JP6034967B2 - Lighting control apparatus and lighting system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a lighting control device and a lighting system, and more particularly to a technique for controlling a lighting device by wireless communication.

  In a conventional wireless illumination system, a technique of controlling one illumination device by wireless communication using one illumination control device corresponding to the illumination device is used (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Specifically, the lighting control device includes a transmission unit, an input unit, and a first control unit, and the first control unit is configured to turn on a lighting signal, a turn-off signal, and a control based on a command input from the input unit. A control signal including at least one of the optical signals is generated, and the control signal is transmitted to the lighting device through the transmission unit. The lighting device includes a receiving unit, a light emitting unit such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode), and a second control unit. When the receiving unit receives a control signal transmitted from the transmission unit of the lighting control device, the second control is performed. The unit performs illumination control (turning on, turning off, dimming, etc.) on the light emitting unit according to the control signal received by the receiving unit.

JP 2010-238572 A

  In a large space such as an office, a plurality of lighting devices are required. When trying to control a plurality of lighting devices individually by wireless communication, the conventional wireless lighting system requires one lighting control device for each of the lighting devices. For this reason, when the number of lighting devices increases, it becomes substantially impossible to individually control all the lighting devices.

  For example, it is possible to perform the same lighting control on all lighting devices installed in a space such as an office by using one lighting control device. However, in such a control, the illuminance of the lighting device is not appropriate depending on the position where the lighting device is arranged and the time zone of lighting, and power is wasted.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an illumination control device and an illumination system capable of individually controlling a plurality of illumination devices and managing them collectively.

  An illumination control device according to the present invention is a device that controls a plurality of illumination devices by wireless communication, and includes a transmission unit, a control unit, a display unit, an input unit, and a storage unit. A transmission part transmits the control signal containing at least any one signal of a lighting signal, a light extinction signal, and a light control signal. Here, the some illuminating device which is a control object has 1st identification information which enables each identification.

  And a control part performs control (i)-(v). In control (i), the control unit causes the display unit to display a symbol image to be associated with at least one lighting device. In control (ii), the control unit acquires the first identification information and causes the display unit to display the acquired first identification information. In the control (iii), when the first identification information displayed on the display unit is dragged to a position overlapping the symbol image by an operation from the input unit, the control unit displays the dragged first identification information as the first identification information. The identification information is associated with the superimposed symbol image and stored in the storage unit, whereby the lighting device having the first identification information and the symbol image are associated with each other. In the control (iv), the control unit causes the storage unit to store lighting control information related to the control of the lighting device associated with the symbol image and associated with the symbol image in the control (iii). In the control (v), the control unit generates a control signal based on the first identification information and the illumination control information associated with the symbol image, and associates the generated control signal with the symbol image through the transmission unit. To the lighting device.

  An illumination system according to the present invention includes a plurality of illumination devices and the illumination control device that controls these illumination devices by wireless communication.

  According to the illumination control device and the illumination system according to the present invention, it is possible to individually control a plurality of illumination devices and manage them collectively.

  The novel features of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims, and the invention will be further described by the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, both in terms of structure and content, together with other objects and features of the invention. It will be well understood.

It is the block diagram which showed notionally the structure of the LED lighting system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is the block diagram which showed notionally the structure of the illumination control apparatus. It is the block diagram which showed notionally the structure which each of LED lighting apparatus has. It is the flowchart which showed the control which the 1st control part of a lighting control apparatus performs, and the operation which a user performs. It is a top view of the PC monitor on which the distribution image is displayed. It is a top view of PC monitor used for description of creation operation of an area image. It is a top view of the PC monitor on which the created area image is displayed. It is a top view of a PC monitor used for description of the drag operation performed when listing area images. It is a top view of the PC monitor on which the screen for performing arrangement | positioning operation of a symbol image is displayed. It is a top view of a PC monitor used for description of arrangement | positioning operation of a symbol image. It is a top view of a PC monitor used for description of arrangement | positioning operation of a symbol image. It is a top view of the PC monitor on which the arranged symbol image is displayed. It is a top view of the illumination control apparatus used for description of the drag operation performed when correlating LED lighting apparatus (1st identification information) and an area image. It is a top view of the illumination control apparatus used for description of the drag operation performed when correlating LED lighting apparatus (1st identification information) and a symbol image. It is the block diagram which showed notionally the structure of the illumination control apparatus with which the LED illumination system is provided about the 1st modification of an LED illumination system. It is the perspective view which showed notionally the gateway with which the LED lighting system is provided about the 2nd modification of an LED lighting system. It is the flowchart which showed the control which the 1st control part of a lighting control apparatus performs, and the operation which a user performs about the 2nd modification of an LED lighting system. It is a top view of the illumination control apparatus with which 2nd identification information is displayed on the touch panel. It is the block diagram which showed notionally the structure of the demand control system containing an LED lighting system. It is the block diagram which showed notionally the structure of the demand control system about the 1st modification of a demand control system. It is the block diagram which showed notionally the structure of the demand control system about the 2nd modification of a demand control system. It is the block diagram which showed notionally the structure of the demand control system about the 3rd modification of a demand control system.

First, embodiments of the present invention will be listed and described.
An illumination control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a device that controls a plurality of illumination devices by wireless communication, and includes a transmission unit, a control unit, a display unit, an input unit, and a storage unit. A transmission part transmits the control signal containing at least any one signal of a lighting signal, a light extinction signal, and a light control signal. Here, the some illuminating device which is a control object has 1st identification information which enables each identification.

  And a control part performs control (i)-(v). In control (i), the control unit causes the display unit to display a symbol image to be associated with at least one lighting device. In control (ii), the control unit acquires the first identification information and causes the display unit to display the acquired first identification information. In the control (iii), when the first identification information displayed on the display unit is dragged to a position overlapping the symbol image by an operation from the input unit, the control unit displays the dragged first identification information as the first identification information. The identification information is associated with the superimposed symbol image and stored in the storage unit, whereby the lighting device having the first identification information and the symbol image are associated with each other. In the control (iv), the control unit causes the storage unit to store lighting control information related to the control of the lighting device associated with the symbol image and associated with the symbol image in the control (iii). In the control (v), the control unit generates a control signal based on the first identification information and the illumination control information associated with the symbol image, and associates the generated control signal with the symbol image through the transmission unit. To the lighting device.

  According to the lighting control device, at least one first identification information is associated with the lighting control information via the symbol image by a simple operation by the user from the input unit. Therefore, it becomes possible to control a plurality of lighting devices in a desired relation with lighting control information. Here, the desired related modes include a mode in which lighting control information is associated with each of the lighting devices, a mode in which lighting control information is associated with a group of lighting devices, and a mode in which these are combined. As described above, according to the illumination control device, it is possible to individually control a plurality of illumination devices and manage them collectively with a single illumination control device. In the above lighting control device, it is easy to change settings related to lighting control, such as changing a symbol image (for example, changing an area where the same lighting control is desired). Furthermore, since a plurality of lighting devices are controlled by wireless communication, a circuit (wiring) constructed with a wired system is not necessary.

  Preferably, the symbol image is an image symbolizing that it corresponds to at least one lighting device arranged at a position overlapping the symbol image on the lighting distribution image showing the arrangement of the plurality of lighting devices. Before the control (i), the control unit further executes a control (vi) for displaying the light distribution image on the display unit. In control (i), the control unit causes the display unit to display the symbol image superimposed on the light distribution image.

  Preferably, in the control (ii), the control unit displays a first switch for generating a lighting signal for lighting the lighting device having the first identification information in correspondence with the acquired first identification information. Display on the screen.

  According to such a configuration, the user can turn on the lighting device by operating the first switch from the input unit, and can check the actual position of the lighting device corresponding to the operated first switch. Become. Therefore, the user can drag the first identification information displayed corresponding to the operated first switch to the symbol image to be associated based on the confirmed actual position. When such a user's drag operation is executed, the control unit executes control (iii). Therefore, the first identification information is accurately associated with the symbol image.

  In the lighting control device, the symbol image may be an area image representing an area of the lighting device in which the same lighting control is executed. In this case, in the control (iii), the control unit causes the storage unit to store the first identification information of all the lighting devices in the area represented by the area image in association with the area image. Moreover, in control (v), a control part transmits a control signal through a transmission part with respect to all the illuminating devices in the area represented by an area image.

  According to such a configuration, setting for performing the same illumination control on all the illumination devices in a desired area is performed by a simple operation by the user from the input unit.

  In a preferable specific configuration of the illumination control device, the illumination control device further includes a reception unit that receives an information signal that is a signal transmitted from the illumination device in wireless communication and includes the first identification information. And in control (ii), a control part acquires the 1st identification information contained in an information signal by making a receiving part receive an information signal, and displays the acquired 1st identification information on a display part.

  In another preferable specific configuration of the illumination control device, the illumination control device further includes a reading unit that reads a QR code (registered trademark), and each of the illumination devices has a QR code (corresponding to the first identification information). (Registered trademark) is provided, and a table representing the correspondence between the first identification information and the QR code (registered trademark) is stored in the storage unit. In the control (ii), the control unit acquires first identification information corresponding to the QR code (registered trademark) read by the reading unit based on the table, and the acquired first identification information is displayed on the display unit. Display.

  According to such a configuration, even when an illumination system including the illumination control device having this configuration and a plurality of illumination devices is employed in each of a plurality of adjacent stores, for example, each of the illumination control devices On the display unit, only the first identification information possessed by the illumination device that constitutes the same illumination system together with the illumination control device is displayed. Therefore, the problem that the system administrator who is the user acquires the first identification information from a lighting system different from the lighting system owned by the user and erroneously associates the first identification information with the symbol image is According to a specific configuration, it is prevented.

  An illumination system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of illumination devices and the illumination control device that controls these illumination devices by wireless communication.

  In a preferred specific configuration of the lighting system, the lighting system further includes a plurality of communication repeaters, and these communication repeaters perform wireless communication with the lighting device and the lighting control device and are connected to each other by wire. ing. The lighting control device communicates with the lighting device via at least one communication repeater. In such a configuration, the communication repeater has the second identification information enabling each identification, and the control unit of the lighting control device further executes the control (vii) before the control (ii). It is preferable. Specifically, in the control (vii), the control unit acquires the second identification information of the communication repeater that exists in a range where wireless communication with the lighting control device is possible, and displays the acquired second identification information. Display on the screen. And in control (ii), a control part is this communication repeater through the communication repeater corresponding to the 2nd identification information selected by operation from an input part among the 2nd identification information displayed on the display part. The first identification information possessed by the lighting device capable of direct wireless communication is acquired, and the acquired first identification information is displayed on the display unit.

  According to such a structure, only the 1st identification information of the illuminating device which exists in the range in which direct wireless communication with the selected communication repeater is possible is displayed on a display part. Therefore, it becomes easy to associate the first identification information with the symbol image by the drag operation.

  In a more preferred specific configuration, each of the communication repeaters has a light emitting unit that emits light to the outside. In the control (vii), the control unit generates a lighting signal for lighting the light emitting unit of the communication repeater having the second identification information in correspondence with the acquired second identification information. Is displayed on the display unit.

  According to such a configuration, the user can confirm the actual position of the communication repeater by turning on the light emitting unit of the communication repeater by operating the second switch from the input unit. Therefore, the user repeatedly executes the selection of the communication repeater and the association between the first identification information and the symbol image while changing the selected communication repeater, so that all the installed lighting devices can be obtained. The first identification information and the symbol image can be easily associated with each other.

  In another preferable specific configuration of the illumination system, the illumination system includes an illuminance sensor provided in a space where a plurality of illumination devices are arranged, and a human sensor provided integrally or separately with the illuminance sensor. In addition. In control (v), the control unit outputs a control signal based on detection signals output from the illuminance sensor and the human sensor in addition to the first identification information and the illumination control information associated with the symbol image. Generate.

Next, the detail of embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.
[1] Configuration of LED Lighting System FIG. 1 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of an LED lighting system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the LED lighting system includes a plurality of LED lighting devices 2, a lighting control device 1 that controls these LED lighting devices 2 by wireless communication, a wired network 3, and a sensor 4. ing.

  The network 3 has a plurality of gateways GW connected to each other through a hub (HUB). Each of the gateways GW transmits information between the LED lighting device 2 and the lighting control device 1 by wireless communication. The lighting control device 1 communicates with the LED lighting device 2 via at least one gateway GW in the network 3. The gateway GW includes a communication repeater that performs communication protocol conversion and a controller that performs illumination control of the LED illumination device 2 in accordance with a control signal output from the illumination control device 1.

  According to the LED lighting system of the present embodiment, wireless communication between the lighting control device 1 and the plurality of LED lighting devices 2 is relayed by the network 3 (gateway GW). Therefore, even when a plurality of LED lighting devices 2 are installed in a wide space such as an office, wireless communication between the lighting control device 1 and the LED lighting device 2 can be reliably performed.

  Furthermore, in the LED lighting system of the present embodiment, a plurality of gateways GW are connected by wire. Therefore, even when a plurality of LED lighting devices 2 are installed across a plurality of rooms or floors, the gateway GW is installed in each room or each floor, so that the lighting control of all the LED lighting devices 2 can be performed. A single lighting control device 1 can manage all at once.

  The sensor 4 is formed integrally with an illuminance sensor and a human sensor, and is provided in a space where a plurality of LED lighting devices 2 are arranged. The sensor 4 communicates information with the gateway GW through wireless communication. Then, the illumination control device 1 acquires the detection signal output from the sensor 4 through the network 3. In the space where the LED lighting device 2 is arranged, the illumination sensor and the human sensor may be provided separately.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of the illumination control device 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the lighting control device 1 includes a first transmission unit 11, a first reception unit 12, a first control unit 13, a display unit 14, an input unit 15, and a storage unit 16. doing. In this embodiment, the display part 14 and the input part 15 are the touchscreen 18 in which these were integrally formed.

  The first transmission unit 11 transmits the signal generated by the first control unit 13 to the LED lighting device 2 and the sensor 4 through the network 3. The signal generated by the first control unit 13 includes a control signal having at least one of a lighting signal, a light-off signal, and a dimming signal. The first receiving unit 12 receives signals output from the LED lighting device 2 and the sensor 4 through the network 3. Details of the control executed by the first control unit 13 will be described later.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of each LED lighting device 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the LED lighting device 2 includes a second transmission unit 21, a second reception unit 22, a second control unit 23, and an LED 24. Further, the LED lighting device 2 has a first identification information I _LED that enables identification with other LED lighting devices 2.

The second transmission unit 21 transmits the signal generated by the second control unit 23 to the lighting control device 1 through the network 3. The signal generated by the second control unit 23 includes an information signal having the first identification information I _LED . In this embodiment, the 2nd transmission part 21 and the 2nd receiving part 22 are wireless modules in which these were formed integrally, and the 1st discernment information I _LED is the other LED lighting device 2 with the wireless module. It is for discriminating from the wireless module provided in. Transmission of the signal from the second transmission unit 21 is executed in response to a command from the illumination control device 1, for example.

  The second receiving unit 22 receives the control signal output from the lighting control device 1 or the control signal output from the controller of the gateway GW according to the control signal via the network 3. The second control unit 23 performs illumination control (lighting, extinguishing, dimming, etc.) of the LED 24 based on the control signal received by the second receiving unit 22.

[2] Control of LED Lighting System FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the control executed by the first control unit 13 of the lighting control device 1 and the operation performed by the user. First, in step S <b> 20, the user performs advance preparation using a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “PC”). 5 to 12 are plan views of the PC monitor 6 on which screens related to this advance preparation are displayed.

  In step S20, the user first reads the light distribution image P showing the arrangement of the plurality of LED lighting devices 2 into the hard disk of the PC, and displays the read light distribution image P on the PC monitor 6 (see FIG. 5). In FIG. 5, the arrangement of the LED lighting device 2 is indicated by a plurality of circles. Note that the light distribution image P may include an image relating to the interior, equipment, and the like. The light distribution image P may be an image created by a perspective method. Further, the user may read the arrangement information regarding the arrangement of the plurality of LED lighting devices 2 necessary for generating the lighting image P into the hard disk of the PC. In this case, the user causes the PC to read the arrangement information from the hard disk and generate the lighting image P based on the arrangement information.

On the screen on which the light distribution image P is displayed, the user creates or places a symbol image on the light distribution image P displayed on the PC monitor 6 by operating the mouse or the like (step S20). Here, the symbol image is an image that is associated with the LED lighting device 2 having the first identification information I _LED by associating at least one first identification information I _LED . In the present embodiment, the symbol image is displayed on the PC monitor 6 or the lighting control device 1 so as to overlap the light distribution image P, so that at least one LED disposed on the light distribution image P at a position overlapping the symbol image. The user can recognize that it corresponds to the illumination device 2. That is, on the light distribution image P, the symbol image is an image symbolizing that it corresponds to at least one LED lighting device 2 disposed at a position overlapping the symbol image. The symbol image may be created without displaying the lighting image P as a box like at least one first identification information I _LED associated therewith.

  The symbol image represents an area of the LED illumination device 2 on which the same illumination control is executed on the lighting image P, and is an image associated with a plurality of LED illumination devices 2 in the area (see FIG. 7). ) Is included. Hereinafter, this image is referred to as an “area image”. Furthermore, the symbol image includes an image (see FIG. 12) that is associated with only one LED lighting device 2. In the following, unless otherwise specified, the term “symbol image” is used for this image.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in addition to the light distribution image P, buttons B1 to B7 and EG1 to EG10 are displayed on the screen on which the light distribution image P is displayed. The button B1 is a button for causing the PC monitor 6 to display an arrangement operation screen (see FIG. 9) for the user to perform the arrangement operation of the symbol image. The button B2 is a button for causing the PC monitor 6 to display a creation operation screen (see FIG. 5) for the user to perform an area image creation operation. The button B6 is a button for causing the PC monitor 6 to display the screen before moving to the screen displayed on the PC monitor 6 again. The button B7 is a button for completing the symbol image placement operation and the area image creation operation.

  On the creation operation screen (see FIG. 5), buttons B3 to B5 are buttons that are selected when the user creates an area image. Here, the button B3 is selected when creating a rectangular area image (see FIG. 6). Specifically, the user designates two different positions on the screen displayed on the PC monitor 6 after selecting the button B3 by operating the mouse or the like. As a result, a rectangular area image having a straight line connecting the two positions as a diagonal line is created. The button B4 is selected when an area image having various shapes not limited to a rectangle is created in a straight line portion of the outer edge of the area image. Specifically, after the user selects the button B4 by operating the mouse or the like, the user designates a plurality of positions on the screen displayed on the PC monitor 6. Thereby, a line image in which the plurality of positions are connected in the designated order is created. The button B5 is selected when creating an arcuate curved portion of the outer edge of the area image. Specifically, the user designates one position on the screen displayed on the PC monitor 6 after selecting the button B5 by operating the mouse or the like. Next, after specifying another position, the position is slid around the previously specified position. As a result, an arcuate curved image centered on the previously designated position is created.

The user can create an area image on the light distribution image P by performing the above-described creation operation on the creation operation screen. In FIG. 7, four area images P _AREA (1) to P _AREA (4) are created on the lighting image P, and four area images are displayed on all the LED lighting devices 2 shown in the lighting image P. A case where any one of P _AREA (1) to P _AREA (4) corresponds is shown. In addition, you may make an area image respond | correspond only to some LED illumination apparatuses 2 which are controlled by the illumination control apparatus 1 among the LED illumination apparatuses 2 shown by the lighting image P. Alternatively, an area image may be associated with some LED illumination devices 2 to be controlled by the illumination control device 1, and a symbol image may be associated with the remaining LED illumination devices 2 by an arrangement operation described later.

  The area image creation operation is not limited to the above-described operation. For example, graphics having various shapes are displayed on the PC monitor 6, and the user selects several graphics from a plurality of graphics displayed on the PC monitor 6 by operating the mouse or the like, and the selected graphics. One area image may be created by combining the above. The area image creation operation is not limited to the PC, and may be performed by the illumination control device 1.

  On the screen shown in FIG. 5, when the button B1 is selected by the user's operation of the mouse or the like, a screen for performing the symbol image placement operation is displayed (see FIG. 9). At this time, buttons B11 to B14 are displayed on the PC monitor 6 instead of the buttons B3 to B5. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 9, the lighting image P and the buttons B1, B2, B11 to B14, B6, and B7 are displayed on the PC monitor 6.

  On the placement operation screen (see FIG. 9), buttons B11 to B13 are buttons that are selected when the user places a symbol image. The button B14 is a button that is selected when the user deletes the arranged symbol image.

  The button B11 is selected when only one symbol image is arranged. Specifically, the user designates one position on the screen displayed on the PC monitor 6 after selecting the button B11 by operating the mouse or the like. When the designation of the position is completed, a selection screen for selecting the type of symbol image is displayed on the PC monitor 6 (see FIG. 10). Then, the user selects the symbol image type on the selection screen by operating the mouse or the like. As a result, the symbol image of the selected type is arranged at the designated position.

  The button B12 is selected when a plurality of symbol images of the same type are arranged in a line. Specifically, after the user selects the button B12 by operating the mouse or the like, the user designates two positions on the screen displayed on the PC monitor 6. When the designation of the two positions is completed, a selection screen for selecting the type of symbol image is displayed on the PC monitor 6 (see FIG. 10). Then, the user selects the symbol image type on the selection screen by operating the mouse or the like. When the selection of the type of symbol image is completed, an input screen for inputting the number of symbol images arranged is displayed on the PC monitor 6 (see FIG. 11). Then, the user inputs a numerical value on the input screen by operating the mouse or the keyboard. As a result, the input number of symbol images are arranged at equal intervals on a straight line connecting the two designated positions.

  The button B13 is selected when a plurality of symbol images of the same type are arranged in a matrix. Specifically, when the button B13 is selected by the operation of the mouse or the like by the user, the buttons B3 to B5 are displayed on the PC monitor 6 instead of the buttons B11 to B14 (see FIG. 10). Then, after selecting the button B3 by operating the mouse or the like, the user designates two different positions on the screen displayed on the PC monitor 6, as shown in FIG. As a result, a rectangular region R whose diagonal is a straight line connecting the two positions is designated. When the designation of the two positions is completed, a selection screen for selecting the type of symbol image is displayed on the PC monitor 6 (see FIG. 10). Then, the user selects the symbol image type on the selection screen by operating the mouse or the like. When the selection of the type of symbol image is completed, an input screen for inputting the number of symbol images arranged (number of rows and columns) is displayed on the PC monitor 6 (see FIG. 11). Then, the user inputs a numerical value on the input screen by operating the mouse or the keyboard. Thus, the input number of symbol images are arranged in a matrix on the designated rectangular area (see FIG. 12).

The user can place the symbol image on the light distribution image P by performing the above-described placement operation on the placement operation screen. FIG. 12 shows a case where nine symbol images P _SMBL of the same type are arranged on the _{light distribution} image P. By repeatedly executing such an arrangement operation, the symbol images can be made to correspond to all the LED lighting devices 2 shown in the lighting image P. Of the LED illumination devices 2 shown in the light distribution image P, only some of the LED illumination devices 2 controlled by the illumination control device 1 may be associated with the symbol image. Alternatively, symbol images may be associated with some LED illumination devices 2 controlled by the illumination control device 1, and area images may be associated with the remaining LED illumination devices 2 by the above-described creation operation. Furthermore, the symbol image may be arranged in an area represented by the area image. The symbol image placement operation may be performed not only by the PC but also by the lighting control device 1.

In step S20, when the area images P _AREA (1) to P _AREA (4) are created by the user, the created area images P _AREA (1) to P _AREA (4) are stored in the hard disk of the PC. At this time, the area images P _AREA (1) to P _AREA (4) may be listed by being associated with one of the buttons EG1 to EG10 in a one-to-one correspondence and stored in the hard disk. The association between the area images P _AREA (1) to P _AREA (4) and the buttons EG1 to EG10 is performed, for example, by a drag operation by the user using a mouse or the like on the screen where these are displayed on the PC monitor 6. (See FIG. 8).

In step S20, when the symbol image P _SMBL is arranged by the user, the arranged symbol image P _SMBL is stored in the hard disk of the PC.

When the advance preparation is completed, in step S21, the user stores the light distribution image P, the area images P _AREA (1) to P _AREA (4), and the symbol image P _SMBL stored in the hard disk of the PC, for example, in the network. 3 to the lighting control device 1.

Thereby, in step S11, the 1st control part 13 of the lighting control apparatus 1 passes through the 1st receiving part 12, and the light distribution image P, the area images P _AREA (1) to P _AREA (4), and the symbol image P _SMBL And the storage unit 16 stores these images.

Next, in step S <b> 12, the first control unit 13 reads the light distribution image P from the storage unit 16 and displays the read light distribution image P on the touch panel 18. The first control unit 13 reads out at least one of the area images P _AREA (1) to P _AREA (4) and the symbol image P _SMBL from the storage unit 16 and superimposes the read image on the light distribution image P. Are displayed on the touch panel 18. FIG. 13 is a plan view of the illumination control apparatus 1 in which only the area images P _AREA (1) to P _AREA (4) are displayed on the touch panel 18 among the area images and the symbol images. FIG. 14 is a plan view of the illumination control device 1 in which all of the area images P _AREA (1) to P _AREA (4) and the symbol image P _SMBL are displayed on the touch panel 18. In step S12, the first controller 13 does not display the lighting image P on the touch panel 18, and at least one of the area images P _AREA (1) to P _AREA (4) and the symbol image P _SMBL. May be displayed. When the symbol image is like a box associated with at least one first identification information I _LED, only the symbol image may be displayed on the touch panel 18.

Next, in step S <b> 13, the first control unit 13 causes the first reception unit 12 to receive an information signal including the first identification information I _LED , so that the first control unit 13 receives the first signal from the plurality of LED lighting devices 2 through the network 3. The identification information I _LED is acquired. Then, the first control unit 13 displays the acquired first identification information I _LED on the touch panel 18 (see FIGS. 13 and 14). At this time, the first control unit 13 generates, for each of the acquired first identification information I _LED , a lighting signal for lighting the LED lighting device 2 having the first identification information I _LED. Is generated. Then, the first control unit 13 causes the generated first switch S1 to be displayed on the touch panel 18 in association with the first identification information I _LED . In the present embodiment, the first switch S1 is displayed so as to overlap the first identification information I _LED . Note that the first switch S1 may selectively generate a lighting signal and a light-off signal. The first switch S1 may be stored in the storage unit 16, and the first control unit 13 reads out the first switch S1 corresponding to each of the acquired first identification information I _LED from the storage unit 16. The read first switch S1 may be displayed on the touch panel 18.

Next, the user associates the LED lighting device 2 with the area images P _AREA (1) to P _AREA (4) or the symbol image P _SMBL displayed on the touch panel 18 (step S22). Specifically, on the screen on which the first identification information I _LED and the first switch S1 are displayed, the user turns on the LED illumination device 2 by operating the first switch S1 on the touch panel 18. In this way, the user confirms the actual position of the LED lighting device 2 corresponding to the operated first switch S1. Thereafter, the user displays the area where the first identification information I _LED displayed overlapping the operated first switch S1 is displayed at the corresponding position on the distribution image P based on the confirmed actual position. Drag the image P _AREA (1) to P _AREA (4) or the symbol image P _SMBL to the position where it overlaps.

When the drag operation by the user as described above is executed, in step S14, the first control unit 13, first identification information I _LED and the first identification information I _LED is superimposed area image or a symbol image that is dragged And stored in the storage unit 16. As shown in FIG. 13, when the first identification information I _LED is associated with the area image P _AREA (1), the area image P _AREA ( The first identification information I _LED of all LED lighting devices 2 in the area represented by 1) is stored in the storage unit 16 in association with the area image P _AREA (1).

As shown in FIG. 14, when the symbol image P _SMBL is arranged in the area represented by the area image P _AREA (1), the position where the first identification information I _LED overlaps the symbol image P _SMBL The first control unit 13 may store the _dragged first identification information I _LED in the storage unit 16 in association with only the symbol image P _SMBL or the area image P _AREA (1). And the symbol image P _SMBL may be stored in the storage unit 16 in association with each other.

According to the user's drag operation based on the position confirmation of the LED lighting device 2 (step S22) and the control of the first control unit 13 (step S14), the first identification information I _LED is _{displayed in the} area image P _AREA (1) to P _AREA (4) or the symbol image P _{SMBL is} accurately associated.

  Next, in step S15, the first control unit 13 causes the storage unit 16 to store illumination control information related to the control of the plurality of LED lighting devices 2 corresponding to the area image in association with the area image. In addition, the first control unit 13 causes the storage unit 16 to store lighting control information related to the control of one LED lighting device 2 corresponding to the symbol image in association with the symbol image. The lighting control information is input by the user operating the touch panel 18 (step S23). The lighting control information includes information such as illuminance and time schedule.

  According to the control of the first control unit 13 in steps S11 to S15 and the user operation in steps S21 to S23, the same illumination is performed on all the LED lighting devices 2 in a desired area by a simple operation of the touch panel 18. Settings for performing control and settings for individually performing illumination control on the LED lighting device 2 are performed.

After the setting is completed, in step S16, the first control unit 13 generates a control signal based on the first identification information I _LED and the illumination control information associated with the area image. Then, the first control unit 13 transmits the generated control signal to all the LED lighting devices 2 in the area represented by the area image through the first transmission unit 11. Thereby, the same illumination control is performed with respect to all the LED lighting apparatuses 2 within a desired area.

In addition, the first control unit 13 generates a control signal based on the first identification information I _LED and the illumination control information associated with the symbol image. Then, the first control unit 13 transmits the generated control signal to the LED lighting device 2 corresponding to the symbol image through the first transmission unit 11. Thereby, illumination control is individually performed with respect to the LED lighting apparatus 2.

In step S <b> 16, the first control unit 13 may generate a control signal based on a detection signal output from the sensor 4 in addition to the first identification information I _LED and the illumination control information.

According to the illumination control device 1 of the present embodiment, at least one first identification information I _LED is displayed in the area images P _AREA (1) to P _{AREA with} respect to the illumination control information by a simple operation of the touch panel 18 by the user. (4) Or the symbol image P _SMBL is associated. Therefore, it becomes possible to control the plurality of LED lighting devices 2 in a desired relation with the lighting control information. Here, the desired related modes include a mode in which lighting control information is associated with each LED lighting device 2, a mode in which lighting control information is associated with a group of LED lighting devices 2, and a mode in which these are combined. It is. As described above, according to the illumination control device 1 of the present embodiment, the plurality of LED illumination devices 2 can be individually controlled, and those controls can be collectively managed by the single illumination control device 1. . Moreover, in the lighting control apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, it is easy to change settings related to lighting control, such as changing an area image or a symbol image. Furthermore, since the plurality of LED lighting devices 2 are controlled by wireless communication, a circuit (wiring) constructed with a wired system becomes unnecessary.

  For example, the use time of each LED lighting device 2 may be collectively managed by the lighting control device 1 by using the fact that the lighting control device 1 can collectively manage the LED lighting devices 2. . As an example, the lighting control device 1 collectively manages timers provided in the LED lighting devices 2. Note that the timer is usually provided in the wireless module.

  In the case of a lighting device such as a fluorescent lamp, the user can recognize the lifetime of the lighting device by being unable to light. However, the LED lighting device 2 can be used semipermanently, and its function gradually decreases. For this reason, it is difficult for the user to recognize the lifetime (insufficient illuminance state).

  Therefore, when the LED lighting device 2 reaches the end of its life (insufficient illuminance state) using the fact that the lighting control device 1 can collectively manage the LED lighting device 2, the life of the LED lighting device 2 is, for example, the lighting control device 1. May be displayed on the touch panel 18. Thereby, the user can recognize the lifetime of the LED lighting device 2.

[3] Modified Examples Regarding LED Lighting System Two modified examples (first modified example and second modified example) related to the LED lighting system will be described.
[3-1] First Modification In the first modification of the LED lighting system, in addition to the configuration of the above embodiment, each of the LED lighting devices 2 has a QR code (registered trademark) corresponding to the first identification information I _LED. The storage unit 16 stores a table representing the correspondence between the first identification information I _LED and the QR code (registered trademark). As shown in FIG. 15, the illumination control device 1 further includes a reading unit 17 that is a QR code (registered trademark) reader that reads a QR code (registered trademark).

In such an LED lighting system, in step S13 described above, the first control unit 13 acquires the first identification information I _LED corresponding to the QR code (registered trademark) read by the reading unit 17 based on the table. To do. Then, the first control unit 13 displays the acquired first identification information I _LED on the touch panel 18. Reading of the QR code (registered trademark) by the reading unit 17 is performed by the user before installing the LED lighting device 2 at the stage of installing the LED lighting device 2, for example.

According to the first modification of the LED lighting system, even when the LED lighting system is employed in each of a plurality of adjacent stores, for example, the touch panel 18 of the lighting control device 1 includes the lighting control device 1. And only the 1st identification information ILED which the _LED lighting apparatus 2 which comprises the same LED lighting system has is displayed. Therefore, the system administrator who is the user acquires the first identification information I _LED from an LED lighting system different from the LED lighting system that the user owns, and erroneously uses the first identification information I _LED as an area image or a symbol image. Thus, the first modification of the LED lighting system is prevented.

[3-2] Second Modification In the second modification of the LED lighting system, in addition to the configuration of the above embodiment, the gateway GW has the second identification information I _GW that enables each identification. As shown in FIG. 16, each gateway GW is provided with a light emitting unit 5 that emits light to the outside. For example, an LED is used as the light emitting unit 5.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the control executed by the first control unit 13 of the lighting control device 1 and the operation performed by the user for the second modification of the LED lighting system. FIG. 18 is a plan view of the illumination control device 1 in which the second identification information I _GW is displayed on the touch panel 18. As shown in FIG. 17, in addition to the control shown in FIG. 4, the first control unit 13 executes the control of step S17 before the control of step S13. In step S <b> 17, the first control unit 13 acquires the second identification information I _GW of the gateway GW that exists in a range where wireless communication with the lighting control device 1 is possible. Then, the first control unit 13 displays the acquired second identification information I _GW on the touch panel 18 (see FIG. 18). As an example, the second identification information I _GW is displayed on the touch panel 18 in ascending order of the distance between the corresponding gateway GW and the illumination control device 1.

At this time, the first control unit 13, for each of the second identification information I _GW acquired, the second to generate a lighting signal for lighting the light-emitting portion 5 of the gateway GW having the second identification information I _GW A switch S2 is generated. Then, the first control unit 13 displays the generated second switch S2 on the touch panel 18 in association with the second identification information _IGW . In the present embodiment, the second switch S2 is displayed so as to overlap the second identification information _IGW . Note that the second switch S2 may selectively generate a turn-on signal and a turn-off signal. The second switch S2 may be stored in the storage unit 16, and the first control unit 13 reads out the second switch S2 corresponding to each of the acquired second identification information I _GW from the storage unit 16 and The read second switch S2 may be displayed on the touch panel 18.

Next, the user selects a gateway GW (step S24). Specifically, on the screen on which the second identification information _IGW and the second switch S2 are displayed, the user turns on the light emitting unit 5 of the gateway GW by operating the second switch S2 on the touch panel 18. In this way, the user confirms the actual position of the gateway GW corresponding to the operated second switch S2. Then, the user selects one gateway GW from among the gateways GW existing in a range where wireless communication with the lighting control device 1 is possible.

When the gateway GW is selected, in step S13, the first control unit 13 uses the selected gateway GW to identify the first identification information I of the LED lighting device 2 capable of direct wireless communication with the gateway GW. _{Get the LED} . Then, the first control unit 13 displays the acquired first identification information I _LED on the touch panel 18. Thereafter, the same control as in the above embodiment is executed.

According to the second modification of the LED lighting system, only the first identification information I _LED of the LED lighting device 2 existing in a range where direct wireless communication with the selected gateway GW is possible is displayed on the touch panel 18. The Therefore, it becomes easy to associate the first identification information I _LED with the area image or the symbol image by the drag operation.

Further, the user can check the actual position of the gateway GW by turning on the gateway GW by operating the second switch S2. Therefore, the user repeatedly executes selection of the gateway GW (step S24) and association of the first identification information I _LED with the area image or symbol image (step S22) while changing the gateway GW to be selected. Thus, it is possible to easily associate the first identification information I _LED and the area image or the symbol image with respect to all the LED lighting devices 2 installed.

[4] Demand Control for LED Lighting System Next, demand control will be described. Here, demand control refers to monitoring the total amount of power used in offices, stores, etc., and is consumed by loads (lighting devices, air conditioners, etc.) so that the total amount of power does not exceed a predetermined threshold. Controlling the amount of power (hereinafter referred to as “power consumption”). And in this embodiment, the demand control system for implement | achieving demand control is constructed | assembled. In this demand control system, the total amount of power used is monitored, and the power consumption of the load included in the LED lighting system or the air conditioning system is controlled so that the total amount of power does not exceed a predetermined threshold. Below, the case where demand control is mainly performed with respect to an LED lighting system is demonstrated.

[4-1] Demand Control System FIG. 19 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of the demand control system including the LED lighting system. As shown in FIG. 19, the demand control system includes a power meter 71 connected to a power line 70, a demand control device 72, and a contact converter 73. Although not shown in FIG. 19, the LED lighting device 2 and the sensor 4 included in the LED lighting system are connected to the power line 70. The power line 70 may be connected to other loads such as an air conditioner included in the air conditioning system.

  The power meter 71 measures the total amount of power used. The power meter 71 is connected to the demand control device 72, and the demand control device 72 determines whether or not to execute demand control based on the measurement result (total power amount) by the power meter 71. Specifically, the demand control device 72 determines whether or not the measured total power amount exceeds a predetermined threshold value set in advance. When it is determined that the total amount of power exceeds a predetermined threshold, the demand control device 72 outputs a demand control signal for executing demand control. In the present embodiment, the demand control signal is a contact signal output using an actual contact such as a relay contact, or a contactless signal output using a transistor or the like. On the other hand, when it is determined that the total power amount does not exceed the predetermined threshold, the demand control device 72 stands by without outputting the demand control signal.

  The demand control device 72 is connected to the network 3 constituting the LED lighting system via the contact converter 73. FIG. 19 particularly shows a form in which a demand control device 72 is connected to a hub (HUB). The demand control signal output from the demand control device 72 is input to the contact converter 73. The contact converter 73 converts the input demand control signal into a digital signal. This digital signal is transmitted to the gateway GW in the network 3 via the hub (HUB). Alternatively, the digital signal is transmitted to the LED lighting device 2 through the network 3.

  Information related to the illumination control to be performed on the LED 24 of the LED illumination device 2 when the controller of each gateway GW or the second control unit 23 of each of the LED illumination devices 2 receives a digital signal. Is preset. Specifically, information regarding the lighting control at this time is used for the purpose of reducing the power consumption in the LED lighting device 2. As an example of the illumination control, there is control for uniformly reducing all illuminances of the LED illumination device 2 to a predetermined illuminance set in advance. As another example of the illumination control, there is control for reducing the illuminance of the LED illumination device 2 to a predetermined illuminance set in advance for each region.

  According to the demand control system, it is possible to suppress excessive power consumption by executing demand control on the LED lighting system. Here, the important point is that the LED illumination system of the present embodiment can individually control a plurality of LED illumination apparatuses 2 and manage them collectively. Such LED illumination The demand control is executed on the system. That is, since the control (lighting control) of the LED lighting device 2 executed at the time of demand control can be individually set under the collective management by the lighting control device 1 or the PC, the LED lighting system can be controlled at the time of demand control. The demand control signal to be transmitted does not need to include information related to lighting control. Therefore, a contact signal or a non-contact signal can be used as the demand control signal. Therefore, it is easy to construct a demand control system.

[4-2] Modification Regarding Demand Control System FIG. 20 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of the demand control system in a first modification of the demand control system. As shown in FIG. 20, any one of the plurality of gateways GW configuring the network 3 may be configured integrally with the contact converter 73. This simplifies the construction of the demand control system.

  FIG. 21 is a block diagram conceptually showing the structure of the demand control system in the second modification of the demand control system. As shown in FIG. 21, in the demand control system, a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) converter 74 may be provided in place of the contact converter 73. In this case, demand control is executed as follows.

  When the demand control device 72 determines that the demand control is to be executed based on the measurement result (total power amount) of the power meter 71, the demand control device 72 outputs a PWM signal as a demand control signal for executing the demand control. The demand control signal output from the demand control device 72 is input to the PWM converter 74. The PWM converter 74 converts the input demand control signal into a digital signal. This digital signal is transmitted to the gateway GW in the network 3 via the hub (HUB). Alternatively, the digital signal is transmitted to the LED lighting device 2 through the network 3. And the 2nd control part 23 of LED lighting apparatus 2 is based on the digital signal (control signal) output from PWM converter 74, or the control signal output from the controller of gateway GW according to this digital signal, Lighting control (turning on, turning off, dimming, etc.) of the LED 24 is performed. In this case, information related to lighting control during demand control is set on the demand control device 72 side. The demand control system is not limited to the configuration in which one of the contact converter 73 and the PWM converter 74 is provided, and a configuration in which both are provided may be employed.

  FIG. 22 is a block diagram conceptually showing the structure of the demand control system in the third modification of the demand control system. As shown in FIG. 22, any one of the plurality of gateways GW configuring the network 3 may be configured integrally with the PWM converter 74. This simplifies the construction of the demand control system.

  In addition, each part structure of this invention is not restricted to the said embodiment, A various deformation | transformation is possible within the technical scope as described in a claim. For example, each part structure of the said LED illumination system is applicable to the illumination system provided with the various illuminating devices which are not limited to an LED illuminating device.

  Although described with respect to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, such disclosure should not be construed as limiting. Various variations and modifications will no doubt become apparent from the above disclosure by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. Accordingly, the appended claims should be construed to include all variations and modifications without departing from the true spirit and scope of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Illumination control apparatus 11 1st transmission part 12 1st reception part 13 1st control part 14 Display part 15 Input part 16 Storage part 17 Reading part 18 Touch panel 2 LED illumination device 21 2nd transmission part 22 2nd reception part 23 2nd Control unit 24 LED
3 Network 4 Sensor 5 Light Emitting Unit 6 PC Monitor 70 Power Line 71 Power Measuring Device 72 Demand Control Device 73 Contact Converter 74 PWM Converter GW Gateway I _LED First Identification Information I _GW Second Identification Information P Lighting Image P _AREA (1) to P _AREA (4) Area image P _SMBL symbolic images B1 to B7, B11 to B14 Button EG1 to EG10 Button R Region S1 First switch S2 Second switch

Claims (11)

A lighting control device for controlling a plurality of lighting devices having first identification information enabling each identification by wireless communication,
A control unit, a display unit, and an input unit;
The controller is
(I) A list of at least two of the first identification information of each of the plurality of lighting devices is displayed on the display unit, and the first identification information is dragged by an operation from the input unit. A control for displaying an image and displaying a first switch for turning on the lighting device having the first identification information, superimposed on each of the first identification information;
(Ii) Lighting control for executing control for associating the lighting device identified by the dragged first identification information with the image on which any of the first identification information displayed on the display unit is dragged apparatus.   2. The lighting control device according to claim 1, wherein in the control (ii), the control for associating the lighting device with the image is control for associating the lighting device with a position where the first identification information in the image is dragged. .   The lighting control device according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of positions where the first identification information in the image can be dragged are set in advance.   The lighting control device according to claim 3, wherein a symbolic image is displayed on the image at the position where the drag can be performed. The controller is
Control to display an arrangement operation screen for arranging the symbol image on the display unit;
The control of displaying a creation operation screen for creating an area image representing an area of the illumination device in which the same illumination control among the plurality of illumination devices is performed is performed on the display unit. Lighting control device. The arrangement operation screen includes a first button that makes it possible to specify two different positions on the screen by an operation from the input unit,
The controller is
When the first button is selected by an operation from the input unit and two different positions on the screen are specified, an input screen for inputting the number of arrangement of the symbol images is displayed on the display unit. Control to display,
When the number of arrangements is input on the input screen by an operation from the input unit, the input number of the symbol images is on a straight line connecting the two specified positions, or the straight line is a diagonal line. The illumination control device according to claim 5, wherein the control is performed on a rectangular area. The creation operation screen
A second button that makes it possible to designate two different positions on the screen by an operation from the input unit;
A third button that enables a line to be drawn on the screen by an operation from the input unit;
When the second button is selected by the operation from the input unit and two different positions on the screen are specified, the control unit diagonally connects a straight line connecting the two specified positions. A rectangular image is created as the area image,
When the third button is selected by an operation from the input unit and a line is drawn on the screen, the control unit creates an image having the drawn line as an outer edge as the area image. The lighting control device according to claim 5. A plurality of lighting devices;
A plurality of communication repeaters wired to each other;
A lighting system comprising: the lighting control device according to claim 1, wherein the lighting control device controls the plurality of lighting devices via at least one of the plurality of communication repeaters.
The plurality of communication repeaters have second identification information enabling identification of each,
In the lighting control device, the control unit acquires the second identification information of the communication repeater existing in a range where wireless communication with the lighting control device is possible, and the acquired second identification information is Further execute control (A) to be displayed on the display unit,
In the control (i), the control unit passes through the communication repeater corresponding to the second identification information selected by the operation from the input unit among the second identification information displayed on the display unit. The lighting system that acquires the first identification information of the lighting device capable of direct wireless communication with the communication repeater and displays the acquired first identification information on the display unit. Each of the communication repeaters has a light emitting unit that emits light to the outside,
In the control (A), the control unit displays a second switch for lighting the light emitting unit of the communication repeater having the second identification information in correspondence with the acquired second identification information. The illumination system according to claim 8, which is displayed on a unit. A power meter to measure the amount of power used;
It further comprises a demand control device that determines whether or not the amount of power measured by the power meter exceeds a predetermined threshold that is set in advance, and outputs a demand control signal when it is determined that the amount of power is exceeded. ,
The lighting system according to claim 8, wherein when the demand control signal is output, the lighting device reduces power consumption according to the demand control signal received via the communication repeater. A contact converter that converts the contact signal or non-contact signal output as the demand control signal from the demand control device into a digital signal and transmits the digital signal to the communication repeater;
The lighting system according to claim 10, wherein the communication repeater executes control to reduce power consumption of the lighting device according to the received digital signal.

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