JP4433807B2 - Signal synthesis processing apparatus and dimming control system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To control delay time when a plurality of control signals are synthetically treated in the case of controlling an illumination equipment. <P>SOLUTION: This is provided with a plurality of input ring buffers 22 which divide a plurality of inputted control signals into designated sizes respectively and store them sequentially, a plurality of DMX frame buffers 24 which respectively store the control signals of one frame amount, a frame updating part 23 which copies the control signals of a designated size onto the channel offset position of the DMX frame buffer 24 in accordance with the fact that the control signals of the share of the designated size have been stored in the input ring buffers 22 and which updates the control signals of one frame amount in the DMX frame buffer 24, and an output data forming part 26 which forms synthesized control signals based on a synthesizing rule from a plurality of the control signals of one frame amount respectively stored in a plurality of the updated DMX frame buffers 24 and which outputs it to a plurality of the illumination equipments 1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&amp;NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a dimming control system that inputs signals from a plurality of dimming consoles and controls operations of a plurality of lighting devices, and a signal composition processing apparatus that constitutes the dimming control system.

  Conventionally, as a dimming control system using a network, a DMX signal conforming to a standard communication system for lighting control is generated by a dimming console, and the DMX signal from the dimming console is transmitted to the Ethernet (registered trademark) by a transmitter. A technique for controlling the operation of a lighting device by converting the protocol into a local area network (LAN) signal and receiving the LAN signal at a receiving device, converting the LAN signal into a DMX signal and transmitting the signal to the lighting device. It is known (see Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 below).

  The DMX512 standard for realizing such a dimming control system stipulates that communication is performed in units of frames composed of a maximum of 512 channels using an RS-485 serial interface. This DMX512 standard is an industry standard, and any lighting device that complies with the DMX512 standard can be controlled with a simple operation from a dimming console. Can do.

  Each of the 512 channels constituting one frame of the DMX512 signal is 8-bit data including a start bit of 1 bit and a stop bit of 2 bits. Such DMX frames including 512 channels are transmitted in the order of channel 1, channel 2,..., Channel 512 in order from the top of the frame. Then, the dimming control system assigns channel numbers up to 512 in advance to each lighting device connected to the DMX signal line, takes out the signal of which channel of the DMX frame, and operates what data on which channel. By setting in advance whether to handle as a parameter, it becomes possible to individually control a plurality of lighting devices simultaneously with one DMX frame.

  Conventionally, when a dimming control system that controls a plurality of lighting devices simultaneously by a plurality of dimming consoles is used, in order to avoid complicated wiring and the like, A synthesis processing device is used.

  This DMX signal synthesis processing apparatus generates a new DMX frame by synthesizing each DMX frame transmitted by a plurality of dimming consoles according to a synthesis rule specified in advance, and outputs the DMX signal thus output. It is possible to control a plurality of lighting devices connected to the line.

This DMX signal synthesis processing apparatus, after having received all the DMX frames transmitted from the dimming console into the buffer by the internal communication controller, performs data synthesis processing by software, and the synthesized DMX signal is obtained. The communication controller performs an output operation.
JP 2000-277268 A JP 2002-289365 A

  However, since the DMX frame conforming to the DMX 512 standard is determined by the standard to transmit at a transmission rate of about 250 kbps, for example, it is slower than the transmission rate such as 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps of the LAN standard that is a network infrastructure such as an office. It is.

  Therefore, in the DMX signal synthesis processing apparatus described above, the time for completely capturing the entire frame into the buffer, that is, the time from when the head of the DMX frame is received from the dimming console to when the DMX frame synthesis processing is started, It will be a long time that cannot be ignored.

  For example, in a DMX frame consisting of 512 channels, it takes about 22 msec from receiving the first first channel to receiving the last 512 channel, and therefore the synthesis process for the first channel at the head of the frame is started during that time. It will be a delay time until.

  Therefore, the present invention has been devised to solve the above-described problems, and when controlling a plurality of lighting devices by a plurality of dimming consoles, it is possible to reduce the delay time due to the synthesis process. An object of the present invention is to provide a signal synthesis processing device and a dimming control system.

  A signal composition processing device according to the present invention inputs a dimming control signal according to a dimming control protocol using one frame composed of control signals of a predetermined number of channels as a communication unit from a plurality of dimming consoles, and Input unit for inputting dimming control signal from each of the dimming consoles to output to the device, and each dimming control signal of the specified size specified in advance by the input unit, the specified size unit A ring buffer for storing each dimming control signal, a frame buffer for storing each dimming control signal in units of one frame, and each time each dimming control signal for a specified size is stored in the ring buffer, Each dimming control signal for the specified size is overwritten from the preset offset position in the frame buffer and stored, and then each dimming control signal for the specified size is stored in the frame buffer. Frame update means for setting an offset position to be stored in advance, frame update based on composite setting information indicating a correspondence relationship between the dimming control signal input by the input means and the dimming control signal output to the lighting device A signal creating means for creating a dimming control signal for output from a plurality of dimming control signals for one frame stored in the frame buffer by the means, and a dimming control signal for output created by the signal creating means The above-described problems are solved by providing output means for outputting to a plurality of lighting devices.

  A dimming control system according to the present invention inputs dimming control signals according to a dimming control protocol in which one frame consisting of control signals of a predetermined number of channels is a communication unit from a plurality of dimming consoles, and is transmitted by a transmitting device. In order to convert to a communication frame and transmit, reconvert the communication frame received by the receiving device into a plurality of dimming control signals, combine the plurality of dimming control signals and output to a plurality of lighting devices. The transmission device has an input means for inputting a dimming control signal from each of the dimming consoles, and each time a dimming control signal of a designated size designated in advance by the input means is completed, a designated size unit The ring buffer that stores each dimming control signal in the above, and each time each dimming control signal for the specified size is stored in the ring buffer, the stored dimming control signal is generated. Conversion means for adding light control table information for identifying a light table and offset information indicating an offset position for storing the light control signal in the receiver as header information to the light control signal and converting it to the communication frame And transmitting means for transmitting the communication frame converted by the converting means, wherein the receiving device receives the communication frame transmitted from the transmitting device, and communication for one frame by the receiving device. Each time reception of data is completed, a reception buffer that stores a communication frame in units of one frame, a frame buffer that stores each dimming control signal in units of one frame, and a time that the communication frame is completely stored in the reception buffer A dimming control signal for the specified size included in the communication frame is sent to the offset for each dimming console based on the dimming console information. Composite setting indicating correspondence relationship between re-conversion unit for overwriting from offset position based on information and storing in frame buffer, dimming control signal received by receiving unit, and dimming control signal output to lighting device Based on the information, a signal creation means for creating a dimming control signal for output from a plurality of dimming control signals for one frame stored in the frame buffer by the reconversion means, and a signal creation means The above-described problems are solved by providing output light control signals for output to the plurality of lighting devices.

  In another dimming control system according to the present invention, the transmission device includes input means for inputting a dimming control signal from each of the dimming consoles, and each frame for one frame designated in advance by the input means. Each time the dimming control signal is input, the transmitting side frame buffer for storing each dimming control signal in units of one frame and the dimming control signal for one frame transmitted to the receiving device last time Each time the dimming control signal for the one frame is stored in the transmission side frame buffer, the comparison frame buffer storing the light control signal as a comparative dimming control signal for each dimming table that generates the light control signal, The dimming control signal for one frame stored in the transmission side frame buffer is compared with the comparative dimming control signal stored in the comparison frame buffer, and the transmission side frame buffer is compared. When the dimming control signal for the one frame stored in is changed with respect to the comparative dimming control signal stored in the comparison frame buffer, the dimming control signal for the one frame is Comparison means for adding dimming table information for identifying the dimming table that has generated the dimming control signal as header information and converting it into a communication frame, and transmission means for transmitting the communication frame converted by the comparison unit The receiving device stores a communication frame in units of one frame each time receiving means completes reception of communication data for one frame by the receiving means for receiving a communication frame transmitted from the transmitting device. A reception buffer that stores each dimming control signal in units of one frame, and each time the communication frame is completely stored in the reception buffer. The dimming control signal for the one frame included in the communication frame is stored in the reception-side frame buffer for each dimming table based on the dimming table information, and the dimming signal received by the receiving unit. A plurality of dimming for one frame stored in the receiving-side frame buffer by the reconversion unit based on composite setting information indicating a correspondence relationship between a light control signal and a dimming control signal output to the lighting device By comprising a signal creating means for creating a dimming control signal for output from the control signal, and an output means for outputting the dimming control signal for output created by the signal creating means to the plurality of lighting devices, Solve the above problems.

  In another dimming control system according to the present invention, the transmission device includes an input unit that inputs a dimming control signal from each of the dimming consoles, and each of a specified size specified in advance by the input unit. Each time a dimming control signal is input, a ring buffer that stores each dimming control signal in designated size units, and a dimming control signal for the designated size that was previously transmitted to the receiving device A comparison buffer that is stored as a comparative dimming control signal for each dimming table that generates a signal, and each dimming control signal for the specified size is stored in the ring buffer each time the dimming control signal is completed. The dimming control signal for the designated size stored is compared with the dimming control signal for the designated size stored in the comparison buffer, and the dimming control signal for the designated size stored in the ring buffer is compared. When the comparison dimming control signal stored in the comparison buffer has changed, the dimming console that generated the dimming control signal is identified in the dimming control signal for the specified size. The optical table information and the offset information indicating the offset position for storing the dimming control signal in the receiving device are added as header information, and converted to a communication frame, and the communication frame converted by the comparison unit is Transmitting means for transmitting, wherein the receiving device receives a communication frame transmitted from the transmitting device, and each time the receiving device completes reception of communication data for one frame, the receiving device is in units of one frame. A reception buffer for storing a communication frame, a frame buffer for storing each dimming control signal in units of one frame, and the communication frame recorded in the reception buffer. Each time it is completed, the dimming control signal for the specified size included in the communication frame is overwritten from the offset position based on the offset information for each dimming table based on the dimming table information. Based on composite setting information indicating a correspondence relationship between the reconversion unit to be stored, the dimming control signal received by the receiving unit, and the dimming control signal output to the lighting device, the reconversion unit A signal creating means for creating a dimming control signal for output from a plurality of dimming control signals for one frame stored in the buffer, and a dimming control signal for output created by the signal creating means The above-described problems are solved by providing output means for outputting to the lighting device.

  In another dimming control system according to the present invention, the transmission device includes input means for inputting a dimming control signal from each of the dimming consoles, and each frame for one frame designated in advance by the input means. Each time a dimming control signal is input, a transmission-side frame buffer that stores each dimming control signal in units of one frame, a data pattern of the dimming control signal for one frame, and an identifier for identifying the data pattern Each time the dimming control signal for one frame and the dimming control signal for one frame are completely stored in the transmission side frame buffer, the storage side data pattern table 1 is stored from the transmission side data pattern table. When a data pattern that matches the dimming control signal for the frame is searched and a matching data pattern is found, the matched data pattern is The transmission data information indicating that the data to be transmitted is an identifier and the dimming table information for identifying the dimming table that generated the dimming control signal are added as header information to the identifier to be determined in the communication frame. When the converted data pattern is not searched, transmission data information indicating that the data to be transmitted is a dimming control signal is stored in the dimming control signal for the one frame that has been stored. A dimming table information for identifying the dimming table that transmitted the dimming control signal is added as header information to convert the communication frame into a communication frame; and the communication frame converted by the conversion unit is transmitted. A receiving unit that receives the communication frame transmitted from the transmitting device; and the receiving unit has received one frame of communication data. Each frame, a reception buffer that stores communication frames in units of frames, a reception side frame buffer that stores each dimming control signal in units of frames, and an adjustment for one frame that is the same as the transmission side data pattern table. The transmitted data is an identifier from the reception side data pattern table that holds a plurality of pairs of the data pattern of the light control signal and the identifier for identifying the data pattern, and the transmission data information included in the communication frame. If it is determined, the data pattern corresponding to the identifier is detected from the receiving-side data pattern, and the received data pattern is duplicated for each dimming table based on the dimming table information. The side frame buffer is updated, and it is determined from the transmission data information that the transmitted data is the dimming control signal. In other words, for each dimming table based on the dimming table information, a pattern re-conversion unit that updates the receiving-side frame buffer by copying a dimming control signal included in the communication frame, and the receiving unit Based on the combination setting information indicating the correspondence between the received dimming control signal and the dimming control signal output to the lighting device, the pattern re-conversion means stores one frame worth of data stored in the receiving-side frame buffer. Signal creating means for creating a dimming control signal for output from a plurality of dimming control signals, and output means for outputting the dimming control signal for output created by the signal creating means to the plurality of lighting devices By providing, the above-described problems are solved.

  In another dimming control system according to the present invention, the transmission device includes an input unit that inputs a dimming control signal from each of the dimming consoles, and each of a specified size specified in advance by the input unit. Each time a dimming control signal is input, a ring buffer that stores each dimming control signal in a specified size unit, a dimming control signal data pattern for a specified size, and an identifier for identifying the data pattern are paired. Each time a plurality of transmission-side data pattern tables and a dimming control signal for the specified size are stored in the ring buffer, the transmission-side data pattern table is used to adjust the specified size for the specified storage size. When a data pattern matching the light control signal is searched and a matching data pattern is searched, an identifier for specifying the matched data pattern is used. Transmission data information indicating that the data to be transmitted is an identifier, dimming table information for identifying the dimming table that generated the dimming control signal, and an offset position for storing the dimming control signal in the receiving device The offset information shown is added as header information and converted into a communication frame. If no matching data pattern is found, the data to be transmitted is dimmed to the dimming control signal for the specified size that has been stored. Transmission data information indicating that it is a control signal, dimming table information for identifying the dimming table that transmitted the dimming control signal, and offset information indicating an offset position for storing the dimming control signal in the receiving device Are converted as header information and converted into a communication frame, and a transmission means for transmitting the communication frame converted by the conversion means. An apparatus includes: a receiving unit that receives a communication frame transmitted from the transmitting device; a reception buffer that stores a communication frame in units of one frame every time reception data of one frame is completely received by the receiving unit; A frame buffer that stores each dimming control signal in frame units, a data pattern of a dimming control signal for a specified size that is the same as the transmission side data pattern table, and an identifier that identifies the data pattern When it is determined that the transmitted data is an identifier from a plurality of reception side data pattern tables held and the transmission data information included in the communication frame, the data pattern corresponding to the identifier is determined as the reception side data. Detected data pattern for each dimming table based on the dimming table information detected from the pattern table And the frame buffer is updated by overwriting from the offset position based on the offset information, and if it is determined from the transmission data information that the transmitted data is the dimming control signal, the dimming control signal is used. For each dimming table based on the optical table information, a pattern reconversion unit that updates the frame buffer by duplicating the dimming control signal included in the communication frame and overwriting from the offset position based on the offset information; and Based on the composite setting information indicating the correspondence between the dimming control signal received by the receiving unit and the dimming control signal output to the lighting device, the frame re-storing unit stores one frame of data stored in the frame buffer. A signal creating means for creating a dimming control signal for output from the plurality of dimming control signals, and an output created by the signal creating means. By the dimming control signal use and output means for outputting said plurality of lighting devices, to solve the problems described above.

  In accordance with the input of the dimming control signal for the designated size, the present invention starts the combining process using the dimming control signal for one frame obtained by updating only the dimming control signal for the designated size. In order to generate a composite dimming control signal for controlling a plurality of lighting devices, a delay until the synthesis process is started, compared with a method of performing the synthesis process after receiving all the dimming control signals for one frame. It is possible to greatly reduce the time. Therefore, it is possible to quickly reflect the operation from the light control console to a plurality of lighting devices.

  Further, the present invention is such that, as a result of comparing the comparative dimming control signal and the input dimming control signal, the dimming control signal is not transmitted when there is no change in the dimming control signal, It is possible to reduce the amount of dimming control signal transmitted and reduce the load on the communication network of the dimming control system.

  Furthermore, the present invention provides a data pattern of a dimming control signal and an identifier for uniquely identifying the data pattern to a transmitting apparatus that transmits the dimming control signal and a receiving apparatus that receives the dimming control signal. When there is a data pattern that matches the stored dimming control signal with the data pattern table stored in association with each other, the dimming control signal is transmitted by transmitting only the identifier from the transmitting device to the receiving device. The amount can be reduced, and the load on the communication network of the dimming control system can be reduced.

  Hereinafter, as the best mode for carrying out the present invention, a first embodiment to an eighth embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
The present invention is applied to a dimming control system according to the first embodiment as shown in FIG. This dimming control system employs, for example, the DMX512 standard as a dimming control protocol, generates a DMX signal for performing dimming control in accordance with the DMX512 standard, and controls the lighting device 1. In the following description, a signal for dimming control stored in each channel is referred to as a control signal, a signal including a predetermined number of channels is referred to as a DMX frame, and a signal including one or more DMX frames is referred to as DMX. Called a signal.

  Specifically, in the dimming control system, a plurality of dimming tables 11A, dimming tables 11B, and dimming tables 11C (hereinafter simply referred to as the dimming table 11) are operated by the user, and the user's The DMX signals corresponding to the operation are DMX signal lines 13A, 13B, 13C (hereinafter simply referred to as DMX signal line 13), DMX patch panel 12, DMX signal lines 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D (hereinafter generically). The lighting devices 1A-1 to 1A-512 and the lighting devices 1B-1 to 1B-512 connected to the DMX signal lines 14A, 14B, 14C, and 14D via the DMX signal lines 14). It transmits to lighting equipment 1C-1 to 1C-512, lighting equipment 1D-1 to 1D-512 (hereinafter, simply referred to as lighting equipment 1). Accordingly, in the dimming control system, each lighting device 1 is turned on and off, the brightness is adjusted, the lighting direction, and the like by causing each lighting device 1 to execute an operation designated by the operation of each dimming console 11. To control.

  Note that the DMX512 standard defines that communication is performed in a DMX frame in units of frames composed of a maximum of 512 channels using a serial interface, and the lighting device 1 connected on a single DMX signal line 14. The maximum is 512.

  The dimming table 11 is a device for determining the control content of the lighting device 1 and generates a DMX frame in which a control signal indicating the determined control content is stored in each channel. The light control table 11 includes, for example, a monitor for displaying the control content and state of each lighting device 1 and an operation unit operated by the user, and generates a control signal and a DMX frame according to the operation content. Specifically, the light control table 11 includes switches and faders as an operation unit, and operates these switches and faders to generate a DMX frame in accordance with the DMX standard that is a standard for lighting control. And output to the DMX patch panel 12.

  The control signal generated by the dimming console 11 stores command information indicating the operation type of the lighting device 1, a signal indicating the level when the operation type indicated by the command information is performed, and the like. Specifically, the command information indicates the degree of brightness adjustment in the turn-on operation, the turn-off operation, the brightness adjustment operation, and the brightness adjustment operation. The DMX frame is transmitted as serial data, and the control signal of each lighting device 1 is stored in the DMX channel for each channel number.

  FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the DMX patch board 12. The DMX patch panel 12 inputs the DMX signal output from each dimming table 11 via the DMX signal line 13 and combines the input DMX signal, whereby each illumination connected to the DMX signal line 14 is processed. A new DMX signal for controlling the device 1 is generated.

  The DMX patch panel 12 includes an input unit 21, an input ring buffer 22, a frame update unit 23, a frame buffer 24, a setting data unit 25, an output data generation unit 26 connected to each dimming console 11, An output buffer 27 and an output unit 28 connected to each DMX signal line 14 are provided.

  When the DMX signal is input from each dimming console 11, the input unit 21 performs reception processing by storing the input DMX signal line 13 in the input ring buffer 22. Here, the input ring buffer 22 includes a buffer area 22a, a buffer area 22b, and a buffer area 22c that are divided into areas independently for each DMX signal line 13A, 13B, and 13C, that is, for each dimming console 11 in this example. . On the other hand, the input unit 21 identifies the dimming table 11 that has transmitted the input DMX signal, and switches the buffer areas 22a, 22b, and 22c to be used to DMX to any of the buffer areas 22a, 22b, and 22c. Store the signal.

  Further, the input unit 21 divides the DMX frame into a predetermined designated size designated by the user, for example, and stores it in the input ring buffer 22. That is, the input ring buffer 22 stores a DMX signal of a specified size unit, not a DMX signal of one frame unit.

  The frame buffer 24 is a buffer for storing data for each DMX signal, that is, for each DMX frame. The frame buffer 24 updates the data in the buffer by overwriting the DMX signal of the specified size stored in the input ring buffer 22 by the input unit 21 under the control of the frame update unit 23. As with the input ring buffer 22, the frame buffer 24 has a buffer area 24a, a buffer area 24b, and a buffer area 24a, each of which is independently divided for each of the DMX signal lines 13A, 13B, and 13C. It consists of a buffer area 24c.

  Whenever the input unit 21 and the input ring buffer 22 complete the DMX signal reception process for the specified size, the frame update unit 23 stores the data stored in the input ring buffer 22, that is, the DMX signal for the specified size. Copy to frame buffer 24. Here, the frame update unit 23 stores the channel offset position expressed by the buffer address in the frame buffer 24 to which the DMX signal is to be copied next. When the DMX signal reception process is completed, the frame update unit 23 recognizes the buffer address of the DMX signal currently stored in the input ring buffer 22 in the frame buffer 24 based on the channel offset position, and The DMX signal of the specified size is copied to the buffer 24, and when the copying is completed, the channel offset position is also stored again.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the frame update unit 23 copies a DMX signal of a specified size between buffers, that is, from the buffer area 22 a of the input ring buffer 22 to the buffer area 24 a of the frame buffer 24. In this specific example, for example, the buffer area 22a of the input ring buffer 22 is divided into areas 22a-1 to 22a-6 corresponding to the capacity of the specified size, and DMX signals for the specified size are stored in the areas 22a-1, 22b. −2 in the reception processing direction in the order of −2, and the capacity of each of the areas 22a-1 to 22a-6 is smaller than the capacity of the buffer area 24a for one frame of the frame buffer 24 To do.

  As shown in FIG. 3, when the DMX signal for the specified size input to the input unit 21 has been stored in the buffer area 22a-2 in the buffer area 22a, the frame update unit 23 reads the buffer area 22a. The DMX signal for the specified size stored in -2 is copied to the channel offset position. This channel offset position is updated when the DMX signal previously stored in the buffer area 22a-1 is completely stored in the buffer area 24a.

  Next, when copying of the DMX signal in the buffer area 22a-2 to the buffer area 24a is completed, the frame update unit 23 stores the in-buffer address following the DMX signal for which copying has been completed as a new channel offset position. As a result, the frame update unit 23 sets the updated channel offset position as the head position when the DMX signal for the specified size stored in the buffer area 22a is copied next time.

  As a result, the frame buffer 24 is updated each time the DMX signal for the specified size transmitted from the dimming console 11 is stored in the input ring buffer 22 via the input unit 21, so that the latest one frame Of DMX frames are stored. The DMX patch board 12 performs a combining process using the DMX frame stored in the frame buffer 24 and generates DMX output data that is a combined DMX signal to be supplied to the lighting device 1.

  The setting data unit 25 stores synthesis setting information that is a synthesis rule for performing a synthesis process for combining control signals stored in arbitrary channels included in a plurality of DMX frames stored in the frame buffer 24. In the combination setting information, a correspondence relationship between each DMX signal received by the DMX patch board 12 and each DMX signal transmitted to each DMX signal line 14 is set. Specifically, the channel number for each DMX signal transmitted from each dimming console 11, information for identifying the lighting device 1 to be controlled, and information for identifying the DMX signal line 14 to which the lighting device 1 is connected. A combination of channel numbers of DMX output frames for each DMX signal line 14 is set as a synthesis rule.

  The output data generation unit 26 extracts control signals from a plurality of latest DMX frames stored in the frame buffer 24 in accordance with the synthesis rule of the setting data unit 25, and sets the DMX output line to a channel that becomes a DMX output frame. By storing, DMX output data is created periodically. Further, the output data generation unit 26 stores the created DMX output data in the output buffer 27 corresponding to each DMX signal line 14 according to the combination setting information of the setting data unit 25.

  The output buffer 27 is configured by being divided into independent buffer areas 27a, 27b, 27c, and 27d corresponding to the DMX signal lines 14A to 14D, and a DMX output frame for each DMX signal line 14 created by the output data generation unit 26. Is stored.

  The output unit 28 outputs the data in the buffer areas 27a to 27d of the output buffer 27 to the corresponding DMX signal lines 14A to 14D as a DMX output frame, and supplies the DMX signal lines 14A to 14D to the lighting apparatus 1 connected thereto. To do.

[Effect of the first embodiment]
As described above in detail, according to the dimming control system according to the first embodiment to which the present invention is applied, every time a DMX signal for a specified size is received from each dimming console 11 by the DMX patch panel 12. Since the DMX output frame is created using the updated DMX frame in the frame buffer 24, the synthesis process is performed in comparison with the case where the synthesis process is started after all the DMX frames are received from the light control console 11. The delay time until the processing is started can be reduced. Therefore, according to this dimming control system, the time from the time when the user operates the dimming console 11 to determine the control content of each lighting device 1 to the time when the lighting device 1 actually operates is shortened. Thus, the operation of the light control table 11 can be reflected in the operation of the lighting device 1 in a shorter time.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a dimming control system according to a second embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described. In addition, about the part similar to the above-mentioned embodiment, the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol.

  In this dimming control system, as shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of dimming tables 11A, dimming tables 11B, and dimming tables 11C are operated by the user, and signals corresponding to the user's operations are sent to the DMX signal lines 13A and 13B. , 13C, DMX transmitter 31, LAN (Local Area Network) signal line 32, DMX receiver 33, and DMX signal lines 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D are connected to DMX signal lines 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, respectively. Transmitted to the lighting devices 1A-1 to 1A-512, 1B-1 to 1B-512, 1C-1 to 1C-512, 1D-1 to 1D-512.

  In addition, this dimming control system is connected by a LAN signal line 32 for transmitting LAN packets in accordance with a communication protocol such as so-called Ethernet (registered trademark), and DMX frames sent from the dimming console 11 are converted into DMX frames. The transmitter 31 stores it in a LAN frame and transmits it via the LAN signal line 32. The DMX receiver 33 receives the LAN frame, combines the data in the LAN frame, and converts the DMX output frame into each lighting device. Output to 1.

  The DMX transmitter 31 receives the DMX signal from each dimming console 11, converts the DMX signal into a LAN frame, and sends it to the LAN signal line 32. As shown in FIG. 5, the DMX transmitter 31 includes a DMX input unit 41, an input ring buffer 42, a conversion unit 43, and a LAN transmission buffer connected to each dimming console 11 via the DMX signal line 13. 44 and a LAN transmitter 45 connected to the DMX receiver 33 via the LAN signal line 32.

  When a DMX signal from each dimming console 11 is input to the DMX transmitter 31 via the DMX input unit 41, the DMX input unit 41 causes the DMX input unit 41 to input each DMX signal line 13 as in the first embodiment. In addition, the reception process is performed by storing the data in the buffer area 42a, the buffer area 42b, and the buffer area 42c of the input ring buffer 42. Thereby, the input ring buffer 42 stores the DMX signal in any of the buffer areas 42a, 42b, and 42c while switching the buffer areas 42a, 42b, and 42c for each of the DMX signal lines 13A, 13B, and 13C. Further, the DMX input unit 41 divides the DMX frame into a predetermined designated size designated by the user, for example, and stores it in the input ring buffer 42. That is, the input ring buffer 42 stores DMX signals in designated size units, not DMX signals in one frame units.

  The conversion unit 43 converts the DMX signal from the dimming console 11 into a LAN frame. Specifically, each time the DMX input unit 41 and the input ring buffer 42 complete the reception process of the DMX signal for the specified size, the conversion unit 43 includes information indicating the channel offset position in the DMX signal for the specified size and Light control table information for identifying any light control table 11 is added as header information. Thereby, the conversion unit 43 enables the DMX receiver 33 to perform the processing as shown in FIG. Then, the conversion unit 43 stores the DMX signal to which the header information is added in the LAN transmission buffer 44.

  Further, the conversion unit 43 sets a new channel offset position by moving the channel offset position as shown in FIG. 3 in response to adding information indicating the channel offset position to the DMX signal.

  Each time the DMX signal is stored in the LAN transmission buffer 44, the LAN transmission unit 45 sends the DMX signal to the DMX receiver 33. At this time, according to the LAN standard, the LAN transmission unit 45 adds header information or the like whose destination address is the DMX receiver 33 to the DMX signal, thereby indicating information indicating the channel offset position, dimming table information, and a specified size. A LAN frame including the DMX signal is created.

  The DMX receiver 33 receives the LAN frame created by the DMX transmitter 31 via the LAN signal line 32 and sends it to the lighting device 1. As shown in FIG. 6, the DMX receiver 33 includes a LAN receiver 51 connected to the DMX transmitter 31 via the LAN signal line 32, a LAN reception buffer 52, a reconverter 53, and a DMX frame buffer. 54, a setting data unit 55, an output data creation unit 56, a DMX output buffer 57, and a DMX output unit 58 connected to the lighting apparatus 1 via the DMX signal line 14.

  When receiving the LAN frame from the LAN signal line 32, the LAN receiving unit 51 recognizes that the LAN frame is a LAN frame destined for itself and stores the LAN frame in the LAN reception buffer 52.

  The DMX frame buffer 54 is a buffer that stores DMX signals for one frame, that is, data for each DMX frame. The DMX frame buffer 54 is overwritten under the control of the reconversion unit 53, whereby the data in the buffer is updated. The DMX frame buffer 54 includes a buffer area 54a, a buffer area 54b, and a buffer area 54c that are divided into areas independently for each dimming console 11.

  Each time the reception process for storing the LAN frame in the LAN reception buffer 52 is completed, the reconversion unit 53 extracts the LAN frame from the LAN reception buffer 52, converts the LAN frame into a DMX signal, and stores the LAN frame in the DMX frame buffer 54. Remember me. At this time, the reconverter 53 uses the DMX signal to the buffer areas 54a, 54b, 54c of the DMX frame buffer 54 from the dimming table information stored in the data portion of the LAN frame extracted from the LAN reception buffer 52. Is stored, and the storage position in the buffer area recognized based on the dimming table information is recognized from the information indicating the channel offset position. As a result, the reconversion unit 53 overwrites the DMX signal for the specified size from the channel offset position for each dimming console 11.

  The setting data unit 55, the output data creation unit 56, the DMX output buffer 57, and the DMX output unit 58 perform the same processes as the setting data unit 25, the output data generation unit 26, the output buffer 27, and the output unit 28, respectively. .

  That is, the output data creation unit 56 uses the control signal stored in any channel included in the latest plurality of DMX frames stored in the DMX frame buffer 54 based on the combination setting information stored in the setting data unit 55. Are combined to create a DMX output frame for each DMX signal line 14 periodically. The output data creation unit 56 stores the DMX output frame in the buffer areas 57a, 57b, 57c, and 57d of the DMX output buffer 57 corresponding to each DMX signal line 14.

  The DMX output unit 58 outputs the data in the buffer areas 57a to 57d of the DMX output buffer 57 as DMX output frames to the corresponding DMX signal lines 14A to 14D, and the lighting device 1 connected to each DMX signal line 14A to 14D. To supply.

[Effects of Second Embodiment]
As described above in detail, according to the dimming control system according to the second embodiment to which the present invention is applied, every time a control signal for a specified size is received from the dimming console 11 by the DMX transmitter 31, the LAN. A frame is generated and transmitted to the LAN signal line 32, and a DMX output frame is generated every time a LAN frame is received from the LAN signal line 32 by the DMX receiver 33. Therefore, all DMX signals for one frame are received. Compared to when creating a LAN frame or sending it to the lighting device 1, the delay time from the time when the DMX signal is generated by the light control console 11 to the time when the lighting device 1 actually operates is shortened. Thus, the operation of the light control table 11 can be reflected in the operation of the lighting device 1 in a shorter time.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a dimming control system according to a third embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described. In addition, about the part similar to the above-mentioned embodiment, the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol.

  In the dimming control system according to the third embodiment, when a change occurs in the DMX signal from the dimming console 11 by the DMX transmitter 31, a LAN frame is created and transmitted to the DMX receiver 33. This is different from the dimming control system according to the second embodiment. That is, the DMX transmitter 31 includes an input frame buffer 61, a comparison unit 62, and a comparison frame buffer 63 as shown in FIG.

  The DMX transmitter 31 stores a DMX signal from each dimming table 11 in each buffer area 61 a, 61 b, 61 c of the input frame buffer 61 and completes reception of one frame. The DMX frame stored in the input frame buffer 61 is read out.

  The comparison frame buffer 63 is a buffer for storing the latest DMX frame as a comparative dimming control signal, and is divided into frame buffers 63a, 63b, and 63c corresponding to the DMX signal transmitted for each dimming table 11. Yes. The DMX frame stored in the comparison frame buffer 63 is updated by the comparison unit 62.

  The comparison unit 62 compares the DMX frame with the DMX frame stored in the comparison frame buffer 63 each time the DMX frame is completely stored in the input frame buffer 61. At this time, the comparison unit 62 compares the DMX frame of the input frame buffer 61 corresponding to each dimming table 11 with the DMX frame of the comparison frame buffer 63 corresponding to each dimming table 11.

  When the DMX frame stored in the comparison frame buffer 63 does not match the DMX frame stored in the comparison frame buffer 63, the comparison unit 62 indicates that a change has occurred in the DMX output frame received from the dimming console 11. judge. In response to this, the comparison unit 62 adds light control table information for identifying the light control table 11 that created the DMX frame to the DMX frame read from the input frame buffer 61 and writes the light control table information in the LAN transmission buffer 44. At this time, the comparison unit 62 writes the DMX frame to be written to the LAN transmission buffer 44 to the corresponding buffer area of the comparison frame buffer 63 and updates the comparison frame buffer 63.

  In contrast, when the DMX frame stored in the comparison frame buffer 63 matches the DMX frame stored in the comparison frame buffer 63, the comparison unit 62 writes and compares the DMX frame in the LAN transmission buffer 44 and compares it. The frame buffer 63 is not updated.

  Each time a DMX frame is written to the LAN transmission buffer 44, the LAN transmission unit 45 adds a header information or the like conforming to the LAN standard to the DMX frame, creates a LAN frame, and transmits the LAN frame via the LAN signal line 32. Transmit to the DMX receiver 33.

  In this way, the LAN frame transmitted from the DMX transmitter 31 is received by the DMX receiver 33 described with reference to FIG. In the DMX receiver 33, when the LAN frame is received by the LAN receiver 51, the LAN frame is temporarily stored in the LAN reception buffer 52, and then the DMX frame and the light control table information are extracted by the reconverter 53. Then, the reconverter 53 recognizes the light control table 11 as the transmission source from the light control table information, and writes the DMX frame in the buffer area of the DMX frame buffer 54 corresponding to the light control table 11. As a result, the DMX frame buffer 54 is updated to the latest DMX frame.

  At this time, since the DMX signal for one frame is attached to the LAN frame stored in the LAN reception buffer 52, all the DMX signals for one frame stored in the DMX frame buffer 54 are updated. Will be.

  Then, every time the DMX frame buffer 54 is updated by the output data creation unit 56, the DMX receiver 33 reads the newly written DMX frame from the DMX frame buffer 54 and performs a synthesis process to obtain a DMX output frame. Is written in the DMX output buffer 57 and sent out to the lighting apparatus 1 via any DMX signal line 14 by the DMX output unit 58.

[Effect of the third embodiment]
As described above in detail, according to the dimming control system according to the third embodiment, the DMX frame stored in the comparison frame buffer 63 and the latest DMX frame received from the dimming console 11 are compared. Thus, the LAN frame is transmitted from the DMX transmitter 31 to the DMX receiver 33 only when there is a change in the DMX frame transmitted from the dimming console 11, so that the DMX transmitter 31 transmits to the DMX receiver 33. The amount of information can be suppressed, and the transmission burden on the network can be reduced.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a dimming control system according to the fourth embodiment will be described. In addition, about the part similar to the above-mentioned embodiment, the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol.

  In the dimming control system according to the fourth embodiment, the dimming control according to the third embodiment is performed in that the comparison is performed by the comparison unit 72 when the DMX transmitter 31 completes reception of the DMX signal for the specified size. Different from the system.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when such a dimming control system completes storing DMX signals for a specified size in the input ring buffer 71, the DMX signal stored by the comparison unit 72 is read out, and the DMX signal and the comparison buffer are read out. The DMX signal for the designated size stored as the comparative dimming control signal 73 is compared. Here, in the comparison buffer 73, the storage position when the DMX signal was written in the comparison buffer 73 last time is stored as the channel offset position.

  Then, when performing the comparison process, the comparison unit 72 reads out the DMX signal and the channel offset position, and outputs the DMX signal corresponding to the specified size corresponding to the channel offset position and the specified size stored in the input ring buffer 71. Compare with DMX signal. The comparison unit 72 does not transmit the LAN frame if they match as a result of the comparison, and if they do not match, the comparison unit 72 transmits the DMX signal of the designated size read from the input ring buffer 71 to the LAN transmission buffer. 44, and the DMX signal stored in the comparison buffer 73 is updated.

  Further, when storing the DMX signal for the specified size in the LAN transmission buffer 44, the comparison unit 72 includes information indicating the channel offset position for specifying the copy start position of the DMX frame buffer 54 of the DMX receiver 33, and the specified size. Light control table information indicating from which light control table 11 the minute DMX signal is transmitted is added to the header information and written to the LAN transmission buffer 44.

  Whenever data is written in the LAN transmission buffer 44, the LAN transmission unit 45 converts the data into a LAN frame and transmits it to the DMX receiver 33 via the LAN signal line 32.

  In this way, the LAN frame transmitted from the DMX transmitter 31 is received by the DMX receiver 33 described with reference to FIG. When the LAN frame is received by the LAN receiver 51, the DMX receiver 33 temporarily stores the LAN frame in the LAN reception buffer 52, and then the DMX signal, dimming table information, and channel offset for a specified size by the re-converter 53. Information indicating the position is extracted. Then, the re-converter 53 recognizes the source light control table 11 from the light control table information, and writes the DMX signal to the buffer area of the DMX frame buffer 54 corresponding to the light control table 11 from the channel offset position. .

  Here, since a DMX signal of a specified size is attached to the LAN frame stored in the LAN reception buffer 52, the DMX signal for one frame stored in the DMX frame buffer 54 is transmitted from the channel offset position. Only some of the data that starts will be updated.

  Each time the DMX frame buffer 54 is updated by the output data creation unit 56, the DMX receiver 33 reads the newly written DMX signal from the DMX frame buffer 54 and performs a synthesis process to obtain a DMX output frame. Is written in the DMX output buffer 57 and sent out to the lighting apparatus 1 via any DMX signal line 14 by the DMX output unit 58.

[Effect of Fourth Embodiment]
As described above in detail, according to the dimming control system according to the fourth embodiment, the DMX signal for the specified size stored in the comparison buffer 73 and the latest specified size received from the dimming console 11 are used. Since the LAN frame is transmitted from the DMX transmitter 31 to the DMX receiver 33 only when there is a change in the DMX signal transmitted from the dimming console 11, the DMX transmitter 31 In addition to being able to reduce the amount of information transmitted to the DMX receiver 33 and reducing the transmission burden on the network, the DMX signal is generated by the dimming console 11 and then combined by the DMX transmitter 31. The delay time until the start can be shortened.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, a dimming control system according to a fifth embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described. In addition, about the part similar to the above-mentioned embodiment, the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol.

  The dimming control system according to the fifth embodiment compares the DMX frame from the dimming console 11 with the data pattern and transmits the LAN frame to the LAN signal line 32 when transmitting the LAN frame by the DMX transmitter 31. It differs from the dimming control system which concerns on embodiment mentioned above by the point which produces a flame | frame. That is, the DMX transmitter 31 includes a pattern conversion unit 81 and a pattern table 82 as shown in FIG.

  The DMX transmitter 31 stores the DMX signal from each dimming table 11 in each buffer area 61a, 61b, 61c of the input frame buffer 61 and completes the storage of one frame. The DMX frame stored in the input frame buffer 61 is read out.

  The pattern table 82, which is a transmission side pattern table, is table data in which a plurality of DMX frame data patterns and identifiers that uniquely identify the data patterns are registered in pairs. This pattern table 82 preferentially registers, for example, data patterns that are frequently generated by the dimming console 11 among data patterns corresponding to the control content of the lighting device 1.

  When the pattern conversion unit 81 reads the DMX frame from the input frame buffer 61, the pattern conversion unit 81 searches the pattern table 82 for a data pattern that matches the data pattern of the DMX frame, and whether there is a matching data pattern. Determine whether or not.

  When there is a data pattern that matches the pattern table 82, the pattern conversion unit 81 sends out the DMX signal that matches the data pattern to which dimming table 11 to which the matching data pattern is uniquely specified. Lighting control table information indicating whether or not the data is transmitted and transmission data information indicating that the data is an identifier are added as header information and written to the LAN transmission buffer 44. On the other hand, when there is no matching data pattern, the pattern conversion unit 81 indicates that the DMX frame includes dimming table information indicating the dimming table 11 indicating the data transmission source, and the data is a DMX signal. Is added to the LAN transmission buffer 44 as header information.

  Each time a DMX frame is written to the LAN transmission buffer 44, the LAN transmission unit 45 adds a header information or the like conforming to the LAN standard to the DMX frame, creates a LAN frame, and transmits the LAN frame via the LAN signal line 32. Transmit to the DMX receiver 33.

  In this way, the LAN frame transmitted from the DMX transmitter 31 is received by the DMX receiver 33 shown in FIG. When the LAN frame is received by the LAN receiver 51, the DMX receiver 33 is extracted by the pattern re-converter 91 every time the LAN frame is temporarily stored in the LAN reception buffer 52.

  The pattern table 92, which is the receiving side pattern table of the DMX receiver 33, is the same table data as the pattern table 92 of the DMX transmitter 31, and is a pair of a DMX frame data pattern and an identifier that uniquely identifies it. A plurality of registered table data are stored.

  Each time the LAN frame is completely stored in the LAN reception buffer 52, the pattern re-conversion unit 91 extracts header information stored in the data portion of the LAN frame. Accordingly, when the pattern re-conversion unit 91 detects from the transmission data information that the transmitted data indicates an identifier, the pattern re-conversion unit 91 searches the pattern table 92 using the identifier stored in the data portion. The data pattern corresponding to the identifier is copied. Then, the pattern reconversion unit 91 overwrites the copied data pattern in the DMX frame buffer 54 corresponding to the light control table 11 indicated by the light control table information added as header information.

  When the pattern re-conversion unit 91 detects from the transmission data information that the transmitted data indicates the DMX frame itself, the DMX frame is indicated by the dimming table information added as the header information. The DMX frame buffer 54 corresponding to the dimming console 11 is overwritten.

  Then, every time the DMX frame buffer 54 is updated by the output data creation unit 56, the DMX receiver 33 reads the newly written DMX frame from the DMX frame buffer 54 and performs a synthesis process to obtain a DMX output frame. Is written in the DMX output buffer 57 and sent out to the lighting apparatus 1 via any DMX signal line 14 by the DMX output unit 58.

[Effect of Fifth Embodiment]
As described above in detail, according to the dimming control system to which the present invention is applied, the DMX transmitter 31 and the DMX receiver 33 are provided with table data in which data patterns and identifiers having the same contents are associated, and dimming is performed. When there is the same data pattern as the DMX frame transmitted from the table 11, only the identifier is transmitted / received, so that the amount of information transmitted from the DMX transmitter 31 to the DMX receiver 33 can be suppressed, and the transmission burden of the network Can be reduced.

[Sixth Embodiment]
Next, a dimming control system according to a sixth embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described. In addition, about the part similar to the above-mentioned embodiment, the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the dimming control system according to the sixth embodiment is the point that the DMX transmitter 31 performs conversion by the pattern conversion unit 102 when reception of the DMX signal for the specified size is completed. This is different from the dimming control system according to the fifth embodiment.

  In such a dimming control system, when the DMX signal for the specified size is completely stored in the input ring buffer 101, the DMX signal received by the pattern conversion unit 102 is read, and a data pattern that matches the data pattern of the DMX signal is obtained. A search is made from the pattern table 103 to see if it exists. Here, the pattern table 103 is table data in which a plurality of DMX signal data patterns of a specified size with high frequency and identifiers that uniquely identify the data patterns are registered in pairs.

  When there is a data pattern that matches the pattern table 103, the pattern conversion unit 102 sends the DMX signal that matches the data pattern to the identifier that uniquely identifies the matched data pattern from which dimming console 11. Lighting control table information indicating whether the data is an identifier, transmission data information indicating that the data is an identifier, and information indicating the channel offset position are added to the LAN transmission buffer 44 as header information.

  On the other hand, when there is no matching data pattern, the pattern conversion unit 102 transmits to the DMX signal the dimming table information indicating the dimming table 11 indicating the data transmission source and the data indicating that the data is the DMX signal. Data information and information indicating the channel offset position are added as header information and written to the LAN transmission buffer 44.

  Further, the pattern conversion unit 102 updates different channel offset positions when data is transmitted as an identifier and when data is transmitted as a DMX signal itself.

  Each time a DMX signal is written to the LAN transmission buffer 44, the LAN transmission unit 45 adds a header information or the like conforming to the LAN standard to the DMX frame, creates a LAN frame, and transmits the LAN frame via the LAN signal line 32. Transmit to the DMX receiver 33.

  In this way, the LAN frame transmitted from the DMX transmitter 31 is received by the DMX receiver 33 shown in FIG. When the LAN frame is received by the LAN receiver 51, the DMX receiver 33 is extracted by the pattern re-converter 91 every time the LAN frame is temporarily stored in the LAN reception buffer 52.

  The pattern table 92 of the DMX receiver 33 is the same table data as the pattern table 103 of the DMX transmitter 31, and is a pair of a DMX signal data pattern for a specified size and an identifier that uniquely identifies it. A plurality of registered table data is stored.

  Whenever the LAN frame is completely stored in the LAN reception buffer 52, the pattern re-conversion unit 91, when detecting that the transmitted data indicates an identifier from the transmission data information, is stored in the data portion. The pattern table 92 is searched using the identifier, and the data pattern corresponding to the identifier is acquired. Then, the pattern re-conversion unit 91 overwrites the acquired data pattern in the DMX frame buffer 54 corresponding to the dimming table 11 indicated by the dimming table information added as header information according to the channel offset position.

  When the pattern re-conversion unit 91 detects from the transmission data information that the transmitted data indicates the DMX signal itself, the DMX signal is indicated by the dimming table information added as the header information. The DMX frame buffer 54 corresponding to the dimming console 11 is overwritten according to the channel offset position.

  Each time the DMX frame buffer 54 is updated by the output data creation unit 56, the DMX receiver 33 reads the newly written DMX signal from the DMX frame buffer 54 and performs a synthesis process to obtain a DMX output frame. Is written in the DMX output buffer 57 and sent out to the lighting apparatus 1 via any DMX signal line 14 by the DMX output unit 58.

[Effects of Sixth Embodiment]
As described above in detail, according to the dimming control system according to the sixth embodiment, when there is the same data pattern as the DMX signal for the specified size sent from the dimming console 11, only the identifier is transmitted / received. As a result, the amount of information transmitted from the DMX transmitter 31 to the DMX receiver 33 can be reduced, and the transmission burden on the network can be reduced. Thus, the delay time until the DMX transmitter 31 starts the synthesis process can be shortened.

[Seventh Embodiment]
In the dimming control system according to the seventh embodiment, in the fifth and sixth embodiments, the pattern table of the DMX transmitter 31 and the pattern table of the DMX receiver 33 are automatically set according to the number of detections of the data pattern. It is characterized by updating to.

  In this dimming control system, for example, a pattern conversion unit or a pattern re-conversion unit preferentially holds a DMX signal having a large number of detections within a predetermined time and automatically registers it as a data pattern. At this time, the number of detections is counted by a counter.

  As a result, among the data patterns in the pattern table on the transmitting side and the receiving side, the data pattern having a large number of detections is preferentially updated so that it is registered almost in real time and registered with the DMX signal input in the pattern table. Improve the rate at which data patterns match. Therefore, according to the dimming control system, the data amount of the LAN frame to be transmitted can be greatly reduced, and the load on the network can be further reduced. In addition, since the data pattern is automatically created, it is possible to save the trouble of creating the data pattern in advance.

[Eighth Embodiment]
In the dimming control system according to the eighth embodiment, in the fifth and sixth embodiments, the pattern table of the DMX transmitter 31 and the pattern table of the DMX receiver 33 are automatically set according to the match time with the DMX signal. It is characterized in that it is updated.

  This dimming control system is stored in the pattern table in association with the data pattern, for example, when the pattern conversion unit or the pattern re-conversion unit determines that the input DMX signal matches the registered data pattern. The match time indicated by the time stamp is updated.

  Then, the dimming control system refers to the time stamp given to each data pattern, preferentially holds the DMX signal that has been matched recently, and automatically registers it as a data pattern.

  As a result, the data pattern in the pattern table on the transmitting side and the receiving side is updated almost in real time so that the data pattern with the latest time stamp, i.e., the data pattern that has been matched immediately before, remains in order. The rate at which the input DMX signal matches the registered data pattern is improved. Therefore, according to the dimming control system, the data amount of the LAN frame to be transmitted can be greatly reduced, and the load on the network can be further reduced. In addition, since the data pattern is automatically created, it is possible to save the trouble of creating the data pattern in advance.

  The above-described embodiment is an example of the present invention. For this reason, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made depending on the design and the like as long as the technical idea according to the present invention is not deviated from this embodiment. Of course, it is possible to change.

It is a block diagram for demonstrating the structure of the light control system which concerns on 1st Embodiment to which this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the DMX patch board in the light control system which concerns on 1st Embodiment to which this invention is applied. It is a figure for demonstrating the process which memorize | stores the DMX signal for the designated size memorize | stored in the input ring buffer in a frame buffer. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the structure of the light control system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment to which this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the DMX transmitter in the light control system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment to which this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the DMX receiver in the light control system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment to which this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the DMX transmitter in the light control system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment to which this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the DMX transmitter in the light control system which concerns on 4th Embodiment to which this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the DMX transmitter in the light control system which concerns on 5th Embodiment to which this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the DMX receiver in the light control system which concerns on 5th Embodiment to which this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the DMX transmitter in the light modulation control system which concerns on 6th Embodiment to which this invention is applied.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Lighting apparatus 11 Light control table 12 DMX patch panel 13,14 DMX signal line 21 Input part 22,42,71,101 Input ring buffer 23 Frame update part 24 Frame buffer 25,55 Setting data part 26 Output data generation part 27 Output Buffer 28 Output unit 31 DMX transmitter 32 LAN signal line 33 DMX receiver 41 DMX input unit 43 Conversion unit 44 LAN transmission buffer 45 LAN transmission unit 51 LAN reception unit 52 Reception buffer 52 LAN reception buffer 53 Reconversion unit 54 DMX frame buffer 56 output data creation unit 57 DMX output buffer 58 DMX output unit 61 input frame buffer 62, 72 comparison unit 63 comparison frame buffer 72 comparison unit 73 comparison buffer 81, 101 pattern conversion unit 82, 103 pattern table 91 Pattern reconverter 92 Pattern table

Claims (8)

In a signal synthesis processing device that inputs a dimming control signal according to a dimming control protocol in which one frame including control signals of a predetermined number of channels is a communication unit, and outputs the dimming control signal to a plurality of lighting devices.
Input means for inputting a dimming control signal from each of the dimming tables;
A ring buffer for storing each dimming control signal in units of a specified size each time input of each dimming control signal of a designated size designated in advance by the input means;
A frame buffer for storing each dimming control signal in units of one frame;
Each time the dimming control signals for the specified size are stored in the ring buffer, the dimming control signals for the specified size are overwritten and stored from a preset offset position in the frame buffer. Frame update means for setting an offset position for overwriting and storing the dimming control signals for the specified size in the frame buffer, and
Based on the composite setting information indicating the correspondence between the dimming control signal input by the input unit and the dimming control signal output to the lighting device, the frame update unit stores one frame of data stored in the frame buffer. A signal creating means for creating a dimming control signal for output from the plurality of dimming control signals;
An output means for outputting a dimming control signal for output created by the signal creating means to the plurality of lighting devices. A transmitter that receives a dimming control signal in accordance with a dimming control protocol that uses one frame of control signals of a predetermined number of channels as a communication unit from a plurality of dimming consoles, converts the frame into a communication frame, and receives the received signal. A dimming control system including a receiving device that re-converts the communication frame into a plurality of dimming control signals, combines the plurality of dimming control signals, and outputs the resultant signals to a plurality of lighting devices,
The transmitter is
Input means for inputting a dimming control signal from each of the dimming tables;
A ring buffer for storing each dimming control signal in units of a specified size each time input of each dimming control signal of a designated size designated in advance by the input means;
Each time the dimming control signals for the specified size are stored in the ring buffer, the dimming table information for identifying the dimming table that has generated the dimming control signal for which the storage has been completed, and the receiving device Conversion means for adding the offset information indicating the offset position for storing the dimming control signal in the dimming control signal as header information and converting it to the communication frame;
Transmission means for transmitting the communication frame converted by the conversion means,
The receiving device is:
Receiving means for receiving a communication frame transmitted from the transmitting device;
A reception buffer for storing a communication frame in units of one frame each time reception of communication data for one frame is completed by the reception unit;
A frame buffer for storing each dimming control signal in units of one frame;
Each time the communication frame is stored in the reception buffer, the dimming control signal for the specified size included in the communication frame is based on the offset information for each dimming table based on the dimming table information. Re-conversion means for overwriting from the offset position and storing in the frame buffer;
Based on the composite setting information indicating the correspondence between the dimming control signal received by the receiving unit and the dimming control signal output to the lighting device, the reconversion unit stores one frame worth of data stored in the frame buffer. A signal creating means for creating a dimming control signal for output from the plurality of dimming control signals;
A dimming control system, comprising: an output unit configured to output the dimming control signal for output generated by the signal generating unit to the plurality of lighting devices. A transmitter that receives a dimming control signal in accordance with a dimming control protocol that uses one frame of control signals of a predetermined number of channels as a communication unit from a plurality of dimming consoles, converts the frame into a communication frame, and receives the received signal. A dimming control system including a receiving device that re-converts the communication frame into a plurality of dimming control signals, combines the plurality of dimming control signals, and outputs the resultant signals to a plurality of lighting devices,
The transmitter is
Input means for inputting a dimming control signal from each of the dimming tables;
A transmission-side frame buffer that stores each dimming control signal in units of one frame each time input of each dimming control signal for one frame designated in advance by the input unit is completed;
A comparison frame buffer for storing a dimming control signal for one frame transmitted to the receiving device last time as a comparative dimming control signal for each of the previous dimming tables that generated the dimming control signal;
Each time the dimming control signal for one frame is stored in the transmission side frame buffer, the dimming control signal for one frame stored in the transmission side frame buffer is stored in the comparison frame buffer. The comparison dimming control signal is compared, and the dimming control signal for one frame stored in the transmission side frame buffer changes with respect to the comparative dimming control signal stored in the comparison frame buffer. In this case, the lighting control information for identifying the lighting control table that generated the lighting control signal is added to the lighting control signal for one frame as header information and converted into a communication frame. Means,
Transmission means for transmitting the communication frame converted by the comparison means,
The receiving device is:
Receiving means for receiving a communication frame transmitted from the transmitting device;
A reception buffer for storing a communication frame in units of one frame each time reception of communication data for one frame is completed by the reception unit;
A receiving side frame buffer for storing each dimming control signal in units of one frame;
Each time the communication frame is completely stored in the reception buffer, the dimming control signal for the one frame included in the communication frame is sent to the receiving side frame buffer for each dimming table based on the dimming table information. Re-conversion means to be stored in
1 stored in the receiving side frame buffer by the reconversion unit based on the combination setting information indicating the correspondence between the dimming control signal received by the receiving unit and the dimming control signal output to the lighting device. A signal creating means for creating a dimming control signal for output from a plurality of dimming control signals for a frame;
A dimming control system, comprising: an output unit configured to output the dimming control signal for output generated by the signal generating unit to the plurality of lighting devices. A transmitter that receives a dimming control signal in accordance with a dimming control protocol that uses one frame of control signals of a predetermined number of channels as a communication unit from a plurality of dimming consoles, converts the frame into a communication frame, and receives the received signal. A dimming control system including a receiving device that re-converts the communication frame into a plurality of dimming control signals, combines the plurality of dimming control signals, and outputs the resultant signals to a plurality of lighting devices,
The transmitter is
Input means for inputting a dimming control signal from each of the dimming tables;
A ring buffer for storing each dimming control signal in units of a specified size every time input of each dimming control signal for a designated size designated in advance by the input means;
A comparison buffer that stores the dimming control signal for the specified size transmitted to the receiving device last time as a comparative dimming control signal for each dimming table that generated the dimming control signal, and
Each time each dimming control signal for the designated size is stored in the ring buffer, the dimming control signal for the designated size stored in the ring buffer and the comparative dimming stored in the comparison buffer The dimming control signal for the specified size stored in the ring buffer is changed with respect to the comparative dimming control signal stored in the comparison buffer. The dimming control signal corresponding to the size includes dimming table information for identifying the dimming table that has generated the dimming control signal, and offset information indicating an offset position for storing the dimming control signal in the receiver. A comparison means for adding the information and converting it into a communication frame;
Transmission means for transmitting the communication frame converted by the comparison means,
The receiving device is:
Receiving means for receiving a communication frame transmitted from the transmitting device;
A reception buffer for storing a communication frame in units of one frame each time reception of communication data for one frame is completed by the reception unit;
A frame buffer for storing each dimming control signal in units of one frame;
Each time the communication frame is stored in the reception buffer, the dimming control signal for the specified size included in the communication frame is based on the offset information for each dimming table based on the dimming table information. Re-conversion means for overwriting from the offset position and storing in the frame buffer;
Based on the composite setting information indicating the correspondence between the dimming control signal received by the receiving unit and the dimming control signal output to the lighting device, the reconversion unit stores one frame worth of data stored in the frame buffer. A signal creating means for creating a dimming control signal for output from the plurality of dimming control signals;
A dimming control system, comprising: an output unit configured to output the dimming control signal for output generated by the signal generating unit to the plurality of lighting devices. A transmitter that receives a dimming control signal in accordance with a dimming control protocol that uses one frame of control signals of a predetermined number of channels as a communication unit from a plurality of dimming consoles, converts the frame into a communication frame, and receives the received signal. A dimming control system including a receiving device that re-converts the communication frame into a plurality of dimming control signals, combines the plurality of dimming control signals, and outputs the resultant signals to a plurality of lighting devices,
The transmitter is
Input means for inputting a dimming control signal from each of the dimming tables;
A transmission-side frame buffer that stores each dimming control signal in units of one frame each time input of each dimming control signal for one frame designated in advance by the input unit is completed;
A transmission-side data pattern table that holds a plurality of data patterns of dimming control signals for one frame and identifiers that identify the data patterns;
Each time the dimming control signal for one frame is stored in the transmission side frame buffer, a data pattern that matches the dimming control signal for one frame that has been stored is searched from the transmission side data pattern table. When a matching data pattern is retrieved, the identifier for specifying the matched data pattern is transmitted to the transmission data information indicating that the data to be transmitted is an identifier, and the dimming control signal is generated. Dimming control information for identifying the optical table is added as header information and converted into a communication frame, and if no matching data pattern is found, the dimming control for the one frame that has been stored is completed. Transmission data information indicating that the data to be transmitted is a dimming control signal, and dimming table information for identifying the dimming table that has transmitted the dimming control signal Conversion means for converting the communication frame by adding as header information,
Transmission means for transmitting the communication frame converted by the conversion means,
The receiving device is:
Receiving means for receiving a communication frame transmitted from the transmitting device;
A reception buffer for storing a communication frame in units of one frame each time reception of communication data for one frame is completed by the reception unit;
A receiving side frame buffer for storing each dimming control signal in units of one frame;
The same as the transmission side data pattern table, the data pattern of the dimming control signal for one frame and the reception side data pattern table that holds a plurality of identifiers for identifying the data patterns;
When it is determined from the transmission data information included in the communication frame that the transmitted data is an identifier, a data pattern corresponding to the identifier is detected from the reception-side data pattern, and the light control table information For each dimming console based on the above, when the received data buffer is updated by copying the detected data pattern, and it is determined from the transmission data information that the transmitted data is the dimming control signal For each dimming table based on the dimming table information, a pattern re-conversion means that replicates the dimming control signal included in the communication frame and updates the receiving-side frame buffer;
Based on the combination setting information indicating the correspondence between the dimming control signal received by the receiving unit and the dimming control signal output to the lighting device, the pattern re-conversion unit stores the dimming control signal in the reception-side frame buffer. Signal generating means for generating a dimming control signal for output from a plurality of dimming control signals for one frame;
A dimming control system, comprising: an output unit configured to output the dimming control signal for output generated by the signal generating unit to the plurality of lighting devices. A transmitter that receives a dimming control signal in accordance with a dimming control protocol that uses one frame of control signals of a predetermined number of channels as a communication unit from a plurality of dimming consoles, converts the frame into a communication frame, and receives the received signal. A dimming control system including a receiving device that re-converts the communication frame into a plurality of dimming control signals, combines the plurality of dimming control signals, and outputs the resultant signals to a plurality of lighting devices,
The transmitter is
Input means for inputting a dimming control signal from each of the dimming tables;
A ring buffer for storing each dimming control signal in units of a specified size every time input of each dimming control signal for a designated size designated in advance by the input means;
A transmission side data pattern table that holds a plurality of data patterns of dimming control signals for a specified size and identifiers that identify the data patterns;
Each time the dimming control signal for the specified size is completed in the ring buffer, the data pattern matching the dimming control signal for the specified size that has been stored is searched from the transmission side data pattern table, When a matching data pattern is found, the dimming table that has generated the dimming control signal and the transmission data information indicating that the data to be transmitted is an identifier is specified in the identifier that identifies the matching data pattern. When the dimming table information for identifying the data and the offset information indicating the offset position for storing the dimming control signal in the receiving device are added as header information and converted into a communication frame, and no matching data pattern is found Transmission data information indicating that the data to be transmitted is a dimming control signal in the dimming control signal for the specified size that has been stored; Dimming table information for identifying the dimming table that transmitted the dimming control signal and offset information indicating the offset position for storing the dimming control signal in the receiving device are added as header information and converted into a communication frame. Conversion means to
Transmission means for transmitting the communication frame converted by the conversion means,
The receiving device is:
Receiving means for receiving a communication frame transmitted from the transmitting device;
A reception buffer for storing a communication frame in units of one frame each time reception of communication data for one frame is completed by the reception unit;
A frame buffer for storing each dimming control signal in units of one frame;
The same as the transmission side data pattern table, a data pattern of a dimming control signal for a specified size, and a reception side data pattern table for holding a plurality of identifiers for identifying the data patterns;
When it is determined from the transmission data information included in the communication frame that the transmitted data is an identifier, a data pattern corresponding to the identifier is detected from the reception-side data pattern table, and the light control table For each dimming table based on information, the detected data pattern is duplicated and overwritten from the offset position based on the offset information to update the frame buffer, and the transmitted data is transmitted from the transmission data information to the dimming table. If it is determined that the light control signal, the light control control signal included in the communication frame is copied and overwritten from the offset position based on the offset information for each light control table based on the light control table information. Pattern reconversion means for updating the frame buffer;
One frame stored in the frame buffer by the pattern reconversion unit based on the combination setting information indicating the correspondence between the dimming control signal received by the receiving unit and the dimming control signal output to the lighting device A signal creating means for creating a dimming control signal for output from a plurality of dimming control signals per minute,
A dimming control system, comprising: an output unit configured to output the dimming control signal for output generated by the signal generating unit to the plurality of lighting devices. Within a certain period of time, a data pattern of the dimming control signal input from the dimming console is detected, and a counter that counts the number of detections for each data pattern;
The registration device for registering the data pattern of the dimming control signal, which is frequently detected by the counter, in the transmission-side data pattern table and the reception-side data pattern table. Dimming control system described in 1. Within a certain period of time, a type stamp giving means for giving a time stamp to the dimming control signal input from the dimming console;
Among the dimming control signals to which the time stamp is given by the time stamp giving means, the dimming control signal to which the latest time stamp is given as the data pattern, the transmission side data pattern table and the reception The dimming control system according to claim 5, further comprising: a registration unit that registers in the side data pattern table.

Images