WO2006083089A1

WO2006083089A1 - Channel based control device, signal processing method thereof and lighting control device using the same

Info

Publication number: WO2006083089A1
Application number: PCT/KR2006/000286
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jong Souk Kim
Original assignee: Jong Souk Kim
Priority date: 2005-02-07
Filing date: 2006-01-25
Publication date: 2006-08-10
Also published as: KR20050023379A; KR100506419B1

Abstract

The present invention provides a channel based control device, signal processing method thereof and lighting control device using the same in which a plurality of stages constitute serial channels through transmission lines where one stage is defined as the unit that processes commands corresponding to the received data after receiving serial-type data. A channel based control device according to the invention comprises a header data discriminating unit for outputting the first switching signal in the case of discrimination as being received where discriminating receipt of header data appointed in advance, a controller for controlling a switching unit to connect the transmission line in the initial state and for reading in the data as much as predetermined amount after the header data, wherein the controller outputs the second switching control signal to connect the transmission line of the current stage if it read all data and executes control operation involved in read-in data, a switching unit for disconnecting the transmission line in response to the first switching signal from the header data discriminating unit, and for connecting the transmission line in response to the second switching signal from the controller. According to the invention, it enables reduction of the line number by applying the technology for transmitting needed data to the corresponding module using one signal line, and efficient production in applying to a plurality of remote equipments by extracting corresponding data automatically without establishing the identifier.

Description

CHANNEL BASED CONTROL DEVICE, SIGNAL PROCESSING METHOD THEREOF AND LIGHTING CONTROL DEVICE

USING THE SAME

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to a channel based control device, signal processing method thereof and lighting control device using the same, more specifically, to a channel based control device, signal processing method thereof and lighting control device using the same in which a plurality of stages constitute serial channels through transmission lines where one stage is defined as the unit that processes commands corresponding to the received data after receiving serial-type data. Background Art

[2] The device for controlling elements with connected continuously having different address each other executes a control using the address corresponding to the identifier of corresponding element when approaching the elements. Several stages constitute serial channel through transmission lines in the prior channel based control device where the unit that processing commands corresponding to the received data after receiving serial-type data is defined as one stage.

[3] Fig. 10 shows the structure of channel based control device in the prior art.

Referring to Fig. 10, shows a prior channel based control device where every different address is assigned in a stage 602, 604, 606, 608,..., and the command is accepted in the stage according with the address allocated to the stage, even supplying the control command on the channel, for giving certain control command to the stage 602, 604, 606, 608,.... For this, the dip switch (602dip, 604dip, 606dip, 608dip,...) is provided and settled for establishing the identifier in every stage. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[4] However, the dip switch should be adjusted and managed for setting the address by every stage in the prior channel based control device as described above, still in real fields, it takes considerable time and efforts to manage the ID by accommodating the dip switch by every stage, which generates the problem of high cost of labor in installation.

[5] In the meanwhile, the prior lighting device controls brightness of color, the tone of color, and the flickering sequence using a lighting source such as a fluorescent light lamp, a neon lamp, and a cold cathode ray tube, still it has a problem of only enabling the change of the tone of color during the change of the brightness of colors against one color.

[6] Another lighting device in the prior art for solving such problems uses the DMX signal. The DMX signal where every control module is connected to a common line selects and extracts every corresponding data, at this point, every module should have its own identifier corresponding to the sequence of corresponding data. Here, every identifier recognition is accomplished by storing corresponding identifier by way of the switch or external communication, which generates the troublesomeness of identifier management and the problem of wiring complexity as well.

[7] Further, the prior lighting control device uses the signal like I2C. Thus, the signal like I2C needs several control lines for connecting in noisy environment, which needs increment of line number to be connected in the case of having to be connected in the distance in connecting of line form for transmitting the data, as several control signals are connected together. Technical Solution

[8] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a channel based control device and signal processing method thereof capable of minimizing the wiring by discriminating the stages through switching for sequentially controlling after deciding the address due to connected order wherein a plurality of stages constitute serial channels through transmission lines where one stage is defined as the unit that processes commands corresponding to the received data after receiving serial-type data.

[9] The present invention provides a lighting control device using a channel based control device that minimizes the wiring without address lines while being controlled individually in the case of utilizing a back light on the signboard using a plurality of LED modules.

[10] A channel based control device according to another aspect of the present invention for achieving the technical solution wherein a plurality of stages constitute serial channels through transmission lines where one stage is defined as the unit that processes commands corresponding to the received data after receiving serial-type data, comprising: a header data discriminating unit for outputting the first switching signal in the case of discrimination as being received where discriminating receipt of header data appointed in;

[11] a controller for controlling a switching unit to connect the transmission line in the initial state and for reading in the data as much as predetermined amount after the header data, wherein the controller outputs the second switching control signal to connect the transmission line of the current stage if it read all data and executes control operation involved in read-in data;

[12] a switching unit for disconnecting the transmission line in response to the first switching signal from the header data discriminating unit, and for connecting the transmission line in response to the second switching signal from the controller.

[13] The channel based control device according to the invention provides another aspect in that the lighting data uses a prior DMX signal line, and the identifier data is used to establish the identifier.

[14] Moreover, a signal processing method of a channel based control device according to another aspect of the present invention for achieving the technical solution wherein a plurality of stages constitute serial channels through transmission lines where one stage is defined as the unit that processes commands corresponding to the received data after receiving serial-type data, comprising:

[15] (a) connecting the transmission lines in the initial state;

[16] (b) discriminating whether the header data appointed in advance is received or not;

[17] (c) disconnecting the transmission lines in the case of discrimination as being received the header data;

[18] (d) reading in the data as much as predetermined amount;

[19] (e) connecting the transmission line of the current stage after reading in the data as much as predetermined amount;

[20] (f) discriminating whether the header data appointed in advance is received or not;

[21] (g) proceeding to the step after step (c) on the next stage in the case of discrimination as not being received the header data in the step (f);

[22] (h) returning to the step (c) in the case of discrimination as being received the header data in the step (f).

[23] A lighting control device using a channel based control device according to another aspect of the present invention for achieving the technical solution wherein a plurality of stages constitute serial channels through transmission lines where one stage is defined as the unit that processes commands corresponding to the received data after receiving serial-type data, comprising:

[24] a header data discriminating unit for outputting the first switching signal in the case of discrimination as being received where discriminating receipt of header data appointed in advance;

[25] a controller for controlling a switching unit to connect the transmission line in the initial state and for reading in the data as much as predetermined amount after the header data, wherein the controller outputs the second switching control signal to connect the transmission line of the current stage if it read all data and executes control operation involved in read-in data where the read-in data that is the signals prescribed in advance for controlling LEDs defines the time of flickering and the brightness for LEDs;

[26] a switching unit for disconnecting the transmission line in response to the first switching signal from the header data discriminating unit, and for connecting the transmission line in response to the second switching signal from the controller;

[27] an LED driver for controlling the LED module to flicker for the time and the brightness included in the data after receiving the data; and

[28] an LED module flickered by the LED driver.

[29] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. The embodiments are described below so as to explain the present invention by referring to the figures. Advantageous Effects

[30] According to the present invention as described in detail, it enables reduction of the line number by applying the technology for transmitting needed data to the corresponding module using one signal line, and efficient production in applying to a plurality of remote equipments by extracting corresponding data automatically without establishing the identifier.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[31] The above and/or other aspects and advantages of the prevent invention will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the exemplary embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompany drawings, in which: [32] Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the structure of the channel based control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [33] Fig. 2 is a flow chart illustrating the signal processing method of channel based control device due to an embodiment of the invention being performed within the device of Fig. 1. [34] Fig. 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 shows the drawing for explaining the operation of this invention. [35] Fig. 8 shows a state diagram of using of lighting control device using the channel based control device according to the present invention. [36] Fig. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the structure of the channel based control device according to another embodiment of the present invention [37] Fig. 10 shows the structure of channel based control device in the prior art.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention [38] Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the structure of the channel based control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 1, the channel based control device according to an embodiment of the present invention describes an example applied to a lighting control device. The channel based control device 10 according to this invention includes a header data discriminating unit 102, a switching unit 104, and a controller 105.

[39] The channel based control device 10 receives serial type of data and can be considered as a stage which is an unit processing a command corresponding to the received data. Such stages as a plurality of stages 12, 14, .., N ( N: a predetermined plus number)compose serial channels through transmission lines. Said stages include the header data discriminating unit 102, 122, ..., N02, the switching unit 104, 124, ..N04, and the controller 105, 125, ..N05.

[40] The channel based control device 10, 12,..., N is used to control an LED driver 106,

126, .., N06 and an LED module 108, 128, .., N08, which operates as a lighting control device.

[41] In here, the header data stands at the top of the signal inputted through the transmission line, and after that top position, the data that will accept by every stage stands. When the header data comes once again, one period of control is finished. The header data discriminating unit 102 discriminates receiving of header data appointed in advance and outputs the first switching signal (switch_off) in the case of discrimination as being received. The header data can be optionally decided like "011001100".

[42] The controller 105 controls the switching unit 104 to connect the transmission line in the initial state and reads in the data as much as predetermined amount after the header data, the controller outputs the second switching control signal (switch_on) to connect the transmission line of the current stage if it read in that and executes control operation involved in read-in data.

[43] In the embodiment of the present invention, the data read in the controller is a signal appointed in advance for controlling an LED, which is to define the time of flickering and the brightness for LEDs of "R", "G", and "B" for example. The LED driver 106 for receiving such data controls the LED module 108 to flicker for the time and the brightness included in the data.

[44] Once the controller 105 receiving the data from one signal line inputs the signal to the LED driver 106 for driving the LED, the brightness of corresponding LEDs is adjusted, wherein wishing colors is realized in case that each value of R, G, and B is adjusted.

[45] The switching unit 104 disconnects the transmission line in response to the first switching signal (switch_off) from the header data discriminating unit 102, and connects the transmission line in response to the second switching signal (switch_on) from the controller.

[46] In the stages, the header data discriminating unit 102, 122,..., N02, the switching unit 104, 124,..., N04, the controller 105, 125,..., N05, the LED driver 106, 126,..., N06, and the LED module 108, 128,..., N08, performs the same function.

[47] Fig. 2 is a flow chart illustrating the signal processing method of channel based control device due to an embodiment of the invention being performed within the device of Fig. 1. Fig. 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 shows the drawing for explaining the operation of this invention. Above all, the transmission lines of all stages are connected in the initial state by the controller 105.(step 202) As shown in Fig. 3, the switching units within all stages 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 are connected states. Then, all stages will receive the header data. Accordingly, determining whether the header data appointed in advance is received by the header data discriminating unit 102 or not, (step 204) in the case of receipt the header data, the transmission lines are disconnected by the switching unit 104. (step 206) Namely, the data as much as designated amount is read in by the controller 105. (step 208) At this point, in the only first stage 30, the data after the header data can be read in because the transmission lines are disconnected as shown in Fig. 4. For example, supposing it is appointed to be read in three units, "1", "2", and "3" may be read in at the first stage 30 as shown in Fig. 5.

[48] Next, the controller 105 determining whether all the data of predetermined amount is read in or not, (step 210) in the case of determination that all are read in, the controller performs a control operation involved in read-in data (step 211), at the same time, connects the transmission line of the current stage(step 212). For this, the controller 105 outputs the second switching signal (switch_on). The switching unit 104 connects the transmission line in response to the second switching signal (switch_on).

[49] Though the switching unit 104 may be realized using the hardware like a relay, it may be logically composed using the microcomputer. Then, "4", "5", and "6" may be read in at the second stage 32 as shown in Fig. 6, also determining whether all the data of predetermined amount is read in or not (step 210) at the second stage 32, in the case of determination that all are read in, the controller performs a control operation involved in read-in data (step 211), at the same time, connects the transmission line of the current stage(step 212).

[50] Fig. 7 shows reading in of data at the third stage 34 and connecting course of the transmission line of the corresponding stage. Because the channel based control device and method thereof of this invention enables the control by every stage so long as the control data with the header data in series is transmitted in the serially connected state, a plurality of modules (stages) can be controlled by one signal line.

[51] It is noted that the channel based control device according to the present invention needs not address lines, and that needs not a complicated wiring since the data is received by every stage in the case of transmitting the data in series to thereby execute the operation corresponding to the data. [52] After every module (stage) commonly receives initially prescribed data that informing the beginning of data transmission, then sequentially selects corresponding data, and after selection every module is operated by the data switching part that connecting the data to next module, for transmitting the data by one signal line, which is a core of the present invention.

[53] Fig. 8 shows a state diagram of using of lighting control device using the channel based control device according to the present invention. Referring to Fig. 8, because of connecting in one signal line, many LED modules can be arranged within one character, for example, "A" to control every LED module, which enables various presentation, further, since the connection is attained by connecting only one signal line, working labor such as wiring work is hardly required, therefore the productivity due to the function is very epoch making. Meanwhile, to control the module (stage) directly through the channel based control device due to the invention is explained as an example, however, it is possible to apply for using only in establishing the identifier of every module (stage).

[54] Moreover, the channel based control device and signal processing method thereof of the invention is applicable to the LED module for LCD back light unit. The DMX signal as a typical signal format is used in controlling the LED lighting.

[55] The DMX signal is one of the signals used in the communication method of standard mode such as RS-485 where the data is transmitted to every module using the DMX signal. At this point, every module(stage) should have its own identifier for transmitting the data to the corresponding module(stage) in the state that every module (stage) is serially connected, which means that the identifier has to be managed apart.

[56] As described above, its own identifier is not needed in case the identifier has to be managed since the data is transmitted and managed by one line. Then, the identifier should have its own ID as the data is transmitted by connecting the electric wire in common lines, at this point, the identifier by every module has to be established (hereafter "ID" establishment) by a DIP switch or by a in serial mode.

[57] However, in the case of being settled in a special environment such as a fountain or a scene as such, ID establishment is not easy. Still, it can be done easily as against the prior method if the signal processing method of the channel based control device of this invention is used in establishing the ID.

[58] For example, Fig. 9 illustrates in a block diagram the structure of the channel based control device according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 9, though connected in series several stages such as the first underwater light 50, the second underwater light 52, the third underwater light 54, and the like, the lighting data uses the prior DMX signal line, and the identifier data can be established as ID by applying the signal processing method of the channel based control device due to the invention to the control part 502, 522, 542, for establishing the identifier. Not only the applied RS-422 port, but also RS-485 or RS-232 port is proper as a line driver for reducing of noise, namely, for communicating of parallel transmission lines.

[59] In the case of appearing of the problem in the switching unit, such variation has a merit of preventing the problem in that the data can not be transmitted after corresponding switch. Namely, when using in the underwater lights or building lights that requiring high reliability, the channel based control device and signal processing method thereof is used for the only part in establishing the identifier of every module, and real data is inputted to use like the DMX.

[60] Since this is applied for one time for establishing the identifier in settling initially, it can be said an improving system of prior method for establishing every identifier.

[61] The I2C (Inter-IC) BUS mode as another analogous method needs an auxiliary signal line such as data line, clock line, latch line, etc. Still, in such I2C bus mode, the identifier should be assigned in every module. It is preferable to apply the settled system in the place that installation and repairing is easy, like a signboard as such, in the case of the constitution like the embodiment described using Fig. 1, also preferable to use the system in the place that the reliability be needed and anyone can not approach easily after installation, like underwater light and the light being mounted on the bridge and higher stories, in the case of the constitution like the embodiment described referring to Fig. 9.

[62] Although a few exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.

[63]

Claims

[1] A channel based control device in which a plurality of stages constitute serial channels through transmission lines where one stage is defined as the unit that processes commands corresponding to the received data after receiving serial- type data, every stage comprising: a header data discriminating unit for outputting the first switching signal to disconnect the transmission line of a current stage in the case of discrimination as being received where discriminating receipt of header data appointed in advance informing the beginning of data transmission; a controller for controlling a switching unit to connect the transmission line in the initial state and for reading in the data as much as predetermined amount after the header data, wherein the controller outputs the second switching control signal to connect the transmission line of the current stage if it read all data and executes control operation involved in read-in data; a switching unit for disconnecting the transmission line in response to the first switching signal from the header data discriminating unit, and for connecting the transmission line in response to the second switching signal from the controller.

[2] The channel based control device according to claim 1, wherein the lighting data uses a prior DMX signal line, and the identifier data is used to establish the identifier.

[3] A signal processing method of a channel based control device in which a plurality of stages constitute serial channels through transmission lines where one stage is defined as the unit that processes commands corresponding to the received data after receiving serial-type data, the improvement comprising:

(a) connecting the transmission lines of all stages in the initial state;

(b) discriminating whether the header data appointed in advance is received or not;

(c) disconnecting the transmission lines in the case of discrimination as being received the header data;

(d) performing a control operation involved in read-in data after reading in the data as much as predetermined amount;

(e) connecting the transmission line of the current stage after reading in the data as much as predetermined amount;

(f) discriminating whether the header data appointed in advance is received or not;

(g) proceeding to the step after step (c) on the next stage in the case of discrimination as not being received the header data in the step (f); and (h) returning to the step (c) in the case of discrimination as being received the header data in the step (f). [4] A lighting control device using a channel based control device in which a plurality of stages constitute serial channels through transmission lines where one stage is defined as the unit that processes commands corresponding to the received data after receiving serial-type data, the improvement comprising: a header data discriminating unit for outputting the first switching signal to disconnect the transmission line of a current stage in the case of discrimination as being received where discriminating receipt of header data appointed in advance; a controller for controlling a switching unit to connect the transmission line in the initial state and for reading in the data as much as predetermined amount after the header data, wherein the controller outputs the second switching control signal to connect the transmission line of the current stage if it read all data and executes control operation involved in read-in data where the read-in data that is the signals prescribed in advance for controlling LEDs defines the time of flickering and the brightness for LEDs; a switching unit for disconnecting the transmission line in response to the first switching signal from the header data discriminating unit, and for connecting the transmission line in response to the second switching signal from the controller; an LED driver for controlling the LED module to flicker for the time and the brightness included in the data after receiving the data; and an LED module flickered by the LED driver.