JP6887047B2 - 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 corresponding lighting control device is often used (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Specifically, the lighting control device has a transmission unit, an input unit, and a first control unit, and the first control unit has a lighting signal, an extinguishing signal, and an adjustment based on a command input from the input unit. A control signal including at least one of the optical signals is generated, and the control signal is transmitted to the lighting device through the transmission unit. The lighting device has a receiving unit, a light emitting unit such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode), and a second control unit. When the receiving unit receives a control signal transmitted from the transmitting unit of the lighting control device, the second control unit is used. The unit performs lighting control (lighting, extinguishing, dimming, etc.) according to the control signal received by the receiving unit on the light emitting unit.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2010-238572

In a large space such as an office, multiple lighting devices are required. When it is attempted to individually control a plurality of lighting devices by wireless communication, one lighting control device is required for each of the lighting devices in the conventional wireless lighting system. Therefore, when the number of lighting devices increases, it becomes practically impossible to control all the lighting devices individually.

For example, it is possible to perform the same lighting control for all the lighting devices installed in a space such as an office by one lighting control device. 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 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.

The 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 the usage time of each of the plurality of lighting devices. To do.

According to the lighting system according to the present invention, a plurality of lighting devices can be individually controlled and their controls can be collectively managed.

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

It is a block diagram which conceptually showed the structure of the LED lighting system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which conceptually showed the structure of the lighting control device. It is a block diagram which conceptually showed the structure which each LED lighting apparatus has. It is a flowchart which showed the control performed by the 1st control part of a lighting control device, and the operation performed by a user. It is a top view of the PC monitor which displays the light distribution image. It is a top view of the PC monitor used for the explanation of the area image creation operation. It is a top view of the PC monitor which displays the created area image. It is a top view of the PC monitor used for explaining the drag operation executed when listing the area image. It is a top view of the PC monitor which displays the screen for performing the arrangement operation of a symbol image. It is a top view of the PC monitor used for explaining the arrangement operation of a symbol image. It is a top view of the PC monitor used for explaining the arrangement operation of a symbol image. It is a top view of the PC monitor which displays the arranged symbol image. FIG. 5 is a plan view of a lighting control device used for explaining a drag operation executed when associating an LED lighting device (first identification information) with an area image. FIG. 5 is a plan view of a lighting control device used for explaining a drag operation executed when associating an LED lighting device (first identification information) with a symbolic image. It is a block diagram conceptually showing the structure of the lighting control device included in the LED lighting system about the 1st modification of the LED lighting system. It is a perspective view which conceptually showed the gateway which the LED lighting system has about the 2nd modification of the LED lighting system. It is a flowchart which showed the control performed by the 1st control part of the lighting control device, and the operation performed by a user about the 2nd modification of the LED lighting system. It is a top view of the lighting control device which displays the 2nd identification information on a touch panel. It is a block diagram which conceptually showed the structure of the demand control system including the LED lighting system. It is a block diagram which conceptually showed the structure of the demand control system about the 1st modification of the demand control system. It is a block diagram which conceptually showed the structure of the demand control system about the 2nd modification of the demand control system. It is a block diagram which conceptually showed the structure of the demand control system about the 3rd modification of the 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 of a lighting signal, an extinguishing signal, and a dimming signal. Here, the plurality of lighting devices to be controlled have first identification information that enables their respective identification.

Then, the control unit executes the controls (i) to (v). In the control (i), the control unit causes the display unit to display a symbolic image to be associated with at least one lighting device. In the 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 uses the dragged first identification information as the first identification information. 1 The identification information is stored in the storage unit in association with the superimposed symbol image, whereby the lighting device having the first identification information and the symbol image are associated with each other. In the control (iv), the control unit stores the lighting control information related 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 the 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 the generated control signal is associated with the symbol image through the transmission unit. Send to the lighting device.

According to the lighting control device, at least one first identification information is associated with the lighting control information via a symbol image by a simple operation from the input unit by the user. Therefore, it becomes possible to control a plurality of lighting devices in a desired related manner 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 the group of the lighting devices, and a mode in which these are combined. As described above, according to the above-mentioned lighting control device, it is possible to individually control a plurality of lighting devices and collectively manage those controls by one lighting control device. Further, in the above-mentioned lighting control device, it is easy to change the setting related to the lighting control such as changing the symbol image (for example, changing the area where the same lighting control is desired to be performed). Furthermore, since a 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 symbolic image is an image symbolizing that it corresponds to at least one lighting device arranged at a position overlapping the symbolic image. , Prior to 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 superimpose the symbolic image on the light distribution image.

Preferably, in the control (ii), the control unit displays a first switch that generates a lighting signal for lighting the lighting device having the first identification information in correspondence 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 executed, the control unit executes control (iii). Therefore, the first identification information is accurately associated with the symbolic image.

In the above-mentioned lighting control device, the symbolic image may be an area image representing an area of the lighting device in which the same lighting control is executed. In this case, in the control (iii), the control unit 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. Further, in the control (v), the control unit transmits a control signal through the transmission unit to all the lighting devices in the area represented by the area image.

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

In a preferred specific configuration of the lighting control device, the lighting control device further includes a receiving unit that receives an information signal including a first identification information, which is a signal transmitted from the lighting device during wireless communication. Then, in the control (ii), the control unit acquires the first identification information included in the information signal by causing the receiving unit to receive the information signal, and causes the display unit to display the acquired first identification information.

In another preferred specific configuration of the lighting control device, the lighting control device further has 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 a table showing the correspondence between the first identification information and the QR code (registered trademark) is stored in the storage unit. Then, in the 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 a lighting system including a lighting control device having this configuration and a plurality of lighting devices is adopted in each of a plurality of adjacent stores, for example, 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 above-mentioned problem is that the system administrator who is the user acquires the first identification information from a lighting system different from the lighting system owned by the user and erroneously associates the first identification information with the symbol image. It is prevented according to the specific configuration.

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

In a preferred specific configuration of the lighting system, the lighting system further comprises a plurality of communication repeaters, which perform wireless communication with the lighting device and the lighting control device and are connected to each other by wire. ing. Then, the lighting control device communicates with the lighting device via at least one communication repeater. In such a configuration, the communication repeater has a second identification information that enables each identification, and the control unit of the lighting control device further executes the control (vii) before the control (ii). Is preferable. Specifically, in the control (vii), the control unit acquires the second identification information of the communication repeater existing in the range where wireless communication with the lighting control device is possible, and displays the acquired second identification information. Display in the department. Then, in the control (ii), the control unit passes through the communication repeater corresponding to the second identification information selected by the operation from the input unit among the second identification information displayed on the display unit. The first identification information possessed by the lighting device capable of direct wireless communication with is acquired, and the acquired first identification information is displayed on the display unit.

According to 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 with the symbol image by the drag operation.

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

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

In another preferred specific configuration of the lighting system, the lighting system comprises an illuminance sensor provided in a space in which a plurality of lighting devices are arranged and a motion sensor provided integrally or separately from the illuminance sensor. Further prepare. Then, in the control (v), the control unit outputs a 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 symbolic image. Generate.

Next, the 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 these LED lighting devices 2 by wireless communication, a wired network 3, and a sensor 4. ing.

The network 3 has a plurality of gateway GWs connected to each other by wire through a hub (HUB). Each of the gateway GWs 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 has a communication repeater that converts a communication protocol and a controller that controls the lighting of the LED lighting device 2 in response 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 between the lighting control device 1 and the LED lighting device 2 can be reliably performed.

Further, in the LED lighting system of the present embodiment, a plurality of gateway GWs 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 lighting control of all the LED lighting devices 2 can be performed by installing the gateway GW in each room or each floor. It becomes possible to collectively manage with one lighting control device 1.

The sensor 4 is formed by integrally forming an illuminance sensor and a motion sensor, and is provided in a space where a plurality of LED lighting devices 2 are arranged. The sensor 4 transmits information to and from 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. The lighting sensor and the motion sensor may be separately provided in the space where the LED lighting device 2 is arranged.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of the lighting 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 touch panels 18 in which they are integrally formed.

The first transmission unit 11 transmits the signal generated by the first control unit 13 to the LED lighting device 2 and the sensor 4 through the network 3. The signal generated by the first control unit 13 includes a control signal having at least one of a lighting signal, a lighting signal, and a dimming signal. The first receiving unit 12 receives the signal 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 transmitting unit 21, a second receiving unit 22, a second control unit 23, and an LED 24. Further, the LED lighting device 2 has a first identification information I _LED that enables identification from another LED lighting device 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 uses the wireless module as another LED lighting device 2 It is for distinguishing from the wireless module provided in. 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 the control signal output from the lighting control device 1 or the control signal output from the control of the gateway GW in response to the control signal through the network 3. The second control unit 23 performs lighting 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, the user makes advance preparations 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 the preparation is displayed.

In step S20, the user first reads the light distribution image P showing the arrangement of the plurality of LED lighting devices 2 into the hard disk of the PC, and displays the read light distribution image P on the PC monitor 6 (see FIG. 5). In FIG. 5, the arrangement of the LED lighting device 2 is indicated by a plurality of circles. The light distribution image P may include an image relating to the interior, equipment, and the like. Further, the light distribution image P may be an image created by a 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 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 a mouse or the like (step S20). Here, the symbol image is an image that is associated with the LED lighting device 2 having _{the first identification information I LED} by associating at least one first identification information I _LED. In the present embodiment, the symbol image is displayed on the light distribution image P on the PC monitor 6 or the lighting control device 1 so as to be superimposed on the light distribution image P, so that at least one LED arranged at a position overlapping the symbol image on the light distribution image P. It is possible to make the user recognize that it is compatible with the lighting device 2. That is, on the light distribution image P, the symbolic image is an image that symbolizes that it corresponds to at least one LED lighting device 2 arranged at a position overlapping the symbolic image. The symbolic image may be created without displaying the light distribution image P as a box to which at least one 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 executed on the light distribution image P, and is 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". Further, the symbolic image includes an image (see FIG. 12) that will be associated with only one LED lighting device 2. In the following, unless otherwise specified, the term "symbolic image" is used for this image.

As shown in FIG. 5, on the screen on which the light distribution image P is displayed, buttons B1 to B7 and EG1 to EG10 are displayed in addition to the light distribution image P. The button B1 is a button for displaying the arrangement operation screen (see FIG. 9) for the user to perform the arrangement operation of the symbol image on the PC monitor 6. The button B2 is a button for displaying the creation operation screen (see FIG. 5) for the user to perform the area image creation operation on the PC monitor 6. The button B6 is a button for displaying the screen before moving to the screen displayed on the PC monitor 6 on the PC monitor 6 again. Button B7 is a button for completing the operation of arranging the symbol image and the operation of creating 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 selects the button B3 by operating the mouse or the like, and then specifies two positions different from each other on the screen displayed on the PC monitor 6. As a result, a rectangular area image having a straight line connecting the two positions as a diagonal line is created. Button B4 is selected when creating a straight line portion of the outer edge of the area image for an area image having various shapes not limited to a rectangle. Specifically, the user selects a button B4 by operating a mouse or the like, and then specifies a plurality of positions on the screen displayed on the PC monitor 6. As a result, a line image in which the plurality of positions are connected in a designated order is created. Button B5 is selected when creating an arcuate curved portion of the outer edge of the area image. Specifically, the user selects 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 specified position. As a result, an arc-shaped curved image centered on the previously specified position is created.

The user can create an area image on the light distribution image P by performing the above-mentioned 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 one 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 LED lighting devices 2 that are to be controlled by the lighting control device 1. Alternatively, some LED lighting devices 2 controlled by the lighting control device 1 may be associated with an area image, and the remaining LED lighting devices 2 may be associated with a symbolic image by an arrangement operation described later.

The area image creation operation is not limited to the above-mentioned 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 a mouse or the like, and also selects the selected figures. May be combined to create one area image. Further, the area image creation operation is not limited to the PC, and may be performed by the lighting control device 1.

On the screen shown in FIG. 5, when the button B1 is selected by the operation of the mouse or the like by the user, a screen for arranging the symbol image 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. Further, the button B14 is a button selected when the user erases the arranged symbol image.

Button B11 is selected when arranging only one symbol image. Specifically, the user selects 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 position designation is completed, the PC monitor 6 displays a selection screen for selecting the type of the symbol image (see FIG. 10). Then, the user selects the type of the 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.

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

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 operation of the mouse or the like by the user, the buttons B3 to B5 are displayed on the PC monitor 6 instead of the buttons B11 to B14 (see FIG. 10). Then, after selecting the button B3 by operating the mouse or the like, the user specifies two positions different from each other on the screen displayed on the PC monitor 6 as shown in FIG. As a result, a rectangular area R whose diagonal line is a straight line connecting the two positions is designated. When the designation of the two positions is completed, the PC monitor 6 displays a selection screen for selecting the type of the symbol image (see FIG. 10). Then, the user selects the type of the symbol image on the selection screen by operating the mouse or the like. When the selection of the symbol image type is completed, the PC monitor 6 displays an input screen for inputting the number of arrangements (number of rows and columns) of the symbol image (see FIG. 11). Then, the user inputs a numerical value on the input screen by operating the mouse, keyboard, or the like. 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-mentioned arrangement operation on the arrangement 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 symbolic image 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 symbolic image may be associated only with some LED lighting devices 2 that are to be controlled by the lighting control device 1. Alternatively, some LED lighting devices 2 to be controlled by the lighting control device 1 may be associated with a symbolic image, and the remaining LED lighting devices 2 may be associated with an area image by the above-mentioned creation operation. Further, the symbolic image may be arranged in the area represented by the area image. Further, the operation of arranging the symbol image is not limited to the PC, and 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 association between the area images P _AREA (1) to P _AREA (4) and the buttons EG1 to EG10 is performed, for example, by a user dragging operation using a mouse or the like on the screen where these are displayed on the PC monitor 6. (See FIG. 8).

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

When the preparation is completed, in step S21, the user displays 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. Transfer to the lighting control device 1 via 3.

As a result, in step S11, the first control unit 13 of the lighting control device 1 passes through the first receiving unit 12 to 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. Is displayed on the touch panel 18. 13, of the area images and symbolic image, only the area image _{P AREA (1) ~P AREA (} 4) is a plan view of the lighting control device 1 displayed on the touch panel 18. Further, FIG. 14 is a plan view of the lighting 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. Only may be displayed. Further, when the symbolic image is _{like a box to which at least one first identification information LED} is associated, only the symbolic 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 an information signal including the first identification information I LED} , so that the first from the plurality of LED lighting devices 2 to the first through the network 3. Identification information I Acquires an _LED. Then, the first control unit 13 _{displays the acquired first identification information I LED} on the touch panel 18 (see FIGS. 13 and 14). At this time, the first control unit 13, for each of the first identification information I _LED obtained, the first switch S1 to generate a lighting signal for lighting the LED lighting device 2 having the first identification information I _LED To generate. Then, the first control unit 13 displays the generated first switch S1 on the touch panel 18 in correspondence with _{the first identification information I LED.} In the present embodiment, the first switch S1 is superposed on _{the first identification information I LED.} The first switch S1 may selectively generate a lighting signal and a lighting signal. Further, the first switch S1 may be stored in the storage unit 16, and the first control unit 13 _{reads the first switch S1 corresponding to each of the acquired first identification information I LEDs} from the storage unit 16 and at the same time. , 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 symbolic images P _SMBL displayed on the touch panel 18 (step S22). Specifically, on the screen on which the first identification information I _LED and the first switch S1 are displayed, the user operates the first switch S1 on the touch panel 18 to light 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 on the operated first switch S1 at the corresponding position on the light distribution image P based on the confirmed actual position. Drag it to the position where it overlaps with the images 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 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 _{PAREA (1).}

As shown in FIG. 14, when the symbol image P _{SMBL is arranged in the area represented by the area image P AREA} (1), the position where the first identification information I _LED overlaps with the symbol image P _SMBL. when dragged to the first control unit 13, the first identification information _{I LED} dragged, it may be stored in the storage unit 16 in association with only symbolically image _{P SMBL,} area image _{P aREA} (1) And the symbol image P _SMBL may be associated with any of them and stored in the storage unit 16.

According to the user's drag operation (step S22) based on the 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 the area image _PAREA. (1) _{-P AREA} (4) or symbolic image P _{SMBL is} accurately associated.

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

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

Further, the first control unit 13 generates a control signal based on _{the first identification information I LED and the lighting control information associated with the symbolic image.} Then, the first control unit 13 transmits the generated control signal to the LED lighting device 2 corresponding to the symbol image through the first transmission unit 11. As a result, lighting control is individually executed for the LED lighting 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 I LED and the lighting control information.}

According to the lighting control device 1 of the present embodiment, by a simple operation of the touch panel 18 by the user, the illumination control data, at least one first identification information _{I LED} is area image _{P AREA (1) ~P} AREA (4) or is associated via the _{symbolic image PSMBL.} Therefore, it becomes possible to control the plurality of LED lighting devices 2 in a desired related manner 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 the group of the LED lighting devices 2, and a mode in which these are combined. Is done. As described above, according to the lighting control device 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to individually control a plurality of LED lighting devices 2 and collectively manage those controls by one 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 symbolic image. Furthermore, since the plurality of LED lighting devices 2 are controlled by wireless communication, the circuit (wiring) constructed in the wired system becomes unnecessary.

By utilizing the fact that the lighting control device 1 can collectively manage the LED lighting device 2, for example, the lighting control device 1 may collectively manage the usage time of each of the LED lighting devices 2. .. As an example, the timers provided in the LED lighting devices 2 are collectively managed 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, the user can recognize the life of the lighting device by making it unlit. 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 (state of insufficient illuminance).

Therefore, by utilizing the fact that the lighting control device 1 can collectively manage the LED lighting device 2, when the LED lighting device 2 reaches the end of its life (state of insufficient illuminance), 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 the above. As a result, the user can recognize the life of the LED lighting device 2.

[3] Modification Example of LED Lighting System Two modification examples (first modification and second modification) of 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, each of the LED lighting devices 2 has a QR code (registered trademark) corresponding to _{the first identification information I LED. ) Is provided, and a table showing the correspondence between the first identification information LED} and the QR code (registered trademark) is stored in the storage unit 16. Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the lighting control device 1 further has a reading unit 17 which is a QR code (registered trademark) reader that reads a QR code (registered trademark).

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

According to the first modification of the LED lighting system, even when the LED lighting system is adopted in each of a plurality of adjacent stores, for example, each touch panel 18 of the lighting control device 1 has the lighting control device 1 _{At the same time, only the first identification information I LED of} 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 an LED lighting system different from the LED lighting system owned by the user, and mistakenly converts the first identification information I _LED into an area image or a symbolic image. According to the first modification of the LED lighting system, the problem of associating 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 a second identification information I _GW that enables each identification. Further, as shown in FIG. 16, each of the gateway GWs is provided with a light emitting unit 5 that emits light to the outside. As the light emitting unit 5, for example, an LED is used.

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 with respect to the second modification of the LED lighting system. Further, FIG. 18 is a plan view of the lighting 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 _{displays the acquired second identification information I GW} on the touch panel 18 (see FIG. 18). As an example, the second identification information I _GW is displayed on the touch panel 18 in ascending order of the distance between the corresponding gateway GW and the 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 Generate switch S2. Then, the first control unit 13 displays the generated second switch S2 on the touch panel 18 in correspondence with _{the second identification information I GW.} In the present embodiment, the second switch S2 is displayed superimposed on _{the second identification information I GW.} The second switch S2 may selectively generate a lighting signal and an extinguishing signal. Further, the second switch S2 may be stored in the storage unit 16, and the first control unit 13 _{reads the second switch S2 corresponding to each of the acquired second identification information I GW} from the storage unit 16 and at the same time. , 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 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 light 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 gateway GWs 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 of 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 _{displays the acquired first identification information I LED} on the touch panel 18. After that, the same control as in the above embodiment is executed.

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

Further, the user can turn on the gateway GW and confirm the actual position of the gateway GW by operating the second switch S2. Therefore, the user repeatedly executes the selection of the gateway GW (step S24) and the association between the first identification information _LED and the area image or the symbol image (step S22) while changing the selected gateway GW. _{, The first identification information I LED} for all the installed LED lighting devices 2 can be easily associated with the area image or the symbolic image.

[4] Demand Control for LED Lighting System Next, demand control will be described. Here, demand control monitors the total amount of electric power used in an office, store, etc., and is consumed by a load (lighting device, air conditioner, etc.) so that the total amount of electric power does not exceed a predetermined threshold. 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 electric energy used is monitored, and the electric energy consumption of the load included in the LED lighting system, the air conditioning system, or the like is controlled so that the total electric energy does not exceed a predetermined threshold value. In the following, a case where demand control is mainly executed for the LED lighting system will be described.

[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 the power line 70, a demand control device 72, and a contact converter 73. Although not shown in FIG. 19, the power line 70 is connected to an LED lighting device 2 and a sensor 4 included in the LED lighting system. In addition, another load such as an air conditioner included in the air conditioning system may be connected to the power line 70.

The power measuring instrument 71 measures the total amount of power used. The power measuring instrument 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 electric energy) by the power measuring instrument 71. Specifically, the demand control device 72 determines whether or not the measured total electric energy exceeds a preset predetermined threshold value. When it is determined that the total electric energy exceeds a 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 non-contact signal output using a transistor or the like. On the other hand, when it is determined that the total electric energy does not exceed a predetermined threshold value, the demand control device 72 stands by without outputting the demand control signal.

The demand control device 72 is connected to the network 3 constituting the LED lighting system via the contact converter 73. FIG. 19 shows, in particular, a form in which the demand control device 72 is connected to the 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 gateway GWs or the second control unit 23 of each of the LED lighting devices 2 has information on the lighting control executed for the LED 24 of the LED lighting device 2 when they receive a digital signal. Is preset. Specifically, as the information regarding the lighting control at this time, information for the purpose of reducing the power consumption of the LED lighting device 2 is adopted. As an example of the lighting control, there is a control in which all the illuminances of the LED lighting device 2 are uniformly reduced to a predetermined illuminance set in advance. Another example of lighting control is control that reduces the illuminance of the LED lighting device 2 to a predetermined illuminance set in advance for each area.

According to the demand control system, excessive power consumption can be suppressed by executing demand control for the LED lighting system. Here, the important point is that the LED lighting system of the present embodiment can individually control a plurality of LED lighting devices 2 and collectively manage those controls, and such LED lighting. The point is that 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 management of the lighting control device 1 or the PC, the LED lighting system can be set at the time of demand control. It is not necessary to include information related to lighting control in the demand control signal to be transmitted, and therefore it is possible to use a contact signal or a non-contact signal as the demand control signal. Therefore, it is easy to construct a demand control system.

[4-2] Modification Example of Demand Control System FIG. 20 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of the demand control system for the first modification of the demand control system. As shown in FIG. 20, any one of the plurality of gateway GWs constituting the network 3 may be integrally configured 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 for the second modification of the demand control system. As shown in FIG. 21, the PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) converter 74 may be provided in place of the contact converter 73 in the demand control system. In this case, demand control is executed as follows.

When the demand control device 72 determines that the demand control is to be executed based on the measurement result (total electric energy) of the power measuring instrument 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 in response to the digital signal. It controls the lighting of the LED 24 (turning on, turning off, dimming, etc.). In this case, the information regarding the lighting control at the time of demand control is set on the demand control device 72 side. The demand control system is not limited to a 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 for the third modification of the demand control system. As shown in FIG. 22, any one of the plurality of gateway GWs constituting 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, the configuration of each part of the LED lighting system can be applied to a lighting system including various lighting devices which are not limited to the LED lighting device.

Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described at this time, such disclosures should not be construed in a limited way. Various modifications and modifications will undoubtedly become apparent from the above disclosure by one of ordinary skill in the art belonging to the present invention. Therefore, the appended claims should be construed to include all modifications and modifications without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention.

1 Lighting control device 11 1st transmission unit 12 1st reception unit 13 1st control unit 14 Display unit 15 Input unit 16 Storage unit 17 Reading unit 18 Touch panel 2 LED lighting device 21 2nd transmission unit 22 2nd reception unit 23 2nd Control unit 24 LED
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 1st identification information I _GW 2nd identification information P Light distribution image P _AREA (1) ~ P _AREA (4) Area image P _SMBL Symbol image B1 to B7, B11 to B14 Buttons EG1 to EG10 Buttons R Area S1 First switch S2 Second switch

Claims (1)

A lighting control device that controls a plurality of lighting devices having first identification information that enables each identification by wireless communication.
Each of the plurality of lighting devices is provided with a code in which the first identification information of each is converted.
The lighting control device includes a control unit, a display unit, an input unit, and a code reader.
The code reader reads the code provided in the lighting device, acquires the first identification information corresponding to the read code, and obtains the first identification information.
The control unit operates the first identification information acquired on the display unit from the input unit at a desired lighting device position on a lighting distribution image showing the arrangement of the plurality of lighting devices. Lighting control device that displays so that it can be dragged by.

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