with each other.

With this configuration, the images displayed on the image display panels of each lighting fixture are synchronized between the lighting fixtures. This makes it possible to display images in a coordinated manner between the lighting fixtures in the lighting system.

(Technique 12) The image display panel includes a first image display panel, a second image display panel, a third image display panel, and a fourth image display panel;
The first control unit is
A first image processing unit and a second image processing unit are provided,
The first image processing unit is
a first stream acquisition unit that acquires from the acquisition unit a first stream including first compressed data and second compressed data obtained by compressing image data to be displayed on the first image display panel and the second image display panel;
a first decoding unit that decodes the first stream and generates first image data and second image data to be displayed on the first image display panel and the second image display panel based on the first compressed data and the second compressed data;
a first output unit that outputs the first image data decoded by the first decoding unit to the first image display panel;
a second output unit that outputs the second image data decoded by the first decoding unit to the second image display panel,
The second image processing unit is
a second stream acquisition unit that acquires from the acquisition unit a second stream including third compressed data and fourth compressed data obtained by compressing image data to be displayed on the third image display panel and the fourth image display panel;
a second decoding unit that decodes the second stream and generates third image data and fourth image data to be displayed on the third image display panel and the fourth image display panel based on the third compressed data and the fourth compressed data;
a third output unit that outputs the third image data decoded by the second decoding unit to the third image display panel;
a fourth output unit that outputs the fourth image data decoded by the second decoding unit to the fourth image display panel,
The lighting device described in Technology 1, wherein the third output unit and the fourth output unit output the third image data and the fourth image data to the third image display panel and the fourth image display panel based on a synchronization signal that is output from the first image processing unit and is synchronized with display timing of the first image data and the second image data.

This configuration allows the first image data and second image data to be displayed on the image display panel to be synchronized with the third image data and fourth image data. This allows the lighting device 100 to appropriately synchronize and display each image displayed on multiple image display panels.

(Technology 13) The first image processing unit controls the second control unit so that light is emitted from the light source in synchronization with the timing of displaying the first image data and the second image data on the first image display panel and the second image display panel, in a lighting device described in Technology 12.

With this configuration, the light source 1 controlled by the second control unit 305 can emit light in synchronization with the timing of displaying the first image data and the second image data. This allows the lighting device 100 to harmonize the light emitted from the light source 1 with the image displayed on the image display panel (flat panel 2).

(Technology 14) The lighting device described in Technology 12 or 13, wherein the first compressed data, the second compressed data, the third compressed data, and the fourth compressed data contained in the first stream and the second stream are data compressed based on a predetermined video compression standard.

With this configuration, the lighting device 100 can compress image data based on a video compression standard and include the image data in the first stream and the second stream. As a result, by compressing the first stream and the second stream based on a video compression standard, the lighting device 100 can display images more efficiently and with higher performance than when uncompressed image data is exchanged.

(Technology 15) The first compressed data and the second compressed data included in the first stream are data that are synchronized in advance;
The lighting device according to any one of Techniques 12 to 14, wherein the third compressed data and the fourth compressed data included in the second stream are data that have been synchronized in advance.

With this configuration, the first compressed data and the second compressed data processed by the first image processing unit 101a are data that have been synchronized in advance, and the third compressed data and the fourth compressed data processed by the second image processing unit 101b are data that have been synchronized in advance. This enables the lighting device 100 to more appropriately synchronize the image data to be displayed on the image display panel.

(Technology 16) A lighting device according to any one of techniques 12 to 15, wherein the first stream and the second stream include at least one of metadata, audio data, thumbnails, and a program for light source control.

With this configuration, the first stream and the second stream according to this embodiment include at least one of metadata, audio data, thumbnails, and a program for controlling the light source. As a result, the lighting device 100 can harmonize the image on the image display panel and the light from the light source 1, for example, by including a program for controlling the light source in the first stream and the second stream. Also, by including audio data in the first stream and the second stream, it is possible to play audio for more effectively presenting the image data and the light from the light source 1.

Although the present embodiment has been described above, the present embodiment is not limited to these, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present embodiment.

1 Light source 2a to 2d Flat panel (image display panel)
3 Control unit 60a Time series data of a specific image 60b Time series data of a light emission mode of a light source 100 Lighting device 101a First image processing unit 101b Second image processing unit 110a, 110b CPU
111a First stream acquisition unit 111b Second stream acquisition unit 112a First decoding unit 112b Second decoding unit 113 Synchronization signal transmission unit 114 Response signal reception unit 115a First output unit 115b Third output unit 116a Second output unit 116b Fourth output unit 117 Synchronization signal reception unit 118 Response signal transmission unit 120a, 120b Storage units 121a, 121b Setting information DB
122a, 122b Image data DB
130a, 130b Input/output IF
131a: First output port 131b: Second output port 140a, 140b: Communication IF
301 Acquisition unit 303 First control unit 305 Second control unit 1000 Lighting system H User

Claims (16)

A light source that emits light;
an image display panel for displaying an image;
an acquisition unit that acquires motion data including time-series data of a predetermined image whose content changes over time;
a first control unit that causes the image display panel to display the predetermined image based on time-series data of the predetermined image among the action data acquired by the acquisition unit;
A second control unit that changes a light emission state of the light source in response to the content of the predetermined image;
A lighting fixture comprising: The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the operational data further includes time series data of the light emission mode of the light source, the light emission mode of which changes in response to the content of the specified image, and the second control unit changes the light emission mode of the light source based on the time series data of the light emission mode of the light source included in the operational data acquired by the acquisition unit. The lighting device according to claim 2, wherein the time series data of the light emission state of the light source is time series data for changing the brightness of the light emitted by the light source. The lighting device according to claim 2, wherein the time series data of the light emission state of the light source is time series data for dimming the light emitted by the light source at a fluctuating period. The lighting device according to claim 4, wherein the fluctuation is a 1/f fluctuation. The lighting device according to claim 2, wherein the time series data of the light emission state of the light source is time series data for changing the color temperature of the light emitted by the light source. The lighting device according to claim 1, which has a plurality of image display panels that display images in different directions, and the plurality of image display panels are arranged so as to surround the light source. The lighting device according to claim 7, wherein the operation data includes time series data of the plurality of predetermined images corresponding to each of the plurality of image display panels, and the first control unit causes the plurality of image display panels to display the predetermined images corresponding to each of the plurality of image display panels based on the time series data of the plurality of predetermined images. The lighting device according to claim 7, wherein the light source is disposed above the open lower ends of the plurality of image display panels, and the user's field of view in a predetermined direction toward the light source is blocked by the plurality of image display panels. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the image display panel is a light-emitting display device that emits image light of the image from its surface, and the light source emits light whose light distribution range includes an area outside the light distribution range of the image light. A lighting system comprising a plurality of lighting fixtures,
Each of the plurality of lighting fixtures is constituted by the lighting fixture according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The first control unit of the plurality of lighting devices synchronizes the predetermined image displayed on the image display panel in each of the plurality of lighting devices with each other.
Lighting system. the image display panel includes a first image display panel, a second image display panel, a third image display panel, and a fourth image display panel;
The first control unit is
A first image processing unit and a second image processing unit are provided,
The first image processing unit is
a first stream acquisition unit that acquires from the acquisition unit a first stream including first compressed data and second compressed data obtained by compressing image data to be displayed on the first image display panel and the second image display panel;
a first decoding unit that decodes the first stream and generates first image data and second image data to be displayed on the first image display panel and the second image display panel based on the first compressed data and the second compressed data;
a first output unit that outputs the first image data decoded by the first decoding unit to the first image display panel;
a second output unit that outputs the second image data decoded by the first decoding unit to the second image display panel,
The second image processing unit is
a second stream acquisition unit that acquires from the acquisition unit a second stream including third compressed data and fourth compressed data obtained by compressing image data to be displayed on the third image display panel and the fourth image display panel;
a second decoding unit that decodes the second stream and generates third image data and fourth image data to be displayed on the third image display panel and the fourth image display panel based on the third compressed data and the fourth compressed data;
a third output unit that outputs the third image data decoded by the second decoding unit to the third image display panel;
a fourth output unit that outputs the fourth image data decoded by the second decoding unit to the fourth image display panel,
2. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein the third output unit and the fourth output unit output the third image data and the fourth image data to the third image display panel and the fourth image display panel based on a synchronization signal that is output from the first image processing unit and is synchronized with display timing of the first image data and the second image data. The lighting device according to claim 12, wherein the first image processing unit controls the second control unit so that light is emitted from the light source in synchronization with the timing of displaying the first image data and the second image data on the first image display panel and the second image display panel. The lighting device according to claim 13, wherein the first compressed data, the second compressed data, the third compressed data, and the fourth compressed data contained in the first stream and the second stream are data compressed based on a predetermined video compression standard. the first compressed data and the second compressed data included in the first stream are data synchronized in advance,
The lighting device according to claim 14 , wherein the third compressed data and the fourth compressed data included in the second stream are data that have been synchronized in advance. The lighting device according to claim 12, wherein the first stream and the second stream include at least one of metadata, audio data, thumbnails, and a program for light source control.

Images