Lighting control device and lighting control system

Abstract

To provide a lighting control device which enables a user to easily grasp a position of a lighting fixture, and a lighting control system.SOLUTION: A lighting control device comprises a communication section which wirelessly communicates with a plurality of lighting fixtures, and a control section for controlling the plurality of lighting fixtures by means of the wireless communication. The plurality of lighting fixtures is distributed to a plurality of steps, to each of which two or more lighting fixtures belong, in accordance with radio wave intensities in the wireless communication, response speeds in the wireless communication or installation positions. When a target lighting fixture is selected from among the plurality of lighting fixtures by a user, the control section brings the selected target lighting fixture, a non-selected lighting fixture belonging to the same step as the target lighting fixture and a lighting fixture belonging to the step, which is different from the target lighting fixture, into mutually different turned-on states.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a control system that generates illumination light of a predetermined color by adjusting the brightness of multiple colors of light emitted from a light source unit based on multiple brightness levels. In this control system, a user sets the lighting settings using a dimming console. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

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

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

[0005] When configuring lighting fixtures, it is considered to link the address information and location information of a large number of lighting fixtures using a tablet device, etc. In this case, if the location of each lighting fixture is checked by turning it on or off one by one, it may be difficult to determine the location of the lighting fixtures, especially when a large number of lighting fixtures are installed.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a lighting control device and a lighting control system that allow a user to easily grasp the location of lighting fixtures. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The lighting control device according to the present disclosure includes a communication unit that communicates wirelessly with a plurality of lighting fixtures, and a control unit that controls the plurality of lighting fixtures via the wireless communication, wherein the plurality of lighting fixtures are assigned to a plurality of steps, each of which has two or more lighting fixtures, according to the radio wave strength in the wireless communication, the response speed in the wireless communication, or the installation location, and the control unit is configured, when a user selects a target lighting fixture from the plurality of lighting fixtures, to set the selected target lighting fixture, non-selected lighting fixtures that belong to the same step as the target lighting fixture, and lighting fixtures that belong to a step different from the target lighting fixture to different lighting states. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the lighting control device of the present disclosure, a target lighting fixture selected by a user, non-selected lighting fixtures that belong to the same step as the target lighting fixture, and lighting fixtures that belong to a different step from the target lighting fixture are turned on in different lighting states, thereby allowing the user to easily grasp the locations of the lighting fixtures. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a lighting control system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a functional block diagram of a lighting control device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a screen configuration according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the lighting state of a plurality of lighting fixtures. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the lighting state of a plurality of lighting fixtures according to a comparative example. [Figure 6]3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating an example of the lighting state of a plurality of lighting devices according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a list display according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8A] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a step selection unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8B] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a step selection unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9A] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a target lighting fixture is selected using a device selection unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9B] 9B is a diagram showing the lighting states of a plurality of lighting devices corresponding to the operation of FIG. 9A. FIG. [Figure 10A] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a target lighting fixture is selected using a device selection unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10B] 10B is a diagram showing the lighting states of a plurality of lighting devices corresponding to the operation of FIG. 10A. FIG. [Figure 11A] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a target lighting fixture is selected using a device selection unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11B] 11B is a diagram showing the lighting states of a plurality of lighting devices corresponding to the operation of FIG. 11A. FIG. [Figure 12A] 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a target lighting fixture has been selected using a step selection unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12B] 12B is a diagram showing the lighting states of a plurality of lighting devices corresponding to the operation of FIG. 12A. FIG. [Figure 13A] 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a target lighting fixture has been selected using a step selection unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 13B] 13B is a diagram showing the lighting states of a plurality of lighting devices corresponding to the operation of FIG. 13A. FIG. [Figure 14A] 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a target lighting fixture has been selected using a step selection unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 14B] 14B is a diagram showing the lighting states of a plurality of lighting devices corresponding to the operation of FIG. 14A. FIG. [Figure 15A]FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of allocation of a plurality of lighting fixtures to steps according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15B] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of allocation of a plurality of lighting fixtures to steps according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15C] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of allocation of a plurality of lighting fixtures to steps according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16A] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the step selection unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16B] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the step selection unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17A] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a communication flow of the lighting control system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17B] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a communication flow of the lighting control system according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A lighting control device and a lighting control system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding components are designated by the same reference numerals, and repeated description may be omitted.

[0011] Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a lighting control system 100 according to a first embodiment. The lighting control system 100 includes a lighting control device 10 and multiple lighting fixtures 30. The lighting control device 10 is, for example, a tablet device or a smartphone. The lighting control device 10 and the lighting fixtures 30 communicate via wireless communication 60. The lighting control device 10 and the lighting fixtures 30 may also communicate via other devices such as a server or a lighting controller. The lighting control device 10 and the lighting fixtures 30 may also communicate via a wired connection. The lighting control system 100 may include any number of lighting fixtures 30, and may include, for example, 10 or more or 100 or more.

[0012] Typically, lighting control systems are custom-designed by each company. Therefore, communication between lighting control devices, lighting controllers, lighting fixtures, etc. is typically performed via a wired local area network (LAN), a dedicated communication line, or a 920 MHz specific low-power radio. In this embodiment, it is preferable to use a general-purpose tablet device, for example, as the lighting control device 10 to configure the lighting controller, lighting fixtures 30, etc. In this case, the lighting control system 100 may be configured by installing a unit capable of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication in the lighting fixtures 30, etc., and communicating between the lighting control device 10 and the lighting fixtures 30, etc. via BLE communication. Furthermore, the lighting fixtures 30, etc. may relay received signals to other devices to form a mesh network. Operation from the lighting control device 10 may include, for example, individual control, group control, and scene control of the lighting fixtures 30.

[0013] Next, the settings and control of lighting control device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail. First, a user launches a lighting control application on lighting control device 10. When the application is launched for the first time, there is no information about devices such as lighting fixtures 30. Lighting control device 10 communicates with devices such as lighting fixtures 30 via wireless communication 60, acquires information about each device, and connects lighting control device 10 to each device. The device information is stored in memory unit 18, which will be described later.

[0014] The devices in the lighting control system 100 may include, for example, lighting fixtures 30, relay devices, PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) devices, sensor devices, and gateway devices. Device information acquired by the lighting control device 10 includes, for example, identification information for identifying the device, the device's MAC address, and product specifications. Product specifications include, for example, whether the device has a dimming control function, whether the device has a color temperature control function, and the range of dimming rate or color temperature change.

[0015] The lighting control device 10 displays a list on the device selection unit 14 (described later) based on the information obtained from each device. When the application is launched for the second time or later, the list is displayed based on the information previously acquired. In the following description, it is assumed that the lighting control device 10 has been connected to the devices and the device list has been displayed in advance. The order in which the list is displayed is, for example, the order in which the connections between the lighting control device 10 and each device were completed. In other words, devices with stronger radio wave strength are displayed first. It is assumed here that the radio wave strength decreases as the distance between the lighting control device 10 and the device increases.

[0016] 2 is a functional block diagram of lighting control device 10 pertaining to embodiment 1. Lighting control device 10 includes operation unit 11, which receives input operations to instruct the lighting state of lighting device 30 to be controlled. In response to input operations to operation unit 11, control unit 13 transmits control signals to lighting device 30 via communication unit 17 over wireless communication 60 to control the lighting state, etc., of lighting device 30.

[0017] The device selection unit 14 displays a list of identification information such as addresses of multiple lighting fixtures 30. The user can select the lighting fixture 30 to be controlled from the list by operating the device selection unit 14. The user can also select the target step by operating the step selection unit 16. The communication unit 17 wirelessly communicates with the multiple lighting fixtures 30 via wireless communication 60. The memory unit 18 stores information about each device, programs executed by the control unit 13, etc.

[0018] The operation unit 11, device selection unit 14, and step selection unit 16 can be configured as a screen 12 such as a touch panel of the lighting control device 10. The screen 12 is configured to accept operations from a user. The control unit 13 can be configured with one or more processing devices such as a microcomputer or processor. The communication unit 17 can be configured with a communication device for BLE communication, for example. The storage unit 18 can be configured with one or more memories.

[0019] 1 shows an example of the operation screen of lighting control device 10. The operation screen includes, for example, a floor selection section for selecting a floor to be controlled and a group selection section for selecting a group of lighting fixtures 30 to be controlled. The operation screen also includes an operation unit 11. Operation unit 11 can be used to set the lighting fixtures 30 or groups to be controlled, such as on / off, dimming rate, color temperature, and scene.

[0020] The lighting fixtures 30 may be pre-assigned to groups. The user can control the lighting states of the lighting fixtures 30 in the group by operating screen 12 to select the group to be controlled and inputting the lighting state from operation unit 11. Note that while FIG. 1 shows an example of group control, individual lighting fixtures 30 can also be controlled.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of screen 12 according to embodiment 1. FIG. 3 shows an example of a setting screen. Screen 12 displays device selection unit 14, map display unit 15, and step selection unit 16. Control unit 13 displays a list of identification information for at least some of the multiple lighting fixtures 30 on device selection unit 14. Control unit 13 also displays a map of the floor on which the multiple lighting fixtures 30 are installed on map display unit 15. Control unit 13 may also display device icons for the multiple lighting fixtures 30 on the map.

[0022] Next, the steps and step selection unit 16 will be described. In this embodiment, multiple lighting fixtures 30 are pre-assigned to multiple steps based on the radio wave intensity in wireless communication 60. Two or more lighting fixtures 30 belong to each of the multiple steps. Multiple lighting fixtures 30 may also be pre-assigned to multiple steps based on their response speed in wireless communication 60 or their installation locations. In the example of FIG. 3, 10 lighting fixtures 30 are assigned to one step. The correspondence between the identification information of lighting fixtures 30 and steps is stored in storage unit 18.

[0023] Control unit 13 displays on screen 12 a step selection unit 16 that allows the user to select a target step from multiple steps. Step selection unit 16 is, for example, an operation bar as shown in FIG. 3. One unit of the operation bar is one step, that is, 10 units. In the example of FIG. 3, step selection unit 16 selects the step to which lighting fixtures 30 with addresses 1 to 10 belong.

[0024] In the following description, the target lighting fixture 30 whose position the user wants to grasp is referred to as lighting fixture 31. The other lighting fixtures 30 that belong to the same step as the target lighting fixture 31 are referred to as lighting fixture 32. The lighting fixtures 30 that belong to a different step from the target lighting fixture 31 are referred to as lighting fixture 33. It is assumed that the target lighting fixture 31 is selected from the multiple lighting fixtures 30 by the user operating the screen 12. The control unit 13 sets the selected target lighting fixture 31, the non-selected lighting fixtures 32 that belong to the same step as the target lighting fixture 31, and the lighting fixtures 33 that belong to a different step from the target lighting fixture 31 to different lighting states. The different lighting states are, for example, states with different dimming rates.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the lighting states of multiple lighting fixtures 30. In the example of FIG. 4, the lighting fixture 31 whose location is to be determined is lighting fixture 30 with address 1. Lighting fixtures 30 with addresses 1 to 10 belong to the same step. Therefore, lighting fixture 31 with address 1, lighting fixtures 32 with addresses 2 to 10, and lighting fixtures 33 with addresses 11 and above have different dimming rates. This allows the user to easily determine the location of the lighting fixture 31 of interest.

[0026] This effect will be further explained using Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the lighting states of multiple lighting fixtures 30 according to a comparative example. In the comparative example, when a user operates a tablet device or the like to select a lighting fixture 31 whose location is to be tracked, the lighting state of only that lighting fixture 31 among the multiple lighting fixtures 30 changes. In this case, it is expected that it will be difficult to find a single lighting fixture 31, especially when a large number of lighting fixtures 30, such as 100 or more, are installed. As such, the lighting control system according to the comparative example may have difficulty tracking the locations of lighting fixtures.

[0027] 6 is a diagram showing an example of the lighting states of a plurality of lighting devices 30 according to embodiment 1. In this embodiment, when a target lighting device 31 is selected, the selected target lighting device 31, non-selected lighting devices 32 belonging to the same step as the target lighting device 31, and lighting devices 33 belonging to a different step from the target lighting device 31 are all in different lighting states.

[0028] Here, the multiple lighting fixtures 30 are assigned to multiple steps based on signal strength, response speed, installation location, etc. In other words, when the multiple lighting fixtures 30 are arranged in descending order of signal strength in wireless communication 60, response speed in wireless communication 60, or proximity to lighting control device 10, the lighting fixtures are assigned to steps in predetermined numbers starting from the top. For example, if 10 lighting fixtures 30 belong to one step, the 10 lighting fixtures 30 with the strongest signal strength among the multiple lighting fixtures 30 are assigned to the first step.

[0029] Therefore, lighting fixtures 30 belonging to the same step are arranged in positions without significant variation, as shown in FIG. 6. This allows the user to easily recognize the positions of lighting fixtures 31 and 32 that are in different lighting states among the multiple lighting fixtures 30. In other words, the user can easily recognize lighting fixtures 32 near the target lighting fixture 31. This allows the user to easily determine the position of the target lighting fixture 31.

[0030] When the user selects a target lighting fixture 31, control unit 13 may change the lighting states of lighting fixtures 31 and 32, but may not change the lighting state of lighting fixture 33 outside the step. Any of lighting fixtures 31, 32, and 33 may be turned off. The different lighting states of lighting fixtures 31, 32, and 33 are not limited to different dimming rates, but may also be different color temperatures, different flashing rates, or different flashing patterns. The lighting states of lighting fixtures 31, 32, and 33 may be user-configurable.

[0031] The operation and display of screen 12 shown in Fig. 3 will be further described. When the user selects a target lighting device 30 from the list displayed by device selection unit 14, control unit 13 controls lighting devices 31, 32, and 33 to be in different lighting states.

[0032] 7 is a diagram showing an example of a list display according to embodiment 1. Controller 13 displays a list of at least some of the identification information of multiple lighting devices 30 on screen 12 in descending order of radio wave strength in wireless communication 60, response speed in wireless communication 60, or proximity to lighting control device 10. Therefore, the list display by device selector 14 displays lighting devices 30 in order starting from the lighting device 30 in the first step. This makes it easy to understand the correspondence between the steps and the list display.

[0033] The list display on the device selection unit 14 does not need to simultaneously display the identification information of all lighting fixtures 30. In other words, it is sufficient if at least some of the identification information is displayed in a list sorted, for example, by signal strength in wireless communication 60, response speed in wireless communication 60, or proximity to lighting control device 10. For example, if lighting fixture 30 with address 1 is selected on the device selection unit 14, the device selection unit 14 should display the identification information of lighting fixture 30 with address 1 and at least some of the lighting fixtures 30 belonging to the same step as address 1, as shown in FIG. 3 . Furthermore, the identification information of other lighting fixtures 30 may be displayed by scrolling the device selection unit 14.

[0034] 3, device selection unit 14 displays a list of the identification information of some of the multiple lighting fixtures 30 belonging to lighting control system 100. However, this is not limited to this, and depending on the number of lighting fixtures 30 in lighting control system 100, device selection unit 14 may display a list of the identification information of all of the multiple lighting fixtures 30.

[0035] 8A and 8B are diagrams illustrating step selection section 16 according to embodiment 1. By sliding button 16a provided on the operation bar of step selection section 16, a step can be selected.

[0036] The list display in the device selection unit 14 and the operation of the step selection unit 16 may be linked. For example, moving the operation bar of the step selection unit 16 by one notch may move the list display by one step. For example, suppose that address 1 is selected in the device selection unit 14 and then button 16a of the step selection unit 16 is moved by one notch. At this time, the device selection unit 14 is configured to select the device with the first address of the next, second step. In other words, the lighting fixture 30 with address 11 is selected.

[0037] Similarly, suppose that address 2 is selected in device selection unit 14 and button 16a of step selection unit 16 is moved by one notch. At this time, device selection unit 14 selects lighting fixture 30 at address 12 of the next, second step. In other words, if lighting fixtures 30 of a certain order are selected in the previous step and then the step is changed, lighting fixtures 30 of the same order as before the change may be selected in the new step. Alternatively, if the step is changed in step selection unit 16, the lighting fixture 30 that is first in the new step may be selected. In this way, the target lighting fixture 31 can be switched not only by device selection unit 14 but also by the operation bar of step selection unit 16.

[0038] Furthermore, when the position confirmation button 16b is set to "Off" in the step selection unit 16, for example, the target lighting fixture 31 is turned off, the lighting fixture 32 is turned on at the minimum dimming rate, and the lighting fixture 33 is turned on at a dimming rate higher than the minimum dimming rate. The lighting states of the lighting fixtures 31, 32, and 33 can also be changed by switching the position confirmation button 16b to "On."

[0039] 9, 10, and 11, we will further explain how lighting states change as a result of operating device selection unit 14. Here, we will assume that target lighting fixture 31 is turned off, lighting fixture 32 in the same step is turned on at the minimum dimming rate, and lighting fixture 33 in another step is turned on at a dimming rate higher than the minimum dimming rate. Also, when target lighting fixture 31 is not selected, all lighting fixtures 30 are turned on at a dimming rate higher than the minimum dimming rate.

[0040] FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating a state in which a target lighting fixture 31 is selected using device selection unit 14 according to embodiment 1. In the example of FIG. 9A, address 1 is selected by device selection unit 14. FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating the lighting states of multiple lighting fixtures 30 corresponding to the operation of FIG. 9A. The selected lighting fixture 31 with address 1 belongs to the first step, which includes addresses 1 to 10. Therefore, lighting fixture 31 with address 1 is turned off, and lighting fixtures 32 with addresses 2 to 10 are set to the minimum dimming rate. The lighting states of lighting fixtures 33 with other addresses remain unchanged.

[0041] FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating a state in which a target lighting device 31 is selected using device selection unit 14 according to embodiment 1. In the example of FIG. 10A, address 2 is selected by device selection unit 14. FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating the lighting states of multiple lighting devices 30 corresponding to the operation of FIG. 10A. The selected lighting device 31 with address 2 also belongs to the first step, to which addresses 1 to 10 belong. Therefore, lighting device 31 with address 2 is turned off, and lighting devices 32 with addresses 1 and 3 to 10 are set to the lower limit dimming rates.

[0042] FIG. 11A is a diagram illustrating a state in which a target lighting fixture 31 is selected using device selection unit 14 according to embodiment 1. In the example of FIG. 11A, address 11 is selected by device selection unit 14. FIG. 11B is a diagram illustrating the lighting states of multiple lighting fixtures 30 corresponding to the operation of FIG. 11A. Lighting fixture 31 with selected address 11 belongs to the second step, to which addresses 11 to 20 belong. As a result, lighting fixture 31 with address 11 is turned off, and lighting fixtures 32 with addresses 12 to 20 are set to the lower limit dimming rate. In addition, when address 11 is selected by device selection unit 14, the position of the scale of step selection unit 16 also changes.

[0043] As described above, when a user selects a target lighting fixture 31 from the list display, the control unit 13 sets the target lighting fixture 31, non-selected lighting fixtures 32 that belong to the same step as the target lighting fixture 31, and lighting fixtures 33 that belong to a different step to different lighting states.

[0044] 12, 13, and 14, the changes in lighting state resulting from the operation of step selection unit 16 will be further described. Here, it is assumed that target lighting fixture 31 is turned off, lighting fixture 32 in the same step is turned on at the minimum dimming rate, and lighting fixtures 33 in other steps are turned on at dimming rates higher than the minimum dimming rate. Furthermore, it is assumed that when target lighting fixture 31 is not selected, all lighting fixtures 30 are turned on at dimming rates higher than the minimum dimming rate.

[0045] FIG. 12A is a diagram illustrating a state in which a target lighting fixture 31 is selected using step selection unit 16 according to embodiment 1. In the example of FIG. 12A, the scale of step selection unit 16 is set to the left end, and step 1 is selected. At this time, lighting fixture 30 with address 1 is selected in the list display of device selection unit 14. FIG. 12B is a diagram illustrating the lighting states of multiple lighting fixtures 30 corresponding to the operation of FIG. 12A. Because lighting fixture 30 with address 1 is the target lighting fixture 31, lighting fixture 31 with address 1 is turned off, and lighting fixtures 32 with addresses 2 to 10 are set to the minimum dimming rate.

[0046] FIG. 13A is a diagram illustrating a state in which a target lighting fixture 31 is selected using step selection unit 16 according to embodiment 1. In the example of FIG. 13A, the scale of step selection unit 16 has been moved by one scale from the state in FIG. 12A. In other words, the second step is selected. At this time, the list display of device selection unit 14 shows that lighting fixture 30 with address 11 is selected. FIG. 13B is a diagram illustrating the lighting states of multiple lighting fixtures 30 corresponding to the operation in FIG. 13A. Because lighting fixture 30 with address 11 is the target lighting fixture 31, lighting fixture 31 with address 11 is turned off, and lighting fixtures 32 with addresses 12 to 20 are set to the minimum dimming rate.

[0047] FIG. 14A is a diagram illustrating a state in which a target lighting fixture 31 is selected using step selection unit 16 according to embodiment 1. In the example of FIG. 14A, the scale of step selection unit 16 has been moved five notches from the state in FIG. 12A. That is, step 6 is selected. At this time, the list display of device selection unit 14 shows that lighting fixture 30 with address 51 is selected. FIG. 14B is a diagram illustrating the lighting states of multiple lighting fixtures 30 corresponding to the operation in FIG. 14A. Because lighting fixture 30 with address 51 is the target lighting fixture 31, lighting fixture 31 with address 51 is turned off, and lighting fixtures 32 with addresses 52 to 60 are set to the minimum dimming levels.

[0048] In this way, when the user operates step selection unit 16 to select a target step, control unit 13 may display a list of identification information of lighting fixtures 30 that belong to the target step on device selection unit 14.

[0049] In this embodiment, it is possible to select lighting fixtures 30 in units of, for example, 10, using step selection unit 16, or to select lighting fixtures 30 one by one using device selection unit 14. These operations can be used appropriately depending on, for example, the size of the property or room.

[0050] 15A to 15C are diagrams illustrating examples of how a plurality of lighting devices 30 are assigned to steps according to embodiment 1. In the example of FIG. 15A, 10 lighting devices 30 are assigned to one step. In the example of FIG. 15B, 5 lighting devices 30 are assigned to one step. In the example of FIG. 15C, 15 lighting devices 30 are assigned to one step. The number of lighting devices 30 assigned to each step may be set by the user.

[0051] 16A and 16B are diagrams showing modified examples of the step selection unit 16 according to the first embodiment. The form of the step selection unit 16 may be arbitrarily customized. In the example shown in FIG. 16A, the step selection unit 16 is a vertically arranged operation bar. With this type of step selection unit 16, the operation bar and the list display of the device selection unit 14 are displayed side by side, making it possible to make the operation area easier to understand. Furthermore, finger movements when operating the operation bar and the device selection unit 14 are unified in the vertical direction. This allows the user to perform operations without stress.

[0052] In the example shown in Fig. 16B, the step selection unit 16 is a dial type. This allows the first step to be displayed immediately after the last step. Also, in the form shown in Fig. 16B, finger movements when operating the step selection unit 16 and the device selection unit 14 are unified vertically. This allows the user to operate them without stress.

[0053] 17A and 17B are diagrams showing the communication flow of lighting control system 100 according to embodiment 1. Lighting fixture 30_x in FIG. 17 indicates a lighting fixture 30 with address x. First, a user presses a receive button (not shown) on lighting control device 10, which causes a device information request to be sent to each lighting fixture 30 (step S1). Each lighting fixture 30 responds with device information such as its address. Controller 13 generates a list of lighting fixtures 30 based on the acquired device information (step S2).

[0054] Next, control unit 13 ranks the multiple lighting devices 30 based on factors such as the radio wave intensity in wireless communication 60 with the lighting devices 30 (step S3). Next, control unit 13 assigns the multiple lighting devices 30 to steps based on the ranking (step S4). Next, control unit 13 displays or updates device selection unit 14, the map, and step selection unit 16 (step S5). Note that in step S5, the multiple lighting devices 30 are assumed to be, for example, turned off.

[0055] Next, suppose the user operates device selection unit 14 to select a target lighting fixture 31 (step S6). Let's assume that address 3 is selected by tapping. Controller 13 issues a command to lighting fixture 31 with address 3 to turn it on, for example, at a dimming rate of 100%. Controller 13 also issues a command to lighting fixtures 32 with addresses 1, 2, and 4-10, which belong to the same step as lighting fixture 31 with address 3, to turn it on, for example, at a dimming rate of 5%. Controller 13 does not change the lighting states of lighting fixtures 33 in other steps. The command to turn it on is transmitted as a control signal via communication unit 17 to each lighting fixture 30 via wireless communication 60. When each lighting fixture 30 receives the control signal addressed to it, it turns on in accordance with the control signal. This allows the user to determine the location of lighting fixture 31 with address 3 (step S7).

[0056] Next, the user taps address 3 again in the list display to deselect the target lighting device 31 (step S8). This causes controller 13 to send a mode change instruction to the multiple lighting devices 30 to return them to their original lighting states. This causes the multiple lighting devices 30 to return to their original lighting states (step S9).

[0057] Next, suppose the user slides the operation bar of step selection unit 16 to select a target step (step S10). Here, for example, suppose step 2 is selected. Controller 13 issues a command to lighting fixture 31 with address 11, which is the first lighting fixture 30 in step 2, to turn it on, for example, at a dimming rate of 100%. Controller 13 also issues a command to lighting fixtures 32 with addresses 12 to 20, which belong to the same step as lighting fixture 31 with address 11, to turn it on, for example, at a dimming rate of 5%. Controller 13 does not change the lighting states of lighting fixtures 33 in the other steps. This allows the user to determine the location of lighting fixture 31 with address 11 (step S11).

[0058] The technical features described in this embodiment may be used in appropriate combination.

[0059] Various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices. (Appendix 1) a communication unit that wirelessly communicates with a plurality of lighting fixtures; a control unit that controls the plurality of lighting devices via the wireless communication; Equipped with the plurality of lighting devices are assigned to a plurality of steps, each of which includes two or more lighting devices, according to the radio wave strength in the wireless communication, the response speed in the wireless communication, or the installation location; When a target lighting device is selected from the plurality of lighting devices by the user, the control unit A lighting control device characterized by being configured to set the selected target lighting fixture, non-selected lighting fixtures belonging to the same step as the target lighting fixture, and lighting fixtures belonging to a different step from the target lighting fixture to different lighting states. (Appendix 2) The lighting control device described in Appendix 1, characterized in that the different lighting states are states with different dimming rates. (Appendix 3) a screen configured to receive operations from a user; The control unit displaying a list of identification information of at least some of the plurality of lighting fixtures on the screen; 3. The lighting control device according to claim 1, wherein when a user selects a target lighting fixture from the list display, the target lighting fixture, the non-selected lighting fixtures, and the lighting fixtures belonging to the different steps are set to different lighting states. (Appendix 4) The control unit displaying a selection section on the screen that allows a user to select a target step from the plurality of steps; A lighting control device as described in Appendix 3, characterized in that when a user operates the selection unit to select the target step, the identification information of the lighting fixtures belonging to the target step is displayed in a list. (Appendix 5) The lighting control device described in any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 4, characterized in that the control unit displays the identification information of at least some of the plurality of lighting devices on the screen in order of strongest radio wave strength in the wireless communication, fastest response speed in the wireless communication, or proximity to the lighting control device. (Appendix 6) A lighting control device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 5; the plurality of lighting fixtures; A lighting control system comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 10 Lighting control device, 11 Operation unit, 12 Screen, 13 Control unit, 14 Equipment selection unit, 15 Map display unit, 16 Step selection unit, 16a Button, 16b Position confirmation button, 17 Communication unit, 18 Memory unit, 30, 31, 32, 33 Lighting fixture, 60 Wireless communication, 100 Lighting control system

Claims

1. a communication unit that wirelessly communicates with a plurality of lighting fixtures; a control unit that controls the plurality of lighting devices via the wireless communication; Equipped with the plurality of lighting devices are assigned to a plurality of steps, each of which includes two or more lighting devices, according to radio wave intensity in the wireless communication, a response speed in the wireless communication, or an installation location; When a target lighting device is selected from the plurality of lighting devices by the user, the control unit A lighting control device characterized by being configured to set the selected target lighting fixture, non-selected lighting fixtures belonging to the same step as the target lighting fixture, and lighting fixtures belonging to a different step from the target lighting fixture to different lighting states.

2. The lighting control device according to claim 1 , wherein the different lighting states are states with different dimming rates.

3. a screen configured to receive operations from a user; The control unit displaying a list of identification information of at least some of the plurality of lighting fixtures on the screen; 3. The lighting control device according to claim 1, wherein when a user selects a target lighting fixture from the list display, the target lighting fixture, the non-selected lighting fixtures, and the lighting fixtures belonging to different steps are set to different lighting states.

4. The control unit displaying a selection section on the screen that allows a user to select a target step from the plurality of steps; The lighting control device according to claim 3 , wherein when a user operates the selection unit to select the target step, the identification information of the lighting fixtures that belong to the target step is displayed in a list.

5. The lighting control device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit displays a list of the identification information of at least some of the plurality of lighting devices on the screen in descending order of radio wave strength in the wireless communication, descending order of response speed in the wireless communication, or descending order of distance from the lighting control device.

6. The lighting control device according to claim 1 or 2; the plurality of lighting fixtures; A lighting control system comprising:

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