Lighting control device, and selection support method

Abstract

To support grasp of a lighting device installed in a lighting space.SOLUTION: According to one example of this application, a terminal device includes a determination part, a decision part, and a display control part. The determination part determines whether there are a plurality of lighting devices selected by a prescribed operation in the case of receiving prescribed operation for selecting lighting devices from an operator in a simulated space image that simulatively shows a lighting space in which lighting devices are installed. The decision part decides a lighting device to be a control object from among a plurality of lighting devices 10 according to a series of operations received from the operator when the determination part determines that there are the plurality of lighting devices 10. The display control part displays image information corresponding to the lighting device determined to be the control object by the decision part in the simulated space image in a prescribed display mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there are dimming control consoles that can remotely control multiple lighting devices installed in lighting spaces such as theaters, stages, studios, etc. Also, a technology has been disclosed for the dimming control console that allows the user to grasp the current dimming status by displaying an image of the lighting devices and art sets arranged in the lighting space as seen from a specific viewpoint. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-69423 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the conventional technology, there is room for improvement in allowing a user to properly grasp the lighting devices installed in the lighting space, for example, when a plurality of lighting devices overlap when viewed from a viewpoint position.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure proposes a lighting control device and a selection support method that can support the identification of lighting devices installed in a lighting space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A lighting control device according to an embodiment includes a determination unit, a decision unit, and a display control unit. When the determination unit receives a predetermined operation from an operator to select a lighting device in a simulated space image that simulates an illumination space in which lighting devices are installed, the determination unit determines whether there are multiple lighting devices that can be selected by the predetermined operation. When the determination unit determines that there are multiple lighting devices 10, the decision unit determines a lighting device to be controlled from among the multiple lighting devices 10 in accordance with a series of operations received from the operator. The display control unit displays image information corresponding to the lighting device determined as the lighting device to be controlled by the decision unit in a predetermined display format in the simulated space image. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a lighting control system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of display of information related to the lighting device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of icon display according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a series of operation examples (part 1) when selecting an object according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a second example of a series of operations when selecting an object according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a search direction change operation when selecting a target according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a light control operation according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the terminal device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting information regarding setting of a search direction when selecting a target according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure by the terminal device according to the embodiment. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an operation for collectively selecting a plurality of lighting devices as targets to be controlled. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an operation for collectively excluding a plurality of lighting devices from the control targets. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an operation for individually selecting a plurality of lighting devices. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of an operation for selecting a group to which a plurality of lighting devices belong. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Terminal device 30, which is an example of a lighting control device according to an embodiment described below, includes a determination unit 353, a decision unit 354, and a display control unit 355. When the determination unit 353 receives a predetermined operation from an operator to select a lighting device 10 in a simulated space image that simulates an illumination space in which the lighting device 10 is installed, the determination unit 353 determines whether there are multiple lighting devices 10 that can be selected by the predetermined operation. When the determination unit 353 determines that there are multiple lighting devices 10, the decision unit 354 decides, in accordance with a series of operations received from the operator, which lighting device 10 is to be controlled, from among the multiple lighting devices 10. The display control unit 355 displays image information corresponding to the lighting device 10 decided as the control target by the decision unit 354 in a predetermined display format in the simulated space image.

[0009] Furthermore, in the terminal device 30 according to the embodiment, the decision unit 354 selects all of the lighting devices 10 as candidates for control, and then decides whether to exclude each of the lighting devices 10 selected as candidates for control from the list of lighting devices to be controlled.

[0010] Furthermore, in the terminal device 30 according to the embodiment, when the decision unit 354 receives a first operation in a first direction from the operator, it further selects one of all the lighting devices 10 that have been selected as control candidates from among the control candidates, and then, when it receives a second operation from the operator that is an operation in a second direction different from the first direction and follows the first operation, it decides that the lighting device 10 that has been selected among the control candidates by the first operation is the lighting device 10 to be excluded from the lighting device 10 to be controlled.

[0011] Furthermore, in the terminal device 30 according to the embodiment, the decision unit 354 accepts the first operation and the second operation through an operation guide for assisting the operator in intuitive operation in the first direction and the second direction.

[0012] Furthermore, in the terminal device 30 according to the embodiment, when the determining unit 353 determines that a plurality of lighting devices 10 are present, the display control unit 355 displays an operation guide on the simulated space image.

[0013] Furthermore, in the terminal device 30 according to the embodiment, the decision unit 354 decides whether or not to set each of the lighting devices 10 that are candidates for control as a control target.

[0014] In addition, the terminal device 30 according to the embodiment further includes a lighting control unit 356 that, when receiving a lighting operation for the lighting device 10 in the simulated space image from the operator, executes control over the lighting device 10 determined by the determination unit 354 as the lighting device to be controlled.

[0015] Furthermore, in the terminal device 30 according to the embodiment, when there are multiple lighting devices 10 determined by the determination unit 354 as lighting devices to be controlled, the lighting control unit 356 collectively controls the multiple lighting devices 10 to be controlled in accordance with the lighting operation.

[0016] In the terminal device 30 according to the embodiment, the display control unit 355 displays a lighting operation icon for displaying an operation object for operating the lighting together with the operation guide on the simulated space image, and displays the operation object on the simulated space image when detecting an operation by the operator of moving the operation guide toward the lighting operation icon. The lighting control unit 356 controls the lighting device 10 in accordance with the operation of the operation object by the operator.

[0017] The selection support method according to the embodiment described below includes a judging step, a deciding step, and a display control step. In the deciding step, when a predetermined operation for selecting a lighting device 10 is received from an operator in a simulated space image that simulates an illumination space in which the lighting device 10 is installed, it is determined whether or not there are multiple lighting devices 10 that can be selected by the predetermined operation. In the deciding step, when the determining unit 353 determines that there are multiple lighting devices 10, it decides, from the multiple lighting devices 10, a lighting device 10 to be controlled in accordance with a series of operations received from the operator. In the display control step, image information corresponding to the lighting device 10 decided as the control target in the deciding step is displayed in a predetermined display format in the simulated space image.

[0018] The present disclosure proposes a lighting control device and a lighting control method that can assist in understanding lighting devices 10 installed in a lighting space. Hereinafter, a lighting control device and a lighting control method according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0019] [Embodiment] (1. System configuration example) First, an overview of a lighting control system according to an embodiment will be described using Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a lighting control system according to an embodiment. The lighting control system shown in Fig. 1 is a system that supports various tasks when installing lighting devices on a stage, theater, studio, etc. A stage, theater, or studio is an example of a "lighting space."

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the lighting control system according to the embodiment includes a terminal device 30 and a plurality of lighting devices 101-109.

[0021] The terminal device 30 controls each lighting device 10 in accordance with an operation by an operator. While FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which the terminal device 30 is a dimming console, the terminal device 30 is not limited to this example. The terminal device 30 may be any information processing device, such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a PC (Personal Computer). The terminal device 30 is connected to the lighting devices 101 to 109 in a state in which two-way communication is possible.

[0022] The terminal device 30 may have various functions such as a communication function, a display function, and a web browsing function. In this case, the terminal device 30 may be equipped with a dedicated application program (hereinafter referred to as a "dedicated app") that provides various functions for realizing the information processing according to the embodiment. An operator of the terminal device 30 can perform various operations related to the information processing according to the embodiment through the functions provided by the dedicated app.

[0023] The lighting devices 101 to 109 are base lights, ceiling lights, down lights, spot lights, etc. The lighting devices 101 to 109 can perform bidirectional communication with the terminal device 30 in accordance with the RDM standard, which is an extension of DMX. Furthermore, the lighting devices 101 to 109 may perform bidirectional communication with the terminal device 30 via a DMX node (not shown).

[0024] Batons 201 to 203 are devices for suspending lighting devices 101 to 109, and include, for example, an elevator device for adjusting the height of the lighting.

[0025] Furthermore, the lighting device 10 and the terminal device 30 may communicate with each other via a predetermined network. The lighting device 10 and the terminal device 30 may be connected to the predetermined network via a wired or wireless connection. The lighting device 10 and the terminal device 30 may have a wireless communication function for connecting to the predetermined network via a wireless connection. For example, the lighting device 10 and the terminal device 30 can perform wireless communication in accordance with communication standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy).

[0026] The predetermined network may include public networks such as the Internet, telephone networks, and satellite communication networks, as well as various LANs (Local Area Networks) including Ethernet (registered trademark), and WANs (Wide Area Networks).The predetermined network may also include dedicated network such as IP-VPN (Internet Protocol-Virtual Private Network).The predetermined network may also include wireless communication networks such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0027] In the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the lighting devices 101 to 109, they will be collectively referred to as "lighting device 10." Furthermore, in the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the batons 201 to 203, they will be collectively referred to as "batons 20."

[0028] In recent years, there are dimming control consoles that are configured to display a simulated space image that simulates the lighting space in two or three dimensions on a screen, and to allow an operator to intuitively operate the dimming controls of the lighting devices 10 set in the lighting space using a GUI (Graphical User Interface).

[0029] On such a dimming console, the lighting devices 10 installed in the lighting space and the illumination light of the lighting devices 10 may be displayed overlapping each other. In such cases, it becomes difficult for the operator to individually select the lighting devices 10 or illumination light that he or she wishes to dim.

[0030] Therefore, when it is determined that there are multiple lighting devices 10 that can be selected by a predetermined operation, the terminal device 30 determines, in accordance with a series of operations received from the operator, one lighting device 10 to be controlled. Then, the terminal device 30 displays image information corresponding to the lighting device 10 determined to be the lighting device to be controlled in a predetermined display mode in the simulated space image. In this way, the terminal device 30 can assist the operator in understanding the lighting devices 10 installed in the lighting space.

[0031] (2. Overview of Information Processing According to Embodiment) (2-1. Example of displaying information about lighting equipment) An overview of information processing executed by the terminal device 30 according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, a display example of information related to the lighting device 10 in a simulated space image will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a display example of information related to the lighting device 10 according to the embodiment.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 2, the information relating to the lighting device 10 in the simulated space image is composed of an image SG showing the lighting device 10 and an image LG showing the illumination light. Furthermore, in the simulated space image, the display form of the information relating to the lighting device 10 is changed depending on the selection state of the lighting device 10 or the illumination light of the lighting device 10. The selection state is determined by a series of operations performed by the operator on the information relating to the lighting device 10 in the simulated space image. The series of operations will be described in detail later.

[0033] An image G-1 shown in FIG. 2 shows an example of a display form of information about the lighting device 10 in an initial state in which the lighting device 10 or the illumination light of the lighting device 10 has not been selected.

[0034] Moreover, an image G-2 shown in FIG. 2 shows an example of a display form of information relating to the lighting device 10 when the lighting device 10 or the illumination light of the lighting device 10 is in a selected state within the selection targets.

[0035] Moreover, an image G-3 shown in FIG. 2 shows an example of a display form of information relating to the lighting device 10 when the lighting device 10 or the illumination light of the lighting device 10 is in a non-selected state among the selection targets.

[0036] Moreover, image G-4 shown in FIG. 2 shows an example of a display form of information related to the lighting device 10 when the lighting device 10 or the illumination light of the lighting device 10 is in a selected state by the main selection within the selection targets.

[0037] Moreover, image G-5 shown in FIG. 2 shows an example of a display form of information related to the lighting device 10 when the lighting device 10 or the illumination light of the lighting device 10 is in a non-selected state due to the main selection within the selection targets.

[0038] (2-2. Icon display example) An example of displaying icons that assist the operator in intuitive operation on the simulated space image will be described below with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of displaying icons according to the embodiment.

[0039] 3 is used to assist an operator in intuitively changing a main selection target (for example, the lighting device 10 or the illumination light) to another target. The icon OB-1 is an example of an "operation guide."

[0040] Icon OB-1 has, for example, a shape of a cross with a horizontal (left-right) double arrow and a vertical (up-down) double arrow intersecting at right angles. The operator can change the main selected object (for example, the lighting device 10 or the illumination light) to another object by operating along the arrow direction of icon OB-1. This allows the operator to change the selection state of the main selected object (for example, the lighting device 10 or the illumination light) by operating along the arrow direction of icon OB-1.

[0041] Suppose a function to change the target of primary selection is assigned to a vertical drag operation (an example of a "first operation"). In this case, for example, when the operator drags icon OB-1 along the vertical double arrow of icon OB-1 and passes the upward arrow, the target located at the forefront among the overlapping targets displayed in the simulated space image may be selected as the target of primary selection (an example of a "control target"). In this case, the selection state of the target located at the forefront becomes the selection state by the primary selection.

[0042] Also, for example, when the operator drags icon OB-1 along the vertical double arrow of icon OB-1 beyond the downward arrow, the object located at the back of the objects displayed overlapping each other in the simulated space image may be selected as the object to be primarily selected. In this case, the selection state of the object located at the back becomes the selection state by primary selection.

[0043] The object initially selected by the dragging operation by the operator may be the object that corresponds to the starting point of the dragging operation by the operator among the objects that are displayed overlapping each other in the simulated space image. Also, the object initially selected by the operator by the dragging operation may be the foremost object among the objects that are displayed overlapping each other in the simulated space image if the dragging operation is performed in the upward direction along the vertical double-headed arrow, regardless of the starting point of the dragging operation, and the object initially selected by the operator by the dragging operation may be the innermost object among the objects that are displayed overlapping each other in the simulated space image if the dragging operation is performed in the downward direction along the vertical double-headed arrow.

[0044] Furthermore, if a function to change the main selection target is assigned to a vertical drag operation, a function to change the selection state of the main selection to a non-selection state is assigned to a horizontal drag operation (an example of a "second operation").

[0045] Also, suppose a function for changing the main selection target is assigned to a horizontal drag operation. In this case, for example, when the operator drags icon OB-1 along the horizontal double arrow of icon OB-1 beyond the left arrow, the leftmost target among the overlapping targets displayed in the simulated space image may be selected as the main selection target. In this case, the selection state of the leftmost target becomes the selection state by the main selection.

[0046] Also, for example, when the operator drags icon OB-1 along the horizontal double arrow of icon OB-1 beyond the right arrow, the rightmost object among the objects displayed overlapping in the simulated space image may be selected as the object to be primarily selected. In this case, the selection state of the rightmost object becomes the selection state by primary selection.

[0047] Furthermore, when a function for changing the main selection target is assigned to a horizontal drag operation, a function for changing the selected state of the main selection to a non-selected state is assigned to a vertical drag operation.

[0048] The vertical and horizontal double-headed arrows constituting icon OB-1 may be displayed in different display modes depending on the functions assigned to them. For example, the display color of a double-headed arrow assigned with a function to change the main selection target may be displayed in a different color or style from the display color of a double-headed arrow assigned with a function to switch the main selection state to a non-selection state.

[0049] The operation of the operator to which the function of changing the main selection target is assigned is not limited to the drag operation of the icon OB-1, but may be a swipe operation of tracing over the arrow constituting the icon OB-1.

[0050] 3 is used to display a fader for controlling lighting on the simulated space image. For example, the fader is displayed by moving the icon OB-1 toward the icon OB-2.

[0051] The icon OB-3 shown in Fig. 3 is used to display a color operation screen for dimming on the simulated space image. For example, the color operation screen is displayed by moving the icon OB-1 toward the icon OB-3.

[0052] 3 is used to change the search direction when changing the main selection target. For example, the search direction is switched by moving the icon OB-1 toward the icon OB-4.

[0053] (2-3. Example of target selection operation (part 1)) A series of operations for selecting targets such as lighting devices 10 and illumination light will be described below. The terminal device 30 determines lighting devices 10 to be controlled from among the multiple lighting devices 10 displayed overlapping each other in the simulated space image in accordance with a series of operations received from the operator. For example, as will be described below, the terminal device 30 selects all of the multiple lighting devices 10 displayed overlapping each other in the simulated space image as candidates for control, and then determines whether to exclude each of the lighting devices 10 selected as the control candidates from the targets for control.

[0054] First, an example (part 1) of an operation for selecting an object according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example (part 1) of a series of operations for selecting an object according to the embodiment. Fig. 4 shows an example of a situation in which target lighting devices 10 (or illumination light) are displayed overlapping each other in the depth direction in a simulated space image. Below, an example of an operation for setting the foremost lighting device 10 (or illumination light) to a non-selected state and the farthest lighting device (or illumination light) to a "main selection state" will be described.

[0055] 4, the terminal device 30 displays a simulated space image (step S01). From the state of step S01, for example, the operator performs a predetermined operation (for example, a touch operation) to select the lighting device 10 (or illumination light).

[0056] The terminal device 30 executes the following process in step S02. When the terminal device 30 receives a predetermined operation from the operator to select a lighting device 10 (or illumination light), the terminal device 30 determines whether there are multiple lighting devices 10 that can be selected by the predetermined operation. If the terminal device 30 determines that there are multiple lighting devices 10 (or illumination light) that can be selected by the predetermined operation, the terminal device 30 sets all of the lighting devices 10 that are displayed overlapping each other in the simulated space image to a "selected state within the selection target." In other words, the terminal device 30 determines all of the lighting devices 10 to be controlled. The terminal device 30 also displays the lighting devices in a display mode (for example, orange) that indicates a "selected state within the selection target." If the terminal device 30 determines that there are multiple lighting devices 10 (or illumination light) that can be selected by the predetermined operation, the terminal device 30 displays an icon OB-1 for switching the main selection state in the simulated space image.

[0057] From the state of step S02, for example, the operator continues to drag upward so as to pass over the position of the upward arrow (hereinafter referred to as the "up arrow") of the vertical double arrows of the icon OB-1.

[0058] The terminal device 30 executes the following process in step S03. When the terminal device 30 detects that the operator's upward drag operation has passed the position of the up arrow of the icon OB-1, the terminal device 30 sets the lighting device 10 (or lighting light) closest to the user to a "selected state by primary selection." The terminal device 30 also displays the device in a display mode (e.g., green) that indicates a "selected state by primary selection." The terminal device 30 also changes the function assigned to the horizontal double-headed arrow from a "selected state by primary selection" to a "non-selected state by primary selection." In addition, with the change in the function assigned horizontally, the terminal device 30 displays the horizontal double-headed arrow in red, for example.

[0059] From the state of step S03, for example, the operator continues dragging to the right so as to pass over the position of the right-pointing arrow (hereinafter referred to as the "right arrow") of the two horizontal arrows of the icon OB-1.

[0060] The terminal device 30 executes the following process in step S04. When the terminal device 30 detects that the operator's rightward drag operation has passed the position of the right arrow of the icon OB-1, the terminal device 30 changes the lighting device 10 (or illumination light) that is in a "selected state by primary selection" to a "non-selected state by primary selection." The terminal device 30 also displays the device in a display mode (for example, red) that indicates a "non-selected state by primary selection." The terminal device 30 also changes the function assigned to the horizontal double-headed arrow from being switched to a "selected state by primary selection" to being switched to a "non-selected state by primary selection." In addition, with the change in the function assigned horizontally, the terminal device 30 displays the horizontal double-headed arrow in green, for example.

[0061] From the state of step S04, for example, the operator continues to drag downward so as to pass over the position of the downward arrow (hereinafter referred to as the "down arrow") of the vertical double arrows of the icon OB-1.

[0062] The terminal device 30 executes the following process in step S05. When the terminal device 30 detects that the operator's downward drag operation has passed the position of the down arrow of the icon OB-1, the terminal device 30 changes the lighting device 10 (or lighting light) that is one level behind the lighting device 10 (or lighting light) that has been changed to the "non-selected state by primary selection" to the "selected state by primary selection." The terminal device 30 also displays the lighting device 10 (or lighting light) in a display mode (e.g., green) that indicates the "selected state by primary selection." The terminal device 30 also changes the lighting device 10 (or lighting light) that has been changed to the "non-selected state by primary selection" to the "non-selected state within the selection target." The terminal device 30 also displays the lighting device 10 in a display mode (e.g., pink) that indicates the "non-selected state within the selection target." The terminal device 30 also changes the function assigned to the horizontal double arrow from switching to the "selected state by primary selection" to switching to the "non-selected state by primary selection." In addition, in accordance with the change in the functions allocated horizontally, the terminal device 30 displays, for example, a horizontal double-headed arrow in red.

[0063] From the state of step S05, for example, the operator continues to drag further downward so as to go beyond the position of the down arrow of icon OB-1.

[0064] The terminal device 30 executes the following process in step S06. When the terminal device 30 detects that the operator's downward drag operation has passed the position of the down arrow of the icon OB-1, the terminal device 30 sets the lighting device 10 (or lighting light) one level behind the lighting device 10 (or lighting light) that was set to the "mainly selected state" in step S05, i.e., the lighting device 10 (or lighting light) displayed at the back, to the "mainly selected state." The terminal device 30 also displays the lighting device 10 (or lighting light) in a display mode (e.g., green) that indicates the "mainly selected state." The terminal device 30 also sets the lighting device 10 (or lighting light) that was set to the "mainly selected state" in step S05 to the "selected state within the selection target." The terminal device 30 also displays the lighting device 10 (or lighting light) in a display mode (e.g., orange) that indicates the "selected state within the selection target."

[0065] (2-4. Example of target selection operation (part 2)) Hereinafter, an example (part 2) of an operation for selecting an object according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example (part 2) of a series of operations for selecting an object according to the embodiment. Fig. 5 shows an example of a situation in which illumination light from various directions is displayed overlapping on the simulated space image.

[0066] An example of an operation for deselecting the rightmost illumination light and selecting the leftmost illumination light as the "main selection" will be described below. For convenience of explanation, Fig. 5 shows an example in which an image of the illumination device 10 is displayed, but the process described using Fig. 5 corresponds to the process when only the illumination lights are displayed overlapping each other.

[0067] 5, the terminal device 30 displays a simulated space image (step S11). From the state of step S11, for example, the operator performs a predetermined operation to select illumination light.

[0068] The terminal device 30 executes the following process in step S12. When the terminal device 30 receives a predetermined operation from the operator to select an illumination light, it determines whether there are multiple illumination lights that can be selected by the predetermined operation. Furthermore, when it determines that there are multiple illumination devices 10 (or illumination lights) that can be selected by the predetermined operation, the terminal device 30 sets all illumination lights that are displayed overlapping each other in the simulated space image to a "selected state within the selection target." Furthermore, the terminal device 30 displays the illumination lights in a display mode (for example, orange) that indicates a "selected state within the selection target." Furthermore, the terminal device 30 displays an icon OB-1 for switching the main selection state in the simulated space image.

[0069] From the state in step S12, for example, the operator continues dragging to the right so as to pass over the position of the right arrow of icon OB-1.

[0070] The terminal device 30 executes the following process in step S13. When the terminal device 30 detects that the operator's rightward drag operation has passed the position of the right arrow of icon OB-1, it sets the rightmost illumination light to a "selected state by primary selection." The terminal device 30 also displays the illumination light in a display mode (e.g., green) that indicates a "selected state by primary selection." The terminal device 30 also changes the function assigned to the vertical double arrow from a "selected state by primary selection" to a "non-selected state by primary selection." In addition, with the change in the function assigned vertically, the terminal device 30 displays the vertical double arrow in red, for example.

[0071] From the state of step S13, for example, the operator continues to drag downward so as to pass over the position of the down arrow of icon OB-1.

[0072] The terminal device 30 executes the following process in step S14. When the terminal device 30 detects that the operator's downward drag operation has passed the position of the down arrow of icon OB-1, it changes the illumination light that is in a "selected state by primary selection" to a "non-selected state by primary selection." The terminal device 30 also displays the illumination light in a display mode (for example, red) that indicates a "non-selected state by primary selection." The terminal device 30 also changes the function assigned to the vertical double-headed arrow from being switched to a "non-selected state by primary selection" to being switched to a "selected state by primary selection." In addition, with the change in the function assigned vertically, the terminal device 30 displays the vertical double-headed arrow in green, for example.

[0073] From the state of step S14, for example, the operator continues dragging the icon OB-1 leftward so as to pass over the position of the left-pointing arrow (hereinafter referred to as the "left arrow") of the two arrows extending horizontally and vertically of the icon OB-1.

[0074] The terminal device 30 executes the following process in step S15. When the terminal device 30 detects that the operator's drag operation to the left has passed the position of the left arrow of icon OB-1, the terminal device 30 changes the illumination light that is one level behind the illumination light that was changed to the "non-selected state by primary selection" in step S14 to the "selected state by primary selection." The terminal device 30 also displays the illumination light in a display mode (e.g., green) that indicates the "selected state by primary selection." The terminal device 30 also changes the illumination light that was changed to the "non-selected state by primary selection" in step S14 to the "non-selected state within the selection target." The terminal device 30 also displays the illumination light in a display mode (e.g., pink) that indicates the "non-selected state within the selection target." The terminal device 30 also changes the function assigned to the vertical double arrow from switching to the "selected state by primary selection" to switching to the "non-selected state by primary selection." In addition, in accordance with the change in the functions allocated in the vertical direction, the terminal device 30 displays, for example, a vertical double-headed arrow in red.

[0075] From the state of step S15, for example, the operator continues to drag further to the left so as to go beyond the position of the left arrow of icon OB-1.

[0076] The terminal device 30 executes the following process in step S16. When the terminal device 30 detects that the operator's drag operation to the left has passed the position of the down arrow of the icon OB-1, the terminal device 30 sets the illumination light one level behind the illumination light that was set to the "mainly selected state" in step S15, i.e., the illumination light displayed at the leftmost position, to the "mainly selected state." The terminal device 30 also displays the illumination light in a display mode (for example, green) that indicates the "mainly selected state." The terminal device 30 also sets the illumination device 10 (or illumination light) that was set to the "mainly selected state" in step S15 to the "selected state within the selection target." The terminal device 30 also displays the illumination light in a display mode (for example, orange) that indicates the "selected state within the selection target."

[0077] (2-5. Example of changing the search direction when selecting a target) Hereinafter, an operation for changing the search direction when selecting an object will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an operation for changing the search direction when selecting an object according to an embodiment. Below, an example of an operation for changing the search direction when primarily selecting an object from the horizontal direction (left-right direction) to the vertical direction (up-down direction) will be described. Note that Fig. 6 illustrates an icon OB that will be necessary in the following description.

[0078] 6, the terminal device 30 displays an icon OB-4, which indicates that the search direction for main selection can be changed to vertical, at the lower left of the icon OB-1 in the simulated space image (step S21). The terminal device 30 also displays the horizontal double-headed arrow of the icon OB-1 in a display mode (for example, orange) indicating that the search direction is for switching to a "selected state by main selection," and displays the vertical double-headed arrow in a display mode (for example, red) indicating that the search direction is for switching to a "non-selected state by main selection."

[0079] In the state shown in step S21, for example, the operator places the cursor CS on the icon OB-1, and then drags the icon OB-1 in the direction in which the icon OB-4 is displayed.

[0080] When the terminal device 30 detects that the icon OB-1 has been dragged in the direction in which the icon OB-4 is displayed, the terminal device 30 changes the search direction for primary selection of the target from horizontal (left-right) to vertical (up-down) (step S22). In addition, the terminal device 30 changes the display mode of the horizontal double-headed arrow of the icon OB-1 to a display mode (for example, orange) indicating that the search direction is for switching to a "non-selected state by primary selection", and changes the display mode of the vertical double-headed arrow to a display mode (for example, red) indicating that the search direction is for switching to a "non-selected state by primary selection".

[0081] (2-6. Example of dimming operation) An example of a dimming operation will be described below with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a dimming operation according to an embodiment. In Fig. 7, it is assumed that the left and center illumination lights are selected to be dimmable.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 7, the terminal device 30 displays an icon OB-1, an icon OB-2, an icon OB-3, and an icon OB-4 in a predetermined positional relationship on the simulated space image (step S31).

[0083] In the state of step S31, for example, the operator places the cursor CS on the icon OB-1, and then drags the icon OB-1 in the direction in which the icon OB-2 is displayed.

[0084] When the terminal device 30 detects that the icon OB-1 has been dragged in the direction in which the icon OB-2 is displayed, the terminal device 30 displays a fader OB-5 corresponding to the icon OB-2 as an operation icon for dimming the lighting device 10 that has been selected to be in a dimmable state (step S32). The operator can dim the lighting device 10 that has been selected to be in a dimmable state by dragging the fader OB-5.

[0085] In this way, when it is determined that there are multiple lighting devices 10 that can be selected by a predetermined operation, the terminal device 30 according to the embodiment determines, in accordance with a series of operations received from the operator, one lighting device 10 to be controlled. Then, the terminal device 30 displays image information corresponding to the lighting device 10 determined to be the lighting device to be controlled in a predetermined display format in the simulated space image. In this way, the terminal device 30 can assist in identifying the lighting devices 10 installed in the lighting space.

[0086] (Configuration example of terminal device 30) An example of the functional configuration of the terminal device 30 according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the terminal device 30 according to the embodiment. The terminal device 30 according to the embodiment includes a communication unit 31, a display unit 32, an operation unit 33, a storage unit 34, and a control unit 35.

[0087] (Communications Department 31) The communication unit 31 transmits and receives information to and from other devices. The communication unit 31 can be realized, for example, by a predetermined communication circuit or a network interface card (NIC). The communication unit 31 can support any communication method. The communication methods supported by the communication unit 31 may include communication methods based on mobile data communication standards such as 4G, LTE (Long Term Evolution), and 5G, as well as communication methods based on wireless communication methods such as wireless LAN (Local Area Network), Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy), and infrared communication.

[0088] (Display section 32) The display unit 32 displays simulated space images and the like on various operation screens (see, for example, FIGS. 4 to 7) provided to the user of the terminal device 30 through a dedicated app. The operation screens displayed on the display unit 32 accept predetermined operations on the multiple lighting devices 10 controlled by wireless communication. The display unit 32 may be implemented by including a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The display unit 32 may also be implemented by a touch screen display.

[0089] (Operation unit 33) The operation unit 33 inputs various types of information. For example, the operation unit 33 can be realized by an input device such as a transparent touch panel provided on the display unit 32. When the operation unit 33 is realized by a touch panel, it detects a touch operation on the display unit 32 and outputs operation information indicating the detected operation content to the control unit 35. For example, the operation unit 33 detects a user operation on an operation screen displayed on the display unit 32 and outputs operation information indicating the detected user operation content to the control unit 35. Note that the operation unit 33 may have physical buttons or the like.

[0090] (Storage unit 34) The storage unit 34 stores various types of information. For example, the storage unit 34 can store programs and data for implementing various controls executed by the control unit 35. The storage unit 34 can be realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as RAM or flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or optical disk. Furthermore, when the storage unit 34 is realized by flash memory, it may be implemented by a removable portable recording medium such as an SD card.

[0091] The storage unit 34 may store a dedicated application having a function for executing the information processing according to the embodiment. The storage unit 34 may also store various programs and data according to purposes. As shown in FIG. 8, the storage unit 34 has a simulated space information storage unit 341, a scene information storage unit 342, and a setting information storage unit 343.

[0092] (Simulated spatial information storage unit 341) The simulated space information storage unit 341 stores simulated space information relating to a simulated space that simulates an illuminated space. The simulated space information includes, for example, identification information for identifying the illuminated space, and information on the shape and size of the space. The simulated space information is registered in advance by an operator or the like.

[0093] (Scene information storage unit 342) The scene information storage unit 342 stores scene information, which is information related to scenes. The scene information is information related to each scene registered in the terminal device 30. The scene information storage unit 342 includes, as scene information, for example, information on the installation position and angle of view of the imaging device (i.e., camera), information on the lighting content of the lighting device 10 (for example, installation position and control content, etc.), and information on the art set to be placed in the simulated space. The art set information includes, for example, information such as the name, shape, size, and color of the art set. The scene information is registered in advance by an operator or the like.

[0094] (Setting information storage unit 343) The setting information storage unit 343 stores setting information relating to the setting of the search direction when selecting a target. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of setting information relating to the setting of the search direction when selecting a target according to the embodiment.

[0095] 9, the setting information stored in the setting information storage unit 343 has multiple items such as an item for “operation direction when changing to selected state,” an item for “target selection order,” and an item for “operation direction when changing to non-selected state.” These items in the setting information are associated with each other.

[0096] The item "Operation direction when changing to selected state" stores information indicating the operation direction to which the function of changing the main selection object (e.g., lighting device 10 or illumination light) to the "main selection selected state" is assigned.

[0097] The "object selection order" field stores information indicating the order in which objects are selected according to the operation direction by the operator.

[0098] The "operation direction when changing to non-selected state" item stores information indicating the operation direction to which the function of changing the main selection object (e.g., the lighting device 10 or the illumination light) to the "non-selected state due to main selection" is assigned.

[0099] The correspondence relationship between the operation direction stored in the "operation direction when changing to selected state" item and the operation direction stored in the "operation direction when changing to non-selected state" item shown in Fig. 9 is one example, and is not limited to this example. The operation direction stored in the "operation direction when changing to non-selected state" item may be "horizontal rightward" or "horizontal leftward."

[0100] The setting information stored in the setting information storage unit 343 is stored by the control unit 35 in accordance with the setting operation by the operator.

[0101] (Control unit 35) The control unit 35 is, for example, a control circuit (i.e., a controller) that controls each unit of the terminal device 30, and has an internal memory for storing programs that define various processing procedures and required data, and executes various processes using these. The control unit 35 can be realized by a microcomputer or the like. The microcomputer is equipped with a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or RAM.

[0102] The ROM stores programs for controlling each part of the terminal device 30 and application programs (for example, dedicated applications) for executing various processes. A processor such as a CPU executes the programs and applications stored in the ROM, thereby enabling the microcomputer to control the terminal device 30 and realize various functions.

[0103] The RAM is used as a memory area necessary for a processor such as a CPU to execute calculations. The control unit 35 may control the terminal device 30 and perform various functions by reading programs stored in the storage unit 34 and executing the read programs. The control unit 35 may also be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or an SoC (System-on-a-chip).

[0104] As shown in Fig. 8, the control unit 35 has a reception unit 351, a generation unit 352, a determination unit 353, a determination unit 354, a display control unit 355, and an illumination control unit 356. The control unit 35 realizes or executes the information processing functions and actions described below using these units. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 35 is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 8, and may be any other configuration that performs the information processing described below, or may have a different configuration due to expansion or modification of functions.

[0105] (Reception Department 351) The reception unit 351 receives various information from the operator. For example, the reception unit 351 may receive information on the shape and size of the illumination space, information on the installation position of the illumination device 10, information on the art set, and the like, and may also receive settings of the positions of multiple image capture devices to be placed in the simulated space.

[0106] (Generation unit 352) The generation unit 352 generates a simulated space image using the simulated space information stored in the simulated space information storage unit 341. For example, the generation unit 352 sets the position of the camera accepted by the acceptance unit 351 from the operator as a predetermined viewpoint, and generates a simulated space image of a simulated space in which an art set is arranged, viewed from the predetermined viewpoint.

[0107] (Judgment unit 353) When the determination unit 353 receives a predetermined operation from an operator to select a lighting device 10 in a simulated space image that simulates an illumination space in which the lighting device 10 is installed, the determination unit 353 determines whether there are multiple lighting devices 10 that can be selected by the predetermined operation.

[0108] For example, the determination unit 353 determines whether there are multiple lighting devices 10 that can be selected by a predetermined operation based on the installation positions of the lighting devices 10 stored in the scene information storage unit 342 and the positions in the simulated space image where the predetermined operation is accepted by the operator.

[0109] (Decision unit 354) If the determination unit 353 determines that there are multiple lighting devices 10, the determination unit 354 determines the lighting device 10 to be controlled from among the multiple lighting devices 10 in accordance with a series of operations received from the operator.

[0110] Furthermore, the decision unit 354 may select all of the lighting devices 10 as candidates for control, and then decide whether or not to exclude each of the lighting devices 10 selected as candidates for control from the list of lighting devices to be controlled.

[0111] Furthermore, when the determination unit 354 receives a first operation in a first direction from the operator, it may further select one of all the lighting devices 10 that have already been selected as control candidates from among the control candidates, and then, when it receives a second operation from the operator that is an operation in a second direction different from the first direction and follows the first operation, it may determine that the lighting device 10 that has already been selected among the control candidates by the first operation is the lighting device 10 to be excluded from the lighting device 10 to be controlled.

[0112] Furthermore, the determination unit 354 may accept the first operation and the second operation through an operation guide for assisting the operator in intuitive operation in the first direction and the second direction.

[0113] (Display control unit 355) The display control unit 355 displays image information corresponding to the lighting device 10 determined by the determination unit 354 as the lighting device to be controlled in a predetermined display mode in the simulated space image.

[0114] Furthermore, when the determining unit 353 determines that a plurality of lighting devices 10 are present, the display control unit 355 may display an operation guide on the simulated space image.

[0115] The display control unit 355 may also display, together with the operation guide, a lighting operation icon for displaying an operation object for operating the lighting on the simulated space image. When the display control unit 355 detects an operator's operation of moving the operation guide toward the lighting operation icon, the display control unit 355 may display the operation object on the simulated space image.

[0116] (Lighting control unit 356) When the lighting control unit 356 receives a lighting operation for the lighting device 10 in the simulated space image from the operator, the lighting control unit 356 executes control for the lighting device 10 determined by the determination unit 354 as the lighting device to be controlled.

[0117] Furthermore, when there are multiple lighting devices 10 determined by the determination unit 354 as lighting devices to be controlled, the lighting control unit 356 may collectively control the multiple lighting devices 10 to be controlled in accordance with the lighting operation.

[0118] (Processing by terminal device 30) The flow of processing by the terminal device 30 according to the embodiment will be described below. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure ("selection support method") by the terminal device 30 according to the embodiment. The processing procedure shown in Fig. 10 is executed by the control unit 35 included in the terminal device 30.

[0119] As shown in FIG. 10, the determining unit 353 determines whether or not there are multiple lighting devices 10 that can be selected by a predetermined operation by the operator in the simulated space image (step S201).

[0120] Furthermore, if the determination unit 353 determines that there are multiple lighting devices 10 (step S201; Yes), the determination unit 354 determines the lighting device 10 to be controlled from among the multiple lighting devices 10 in accordance with a series of operations received from the operator (step S202).

[0121] Furthermore, the display control unit 355 displays image information corresponding to the lighting device 10 determined as the control target by the determination unit 354 in a predetermined display mode in the simulated space image (step S203), and ends the processing procedure shown in FIG. 10.

[0122] [others] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the determiner 354 selects all of the lighting devices 10 as control candidates (e.g., after placing them in a "selected state within the selection targets") and then determines whether to individually exclude each of the lighting devices 10 selected as control candidates from the control targets (e.g., place them in a "non-selected state within the selection targets"). However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the terminal device 30 may individually determine whether each of the lighting devices 10 that are control candidates should be included in the control targets.

[0123] Furthermore, in the above-described step S201, if the determination unit 353 determines that there are not multiple lighting devices 10 (step S201; No), the processing procedure shown in FIG. 10 ends.

[0124] In the above embodiment, the icon OB-1 having a shape of a cross with a horizontal (left-right) double arrow and a vertical (up-down) double arrow intersecting at right angles is used as an example of an operation guide to assist the operator in intuitive operation, but the shape of the icon OB-1 does not need to be particularly limited, and a circular operation guide may also be used. In this case, for example, a function to change the main selection target may be assigned to a clockwise operation along the circumference, and a function to change the selection state of the main selection to a non-selection state may be assigned to a counterclockwise operation along the circumference.

[0125] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when the determination unit 353 determines that there are multiple lighting devices 10 that can be selected by a predetermined operation by the operator in the simulated space image, the determination unit 353 may display a list screen that allows the operator to individually select each of the multiple lighting devices 10. Then, the determination unit 354 may determine the lighting device 10 selected by the operator on the list screen as the lighting device to be controlled.

[0126] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, if the lighting control device 100 determines that there are multiple lighting devices 10 that can be selected by a predetermined operation by the operator in the simulated space image, i.e., if multiple lighting devices 10 are displayed overlapping each other in the simulated space image, the lighting control device 100 may accept from the operator an operation to collectively select multiple lighting devices 10 as targets to be controlled, or an operation to collectively exclude multiple lighting devices 10 from targets to be controlled. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an operation to collectively select multiple lighting devices as targets to be controlled. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an operation to collectively exclude multiple lighting devices 10 from targets to be controlled.

[0127] First, an example of an operation for collectively selecting a plurality of lighting devices as control targets will be described with reference to Fig. 11. For example, the operator moves the cursor CS until it overlaps with the collective selection / removal object OB-6, and then performs an operation for specifying the collective selection / removal object OB-6. The collective selection / removal object OB-6 is located, for example, diagonally to the upper right of the icon OB-1 when viewed from the position of the cursor CS. Furthermore, when a plurality of lighting devices 10 have not yet been determined as control targets, the collective selection / removal object OB-6 is displayed in a display manner corresponding to the state in which they have not yet been determined as control targets.

[0128] For example, the operator performs a swipe operation to move the cursor CS diagonally in the upper right direction toward the collective selection / removal object OB-6, and then performs a click operation to designate the collective selection / removal object OB-6. When the determination unit 354 detects a series of operations made up of the swipe operation to move the cursor CS diagonally in the upper right direction toward the collective selection / removal object OB-6 and the click operation to designate the collective selection / removal object OB-6 that is performed following the swipe operation, the determination unit 354 collectively determines the plurality of lighting devices 10 that are displayed overlapping each other in the simulated space image as the lighting devices 10 to be controlled.

[0129] Next, an example of an operation for collectively selecting a plurality of lighting devices from the control targets will be described with reference to Fig. 12. For example, the operator moves the cursor CS until it overlaps with the collective selection / removal object OB-6, and then performs an operation for specifying the collective selection / removal object OB-6. The collective selection / removal object OB-6 is located, for example, diagonally downward and to the left of the icon OB-1 when viewed from the position of the cursor CS. Furthermore, when a plurality of lighting devices 10 have already been determined as control targets, the collective selection / removal object OB-6 is displayed in a display manner corresponding to the state in which they have been determined as control targets.

[0130] For example, the operator performs a swipe operation to move the cursor CS diagonally downward and left toward the collective selection / removal object OB-6, and then performs a click operation to designate the collective selection / removal object OB-6. When the determination unit 354 detects a series of operations made up of the swipe operation to move the cursor CS diagonally downward and left toward the collective selection / removal object OB-6 and the click operation to designate the collective selection / removal object OB-6 that is performed following the swipe operation, the determination unit 354 collectively determines that a plurality of lighting devices 10 that are displayed overlapping each other in the simulated space image are lighting devices 10 to be excluded from the control targets.

[0131] In the above embodiment, the lighting control device 100 may accept individual selection of lighting devices 10 from the operator via an individual selection object that allows the operator to individually select multiple overlapping lighting devices 10 in the simulated space image. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an operation for individually selecting multiple lighting devices 10.

[0132] For example, when the determination unit 353 determines that there are multiple lighting devices 10 in the simulated space image that can be selected by a predetermined operation by the operator, the display control unit 355 displays an individual selection object OB-7 below and to the right of the icon OB-1. The operator performs an operation to move the position of the cursor CS until it overlaps with the individual selection object OB-7 (steps S41 to S42).

[0133] When the display control unit 355 detects that the position of the cursor CS has overlapped with the display position of the individual selection object OB-7, it displays a list of the multiple lighting devices 10 that are displayed overlapping in the simulated space image in the display area of ​​the enlarged individual selection object OB-7 (step S43). The operator clicks on one of the multiple lighting devices 10 displayed on the enlarged individual selection object OB-7 to select the lighting device 10 to be controlled (step S44). Furthermore, when the determination unit 354 detects the operator's click operation to select the lighting device 10 to be controlled, it determines the clicked lighting device 10 as the lighting device to be controlled.

[0134] Furthermore, the display control unit 355 can display, on the individual selection object OB-7, not only information indicating each of the multiple lighting devices 10 displayed overlapping each other in the simulated space image, but also "groups" to which the multiple lighting devices 10 are pre-assigned, a "fader display" that displays a fader OB-5 (see FIG. 7) for adjusting the brightness of the illumination light of the lighting device 10, and a "color operation display" that displays an operation menu for adjusting the light color of the illumination light of the lighting device 10.

[0135] Furthermore, the lighting control device 100 may receive, from the operator, a selection of a group to which a plurality of lighting devices 10 belong, using the individual selection object OB-7. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of an operation for selecting a group to which a plurality of lighting devices 10 belong. The operator performs settings in advance, such as editing the group name and selecting the lighting devices 10 to belong to the group.

[0136] 14, the operator selects "Group A" by clicking on "Group A" to which the lighting devices 10, i.e., the devices A, B, and C, belong in the individual selection object OB-7. When the determining unit 354 detects the click operation to select "Group A" in the individual selection object OB-7, the determining unit 354 collectively determines the lighting devices 10, i.e., the devices A, B, and C, that belong to "Group A" as the lighting devices 10 to be controlled.

[0137] Furthermore, a dedicated application for realizing the information processing executed by the terminal device 30 according to the above embodiment may be stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic tape, a flexible disk, etc., and distributed. In this case, for example, the terminal device 30 installs the dedicated application read from the recording medium and executes the above-mentioned information processing.

[0138] The dedicated application may be stored in a disk device provided in a server device or cloud system on a network such as the Internet, and may be downloaded to the terminal device 30. The functions realized by the dedicated application may be realized by cooperation between an OS (Operating System) and application software. In this case, the parts other than the OS may be stored on a medium and distributed, or may be stored in a server device or cloud system and downloaded to the terminal device 30.

[0139] Furthermore, among the processes described in the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically using known methods. In addition, the information including the processing procedures, specific names, various data, and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings can be changed as desired unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each drawing is not limited to the information shown in the drawings.

[0140] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. This embodiment is included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims. Furthermore, this embodiment can be combined as appropriate within the scope of not causing any contradiction in the processing content.

[0141] Furthermore, the effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not limiting, and other effects may also be present. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 10. Lighting equipment 30 Terminal Equipment 31 Communications Department 32 Display section 33 Operation section 34 Storage section 341 Simulated spatial information storage unit 342 Scene information storage unit 343 Setting information storage unit 35 Control Unit 351 Reception Department 352 Generation part 353 Judgment section 354 Decision Section 355 Display control unit 356 Lighting control unit

Claims

1. a determination unit that, when receiving a predetermined operation from an operator to select a lighting device in a simulated space image that simulates an illumination space in which the lighting device is installed, determines whether or not there are multiple lighting devices that can be selected by the predetermined operation; a determination unit that, when it is determined by the determination unit that a plurality of lighting devices exist, determines the lighting device to be controlled from among the plurality of lighting devices in accordance with a series of operations received from the operator; a display control unit that displays image information corresponding to the lighting device determined as the lighting device to be controlled by the determination unit in a predetermined display mode in the simulated space image; A lighting control device comprising:

2. The determination unit After selecting all of the plurality of lighting devices as candidates for control, it is determined whether or not to exclude each of the lighting devices selected as candidates for control from the control targets.

2. The lighting control device according to claim 1.

3. The determination unit When a first operation in a first direction is received from the operator, any one of all the lighting devices that have been selected as control candidates is further selected from among the control candidates, and then when a second operation that is an operation in a second direction different from the first direction and follows the first operation is received from the operator, the lighting device that has been selected from among the control candidates by the first operation is determined as a lighting device to be excluded from the control targets.

3. The lighting control device according to claim 2.

4. The determination unit receiving the first operation and the second operation through an operation guide for assisting the operator in intuitive operation in the first direction and the second direction; 4. The lighting control device according to claim 3.

5. The display control unit When the determining unit determines that a plurality of lighting devices exist, the operation guide is displayed on the simulated space image.

5. The lighting control device according to claim 4.

6. The determination unit Determine whether or not to control each of the plurality of lighting devices that are candidates for control.

2. The lighting control device according to claim 1.

7. a lighting control unit that, when a lighting operation for the lighting device in the simulated space image is received from the operator, executes control for the lighting device determined by the determination unit as a control target; The lighting control device according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising:

8. The lighting control unit When there are a plurality of lighting devices determined as control targets by the determination unit, the plurality of lighting devices to be controlled are collectively controlled in accordance with the lighting operation.

8. The lighting control device according to claim 7.

9. The display control unit displaying, together with the operation guide, a lighting operation icon for displaying an operation object for performing the lighting operation on the simulated space image; When an operation of the operator to move the operation guide toward the lighting operation icon is detected, the operation object is displayed on the simulated space image; The lighting control unit The lighting device is controlled in accordance with the operation of the operator on the operation object.

9. The lighting control device according to claim 8.

10. a determining step of determining, when a predetermined operation for selecting a lighting device is received from an operator in a simulated space image that simulates an illumination space in which the lighting device is to be installed, whether or not there are a plurality of lighting devices that can be selected by the predetermined operation; a determination step of determining, when it is determined in the determination step that a plurality of lighting devices exist, one lighting device to be controlled from among the plurality of lighting devices in accordance with a series of operations received from the operator; a display control step of displaying image information corresponding to the lighting device determined to be the lighting device to be controlled in the determination step in a predetermined display mode in the simulated space image; A selection support method comprising:

Images