Lighting device and power supply method

Abstract

Lighting device (10) comprising: a light source (27); a communication device (23) that performs wireless communication; a timer (29) that displays a current time; a storage location (25) that stores scene information indicating a scene specified by at least one of dimming and toning, and an activation time indicating a time at which the scene indicated by the scene information should be activated; and a controller (21) which, when the current time specified by the timer (29) reaches the activation time, causes the light source (27) to emit light in a mode for the scene indicated by the scene information, and transmits the scene information and the current time via the communication device (23).

Description

[Invention area]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting device and a power supply system, and in particular relates to a lighting device and a power supply system that synchronize another lighting device at a time set by a timer. [General state of the art]

[0002] Traditionally, a lighting device comprising a light source with variable illuminance and a controller with a timer that measures time has been disclosed (see, for example, JP 2014 - 082 218 A).

[0003] DE 10 2010 015 518 A1 describes a method for controlling a lighting system in an aircraft cabin with a plurality of lighting units distributed throughout the aircraft cabin, each of which includes a controller for controlling connected RGB LEDs, and a central computer connected to each of the controllers for data exchange, wherein each controller includes a memory unit with several scene programs stored therein for controlling a scene, wherein a scene is a predetermined temporal change of a lighting behavior of the RGB LEDs, and wherein control data sets are transmitted from the central computer to the controllers to control an overall lighting behavior generated by the plurality of lighting units.each of which contains at least one scene program identification piece of information and one synchronization piece of information for controlling the timing of the scene program corresponding to the scene program identification piece.

[0004] EP 2 364 067 A2 describes a device for controlling a lighting system. The device comprises a mapping table for storing multiple lighting programs, an audio decoder for processing an audio signal to determine information about at least one property of the audio signal, and a mapper coupled to the audio decoder and the mapping table. The mapper is configured to execute a mapping function based on the information about at least one property of the audio signal, execute a lighting program stored in the mapping table, and modify the mapping function during the execution of the lighting program to generate control signals for controlling the lighting system.

[0005] US 2018 / 0139815 A1 describes a method for operating an intelligent lighting system comprising a first mobile device, a lighting controller, and first to nth lighting devices (n being a positive integer), wherein the method includes: the first mobile device establishing an initial wireless connection with the lighting controller; the lighting controller performing an initial time synchronization with the first mobile device; the first mobile device sending scheduling information to the lighting controller representing the operation of each of the first to nth lighting devices over time; and the lighting controller controlling the operation of each of the first to nth lighting devices based on a current time and the scheduling information, the current time being determined based on the time synchronization. [Technical problem]

[0006] However, in a lighting system containing multiple lighting devices, it may not be possible, for example, to switch on the lighting devices simultaneously using a terminal device when setting timers embedded in the lighting devices, because the timers will show different times. Therefore, there is a need for a lighting device and a power supply system capable of easily synchronizing the operation of multiple lighting devices.

[0007] In view of this, the present invention has an objective of providing a lighting device and a power supply system that can synchronize the operations of several lighting devices. [Solution to the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problem, a lighting device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a light source; a communication device that performs wireless communication; a timer that displays a current time; a storage unit that stores scene information, which displays a scene specified by at least one of dimming and toning, and an activation time, which indicates a time at which the scene displayed by the scene information should be activated; and a controller which, when the current time specified by the timer reaches the activation time, causes the light source to emit light in a mode for the scene displayed by the scene information and transmits the scene information and the current time via the communication device.

[0009] To solve the above problem, a lighting device according to one aspect of the present invention is one of several lighting devices included in a power supply system that divides the several lighting devices into several groups and operates the several lighting devices group by group on a basis. The lighting device includes: a light source; a communication device that performs wireless communication; a timer that displays a current time; a storage device that stores the following: (i) Identification information of a group to which the lighting device belongs, (ii) Scene information indicating a scene specified by at least one of dimming and toning, and (iii) an activation time indicating a time at which the scene indicated by the scene information should be activated, the scene information and activation time being contained in setting information of the lighting device; and a controller causing the light source to emit light in a mode for the scene indicated by the group's scene information according to the identification information when the current time indicated by the timer reaches the group's activation time according to the identification information. [Advantageous effects of the invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to synchronize operations of several lighting devices. [Brief description of the drawings] Fig. Figure 1 is a block diagram representing a power supply system according to embodiment 1; Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the power supply system according to embodiment 1; Fig. Figure 3 is a sequence diagram that represents the respective operations of lighting device A, lighting device B and lighting device C in the power supply system according to embodiment 1; Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram representing a power supply system according to embodiment 2; Fig. 5 represents identification information of groups that include lighting devices contained in a power supply system according to embodiment 3; and Fig. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the groups to which the lighting devices included in the power supply system according to embodiment 3 belong. [Description of embodiments]

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below illustrate preferred specific examples of the present invention. Thus, the numerical values, shapes, materials, structural elements, arrangement and connection of the structural elements, etc., presented in the embodiments below are merely examples and do not limit the present invention. As such, among the structural elements in the following embodiment, those structural elements not listed in any of the independent claims defining the most generic concepts of the present invention are described as optional structural elements.

[0012] Note that each drawing is a schematic representation and not necessarily a precise depiction. Furthermore, the same reference symbols have been assigned to essentially the same structural elements throughout the figures, and redundant descriptions have been omitted or simplified.

[0013] In the following, a lighting device and a current supply method according to embodiment 1 of the present invention are described with reference to Fig. 1 described. [EXECUTION FORM 1][Configuration]

[0014] Fig. Figure 1 is a block diagram representing a power supply system 1 according to embodiment 1.

[0015] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the power supply system 1 provides lighting that can be dimmed and tinted. The power supply system 1 includes several lighting devices 10 and a terminal device 11. The several lighting devices 10 and the terminal device 11 can communicate wirelessly with each other.

[0016] The terminal device 11 is an operating terminal that switches lighting devices 10 on and off and performs a dimming and a toning function on the lighting devices 10 when they are ON. Furthermore, the terminal device 11 can set a scheduling function to perform the dimming and toning at specified times. Although the terminal device 11 is a smartphone in the present embodiment, it could be another lighting device, or it could be a controller dedicated to the lighting devices 10.

[0017] Each of the lighting devices 10 is switched on and off according to information wirelessly transmitted by the terminal device 11. The lighting device 10 is, for example, an LED device such as a ceiling light, a floor light, a linear light, a spotlight, a pendant light, etc. The lighting device 10 has a dimming function for adjusting the brightness and a tinting function for adjusting the color temperature. The lighting devices 10 can communicate with each other. Although three lighting devices 10 are shown in the figures according to the present embodiment, the number of lighting devices 10 can be two or fewer, or four or more. Each lighting device 10 has the same configuration, and therefore its description is not repeated.

[0018] Each lighting device 10 contains a timer 29, a controller 21, a communication device 23, a storage unit 25 and a light source 27.

[0019] Timer 29 displays the current time. Timer 29 outputs the current time sequentially to controller 21. Note that timer 29 can be configured as part of controller 21.

[0020] The controller 21 receives initial information transmitted via the communication device 23 from the terminal device 11 and controls the light source 27, for example. Here, the initial information includes, for example: scene information indicating a scene specified by at least one of the dimming and toning functions of the multiple lighting devices 10; an activation time indicating the time at which the scene indicated by the scene information should be activated; a current time; and repetition information indicating whether the scene should be activated again after a predetermined time period. These information elements contained in the initial information are set by the terminal device 11. The controller 21 stores the received initial information in the memory 25.

[0021] Here, for example, the scene includes the case where light is emitted for studying, the case where light is emitted for watching television, etc., the case where light is emitted as a night light, the case where light is emitted for relaxation, the case where light is emitted for gatherings, or the case where light is switched off.

[0022] When the current time displayed by the timer 29 reaches the activation time, the controller 21 causes the light source 27 to emit light in a mode for the scene indicated by the scene information and transmits secondary information, containing the scene information and the current time, via the communication device 23 to another lighting device 10. For example, the controller 21 receives the current time from the timer 29, and when the current time reaches an ON time or an OFF time, it transmits the secondary information, such as the scene information and information regarding the current time, to another lighting device 10. The lighting device 10 activates the scene after transmitting the secondary information to another lighting device 10.In addition, another lighting device 10, which has received the second piece of information, also activates the scene after receiving the second piece of information.

[0023] If the repetition information indicates that the scene activation should be repeated, the controller 21 repeats, after a predetermined time period, the action of causing the light source 27 to emit light in a mode specific to the scene indicated by the scene information. For example, every day when the current time reaches the activation time, the controller 21 repeats the operation of turning on the light source 27 for the scene indicated by the scene information and turning it off again after a predetermined time period. That is, if the repetition setting is enabled, meaning that the scene activation should be repeated after a predetermined period, the scene activation will be repeated after the predetermined period.

[0024] When the current time displayed by the timer 29 reaches the activation time, the controller 21 transmits the repeat information, in addition to the scene information and the current time, to another lighting device 10 via the communication device 23. The repeat information is contained in the second set of information.

[0025] After receiving the second set of information from the first lighting device 10, another lighting device 10 performs an operation according to that second set of information. In particular, when the communication device 23 receives the second set of information, containing the scene information, the current time, and the repeat information, from another lighting device 10, the controller 21 causes the light source 27 to emit light in a mode for the scene indicated by the received scene information and adjusts the timer 29 based on the received current time.

[0026] Note that another lighting device 10 that has received the second set of information does not need to transmit the second set of information to another lighting device 10. The controller 21 of another lighting device 10 that has received the second set of information stores the received second set of information in the storage location 25.

[0027] Controller 21 controls a driver circuit (not shown) according to scene information that sets a scene for the multiple lighting devices 10. The driver circuit is a power supply circuit that delivers current to the light source 27. The driver circuit includes, for example, a diode bridge rectifier circuit that converts AC power to DC power, and a DC-DC converter. Note that the driver circuit can be implemented by a single integrated circuit (IC) with a function equivalent to the rectifier circuit and the DC-DC converter.

[0028] The communication device 23 is a communication device that communicates wirelessly with the terminal device 11 and other lighting devices 10 and is connected to the controller 21. The communication device 23 receives and transmits the first and second information according to the controller 21.

[0029] For example, storage location 25 stores the scene information, the activation time, the repeat information, and the current time, which are contained in the first and second information.

[0030] Storage location 25 is connected to controller 21 and stores the first and second information. For example, a semiconductor memory, such as flash memory or an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), is used as storage location 25. Note that storage location 25 may be contained within controller 21.

[0031] The light source 27 is an element that emits light using the supplied current. In the present embodiment, the light source 27 is, for example, a white encapsulated SMD (surface mount device) LED element. Note that a COB (chip on board) LED element is used, in which an LED chip is mounted directly onto a substrate 41. [How the power supply system works]

[0032] Next, the operation of the power supply system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 described.

[0033] Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram representing a power supply system 1 according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating the respective operating functions of lighting device A, lighting device B, and lighting device C, which are included in the power supply system 1 according to embodiment 1. Note that lighting device A, lighting device B, and lighting device C have the same configuration as lighting devices 10 and are thus operated using the diagram shown in Figure 3. Fig. The configuration shown in section 1 is described.

[0034] As in Fig. 1 to Fig. Figure 3 illustrates the operation of the power supply system 1 based on an example case where lighting device A, lighting device B, and lighting device C are present. Lighting device A, lighting device B, and lighting device C can be the same lighting device or different ones. Furthermore, the following description assumes the case where the respective timers 29 of lighting device A, lighting device B, and lighting device C display different times. It is also assumed that the timer 29 of lighting device A is started first, the timer 29 of lighting device B is started next, and the timer 29 of lighting device C is started last.

[0035] First, a user activates terminal device 11 to transmit information, such as scene information, activation time, current time, and repeat information, to lighting device A, lighting device B, and lighting device C.

[0036] Next, lighting device A receives scene information, activation time, current time, repeat information, etc., set by the user (S1), from terminal device 11. Step S1 is equivalent to the time spent setting power system 1 on the time axis.

[0037] Next, based on information regarding the activation time, the controller 21 of lighting device A determines whether it is the activation time at which the scene indicated by the scene information should be activated (S2). If it is determined that it is not the activation time, the controller 21 of lighting device A repeats step S2. If it is determined that it is the activation time, the controller 21 of lighting device A proceeds to the next step. At this time, step S2 is equivalent to the earliest activation time on the timeline.

[0038] Next, the controller 21 of lighting device A determines whether the second information is received by the other lighting devices (here lighting device B and lighting device C) (S3).

[0039] In this sequence diagram, the activation time of lighting device A is the earliest activation time, and thus the controller 21 of lighting device A determines that the second information is not received (NO in S3) and proceeds to step S5.

[0040] Next, the controller 21 of lighting device A transmits the second set of information to the other lighting devices via the communication device 23 and then activates the scene (S5). That is, the controller 21 of lighting device A causes the light source 27 to emit light in a mode for the scene.

[0041] Next, the controller 21 of the lighting device A stores the second set of information in storage 25 (S6).

[0042] Next, controller 21 of lighting device A determines whether the scene activation should be repeated after a predetermined time period (S7). If controller 21 of lighting device A determines that the scene activation should be repeated (YES in S7), processing returns to step S2. Conversely, if controller 21 of lighting device A determines that the scene activation should not be repeated (NO in S7), processing terminates.

[0043] Note that if the controller 21 of lighting device A has already received the second set of information from another lighting device, the start of the timer 29 contained in the controller 21 of lighting device A is considered late compared to the timer 29 of the controller 21 in another lighting device. Therefore, the controller 21 of lighting device A adjusts the time displayed by the timer 29 of lighting device A to the current time of the timer 29 of another lighting device from which the controller 21 of lighting device A has received the second set of information (S4). In this case, unlike in step S5, the controller 21 of lighting device A does not transmit the second set of information to the other lighting devices via the communication device 23.Next, steps S5 to S7 are performed, and then this processing flow is terminated.

[0044] Similarly, lighting device B and lighting device C receive the scene information, activation time, current time, repeat information, etc., set by the user, from terminal device 11 (511, S21). Steps S11 and S21 are equivalent to setting the power supply system 1 on the time axis. Furthermore, based on activation time information, the controllers 21 of lighting device B and lighting device C determine whether the activation time is the correct time for the scene indicated by the scene information (S12, S22). If it is determined that the activation time is not the correct time, the controllers 21 of lighting device B and lighting device C repeat steps S12 and S22, respectively.When it is determined that it is the activation time, the controllers 21 of lighting device B and lighting device C each proceed to the next step.

[0045] Note that if the controller 21 of another lighting device has already received the second set of information from lighting device A, the timer 29 of lighting device A is started earliest. Therefore, the controller 21 of lighting device A transmits the second set of information via the communication device 23 to lighting device B and lighting device C. After transmitting the second set of information, lighting device A activates its own scene. In this sequence diagram, the timer 29 of lighting device A is started earliest, and thus the controllers 21 of lighting device B and lighting device C receive the second set of information from lighting device A via their respective communication devices 23 (S13, S23).The timers 29 of controller 21 of lighting device B and lighting device C are started later than the timer 29 of controller 21 of lighting device A. Thus, upon receiving the second set of information from lighting device A, controllers 21 of lighting device B and lighting device C determine that the second set of information is received, as determined in step S3. When controllers 21 of lighting device B and lighting device C receive the second set of information via their respective communication devices 23, lighting device B and lighting device C activate the scene (S13, S23). That is, controllers 21 of lighting device B and lighting device C cause their respective light sources 27 to emit light in a mode appropriate for the scene.

[0046] Next, the controllers 21 of lighting device B and lighting device C adjust their respective timers 29 based on the information regarding the current time contained in the second information received from lighting device A (S14, S24).

[0047] Next, the controllers 21 of lighting device B and lighting device C store the second set of information received from lighting device A in storage 25 (S15, S25).

[0048] Next, controller 21 of lighting device B determines whether the scene activation should be repeated after a predetermined time period (S16). Controller 21 of lighting device C also determines whether the scene activation should be repeated after a predetermined time period (S26). If controller 21 of lighting device B determines that the scene activation should be repeated (YES in step S16), processing returns to step S12. Conversely, if controller 21 of lighting device B determines that the scene activation should not be repeated (NO in S16), processing terminates. If controller 21 of lighting device C determines that the scene activation should be repeated (YES in S26), processing returns to step S22.On the other hand, if the controller 21 of the lighting device C determines that the activation of the scene should not be repeated (NO in S26), the processing is terminated.

[0049] In this way, after the terminal device 11 makes settings for the multiple lighting devices 10, the controller 21 of a lighting device among the multiple lighting devices 10 whose timer 29 is started earliest transmits the second set of information via the communication device 23 to the other lighting devices. This allows the other lighting devices 10 that have received the second set of information to adjust the current time of their respective timers 29. As a result, it is possible to synchronize the operating procedures of the multiple lighting devices 10. [Beneficial effects]

[0050] Next, advantageous effects of the lighting device 10 and the current supply method according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0051] As described above, the lighting device 10 according to the present embodiment includes: the light source 27; the communication device 23, which performs wireless communication; the timer 29, which displays a current time; the storage 25, which stores scene information displaying a scene specified by at least one of dimming and toning, and an activation time, which indicates a time at which the scene displayed by the scene information should be activated; and the controller 21, which, when the current time specified by the timer 29 reaches the activation time, causes the light source 27 to emit light in a mode for the scene displayed by the scene information and transmits the scene information and the current time via the communication device 23.

[0052] When, as described above, the current time displayed by the timer 29 reaches the activation time, the controller 21 causes the light source 27 to emit light in a mode for the scene indicated by the scene information and transmits the scene information and the current time via the communication device 23 to another lighting device 10. Upon receiving the scene information and the current time, another lighting device 10 adjusts the current time and activates the scene indicated by the scene information at the activation time. Even if timers 29 are started by controllers 21 of several lighting devices 10 at different times, it is accordingly possible to switch on these lighting devices 10 at the same time by causing another lighting device 10 to activate at a time when a scene should be activated.

[0053] As a result, it is possible to synchronize the functions of the multiple lighting devices 10.

[0054] Since there is no need to individually adjust the multiple lighting devices 10 via the terminal device 11, the settings of the power supply system 1, in particular, can be simplified. Because the operating functions of the multiple lighting devices 10 are synchronized in the initial stage by adjusting them using the terminal device 11, the operations performed on the multiple lighting devices 10 can be simplified.

[0055] When, as described above, the communication device 23 receives scene information and a current time from an external device using the lighting device 10 according to the present embodiment, the controller 21 causes the light source 27 to emit light in a mode for a scene indicated by the received scene information and adjusts the timer 29 based on the received current time.

[0056] When scene information and a current time (an example or part of the second piece of information) are received from an external device, the controller 21 causes the light source 27 to emit light in a mode for a scene indicated by the received scene information and adjusts the timer 29 based on the received current time. Even if the timers 29 of the controller 21 are started by several lighting devices 10 at different times, these lighting devices 10 can thus be switched on at the same time.

[0057] As described above, in the lighting device 10 according to the present embodiment, the storage unit 25 further stores repeat information indicating whether the scene activation should be repeated after a predetermined time period. Furthermore, the controller 21 repeats the process of causing the light source 27 to emit light in the mode for the scene indicated by the scene information after the predetermined time period if the repeat information indicates that the scene activation should be repeated. Then, when the current time indicated by the timer 29 reaches the activation time, the controller 21 transmits the repeat information, along with the scene information and the current time, via the communication device 23 to another lighting device 10.

[0058] In this way, the controller 21, according to the repetition information, repeatedly causes the light source 27 to emit light in a mode for the scene indicated by the scene information after the predetermined time period. When the current time reaches the activation time, the controller 21 transmits the repetition information, the scene information, and the current time via the communication device 23 to another lighting device 10. Once the activation time is set, the light source 27 emits light in a mode for the scene whenever the predetermined time period elapses, thus simplifying the settings of the lighting devices 10.

[0059] As described above, a current-energizing method according to the present embodiment switches on the lighting device 10. The current-energizing method includes: storing scene information indicating a scene specified by at least one dimming and toning function, and an activation time indicating a time at which the scene indicated by the scene information should be activated; and when a current time indicated by the timer 29 reaches the activation time, causing the light source 27 to emit light in a mode for the scene indicated by the scene information, and transmitting the scene information and the current time. EXECUTION FORM 2

[0060] The lighting device 10 according to the present embodiment is described below.

[0061] The present embodiment differs from embodiment 1 in that the timer 29 is adjusted on the basis of a time obtained by adding a predetermined elapsed time to the activation time of the lighting device 10.

[0062] The other structural elements of the lighting device 10 are the same as those of the lighting device 10 according to embodiment 1; the same reference numerals have been assigned to the same structural elements, and detailed descriptions of such structural elements are not repeated. For this reason, a block diagram of the lighting device 10 according to the present embodiment is omitted, and the description is given with reference to the block diagram in Fig. 1.

[0063] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, in the current system 1 the second information makes jumps through the several lighting devices 10 when synchronizing the activation time of lighting device 10 with the activation time of the other lighting devices 10.

[0064] When the communication device 23 receives the current time from another lighting device 10, which is an example of the external device, the controller 21 transmits a time obtained by adding an internally elapsed time (an example of a predetermined elapsed time) to the received current time to yet another lighting device 10 via the communication device 23. This time is used as the current time for synchronization. An internally elapsed time generated by processing in the controller 21 is added to the current time.This means that, in the case where jumps occur through the multiple lighting devices 10, a time obtained by adding the internally elapsed time, which depends on the frequency with which jumps occur, to the activation time of lighting device 10 is transmitted as a new current time via the communication device 23 to another lighting device 10. Note that the controller 21 can also transmit the time-to-live (TTL) identifier, which indicates the number of jumps, via the communication device 23 to another lighting device 10.

[0065] The controller 21 of another lighting device 10 receives the time obtained by adding the internally elapsed time, which depends on the number of jumps, to the activation time of the lighting device 10 (as the current time). The controller 21 of another lighting device 10 adjusts the timer 29 based on the time obtained by adding a predetermined elapsed time to the activation time of the lighting device 10. The timer 29 begins counting from the adjusted time.

[0066] If the communication device 23 receives a first current time from another lighting device 10 and then a second current time, the controller 21 can adjust the timer 29 based on a later time than the second current time and a third current time obtained by adding a predetermined elapsed time to the first current time. The operation of the power supply system 1 is described in this case using an example. Note that the operation of the power supply system 1 in the present embodiment is an example and is not limited to this example.

[0067] Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the power supply system 1 according to embodiment 2. Fig. Figure 4 shows lighting device A, lighting device B and lighting device C as examples of lighting devices.

[0068] Fig. Figure 4 illustrates the case where the terminal device 11 transmits an initial current time (14:00:00:00) to lighting device A and lighting device B. Assume that lighting device C receives each current time from lighting device A. Note that in the present embodiment, the internally elapsed time is 1.20 seconds and the predetermined elapsed time is 1.00 seconds. Note that the terminal device 11 is an example of the external device.

[0069] When the controller of lighting device A receives the first current time (14:00:00:00) from terminal device 11 via the communication device, lighting device A first transmits to lighting device B and lighting device C a second current time (14:00:01:20) obtained by adding the internally elapsed time (1.20 seconds) to the first current time.

[0070] Next, lighting device B and lighting device C receive the second current time (14:00:01:20).

[0071] Here, the controller of lighting device B has already received the first current time from terminal device 11 via the communication device. After the controller of lighting device B has received the first current time, a time period (1.00 seconds, for example), which is necessary for internal processing, is added to the first current time, resulting in a third current time (14:00:01:00).

[0072] The controller of lighting device B identifies a later time than the third current time and the second current time based on the third and second current times, and adjusts the timer based on the later time. In the present embodiment, the second current time is later than the third current time, and thus the timer is adjusted based on the second current time, which displays the later time. The timer then begins counting from the second current time.

[0073] Note that in Fig. 4, since there is no other lighting device besides lighting device B and lighting device C as a jump target, the controllers of lighting device B and lighting device C can transmit the second current time to lighting device A via their respective communication devices, and the timer can be adjusted on the basis of the second current time so that the lighting devices are switched on at the second current time. [Beneficial effects]

[0074] Next, advantageous effects of the lighting device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0075] As described above, in the lighting device 10 according to the present embodiment, when the communication device 23 receives a current time from an external device, the controller 21 transmits via the communication device 23 as a new current time a time obtained by adding a predetermined elapsed time to the received current time.

[0076] In this way, the controller 21 transmits a new current time—obtained by adding a predetermined elapsed time to the current time received from an external device—via the communication device 23 to another lighting device 10. Thus, the controller 21 of the other lighting device 10 receives the new current time, which is one of the current times received from several lighting devices 10 and is later than the current time counted by the timer 29. The controller 21 of the other lighting device 10 can use the received time as the new current time.If the activation times of several lighting devices 10 are synchronized, it is consequently less likely that a delay will occur in the activation times of the several lighting devices 10, even if jumps occur between the several lighting devices 10. Accordingly, the lighting device 10 can synchronize the activation times of the several lighting devices 10.

[0077] In such a lighting device 10 according to the present embodiment, when the communication device 23 receives a first current time from an external device and then a second current time, the controller 21 adjusts the timer 29 on the basis of a later of the second current time and a third current time, which is obtained by adding a predetermined elapsed time to the first current time.

[0078] Since, as described above, the controller 21 adjusts the timer 29 based on a later of the second and third current times, the controller 21 selects a later of these current times obtained from several lighting devices 10. Even if jumps occur through the several lighting devices 10 to synchronize their activation times, the several lighting devices 10 can accordingly operate in synchronization with the synchronized activation time.

[0079] The other advantageous effects provided by the present embodiment are the same as those in embodiment 1. EXECUTION FORM 3

[0080] The lighting device 10 according to the present embodiment is described below.

[0081] The present embodiment differs from embodiment 1 in that identification information identifying a group to which the lighting device 10 belongs is added.

[0082] The other structural elements of the lighting device are the same as those of the lighting device according to embodiment 1; the same reference symbols have been given to the same structural elements and detailed descriptions of such structural elements are not repeated.

[0083] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the lighting device 10 according to the present embodiment is one of several lighting devices 10 contained in a power supply system 1, which divides the several lighting devices 10 into several groups and operates the several lighting devices 10 on a group-by-group basis. That is, the user freely selects lighting devices 10, for example, using the terminal device 11, and the selected lighting devices 10 form a group. For example, a group can be freely formed for each room or floor. Identification information that distinguishes one group from the other groups is assigned to the group via the controller 21. The controller 21 associates the group with a scene selected from among several scenes.

[0084] The lighting device 10's setting information includes: scene information, which displays a scene specified by at least one dimming and toning function; and an activation time at which the scene displayed by the scene information should be activated. The controller 21 can independently perform: control of the lighting device based on the group's identification information; and control of the lighting device based on the lighting device 10's setting information.

[0085] For example, if an instruction to change the identification information is received from terminal device 11, controller 21 modifies the identification information stored in memory 25 according to the instruction. For example, if a scene is set for each group and a lighting fixture in one group is to be moved to another group, the following changes are made: the identification information of the group to which lighting fixture 10 belongs; the scene information of each of the multiple groups displaying a scene specified by at least one of Dim and Tone; and the activation time of each of the multiple groups, indicating a time at which the scene indicated by the scene information should be activated. This modifies the identification information as well as the group, and thus the scene information, activation time, etc., which are associated with the identification information, have been changed.

[0086] If the activation time, etc., is changed as a result of the group change, and the current time displayed by the timer 29 reaches the activation time of the group corresponding to the identification information, the controller 21 causes the light source 27 to emit light in a mode for the scene indicated by the scene information of the group corresponding to the identification information.

[0087] For example, the storage location 25 stores the identification information and the scene information of the group, apart from the scene information, the activation time, the repeat information and the current time. [Groups in the power supply system]

[0088] With reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. Section 6 describes the case of changing the group of a lighting device included in the power supply system.

[0089] Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram representing the identification information of groups that include the lighting devices contained in the power supply system according to embodiment 3. Fig. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the groups to which the lighting devices included in the power supply system according to embodiment 3 belong. Fig. Figure 6 illustrates groups with two-point catenary lines.

[0090] The initial settings of the power supply system are described using an example.

[0091] As in Fig. 5 and Fig.As shown in Figure 6, the power supply system contains lighting device A, lighting device B, and lighting device C within a room. Group 1 and Group 2 are preset in the power supply system, and any one of them can be selected.

[0092] In Group 1, the lighting devices perform an operation; for example, they are switched on when the timer indicates activation time 7:00 or 8:00. In Group 2, the lighting device performs an operation; for example, it is switched on when the timer indicates activation time 9:00. That is, the activation time differs between Group 1 and Group 2. In the power supply system with the initial settings, lighting devices A and B belong to Group 1, while lighting device C belongs to Group 2.

[0093] If, in this case, the group to which lighting device B belongs has been changed from group 1 to group 2 by terminal device 11, lighting device B receives the identification information of the group to which it belongs from terminal device 11 via the communication device. Note that the lighting device's setting information is not transmitted at this point because the data volume is large. The lighting device's setting information is transmitted after the identification information of the new group has been transmitted.

[0094] The controller of lighting device B stores the identification information, scene information, activation time, etc., in the memory. Specifically, the controller of lighting device B overwrites old identification information with new identification information from the group to which lighting device B now belongs, in order to store the scene information, activation time, etc., in association with the new identification information. This ensures that when the group is changed, the lighting device's configured values ​​are saved in the memory with minimal overwriting, without altering the scene information or activation time.

[0095] When the current time displayed by the timer reaches the activation time of the group corresponding to the identification information, the controller then causes the light source to emit light in a mode for the scene indicated by the scene information of the group corresponding to the identification information.

[0096] Note that the number of groups, the activation time and the number of lighting devices in the power supply system are merely examples and the power supply system is not limited to such examples.

[0097] With the lighting devices described above, the identification information of each group is associated with the activation time. Therefore, if the initial group 1 of lighting device B is changed to group 2, only the group changes, and lighting device B will not even switch on at 7:00 or 8:00 because the group is different. Furthermore, the problem of lighting device B not switching on even at 9:00 does not occur because the activation time is 7:00 and 8:00. [Beneficial effects]

[0098] Next, advantageous effects of the lighting device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0099] As described above, the lighting device 10 according to the present embodiment is one of several lighting devices 10 included in the power supply system 1, which divides the several lighting devices 10 into several groups and actuates the several lighting devices 10 on a group-by-group basis. The lighting device 10 includes: the light source 27; the communication device 23, which performs wireless communication; the timer 25, which displays a current time;the storage unit 25, which stores (i) identification information of a group to which the lighting device 10 belongs, (ii) scene information indicating a scene specified by at least one of dimming and toning, and (iii) an activation time indicating a time at which the scene indicated by the scene information should be activated, the scene information and the activation time being contained in setting information of the lighting device; and the controller 21, which causes the light source 27 to emit light in a mode for the scene indicated by the scene information of the group according to the identification information, when the current time indicated by the timer 29 reaches the activation time of the group according to the identification information.

[0100] In this way, the light source 27 emits light in a mode for the scene indicated by the scene information when the current time displayed by the timer 29 reaches the activation time of the group according to the identification information, since the controller 21 associates the identification information of the group to which the lighting device 10 belongs with the activation time. This makes it possible to change whether the scene should be activated or not simply by changing the group after making the group settings of the power supply system 1. Therefore, it is possible to switch on the lighting device 10, whose group has been changed, at the activation time.

[0101] As a result, it is possible to synchronize the operations of the multiple lighting devices 10.

[0102] When, as described above, a lighting device 10 according to the present embodiment receives an instruction to change the identification information from the terminal device 11, the controller 21 changes the identification information stored in the storage 25 in accordance with the instruction.

[0103] Since, as described, the controller 21 overwrites old identification information stored in the memory 25 with new identification information according to the instruction, the scene information and the set time are not changed even if the group is changed. However, since setting the timer 29 contains information about an activated group, the lighting devices can normally perform operations even if the group is changed after the power supply system 1 has been activated.

[0104] The other advantageous effects provided by the present embodiment are the same as those in embodiment 1.

[0105] As described above, the current-energizing method according to the present embodiment switches on the lighting device 10, which is one of several lighting devices 10 contained in a current-energizing system that divides the several lighting devices 10 into several groups and actuates the several lighting devices 10 on a group-by-group basis.The current-setting procedure includes: storing (i) identification information of a group to which the lighting device 10 belongs, (ii) scene information indicating a scene specified by at least one of dimming and toning, and (iii) an activation time indicating a time at which the scene indicated by the scene information should be activated, the scene information and the activation time being contained in setting information of the lighting device 10; and causing the light source 27 to emit light in a mode for the scene indicated by the scene information of the group corresponding to the identification information when a current time indicated by the timer 29 reaches the activation time of the group corresponding to the identification information. OTHER VERSIONS

[0106] Although embodiments 1 to 3 have been described above, the present invention is not limited to embodiments 1 to 3.

[0107] For example, in the above embodiments, the communication device can perform communication using ZigBee (registered trademark) and can communicate with the terminal device using Bluetooth (registered trademark), a wireless local area network (LAN), etc.

[0108] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the setting of the scene specified by at least one of dimming and toning, the setting of groups on a basis per set scene (evolutionary form 3), the setting of the activation time, etc., can be freely chosen.

[0109] Up to this point, one or more aspects of the present invention have been described based on embodiments 1 to 3; however, the present invention is not limited to embodiments 1 to 3. Various modifications to these embodiments that a person skilled in the art might devise, as well as embodiments resulting from combinations of structural elements from different embodiments, may be included within the scope of protection of one or more aspects of the present invention, provided that such modifications and embodiments do not deviate from the essence of the present invention. [List of reference symbols] 1 Power supply system 10 Lighting device (external device) 11 Terminal setup (external setup) 21 Controller 23 Communication device 25 Storage 27 Light source 29 timers

Claims

[1] Lighting device (10) comprising: a light source (27); a communication device (23) that performs wireless communication; a timer (29) that displays a current time; a storage location (25) that stores scene information indicating a scene specified by at least one of dimming and toning, and an activation time indicating a time at which the scene indicated by the scene information should be activated; and a controller (21) which, when the current time specified by the timer (29) reaches the activation time, causes the light source (27) to emit light in a mode for the scene indicated by the scene information, and transmits the scene information and the current time via the communication device (23). [2] Lighting device (10) according to claim 1, wherein when the communication device (23) receives scene information and a current time from an external device, the controller (21) causes the light source (27) to emit light in a mode for a scene indicated by the received scene information and adjusts the timer (29) based on the received current time. [3] Lighting device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the storage (25) continues to store repetition information indicating whether an activation of the scene should be repeated after a predetermined time period or not, and the controller (21): to repeatedly cause the light source (27) to emit light after the predetermined time period in the mode for the scene indicated by the scene information when the repetition information indicates that an activation of the scene is to be repeated; and the repeat information is transmitted via the communication device (23) in addition to the scene information and the current time when the current time displayed by the timer reaches the activation time. [4] Lighting device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the communication device (23) receives a current time from an external device, the controller (21) transmits via the communication device (23) as a new current time a time which is obtained by adding a predetermined elapsed time to the received current time. [5] Lighting device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the communication device (23) receives a first current time from an external device and then a second time, the controller (21) adjusts the timer (29) on the basis of a later of the second current time and a third current time, which is obtained by adding a predetermined elapsed time to the first current time. [6] Lighting device (10) which is one of several lighting devices (10) included in a power supply system (1) which divides the several lighting devices (10) into several groups and operates the several lighting devices (10) on a group-by-group basis, wherein the lighting device comprises: a light source (27); a communication device (23) that performs wireless communication; a timer (29) that displays a current time; a storage device (25) that stores (i) identification information of a group to which the lighting device (10) belongs, (ii) scene information indicating a scene specified by at least one of dimming and toning, and (iii) an activation time indicating a time at which the scene indicated by the scene information should be activated, wherein the scene information and the activation time are contained in setting information of the lighting device (10); and a controller (21) that causes the light source (27) to emit light in a mode for the scene indicated by the scene information of the group according to the identification information, when the current time indicated by the timer (29) reaches the activation time of the group according to the identification information. [7] Lighting device (10) according to claim 6, wherein when an instruction to change the identification information is received from a terminal device (11), the controller (21) changes the identification information stored in the storage (25) in accordance with the instruction. [8] Current-supply method for switching on a lighting device (10), the method comprising: Storing scene information that displays a scene specified by at least one of dimming and toning, and an activation time that indicates a time at which the scene displayed by the scene information should be activated; and When the current time indicated by a timer (29) reaches the activation time, cause a light source (27) to emit light in a mode for the scene indicated by the scene information, and transmit the scene information and the current time. [9] Current-energizing method for switching on a lighting device (10) which is one of several lighting devices (10) included in a current-energizing system (1) which divides the several lighting devices (10) into several groups and actuates the several lighting devices (10) on a group-by-group basis, the method comprising: Storing (i) identification information of a group to which the lighting device (10) belongs, (ii) scene information indicating a scene specified by at least one of dimming and toning, and (iii) an activation time indicating a time at which the scene indicated by the scene information should be activated, wherein the scene information and the activation time are contained in setting information of the lighting device (10); and Causing a light source (27) to emit light in a mode for the scene indicated by the scene information of the group corresponding to the identification information when a current time indicated by a timer (29) reaches the activation time of the group corresponding to the identification information.

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