JPH1174088A - Dimming controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a dimming controller by which a brightness on a work surface is kept constant usually and a light output from an illumination load can be changed, if necessary. SOLUTION: Brightness on a work surface is detected by a brightness sensor Sn installed in a monitoring terminal 2, and sent to a master instrument 1. The master instrument 1 works in a fixed-illuminance mode, controlling a dimming quantity of an illumination load L through a dimming control terminal 3, so that the detected value by the brightness sensor Sn can be kept constant usually. The dimming operation terminal 4a is connected with a signal line Ls, and by operating an up-switch Su or a down-switch Sd of the dimming operation terminal 4a, the master instrument 1 works in an illuminance- specifying mode, to thereby control the illumination load L to a desired dimming quantity. The master instrument 1 returns to the fixed-illuminance mode, when the fixed time set up in a timer Tm passes after the operation of the up-switch Su or the down-switch Sd.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a dimming control device for maintaining the brightness of a work surface constant by dimming a lighting load.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Heretofore, a dimming control device which uses a brightness sensor for detecting the brightness of a work surface and dims and controls a lighting load so that a value detected by the brightness sensor is maintained at a target value. Has been proposed. The use of this type of dimming control device not only keeps the brightness of the work surface constant, but also reduces the light output of the lighting load when natural light can be sufficiently taken in as in the daytime. Energy saving.

[0003]

By the way, the use of the above-mentioned dimming control device can achieve the object of keeping the brightness of the work surface constant and saving energy. However, in the illumination of a conference room or the like, OHP ( There is a case where it is desired to change the illuminance, for example, by using an overhead projector) or for effect lighting, and there is a problem that the above-described configuration cannot meet such a demand. That is, the above-described dimming control device only keeps the brightness of the work surface constant despite the dimming control of the lighting load, and thus cannot arbitrarily change the light output of the lighting load. Things.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to always perform dimming control so as to keep the brightness of a work surface constant, and to adjust the light output of a lighting load as necessary. It is an object of the present invention to provide a dimming control device capable of changing the brightness.

[0005]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a brightness sensor for detecting the brightness of a work surface, dimming means for controlling a light intensity of an illumination load, and a brightness detected by the brightness sensor. Control means for instructing the dimming amount of the lighting load to the dimming means so as to maintain the target value, and dimming instructing means for instructing the dimming amount of the lighting load to the dimming means by manual operation of an operation switch; Priority control that always operates in the constant illuminance mode in which the dimming amount by the control means is given to the dimming means, and operates in the illuminance variable mode in which the dimming amount by the dimming instruction means is given to the dimming means when the operation switch is operated. Means for returning to the constant illuminance mode from the illuminance variable mode by giving a return instruction to the priority control means. According to this configuration,
The lighting load is normally controlled so that the brightness detected by the brightness sensor is maintained at the target value, and when the operation switch of the dimming instruction means is operated, the dimming amount can be changed. It is possible to change the amount of light control by operating the operation switch as needed, while maintaining the effect of saving energy by keeping the brightness of the camera constant, thereby expanding the usage applications. .

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a monitoring terminal having a unique address and a brightness sensor, and a dimming control terminal having a unique address and a dimming means. A dimming operation terminal having a unique address and provided with dimming instruction means, and a monitoring terminal, a dimming control terminal, and a dimming operation terminal connected via signal lines to the monitoring terminal and the dimming. A master unit for transmitting data using an address between the operation terminal unit and the dimming control terminal unit is provided, and a control unit and a priority control unit are provided in the master unit. According to this configuration, a plurality of terminals are connected to the master via signal lines, and each of the terminals is provided with one of a brightness sensor, a dimming instruction unit, and a dimming unit. Depending on the correspondence, the operation switches and the lighting loads can be associated one-to-one, or the amount of light control of a plurality of lighting loads can be controlled collectively by one operation switch.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the return means instructs a return to the constant illuminance mode after a lapse of a predetermined time after the manual operation of the operation switch is stopped. Things. According to this configuration, since the brightness returns to the constant illuminance mode in which the brightness is kept constant after a certain period of time has elapsed after the light intensity has been changed by the operation switch, no special operation is required to return to the constant illuminance mode. Therefore, if the change of the brightness becomes unnecessary, the brightness can be kept constant and the effect of energy saving can be maintained.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the return means instructs a return to the constant illuminance mode by a manual operation of a mode switch. According to this configuration, the light output of the lighting load is reduced to use the OHP without automatically returning to the constant illuminance mode in which the brightness of the work surface is kept constant after the brightness is changed. Inconveniences such as sudden brightening can be prevented.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, when the return means stops the manual operation of the operation switch for a predetermined time and when the mode changeover switch is manually operated. The instruction to return to the constant illuminance mode is given earlier. According to this configuration, the mode switch is basically operated by a person to return to the constant illuminance mode in which the brightness of the work surface is kept constant after the brightness is changed. If the predetermined time is set appropriately, the problem of sudden brightening when using an OHP or the like can be avoided, and the recovery by the mode change switch can be avoided. Even if the operation is forgotten, the operation returns to the constant illuminance mode after a predetermined time has elapsed, and the brightness can be kept constant and the energy saving can be maintained.

[0010]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(Embodiment 1) In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a monitoring terminal 2 is connected via a two-wire signal line Ls connected to a base unit 1.
The dimming control terminal 3 and the dimming operation terminals 4a and 4b are branched (multidrop connection). Master device 1 transmits a transmission signal to signal line Ls, and synchronizes with the transmission signal transmitted from master device 1 to time division multiplex transmission system between master device 1 and each of terminals 2, 3, 4a, and 4b. The data is exchanged at. That is, individual addresses are set for the monitoring terminal 2, the dimming control terminal 3, and the dimming operation terminals 4a and 4b, respectively, and the master unit 1 uses the addresses to communicate with the monitoring terminal 2 and the dimming. The control terminal 3 and the dimming operation terminals 4a and 4b are individually recognized. The monitoring terminal 2 includes a brightness sensor Sn for detecting the brightness of the work surface, the dimming operation terminal 4a includes two operation switches, an up switch Su and a down switch Sd, and the dimming operation terminal 4b. Has three pattern switches Sp as operation switches. A lighting load L is connected to the dimming control terminal 3. The dimming operation terminal 4b will be described later.

The master unit 1 is connected to the signal line Ls by a signal shown in FIG.
The transmission signal Vs of the format shown in FIG. That is, a synchronization signal SY indicating the start of signal transmission, mode data MD indicating a mode of the transmission signal Vs, and address data for separately calling the monitoring terminal 2, the dimming control terminal 3, and the dimming operation terminals 4a and 4b. AD, control data CD for controlling the lighting load L, checksum data CS for detecting a transmission error, and return signals (monitoring) from the monitoring terminal 2, the dimming control terminal 3, and the dimming operation terminals 4a and 4b. 2) is a bipolar (± 24V) time-division multiplexed signal composed of a signal return period WT as a time slot for receiving data), and data is transmitted by pulse width modulation (FIG. 2 (b)). . In each monitoring terminal 2, each dimming control terminal 3, and each dimming operation terminal 4a, 4b, the address data A transmitted by the transmission signal Vs received through the signal line Ls.
If D matches a preset address,
While taking in the control data CD from the transmission signal Vs,
During the signal return period WT of the transmission signal Vs, the monitoring data is returned as a current mode signal (a signal transmitted by short-circuiting the signal line Ls via an appropriate low impedance).

When data is transmitted from the master unit 1 to the desired monitoring terminal 2, dimming control terminal 3, and dimming operation terminals 4a and 4b, the mode data MD is set to the control mode and the monitoring terminal 2 Light control terminal 3, light control operation terminal 4a, 4
transmission signal Vs using the address b as address data AD
Is transmitted to the signal line Ls, the monitoring terminal 2, the dimming control terminal 3, and the dimming operation terminals 4a and 4b that match the address data AD transmit the control data (on / off instruction). And the amount of light control) CD, and returns monitoring data during the signal return period WT. In the master 1, the control data CD is transmitted to the desired monitoring terminal 2, the dimming control terminal 3, and the dimming operation terminals 4a and 4b based on the relationship between the transmitted control data CD and the monitoring data received during the signal return period WT. Check that it was transmitted. The dimming control terminal 3 outputs a load control signal for controlling the lighting load L according to the received control data CD. Further, the monitoring terminal 2 and the dimming operation terminals 4a and 4b output a monitoring signal for performing an operation confirmation display of the lighting load L in accordance with the received control data CD.

The master unit 1 cyclically transmits the transmission signal Vs to the monitoring terminal 2, the dimming control terminal 3, and the dimming operation terminals 4a and 4b at regular time intervals. When the address data AD of the transmission signal Vs matches the set address, the device 2 and the dimming operation terminals 4a and 4b return information to the master device 1 in synchronization with the signal return period WT. In other words, master device 1 requests monitoring terminal device 2 to detect the brightness detected by brightness sensor Sn, and monitoring terminal device 2 returns the detection value of brightness sensor Sn during signal return period WT. The information returned from the dimming operation terminals 4a and 4b will be described later.

When the master unit 1 receives the brightness detection value from the brightness sensor Sn from the monitoring terminal device 2, the master unit 1 instructs the illumination load L previously associated with the brightness sensor Sn to adjust the light intensity. Here, the correspondence between the monitoring terminal 2 including the brightness sensor Sn and the dimming control terminal 3 connected to the lighting load L is set in the master 1 using an address, and the brightness of the work surface is also set. Are registered in the parent device 1 for each set of the brightness sensor Sn and the lighting load L. When the detection value of each brightness sensor Sn is transmitted to the parent device 1, the parent device 1 performs feedback control of the corresponding illumination load L so as to reduce the difference between the detection value and the target value. By such control, the brightness of the work surface is maintained at the target value. That is, master device 1 functions as control means, and light control terminal 3 functions as light control means. This operation state is hereinafter referred to as a constant illuminance mode.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, the dimming operation terminal 4a includes an up switch Su and a down switch Sd, each of which is a push button switch, and the up switch Su and the down switch Sd start to change when the push operation is performed. To instruct. Here, the up switch Su instructs an increase in the light output of the lighting load L, and the down switch Sd instructs a decrease in the light output of the lighting load L. When the start of the change and the direction of the change are instructed in this way, the dimming control terminal 3 automatically changes the light output of the lighting load L at a predetermined speed. That is, the dimming operation terminal 4a functions as dimming instruction means. If the pressing operation of the up switch Su or the down switch Sd is released when the desired light output is reached, the stop of the change in the light control amount is instructed, and the light control terminal 3
Then, the light intensity at that time is kept. As described above, since the access from the base unit 1 to the dimming operation terminal 4a is cyclic, the timing at which the up switch Su or the down switch Sd is operated and the time at which the dimming operation terminal 4a is accessed are timing. In the dimming operation terminal 4a, the up switch Su and the down switch S
There is no particular problem if the operation timing of d is maintained (the cycle of the tour is sufficiently short so that the user does not feel uncomfortable). This operation state is hereinafter referred to as an illuminance variable mode.

Here, in the present embodiment, the light control amount of the illumination load L is feedback-controlled so that the value detected by the brightness sensor Sn always coincides with the target value, and the constant illuminance mode is set. When the dimming control terminal 3 corresponding to the dimming operation terminal 4a is also associated with the monitoring terminal 2, when the up switch Su or the down switch Sd is pressed on the dimming operation terminal 4a. Meanwhile, the master device 1 preferentially uses information from the dimming operation terminal device 4a. That is, the constant illuminance mode in which the light output of the illumination load L is feedback-controlled so that the detection value of the brightness sensor Sn approaches the target value is interrupted, and the mode shifts to the illuminance variable mode in which control corresponding to the dimming operation terminal device 4a is performed. Let it do. As a result, the lighting load L is dimmed according to the operation of the dimming operation terminal 4a. If the pressing operation of the up switch Su or the down switch Sd is stopped, the change of the light control amount also stops. The main unit 1 has a built-in timer Tm, and returns to the constant illuminance mode when a predetermined time specified by the timer Tm elapses after the change in the amount of light control stops. That is, the timer Tm
Function as return means for giving a return instruction. In addition,
The time period limited by the timer Tm can be common to all the dimming control terminals 3, but may be set for each dimming control terminal 3.

As described above, the dimming operation terminal 4a
By operating the up switch Su through the down switch Sd, the operation is prioritized, and the light intensity of the illumination load L can be changed. In addition, when a certain period of time elapses after stopping the change of the light control amount, the mode automatically returns to the constant illuminance mode in which the brightness of the work surface is kept constant. As a result, the mode can be returned to the constant illuminance mode without any special operation after the light intensity of the illumination load L is changed.

Since the correspondence between the addresses of the terminals 2, 3, 4a and 4b is managed by the master 1, the master 1
By associating the addresses of the plurality of dimming control terminals 3 with one address, a plurality of lighting loads L can be controlled collectively by operating one operation switch. Such collective control includes group control and pattern control. In group control, a plurality of loads are controlled to the same control state, and in pattern control, a plurality of loads are controlled to a preset control state.

FIG. 4 shows a dimming operation terminal 4b for pattern control, which includes three pattern switches Sp as operation switches used for pattern control.
Also, two indicator lights Ln and Lf are arranged adjacent to each pattern switch Sp. Light emitting diodes are used for the indicator lights Ln and Lf. Each indicator light Ln is turned on when the pattern control is being performed, and the indicator light Lf is turned on when the pattern control is not being performed.

As described above, in the pattern control, the light intensity of each lighting load L is individually set for a plurality of lighting loads L. Therefore, if the pattern control is performed by operating the pattern switch Sp, the constant illuminance mode is released. Will be. Therefore, as in the case where the dimming operation terminal 4a is operated, the mode is returned to the constant illuminance mode after a lapse of a predetermined time from the end of the operation of the pattern switch Sp. As a result, the illuminance variable mode in which the illumination load L is pattern-controlled in accordance with the setting of the user for a certain period of time is set. Thereafter, the mode automatically returns to the constant illuminance mode, thereby saving energy. In addition, the transmission form between the parent device 1 and each of the terminal devices 2, 3, 4a, and 4b is not limited to the above. Further, it is not always necessary to perform time division multiplex transmission.

(Second Embodiment) In the first embodiment, the timer Tm is provided in the master unit 1, and after a certain time has passed since the control of the dimming operation terminals 4a, 4b, the master unit 1 is automatically returned to the constant illuminance mode. However, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, a separate switching terminal 5 is provided to return to the constant illuminance mode. As shown in FIG. 6, the switching terminal 5 is an operation terminal provided with a mode switching switch Sm as a return unit, and the lighting load L is dimmed by operating the dimming operation terminals 4a and 4b. Mode switch Sm
Is operated, an instruction to the parent device 1 is transmitted to return to the constant illuminance mode. Here, the switching terminal 5 is provided with two indicator lights La and Lb using light emitting diodes,
When the dimming control is performed by the dimming operation terminals 4a and 4b, the indicator lamp La is turned on.

In this embodiment, since the switching terminal 5 is connected to the signal line Ls and the user operates the mode switching switch Sm, the control by the dimming operation terminals 4a and 4b is intentionally released. For example, it may be used when it is inconvenient to automatically return to the constant illuminance mode in a place where an OHP or the like is used. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

(Embodiment 3) This embodiment corresponds to Embodiment 1.
And the configuration of the second embodiment. That is, the timer Tm is provided in the base unit 1 and the signal line Ls
Is connected to the switching terminal 5, and after the operation of the dimming operation terminals 4a and 4b is completed, a predetermined time set in the timer Tm elapses or the mode switching switch Sm of the switching terminal 5 is switched. Is operated, the mode returns to the constant illuminance mode.
Here, the return instruction by the timer Tm and the mode changeover switch Sm has priority over the instruction given earlier.

In this configuration, if the time limit by the timer Tm is set relatively long, the dimming control by the dimming operation terminals 4a and 4b is basically performed only for a desired period according to the user's intention. Mode switch S
Even if the operation of returning by m is forgotten, the operation automatically returns after a certain period of time, so that the effect of energy saving can be obtained. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0025]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a brightness sensor for detecting the brightness of a work surface, dimming means for controlling the amount of dimming of an illumination load, and the brightness detected by the brightness sensor as a target value. Control means for instructing the dimming amount of the lighting load to the dimming means so as to keep the light amount, dimming instruction means for instructing the dimming amount of the lighting load to the dimming means by manual operation of an operation switch; Priority control means that operates in a constant illuminance mode in which the dimming amount is given to the dimming means, and operates in a variable illuminance mode in which the dimming amount is given to the dimming means by the dimming instruction means when an operation switch is operated; A return means for giving a return instruction to the control means to return from the variable illuminance mode to the constant illuminance mode, wherein the illumination load is adjusted so that the brightness detected by the brightness sensor is always maintained at the target value. Light controlled,
When the operation switch of the light control instruction means is operated, the light control amount can be changed, so that the operation switch can be operated as necessary while maintaining the effect of keeping the brightness of the work surface constant and saving energy. Can change the dimming light amount, and there is an advantage that the usage is expanded.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a monitoring terminal having a unique address and a brightness sensor, a dimming control terminal having a unique address and dimming means, and A dimming operation terminal having a set dimming instruction means, and a monitoring terminal, a dimming control terminal, and a dimming operation terminal connected via signal lines to the monitoring terminal, the dimming operation terminal, and the dimming. A master unit for transmitting data using an address to and from the light control terminal, wherein the control unit and the priority control unit are provided in the master unit; Since the terminal devices are connected, and each of the terminal devices is provided with one of a brightness sensor, a dimming instruction unit, and a dimming unit, the operation switch and the lighting load are associated one-to-one with the address correspondence, Multiple lighting loads with one operation switch It has the advantage that it becomes possible or collectively controlled light amount.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the return means instructs a return to the constant illuminance mode after a lapse of a predetermined time after the manual operation of the operation switch is stopped. After a certain period of time has passed since the change, the camera returns to the constant illuminance mode, which maintains the brightness constant.Therefore, no special operation is required to return to the constant illuminance mode. Can be kept constant to maintain the energy-saving effect.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, when the return means instructs a return to the constant illuminance mode by manual operation of the mode switch, the brightness of the work surface is kept constant after the brightness is changed. There is an advantage that it is not possible to automatically return to the constant illuminance mode, and it is possible to prevent an inconvenience such as suddenly becoming brighter when the light output of the illumination load is reduced to use an OHP or the like.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the return means sets the constant illuminance mode at the earliest of when a predetermined time has elapsed after the manual operation of the operation switch is stopped and when the mode changeover switch is manually operated. In order to return to the normal lighting mode, the mode switch is basically operated by a person to return to the constant illuminance mode in which the brightness of the work surface is kept constant after the brightness is changed. Even if you forget it, it will return after a certain time elapses, so if this certain time is set appropriately, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience of suddenly becoming bright when using OHP or the like, and to switch the mode. Even if the return operation by the switch is forgotten, it returns to the constant illuminance mode after a lapse of a certain period of time, and there is an advantage that the brightness can be kept constant and the energy saving can be maintained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an operation explanatory view of the above.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing a dimming operation terminal used in the lighting device;

FIG. 4 is a front view showing a dimming operation terminal used in the lighting device;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a front view showing a switching terminal used in the above.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 master unit 2 monitoring terminal 3 dimming control terminal 4a dimming operation terminal 4b dimming operation terminal 5 switching terminal L lighting load Ls signal line Sd down switch Sm mode switching switch Sn brightness sensor Sp pattern switch Su Up switch Tm timer

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A brightness sensor for detecting the brightness of a work surface, a light control unit for controlling a light control amount of an illumination load, and a light control unit for maintaining the brightness detected by the brightness sensor at a target value. Control means for instructing the dimming amount of the lighting load to the light source, dimming instructing means for instructing the dimming amount of the lighting load to the dimming means by manual operation of the operation switch, and always adjusting the dimming amount by the control means The priority control means operates in a constant illuminance mode given to the means, and operates in an illuminance variable mode in which the dimming amount by the dimming instruction means is given to the dimming means when the operation switch is operated, and a return instruction is given to the priority control means. A dimming control device, comprising: a return unit configured to return from the variable illuminance mode to the constant illuminance mode. 2. A monitoring terminal having a unique address and a brightness sensor, a dimming control terminal having a unique address and a dimming unit, and a dimming instruction unit having a unique address and a dimming instruction unit. A dimming operation terminal, a monitoring terminal, a dimming control terminal, and a dimming operation terminal connected via a signal line to the monitoring terminal, the dimming operation terminal, and the dimming control terminal. 2. The dimming control device according to claim 1, further comprising a master unit for transmitting data using the address in the master unit, wherein the control unit and the priority control unit are provided in the master unit. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the return unit instructs a return to the constant illuminance mode after a lapse of a predetermined time after the manual operation of the operation switch is stopped.
The dimming control device according to the above. 4. The dimming control device according to claim 1, wherein the return unit instructs a return to the constant illuminance mode by a manual operation of a mode changeover switch. 5. The return means instructs to return to the constant illuminance mode when a fixed time elapses after the manual operation of the operation switch is stopped or when the mode switch is manually operated. The dimming control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: