JP7190260B2 - Lighting control device and lighting system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to control units, lighting control devices and lighting systems.

The dimming system described in Patent Literature 1 includes a plurality of dimming devices and a plurality of interlocking selectors. A plurality of dimmers are connected in series. One interlocking selector is arranged between the dimming devices. Each interlock selector relays a scene reproduction signal to interlock a plurality of dimmers.

JP 2005-174881 A

However, in the dimming system described in Patent Document 1, since a plurality of dimming devices (plurality of lighting control units) are connected in series, the operation of each interlocking selector and each dimming device at the time of interlocking Complex.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a control unit, a lighting control device, and a lighting system that can interlock a plurality of lighting control units through simple control.

A lighting control device disclosed in the present application includes a lighting control unit and a control unit. Each of the lighting control units is capable of controlling a lighting fixture. A control unit is connectable to the plurality of lighting control units. The control unit includes a first communication section, a first control section, and a storage section . The plurality of lighting control units are connected in parallel to the first communication section. The first controller controls the plurality of lighting control units. The first communication unit receives setting information set for the lighting control unit from each of the plurality of lighting control units. The setting information indicates a lighting state, which is the state of the lighting fixture. The first control unit controls the plurality of lighting control units via the first communication unit so that the plurality of lighting control units are interlocked based on the setting information received by the first communication unit. do. The lighting control unit includes operation means, a second control section, and a second communication section. The operating means is operated by a user. The second control unit changes the setting information set for the lighting control unit based on the operation information of the operation means in response to the operation of the operation means. The second communication unit transmits the changed setting information to the control unit. When the storage unit stores interlocking effective data indicating interlocking of the plurality of lighting control units based on an instruction signal from an external device, the first control unit of the control unit stores the changed Based on the setting information, the plurality of lighting control units are controlled via the first communication section such that the plurality of lighting control units are interlocked. When the first communication unit receives the changed setting information and the storage unit stores interlocking invalid data indicating that the plurality of lighting control units are not to be interlocked based on the instruction signal , the first control unit does not interlock the plurality of lighting control units. The setting information includes at least operation type data and illumination state data. The operation type data indicates an operation type when the operation means of the lighting control unit is operated. The operation type is an on/off operation, a dimming operation, or a toning operation. The lighting state data indicates the lighting state. The contents of the illumination state data differ according to the operation type indicated by the operation type data. When the operation type data indicates the ON/OFF operation, the lighting state indicated by the lighting state data indicates either a lighting state or a lighting-out state. When the operation type data indicates the dimming operation, the lighting state indicated by the lighting state data indicates the amount of light of the lighting fixture. When the operation type data indicates the toning operation, the lighting state indicated by the lighting state data indicates the light color of the lighting fixture. When the storage unit stores the interlocking effective data, and the operation type data of the setting information after the change indicates the light adjustment operation or the color adjustment operation, the first control unit of the plurality of lighting control units, two or more lighting control units having a dimming function or a toning function are interlocked, and a lighting control unit having only an on/off function is not interlocked. When the storage unit stores the interlock effective data, and the operation type data of the changed setting information indicates the on/off operation, the first control unit performs the on/off function. interlock all the lighting control units that it has.

In the lighting control device disclosed in the present application, it is preferable that, of the functions possessed by each of the plurality of lighting control units, functions commonly possessed by the plurality of lighting control units are interlocked.

In the lighting control device disclosed in the present application, it is preferable that at least two lighting control units out of the plurality of lighting control units are capable of controlling at least one of light intensity and light color of lighting fixtures. . It is preferable that the lighting state indicated by the setting information indicates at least one of a light amount and a light color of a lighting fixture. In any one of the at least two lighting control units, the second control unit updates the setting information set for the lighting control unit in response to the operation of the operation means. Preferably, the setting information is changed based on the operation information of the operation means, and the second communication section transmits the changed setting information to the control unit. When the storage section stores the interlock effective data, the first control section of the control unit changes the lighting control signal based on the changed setting information to one of the at least two lighting control units. It is preferable to control the first communication unit so as to transmit the setting information later to another lighting control unit different from the lighting control unit that transmitted the setting information. Preferably, the lighting control signal indicates to control the lighting fixture so as to achieve the same lighting state as the lighting state indicated by the changed setting information.

In the lighting control device disclosed in the present application, it is preferable that the plurality of lighting control units include unconnected lighting control units to which lighting fixtures are not connected. Preferably, the first communication unit receives the setting information set for the unconnected lighting control unit from the unconnected lighting control unit. It is preferable that the first control section controls the plurality of lighting control units so that the plurality of lighting control units are linked based on the setting information received by the first communication section.
In the lighting control device disclosed in the present application, it is preferable that the control unit further includes a receiver. Preferably , the receiving section receives the instruction signal from the external device. Preferably, the instruction signal indicates to instruct the first control section whether or not to interlock the plurality of lighting control units. Preferably, the instruction signal includes the interlock valid data or the interlock invalid data.
In the lighting control device disclosed in the present application, it is preferable that the control unit further includes a receiver. It is preferable that the receiving unit receives a first control signal indicating control information of the lighting fixture from the external device. Preferably, the first control section converts the first control signal into a second control signal recognizable by the lighting control unit.

A lighting system disclosed herein comprises at least one lighting fixture, a plurality of lighting control units each capable of controlling a lighting fixture, and a control unit connectable to the plurality of lighting control units. The at least one lighting fixture is connected to at least one lighting control unit among the plurality of lighting control units. The control unit includes a first communication section, a first control section, and a storage section . The plurality of lighting control units are connected in parallel to the first communication section. The first controller controls the plurality of lighting control units. The first communication unit receives setting information set for the lighting control unit from each of the plurality of lighting control units. The setting information indicates a lighting state, which is the state of the lighting fixture. The first control unit controls the plurality of lighting control units via the first communication unit so that the plurality of lighting control units are interlocked based on the setting information received by the first communication unit. do. The lighting control unit includes operation means, a second control section, and a second communication section. The operating means is operated by a user. The second control unit changes the setting information set for the lighting control unit based on the operation information of the operation means in response to the operation of the operation means. The second communication unit transmits the changed setting information to the control unit. When the storage unit stores interlocking effective data indicating interlocking of the plurality of lighting control units based on an instruction signal from an external device, the first control unit of the control unit stores the changed Based on the setting information, the plurality of lighting control units are controlled via the first communication section such that the plurality of lighting control units are interlocked. When the first communication unit receives the changed setting information and the storage unit stores interlocking invalid data indicating that the plurality of lighting control units are not to be interlocked based on the instruction signal , the first control unit does not interlock the plurality of lighting control units. The setting information includes at least operation type data and illumination state data. The operation type data indicates an operation type when the operation means of the lighting control unit is operated. The operation type is an on/off operation, a dimming operation, or a toning operation. The lighting state data indicates the lighting state. The contents of the illumination state data differ according to the operation type indicated by the operation type data. When the operation type data indicates the ON/OFF operation, the lighting state indicated by the lighting state data indicates either a lighting state or a lighting-out state. When the operation type data indicates the dimming operation, the lighting state indicated by the lighting state data indicates the amount of light of the lighting fixture. When the operation type data indicates the toning operation, the lighting state indicated by the lighting state data indicates the light color of the lighting fixture. When the storage unit stores the interlocking effective data, and the operation type data of the setting information after the change indicates the light adjustment operation or the color adjustment operation, the first control unit interlocks two or more lighting control units having a dimming function or a toning function among the plurality of lighting control units based on the changed setting information, and the lighting control unit having only an on/off function is Do not link. When the storage unit stores the interlock effective data, and the operation type data of the changed setting information indicates the on/off operation, the first control unit performs the on/off function. interlock all the lighting control units that it has.

According to the present invention, a plurality of lighting control units can be interlocked by simple control.

1 illustrates a lighting system according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing contents of setting information set for a lighting control unit of the lighting system according to the present embodiment; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing contents of a lighting control signal transmitted to a lighting control unit of the lighting system according to the present embodiment; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing contents of an instruction signal transmitted to a control unit of the lighting system according to the embodiment; 4 is a flow chart showing processing of the control unit of the lighting system according to the embodiment;

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

A lighting system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a lighting system 100 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1 , the lighting system 100 comprises a lighting controller 50 and at least one lighting fixture 6 . In this embodiment, the lighting system 100 comprises multiple lighting fixtures 6 . A lighting control device 50 controls a plurality of lighting fixtures 6 . Specifically, the lighting control device 50 includes a control unit 2 and a plurality of lighting control units 4 .

The control unit 2 is connectable to multiple lighting control units 4 . Accordingly, the control unit 2 is connected to a plurality of lighting control units 4 to control the plurality of lighting control units 4 .

Each of the plurality of lighting control units 4 can control lighting fixtures 6 . At least one lighting fixture 6 is connected to at least one lighting control unit 4 of the plurality of lighting control units 4 .

Specifically, one or more lighting fixtures 6 are connected to each of one or more lighting control units 4 among the plurality of lighting control units 4 . The lighting control unit 4 then controls one or more lighting fixtures 6 connected to the lighting control unit 4 under the control of the control unit 2 .

Moreover, the lighting fixture 6 is not connected to each of the other one or more lighting control units 4 among the plurality of lighting control units 4 . That is, the plurality of lighting control units 4 includes unconnected lighting control units 4 to which lighting fixtures 6 are not connected. A single or a plurality of lighting fixtures 6 may be connected to each of all the lighting control units 4 .

Furthermore, each of the plurality of lighting control units 4 is individually connected to a power supply line and supplied with a power supply voltage. Each of the plurality of lighting control units 4 is, for example, a light controller operated by a user.

Each lighting fixture 6 emits light under the control of a lighting control unit 4 to which the lighting fixture 6 is connected. Each of the lighting fixtures 6 includes a light source. The light source includes, for example, one or more Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs).

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the control unit 2 and the lighting control unit 4 will be described in detail. The control unit 2 includes a first communication section 20 , a first control section 21 , a first storage section 22 and a transmission/reception section 23 . The 1st communication part 20 is equivalent to an example of a "communication part." The first controller 21 corresponds to an example of a "controller". The transmitting/receiving section 23 corresponds to an example of a "receiving section".

A plurality of lighting control units 4 are connected in parallel to the first communication section 20 . The first communication section 20 then communicates with each of the plurality of lighting control units 4 . In this embodiment, the first communication unit 20 is a communication device, and serially communicates with each of the plurality of lighting control units 4 . The first communication unit 20 receives setting information set for the lighting control unit 4 (hereinafter referred to as “setting information 210”) from each of the plurality of lighting control units 4 .

Specifically, the first communication unit 20 receives setting information 210 set for the lighting control unit 4 from the lighting control unit 4 to which the lighting fixture 6 is connected. The first communication unit 20 also receives setting information 210 set for the unconnected lighting control unit 4 from the unconnected lighting control unit 4 to which the lighting fixture 6 is not connected. The setting information 210 indicates the lighting state, which is the state of the lighting device 6 .

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the contents of the setting information 210. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2 , the setting information 210 includes at least operation type data 211 and illumination state data 212 . The operation type data 211 indicates the operation type when the lighting control unit 4 is operated. The operation type is "on/off operation", "light adjustment operation", or "color adjustment operation". The “on/off operation” is an operation for switching the lighting device 6 between a lighting state and a lighting-out state. “Dimming operation” is an operation for changing the amount of light of the lighting device 6 . “Toning operation” is an operation for changing the light color of the lighting device 6 .

The lighting state data 212 indicates the lighting state of the lighting fixture 6 . The contents of the illumination state data 212 differ according to the operation type indicated by the operation type data 211 .

Specifically, when the operation type data 211 indicates an "on/off operation", the lighting state indicated by the lighting state data 212 indicates either a lighting state or a lighting-out state.

When the operation type data 211 indicates “dimming operation”, the lighting state indicated by the lighting state data 212 indicates the amount of light of the lighting device 6 . The lighting state data 212 may directly or indirectly indicate the amount of light of the lighting device 6 . In this embodiment, the lighting state data 212 indirectly indicates the light intensity of the lighting device 6 . For example, the amount of light is indicated by a numerical value between 0% and 100%. Note that, for example, the illumination state data 212 may indicate the amount of light in terms of a luminous flux value or an illuminance value.

When the operation type data 211 indicates “color toning operation”, the lighting state indicated by the lighting state data 212 indicates the light color of the lighting device 6 . The lighting state data 212 may directly or indirectly indicate the light color of the lighting device 6 . In this embodiment, the lighting state data 212 indirectly indicates the light color of the lighting device 6 . For example, the light color is indicated by a multi-level numerical value ranging from warm to cool. Note that, for example, the illumination state data 212 may indicate the light color by a color temperature value.

The first control section 21 of the control unit 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 1 again. The first control section 21 controls the multiple lighting control units 4 via the first communication section 20 . Specifically, the first control unit 21 controls each of the plurality of lighting control units 4 individually, or controls the plurality of lighting control units 4 so that the plurality of lighting control units 4 are interlocked.

First, the control for interlocking the plurality of lighting control units 4 will be described. Based on the setting information 210 received by the first communication unit 20, the first control unit 21 controls the plurality of lighting control units 4 via the first communication unit 20 so that the plurality of lighting control units 4 work together. do. Therefore, according to this embodiment, a plurality of lighting control units 4 can be interlocked by simple control.

That is, in this embodiment, a plurality of lighting control units 4 are connected in parallel to the first communication section 20 . Therefore, the control unit 2 can directly acquire the setting information 210 from each of the plurality of lighting control units 4 and can directly control the plurality of lighting control units 4 . As a result, a plurality of lighting control units 4 can be interlocked by simple control.

Specifically, when the setting information 210 of one of the plurality of lighting control units 4 is changed, the first control unit 21 controls lighting based on the setting information 210 after the change. It controls the first communication section 20 so as to transmit a control signal (hereinafter referred to as “illumination control signal 220 ”) to another illumination control unit 4 . Therefore, the first communication section 20 transmits the lighting control signal 220 to the other lighting control units 4 .

The lighting control signal 220 indicates to control the lighting device 6 so that the lighting state is the same as the lighting state indicated by the changed setting information 210 . Accordingly, the lighting control unit 4 that has received the lighting control signal 220 controls the lighting fixture 6 so that the lighting state is the same as the lighting state indicated by the changed setting information 210 . That is, according to the present embodiment, the lighting control unit 4 that receives the lighting control signal 220 interlocks with the lighting control unit 4 whose setting information 210 has been changed. As a result, the lighting fixtures 6 connected to the lighting control unit 4 that has received the lighting control signal 220 are in the same lighting state as indicated by the changed setting information 210 .

For example, the lighting fixtures 6 connected to the lighting control unit 4 that received the lighting control signal 220 are in the same state as the lighting fixtures 6 connected to the lighting control unit 4 whose setting information 210 has been changed.

In this embodiment, the first communication unit 20 also receives the setting information 210 from the unconnected lighting control unit 4 to which the lighting fixture 6 is not connected. Therefore, the user can operate the unconnected lighting control unit 4 to make the unconnected lighting control unit 4 interlock with the lighting control unit 4 connected to the lighting fixture 6 . As a result, even if the lighting fixtures 6 are not connected to the lighting control unit 4 whose setting information 210 has been changed, the lighting fixtures 6 connected to the lighting control unit 4 that has received the lighting control signal 220 will be able to use the settings after the change. The lighting state is the same as the lighting state indicated by the information 210 .

For example, a case where the lighting fixture 6 is installed above the stairs connecting the first and second floors of the building will be described. In this case, the lighting control unit 4 installed on the first floor is not connected to the lighting equipment 6 , and the lighting control unit 4 installed on the second floor is connected to the lighting equipment 6 . In this case, the user operates the lighting control unit 4 on the first floor to change the setting information 210, so that the first control unit 21 causes the lighting control unit 4 on the first floor to interlock with the lighting control unit 4 on the second floor. . As a result, the lighting fixture 6 installed above the stairs will be in the same lighting state as the setting information 210 after the change of the lighting control unit 4 on the first floor.

Next, the lighting control signal 220 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the contents of the illumination control signal 220. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, lighting control signal 220 includes at least command 221 and lighting state data 222 .

A command 221 is an instruction to the lighting control unit 4 . The command 221 is an "on/off command", a "light control command", or a "color control command". The “on/off command” indicates switching between lighting and extinguishing of the lighting device 6 . A “dimming command” indicates to change the amount of light of the lighting device 6 . “Toning command” indicates to change the light color of the lighting device 6 .

The lighting state data 222 indicates the lighting state of the lighting fixture 6 . The content of the illumination state data 222 differs according to the type of the command 221. FIG.

Specifically, when the command 221 indicates an "on/off command," the lighting state indicated by the lighting state data 222 indicates either a lighting state or a lighting-out state.

When the command 221 indicates an "on/off command" and the lighting state indicated by the lighting state data 222 indicates a lighting state, the lighting control signal 220 indicates switching of the lighting device 6 from the off state to the on state. On the other hand, when the command 221 indicates an "on/off command" and the lighting state indicated by the lighting state data 222 indicates the off state, the lighting control signal 220 indicates switching the lighting device 6 from the on state to the off state.

When the command 221 indicates a “light control command”, the lighting state indicated by the lighting state data 222 indicates the amount of light of the lighting device 6 . The lighting state data 222 may directly or indirectly indicate the amount of light of the lighting device 6, similarly to the lighting state data 212 (FIG. 2). In this embodiment, the lighting state data 222 indirectly indicates the light intensity of the lighting fixture 6 .

When the command 221 indicates a “dimming command”, the lighting control signal 220 indicates to change the light amount of the lighting fixture 6 to the light amount indicated by the lighting state data 222 .

When the command 221 indicates a “color toning command”, the lighting state indicated by the lighting state data 222 indicates the light color of the lighting device 6 . The lighting state data 222 may directly or indirectly indicate the light color of the lighting device 6, similarly to the lighting state data 212 (FIG. 2). In this embodiment, the lighting state data 222 indirectly indicates the light color of the lighting device 6 .

When the command 221 indicates a “color toning command”, the lighting control signal 220 indicates to change the light color of the lighting device 6 to the light color indicated by the lighting state data 222 .

The first storage section 22 and the transmission/reception section 23 of the control unit 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 1 again. The first storage unit 22 stores computer programs and data. The first storage unit 22 is a storage device and includes a main storage device such as a semiconductor memory and an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk drive or semiconductor memory. On the other hand, the first controller 21 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Therefore, the processor of the first control unit 21 executes the computer program stored in the storage device of the first storage unit 22 to perform various controls.

The transmitting/receiving unit 23 is a communication device and is connected to the network NW. An external device ED is connected to the network NW. Therefore, the transmission/reception unit 23 communicates with the external device ED via the network NW.

The external device ED is, for example, a communication terminal or system control device. A communication terminal is, for example, a smart phone, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, or a desktop computer. A system controller controls the lighting system 100 . The system controller is, for example, a HEMS (Home Energy Management System) controller. The network NW includes, for example, the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), and a public telephone network.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 4, interlocking setting for the first control section 21 of the control unit 2 will be described. The transmission/reception unit 23 receives an instruction signal (hereinafter referred to as "instruction signal 8") from the external device ED via the network NW. The instruction signal 8 indicates to instruct the first control section 21 whether or not to interlock the plurality of lighting control units 4 . Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the user operates the external device ED to transmit the instruction signal 8 to the control unit 2, thereby interlocking the plurality of lighting control units 4 or controlling the plurality of lighting control units. 4 can be easily set in the control unit 2 not to be interlocked.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the contents of the instruction signal 8. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the instruction signal 8 includes a command 80, interlocking data 81, and group data 82. As shown in FIG.

A command 221 indicates an “interlocking command” for the control unit 2 . “Interlocking command” indicates setting whether or not to interlock two or more lighting control units 4 .

The interlocking data 81 includes interlocking valid data or interlocking invalid data. The interlock effective data is data indicating that two or more lighting control units 4 are to be interlocked. The interlocking invalid data is data indicating that two or more lighting control units 4 are not to be interlocked.

The group data 82 includes data specifying two or more lighting control units 4 to be interlocked among the plurality of lighting control units 4 . Specifically, different addresses are individually assigned to the plurality of lighting control units 4 . Therefore, the group data 82 includes addresses assigned to two or more lighting control units 4 that are interlocked among the plurality of lighting control units 4 .

The first control section 21 of the control unit 2 shown in FIG. 1 stores the instruction signal 8 (the command 80, the interlock data 81, and the group data 82) when the transmission/reception section 23 receives the instruction signal 8. It controls the storage unit 22 . As a result, the first storage unit 22 stores the instruction signal 8 .

The first controller 21 then controls the plurality of lighting control units 4 based on the instruction signal 8 . Specifically, when the interlocking data 81 of the instruction signal 8 includes interlocking valid data, the first control section 21 interlocks two or more lighting control units 4 specified by the group data 82 . That is, when the interlocking data 81 of the instruction signal 8 includes interlocking effective data, the first control unit 21 transmits the lighting control signal 220 to the two or more lighting control units 4 specified by the group data 82. , the first communication unit 20 is controlled.

On the other hand, when the interlocking data 81 of the instruction signal 8 includes interlocking invalid data, the first control section 21 does not interlock two or more lighting control units 4 specified by the group data 82 .

Next, individual control of each of the plurality of lighting control units 4 will be described with reference to FIG. The external device ED generates a first control signal indicating control information for the lighting fixture 6 .

Specifically, the first control signal includes at least a command (hereinafter referred to as "command CM1") and lighting state data (hereinafter referred to as "lighting state data ST1"). The contents of the command CM1 are the same as the contents of the command 221 (FIG. 3) of the lighting control signal 220. FIG. Therefore, like the command 221, the command CM1 is an "on/off command", a "light control command", or a "color control command".

The content of the lighting state data ST1 is the same as the content of the lighting state data 222 of the lighting control signal 220 (FIG. 3). Therefore, the lighting state data ST1, like the lighting state data 222, indicates the lighting state of the lighting device 6. FIG. The content of the lighting state data ST1 differs according to the type of command CM, similarly to the lighting state data 222. FIG.

That is, when the command CM1 indicates an "on/off command", the lighting state indicated by the lighting state data ST1 indicates either the lit state or the extinguished state. When the command CM1 indicates a "light control command", the lighting state indicated by the lighting state data ST1 indicates the amount of light of the lighting device 6. FIG. When the command CM1 indicates a "color toning command", the lighting state indicated by the lighting state data ST1 indicates the light color of the lighting device 6. FIG.

Also, the first control signal has a signal format conforming to the first communication protocol. This is because the external device ED and the transmitting/receiving section 23 of the control unit 2 execute communication based on the first communication protocol. The first communication protocol conforms to, for example, ECHONET Lite (registered trademark), which is a communication standard. Note that the instruction signal 8 (FIG. 4) has a signal format conforming to the first communication protocol.

The transmitter/receiver 23 receives the first control signal from the external device ED. The first control section 21 then converts the first control signal into a second control signal recognizable by the lighting control unit 4 . The second control signal contains control information for lighting fixture 6 . The first communication section 20 then transmits the second control signal to the lighting control unit 4 . Therefore, according to this embodiment, the plurality of lighting fixtures 6 can be controlled without providing a control unit for each of the plurality of lighting fixtures. As a result, costs can be reduced.

Specifically, the first control unit 21 converts the first control signal into a second control signal having a signal format conforming to the second communication protocol. This is because each of the control unit 2 and the lighting control unit 4 performs communication based on the second communication protocol. The second communication protocol conforms to, for example, a communication standard for serial communication. Note that the setting information 210 (FIG. 2) and the lighting control signal 220 (FIG. 3) have a signal format conforming to the second communication protocol.

Also, the second control signal includes at least a command (hereinafter referred to as "command CM2") and lighting state data (hereinafter referred to as "lighting state data ST2"). The content of the command CM2 is the same as the content of the command 221 (FIG. 3) of the illumination control signal 220. FIG. The content of the lighting state data ST1 is the same as the content of the lighting state data 222 of the lighting control signal 220 (FIG. 3). That is, the content of the second control signal is the same as the content of the lighting control signal 220 .

Then, when the second communication section 40 of the lighting control unit 4 receives the second control signal from the control unit 2, the second control section 41 controls the lighting fixture 6 according to the second control signal.

The illumination control unit 4 will be described with continued reference to FIG. At least two lighting control units 4A among the plurality of lighting control units 4 are capable of controlling at least one of the light amount and light color of the lighting fixture 6. FIG. In this embodiment, the lighting control unit 4A can control the light amount and light color of the lighting fixture 6. FIG. In addition, the lighting control unit 4A can switch the lighting state and the lighting-out state of the lighting device 6 .

The lighting control unit 4A includes a second communication section 40, a second control section 41, an operation section 42A, and a second storage section 43. The second communication section 40 is a communication device and is connected to the first communication section 20 . The second communication unit 40 then receives the lighting control signal 220 or the second control signal from the first communication unit 20 . The second control unit 41 controls the lighting fixture 6 according to the lighting control signal 220 or the second control signal received by the second communication unit 40 .

The operation unit 42A is a user interface and includes, for example, one or more of sliders, dials, buttons, and touch panels. The user can control the lighting device 6 by operating the operation section 42A. Specifically, the user can instruct to change the light amount and light color of the light emitted from the lighting device 6 by operating the operation unit 42A. Further, the user can switch the state of the lighting device 6 between the lighting state and the lighting-out state by operating the operation unit 42A.

That is, the operation unit 42A outputs operation information to the second control unit 41 according to user's operation. The operation information indicates the operation type of the operation unit 42A and the lighting state of the lighting device 6. FIG.

Then, when the operation information of the operation unit 42A indicates that the light amount is to be changed, the second control unit 41 controls the light amount of the lighting device 6 so as to achieve the light amount indicated by the operation information. When the operation information of the operation unit 42A indicates that the light color is to be changed, the second control unit 41 controls the light color of the lighting device 6 so as to achieve the light color indicated by the operation information.

When the operation information of the operation unit 42A indicates that the lighting device 6 is to be switched from the off state to the on state, the second control unit 41 controls the lighting device 6 so that the lighting device 6 is switched from the off state to the on state. to control. When the operation information of the operation unit 42A indicates that the lighting fixture 6 is to be switched from the lighting state to the extinguished state, the second control section 41 controls the lighting fixture 6 so that the lighting fixture 6 is switched from the lighting state to the extinguishing state. to control.

The second storage unit 43 stores computer programs and data. The second storage unit 43 is a storage device and includes a main storage device such as a semiconductor memory and an auxiliary storage device such as a semiconductor memory. Meanwhile, the second control unit 41 includes a processor such as a CPU. Therefore, the processor of the second control unit 41 executes the computer program stored in the storage device of the second storage unit 43 to perform various controls.

Further, in response to the operation of the operation unit 42A, the second control unit 41 changes the setting information 210 stored in the second storage unit 43 according to the operation type and lighting state indicated by the operation information of the operation unit 42A. to update. That is, the second control section 41 changes the setting information 210 according to the operation of the operation section 42A. Further, the second control unit 41 transmits the updated setting information 210 to the first communication unit 20 of the control unit 2 in response to the operation of the operation unit 42A. control 40; As a result, the second communication unit 40 transmits the updated setting information 210 to the first communication unit 20 . The updated setting information 210 is "changed setting information 210".

The first control section 21 of the control unit 2 controls the first storage section 22 to store the setting information 210 received by the first communication section 20 . As a result, the first storage unit 22 stores the updated setting information 210 . Also, the first control unit 21 interlocks the plurality of lighting control units 4 based on the updated setting information 210 .

The lighting control unit 4B among the plurality of lighting control units 4 is capable of switching the lighting state of the lighting fixture 6 and the turning off state. The lighting control unit 4B does not have the function of controlling the light amount and light color of the lighting fixture 6. FIG.

The lighting control unit 4B includes a second communication section 40, a second control section 41, a switch 42B, and a second storage section 43. In the following description of the lighting control unit 4B, the description of items common to the lighting control unit 4A will be omitted.

The second control unit 41 controls the lighting fixture 6 according to the lighting control signal 220 or the second control signal received by the second communication unit 40 . If the lighting control signal 220 or the second control signal includes a “dimming command” or a “toning command”, the second control unit 41 discards the lighting control signal 220 and the second control signal, and discards the lighting control signal 220 and control based on the second control signal is not executed.

The switch 42B receives an external force and mechanically switches between supplying and cutting off power to the lighting device 6 . By operating the switch 42B, the user can switch the state of the luminaire 6 between the lit state and the extinguished state.

That is, the switch 42B outputs operation information to the second control section 41 according to the user's operation. The operation information indicates the operation type of the switch 42B and the lighting state of the lighting device 6. FIG.

Then, when the operation information of the switch 42B indicates that the lighting device 6 is to be switched from the off state to the on state, the second control unit 41 controls the lighting device 6 so that the lighting device 6 is switched from the off state to the on state. 6. When the operation information of the switch 42B indicates that the lighting device 6 is to be switched from the lighting state to the off state, the second control unit 41 switches the lighting device 6 from the lighting state to the off state. Control.

Further, in response to the operation of the switch 42B, the second control unit 41 updates the setting information 210 stored in the second storage unit 43 according to the operation type and lighting state indicated by the operation information of the switch 42B. do. That is, the second control section 41 changes the setting information 210 according to the operation of the switch 42B. Furthermore, the second control unit 41 causes the second communication unit 40 to transmit the updated setting information 210 to the first communication unit 20 of the control unit 2 in response to the operation of the switch 42B. to control. As a result, the second communication unit 40 transmits the updated setting information 210 to the first communication unit 20 . The updated setting information 210 is "changed setting information 210".

The first control section 21 of the control unit 2 controls the first storage section 22 to store the setting information 210 received by the first communication section 20 . As a result, the first storage unit 22 stores the updated setting information 210 . Also, the first control unit 21 interlocks the plurality of lighting control units 4 based on the updated setting information 210 .

As described above with reference to FIG. 1, when the operation section 42A is operated to change the setting information 210 of the lighting control unit 4A, the changed setting information 210 is transmitted from the lighting control unit 4A to the control unit 2. sent. Further, when the switch 42B is operated to change the setting information 210 of the lighting control unit 4B, the changed setting information 210 is transmitted to the control unit 2 from the lighting control unit 4B.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the control unit 2 changes the setting information 210 even when the setting information 210 of the lighting control unit 4A is changed and when the setting information 210 of the lighting control unit 4B is changed. Another lighting control unit 4 can be interlocked with the lighting control unit 4 .

Specifically, the control unit 2 can interlock the lighting control units 4A having the dimming function and the toning function. A dimming function indicates a function capable of controlling the amount of light of the lighting device 6 . A toning function indicates a function capable of controlling the light color of the lighting device 6 . In addition, the control unit 2 can interlock the lighting control units 4B having only on/off functions. The on/off function indicates a function of switching the lighting fixture 6 between a turned-off state and a lit state. Furthermore, the control unit 2 can interlock the lighting control unit 4A, which has dimming and toning functions, and the lighting control unit 4B, which has only an on/off function.

In addition, a lighting control unit 4A having a dimming function and a toning function, a lighting control unit 4B having only an on/off function, a lighting control unit 4 having only a dimming function, and a lighting control unit 4 having only a toning function Among them, a combination of two or more lighting control units 4 can be interlocked.

In particular, two or more of the lighting control unit 4A having the dimming function and the toning function, the lighting control unit 4 having only the dimming function, and the lighting control unit 4 having only the toning function One of the reasons why the combination can be interlocked is that the plurality of lighting control units 4 are connected in parallel to the first communication section 20 of the control unit 2, and the power line is individually connected to each of the plurality of lighting control units 4. because it is connected to

In the present embodiment, for example, at least two lighting control units 4 (hereinafter referred to as “lighting control units 4C”) out of the plurality of lighting control units 4 have a At least one can be controlled. The lighting state indicated by the setting information 210 indicates at least one of the light amount and light color of the lighting device 6 . Furthermore, in response to a change in the setting information 210 of one of the at least two lighting control units 4C, the first control unit 21 generates a lighting control signal based on the changed setting information 210. 220 to the other lighting control unit 4C of the at least two lighting control units 4C.

After receiving the lighting control signal 220, the lighting control unit 4C controls the lighting device 6 so that the lighting state is the same as the lighting state indicated by the setting information 210 after the change. As a result, the lighting control units 4C capable of controlling at least one of the light amount and the light color of the lighting equipment 6 can be interlocked with each other.

In addition, in the present embodiment, among the functions possessed by each of the plurality of lighting control units 4, the functions commonly possessed by the plurality of lighting control units 4 are interlocked under the control of the control unit 2. FIG. Therefore, by operating the operation section 42A or the switch 42B, the user can interlock the functions that the plurality of lighting control units 4 have in common. A function indicates a dimming function, a toning function, or an on/off function.

For example, if the operation type data 211 ( FIG. 2 ) of the setting information 210 after change indicates “light adjustment operation” or “color adjustment operation”, among the plurality of lighting control units 4 , the light adjustment function or the adjustment function is selected. Two or more lighting control units 4A with color functions are interlocked according to the lighting control signal 220. FIG. On the other hand, the lighting control unit 4B, which has only an on/off function, is not interlocked.

For example, when the operation type data 211 (FIG. 2) of the changed setting information 210 indicates "on/off operation", all lighting control units 4A and 4B having on/off functions are interlocked.

In addition, in the lighting system 100 , the plurality of second communication units 40 are connected in parallel to the first communication unit 20 . Serial communication is performed between the first communication unit 20 and each of the plurality of second communication units 40 . Therefore, the first communication section 20 and each of the plurality of second communication sections 40 are connected by the first signal line and the second signal line. For example, the first signal line transmits signals from the first communication unit 20 to the second communication unit 40 , and the second signal line transmits signals from the second communication unit 40 to the first communication unit 20 . For example, the first signal line and the second signal line transmit differential signals from the first communication unit 20 to the second communication unit 40, or transmit differential signals from the second communication unit 40 to the first communication unit 20. Send.

Also, the control unit 2 may be mounted on one lighting control unit 4 out of the plurality of lighting control units 4 . Furthermore, the lighting control device 50 may include two or more control units 2 . In this case, two or more control units 2 may be mounted on two or more lighting control units 4, respectively.

Next, the processing of the control unit 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG. FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the processing of the control unit 2. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the processing of the control unit 2 includes steps S1 to S9.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, in step S1, the first control unit 21 of the control unit 2 receives setting information from one of the plurality of lighting control units 4 to the first communication unit 20. 210 is received.

If it is determined in step S1 that the setting information 210 has not been received, the process remains in step S1.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1 that the setting information 210 has been received, the process proceeds to step S3.

In step S3, the first control unit 21 determines whether or not the setting information 210 has been changed.

If it is determined in step S3 that the setting information 210 has not been changed, the process returns to step S1.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3 that the setting information 210 has been changed, the process proceeds to step S5.

Specifically, when determining that the setting information 210 has been received in step S1, the first control unit 21 determines that the setting information 210 has been changed in step S3. This is because each of the lighting control units 4 transmits the changed setting information 210 to the control unit 2 in response to the setting information 210 being changed by operating the operation section 42A or the switch 42B. Therefore, step S3 may be omitted.

Note that the first control unit 21 compares the setting information 210 received in step S1 with the latest setting information 210 stored in the first storage unit 22 to determine whether the setting information 210 has been changed. may be determined. The latest setting information 210 is the latest setting information 210 among the setting information 210 transmitted in the past by the lighting control unit 4 that transmitted the setting information 210 received in step S1.

In step S5, the first control unit 21 determines whether or not the interlocking data 81 (FIG. 4) stored in the first storage unit 22 includes interlocking valid data.

If it is determined in step S5 that the interlocking data 81 does not include interlocking valid data, that is, if it is determined in step S5 that the interlocking data 81 includes interlocking invalid data, the process returns to step S1.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S5 that the interlocking data 81 includes interlocking valid data, the process proceeds to step S7.

In step S7, the first control unit 21 generates the lighting control signal 220 based on the setting information 210 after change.

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, based on the changed setting information 210, a command 221 and lighting state data 222 are created, and a lighting control signal 220 is created.

That is, the first control unit 21 sets the command corresponding to the operation type data 211 included in the changed setting information 210 to the command 221 . The command 221 corresponds to the operation type indicated by the operation type data 211 included in the setting information 210 after change. Specifically, when the operation type data 211 indicates "light adjustment operation", the first control unit 21 sets the command 221 to "light adjustment command". The first control unit 21 sets the command 221 to a “color toning command” when the operation type data 211 indicates “toning operation”. When the operation type data 211 indicates "on/off operation", the first control unit 21 sets the command 221 to "on/off command".

In addition, the first control unit 21 sets, in the lighting state data 222, the same lighting state as the lighting state indicated by the lighting state data 212 of the setting information 210 after the change.

1 and 5 again, in step S9, the first control section 21 controls the first communication section 20 so as to transmit the lighting control signal 220 to another lighting control unit 4. FIG. As a result, according to the lighting control signal 220, the other lighting control unit 4 interlocks with the lighting control unit 4 that transmitted the setting information 210 received in step S1. Note that the other lighting control unit 4 indicates a lighting control unit 4 other than the lighting control unit 4 that transmitted the setting information 210 received in step S<b>1 among the plurality of lighting control units 4 . The lighting control signal 220 may also be transmitted to the lighting control unit 4 that transmitted the setting information 210 received in step S1.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various aspects without departing from the gist of the present invention. Further, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some components may be omitted from all components shown in the embodiments. Furthermore, components across different embodiments may be combined as appropriate. In order to make the drawings easier to understand, the drawings mainly show each component schematically. may be different. In addition, the material, shape, dimensions, etc. of each component shown in the above embodiment are examples and are not particularly limited, and various changes are possible without substantially departing from the effects of the present invention. be.

The present invention relates to control units, lighting control devices, and lighting systems, and has industrial applicability.

2 control unit 4, 4A, 4B lighting control unit 6 lighting fixture 20 first communication unit (communication unit)
21 first control unit (control unit)
23 transmitter/receiver (receiving unit)
50 lighting control device 100 lighting system ED external device

Claims (7)

a plurality of lighting control units each capable of controlling a lighting fixture;
a control unit connectable to the plurality of lighting control units;
The control unit is
a first communication unit to which the plurality of lighting control units are connected in parallel;
a first control unit that controls the plurality of lighting control units ;
memory and
including
The first communication unit receives setting information set for the lighting control unit from each of the plurality of lighting control units,
The setting information indicates a lighting state, which is the state of the lighting equipment,
The first control unit controls the plurality of lighting control units via the first communication unit so that the plurality of lighting control units are interlocked based on the setting information received by the first communication unit. death,
The lighting control unit
an operating means operated by a user;
a second control unit that changes the setting information set for the lighting control unit based on the operation information of the operation means in response to the operation of the operation means;
a second communication unit that transmits the changed setting information to the control unit;
When the storage unit stores interlocking effective data indicating interlocking of the plurality of lighting control units based on an instruction signal from an external device, the first control unit of the control unit stores the changed controlling the plurality of lighting control units via the first communication unit so that the plurality of lighting control units are interlocked based on setting information;
When the first communication unit receives the changed setting information and the storage unit stores interlocking invalid data indicating that the plurality of lighting control units are not to be interlocked based on the instruction signal , the first control unit does not interlock the plurality of lighting control units,
the setting information includes at least operation type data and lighting state data;
the operation type data indicates an operation type when the operation means of the lighting control unit is operated;
The operation type is an on/off operation, a dimming operation, or a toning operation,
The lighting state data indicates the lighting state,
The content of the illumination state data differs depending on the operation type indicated by the operation type data,
when the operation type data indicates the on/off operation, the lighting state indicated by the lighting state data indicates either a lighting state or a lighting-out state;
when the operation type data indicates the dimming operation, the lighting state indicated by the lighting state data indicates the amount of light of a lighting fixture;
When the operation type data indicates the toning operation, the lighting state indicated by the lighting state data indicates the light color of the lighting fixture,
When the storage unit stores the interlocking effective data, and the operation type data of the setting information after the change indicates the light adjustment operation or the color adjustment operation, the first control unit interlocks two or more lighting control units having a dimming function or a toning function among the plurality of lighting control units, and does not interlock a lighting control unit having only an on/off function,
When the storage unit stores the interlock effective data, and the operation type data of the changed setting information indicates the on/off operation, the first control unit performs the on/off function. lighting control device for interlocking all said lighting control units . 2. The lighting control device according to claim 1, wherein, among the functions of each of said plurality of lighting control units, functions commonly possessed by said plurality of lighting control units are interlocked. At least two lighting control units among the plurality of lighting control units are capable of controlling at least one of light intensity and light color of the lighting fixture,
the lighting state indicated by the setting information indicates at least one of a light amount and a light color of a lighting fixture;
In any one of the at least two lighting control units, the second control unit updates the setting information set for the lighting control unit in response to the operation of the operation means. and the second communication unit transmits the changed setting information to the control unit,
When the storage section stores the interlock effective data, the first control section of the control unit changes the lighting control signal based on the changed setting information to one of the at least two lighting control units. controlling the first communication unit to transmit the subsequent setting information to another lighting control unit different from the lighting control unit that transmitted the setting information;
The lighting control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lighting control signal indicates to control the lighting fixture so as to achieve the same lighting state as the lighting state indicated by the changed setting information. The plurality of lighting control units includes unconnected lighting control units to which lighting fixtures are not connected,
The first communication unit receives the setting information set for the unconnected lighting control unit from the unconnected lighting control unit,
The first control unit controls the plurality of lighting control units based on the setting information received by the first communication unit so that the plurality of lighting control units are interlocked. 4. The lighting control device according to any one of 3. The control unit further includes a receiver that receives the instruction signal from the external device,
5. The instruction signal indicates to instruct the first control section whether or not to interlock the plurality of lighting control units, and includes the interlocking valid data or the interlocking invalid data. The lighting control device according to any one of . The control unit further includes a receiver that receives a first control signal indicating control information for the lighting fixture from the external device,
The lighting control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first control section converts the first control signal into a second control signal recognizable by the lighting control unit. at least one lighting fixture;
a plurality of lighting control units each capable of controlling a lighting fixture;
a control unit connectable to the plurality of lighting control units;
the at least one lighting fixture is connected to at least one lighting control unit among the plurality of lighting control units;
The control unit is
a first communication unit to which the plurality of lighting control units are connected in parallel;
a first control unit that controls the plurality of lighting control units ;
memory and
including
The first communication unit receives setting information set for the lighting control unit from each of the plurality of lighting control units,
The setting information indicates a lighting state, which is the state of the lighting equipment,
The first control unit controls the plurality of lighting control units via the first communication unit so that the plurality of lighting control units are interlocked based on the setting information received by the first communication unit. death,
The lighting control unit
an operating means operated by a user;
a second control unit that changes the setting information set for the lighting control unit based on the operation information of the operation means in response to the operation of the operation means;
a second communication unit that transmits the changed setting information to the control unit;
When the storage unit stores interlocking effective data indicating interlocking of the plurality of lighting control units based on an instruction signal from an external device, the first control unit of the control unit stores the changed controlling the plurality of lighting control units via the first communication unit so that the plurality of lighting control units are interlocked based on setting information;
When the first communication unit receives the changed setting information and the storage unit stores interlocking invalid data indicating that the plurality of lighting control units are not to be interlocked based on the instruction signal , the first control unit does not interlock the plurality of lighting control units,
the setting information includes at least operation type data and lighting state data;
the operation type data indicates an operation type when the operation means of the lighting control unit is operated;
The operation type is an on/off operation, a dimming operation, or a toning operation,
The lighting state data indicates the lighting state,
The content of the illumination state data differs depending on the operation type indicated by the operation type data,
when the operation type data indicates the on/off operation, the lighting state indicated by the lighting state data indicates either a lighting state or a lighting-out state;
when the operation type data indicates the dimming operation, the lighting state indicated by the lighting state data indicates the amount of light of a lighting fixture;
When the operation type data indicates the toning operation, the lighting state indicated by the lighting state data indicates the light color of the lighting fixture,
When the storage unit stores the interlocking effective data, and the operation type data of the setting information after the change indicates the light adjustment operation or the color adjustment operation, the first control unit interlocks two or more lighting control units having a dimming function or a toning function among the plurality of lighting control units based on the changed setting information, and the lighting control unit having only an on/off function is without linking
When the storage unit stores the interlock effective data, and the operation type data of the changed setting information indicates the on/off operation, the first control unit performs the on/off function. A lighting system that coordinates all said lighting control units comprising .

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