Illumination device and illumination system

Abstract

To provide an illumination device that has a high degree of freedom of control.SOLUTION: An illumination device of an embodiment comprises: a light source unit that includes a light-emitting device; a storage unit that stores lighting condition information in which a fade time indicating time characteristics during light control of the light source unit according to an input value is associated with a first control channel; and a control unit that refers to the lighting condition information stored by the storage unit to determine the fade time according to the input value to the first control channel, and controls the lighting of the light source unit so as to satisfy the fade time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a lighting device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in studios, stages, etc., lighting systems have been introduced that control lighting devices according to remote operations from an operation console. Further, as the light sources of lighting devices are being replaced with LEDs, the control of such lighting devices has been becoming more multifunctional (for example, Prior Art Document 1). However, as a function of the lighting device as in Prior Art Document 1, simply controlling the output of the light source and the focal position of the lens is insufficient for users, and there has been a need for a lighting device with a high degree of control freedom.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a lighting device with a high degree of control freedom.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The lighting device according to the embodiment includes a light source unit including a light emitting element, and a storage unit that stores lighting condition information associating a fade time indicating a time characteristic during dimming of the light source unit according to an input value with a first control channel. The control unit determines the fade time by referring to the lighting condition information stored in the storage unit according to the input value to the first control channel, and controls the lighting of the light source unit so as to satisfy the fade time. The lighting condition information stored in the storage unit includes a plurality of pieces of information associating an input value according to an operation ratio of one operation unit with a fade time.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] According to an embodiment, it can be expected to provide a lighting device with a high degree of freedom in control.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

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Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] FIG. 1 shows the lighting system 1 of the present embodiment. The lighting system of the present embodiment includes an operation console 10 and a lighting device 20. The operation console 10 is connected to a DMX node 30 via, for example, a hub 40 or directly by an Ethernet cable. And, between the operation console 10 and the DMX node 30, bidirectional communication is performed using a standard such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or LAN (Local Area Network). Also, the lighting device 20 is connected to the DMX node 30 by a DMX cable. And, between the lighting device 20 and the DMX node 30, communication is performed using a standard that enables bidirectional communication such as RDM (Remote Device Management) that extends DMX512. In this way, the operation console 10 and the lighting device 20 are connected and bidirectional communication is performed. From the operation console 10, for example, control information such as control signals for controlling the lighting device 20 and setting information for setting parameters of the lighting device 20 are transmitted to the lighting device 20. From the lighting device 20, for example, lighting device information and status information indicating the current control state are transmitted to the operation console 10.

[0010] The operation console 10 transmits control information including a control signal for controlling the lighting device 20 and setting information for setting parameters of the lighting device 20 according to an operation from an operator. The operation console 10 is disposed, for example, in a lighting control room different from the space where the lighting device 20 is disposed. Note that the operation console 10 may be configured to be portable by using a tablet terminal or the like. In this case, the operation console 10 may be disposed in the same space as the space where the lighting device 20 is disposed. The operation console 10 includes an operation unit 11, an operation console storage unit 12, and an operation console setting unit 13. Note that the operation console 10 includes an operation console communication unit (not shown in FIG. 1), and may communicate with the lighting device 20 via the operation console communication unit.

[0011] The operation unit 11 is, for example, a fader, and one or more are provided for one operation console 10. Note that the operation unit 11 may be a physical fader or a virtual fader provided on a touch panel or the like. When the user operates the operation unit 11, control information including a control value based on the operation is transmitted from the operation console 10.

[0012] The console storage unit 12 is composed of, for example, semiconductor memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and flash memory, or storage devices such as hard disks and optical disks. The console storage unit 12 stores allocation information, the details of which will be described later.

[0013] The console setting unit 13 is provided with, for example, a display and buttons, and is used when setting the console 10. For example, the user creates allocation information (patch information) that assigns the identification information associated with the operation unit 11 and the control channel (DMX channel) using the console setting unit 13 to set the console 10. The identification information here is, for example, an identification number assigned to each of the operation units 11 to identify (distinguish) each of them. Also, the control channel here is a channel on the DMX data link, and integer values from "1" to "512" are used. For example, if the console 10 is provided with four faders as the operation unit 11 and different identification information of F1, F2, F3, and F4 is associated with each of the four faders in advance, the user uses the console setting unit 13 to set which control channel to assign to each fader. For example, the user assigns the control channel "1" to the F1 fader, the control channel "5" to the F2 fader, the control channel "9" to the F3 fader, and the control channel "13" to the F4 fader. In this way, the information that assigns the identification information associated with the operation unit 11 and the control channel (DMX channel) is the allocation information. Note that the console storage unit 12 may store initial setting allocation information in advance. In this case, users who use the initial setting allocation information as it is do not need to perform the above-described allocation information creation work.

[0014] Then, the operation console 10 operates based on the allocation information. When a certain operation unit 11 is operated, control information including a control value based on the operation amount of the operation unit 11 is transmitted to the control channel allocated to the operation unit 11.

[0015] Next, the lighting device 20 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the lighting device 20. The lighting device 20 receives control information conforming to a predetermined standard such as DMX512 from the operation console 10, and controls the illuminance, color, lighting range, etc. of the light emitted from the lighting device 20 according to the received control information, thereby performing lighting effects for a studio, a stage, etc. The lighting device 20 is connected to the DMX node 30 via a DMX cable, and is arranged in a form suspended at a predetermined position by a baton or the like, or in a form stationary at a predetermined position. The lighting device 20 is, for example, a spotlight, a horizon light, or a floodlight. The lighting device 20 includes a light source unit 21, a lighting storage unit 22, a control unit 23, a lighting setting unit 24, a display unit 25, and a power supply unit 26. Note that the lighting device 20 may include a lighting communication unit (not shown in FIG. 2) and communicate with the operation console 10 via the lighting communication unit.

[0016] The light source unit 21 is the light source of the lighting device 20, and emits light by receiving the power output from the power supply unit 26. The light source unit 21 includes, for example, a semiconductor light emitting element. Note that the light source unit 21 may include a semiconductor light emitting element that irradiates red light, a semiconductor light emitting element that irradiates green light, and a semiconductor light emitting element that irradiates blue light. Further, the light source unit 21 may further include any one or more semiconductor light emitting elements among a semiconductor light emitting element that irradiates white light, a semiconductor light emitting element that irradiates cyan light, a semiconductor light emitting element that irradiates amber light, and a semiconductor light emitting element that irradiates mint light. Note that these semiconductor light emitting elements may irradiate their colors alone as semiconductor light emitting elements, or may irradiate their colors in combination with a phosphor. Hereinafter, the light source unit 21 will be described assuming that it includes LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) as semiconductor light emitting elements.

[0017] The lighting memory unit 22 is constituted by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. The lighting memory unit 22 stores a DMX address (DMX start address), lighting condition information (details will be described later), and the like. Note that the DMX address may be set by physical operation using a dip switch or the like. In this case, the lighting memory unit 22 does not necessarily store the DMX address, and the process using the DMX address is performed with reference to the set state of the dip switch.

[0018] The control unit 23 is constituted by, for example, a circuit board on which electronic components are mounted. The control unit 23 is an arithmetic unit that executes various information processes, and includes, for example, an electronic circuit such as a CPU or an MPU, or an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. The control unit 23 has an internal memory for storing programs and control data assuming various processing procedures, and executes various processes based on these. The control unit 23 receives, for example, control information including a DMX value transmitted from the operation console 10, converts it into a dimming signal such as a PWM that can be received by the power supply unit 26 described later with reference to the lighting condition information (details will be described later) stored in the lighting memory unit 22, and transmits it to the power supply unit 26. Note that the lighting memory unit 22 and the control unit 23 may be integrally configured in a form such as a control unit.

[0019] The lighting setting unit 24 includes at least one or more of buttons, dials, and wheels, and by operating these, it is possible to switch the mode of the lighting device 20 or set the lighting condition information (details will be described later). Note that the lighting control of the lighting device 20 may be performed by setting the lighting condition by the lighting setting unit 24. In this case, a user located near the lighting device 20 can perform the lighting control of the lighting device 20 manually without going through the operation console 10.

[0020] The display unit 25 is, for example, a display, and is configured to be able to display the mode of the lighting device 20, lighting condition information, necessary information when setting the control state of the lighting device 20 in the lighting setting unit 24, and the like.

[0021] The power supply unit 26 is composed of, for example, a substrate on which electronic components are mounted. The power supply unit 26 receives a PWM signal or the like, which is a dimming signal controlled by the control unit 23, and outputs it to the light emitting unit 21 as a dimmable direct current for the output of the light emitting unit 21.

[0022] Note that by using a touch panel display, the functions of the lighting setting unit 24 and the display unit 25 may be configured to be compatible.

[0023] Next, the lighting condition information will be described. The lighting condition information may be stored in the lighting storage unit 22 in advance when the lighting device 20 is shipped, or may be stored in the lighting storage unit 22 by being set (registered / updated) in the lighting device 20 using the lighting setting unit 24 of the lighting device 20. Further, the lighting condition information is stored in advance outside the lighting device 20 (for example, in the console storage unit 12 of the console 10, a cloud server, a storage medium, etc.), and the lighting device 20 may receive the lighting condition information from outside the lighting device 20 and store the lighting condition information in the lighting storage unit 22. When the console storage unit 12 of the console 10 does not store the lighting condition information, or when the lighting condition information stored in the console storage unit 12 is different from the lighting condition information stored in the lighting device 20, the lighting condition information may be transmitted from the lighting device 20 to the console 10, and the console 10 may store the received lighting condition information in the console storage unit 12.

[0024] An example of the lighting condition information is shown in FIG. 3. The lighting condition information is registered (stored in the lighting storage unit 22) with a DMX value or a ratio, which is an input value to the control channel, associated with the function controlled by the control channel for one control channel. Note that the lighting condition information may include both the DMX value and the ratio, or may include only one of them.

[0025] The DMX value here is, for example, a value output from the console 10 by operating the operation unit 11 of the console 10, and is, for example, a numerical value in the range of 0 to 255. The DMX value is transmitted from the console 10 according to the operation ratio of the operation unit 11. For example, when the operation unit 11 is a fader, when the fader is moved to the maximum value, control information including a DMX value of 255 is transmitted from the console 10 to the control channel associated with that fader. Also, when the fader is moved to the minimum value, control information including a DMX value of 0 is transmitted from the console 10 to the control channel associated with that fader. Further, when the fader is moved to the midpoint between the maximum value and the minimum value, control information including a DMX value of 128 (or 127) is transmitted from the console 10 to the control channel associated with that fader.

[0026] Also, the ratio is a value set using the lighting setting unit 24 when controlling the light output from the light source unit 21 only by the lighting device 20 without passing through the console 10, and is, for example, a numerical value in the range of 0 to 100 (%).

[0027] Note that the DMX value and the ratio are configured to have a correlation with each other. Specifically, the ratio corresponds to a value normalized by the maximum value of the DMX value and the maximum value of the ratio for any DMX value. That is, the ratio corresponds to a value of X×(ratio maximum value / DMX value maximum value) for the DMX value “X”. Conversely, the DMX value corresponds to a value normalized by the maximum value of the DMX value and the maximum value of the ratio for any ratio. That is, the DMX value corresponds to a value of Y×(DMX value maximum value / ratio maximum value) for the ratio “Y”.

[0028] Also, a function indicates an item to be controlled. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, control channel 1 is Intensity, that is, the master dimming rate of the light source unit 21. In other words, it is a control channel that collectively controls a plurality of light sources provided in the light source unit 21 and sets the dimming rates of the plurality of light sources at once. Control channel 2 targets Red, that is, the red LED, and is a control channel for setting the dimming rate of the red LED. Control channel 3 targets Green, that is, the green LED, and is a control channel for setting the dimming rate of the green LED. Control channel 4 targets Blue, that is, the blue LED, and is a control channel for setting the dimming rate of the blue LED.

[0029] The lighting condition information of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 includes the entire light source provided in the light source unit 21 and control channels for setting the dimming rates of individual light sources. And each control channel has one function assigned in the range of DMX values from 0 to 255 and the range of ratios from 0 to 100%, and the input DMX value or ratio is directly set as the dimming rate of the light source unit 21. Therefore, when each control channel is controlled by the control information which is the DMX signal transmitted from the operation console 10, it is based on the DMX value, and when it is controlled by the value input in the lighting setting unit 24 of the lighting device 20, it is based on the ratio, and the dimming rate of the light source assigned to the function of that control channel is set.

[0030] And the lighting condition information is provided for each operation mode of the lighting device 20. For example, by using the lighting setting unit 24 of the lighting device 20 to select the operation mode of the lighting device 20, the lighting device 20 operates in that mode, and in the lighting device 20, control is performed based on the lighting condition information of that mode. Note that the operation mode of the lighting device 20 may be configured such that any one is selected in advance at the stage of turning on the power of the lighting device 20, or at the stage of turning on the power of the lighting device 20, the operation mode may not be selected and may be configured not to be controlled by the DMX value or ratio.

[0031] The details of the lighting condition information will be described. The lighting condition information shown in FIG. 3 is the lighting condition information for the IRGB mode of operation. The IRGB mode is a mode in which I (Intensity: master dimming rate), R (Red: dimming rate of the red LED), G (Green: dimming rate of the green LED), and B (Blue: dimming rate of the blue LED) are controlled on different channels, and the control is performed on four control channels.

[0032] In the lighting device 20 operating in the IRGB mode associated with the lighting condition information shown in FIG. 3, when receiving control information including the DMX value 0 output from the console 10 by operating the operation unit 11 associated with the control channel 2, or when setting the ratio of the control channel 2 to 0% using the lighting setting unit 24 of the lighting device 20, referring to the lighting condition information of the currently operating IRGB mode stored in the lighting storage unit 22, the red LED is controlled to have a dimming rate of 0%, that is, to turn off. Similarly, when receiving control information including the DMX value 255 output from the console 10 by operating the operation unit 11 associated with the control channel 2, or when setting the ratio of the control channel 2 to 100% using the lighting setting unit 24 of the lighting device 20, referring to the lighting condition information of the currently operating IRGB mode stored in the lighting storage unit 22, the red LED is controlled to have a dimming rate of 255 (100%). That is, in this case, the red LED lights up at the maximum dimming rate of the red LED defined in the lighting device 20 (for example, the absolute maximum rated current value of the red LED).

[0033] As described above, in the lighting device 20 operating in the IRGB mode associated with the lighting condition information shown in FIG. 3, when the DMX value "X" (X is a numerical value within the range of 0 to 255) output from the console 10 is received, the red LED is controlled to have a dimming rate of X×(100 / 255)% with respect to the maximum dimming rate defined in the lighting device 20. Also, when the ratio of control channel 2 is set to "Y%" (Y is a numerical value within the range of 0 to 100) using the lighting setting unit 24, the red LED is controlled to have a dimming rate of Y% with respect to the maximum dimming rate defined in the lighting device 20. Note that the lighting device 20 may be configured to calculate the dimming rate using a value obtained by multiplying the DMX value or the ratio by a correction factor, or may be configured to calculate the final dimming rate by multiplying the correction factor after obtaining the dimming rate from the DMX value or the ratio.

[0034] The control channel 3 for the Green function and the control channel 4 for the Blue function also exhibit the same operation as the control channel 2 for the Red function. However, the control channel 3 for the Green function operates based on the DMX value output from the console 10 by operating the operation unit 11 associated with control channel 3, or the ratio of control channel 3 set using the lighting setting unit 24 of the lighting device 20. Also, the control channel 4 for the Blue function operates based on the DMX value output from the console 10 by operating the operation unit 11 associated with control channel 4, or the ratio of control channel 4 set using the lighting setting unit 24 of the lighting device 20. Also, the conditions for achieving the maximum dimming rate defined in the lighting device 20 can be set to different conditions for Red, Green, and Blue. And by setting the output of each emission color (LED) according to the functions of control channels 2, 3, and 4, the light color of the light (mixed light of each emission color) irradiated from the light source unit 21 is determined.

[0035] Thereafter, the output (brightness) is controlled by the function of control channel 1 without significantly changing the light color (chromaticity) of the mixed light emitted from the lighting device 20. Specifically, when the DMX value output from the operation console 10 is received by operating the operation unit 11 associated with control channel 1, or when the ratio of control channel 1 is set using the lighting setting unit 24, in the lighting device 20, referring to the lighting condition information of the currently operating IRGB mode stored in the lighting storage unit 22, the light source unit 21 is controlled so that the output (brightness) of Red, Green, and Blue changes according to the received DMX value or the set ratio while maintaining the current output ratios of Red, Green, and Blue set by the functions of control channels 2, 3, and 4.

[0036] In addition, as functions for controlling single-color LEDs, in addition to the functions shown in FIG. 3, there may also be W (White) for controlling white LEDs and setting the dimming rate of white LEDs, C (Cyan) for controlling cyan LEDs and setting the dimming rate of cyan LEDs, A (Amber) for controlling amber LEDs and setting the dimming rate of amber LEDs, M (Mint: dimming rate of mint LEDs) for controlling mint LEDs and setting the dimming rate of mint LEDs, and so on. These functions may be assigned to control channels different from those shown in FIG. 3, or may be assigned to the same control channel and configured such that the functions operating according to the DMX value or ratio change.

[0037] With such operation modes and lighting condition information, users (persons attempting to control the lighting device 20; the same applies hereinafter) can individually adjust the output of each light source (LED), and can also adjust the output of the mixed light without significantly changing the color of the created mixed light, thus making it possible to increase the degree of freedom in controlling the lighting device 20.

[0038] Another embodiment of the lighting condition information is shown in FIG. 4. The lighting condition information shown in FIG. 4 is the lighting condition information in the operation mode of the user color mode. The user color mode is a mode in which the user sets any light color irradiated from the light source unit 21 as UserColor (UserColor1 to 4 in FIG. 4) on the user side, and irradiates the light of UserColor set from the light source unit 21 according to the DMX value or ratio on the control channel of the UserColor function. In the lighting condition information shown in FIG. 4, control is performed on two control channels.

[0039] In the lighting device 20 operating in the user color mode associated with the lighting condition information shown in FIG. 4, when receiving control information including the DMX value 0 output from the operation table 10 by operating the operation unit 11 associated with the control channel 2, or when setting the ratio of the control channel 2 to 0% using the lighting setting unit 24, the lighting condition information of the currently operating user color mode stored in the lighting storage unit 22 is referred to, and the light source unit 21 is controlled to turn off. Similarly, when receiving control information including DMX values within the range of 1 to 64, or when setting the ratio of the control channel 2 within the range of 1 to 25%, in the lighting device 20, the light source unit 21 is controlled to emit light of the light color set as UserColor1. Similarly, when receiving control information including DMX values within the range of 65 to 128, or when setting the ratio of the control channel 2 within the range of 26 to 50%, in the lighting device 20, the light source unit 21 is controlled to emit light of the light color set as UserColor2. Similarly, when receiving control information including DMX values within the range of 129 to 192, or when setting the ratio of the control channel 2 within the range of 51 to 75%, in the lighting device 20, the light source unit 21 is controlled to emit light of the light color set as UserColor3. Similarly, when receiving control information including DMX values within the range of 193 to 255, or when setting the ratio of the control channel 2 within the range of 76 to 100%, in the lighting device 20, the light source unit 21 is controlled to emit light of the light color set as UserColor4. In this way, the function of the control channel 2 determines which UserColor is emitted from the light source unit 21.

[0040] Thereafter, the function of control channel 1 controls the output (brightness) of UserColor irradiated from the light source unit 21. Specifically, when the DMX value output from the operation console 10 is received by operating the operation unit 11 associated with control channel 1, or when the ratio of control channel 1 is set using the lighting setting unit 24, the lighting device 20 refers to the lighting condition information of the currently operating user color mode stored in the lighting storage unit 22, and is controlled to change the output (brightness) of UserColor irradiated from the light source unit 21 according to the received DMX value or the set ratio.

[0041] In addition, a modified example of the lighting condition information in the user color mode is shown in FIG. 5. The lighting condition information shown in FIG. 5 has one UserColor assigned to one control channel, and control is performed on four control channels to which different UserColors are assigned.

[0042] When the lighting fixture 20 operating in the user color mode of the lighting condition information shown in FIG. 5 receives control information including the DMX value output from the operation desk 10 by the operation of the operation unit 11 associated with the control channel 1, or when the ratio of the control channel 1 is set using the lighting setting unit 24, in the lighting device 20, referring to the lighting condition information of the currently operating user color mode stored in the lighting storage unit 22, it is controlled to irradiate light of the light color set as UserColor1 from the light source unit 21 with an output (brightness) based on the received DMX value or the set ratio. For example, when the DMX value is 0 (ratio is 0%), the light source unit 21 is controlled to turn off. Also, when the DMX value is 255 (ratio is 100%), the light source unit 21 is controlled to irradiate the light of UserColor1 at the maximum dimming rate (dimming rate 100%) of UserColor1 defined in the lighting device 20. That is, when the DMX value "X" (X is a numerical value within the range of 0 to 255) is received, the light source unit 21 is controlled to irradiate the light of UserColor1 at a dimming rate of X×(100 / 255)% with respect to the maximum dimming rate of UserColor1 defined in the lighting device 20. Also, when the ratio is set to "Y%" (Y is a numerical value within the range of 0 to 100), the light source unit 21 is controlled to irradiate the light of UserColor1 at a dimming rate of Y% with respect to the maximum dimming rate of UserColor1 defined in the lighting device 20. Here, the maximum dimming rate of UserColor1 defined in the lighting device 20 is, for example, the dimming rate at which the LED having the lowest absolute maximum rated current value among the LEDs that light up when irradiating UserColor1 is driven at the absolute maximum rated current value. Note that the lighting device 20 may be configured to calculate the value obtained by multiplying the input DMX value or ratio by a correction coefficient as the target dimming rate, or may be configured to calculate the final dimming rate by multiplying the correction coefficient after obtaining the dimming rate from the input DMX value or ratio.

[0043] The control channel 2 for the function of UserColor2, the control channel 3 for the function of UserColor3, and the control channel 4 for the function of UserColor4 exhibit the same operation as the control channel 1 for the function of UserColor1. However, the control channel 2 for the function of UserColor2 functions based on the DMX value output from the console 10 by operating the operation unit 11 associated with the control channel 2, or the ratio of the control channel 2 set using the lighting setting unit 24 of the lighting device 20. Also, the control channel 3 for the function of UserColor3 functions based on the DMX value output from the console 10 by operating the operation unit 11 associated with the control channel 3, or the ratio of the control channel 3 set using the lighting setting unit 24 of the lighting device 20. Further, the control channel 4 for the function of UserColor4 functions based on the DMX value output from the console 10 by operating the operation unit 11 associated with the control channel 4, or the ratio of the control channel 4 set using the lighting setting unit 24 of the lighting device 20. Additionally, the conditions for the maximum dimming rate defined by the lighting device 20 can be set to different conditions for UserColor1 to 4. And the functions of the control channels 1 to 4 determine the UserColor irradiated from the light source unit 21 and the output (brightness) of that UserColor.

[0044] Also, in the lighting condition information shown in FIG. 5, there may be a control channel to which the function of Intensity is assigned. In this case, the control channel to which UserColor is assigned is only used for the selection of UserColor. For example, when the DMX value or ratio is 0 (0%), that UserColor is not irradiated, and when the DMX value or ratio is not 0 (0%), the light of that UserColor is irradiated. And after setting which UserColor to irradiate, the output (brightness) of the UserColor to be irradiated is set by the control channel to which the function of Intensity is assigned.

[0045] In the lighting device 20 operating in the user color mode of the lighting condition information shown in FIG. 5, the case where a DMX value or ratio greater than 0 is input in two or more control channels will be described. Here, as an example, the case where a DMX value or ratio greater than 0 is input to control channel 1 and control channel 2 will be used for description, but it is not limited to this form.

[0046] When a DMX value or ratio greater than 0 is input to two or more control channels, the lighting device 20 determines that the control channel with the larger input DMX value or ratio is valid. For example, when a DMX value of 10 is input to control channel 1 of the lighting device 20 and a DMX value of 20 is input to control channel 2, the lighting device 20 determines that control channel 2 is valid, and the light source unit 21 is controlled to emit light of UserColor2 with a brightness corresponding to the DMX value of 20.

[0047] In another form, when a DMX value or ratio greater than 0 is input to two or more control channels, the lighting device 20 determines that the control channel to which the DMX value or ratio is input later is valid. For example, in a state where a DMX value of 10 is input to control channel 1 of the lighting device 20 (at this time, the lighting device 20 may be emitting light of UserColor1 with a brightness corresponding to the DMX value of 10), when a DMX value of 20 is later input to control channel 2, the lighting device 20 determines that control channel 2 is valid, and the light source unit 21 is controlled to emit light of UserColor2 with a brightness corresponding to the DMX value of 20. (So-called, later priority) Conversely, the control channel to which the DMX value or ratio is input later may be determined to be invalid (so-called, earlier priority).

[0048] In another form, when DMX values or ratios greater than 0 are input to two or more control channels, the lighting device 20 stops emitting light from the light source unit 21, and then determines that the control channels with non-zero input values are valid. For example, when a DMX value of 10 is input to control channel 1 of the lighting device 20 and a DMX value of 20 is input to control channel 2, the lighting device 20 does not irradiate either UserColor1 assigned to control channel 1 or UserColor2 assigned to control channel 2. Then, when a non-zero DMX value (for example, a DMX value of 30) is input to control channel 2 of the lighting device 20, the lighting device 20 determines that control channel 2 is valid, and the light source unit 21 is controlled to irradiate light of UserColor2 with a brightness corresponding to the DMX value of 30. In this form, the lighting device 20 then determines that the control channels with a DMX value or ratio of 0 input are invalid, and if there is only one non-invalid control channel, it may determine that the non-invalid control channel is valid.

[0049] In another form, when DMX values or ratios greater than 0 are input to two or more control channels, the lighting device 20 irradiates the UserColor assigned to the control channel to which the DMX value greater than 0 is input as it is. When a DMX value of 10 is input to control channel 1 of the lighting device 20 and a DMX value of 20 is input to control channel 2, the lighting device 20 irradiates mixed-color light obtained by mixing UserColor1 with a brightness corresponding to the DMX value of 10 and UserColor2 with a brightness corresponding to the DMX value of 20. At this time, the lighting device 20 may create mixed-color light by rapidly flashing a plurality of UserColors so that each of the UserColors lights up at different timings.

[0050] Also, when irradiating this mixed-color light, a plurality of UserColors may be lit at the same timing. However, if there are light-emitting elements that are commonly lit when irradiating each of the plurality of UserColors, the brightness of that UserColor is adjusted according to the UserColor with the highest input DMX value or ratio. For example, when 10 DMX values are input to control channel 1 of lighting device 20 and 20 DMX values are input to control channel 2, and a blue light-emitting element is lit when irradiating UserColor1 and when irradiating UserColor2, lighting device 20 irradiates mixed-color light obtained by mixing UserColor1 with a brightness corresponding to 20 DMX values and UserColor2 with a brightness corresponding to 20 DMX values. Note that the brightness of the UserColor may be adjusted according to the UserColor with the lowest input DMX value or ratio.

[0051] Each UserColor in the above-described user color mode can be arbitrarily set (registered) by the user. The setting of the UserColor may be performed, for example, by displaying a UserColor setting screen on the display unit 25 of the lighting device 20 and setting the output of each light-emitting color (LED) provided in the lighting device 20 by operating the lighting setting unit 24 of the lighting device 20. Also, in the setting of the UserColor, it may be configured to set the current lighting conditions of the lighting device 20 as they are. That is, the lighting device 20 is controlled to light with a desired light-emitting color by operating the lighting setting unit 24 or control information from the outside, and the light-emitting color with which the lighting device 20 is currently lit is set (registered) as the UserColor by operating the lighting setting unit 24 of the lighting device 20. Also, the number of UserColors that can be selected and set in the user color mode may be 1 to 3 types or 5 types or more.

[0052] With such an operation mode and lighting condition information, the user can arbitrarily set the UserColor, and the registration order of the UserColor can also be arbitrarily set by the user, so it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in controlling the lighting device 20.

[0053] Further, another embodiment of the lighting condition information is shown in FIG. 6. The lighting condition information shown in FIG. 6 is the lighting condition information in the operation mode of the filter mode. Here, the filter refers to a color filter used to change the light color that was conventionally used in a lighting device equipped with a halogen lamp for a stage studio. Each color filter was distinguished by a filter number (#140, #16, etc.) assigned to each of them. When the lighting device 20 is configured to include a plurality of color LEDs and be capable of irradiating a plurality of different colors, it is possible to reproduce (irradiate) the light that was conventionally irradiated using a filter without using a filter. The filter mode is a mode in which the lighting device 20 reproduces (irradiates) the light color of the light that was conventionally irradiated using a lighting device equipped with a halogen lamp and a color filter. Hereinafter, the light reproduced by an LED with the light color of the light irradiated by the combination of a conventional lighting device equipped with a halogen lamp and a color filter is called a filter color. For example, the light reproduced by an LED with the light color of the light irradiated by the combination of a conventional lighting device equipped with a halogen lamp and a color filter #140 is called the filter color #140. In the filter mode, according to the output value of the control channel to which the filter function is assigned, the set filter color is irradiated from the lighting device 20. In the lighting condition information shown in FIG. 6, control is performed with two control channels.

[0054] In the lighting device 20 operating in the filter mode associated with the lighting condition information shown in FIG. 6, when receiving control information including the DMX value 0 output from the operation console 10 by operating the operation unit 11 associated with the control channel 2, or when setting the ratio of the control channel 2 to 0% using the lighting setting unit 24, the lighting device 20 refers to the lighting condition information of the currently operating filter mode stored in the lighting storage unit 22, and controls the light source unit 21 to turn off. Similarly, when receiving control information including DMX values within the range of 1 to 64, or when setting the ratio of the control channel 2 within the range of 1 to 25%, in the lighting device 20, the light source unit 21 is controlled to irradiate the filter color #140. Similarly, when receiving control information including DMX values within the range of 65 to 128, or when setting the ratio of the control channel 2 within the range of 26 to 50%, in the lighting device 20, the light source unit 21 is controlled to irradiate the filter color #16. Similarly, when receiving control information including DMX values within the range of 129 to 192, or when setting the ratio of the control channel 2 within the range of 51 to 75%, in the lighting device 20, the light source unit 21 is controlled to irradiate the filter color #22. Similarly, when receiving control information including DMX values within the range of 193 to 255, or when setting the ratio of the control channel 2 within the range of 76 to 100%, in the lighting device 20, the light source unit 21 is controlled to irradiate the filter color #31. In this way, the function of the control channel 2 determines which filter color is irradiated from the light source unit 21.

[0055] Thereafter, the function of the control channel 1 controls the output (brightness) of the filter color irradiated from the light source unit 21. Specifically, when receiving the DMX value output from the operation console 10 by operating the operation unit 11 associated with the control channel 1, or when setting the ratio of the control channel 1 using the lighting setting unit 24, in the lighting device 20, the lighting device 20 refers to the lighting condition information of the currently operating filter mode stored in the lighting storage unit 22, and controls to change the output (brightness) of the filter color irradiated from the light source unit 21 according to the received DMX value or the set ratio.

[0056] Further, a modified example of the lighting condition information in the filter mode is shown in FIG. 7. The lighting condition information shown in FIG. 7 has one filter color assigned to one control channel, and control is performed on four control channels to which different filter colors are assigned.

[0057] When the lighting fixture 20 operating in the filter mode of the lighting condition information shown in FIG. 7 receives control information including the DMX value output from the operation table 10 by the operation of the operation unit 11 associated with the control channel 1, or when the ratio of the control channel 1 is set using the lighting setting unit 24, the lighting device 20 refers to the lighting condition information of the currently operating filter mode stored in the lighting storage unit 22, and based on the received DMX value or the output (brightness) based on the set ratio, the light source unit 21 is controlled to irradiate the filter color #140. For example, when the DMX value is 0 (ratio is 0%), the light source unit 21 is controlled to turn off. Also, when the DMX value is 255 (ratio is 100%), the light source unit 21 is controlled to irradiate the filter color #140 at the maximum dimming rate (dimming rate 100%) of the filter color #140 defined in the lighting device 20. That is, when the DMX value of "X" (X is a numerical value within the range of 0 to 255) is received, the light source unit 21 is controlled to irradiate the filter color #140 at a dimming rate of X×(100 / 255)% with respect to the maximum dimming rate of the filter color #140 defined in the lighting device 20. Also, when the ratio is set to "Y%" (Y is a numerical value within the range of 0 to 100), the light source unit 21 is controlled to irradiate the filter color #140 at a dimming rate of Y% with respect to the maximum dimming rate of the filter color #140 defined in the lighting device 20. Here, the maximum dimming rate of the filter color #140 defined in the lighting device 20 is, for example, the dimming rate at which the LED having the lowest absolute maximum rated current value among the LEDs that light up when irradiating the filter color #140 is driven at the absolute maximum rated current value. Note that the lighting device 20 may be configured to calculate, as the target dimming rate, a value obtained by multiplying the input DMX value or ratio by a correction coefficient, or may be configured to calculate the final dimming rate by multiplying the correction coefficient after obtaining the dimming rate from the input DMX value or ratio.

[0058] The control channels 2 for the function of the filter color #16, the control channel 3 for the function of the filter color UserColor3 #22, and the control channel 4 for the function of the filter color #31 exhibit the same operation as the control channel 1 for the function of the filter color #140. However, the control channel 2 for the function of the filter color #16 functions based on the DMX value output from the console 10 by the operation of the operation unit 11 associated with the control channel 2, or the ratio of the control channel 2 set using the lighting setting unit 24 of the lighting device 20. Also, the control channel 3 for the function of the filter color #22 functions based on the DMX value output from the console 10 by the operation of the operation unit 11 associated with the control channel 3, or the ratio of the control channel 3 set using the lighting setting unit 24 of the lighting device 20. Also, the control channel 4 for the function of the filter color #31 functions based on the DMX value output from the console 10 by the operation of the operation unit 11 associated with the control channel 4, or the ratio of the control channel 4 set using the lighting setting unit 24 of the lighting device 20. Also, the conditions for the maximum dimming rate defined by the lighting device 20 can be set to different conditions for each filter color. And the functions of the control channels 1 to 4 determine the filter color irradiated from the light source unit 21 and the output (brightness) of that filter color.

[0059] In addition, in the lighting condition information shown in FIG. 7, there may be a control channel to which the Intensity function is assigned. In this case, the control channel to which the filter color is assigned is used only for selecting the filter color. For example, when the DMX value or ratio is 0 (0%), the filter color is not irradiated, and when the DMX value or ratio is not 0 (0%), the light of the filter color is irradiated. After setting which filter color to irradiate, the output (brightness) of the filter color to be irradiated is set by the control channel to which the Intensity function is assigned.

[0060] Note that even in the lighting device 20 operating in the filter mode of the lighting condition information shown in FIG. 7, when a DMX value or ratio greater than 0 is input in two or more control channels, it shows the same operation as the lighting device 20 operating in the user color mode of the lighting condition information shown in FIG. 5. At this time, the user color that appears in the operation of the lighting device 20 operating in the user color mode of the lighting condition information shown in FIG. 5 can be interpreted by replacing it with the filter color.

[0061] Each of the filter colors in the above-described filter mode can be arbitrarily set (registered) by the user. For example, in the lighting storage unit 22 of the lighting device 20, the filter color and the output (brightness) of each LED when irradiating the filter color are stored in association with each other, and the user can select an arbitrary filter color from the plurality of filter colors displayed on the display unit 25 of the lighting device 20 and assign it to an arbitrary control channel. In addition, the filter colors that can be selected and set in the filter mode are, for example, 19 poly colors of #16, #22, #31, #38, #41, #57, #59, #63, #64, #65, #71, #72, #77, #78, #84, #86, #87, #88, #140, but other filter colors may also be configured to be selectable and settable. Furthermore, the number of filter colors that can be selected in the filter mode may be 1 to 3 types or 5 types or more. Also, the user may arbitrarily set in which range of DMX values or ratios which filter color is irradiated.

[0062] With such operation modes and lighting condition information, it becomes possible for the user to easily irradiate the filter color. Also, since the user can arbitrarily set the filter color and can also arbitrarily set the registration order of the filter colors by the user, it becomes possible to increase the degree of freedom in controlling the lighting device 20.

[0063] Also, another embodiment of the lighting condition information is shown in FIG. 8. The lighting condition information shown in FIG. 8 is the lighting condition information in the operation mode of the fade time mode. The lighting condition information shown in FIG. 8 has the Intensity function assigned to control channel 1 and the fade time function assigned to control channel 2, and control is performed with two control channels.

[0064] The fade time is a parameter representing the transient response characteristic of the actual light output with respect to the dimming signal for changing the output of the light source unit 21 of the lighting device 20, and is a parameter representing the time characteristic during dimming of the lighting device 20. The details of the fade time will be described with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a graph showing the process from when control information (dimming signal) for changing the dimming rate to B% is input to the lighting device 20 irradiating an arbitrary light color at a dimming rate of A% until the change in the dimming rate is completed. In FIG. 9, the lighting device 20 has control information (dimming signal) input at the timing of C. Then, the transition of the dimming rate change at a fade time of 0 seconds (FT: 0 s) is represented by a dotted line, the transition of the dimming rate change at a fade time of 0.1 seconds (FT: 0.1 s) is represented by a dashed line, the transition of the dimming rate change at a fade time of 0.6 seconds (FT: 0.6 s) is represented by a one-dot chain line, and the transition of the dimming rate change at a fade time of 1.0 seconds (FT: 1.0 s) is represented by a solid line.

[0065] In the case of a fade time of 0 seconds (FT: 0 s), in the lighting device 20, the change in the dimming rate from dimming rate A% to dimming rate B% is completed in less than 0.1 second after receiving the control information (dimming signal). This less than 0.1 second can be, for example, 0.01 second or 0 second. Similarly, in the case of a fade time of 0.1 second (FT: 0.1 s), in the lighting device 20, the change in the dimming rate from dimming rate A% to dimming rate B% is completed in 0.1 second after receiving the control information (dimming signal). Similarly, in the case of a fade time of 0.6 second (FT: 0.6 s), in the lighting device 20, the change in the dimming rate from dimming rate A% to dimming rate B% is completed in 0.6 second after receiving the control information (dimming signal). Similarly, in the case of a fade time of 1.0 second (FT: 1.0 s), in the lighting device 20, the change in the dimming rate from dimming rate A% to dimming rate B% is completed in 1.0 second after receiving the control information (dimming signal). Thus, depending on the fade time, the lighting device 20 can adjust the time from receiving the control information (dimming signal) until the dimming based on that dimming signal is completed.

[0066] In the lighting device 20 operating in the fade time mode of the lighting condition information shown in FIG. 8, when receiving control information including a DMX value within the range of 0 to 40 output from the operation console 10 by the operation of the operation unit 11 associated with the control channel 2, or when setting the ratio of the control channel 2 within the range of 0 to 16% using the lighting setting unit 24, referring to the lighting condition information of the currently operating fade time mode stored in the lighting storage unit 22, the light source unit 21 is controlled to operate with a fade time of less than 0.1 seconds. Similarly, when receiving a DMX value within the range of 41 to 84 output from the operation console 10, or when setting the ratio of the control channel within the range of 17 to 33%, the light source unit 21 is controlled to operate with a fade time of 0.1 seconds. Similarly, when receiving a DMX value within the range of 85 to 128 output from the operation console 10, or when setting the ratio of the control channel within the range of 34 to 50%, the light source unit 21 is controlled to operate with a fade time of 0.3 seconds. Similarly, when receiving a DMX value within the range of 129 to 171 output from the operation console 10, or when setting the ratio of the control channel within the range of 51 to 67%, the light source unit 21 is controlled to operate with a fade time of 0.6 seconds. Similarly, when receiving a DMX value within the range of 172 to 215 output from the operation console 10, or when setting the ratio of the control channel within the range of 68 to 84%, the light source unit 21 is controlled to operate with a fade time of 1.0 seconds. Similarly, when receiving a DMX value within the range of 216 to 255 output from the operation console 10, or when setting the ratio of the control channel within the range of 85 to 100%, the light source unit 21 is controlled to operate with a fade time of 1.5 seconds.

[0067] And when the output (dimming rate) of the light source unit 21 is controlled to change by the DMX value output from the operation console 10 by the operation of the operation unit 11 associated with the control channel 1 to which the Intensity function is assigned, or by the ratio of the control channel 1 set using the lighting setting unit 24, in the lighting device 20, the light source unit 21 is controlled to satisfy the fade time condition set by the control channel 2.

[0068] Even in the lighting device 20 that uses an LED as a light source with a fast responsiveness of the light output to energization according to such an operation mode and lighting condition information, by setting the fade time, it becomes possible to turn on and off the light slowly in the same manner as a conventional lighting device using a halogen lamp. Further, the user can set a desired fade time, and the degree of freedom in controlling the lighting device 20 can be increased.

[0069] Further, a modified example of the lighting condition information in the fade time mode is shown in FIG. 10. In the lighting condition information shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of predetermined fade times are assigned to control channels, and the user selects from the plurality of predetermined fade times when setting the fade time. However, in the lighting condition information shown in FIG. 10, the user can set a fade time with an arbitrary value. In the lighting condition information shown in FIG. 10, the function of Intensity is assigned to control channel 1, and the function of the fade time is assigned to control channel 2 with DMX values 0 - 255 and ratios 0% - 100%, and control is performed with two control channels.

[0070] Then, in the lighting device 20 operating in the fade time mode of the lighting condition information shown in FIG. 10, the fade time is set according to the DMX value output from the operation console 10 by the operation of the operation unit 11 associated with control channel 2, or according to the ratio of control channel 2 set using the lighting setting unit 24. For example, when the DMX value is 255 (the ratio is 100%), the fade time is 1 second (in the case of a conversion formula that converts 255 to 1 second, or a formula that converts 100% to 1 second). At this time, according to the same conversion formula, when the DMX value is 127 (the ratio is 50%), the fade time is 0.5 second. The conversion formula is not limited to the one described above, and any formula can be applied. By adopting such a configuration that converts the output value of the control channel to the fade time, a configuration in which the user can arbitrarily set the fade time can be realized, and the degree of freedom in controlling the lighting device 20 can be increased.

[0071] Also, as shown in FIG. 9, the dimming rate variation characteristic, which is the transition line when changing the dimming rate from A to B, may have a constant (linear) change amount per unit time, or may not have a constant change amount per unit time. When the change amount per unit time is not constant, for example, it changes following a transition line like an exponential curve from the dimming rate A% to B%. The dimming rate variation characteristic may be predetermined or may be configured to be arbitrarily set by the user. When it can be arbitrarily set by the user, for example, it is realized by assigning the dimming rate variation characteristic to a control channel. For example, when the DMX value output by the operation unit 11 associated with the control channel to which the dimming rate variation characteristic is assigned is 0 to 127, or when the ratio of the dimming rate variation characteristic function set using the lighting setting unit 24 is 0 to 50%, it may be configured to be set to a straight line (linear), and when the DMX value is 128 to 255 (when the ratio is 51% to 100%), it may be configured to be set to a curve (exponential curve). Note that there may be three or more types of configurable dimming rate variation characteristics.

[0072] Further, another embodiment of the lighting condition information is shown in FIG. 11. The lighting condition information shown in FIG. 11 is lighting condition information in an operation mode of a fade strobe mode (hereinafter, FS mode) having a fade time function and a strobe function. The strobe function is a function of flashing the light source unit 21 at high speed. In the lighting device 20 operating in the FS mode of the lighting condition information shown in FIG. 12, when receiving control information including a DMX value within the range of 0 to 127 output from the operation console 10 by the operation of the operation unit 11 associated with the control channel 3, or when setting the ratio of the control channel 3 within the range of 0 to 50% using the lighting setting unit 24, referring to the lighting condition information of the currently operating FS mode stored in the lighting storage unit 22, the light source unit 21 is controlled to operate without a strobe. Similarly, when receiving a DMX value within the range of 128 to 255 output from the operation console 10, or when setting the ratio of the control channel within the range of 51 to 100%, the light source unit 21 is controlled to operate with a strobe. Note that the strobe operation includes a normal strobe that lights and extinguishes like a periodic rectangular wave, an opening pulse strobe that takes time to rise (when lighting), a closing pulse strobe that takes time to fall (when extinguishing), a random strobe that lights and extinguishes like a random rectangular wave, and the like. Which strobe operation to select may be configured to be set according to the DMX value or the ratio.

[0073] In the lighting device 20 operating in the FS mode of the lighting condition information shown in FIG. 12, when control information enabling the strobe function is input to the control channel 3, regardless of the DMX value or ratio input to the control channel 2 to which the fade time is assigned, the strobe function is executed with priority. For example, when the fade time is set to 1 second by the control channel 2 and the opening pulse strobe that takes 0.5 seconds to rise is enabled by the control channel 3, in the lighting device 20, the light source unit 21 is controlled to operate with the opening pulse strobe that takes 0.5 seconds to rise. Thus, depending on the state of the control channel to which a function different from the fade time is assigned, the set fade time may be configured not to function. Here, the function different from the fade time corresponds to a function including elements of the rise time or the fall time, such as the strobe function.

[0074] Next, the control flow of the lighting device 20 in the lighting system 1 of the present embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, for the sake of simplicity of explanation, the control flow when controlling one lighting device 20 using one operation console 10 will be described.

[0075] First, the DMX address of the lighting device 20 is set. The user sets the DMX address by operating the lighting setting unit 24 while checking the display on the display unit 25 in the lighting device 20, or by using dip switches. As the DMX address, an integer from "1" to "512" can be set.

[0076] Next, the mode of the lighting device 20 is set. The user operates the lighting setting unit 24 while checking the display on the display unit 25 in the lighting device 20 to set the mode of the lighting device 20. The modes set in the lighting device 20 are, for example, a control mode and an operation mode. There are two types of control modes: a DMX mode and a manual mode. In the DMX mode, the lighting device 20 is remotely controlled by control information including DMX values transmitted from the console 10 based on the operation of the operation unit 11 of the console 10. In the manual mode, the lighting device 20 is locally controlled based on control information including the ratio input by the lighting setting unit 24. The operation modes include the IRGB mode, user color mode, filter mode, fade time mode, etc. introduced in the lighting condition information. A plurality of operation modes are provided for each of the DMX mode and the manual mode. After selecting the control mode, the operation mode is selected. By selecting the control mode and the operation mode, the lighting condition information to be referred to when control information is input to the lighting device 20 is specified.

[0077] Next, on the console 10, using the dimmer console setting unit, assignment information for the fader identification information of the operation unit 11 and the control channel is created (patching operation). When using the default assignment information stored in the console storage unit 12, it is not necessary to create this assignment information. In the following, as the default assignment information or the created assignment information, it is assumed that the console storage unit 12 of the console 10 stores the assignment information shown in FIG. 12 for explanation. That is, the console 10 is provided with four faders. The control channel "1" is assigned to the fader with the fader identification number F1, the control channel "2" is assigned to the fader with the fader identification number F2, the control channel "3" is assigned to the fader with the fader identification number F3, and the control channel "4" is assigned to the fader with the fader identification number F4. Then, for example, when the operation unit 11 (the fader with the fader identification number F1) to which the control channel "1" of the console 10 is assigned is operated, control information including the DMX value corresponding to the operation is transmitted toward the control channel "1" of the lighting device 20.

[0078] In addition, the DMX address setting of the lighting device 20, the mode setting of the lighting device 20, and the creation of the assignment information of the operation unit 11 described above may be executed in any order.

[0079] And in the control of the lighting device 20, the flow on the lighting device 20 side is shown in FIG. 13. First, the control information transmitted from the operation console 10 is received by the control unit 23 of the lighting device 20 (step S1). At this time, when the control mode is the manual mode and the control information is input by the lighting setting unit 24, since it is obvious that it is control information for itself, the control unit 23 directly receives it and the next step is performed. And when the control mode is the DMX mode and the control information is transmitted from the operation console 10, the control unit 23 determines whether to perform control based on the received control information. Note that the control information transmitted from the operation console 10 is received by, for example, the lighting communication unit of the lighting device 20, and the control unit 23 receives the control information from the lighting communication unit.

[0080] When the control mode is the DMX mode and the control information is transmitted from the operation console 10, the control unit 23 compares the DMX address and the operation mode of its own lighting device 20 with the destination of the control signal transmitted from the operation console 10, and determines whether to perform control based on the control information. At this time, the control unit 23 determines to perform control if the control information transmitted to the control channels is only for the control channels used for control in the operating mode in operation, based on the DMX address of the self-illumination device 20. Specifically, for example, when the DMX address of the illumination device 20 is "1" and it is operating in the DMX mode and the IRGB mode shown in FIG. 3, since it is defined to use four control channels in the IRGB mode, if the control information is from the operation unit 11 to which the control channels "1" to "4" are assigned, control based on the control information is performed, and if the control information is from the operation unit 11 to which control channels of "5" or more are assigned, control based on the control information is not performed. For example, when the DMX address of the illumination device 20 is "7" and it is operating in the DMX mode and the IRGB mode shown in FIG. 3, if the control information is from the operation unit 11 to which the control channels "71" to "10" are assigned, control based on the control information is performed.

[0081] Next, the control unit 23 determines the control content (step S2). Here, the control unit 23 refers to the lighting condition information of the currently operating operation mode stored in the lighting storage unit 22 to determine the control content. Specifically, for example, when the DMX address of the lighting device 20 is "1", it is operating in the DMX mode and the IRGB mode shown in FIG. 3, and the control unit 23 receives control information based on the operation of the operation unit 11 (fader with fader identification number F1) to which the control channel "1" of the operation console 10 is assigned. Then, the control unit 23 refers to the lighting condition information of the currently operating IRGB mode stored in the lighting storage unit 22 and determines that it is the control information for Intensity of control channel 1. Similarly, when receiving control information based on the operation of the operation unit 11 to which the control channel "2" is assigned, it is determined as the control information for RED of control channel 2. Similarly, when receiving control information based on the operation of the operation unit 11 to which the control channel "3" is assigned, it is determined as the control information for Green of control channel 3. Similarly, when receiving control information based on the operation of the operation unit 11 to which the control channel "4" is assigned, it is determined as the control information for Blue of control channel 4. Then, according to the DMX value based on the operation of each operation unit 11 or the ratio input by the lighting setting unit 24, the control content is determined by referring to the function of the target control channel.

[0082] Then, next, the control unit 23 transmits the determined control content to the power supply unit 26 as a control command (step S3). The power supply unit 26 that has received the control command controls the power supplied to the light source unit 21 based on the control command (step S4). Then, the light source unit 21 irradiates light based on the power. When a fade time is set as the operation mode, the control unit 23 transmits, for example, a control command including the set fade time information to the power supply unit 26. Then, the fade time is realized by changing the amount of power supplied from the power supply unit 26 to the light source unit 21 and its timing based on the fade time information. That is, the fade time is realized by the adjustment in step S4. Note that the fade time may also be realized by the adjustment in step S3. In this case, the control unit 23 adjusts the control command transmitted to the power supply unit 26 and its timing based on the set fade time information.

[0083] In the above-described embodiment, the IRGB mode, the user color mode, the filter mode, the fade time mode, and the operation mode were finely subdivided, but these modes may be configured by being grouped into one mode. Also, at this time, the user may arbitrarily set which function is assigned to the control channel of that mode. By configuring the lighting device 20 in this way, the user can group only the functions they want to use into one mode, so the degree of freedom of control can be increased.

[0084] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and its equivalent scope.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0085] 1 Lighting system 10 Operation console 11 Operation unit 12 Operation desk memory unit 13 Operation desk setting unit 20 Lighting device 21 Light source unit 22 Lighting memory unit 23 Control unit 24 Lighting setting unit 25 Display unit 26 Power supply unit

Claims

1. A light source unit including a light emitting element; A storage unit that stores lighting condition information associating a fade time indicating the time characteristics during dimming of the light source unit according to an input value with a first control channel; A control unit that determines the fade time by referring to the lighting condition information stored in the storage unit according to an input value to the first control channel, and controls lighting of the light source unit so as to satisfy the fade time. The lighting device is characterized in that: The lighting condition information stored in the storage unit includes a plurality of pieces of information associating an input value according to an operation ratio of one operation unit with a fade time.

2. The lighting condition information stores an output of a first function according to an input value in association with a second control channel, The control unit is characterized in that when the first function is controlled in a predetermined state according to an input value to the second control channel, the fade time determined according to the input value to the first control channel is not reflected in the control. The lighting device according to Claim 1.

3. A lighting device; An operation unit capable of inputting an input value according to an operation ratio; A storage unit that stores, as lighting condition information, a plurality of pieces of information associating an input value according to an operation ratio of the operation unit with a fade time indicating the time characteristics during dimming of the lighting device with a first control channel; A control unit that determines the fade time by referring to the lighting condition information stored in the storage unit based on the input value according to the operation ratio of the operation unit to the first control channel, and controls lighting of the lighting device so as to satisfy the fade time. The lighting system is characterized by: Comprising the above.

Images