Lighting control device and lighting control system

Abstract

To obtain a lighting control device and a lighting control system that enable intuitive setting of lighting devices.SOLUTION: A lighting control device according to the present disclosure includes an operation unit through which a user performs input operations to indicate the lighting state of a lighting device, a control unit that controls the lighting state of the lighting device in accordance with the input operations, and a status display unit that displays a symbolic image of the lighting device indicating the lighting state of the lighting device in accordance with the input operations, and is configured such that the symbolic image changes in conjunction with the input operations.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lighting control device and a lighting control system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a control system that aims to improve ease of brightness adjustment. This control system generates illumination light of a predetermined color by adjusting the intensity of multiple colors of light emitted from a light source unit based on multiple brightness levels. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-130143 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a lighting control system such as that described in Patent Document 1, lighting fixtures, sensors, switches, etc. may be configured on a World Wide Web (WEB) screen using a network-connected personal computer (PC). Such configuration screens are often designed for engineers. In addition, lighting fixtures, etc. may be configured using a tablet device or the like. When configuring lighting fixtures, etc. using a tablet device, it is expected that general users will also use the configuration screen to configure the settings. For this reason, a system that allows intuitive configuration is desired.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a lighting control device and a lighting control system that allow intuitive settings for lighting fixtures. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The lighting control device according to the present disclosure comprises an operation unit through which a user performs input operations to indicate the lighting state of a lighting device, a control unit that controls the lighting state of the lighting device in accordance with the input operation, and a status display unit that displays a symbolic image of the lighting device indicating the lighting state of the lighting device in accordance with the input operation, and is configured so that the symbolic image changes in conjunction with the input operation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the lighting control device of the present disclosure, the symbol image changes in response to an input operation, allowing intuitive setting of lighting devices. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a lighting control system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a functional block diagram of a lighting control device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 2 is a diagram illustrating a screen configuration of the lighting control device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the lighting control system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating changes in a symbol image in response to operations on an operation unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating changes in a symbol image in response to operations on an operation unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a selection unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a selection unit according to a modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an operation unit according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a change in a symbol image according to a modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a symbol image according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state display unit according to a modified example of the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A lighting control device and a lighting control system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding components are designated by the same reference numerals, and repeated description may be omitted.

[0010] Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a lighting control system 100 according to a first embodiment. The lighting control system 100 includes a lighting control device 10 and one or more lighting fixtures 30. The lighting control device 10 is, for example, a tablet device or a smartphone. The lighting control device 10 and the lighting fixtures 30 communicate via wireless communication 60. The lighting control device 10 and the lighting fixtures 30 may also communicate via other devices such as a server or a lighting controller. The lighting control device 10 and the lighting fixtures 30 may also communicate via a wired connection.

[0011] Lighting control systems are typically designed specifically for each company. Therefore, communication between lighting control devices, lighting controllers, lighting fixtures, etc. is typically performed via a wired local area network (LAN), a dedicated communication line, or a 920 MHz specific low-power radio. In this embodiment, it is preferable to use, for example, a general-purpose tablet device as the lighting control device 10 so that the lighting controller, lighting fixtures 30, etc. can be configured. In this case, the lighting control system 100 may be configured by installing a unit capable of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication in the lighting fixtures 30, etc., and communicating between the lighting control device 10 and the lighting fixtures 30, etc., via BLE communication. Operation from the lighting control device 10 may include, for example, individual control, group control, and scene control of the lighting fixtures 30.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of lighting control device 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the screen configuration of lighting control device 10 according to the first embodiment. Lighting control device 10 includes operation unit 10a through which a user performs input operations to instruct the lighting state of lighting fixture 30. Control unit 10b controls the lighting state of lighting fixture 30 by transmitting a control signal to lighting fixture 30 via communication unit 10e via wireless communication 60 in response to input operations on operation unit 10a. Status display unit 10c displays a symbolic image 50 of lighting fixture 30. Symbolic image 50 is an image that indicates the lighting state of lighting fixture 30 in response to input operations on operation unit 10a. Furthermore, a user selects a lighting fixture 30 to be controlled using selection unit 10d. Memory unit 10f stores information about each device, programs executed by control unit 10b, and the like.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 3, the operation unit 10a, the status display unit 10c, and the selection unit 10d are provided on a screen 12 of the lighting control device 10. The screen 12 is, for example, a touch panel. The control unit 10b can be configured with one or more processing devices such as a microcomputer or a processor. The communication unit 10e can be configured with, for example, a communication device for BLE communication. The storage unit 10f can be configured with one or more memories.

[0014] Next, the control of this embodiment will be described in detail. First, a user launches a lighting control application on lighting control device 10. When the application is launched for the first time, there is no information about lighting fixtures 30 or the like. Therefore, lighting control device 10 communicates with devices such as lighting fixtures 30 via wireless communication 60, acquires information about each device, and connects lighting control device 10 to each device. The device information is stored in memory unit 10f.

[0015] The devices in the lighting control system 100 may include, for example, lighting fixtures 30, relay devices, PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) devices, sensor devices, and gateway devices. Device information acquired by the lighting control device 10 includes, for example, identification information for identifying the device, the device's MAC address, and product specifications. Product specifications include, for example, whether the device has a dimming control function, whether the device has a color temperature control function, and the range of dimming rate or color temperature change.

[0016] The control unit 10b of the lighting control device 10 obtains the symbol image 50 based on the information obtained from each device and displays it on the status display unit 10c. For example, the control unit 10b may automatically obtain the symbol image 50 that matches the identification information of the lighting fixture 30, thereby linking the lighting fixture 30 to the symbol image. The lighting control device 10 may also obtain the symbol image 50 via the Internet, etc., based on the product model number. The lighting control device 10 may also obtain the symbol image 50 from product information stored in an application.

[0017] The user may also be able to select a symbolic image 50 for lighting fixture 30. That is, the user may import any image data into lighting control device 10 and set it as symbolic image 50. Symbolic image 50 is stored in memory unit 10f.

[0018] Additionally, floor information including information about the number of floors and floors of the facility where the lighting control system 100 is installed must be set in the lighting control device 10. Additionally, group information including information about the devices belonging to each group and the group name must be set in the lighting control device 10. Here, it is assumed that the floor information and group information are set in advance. For example, a user may tap the icon of each device displayed on the lighting control device 10 to assign information such as the hierarchy, group name, etc. to each device. In this way, the floor information and group information can be set.

[0019] When the application is started for the second time or later, that is, when the information of each device has already been imported into the application, the symbol image 50 etc. is displayed on the screen 12 of the lighting control device 10 based on the information in the memory unit 10f. Alternatively, a setting information file created in another device may be imported into the lighting control device 10 without performing the above setting work.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of lighting control system 100 according to embodiment 1. After completing the above setting work, the user operates selector 10d on screen 12 to select the floor and group to be controlled (step 1). This causes controller 10b to display symbolic images 50 of lighting fixtures 30 belonging to the selected group on status display unit 10c. Symbolic images 50 are, for example, images of lighting fixtures 30, or images or illustrations that resemble lighting fixtures 30. Symbolic images 50 may also be images that simply represent the shape or structure of lighting fixtures 30. Note that selector 10d may also be able to select individual lighting fixtures 30, rather than just groups. In the example of FIG. 3, 3F is selected as the floor and conference room A as the group.

[0021] Next, the user operates operation unit 10a on screen 12 to perform input operations such as turning on / off the lights, adjusting the dimming rate, adjusting the color temperature, and adjusting the scene (step 2). In response to the input operation on operation unit 10a, controller 10b sends a control signal to lighting device 30 via communication unit 10e (step 2). Next, the lighting state of lighting device 30 selected in step 1 changes in response to the control signal (step 3). Next, controller 10b changes the color temperature or dimming rate of symbolic image 50 in response to the operation of operation unit 10a in step 2. Note that symbolic image 50 may change before the lighting state of lighting device 30 changes.

[0022] In this way, lighting control device 10 of the present embodiment is configured so that symbolic image 50 changes in response to user input operations. That is, input values ​​such as dimming rate and color temperature from operation unit 10a are reflected in symbolic image 50. This allows the user to intuitively configure lighting device 30 settings.

[0023] Additionally, the lighting control device 10 displays the floors or groups to be set together on the left side of the screen 12. This makes it easy for the user to understand the setting targets. Furthermore, the operation unit 12a in the lower right of the screen 12 visually displays the information to be set, and the switches are designed to be intuitively easy to operate. Additionally, the status display unit 10c in the upper right of the screen 12 shows the lighting status of the lighting fixtures 30 so that the results of operating the switches can be seen. This allows the user to intuitively grasp the actual brightness or color of the lighting as a result of input operations.

[0024] Furthermore, on the screen 12, the status display section 10c is provided above the operation section 10a. This prevents the status display section 10c from being hidden by the hand when operating a switch, etc. Therefore, the user can grasp changes in the symbol image 50 in real time while operating the switch, improving operability.

[0025] 5 and 6 are diagrams illustrating changes in a symbolic image in response to operation of operation unit 10a according to the first embodiment. As described above, the input operation involves inputting, for example, the dimming rate or color temperature of lighting device 30. Operation unit 10a may include, for example, bars 10a1 and 10a2 for inputting the dimming rate or color temperature of lighting device 30. The user inputs the dimming rate or color temperature by sliding bars 10a1 and 10a2. This allows the user to control the dimming rate or color temperature at any level by touch operation. For example, bar 10a2 may be used to set the color temperature in 100K increments. In the example of FIGS. 5 and 6, the dimming rate is reduced from 40% to 0% by operating bar 10a1. In response to this, the dimming rate of symbolic image 50 is reduced from 40% to 0%.

[0026] Operation unit 10a also has selection unit 10a3 for selecting a scene, switch 10a4 for selecting whether to turn the sensor on or off, light switch 10a5, and light-off switch 10a6. Note that the configuration of operation unit 10a shown in Figures 5 and 6 is an example.

[0027] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a selection unit 10d according to the first embodiment. The selection unit 10d is configured so that, for example, each of the floors and groups to be controlled can be selected using a dial. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a selection unit 10d according to a modified example of the first embodiment. The dial may display information related to the floor number and floor together. In the example of FIG. 8, one dial can be used to select the 1st floor north side, the 1st floor south side, etc.

[0028] Note that each floor or group must be associated in advance with the symbolic image 50 of the lighting fixtures 30 installed on that floor or group. When the dial of the selection unit 10d is stopped and the floor, group, etc. to be controlled is determined, the symbolic image 50 corresponding to the selected floor or group is displayed on the status display unit 10c. The selection unit 10d allows the symbolic image 50 to be displayed easily and flexibly.

[0029] Furthermore, operation unit 10a changes depending on the type of lighting fixture 30 to be controlled. That is, the display / hide of items such as bars 10a1, 10a2, selection unit 10a3, switch 10a4, on switch 10a5, and off switch 10a6 changes depending on the function of lighting fixture 30 selected by selection unit 10d. For example, for lighting fixtures 30 that cannot control the dimming rate, color temperature, or both, one or both of bars 10a1 and 10a2 are not displayed. Furthermore, selection unit 10d is displayed depending on whether the lighting fixture 30 has a scene function, and switch 10a4 is displayed depending on whether the lighting fixture 30 has a sensor function. Furthermore, the options of selection unit 10a3 may change depending on the function of lighting fixture 30.

[0030] 9 is a diagram showing operation unit 10a according to a variation of embodiment 1. For example, if lighting device 30 to be controlled has its own operation method, operation unit 10a may display its own operation section 10a7 in accordance with the unique operation method.

[0031] As a result, a consistent operating UI (User Interface) image can be provided for a wide variety of lighting fixtures 30.

[0032] The operation of the bars 10a1 and 10a2 for adjusting brightness and color shown in Fig. 5 will be further described. The symbolic image 50 may change simultaneously with the operation of the bars 10a1 and 10a2. In other words, the control unit 10b may change the brightness or color of the symbolic image 50 almost simultaneously with the user touching and sliding the bar 10a1 or 10a2 with their finger. This allows the symbolic image 50 to change in conjunction with the operation of the finger, allowing the user to instantly and accurately recognize the brightness, color, etc. that they wish to change.

[0033] Also, a delay may be provided in the change of the symbolic image 50 in response to the sliding of the bars 10a1 and 10a2. That is, the control unit 10b may change the brightness or color of the symbolic image 50 with a short delay after the user touches and slides the bar 10a1 or 10a2 with their finger. In this case, when the user stops the slide, the change of the symbolic image 50 ends at the point of stoppage. That is, there is no delay between the stoppage of the slide and the end of the change of the symbolic image 50.

[0034] It is expected that there will be a discrepancy between the finger operation and the user's recognition of the symbolic image 50. In other words, there may be a delay in the user's recognition of the symbolic image 50 relative to the finger movement. In this case, too, by providing a delay, it is possible to stop the change in lighting device 30 at the desired brightness or color. It is also possible to prevent the symbolic image 50 from changing due to slight finger operation. In other words, it is possible to prevent erroneous operation. It is also possible for the user to set whether or not to provide a delay, and the amount of the delay. By adjusting the timing of the change in the symbolic image 50, it is possible to provide an easy-to-use operation unit 10a.

[0035] Furthermore, if the sliding speed of the bar 10a1 or 10a2 is faster than a predetermined speed, a delay may be provided in the change of the symbolic image 50 relative to the sliding, and the change of the symbolic image 50 may end when the user stops the sliding. For example, if the length of the bar is 30 mm and the time it takes to slide 30 mm is 0.5 seconds or less, a delay may be provided. If the time is longer than 0.5 seconds, no delay may be provided, and the symbolic image 50 may change almost simultaneously with the sliding.

[0036] This prevents the brightness or color you want to set from being exceeded due to too fast finger operation. Also, when the bar operation is slow, the symbol image 50 is changed linearly in real time, making it easier to fine-tune the brightness or color.

[0037] Also, if the bar is operated too quickly, the brightness or color of the LCD screen may not change quickly enough. For this reason, if the bar is slid faster than a predetermined speed, the symbolic image 50 may change in steps rather than linearly. By changing the symbolic image 50 at a speed corresponding to the response speed of the LCD screen in this way, the symbolic image 50 can be displayed with the brightness or color that the user desires.

[0038] The length of the bar varies depending on the screen size of the tablet device, the specifications of the application, etc. The above length is an example. The bar length can be 80 mm, 100 mm, 15 mm, etc.

[0039] Next, we will explain how lighting device 30 is controlled by bar 10a1 or bar 10a2. Controller 10b may change the illumination state of lighting device 30 in response to changes in the position of bar 10a1 or bar 10a2. In other words, lighting device 30 may change its illumination state to track the point of the bar. This allows lighting device 30 to be controlled in real time even if a temporary communication failure occurs while operating the bar.

[0040] Controller 10b may also change the illumination state of lighting device 30 when the user's finger is removed from bar 10a1 or bar 10a2. This reduces the number of commands sent from communication unit 10e and mitigates the risk of system downtime. The user may be able to select between control that tracks the bar point and control that occurs when the finger is removed.

[0041] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating changes in the symbolic image 50 according to a modification of the first embodiment. Instead of the entire symbolic image 50, only the portion of the symbolic image 50 corresponding to the light source may change in response to an input operation. This allows the symbolic image 50 to produce a realistic image that is close to the actual lighting state. The symbolic image 50 may change while fading both the dimming rate and color temperature. Furthermore, in addition to the portion of the symbolic image 50 corresponding to the light source, the light image around the light source may also change in response to an input operation.

[0042] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating examples of symbolic images 50 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11(a) shows an example of symbolic image 50 when lighting fixture 30 is a straight tube fixture. FIG. 11(b) shows an example of symbolic image 50 when lighting fixture 30 is a downlight. FIG. 11(c) shows an example of symbolic image 50 when lighting fixture 30 is a light that simulates a blue sky. FIG. 11(d) shows an example of symbolic image 50 when lighting fixture 30 is a high-ceiling fixture. FIG. 11(e) shows an example of symbolic image 50 when lighting fixture 30 is a square light. In this way, it is a good idea to prepare a variety of symbolic images 50.

[0043] By preparing a symbolic image 50 that is appropriate for the lighting fixture 30 to be controlled and changing the part of the symbolic image 50 that corresponds to the light source, the user can more easily understand the status of the lighting fixture 30.

[0044] Although the present embodiment has been described with reference to an example in which one symbolic image 50 is displayed, multiple symbolic images 50 may be displayed on the status display unit 10c. For example, multiple symbolic images 50 may be displayed when the selected group includes multiple types of lighting fixtures 30.

[0045] 12 is a diagram illustrating a status display unit 10c according to a variation of the first embodiment. The status display unit 10c may display symbolic images 50 of multiple lighting fixtures 30 according to the layout of the multiple lighting fixtures 30. That is, the symbolic images 50 may be displayed as a lighting arrangement diagram or a layout diagram of lighting-related devices. This allows the user to grasp the locations of the lighting fixtures 30.

[0046] The technical features described in this embodiment may be used in appropriate combination.

[0047] Various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices. (Appendix 1) an operation unit through which a user performs an input operation to instruct the lighting state of the lighting device; a control unit that controls the lighting state of the lighting device in response to the input operation; a status display unit that displays a symbolic image of the lighting device indicating the lighting state of the lighting device in response to the input operation; Equipped with A lighting control device, characterized in that the symbolic image is configured to change in conjunction with the input operation. (Appendix 2) 2. A lighting control device according to claim 1, further comprising a selection unit that enables a user to select a lighting fixture to be controlled. (Appendix 3) The lighting control device described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, characterized in that the operation unit and the status display unit are provided on a screen of the lighting control device. (Appendix 4) The lighting control device described in Appendix 3, characterized in that on the screen, the status display unit is provided above the operation unit. (Appendix 5) The input operation includes inputting a dimming rate or a color temperature of the lighting device; A lighting control device described in any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 4, characterized in that the dimming rate or color temperature of the symbolic image changes in conjunction with the input operation. (Appendix 6) the operation unit has a bar for inputting a dimming rate or a color temperature of the lighting device, 6. The lighting control device according to claim 5, wherein the dimming rate or color temperature is input by sliding the bar. (Appendix 7) A delay is provided between the change of the symbolic image in response to the sliding of the bar, The lighting control device described in Appendix 6, characterized in that when the user stops the slide, the change of the symbolic image ends at the point of said stopping. (Appendix 8) If the speed of the sliding of the bar is faster than a predetermined speed, a delay is provided in the change of the symbolic image in response to the sliding of the bar; The lighting control device described in Appendix 6, characterized in that when the user stops the slide, the change of the symbolic image ends at the point of said stopping. (Appendix 9) The lighting control device described in any one of Supplementary Note 6 to Supplementary Note 8, characterized in that the control unit changes the lighting state of the lighting device in conjunction with changes in the position of the bar. (Appendix 10) The lighting control device described in any one of Appendix 6 to Appendix 8, characterized in that the control unit changes the lighting state of the lighting device when the user's finger is removed from the bar. (Appendix 11) The lighting control device of any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 10, characterized in that the control unit links the lighting fixture with the symbolic image based on identification information of the lighting fixture. (Appendix 12) 12. A lighting control device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a user can select the symbolic image of the lighting fixture. (Appendix 13) 13. The lighting control device according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit changes depending on the type of the lighting fixture. (Appendix 14) A lighting control device described in any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 13, characterized in that a part of the symbolic image corresponding to a light source changes in conjunction with the input operation. (Appendix 15) A lighting control device described in any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 14, characterized in that the status display unit displays symbolic images of the plurality of lighting fixtures according to the layout of the plurality of lighting fixtures. (Appendix 16) A lighting control device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 15; The lighting fixture; A lighting control system comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 10 lighting control device, 10a operation unit, 10a1, 10a2 bar, 10a3 selection unit, 10a4 switch, 10a5 on switch, 10a6 off switch, 10a7 operation unit, 10b control unit, 10c status display unit, 10d selection unit, 10e communication unit, 10f memory unit, 12 screen, 12a operation unit, 30 lighting fixture, 50 symbolic image, 60 wireless communication, 100 lighting control system

Claims

1. an operation unit through which a user performs an input operation to instruct the lighting state of the lighting device; a control unit that controls the lighting state of the lighting device in response to the input operation; a status display unit that displays a symbolic image of the lighting device indicating the lighting state of the lighting device in response to the input operation; Equipped with A lighting control device characterized in that the symbolic image is configured to change in conjunction with the input operation.

2. The lighting control device according to claim 1 , further comprising a selection unit for allowing a user to select a lighting fixture to be controlled.

3. 3. The lighting control device according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit and the status display unit are provided on a screen of the lighting control device.

4. The lighting control device according to claim 3 , wherein the status display unit is provided above the operation unit on the screen.

5. The input operation includes inputting a dimming rate or a color temperature of the lighting device; 3. The lighting control device according to claim 1, wherein a dimming rate or a color temperature of the symbolic image is changed in response to the input operation.

6. the operation unit has a bar for inputting a dimming rate or a color temperature of the lighting device, The lighting control device according to claim 5, wherein the dimming rate or color temperature is input by sliding the bar.

7. A delay is provided between the change of the symbolic image in response to the sliding of the bar, The lighting control device according to claim 6, wherein when the user stops the slide, the change of the symbolic image ends at the point of said stopping.

8. If the speed of the sliding of the bar is faster than a predetermined speed, a delay is provided in the change of the symbolic image in response to the sliding of the bar; The lighting control device according to claim 6, wherein when the user stops the slide, the change of the symbolic image ends at the point of said stopping.

9. The lighting control device according to claim 6 , wherein the control unit changes the lighting state of the lighting fixture in response to a change in the position of the bar.

10. The lighting control device according to claim 6 , wherein the control unit changes the lighting state of the lighting device when the user's finger is removed from the bar.

11. The lighting control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit associates the lighting fixture with the symbolic image based on identification information of the lighting fixture.

12. 3. The lighting control device according to claim 1, wherein a user can select the symbolic image of the lighting fixture.

13. The lighting control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the operation unit changes depending on the type of the lighting fixture.

14. 3. The lighting control device according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the symbolic image corresponding to the light source changes in response to the input operation.

15. 3. The lighting control device according to claim 1, wherein the status display unit displays symbolic images of the plurality of lighting fixtures in accordance with a layout of the plurality of lighting fixtures.

16. The lighting control device according to claim 1 or 2; The lighting fixture; A lighting control system comprising:

Images