JP7133682B2 - lighting system - Google Patents

Description

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

In conventional wireless lighting systems, a technique of controlling one lighting device by wireless communication using one corresponding lighting control device is often used (see Patent Document 1, for example). Specifically, the lighting control device has a transmission section, an input section, and a first control section. 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 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 a control signal transmitted from the transmitting unit of the lighting control device, the second control The unit performs illumination control (lighting, extinguishing, dimming, etc.) on the light emitting unit according to the control signal received by the receiving unit.

JP 2010-238572 A

A large space such as an office requires a plurality of lighting devices. When attempting to individually control a plurality of lighting devices by wireless communication, a 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 control all the lighting devices individually.

For example, one lighting control device can perform the same lighting control for all 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 lighting time zone, and power is wasted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a lighting system capable of individually controlling a plurality of lighting devices and collectively managing the control thereof.

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

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

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

1 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of an LED lighting system according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of a lighting control device; FIG. 3 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of each LED lighting device; FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing control performed by a first control unit of the lighting control device and operations performed by a user; FIG. 11 is a plan view of a PC monitor on which a lighting image is displayed; FIG. 10 is a plan view of a PC monitor used for explaining an operation for creating an area image; FIG. 10 is a plan view of a PC monitor on which a created area image is displayed; FIG. 11 is a plan view of a PC monitor used for explaining a drag operation executed when listing area images; FIG. 11 is a plan view of a PC monitor displaying a screen for performing a layout operation of symbolic images; FIG. 10 is a plan view of a PC monitor used for explaining a symbolic image arrangement operation; FIG. 10 is a plan view of a PC monitor used for explaining a symbolic image arrangement operation; FIG. 4 is a plan view of a PC monitor on which arranged symbolic images are displayed; FIG. 10 is a plan view of the lighting control device used for explaining a drag operation executed when associating an LED lighting device (first identification information) and an area image; FIG. 10 is a plan view of the lighting control device used for explaining the drag operation executed when associating the LED lighting device (first identification information) and the symbolic image; FIG. 4 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of a lighting control device included in a first modification of the LED lighting system. FIG. 11 is a perspective view conceptually showing a gateway included in a second modification of the LED lighting system. 9 is a flow chart showing the control executed by the first control unit of the lighting control device and the operation performed by the user regarding the second modified example of the LED lighting system. It is a top view of the lighting control apparatus with which the 2nd identification information is displayed on the touch panel. 1 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of a demand control system including an LED lighting system; FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of a demand control system of a first modified example of the demand control system; FIG. 9 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of a demand control system of a second modification of the demand control system; FIG. 11 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of a demand control system of a third modified example of the demand control system;

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

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

The control unit then executes 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 control (iii), when the first identification information displayed on the display unit is dragged to a position overlapping the symbolic image by an operation from the input unit, the control unit changes the dragged first identification information to its first identification information. 1 identification information is stored in the storage unit in association with the superimposed symbolic image, whereby the lighting device having the first identification information and the symbolic image are associated with each other. In control (iv), the control unit associates with the symbolic image and causes the storage unit to store lighting control information regarding control of the lighting device associated with the symbolic image in control (iii). In control (v), the control unit generates a control signal based on the first identification information and the lighting control information associated with the symbolic image, and transmits the generated control signal to the symbolic image through the transmission unit. sent to the lighting device.

According to the lighting control device described above, at least one piece of first identification information is associated with the lighting control information through the symbolic 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 association mode includes a mode in which lighting control information is associated with each lighting device, a mode in which lighting control information is associated with a group of lighting devices, and a mode in which these are combined. As described above, according to the lighting control device, it is possible to individually control a plurality of lighting devices and collectively manage the control of the lighting devices by one lighting control device. In addition, in the lighting control device, it is easy to change the settings related to the lighting control, such as changing the symbolic image (for example, changing the area where the same lighting control is desired). Furthermore, since a plurality of lighting devices are controlled by wireless communication, the circuit (wiring) constructed in a wired system becomes unnecessary.

Preferably, the symbolic image is an image that symbolizes that the symbolic image corresponds to at least one lighting device arranged at a position overlapping with the symbolic image on the lighting arrangement image showing the arrangement of the plurality of lighting devices. , Prior to control (i), the control unit further executes control (vi) for displaying the lighting image on the display unit. Then, in control (i), the control unit causes the display unit to display the symbolic image superimposed on the light distribution image.

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

According to such a configuration, the user can turn on the lighting device by operating the first switch from the input section 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 in association with the operated first switch to the symbolic image to be associated based on the confirmed actual position. When such a user's drag operation is performed, the control unit executes control (iii). Thus, the first identification information is accurately associated with the symbolic image.

In the lighting control device described above, the symbolic image may be an area image representing an area of the lighting device in which the same lighting control is performed. In this case, in control (iii), the control unit causes the storage unit to store the first identification information of all lighting devices in the area represented by the area image in association with the area image. Also, in control (v), the control unit transmits control signals through the transmission unit to all lighting devices within 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 the desired area is performed 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 section that receives an information signal including the first identification information, which is a signal transmitted from the lighting device during wireless communication. Then, in 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 ( A registered trademark) is provided, and the storage unit stores a table representing the correspondence relationship 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.

According to such a configuration, even if a lighting system including a lighting control device having this configuration and a plurality of lighting devices is employed in, for example, each of a plurality of adjacent stores, each of the lighting control devices Only the first identification information possessed by the lighting devices that form the same lighting system together with this lighting control device is displayed on the display unit. Therefore, the problem that the system administrator who is the user acquires the first identification information from a lighting system different from the lighting system owned by the user, and associates the first identification information with the symbolic image by mistake is caused by the problem described above. A specific configuration prevents this.

A lighting system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of lighting devices and the lighting control device that controls these 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, which communicate wirelessly with the lighting device and the lighting control device, and are wired to each other. ing. The lighting control device then communicates with the lighting device via at least one communication repeater. In such a configuration, the communication repeaters have a second identification to enable their identification, and the controller of the lighting control device further performs control (vii) before control (ii). is preferred. Specifically, in control (vii), the control unit acquires the second identification information of the communication repeater existing within a range where wireless communication with the lighting control device is possible, and displays the acquired second identification information. displayed in the department. Then, in control (ii), the control unit transmits the communication relay through the communication relay corresponding to the second identification information selected by the operation from the input unit from among the second identification information displayed on the display unit. acquires the first identification information possessed by the lighting device capable of direct wireless communication with the lighting device, and displays the acquired first identification information on the display unit.

According to such a configuration, only the first identification information of lighting devices existing within a 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 symbolic image by a drag operation.

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

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 selects the communication repeater and associates the first identification information with the symbolic image while changing the communication repeater to be selected. It is possible to easily associate the first identification information with the symbolic image.

In another preferred 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 human sensor provided integrally with or separately from the illuminance sensor. Prepare more. Then, in control (v), the control unit generates a control signal based on 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, details of embodiments 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.

A network 3 has a plurality of gateways GW that are wire-connected to each other through a hub (HUB). Each gateway GW communicates information with the LED lighting device 2 and the lighting control device 1 by wireless communication. The lighting control device 1 communicates with the LED lighting device 2 via at least one gateway GW in the network 3 . The gateway GW has a communication repeater that converts communication protocols, and a controller that controls lighting of the LED lighting device 2 according to control signals output from the lighting control device 1 .

According to the LED lighting system of this 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, it is possible to reliably perform wireless communication between the lighting control device 1 and the LED lighting devices 2 .

Furthermore, in the LED lighting system of this embodiment, a plurality of gateways GW are wired. Therefore, even when a plurality of LED lighting devices 2 are installed over a plurality of rooms or floors, lighting control of all the LED lighting devices 2 can be performed by installing a gateway GW in each room or floor. , can be collectively managed by a single lighting control device 1 .

The sensor 4 is integrally formed with an illuminance sensor and a motion sensor, and is provided in the space where the plurality of LED lighting devices 2 are arranged. The sensor 4 communicates information with the gateway GW by wireless communication. The lighting control device 1 then acquires the detection signal output from the sensor 4 via the network 3 . A lighting sensor and a 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. As shown in FIG. 2, the lighting control device 1 has a first transmitter 11, a first receiver 12, a first controller 13, a display 14, an input unit 15, and a storage unit 16. is doing. In this embodiment, the display unit 14 and the input unit 15 are a touch panel 18 in which these are integrally formed.

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

FIG. 3 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of each of the LED lighting devices 2. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3 , the LED lighting device 2 has a second transmitter 21 , a second receiver 22 , a second controller 23 and an LED 24 . Also, the LED lighting device 2 has first identification information I _LED that enables identification from other LED lighting devices 2 .

The second transmitter 21 transmits the signal generated by the second controller 23 to the lighting control device 1 through the network 3 . The signal generated by the second control unit 23 includes an information signal having the first identification information _{I_LED} . In this embodiment, the second transmitter 21 and the second receiver 22 are integrally formed wireless modules, and the first identification information I _LED indicates that the wireless module is connected to another LED lighting device 2 . It is for identifying the wireless module provided in the . Transmission of the signal from the second transmission unit 21 is executed according to a command from the lighting control device 1, for example.

The second receiver 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 this control signal. The second control unit 23 performs illumination control (turning on, turning off, 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 performed by the first control unit 13 of the lighting control device 1 and the operation performed by the user. First, in step S20, the user 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 screens related to this preparation are displayed.

In step S20, the user first reads the light distribution image P showing the arrangement of the plurality of LED lighting devices 2 into the hard disk of the PC, and displays the read light distribution image P on the PC monitor 6 (see FIG. 5). In FIG. 5, the arrangement of the LED lighting device 2 is indicated by a plurality of circles. Note that the light distribution image P may include images related to the interior, facilities, and the like. Also, the lighting 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, which is necessary for generating the light distribution image P, into the hard disk of the PC. In this case, the user causes the PC to read out the arrangement information from the hard disk and to generate the light distribution image P based on the arrangement information.

On the screen displaying the light arrangement image P, the user creates or places a symbolic image on the light arrangement image P displayed on the PC monitor 6 by operating the mouse or the like (step S20). Here, the symbolic image is an image to be associated with the LED lighting device 2 having the first identification information I _LED by being associated with at least one first identification information I _LED . In the present embodiment, the symbolic image is displayed on the PC monitor 6 or the illumination control device 1 so as to overlap the light distribution image P, so that at least one LED is arranged on the light distribution image P at a position overlapping the symbolic image. A user can be made to recognize that it corresponds to the illuminating device 2. FIG. 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. Note that the symbolic image may be created without displaying the light distribution image P as something like a box associated with at least one first identification information I _LED .

The symbolic image represents an area of the LED lighting devices 2 in 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 that area (see FIG. 7). ) is included. This image is hereinafter referred to as an "area image". Furthermore, the symbolic image includes an image (see FIG. 12) that will be associated with only one LED lighting device 2 . Hereinafter, the term "symbolic image" will be used for this image unless otherwise specified.

As shown in FIG. 5, on the screen displaying the lighting image P, in addition to the lighting image P, buttons B1 to B7 and EG1 to EG10 are displayed. The button B1 is a button for displaying on the PC monitor 6 a layout operation screen (see FIG. 9) for the user to perform a layout operation of symbolic images. 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 redisplaying on the PC monitor 6 the screen before moving to the screen displayed on the PC monitor 6 . The 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), buttons B3 to B5 are buttons selected when the user creates an area image. Here, button B3 is selected when creating a rectangular area image (see FIG. 6). Specifically, the user designates two different positions on the screen displayed on the PC monitor 6 after selecting the button B3 by operating the mouse or the like. As a result, a rectangular area image whose diagonal is a straight line connecting the two positions is created. The button B4 is selected when creating a straight portion of the outer edge of an area image having various shapes other than rectangles. Specifically, the user selects the button B4 by operating the mouse or the like, and then designates a plurality of positions on the screen displayed on the PC monitor 6. FIG. As a result, a line image is created in which the plurality of positions are connected in the specified order. The button B5 is selected when creating an arcuate curved portion of the outer edge of the area image. Specifically, the user selects the button B5 by operating the mouse or the like, and then designates one position on the screen displayed on the PC monitor 6. FIG. Next, after specifying 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 creation operation described above 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 P AREA (1) to P AREA (4) are created on all the LED lighting devices 2 shown in the light distribution image P. A 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, only some of the LED lighting devices 2 to be controlled by the lighting control device 1 may correspond to the area image. Alternatively, some LED lighting devices 2 to be controlled by the lighting control device 1 may be associated with area images, and the rest of the LED lighting devices 2 may be associated with symbolic images by an arrangement operation described later.

The area image creation operation is not limited to the operation described above. 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 displays the selected figures. may be combined to create one area image. Further, the operation of creating an area image is not limited to the PC, and may be performed by the lighting control device 1 .

In the screen shown in FIG. 5, when the button B1 is selected by the user's operation of the mouse or the like, a screen for arranging the symbolic image is displayed (see FIG. 9). At this time, buttons B11 to B14 are displayed on the PC monitor 6 instead of the buttons B3 to B5. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, the PC monitor 6 displays the light distribution image P and the buttons B1, B2, B11 to B14, B6, and B7.

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

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

The button B12 is selected when arranging a plurality of symbolic images of the same type in a line. Specifically, the user designates two positions on the screen displayed on the PC monitor 6 after selecting the button B12 by operating the mouse or the like. When the designation of the two positions is completed, a selection screen for selecting the type of symbolic image is displayed on the PC monitor 6 (see FIG. 10). Then, the user selects the type of symbolic image on the selection screen by operating the mouse or the like. When the selection of the symbolic image type is completed, an input screen for inputting the number of symbolic images to be arranged is displayed on the PC monitor 6 (see FIG. 11). Then, the user inputs numerical values on the input screen by operating a mouse, keyboard, or the like. 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 symbolic images of the same type in a matrix. Specifically, when the user selects the button B13 by operating the mouse or the like, the buttons B3 to B5 are displayed on the PC monitor 6 instead of the buttons B11 to B14 (see FIG. 10). After selecting the button B3 by operating the mouse or the like, the user designates two different positions on the screen displayed on the PC monitor 6 as shown in FIG. As a result, a rectangular region R having a diagonal line connecting the two positions is designated. When the designation of the two positions is completed, a selection screen for selecting the type of symbolic image is displayed on the PC monitor 6 (see FIG. 10). Then, the user selects the type of symbolic image on the selection screen by operating the mouse or the like. When the selection of the type of symbolic image is completed, an input screen for inputting the number of symbolic images to be arranged (the number of rows and the number of columns) is displayed on the PC monitor 6 (see FIG. 11). Then, the user inputs numerical values on the input screen by operating a mouse, keyboard, or the like. As a result, the input number of symbolic images are arranged in a matrix on the specified rectangular area (see FIG. 12).

The user can arrange the symbolic image on the light distribution image P by performing the above-described arrangement operation on the arrangement operation screen. FIG. 12 shows a case where nine symbolic images P _SMBL of the same type are arranged on the light distribution image P. As shown in FIG. By repeatedly performing such an arrangement operation, all the LED lighting devices 2 shown in the light distribution image P can be associated with symbolic images. Of the LED lighting devices 2 shown in the light distribution image P, only some of the LED lighting devices 2 to be controlled by the lighting control device 1 may correspond to the symbolic image. Alternatively, some LED lighting devices 2 to be controlled by the lighting control device 1 may be associated with symbolic images, and the rest of the LED lighting devices 2 may be associated with area images by the above-described creation operation. Furthermore, the symbolic image may be placed within the area represented by the area image. Also, the operation of arranging the symbolic image is not limited to the PC, and may be performed by the lighting control device 1 .

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

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

When the advance preparation is completed, in step S21, the user transmits 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 to, for example, a network 3 to the lighting control device 1 .

Accordingly, in step S11, the first control unit 13 of the lighting control device 1 transmits the light distribution image P, the area images P _AREA (1) to P _AREA (4), and the symbol image P _SMBL through the first reception unit 12. are read, and these images are stored in the storage unit 16 .

Next, in step S<b>12 , the first control unit 13 reads the lighting arrangement image P from the storage unit 16 and displays the read lighting arrangement 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. to display on the touch panel 18. 13 is a plan view of the lighting control device 1 in which only the area images P _AREA (1) to P _AREA (4) of the area images and the symbolic images are displayed on the touch panel 18. 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 symbolic image P _SMBL are displayed on the touch panel 18. FIG. In step S12, the first control unit 13 displays at least one of the area images P _AREA (1) to P _AREA (4) and the symbolic image P _SMBL on the touch panel 18 without displaying the light arrangement image P. may be displayed only. Also, if the symbolic image is like a box with which at least one first identification information I _LED is associated, only that 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 , thereby transmitting the first identification information from the plurality of LED lighting devices 2 through the network 3. Acquire the identification information I _LED . 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, for each of the acquired first identification information I _LED , the first control unit 13 generates 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 causes the touch panel 18 to display the generated first switch S1 in association with the first identification information I _LED . In this embodiment, the first switch S1 is displayed superimposed on the first identification information I _LED . The first switch S1 may selectively generate a lighting signal and a lighting-out signal. Also, the first switch S1 may be stored in the storage unit 16, and the first control unit 13 reads out the first switch S1 corresponding to each of the acquired first identification information I _LED from the storage unit 16 and , the read first switch S<b>1 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 image P _SMBL displayed on the touch panel 18 (step S22). Specifically, the user turns on the LED lighting device 2 by operating the first switch S1 on the touch panel 18 on the screen on which the first identification information I _LED and the first switch S1 are displayed. In this manner, the user confirms the actual position of the LED lighting device 2 corresponding to the operated first switch S1. After that, the user moves the first identification information I _LED displayed over the operated first switch S1 to the area displayed at the corresponding position on the light distribution image P based on the confirmed actual position. Drag to a position overlapping the images P _AREA (1) to P _AREA (4) or the symbolic image P _SMBL .

When the above-described user's drag operation is performed, in step S14, the first control unit 13 converts the dragged first identification information I _LED into an area image or a symbolic image on which the first identification information I _LED is superimposed. 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), the area image P _AREA ( 1) is stored in the storage unit 16 in association _{with the area image P AREA (} 1).

As shown in FIG. 14, in the case where the symbolic image P _SMBL is arranged in the area represented by the area image P _AREA (1), the first identification information I _LED overlaps the symbolic image P _SMBL . , the first control unit 13 may cause the storage unit 16 to store the dragged first identification information I _LED in association with only the symbolic image P _SMBL , or the area image P _AREA (1) and the symbolic image P _SMBL may be stored in the storage unit 16 .

According to the user's drag operation (step S22) based on such position confirmation of the LED lighting device 2 and the control of the first control unit 13 (step S14), the first identification information I _LED is the area image P _AREA . (1) to P _AREA (4) or correctly related to the symbolic image P _SMBL .

Next, in step S<b>15 , the first control unit 13 causes the storage unit 16 to store lighting control information regarding control of the plurality of LED lighting devices 2 corresponding to the area image in association with the area image. In addition, the first control unit 13 causes the storage unit 16 to store lighting control information regarding control of one LED lighting device 2 corresponding to the symbolic image in association with the symbolic image. The lighting control information is input by the user's operation of 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 user's operation in steps S21 to S23, the same lighting can be performed for all the LED lighting devices 2 within the desired area by a simple operation of the touch panel 18. Settings for performing control and settings for performing illumination control individually for the LED lighting devices 2 are performed.

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

Also, the first control unit 13 generates a control signal based on the first identification information _{I_LED} associated with the symbolic image and the illumination control information. The first control unit 13 then transmits the generated control signal to the LED lighting device 2 corresponding to the symbolic image through the first transmission unit 11 . Thereby, illumination control is individually performed with respect to 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 lighting control information.

According to the lighting control device 1 of the present embodiment, at least one first identification information I _LED can be displayed in the area images P _AREA (1) to P _AREA with respect to the lighting control information by a simple operation of the touch panel 18 by the user. (4) or associated via a symbolic image P _SMBL . Therefore, it becomes possible to control a plurality of LED lighting devices 2 in a desired related manner with the lighting control information. Here, the desired association mode includes a mode in which lighting control information is associated with each LED lighting device 2, a mode in which lighting control information is associated with a group of LED lighting devices 2, and a mode in which these are combined. be 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 the control thereof by one lighting control device 1. . In addition, in the lighting control device 1 of the present embodiment, it is easy to change settings related to lighting control, such as changing area images and symbolic images. Furthermore, since the plurality of LED lighting devices 2 are controlled by wireless communication, the circuit (wiring) constructed in a wired system becomes unnecessary.

By utilizing the fact that the lighting control device 1 can collectively manage the LED lighting devices 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 lighting control device 1 collectively manages the timers respectively provided in the LED lighting devices 2 . Note that the timer is usually provided in the wireless module.

In the case of a lighting device such as a fluorescent lamp, the user can recognize the end of the life of the lighting device by not being able to turn on the lighting device. However, the LED lighting device 2 can be used semipermanently, and its function gradually deteriorates. For this reason, it is difficult for the user to recognize the lifespan (state of insufficient illuminance).

Therefore, by utilizing the fact that the LED lighting device 2 can be collectively managed by the lighting control device 1, when the LED lighting device 2 reaches the end of its life (state of lack of illuminance), the life of the LED lighting device 2 is reduced, for example, by the lighting control device 1 may be displayed on the touch panel 18. Thereby, the user can recognize the life of the LED lighting device 2 .

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

[3-1] First Modification In the first modification of the LED lighting system, in addition to the configuration of the above embodiment, each of the LED lighting devices 2 is provided with the first identification information I QR code (registered trademark) corresponding to the _LED ) is provided, and the storage unit 16 stores a table showing the correspondence relationship 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 which is a QR code (registered trademark) reader for reading a QR code (registered trademark).

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

According to the first modified example of the LED lighting system, even if this LED lighting system is adopted in each of a plurality of adjacent stores, for example, the touch panel 18 of each lighting control device 1 has the lighting control device 1 Only the first identification information I _LED possessed by the LED lighting device 2 constituting the same LED lighting system is displayed. Therefore, a system administrator who is a user acquires the first identification information I _LED from an LED lighting system different from the LED lighting system owned by himself/herself, and erroneously uses the first identification information I _LED as an area image or a symbolic image. According to the first modified example of the LED lighting system, the problem of associating with the LED lighting system is prevented.

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

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

At this time, the first control unit 13 generates a lighting signal for lighting the light-emitting unit 5 of the gateway _GW having the second identification information IGW for each acquired second identification information _IGW . Create a switch S2. Then, the first control unit 13 causes the touch panel 18 to display the generated second switch S2 in association with the second identification information _IGW . In this embodiment, the second switch S2 is displayed superimposed on the second identification information _IGW . The second switch S2 may selectively generate a lighting signal and a lighting-out 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 obtained second identification information _IGW from the storage unit 16 and , the read second switch S2 may be displayed on the touch panel 18 .

Next, the user selects a gateway GW (step S24). Specifically, on the screen on which the second identification information _IGW and the second switch S2 are displayed, the user operates the second switch S2 on the touch panel 18 to light the light emitting section 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 within a range where wireless communication with the lighting control device 1 is possible.

When the gateway GW is selected, in step S13, the first control unit 13 receives the first identification information I of the LED lighting device 2 capable of direct wireless communication with this 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 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 within a range where direct wireless communication with the selected gateway GW is possible is displayed on the touch panel 18. be. Therefore, it becomes easy to associate the first identification information I _LED with the area image or the symbolic image by the drag operation.

Also, the user can confirm the actual position of the gateway GW by turning on the gateway GW by operating the second switch S2. Therefore, the user repeatedly selects the gateway GW (step S24) and associates the first identification information I _LED with the area image or the symbolic image (step S22) while changing the selected gateway GW. , 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 symbolic image.

[4] Demand Control for LED Lighting System Next, demand control will be described. Here, demand control refers to monitoring the total amount of power used in offices, stores, etc., and controlling the amount of power consumed by loads (lighting equipment, air conditioners, etc.) so that the total power does not exceed a predetermined threshold It is to control the amount of power (hereinafter referred to as "power consumption"). In addition, in this embodiment, a demand control system for realizing demand control is constructed. In this demand control system, the total power consumption is monitored, and the power consumption of loads included in LED lighting systems, air conditioning systems, etc. is controlled so that the total power consumption does not exceed a predetermined threshold. Below, the case where demand control is mainly performed with respect to an LED lighting system is demonstrated.

[4-1] Demand Control System FIG. 19 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of 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 a 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 the LED lighting device 2 and the sensor 4 included in the LED lighting system. Note that the power line 70 may be connected to other loads such as an air conditioner included in an air conditioning system.

A power meter 71 measures the total amount of power used. The power meter 71 is connected to a demand control device 72 , and the demand control device 72 determines whether or not to execute demand control based on the measurement result (total power amount) by the power meter 71 . Specifically, the demand control device 72 determines whether or not the measured total amount of electric power exceeds a preset predetermined threshold. When it is determined that the total electric energy exceeds the predetermined threshold, the demand control device 72 outputs a demand control signal for executing demand control. In this embodiment, the demand control signal is a contact signal output using a real 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 power consumption does not exceed the predetermined threshold, the demand control device 72 waits without outputting the demand control signal.

The demand control device 72 is connected via a contact converter 73 to the network 3 that constitutes the LED lighting system. FIG. 19 particularly shows a form in which the demand control device 72 is connected to a hub (HUB). A 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 a hub (HUB). Alternatively, the digital signal is sent to the LED lighting device 2 through network 3 .

The controller possessed by each gateway GW or the second control unit 23 possessed by each of the LED lighting devices 2 receives information on illumination control to be performed on the LEDs 24 of the LED lighting device 2 when they receive the digital signal. is preset. Specifically, information for the purpose of reducing power consumption in the LED lighting device 2 is adopted as the information regarding the lighting control at this time. An example of lighting control is control to uniformly reduce the illuminance of all the LED lighting devices 2 to a preset predetermined illuminance. Another example of lighting control is control to reduce the illuminance of the LED lighting device 2 to a preset predetermined illuminance for each region.

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 their control. The point is that demand control is performed on the system. That is, the control (illumination control) of the LED lighting device 2 executed during demand control can be individually set under collective management by the lighting control device 1, a PC, or the like. The demand control signal to be transmitted does not need to include information about lighting control, 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 of Demand Control System FIG. 20 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of the demand control system of the first modification of the demand control system. As shown in FIG. 20 , any one of the plurality of gateways GW that constitute 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 of the second modification of the demand control system. As shown in FIG. 21 , a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) converter 74 may be provided instead 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 to execute demand control based on the measurement result (total electric energy) of the power meter 71, it outputs a PWM signal as a demand control signal for executing the demand control. A 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 a hub (HUB). Alternatively, the digital signal is sent to the LED lighting device 2 through network 3 . Then, the second control unit 23 of the LED lighting device 2, 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 this digital signal, Illumination control (lighting, extinguishing, dimming, etc.) of the LED 24 is performed. In this case, information about lighting control during demand control is set on the demand control device 72 side. The demand control system is not limited to the configuration in which 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 employed.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of the demand control system of the third modification of the demand control system. As shown in FIG. 22 , any one of the plurality of gateways GW that make up the network 3 may be configured integrally 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 are possible within the technical scope described in the claims. For example, the configuration of each part of the LED lighting system described above can be applied to a lighting system including various lighting devices that are not limited to LED lighting devices.

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

1 lighting control device 11 first transmission unit 12 first reception unit 13 first control unit 14 display unit 15 input unit 16 storage unit 17 reading unit 18 touch panel 2 LED lighting device 21 second transmission unit 22 second reception unit 23 second Control unit 24 LED
3 Network 4 Sensor 5 Light emitting unit 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 images B1 to B7, B11 to B14 Buttons EG1 to EG10 Button R Area S1 First switch S2 Second switch

Claims (4)

A lighting system,
A plurality of LED lighting devices, a portable lighting control device having a touch panel, and a gateway including a controller that performs lighting control of the LED lighting device according to a control signal output from the lighting control device ,
the plurality of LED lighting devices in direct wireless communication with the gateway;
The user inputs a command by operating the touch panel,
The lighting control device outputs a control signal corresponding to the command to the gateway through direct wireless communication,
Information about lighting control can be set in advance in the controller,
The gateway performs lighting control of the plurality of LED lighting devices by direct wireless communication according to the information about the lighting control according to the control signal received from the lighting control device by the controller. A lighting system,
comprising a plurality of LED lighting devices, a lighting control device, and a plurality of gateways;
The plurality of gateways are wired to each other,
In the lighting control device, the user can cause the light emitting unit of the gateway to be selected to emit light,
The lighting control device outputs a control signal to the selected gateway by wireless communication,
The lighting system, wherein the control signal is relayed from the selected gateway to another gateway and transmitted from the lighting control device to the plurality of LED lighting devices. Each of the plurality of LED lighting devices includes a wireless module for direct wireless communication with the gateway.
3. A lighting system according to claim 1 or 2 . 4. The lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the gateway performs communication protocol conversion.

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