Illumination system and control device

Abstract

The invention provides a lighting system and a control device capable of changing various settings of a plurality of lighting devices at a time. An illumination system includes: a plurality of illumination devices including a light source and an optical element provided on an optical axis of the light source and capable of setting a light distribution state of light emitted from the light source in both a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a control device that controls the plurality of lighting devices to change the light distribution state. The control device is provided with: a touch sensor having a detection region in which a plurality of detection elements are provided; a display panel provided with a display region that overlaps the detection region of the touch sensor in plan view; and a first storage circuit that stores setting information including at least the setting value of the light distribution state. When the setting value is changed, the control device transmits setting information to some or all of the plurality of lighting devices, and each lighting device includes a second storage circuit that stores the setting information transmitted from the control device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a lighting system and a control device. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is a lighting fixture that combines a light source such as an LED with a thin lens engraved with a prism pattern, and changes the light distribution angle by changing the distance between the light source and the thin lens. For example, a lighting fixture is disclosed that covers the front surface of a transparent bulb with a liquid crystal dimming element, and switches between direct light and scattered light by changing the transmittance of the liquid crystal layer (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-65001 Summary of the invention

[0006] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0007] For example, in an illumination device using a liquid crystal cell for p-wave polarization and a liquid crystal cell for s-wave polarization, the diffusion of light in two directions can be controlled by driving the liquid crystal cells of both parties separately. Thus, for example, it is desirable to arrange a plurality of high-function illumination devices capable of setting the diffusion of light, light quantity, color temperature, etc. in the same space, and to change various setting values ​​of the plurality of illumination devices at the same time.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a lighting system and a control device capable of changing various setting values ​​of a plurality of lighting devices at once.

[0009] Technical solutions to solve problems

[0010] A lighting system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a plurality of lighting devices, each comprising a light source and an optical element, wherein the optical element is disposed on an optical axis of the light source and is capable of setting a light distribution state of light emitted from the light source in two directions, a first direction and a second direction, wherein the second direction intersects the first direction; and a control device, which controls the plurality of lighting devices to change the light distribution state, wherein the control device comprises: a touch sensor, which has a detection area, wherein the detection area is provided with a plurality of detection elements; a display panel, which has a display area, wherein the display area overlaps with the detection area of ​​the touch sensor when viewed from above; and a first storage circuit, which stores setting information, wherein the setting information includes at least a setting value of the light distribution state, wherein the control device sends the setting information to a part or all of the plurality of lighting devices when changing the setting value, wherein each lighting device comprises a second storage circuit, and wherein the second storage circuit stores the setting information sent from the control device.

[0011] A control device for a lighting device according to one embodiment of the present invention controls a plurality of lighting devices, wherein the plurality of lighting devices are capable of setting a light distribution shape of light emitted from a light source in two directions, a first direction and a second direction, wherein the second direction intersects the first direction, and the control device comprises: a touch sensor having a detection area, wherein the detection area is provided with a plurality of detection elements; a display panel having a display area, wherein the display area overlaps with the detection area of ​​the touch sensor when viewed from above; and a storage circuit for storing setting information, wherein the setting information includes at least a setting value of the light distribution shape, and when the setting value is changed, the control device sends the setting information to the plurality of lighting devices. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1A This is a side view showing an example of the lighting device according to the embodiment.

[0013] Figure 1B It is a perspective view showing an example of an optical element according to the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a schematic top view of the first substrate as viewed from the Dz direction.

[0015] Figure 3 It is a schematic top view of the second substrate viewed from the Dz direction.

[0016] Figure 4 1 is a perspective view of a liquid crystal cell in which a first substrate and a second substrate are overlapped in the Dz direction.

[0017] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The AA' line cross-sectional view is shown.

[0018] Fig. 6A It is a diagram showing the alignment direction of the alignment film of the first substrate.

[0019] Figure 6B It is a diagram showing the alignment direction of the alignment film of the second substrate.

[0020] Figure 7 It is a diagram of a stacked structure of an optical element according to an embodiment.

[0021] Fig. 8A This is a conceptual diagram for explaining the change in shape of light caused by the optical element involved in the embodiment.

[0022] Figure 8B This is a conceptual diagram for explaining the change in shape of light caused by the optical element involved in the embodiment.

[0023] Figure 8C This is a conceptual diagram for explaining the change in shape of light caused by the optical element involved in the embodiment.

[0024] Fig.8D This is a conceptual diagram for explaining the change in shape of light caused by the optical element involved in the embodiment.

[0025] Fig. 9 This is a conceptual diagram for conceptually illustrating control of light diffusion by the lighting device according to the embodiment.

[0026] Fig.10 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the lighting system according to Embodiment 1.

[0027] Fig.11 This is an external view showing an example of the control device according to the first embodiment.

[0028] Fig.12 is a conceptual diagram showing one example of a touch detection area in a touch sensor.

[0029] Fig.13 This is a diagram showing an example of a control block configuration of the control device according to the first embodiment.

[0030] Fig.14 This is a diagram showing an example of a control block configuration of the lighting device according to Embodiment 1.

[0031] Fig.15A This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a display form of a setting change screen of the control device according to the first embodiment.

[0032] Fig. 15B This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a display form of a setting change screen of the control device according to the first embodiment.

[0033] Fig. 15C This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a display form of a setting change screen of the control device according to the first embodiment.

[0034] Fig.15D This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a display form of a setting change screen of the control device according to the first embodiment.

[0035] Fig.15E This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a display form of a setting change screen of the control device according to the first embodiment.

[0036] Fig.16 This is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the position on the setting change screen of the control device according to the first embodiment and the light diffusion degree.

[0037] Fig.17 This is a flowchart showing an example of setting change processing in the lighting device control device according to Embodiment 1.

[0038] Fig.18 This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a storage area in the control device of the lighting device involved in Embodiment 1.

[0039] Fig.19A This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of the lighting system involved in Embodiment 2.

[0040] Fig.19B This is a schematic diagram showing a specific connection example when the lighting control device is a DMX controller in the configuration of the lighting system according to Embodiment 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The method (implementation method) for implementing the invention is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited to the contents described in the following embodiments. In addition, the constituent elements described below include constituent elements that can be easily thought of by a person skilled in the art, and substantially the same constituent elements. In addition, the constituent elements described below can be appropriately combined. In addition, the disclosure is only an example, and for a person skilled in the art, the contents that can be easily thought of with appropriate changes to maintain the gist of the invention are certainly included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, in order to make the description clearer, the drawings sometimes schematically show the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part compared to the actual method, but it is only an example and does not limit the interpretation of the present invention. In addition, in this specification and each figure, the same figure mark is marked for the same elements as those described previously with respect to the figures that have appeared, and the detailed description is sometimes appropriately omitted.

[0042] Figure 1A This is a side view showing an example of the lighting device according to the embodiment. Figure 1B 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an optical element according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1A As shown, the lighting device 1 includes a light source 4, a reflector 4a and an optical element 100. Figure 1B As shown, the optical element 100 includes a first liquid crystal cell 2_1 , a second liquid crystal cell 2_2 , a third liquid crystal cell 2_3 and a fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4 . The light source 4 is composed of, for example, a light emitting diode (LED). The reflector 4 a is a component that focuses light from the light source 4 on the optical element 100 .

[0043] exist Figure 1B, the Dz direction shows the emission direction of light from the light source 4 and the reflector 4a. The optical element 100 is formed by stacking the first liquid crystal unit 2_1, the second liquid crystal unit 2_2, the third liquid crystal unit 2_3 and the fourth liquid crystal unit 2_4 in the Dz direction. In the present disclosure, the optical element 100 is formed by stacking the first liquid crystal unit 2_1, the second liquid crystal unit 2_2, the third liquid crystal unit 2_3 and the fourth liquid crystal unit 2_4 from the light source 4 side ( Figure 1B The first liquid crystal unit 2_1, the second liquid crystal unit 2_2, the third liquid crystal unit 2_3 and the fourth liquid crystal unit 2_4 are sequentially stacked on the lower side. Figure 1B In the figure, a direction of a plane parallel to the stacking surface of the first liquid crystal unit 2_1, the second liquid crystal unit 2_2, the third liquid crystal unit 2_3 and the fourth liquid crystal unit 2_4 which is orthogonal to the Dz direction is set as the Dx direction (first direction), and a direction orthogonal to both the Dx direction and the Dz direction is set as the Dy direction (second direction).

[0044] The first liquid crystal cell 2_1, the second liquid crystal cell 2_2, the third liquid crystal cell 2_3, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4 are respectively of the same structure. In the present disclosure, the first liquid crystal cell 2_1 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4 are set as liquid crystal cells for p-wave polarization. In addition, the second liquid crystal cell 2_2 and the third liquid crystal cell 2_3 are set as liquid crystal cells for s-wave polarization. Hereinafter, the first liquid crystal cell 2_1, the second liquid crystal cell 2_2, the third liquid crystal cell 2_3, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4 are collectively referred to as "liquid crystal cell 2".

[0045] The liquid crystal cell 2 includes a first substrate 5 and a second substrate 6 . Figure 2 This is a schematic top view of the first substrate as viewed from the Dz direction. Figure 3 is a schematic top view of the second substrate viewed from the Dz direction. Figure 3 In FIG. 1 , the driving electrodes are seen through the substrate, but the driving electrodes and wiring are shown with solid lines in consideration of ease of understanding. Figure 4 is a perspective view of a liquid crystal cell in which a first substrate and a second substrate are overlapped in the Dz direction. Figure 4 In FIG. 1 , priority is also given to ease of understanding, and the driving electrodes and wirings on the second substrate side are indicated by solid lines, and the driving electrodes and wirings on the first substrate side are indicated by dotted lines. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The A-A' line cross-sectional view shown in FIG. Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 , a third liquid crystal cell 2_3 and a fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4 are illustrated in which the drive electrodes 10a and 10b of the first substrate 5 extend in the Dx direction and the drive electrodes 13a and 13b of the second substrate 6 extend in the Dy direction.

[0046] like Figure 5As shown, the liquid crystal cell 2 includes a liquid crystal layer 8 between a first substrate 5 and a second substrate 6 , the periphery of which is sealed by a sealing material 7 .

[0047] The liquid crystal layer 8 modulates light passing through the liquid crystal layer 8 according to the state of the electric field. As the liquid crystal molecules, positive nematic liquid crystal is used, but other liquid crystals having the same function may be used.

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown, on the liquid crystal layer 8 side of the base material 9 of the first substrate 5, there are: a plurality of drive electrodes 10a, 10b; a plurality of metal wirings 11a, 11b for supplying drive voltages to the drive electrodes 10a, 10b; and a plurality of metal wirings 11c, 11d for supplying drive voltages to a plurality of drive electrodes 13a, 13b (see FIG. 1 ) provided on the second substrate 6 described later. Figure 3 ) is applied with a driving voltage. The metal wirings 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d are provided in the wiring layer of the first substrate 5. The metal wirings 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d are provided at intervals in the wiring layer on the first substrate 5. Hereinafter, the plurality of driving electrodes 10a and 10b are sometimes referred to as “driving electrodes 10”. In addition, the plurality of metal wirings 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d are sometimes referred to as “first metal wirings 11”. Figure 2 As shown, in the third liquid crystal cell 2_3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4, the driving electrode 10 on the first substrate 5 extends in the Dx direction. In addition, in the first liquid crystal cell 2_1 and the second liquid crystal cell 2_2, the driving electrode 10 on the first substrate 5 extends in the Dy direction.

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, in Figure 5 The liquid crystal layer 8 side of the base material 12 of the second substrate 6 shown in the figure has: a plurality of driving electrodes 13a, 13b; and a plurality of metal wirings 14a, 14b for supplying a driving voltage applied to these driving electrodes 13. The metal wirings 14a, 14b are arranged in the wiring layer of the second substrate 6. The metal wirings 14a, 14b are arranged at intervals in the wiring layer on the second substrate 6. In the following, the plurality of driving electrodes 13a, 13b are sometimes referred to as "driving electrodes 13". In addition, the plurality of metal wirings 14a, 14b are sometimes referred to as "second metal wirings 14". Figure 3 As shown, in the third liquid crystal cell 2_3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4, the driving electrode 13 on the second substrate 6 extends in the Dy direction. In addition, in the first liquid crystal cell 2_1 and the second liquid crystal cell 2_2, the driving electrode 13 on the second substrate 6 extends in the Dx direction.

[0050] The driving electrode 10 and the driving electrode 13 are translucent electrodes formed of a translucent conductive material (translucent conductive oxide) such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide). The first substrate 5 and the second substrate 6 are translucent substrates such as glass and resin. The first metal wiring 11 and the second metal wiring 14 are formed of at least one metal material selected from aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), molybdenum (Mo) and alloys thereof. In addition, the first metal wiring 11 and the second metal wiring 14 may also be a laminated body formed by stacking a plurality of more than one of these metal materials. At least one metal material selected from aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), molybdenum (Mo) and alloys thereof has a lower resistance than translucent conductive oxides such as ITO.

[0051] Metal wiring 11c of first substrate 5 and metal wiring 14a of second substrate 6 are connected by via 15a formed of, for example, conductive paste. Metal wiring 11d of first substrate 5 and metal wiring 14b of second substrate 6 are connected by via 15b formed of, for example, conductive paste.

[0052] In addition, in the area on the first substrate 5 that does not overlap with the second substrate 6 in the Dz direction, connection (Flex-on-Board) terminal portions 16a and 16b connected to flexible printed circuits (FPC) (not shown) are provided. The connection terminal portions 16a and 16b respectively have four connection terminals corresponding to the metal wirings 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d.

[0053] The connection terminal portions 16a and 16b are provided in the wiring layer of the first substrate 5. In the liquid crystal cell 2, a driving voltage applied to the driving electrodes 10a and 10b on the first substrate 5 and the driving electrodes 13a and 13b on the second substrate 6 is supplied from the FPC connected to the connection terminal portion 16a or the connection terminal portion 16b. Hereinafter, the connection terminal portions 16a and 16b are sometimes simply referred to as "connection terminal portions 16".

[0054] like Figure 4As shown, in the liquid crystal unit 2, the first substrate 5 and the second substrate 6 overlap in the Dz direction (the direction of light irradiation), and when viewed from the Dz direction, the multiple driving electrodes 10 on the first substrate 5 and the multiple driving electrodes 13 on the second substrate 6 intersect. The liquid crystal unit 2 constructed in this way can control the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules 17 of the liquid crystal layer 8 by supplying driving voltages to the multiple driving electrodes 10 on the first substrate 5 and the multiple driving electrodes 13 on the second substrate 6, respectively. The area in which the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules 17 of the liquid crystal layer 8 can be controlled is referred to as the "effective area AA". In the effective area AA, the refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal layer 8 changes, so that the diffusion degree of light passing through the effective area AA of the liquid crystal unit 2 can be controlled. In the area outside the effective area AA, the area in which the liquid crystal layer 8 is sealed by the sealing material 7 is referred to as the "peripheral area GA" (refer to Figure 5 ).

[0055] like Figure 5 As shown, the active area AA of the first substrate 5 is covered by the orientation film 18, and the driving electrode 10 (in Figure 5 In addition, the active area AA of the second substrate 6 is covered with the driving electrode 13 (in Figure 5 In the alignment film 18 and the alignment film 19, the alignment directions of the liquid crystal molecules are different.

[0056] Fig. 6A It is a diagram showing the alignment direction of the alignment film of the first substrate. Figure 6B It is a diagram showing the alignment direction of the alignment film of the second substrate.

[0057] like Fig. 6A as well as Figure 6B As shown in FIG. 1 , the orientation direction of the orientation film 18 of the first substrate 5 and the orientation direction of the orientation film 19 of the second substrate 6 are mutually intersecting directions when viewed from above. Fig. 6A As shown by the solid arrow, the orientation direction of the orientation film 18 of the first substrate 5 is Fig. 6A The extending directions of the driving electrodes 10a and 10b indicated by the dashed arrows are orthogonal to each other. Figure 6B As shown by the solid arrow, the orientation direction of the orientation film 19 of the second substrate 6 is Figure 6BThe extension directions of the driving electrodes 13a and 13b indicated by the dotted arrows are orthogonal. In the following, the extension directions of these driving electrodes 10 and 13 are assumed to be orthogonal to the orientation directions of the orientation films 18 and 19 covering these driving electrodes 10 and 13, but they can also intersect at angles other than orthogonal, for example, in the angle range of 85° to 90°. In addition, the driving electrodes 10 on the first substrate 5 side and the driving electrodes 13 on the second substrate 6 side are also preferably orthogonal to each other, but they can also intersect in the angle range of, for example, 85° to 90°. In addition, the orientation directions of the orientation films 18 and 19 are formed by rubbing treatment or photo-orientation treatment.

[0058] Here, a mechanism by which the shape of light is changed by each of the liquid crystal cells 2 (the first liquid crystal cell 2_1 , the second liquid crystal cell 2_2 , the third liquid crystal cell 2_3 , and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4 ) will be described. Figure 7 It is a diagram of a stacked structure of an optical element according to an embodiment. Fig. 8A , Figure 8B , Figure 8C as well as Fig.8D 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the change in shape of light caused by the optical element involved in the embodiment. Fig. 8A , Figure 8B , Figure 8C as well as Fig.8D , an example is shown in which a potential difference is generated between the driving electrodes of the hatched substrates of each liquid crystal cell 2.

[0059] like Figure 7 As shown, the optical element 100 is arranged on the optical axis of the light source 4 indicated by the single-point chain line. As described above, from the light source 4 side ( Figure 7 The first liquid crystal cell 2_1, the second liquid crystal cell 2_2, the third liquid crystal cell 2_3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4 are stacked in this order. The third liquid crystal cell 2_3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4 are stacked in a state rotated 90° relative to the first liquid crystal cell 2_1 and the second liquid crystal cell 2_2.

[0060] In each liquid crystal unit 2, as Fig. 6A as well as Figure 6BAs shown, the orientation direction of the orientation film crosses the first substrate 5 side and the second substrate 6 side. As a result, the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 8 gradually changes from the Dx direction to the Dy direction (or from the Dy direction to the Dx direction) as it moves from the first substrate 5 side to the second substrate 6 side, and the polarization component of the transmitted light rotates with this change. That is, in the liquid crystal cell 2, the polarization component that is the p-polarization component on the first substrate 5 side changes to the s-polarization component as it moves toward the second substrate 6 side, and the polarization component that is the s-polarization component on the first substrate 5 side changes to the p-polarization component as it moves toward the second substrate 6 side. The rotation of the polarization component can be called optical rotation.

[0061] Fig. 8A The figure shows a state where no potential is generated between adjacent electrodes of each liquid crystal cell 2. In this case, only optical rotation is generated in each liquid crystal cell 2, and no polarization component is diffused.

[0062] Here, if Figure 8B As shown, for example, by generating a potential difference between the driving electrodes 10a and 10b on the first substrate 5 side of the first liquid crystal unit 2_1, the liquid crystal molecules are oriented in an arc shape between the electrodes, thereby forming a refractive index distribution in the liquid crystal layer 8 along the Dx direction. If light from the light source 4 passes through in this state, the above-mentioned refractive index distribution acts on the polarization component parallel to the Dx direction (in Figure 8B , is the p-polarization component), whereby the p-polarization component diffuses in the Dx direction.

[0063] Furthermore, when a potential difference is also generated between the drive electrodes 13a and 13b on the second substrate 6 side of the first liquid crystal cell 2_1, a refractive index distribution is formed in the Dy direction on the second substrate 6 side, and thus the s-polarized component is diffused in the Dy direction on the second substrate 6 side. That is, the polarization component that changes from the p-polarized component to the s-polarized component in the process of passing through the liquid crystal layer 8 of the first liquid crystal cell 2_1 also diffuses in the Dy direction this time. On the other hand, the light that is the s-polarized component when incident on the first liquid crystal cell 2_1 undergoes optical rotation in the process of passing through the liquid crystal layer 8, but becomes a polarization component that crosses any refractive index distribution, and therefore does not diffuse, and only undergoes optical rotation and passes through the first liquid crystal cell 2_1.

[0064] The light of the s-polarized component when incident on the first liquid crystal cell 2_1 changes to the p-polarized component after passing through the first liquid crystal cell 2_1, and the second liquid crystal cell 2_2 plays a role in the p-polarized component. Fig. 8A as well as Figure 8BAs shown, among the light incident on the optical element 100, the first liquid crystal cell 2_1 acts on the p-polarized component, and the second liquid crystal cell 2_2 acts on the s-polarized component. The third liquid crystal cell 2_3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4 are arranged to rotate 90° relative to the first liquid crystal cell 2_1 and the second liquid crystal cell 2_2, so the polarized components they act on are also replaced by 90°. That is, the third liquid crystal cell 2_3 acts on the light that is the s-polarized component when incident on the optical element 100, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4 acts on the light that is the p-polarized component when incident on the optical element 100.

[0065] like Figure 8C As shown, in the optical element, by applying a potential difference between the driving electrodes extending in the Dy direction for each liquid crystal cell 2 (between the driving electrodes 10a and 10b of the first substrate 5 in the first liquid crystal cell 2_1 and the second liquid crystal cell 2_2, and between the driving electrodes 13a and 13b of the second substrate 6 in the third liquid crystal cell 2_3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4), the p-polarized component can be acted on, and the shape of light can be mainly increased in the Dx direction. This effect can be called lateral diffusion.

[0066] In addition, if Fig.8D As shown, by applying a potential difference between the drive electrodes extending in the Dx direction (in the first liquid crystal cell 2_1 and the second liquid crystal cell 2_2, between the drive electrodes 13a and 13b of the second substrate 6, and in the third liquid crystal cell 2_3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4, between the drive electrodes 10a and 10b of the first substrate 5) to each liquid crystal cell 2, the s-polarized component can be acted on, and the shape of light can be mainly increased in the Dy direction. This effect can be called longitudinal diffusion.

[0067] The degree of diffusion of light in each direction depends on the potential difference between adjacent drive electrodes 10a and 10b (or between drive electrodes 13a and 13b). If the potential difference between drive electrodes 10a and 10b (or between drive electrodes 13a and 13b) is set to a predetermined maximum potential difference (e.g., 30 [V]), the diffusion of light in that direction is maximum (100 [%]), and if no potential difference is generated at all, the diffusion of light in that direction does not occur (0 [%]). Alternatively, if the potential difference between drive electrodes 10a and 10b (or between drive electrodes 13a and 13b) is set to 50 [%] of the above maximum potential difference (e.g., 15 [V]), the diffusion of light in that direction is 50 [%]. In addition, when the relationship between the voltage difference and the diffusion of light is not linear, it may be other potential differences instead of 15 [V].

[0068] In addition, in each liquid crystal unit 2, the interval between the substrates (between the first substrate 5 and the second substrate 6) (also called the cell gap) is relatively wide, set to about 30μm to 50μm, thereby suppressing the influence of the electric field formed on one substrate from spreading to the other substrate side as much as possible. In addition, the driving voltage that generates a potential difference between adjacent driving electrodes 10a, 10b (or between driving electrodes 13a, 13b) is a so-called AC rectangular wave, which can of course prevent the burn-in of liquid crystal molecules.

[0069] In addition, the orientation direction of each orientation film, the extension direction of the driving electrode of each substrate, and the angle between them can be appropriately changed for the entire optical element 100 or each liquid crystal unit 2 according to the characteristics of the liquid crystal used and the optical characteristics to be exerted.

[0070] In addition, in the present embodiment, a structure in which four first liquid crystal units 2_1, second liquid crystal units 2_2, third liquid crystal units 2_3 and fourth liquid crystal units 2_4 are stacked is described for the optical element 100, but it is not limited to this structure. For example, a structure in which two or three liquid crystal units 2 are stacked, or a structure in which more than five liquid crystal units 2 are stacked may also be adopted.

[0071] In the present disclosure, in the lighting device 1 of the above-mentioned structure, the light incident from the light source 4 to the optical element is controlled in two directions, the Dx direction (the direction of lateral diffusion) and the Dy direction (the direction of longitudinal diffusion), by controlling the driving voltage of each liquid crystal unit 2. In addition, the longitudinal diffusion and lateral diffusion mentioned above can also be collectively referred to as light diffusion. Moreover, the shape of the light emitted from the optical element is changed thereby. The so-called shape of the light refers to the shape of the light appearing on the surface parallel to the exit surface of the optical element, and it can also be called the light distribution shape. In the following, refer to Fig. 9 The control of light diffusion degree in the present disclosure will be described.

[0072] Fig. 9 : is a conceptual diagram conceptually illustrating the control of light diffusion by the lighting device involved in the embodiment. Fig. 9 , the irradiation range of light on a virtual plane xy perpendicular to the Dz direction is shown. In addition, due to the distance from the light source 4, the diffraction phenomenon of light, etc., the outline of the actual irradiation range becomes somewhat unclear.

[0073] As described above, by supplying driving voltages to the driving electrodes 10 and 13 of the liquid crystal cells 2 of the optical element 100 disposed on the optical axis of the light source 4, the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules 17 of the liquid crystal layer 8 is controlled. Thus, the light distribution shape of the light emitted from the optical element 100 is controlled.

[0074] Specifically, for example, as described above, the light distribution shape in the Dx direction changes according to the driving voltage applied to the driving electrode 10 or the driving electrode 13 extending in the Dy direction in each liquid crystal unit 2. The diffusion of light in the Dx direction can be called lateral diffusion. In addition, the light distribution shape in the Dy direction changes according to the driving voltage applied to the driving electrode 10 or the driving electrode 13 extending in the Dx direction in the first liquid crystal unit to the fourth liquid crystal unit. The diffusion of light in the Dy direction can be called longitudinal diffusion.

[0075] In the present disclosure, the minimum diffusion degree of the lateral diffusion and the longitudinal diffusion is set to 0[%], and the maximum diffusion degree is set to 100[%]. More specifically, when the lateral diffusion degree is 0[%], the driving electrode that functions to expand the light distribution state in the Dx direction (for example, the driving electrode 10 extending in the Dy direction in the first substrate 5 of the first liquid crystal unit 2_1) does not act on the refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal layer 8. In this case, there is no potential difference between the adjacent driving electrodes 10a and 10b, or the potential is not supplied to the electrode. On the other hand, when the lateral diffusion degree is 100[%], the driving electrode that functions to expand the light distribution state in the Dx direction (for example, the driving electrode 10 extending in the Dy direction in the first substrate 5 of the first liquid crystal unit 2_1) acts on the refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal layer 8 to the maximum. In this case, the potential difference between the adjacent driving electrodes 10a and 10b is set to the maximum potential difference in the optical element 100 (for example, 30[V]). When the lateral diffusion is greater than 0% and less than 100%, a potential adjusted so that the potential difference between adjacent drive electrodes 10a and 10b is greater than 0V and less than the maximum potential difference (eg, 30V) is applied to the electrodes.

[0076] Fig. 9 The outline a shown shows an example of the irradiation range when both the lateral diffusion and the longitudinal diffusion are 100[%]. Fig. 9 The outline b shown exemplifies the irradiation range when the lateral diffusivity is 100[%] and the longitudinal diffusivity is 0[%]. Fig. 9 The outline c shown shows an example of the irradiation range when the lateral diffusion is 0[%] and the longitudinal diffusion is 100[%]. Fig. 9 The outline d shown illustrates the irradiation range when both the lateral and longitudinal diffusivities are 0 [%]. That is, the outline d shows the light distribution state when the light from the light source 4 is emitted without any control by the optical element 100 (it can be said that the light directly passes through the optical element 100).

[0077] Thus, in the lighting device 1 having the above configuration, the lateral and longitudinal diffusions of the light emitted from the optical element 100 can be controlled by controlling the driving voltage of each liquid crystal cell 2. Thus, the light distribution shape of the light emitted from the lighting device 1 can be changed.

[0078] (Implementation Method 1)

[0079] Fig.10 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of the lighting system involved in Embodiment 1. The lighting system involved in Embodiment 1 includes a plurality of lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, ..., 1_N and a control device 200. The control device 200 is exemplified by a portable communication terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet computer. Each lighting device 1_1, 1_2, ..., 1_N is pre-registered in the control device 200 as a control target device whose light diffusion degree can be controlled by the control device 200.

[0080] Data and various command signals are sent and received between each lighting device 1_1, 1_2, ..., 1_N and the control device 200 through the communication unit 300. In the present disclosure, the communication unit 300 is, for example, a wireless communication unit such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and WiFi (registered trademark). Each lighting device 1_1, 1_2, ..., 1_N and the control device 200 may also be wirelessly connected to each other via a predetermined network such as a mobile communication network. Alternatively, each lighting device 1_1, 1_2, ..., 1_N and the control device 200 may be wired and communicated.

[0081] In addition, if Fig.10 As shown, in the present disclosure, an example is given of a method in which N (N is a natural number greater than or equal to 1) lighting devices 1_n (n is a natural number from 1 to N) are used as control target devices in the control device 200, but the present disclosure is not limited to the number of control target devices (lighting devices 1_n) of the control device 200. In addition, in the present disclosure, as a setting parameter of the control target device (lighting device 1_n), a method of controlling the light diffusion of each lighting device 1_n is described, but the setting parameter is not limited to the light diffusion. As a setting parameter of the control target device (lighting device 1_n), for example, a method including the light quantity and color temperature of the lighting device 1_n may also be used.

[0082] Fig.11: is an external view showing an example of the control device involved in Embodiment 1. The control device 200 is a display device (touch screen) with a touch detection function in which the display panel 20 and the touch sensor 30 are integrated. The control device 200 is equipped with various ICs such as a detection IC (Integrated Circuit), a display IC, and a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) as internal components of a smartphone, a tablet computer, etc. constituting the control device 200.

[0083] The display panel 20 is a so-called in-cell type or hybrid type device that is integrated with the touch sensor 30. The so-called integrated display panel 20 with the touch sensor 30 includes, for example, a component that is used as a part of a substrate, an electrode, etc. used for the display panel 20 and a component that is used as a part of a substrate, an electrode, etc. used for the touch sensor 30. In addition, the display panel 20 may also be a so-called on-cell type device in which the touch sensor 30 is mounted on a display device.

[0084] The display panel 20 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel using a liquid crystal display element, but is not limited thereto and may be, for example, an organic EL display panel (OLED: Organic Light Emitting Diode) or an inorganic EL display panel (micro LED, mini LED).

[0085] As the touch sensor 30 , for example, an electrostatic capacitance touch sensor can be exemplified, but the touch sensor 30 is not limited thereto, and may be, for example, a resistive film touch sensor, an ultrasonic touch sensor, or an optical touch sensor.

[0086] Fig.12 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a touch detection area in a touch sensor. A plurality of detection elements 31 are provided in the detection area FA of the touch sensor 30. The plurality of detection elements 31 are arranged in the X direction and the Y direction orthogonal to the X direction in the detection area FA of the touch sensor 30, and are arranged in a matrix. In other words, the touch sensor 30 has a detection area FA that overlaps with the plurality of detection elements 31 arranged in the X direction and the Y direction.

[0087] Hereinafter, a specific structure and operation for controlling the light diffusion degree of the lighting device 1 in the structure of the lighting system according to the above-mentioned first embodiment will be described.

[0088] Fig.13 1 is a diagram showing an example of a control module configuration of a control device according to Embodiment 1. Here, first, a control module configuration for executing a setting change process described later will be described.

[0089] like Fig.13 As shown, the control device 200 involved in Embodiment 1 includes a display panel 20, a touch sensor 30, a detection circuit 211, a conversion processing circuit 212, a storage circuit (first storage circuit) 223, a transceiver circuit 225, and a display control circuit 231. The detection circuit 211 is composed of, for example, a detection IC. Alternatively, the detection circuit 211 and the display control circuit 231 may also be mounted on the display panel 20 as a display IC, or mounted on an FPC connected to the display panel 20. The conversion processing circuit 212 and the storage circuit 223 are composed of, for example, a CPU, a RAM, an EEPROM, a ROM, etc. of a smartphone, a tablet computer, etc. constituting the control device 200. In addition, the display control circuit 231 may also be a display IC mounted on the display panel 20 as described above, and, for example, may also be a structure including a GPU, etc. of a smartphone, a tablet computer, etc. constituting the control device 200. The transceiver circuit 225 is composed of, for example, a wireless communication module of a smartphone, a tablet computer, etc. constituting the control device 200.

[0090] The detection circuit 211 is a circuit that detects the presence or absence of a touch on the touch sensor 30 based on the detection signal output from each detection element 31 of the touch sensor 30 .

[0091] The conversion processing circuit 212 is a circuit that performs conversion processing between the touch detection position in the detection circuit 211 and various set values ​​(in the present disclosure, light diffusion) of the lighting device 1. In addition, in the present disclosure, the conversion processing circuit 212 has a function of performing conversion processing between the touch detection position in the detection circuit 211, and then the touched object (image) and the operation status on various screens. The conversion processing circuit 212 is, for example, a structural unit realized by a CPU of a smartphone, tablet computer, etc. constituting the control device 200.

[0092] The storage circuit 223 is composed of, for example, a RAM, an EEPROM, a ROM, etc. of a smartphone, a tablet computer, etc. constituting the control device 200. In the present disclosure, setting information including various setting values ​​(in the present disclosure, light diffusion) of the lighting device 1 is stored in the storage circuit 223. In addition, in the storage circuit 223, for example, intermediate data in the setting change process described later is temporarily stored.

[0093] The transceiver circuit 225 transmits and receives setting information to and from the lighting device 1. Specifically, the transceiver circuit 225 transmits the light diffusion degree S1x in the Dx direction and the light diffusion degree S1y in the Dy direction obtained in the setting change process described later as first setting information to the lighting device 1. In addition, the transceiver circuit 225 receives the second setting information (the light diffusion degree S2x in the Dx direction and the light diffusion degree S2y in the Dy direction) transmitted from the lighting device 1.

[0094] The display control circuit 231 executes a display control process for displaying a setting change screen described later on the display panel 20. In the present disclosure, the display control circuit 231 performs display control on the display panel 20 based on various setting information and image position information stored in the storage area of ​​the storage circuit 223.

[0095] Fig.14 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a control module structure of the lighting device according to Embodiment 1. Fig.14 As shown, the lighting device 1 according to the first embodiment includes a transceiver circuit 111 , an electrode drive circuit 112 , and a storage circuit (second storage circuit) 113 as control blocks for controlling the optical element 100 .

[0096] The transceiver circuit 111 transmits and receives various setting information to and from the control device 200. Specifically, the transceiver circuit 111 receives the first setting information (the light diffusion degree S1x in the Dx direction and the light diffusion degree S1y in the Dy direction) transmitted from the control device 200. In addition, the transceiver circuit 111 transmits the light diffusion degree S2x in the Dx direction and the light diffusion degree S2y in the Dy direction stored in the storage circuit 113 to the control device 200 as the second setting information.

[0097] In the present disclosure, when the lighting device 1 is started, the transceiver circuit 111 sends the Dx direction light diffusion S2x and the Dy direction light diffusion S2y stored in the storage circuit 113 as the second setting information to the control device 200, and stores the Dx direction light diffusion S1x and the Dy direction light diffusion S1y of the first setting information sent from the control device 200 through the setting change processing of the control device 200 described later as new Dx direction light diffusion S2x and Dy direction light diffusion S2y in the storage circuit 113. That is, by sending the first setting information from the control device 200 to the lighting device 1, the second setting information is updated to the first setting information. In addition, for the first time, the lighting device 1 does not store the second setting information (the longitudinal diffusion and the lateral diffusion are both 0 [%]). In this case, the second setting information is stored by sending the first setting information from the control device 200.

[0098] The electrode driving circuit 112 supplies a driving voltage corresponding to the light diffusion degree S2 x in the Dx direction and the light diffusion degree S2 y in the Dy direction stored in the storage circuit 113 to each driving electrode 10 , 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100 .

[0099] Specifically, when the lighting device 1 is activated, the electrode driving circuit 112 supplies a driving voltage corresponding to the second setting information stored in the storage circuit 113 to each driving electrode 10 , 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100 .

[0100] Furthermore, the electrode driving circuit 112 supplies a driving voltage corresponding to the second setting information updated based on the first setting information transmitted from the control device 200 to each of the driving electrodes 10 and 13 of each of the liquid crystal cells 2 of the optical element 100 .

[0101] The storage circuit 113 is constituted by, for example, a RAM, an EEPROM, a ROM, etc. In the present disclosure, the final value of the second setting information at the time of the last operation of the lighting device 1 is stored in the storage circuit 113 .

[0102] Fig.15A , Fig. 15B , Fig. 15C , Fig.15D , Fig.15E 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a display form of a setting change screen of the control device according to the first embodiment. Fig.15A , Fig. 15B , Fig. 15C , Fig.15D , Fig.15E In the setting change screen 400 shown, the X direction is defined corresponding to the Dx direction (first direction) in the light diffusion control of the lighting device 1, and the Y direction is defined corresponding to the Dy direction (second direction) in the light diffusion control of the lighting device 1. In addition, the setting change screen 400 defines an XY plane with a predetermined position on the display area DA as an origin O(0,0).

[0103] The display panel 20 is provided with a display area DA that overlaps with the detection area FA of the touch sensor 30 in a plan view. Fig.15A , Fig. 15B , Fig. 15C , Fig.15D , Fig.15E In the example shown, a light distribution shape object OBJ is displayed with the origin O(0,0) of the XY plane on the setting change screen 400 as the center point, and a first slider S1 and a second slider S2 for setting the light diffusion degree of the lighting device 1 are arranged on the contour line of the light distribution shape object OBJ.

[0104] The light distribution shape object OBJ is an image corresponding to the light distribution state of light emitted from the lighting device 1 on the setting change screen 400 .

[0105] The first slider S1 and the second slider S2 are, for example, images displayed on the setting change screen 400 , and the user can touch and move them with a finger (drag operation).

[0106] By moving the first slider S1 in the X direction, the shape of the light distribution shape object OBJ can be changed. In addition, the light diffusion degree in the Dx direction (lateral diffusion degree) of the lighting device 1 can be controlled. In addition, by moving the second slider S2 in the Y direction, the shape of the light distribution shape object OBJ can be changed. In addition, the light diffusion degree in the Dy direction (longitudinal diffusion degree) of the lighting device 1 can be controlled.

[0107] In the present disclosure, a selection switch SSEL for a single-unit operation mode (first mode) and a selection switch MSEL for a multi-unit operation mode (second mode) are provided on the setting change screen 400. In addition, a plurality of device selection switches DSEL corresponding to the lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, 1_3, 1_4, and 1_5 pre-registered as control target devices are provided on the setting change screen 400.

[0108] Each device selection switch DSEL is an image image of a button displayed on the setting display screen, and by selecting one or more of these device selection switches DSEL, a lighting device 1 to be operated is selected in the device setting process described later. In addition, each time a new lighting device 1 is registered, the device selection switch DSEL is individually set corresponding to the lighting device 1, and when the registered lighting device 1 is deleted, the device selection switch DSEL corresponding to the lighting device 1 is deleted from the setting display screen. Hereinafter, the lighting device 1 set as the operation target by selecting each device selection switch DSEL is also referred to as an "operation target device".

[0109] In addition, in the present disclosure, "switching a switch" means that the user touches the image corresponding to the switch on the setting change screen 400, and the display of the image changes (the shape, color, brightness, etc. of the image changes). In addition, "cancelling the switch selection" means that the user touches the image again and the image returns to the original state.

[0110] The selection switch SSEL is an image image as a button displayed on the setting change screen 400. By selecting the selection switch SSEL and selecting one of the image images corresponding to the lighting device 1 to be operated from the device selection switch DSEL, the lighting device 1 can be controlled. The details will be described later.

[0111] The selection switch MSEL is an image image as a button displayed on the setting change screen 400. By selecting the selection switch SSEL and selecting one or more of the image images corresponding to the lighting device 1 as the operation target from the device selection switch DSEL, the selected lighting device can be controlled. The details will be described later.

[0112] The positions for setting the device selection switch DSEL, selection switch SSEL, and selection switch MSEL are not limited to Fig.15A , Fig. 15B , Fig. 15C , Fig.15D , Fig.15E The method shown.

[0113] Here, the single-unit operation mode and the multi-unit operation mode are described. The single-unit operation mode and the multi-unit operation mode are operation modes that are exclusively selected.

[0114] Specifically, for example, when the single-unit operation mode is selected, if the selection switch MSEL is touched, the mode is switched to the multiple-unit operation mode. Also, for example, when the selection switch SSEL is touched in the multiple-unit operation mode, the mode is switched to the single-unit operation mode.

[0115] In addition, the behavior when the device select switch DSEL is operated is different between the single-unit operation mode and the multi-unit operation mode.

[0116] Specifically, when the single-unit operation mode is selected, for example, when the lighting device 1_1 is selected, if the device selection switch DSEL corresponding to the lighting device 1_2 is selected, the single-unit operated target device is switched from the lighting device 1_1 to the lighting device 1_2. That is, in the single-unit operation mode, any one of the plurality of lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, 1_3, 1_4, and 1_5 pre-registered as the control target devices is selected as the operation target device and can be operated individually.

[0117] In addition, in the multiple operation mode, for example, when the lighting device 1_1 is selected, if the device selection switch DSEL corresponding to the lighting device 1_2 is selected, the operation target devices become two lighting devices 1_1 and 1_2. Then, if the selection of the device selection switch DSEL corresponding to the lighting device 1_2 is released again, the lighting device 1_2 is excluded from the operation target devices, and the operation target device becomes only one lighting device 1_1. Alternatively, when the operation target devices are two lighting devices 1_1 and 1_2, if the selection of the device selection switch DSEL corresponding to the lighting device 1_1 is released, the lighting device 1_1 is excluded from the operation target devices, and the operation target device becomes only one lighting device 1_2. That is, in the multi-unit operation mode, when at least one of the multiple lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, 1_3, 1_4, and 1_5 pre-registered as control object devices is selected as the operation object device, the operation object device can be operated individually, and when multiple control object devices (for example, the selected lighting device 1_1 and the lighting device 1_2) are selected as the operation object devices, the selected multiple operation object devices (for example, the lighting device 1_1 and the lighting device 1_2) can be operated simultaneously.

[0118] In the single-unit operation mode, when the same setting information (in the present disclosure, light diffusion information) is sent to multiple lighting devices, it is necessary to select the device selection switch DSEL to switch the operation object device and make the same setting changes to multiple operation object devices (for example, lighting device 1_1 and lighting device 1_2).

[0119] On the other hand, in the multiple operation mode, the same setting change is applied to the selected multiple operation target devices (for example, lighting device 1_1 and lighting device 1_2). This can save time and effort in sending the same setting information to multiple lighting devices.

[0120] exist Fig.15A , Fig. 15B , Fig. 15C , Fig.15D , Fig.15EIn the example shown, an example is shown in which five lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, 1_3, 1_4, and 1_5 are registered as control target devices of the control device 200, but the number of control target devices of the control device 200 is not limited to 5. In the following description, the control target devices (lighting devices 1) of the control device 200 are sometimes described as N (N is a natural number greater than 1). In addition, the number of operation target devices (lighting devices 1) selected in the multiple operation mode (second mode) among the control target devices (lighting devices 1_n (1_1, 1_2, ···, 1_N)) of the control device 200 is sometimes described as M (M is a natural number from 1 to N).

[0121] Fig.15A FIG. 4 shows a setting change screen 400 when the lighting device 1_1 is selected as the operation target device in the single operation mode. Fig.15A , an example is shown in which the light diffusion degree Sx in the Dx direction of the lighting device 1_1 is 50[%] and the light diffusion degree Sy in the Dy direction is 50[%]. Fig.15A As shown, the numerical values ​​of the light diffusion degree Sx in the Dx direction and the light diffusion degree Sy in the Dy direction are also displayed on the display screen. In addition, hereinafter, the light diffusion degree Sx in the Dx direction is referred to as the lateral diffusion degree Sx, and the light diffusion degree Sy in the Dy direction is referred to as the longitudinal diffusion degree Sy.

[0122] Fig. 15B FIG. 4 shows a setting change screen 400 when the lighting device 1_2 is selected as the operation target device in the single operation mode. Fig. 15B , an example is shown in which both the lateral diffusion Sx and the longitudinal diffusion Sy of the lighting device 1_2 are 100[%].

[0123] Fig. 15C FIG. 4 shows a setting change screen 400 when the lighting device 1_3 is selected as the operation target device in the single operation mode. Fig. 15C , an example is shown in which both the lateral diffusion Sx and the longitudinal diffusion Sy of the lighting device 1_3 are 0[%].

[0124] Fig.15D FIG. 4 shows a setting change screen 400 when the lighting device 1_4 is selected as the operation target device in the single operation mode. Fig.15D , an example is shown in which the lateral diffusion Sx of the lighting device 1_4 is 100[%] and the longitudinal diffusion Sy is 50[%].

[0125] Fig.15E The setting change screen 400 is shown when the lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, and 1_3 are selected as the operation target devices in the multiple operation mode. Fig.15E , an example is shown in which the lateral diffusion Sx and the longitudinal diffusion Sy of the lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, and 1_3 are set to initial values ​​(default values) in the setting change process described later. Fig.15E In the example in which both the initial value of the lateral diffusion degree Sx and the initial value of the longitudinal diffusion degree Sy are 50[%], the initial value of the lateral diffusion degree Sx and the initial value of the longitudinal diffusion degree Sy are not limited to 50[%], and any value such as 0%, 30%, or 100% can be set. In addition, the initial value of the lateral diffusion degree Sx and the initial value of the longitudinal diffusion degree Sy may be different from each other. In addition, the setting change procedure in the multi-unit operation mode is described in detail in the setting change process described later.

[0126] In this disclosure, Fig.15A , Fig. 15B , Fig. 15C , Fig.15D , Fig.15E As shown, the shape of the light distribution shape object OBJ on the setting change screen 400 changes to a circle or an ellipse as the first slider S1 and the second slider S2 are moved.

[0127] like Fig. 9 As shown, in the lighting device 1 that is the control object in the present disclosure, even when both the lateral diffusion Sx and the longitudinal diffusion Sy of the lighting device 1 are set to 0 [%], light (contour d) is irradiated to a predetermined substantially circular range. Fig. 15C As shown in FIG. 1 , when both the lateral diffusion degree Sx and the longitudinal diffusion degree Sy are set to 0[%], a small circular light distribution shape object OBJ is displayed.

[0128] In addition, in the present disclosure, Fig.15A , Fig. 15B , Fig. 15C , Fig.15D , Fig.15E As shown in FIG. 1 , a first area TA1 is provided as an area where the first slider S1 can be operated.

[0129] The first slider S1 can be moved in the first area TA1 in the X direction between a position on the contour line of the light distribution shape object OBJ when the lateral diffusion degree Sx is 0[%] and a position on the contour line of the light distribution shape object OBJ when the lateral diffusion degree Sx is 100[%]. Therefore, when the user's finger leaves the screen, even if the finger does not leave the screen, if the finger leaves the first area TA1, the first slider S1 will not move.

[0130] In addition, in the present disclosure, Fig.15A , Fig. 15B , Fig. 15C , Fig.15D , Fig.15E As shown in FIG. 1 , a second area TA2 is provided as an area where the second slider S2 can be operated.

[0131] The second slider S2 can move in the Y direction within the second area TA2 between a position on the contour line of the light distribution shape object OBJ when the longitudinal diffusion degree Sy is 0[%] and a position on the contour line of the light distribution shape object OBJ when the longitudinal diffusion degree Sy is 100[%]. Therefore, when the user's finger leaves the screen, of course, even if the finger does not leave the screen, if it leaves the second area TA2, the second slider S2 will not move.

[0132] Fig.16 This is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the position on the setting change screen of the control device involved in Embodiment 1 and the light diffusion degree. In the present disclosure, for the sake of convenience, it is assumed that the position (coordinates) on the display area DA of the display panel 20 and the position (coordinates) on the detection area FA of the touch sensor 30 are equivalent for description.

[0133] On the setting change screen 400 of the control device 200 according to the first embodiment, the lateral spread Sx of the lighting device 1 can be set according to the movement amount of the position x of the intersection of the X axis of the XY plane and the outline of the light distribution shape object OBJ.

[0134] In the present disclosure, the position x of the intersection of the X-axis and the outline of the light distribution shape object OBJ is set as the center point of the first slider S1. In other words, the position x0 of the first slider S1 on the display area DA overlaps with the position x of the intersection of the X-axis and the outline of the light distribution shape object OBJ. Thus, by touching the first slider S1 and moving it in the X-axis direction, the lateral diffusion Sx of the lighting device 1 can be set. Fig.16 “Sx” in ∝ indicates the lateral diffusion degree of the lighting device 1 (eg, “50” [%]).

[0135] When the intersection of the X axis and the contour line of the light distribution shape object OBJ when the lateral diffusion degree Sx is 100[%] is defined as X 100 When the intersection point of the X axis and the contour line of the light distribution shape object OBJ when the lateral diffusion Sx is 0[%] is set to X0, the reference movement amount Px in the X direction on the XY plane when the lateral diffusion change ΔSx of the lighting device 1 is 1[%] is expressed by the following formula (1).

[0136] Px=(X 100 -X0) / 100···(1)

[0137] The relationship between the lateral spread Sx and the position x0 of the first slider S1 on the display area DA on the XY plane is expressed by the following equations (2) and (3) using the above equation (1).

[0138] Sx=(x0-X0) / Px···(2)

[0139] x0=Sx×Px+X0···(3)

[0140] In the setting change screen 400 of the control device 200 according to the first embodiment, the longitudinal divergence Sy of the lighting device 1 can be set according to the movement amount of the position y of the intersection of the Y axis of the XY plane and the outline of the light distribution shape object OBJ.

[0141] In the present disclosure, the position y of the intersection of the Y axis and the outline of the light distribution shape object OBJ is set as the center point of the second slider S2. In other words, the position y0 of the second slider S2 on the display area DA overlaps with the position y of the intersection of the Y axis and the outline of the light distribution shape object OBJ. Thus, by touching the second slider S2 and moving it in the Y axis direction, the longitudinal diffusion Sy of the lighting device 1 can be set. Fig.16 “Sy” in ∝ indicates the longitudinal diffusion degree of the lighting device 1 (for example, “50” [%]).

[0142] When the intersection of the Y axis and the contour line of the light distribution shape object OBJ when the longitudinal diffusion degree Sy is 100[%] is defined as Y 100 When the intersection of the Y axis and the contour line of the light distribution shape object OBJ when the longitudinal diffusion Sy is 0[%] is set to Y0, the reference movement amount Py in the Y direction on the XY plane when the lateral diffusion change ΔSy of the lighting device 1 is 1[%] is expressed by the following formula (4).

[0143] Py=(Y 100 -Y0) / 100···(4)

[0144] The relationship between the vertical spread Sy and the position y0 of the second slider S2 on the display area DA on the XY plane is expressed by the following equations (5) and (6) using the above equation (4).

[0145] Sy=(y0-Y0) / Py···(5)

[0146] y0=Sy×Py+Y0···(6)

[0147] In addition, here, the method of displaying the circular light distribution shape object OBJ when both the lateral diffusion degree Sx and the longitudinal diffusion degree Sy are set to 0[%] is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the origin O(0,0) of the XY plane on the setting change screen 400 may be set to the position when both the lateral diffusion degree Sx and the longitudinal diffusion degree Sy are set to 0[%].

[0148] Hereinafter, a specific example of the control device 200 of the lighting device 1 and the setting change process in the lighting system according to the above-mentioned first embodiment will be described.

[0149] Fig.17 This is a flowchart showing an example of setting change processing in the lighting device control device according to Embodiment 1. Fig.18 This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a storage area in the control device of the lighting device involved in Embodiment 1.

[0150] Fig.17 The setting change process shown is implemented by, for example, application software executed in a CPU of a smartphone, tablet, or the like constituting the control device 200. Hereinafter, in the present disclosure, application software for implementing the setting change process of the lighting device 1_n is also referred to as a "setting change application".

[0151] In addition to the above-mentioned setting change screen 400, the setting change application can also display a device registration screen for registering the control target device on the display area DA. The device registration screen can be a sub-screen that is explicitly changed when registering the control target device after the setting change application is started, or it can be an initial screen displayed just after the setting change application is started. In the present disclosure, a method of selecting a single-unit operation mode as the default setting of the operation mode when the setting change application is started, and selecting the lighting device 1_1 as the operation target device in the single-unit operation mode is described.

[0152] When the setting change application is started, the transceiver circuit 225 of the control device 200 sends a request command for the second setting information to the controlled device (lighting device 1_n). Specifically, the transceiver circuit 225 resets the device count value n (n=0, step S001), then adds 1 to the device count value n (n=n+1, step S002), and sends a request command for the second setting information to the lighting device corresponding to the device count value n (=1) (for example, lighting device 1_1).

[0153] The transceiver circuit 111 of the lighting device 1_1 reads the second setting information stored in the storage circuit 113 and transmits it to the control device 200. In addition, the electrode drive circuit 112 of the lighting device 1_1 supplies the drive voltage corresponding to the second setting information to each drive electrode 10, 13 of each liquid crystal unit 2 of the optical element 100.

[0154] The transceiver circuit 225 of the control device 200 determines whether the second setting information is received from the lighting device 1_1 (step S003). If the second setting information is not received from the lighting device 1_1 (step S003; No), the process of step S003 is repeatedly executed.

[0155] When receiving the second setting information from the lighting device 1_1 (step S003; yes), the transceiver circuit 225 uses the light diffusion degree S2x_1 in the Dx direction in the second setting information of the lighting device 1_1 as the lateral diffusion degree Sx_1 and the light diffusion degree S2y_1 in the Dy direction as the longitudinal diffusion degree Sy_1, and stores them in Fig.18 into the storage area of ​​the storage circuit 223 shown (step S004).

[0156] exist Fig.18 , n=1 illustrates Fig.15A The lateral diffusion Sx_1 and the longitudinal diffusion Sy_1 of the lighting device 1_1 are shown. Fig. 15B The lateral diffusion Sx_2 and longitudinal diffusion Sy_2 of the lighting device 1_2 are shown. In addition, n=3 is an example. Fig. 15C The lateral diffusion Sx_3 and the longitudinal diffusion Sy_3 of the lighting device 1_3 shown in FIG. Fig.15D The lateral diffusion Sx_4 and longitudinal diffusion Sy_4 of the lighting device 1_4 are shown in FIG. Thus, the current lateral diffusion Sx_n and longitudinal diffusion Sy_n of each lighting device 1_n are stored in the storage circuit 223 of the control device 200. Fig.18 In FIG. 1 , the lateral diffusion Sx_4 and the longitudinal diffusion Sy_4 of the lighting device 1_5 (n=5) are set to "**". The lateral diffusion Sx_n and the longitudinal diffusion Sy_n of each lighting device 1_n are just examples and are not limited to Fig.18 Example shown.

[0157] The transceiver circuit 225 determines whether the second setting information has been received from all lighting devices 1_n (here, lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, 1_3, 1_4, and 1_5). Specifically, the control device 200 determines whether the device count value n=N (step S005).

[0158] When n<N (step S005; No), the processing from step S002 to step S005 is repeatedly executed. Specifically, the transceiver circuit 225 adds 1 to the device count n (n=n+1, step S002), and transmits a request command for the second setting information to the lighting device 1_n corresponding to the device count n.

[0159] The transceiver circuit 111 of the lighting device 1_n reads the second setting information stored in the storage circuit 113 and sends it to the control device 200. In addition, the electrode driving circuit 112 of the lighting device 1_n supplies a driving voltage corresponding to the second setting information stored in the storage circuit 113 to each driving electrode 10, 13 of each liquid crystal unit 2 of the optical element 100.

[0160] The transceiver circuit 225 of the control device 200 determines whether the second setting information is received from the lighting device 1_n (step S003). If the second setting information is not received from the lighting device 1_n (step S003; No), the process of step S003 is repeatedly executed.

[0161] When receiving the second setting information from the lighting device 1_n (step S003; yes), the transceiver circuit 225 uses the light diffusion degree S2x_n in the Dx direction in the second setting information of the lighting device 1_n as the lateral diffusion degree Sx_n, and the light diffusion degree S2y_n in the Dy direction as the longitudinal diffusion degree Sy_n, and stores them in Fig.18 Thus, the lateral diffusion degree Sx_n and the longitudinal diffusion degree Sy_n of all the control target devices (illumination devices 1_n) are obtained and stored in the storage area of ​​the storage circuit 223 (see Fig.18 )middle.

[0162] Next, the control device 200 determines whether the multi-unit operation mode is selected (step S006 ).

[0163] In addition, in the present disclosure, it is assumed that when the setting change application is started, the single operation mode is selected as the default setting (initial setting) of the operation mode as described above. That is, in step S006 immediately after the setting change application is started, the single operation mode is selected (step S006; No).

[0164] When the single-mode operation mode is selected immediately after the setting change application is started (step S006; No), the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200 reads the lateral diffusion Sx_1 and the longitudinal diffusion Sy_1 of the lighting device 1_1 stored in the storage area of ​​the storage circuit 223 (step S007), thereby executing the display control of the display panel 20 (step S008). Fig.18The current values ​​of the horizontal diffusion Sx and the vertical diffusion Sy are shown on the setting change screen 400, but after the above steps S007 and S008, the horizontal diffusion Sx_1 and the vertical diffusion Sy_1 of the lighting device 1_1 are rewritten to the current horizontal diffusion Sx and the vertical diffusion Sy. As a result, the setting change screen 400 reflecting the horizontal diffusion Sx_1 and the vertical diffusion Sy_1 of the lighting device 1_1 is displayed on the display area DA as the default screen in the single operation mode just after the setting change application is started.

[0165] Next, the control device 200 determines whether the operation target device has been changed (step S011 ).

[0166] If the operation target device has not been changed (step S011; No), the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200 determines whether the setting change of the setting information (in the present disclosure, the light diffusion degree information) of the lighting device 1_s (in the present disclosure, the lighting device 1_1) set as the operation target device by default in the single operation mode just after the setting change application is started has been executed (step S101). If the setting change of the setting information has not been executed (step S101; No), the control device 200 returns to the processing of step S006.

[0167] Here, a specific example of the operation of changing the setting information (in this disclosure, the light diffusion information) is described. Specifically, the conversion processing circuit 212 performs, for example, touch detection processing of the first slider S1 and touch detection processing of the second slider S2 in the setting change screen 400. If the first slider S1 is touched, the conversion processing circuit 212 calculates the current lateral diffusion Sx based on the X-direction position of the first slider S1 on the detection area FA, and saves it in the storage area of ​​the storage circuit 223. More specifically, by operating the first slider S1, Fig.18 The current value of the horizontal diffusion degree Sx shown is updated and rewritten. If the second slider S2 is touched, the conversion processing circuit 212 calculates the current vertical diffusion degree Sy based on the Y-direction position of the second slider S2 on the detection area FA and saves it in the storage area of ​​the storage circuit 223. More specifically, by operating the second slider S2, Fig.18 The vertical spread degree Sy of the current value shown is updated and overwritten and stored.

[0168] If a setting change of the setting information is performed on the setting change screen 400 (step S101; yes), the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200 reads out the current values ​​on the display that are rewritten by the setting change on the setting change screen 400, namely, the lateral diffusion Sx and the longitudinal diffusion Sy (step S102), and performs display control of the display panel 20 (step S103).

[0169] The transceiver circuit 225 of the control device 200 sends the first setting information to the lighting device 1_s (in the present disclosure, the lighting device 1_1) which is set as the operation target device by default when the setting change application is started. Specifically, the transceiver circuit 225 uses the current values ​​of the horizontal diffusion Sx and the vertical diffusion Sy on the display as the first setting information (S1x_s (S1x_1) = Sx, S1y_s (S1y_1) = Sy, step S107), and sends the first setting information to the lighting device 1_s (1_1) which is set as the operation target device by default when the setting change application is started (step S108).

[0170] The transceiver circuit 111 of the lighting device 1_s (1_1) stores the received first setting information as the second setting information in the storage circuit 113. The electrode driving circuit 112 of the lighting device 1_n (1_1) supplies a driving voltage corresponding to the second setting information stored in the storage circuit 113 to each driving electrode 10, 13 of each liquid crystal unit 2 of the optical element 100. Then, the transceiver circuit 111 of the lighting device 1_s (1_1) reads the second setting information stored in the storage circuit 113 and sends it to the control device 200.

[0171] The transceiver circuit 225 of the control device 200 determines whether the second setting information is received from the lighting device 1_s (1_1) (step S110). If the second setting information is not received from the lighting device 1_s (1_1) (step S110; No), the process of step S110 is repeatedly executed.

[0172] If the second setting information is received from the lighting device 1_s (1_1) (step S110; yes), the transceiver circuit 225 stores the light diffusion degree S2x_s (S2x_1) in the Dx direction in the second setting information of the lighting device 1_s as the lateral diffusion degree Sx_s (Sx_1) and the light diffusion degree S2y_s (S2y_1) in the Dy direction as the longitudinal diffusion degree Sy_s (Sy_1) in the storage area of ​​the storage circuit 223 (step S111). Thus, the setting change of the lighting device 1_s (in the present disclosure, the lighting device 1_1) which is set as the operation target device by default in the single operation mode immediately after the setting change application is started is executed.

[0173] In addition, if a change is made on the setting change screen 400 from the default setting of the lighting device 1_s (in the present disclosure, the lighting device 1_1) for the operation object device (step S011; yes), the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200 reads out the lateral diffusion Sx_s and the longitudinal diffusion Sy_s of the lighting device 1_s (s is a natural number from 1 to N) selected as the operation object device in the single-body operation mode from the storage area of ​​the storage circuit 223, and rewrites them with the current values ​​on the display, namely the lateral diffusion Sx and the longitudinal diffusion Sy (Sx=Sx_s, Sy=St_s, step S112), and executes display control of the display panel 20 (step S103).

[0174] The transceiver circuit 225 of the control device 200 sends the first setting information to the lighting device 1_s selected as the operation target device in the single operation mode. Specifically, the transceiver circuit 225 uses the current values ​​of the horizontal diffusion Sx and the vertical diffusion Sy on the display as the first setting information (S1x_s=Sx, S1y_s=Sy, step S107), and sends the first setting information to the lighting device 1_s selected as the operation target device in the single operation mode (step S108).

[0175] The transceiver circuit 111 of the lighting device 1_s stores the received first setting information as the second setting information in the storage circuit 113. The electrode driving circuit 112 of the lighting device 1_n supplies a driving voltage corresponding to the second setting information stored in the storage circuit 113 to each driving electrode 10, 13 of each liquid crystal unit 2 of the optical element 100. Then, the transceiver circuit 111 of the lighting device 1_s reads the second setting information in the storage circuit 113 and sends it to the control device 200.

[0176] The transceiver circuit 225 of the control device 200 determines whether the second setting information is received from the lighting device 1_s (step S110). If the second setting information is not received from the lighting device 1_s (step S110; No), the process of step S110 is repeatedly executed.

[0177] If the second setting information is received from the lighting device 1_s (step S110; yes), the transceiver circuit 225 stores the light diffusion degree S2x_s in the Dx direction in the second setting information of the lighting device 1_s as the lateral diffusion degree Sx_s and the light diffusion degree S2y_s in the Dy direction as the longitudinal diffusion degree Sy_s in the storage area of ​​the storage circuit 223 (step S111). Thus, the setting change of the lighting device 1_s selected as the operation target device in the single operation mode is executed.

[0178] If the multiple operation mode is selected on the setting change screen 400 (step S006; Yes), the control device 200 determines whether the number M of lighting devices 1 selected as the operation target devices in the multiple operation mode is 2 or more (step S012). When the lighting device 1 selected as the operation target device is unique (M=1, step S012; No), the control device 200 determines whether the setting information of the lighting device 1 selected as the operation target device has been changed (step S101). When the setting information has not been changed (step S101; No), the control device 200 returns to the process of step S006.

[0179] If a setting change of the setting information is performed on the setting change screen 400 (step S101; yes), the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200 reads out the current values ​​on the display that are rewritten by the setting change on the setting change screen 400, namely, the lateral diffusion Sx and the longitudinal diffusion Sy (step S102), and performs display control of the display panel 20 (step S103).

[0180] The transceiver circuit 225 of the control device 200 sends the first setting information to the only lighting device 1_s selected as the operation target device in the multiple operation mode. Specifically, the transceiver circuit 225 uses the current values ​​of the horizontal spread Sx and the vertical spread Sy on the display as the first setting information (S1x_s=Sx, S1y_s=Sy, step S107), and sends the first setting information to the only lighting device 1_s selected as the operation target device in the multiple operation mode (step S108).

[0181] The transceiver circuit 111 of the lighting device 1_s stores the received first setting information as the second setting information in the storage circuit 113. The electrode driving circuit 112 of the lighting device 1_n supplies a driving voltage corresponding to the second setting information stored in the storage circuit 113 to each driving electrode 10, 13 of each liquid crystal unit 2 of the optical element 100. Then, the transceiver circuit 111 of the lighting device 1_s reads the second setting information in the storage circuit 113 and sends it to the control device 200.

[0182] The transceiver circuit 225 of the control device 200 determines whether the second setting information is received from the lighting device 1_s (step S110). If the second setting information is not received from the lighting device 1_s (step S110: No), the process of step S110 is repeatedly executed.

[0183] If the second setting information is received from the lighting device 1_s (step S110; yes), the transceiver circuit 225 stores the light diffusion degree S2x_s in the Dx direction in the second setting information of the lighting device 1_s as the lateral diffusion degree Sx_s and the light diffusion degree S2y_s in the Dy direction as the longitudinal diffusion degree Sy_s in the storage area of ​​the storage circuit 223 (step S111). Thus, the setting change of the only lighting device 1_s selected as the operation target device in the multi-unit operation mode is executed.

[0184] When the number M of lighting devices 1 selected as the operation target devices in the multiple operation modes is 2 or more (M ≥ 2, step S012; yes), the control device 200 determines whether the light distribution shapes of the M lighting devices 1_m (1_a, 1_b, ···) selected as the operation target devices in the multiple operation modes are the same. Specifically, the control device 200 determines whether the lateral diffusion Sx_m (Sx_a, Sx_b, ···) of the M lighting devices 1_m (1_a, 1_b, ···) are the same, and whether the longitudinal diffusion Sy_m (Sy_a, Sy_b, ···) of the M lighting devices 1_m (1_a, 1_b, ···) are the same (step S013).

[0185] When the light distribution shapes of the M lighting devices 1_m (1_a, 1_b, . . .) selected as the operation target devices in the multiple operation mode are the same (step S013; Yes), the process proceeds to step S201.

[0186] When the light distribution shapes of the M lighting devices 1_m (1_a, 1_b, . . . ) selected as the operation target devices in the multi-operation mode are different (step S013; No), the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200 reads out the initial value (default value) of the lateral diffusion Sx stored in the storage area of ​​the storage circuit 223, that is, the lateral diffusion Sx_ini (in Fig.18 In the example, 50[%]) is set as the current value of the lateral diffusion Sx, and the initial value of the longitudinal diffusion Sy, i.e., the longitudinal diffusion Sy_ini (in Fig.18 In the example shown, 50[%]) is set as the current value of the longitudinal diffusion degree Sy (Sx=Sx_ini, Sy=Sy_ini, step S009), the display control of the display panel 20 is executed (step S010), and the process proceeds to step S201.

[0187] The display control circuit 231 of the control device 200 determines whether the setting change of the plurality of lighting devices 1_m selected as the operation target devices in the multi-operation mode has been executed (step S201). If the setting change of the setting information has not been executed (step S201; No), the control device 200 returns to the process of step S006.

[0188] If a setting change of the setting information is performed on the setting change screen 400 (step S201; yes), the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200 reads out the current values ​​on the display that are rewritten by the setting change on the setting change screen 400, namely, the lateral diffusion Sx and the longitudinal diffusion Sy (step S202), and performs display control of the display panel 20 (step S203).

[0189] The transceiver circuit 225 of the control device 200 sends the first setting information to the M lighting devices 1_m selected as the operation target devices in the multiple operation mode. Specifically, the transceiver circuit 225 uses the current values ​​on the display, that is, the lateral diffusion Sx and the longitudinal diffusion Sy as the first setting information (S1x_m=Sx, S1y_m=Sy, step S207), and sends the first setting information to the M lighting devices 1_m selected as the operation target devices in the multiple operation mode (step S208).

[0190] The transceiver circuit 111 of the lighting device 1_m stores the received first setting information as the second setting information in the storage circuit 113. The electrode driving circuit 112 of the lighting device 1_m supplies a driving voltage corresponding to the second setting information stored in the storage circuit 113 to each driving electrode 10, 13 of each liquid crystal unit 2 of the optical element 100. Then, the transceiver circuit 111 of the lighting device 1_m reads the second setting information in the storage circuit 113 and sends it to the control device 200.

[0191] The transceiver circuit 225 of the control device 200 determines whether the second setting information is received from the lighting device 1_m (step S210). If the second setting information is not received from the lighting device 1_m (step S210; No), the process of step S210 is repeatedly executed.

[0192] If the second setting information is received from the lighting device 1_m (step S210; yes), the transceiver circuit 225 saves the light diffusion S2x_m in the Dx direction in the second setting information of the lighting device 1_m as the lateral diffusion Sx_m and the light diffusion S2y_m in the Dy direction as the longitudinal diffusion Sy_m in the storage area of ​​the storage circuit 223 (step S211).

[0193] The above processing from step S206 to step S211 is performed on the M lighting devices 1_m selected as the operation target devices in the multi-device operation mode. Thus, the same setting change is performed on the M lighting devices 1_m selected as the operation target devices in the multi-device operation mode.

[0194] In the control device 200 and the lighting system of the lighting device 1 involved in the above-mentioned embodiment 1, the same setting information (in the present disclosure, light diffusion information) can be set for multiple lighting devices 1_m selected when multiple operation modes are selected among multiple lighting devices 1_n pre-registered as control object devices.

[0195] In the above-mentioned first embodiment, a method of displaying the setting change screen 400 for each of the plurality of lighting devices 1_n is exemplified (see Fig.15A , Fig. 15B , Fig. 15C , Fig.15D , Fig.15E ), but is not limited to a method of displaying the setting change screen 400 for each of the plurality of lighting devices 1_n. For example, in the case of a tablet computer or the like whose display area DA of the control device 200 is sufficiently large, a method of being able to change the settings of the plurality of lighting devices 1_n registered as the control target devices on one screen is also possible.

[0196] (Implementation Method 2)

[0197] Fig.19A Schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of the lighting system involved in Embodiment 2. Fig.19A In the embodiment, a plurality of lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, ..., 1_N are connected to a lighting control device (control device) 200a via a communication unit 300a composed of a plurality of wirings 310. More specifically, a DMX (Digital Multiplex) controller or the like can be cited as the lighting control device 200a. In the DMX controller, it is of course possible to adjust the brightness and color of the emitted light of the lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, ..., 1_N, and it is also possible to operate each optical element 100 of the lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, ..., 1_N, thereby changing the light distribution shape of the emitted light from each lighting device 1_1, 1_2, ..., 1_N. Fig.19B 2 is a schematic diagram showing a specific connection example when the lighting control device is a DMX controller in the structure of the lighting system involved in Embodiment 2. When the lighting control device 200a is a DMX controller, Fig.19B As shown, the lighting control device 200a is daisy-chained with a plurality of lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, ..., 1_N. More specifically, the lighting control device 200a is connected to the lighting device 1_1 via a cable 310_1, and the lighting device 1_1 is connected to the lighting device 1_2 via a cable 310_2. Afterwards, the preceding lighting device is connected to the succeeding lighting device in sequence via cables.

[0198] The lighting system includes a plurality of lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, ..., 1_N and a lighting control device 200a, which are connected by wire. More specifically, each lighting device 1_1, 1_2, ..., 1_N includes a light source 4 and an optical element 100 as in the above-mentioned embodiment 1, and the lighting control device 200a has a plurality of physical sliders 200b. In addition, the light source 4 and the optical element 100 of each lighting device 1_1, 1_2, ..., 1_N are connected to the lighting control device 200a via a wiring 310 (or a cable 310_1, 310_2, ..., 310_N), thereby being able to drive each light source 4 or each optical element 100 by moving a physical slider (hereinafter referred to as a slider) 200b up and down. More specifically, each light source 4 corresponds to a slider 200b one-to-one, and the brightness of the emitted light from the light source 4 can be changed by moving the slider 200b up and down. In addition, a structure in which the color of the light emitted from the light source 4 is changed by moving the slider 200b up and down can also be adopted, and both the brightness and the color can be changed. Alternatively, a structure in which two sliders 200b correspond to each light source 4, the brightness of the light emitted from the light source 4 is changed by moving one slider 200b up and down, and the color of the light emitted from the light source 4 is changed by moving the other slider 200b up and down can be adopted.

[0199] In addition, two wires 310 are drawn from the optical element 100 of each lighting device 1_1, 1_2, ..., 1_N, and connected to the lighting control device 200a. Thus, two sliders 200b are made to correspond to each optical element 100, and by moving one slider 200b up and down, the lateral diffusion degree of the optical element 100 can be changed, and by moving the other slider 200b up and down, the longitudinal diffusion degree of the optical element 100 can be changed. In addition, of course, the longitudinal and lateral diffusion degrees of the plurality of optical elements 100 can be changed simultaneously by moving the plurality of sliders 200b up and down at the same time. In addition, the following structure can also be adopted, in which other sliders 200b corresponding to the plurality of optical elements 100 selectively selected from the plurality of optical elements 100 are provided, and the diffusion degree of the selected plurality of optical elements 100 is changed by moving the sliders 200b up and down.

[0200] Thus, the operation of the slider 200b of the lighting control device 200a to change the diffusion of one optical element 100 can be referred to as a single operation mode (first mode) corresponding to the above-mentioned embodiment 1. In addition, the operation of one or more sliders 200b of the lighting control device 200a to change the diffusion of multiple optical elements 100 at the same time can be referred to as a multiple operation mode (second mode) corresponding to the above-mentioned embodiment 1.

[0201] Furthermore, the lighting control device 200a can be connected to an external control device 500 such as a PC via the port 200c, and the setting of the lighting control device 200a can be changed through the external control device 500. More specifically, the combination of the correspondence between each slider 200b and the lighting device 1_1, 1_2, ..., 1_N, the degree of diffusion and brightness change of the emitted light from each lighting device 1_1, 1_2, ..., 1_N during the up and down movement of each slider 200b can be changed. Alternatively, of course, the following structure can be adopted, in which the external control device 500 and the lighting control device 200a are kept connected and they are combined as the control device 200.

[0202] In addition, Fig.19A as well as Fig.19B In the illustrated configuration, similarly to the first embodiment, the following countermeasures can be adopted: each lighting device 1_1, 1_2, ..., 1_N is connected to the lighting control device 200a having the slider 200b via the wireless communication unit.

[0203] The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are described above, but the present disclosure is not limited to such embodiments. The contents disclosed in the embodiments are merely examples, and various changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Appropriate changes made within the scope of the present disclosure also belong to the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0204] Description of Reference Numerals

[0205] 1: lighting device; 2: liquid crystal unit; 2_1: first liquid crystal unit; 2_2: second liquid crystal unit; 2_3: third liquid crystal unit; 2_4: fourth liquid crystal unit; 4: light source; 5: first substrate; 6: second substrate; 7: sealing material; 8: liquid crystal layer; 9: substrate; 10, 10a, 10b: drive electrode; 11: first metal wiring; 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d: metal wiring; 12: substrate; 13, 13a, 13b: drive electrode; 14: second metal wiring Wiring; 14a, 14b: metal wiring; 15a, 15b: conducting portion; 16a, 16b: connecting terminal portion; 17: liquid crystal molecule; 18: alignment film; 19: alignment film; 20: display panel; 30: touch sensor; 31: detection element; 100: optical element; 111: transceiver circuit; 112: electrode drive circuit; 113: storage circuit (second storage circuit); 200: control device; 200a: lighting control device (control device); 200b: physical slider ( slider); 200c: port; 211: detection circuit; 212: conversion processing circuit; 223: storage circuit (first storage circuit); 225: transceiver circuit; 231: display control circuit; 300: communication unit (wireless communication unit); 300a: communication unit (wired communication unit); 310: wiring; 310_1, 310_2, 310_N: cable; 400: setting change screen; 500: external control device; AA: effective area; DA: display area; D SEL: device selection switch; FA: detection area; GA: peripheral area; MSEL: selection switch (multi-unit operation mode (second mode)); OBJ: light distribution shape object; S1: first slider; S2: second slider; SSEL: selection switch (single operation mode (first mode)); Sx: lateral diffusion; S1x, S2x: light diffusion in the Dx direction; Sy: longitudinal diffusion; S1y, S2y: light diffusion in the Dy direction; TA1: first area; TA2: second area.

Claims

1. A lighting system comprising: A plurality of lighting devices, comprising a light source and an optical element, wherein the optical element is disposed on an optical axis of the light source and is capable of setting a light distribution state of light emitted from the light source in two directions, a first direction and a second direction, the second direction intersecting the first direction; as well as a control device for controlling the plurality of lighting devices to change the light distribution state; The control device comprises: A touch sensor having a detection area, wherein the detection area is provided with a plurality of detection elements; A display panel having a display area, wherein the display area overlaps with a detection area of ​​the touch sensor when viewed from above; as well as a first storage circuit for storing setting information, wherein the setting information at least includes a setting value of the light distribution state; When the setting value is changed, the control device sends setting information to a part or all of the plurality of lighting devices. Each lighting device includes a second storage circuit that stores setting information transmitted from the control device.

2. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein: When the setting value is changed, the control device transmits the same setting information to a part or all of the plurality of lighting devices.

3. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein: The control device has: In the first mode, one of the plurality of lighting devices is selected; as well as The second mode is to select a plurality of the plurality of lighting devices, When the control device changes the setting value in the first mode, the control device sends setting information to a selected lighting device. When the setting value is changed in the second mode, the control device transmits the same setting information to the selected plurality of lighting devices.

4. A control device, wherein: The control device controls a plurality of lighting devices, wherein the plurality of lighting devices can set a light distribution shape of light emitted from a light source in two directions, a first direction and a second direction, wherein the second direction intersects the first direction. The control device comprises: A touch sensor having a detection area, wherein the detection area is provided with a plurality of detection elements; A display panel having a display area, wherein the display area overlaps with a detection area of ​​the touch sensor when viewed from above; as well as a storage circuit for storing setting information, wherein the setting information at least includes a setting value of the light distribution shape; When the setting value is changed, the control device transmits setting information to a part or all of the plurality of lighting devices.

5. The control device according to claim 4, wherein: When the setting value is changed, the control device transmits the same setting information to a part or all of the plurality of lighting devices.

6. The control device according to claim 4, comprising: In the first mode, one of the plurality of lighting devices is selected; and The second mode is to select a plurality of the plurality of lighting devices, When the control device changes the setting value in the first mode, the control device sends setting information to a selected lighting device. When the setting value is changed in the second mode, the control device transmits the same setting information to the selected plurality of lighting devices.

Images