JP5333827B2 - Dimming controller and dimming system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a dimming controller and a dimming system allowing recognition of a dimming level by touch of the finger and improving ease of operation by forming a sensor pattern operation area in a curved form. <P>SOLUTION: The dimming controller includes: input means 12 composed of surface contact type input sensors and having sensor pattern operation areas 14 curvedly formed; and a dimming control signal output means 18 sending out a dimming control signal based on operation level information input from the sensor pattern operation areas 14 of the input means 12. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a dimming controller having an input unit composed of a surface contact type input sensor and a dimming system using the dimming controller.

  Conventionally, when dimming control is performed with respect to lighting in a production space such as a studio or a theater, operations are performed using operators such as faders, encoders, and switches provided on the operation surface of the dimming console. These operating elements are levers, arms, or belts, and knobs protrude from the operating surface. In addition, the structure consists of mechanical parts. There is a problem that maintenance work is necessary and parts management is complicated (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

For this reason, the development of input means composed of a surface contact type input sensor that does not have these mechanical parts has been carried out. In this input means, input sensors are formed in a straight line shape. For example, in a fader, a plurality of linear sensors are arranged in parallel so that the linear portions of the sensor pattern operation area of the input means are parallel.
JP 2005-268108 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-127722 (FIGS. 3, 10, etc.)

  However, in general, the operator of the dimming console can perform the dimming operation while visually confirming the brightness of the illuminating device to be output without almost looking at the operating hand, that is, the sensor pattern operation area. Many. In this case, if the sensor pattern operation area is a straight line, it is difficult to grasp the actual dimming level at which the position of the sensor pattern operation area in contact with the fingertip of the operator is.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. By forming the sensor pattern operation area in a curved shape, the light control level can be recognized with the touch of a finger, and the operability can be improved. An object is to provide an optical controller and a dimming system.

The dimming operation device according to claim 1 is formed in a vertically long substantially S-shape consisting of a groove and a gentle curve slightly recessed from the operation surface so as to be traced with a fingertip on the panel-shaped operation surface. A plurality of input means comprising a plurality of sensor pattern operation areas arranged side by side and a surface contact type input sensor disposed on the lower surface side of each sensor pattern operation area ; and input from the sensor pattern operation areas of these input means And a dimming control signal output means for sending out a dimming control signal according to the operation level information.

  As the surface contact type input sensor, a capacitance type switch is suitable, but a resistance film type or optical type sensor may be used. In addition, the surface contact type input sensor is preferably a sensor that requires a touch operation by touching the operation surface with a finger or the like. It is also possible to change the capacitance or the like.

  The dimming controller according to claim 2 is the dimming controller according to claim 1, further comprising dimming level display means provided along the sensor pattern operation area. The display means is preferably an LED, but is not limited to an LED, and an EL element, an LCD, a neon lamp, or the like may be used.

  A dimming system according to claim 3 corresponds to the dimming controller according to claim 1 or 2; an illumination load capable of dimming control; and a dimming control signal from the dimming controller. And a dimmer for dimming the illumination load.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the sensor pattern operation area is formed in a substantially S shape , so that the dimming operation is performed in an easily recognizable state while recognizing the dimming level by the touch of the operator's finger. And operability can be improved.

  According to the invention described in claim 2, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1, the sensor pattern operation region can be operated while grasping the light control level of the lighting device.

  According to invention of Claim 3, the light modulation system which show | plays the effect of the invention of each said claim can be provided.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the light control device and the light control system of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the dimming system, FIGS. 2 and 3 are front views schematically showing the operation surface of the dimming controller, and FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the dimmer controller. . In FIG. 1, a dimming controller 10 installed in a dimming chamber has a plurality of input means in its main body, and operation information input from the input means, that is, operation level information is adjusted as, for example, a DMX signal. It is sent to the light control panel 20 installed in the optical equipment room. The DMX signal is a digital signal used in a production field or the like standardized by the American Theater Technology Association (USITT), and indicates a DMX 512 used as a standard of a dimming signal for dimming control. The dimming control signal may be transmitted by wire or wirelessly.

  The dimmer 20 is provided with a plurality of dimmers 20-1 to 20-n, and a dimmer power source is supplied to the dimmers 20-1 to 20-n. Illumination loads 30-1 to 30-n such as spotlights are connected to the dimmers 20-1 to 20-n, respectively. The lighting loads 30-1 to 30-n are installed in a studio or a stage and perform production lighting. A dimming voltage controlled by a dimming control signal from the dimmers 20-1 to 20-n is provided. Supplied.

  Next, referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, an embodiment relating to the operation surface 11 of the dimming controller 10 will be described.

(Embodiment 1) As shown in FIG. 2, the operation surface 11 of the light control device 10 is formed in a panel shape, and input means 12-1 to 12-5 constituted by surface contact type input sensors. And dimming operation mode selection means 13-1 to 13-3. The surface contact type input sensor is an electrostatic capacitance type switch, and, for example, five rows of curved sensor pattern operation areas 14-1 to 14-5 whose front side is coated with a translucent resin are arranged. Is formed. Each of the sensor pattern operation areas 14-1 to 14-5 is formed in a substantially S-shape having a gentle curve and a 180-degree rotational symmetry, and is slightly recessed from the operation surface 11 by about 1 mm to 2 mm in a groove shape. It is configured. Therefore, the operator can recognize the contour shapes of the sensor pattern operation areas 14-1 to 14-5 with the touch of the fingertip. Since it is only necessary to recognize the contour shape of the sensor pattern operation areas 14-1 to 14-5, ribs that protrude along the contour shape may be provided. Further, the sensor pattern operation areas 14-1 to 14-5 may be formed in a substantially S shape so as to provide a moderation feeling when touched by a fingertip. Furthermore, of course, it is not limited to providing five rows. As the scale of the dimming system increases, it may be necessary to increase the number of columns.

  A substrate made of glass or insulating resin is disposed on the lower surfaces of the sensor pattern operation areas 14-1 to 14-5, and a number of switches are disposed on the substrate. When a fingertip or the like touches the switch via the sensor pattern operation areas 14-1 to 14-5, it is detected as a weak change in capacitance. In addition to the sensor pattern operation areas 14-1 to 14-5, a dimming level composed of a plurality of display elements 15a such as LEDs along the contour shape of the sensor pattern operation areas 14-1 to 14-5. Display means 15-1 to 15-5 are provided. The display means 15-1 to 15-5 display operation level information inputted by tracing the sensor pattern operation areas 14-1 to 14-5 with a fingertip or the like, and as a result, output levels. The display means 15-1 to 15-5 are not limited to LEDs, and EL elements, LCDs, neon lamps, and the like can be applied. Each input means 12-1 to 12-5 is associated with the dimmers 20-1 to 20-n of the dimmer 20 in a one-to-one or one-to-n relationship.

  The dimming operation mode selection units 13-1 to 13-3 are configured by touch switches, and can select a fader function, an encoder function, and a touch switch function. Schematically, here, the fader function is a function that adjusts the brightness by gradually changing the brightness and maintains the desired brightness. The encoder function is a brightness that uses the preset dimming level as the starting point of the operation. The touch switch function is a function of turning on / off at a predetermined selected brightness and performing so-called flushing and dimming. In the vicinity of the dimming operation mode selection means 13-1 to 13-3, display units 16-1 to 16-3 each including an LED or the like for displaying a mode selection state are provided.

  (Embodiment 2) As shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment, dimming level display means 15-1 to 15-5 are arranged on the back side corresponding to the sensor pattern operation areas 14-1 to 14-5. It is a thing. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part which is the same as that of Example 1, or an equivalent part, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted. A square display window opened to face the display element 15a is formed on the substrate disposed on the lower surface of the sensor pattern operation areas 14-1 to 14-5 and provided with a large number of sensors and switches. ing. On the back side of the substrate, dimming level display means 15-1 to 15-5 are arranged, and each display element 15a is arranged so as to face the display window. Therefore, the display by the light control level display means 15-1 to 15-5 is performed via the sensor pattern operation areas 14-1 to 14-5. Further, in the dimming level display means 15-1 to 15-5, the display elements 15a are arranged in a curved line along the contour shape of the sensor pattern operation areas 14-1 to 14-5. According to the present embodiment, the space of the operation surface 11 occupied by the dimming level display means 15-1 to 15-5 can be reduced, and a compact configuration can be achieved.

  In FIG. 4, the dimming controller 10 includes input means 12-1 to 12-5, display means 15-1 to 15-5, control means 17, dimming control signal output means 18 and dimming operation mode selection means 13. -1 to 13-3. The input means 12-1 to 12-5 include a large number of electrostatic capacitance sensors and switches mounted on the substrate and a detection circuit 19 that detects these outputs and sends detection signals. Display means 15-1 to 15-5 are connected to the input means 12-1 to 12-5, and the input means 12-1 to 12-5 are connected to the control means 17.

  The control means 17 is composed of a central processing unit, FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or the like, and has a function of performing signal processing of the dimming controller 10 in general. The control means 17 is connected to the dimming control signal output means 18. The dimming control signal output means 18 receives a signal from the control means 17 and outputs a DMX signal. The control means 17 is connected to dimming operation mode selection means 13-1 to 13-3. When a predetermined mode is selected by the dimming operation mode selection means 13-1 to 13-3, the control means 17 is input from the input means 12-1 to 12-5 according to the selected mode. The operation information is arithmetically processed, and the processing result data is sent to the dimming control signal output means 18.

  The operation of the dimming controller and dimming system configured as described above will be described. Here, a case where light control is performed by operating the input unit 12-1 by a fader function will be described as a representative. The light control operation mode selection means 13-1 for the fader function is selected, that is, the operator presses the touch switch. Then, the display section 16-1 indicating this selection state is turned on, and a mode selection signal is sent from the dimming operation mode selection means 13-1 to the control means 17 as shown in FIG. The control means 17 recognizes that it is a fader function mode, and enters a standby state for operation information from the input means 12-1 to 12-5.

  Here, when the operator touches and slides the substantially S-shaped sensor pattern operation region 14-1 of the input means 12-1 with the fingertip from the lower side to the upper side, the electrostatic force is generated according to the movement locus of the fingertip. The capacitive sensor outputs position data, the position data is detected by the detection circuit 19, and a detection signal is sent to the control means 17. The control means 17 determines the operation position, the operation direction, and the like from the switch on / off information, that is, determines whether to increase or decrease the dimming level and brightness, and performs dimming control as a result. Data is transmitted to the dimming control signal output means 18. Incidentally, the lower end position of the sensor pattern operation area 14-1 is the light control level 0, and the upper end position is set to 100%, and 256 gradations are set. That is, the light control of 256 gradations can be performed in the range of the light control level of 0 to 100% by the fade function.

  On the other hand, the detection signal of the detection circuit 19 is also transmitted to the display means 15-1, so that the display element 15a of the display means 15-1 follows the movement locus of the fingertip and sequentially lights up. Thereby, it becomes easy to grasp the current output level, that is, the dimming level. Since the sensor pattern operation area 14-1 is slid with the fingertip so as to trace from below to above, the brightness operates so as to gradually increase. When the fingertip is removed from the sensor pattern operation area 14-1, the position is detected by the detection circuit 19, and the light control level corresponding to the position is held, and from the lower side to the display element 15a corresponding to the position. It is lit continuously and the dimming level is displayed. It should be noted that the display element 15a may be lit not only continuously, but only the display element 15a corresponding to the position detected by the detection circuit 19 may be lit.

  Subsequently, conversely to the above, when the sensor pattern operation area 14-1 of the input means 12-1 is slid in contact with the fingertip from the top to the bottom, the control means 17 similarly detects the sensor position data. The operation position, the operation direction, and the like are determined from the above, and the dimming control data is transmitted to the dimming control signal output means 18 so that the brightness is gradually lowered.

  The dimming control signal output means 18 outputs a DMX signal based on the dimming control data. This dimming control signal is transmitted to the dimmer 20-1 of the dimming panel 20, and the dimming voltage is supplied from the dimmer 20-1 to the lighting load 30-1, and the lighting load 30-1 controls the dimming. Be controlled. In addition, even when dimming data is stored, and when it is reproduced and dimmed, the display element 15a of the display means 15-1 is sequentially turned on in correspondence with the dimming level. Yes. Therefore, it becomes easy to grasp the current dimming level.

  On the other hand, the operator usually performs the dimming operation while visually confirming the brightness of the illuminating device to be output, almost without looking at the operating hand, that is, the sensor pattern operation area 14-1. Therefore, it is difficult to grasp the actual dimming level. However, in this embodiment, since the sensor pattern operation region 14-1 is formed in a substantially S shape, the light control operation can be performed while recognizing the rough light control level with the touch of the fingertip. That is, for example, in the sensor pattern operation region 14-1 shown in FIG. 2, the inflection point portion F at the approximate center on the contour line is a position at a dimming level of about 50% and the upper maximum convex portion (maximum concave portion). ) Portion A is at a position where the dimming level is about 75%, and the lower portion B of the maximum convex portion (maximum concave portion) is at a position where the light control level is about 25%. Therefore, when the sensor pattern operation area 14-1 is brought into contact with a fingertip and is slid, a predetermined moderation feeling can be obtained by the touch of the fingertip, and the dimming level can be recognized. It becomes possible to recognize the level.

  Next, for example, a method of adjusting the dimming level from the state where the dimming level is currently 50% and the display element 15a is lit from the fifth lowermost position will be described. The following adjustment method can be achieved by appropriately designing a program for the control means 17.

  The operator touches and slides the sensor pattern operation area 14-1 with the fingertip so as to trace from below to above or from above to below. The current dimming level position, that is, the fifth position of the display element 15a is moved to the fingertip. This is a method in which the dimming level does not change unless the value exceeds. Specifically, when adjusting the dimming level to 80%, for example, the fingertip is slid upward from the dimming level of 30%, that is, from the third vicinity of the display element 15a. Then, the dimming level changes from the vicinity exceeding the fifth of the display element 15a, and the brightness increases. The dimming level can be adjusted to 80% by releasing the fingertip in the vicinity of the eighth position of the display element 15a. In this state, the display element 15a is lit up to the eighth position from the bottom.

  Conversely, when adjusting the dimming level from 50% to 20%, for example, the fingertip is slid downward from the vicinity of the eighth position of the display element 15a. Then, the light control level changes from the vicinity exceeding the fifth of the display element 15a, and the brightness decreases. The dimming level can be adjusted to 20% by releasing the fingertip near the second position of the display element 15a, and the first and second lowermost display elements 15a are lit. Therefore, the adjustment of the dimming level can be adjusted smoothly and smoothly, and a function that does not change the dimming level when the sensor pattern operation area 14-1 is touched by mistake or inadvertent operation can be provided. it can.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the sensor pattern operation region 14 is formed in a curved shape and substantially S-shaped , so that the light adjustment level can be recognized with the touch of the finger and can be easily recognized. Therefore, the dimming operation can be performed and the operability can be improved. Furthermore, since the light control level display means 15 is provided along the outline shape of the sensor pattern operation area | region 14, there exists an effect which is easy to grasp | ascertain the light control level. In addition, since the input means 12 is composed of a surface contact type input sensor, there are no mechanical parts, and compared to the conventional case, replacement of movable parts and maintenance work can be reduced, and the number of parts can be reduced. This is also advantageous. Furthermore, the mode can be selected by the dimming operation mode selection means 13, and in this case, since the input means 12 can be shared, the configuration can be simplified. In addition, since there are no protrusions on the operation surface 11, it is easy to operate, and it is also possible to simultaneously operate a plurality of sensor pattern operation areas 14 with one hand. Furthermore, since the sensor pattern operation area 14 of the input means 12 is curved and provided in a plurality of rows in a substantially S shape, there is an advantage that simultaneous operation is easy.

  Next, a case where the above embodiment is applied to a dimming controller 10 with a monitor will be described with reference to side views of FIGS. 5 and 6. First, as shown in FIG. 6, conventionally, a monitor 40 composed of an LCD or the like is provided in the main body of the dimming operation unit 10, and this monitor 40 can be opened and closed with respect to the operation surface 11 for movement or the like. It has become. In this case, for example, since the knob K such as a fader protrudes from the operation surface 11, it is difficult to close the monitor 40 in close contact with the operation surface 11, and accordingly, the compactness is lacking ( (Refer FIG.6 (b)). However, as shown in FIG. 5, the operation surface 11 according to the above embodiment has no protrusions and can be configured flat, so that the monitor 40 surface can be closed close to the operation surface 11 and can be made compact. Become.

Next, an application example of the above embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an operation surface of the dimming controller. The operation surface 11 is provided with a master fader 12M and a plurality of, that is, 16 single faders 12S as input means composed of a surface contact type input sensor. Each fader 12M, 12S is formed with a sensor pattern operation region 14M, 14S that is curved and substantially S-shaped . Further, on the upper side of each fader 12M, 12S, various switches such as a scene selection switch CSW for selecting a scene (scene) when dimming data is stored or reproduced are arranged, and on the lower side, A display unit 50 composed of an LCD for displaying the contents of dimming data assigned to each single fader 12S is provided. Here, a transparent or translucent preparation entry plate 51 made of acrylic or the like is provided on the display unit 50 in a polymerized state. Incidentally, the preparation entry board 51 is used for handwritten entry of the dimming data assigned to each fader 12S so that the operator can easily understand it. It is effectively used in the case where there is a problem.

  Therefore, according to this application example, it is possible to operate the faders 12M and 12S while recognizing the light control level with the touch of a finger. Further, when using the information displayed on the display unit 50, the LCD is turned on and the display information can be visually recognized through the transparent or translucent preparation entry board 51. When the preparation entry board 51 is used, the display information is displayed. If the LCD of the unit 50 is turned off or displayed as a whole in a single light color such as white, the information written on the preparation entry board 51 can be visually confirmed, while the written information is visually recognized. You can also fill in. In this case, since the display part 50 and the preparation entry board 51 are arrange | positioned in the superposition | polymerization state, it is not necessary to provide each arrangement | positioning space, and the operation surface 11 can be comprised compactly. That is, by arranging the display unit 50 and the preparation entry board 51 in the same place, the depth dimension can be shortened. For example, the depth dimension can be increased even when the faders 12M and 12S are increased to two rows and three rows. It is possible to make the operation surface 11 compact by shortening. The display unit 50 is not limited to the LCD, and may be configured by an LED, an EL element, or the like.

It is a block block diagram which shows the light control system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. (Example 1) which is a front view which shows typically the operation surface of a tuning light operating device. (Example 2) which is a front view which shows typically the operation surface of a tuning light operating device. It is a block block diagram which shows a tuning light operating device. It is a side view which shows the dimming operation device with a monitor which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a side view which shows the conventional light control operation device with a monitor. It is a front view which shows the example of application of the operation surface of the light control operation device which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

10 ... dimming controller, 12 ... input means,
14 ... sensor pattern operation area, 15 ... display means,
15a ... display element, 18 ... dimming control signal output means,
20 ... Dimmer, 30 ... Lighting load

Claims (3)

A panel-shaped operation surface and arranged a plurality of sensor pattern operation region formed in a slightly recessed groove a and elongated substantially S-shape consisting of gentle curve from the operation surface as mystery as fingertips And a plurality of input means in which surface contact type input sensors are arranged on the lower surface side of each sensor pattern operation area ;
A dimming control signal output means for sending out a dimming control signal corresponding to the operation level information input from the sensor pattern operation area of these input means;
A dimming operation device comprising:   The dimming controller according to claim 1, further comprising dimming level display means provided along the sensor pattern operation area. A dimming controller according to claim 1 or 2;
A lighting load capable of dimming control;
A dimmer for dimming a corresponding lighting load in response to a dimming control signal from the dimming controller;
A dimming system comprising:

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