JP6502465B2 - Lighting system - Google Patents

Description

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

  In the conventional wireless lighting system, a technology for controlling one lighting device by wireless communication using one corresponding lighting control device is often 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 controls the lighting signal, the turn-off signal, and the adjustment based on a command input from the input unit. A control signal including at least one of the light signals is generated, and the control signal is transmitted to the lighting device through the transmitter. The lighting device includes a receiving unit, a light emitting unit such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode), and a second control unit, and the second control is performed when the receiving unit receives a control signal transmitted from the transmitting unit of the lighting control device. The unit performs illumination control (lighting, extinguishing, dimming, etc.) on the light emitting unit according to the control signal received by the receiving unit.

Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2010-238572

  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, in a conventional wireless lighting system, one lighting control device is required for each of the lighting devices. For this reason, when the number of lighting devices increases, it becomes practically impossible to control all the lighting devices individually.

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

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a lighting system capable of individually controlling a plurality of lighting devices and collectively managing those controls.

  A lighting system according to the present invention includes a plurality of lighting devices, a gateway, a power meter that measures the amount of power used, a demand control device, and a converter. The demand control device determines whether the amount of power measured by the power measuring device exceeds a predetermined threshold set in advance, and outputs a demand control signal when it is determined that the power amount exceeds the predetermined threshold. The converter converts the demand control signal into a digital signal and sends it to the gateway. Then, in the gateway, information on illumination control to be performed on the illumination device when the digital signal is received is set in advance, and the gateway performs illumination control of the illumination device based on the digital signal.

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

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

It is the block diagram which showed notionally the composition of the LED lighting system concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the illumination control apparatus notionally. 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 device performs, and the operation which a user performs. It is a top view of a PC monitor on which a light distribution image is displayed. It is a top view of PC monitor used for explanation of preparation operation of an area picture. It is a top view of the PC monitor where the created area image is displayed. It is a top view of PC monitor used for explanation of a drag operation performed when listing area pictures. It is a top view of a PC monitor on which a screen for performing placement operation of a symbolic image is displayed. It is a top view of PC monitor used for explanation of arrangement operation of a symbolic image. It is a top view of PC monitor used for explanation of arrangement operation of a symbolic image. It is a top view of the PC monitor where the symbol image arrange | positioned is displayed. It is a top view of a lighting control device used for explanation of a drag operation performed when linking an LED lighting device (first identification information) with an area image. It is a top view of a lighting control device used for explanation of a drag operation performed when associating an LED lighting device (first identification information) with a symbol image. It is the block diagram which showed notionally the structure of the illumination control apparatus with which the LED lighting system is provided about the 1st modification of LED lighting system. It is the perspective view which showed notionally the gateway with which the LED lighting system is equipped about the 2nd modification of LED lighting system. It is the flowchart which showed the control which the 1st control part of a lighting control device performs, and the operation which a user performs about the 2nd modification of a LED lighting system. It is a top view of a lighting control device in which the 2nd discernment information is displayed on a touch panel. FIG. 1 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of a demand control system including 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. FIG. 21 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of a demand control system of a third modification of the demand control system.

  First, embodiments of the present invention will be listed and described.

  A lighting control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a device that controls a plurality of lighting devices by wireless communication, and includes a transmission unit, a control unit, a display unit, an input unit, and a storage unit. The transmission unit transmits a control signal including at least one of a lighting signal, a light-off signal, and a dimming signal. Here, the plurality of lighting devices to be controlled have first identification information that enables their identification.

  And a control part performs control (i)-(v). In control (i), the control unit causes the display unit to display a symbolic 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 first identification information that has been dragged is (1) The identification information is stored in the storage unit in association with the symbol image on which the identification information is superimposed, whereby the lighting device having the first identification information and the symbol image are associated with each other. In control (iv), the control unit stores, in the storage unit, illumination control information related to control of the illumination device associated with the symbol image in control (iii) in association with the symbol image. 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 the generated control signal is associated with the symbol image through the transmitter. Send to the lighting device.

  According to the illumination control device, at least one piece of first identification information is associated with the illumination control information via the symbol image by a simple operation from the input unit by the user. Thus, it is possible to control a plurality of lighting devices in a desired related manner with the lighting control information. Here, the desired related aspects include an aspect in which the illumination control information is associated with each of the illumination devices, an aspect in which the illumination control information is associated with the group of the illumination devices, and an aspect combining these. As described above, according to the above-described lighting control device, it is possible to control a plurality of lighting devices individually and collectively manage the control by one lighting control device. Further, in the above-described illumination control device, it is easy to change settings relating to illumination control, such as changing a symbol image (for example, changing an area where the same illumination control is desired to be performed). Furthermore, since the plurality of lighting devices are controlled by wireless communication, the circuit (wiring) constructed in the wired system becomes unnecessary.

  Preferably, on the light distribution image showing the arrangement of the plurality of lighting devices, the symbol image is an image symbolizing that it corresponds to at least one lighting device disposed at a position overlapping with the symbol image. Before the control (i), the control unit further executes control (vi) to display the light distribution image on the display unit. Then, in control (i), the control unit causes the display unit to display the symbol image so as to be 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 association with the acquired first identification information. Display on the department.

  According to such a configuration, the user can turn on the lighting device by operating the first switch from the input unit, and confirm 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 drag operation is performed, the control unit executes control (iii). Thus, the first identification information is correctly associated with the symbol image.

  In the above-described 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 performed. In this case, in control (iii), the control unit stores the first identification information of all the lighting devices in the area represented by the area image in the storage unit in association with the area image. In control (v), the control unit transmits a control signal to all the lighting devices in the area represented by the area image through the transmission unit.

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

  In a preferable specific configuration of the above-described lighting control device, the lighting control device further includes a receiving unit that receives an information signal that is transmitted from the lighting device in wireless communication and that includes the first identification information. Then, in control (ii), the control unit causes the reception unit to receive the information signal, thereby acquiring the first identification information included in the information signal, and causing the display unit to display the acquired first identification information.

  In another preferable specific configuration of the above-mentioned lighting control device, the lighting control device further includes a reading unit for reading a QR code (registered trademark), and each of the lighting devices has a QR code corresponding to the first identification information ( A registered trademark is provided, and the storage unit stores a table indicating the correspondence between the first identification information and the QR code (registered trademark). Then, in control (ii), the control unit acquires, based on the table, the first identification information corresponding to the QR code (registered trademark) read by the reading unit, and causes the acquired first identification information to be displayed on the display unit. Display.

  According to such a configuration, even when a lighting system including the lighting control device having this configuration and the plurality of lighting devices is adopted, for example, in each of a plurality of adjacent stores, each of the lighting control devices Only the first identification information possessed by the lighting devices constituting the same lighting system together with the lighting control device is displayed on the display unit. Therefore, 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 symbolic image. According to the specific configuration, it is prevented.

  A lighting system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of lighting devices and the above-described lighting control device that controls these lighting devices by wireless communication.

  In a preferred specific configuration of the above illumination system, the illumination system further comprises a plurality of communication repeaters, which wirelessly communicate with the illumination apparatus and the illumination control apparatus and are wire connected to each other. ing. Then, the lighting control device communicates with the lighting device via at least one communication repeater. In such a configuration, the communication relay has second identification information enabling each identification, and the control unit of the lighting control device further performs control (vii) before control (ii) Is preferred. Specifically, in the control (vii), the control unit acquires the second identification information of the communication relay present in the range in which wireless communication with the lighting control device is possible, and displays the acquired second identification information. Display on the department. Then, in the control (ii), the control unit transmits the communication relay device through the communication relay corresponding to the second identification information selected by the operation from the input unit among the second identification information displayed on the display unit. While acquiring the 1st identification information which the illuminating device which can carry out direct wireless communications with is acquired, the acquired 1st identification information is displayed on a display part.

  According to such a configuration, only the first identification information of the lighting device present in the range in which direct wireless communication with the selected communication relay is possible is displayed on the display unit. Therefore, the association between the first identification information and the symbolic image by the drag operation is facilitated.

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

  According to such a configuration, the user can turn on the light emitting unit of the communication repeater by the operation of the second switch from the input unit to confirm the actual position of the communication repeater. Therefore, the user repeatedly selects the communication relay and associates the first identification information with the symbol image while changing the communication relay to be selected, thereby changing all the installed lighting devices. The association between the first identification information and the symbol image can be easily performed.

  In another preferable specific configuration of the above illumination system, the illumination system includes an illuminance sensor provided in a space in which a plurality of lighting devices are disposed, and a human sensor provided integrally or separately with the illuminance sensor. Furthermore, it has. Then, in the control (v), in addition to the first identification information and the illumination control information associated with the symbol image, the control unit also generates the control signal based on the detection signal output from the illuminance sensor and the human sensor. Generate

  Next, details of the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[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 for controlling the LED lighting devices 2 by wireless communication, a wired network 3, and a sensor 4. ing.

  The network 3 includes a plurality of gateways GW wired to one another through hubs (HUBs). Each of the gateways GW transmits information between the LED lighting device 2 and the lighting control device 1 by wireless communication. Then, 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 relay that converts a communication protocol, and a controller that performs lighting control of the LED lighting device 2 according to a control signal output from the lighting 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 large space such as an office, wireless communication can be reliably performed between the lighting control device 1 and the LED lighting device 2.

  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 and a plurality of floors, the gateway GW is installed in each room or each floor to control lighting of all the LED lighting devices 2. , And can be managed collectively by one lighting control device 1.

  The sensor 4 is formed by integrally forming an illuminance sensor and a human sensor, and is provided in a space in which a plurality of LED lighting devices 2 are disposed. The sensor 4 communicates information with the gateway GW by 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 disposed, a lighting sensor and a human sensor may be separately provided.

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

  The first transmission unit 11 transmits the signal generated by the first control unit 13 to the LED lighting device 2 or 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 the signals output from the LED lighting device 2 and the sensor 4 through the network 3. The details of the control executed by the first control unit 13 will be described later.

FIG. 3: is the block diagram which showed notionally the structure which each of the LED lighting apparatus 2 has. 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 first identification information I _LED which 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 the present embodiment, the second transmitting unit 21 and the second receiving unit 22 are wireless modules in which they are integrally formed, and the first identification information I _LED is used to transmit the wireless module to the other LED lighting devices 2. To identify the wireless module provided in. The transmission of the signal from the second transmission unit 21 is performed, for example, in response to an instruction from the illumination control device 1.

  The second reception unit 22 receives, via the network 3, 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. The second control unit 23 performs illumination control (lighting, extinguishing, light control, 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 performed by the first control unit 13 of the lighting control device 1 and the operation performed by the user. First, in step S20, the user prepares in advance using a personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as "PC"). 5 to 12 are plan views of the PC monitor 6 on which the screen related to this preparation is displayed.

  In step S20, the user first reads the light distribution image P indicating 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 devices 2 is indicated by a plurality of circles. The light distribution image P may include an image related to interiors, facilities, and the like. The light distribution image P may be an image created by perspective drawing. Furthermore, the user may load the arrangement information on the arrangement of the plurality of LED lighting devices 2 necessary for generating the light distribution image P into the hard disk of the PC. In this case, the user causes the PC to read out the layout information from the hard disk, and generates a light distribution image P based on the layout information.

On the screen on which the light distribution image P is displayed, the user creates or arranges a symbolic image on the light distribution image P displayed on the PC monitor 6 by operating the mouse or the like (step S20). Here, a symbol image, by at least one first identification information I _LED is associated, is an image that will be associated with the LED illumination device 2 having the first identification information I _LED. In the present embodiment, the symbol image is superimposed on the light distribution image P and displayed on the PC monitor 6 or the illumination control device 1 so that at least one LED is disposed on the light distribution image P at a position overlapping the symbol image. The user can be made aware that the lighting device 2 is supported. That is, on the light distribution image P, the symbol image is an image symbolizing that the symbol image 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 light distribution image P as a box like at least one piece of first identification information I _LED is associated.

  The symbol image represents an area of the LED lighting device 2 on which the same lighting control is performed on the light distribution image P, and an image to be associated with a plurality of LED lighting 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) to be associated with only one LED lighting device 2. In the following, the term "symbolic image" is used for this image unless otherwise specified.

  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 a placement operation screen (see FIG. 9) for the user to perform placement 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 create an area image. 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 placement operation of the symbolic image and the creation operation of the area image.

  In the creation operation screen (see FIG. 5), buttons B3 to B5 are buttons 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 selects the button B3 by operating the mouse or the like, and then designates two different positions on the screen displayed on the PC monitor 6. This creates a rectangular area image whose diagonal is a straight line connecting the two positions. The button B4 is selected when creating a straight portion of the outer edge of the area image for an area image having various shapes not limited to a rectangle. Specifically, after selecting the button B4 by the operation of 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 arc-shaped curved portion of the outer edge of the area image. Specifically, the user selects the button B5 by operating the mouse or the like, and then designates one position on the screen displayed on the PC monitor 6. Next, after specifying another position, the position is slid about the previously specified position. In this way, an arc-shaped curve image centered at 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 light distribution image P, and four area images are generated for all the LED illumination devices 2 shown in the light distribution image P. The case where any one of P _AREA (1) to P _AREA (4) corresponds is shown. Among the LED lighting devices 2 shown in the light distribution image P, only some of the LED lighting devices 2 controlled by the lighting control device 1 may be made to correspond to the area image. Alternatively, an area image may be associated with several 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 operation of creating an area image is not limited to the above-described operation. For example, figures having various shapes are displayed on the PC monitor 6, and the user selects some figures from a plurality of figures displayed on the PC monitor 6 by operating the mouse etc. May be combined to create one area image. Moreover, the creation operation of the area image may be performed by the illumination control device 1 as well as the PC.

  In the screen shown in FIG. 5, when the button B1 is selected by the user operating the mouse or the like, a screen for performing a placement operation of the symbolic image 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. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, the light distribution image P and the buttons B1, B2, B11 to B14, B6, and B7 are displayed on the PC monitor 6.

  In the placement operation screen (see FIG. 9), buttons B11 to B13 are buttons selected when the user places a symbolic image. The button B14 is a button selected when the user erases the placed symbol image.

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

  The button B12 is selected when arranging a plurality of symbolic images of the same type in a row. Specifically, the user selects the button B12 by operating the mouse or the like, and then designates two positions on the screen displayed on the PC monitor 6. When designation of the two positions is completed, the PC monitor 6 displays a selection screen for selecting the type of symbolic image (see FIG. 10). Then, the user selects the type of symbolic image on the selection screen by operating the mouse or the like. When the selection of the type of symbolic image is completed, an input screen for inputting the number of arranged symbolic images 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 symbolic images are arranged at equal intervals on a straight line connecting two designated positions.

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

The user can arrange the symbol image on the light distribution image P by performing the above-described arrangement operation on the arrangement operation screen. FIG. 12 shows the case where nine symbol images _PSMBL of the same type are arranged on the _{light distribution} image P. The symbol image can be made to correspond to all the LED illumination devices 2 shown in the light distribution image P by repeatedly executing such arrangement operation. Of the LED lighting devices 2 shown in the light distribution image P, only some of the LED lighting devices 2 controlled by the lighting control device 1 may be made to correspond to symbolic images. Alternatively, symbol images may be associated with several LED illumination devices 2 to be 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 symbolic image may be arranged in the area represented by the area image. Further, the arrangement operation of the symbol image may be performed by the illumination control device 1 as well as the PC.

When the area images P _AREA (1) to P _AREA (4) are created by the user in step S20, 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 any 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 on which these are displayed on the PC monitor 6 (See Figure 8).

In step S20, when the symbol image _PSMBL is arranged by the user, the arranged symbol image _PSMBL 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 symbolic image P _SMBL stored in the hard disk of the PC, for example, in the network. 3. Transfer to the lighting control device 1 via 3.

Thereby, in step S11, the first control unit 13 of the illumination control device 1 transmits the light distribution image P, the area images P _AREA (1) to P _AREA (4), and the symbol image P _SMBL through the first receiving unit 12. And stores these images in the storage unit 16.

Next, in step S12, the first control unit 13 reads the light distribution image P from the storage unit 16 and causes the touch panel 18 to display the read light distribution image P. Further, the first control unit 13 reads out at least one of the area images P _AREA (1) to P _AREA (4) and the symbolic image P _SMBL from the storage unit 16 and superimposes the read image on the light distribution image P. Display on the touch panel 18. FIG. 13 is a plan view of the illumination control device 1 in which only the area images P _AREA (1) to P _AREA (4) of the area image and the symbol image are displayed on the touch panel 18. 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 control unit 13 causes the touch panel 18 to display at least one of the area images P _AREA (1) to P _AREA (4) and the symbolic image P _SMBL without displaying the light distribution image P. You may display only In addition, when the symbol image is like a box to which at least one first identification information _LED is associated, only the symbol image may be displayed on the touch panel 18.

Next, in step S13, the first control unit 13 causes the first reception unit 12 to receive an information signal including the first identification information _LED , whereby the first lighting unit 12 receives the first identification information _LED from the plurality of LED lighting devices 2 through the network 3. Identification information I _LED is acquired. Then, the first control unit 13 causes the touch panel 18 to display the acquired first identification information I _LED (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 first switch S1 that generates a lighting signal for lighting the LED lighting device 2 having the first identification information I _LED. Generate Then, the first control unit 13 causes the touch panel 18 to display the generated first switch S1 in association with the first identification information _LED . In the present embodiment, the first switch S1 is displayed superimposed on the first identification information I _LED . The first switch S1 may selectively generate the lighting signal and the light-off signal. Further, 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 _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 illumination 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 _LED and the first switch S1 are displayed, the user operates the first switch S1 on the touch panel 18 to turn on the LED lighting device 2. 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 first identification information I _LED displayed overlapping the operated first switch S1 at the corresponding position on the light distribution image P based on the confirmed actual position. Drag to a position overlapping the image P _AREA (1) to P _AREA (4) or the symbolic image P _SMBL .

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 In association with each other 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), by a control of the first control unit 13 of the drag operation by the user and the step S14, the area image _{P AREA} ( The first identification information I _LED of all the 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).

Note that, as shown in FIG. 14, in the case where the symbolic image P _SMBL is disposed in the area represented by the area image P _AREA (1), the first identification information I _LED overlaps with the symbolic 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 symbolic 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 (step S22) based on such position confirmation of the LED lighting device 2 and the control of the first control unit 13 (step S14), the first identification information I _LED is an area image P _AREA (1) to P _AREA (4) or the symbolic 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 control of the plurality of LED illumination 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 illumination control information related to control of one LED illumination device 2 corresponding to the symbol image in association with the symbol image. The illumination control information is input by the operation of the touch panel 18 by the user (step S23). Further, the illumination 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's operation in steps S21 to S23, the simple operation of the touch panel 18 enables the same illumination to all the LED lighting devices 2 in the desired area. The setting for performing control and the setting for individually performing lighting control on the LED lighting device 2 are performed.

After completion of the setting, in step S16, the first control unit 13 based on the first identification information I _LED and lighting control information associated with the area image to generate a control signal. Then, the first control unit 13 transmits the generated control signal to all of 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 on all the LED illumination devices 2 within the desired area.

Further, the first control unit 13 generates a control signal based on the first identification information I _LED associated with the symbol image and the illumination control information. 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. Thus, illumination control is individually performed on the LED illumination device 2.

In step S16, the first control unit 13 may generate a control signal based on the detection signal output from the sensor 4 in addition to the first identification information _LED and the illumination control information.

According to the illumination control device 1 of the present embodiment, at least one piece of first identification information I _LED for the illumination control information can be displayed as the area image P _AREA (1) to P _AREA by the simple operation of the touch panel 18 by the user. (4) or is associated via the symbolic image P _SMBL . Therefore, it is possible to control the plurality of LED lighting devices 2 in a desired related manner with the lighting control information. Here, the desired related aspects include an aspect in which the illumination control information is associated with each of the LED illumination devices 2, an aspect in which the illumination control information is associated with the group of the LED illumination devices 2, and an aspect combining these. Be As described above, according to the lighting control device 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to individually control the plurality of LED lighting devices 2 and collectively manage the control of the plurality of LED lighting devices 2 with one lighting control device 1. . Moreover, in the illumination control device 1 according to the present embodiment, it is easy to change settings relating to illumination control, such as changing the area image and the symbol image. Furthermore, since the plurality of LED lighting devices 2 are controlled by wireless communication, the circuit (wiring) configured in the wired system becomes unnecessary.

  In addition, using the possibility of batch management of the LED lighting devices 2 by the lighting control device 1, the lighting control device 1 may collectively manage, for example, the usage times of the LED lighting devices 2. . As an example, the lighting control device 1 collectively manages timers respectively provided in the LED lighting devices 2. 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 life of the lighting device by being unable to light. However, the LED lighting device 2 can be used semipermanently, and its function is gradually reduced. For this reason, it is difficult for the user to recognize the lifetime (insufficient illumination).

  Therefore, when the LED lighting device 2 has reached the end of its life (in the state of insufficient illuminance) by utilizing the ability to collectively manage the LED lighting device 2 by the lighting control device 1, the life of the LED lighting device 2 is set to, for example, the lighting control device 1 It may be displayed on the touch panel 18 of Thereby, the user can recognize the lifetime of the LED lighting device 2.

[3] Modifications Regarding LED Lighting System Two modifications (first modification and second modification) regarding the LED lighting system will be described.

[3-1] First Modified Example In the first modified example of the LED lighting system, in addition to the configuration of the above embodiment, a QR code (registered trademark) corresponding to the first identification information I _LED in each of the LED lighting devices 2 Is provided, and the storage unit 16 stores a table indicating the correspondence between the first identification information I _LED and the QR code (registered trademark). Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the illumination control device 1 further includes a reading unit 17 which is a QR code (registered trademark) reader for reading 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. Do. Then, the first control unit 13 causes the touch panel 18 to display the acquired first identification information I _LED . The reading of the QR code (registered trademark) by the reading unit 17 is executed by the user before the setting, for example, at the stage of setting the LED lighting device 2.

According to the first modified example of the LED lighting system, even when the LED lighting system is adopted, for example, in each of a plurality of adjacent stores, each touch panel 18 of the lighting control device 1 is provided with the lighting control device 1 In addition, only the first identification information I _LED possessed by the LED lighting device 2 constituting the same LED lighting system is displayed. Therefore, the system administrator who is the user acquires the first identification information I _LED from the LED illumination system different from the LED illumination system owned by the user, and the first identification information I _LED is mistaken for the area image or symbol image According to the first modification of the LED lighting system, the problem of being associated with each other is prevented.

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

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the control performed by the first control unit 13 of the lighting control device 1 and the operation performed by the user in 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 S17, the first control unit 13 acquires second identification information I _GW of the gateway GW which exists in a range in which wireless communication with the lighting control device 1 is possible. Then, the first control unit 13 causes the touch panel 18 to display the acquired second identification information I _GW (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 lighting control device 1.

At this time, the first control unit 13 generates, for each of the acquired second identification information I _GW , a lighting signal for lighting the light emitting unit 5 of the gateway GW having the second identification information I _GW . Generate switch S2. Then, the first control unit 13 causes the touch panel 18 to display the generated second switch S2 in association with the second identification information _IGW . In the present embodiment, the second switch S2 is displayed superimposed on the second identification information _IGW . The second switch S2 may selectively generate the lighting signal and the light-off signal. In addition, 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. 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 I _GW and the second switch S2 are displayed, the user operates the second switch S2 on the touch panel 18 to turn on the light emitting unit 5 of the gateway GW. 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 in which wireless communication with the lighting control device 1 is possible.

When the gateway GW is selected, in step S13, the first control unit 13 makes the first identification information I possessed by the LED lighting device 2 capable of direct wireless communication with the gateway GW through the selected gateway GW. _{Get the LED} . Then, the first control unit 13 causes the touch panel 18 to display the acquired first identification information I _LED . Thereafter, the same control as that of 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 present in the range in which direct wireless communication with the selected gateway GW is possible is displayed on the touch panel 18 Ru. Therefore, the association between the first identification information I _LED and the area image or symbol image by the drag operation is facilitated.

Also, the user can operate the second switch S2 to turn on the gateway GW and confirm the actual position of the gateway GW. 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. First identification information I for all the installed LED lighting devices 2 It is possible to easily associate the _LED with the area image or the symbol image.

[4] Demand Control for LED Lighting System Next, demand control will be described. Here, demand control monitors the total amount of power used in offices and stores, etc., and is consumed by a load (such as a lighting device or an air conditioner) so that the total amount of power does not exceed a predetermined threshold. It is to control the amount of power (hereinafter referred to as “power consumption”). And in this embodiment, the demand control system for realizing demand control is built. 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, the air conditioning system, etc. is controlled so that the total amount of power does not exceed a predetermined threshold. Below, the case where demand control is performed to a LED lighting system is mainly explained.

[4-1] Demand Control System FIG. 19 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of a demand control system including an LED lighting system. As shown in FIG. 19, the demand control system includes a power measuring instrument 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 another load such as an air conditioner included in the air conditioning system.

  The power measuring device 71 measures the total amount of power used. The power measuring device 71 is connected to the demand control device 72, and the demand control device 72 determines whether to execute the demand control based on the measurement result (total amount of power) by the power measuring device 71. Specifically, the demand control device 72 determines whether the measured total amount of power exceeds a predetermined threshold set in advance. If it is determined that the total amount of power exceeds the predetermined threshold, the demand control device 72 outputs a demand control signal for performing 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 non-contact signal output using a transistor or the like. On the other hand, when it is determined that the total amount of power 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 via the contact converter 73 to the network 3 constituting the LED lighting system. FIG. 19 particularly shows a form in which the 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.

  The controller of each of the gateways GW or the second control unit 23 of each of the LED lighting devices 2 has information on lighting control to be executed on the LEDs 24 of the LED lighting devices 2 when they receive digital signals. Is set in advance. Specifically, as information on illumination control at this time, one aiming at reducing the amount of power consumption in the LED illumination device 2 is adopted. As an example of the illumination control, there is a control to reduce the illuminance of all the LED lighting devices 2 uniformly to a predetermined illuminance which is set in advance. As another example of the illumination control, control for reducing the illuminance of the LED lighting device 2 to a predetermined illuminance which is set in advance for each area can be mentioned.

  According to the demand control system, by performing demand control on the LED lighting system, excessive consumption of power can be suppressed. Here, the important point is that the LED lighting system of the present embodiment can individually control the plurality of LED lighting devices 2 and collectively manage those controls, and such LED lighting Demand control is performed 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 control of the light control device 1 or PC, etc., The demand control signal to be transmitted does not have to include information on illumination control, and therefore, it is possible to use a contact signal or a non-contact signal as the demand control signal. Therefore, construction of a demand control system is easy.

[4-2] Modification of Demand Control System FIG. 20 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of the demand control system of 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 configuration of a demand control system of a 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 instead of the contact converter 73. In this case, demand control is performed as follows.

  When it is determined that the demand control is to be performed based on the measurement result (total amount of power) of the power measuring device 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. Then, the second control unit 23 of the LED lighting device 2 is based on the digital signal (control signal) output from the PWM converter 74 or the control signal output from the controller of the gateway GW according to the digital signal. Lighting control (light on, light off, light control, etc.) of the LED 24 is performed. In this case, the information on illumination control at the time of demand control is set at 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 of them are provided may be employed.

  FIG. 22 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of a demand control system of a 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 integrally configured with the PWM converter 74. This simplifies the construction of the demand control system.

  The configuration of each part of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the technical scope described in the claims. For example, each part configuration of the LED lighting system can be applied to a lighting system provided with various lighting devices not limited to the LED lighting device.

  While described with respect to the presently preferred embodiments of the present invention, such disclosure should not be construed as limiting. Various modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the above disclosure. Accordingly, the appended claims should be construed to include all variations and modifications without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 illumination control apparatus 11 1st transmission part 12 1st reception part 13 1st control part 14 1st control part 14 display part 15 input part 16 storage part 17 reading part 18 touch panel 2 LED lighting apparatus 21 2nd transmission part 22 2nd reception part 23 2nd Control unit 24 LED
Reference Signs List 3 network 4 sensor 5 light emitting unit 6 PC monitor 70 power line 71 power measuring instrument 72 demand control device 73 contact converter 74 PWM converter GW gateway I _LED first identification information I _GW second identification information P light distribution image P _AREA (1) to P _AREA (4) Area image P _SMBL Symbolic images B1 to B7, B11 to B14 Buttons EG1 to EG10 Button R Area S1 First switch S2 Second switch

Claims (2)

With multiple lighting devices,
With the gateway,
A power meter that measures the amount of power used;
A demand control device that outputs a demand control signal by determining whether the amount of power measured by the power measuring device exceeds a predetermined threshold set in advance and determining that the amount of power exceeds the predetermined threshold;
A converter for converting the demand control signal into a control signal for performing lighting control and transmitting the control signal to the gateway;
The gateway is
Information on illumination control to be performed on the illumination device when the control signal is received is set in advance,
A lighting system, comprising: lighting control of the lighting device by wireless communication based on the control signal . The plurality of lighting devices belong to any of a plurality of areas,
A predetermined illuminance is set in advance for each area,
The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of lighting devices lowers the illuminance to the illuminance set in the area to which it belongs in accordance with the received demand control signal.

Images