JPH09232080A - Dimmer device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To smoothly back it up even when abnormality is caused by using dimmer controls having two functions at the same time. SOLUTION: First and second dimmer control means 41 and 42 perform operations processing on the basis of operation signals from corresponding operation parts 45 and 46, and generate dimmer control signals, and impart them to a synthesizing means 51. At this time, serial I/Fs 48 and 49 as transmitting-receiving means bidirectionally transmit and receive necessary information to generate the dimmer control signals on the basis of mutual functions. As a result, control parts 47 and 50 of the respective dimmer control means obtain common information on the basis of the mutual functions. The synthesizing means 51 is controlled in a switching system by a switching control part 23. At this time, the synthesizing means 51 outputs it to a dimming unit 8 by synthesizing an input dimmer control signal when dimmer controls on the basis of two functions are simultaneously performed, and also outputs it to the dimmer unit 8 by switching it to output from a normal dimming control means when abnormality is caused. Since the dimmer controls on the basis of at least two different functions can be simultaneously performed, even when abnormality is caused, it can be backed up.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a light control device suitable for effectively controlling the brightness of lighting used in a stage or a studio.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, in lighting used for a stage, a studio, or the like, an optimal brightness corresponding to a purpose of use (scene) is obtained by using a light control device for controlling the brightness of the lighting. I have. Some dimmers are provided with multiple functions to obtain brightness according to various scenes, and by utilizing these multiple functions effectively, the effects according to the scene can be more effectively achieved. It is possible to control the brightness for achieving the objective.

By the way, it is possible that an abnormality such as a failure occurs in the light control device itself while the light control device is actually controlling the illumination according to each scene on the stage or the studio. However, due to the effect of sudden changes in brightness caused by abnormalities, it is not permissible to interrupt the progress of events on the stage, in the studio, etc.
Even if an abnormality occurs, it is desirable to control so that the brightness can be smoothly switched in the same state as when the abnormality occurred.

In response to such a demand, a dimming device capable of effectively controlling illumination even when an abnormality occurs in the dimming device, that is, a dimming device having a backup function has been indispensable in the past. There is also a light control device proposed by Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1-186592 as a light control device that enables such a backup function.

An example of the dimmer according to this proposal is shown in FIG.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a conventional light control device.

In FIG. 2, the dimmer 1 is a main dimmer 2
And a sub light control means 3 for backup. Operation units 4 and 5 for adjusting the brightness of the illumination load 6 by manual operation are connected to the main and sub dimming control units 2 and 3, respectively.

The main dimming control means 2 carries out various electrical processings based on the operation signal from the operation section 4 and outputs a dimming control signal corresponding to the brightness of the lighting load 6. This dimming control signal is given to the dimmer 8 via the output switching unit 7. The dimmer 8 is selectively given a dimming control signal from the main dimming control unit 2 and a dimming control signal from a sub-dimming control unit 3 described later by the output switching unit 8. .
The dimmer 8 receives the dimming control signal and energizes the lighting load 6 with a conduction angle corresponding to the output level thereof.

Further, the main dimming control means 2 in this example is
Transmitting means, for example, a serial interface (hereinafter referred to as serial I / F), which gives information necessary for matching the current power without changing the power of the lighting load 8 caused by the occurrence of an abnormality (Abbreviation) 9 and a control unit 9 for controlling dimming. On the other hand, the sub dimming control means 3 for pack-up controls the dimming with a receiving means for receiving the information transmitted from the serial I / F 10 of the main dimming control means 2, for example, the serial I / F 12. And a control unit 11 for doing so.

The control unit 9 of the main dimming control unit 2 is connected to the control unit 11 in the sub dimming control unit 3 via the serial I / F 10 and the serial I / F 12, and the control unit 9 described later. The information necessary for creating the dimming control signal created by the control of the serial I / F 10 and the serial I / F
The signal is transmitted to the control unit 11 on the side of the sub dimming control unit 3 via / F12. As a result, even when an abnormality occurs in the main dimming control means 2, information for creating a dimming control signal similar to the dimming control signal given to the dimmer 8 at the normal time is sub-dimmed for pack-up. It is possible to supply to the control unit 11 of the light control means 3.

The operation unit 4 is an interface (hereinafter referred to as I
(Abbreviated as / F) 13 is connected to the control unit 9. The control unit 9 is connected to a calculation unit 14 that calculates a dimming output based on the data from the control unit 9. This operation unit 14
The calculation result of is converted into serial data through the serial I / F 15 and is transmitted to the dimmer 8 through the output switching unit 7, thereby energizing the power of the lighting load 6. Also,
Although not shown, the control unit 9 is connected to an external storage unit 21 for storing, for external storage, data necessary for the light adjustment calculation stored by the storage unit provided in the control unit 9.

The control section 9 controls the I / O via the data bus L2.
The F13 and the operation unit 14 are controlled, and the operation unit 4
The operation data is decoded and converted into data necessary for the dimming calculation, and the data necessary for the dimming calculation is stored. A main device system 1 including such a main dimming control means 2
6.

On the other hand, backup sub-dimming control means 3 for backup
The auxiliary device system 17 including the same has the same configuration as the main device system 16. That is, the sub-dimming control means 3 includes the control unit 1
1, I / F 18, arithmetic unit 19, I / F 20 and the like. The sub dimming control unit 3 and the main dimming control unit 2 are serial I / F 1 provided respectively.
It is connected via 0 and 12. That is, the information including the data necessary for the dimming calculation stored in the control unit 9 is transmitted to the control unit 11 via the serial I / Fs 10 and 12. Further, the output of the serial I / F 20 is supplied to the dimmer 8 via the output switching unit 7.

The output switching unit 7 that selectively outputs the data from the control units 9 and 11 is controlled by the switching control unit 22. The switching control unit 22 controls the control unit 11 as described later.
Also controls.

Next, the operation of the light control device having such a configuration will be described.

When the apparatus is activated, each external storage unit 21, 31
Via the control units 9 and 11 of the main and sub dimming control units 2 and 3.
Keep the same memory contents. Now, it is assumed that the main device system 16 is operating normally. At this time, the output switching section 7 selects the main device system 16 side and supplies the dimming control signal from the main dimming control means 2 to the dimmer 8. Also,
The control unit 9 controls the entire main device system 16 and sends data necessary for the dimming calculation to the two serial I / Fs 10 and 12.
It is sent to the sub device system 17 side via the.

On the other hand, the sub device system 17 receives the data necessary for the light control calculation from the main device system 16, performs the light control calculation based on this data, and outputs the light control signal.

At this time, if the illumination data of each scene or the like stored in the control unit 9 of the main unit system 16 is being reproduced while operating the operation unit 4, for example, it is reproduced from the main unit system 16 at present. The information about the number of the illuminating scene and the movement of the crossfader for scene indication is supplied as data sent from the main system 16 to the sub system 17.

On the side of the sub-device system 17, arithmetic processing is performed based on the received information and the illumination data of each scene stored in the control unit 11 to create a dimming control signal, which is then output. To do. That is, the dimming control signal output from the sub device system 17 is always output following the dimming control signal of the main device system 16.

Now, assume that an abnormality occurs in the main dimming control means 2 in this state, and it is necessary to switch to the output of the backup sub dimming control means 3. Then, the switching control unit 22
By switching the output switching unit 7 to the side of the auxiliary device system 17, the dimming control signal from the sub-dimming control means 3 can be output to the dimmer 8. As a result, the dimming control signal from the backup sub-dimming control unit 3 follows the output of the main dimming control unit 2, so even if the output is switched by the output switching unit 7, the dimming control is performed. It is possible to prevent a sudden change from appearing in the output to the container 8.

Further, in the above-mentioned proposal in the prior art, as another dimming device, by connecting one operating portion to either one of the main dimming control means and the sub dimming control means,
A dimming device having improved reliability in data transfer between the operation unit and both dimming control means is also described. Such a dimmer is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

3 and 4 are block diagrams showing an example of another conventional dimming device, and FIG. 3 shows one of the dimming control means by selectively switching operation signals from one operating portion. FIG. 4 shows a case in which an operation switching section 33 for supplying the light is provided, and FIG. 4 shows a case in which a delay circuit 34 for smoothly controlling the switching of the dimming control signal when an abnormality occurs is provided. There is.

In the conventional example shown in FIG. 3, between the one operation section 32 and the main and sub dimming control means 2 and 3, the operation signal from the operation section 32 is selectively changed by the switching control section 22. An operation switching unit 33 is provided for switching and outputting to either one of the both dimming control means. That is, when an abnormality occurs in the main device system 16, both the operation switching unit 33 and the output switching unit 7 switch to the sub device system 17 side,
A dimming control signal from the backup sub-dimming control means 3 is given to the dimmer 8. Therefore, in this example, the operation unit 32 and the respective device systems 16 and 17 are connected to the operation switching unit 3
3 are connected to each device system 16, 1
Operation signals can be exchanged bidirectionally between the control unit 7 and the operation unit 32. As a result, it becomes possible to use a method such as a handshake used for improving the reliability of signal passing. Further, in the conventional example shown in FIG. 4, the output from the main dimming control means 2 is given to the output switching section 7 and is also sent to the sub dimming control means 3 for backup. Further, the switching control signal from the switching control unit 22 is directly given to the operation switching unit 33 and the control unit 11 of the sub dimming control means 3, and is given to the output switching unit 7 via the delay circuit 34. There is.

In addition, in the light control device 35 of this example, the good dimming control means 3 normally does not receive the data from the main light control means 2. For example, when an abnormality occurs in the main dimming control means 2 and the auxiliary dimming control means 3 is switched to the backup, first, the operation switching section 33 receives the sub dimming control by the switching control signal from the switching control section 22. Switch to the means 3 side. At the same time, the sub dimming control means 3 starts reading the data from the main dimming control means 3 in response to the switching control signal provided, and performs its arithmetic processing. On the other hand, the switching control signal is sent to the output switching unit 7 with a delay time of about 150 to 200 msec provided by the delay circuit 34. Therefore, the dimmer 35 outputs the dimming control signal to all the dimmers every 40 to 50 msec so that the change in brightness on the stage does not become unnatural for a moment. At this time, the calculation processing time in the sub dimming control means 3 is also substantially the same. With this, even if the output switching unit 7 is switched, it is possible to prevent a sudden change in the output given to the dimmer 8.

Considering the functions of the recent light control device, it is desirable to have a plurality of functions in order to cope with various purposes of use in a stage or a studio, and more than a conventional one. Things are also commercialized.

In the light control device equipped with such a plurality of functions, the operation signals are respectively input by the operation section provided for each function, and one operation is performed to create the light control signal based on the operation signals. Generally, a control unit for performing processing is provided. However, if at least two different functions are used at the same time or used in combination depending on the purpose of use, one dimming control signal is combined or switched by one control unit. When an abnormality such as the above occurs, a function to back up this must be added. Further, as a method for backing up when an abnormality occurs, a dimming control means having the same circuit configuration is additionally provided and the dimming control is made to follow the main dimming device so that even when an abnormality occurs A dual-running method, in which the normal dimming control is performed by switching to, can be considered, but there is a disadvantage in that the cost is high. Further, in this case, since the same software is used, if the cause of the abnormality is in the software, there is a risk that the two may affect each other and cause a failure together.

Therefore, a dimming device as described in the prior art is also proposed as a device capable of smoothly performing the dimming control of the pack-up without suddenly changing the power applied to the dimmer even when an abnormality occurs. However, the light control device according to this proposal is not configured to support a plurality of functions. That is, the main operation unit 4 outputs an operation signal according to one function, and the other operation unit 5 outputs the operation signal.
It is for operating as a backup for the same function as. That is, in order to use or use at least two functions at the same time, it is necessary to adopt the dual running system as described above and provide the same main and sub dimming control means for each function. Therefore, there is a problem that the circuit becomes complicated and the cost becomes high.

Further, in order to effectively perform backup when an abnormality occurs, the main dimming control means 2 transmits information for creating a dimming control signal to the dimming control means 2 for backup. However, even if both operation sections 4 and 5 are operation sections having different functions,
When an abnormality occurs in the sub dimming control unit 3 shown in FIG. 2, information is simply transmitted from the main dimming control unit 2 to the sub dimming control unit 3, and the output switching unit 7 is used. Since the outputs of both dimming control units 2 and 3 are switched, it is not possible to switch to the brightness of the illumination based on the function performed by the sub-dimming control unit 3. That is, when two functions are used at the same time or used together, there is a problem that information necessary for backup cannot be obtained sufficiently.

[0029]

As described above, the conventional light control device corresponds to one type of function, and since it is a light control device that can be backed up even when an abnormality occurs, it has at least two types of functions. It is not possible to use dimming control simultaneously or in combination, and in order to enable it conversely, it is possible to adopt a dual running system in which dimming control means of the same circuit configuration is installed for each function. Since it is necessary, there is a problem that the cost becomes expensive. Further, since both dimming control means use the same software to switch the dimming control when an abnormality occurs, if the cause of the abnormality is software, there is a risk that both will affect each other and will malfunction. There was also a problem that there was.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and information for creating a dimming control signal is mutually transmitted between at least two dimming control means for dimming different functions. An object of the present invention is to provide a dimming device that can perform dimming control based on at least two different functions by transmitting and receiving, and can smoothly back up even when an abnormality occurs.

[0031]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dimmer according to the present invention, which comprises at least two different operation means for adjusting the brightness of a lighting load by manual operation; and at least two different operation functions. A dimming control means for controlling the brightness of a lighting load in response to respective outputs from the means, and dimming control means provided corresponding to the number of operating means; A dimmer for energizing the lighting load in accordance with the output level of the dimming control signal from the means; By bidirectionally transmitting and receiving the information necessary to create a dimming control signal based on
Transmitting and receiving means for sharing information between the respective dimming control means;
A synthesizing means for selecting either synthesizing or switching for each dimming control signal from the dimming control means based on the user's request, performing selected processing, and outputting to the dimmer. It is equipped.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, at least two operation means having different functions adjust the brightness of the lighting load by manual operation. The dimming control means is provided corresponding to the number of operating means, and responds to respective outputs from at least two operating means having different functions, and outputs dimming control signals for controlling the brightness of the illumination load, respectively. The dimmer energizes the lighting load in accordance with the output level of the dimming control signal from the dimming control means. At this time, the transmitting / receiving means provided in each of the dimming control means bidirectionally transmits / receives information necessary for creating a dimming control signal based on each function, between the respective dimming control means. This makes it possible to share information among the respective dimming control means. Further, the synthesizing means selects either one of synthesizing and switching for each dimming control signal from the dimming control means based on the user's request, performs the selected processing, and outputs it to the dimmer. . With this, when the synthesizing process is performed by the synthesizing unit, the dimming control signal based on at least two functions can be output to the dimmer. Since the control means share the same information, a dimming control signal for backup can be given to the dimmer when an abnormality occurs in either one of them.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the dimming device according to the first aspect, wherein the synthesizing means performs dimming control when the user's request uses at least two functions in combination. Is characterized by combining and outputting the respective dimming control signals.

In the present invention according to claim 2, when there is a request from the user that the synthesizing means simultaneously performs the dimming control based on at least two different functions, for example, the respective synthesizing means are controlled. The dimming control signals from the light control means are combined and output to the dimmer as a combined dimming control signal. This enables simultaneous dimming control based on at least two functions. A light control device according to a third aspect of the present invention is the light control device according to the first aspect, wherein the synthesizing means, when an abnormality occurs in any one of the respective light control means, 2. The dimming control device according to claim 1, wherein the dimming control signal based on the shared information is given to the dimmer as a backup by switching the output to the normal output of the dimming control means. apparatus. In the present invention according to claim 3, for example, when an abnormality occurs in either one of the dimming control means, the synthesizing means performs a backup for continuing the dimming control based on at least two current functions. If the user's request is met, the output is switched to a normal output from the dimming control means. At this time, the dimming control signal from the normal dimming control means is at least two because the information necessary for creating this dimming control signal is shared by the transmission and reception of the transmission and reception means of each other. It matches the dimming control signal during dimming control based on the function. As a result, even if an abnormality occurs, backup can be performed without changing the brightness.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dimming device according to the first aspect, wherein the dimming device according to the first aspect is a switching control for performing a switching control between the synthesizing by the synthesizing means and the switching based on a user request. It is characterized by the addition of means.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the switching control control means controls the switching between the synthesis and the switching by the synthesis means based on the user's request. This makes it possible to switch between a mode in which dimming control based on at least two functions is simultaneously used, and a backup mode when an abnormality occurs, according to the user's intention.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dimming system device of the present invention, which comprises the dimmer device according to any one of claims 1 to 4; and a lighting load which is energized by a dimmer. A plurality of lighting devices;

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dimming device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, and a plurality of lighting devices including a lighting load that is energized by a dimmer. Configured as a dimming system device. Therefore, the dimming control based on at least two functions can be simultaneously performed at the same time, and the dimming control of a plurality of lighting devices is performed by the dimming device that can back up even when an abnormality occurs. As a result, the systemization of the light control device of the present invention can be expanded, and the applied light control can be performed.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dimming console in which the brightness of a lighting load is manually adjusted by at least 2.
Two operation means having different functions; each of which outputs a dimming control signal for controlling the brightness of the lighting load in response to respective outputs from at least two operation means having different functions, A dimming control means provided in correspondence with the dimming control means; a dimmer for energizing an illumination load in accordance with an output level of a dimming control signal from the dimming control means; respectively provided in the dimming control means The information necessary for creating the dimming control signal based on the respective functions is bidirectionally transmitted and received between the respective dimming control means, so that the respective dimming control means can perform the information processing. A transmitting / receiving means for sharing the above; and, based on a user's request, selecting either synthesis or switching for each dimming control signal from the dimming control means, and applying the selected processing to the dimmer. And a synthesizing means for outputting to

The present invention according to claim 6 operates in the same manner as the light control device according to claim 1. That is, when the combining processing is performed by the combining means, at least 2
A dimming control signal based on one of the two functions can be output to the dimmer. On the other hand, when they are switched, the dimming control means share the same information. A dimming control signal for backing up can be applied to the dimmer. This allows
A dimmer table that operates in the same manner as the dimmer according to claim 1 can be configured.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a light control table according to the sixth aspect, wherein the operating means is an operation section for performing light control based on at least two different functions. Each of them is formed, and one operation unit is configured to operate a function of performing dimming control based on a manual operation, and the other operation unit stores dimming data necessary for dimming control. It is characterized in that it is configured to operate a function for performing dimming control using a memory.

In the present invention as set forth in claim 7, the operating means are each formed of an operating portion for performing dimming control based on at least two different functions. In this case, one operation unit is configured to operate a function for performing dimming control based on a manual operation, and the other operation unit uses a memory that stores dimming data necessary for dimming control. It is configured to operate the control function. This makes it possible to perform the operation for performing the dimming control in at least two different functions by using the corresponding operation units.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a light control table according to the seventh aspect, wherein one operation unit controls the light control based on the light control data input to and stored in the memory. The memory data operating unit for performing, and the move reproduction operating unit for performing the dimming control reproduction by rereading the dimming data stored by the memory data operating unit from the memory again, and the other operating unit, A three-stage preset operating unit for performing dimming control based on a manual operation, and a crossfader operating unit for assisting the dimming control by the three-stage preset operating unit and for changing the brightness level with time. It is characterized in that it is configured with. Note that other operation units include, for example, a power supply operation unit, an external storage operation unit, a sub-fader operation unit, a chase operation unit, etc., and are configured by adding them to the one and the other operation units according to their functions. It may be done.

In the present invention according to claim 8, one operation section is composed of at least a memory data operation section and a move reproduction operation section. The other operation section is composed of at least a three-stage preset operation section and a crossfader operation section. By operating at least the memory data operating unit and the move reproducing unit, one of the operating units can use a function for optimal dimming control for, for example, an opera or a song program. Also, in the other operation unit,
By operating the three-stage preset operating unit and the crossfader operating unit, it is possible to use a function for performing dimming control suitable for an event or the like on a normal stage or a hall. This enables dimming control according to the purpose of use.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dimmer according to any one of the sixth to eighth aspects of the dimmer according to the present invention.
It is characterized in that dimming control of a lighting device having a lighting load is performed by energizing the lighting load with electric power.

In the present invention according to claim 9, the dimming device is capable of performing dimming control using at least two different functions at the same time, and uses a dimming table capable of backing up even when an abnormality occurs, Performs dimming control of a lighting device having a lighting load. As a result, it is possible to obtain a light control device that enables a wider range of light control.

[0047]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a light control device according to the present invention. The device shown in FIG.
The same components as those of the device shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the dimming device 40 comprises a first dimming control means 41 and a second dimming control means 42. To the first and second dimming control means 41, 42, operation units 44, 45 for adjusting the brightness of the lighting load 6 by manual operation are connected, respectively.

The operation parts 44 and 45 are composed of operation parts for performing dimming control corresponding to at least two different functions out of a plurality of functions mounted on the dimming device 40. These two different functions are, for example, a function for freely controlling the brightness of the lighting according to a scene such as a play or a song, and a function of simply increasing or decreasing the brightness of the lighting over time, which is mainly a manual operation. There is a function to control by. Specifically, the operation unit 45 corresponds to the former function, and includes, for example, a memory data operation unit that performs dimming control based on data corresponding to a scene stored in advance in a memory,
It is composed of a move playback operation unit that performs fine light control by reproducing the light control data again according to the scene.

On the other hand, the other operation unit 36 corresponds to the latter function. For example, a preset fader operation unit for dimming and controlling the brightness of the illumination simply by manual operation,
Further, it is composed of a crossfader operating section for adjusting the brightness level temporally. There are various other functions, but different functions may be assigned to the operation units 45 and 46, respectively.

The first dimming control means 41 includes the operating section 4
Various electric processes are performed based on the operation signal from 5, and a dimming control signal corresponding to the brightness of the lighting load 6 is output. This dimming control signal is given to the dimmer 8 via the synthesizing means 51. In the dimmer 8, the dimming control signal from the first dimming control means 41 and the dimming control signal from the second dimming control means 42 described later are selectively switched or combined by the combining means 51. It is designed to be given. That is, the synthesizing means 51 responds to each of the input dimming control signals by
It is possible to switch and output either one of them in accordance with the use state (for example, when an abnormality occurs), or to output as a combined dimming control signal by combining.

The dimmer 8 receives the dimming control signal and energizes the lighting load 6 with a conduction angle corresponding to the output level thereof. Therefore, by providing the synthesizing means 51,
For example, even when an abnormality occurs, the output dimming control signal of either one of the first and second dimming control means 41, 42 can be given to the dimmer 8, and two functions can be used simultaneously and used together. In this case, it can be given to the dimmer 8 as a combined dimming control signal.

In the dimming device 40 of the present embodiment, the information necessary for creating the dimming control signal according to the function is the first dimming control means 41 and the second dimming control means. It is possible to bidirectionally transmit / receive with 42.
In other words, the first and second dimming control means 41, 42 do not change the information necessary to create the dimming control signals according to different functions or the power of the lighting load 8 that accompanies the occurrence of an abnormality. Information necessary for matching with the electric power can be shared as needed.

Specifically, the first dimming control means 41 is
A transmission / reception unit for transmitting / receiving the information and the like to / from the second dimming control unit 3, for example, a serial I / F 48, and a control unit 47 for controlling dimming are provided. On the other hand, the second dimming control means 42 for another function is another transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving the information and the like to / from the serial I / F 48 of the first dimming control means 42, for example, a serial I / F 49.
And a control unit 50 for controlling dimming.

The control section 47 of the first dimming control means 41 is
Via serial I / F 48 and serial I / F 49,
The information that is connected to the control unit 50 in the second dimming control unit 42 and is necessary to create the dimming control signal based on the function created by the control of the control unit 47 described later is the serial I / O. The data is transmitted to the control unit 50 on the second dimming control unit 42 side via the F48 and the serial I / F 49.

The operation section 45 is connected to the control section 47 via the I / F 13. The control unit 47 includes the control unit 4
Calculation unit 1 for calculating the dimming output based on the data from 7
4 are connected. The calculation result of the calculation unit 14 is converted into serial data via the serial I / F 15 and is transmitted to the dimmer 8 via the synthesizing unit 51, thereby energizing the power of the lighting load 6. Further, although not shown, the control unit 47 is connected to an external storage unit 21 for storing the data necessary for the dimming calculation stored in the storage unit provided in the control unit 47 for external storage. It

The control unit 45 receives the I signal via the data bus L2.
/ F13 and control of the operation unit 14 and the like, decoding of operation data according to the function from the operation unit 45, conversion processing into data necessary for light adjustment calculation, storage of data necessary for light adjustment operation, etc. I do. The first device system 43 is configured to include the first dimming control means 41 as described above.

On the other hand, the second device system 44 including the second dimming control means 42 for other different functions also performs the dimming control in the function different from that of the first device system 43. The configuration is similar to that of the first device system 44.
That is, the second dimming control unit 42 includes the control unit 50 and the I / F.
18, an arithmetic unit 19, an I / F 20, and the like. Further, the second dimming control means 42 and the first dimming control means 41 are connected via serial I / Fs 48 and 49 as transmitting and receiving means provided respectively.
That is, the information including the data necessary for the dimming calculation stored in the control unit 47 is transmitted to the control unit 50 via the serial I / Fs 48 and 49. Also, on the contrary,
The information including the data necessary for the dimming calculation stored in the control unit 50 is first transferred via the serial I / F 49, 48.
It can also be transmitted to the control unit 47 of the dimming control means 41. Further, the output of the serial I / F 20 is the synthesizing means 5
1 to the dimmer 8.

The synthesizing means 51 for selectively switching or synthesizing and outputting the data from the respective control units 47 and 50 is controlled by the switching control unit 23. That is, the switching control unit 23
Generates a switching / combining control signal based on the user's request and gives the switching / combining control signal to the synthesizing means 51 to perform control based on the user's request.

For example, the first and second dimming control means 4
When the two different functions of 1 and 42 are used at the same time, the switching control section 23 generates a synthesis control signal and gives it to the synthesis means 51. As a result, the combining is performed by the combining unit 51, and the combined dimming control signal can be given to the dimmer 8. Further, when an abnormality occurs in either one of the first and second dimming control means 41, 42, the function that is dimming controlled by the normal dimming control means or the dimming control means in which the abnormality occurs When the dimming control is performed as a backup in accordance with one of the functions controlled by the dimming control by the switching control unit 23, the switching control unit 23 gives a switching control signal to the synthesizing unit 51. Thereby, the dimming control signal based on either one of the functions can be switched by the synthesizing means 51, that is, the dimming control signal for backup can be given to the dimmer 8.
When the dimming control based on the two functions at the time of occurrence of an abnormality or the dimming control for backup in either one of the functions is automatically performed, the abnormality occurs by one control unit. It is also possible to detect this and control the switching by the synthesizing means 51 so as to perform the dimming control based on the operation procedure preset according to the detection result.

With such a configuration, it is possible to perform dimming control in which two different functions are simultaneously used or used together, and when an abnormality occurs in one of the first and second dimming control means. However, since the information necessary for creating the dimming control signal based on two different functions is shared, it is possible to perform dimming control before the occurrence of an abnormality and also to back it up. can do.

Next, the operation of the light control device having such a configuration will be described in detail.

Now, it is assumed that the user operates the two operation units 45 and 46 to perform the dimming control based on different functions together. At this time, the synthesizing means 51 uses the switching control unit 23.
Control of the first and second dimming control means 41, 4
The dimming control signals from 2 are synthesized, and the synthesized synthetic dimming control signal is supplied to the dimmer 8. Thus, dimming control based on two different functions can be performed.

At this time, the control unit 47 controls the entire first device system 43, and the data necessary for the dimming calculation is supplied to the second device system 44 via the two serial I / Fs 48 and 49. Send to the side. After that, the control unit 50 of the second device system 44 receives the data required for the dimming calculation from the first device system 43, and stores this data in a storage unit (not shown) in the control unit 50. Provisionally, the first dimming control means 41
If an error occurs, the second device system 42
The arithmetic processing is performed based on the data previously stored in the control unit 50 and the data received and stored from the first device system 41, and the created dimming control signal is output.

On the other hand, as for the control unit 50 of the second device system 44, the second device system 44 is the same as the first device system 43.
Controls the entire system and stores the data required for dimming calculation in 2
First device system 4 via two serial I / Fs 49, 48
Send to the 3 side. After that, the control unit 47 of the first device system 43 receives the data required for the dimming calculation from the second device system 44, and stores this data in a storage unit (not shown) in the control unit 47. If the second dimming control unit 42 has an abnormality, the first device system 43 causes the control unit 4 to operate.
7 performs arithmetic processing based on the data stored in advance inside 7 and the data received and stored from the second device system 44, and outputs a dimming control signal. That is, both control units 47,
By the control of 48, the data necessary for performing the dimming control signals based on the mutual functions are transmitted and received, so that it is possible to hold the shared data that can be dealt with even in the event of an abnormality.

Now, while dimming control based on two different functions is being simultaneously performed simultaneously, for example, an abnormality occurs in the first dimming control means 41, and the two functions are left as they are. Suppose you need to make a backup. Then, by switching the synthesizing means 51 to the output from the second device system 43 by the switching control unit 23, it is possible to output to the dimmer 8 the dimming control signal similar to the state before the occurrence of the abnormality. As a result, the second dimming control means 42 also shares the data and the like necessary for creating the dimming control signal output from the first dimming control means 2, so that the synthesizing means 51 is used. Even if switched, dimmer 8
It is possible to prevent sudden changes in the output to. Further, even if the occurrence of an abnormality occurs in the second device system 44, it is possible to back up by performing the operation opposite to the above.

The first and second dimming control means 41,
In the case of performing dimming control for only one of the functions of 42, for example, based on the data given from the control unit being used by the control unit of the dimming control means not used as in the prior art. A dimming control signal may be created and output to the synthesizing means 51 by always following the output from the dimming control means of the function using the dimming control signal. Backup can also be enabled by switching to the output from the dimming control means that is not being used by the means.

Therefore, in the present embodiment example,
It is possible to obtain an effect that it is possible to perform dimming control using at least two different functions at the same time without performing a dual configuration such as a dual running system. This makes it possible to configure a light control device having a plurality of functions without increasing the cost. Also, when dimming control based on these functions is being performed, even if either one of them fails, the data for creating the dimming control signal based on each other's functions is shared. ,
It becomes possible to back up smoothly. Furthermore, since the software used for both control units is different from each other, even if there is a cause of an abnormality in the software, it is possible to prevent the simultaneous occurrence of both abnormalities caused by the influence of the other software. It also has the effect of being able to do it.

[0070]

As described above, according to the present invention, by providing the synthesizing means, it is possible to simultaneously perform dimming control based on at least two different functions. Even if an abnormality occurs in either one of the dimming control means, the transmitting and receiving means provided in both sides
By transmitting and receiving the information for creating the dimming control paper number based on each other's function, the information can be shared with each other, and therefore, it is possible to perform backup in case of an abnormality. Furthermore, since the software used for both control units is different from each other, even if there is a cause of an abnormality in the software, it is possible to prevent the simultaneous occurrence of both abnormalities caused by the influence of the other software. It also has the effect of being able to do it.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of a light control device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a conventional light control device.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing another example of a conventional light control device.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing another example of a conventional light control device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 40 ... Dimming device, 41 ... First dimming control means, 42 ... Second dimming control means, 43 ... First device system, 44 ... Second device system, 45, 46 ... Operating part, 47 , 50 ... control section, 48, 49 ... serial I / F (transmission / reception means), 51 ... combining means, 23 ... switching control section, 6 ... illumination load, 8 ... dimmer.

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] June 10, 1996

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Drawing

[Correction target item name] Figure 2

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Fig. 2]

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Drawing

[Correction target item name] Figure 3

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Figure 3]

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. At least two operation means having different functions for manually adjusting the brightness of the lighting load; and controlling the brightness of the lighting load in response to respective outputs from at least two different operation means having different functions. A dimming control signal provided corresponding to the number of operating means; and a lighting load corresponding to an output level of the dimming control signal from the dimming control means. A dimmer for energizing the electric power; and bidirectional information provided between the dimming control means and necessary for creating a dimming control signal based on each function between the dimming control means. A transmitting and receiving means for sharing the information by the respective dimming control means by transmitting and receiving to and from each of the dimming control signals from the dimming control means based on the user's request. Select either or And a synthesizing means for outputting the light to the dimmer. 2. The synthesizing means synthesizes and outputs respective dimming control signals when the user's request performs dimming control by using at least two functions in combination. The light control device described in. 3. The synthesizing means, among the respective dimming control means,
When an abnormality occurs in either one of them, the output of the dimming control means that is normal is output by switching the dimming control signal based on the shared information to the dimmer for backup. The light control device according to claim 1, wherein the light control device is provided. 4. The light control device according to claim 1, further comprising a switching control means for performing switching control of the synthesizing by the synthesizing means and the switching based on a user's request. 5. A dimmer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, and a plurality of lighting devices configured with a lighting load that is energized by a dimmer. Characteristic dimming system device. 6. At least two operating means having different functions for adjusting the brightness of the lighting load by manual operation; and controlling the brightness of the lighting load in response to respective outputs from the operating means having at least two different functions. A dimming control signal provided corresponding to the number of operating means; and a lighting load corresponding to an output level of the dimming control signal from the dimming control means. A dimmer for energizing the electric power; and bidirectional information provided between the dimming control means and necessary for creating a dimming control signal based on each function between the dimming control means. Transmitting and receiving means for sharing information between the respective dimming control means; either combining or switching with respect to each dimming control signal from the dimming control means based on a user's request. Select one,
A dimmer table comprising: a synthesizing unit that performs a selected process and outputs the dimmer to a dimmer. 7. The operating means is each formed of an operating portion for performing dimming control based on at least two different functions, and one operating portion performs dimming control based on a manual operation. It is configured to operate a function to perform, and the other operation unit is configured to operate a function to perform dimming control using a memory that stores dimming data necessary for dimming control. The light control table according to claim 6. 8. One of the operation units is a memory data operation unit that performs dimming control based on the dimming data that is input to and stored in the memory, and the dimming data stored by the memory data operation unit is again used in the memory. It is configured with a move reproduction operation unit that performs reproduction of dimming control by reading from the other. The other operation unit performs dimming control based on a manual operation.
7. A step preset operation section and a cross fader operation section for assisting the dimming control by the three step preset operation section and for changing the level of brightness with time. Dimming table described in. 9. The lighting control device according to claim 6, wherein the lighting load is energized,
A dimming device characterized by performing dimming control of a lighting device having a lighting load.