JP7464570B2 - Lighting System - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a lighting system, and in particular to a technology for controlling lighting devices via wireless communication.

In conventional wireless lighting systems, a technology is often used to control one lighting device by wireless communication using one corresponding lighting control device (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Specifically, the lighting control device has a transmission unit, an input unit, and a first control unit, and the first control unit generates a control signal including at least one of a light-on signal, a light-off signal, and a dimming signal based on a command input from the input unit, and transmits the control signal to the lighting device via the transmission unit. The lighting device has a receiving unit, a light-emitting unit such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode), and a second control unit, and when the receiving unit receives a control signal transmitted from the transmission unit of the lighting control device, the second control unit performs lighting control (on, off, dimming, etc.) on the light-emitting unit according to the control signal received by the receiving unit.

JP 2010-238572 A

In large spaces such as offices, multiple lighting devices are required. When trying to control multiple lighting devices individually via wireless communication, in conventional wireless lighting systems, one lighting control device is required for each lighting device. For this reason, when the number of lighting devices increases, it becomes practically impossible to control all of the lighting devices individually.

For example, it is possible to use one lighting control device to perform the same lighting control on all lighting devices installed in a space such as an office. However, with this type of control, depending on the location of the lighting device or the time of day the lighting is on, the illuminance of the lighting device may not be appropriate, resulting in unnecessary consumption of electricity.

The object of the present invention is to provide a lighting system that can control multiple lighting devices individually and manage the control of these devices collectively.

A lighting system according to the present invention is a lighting system comprising a plurality of lighting devices each equipped with an LED and controlled via wireless communication, and a lighting control device which transmits information related to lighting control for controlling the lighting devices via wireless communication, wherein in the lighting control device, a user creates areas in which the same lighting control is performed and to which at least one lighting device is associated , and associates each of the plurality of lighting devices with the area, and the user can change settings related to lighting control by changing the area in which the user wishes to perform the same lighting control and which is associated with the lighting devices ; and when a demand control signal is input to the lighting system, which is output when the total power amount in all of the areas exceeds a predetermined threshold, control is performed to reduce power consumption in the lighting devices based on information related to lighting control that was previously set in a device other than the lighting control device.

The lighting system of the present invention allows multiple lighting devices to be controlled individually and simultaneously managed.

The novel features of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims, but the present invention, both in terms of structure and content, together with other objects and features of the present invention, will be better understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings.

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 illustrating the configuration of a lighting control device. FIG. 2 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of each of the LED lighting devices. 5 is a flowchart showing control executed by a first control unit of the lighting control device and operations performed by a user. FIG. 2 is a plan view of a PC monitor on which a lighting distribution image is displayed. FIG. 2 is a plan view of a PC monitor used to explain an operation for creating an area image. FIG. 11 is a plan view of a PC monitor on which the created area image is displayed. 11 is a plan view of a PC monitor used to explain a drag operation performed when creating a list of area images. FIG. FIG. 11 is a plan view of a PC monitor on which a screen for performing an operation to arrange symbolic images is displayed. FIG. 11 is a plan view of a PC monitor used to explain the arrangement operation of symbolic images. FIG. 11 is a plan view of a PC monitor used to explain the arrangement operation of symbolic images. FIG. 1 is a plan view of a PC monitor on which arranged symbolic images are displayed. 11 is a plan view of a lighting control device used to explain a drag operation performed when associating an LED lighting device (first identification information) with an area image. FIG. 11 is a plan view of a lighting control device used to explain a drag operation performed when associating an LED lighting device (first identification information) with a symbolic image. FIG. FIG. 11 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of a lighting control device provided in a first modified LED lighting system. FIG. 13 is a perspective view conceptually showing a gateway provided in a second modified LED lighting system of the LED lighting system. 13 is a flowchart showing control executed by a first control unit of a lighting control device and operations performed by a user in a second modified example of the LED lighting system. 11 is a plan view of a lighting control device in which second identification information is displayed on a touch panel. FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram conceptually showing a configuration of a demand control system including an LED lighting system. FIG. 2 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating a configuration of a demand control system according to a first modified example of the demand control system. FIG. 11 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating a configuration of a demand control system according to a second modified example of the demand control system. FIG. 11 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating a configuration of a demand control system according to a third modified example of the demand control system.

First, we will list and explain the embodiments of the present invention.

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

Then, the control unit executes control (i) to (v). In control (i), the control unit displays a symbolic image to be associated with at least one lighting device on the display unit. In control (ii), the control unit acquires first identification information and displays the acquired first identification information on the display unit. In control (iii), when the first identification information displayed on the display unit is dragged to a position where it overlaps with the symbolic image by an operation from the input unit, the control unit associates the dragged first identification information with the symbolic image on which the first identification information is overlapped and stores it in the storage unit, thereby associating the lighting device having the first identification information with the symbolic image. In control (iv), the control unit associates lighting control information related to the control of the lighting device associated with the symbolic image in control (iii) with the symbolic image and stores it in the storage unit. In control (v), the control unit generates a control signal based on the first identification information and lighting control information associated with the symbolic image, and transmits the generated control signal to the lighting device associated with the symbolic image through the transmission unit.

According to the lighting control device, at least one first identification information is associated with the lighting control information via a symbolic image by a simple operation of the user from the input unit. Therefore, it is possible to control multiple lighting devices in a desired association manner with the lighting control information. Here, the desired association manner includes an association manner in which each lighting device is associated with lighting control information, an association manner in which lighting control information is associated with a group of lighting devices, and an association manner in which the lighting control information is combined. In this way, according to the lighting control device, it is possible to individually control multiple lighting devices and collectively manage the control of the multiple lighting devices with one lighting control device. Furthermore, in the lighting control device, it is easy to change the settings related to lighting control, such as changing the symbolic image (for example, changing the area in which the same lighting control is desired). Furthermore, since multiple lighting devices are controlled by wireless communication, the circuit (wiring) constructed in a wired system is not necessary.

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

Preferably, in the control (ii), the control unit causes the display unit to display a first switch that generates a lighting signal for turning on the lighting device having the first identification information, in correspondence with the acquired first identification information.

With this configuration, the user can turn on the lighting device by operating the first switch from the input unit, and confirm the actual position of the lighting device corresponding to the operated first switch. Therefore, the user can drag the first identification information displayed in correspondence with the operated first switch to the symbolic image to which the user wishes to associate the first identification information, based on the confirmed actual position. When such a drag operation by the user is performed, the control unit executes control (iii). Thus, the first identification information is accurately associated with the symbolic image.

In the above lighting control device, the symbolic image may be an area image representing an area of lighting devices for which the same lighting control is executed. In this case, in control (iii), the control unit stores the first identification information of all lighting devices in the area represented by the area image in the storage unit in association with the area image. In addition, in control (v), the control unit transmits a control signal to all lighting devices in the area represented by the area image via the transmission unit.

With this configuration, the user can perform simple operations on the input unit to set up all lighting devices in a desired area to perform the same lighting control.

In a preferred specific configuration of the above lighting control device, the lighting control device further includes a receiving unit that receives an information signal that is a signal transmitted from a lighting device in wireless communication and includes the first identification information. In control (ii), the control unit causes the receiving unit to receive the information signal, thereby acquiring the first identification information included in 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 includes a reading unit that reads a QR code (registered trademark), each lighting device is provided with a QR code (registered trademark) that corresponds to the first identification information, and the storage unit stores a table that indicates the correspondence between the first identification information and the QR code (registered trademark). Then, in control (ii), the control unit obtains the first identification information that corresponds to the QR code (registered trademark) read by the reading unit based on the table, and causes the display unit to display the obtained first identification information.

With this configuration, even if a lighting system including a lighting control device with this configuration and multiple lighting devices is adopted in, for example, each of multiple adjacent stores, only the first identification information of the lighting devices that constitute the same lighting system as the lighting control device will be displayed on the display unit of each lighting control device. Therefore, the above specific configuration prevents a user (system administrator) from acquiring first identification information from a lighting system other than the lighting system he or she owns and erroneously associating the first identification information with a symbolic image.

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

In a preferred specific configuration of the above lighting system, the lighting system further includes a plurality of communication repeaters, which perform wireless communication between the lighting device and the lighting control device and are wired to each other. The lighting control device communicates with the lighting device through at least one communication repeater. In such a configuration, it is preferable that the communication repeaters have second identification information that enables each of them to be identified, and the control unit of the lighting control device further executes control (vii) before control (ii). Specifically, in control (vii), the control unit acquires second identification information of the communication repeaters that exist within a range where wireless communication with the lighting control device is possible, and displays the acquired second identification information on the display unit. In control (ii), the control unit acquires first identification information of the lighting device that can perform direct wireless communication with the communication repeater through the communication repeater corresponding to the second identification information selected by operation from the input unit among the second identification information displayed on the display unit, and displays the acquired first identification information on the display unit.

With this configuration, only the first identification information of lighting devices that are within a range where direct wireless communication with the selected communication repeater is possible is displayed on the display unit. This makes it easy to associate the first identification information with a symbolic image by dragging.

In a more preferred specific configuration, each of the communication repeaters has a light-emitting unit that emits light to the outside. Then, in the control (vii), the control unit causes the display unit to display a second switch that generates a lighting signal to light up the light-emitting unit of the communication repeater that has the second identification information, in correspondence with the acquired second identification information.

With this configuration, the user can check the actual location of the communication repeater by operating the second switch from the input unit to turn on the light-emitting unit of the communication repeater. Therefore, the user can easily associate the first identification information with the symbolic image for all installed lighting devices by repeatedly selecting a communication repeater and associating the first identification information with the symbolic image while changing the communication repeater to be selected.

In another preferred specific configuration of the above lighting system, the lighting system further includes an illuminance sensor provided in the space in which the multiple lighting devices are arranged, and a human presence sensor provided integrally with or separately from the illuminance sensor. In the control (v), the control unit generates a control signal based on the detection signals output from the illuminance sensor and the human presence sensor, in addition to the first identification information and the lighting control information associated with the symbolic image.

Next, we will explain the details of an embodiment of the present invention.

[1] Configuration of the LED lighting system Fig. 1 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of an LED lighting system according to one 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 via wireless communication, a wired network 3, and a sensor 4.

The network 3 has multiple gateway GWs that are wired to each other through hubs. Each gateway GW transmits information between the LED lighting devices 2 and the lighting control device 1 by wireless communication. The lighting control device 1 communicates with the LED lighting devices 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 the lighting of the LED lighting devices 2 in response 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 multiple LED lighting devices 2 is relayed by the network 3 (gateway GW). Therefore, even if multiple LED lighting devices 2 are installed in a large space such as an office, wireless communication between the lighting control device 1 and the LED lighting devices 2 can be reliably performed.

Furthermore, in the LED lighting system of this embodiment, multiple gateway GWs are connected by wires. Therefore, even if multiple LED lighting devices 2 are installed in multiple rooms or across multiple floors, by installing a gateway GW in each room or on each floor, it becomes possible to centrally manage the lighting control of all the LED lighting devices 2 with a single lighting control device 1.

The sensor 4 is an integrated illuminance sensor and a human presence sensor, and is provided in a space in which multiple LED lighting devices 2 are arranged. The sensor 4 transmits information to the gateway GW via wireless communication. The lighting control device 1 acquires the detection signal output from the sensor 4 via the network 3. Note that a lighting sensor and a human presence sensor may be provided separately in the space in which the LED lighting devices 2 are arranged.

Figure 2 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating the configuration of the lighting control device 1. As shown in Figure 2, the lighting control device 1 has a first transmission unit 11, a first reception unit 12, a first control unit 13, a display unit 14, an input unit 15, and a memory unit 16. In this embodiment, the display unit 14 and the input unit 15 are a touch panel 18 formed integrally with each other.

The first transmitting unit 11 transmits the signal generated by the first control unit 13 to the LED lighting device 2 and the sensor 4 through the network 3. The signal generated by the first control unit 13 includes a control signal having at least one of a light-on signal, a light-off signal, and a dimming signal. The first receiving unit 12 receives the signal output from the LED lighting device 2 and the sensor 4 through the network 3. 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 LED illumination device 2. As shown in Fig. 3, the LED illumination device 2 has a second transmitting unit 21, a second receiving unit 22, a second control unit 23, and an LED 24. In addition, the LED illumination device 2 has first identification information I _LED that enables it to be distinguished from other LED illumination devices 2.

The second transmitting unit 21 transmits the signal generated by the second control unit 23 to the lighting control device 1 through the network 3. The signal generated by the second control unit 23 includes an information signal having the first identification information I _LED . In this embodiment, the second transmitting unit 21 and the second receiving unit 22 are an integrally formed wireless module, and the first identification information I _LED is for identifying the wireless module from wireless modules provided in other LED lighting devices 2. The transmission of the signal from the second transmitting unit 21 is executed in response to a command from the lighting control device 1, for example.

The second receiver 22 receives, via the network 3, a control signal output from the lighting control device 1, or a control signal output from the controller of the gateway GW in response to this control signal. The second controller 23 performs lighting control (turning on, turning off, dimming, etc.) of the LED 24 based on the control signal received by the second receiver 22.

[2] Control of the LED lighting system Fig. 4 is a flow chart showing the control executed by the first control unit 13 of the lighting control device 1 and the operation performed by the user. First, in step S20, the user performs advance preparation using a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as "PC"). Figs. 5 to 12 are plan views of the PC monitor 6 on which screens related to this advance preparation are displayed.

In step S20, the user first loads a lighting distribution image P showing the arrangement of multiple LED lighting devices 2 onto the hard disk of the PC, and displays the loaded lighting distribution image P on the PC monitor 6 (see FIG. 5). In FIG. 5, the arrangement of the LED lighting devices 2 is shown by multiple circles. The lighting distribution image P may also include images of the interior and equipment. The lighting distribution image P may also be an image created by a perspective projection method. Furthermore, the user may load layout information on the arrangement of multiple LED lighting devices 2, which is necessary for generating the lighting distribution image P, onto the hard disk of the PC. In this case, the user causes the PC to read the layout information from the hard disk and generate the lighting distribution image P based on the layout information.

On the screen on which the lighting distribution image P is displayed, the user creates or places a symbolic image on the lighting distribution image P displayed on the PC monitor 6 by operating a mouse or the like (step S20). Here, the symbolic image is an image that is associated with at least one first identification information I _LED and is associated with an LED lighting device 2 having the first identification information I _LED . In this embodiment, the symbolic image is displayed superimposed on the lighting distribution image P on the PC monitor 6 or the lighting control device 1, so that the user can recognize that the symbolic image corresponds to at least one LED lighting device 2 arranged at a position overlapping the symbolic image on the lighting distribution image P. That is, on the lighting distribution image P, the symbolic image is an image that symbolizes that the symbolic image 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 lighting distribution image P as a box associated with at least one first identification information I _LED .

Symbolic images include images (see FIG. 7) that represent an area of LED lighting devices 2 on the light distribution image P where the same lighting control is executed, and that are associated with multiple LED lighting devices 2 within that area. Hereinafter, these images are referred to as "area images." Furthermore, symbolic images include images (see FIG. 12) that are associated with only one LED lighting device 2. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the term "symbolic image" is used for these images.

As shown in FIG. 5, on the screen on which the lighting distribution image P is displayed, in addition to the lighting distribution image P, buttons B1 to B7 and EG1 to EG10 are displayed. Button B1 is a button for displaying on the PC monitor 6 a placement operation screen (see FIG. 9) on which the user can perform a placement operation of the symbol image. Button B2 is a button for displaying on the PC monitor 6 a creation operation screen (see FIG. 5) on which the user can perform a creation operation of the area image. Button B6 is a button for displaying again on the PC monitor 6 the screen prior to switching to the screen displayed on the PC monitor 6. Button B7 is a button for completing the placement operation of the symbol image or the creation operation of the area image.

In the creation operation screen (see FIG. 5), buttons B3 to B5 are buttons selected when the user creates an area image. Here, button B3 is selected when creating a rectangular area image (see FIG. 6). Specifically, the user selects button B3 by operating a mouse or the like, and then specifies two different positions on the screen displayed on the PC monitor 6. This creates a rectangular area image with a straight line connecting the two positions as a diagonal line. Button B4 is selected when creating a straight line portion of the outer edge of an area image having various shapes other than a rectangle. Specifically, the user selects button B4 by operating a mouse or the like, and then specifies multiple positions on the screen displayed on the PC monitor 6. This creates a line image in which the multiple positions are connected in the specified order. Button B5 is selected when creating an arc-shaped curved portion of the outer edge of the area image. Specifically, the user selects button B5 by operating a mouse or the like, and then specifies one position on the screen displayed on the PC monitor 6. Next, after specifying another position, the position is slid around the previously specified position. This creates an arc-shaped curved image centered on the position specified earlier.

A user can create an area image on the lighting distribution image P by performing the above-mentioned creation operation on the creation operation screen. Fig. 7 shows a case where four area images P _AREA (1) to P _AREA (4) are created on the lighting distribution image P, and any of the four area images P _AREA (1) to P _AREA (4) correspond to all the LED lighting devices 2 shown in the lighting distribution image P. Note that the area images may be made to correspond to only some of the LED lighting devices 2 to be controlled by the lighting control device 1 among the LED lighting devices 2 shown in the lighting distribution image P. Alternatively, the area images may be made to correspond to some of the LED lighting devices 2 to be controlled by the lighting control device 1, and the remaining LED lighting devices 2 may be made to correspond to symbolic images by a layout operation described later.

The operation of creating an area image is not limited to the above-mentioned operation. For example, figures of various shapes may be displayed on the PC monitor 6, and the user may select several figures from the multiple figures displayed on the PC monitor 6 by operating a mouse or the like, and combine the selected figures to create one area image. Furthermore, the operation of creating an area image may be performed not only on a PC, but also on the lighting control device 1.

When button B1 is selected by the user using a mouse or other device on the screen shown in FIG. 5, a screen for manipulating the placement of symbolic images is displayed (see FIG. 9). At this time, buttons B11 to B14 are displayed on the PC monitor 6 instead of buttons B3 to B5. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, the lighting distribution image P and buttons B1, B2, B11 to B14, B6, and B7 are displayed on the PC monitor 6.

On the placement operation screen (see FIG. 9), buttons B11 to B13 are buttons that the user selects when placing a symbolic image. Also, button B14 is a button that the user selects when deleting a placed symbolic image.

Button B11 is selected when placing only one symbolic image. Specifically, the user selects button B11 by operating a mouse or the like, and then specifies one position on the screen displayed on the PC monitor 6. Once the position specification is complete, a selection screen for selecting the type of symbolic image is displayed on the PC monitor 6 (see FIG. 10). Then, the user operates a mouse or the like to select the type of symbolic image on the selection screen. This causes the selected type of symbolic image to be placed at the specified position.

Button B12 is selected when arranging multiple symbolic images of the same type in a line. Specifically, the user selects button B12 by operating a mouse or the like, and then specifies two positions on the screen displayed on the PC monitor 6. Once the two positions have been specified, a selection screen for selecting the type of symbolic image is displayed on the PC monitor 6 (see FIG. 10). Then, the user operates a mouse or the like to select the type of symbolic image on the selection screen. Once the selection of the type of symbolic image 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 operates a mouse, keyboard, or the like to input a number on the input screen. As a result, the input number of symbolic images are arranged at equal intervals on the straight line connecting the two specified positions.

Button B13 is selected when arranging multiple symbolic images of the same type in a matrix. Specifically, when button B13 is selected by the user using a mouse or the like, buttons B3 to B5 are displayed on the PC monitor 6 instead of buttons B11 to B14 (see FIG. 10). Then, after the user selects button B3 using a mouse or the like, the user specifies two different positions on the screen displayed on the PC monitor 6 as shown in FIG. 10. This specifies a rectangular area R with a straight line connecting the two positions as a diagonal. Once the two positions have been specified, a selection screen for selecting the type of symbolic image is displayed on the PC monitor 6 (see FIG. 10). Then, the user uses a mouse or the like to select the type of symbolic image on the selection screen. Once the selection of the type of symbolic image is completed, an input screen for inputting the number of symbolic images (number of rows and number of columns) to be arranged is displayed on the PC monitor 6 (see FIG. 11). Then, the user uses a mouse, keyboard, or the like to input a numerical value on the input screen. This causes the input number of symbolic images to be arranged in a matrix on the specified rectangular area (see FIG. 12).

A user can arrange a symbolic image on the lighting distribution image P by performing the above-mentioned 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 lighting distribution image P. By repeatedly performing such an arrangement operation, it is possible to make symbolic images correspond to all the LED lighting devices 2 shown in the lighting distribution image P. Note that, among the LED lighting devices 2 shown in the lighting distribution image P, symbolic images may be made to correspond only to some of the LED lighting devices 2 to be controlled by the lighting control device 1. Alternatively, symbolic images may be made to correspond to some of the LED lighting devices 2 to be controlled by the lighting control device 1, and area images may be made to correspond to the remaining LED lighting devices 2 by the above-mentioned creation operation. Furthermore, the symbolic image may be arranged within an area represented by an area image. Moreover, the arrangement operation of the symbolic image may be performed not only by a PC but also by the lighting control device 1.

In step S20, when the area images P _AREA (1) to P _AREA (4) are created by the user, the created area images P _AREA (1) to P _AREA (4) are stored on the hard disk of the PC. At this time, the area images P _AREA (1) to P _AREA (4) may be listed by being associated with any of the buttons EG1 to EG10 in one-to-one correspondence and stored on 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 on which these are displayed on the PC monitor 6 (see FIG. 8).

Furthermore, 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 transfers the lighting 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 the lighting control device 1, for example, via the network 3.

As a result, in step S11, the first control unit 13 of the lighting control device 1 reads the lighting distribution image P, the area images P _AREA (1) to P _AREA (4), and the symbol image P _SMBL through the first receiving unit 12, and stores these images in the memory unit 16.

Next, in step S12, the first control unit 13 reads out the lighting distribution image P from the storage unit 16 and displays the read out lighting distribution image P on the touch panel 18. The first control unit 13 also reads out at least one of the area images P _AREA (1) to P _AREA (4) and the symbolic image P _SMBL from the storage unit 16 and displays the read out image on the touch panel 18 in a superimposed state on the lighting distribution image P. Fig. 13 is a plan view of the lighting control device 1 in which, of the area images and symbolic images, only the area images P _AREA (1) to P _AREA (4) 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. In step S12, the first control unit 13 may display 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 lighting distribution image P. In addition, when the symbolic image is a box or the like associated with at least one piece of first identification information I _LED , only the symbolic image may be displayed on the touch panel 18.

Next, in step S13, the first control unit 13 acquires the first identification information I _LED from the plurality of LED illumination devices 2 through the network 3 by having the first receiving unit 12 receive an information signal including the first identification information I _LED . Then, the first control unit 13 displays the acquired first identification information I _LED on the touch panel 18 (see Figs. 13 and 14). At this time, the first control unit 13 generates a first switch S1 for each of the acquired first identification information I _LED that generates a light-on signal for turning on the LED illumination device 2 having the first identification information I _LED . Then, the first control unit 13 displays the generated first switch S1 on the touch panel 18 in correspondence with the first identification information I _LED . In this embodiment, the first switch S1 is displayed superimposed on the first identification information I _LED . The first switch S1 may selectively generate a light-on signal and a light-off signal. In addition, the first switch S1 may be stored in the memory unit 16, and the first control unit 13 may read out the first switch S1 corresponding to each of the acquired first identification information I _LEDs from the memory unit 16 and display the read out first switch S1 on the touch panel 18.

Next, the user associates the LED illumination device 2 with the area images P _AREA (1) to P _AREA (4) or the symbolic image P _SMBL displayed on the touch panel 18 (step S22). Specifically, on the screen on which the first identification information I _LED and the first switch S1 are displayed, the user operates the first switch S1 on the touch panel 18 to turn on the LED illumination device 2. In this way, the user confirms the actual position of the LED illumination device 2 corresponding to the operated first switch S1. After that, the user drags the first identification information I _LED displayed overlapping the operated first switch S1 to a position overlapping the area images P _AREA (1) to P _AREA (4) or the symbolic image P _SMBL displayed at the corresponding position on the lighting distribution image P based on the confirmed actual position.

When the above-mentioned drag operation by the user is executed, in step S14, the first control unit 13 associates the dragged first identification information I _LED with the area image or symbol image on which the first identification information I _LED is superimposed, and stores it in the storage unit 16. As shown in Fig. 13, when the first identification information I _LED is associated with the area image P _AREA (1), the first identification information I LED of all the LED illumination _devices 2 within the area represented by the area image P _AREA (1) is stored in the storage unit 16 in association with the area image P _AREA (1) by the user's drag operation and the control of the first control unit 13 in step S14.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 14 , in the case where the symbol image P _SMBL is arranged in the area represented by the area image P _AREA (1), when the first identification information I _LED is dragged to a position where it overlaps with the symbol image P _SMBL , the first control unit 13 may store the dragged first identification information I _LED in the memory unit 16 in association with only the symbol image P _SMBL , or may store the dragged first identification information I LED in the memory unit 16 in association with both the area image P _AREA (1) and the symbol image P _SMBL .

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

Next, in step S15, the first control unit 13 causes the storage unit 16 to store lighting control information relating to the control of the multiple LED lighting devices 2 corresponding to the area image, in association with the area image. The first control unit 13 also causes the storage unit 16 to store lighting control information relating to the 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 operating the touch panel 18 (step S23). The lighting control information also includes information such as illuminance and time schedule.

By the control of the first control unit 13 in steps S11 to S15 and the user's operation in steps S21 to S23, the settings for performing the same lighting control for all LED lighting devices 2 in a desired area, as well as the settings for performing individual lighting control for each LED lighting device 2, can be performed by simple operation of the touch panel 18.

After the setting is completed, in step S16, the first control unit 13 generates a control signal based on the first identification information I _LED associated with the area image and the lighting control information. Then, the first control unit 13 transmits the generated control signal to all the LED lighting devices 2 in the area represented by the area image via the first transmission unit 11. As a result, the same lighting control is executed for all the LED lighting devices 2 in the desired area.

The first control unit 13 generates a control signal based on the first identification information I _LED associated with the symbolic image and the lighting 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. This allows the lighting control to be performed individually for each LED lighting device 2.

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

According to the lighting control device 1 of the present embodiment, at least one of the first identification information I _LED is associated with the lighting control information via the area images P _AREA (1) to P _AREA (4) or the symbolic image P _SMBL by a simple operation of the touch panel 18 by the user. Therefore, it is possible to control the multiple LED lighting devices 2 in a desired association manner with the lighting control information. Here, the desired association manner includes an association manner in which the lighting control information is associated with each of the LED lighting devices 2, an association manner in which the lighting control information is associated with a group of the LED lighting devices 2, and an association manner in which these are combined. In this way, according to the lighting control device 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to individually control the multiple LED lighting devices 2 and collectively manage the control of the multiple LED lighting devices 2 with one lighting control device 1. Furthermore, in the lighting control device 1 of the present embodiment, it is easy to change the settings related to lighting control, such as changing the area image or symbolic image. Furthermore, since the multiple LED lighting devices 2 are controlled by wireless communication, the circuit (wiring) constructed in a wired system is not necessary.

Note that since the lighting control device 1 can centrally manage the LED lighting devices 2, for example, the usage time of each of the LED lighting devices 2 may be centrally managed by the lighting control device 1. As an example, the timers provided in each of the LED lighting devices 2 may be centrally managed by the lighting control device 1. Note that the timers are usually provided in the wireless module.

In the case of lighting devices such as fluorescent lamps, the user can recognize the end of the lighting device's lifespan when the device is unable to turn on. However, LED lighting device 2 can be used semi-permanently, and its functionality gradually deteriorates. For this reason, it is difficult for the user to recognize the end of its lifespan (a state of insufficient illumination).

Therefore, by utilizing the fact that the lighting control device 1 can centrally manage the LED lighting devices 2, when the LED lighting devices 2 reach the end of their lifespan (insufficient illumination state), the lifespan may be displayed, for example, on the touch panel 18 of the lighting control device 1. This allows the user to recognize the lifespan of the LED lighting devices 2.

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

[3-1] First Modification In a first modification of an LED lighting system, in addition to the configuration of the above embodiment, each of the LED lighting devices 2 is provided with a QR code (registered trademark) corresponding to the first identification information I _LED , and a table showing the correspondence between the first identification information I _LED and the QR code (registered trademark) is stored in the storage unit 16. Also, as shown in Fig. 15, the lighting control device 1 further has a reading unit 17 which is a QR code (registered trademark) reader that reads the QR code (registered trademark).

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

According to the first modified example of the LED lighting system, even if this LED lighting system is adopted in each of a plurality of adjacent stores, for example, only the first identification information I _LED of the LED lighting devices 2 which constitute the same LED lighting system together with this lighting control device 1 will be displayed on the touch panel 18 of each lighting control device 1. Thus, the first modified example of the LED lighting system prevents a problem in which a system administrator, who is a user, obtains the first identification information I _LED from an LED lighting system other than the LED lighting system he or she owns and erroneously associates the first identification information I _LED with an area image or a symbol image.

[3-2] Second Modification In a second modification of the LED lighting system, in addition to the configuration of the above embodiment, the gateway GW has second identification information I _GW that enables each gateway GW to be identified. Also, 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 executed by the first control unit 13 of the lighting control device 1 and the operation performed by the user in the second modified example of the LED lighting system. FIG. 18 is a plan view of the lighting control device 1 in which the second identification information I _GW is displayed on the touch panel 18. As shown in FIG. 17, the first control unit 13 executes the control of step S17 before the control of step S13, in addition to the control shown in FIG. 4. In step S17, the first control unit 13 acquires the second identification information I _GW of the gateway GW present within a range where wireless communication with the lighting control device 1 is possible. Then, the first control unit 13 displays the acquired second identification information I _GW on the touch panel 18 (see FIG. 18). As an example, the second identification information I _GW is displayed on the touch panel 18 in ascending order of distance between the corresponding gateway GW and the lighting control device 1.

At this time, the first control unit 13 generates a second switch S2 for generating a light-on signal for turning on the light-emitting unit 5 of the gateway _GW having the second identification information _IGW obtained, for each of the second identification information IGW obtained. Then, the first control unit 13 displays the generated second switch S2 on the touch panel 18 in correspondence 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 light-on signal and a light-off signal. The second switch S2 may be stored in the storage unit 16, and the first control unit 13 may read out the second switch S2 corresponding to each of the obtained second identification information _IGW from the storage unit 16 and display the read out second switch S2 on the touch panel 18.

Next, the user selects a gateway GW (step S24). Specifically, on the screen displaying the second identification information I _GW and the second switch S2, the user operates the second switch S2 on the touch panel 18 to turn on the light-emitting unit 5 of the gateway GW. In this way, the user confirms the actual location of the gateway GW corresponding to the operated second switch S2. Then, the user selects one gateway GW from among the gateway GWs present within a range where wireless communication with the lighting control device 1 is possible.

When a gateway GW is selected, in step S13, the first control unit 13 acquires, through the selected gateway GW, the first identification information I _LED of the LED illumination device 2 that is capable of direct wireless communication with the gateway GW. Then, the first control unit 13 causes the acquired first identification information I _LED to be displayed on the touch panel 18. Thereafter, the same control as in the above embodiment is executed.

According to the second modification of the LED illumination system, only the first identification information I _LED of the LED illumination device 2 that exists within a range where direct wireless communication with the selected gateway GW is possible is displayed on the touch panel 18. This makes it easy to associate the first identification information I _LED with an area image or a symbol image by a drag operation.

Furthermore, the user can turn on the gateway GW by operating the second switch S2 to confirm the actual location of the gateway GW. Therefore, the user can easily associate the first identification information I _{LED with the area image or symbol image for all the installed LED illumination devices 2 by repeatedly selecting the gateway GW (step S24) and associating the first identification information I LED} with _the area image or symbol image (step S22) while changing the selected gateway GW.

[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 an office, store, etc., and controlling the amount of power consumed by loads (such as lighting devices and air conditioners) (hereinafter referred to as "power consumption") so that the total amount of power does not exceed a predetermined threshold. In this embodiment, a demand control system for realizing demand control is constructed. In this demand control system, the total amount of power used is monitored, and the power consumption of loads included in the LED lighting system, air conditioning system, etc. is controlled so that the total amount of power does not exceed a predetermined threshold. Below, a case where demand control is mainly performed on an LED lighting system will be described.

[4-1] Demand Control System Fig. 19 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of a demand control system including an LED lighting system. As shown in Fig. 19, the demand control system includes a power meter 71, a demand control device 72, and a contact converter 73, all connected to a power line 70. Although not shown in Fig. 19, the LED lighting device 2 and the sensor 4 included in the LED lighting system are connected to the power line 70. Note that other loads, such as an air conditioner included in an air conditioning system, may also be connected to the power line 70.

The power meter 71 measures the total amount of power used. The power meter 71 is connected to the demand control device 72, which determines whether or not to execute demand control based on the measurement result (total amount of power) by the power meter 71. Specifically, the demand control device 72 determines whether or not the measured total amount of power exceeds a predetermined threshold value that is set in advance. If it is determined that the total amount of power exceeds the predetermined threshold value, 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, if it is determined that the total amount of power does not exceed the predetermined threshold value, the demand control device 72 waits without outputting a demand control signal.

The demand control device 72 is connected to the network 3 constituting the LED lighting system via a contact converter 73. FIG. 19 particularly shows a configuration in which the demand control device 72 is connected to a hub (HUB). The demand control signal output from the demand control device 72 is input to the contact converter 73. The contact converter 73 converts the input demand control signal into a digital signal. This digital signal is transmitted to a gateway GW in the network 3 via the hub (HUB). Alternatively, the digital signal is transmitted to the LED lighting device 2 via the network 3.

Information regarding the lighting control to be executed on the LEDs 24 of the LED lighting device 2 when the controller of each gateway GW or the second control unit 23 of each LED lighting device 2 receives a digital signal is preset. Specifically, the information regarding the lighting control at this time is information intended to reduce the power consumption of the LED lighting device 2. One example of lighting control is control to uniformly reduce the illuminance of all the LED lighting devices 2 to a predetermined illuminance that has been set in advance. Another example of lighting control is control to reduce the illuminance of the LED lighting device 2 for each area to a predetermined illuminance that has been set in advance.

According to the above demand control system, by executing demand control on the LED lighting system, excessive power consumption can be suppressed. Here, the important point is that the LED lighting system of this embodiment can control multiple LED lighting devices 2 individually and manage the control of them collectively, and demand control is executed on such an LED lighting system. In other words, since the control of the LED lighting devices 2 (lighting control) executed during demand control can be individually set under centralized management by the lighting control device 1 or a PC, there is no need to include information related to lighting control in the demand control signal sent to the LED lighting system during demand 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 build a demand control system.

[4-2] Modifications of the demand control system Fig. 20 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of a demand control system according to a first modification of the demand control system. As shown in Fig. 20, any one of the multiple gateways GW constituting the network 3 may be integrated with the contact converter 73. This simplifies the construction of the demand control system.

Figure 21 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating the configuration of a demand control system according to a second modified example of the demand control system. As shown in Figure 21, in the demand control system, a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) converter 74 may be provided in place of the contact converter 73. In this case, the demand control is performed as follows.

When the demand control device 72 determines to execute demand control based on the measurement result (total power amount) of the power meter 71, it outputs a PWM signal as a demand control signal for executing demand control. The demand control signal output from the demand control device 72 is input to the PWM converter 74. The PWM converter 74 converts the input demand control signal into a digital signal. This digital signal is transmitted to the gateway GW in the network 3 via a hub. Alternatively, the digital signal is transmitted to the LED lighting device 2 through the network 3. Then, the second control unit 23 of the LED lighting device 2 performs lighting control (on, off, dimming, etc.) of the LED 24 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. In this case, information regarding lighting control during demand control is set on the demand control device 72 side. The demand control system is not limited to a configuration in which either the contact converter 73 or the PWM converter 74 is provided, and may be configured to include both of them.

Figure 22 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating the configuration of a demand control system according to a third modified example of the demand control system. As shown in Figure 22, any one of the multiple gateways GW that make up network 3 may be integrated with a 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 above LED lighting system can be applied to a lighting system equipped with various lighting devices not limited to LED lighting devices.

Although the present invention has been described with respect to the presently preferred embodiments, such disclosure is not to be interpreted as limiting. Various modifications and alterations will no doubt become apparent to those skilled in the art from the above disclosure. Accordingly, the appended claims should be construed to include all such modifications and alterations that do not depart from the true spirit and scope of the invention.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Lighting control device 11 First transmitter 12 First receiver 13 First control unit 14 Display unit 15 Input unit 16 Memory unit 17 Reading unit 18 Touch panel 2 LED lighting device 21 Second transmitter 22 Second receiver 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) to P _AREA (4) Area image P _SMBL symbol images B1 to B7, B11 to B14 Buttons EG1 to EG10 Button R Area S1 First switch S2 Second switch

Claims (3)

A plurality of lighting devices each including an LED and controlled by wireless communication;
a lighting control device that transmits information regarding lighting control for controlling the lighting device via wireless communication;
A lighting system comprising:
In the lighting control device, a user creates areas in which the same lighting control is executed and at least one of the lighting devices is associated with the areas, and associates each of the plurality of lighting devices with the areas, and is capable of changing settings related to lighting control by changing the areas in which the user wishes to execute the same lighting control and which are associated with the lighting devices ;
a lighting system in which, when a demand control signal is input to the lighting system and is output when the total amount of power in all of the areas exceeds a predetermined threshold , control is performed to reduce power consumption in the lighting devices based on information related to lighting control that is preset in a device other than the lighting control device . A plurality of lighting devices each including an LED and controlled by wireless communication;
a lighting control device that transmits information regarding lighting control for controlling the lighting device via wireless communication;
A lighting system comprising:
In the lighting control device, a user can create areas in which the same lighting control is executed, associate each of the plurality of lighting devices with the area, and change settings related to lighting control by changing the area in which the user wants to execute the same lighting control associated with the lighting devices ;
When a demand control signal is input to the lighting system, control is performed to reduce power consumption in the lighting device based on preset information related to lighting control;
The lighting device includes first identification information,
the lighting control device includes a display unit, and is capable of acquiring the first identification information from the lighting device, generating a switch for turning on the lighting device having the first identification information, and displaying the switch on the display unit;
A user can operate the switch to confirm the correspondence between the actual position of the lighting device and the lighting device displayed on the display unit .
Lighting system. the lighting control for reducing the amount of power consumption in the lighting device is a control for collectively dimming the lighting devices that are individually controllable in the area;
3. A lighting system according to claim 1 or 2.

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