Lighting system

Abstract

Provided is a lighting system capable of improving the usability of a lighting device in diffusivity adjustment. The illumination system comprises: an illumination device capable of controlling the diffusivity of light emitted from a light source; and a control device which is provided with a motion sensor and controls the degree of diffusion of the lighting device on the basis of the output of the motion sensor. The control device acquires an inclination angle (TA) with respect to a predetermined reference surface on the basis of a detection value of the motion sensor, and converts the inclination angle (TA) into a diffusivity setting value (S) of the lighting device.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a lighting system. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the past, there has been a lighting device in which a thin lens having a prismatic pattern is combined with a light source such as an LED, and the light distribution angle is changed by changing the distance between the light source and the thin lens. In addition, there has been disclosed a lighting device in which a liquid crystal dimming element is used to cover the front surface of a transparent bulb, and direct light and scattered light are switched by changing the transmittance of the liquid crystal layer (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-65001 SUMMARY

[0006] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] For example, in a lighting device using a liquid crystal cell for p-wave polarized light and a liquid crystal cell for s-wave polarized light, the diffusion degree of light in two directions can be controlled by driving both of the liquid crystal cells respectively. It is desirable to improve the usability in the diffusion degree adjustment of such a lighting device. For example, in a conventional adjustment method in which the diffusion degree is adjusted by detecting the touch position on the screen of a terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet, in the case where the terminal device is held with one hand and the screen is operated with the finger of the same hand, for example, the operation becomes unstable and it is difficult to make a fine adjustment. In addition, in the case where the terminal device is held with one hand and the screen is operated with the finger of the other hand, for example, both hands are occupied and the operation efficiency becomes poor.

[0008] An object of the present application is to provide a lighting system capable of improving the usability in the diffusion degree adjustment of a lighting device.

[0009] MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0010] A lighting system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a lighting device capable of controlling the diffusion degree of light emitted from a light source, and a control device provided with a motion sensor, which controls the diffusion degree of the lighting device based on the output of the motion sensor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1A is a side view showing an example of a lighting device according to the embodiment.

[0012] Figure 1B is a perspective view showing an example of an optical element according to the embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of the first substrate viewed from the Dz direction.

[0014] Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of the second substrate viewed from the Dz direction.

[0015] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a liquid crystal cell in which the first substrate and the second substrate are overlapped in the Dz direction.

[0016] Figure 5 is Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the A-A' line shown in FIG.

[0017] Figure 6A is a diagram showing the orientation direction of the alignment film of the first substrate.

[0018] Figure 6B is a diagram showing the orientation direction of the alignment film of the second substrate.

[0019] Figure 7 is a diagram showing a layered structure of an optical element according to an embodiment.

[0020] Figure 8A is a conceptual diagram for explaining a change in the shape of light based on an optical element according to an embodiment.

[0021] Figure 8B is a conceptual diagram for explaining a change in the shape of light based on an optical element according to an embodiment.

[0022] Figure 8C is a conceptual diagram for explaining a change in the shape of light based on an optical element according to an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 8D is a conceptual diagram for explaining a change in the shape of light based on an optical element according to an embodiment.

[0024] Figure 9 is a conceptual diagram for conceptually explaining control of light diffusion by a lighting device according to an embodiment.

[0025] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of a lighting system according to an embodiment.

[0026] Figure 11 is an appearance diagram showing an example of a control device according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 12 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a touch detection region in a touch sensor.

[0028] Figure 13FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a control block structure of the control device according to Embodiment 1.

[0029] Figure 14 FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a control block structure of the lighting device according to Embodiment 1.

[0030] Figure 15A FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a gyro sensor as a motion sensor 40 mounted on the control device according to Embodiment 1.

[0031] Figure 15B FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a geomagnetic sensor as a motion sensor 40 mounted on the control device according to Embodiment 1.

[0032] Figure 15C FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of an acceleration sensor as a motion sensor 40 mounted on the control device according to Embodiment 1.

[0033] Figure 16A FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a first example of a display method of a lighting control application screen of the control device according to Embodiment 1.

[0034] Figure 16B FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a second example of a display method of a lighting control application screen of the control device according to Embodiment 1.

[0035] Figure 17A FIG. 8 is a first graph illustrating a relationship between an effective range of a tilt angle and a diffusion degree adjustment range in the diffusion degree control according to Embodiment 1.

[0036] Figure 17B FIG. 9 is a second graph illustrating a relationship between an effective range of a tilt angle and a diffusion degree adjustment range in the diffusion degree control according to Embodiment 1.

[0037] Figure 17C FIG. 10 is a third graph illustrating a relationship between an effective range of a tilt angle and a diffusion degree adjustment range in the diffusion degree control according to Embodiment 1.

[0038] Figure 17D FIG. 11 is a fourth graph illustrating a relationship between an effective range of a tilt angle and a diffusion degree adjustment range in the diffusion degree control according to Embodiment 1.

[0039] Figure 17E FIG. 12 is a fifth graph illustrating a relationship between an effective range of a tilt angle and a diffusion degree adjustment range in the diffusion degree control according to Embodiment 1.

[0040] Figure 18A FIG. 13 is a line graph illustrating a first example of a tilt angle-diffusion degree setting value conversion characteristic in the diffusion degree control according to Embodiment 1.

[0041] Figure 18B is a line graph showing a second example of the tilt angle-diffuseness setting value conversion characteristic in the diffuseness control according to Embodiment 1.

[0042] Figure 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the initial setting process in the diffuseness control according to Embodiment 1.

[0043] Figure 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the overall flow of the diffuseness control process according to Embodiment 1.

[0044] Figure 21 is a flowchart showing an example of the diffuseness adjustment range setting process in the diffuseness control according to Embodiment 1.

[0045] Figure 22 is a flowchart showing an example of the tilt angle-diffuseness conversion process in the diffuseness control according to Embodiment 1.

[0046] Figure 23A is a first graph showing the relationship between the effective range of the tilt angle and the diffuseness adjustment range in the diffuseness control according to Embodiment 2.

[0047] Figure 23B is a second graph showing the relationship between the effective range of the tilt angle and the diffuseness adjustment range in the diffuseness control according to Embodiment 2.

[0048] Figure 23C is a third graph showing the relationship between the effective range of the tilt angle and the diffuseness adjustment range in the diffuseness control according to Embodiment 2.

[0049] Figure 23D is a fourth graph showing the relationship between the effective range of the tilt angle and the diffuseness adjustment range in the diffuseness control according to Embodiment 2.

[0050] Figure 24 is a flowchart showing an example of the initial setting process in the diffuseness control according to Embodiment 2.

[0051] Figure 25 is a flowchart showing an example of the overall flow of the diffuseness control process according to Embodiment 2.

[0052] Figure 26 is a flowchart showing an example of the tilt angle-diffuseness conversion process in the diffuseness control according to Embodiment 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] Embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present application is not limited to the embodiments described below. Furthermore, the components described below include components that can be readily assumed by those skilled in the art, and substantially equivalent components. Furthermore, the components described below can be appropriately combined. Furthermore, the disclosure is merely an example, and appropriate modifications that can be readily assumed by those skilled in the art while maintaining the gist of the present application are of course included in the scope of the present application. Furthermore, the drawings are sometimes schematically shown in width, thickness, shape, and the like of each portion in order to make the explanation clearer than the actual form, but this is merely an example, and does not limit the explanation of the present application. Furthermore, in the present specification and the drawings, the same reference numerals are sometimes attached to the same components described with respect to the already appeared drawings, and detailed explanation is appropriately omitted.

[0054] Figure 1A is a side view showing an example of the illumination device 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 1B is a perspective view showing an example of the optical element 100 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 1A , the illumination device 1 includes a light source 4, a reflector 4a, and the optical element 100. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1B , 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 constituted by, for example, a light emitting diode (LED). The reflector 4a is a constituent portion that condenses light of the light source 4 to the optical element 100.

[0055] In Figure 1B , the Dz direction indicates an emission direction of light from the light source 4 and the reflector 4a. The optical element 100 is constituted by stacking 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 in the Dz direction. In the present disclosure, the optical element 100 is constituted by stacking 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 in this order from the light source 4 side (lower side of Figure 1B ). In Figure 1B , one direction of a plane parallel to a stacking surface of 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 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).

[0056] 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 each the same structure. In the present disclosure, the first liquid crystal cell 2_1 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4 are provided as liquid crystal cells for p-wave polarized light. In addition, the second liquid crystal cell 2_2 and the third liquid crystal cell 2_3 are provided as liquid crystal cells for s-wave polarized light. 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".

[0057] The liquid crystal cell 2 includes a first substrate 5 and a second substrate 6. Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of the first substrate 5 viewed from the Dz direction. Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of the second substrate 6 viewed from the Dz direction. In Figure 3 , the driving electrodes are electrodes that can be seen over the substrates, but in the case where priority is given to understandability, the driving electrodes and the wiring are indicated by solid lines. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the liquid crystal cell in which the first substrate 5 and the second substrate 6 are overlaid in the Dz direction. In Figure 4 , in the case where priority is given to understandability, the driving electrodes and the wiring on the second substrate side are indicated by solid lines, and the driving electrodes and the wiring on the first substrate side are indicated by broken lines. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along the A-A' line shown in Figure 4 . In addition, in Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , and Figure 5 , the third liquid crystal cell 2_3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4 in which the driving electrodes 10a, 10b of the first substrate 5 extend in the Dx direction and the driving electrodes 13a, 13b of the second substrate 6 extend in the Dy direction are exemplified.

[0058] As shown in Figure 5 , the liquid crystal cell 2 includes a liquid crystal layer 8 sealed by a sealing material 7 between the first substrate 5 and the second substrate 6.

[0059] The liquid crystal layer 8 modulates light passing through the liquid crystal layer 8 in accordance with the state of an electric field. As liquid crystal molecules, a positive nematic liquid crystal is used, but other liquid crystals having the same function can also be used.

[0060] As shown in Figure 2 , on the liquid crystal layer 8 side of the base material 9 of the first substrate 5, a plurality of driving electrodes 10a, 10b, a plurality of metal wiring 11a, 11b for supplying a driving voltage applied to the driving electrodes 10a, 10b, and a plurality of metal wiring 11c, 11d for supplying a driving voltage applied to a plurality of driving electrodes 13a, 13b provided on the second substrate 6 described later (see Figure 3) applied to the drive electrodes 10. The metal wiring 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d is provided in the wiring layer of the first substrate 5. The metal wiring 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d is provided at intervals in the wiring layer on the first substrate 5. Hereinafter, the plurality of drive electrodes 10a, 10b will be sometimes referred to simply as "drive electrodes 10". In addition, the plurality of metal wiring 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d will be sometimes referred to as "first metal wiring 11". As shown in FIG. 1, the drive electrodes 10a, 10b are provided on the first substrate 5 in the third liquid crystal cell 2_3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4. In addition, the drive electrodes 10a, 10b are provided on the first substrate 5 in the first liquid crystal cell 2_1 and the second liquid crystal cell 2_2. Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1, the drive electrodes 10a, 10b are provided on the first substrate 5 in the third liquid crystal cell 2_3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4. In addition, the drive electrodes 10a, 10b are provided on the first substrate 5 in the first liquid crystal cell 2_1 and the second liquid crystal cell 2_2.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 1, the drive electrodes 10a, 10b are provided on the first substrate 5 in the third liquid crystal cell 2_3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4. In addition, the drive electrodes 10a, 10b are provided on the first substrate 5 in the first liquid crystal cell 2_1 and the second liquid crystal cell 2_2. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1, the drive electrodes 10a, 10b are provided on the first substrate 5 in the third liquid crystal cell 2_3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4. In addition, the drive electrodes 10a, 10b are provided on the first substrate 5 in the first liquid crystal cell 2_1 and the second liquid crystal cell 2_2. Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1, the drive electrodes 10a, 10b are provided on the first substrate 5 in the third liquid crystal cell 2_3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4. In addition, the drive electrodes 10a, 10b are provided on the first substrate 5 in the first liquid crystal cell 2_1 and the second liquid crystal cell 2_2. Figure 3 and Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1, the drive electrodes 10a, 10b are provided on the first substrate 5 in the third liquid crystal cell 2_3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4. In addition, the drive electrodes 10a, 10b are provided on the first substrate 5 in the first liquid crystal cell 2_1 and the second liquid crystal cell 2_2.

[0062] The drive electrodes 10 and the drive electrodes 13 are light-transmissive electrodes formed of a light-transmissive conductive material (light-transmissive conductive oxide) such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide). The first substrate 5 and the second substrate 6 are light-transmissive substrates such as glass or resin. The first metal wiring 11 and the second metal wiring 14 are formed of at least one metal material among aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), molybdenum (Mo), or an alloy thereof. In addition, the first metal wiring 11 and the second metal wiring 14 can be a laminate in which one or more of these metal materials are stacked in multiple layers. The resistance of at least one metal material among aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), molybdenum (Mo), or an alloy thereof is lower than that of a light-transmissive conductive oxide such as ITO.

[0063] The metal wiring 11c of the first substrate 5 and the metal wiring 14a of the second substrate 6 are connected by a conductive portion 15a formed, for example, by conductive paste. Additionally, the metal wiring 11d of the first substrate 5 and the metal wiring 14b of the second substrate 6 are connected, for example, by a conductive portion 15b formed, by conductive paste.

[0064] Additionally, on the first substrate 5, in a region that does not overlap with the second substrate 6 in the Dz direction, there are flex-on-board terminal portions 16a and 16b for connection to a flexible printed circuit board (FPC, not shown). The flex-on-board terminal portions 16a and 16b each have four connection terminals corresponding to the metal wirings 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d.

[0065] Connection terminals 16a and 16b are disposed on the wiring layer of the first substrate 5. The liquid crystal cell 2 is supplied with driving voltages applied from an FPC connected to connection terminal 16a or connection terminal 16b to the driving electrodes 10a and 10b on the first substrate 5 and the driving electrodes 13a and 13b on the second substrate 6. Hereinafter, connection terminals 16a and 16b will sometimes be simply referred to as "connection terminal 16".

[0066] like Figure 4 As shown, in the liquid crystal cell 2, the first substrate 5 and the second substrate 6 overlap in the Dz direction (the direction of light illumination). Viewed from the Dz direction, the plurality of driving electrodes 10 on the first substrate 5 intersect with the plurality of driving electrodes 13 on the second substrate 6. In the liquid crystal cell 2 configured in this way, by supplying driving voltages to the plurality of driving electrodes 10 on the first substrate 5 and the plurality of driving electrodes 13 on the second substrate 6 respectively, the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules 17 in the liquid crystal layer 8 can be controlled. The region in which the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules 17 in the liquid crystal layer 8 can be controlled is called the "effective region AA". In the effective region AA, by changing the refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal layer 8, the diffuseness of light transmitted through the effective region AA of the liquid crystal cell 2 can be controlled. In the region outside the effective region AA, the region in which the liquid crystal layer 8 is sealed by the sealing material 7 is called the "peripheral region GA" (refer to...). Figure 5 ).

[0067] like Figure 5 As shown, in the effective region AA of the first substrate 5, the driving electrode 10 (in Figure 5 The driving electrode 10a) is covered by the alignment film 18. Furthermore, in the effective region AA of the second substrate 6, the driving electrode 13 (in...) Figure 5 The driving electrodes 13a and 13b are covered by the alignment film 19. The liquid crystal molecules have different orientations in the alignment films 18 and 19.

[0068] Figure 6A This is a diagram showing the orientation direction of the alignment film on the first substrate 5. Figure 6B This is a diagram showing the orientation direction of the alignment film on the second substrate 6.

[0069] like Figure 6A as well as Figure 6B As shown, the orientation directions of the alignment film 18 on the first substrate 5 and the alignment film 19 on the second substrate 6 intersect each other when viewed from above. Specifically, as... Figure 6A As shown by the solid arrow, the orientation direction of the alignment film 18 of the first substrate 5 is... Figure 6A The driving electrodes 10a and 10b, indicated by the dashed arrows, extend in orthogonal directions. Additionally, as... Figure 6B As shown by the solid arrow, the orientation direction of the alignment film 19 on the second substrate 6 is... Figure 6B The extension directions of the driving electrodes 13a and 13b, indicated by the dashed arrows, are orthogonal. Hereinafter, the extension directions of each of the driving electrodes 10 and 13 will be explained as being orthogonal to the orientation directions of the alignment films 18 and 19 covering them; however, they may also intersect at angles other than orthogonality, for example, within the range of 85° to 90°. Furthermore, the driving electrodes 10 on the first substrate 5 side and the driving electrodes 13 on the second substrate 6 side are preferably orthogonal to each other, but they may also intersect within the range of 85° to 90°. Moreover, the orientation directions of the alignment films 18 and 19 are formed by a rubbing process or a photo-alignment process.

[0070] Here, we will explain the structure by which the shape of light is changed by each liquid crystal cell 2 (first liquid crystal cell 2_1, second liquid crystal cell 2_2, third liquid crystal cell 2_3 and fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4). Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the stacked structure of the optical element 100 according to the embodiment. Figure 8A , Figure 8B , Figure 8C , Figure 8D This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the shape change of light based on the optical element 100 involved in the embodiment. Figure 8A , Figure 8B , Figure 8C , Figure 8D The example shown illustrates the generation of a potential difference between the driving electrodes of the shaded substrate in each liquid crystal cell 2.

[0071] like Figure 7 As shown, the optical element 100 is disposed on the optical axis of the light source 4 indicated by the single-dot dashed line, as described above, from the side of the light source 4 ( Figure 7The 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 from the lower side of the first substrate 5. The third liquid crystal cell 2_3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4 are stacked in a state of being rotated by 90° with respect to the first liquid crystal cell 2_1 and the second liquid crystal cell 2_2.

[0072] In each liquid crystal cell 2, as shown in FIG. 2, the orientation direction of the alignment film is crossed at the first substrate 5 side and the second substrate 6 side. Thus, 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 goes from the first substrate 5 side toward the second substrate 6 side, and the polarization component of the transmitted light rotates along this change. That is, in the liquid crystal cell 2, the polarization component that is a p-polarization component at the first substrate 5 side changes to an s-polarization component as it goes toward the second substrate 6 side, and the polarization component that is an s-polarization component at the first substrate 5 side changes to a p-polarization component as it goes toward the second substrate 6 side. This rotation of the polarization component can be referred to as optical rotation. Figure 6A Figure 6B As shown in FIG. 2, the orientation direction of the alignment film is crossed at the first substrate 5 side and the second substrate 6 side. Thus, 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 goes from the first substrate 5 side toward the second substrate 6 side, and the polarization component of the transmitted light rotates along this change. That is, in the liquid crystal cell 2, the polarization component that is a p-polarization component at the first substrate 5 side changes to an s-polarization component as it goes toward the second substrate 6 side, and the polarization component that is an s-polarization component at the first substrate 5 side changes to a p-polarization component as it goes toward the second substrate 6 side. This rotation of the polarization component can be referred to as optical rotation.

[0073] Figure 8A A state in which no electric potential is generated between the adjacent electrodes of each liquid crystal cell 2 is shown. In this case, only optical rotation occurs in each liquid crystal cell 2, and no diffusion of any polarization component occurs.

[0074] Here, as shown in FIG. 3, for example, a transverse electric field is generated by generating a potential difference between the drive electrodes 10a, 10b on the first substrate 5 side of the first liquid crystal cell 2_1, and the liquid crystal molecules are oriented in a circular arc shape between the electrodes, thereby forming a refractive index distribution in the Dx direction in the liquid crystal layer 8. If the light from the light source 4 passes in this state, the above-described refractive index distribution acts on the polarization component that is parallel to the Dx direction (p-polarization component in FIG. 3), and thus the p-polarization component diffuses in the Dx direction. Figure 8B Figure 8B

[0075] Further, when a potential difference is generated between the drive electrodes 13a, 13b on the second substrate 6 side of the first liquid crystal cell 2_1 as well, a refractive index distribution is formed in the Dy direction on the second substrate 6 side, and thus the s-polarization component diffuses in the Dy direction on the second substrate 6 side. That is, the polarization component that changes from a p-polarization component to an s-polarization 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 polarization component that is an s-polarization component at the time of incidence into the first liquid crystal cell 2_1 although it undergoes optical rotation in the process of passing through the liquid crystal layer 8, does not diffuse because it becomes a polarization component that crosses any refractive index distribution, and passes through the first liquid crystal cell 2_1 in a manner in which only optical rotation occurs.

[0076] ​​​When incident on the first liquid crystal cell 2_1, the s-polarized light component changes to a p-polarized light component after passing through the first liquid crystal cell 2_1. The second liquid crystal cell 2_2 then acts on this p-polarized light component. That is, as... Figure 8A as well as Figure 8B As shown, in the light incident on the optical element 100, the first liquid crystal unit 2_1 acts on the p-polarized light component, and the second liquid crystal unit 2_2 acts on the s-polarized light component. The third liquid crystal unit 2_3 and the fourth liquid crystal unit 2_4 are rotated 90° relative to the first liquid crystal unit 2_1 and the second liquid crystal unit 2_2, so the polarized light components they act on are also interchanged by 90°. That is, when light is incident on the optical element 100, the third liquid crystal unit 2_3 acts on the polarized light component that is the s-polarized light component, and when light is incident on the optical element 100, the fourth liquid crystal unit 2_4 acts on the polarized light component that is the p-polarized light component.

[0077] like Figure 8C As shown, in the optical element, for each liquid crystal cell 2, by imparting a potential difference between the driving electrodes extending along the Dy direction (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 light component can be affected, and the shape of the light can be increased mainly in the Dx direction. This effect can be referred to as lateral diffusion.

[0078] In addition, such as Figure 8D As shown, for each liquid crystal cell 2, by imparting a potential difference between the driving electrodes extending along the Dx direction (between the driving electrodes 13a and 13b of the second substrate 6 in the first liquid crystal cell 2_1 and the second liquid crystal cell 2_2, and between the driving electrodes 10a and 10b of the first substrate 5 in the third liquid crystal cell 2_3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4), the s-polarized light component is affected, and the shape of the light can be increased mainly in the Dy direction. This effect can be referred to as longitudinal diffusion.

[0079] The degree of diffusion of light in each direction depends on the potential difference between the adjacent drive electrodes 10a, 10b (or between the drive electrodes 13a, 13b). If the potential difference between the drive electrodes 10a, 10b (or between the drive electrodes 13a, 13b) is set to a predetermined maximum potential difference (for example, 30 V), the expansion of light in that direction becomes maximum (100%), and if no potential difference is generated at all, no expansion of light in that direction occurs (0%). Alternatively, if the potential difference between the drive electrodes 10a, 10b (or between the drive electrodes 13a, 13b) is set to 50% of the maximum potential difference (for example, 15 V), the expansion of light in that direction is 50%. Further, in the case where the relationship between the voltage difference and the expansion of light is not linear, the potential difference can not be 15 V but another potential difference.

[0080] Further, the interval between the substrates of each liquid crystal cell 2 (between the first substrate 5 and the second substrate 6) (also referred to as the cell gap) is wide, and is set to about 10 μm to 50 μm, and more preferably about 15 μm to 35 μm, whereby it is possible to suppress as much as possible the case where the influence of the electric field formed on one substrate reaches the other substrate side. In addition, the drive voltage for generating a potential difference between the adjacent drive electrodes 10a, 10b (or between the drive electrodes 13a, 13b) is a so-called alternating rectangular wave, whereby it is of course possible to prevent the afterimage of liquid crystal molecules.

[0081] In addition, the orientation direction of each orientation film, the extension direction of the drive electrodes of each substrate, and the angle therebetween can be appropriately changed for the entire optical element 100 or each liquid crystal cell 2 in accordance with the characteristics of the liquid crystal to be used and the optical characteristics to be exhibited.

[0082] Further, in the present embodiment, regarding the optical element 100, a structure in which four first liquid crystal cells 2_1, second liquid crystal cells 2_2, third liquid crystal cells 2_3, and fourth liquid crystal cells 2_4 are stacked is described, but the structure is not limited to this, and for example, a structure in which two, three liquid crystal cells 2 are stacked, a structure in which a plurality of liquid crystal cells 2 of five or more are stacked can be employed.

[0083] In the present disclosure, in the illumination device 1 of the above-described structure, the light incident to the optical element from the light source 4 is controlled in both the Dx direction (the direction of lateral diffusion) and the Dy direction (the direction of longitudinal diffusion) by the drive voltage control of each liquid crystal cell 2. Further, the above-described longitudinal diffusion and lateral diffusion can be collectively referred to as light diffusion. Also, the shape of the light emitted from the optical element is changed thereby. The shape of the light refers to the shape of the light appearing in a plane parallel to the emission surface of the optical element, and can be referred to as the distribution of light. Hereinafter, the shape of the light will be referred to as the distribution of light. Figure 9 The control of the light diffusion degree in the present disclosure will be described.

[0084] Figure 9 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the control of the light diffusion degree of the illumination device 1 according to the embodiment conceptually. In Figure 9 , the irradiation range of light on the imaginary plane xy perpendicular to the Dz direction is shown. Furthermore, the outline of the actual irradiation range is somewhat unclear based on the distance from the light source 4, the diffraction phenomenon of light, and the like.

[0085] As described above, the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules 17 of the liquid crystal layer 8 is controlled by supplying the drive voltage to each of the drive electrodes 10, 13 of each of the liquid crystal cells 2 provided on the optical axis of the light source 4. Thereby, the light distribution shape of the light emitted from the optical element 100 is controlled.

[0086] Specifically, for example, as described above, the light distribution shape in the Dx direction changes (lateral diffusion) depending on the drive voltage applied to the drive electrode 10 or the drive electrode 13 extending in the Dy direction in each of the liquid crystal cells 2. In addition, the light distribution shape in the Dy direction changes (vertical diffusion) depending on the drive voltage applied to the drive electrode 10 or the drive electrode 13 extending in the Dx direction in the first to fourth liquid crystal cells.

[0087] In the present disclosure, the minimum diffusion degree of the lateral diffusion and the vertical diffusion is set to 0%, and the maximum diffusion degree is set to 100%. More specifically, in the case where the lateral diffusion degree is 0%, the drive electrode (for example, the drive electrode 10 extending in the Dy direction in the first substrate 5 of the first liquid crystal cell 2_1) that functions to expand the light distribution state in the Dx direction does not function to the refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal layer 8. In this case, there is no potential difference between the adjacent drive electrodes 10a, 10b, or no potential is supplied to the electrodes. On the other hand, in the case where the lateral diffusion degree is 100%, the drive electrode (for example, the drive electrode 10 extending in the Dy direction in the first substrate 5 of the first liquid crystal cell 2_1) that functions to expand the light distribution state in the Dx direction functions to the refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal layer 8 to the maximum extent. In this case, the potential difference between the adjacent drive electrodes 10a, 10b is set to the maximum potential difference (for example, 30 V) in the optical element 100. In addition, in the case where the lateral diffusion degree is greater than 0% and less than 100%, a potential adjusted to be greater than 0 V and less than the maximum potential difference (for example, 30 V) of the potential difference between the adjacent drive electrodes 10a, 10b is applied to the electrode. The same applies to the vertical diffusion.

[0088] Figure 9 The outline a shown illustrates the irradiation range on the imaginary plane xy in the case where both the lateral diffusion degree and the vertical diffusion degree are 100%. In addition, Figure 9The profile b shown is an example of the irradiation range on the imaginary plane xy in the case where the lateral diffusion degree is 100% and the longitudinal diffusion degree is 0%. Figure 9 The profile c shown is an example of the irradiation range in the case where the lateral diffusion degree is 0% and the longitudinal diffusion degree is 100%. In addition, Figure 9 The profile d shown is an example of the irradiation range on the imaginary plane xy in the case where both the lateral diffusion degree and the longitudinal diffusion degree are 0%. That is, the profile d indicates the light distribution state in the case where the light from the light source 4 is emitted without being controlled by the optical element 100 (so-called direct transmission through the optical element 100).

[0089] Thus, in the lighting device 1 of the above-described structure, by performing the drive voltage control of each liquid crystal cell 2 respectively, it is possible to control the lateral diffusion degree and the longitudinal diffusion degree of the emitted light from the optical element 100. Thereby, it is possible to change the light distribution shape on the imaginary plane xy of the emitted light from the lighting device 1. Hereinafter, the control of changing the light distribution shape of the light irradiated on the imaginary plane xy by adjusting the lateral diffusion degree and the longitudinal diffusion degree of the emitted light from the lighting device 1 will also be referred to as "light distribution control".

[0090] Further, in the present disclosure, the lighting device 1 capable of performing the light distribution control in both the Dx direction and the Dy direction is exemplified, but the parameter that can be controlled in the lighting device 1 is not limited to the light distribution (spread of light). For example, the lighting device 1 can also be in a form capable of performing dimming control. In this case, as the parameter that can be controlled in the lighting device 1, a form including dimming (brightness) can also be exemplified.

[0091] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram indicating an example of the structure of the lighting system to which the embodiment is directed. The lighting system to which the embodiment is directed 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, a tablet, and the like.

[0092] The communication unit 300 is exemplified by a wireless communication unit such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), WiFi (registered trademark), and the like. The lighting devices 1_1, 1_2,..., 1_N and the control device 200 can also be in a form that performs wireless communication via a predetermined network such as a mobile communication network. Alternatively, the lighting devices 1_1, 1_2,..., 1_N and the control device 200 can also be in a form that performs wired communication by being connected by wire.

[0093] Further, in the present disclosure, Figure 10In the example shown, N (N is a natural number of 1 or more) lighting devices 1_n (n is a natural number of 1 to N) are exemplified, but the present disclosure is not limited by the number of lighting devices 1. In addition, in the present disclosure, as the setting parameter of the lighting device 1, a manner of controlling the spread of the lighting device 1 is described, but the setting parameter is not limited to the spread. As the setting parameter of the lighting device 1, for example, a manner including the light amount, the color temperature of the lighting device 1 can be exemplified.

[0094] Figure 11 is an appearance view showing an example of the control device 200 according to the embodiment. The control device 200 is a display device (touch screen) with a touch detection function in which a display panel 20 and a touch sensor 30 are integrated. As internal structural elements, the control device 200 is equipped with, for example, various ICs such as a detection IC, a display IC, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) such as a smartphone or a tablet computer that constitutes the control device 200, a RAM (Random Access Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).

[0095] The display panel 20 is a so-called in-cell or hybrid device in which the touch sensor 30 is built in and integrated. The display panel 20 in which the touch sensor 30 is built in and integrated means, for example, that a part of the members such as a substrate and an electrode used as the display panel 20 and a part of the members such as a substrate and an electrode used as the touch sensor 30 are included. In addition, the display panel 20 can also be a so-called on-cell device in which the touch sensor 30 is attached to the display device.

[0096] As the display panel 20, for example, a liquid crystal display panel using a liquid crystal display element is exemplified. The display panel 20 is not limited thereto, and for example, an organic EL display panel (OLED: Organic Light Emitting Diode), an inorganic EL display panel (micro LED, mini LED) can also be exemplified.

[0097] As the touch sensor 30, for example, a touch sensor of an electrostatic capacitance method is exemplified. The touch sensor 30 is not limited thereto, and for example, a touch sensor of a resistive film method, a touch sensor of an ultrasonic method, or a touch sensor of an optical method can also be exemplified.

[0098] In the present disclosure, the control device 200 is provided with a motion sensor 40 that detects the operation (tilt, rotation, shake) of the control device 200. The motion sensor 40 will be described later.

[0099] Figure 12 is a conceptual diagram that shows an example of a touch detection region in the touch sensor 30. A plurality of detection elements 31 are provided in the detection region 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 within the detection region FA of the touch sensor 30, and are provided in a matrix shape. In other words, the touch sensor 30 has the detection region FA overlapping the plurality of detection elements 31 arranged in the X direction and the Y direction.

[0100] (Embodiment 1)

[0101] The processing of the lighting system in the present disclosure is performed by application software (hereinafter, also referred to as "lighting control application") that operates on the control device 200. Hereinafter, the structure and operation for controlling the diffusion degree of light emitted from the light source 4 of the lighting device 1 in the control device 200 of the lighting system according to Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0102] Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of the control block structure of the control device 200 according to Embodiment 1. Here, first, the control block structure for performing each process described later will be described.

[0103] As shown in Figure 13 , the control device 200 according to Embodiment 1 is provided with a display panel 20, a touch sensor 30, a motion sensor 40, a processing circuit 210, a detection circuit 211, a tilt angle generation circuit 212, a storage circuit 223, a transceiver circuit 225, and a display control circuit 231. The detection circuit 211 is constituted by, for example, a detection IC. Alternatively, the detection circuit 211 and the display control circuit 231 can be mounted on the display panel 20 as one display IC, or on an FPC connected to the display panel 20. The processing circuit 210, the tilt angle generation circuit 212, and the storage circuit 223 are constituted by, for example, a CPU, a RAM, an EEPROM, a ROM, and the like of a smartphone, a tablet, or the like that constitutes the control device 200. In addition, the display control circuit 231 can be a display IC mounted on the display panel 20 as described above, and further, can be a structure including a GPU and the like of a smartphone, a tablet, or the like that constitutes the control device 200, for example. The transceiver circuit 225 is constituted by, for example, a wireless communication module of a smartphone, a tablet, or the like that constitutes the control device 200.

[0104] The detection circuit 211 is a circuit that detects the presence or absence of a touch with respect to the touch sensor 30 based on a detection signal output from each detection element 31 of the touch sensor 30.

[0105] The tilt angle generation circuit 212 is a circuit that acquires a tilt angle with respect to a predetermined reference surface based on a detection value output from the motion sensor 40. The tilt angle generation circuit 212 is, for example, a constituent part realized by a CPU of a smartphone, a tablet, or the like that constitutes the control device 200.

[0106] The processing circuit 210 is a circuit that converts the tilt angle acquired by the tilt angle generation circuit 212 into a diffusion degree setting value of the lighting device 1. In addition, the processing circuit 210 detects a touch to an object (an image icon) such as a lighting control start switch and a lighting control end switch on the lighting control application screen based on the touch detection position in the detection circuit 211, and performs an operation control of the lighting control application such as a start and an end of the diffusion degree control of the lighting device 1. In addition, in the present embodiment, the processing circuit 210 has a function of setting a corresponding range of the tilt angle with respect to the diffusion degree setting value (0% to 100%) (hereinafter, also referred to as a "diffusion degree adjustment range"). The processing circuit 210 is, for example, a constituent part realized by a CPU of a smartphone, a tablet, or the like that constitutes the control device 200.

[0107] The storage circuit 223 is constituted by, for example, a RAM, an EEPROM, a ROM, or the like of a smartphone, a tablet, or the like that constitutes the control device 200. In the storage circuit 223, an effective range of the tilt angle in the diffusion degree control of the lighting device 1 is saved. In the present disclosure, the effective range of the tilt angle defines a range of the tilt angle at which the diffusion degree control of the lighting device 1 is started with respect to a predetermined reference surface. In addition, when the tilt angle acquired in the execution of the diffusion degree control becomes outside the effective range, the processing circuit 210 converts the tilt angle into a diffusion degree setting value by applying an upper limit value or a lower limit value of the effective range. In addition, in the present embodiment, the diffusion degree adjustment range set by the processing device 200 is saved in the storage circuit 223. In addition, in the present embodiment, a diffusion degree initial value in the diffusion degree control of the lighting device 1 is saved in the storage circuit 223.

[0108] The transceiving circuit 225 transceives the setting information between the transceiving circuit 225 and the lighting device 1. Specifically, the transceiving circuit 225 receives the second setting information (diffusion degree S2) transmitted from the lighting device 1 in the initial setting processing of the diffusion degree control of the lighting device 1 described later. In addition, the transceiving circuit 225 transmits the diffusion degree setting value set in the diffusion degree control processing described later as the first setting information (diffusion degree S1) to the lighting device 1.

[0109] The display control circuit 231 performs display control processing for displaying the lighting control application screen on the display panel 20. In the present disclosure, the display control circuit 231 performs display control of the display panel 20 based on the initial value of the diffusion degree of the lighting device 1 stored in the storage circuit 223 and the diffusion degree setting value set in the diffusion degree control processing.

[0110] Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of a control block structure of the lighting device 1 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 14 the lighting device 1 according to Embodiment 1 has a processing circuit 110, a transceiver circuit 111, an electrode drive circuit 112, and a storage circuit 113 as a control block for controlling the optical element 100. The processing circuit 110 is constituted by, for example, a microcomputer or the like. The storage circuit 113 is constituted by, for example, a RAM, an EEPROM, a ROM, or the like.

[0111] The transceiver circuit 111 performs transmission and reception of setting information with the control device 200. Specifically, the transceiver circuit 111 receives the first setting information (diffusion degree S1) transmitted from the control device 200. The processing circuit 110 sets the first setting information (diffusion degree S1) received by the transceiver circuit 111 as the diffusion degree S2 and stores it in the storage circuit 113. In addition, the processing circuit 110 reads out the diffusion degree S2 stored in the storage circuit 113, and the transceiver circuit 111 sets the diffusion degree S2 read out from the storage circuit 113 by the processing circuit 110 as the second setting information and transmits it to the control device 200.

[0112] Further, the processing circuit 110 reads out the diffusion degree S2 stored in the storage circuit 113, and the electrode drive circuit 112 supplies a drive voltage corresponding to the diffusion degree S2 read out by the processing circuit 110 to each drive electrode 10, 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100.

[0113] Here, a specific example of the motion sensor 40 mounted on the control device 200 according to Embodiment 1 will be described. As the motion sensor 40, for example, a gyro sensor 40a, a geomagnetic sensor 40b, and an acceleration sensor 40c are exemplified. Figure 15A is a conceptual diagram exemplifying the gyro sensor 40a as an example of the motion sensor 40 mounted on the control device 200 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 15B is a conceptual diagram exemplifying the geomagnetic sensor 40b as an example of the motion sensor 40 mounted on the control device 200 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 15C is a conceptual diagram exemplifying the acceleration sensor 40c as an example of the motion sensor 40 mounted on the control device 200 according to Embodiment 1.

[0114] As Figure 15A As the gyro sensor 40a, for example, a 3-axis gyro sensor that detects angular velocities (AVx, AVy, AVz) in 3-axis directions of X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis is exemplified as illustrated.

[0115] In addition, as the geomagnetic sensor 40b, for example, a 3-axis geomagnetic sensor that detects angles (ANx, Any, ANz) of 3-axis directions of X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis with respect to a geomagnetic vector is exemplified as illustrated. Figure 15B

[0116] In addition, as the acceleration sensor 40c, for example, a 3-axis acceleration sensor that detects accelerations (ACx, ACy, ACz) in 3-axis directions of X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis is exemplified as illustrated. The detection value of the acceleration sensor 40c includes a gravitational acceleration, and thus a horizontal direction and a vertical direction can be defined based on the gravitational acceleration. Figure 15C

[0117] In the present disclosure, the tilt angle generation circuit 212 of the control device 200 uses the detection value of at least any one of the gyro sensor 40a, the geomagnetic sensor 40b, and the acceleration sensor 40c to acquire a tilt angle that shows a tilt of the control device 200 with respect to a predetermined reference surface. Alternatively, a manner in which a plurality of the gyro sensor 40a, the geomagnetic sensor 40b, and the acceleration sensor 40c are combined to acquire the tilt angle can be used. Furthermore, the motion sensor 40 used to acquire the tilt angle is not limited to the gyro sensor 40a, the geomagnetic sensor 40b, and the acceleration sensor 40c. In addition, the present disclosure is not limited to the combination of the motion sensor 40 used to acquire the tilt angle.

[0118] Hereinafter, specific examples of each process and display manner in the lighting control application running on the control device 200 related to Embodiment 1 will be described in detail. In the present disclosure, it is assumed that the lighting control application is installed in advance in the control device 200 to describe.

[0119] Figure 16A is a conceptual diagram illustrating a first example of a display manner of the lighting control application screen 400 of the control device 200 related to Embodiment 1. Figure 16B is a conceptual diagram illustrating a second example of a display manner of the lighting control application screen 400 of the control device 200 related to Embodiment 1.

[0120] When the lighting control application is started, the screen 400 is displayed as illustrated in Figure 16A ​​The illustrated lighting control application screen 400, the pairing process is executed between the control device 200 and the lighting device 1. Further, it is also possible to display a pairing button (not illustrated) on the lighting control application screen 400, and the pairing process is executed between the control device 200 and the lighting device 1 by the user touching the pairing button.

[0121] The diffusion degree control start switch 50a for selecting the start of the diffusion degree control process and the diffusion degree control end switch 50b for selecting the end of the diffusion degree control process are provided on the lighting control application screen 400. In the present disclosure, after the lighting control application is started, before the diffusion degree control process is executed, the diffusion degree control start switch 50a is activated (selectable), and the diffusion degree control end switch 50b is displayed in gray and deactivated (non-selectable) (see Figure 16A ). When the diffusion degree control start switch 50a is selected to start the diffusion degree control process, the diffusion degree control start switch 50a is displayed in gray and deactivated (non-selectable), and the diffusion degree control end switch 50b is activated (selectable) (see Figure 16B ). Further, it is not limited to the manner in which the diffusion degree control start switch 50a and the diffusion degree control end switch 50b are provided separately, and for example, it is also possible to be a manner in which the start and the end of the diffusion degree control process are selectable by a dial operation on one switch.

[0122] On the lighting control application screen 400 illustrated in Figure 16A , Figure 16B On the lighting control application screen 400 illustrated in ,

[0123] The display panel 20 is provided with a display area DA that overlaps the detection area FA of the touch sensor 30 when viewed in plan view. In the example illustrated in Figure 16A , Figure 16B In the example illustrated in

[0124] The light distribution shape object OBJ is an image on the lighting control application screen 400 that corresponds to the light distribution state of the light emitted from the lighting device 1.

[0125] In the structure related to Embodiment 1, the size of the light distribution shape object OBJ on the lighting control application screen 400 varies according to the diffusion degree of the lighting device 1.

[0126] As Figure 9 indicated in the present disclosure, in the lighting device 1 that is a control target, even in a case where the diffusion degree (both of the lateral diffusion degree and the longitudinal diffusion degree) of the lighting device 1 is set to 0%, light is irradiated to a predetermined substantially circular range corresponding to the outline d. In the present disclosure, in a case where both of the lateral diffusion degree and the longitudinal diffusion degree are set to 0%, the smaller circular light distribution shape object OBJ overlapping the broken line on the inner side as indicated in Figure 16A , Figure 16B is displayed. In addition, in a case where both of the lateral diffusion degree and the longitudinal diffusion degree of the lighting device 1 are set to 100%, the larger circular light distribution shape object OBJ overlapping the broken line on the outer side as indicated in Figure 9 , Figure 16A , Figure 16B is displayed in correspondence with the outline a of

[0127] Figure 17A is a first view illustrating a relationship between an effective range of an inclination angle in the diffusion degree control related to Embodiment 1 and a diffusion degree adjustment range. Figure 17B is a second view illustrating a relationship between an effective range of an inclination angle in the diffusion degree control related to Embodiment 1 and a diffusion degree adjustment range. Figure 17C is a third view illustrating a relationship between an effective range of an inclination angle in the diffusion degree control related to Embodiment 1 and a diffusion degree adjustment range. Figure 17D is a fourth view illustrating a relationship between an effective range of an inclination angle in the diffusion degree control related to Embodiment 1 and a diffusion degree adjustment range. Figure 17E is a fifth view illustrating a relationship between an effective range of an inclination angle in the diffusion degree control related to Embodiment 1 and a diffusion degree adjustment range.

[0128] In Figure 17A , Figure 17B , Figure 17C , Figure 17D , Figure 17E , an Rx direction corresponding to an X direction on the lighting control application screen 400 of the control device 200 (a Dx direction (a first direction) in the diffusion degree control of the lighting device 1), an Ry direction corresponding to a Y direction on the lighting control application screen 400 of the control device 200 (a Dy direction (a second direction) in the diffusion degree control of the lighting device 1), and an Rz direction orthogonal to an RxRy plane with the RxRy plane as a reference surface are defined, and the control device 200 when the diffusion degree control related to Embodiment 1 is performed is observed in plan view.

[0129] In addition, a face in which the inclination of the Y direction of the control device 200 (the XY plane on the lighting control application screen 400) with respect to the RxRy plane is 0 degrees is set as a reference face, and the inclination of the XY plane with respect to the Y direction of the reference face is set as the inclination angle TA. In the present disclosure, an example in which a horizontal plane obtained from the detection values of the motion sensor 40 (gyro sensor 40a, geomagnetic sensor 40b, acceleration sensor 40c) is set as a reference face is shown.

[0130] In the present disclosure, as shown in Figure 17A , Figure 17B , Figure 17C , Figure 17D , Figure 17E , an upper limit value TAmax and a lower limit value TAmin of the effective range of the inclination angle TA in the diffusion degree control of the lighting device 1 are set. In Figure 17A , Figure 17B , Figure 17C , Figure 17D , Figure 17E , an example in which the upper limit value TAmax = 45 degrees and the lower limit value TAmin = -90 degrees of the effective range of the inclination angle TA are shown. The effective range of the inclination angle TA in the diffusion degree control of the lighting device 1 is set to a range in which the control device 200 held by the user can be easily inclined.

[0131] In the present disclosure, as shown in Figure 17A , Figure 17B , Figure 17C , Figure 17D , Figure 17E , a diffusion degree adjustment range TArange that is a corresponding range of the inclination angle TA with respect to the diffusion degree set value (0% to 100%) is set.

[0132] Figure 18A is a line graph showing a first example of the inclination angle-diffusion degree set value conversion characteristic in the diffusion degree control according to Embodiment 1. In Embodiment 1, as shown in Figure 18A , the diffusion degree set value S has a characteristic in which it increases as the inclination angle TA increases. The range from the lower limit value TArange_min to the upper limit value TArange_max of the diffusion degree adjustment range TArange is set to 90 degrees, for example.

[0133] In Implementation 1, the diffusion adjustment range TArange is set by the diffusion adjustment range setting process described later. Specifically, the diffusion of the lighting device 1 before diffusion control begins is set as the initial diffusion value Sini, and the tilt angle at the start of diffusion control of the lighting device 1 is set as the initial tilt angle value TAini. The initial diffusion value Sini and the initial tilt angle value TAini are then linked. In other words, when the tilt angle TA = TAini, the diffusion setting value is set to S = Sini.

[0134] For example, adding the initial tilt angle TAini to the diffusion adjustment range TArange (e.g., 90 degrees) multiplied by (1-Sini / 100) yields the value TArange(+) (in Figure 17B In the example shown where Sini = 40%, TArange × 0.6 is used, and this is set as the upper limit of the diffusion adjustment range TArange, TArange_max (=TAini + TArange(+)). Additionally, the value TArange(-) is obtained by subtracting the diffusion adjustment range TArange (e.g., 90 degrees) multiplied by Sini / 100 from the initial tilt angle value TAini (in...). Figure 17B In the example where Sini = 40%, it is TArange × 0.4, and this is set as the lower limit value TArange_min (= TAini - TArange(-)) of the diffusion adjustment range TArange. Thus, the diffusion adjustment range TArange is set. Alternatively, after calculating the upper limit value TArange_max, the lower limit value TArange_min can be derived by subtracting the size of the diffusion adjustment range TArange from the upper limit value TArange_max. Conversely, after calculating the lower limit value TArange_min, the upper limit value TArange_max can be derived by adding the size of the diffusion adjustment range TArange to the lower limit value TArange_min.

[0135] exist Figure 18A The first example of the tilt angle-diffusivity setting conversion characteristic illustrates how the diffuseness setting S changes linearly with respect to the tilt angle TA within the range of the lower limit TArange_min to the upper limit TArange_max of the diffuseness adjustment range TArange.

[0136] exist Figure 17AThe example shown is an initial diffusion value of Sini = 50% and an initial tilt angle value of TAini = -30 degrees.

[0137] exist Figure 17B The example shown is an initial diffusivity value of Sini = 40% and an initial tilt angle value of TAini = -30 degrees.

[0138] exist Figure 17C The example shown is an initial diffusivity value of Sini = 60% and an initial tilt angle value of TAini = -30 degrees.

[0139] exist Figure 17D The example shown is an initial diffusivity value of Sini = 50% and an initial tilt angle value of TAini = -60 degrees.

[0140] exist Figure 17E The example shown is an initial diffusivity value of Sini = 50% and an initial tilt angle value of TAini = 20 degrees.

[0141] In implementation 1, the upper limit value TArange_max of the diffusion adjustment range TArange is smaller than the upper limit value TAmax of the effective range of the tilt angle TA. Figure 17A , Figure 17B , Figure 17C , Figure 17D If the tilt angle TA is above the upper limit of the diffusion adjustment range TArange_max, the diffusion setting value S is set to the maximum value (Smax = 100%).

[0142] Additionally, the upper limit of the diffusion adjustment range TArange, TArange_max, is above the upper limit of the effective range of the tilt angle TA, TAmax. Figure 17E If the tilt angle TA is greater than or equal to the upper limit TAmax of the effective range of the tilt angle TA, then the upper limit TAmax of the effective range of the tilt angle TA is converted into the diffusion setting value S.

[0143] Additionally, the lower limit of the diffusion adjustment range TArange, TArange_min, is larger than the lower limit of the effective range of the tilt angle TA, TAmin. Figure 17A , Figure 17B , Figure 17C , Figure 17E If the tilt angle TA is below the lower limit TArange_min of the diffusion adjustment range TArange, the diffusion setting value S is set to the minimum value (Smax = 0%).

[0144] In addition, in a case where the lower limit value TArange_min of the diffusion degree adjustment range TArange is below the lower limit value TAmin of the effective range of the tilt angle TA (TArange_min < TAmin) and the tilt angle TA is below the lower limit value TAmin of the effective range of the tilt angle TA (TA < TAmin), the lower limit value TAmin of the effective range of the tilt angle TA is converted to the diffusion degree setting value S. Figure 17D

[0145] Further, the change in the change of the diffusion degree setting value S with respect to the tilt angle TA is not limited to a linear manner. Figure 18B is a line graph showing a second example of the tilt angle-diffusion degree setting value conversion characteristic in the diffusion degree control according to Embodiment 1. In the second example of the tilt angle-diffusion degree setting value conversion characteristic shown in Figure 18B In the second example of the tilt angle-diffusion degree setting value conversion characteristic shown in

[0146] Hereinafter, a specific example of the processing in the control device 200 of the lighting device 1 according to Embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the initial setting processing in the diffusion degree control according to Embodiment 1.

[0147] When the lighting control application is started on the control device 200, the lighting control application screen 400 shown in Figure 16A is displayed on the display region DA (Step S001).

[0148] The transceiver circuit 225 of the control device 200 performs the pairing processing with the lighting device 1 (Step S002), and transmits a request instruction of the second setting information to the lighting device 1 (Step S003).

[0149] The processing circuit 110 of the lighting device 1 reads out the diffusion degree S2 saved in the storage circuit 113, and the transceiver circuit 111 of the lighting device 1 sets the diffusion degree S2 read out by the processing circuit 110 as the second setting information and transmits it to the control device 200. In addition, the electrode drive circuit 112 of the lighting device 1 supplies the drive voltage corresponding to the diffusion degree S2 read out by the processing circuit 110 to each drive electrode 10, 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100.

[0150] The transceiver circuit 225 of the control device 200 determines whether the second setting information is received from the lighting device 1 (Step S004). In a case where the second setting information is not received from the lighting device 1 (Step S004; No), the processing of Step S004 is repeatedly performed.

[0151] ​When the transceiving circuit 225 receives the second setting information from the lighting device 1 (step S004; Yes), the processing circuit 110 sets the second setting information (diffuseness S2) received from the lighting device 1 as the diffuseness initial value Sini (Sini = S2) and saves it in the storage circuit 223 (step S005), and the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200 reflects the diffuseness initial value Sini in the display control on the lighting control application screen 400 (step S006).

[0152] When the processing up to step S006 ends, the standby state is shifted to (step S007), and the initial setting processing ends.

[0153] After the initial setting processing shown in Figure 19 is ended, the diffuseness control processing shown in Figure 20 is shifted to. Figure 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the overall flow of the diffuseness control processing according to Embodiment 1.

[0154] In the standby state after the initial setting processing is ended and the diffuseness control processing shown in Figure 20 is shifted to (step S101), the control device 200 executes the touch detection processing of the diffuseness control start switch 50a, and determines whether or not the diffuseness control can be started (step S102).

[0155] Specifically, in a case where the touch of the diffuseness control start switch 50a is not detected, the processing circuit 210 does not start the diffuseness control (step S102; No) and returns to the standby state of step S101, and repeatedly executes the processing of step S101 and step S102.

[0156] In a case where the touch of the diffuseness control start switch 50a is detected, the processing circuit 210 starts the diffuseness control (step S102; Yes), and shifts to the processing of step S103.

[0157] When diffusion control begins (step S102; Yes), the tilt angle generation circuit 212 obtains an initial tilt angle value TAini (step S103). The processing circuit 210 determines whether the initial tilt angle value TAini obtained by the tilt angle generation circuit 212 is within the valid range (TAmin≤TAini≤TAmax) (step S104). If the initial tilt angle value TAini is outside the valid range (step S104; No), that is, if the initial tilt angle value TAini is less than the lower limit of the valid range TAmin (TAini<TAmin) or greater than the upper limit of the valid range TAmax (TAini>TAmax), the processing circuit 210 stops diffusion control (step S105) and repeats the processing steps S101 to S104. At this time, the control device 200 may also display an image on the display screen that conveys to the user that the diffusion control processing is invalid at this angle.

[0158] If the initial tilt angle value TAini is within the valid range (step S104; Yes), that is, if the initial tilt angle value TAini is above the lower limit TAmin of the valid range and below the upper limit TAmax of the valid range (TAmin≤TAini≤TAmax), then... Figure 21 The diffusion adjustment range setting process is transferred as shown (step S106). Figure 21 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the diffusion adjustment range setting process in diffusion control according to Embodiment 1.

[0159] When transferred to Figure 21 When the diffusion adjustment range setting process is shown, the processing circuit 210 reads the initial diffusion value Sini stored in the storage circuit 223 (step S201), sets the diffusion adjustment range TArange (step S202), and saves the set diffusion adjustment range TArange in the storage circuit 223 (step S203).

[0160] Specifically, the processing circuit 210, for example, adds the initial value of the tilt angle TAini to a value obtained by multiplying the diffusion degree adjustment range TArange (for example, 90 degrees) by (1 - Sini / 100) TArange (+), and sets it as the upper limit value TArange_max (= TAini + TArange (+)) of the diffusion degree adjustment range TArange. In addition, it subtracts a value obtained by multiplying the diffusion degree adjustment range TArange (for example, 90 degrees) by Sini / 100 TArange (-) from the initial value of the tilt angle TAini, and sets it as the lower limit value TArange_min (= TAini - TArange (-)) of the diffusion degree adjustment range TArange. Then, as shown in Figure 18A , a tilt angle-diffusion degree setting value conversion characteristic in which the diffusion degree setting value S linearly changes with respect to the change in the tilt angle TA is generated.

[0161] In addition, as shown in Figure 18B , the processing circuit 210 can also generate a tilt angle-diffusion degree setting value conversion characteristic in which the rate of change of the diffusion degree setting value S increases as the tilt angle TA increases, instead of the tilt angle-diffusion degree setting value conversion characteristic shown in Figure 18A . In a region in which the diffusion degree setting value S is relatively small, the entire irradiation surface is easily visually recognized. In addition, since the irradiation angle is narrowed, the irradiation surface becomes bright and the outline of the irradiation range becomes clear, so for a region in which the diffusion degree setting value S is relatively large, it is easy to recognize the change in the change in the irradiation range of light with respect to the tilt angle TA. As shown in Figure 18B , by being configured to generate a tilt angle-diffusion degree setting value conversion characteristic in which the rate of change of the diffusion degree setting value S increases as the tilt angle TA increases, it is possible to make the change in the change in the irradiation range of light with respect to the tilt angle TA become gentle in a region in which the diffusion degree setting value S is relatively small compared to a region in which the diffusion degree setting value S is relatively large, and fine adjustment becomes easy.

[0162] Returning to Figure 20 , the tilt angle generation circuit 212 acquires the tilt angle TA (step S107), and the processing circuit 210 transfers to the tilt angle-diffusion degree conversion processing shown in Figure 22 (step S108). Figure 22 is a flowchart showing an example of the tilt angle-diffusion degree conversion processing in the diffusion degree control according to Embodiment 1.

[0163] In Figure 22In the inclination angle-diffuseness conversion processing shown, first, the processing circuit 210 determines whether or not the upper limit value TArange_max of the diffuseness adjustment range TArange is equal to or greater than the upper limit value TAmax of the valid range of the inclination angle TA (TArange_max ≥ TAmax) (step S301).

[0164] In the case where the upper limit value TArange_max of the diffuseness adjustment range TArange is less than the upper limit value TAmax of the valid range of the inclination angle TA (TArange_max < TAmax, step S301; No), next, the processing circuit 210 determines whether or not the inclination angle TA acquired by the inclination angle generation circuit 212 is equal to or greater than the upper limit value TArange_max of the diffuseness adjustment range TArange (TA ≥ TArange_max) (step S302).

[0165] In the case where the inclination angle TA is equal to or greater than the upper limit value TArange_max of the diffuseness adjustment range TArange (TA ≥ TArange_max, step S302; Yes), the processing circuit 210 sets the diffuseness setting value S to the maximum value (Smax = 100%) (step S303), and returns to the diffuseness control processing shown in FIG. 8. Figure 20 the diffuseness control processing shown.

[0166] In the case where the upper limit value TArange_max of the diffuseness adjustment range TArange is equal to or greater than the upper limit value TAmax of the valid range of the inclination angle TA (TArange_max ≥ TAmax, step S301; Yes), next, the processing circuit 210 determines whether or not the inclination angle TA is equal to or greater than the upper limit value TAmax of the valid range of the inclination angle TA (TA ≥ TAmax) (step S304).

[0167] In the case where the inclination angle TA is equal to or greater than the upper limit value TAmax of the valid range of the inclination angle TA (TA ≥ TAmax, step S304; Yes), the processing circuit 210 sets the upper limit value TAmax of the valid range of the inclination angle TA as the inclination angle TA (TA = TAmax, step S305), and converts this inclination angle TA into the diffuseness setting value S (step S306), and returns to the diffuseness control processing shown in FIG. 8. Figure 20 the diffuseness control processing shown.

[0168] In a case where the tilt angle TA is smaller than the upper limit value TArange_max of the diffusion degree adjustment range TArange (TA < TArange_max, Step S302; No), and in a case where the tilt angle TA is smaller than the upper limit value TAmax of the effective range of the tilt angle TA (TA < TAmax, Step S304; No), then the processing circuit 210 determines whether the lower limit value TArange_min of the diffusion degree adjustment range TArange is equal to or smaller than the lower limit value TAmin of the effective range of the tilt angle TA (TArange_min ≤ TAmin) (Step S307).

[0169] In a case where the lower limit value TArange_min of the diffusion degree adjustment range TArange is larger than the lower limit value TAmin of the effective range of the tilt angle TA (TArange_min > TAmin, Step S307; No), then the processing circuit 210 determines whether the tilt angle TA acquired by the tilt angle generation circuit 212 is equal to or smaller than the lower limit value TArange_min of the diffusion degree adjustment range TArange (TA ≤ TArange_min) (Step S308).

[0170] In a case where the tilt angle TA is equal to or smaller than the lower limit value TArange_min of the diffusion degree adjustment range TArange (TA ≤ TArange_min, Step S308; Yes), the processing circuit 210 sets the diffusion degree setting value S to the minimum value (Smin = 0%) (Step S309), and returns to the diffusion degree control processing illustrated in FIG. 6. Figure 20

[0171] In a case where the lower limit value TArange_min of the diffusion degree adjustment range TArange is equal to or smaller than the lower limit value TAmin of the effective range of the tilt angle TA (TArange_min ≤ TAmin, Step S307; Yes), then the processing circuit 210 determines whether the tilt angle TA is equal to or smaller than the lower limit value TAmin of the effective range of the tilt angle TA (TA ≤ TAmin) (Step S310).

[0172] In a case where the tilt angle TA is equal to or smaller than the lower limit value TAmin of the effective range of the tilt angle TA (TA ≤ TAmin, Step S310; Yes), the processing circuit 210 sets the lower limit value TAmin of the effective range of the tilt angle TA as the tilt angle TA (TA = TAmin, Step S311), and converts the tilt angle TA into the diffusion degree setting value S (Step S312), and returns to the diffusion degree control processing illustrated in FIG. 6. Figure 20

[0173] ​​If the tilt angle TA is greater than the lower limit TArange_min of the diffusion adjustment range TArange (TA > TArange_min, step S308; no), and if the tilt angle TA is greater than the lower limit TAmin of the effective range of the tilt angle TA (TA > TAmin, step S310; no), the processing circuit 210 converts the tilt angle TA obtained by the tilt angle generation circuit 212 into the diffusion setting value S (step S313), and returns. Figure 20 The diffusion control process is shown.

[0174] return Figure 20 The display control circuit 231 reflects the diffusion setting value S set by the processing circuit 210 in the display control on the lighting control application screen 400 (step S109). In addition, the transceiver circuit 225 sets the diffusion setting value S set by the processing circuit 210 as the first setting information (diffusion S1) and sends it to the lighting device 1 (step S110).

[0175] The transceiver circuit 111 of the lighting device 1 sets the first setting information (diffusion S1) sent from the control device 200 to a new diffusion S2 and stores it in the storage circuit 113. In addition, the electrode driving circuit 112 of the lighting device 1 supplies a driving voltage corresponding to the diffusion S2 stored in the storage circuit 113 by the processing circuit 210 to each driving electrode 10, 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100.

[0176] The control device 200 performs touch detection processing on the diffusion control end switch 50b and determines whether diffusion control can be ended (step S111).

[0177] Specifically, if no touch of the diffusion control end switch 50b is detected, the processing circuit 210 does not end the diffusion control (step S111; no) but returns to the processing of step S107 and repeatedly executes the processing of steps S107 to S111.

[0178] In this disclosure, the sampling rate for repeatedly executing steps S107 to S111 is, for example, around 5 Hz to 60 Hz. A higher sampling rate generally results in smoother control, and therefore, around 30 Hz to 60 Hz is preferred.

[0179] Upon detecting a touch of the diffusion control end switch 50b, the processing circuit 210 ends the diffusion control (step S111; Yes), and will... Figure 22 The diffusivity setting value S shown in the tilt angle-diffusivity conversion process is set as the initial diffusivity value Sini and stored in the storage circuit 223 (step S112), and the process returns to the standby state of step S101.

[0180] By employing the diffusion control described in Embodiment 1, the control device 200 sets a diffusion degree corresponding to the tilt of the control device 200. Therefore, the user can stably adjust the diffusion degree of the lighting device 1 with one hand without needing to operate the screen of the handheld control device 200, thus improving the usability of diffusion control of the lighting device 1.

[0181] Furthermore, in the diffusion control described in Embodiment 1 above, the control device 200 establishes a correlation between the initial diffusion value Sini of the lighting device 1 before diffusion control begins and the initial tilt angle value TAini at the start of diffusion control, and sets the corresponding range (diffusion adjustment range TArange) of the tilt angle TA relative to the diffusion setting value S. Additionally, when diffusion control is restarted, the diffusion at the end time of the previous diffusion control is set as the initial diffusion value Sini, and the diffusion adjustment range TArange is set. Therefore, the diffusion of the lighting device 1 can be seamlessly adjusted before and after the start of diffusion control.

[0182] (Implementation Method 2)

[0183] In Embodiment 1, an example is given of a method in which the initial diffusion value Sini of the lighting device 1 before the start of diffusion control is established with the initial tilt angle TAini when diffusion control is started and the diffusion adjustment range TArange is set in the diffusion adjustment range setting process after diffusion control starts. However, in Embodiment 2, an example is given of a method in which the diffusion adjustment range TArange is preset within the effective range of the tilt angle TA.

[0184] Figure 23A This is a first graph showing the relationship between the effective range of the tilt angle and the range of diffusion adjustment in the diffusion control involved in Embodiment 2. Figure 23B This is a second figure showing the relationship between the effective range of the tilt angle and the range of diffusion adjustment in the diffusion control involved in Embodiment 2. Figure 23C The third figure shows the relationship between the effective range of the tilt angle and the range of diffusion adjustment in the diffusion control involved in Embodiment 2. Figure 23D The fourth figure shows the relationship between the effective range of the tilt angle and the range of diffusion adjustment in the diffusion control involved in Embodiment 2.

[0185] exist Figure 23A , Figure 23A , Figure 23C , Figure 23D The example illustrates how the diffusion setting S changes linearly with respect to the tilt angle TA. Figure 18A However, it can also be that the rate of change of the diffusion setpoint S increases with the increase of the tilt angle TA. Figure 18B

[0186] In Figure 23A , Figure 23B , an example in which the upper limit value TArange_max = 0 degree and the lower limit value TArange_min = -90 degree of the diffusion degree adjustment range TArange are shown. In this case, for example, the diffusion degree setting value S = 70% corresponding to the tilt angle TA = -27 degree Figure 23A , for example, the diffusion degree setting value S = 30% corresponding to the tilt angle TA = -63 degree Figure 23B .

[0187] In Figure 23C , Figure 23D , an example in which the upper limit value TArange_max = 20 degree and the lower limit value TArange_min = -70 degree of the diffusion degree adjustment range TArange are shown. In this case, for example, the diffusion degree setting value S = 50% corresponding to the tilt angle TA = -25 degree Figure 23C , for example, the diffusion degree setting value S = 90% corresponding to the tilt angle TA = 11 degree Figure 23D .

[0188] In Embodiment 2, in a case where the tilt angle TA is equal to or higher than the upper limit value TArange_max of the diffusion degree adjustment range TArange, the diffusion degree setting value S is set to the maximum value (Smax = 100%).

[0189] In addition, in a case where the tilt angle TA is equal to or lower than the lower limit value TArange_min of the diffusion degree adjustment range TArange, the diffusion degree setting value S is set to the minimum value (Smax = 0%).

[0190] Hereinafter, a specific example of the processing in the control device 200 of the lighting device 1 according to Embodiment 2 will be described. Figure 24 is a flowchart showing an example of the initial setting processing in the diffusion degree control according to Embodiment 2. Figure 25 is a flowchart showing an example of the overall flow of the diffusion degree control processing according to Embodiment 2. Figure 26 is a flowchart showing an example of the tilt angle-diffusion degree conversion processing in the diffusion degree control according to Embodiment 2. Here, the processing different from Embodiment 1 will be described, and the repeated description will be omitted at times.

[0191] In Embodiment 2, as described above, the diffusion degree adjustment range TArange is set in advance within the effective range of the tilt angle TA. Therefore, in​ Figure 24 In the initial setting processing shown, the processing of setting the second setting information (diffusion degree S2) received from the lighting device 1 as the diffusion degree initial value Sini and saving it in the storage circuit 223 (step S005) is omitted. Figure 19 In the diffusion degree control processing shown, the processing of setting the diffusion degree set value S set in the tilt angle-diffusion degree conversion processing as the diffusion degree initial value Sini and saving it in the storage circuit 223 (step S112) is omitted. Figure 25 In the diffusion degree control processing shown, the processing of setting the diffusion degree set value S set in the tilt angle-diffusion degree conversion processing as the diffusion degree initial value Sini and saving it in the storage circuit 223 (step S112) is omitted. Figure 26 In the diffusion degree control processing shown, the processing of setting the diffusion degree set value S set in the tilt angle-diffusion degree conversion processing as the diffusion degree initial value Sini and saving it in the storage circuit 223 (step S112) is omitted. Figure 20 When the diffusion degree control processing shown is shifted to and the diffusion degree control is started (step S102; Yes), the tilt angle generation circuit 212 acquires the tilt angle TA (step S103a). The processing circuit 210 determines whether the tilt angle TA acquired by the tilt angle generation circuit 212 is within the valid range (TAmin ≤ TA ≤ TAmax) (step S104a). In the case where the tilt angle TA is outside the valid range (step S104a; No), that is, in the case where the tilt angle TA is smaller than the lower limit value TAmin of the valid range (TA < TAmin) or is larger than the upper limit value TAmax of the valid range (TA > TAmax), the processing circuit 210 stops the diffusion degree control (step S105), and the processing of steps S101 to S104a is repeatedly executed.

[0192] Figure 25 In the case where the tilt angle TA is within the valid range (step S104a; Yes), that is, in the case where the tilt angle TA is equal to or larger than the lower limit value TAmin of the valid range and is equal to or smaller than the upper limit value TAmax of the valid range (TAmin ≤ TA ≤ TAmax), the processing is shifted to the tilt angle-diffusion degree conversion processing shown (step S108a).

[0193] In the tilt angle-diffusion degree conversion processing shown, the processing circuit 210 determines whether the tilt angle TA acquired by the tilt angle generation circuit 212 is equal to or larger than the upper limit value TArange_max of the diffusion degree adjustment range TArange (TA ≥ TArange_max) (step S302). Figure 26 In the case where the tilt angle TA is equal to or larger than the upper limit value TArange_max of the diffusion degree adjustment range TArange (TA ≥ TArange_max, step S302; Yes), the processing circuit 210 sets the diffusion degree set value S as the maximum value (Smax = 100%) (step S303), and returns to the diffusion degree control processing shown.

[0194] Figure 26 In the tilt angle-diffusion degree conversion processing shown, the processing circuit 210 determines whether the tilt angle TA acquired by the tilt angle generation circuit 212 is equal to or larger than the upper limit value TArange_max of the diffusion degree adjustment range TArange (TA ≥ TArange_max) (step S302).

[0195] In the case where the tilt angle TA is equal to or larger than the upper limit value TArange_max of the diffusion degree adjustment range TArange (TA ≥ TArange_max, step S302; Yes), the processing circuit 210 sets the diffusion degree set value S as the maximum value (Smax = 100%) (step S303), and returns to the diffusion degree control processing shown. Figure 25 In the case where the tilt angle TA is equal to or larger than the upper limit value TArange_max of the diffusion degree adjustment range TArange (TA ≥ TArange_max, step S302; Yes), the processing circuit 210 sets the diffusion degree set value S as the maximum value (Smax = 100%) (step S303), and returns to the diffusion degree control processing shown.​​

[0196] In a case where the tilt angle TA is smaller than the upper limit value TArange_max of the diffusion degree adjustment range TArange (TA < TArange_max, Step S302; No), then the processing circuit 210 determines whether the tilt angle TA acquired by the tilt angle generation circuit 212 is equal to or smaller than the lower limit value TArange_min of the diffusion degree adjustment range TArange (TA ≤ TArange_min) (Step S308).

[0197] In a case where the tilt angle TA is equal to or smaller than the lower limit value TArange_min of the diffusion degree adjustment range TArange (TA ≤ TArange_min, Step S308; Yes), the processing circuit 210 sets the diffusion degree setting value S to the minimum value (Smin = 0%) (Step S309), and returns to the diffusion degree control processing illustrated in FIG. 10. Figure 25

[0198] In a case where the tilt angle TA is larger than the lower limit value TArange_min of the diffusion degree adjustment range TArange (TA > TArange_min, Step S308; No), the processing circuit 210 converts the tilt angle TA acquired by the tilt angle generation circuit 212 to the diffusion degree setting value S (Step S313), and returns to the diffusion degree control processing illustrated in FIG. 10. Figure 25

[0199] After the transceiving circuit 225 transmits the first setting information to the lighting device 1 (Step S110), in a case where the diffusion degree control is not ended (Step S111; No), the tilt angle generation circuit 212 acquires the tilt angle TA (Step S107a), and the processing circuit 210 repeatedly executes the processing of Steps S108a to S111.

[0200] When the diffusion degree control is ended (Step S111; Yes), the processing returns to the standby state of Step S101.

[0201] With the diffusion degree control according to the above-described Embodiment 2, the control device 200 sets and controls the diffusion degree corresponding to the tilt of the control device 200, similarly to Embodiment 1. Thereby, the user can stably adjust the diffusion degree of the lighting device 1 with one hand without operating the screen of the control device 200, and the usability in the diffusion degree control of the lighting device 1 can be improved.

[0202] Further, in the above-described Embodiment 2, the corresponding range of the tilt angle TA with respect to the diffusion degree setting value S (diffusion degree adjustment range TArange) is set in advance within the effective range of the tilt angle TA. Thereby, the user can easily grasp the diffusion degree corresponding to the tilt of the control device 200. ​​

[0203] Further, in the above-described embodiment, the manner in which the inclination of the XY plane on the illumination control application screen 400 with respect to the Y direction of the RxRy plane is set to 0 degrees is exemplified as the reference plane, and the inclination of the XY plane with respect to the Y direction of the reference plane is set as the inclination angle TA, but the definition of the inclination of the control device 200 is not limited to this.

[0204] Specifically, for example, the manner in which the inclination of the XY plane with respect to the X direction of the RxRy plane is set to 0 degrees can be set as the reference plane, and the inclination of the XY plane with respect to the X direction of the reference plane is set as the inclination angle TA.

[0205] Further, for example, the manner in which the inclination of the YZ plane on the illumination control application screen 400 orthogonal to the XY plane with respect to the Y direction of the RyRz plane is set to 0 degrees can be set as the reference plane, and the inclination of the YZ plane with respect to the Y direction of the reference plane is set as the inclination angle TA, or the manner in which the inclination of the XZ plane on the illumination control application screen 400 orthogonal to the XY plane with respect to the X direction of the RxRz plane is set to 0 degrees can be set as the reference plane, and the inclination of the XZ plane with respect to the X direction of the reference plane is set as the inclination angle TA.

[0206] More specifically, for example, as described in Figure 9 , in the illumination device 1 capable of controlling the light distribution state (diffusion degree) of the light incident on the optical element from the light source 4 in both the Dx direction (first direction) and the Dy direction (second direction), the following structure can also be employed: the light distribution control in the Dx direction (first direction) is made to correspond to the rotation angle of the control device 200 around the X axis (see Figure 15A , etc.), and the light distribution control in the Dy direction (second direction) is made to correspond to the rotation angle of the control device around the Y axis (see Figure 15A , etc.), and the light distribution state in both directions is controlled by rotating the control device 200 with respect to these two axes. In this case, the following structure can be employed: after the light distribution state in one direction is controlled by rotating the control device 200 around the axis of the one direction, the light distribution state in the other direction is controlled by rotating the control device 200 around the axis of the other direction. Alternatively, the structure in which the rotation angles of the control device 200 around the X axis and around the Y axis are simultaneously acquired and the light distribution states in both directions are simultaneously controlled can also be employed.

[0207] In addition, in the above-described embodiments, a case where a horizontal plane obtained from the detection values of the motion sensor 40 (gyro sensor 40a, geomagnetic sensor 40b, acceleration sensor 40c) is set as the reference plane is exemplified, but the reference plane that becomes the reference of the tilt angle TA is not limited to the horizontal plane. For example, in the calibration of the control device 200, a case where a plane parallel to the XY plane on the lighting control application screen 400 is set as the reference plane can also be adopted.

[0208] The above describes the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, but the present disclosure is not limited to such embodiments. The contents disclosed in the embodiments are merely examples, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure. For example, in a case where the lighting device of the present disclosure is capable of adjusting not only the light distribution shape but also the luminance and the color of light, a structure using the present disclosure to adjust the luminance and the color of light can also be adopted. An appropriate modification made within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure certainly falls within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0209] [Legend]

[0210] 1: lighting device; 2: liquid crystal cell; 2_1: first liquid crystal cell; 2_2: second liquid crystal cell; 2_3: third liquid crystal cell; 2_4: fourth liquid crystal cell; 4: light source; 5: first substrate; 6: second substrate; 7: sealing material; 8: liquid crystal layer; 9: base material; 10, 10a, 10b: drive electrode; 11: first metal wiring; 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d: metal wiring; 12: base material; 13, 13a, 13b: drive electrode; 14: second metal wiring; 14a, 14b: metal wiring; 15a, 15b: conduction portion; 16a, 16b: connection terminal portion; 17: liquid crystal molecule; 18: orientation film; 19: orientation film; 20: display panel; 30: touch sensor; 31: detection element; 40: motion sensor; 40a: gyro sensor; 40b: geomagnetic sensor; 40c: acceleration sensor; 50a: diffusion degree control start switch; 50b: diffusion degree control end switch; 100: optical element; 111: transceiver circuit; 112: electrode drive circuit; 113: storage circuit; 200: control device; 210: processing circuit; 211: detection circuit; 212: tilt angle generation circuit; 223: storage circuit; 225: transceiver circuit; 231: display control circuit; 300: communication unit (wireless communication unit); 400: lighting control application screen; AA: active area; DA: display area; FA: detection area; OBJ: light distribution shape object.

Claims

1. An illumination system, comprising: an illumination device capable of controlling a diffusion degree of light emitted from a light source; and a control device provided with a motion sensor, which controls the diffusion degree of the illumination device based on an output of the motion sensor.

2. The illumination system according to claim 1, wherein the control device acquires a tilt angle with respect to a predetermined reference surface based on a detection value of the motion sensor, and converts the tilt angle into a diffusion degree setting value of the illumination device.

3. The illumination system according to claim 2, wherein the control device sets an effective range of the tilt angle, the diffusion degree control of the illumination device is started when the tilt angle is within the effective range.

4. The illumination system according to claim 3, wherein the control device sets a diffusion degree adjustment range of the illumination device within the effective range, the diffusion degree setting value is set to a maximum value in a case where the tilt angle is equal to or greater than an upper limit value of the diffusion degree adjustment range, the diffusion degree setting value is set to a minimum value in a case where the tilt angle is equal to or less than a lower limit value of the diffusion degree adjustment range.

5. The illumination system according to claim 3, wherein the control device acquires a diffusion degree of the illumination device before the diffusion degree control is started as a diffusion degree initial value, acquires a tilt angle at the start of the diffusion degree control as a tilt angle initial value, and sets a diffusion degree adjustment range of the illumination device in association with the diffusion degree initial value and the tilt angle initial value.

6. The illumination system according to claim 5, wherein the control device sets the diffusion degree setting value to a maximum value in a case where an upper limit value of the diffusion degree adjustment range is smaller than an upper limit value of the effective range and the tilt angle is equal to or greater than the upper limit value of the diffusion degree adjustment range, sets the diffusion degree setting value to a minimum value in a case where a lower limit value of the diffusion degree adjustment range is greater than a lower limit value of the effective range and the tilt angle is equal to or less than the lower limit value of the diffusion degree adjustment range.

7. The illumination system according to claim 6, wherein the control device converts the upper limit value of the effective range into the diffusion degree setting value in a case where the upper limit value of the diffusion degree adjustment range is equal to or greater than the upper limit value of the effective range and the tilt angle is equal to or greater than the upper limit value of the effective range, converts the lower limit value of the effective range into the diffusion degree setting value in a case where the lower limit value of the diffusion degree adjustment range is equal to or less than the lower limit value of the effective range and the tilt angle is equal to or less than the lower limit value of the effective range.

8. The illumination system according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the diffusion degree setting value increases as the tilt angle increases.

9. The illumination system according to claim 8, wherein the diffusion degree setting value changes linearly with respect to a change in the tilt angle.

10. The illumination system according to claim 8, wherein a rate of change of the diffusion degree setting value increases as the tilt angle increases.

11. The illumination system according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein The illumination device is capable of adjusting the light distribution shape of light irradiated onto an imaginary plane in both a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction by controlling the diffusion degree of light emitted from a light source, The control device defines an X direction corresponding to the first direction and a Y direction corresponding to the second direction, The diffusion degree in the first direction of the illumination device is controlled based on the inclination angle of the X direction with respect to the reference surface, The diffusion degree in the second direction of the illumination device is controlled based on the inclination angle of the Y direction with respect to the reference surface.

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