Lighting control device, lighting control method, and lighting control system

Abstract

To improve the efficiency of lighting control for a lighting device.SOLUTION: A lighting control device controls a lighting device on the basis of information acquired by a lighting control system. The lighting control device has a control unit having a function for transmitting lighting control information to a microcomputer that reflects lighting control in the lighting device, and a function of resetting the microcomputer when no response is received from it.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a technique has been proposed for managing information for lighting control using images captured by a camera or the like (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-054541 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there is room for improvement in the above-described conventional techniques. For example, there is room for further improvement in the conventional techniques in terms of efficient lighting control of lighting devices.

[0005] The present application has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide a lighting control device, a lighting control method, and a lighting control system that can improve the efficiency of lighting control of a lighting device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The lighting control device of the present application is a lighting control device that controls a lighting device based on information acquired by a lighting control system, and is characterized by having a control unit that has a function of sending lighting control information to a microcomputer that reflects the lighting control on the lighting device, and a function of resetting the microcomputer if there is no response from the microcomputer. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the embodiment, it is possible to provide an effect of improving the efficiency of lighting control of a lighting device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a system diagram illustrating a lighting control system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a system diagram (1) for explaining the functional configuration of the camera module main body according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a system diagram (2) for explaining the functional configuration of the camera module main body according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram (1) for explaining the reset function according to the prior art. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a diagram (2) for explaining the reset function according to the prior art. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a diagram (3) for explaining the reset function according to the prior art. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C is a diagram (4) for explaining the reset function according to the prior art. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a system diagram (1) for explaining the reset function according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a system diagram (2) for explaining the reset function according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a lighting control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a storage unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of information processing according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Below, a detailed description will be given of a lighting control device, a lighting control method, and a lighting control system according to the present application (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") with reference to the drawings. Note that the lighting control device, the lighting control method, and the lighting control system according to the present application are not limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, the same components in the following embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0010] (Embodiment) [Configuration of lighting control system] Lighting control systems 1 and 1A shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described. FIG. 1 is a system diagram illustrating how a cloud 2, a terminal device 3 (PC), a camera module main body 4, an expansion unit 5 (I2C-UART), a conversion unit 6 (UART-DALI), a camera power supply 7 (AC / DC), an LED 8 (lighting device), a lighting power supply dimmer 9, a control gear 10, an M-area controller 11, a DALIG / W 12, and a DALI controller 13 are connected in the lighting control system 1. The lighting device LD includes a main body portion (LED 8 (lighting device), a lighting power supply dimmer 9, and a control gear 10) that provides illumination and a plate portion (camera module main body 4, an expansion unit 5 (I2C-UART), a conversion unit 6 (UART-DALI), and a camera power supply 7 (AC / DC)) that performs various controls. FIG. 2 is a system diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the camera module main body 4 (e.g., an AI camera) in the lighting control system 1. 1 and 2 will be described separately below.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the lighting control system 1 includes a cloud 2, a terminal device 3, a camera module main body 4, an expansion unit 5 (I2C-UART), a conversion unit 6 (UART-DALI), a camera power supply 7 (AC / DC), an LED 8, a lighting power supply dimmer 9, a control gear 10, an M-area controller 11, a DALIG / W 12, and a DALI controller 13. A UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) is an integrated circuit for controlling communications between peripheral devices. The cloud 2, the terminal device 3, the camera module main body 4, the expansion unit 5 (I2C-UART), the conversion unit 6 (UART-DALI), the camera power supply 7 (AC / DC), an LED 8, a lighting power supply dimmer 9, a control gear 10, an M-area controller 11, a DALIG / W 12, and a DALI controller 13 are connected to each other via wired or wireless communication.

[0012] The camera module main body 4, the expansion unit 5 (I2C-UART), the conversion unit 6 (UART-DALI), and the camera power supply 7 (AC / DC) make up the plate. The LED 8, the lighting power supply dimmer 9, and the control gear 10 make up the main body (main body of the lighting device).

[0013] The cloud 2, the terminal device 3, and the camera module main body 4 are connected via a LAN, and images (camera images) are transmitted from the camera module main body 4 to the terminal device 3 and from the terminal device 3 to the cloud 2. DC 5V is supplied from the camera power supply 7 (AC / DC) to the camera module main body 4. The camera module main body 4 and the expansion unit 5 (I2C-UART) are connected via I2C, and I2C signals are transmitted. DC 3.3V is supplied from the camera module main body 4 to the expansion unit 5 (I2C-UART). The expansion unit 5 (I2C-UART) and the conversion unit 6 (UART-DALI) are connected via UART, and UART signals are transmitted. DC 5V is supplied from the expansion unit 5 (I2C-UART) to the conversion unit 6 (UART-DALI).

[0014] Furthermore, a dimming command is transmitted from the control gear 10 to the lighting power supply dimmer 9. The lighting power supply dimmer 9 controls the lighting of the LEDs 8 based on the dimming command. The M area controller 11, DALIG / W 12, and DALI controller 13 are connected via a LAN. The conversion unit 6 (UART-DALI) and the DALI controller 13 are connected via a DALI transmission line, and presence / absence information and illuminance value information are transmitted from the conversion unit 6 (UART-DALI) to the DALI controller 13. The control gear 10 and the DALI controller 13 are also connected via a DALI transmission line, and a dimming command is transmitted from the DALI controller 13 to the control gear 10. Furthermore, dimming commands are transmitted and received between the DALI controller 13 and the control gear 10 in accordance with a standard known as DALI (registered trademark). The control gear 10 transmits a dimming command to the lighting power supply dimmer 9, and the lighting power supply dimmer 9 controls the lighting of the LEDs 8 based on the dimming command.

[0015] 1 has explained how the cloud 2, terminal device 3, camera module main body 4, expansion unit 5 (I2C-UART), conversion unit 6 (UART-DALI), camera power supply 7 (AC / DC), LED 8, lighting power supply dimmer 9, control gear 10, M area controller 11, DALIG / W 12, and DALI controller 13 are connected in the lighting control system 1. FIG. 2 explains the functional configuration of the camera module main body 4 in the lighting control system 1.

[0016] 2, the lighting control system 1A includes a terminal device 3, a camera module main body 4, an expansion unit 5 (I2C-UART), a conversion unit 6 (UART-DALI), an LED 8, a lighting power supply dimmer 9 (power supply unit), and a control gear 10 (power supply control unit). The terminal device 3, the camera module main body 4, the expansion unit 5 (I2C-UART), the conversion unit 6 (UART-DALI), the LED 8, the lighting power supply dimmer 9 (power supply unit), and the control gear 10 (power supply control unit) are connected to each other via wire or wirelessly so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0017] The terminal device 3 is a PC for setting up the ViewLED. The terminal device 3 and the camera module main body 4 are connected via a LAN. The camera module main body 4 and the expansion unit 5 (I2C-UART converter) are connected via I2C, and I2C signals are transmitted. DC power is supplied from the camera module main body 4 to the expansion unit 5 (I2C-UART). The expansion unit 5 (I2C-UART converter) and the conversion unit 6 (UART-DALI converter (DALI microcomputer)) are connected via UART, and UART signals are transmitted. DC power is supplied from the expansion unit 5 (I2C-UART converter) to the conversion unit 6 (UART-DALI converter (DALI microcomputer)). The conversion unit 6 (UART-DALI converter (DALI microcomputer)) transmits a motion detection signal and an illuminance signal. The conversion unit 6 (UART-DALI converter (DALI microcomputer)) is capable of bidirectional communication with a DALI upper device (not shown). Therefore, it is also possible to control the lighting control software 45 via UART, I2C, and SoC (System on a Chip) 41 in response to a command from a DALI higher-level device. Note that an I2C signal is transmitted from the SoC 41.

[0018] The lighting power supply dimmer 9 (power supply unit) and the control gear 10 (power supply control unit) are connected via UART, and UART signals are transmitted. In addition, DC power is supplied from the control gear 10 (power supply control unit) to the lighting power supply dimmer 9 (power supply unit). The lighting power supply dimmer 9 (power supply unit) is an AC / DC power supply, and is a power source for driving (dimming, reducing brightness, etc.) the LEDs 8. In addition, the lighting power supply dimmer 9 (power supply unit) also supplies power for driving the control gear 10 (power supply control unit).

[0019] Here, the functional configuration of the camera module main body 4 will be described in detail. As shown in Fig. 2, the camera module main body 4 includes an SoC 41, an API (Application Programming Interface) 42, camera software 43, a person detection AI algorithm 44, and lighting control software 45. The API 42 is an API for transmitting and receiving data to and from a UART. In Fig. 2, arrows are directed from the camera software 43 to the lighting control software 45 and from the person detection AI algorithm 44 to the lighting control software 45. The arrows are directed in the direction in which information requested (called) from the lighting control software 45 is sent to the lighting control software 45.

[0020] In practice, when the lighting control software 45 calls the API 42 for brightness data (such as the brightness value of a camera image) (the lighting control software 45 calls the illuminance API to acquire the brightness data), the API 42 acquires the brightness data (such as the brightness values ​​of each of RGB) from the camera software 43 and sends it to the lighting control software 45 (step S1). Also, when the lighting control software 45 calls the API 42 for detection score and coordinate data (a set of detection score and coordinate data) (the lighting control software 45 calls the human detection API to acquire the detection score and coordinate data (a set of detection score and coordinate data)), the API 42 acquires the detection score and coordinate data (a set of detection score and coordinate data) from the human detection AI algorithm 44 and sends it to the lighting control software 45 (step S2). The detection score is a score for human detection; for example, the more likely the detected object is to be a human, the closer the score to "1" is output. Using this detection score, for example, if the score is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, it can be determined to be a human. Then, when a detection score is output (or when it is determined to be a person), the coordinates are set.

[0021] In this way, the lighting control software 45 acquires the luminance data, the detection score, and the coordinate data (a set of the detection score and the coordinate data) through steps S1 and S2. Then, upon acquiring the luminance data, the lighting control software 45 converts the luminance to illuminance and transmits the illuminance signal to the conversion unit 6 (UART-DALI converter (DALI microcomputer)) via the expansion unit 5 (I2C-UART). The conversion from luminance to illuminance is performed based on various parameters, such as ceiling height information, color information of color-matched items (such as fixtures), and spacing information of lighting devices. The signal converted to illuminance is transmitted so as to match the acquisition timing (such as the period) of the DALI lighting control. In other words, the conversion from luminance to illuminance is performed so as to match the acquisition timing of the DALI lighting control. Furthermore, upon acquiring the detection score and coordinate data (a set of the detection score and coordinate data), the lighting control software 45 determines whether a person is present or absent and sends a human presence signal (a human presence / absence signal) to the conversion unit 6 (UART-DALI converter (DALI microcomputer)) via the expansion unit 5 (I2C-UART). The lighting control software 45 also monitors the operation of the conversion unit 6 (UART-DALI converter (DALI microcomputer)). For example, if the conversion unit 6 (UART-DALI converter (DALI microcomputer)) is not operating, the lighting control software 45 sends a reset signal to restart (initialize) the conversion unit 6.

[0022] The illuminance signal and motion detection signal are transmitted at a frequency that conforms to the DALI lighting control protocol. Signals such as motion detection and illuminance signals are input to the transmission module as sensing information, and the output control signal is transmitted.

[0023] Also, in step S2, as shown in FIG. 3, the person detection AI algorithm 44 makes a call to the API 42 for a camera image. When the person detection AI algorithm 44 makes a call to the API 42 for a camera image (when the person detection AI algorithm 44 calls the image API to acquire the camera image), the API 42 acquires the camera image (the image itself, such as a JPEG image) from the camera software 43 and transmits it to the person detection AI algorithm 44 (step S3). The person detection AI algorithm 44 then converts the acquired camera image into a detection score and coordinate data. The converted detection score and coordinate data are then transmitted to the lighting control software 45 by calling the API 42. Meanwhile, in step S1, brightness data, such as the brightness value of the camera image, is transmitted, rather than the camera image itself. Note that the person detection AI algorithm 44 constantly invokes the image API at a predetermined interval (e.g., 3 fps (0.3 seconds)) to call the camera image for step S3. Therefore, the person detection AI algorithm 44 continues to update (calculate) the detection score and coordinate data at predetermined intervals. At this time, the person detection AI algorithm 44 continues to update the detection score and coordinate data regardless of whether the lighting control software 45 calls the human detection API. Furthermore, the lighting control software 45 acquires the detection score and coordinate data at predetermined intervals. Specifically, the lighting control software 45 acquires the latest detection score and coordinate data when the human detection API is accessed. More specifically, the API 42 has (updates) the latest primary cache every time the detection score and coordinate data are updated, and the lighting control software 45 acquires the latest detection score and coordinate data from the API 42 when the human detection API is accessed. This enables control that reflects the latest values ​​of the person detection AI algorithm 44 at predetermined intervals.

[0024] Furthermore, each API process is controlled so as not to overlap. For example, control is performed so that processing by the motion detection API is not executed when processing by the image API is being performed. For example, control is performed so that processing by the image API is not executed when processing by the illuminance API is being performed. For example, control is performed so that processing by the illuminance API is not executed when processing by the motion detection API is being performed. Note that the priority of processing by the illuminance API may be lowered to prioritize processing by the motion detection API; for example, control may be performed so that processing by the illuminance API is not executed. For example, if there is no change in the change value of illuminance from the previous time, the priority of the illuminance API may be lowered, and if there is a large change from the previous time, the priority of the illuminance API may be increased.

[0025] The person detection AI algorithm 44 and the lighting control software 45 execute processes separately without interlocking with each other. In other words, the process by the image API and the process by the human detection API are executed separately. Therefore, if the process by the image API is being executed when the human detection API is hit, the process by the human detection API will wait for the process by the image API to finish before executing.

[0026] Furthermore, camera image acquisition and lighting control are performed separately by the camera software 43 and lighting control software 45. Connecting the camera software 43 and lighting control software 45 via an API reduces the processing load and also enables lighting control processing to be prioritized. Dividing the control flow into stages in this way enables optimization within a limited processing capacity. Connecting the software via API and dividing it into multiple units for separate processing enables lighting control to be reflected quickly (such as in real time). Constantly performing heavy camera image acquisition processing (processing using the image API) at predetermined intervals enables lighting control to be reflected quickly.

[0027] In addition, UART is capable of two-way communication, and the lighting control software 45 receives periodic signals from the conversion unit 6 (UART-DALI converter (DALI microcomputer)) and restarts the power supply of the DALI microcomputer if there is no response.

[0028] The detection score threshold setting can be changed using an external device (such as an external PC) and CGI (Common Gateway Interface). The coordinate range for presence / absence can also be changed from an external device. The illuminance calculation range can also be changed from an external device. In this way, the judgment condition settings (lighting control conditions) can be changed from an external device.

[0029] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, surplus power from the camera module main body 4 may be supplied to the expansion unit 5 (I2C-UART converter) and the conversion unit 6 (UART-DALI converter (DALI microcomputer)) using a DC power line. This allows the power, which would normally be supplied from the lighting power supply (lighting power supply dimmer 9 (power supply unit)), to be supplied from the camera module main body 4, thereby reducing the number of DC power supplies. Conventionally, devices that determine lighting control did not have a function to reset the microcomputer that reflects lighting control. In the above embodiment, when lighting control is performed, if there is no response (answer) from the DALI microcomputer within a predetermined time, the DALI microcomputer is reset. The reset signal is output, for example, from the lighting control software 45. In this way, the DALI microcomputer is restarted by the camera module main body 4 (or the lighting control software 45), not by an external device such as the control gear 10 (power supply control unit).

[0030] The reset function according to the embodiment will be described below. FIGS. 4 and 5 (FIGS. 5A to 5C) are diagrams illustrating a reset function according to the prior art. FIG. 4 is a system diagram illustrating a lighting control system according to the prior art. Conventionally, a communication interface and functions were provided outside the lighting fixture, and monitoring processing was performed by the DALI microcontroller's own watchdog (internal WDT) within the lighting fixture. If the signal processing unit slowed down (see FIG. 5A) due to an increase in processing load or a malfunction caused by a temperature rise within the lighting fixture, and the WDT was not reset for a certain period of time, the DALI microcontroller was restarted to operate. Thus, conventionally, operation was completed within the DALI microcontroller, and actual operation could not be confirmed in actual operation. Furthermore, when connecting to other devices, the entire system became complex, requiring external monitoring, including maintenance management. Furthermore, because the DALI microcontroller's WDT could also stop operating (see FIG. 5B), a fail-safe external WDT was required (see FIG. 5C).

[0031] Next, the reset function according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6. In the lighting control system 1B, the conversion unit 6 (UART-DALI) includes a DALI microcomputer. The SoC 41 uses data at regular intervals (e.g., 100 ms intervals) as status information (in practice, data processing at regular intervals is performed from the lighting control software 45 via the API 42). The SoC 41 transmits and receives data to and from the DALI microcomputer in the conversion unit 6 (UART-DALI) at regular intervals via the expansion unit 5 (I2C-UART) (i.e., performs bidirectional communication with the DALI microcomputer). In this way, the camera module main body 4 manages the DALI microcomputer's status. If the SoC 41 does not transmit data from the DALI microcomputer for, for example, more than 300 ms (three cycles), the SoC 41 sets the status to NG and applies a reset voltage. The SoC 41 restarts the DALI microcomputer by applying the reset voltage. The status of the DALI microcomputer can also be checked from outside the camera module main body 4. Therefore, the reset is not limited to being performed by the SoC 41 as described above, but may also be performed by an external device such as an external PC. For example, the DALI microcontroller may be forcibly reset using a CGI command (a command from outside the camera module main body 4) from the terminal device 3 via batch setting software. Furthermore, for example, the camera module main body 4 and the DALI microcontroller may also be reset using a CGI command from an external device (such as the terminal device 3). A reset may be performed using a CGI command from an external device (such as the terminal device 3) targeting only the DALI microcontroller, or may be performed targeting both the camera module main body 4 and the DALI microcontroller. When an instruction is sent to the lighting control software 45 using a CGI command from the terminal device 3, the lighting control software 45 executes a reset process (processing to restart the DALI microcontroller) in the SoC 41 via the API 42. For example, a CGI command is executed as a last resort when the operation of the microcontroller in the camera module main body 4, which is being periodically monitored, also stops.

[0032] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, if the DALI microcontroller in conversion unit 6 (UART-DALI) stops operating, the control to convert the UART signal to a PWM dimming signal and turn on LED8 will no longer be performed. When the PWM duty cycle reaches 0%, LED8 will light up at 100% (full light), but when the PWM duty cycle reaches 100%, LED8 will turn off. For this reason, based on information from the human detection API, if the UART signal indicates "present," the PWM duty cycle is controlled to 0%, and if the UART signal indicates "not present," the PWM duty cycle is controlled to 100%. If the DALI microcontroller is operating normally, the information will be reflected appropriately on LED8, but if the DALI microcontroller is not operating normally, the information will no longer be updated and will no longer be reflected on LED8. Furthermore, when the PWM duty cycle is 0%, Vavg (average V) is 0V in both the UART-DALI converter and DC / DC Boost. However, when the PWM duty cycle is 100%, the voltage output from the UART-DALI converter is converted according to the voltage that the lighting power supply dimmer 9 (power supply unit) can accept. In FIG. 7, since the voltage that the lighting power supply dimmer 9 (power supply unit) can accept is 12V, Vavg (average V) is converted from 3.3V (the voltage output from the UART-DALI converter) to 12V (the voltage output from DC / DC Boost) (i.e., it is a boost circuit). Furthermore, when the lighting power supply dimmer 9 (power supply unit) receives a PWM dimming command signal, it changes the dimming level of the LED 8 by changing the current flowing through the LED 8 according to the PWM duty cycle ratio.

[0033] [Configuration of lighting control device] Next, the configuration of a lighting control device (corresponding to camera module main body 4) according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a lighting control device according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the lighting control device includes a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130. The lighting control device may also include an input unit (e.g., a keyboard or a mouse) that accepts various operations from an administrator of the lighting control device, and a display unit (e.g., an LCD display) that displays various information. The lighting control device according to an embodiment does not need to be limited to an AI camera such as camera module main body 4. For example, the lighting control device according to an embodiment may be various types of microcomputers that can be installed in an AI camera, or may be a separate device. For example, the lighting control device according to an embodiment may be an AI camera, a chip, or a lighting device itself.

[0034] (Communication unit 110) The communication unit 110 is realized by, for example, a network interface card (NIC), etc. The communication unit 110 is connected to a network N by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from the terminal device 3, etc. via the network N.

[0035] (Storage unit 120) The storage unit 120 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk.

[0036] The storage unit 120 stores, for example, information related to the primary cache. An example of the storage unit 120 according to the embodiment is shown in Fig. 8. As shown in Fig. 8, the storage unit 120 has items such as "cache ID" and "cache."

[0037] "Cache ID" indicates identification information for identifying a cache. "Cache" indicates information about the primary cache. In the example shown in FIG. 8, conceptual information such as "Cache #1" and "Cache #2" is stored in "Cache," but in reality, information such as detection score values, coordinate data, and brightness values ​​is stored.

[0038] (control unit 130) The control unit 130 is a controller, and is realized by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) executing various programs stored in a storage device within the lighting control device using a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a work area. The control unit 130 is also realized by, for example, an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0039] 8, control unit 130 has a first control unit 131, a second control unit 132, a third control unit 133, and a fourth control unit 134, and realizes or executes the information processing functions described below. Note that the internal configuration of control unit 130 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 8, and other configurations may be used as long as they perform the information processing described below.

[0040] (First control unit 131) The first control unit 131 corresponds to the person detection AI algorithm 44 according to the above embodiment. The first control unit 131, for example, acquires camera images at predetermined intervals (corresponding to the first intervals) and performs person detection processing. Specifically, the first control unit 131 acquires camera images from the camera software 43, calculates a detection score and coordinate data based on the acquired camera images, and performs person detection processing. For example, the first control unit 131 constantly updates the detection score and coordinate data at predetermined intervals for person detection processing.

[0041] The second control unit 132 described below corresponds to the lighting control software 45 according to the above embodiment. For example, when the second control unit 132 requests the result of the person detection processing, the first control unit 131 provides the latest processing result. For example, the first control unit 131 provides the second control unit 132 with the latest detection score and coordinate data.

[0042] (Second control unit 132) The second control unit 132, for example, acquires the results of the person detection processing by the first control unit 131 at predetermined intervals (corresponding to the second intervals), and determines the content of lighting control based on the acquired results of the person detection processing. For example, the second control unit 132 determines the content of lighting control based on the latest detection score and coordinate data. Note that the second intervals may be a longer time interval than the first intervals, and the second control unit 132 may, for example, acquire the results of the person detection processing by the first control unit 131 at predetermined intervals that are longer time intervals than the first intervals, and determine the content of lighting control based on the acquired results of the person detection processing.

[0043] For example, the second control unit 132 further acquires brightness data from software that controls the camera (corresponding to the camera software 43) and determines the details of the lighting control based on the acquired brightness data. For example, the second control unit 132 determines the details of the lighting control based on the acquired brightness data and the result of the person detection process.

[0044] For example, the second control unit 132 converts the acquired luminance data into illuminance data and determines the content of the lighting control based on the converted illuminance data. For example, the second control unit 132 determines the content of the lighting control based on the converted illuminance data and the acquired result of the person detection process.

[0045] For example, the second control unit 132 outputs the determined lighting control content. For example, the second control unit 132 outputs the lighting control content determined based on the result of the person detection process. Also, for example, the second control unit 132 outputs the lighting control content determined based on luminance data. Also, for example, the second control unit 132 outputs the lighting control content determined based on illuminance data.

[0046] The second control unit 132 acquires, for example, lighting control conditions from an external device, and determines the details of lighting control based on the acquired lighting control conditions.

[0047] (Third control unit 133) The third control unit 133 corresponds to the camera software 43 according to the above embodiment. For example, when there is a request to acquire brightness data from the second control unit 132, the third control unit 133 outputs each RGB brightness data from the camera image. For example, the third control unit 133 acquires the camera image and outputs each RGB brightness data from the acquired camera image.

[0048] (Fourth control unit 134) The fourth control unit 134 transmits lighting control information to a microcomputer (such as the conversion unit 6) that controls lighting devices (such as the LEDs 8). The fourth control unit 134 also resets (restarts) the microcomputer if, for example, it does not receive a response from the microcomputer within a predetermined time. For example, the fourth control unit 134 resets the microcomputer if it does not receive a response from the microcomputer within a predetermined time to the transmitted lighting control information. For example, the fourth control unit 134 performs bidirectional communication with the microcomputer at regular intervals (such as 100 ms), and if there is no communication from the microcomputer for a certain period (such as 300 ms), it outputs a reset signal from the SoC via the API (via an I2C-UART converter) to reset the microcomputer. For example, if the fourth control unit 134 periodically monitors the operation of the microcomputer at 100 ms intervals, it resets the microcomputer if there is no communication from the microcomputer for 300 ms (three cycles).

[0049] The fourth control unit 134 resets the microcomputer by outputting a reset signal via a power supply control device (such as the control gear 10), for example. The fourth control unit 134 also provides operating power to the microcomputer via the power supply control device, for example.

[0050] The fourth control unit 134, for example, transmits information about the microcomputer to an external device. The fourth control unit 134 also resets the microcomputer when, for example, it receives a reset request from the external device. For example, when the fourth control unit 134 receives a CGI command via the UI of an external device such as an external PC, it outputs a reset signal from the SoC via the API (via an I2C-UART converter) to reset the microcomputer. For example, when regular monitoring of the microcomputer is not operating, the fourth control unit 134 resets the microcomputer with a CGI command from the external device.

[0051] [Information processing flow] Next, the procedure of information processing by lighting control system 1 (or lighting control systems 1A and 1B) according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of information processing by lighting control system 1 (or lighting control systems 1A and 1B) according to an embodiment.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 10, the lighting control device (corresponding to the camera module main body 4) according to the embodiment acquires camera images at a predetermined first interval and performs person detection processing (step S101).

[0053] The lighting control device according to the embodiment acquires the result of the person detection process at a predetermined second interval and determines the content of lighting control based on the result of the person detection process (step S102).

[0054] The lighting control device according to the embodiment outputs the determined lighting control details (step S103).

[0055] [Other system configuration examples] The configuration of the lighting control system 1 (or lighting control systems 1A and 1B) described above is merely an example, and any device configuration can be adopted for the lighting control system 1 (or lighting control systems 1A and 1B) as long as the desired processing is possible. Furthermore, the various processes performed by the lighting control device (corresponding to the camera module body 4) may be executed by any device included in the lighting control system 1 (or lighting control systems 1A and 1B) rather than by the lighting control device. The various processes performed by the lighting control device may be distributed and processed by multiple devices included in the lighting control system 1 (or lighting control systems 1A and 1B).

[0056] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described, 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. These embodiments and their modifications are within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims. Furthermore, these embodiments and their modifications can be combined as appropriate within the scope of the processing content. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1. Lighting control system 2. Cloud 3 Terminal Devices 4 Camera module body 5 Expansion Unit (I2C-UART) 6 Conversion unit (UART-DALI) 7 Camera power supply (AC / DC) 8 LED 9 Power supply dimming for lighting 10 Control Gear 11M Area Controller 12 DALIG / W 13 DALI Controller 41 SoC 42 API 43 Camera Software 44 Person Detection AI Algorithm 45 Lighting Control Software 110 Communications Department 120 Storage section 130 control section 131 First Control Section 132 Second Control Section 133 Third Control Section 134 4th Control Section N Network

Claims

1. A lighting control device that controls lighting devices based on information acquired by a lighting control system, a control unit having a function of transmitting lighting control information to a microcomputer that reflects lighting control on the lighting device, and a function of resetting the microcomputer when there is no response from the microcomputer; A lighting control device comprising:

2. The control unit A reset signal is output via the power supply control device to reset the microcomputer.

2. The lighting control device according to claim 1.

3. The control unit A function to provide operating power to the microcomputer via a power supply control device 2. The lighting control device according to claim 1.

4. The control unit Has the function to acquire camera images 2. The lighting control device according to claim 1.

5. The control unit The function of transmitting information about the microcomputer to an external device 2. The lighting control device according to claim 1.

6. The control unit When a reset request is received from an external device, the microcomputer is reset.

2. The lighting control device according to claim 1.

7. A computer-implemented lighting control method for controlling lighting devices based on information acquired by a lighting control system, comprising: a control step including a step of transmitting lighting control information to a microcomputer that reflects the lighting control on the lighting device, and a step of resetting the microcomputer when there is no response from the microcomputer; A lighting control method comprising:

8. a microcomputer that reflects lighting control on the lighting device; a lighting control device that transmits lighting control information to the microcomputer and resets the microcomputer if there is no response from the microcomputer; A lighting control system comprising:

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