JP6728432B2 - 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 technique of controlling one lighting device by wireless communication using one lighting control device corresponding thereto is often used (for example, see 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, based on a command input from the input unit, a lighting signal, an extinguishing signal, and a control signal. A control signal including at least any one of the optical 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. When the receiving unit receives the control signal transmitted from the transmitting unit of the lighting control device, the second control is performed. The unit performs lighting control (lighting, extinguishing, 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 needed. When attempting to individually control a plurality of lighting devices by wireless communication, the conventional wireless lighting system requires one lighting control device for each of the lighting devices. Therefore, when the number of lighting devices increases, it becomes substantially impossible to individually control all the lighting devices.

For example, one lighting control device can perform the same lighting control for all the lighting devices installed in a space such as an office. However, in such 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 the lighting, 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 and a lighting control device that controls the plurality of lighting devices by wireless communication, and the lighting control device manages a use time of each of the plurality of lighting devices. To do.

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

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

It is a block diagram which showed notionally the structure of the LED lighting system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which showed notionally the structure of an illumination control apparatus. It is a block diagram which showed notionally the structure which each of the LED illuminating devices has. 6 is a flowchart showing control executed by a first control unit of the lighting control device and operation performed by a user. It is a top view of a PC monitor on which a light distribution image is displayed. It is a top view of a PC monitor used for explanation of creation operation of an area image. It is a top view of a PC monitor in which the created area image is displayed. It is a top view of a PC monitor used for explanation of a drag operation performed when making a list of area images. It is a top view of a PC monitor in which a screen for performing an arrangement operation of a symbol image is displayed. It is a top view of a PC monitor used for explanation of arrangement operation of a symbol image. It is a top view of a PC monitor used for explanation of arrangement operation of a symbol image. It is a top view of the PC monitor in which the arranged symbolic image 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 (1st discernment information) and an area image. It is a top view of a lighting control device used for explanation of a drag operation performed when linking an LED lighting device (1st discernment information) and a symbol image. It is a block diagram which showed notionally the structure of the illumination control apparatus with which the LED lighting system is equipped about the 1st modification of an 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 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 an illumination control device in which the second 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 a block diagram which showed notionally the structure of the demand control system about the 1st modification of a demand control system. It is a block diagram which showed notionally the structure of the demand control system about the 2nd modification of a demand control system. It is a 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.

The lighting control device according to the 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 signal of a lighting signal, an extinction signal, and a dimming signal. Here, the plurality of lighting devices that are the control targets have the first identification information that enables each to be identified.

Then, the control unit executes the controls (i) to (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 the operation from the input unit, the control unit displays the dragged first identification information as the first identification information. The 1st identification information is stored in the storage unit in association with the superimposed symbol image, whereby the illumination device and the symbol image having the 1st identification information are associated with each other. In the control (iv), the control unit stores the lighting control information relating to the control of the lighting device associated with the symbol image in the control (iii) in the storage unit in association with the symbol image. In control (v), the control unit generates a control signal based on the first identification information and the lighting control information associated with the symbol image, and associates the generated control signal with the symbol image through the transmission unit. Sent to the lighting device.

According to the above 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 the plurality of lighting devices in a desired relation mode with the lighting control information. Here, the desired related mode includes a mode in which the lighting control information is associated with each of the lighting devices, a mode in which the 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 lighting control device, it is possible to individually control the plurality of lighting devices and collectively manage the controls by one lighting control device. Further, 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). Further, since the plurality of lighting devices are controlled by wireless communication, the circuit (wiring) constructed by 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 arranged at a position overlapping with the symbol image. Before the control (i), the control unit further executes the control (vi) for displaying the light distribution image on the display unit. Then, in the control (i), the control unit causes the display unit to display the symbol image over the light distribution image.

Preferably, in the control (ii), the control unit displays a first switch that corresponds to the acquired first identification information and that generates a lighting signal for lighting the lighting device having the first identification information. To be displayed 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 drag operation by the user is executed, the control unit executes control (iii). Therefore, the first identification information is accurately associated with the symbol image.

In the above 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 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. Further, in control (v), the control unit transmits the control signal to all the lighting devices in the area represented by the area image through the transmission unit.

With such a configuration, the setting for performing the same lighting control for 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 lighting control device, the lighting control device further includes a receiving unit that receives an information signal including the first identification information, which is a signal transmitted from the lighting device in wireless communication. Then, in control (ii), the control unit causes the receiving unit to receive the information signal, acquires the first identification information included in the information signal, and causes the display unit to display the acquired first identification information.

In another preferable specific configuration of the lighting control device, the lighting control device further includes a reading unit that reads a QR code (registered trademark), and each of the lighting devices has a QR code (corresponding to the first identification information). (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 the first identification information corresponding to the QR code (registered trademark) read by the reading unit based on the table, and displays the acquired first identification information on the display unit. Display it.

According to such a configuration, even when the illumination system including the illumination control device and the plurality of illumination devices having this configuration is adopted, for example, in each of a plurality of adjacent stores, each of the illumination control devices is Only the first identification information possessed by the lighting devices that constitute the same lighting system together with this lighting control device will be displayed on the display unit. Therefore, there is a problem in that the system administrator who is the user acquires the first identification information from a lighting system other than the lighting system that the user owns and mistakenly associates the first identification information with the symbol image. This is prevented according to the specific configuration.

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

In a preferred specific configuration of the above lighting system, the lighting system further includes a plurality of communication repeaters, the communication repeaters performing wireless communication with the lighting device and the lighting control device, and being wired to each other. ing. Then, the lighting control device communicates with the lighting device via at least one communication relay. In such a configuration, the communication repeater has the second identification information enabling the respective identifications, 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 existing in the range in which wireless communication with the lighting control device is possible, and displays the acquired second identification information. To be displayed on the department. Then, in the control (ii), the control unit causes the communication repeater 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 first identification information of the lighting device that is capable of direct wireless communication with is acquired, and the acquired first identification information is displayed on the display unit.

With such a configuration, only the first identification information of the lighting device existing in the range where direct wireless communication with the selected communication repeater is possible is displayed on the display unit. Therefore, it becomes easy to associate the first identification information and the symbol image by the drag operation.

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 the lighting signal for lighting the light emitting unit of the communication repeater having the second identification information in association with the acquired second identification information. Is displayed on the display unit.

With such a configuration, the user can confirm the actual position of the communication relay by turning on the light emitting portion of the communication relay by operating the second switch from the input unit. Therefore, the user repeatedly selects the communication repeater and associates the first identification information with the symbol image while changing the communication repeater to be selected, and The first identification information and the symbol image can be easily associated with each other.

In another preferable specific configuration of the lighting system, the lighting system includes an illuminance sensor provided in a space in which a plurality of lighting devices are arranged, and a motion sensor provided integrally with or separately from the illuminance sensor. Further prepare. Then, in the control (v), the control unit generates the control signal based on the detection signals output from the illuminance sensor and the motion sensor in addition to the first identification information and the lighting control information associated with the symbol image. To 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 that controls the 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 that are wire-connected to each other through a hub (HUB). Each of the gateways GW exchanges information with 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 repeater that converts a communication protocol and a controller that controls the lighting 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 wide space such as an office, it is possible to reliably perform wireless communication between the lighting control device 1 and the LED lighting device 2.

Furthermore, in the LED lighting system of this embodiment, a plurality of gateways GW are connected by wire. Therefore, even when a plurality of LED lighting devices 2 are installed over a plurality of rooms or a plurality of floors, the gateway GW is installed in each room or each floor to control the lighting of all the LED lighting devices 2. It is possible to collectively manage with one lighting control device 1.

The sensor 4 is one in which an illuminance sensor and a motion sensor are integrally formed, 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 by wireless communication. Then, the lighting control device 1 acquires the detection signal output from the sensor 4 through the network 3. It should be noted that a lighting sensor and a human sensor may be separately provided in the space in which the LED lighting device 2 is arranged.

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 the present embodiment, the display unit 14 and the input unit 15 are the touch panel 18 integrally formed with these.

The first transmitter 11 transmits the signal generated by the first controller 13 to the LED lighting device 2 and the sensor 4 via the network 3. The signal generated by the first control unit 13 includes a control signal having at least one signal of a lighting signal, a lighting 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 a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of each of the LED lighting devices 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the LED lighting device 2 includes a second transmitter 21, a second receiver 22, a second controller 23, and an LED 24. Further, the LED lighting device 2 has the first identification information I _LED that enables the LED lighting device 2 to be distinguished from 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 via 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 integrally formed with each other, and the first identification information I _LED includes the wireless module and other LED lighting devices 2. It is for identifying the wireless module provided in the. The transmission of the signal from the second transmission unit 21 is executed, for example, in response to a command from the lighting control device 1.

The second receiving 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 in response to the control signal. 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 S20, a user uses a personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as “PC”) to make advance preparations. 5 to 12 are plan views of the PC monitor 6 on which the screens related to this advance preparation are 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 device 2 is indicated by a plurality of circles. It should be noted that the light distribution image P may include images related to the interior, facilities, and the like. Further, the light distribution image P may be an image created by the perspective drawing method. Further, the user may read the arrangement information regarding 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 the arrangement information from the hard disk and generate the light distribution image P based on the arrangement information.

On the screen where the light distribution image P is displayed, the user creates or arranges the 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 symbolic image is an image that is associated with at least one first identification information I _{LED and} is thereby associated with the LED lighting device 2 having the first identification information I _LED . In the present embodiment, the symbol image is displayed on the light distribution image P on the PC monitor 6 or the lighting control device 1 so that at least one LED arranged on the light distribution image P at a position overlapping with 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 that symbolizes that it corresponds to at least one LED lighting device 2 arranged at a position overlapping with the symbol image. The symbolic image may be created without displaying the light distribution image P as a box associated with at least one first identification information I _LED .

The symbolic image represents the area of the LED lighting device 2 on which the same lighting control is executed on the light distribution image P, and an image to be associated with the plurality of LED lighting devices 2 in the area (see FIG. 7). ) Is included. Hereinafter, this image is referred to as an "area image". Further, the symbolic image includes an image (see FIG. 12) to be associated with only one LED lighting device 2. Hereinafter, the term “symbol 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 that causes the PC monitor 6 to display a placement operation screen (see FIG. 9) for the user to perform a placement operation of the symbolic image. The button B2 is a button for displaying on the PC monitor 6 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 again display the screen before the screen displayed on the PC monitor 6 is displayed. The button B7 is a button for completing the placement operation of the symbol image and the creation operation of the area image.

On the creation operation screen (see FIG. 5), the 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 specifies 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 creating a linear portion of the outer edge of an area image having various shapes not limited to a rectangle. Specifically, the user specifies a plurality of positions on the screen displayed on the PC monitor 6 after selecting the button B4 by operating the mouse or the like. As a result, 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 specifies 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 designating another position, the position is slid around the previously designated position. As a result, an arc-shaped curve 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 light distribution image P, and four area images are displayed on all the LED lighting devices 2 shown in the light distribution image P. The case where any of P _AREA (1) to P _AREA (4) corresponds is shown. Of the LED lighting devices 2 shown in the light distribution image P, the area image may be associated only with some of the LED lighting devices 2 to be controlled by the lighting control device 1. Alternatively, the area image may be associated with some of the LED illumination devices 2 that are controlled by the illumination control device 1, and the remaining LED illumination devices 2 may be associated with a symbol image by an arrangement operation described later.

The area image creating operation 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 the plurality of figures displayed on the PC monitor 6 by operating the mouse or the like, and selects the figures. May be combined to create one area image. The operation of creating the area image is not limited to the PC but may be performed by the illumination control device 1.

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 symbol image arrangement operation is displayed (see FIG. 9). At this time, the 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.

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

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

The button B12 is selected when arranging a plurality of symbol images of the same type in a line. Specifically, the user selects the button B12 by operating the mouse or the like, and then specifies 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 the symbol image is displayed on the PC monitor 6 (see FIG. 10). Then, the user selects the type of symbol image 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 arranged symbol 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 the straight line connecting the two specified positions.

The button B13 is selected when arranging a plurality of symbol images of the same type in a matrix. Specifically, when button B13 is selected by the user operating the mouse or the like, buttons B3 to B5 are displayed on PC monitor 6 instead of buttons B11 to B14 (see FIG. 10). Then, after selecting the button B3 by operating the mouse or the like, the user specifies two different positions on the screen displayed on the PC monitor 6 as shown in FIG. As a result, a rectangular region R having a straight line connecting the two positions as a diagonal line is designated. When the designation of the two positions is completed, a selection screen for selecting the type of the symbol image is displayed on the PC monitor 6 (see FIG. 10). Then, the user selects the type of symbol image 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 arranged symbol 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 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 associated with all the LED lighting devices 2 shown in the light distribution image P. Of the LED lighting devices 2 shown in the light distribution image P, the symbol images may be associated only with some of the LED lighting devices 2 to be controlled by the lighting control device 1. Alternatively, the symbol images may be associated with some LED illumination devices 2 controlled by the illumination control device 1, and the area images may be associated with the remaining LED illumination devices 2 by the above-described creation operation. Furthermore, the symbolic image may be placed in the area represented by the area image. The operation of arranging the symbol image is not limited to the PC but may be performed by the lighting control device 1.

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 of the buttons EG1 to EG10 in a one-to-one correspondence and stored in the hard disk. The area images P _AREA (1) to P _AREA (4) and the buttons EG1 to EG10 are associated with each other, for example, on the screen displayed on the PC monitor 6 by a drag operation by a user using a mouse or the like. (See Figure 8).

When the user arranges the symbol image P _SMBL in step S20, 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 acquires 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, on the network. 3 to the lighting control device 1.

Accordingly, in step S11, the first control unit 13 of the lighting control device 1 causes the first receiving unit 12 to perform the light distribution image P, the area images P _AREA (1) to P _AREA (4), and the symbol image P _SMBL. Is read, and these images are stored 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 displays the read light distribution image P on the touch panel 18. Further, the first control unit 13 reads 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. 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. In addition, 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 does not display the light distribution 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. You may display only. Further, when the symbol image is like a box to which at least one first identification information I _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 receiving unit 12 to receive the information signal including the first identification information I _LED , so that the plurality of LED lighting devices 2 can be connected to the first LED lighting device 2 through the network 3. The 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 1st control part 13 produces|generates the lighting signal for lighting the LED illuminating device 2 which has the 1st identification information I _LED about each of the acquired 1st identification information I _LED. To 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 I _LED . In the present embodiment, the first switch S1 is displayed overlaid on the first identification information I _LED . The first switch S1 may selectively generate the lighting signal and the extinguishing signal. Further, the first switch S1 may be stored in the storage unit 16, and the first control unit 13 reads out from the storage unit 16 the first switch S1 corresponding to each of the acquired first identification information I _LED. 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 where the first identification information I _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. After that, the user displays the first identification information I _LED displayed overlapping with the operated first switch S1 at the corresponding position on the light distribution image P based on the confirmed actual position. Drag the image P _AREA (1) to P _AREA (4) or a position overlapping the symbol 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 And is stored in the storage unit 16 in association with. 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).

As shown in FIG. 14, when the symbolic 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 with the symbolic image P _SMBL. When dragged to, 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 may store 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 confirmation of the position 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 indicates the area image P _AREA. (1) to P _AREA (4) or accurately associated with the symbolic image P _SMBL .

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

According to the control of the first controller 13 in steps S11 to S15 and the user's operation in steps S21 to S23, the same illumination is applied to all the LED illumination 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 for 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. As a result, the same lighting control is executed for all the LED lighting devices 2 in the desired area.

The first control unit 13 also generates a control signal based on the first identification information I _LED and the lighting 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 via the first transmission unit 11. As a result, lighting control is individually performed on the LED lighting device 2.

In step S16, the first control unit 13 may generate the control signal based on the 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 of the 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 associated via the symbolic image P _SMBL . Therefore, it becomes possible to control the plurality of LED lighting devices 2 in a desired relation mode with the lighting control information. Here, the desired related mode includes a mode in which the lighting control information is associated with each of the LED lighting devices 2, a mode in which the lighting control information is associated with a group of the LED lighting devices 2, and a mode in which these are combined. Be done. 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 controls by the single lighting control device 1. .. Further, in the lighting control device 1 of the present embodiment, it is easy to change the settings related to lighting 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) constructed by the wired system is not necessary.

It should be noted that, by utilizing the fact that the lighting control device 1 can collectively manage the LED lighting devices 2, for example, the usage time of each of the LED lighting devices 2 may be collectively managed by the lighting control device 1. .. As an example, timers provided in the LED lighting devices 2 are collectively controlled by the lighting control device 1. The timer is usually provided in the wireless module.

In the case of a lighting device such as a fluorescent lamp, it becomes impossible to turn on the lighting device, so that the user can recognize the life of the lighting device. However, the LED lighting device 2 can be used semi-permanently, and its function gradually deteriorates. Therefore, it is difficult for the user to recognize the life of the user (state of insufficient illuminance).

Therefore, when the LED lighting device 2 reaches the end of its life (a state of insufficient illuminance) by utilizing 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 reduced, for example. It may be displayed on the touch panel 18. This allows the user to recognize the life of the LED lighting device 2.

[3] Modified Example of LED Lighting System Two modified examples (first modified example and second modified example) of 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-described embodiment, each of the LED lighting devices 2 has a QR code (registered trademark) corresponding to the first identification information I _LED. ) Is provided, and the storage unit 16 stores a table showing the correspondence between the first identification information I _LED and the QR code (registered trademark). Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the lighting control device 1 further includes a reading unit 17 that is a QR code (registered trademark) reader that reads the 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 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 installation, for example, at the stage of installing the LED lighting device 2.

According to the first modified example of the LED lighting system, even when the LED lighting system is adopted in each of a plurality of adjacent stores, the touch panel 18 of each of the lighting control devices 1 includes the lighting control device 1. In addition, only the first identification information I _{LED of} the LED lighting device 2 that constitutes the same LED lighting system 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 he owns, and mistakes the first identification information I _LED for an area image or a symbol image. According to the first modified example 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-described embodiment, the gateway GW has the second identification information I _GW that enables each to be identified. Further, as shown in FIG. 16, each of the gateways 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 regarding the second modified example 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, the first control unit 13 executes the control of step S17 before the control of step S13, in addition to the control shown in FIG. In step S17, the first control unit 13 acquires the second identification information I _GW of the gateway GW existing in the range where 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, 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 The switch S2 is generated. Then, the first controller 13 causes the touch panel 18 to display the generated second switch S2 in association with the second identification information I _GW . In the present embodiment, the second switch S2 is displayed so as to overlap the second identification information I _GW . The second switch S2 may selectively generate the lighting signal and the extinguishing signal. Further, the second switch S2 may be stored in the storage unit 16, and the first control unit 13 reads out from the storage unit 16 the second switch S2 corresponding to each of the acquired second identification information I _GW. The read second switch S2 may be displayed on the touch panel 18.

Next, the user selects the gateway GW (step S24). Specifically, on the screen where 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 the gateways GW existing in the 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 has 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 . After that, 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 existing in the range where direct wireless communication with the selected gateway GW is possible is displayed on the touch panel 18. It Therefore, it becomes easy to associate the first identification information I _LED with the area image or the symbol image by the drag operation.

In addition, 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 selects the gateway GW (step S24) and associates the first identification information I _LED with the area image or the symbol image (step S22) while changing the gateway GW to be selected. It is possible to easily associate the first identification information I _LED for all the installed LED lighting devices 2 with the area image or the symbol image.

[4] Demand Control for LED Lighting System Next, demand control will be described. Here, the demand control is to monitor the total amount of electric power used in an office, a store, etc., and consume the load (lighting device, air conditioner, etc.) so that the total amount of electric power does not exceed a predetermined threshold value. It is to control the amount of electric power (hereinafter, referred to as “electric power consumption”). Then, in the present embodiment, a demand control system for realizing demand control is constructed. In this demand control system, the total amount of power used is monitored, and the amount of power consumed by a load included in the LED lighting system, the air conditioning system, or the like is controlled so that the total amount of power does not exceed a predetermined threshold value. 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 structure of a demand control system including an LED lighting system. As shown in FIG. 19, the demand control system includes a power meter 71 connected to the 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. Other loads such as an air conditioner included in the air conditioning system may be connected to the power line 70.

The power meter 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 or not to execute the demand control based on the measurement result (total power amount) by the power measuring device 71. Specifically, the demand control device 72 determines whether or not the measured total amount of power exceeds a preset threshold value. When it is determined that the total power amount exceeds the predetermined threshold value, the demand control device 72 outputs a demand control signal for executing the 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 value, the demand control device 72 waits without outputting the demand control signal.

The demand control device 72 is connected to the network 3 forming the LED lighting system via the contact converter 73. In particular, FIG. 19 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.

Information about the lighting control to be performed on the LED 24 of the LED lighting device 2 when they receive a digital signal in the controller of each of the gateways GW or the second control unit 23 of each of the LED lighting devices 2. Is preset. Specifically, as the information on the illumination control at this time, information intended to reduce the power consumption of the LED lighting device 2 is adopted. As an example of the illumination control, there is a control that uniformly lowers all the illuminances of the LED illumination device 2 to a preset predetermined illuminance. As another example of the illumination control, there is a control of reducing the illuminance of the LED lighting device 2 to a predetermined illuminance set in advance for each area.

According to the above demand control system, excessive power consumption can be suppressed by executing demand control for the LED lighting system. Here, an 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. The point is that demand control is executed for the system. That is, since the control of the LED lighting device 2 (lighting control) executed during the demand control can be individually set under the collective control of the lighting control device 1 or the PC, the LED lighting system is controlled during the demand control. The demand control signal to be transmitted does not need to include information regarding lighting control, and thus a contact signal or a non-contact signal can be used as the demand control signal. Therefore, the demand control system can be easily constructed.

[4-2] Modification of Demand Control System FIG. 20 is a block diagram conceptually showing the structure of the demand control system in the 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 the demand control system in the second modification of the demand control system. As shown in FIG. 21, a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) converter 74 may be provided in place of the contact converter 73 in the demand control system. In this case, the demand control is executed as follows.

The demand control device 72 outputs a PWM signal as a demand control signal for executing the demand control when it is determined to execute the demand control based on the measurement result (total amount of electric power) of the power measuring device 71. 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 (lighting, extinguishing, dimming, etc.) of the LED 24 is performed. In this case, the information regarding the illumination control during the demand control is set on the demand control device 72 side. The demand control system is not limited to the configuration in which either 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 adopted.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration 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 forming the network 3 may be integrally formed 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 component configuration of the LED lighting system can be applied to a lighting system including various lighting devices that are not limited to the LED lighting device.

While the presently preferred embodiment of the invention has been described, such disclosure should not be construed as limiting. Various variations and modifications will no doubt become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the above disclosure. Therefore, the appended claims should be construed to cover all variations and modifications without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

1 Lighting control device 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 lighting device 21 2nd transmission part 22 2nd reception part 23 2nd Control unit 24 LED
3 Network 4 Sensor 5 Light-Emitting Section 6 PC Monitor 70 Power Line 71 Power Meter 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) ~ P _AREA (4) Area image P _SMBL symbolic image B1 to B7, B11 to B14 Button EG1 to EG10 Button R Area S1 First switch S2 Second switch

Claims (3)

Multiple lighting devices,
A lighting control device for controlling the plurality of lighting devices by wireless communication,
The lighting device includes a second controller and a wireless module,
The wireless module includes a second receiver and a timer,
A lighting system in which the lighting control device collectively manages a timer provided in each of the plurality of lighting devices to manage a usage time of each of the lighting devices . The lighting control device includes a display unit, an illumination system of claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of lighting devices is displayed on the display section when it reaches the service life. The lighting system according to claim 2 , wherein the lighting control device sets the life to a state of insufficient illuminance.

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