Control device, illumination device, illumination system, and control method and program thereof

Abstract

To provide a control device which enables a photographer to easily grasp a group set in an illumination device.SOLUTION: A control device (300) for controlling at least one lighting device (400) by wireless communication includes communication means (302) for performing wireless communication with the at least one lighting device, operation means (303) for receiving an operation related to a setting of a lighting device belonging to a predetermined group among the at least one lighting device, and control means (301) for giving an instruction related to the setting to the lighting device belonging to the predetermined group via the communication means in accordance with the operation, wherein the control means instructs the lighting device to give a notification that the lighting device belongs to the predetermined group.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, a multi-light lighting device control system has been known that includes a sender lighting device attached to an imaging device and a receiver lighting device capable of wirelessly communicating with the sender lighting device, and that uses these lighting devices to provide lighting during photography. In addition, a technology for dividing multiple lighting devices into groups and configuring settings for each group is also known for such a multi-light lighting device control system. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for preventing transmission operations for groups to which a receiver lighting group setting is not assigned, in order to reduce unnecessary communication operations from the sender lighting device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-160788 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, although the photographer can know which groups have not been assigned to receiver lighting devices from a notification displayed on the sender lighting device, he or she cannot know which groups are assigned to which receiver lighting devices. Therefore, the photographer must either remember which groups have been assigned to each receiver lighting device, or go to the receiver lighting device located in a remote location and check the assigned groups using the operation members or display members of the lighting device.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a control device that allows a photographer to easily grasp the groups set in a lighting device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A lighting device according to one aspect of the present invention is a control device that controls at least one lighting device via wireless communication, and includes: communication means for performing the wireless communication with the at least one lighting device; operation means for accepting an operation related to settings of a lighting device that belongs to a predetermined group among the at least one lighting device; and control means for issuing instructions related to the settings to the lighting devices that belong to the predetermined group via the communication means in response to the operation, wherein the control means instructs the lighting device to notify that the lighting device belongs to the predetermined group.

[0007] Other objects and features of the present invention will be described in the following embodiments. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a control device that allows a photographer to easily understand the groups set in a lighting device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a multi-lamp lighting device control system according to each embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a multi-lamp lighting device control system according to each embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is an external view of a lighting device according to each embodiment. [Figure 4] 5 is a flowchart showing the processing of the sender illumination device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 5 is a flowchart showing the processing of the receiver illumination device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 5 is a flowchart showing the processing of the sender illumination device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 5 is a flowchart showing the processing of the receiver illumination device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is an external view of a sender illumination device and a receiver illumination device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing the processing of a sender illumination device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing the processing of the receiver illumination device according to the second and third embodiments. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing the processing of a sender illumination device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a sender illumination device according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0011] First, the gist of each embodiment will be described. Each embodiment relates to a multi-light lighting device control system (lighting system) that performs wireless communication (wireless communication) between multiple lighting devices using radio waves, light, or the like, and uses the multiple lighting devices to provide illumination during photography. A photographer installs multiple lighting devices around a subject and shoots by having them emit light from various directions. In this case, a desired light emission intensity can be set for each lighting device via wireless communication, and the lighting device can emit light at an appropriate timing for photography. This allows the photographer to shoot a subject with the intended light and shadow.

[0012] Such a multi-lamp lighting device control system comprises a sender lighting device and a receiver lighting device. The sender lighting device is attached to the imaging device and emits light and transmits light emission control signals, such as light emission timing and light intensity, to each lighting device during shooting. The receiver lighting device is placed around the subject and emits light upon receiving the light emission signal from the sender lighting device. Each receiver lighting device is grouped into light emission groups such as Group A, Group B, etc., and information can be transmitted from the sender lighting device to each group. The group to which each receiver lighting device belongs is set by operating the operating member of each receiver lighting device.

[0013] Although the photographer can know which groups have not been assigned to receiver lighting devices from the notification displayed on the sender lighting device, he or she cannot know which groups are assigned to which receiver lighting devices. Therefore, each embodiment provides, for example, a multi-light lighting device control system that enables the photographer to easily understand the groups set for lighting devices.

[0014] (First embodiment) 1 is a schematic diagram showing a strobe control system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The strobe control system of this embodiment is a multi-lamp lighting device control system having an image capture device (digital single-lens reflex camera) 100, a sender lighting device 300 directly connected to the image capture device 100, and multiple receiver lighting devices 400 independent of the image capture device 100.

[0015] 2 is a block diagram of a multi-light lighting device control system (lighting system) 10 including an imaging device 100, a sender lighting device 300, and a receiver lighting device 400. The sender lighting device 300, which is directly connected to the connection section of the imaging device 100, is capable of mutual communication with the imaging device 100 via the connection section and has a built-in wireless communication circuit and wireless antenna. The receiver lighting device 400, which is independent of the imaging device 100, also has a built-in wireless communication circuit and wireless antenna, just like the sender lighting device 300. The sender lighting device 300 and receiver lighting device 400 communicate wirelessly using a method such as IEEE802.15.4, a known wireless communication standard.

[0016] The sender lighting device 300 is a control device that controls, via wireless communication, at least one receiver lighting device 400. The receiver lighting device 400 is a lighting device that is controlled by the sender lighting device 300 via wireless communication.

[0017] 1 illustrates a situation in which strobe photography is performed in a photo studio, with the image capture device 100 fixed to a subject 501 by a tripod 502. In this embodiment, the sender lighting device 300 connected to the image capture device 100 serves as the sender device, and the receiver lighting device 400 independent of the image capture device 100 serves as the receiver device. In this configuration, strobe-synchronized photography is performed in which the light emission timing of the sender lighting device 300 and the receiver lighting device 400 is synchronized with the shutter timing of the image capture device 100.

[0018] In this embodiment, the sender lighting device 300 connected to the imaging device 100 is described as the sender device, but the device connected to the imaging device 100 can be replaced with a dedicated transmitter capable of wireless communication. Also, if the camera itself has a built-in wireless communication circuit and wireless antenna and is capable of wireless communication, the system may be such that the camera serves as the sender device and sends instructions directly to the receiver lighting device 400 via wireless communication.

[0019] Next, this embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of Fig. 2 and the external views of the lighting device of Fig. 3(a) and (b). First, with reference to Fig. 2, a schematic configuration of a multi-light lighting device control system 10 including an imaging device 100, a sender lighting device (transmitting side) 300, and a receiver lighting device (receiving side) 400 will be described.

[0020] Reference numeral 100 denotes an imaging device (camera), and a photographing lens (lens device) 200 is attached to the front of the imaging device 100. The photographing lens 200 is replaceable, and the imaging device 100 and the photographing lens 200 are electrically connected via a mount contact group 103. A camera ACC shoe 108 is disposed on the top surface of the imaging device 100, and various accessories equipped with a shoe can be connected, and a contact group (not shown) provided within the camera ACC shoe 108 enables communication with external accessories.

[0021] Reference numeral 101 denotes a camera control unit, which is a microcomputer that controls the operation of each unit of the imaging device 100. The camera control unit 101 also has an internal memory for storing various adjustment values ​​and programs for executing various controls. This internal memory also serves as a buffer memory for temporarily storing various data processed in various places.

[0022] Reference numeral 102 denotes an image sensor that converts light from a subject incident through a lens 202 into an electrical signal, generates an image signal including a still image or a moving image, and outputs it to the camera control unit 101. Reference numeral 104 denotes a shutter (focal plane shutter), which is disposed between the image sensor 102 and the lens 202, and operates in response to instructions from the camera control unit 101. The shutter 104 is composed of a front curtain and a rear curtain, and exposure of the image sensor 102 begins when the front curtain travels and the shutter opens, and ends when the rear curtain travels and the shutter closes.

[0023] Reference numeral 105 denotes a camera operation unit that includes operation members operated by the user, detects operations performed by the user via buttons, switches, dials, connected devices, etc. attached to the imaging device 100, and sends signals corresponding to the operation instructions to the camera control unit 101. For still images, the camera operation unit 105 outputs to the camera control unit 101 an instruction signal (SW1 signal) that is issued when the user presses the release button halfway, and an instruction signal (SW2 signal) that is issued when the release button is pressed all the way down. For video, the camera operation unit 105 outputs to the camera control unit 101 an instruction signal (hereinafter referred to as a REC signal) that is issued when the user presses the record button.

[0024] Reference numeral 106 denotes a camera display unit that displays shooting information and captured images in response to instructions from the camera control unit 101. Reference numeral 107 denotes a recording unit that records captured images, and records images via an interface to a storage medium such as a memory card or hard disk (not shown).

[0025] The camera control unit 101 controls the operation of the imaging device 100 based on the output signal of the camera operation unit 105. When the output signal of the camera operation unit 105 is the SW1 signal, the camera control unit 101 drives the image sensor 102 to capture an image and outputs focus information such as the defocus amount at each ranging point. The camera control unit 101 also detects the subject from the captured image and repeats photometry control (AE operation) to measure the subject's brightness, and determines the shutter speed, aperture value, and ISO sensitivity to be used during shooting from the photometry result. Here, the shutter speed, aperture value, and ISO sensitivity to be used during shooting are collectively referred to as exposure control values. The determined exposure control value is displayed on the screen of the camera display unit 106. When the output signal of the camera operation unit 105 is the SW2 signal, the camera control unit 101 drives the aperture 203 in the lens 202, sets the sensitivity (ISO sensitivity) of the image sensor 102, and controls the shutter 104 to irradiate light onto the image sensor 102.

[0026] When the output signal of the camera operation unit 105 is a REC signal, the camera control unit 105 sets the sensitivity (ISO sensitivity) and frame rate of the image sensor 102, drives the image sensor 102 to capture an image, and outputs focus information such as the defocus amount at each focus point. It also detects a subject from the captured image and irradiates the image sensor 102 with light while repeating photometry control (AE operation) that measures the brightness of the subject. A lens control unit 201 (described later) drives a focus lens (not shown) for adjusting the focus within the lens 202 to repeat autofocusing in accordance with instructions from the camera control unit 101. The camera control unit 101 displays a captured image on the screen of the camera display unit 106 in accordance with image data acquired from the image sensor 102, and also controls writing of image data (including sound information) to a memory unit 107.

[0027] Next, the configuration of the photographing lens 200 will be described. Reference numeral 201 denotes a lens control unit, which is a microcomputer that controls the operation of each unit of the photographing lens 200. Reference numeral 202 denotes a lens, which is composed of a group of multiple lenses and forms an image of a subject on the image sensor 102. The lens 202 also includes an aperture 203 for adjusting the amount of light and a focus lens (not shown) for adjusting the focus. The lens control unit 201 adjusts the amount of light taken into the camera and the focus in accordance with instructions from the camera control unit 101, using control via the mount contact group 103, and sends distance information and the like at that time to the camera control unit 101.

[0028] Next, the configurations of the sender illumination device 300 and the receiver illumination device 400 will be described with reference to Fig. 2 and Figs. 3(a) and (b). The sender illumination device 300 is a light emission control device in this embodiment. Since the sender illumination device 300 and the receiver illumination device 400 have the same configuration, the description will be based on the sender illumination device 300, and differences in function and operation will be explained accordingly. In the description below, components 301 to 307 of the sender illumination device 300 correspond to components 401 to 407 of the receiver illumination device 400, respectively.

[0029] Reference numeral 301 denotes a lighting device control unit (control means), which is a microcomputer that controls the operation of each unit of the sender lighting device 300. The lighting device control unit 301 receives a light emission instruction from the imaging device 100 via a lighting device shoe 306, and controls the lighting device light emission unit 305 to emit light and transmits and receives camera information and lighting device information. The lighting device control unit 301 also transmits and receives control signals related to shooting, such as shooting start and end commands, and other information. The lighting device control unit 301 can also wirelessly communicate with a lighting device wireless communication unit (communication means, second communication means) 402 of the receiver lighting device 400 via a lighting device wireless communication unit 302 (described later). The lighting device control unit 301 also controls the lighting device 400 to emit light based on a light emission instruction from the imaging device 100, and transmits and receives information between the lighting devices.

[0030] The lighting device control unit 401 of the receiver lighting device 400, which corresponds to the lighting device control unit 301, can communicate with the sender lighting device 300 via the lighting device wireless communication unit 402. The receiver lighting device 400 receives a light emission instruction from the sender lighting device 300 and can transmit and receive information such as light emission by the lighting device light-emitting unit 405, acquisition of information about the sender lighting device 300, setting of the light emission amount of the receiver lighting device 400, and charging completion.

[0031] Reference numeral 302 denotes a lighting device wireless communication unit (communication means, first communication means), which is, for example, a wireless communication module such as an infrared communication module, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication module, a wireless LAN communication module, etc. The lighting device wireless communication unit 302 performs wireless communication with at least one receiver lighting device 400 that belongs to a predetermined group out of the receiver lighting device 400.

[0032] Reference numeral 303 denotes a lighting device operation unit (selection means, operation means), which has operation members operated by the user, detects operations performed by the user via buttons, dials, etc. attached to the sender lighting device 300, and sends a signal corresponding to the operation instruction to the lighting device control unit 301. The lighting device operation unit 303 accepts operations (operations such as setting changes) related to the settings of receiver lighting devices 400 that belong to a selected group (a predetermined group) among at least one receiver lighting device 400. Then, in response to the operations, the lighting device control unit 301 issues instructions related to the settings of the receiver lighting devices 400 via communication means to the receiver lighting devices 400 that belong to the predetermined group.

[0033] 3(a), for example, operation button 303a, has a built-in LED light that lights up to indicate that charging of the sender illumination device 300 is complete or to display information, and constitutes one of the notification means in this embodiment. The operation button 303a emits light (lights up) or blinks based on instructions from the illumination device control unit 301, and can display various notifications.

[0034] Reference numeral 304 denotes an illumination device display unit. The illumination device display unit 304 is an LCD display panel such as a liquid crystal display that displays setting information such as the light emission amount and wireless communication settings set in the sender illumination device 300, as well as information such as the camera communication status and the connection status with the receiver illumination device 400, in response to instructions from the illumination device control unit 301. The illumination device display unit 304 also has a backlight that illuminates the LCD so that the displayed information can be seen even in dark places, and in this embodiment constitutes one of the notification means that lights up or flashes using the backlight.

[0035] Here, we will explain the lighting group settings and light emission intensity settings in the multi-lamp lighting device control system 10. The photographer sets the sender lighting device 300 on the lighting device operation unit 303 while viewing various setting information on the lighting device display unit 304. In the multi-lamp lighting device control system, when the photographer sets the receiver lighting device 400, he or she sets the receiver lighting device 400 to receiver mode with wireless settings, sets up a wireless connection, and enables wireless communication with the sender lighting device 300. The photographer also sets the lighting group for lighting emission in the receiver lighting device 400.

[0036] Once the lighting groups have been set, lighting is performed according to the lighting intensity setting and lighting instruction for each lighting group instructed by the sender lighting device 300 at the time of actual lighting for photography. Here, in this embodiment, it is assumed that lighting groups can be set in three groups called A, B, and C. By preparing multiple lighting group settings, when multiple lighting devices are arranged as shown in FIG. 1, it is possible to vary the light intensity of each lighting device and take photos with lighting for the subject as desired by the photographer. However, in this embodiment, the number of groups is not limited to this, and may be two or less or four or more groups.

[0037] Furthermore, when the photographer sets the lighting device on the sender side, the photographer sets the wireless settings on the sender lighting device 300 side to sender status and establishes a wireless connection with the receiver lighting device 400. Then, the light emission amount for each lighting group is set on the sender lighting device 300 side. As a result, when performing main light emission during shooting, each lighting device emits light according to the light emission amount setting for each lighting group, making it possible to shoot with the desired multi-lamp lighting.

[0038] Reference numeral 305 denotes an illumination device light-emitting unit, which receives a light-emitting operation command from the illumination device control unit 301 and emits light at a specified timing and with a specified light intensity. The illumination device light-emitting unit 305 is mainly composed of a discharge tube, a reflector, a zoom optical system, etc. (not shown), and can change the light emission irradiation range by moving the zoom optical system.

[0039] The lighting device shoe 306 is a connection part that can be connected to the camera ACC shoe 108 of the imaging device 100. A group of contacts (not shown) provided in the lighting device shoe 306 enables communication with the camera control unit 101 of the imaging device 100, and enables transmission and reception of information related to light emission from the camera and information related to the lighting device.

[0040] Reference numeral 307 denotes a modeling light, which is composed of an LED and a modeling lens (not shown). As shown in FIG. 3(b), the modeling light 307 is disposed in the same location as the lighting device light-emitting unit 305. Therefore, the illumination range of the modeling light 307 is approximately the same as the illumination range of the lighting device light-emitting unit 305, and the illumination center is disposed in the vicinity of the illumination center of the lighting device light-emitting unit 305. Before emitting light from the lighting device light-emitting unit 305, the photographer irradiates the subject with light from the modeling light 307 to check the illumination of the subject and the appearance of shadows, and determines the illumination direction of the lighting device 300 based on the shadows that will be created when the lighting device light-emitting unit 305 emits light.

[0041] When the photographer operates the lighting device operation unit 303, the LED of the modeling light 307 is turned on / off under control of the lighting device control unit 301, switching the light emission / non-emission of the modeling light 307. The modeling light 307 also constitutes one of the notification means in this embodiment. When the modeling light 307 is used as the modeling light 407 of the receiver lighting device 400, the lighting device control unit 401 displays an indication such as blinking of the LED after receiving a signal from the sender lighting device 300 via the lighting device wireless communication unit 402.

[0042] When the photographer selects a specific group using the lighting device operation unit 303 of the sender lighting device 300 using the operation described below, the notification means of the receiver lighting device 400 set for the selected group lights up or flashes. This allows the photographer to be notified of the lighting devices assigned to the selected group.

[0043] Reference numeral 308 denotes a lighting device main body, which, as shown in Fig. 3(a), is equipped with a lighting device operation unit 303 and a lighting device display unit 304. The lighting device main body 308 also incorporates a lighting device control unit 301 mounted on a board (not shown), a battery power supply (not shown), etc. Reference numeral 309 denotes a lighting device head, which, as shown in Fig. 3(a), is equipped with a lighting device light-emitting unit 305 and a modeling light 307.

[0044] 3(a) and 3(b), the lighting device is configured as a separate unit consisting of a lighting device main body 308 and a lighting device head 309, and the lighting device head 309 is rotatably held relative to the lighting device main body 308. This allows the lighting device to be configured as an illumination direction varying means that enables the photographer to point the lighting device light emitting unit 305 in a predetermined direction and perform bounce photography by emitting light toward a ceiling or wall.

[0045] The sender illumination device 300 is connected to the camera ACC shoe 108 and attached to the image capture device 100. Therefore, when the photographer uses the illumination device as the sender illumination device 300, he turns on the modeling light 307 and determines the illumination direction of the illumination device light-emitting unit 305 using the illumination direction varying means described above. When the photographer uses the illumination device as the receiver illumination device 400, the illumination device is placed away from the image capture device 100, so the photographer turns on the modeling light 407 while positioning the receiver illumination device 400 relative to the subject 501 and determines the illumination direction using the illumination direction varying means. In this embodiment, the modeling light 407 also constitutes notification means that notifies the photographer based on instructions from the illumination device control unit 401.

[0046] In the multi-lamp lighting device control system 10 of this embodiment, it is preferable to place the operation button 403a, lighting device display 404, or modeling light 407, which are the notification means of the receiver lighting device 400, in a position that is easily visible to the photographer. This allows the photographer to recognize notifications regarding group settings, which will be described later.

[0047] Next, the processing (control method) of the multi-lamp lighting device control system 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 7. The processing described here is processing performed when a photographer wirelessly connects to multiple receiver lighting devices 400 using a sender lighting device 300 connected to the imaging device 100, and sets the light emission intensity of multiple receiver lighting devices 400 assigned to each group. Figures 4 and 6 show the processing performed by the sender lighting device 300, and Figures 5 and 7 show the processing performed by the receiver lighting device 400.

[0048] First, the processing of the sender lighting device 300 when wireless setting is performed will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing of the sender lighting device 300.

[0049] 3(a) is turned on, the illumination device control unit 301 initializes the memory and ports. The illumination device control unit 301 also reads the switch status and pre-set input information input from the illumination device operation unit 303, and performs various light-emission-related settings, such as the light emission mode of the sender illumination device 300 (e.g., dimming or manual emission), and the light emission value.

[0050] Next, in step S101, the lighting device control unit 301 performs charging processing to store the charge necessary for light emission in a main capacitor (not shown) from a power supply unit (not shown) using a charging control unit. Next, in step S102, the lighting device control unit 301 detects the voltage of the charge stored in the main capacitor (not shown) and determines whether or not the main capacitor is fully charged. If it is determined that the main capacitor is fully charged, the process proceeds to step S103. On the other hand, if it is determined that the main capacitor is not fully charged, the process returns to step S101 and charging continues. If the main capacitor is fully charged, the lighting device light-emitting unit 305 is ready to emit light.

[0051] In step S103, the lighting device control unit 301 determines whether or not wireless communication has been set. If it is determined that wireless communication has been set in the lighting device operation unit 303 by the photographer, the process proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, if it is determined that wireless communication has not been set, the process proceeds to step S110.

[0052] In step S104, the lighting device control unit 301 performs wireless settings according to the sender and receiver settings previously set by the photographer using the lighting device operation unit 303 and lighting device display unit 304 shown in FIG. 3(a). In this step, the sender settings are read out, assuming that the photographer has performed the sender settings. In order to perform wireless communication using the lighting device wireless communication unit 302, the lighting device control unit 301 sets connection information such as a wireless ID and CH used for wireless communication, and sets the lighting device as a sender lighting device 300. If a lighting device is set as a sender lighting device in step S104, the lighting device (corresponding to the sender lighting device 300) becomes a lighting device that can control multiple wirelessly connected receiver lighting devices 400 in the multi-lamp lighting device control system 10.

[0053] Next, in step S105, the lighting device control unit 301 automatically sets the light emission group of the sender lighting device 300 to group A. Note that in this embodiment, the description is given assuming that the group of the sender lighting device 300 is automatically set to group A, but the photographer may arbitrarily set it to another group such as group B or group C, or may set the sender lighting device 300 not to emit light.

[0054] Next, in step S106, the lighting device control unit 301 searches for a receiver lighting device 400 that has been set as a receiver and is connectable with the same ID and CH, based on the wireless ID and CH set in step S104. If a wirelessly connectable receiver lighting device 400 is found, the process proceeds to step S107. On the other hand, if a wirelessly connectable receiver lighting device 400 is not found, the search for a wirelessly connectable receiver lighting device 400 continues.

[0055] In step S107, the lighting device control unit 301 establishes a wireless connection with the receiver lighting device 400 discovered in step S106. When establishing the wireless connection, the lighting device control unit 301 acquires the group information (group A, B, or C) set on the receiver lighting device 400 side, as well as the receiver lighting device 400's unique strobe ID or configurable items such as maximum light emission amount or zoom position. When connecting multiple receiver lighting devices 400 to the sender lighting device 300, steps S106 and S107 are repeated in the same way to perform connection processing with each receiver lighting device 400.

[0056] Next, in step S108, the lighting device control unit 301 performs wireless communication via the lighting device wireless communication unit 302 to receive information indicating whether the receiver lighting device 400 is in a state where charging is complete and it is ready to emit light. If charging completion information has been transmitted from the receiver lighting device 400 in step S212 (described later), the lighting device control unit 301 can receive the charging completion information.

[0057] Next, in step S109, the lighting device control unit 301 determines whether or not the charging of the receiver lighting device 400 is complete, based on the information acquired in step S108. If it is determined that charging of the receiver lighting device 400 is complete, the process proceeds to step S110. On the other hand, if it is determined that charging of the receiver lighting device 400 is not complete, the process returns to step S108 and continues receiving charging completion information of the receiver lighting device 400. If multiple receiver lighting devices 400 are connected, the lighting device control unit 301 determines whether charging of all receiver lighting devices 400 is complete.

[0058] Next, in step S110, the lighting device control unit 301 determines whether or not the lighting device shoe 306 is connected to the camera ACC shoe 108, i.e., whether or not the sender lighting device 300 is connected to the image capture device 100. If it is determined that the sender lighting device 300 is connected to the image capture device 100, the process proceeds to step S111. On the other hand, if it is determined that the sender lighting device 300 is not connected to the image capture device 100, the process returns to step S101, and continues checking the various charging and wireless connection states in steps S101 to S109.

[0059] In step S111, the lighting device control unit 301 determines that the sender lighting device 300 is connected to the image capturing device 100, and that the sender lighting device 300 and the receiver lighting device 400 are fully charged and ready to emit light. Therefore, the sender lighting device 300 communicates with the image capturing device 100 to notify it that it is fully charged, and ends this process. Thereafter, the sender lighting device 300 waits for a light emission instruction from the image capturing device 100, and continues the process of steps S101 to S111 until a light emission instruction is issued.

[0060] Next, the processing of the receiver illumination device 400 when wirelessly setting up will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Here, the description will be given assuming that the receiver illumination device 400 is not connected to the imaging device 100 via the illumination device shoe 406.

[0061] First, in step S200, similar to step S100, when the power switch in the illumination device operation unit 303 shown in Fig. 3(a) of the receiver illumination device 400 is turned on to enable operation, the illumination device control unit 401 performs initialization operations of the memory and ports. Also, the illumination device control unit 401 reads the switch state input from the illumination device operation unit 303 and preset input information, and performs various settings related to light emission, such as the light emission mode of the receiver illumination device 400, such as dimming or manual light emission, and the setting of the light emission value.

[0062] Next, in step S201, the lighting device control unit 401 performs charging processing to store the charge necessary for light emission in a main capacitor (not shown) from a power supply unit (not shown) using a charging control unit. Next, in step S202, the lighting device control unit 401 detects the voltage of the charge stored in the main capacitor (not shown) and determines whether the main capacitor is fully charged. If the main capacitor is fully charged, the lighting device light-emitting unit 405 is ready to emit light.

[0063] In step S203, the lighting device control unit 401 determines whether wireless communication has been set. If it is determined that wireless communication has been set by the photographer in the lighting device operation unit 303, the process proceeds to step S204. On the other hand, if it is determined that wireless communication has not been set, the process returns to step S201, and the charging operation and detection of charging completion are continued.

[0064] In step S204, the lighting device control unit 401 reads out the receiver settings from the internal memory, assuming that the photographer has previously set the receiver settings using the lighting device operation unit 303 (403) and the lighting device display unit 304 (404) as shown in Fig. 3(a). In order to perform wireless communication using the lighting device wireless communication unit 402, the lighting device control unit 401 sets connection information such as a wireless ID and CH used for wireless communication, and sets the lighting device as a receiver lighting device 400. When a lighting device is set as a receiver lighting device 400 in step S204, the lighting device becomes a lighting device that emits light upon receiving a light emission command from the sender lighting device 300 wirelessly connected in the multi-lamp lighting device control system 10.

[0065] Next, in step S205, the lighting device control unit 401 reads from the internal memory the selection group that was set in advance by the photographer using the lighting device operation unit 403 and lighting device display unit 404. Next, in step S206, the lighting device control unit 401 determines whether the selection group read in step S205 is set to group A. If it is determined that the read selection group is set to group A, the process proceeds to step S207. On the other hand, if the read selection group is set to a group other than group A, the process proceeds to step S208.

[0066] In step S207, the lighting device control unit 401 sets the wireless group setting to group A, assuming that the selected group is group A, and records this again in the internal memory of the lighting device control unit 401. In step S208, the lighting device control unit 401 determines whether the selected group read out in step S205 is group B. If the photographer has set group B using the lighting device operation unit 403, the process proceeds to step S209. On the other hand, if the photographer has set a group other than group A or group B using the lighting device operation unit 403, the process proceeds to step S210.

[0067] In step S209, the lighting device control unit 401 sets the wireless group setting to group B, assuming that group B has been selected in the group selection, and records this again in the internal memory of the lighting device control unit 401. In step S210, the lighting device control unit 401 sets the wireless group setting to group C, assuming that group C has been selected in the group selection, and records this in the memory of the lighting device control unit 401.

[0068] In steps S205 to S210, the groups used for wireless emission are described as three groups A, B, and C, but may be set to five groups, for example, groups A, B, C, D, and E.

[0069] Next, in step S211, the lighting device control unit 401 searches for a wirelessly connectable sender lighting device 300 with the same ID and CH based on the wireless ID and CH set in step S204. If a wirelessly connectable sender lighting device 300 is found, the process proceeds to step S212. On the other hand, if a wirelessly connectable sender lighting device 300 is not found, the search for a wirelessly connectable sender lighting device 300 continues.

[0070] In step S212, the lighting device control unit 401 establishes a wireless connection with the sender lighting device 300 discovered in step S211. When establishing the wireless connection, the lighting device control unit 401 transmits group information (group A, B, or C) set in the receiver lighting device 400 to the sender lighting device 300. When establishing the wireless connection, the lighting device control unit 401 also transmits the unique strobe ID (ID information) of the receiver lighting device 400 and settable items such as the maximum light emission amount and zoom position to the sender lighting device 300.

[0071] Next, in step S213, the lighting device control unit 401 determines that the lighting device is in a wireless connection state and that charging is complete in step S202. Therefore, wireless communication is performed by the lighting device wireless communication unit 402, and the sending device 300 is notified that charging is complete. The sending device 300 receives the charging completion information from the receiving device 400 in step S108 described above.

[0072] Next, with reference to Figs. 6 to 8(a) and (b), a description will be given of the processing performed when notifying the photographer of the receiver illumination device 400 selected for the group when changing the setting of the wireless group (selected group, predetermined group) of the sender illumination device 300 in this embodiment. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the sender illumination device 300. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the receiver illumination device 400. Figs. 8(a) and (b) are external views of the sender illumination device 300 and the receiver illumination device 400 when performing the processing shown in Figs. 6 and 7.

[0073] First, in step S300 of FIG. 6, the lighting device control unit 301 determines whether group selection has been performed in order to change settings such as the light intensity of each group. If the photographer operates the lighting device operation unit 303 and lighting device display unit 304 shown in FIG. 8(a) to select a specific group, it is determined that group selection has been performed, and the process proceeds to step S301. On the other hand, if it is determined that group selection has not been performed, the process continues to determine (detect) whether group selection has been performed in step S300. The selected group is one of the aforementioned groups A, B, or C. Here, as an example, as shown in FIG. 8(a), it is assumed that the sender lighting device 300 has selected group B in order to change settings such as the light intensity of group B.

[0074] In step S301, the lighting device control unit 301 transmits information about the selected wireless group via wireless communication from the sender lighting device 300 to the receiver lighting device 400. The selected wireless group here is the group that the photographer selected using the lighting device display unit 304 and lighting device operation unit 303 to change settings such as light intensity, as shown in Fig. 8(a), and is, for example, group B.

[0075] Next, in step S302, the lighting device control unit 301 determines whether or not the setting values ​​(group setting values) of the selected wireless group, such as the light intensity, have been changed. If it is determined that the setting values ​​have been changed, the process proceeds to step S303. On the other hand, if it is determined that the setting values ​​have not been changed, the process proceeds to step S304.

[0076] In step S303, the lighting device control unit 301 has changed the setting values ​​such as the light intensity of the wireless group, and therefore transmits the changed setting values ​​by wireless communication from the sender lighting device 300 to the receiver lighting device 400. The setting values ​​transmitted here are setting values ​​related to light emission such as the light emission mode, light emission intensity, and zoom setting value.

[0077] Next, in step S304, the lighting device control unit 301 determines whether or not the selection of the wireless group by the sender lighting device 300 has ended. If it is determined that the photographer has operated the lighting device operation unit 303 and the lighting device display unit 304 as shown in Fig. 8(a) to end the wireless group selection and that the group selection has ended, the process proceeds to step S305. On the other hand, if it is determined that the wireless group selection has not ended, the process returns to step S302 and continues the processing of steps S302 to S304.

[0078] In step S305, the lighting device control unit 301 transmits information indicating the end of the wireless group selection from the sender lighting device 300 to the receiver lighting device 400 via wireless communication as a result of the wireless group selection process being terminated as determined in step S304.

[0079] Next, the processing of the receiver lighting device 400 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. First, in step S400, the lighting device control unit 401 receives information about the selection state of the wireless group transmitted by wireless communication from the sender lighting device 300 in the above-mentioned step S301. Then, if it is determined that the information about the selection state of the wireless group has been received, the process proceeds to step S401. On the other hand, if it is determined that the information about the selection state of the wireless group has not been received, the process continues to step S400.

[0080] In step S401, the lighting device control unit (determination means) 401 determines whether the information on the selection state of the wireless group received in step S400 is a wireless group that has been set in the receiver lighting device 400 and stored in the memory of the lighting device control unit 401. That is, the lighting device control unit 401 determines, by wireless communication, whether the receiver lighting device 400 belongs to a wireless group (a predetermined group). If it is determined that the wireless group received in step S400 is a group (a target group) stored in the memory of the lighting device control unit 401, the process proceeds to step S402. On the other hand, if it is determined that the received wireless group is not a target group, the process returns to step S400 and continues receiving information on the selection state of the wireless group.

[0081] In step S402, the lighting device control unit 401 starts group notification, assuming that the wireless group received in step S401 is the target group set in the receiver lighting device 400. As an example of group notification, as shown in Fig. 8(b), a notification is given to the photographer by flashing the LED light of a specific operation button 403a of the receiver lighting device 400. This allows the photographer to recognize which lighting device is the target receiver lighting device 400 assigned to group B selected by the sender lighting device 300.

[0082] Next, in step S403, the lighting device control unit 401 determines whether or not information regarding a change in a setting value (changed setting value) such as light intensity for the receiver lighting device 400 has been received from the sender lighting device 300 in the above-mentioned step S303. If it is determined that information regarding a change in a setting value has been received, the process proceeds to step S404. On the other hand, if it is determined that information regarding a change in a setting value has not been received, the process proceeds to step S405.

[0083] In step S404, the lighting device control unit 401 updates the setting values ​​of light emission, etc. stored in the memory of the lighting device control unit 401 to the received setting values, assuming that the setting values ​​of light intensity, etc. have been changed in step S403. Then, the lighting device control unit 401 displays the updated setting values ​​(changed setting values) on the lighting device display unit 404.

[0084] Next, in step S405, the lighting device control unit 401 determines whether or not it has received the group selection end information transmitted from the sender lighting device 300 to the receiver lighting device 400 in the above-mentioned step S305. If it is determined that the group selection end information has been received, the process proceeds to step S406. On the other hand, if it is determined that the group selection end information has not been received, the process returns to step S402 and continues this process.

[0085] In step S406, the lighting device control unit 401 ends the group notification started in step S402 as a process for ending the group selection received in step S405. In one example of this embodiment, the group notification causes the LED illumination of the operation button 403a to blink as shown in Fig. 8(b), so the illumination is returned to the state before the notification started. For example, if the illumination was off before the group notification started, it is set to the off state, and if the illumination was on before the group notification started, it is returned to the on state.

[0086] 6, the lighting device control unit 301 transmits the group (predetermined group) selected in step S300 to the receiver lighting device 400. If it is determined in step S401 in FIG. 7 that the receiver lighting device 400 belongs to the predetermined group, in step S402 the notification means of the receiver lighting device 400 starts notifying that it belongs to the predetermined group.

[0087] However, this embodiment is not limited to this. Between step S301 and step S302 (immediately after step S301), the lighting device control unit 301 may insert a process of transmitting an instruction to turn on a display indicating the selected group to the receiver lighting device 400 that belongs to the selected group (predetermined group). That is, the lighting device control unit 301 may instruct the receiver lighting device 400 via wireless communication to notify that the receiver lighting device 400 belongs to the predetermined group. In this case, the receiver lighting device 400 that belongs to the predetermined group starts notifying in step S402 in accordance with the instruction from the lighting device control unit 301.

[0088] In this way, the sender lighting device 300 may be configured to be able to set whether or not to send a notification to the receiver lighting device 400. That is, the sender lighting device 300 instructs the receiver lighting device 400 to send a notification, and the receiver lighting device 400 sends a notification based on the instruction from the sender lighting device 300. The sender lighting device 300 may also instruct the receiver lighting devices 400 belonging to the selected group not to send a notification. In this case, the receiver lighting device 400 does not send a notification based on the instruction.

[0089] In this embodiment, one example of the selected group notification is to notify by blinking the operation button 403a, but other display methods may also be used, such as blinking the backlight of the LCD display of the lighting device display unit 404 or blinking the modeling light 407. Furthermore, a configuration may be adopted in which multiple notification means are used, rather than just one, to make it easier for the photographer to notice.

[0090] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the notification may be not only made by lighting or blinking a light such as an LED light, but also by changing the state of the light (such as the light intensity or color). When multiple groups are selected, the notification may be made in a different way for each selected group, such as by lighting or blinking an LED light of a different color. The notification may be made not only by light, but also by color, sound such as a buzzer, or operation of the lighting device belonging to the selected group (such as the driving operation of the lighting device head unit 309).

[0091] In this embodiment, the notification may continue while the sender lighting device 300 is selecting a group (from the start to the end of group selection), or may be sent only while the settings are being changed. The receiver lighting device 400 may stop sending notifications if it does not receive an instruction to change the settings or an instruction to end group selection for a certain period of time.

[0092] In addition, in this embodiment, the sender lighting device 300 is automatically set to group A, so no notification is displayed, but the sender lighting device 300 may also be configured to allow the photographer to select from groups A, B, and C, and to display a notification.

[0093] As described above, with the multi-lamp lighting device control system 10 of this embodiment, when the photographer changes the settings such as the light emission mode and light intensity of each group of lighting devices, a notification is given by the LED blinking or the like from the receiver lighting device 400 of the selected group. This allows the photographer to give instructions regarding settings such as changing the light intensity setting while easily knowing which group the receiver lighting device 400 installed in a remote location is set to.

[0094] (Second embodiment) Next, a multi-lamp lighting device control system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 9 and Fig. 10. In this embodiment, a form will be described in which notification is not performed when the set group is clear, such as when the number of connected receiver lighting devices 400 is one.

[0095] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing of the sender illumination device 300. In Fig. 9, steps S500, S501, and S504 to S507 are the same as steps S300 to S305 in Fig. 6, respectively, and therefore their description will be omitted.

[0096] In step S502, the lighting device control unit 301 determines whether two or more receiver lighting devices 400 are connected. Here, the lighting device control unit 301 detects (determines) how many receivers are connected in the wireless connection process of Fig. 4 using the lighting device wireless communication unit 302. If it is determined that two or more receiver lighting devices 400 are connected, the process proceeds to step S503. On the other hand, if it is determined that only one receiver lighting device 400 is connected, the process proceeds to step S504.

[0097] In step S503, the lighting device control unit 301 transmits, via wireless communication using the lighting device wireless communication unit 302, an instruction to turn on the display indicating the selected group to the receiver lighting devices 400 of the target group selected in step S500.

[0098] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing of the receiver illumination device 400. In Fig. 10, steps S602 to S605 are the same as steps S402 to S405 in Fig. 7, respectively, and therefore their description will be omitted.

[0099] In step S600, the lighting device control unit 401 determines whether or not a selected group notification has been received via wireless communication from the sender lighting device 300 to the receiver lighting device 400. If it is determined that a selected group notification has been received, the process proceeds to step S601. On the other hand, if it is determined that a selected group notification has not been received, the process continues to step S600. Note that this step is a step in which the selected group notification is received when it is transmitted as a selected group from the sender lighting device 300 in step S501 of FIG. 9.

[0100] In step S601, the lighting device control unit 401 determines whether or not a lighting instruction for the selected group display was sent and received in the above-mentioned step S503 via wireless communication from the sender lighting device 300 to the receiver lighting device 400. If it is determined that a lighting instruction was received, the process proceeds to step S602. On the other hand, if it is determined that a lighting instruction was not received, the process proceeds to step S603.

[0101] In step S602, the lighting device control section 401 notifies the selected group. In this embodiment, similar to step S402 described above, the selected group is notified by blinking the operation button 403a shown in Fig. 8(b).

[0102] In step S606, the lighting device control unit 401 performs processing to terminate the group selection received from the sender lighting device 300 in step S605. In the processing to terminate group selection in this embodiment, if the operation button 403a was blinking in step S602, the blinking display is terminated. If an instruction to turn on the selected group display has not been received from the sender lighting device 300 in step S601, the operation button 403a, etc. is not blinking. Therefore, if the lighting device display unit 404 is displaying a selection state, the display is terminated. In addition, the processing of steps S603 to S605, which have been performed within the lighting device control unit 401 while waiting for selection or setting changes, is terminated.

[0103] In the above, in this embodiment, a form has been described in which, when only one receiver lighting device is connected, no display is made to notify the photographer of the selected group. That is, when the lighting device control unit 301 issues an instruction regarding the setting of the receiver lighting device 400 in a state in which the lighting device wireless communication unit 302 is connected to only one receiver lighting device 400, the lighting device control unit 301 instructs the receiver lighting device 400 not to make a notification. In this way, when only one receiver lighting device is connected and the set group is clear, it is possible to provide a multi-light lighting device control system that allows lighting devices to emit light without unnecessarily turning on LED lights or the like and consuming power.

[0104] (Third embodiment) Next, a multi-lamp lighting device control system according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 11 and Fig. 12. In this embodiment, a mode will be described in which no notification is made when a setting change is made while multiple groups are selected in the group selection of the sender lighting device 300.

[0105] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing of the sender lighting device 300. In Fig. 11, steps S700, S701, and S704 to S707 are the same as steps S300 to S305 in Fig. 6, respectively, and therefore their description will be omitted. In addition, the processing performed by the receiver lighting device 400 in Fig. 11 is the same as that in Fig. 10, and therefore their description will be omitted. Fig. 12 is an external view of the sender lighting device 300 when the sender lighting device 300 performs the processing in Fig. 11.

[0106] In step S702 of Fig. 11, the sender lighting device 300 determines whether the group selection made by the photographer is the selection of only one group. If it is determined that only one group has been selected, the process proceeds to step S703. On the other hand, if it is determined that multiple groups have been selected, the process proceeds to step S704. In this embodiment, for example, as shown in Fig. 12, the photographer can select multiple groups, A, B, and C, using the lighting device operation unit 303 and lighting device display unit 304.

[0107] The photographer can also select multiple groups and simultaneously change settings such as light emission intensity. When multiple groups are selected as shown in Fig. 12, in step S702, multiple groups are selected and the process proceeds to step S704. In this case, step S703 is skipped, so the sender illumination device 300 does not send an instruction to turn on the selected group display to the receiver illumination device 400, and each receiver illumination device 400 does not blink or otherwise indicate the selected group.

[0108] In the above, in this embodiment, a form has been described in which, when multiple groups are selected to change settings such as the light emission amount in the sender lighting device 300, no display is made to notify the photographer of the selected group. In other words, when the sender lighting device 300 is connected to multiple receiver lighting devices 400 belonging to multiple groups and receives an operation specifying multiple groups as a predetermined group, the sender lighting device 300 instructs the multiple receiver lighting devices 400 not to make a notification. This makes it possible to provide a multi-lamp lighting device control system that does not waste power by blinking LED lighting or the like when there is no need to notify the photographer of the selected group, such as when selecting multiple groups.

[0109] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0110] According to each embodiment, it is possible to provide a control device, a lighting device, a lighting system, and a control method and program for these that allow a photographer to easily understand the groups set in the lighting device.

[0111] The disclosure of each embodiment includes the following configurations and methods. (Configuration 1) A control device that controls at least one lighting device via wireless communication, a communication means for wirelessly communicating with the at least one lighting device; an operation means for receiving an operation relating to settings of the lighting devices belonging to a predetermined group among the at least one lighting device; a control unit that issues an instruction regarding the setting to the lighting devices that belong to the predetermined group via the communication unit in response to the operation, The control device is characterized in that the control means instructs the lighting device to notify that the lighting device belongs to the predetermined group. (Configuration 2) the communication means is connected to only one lighting device; 2. The control device according to configuration 1, wherein the control means instructs the lighting device not to make the notification when the instruction regarding the setting of the lighting device is given. (Configuration 3) the communication means is connected to a plurality of lighting devices belonging to a plurality of groups; The control device according to configuration 1, wherein the control means instructs the lighting devices not to make the notification when the operation means accepts the operation with the lighting devices treating the groups as the predetermined group. (Configuration 4) 4. The control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the predetermined group is at least one group selected by a user. (Configuration 5) Further comprising a lighting means and a notification means, The control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the notification means notifies the control device that the control device having the lighting means belongs to the predetermined group, if the control device belongs to the predetermined group. (Configuration 6) 6. The control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the notification is a notification by light, color, sound, or action. (Configuration 7) A lighting device controlled by a control device via wireless communication, a communication means for wirelessly communicating with the control device; a determination means for determining, via the wireless communication, whether the lighting device belongs to a predetermined group; and a notification means for, when it is determined that the lighting device belongs to the predetermined group, notifying the user that the lighting device belongs to the predetermined group. (Configuration 8) 8. The lighting device according to claim 7, wherein the notification is a notification by light, color, sound, or action. (Configuration 9) A lighting system comprising at least one lighting device and a control device that controls the at least one lighting device via wireless communication, The control device a first communication means for performing the wireless communication with the at least one lighting device; an operation means for receiving an operation relating to settings of the lighting devices belonging to a predetermined group among the at least one lighting device; a control unit that issues an instruction regarding the setting to the lighting devices that belong to the predetermined group via the communication unit in response to the operation, the at least one lighting device; A second communication means for wirelessly communicating with the control device; a determination means for determining, via the wireless communication, whether the lighting device belongs to a predetermined group; and a notification means for, when it is determined that the lighting device belongs to the predetermined group, notifying the user that the lighting device belongs to the predetermined group. (Configuration 10) 10. The lighting system of claim 9, wherein the notification is a notification by light, color, sound, or action. (Method 1) 1. A control method for controlling at least one lighting device via wireless communication, comprising: conducting said wireless communication with said at least one lighting device; receiving an operation related to settings of a lighting device belonging to a predetermined group among the at least one lighting device; and in response to the operation, issuing an instruction regarding the setting to the lighting devices belonging to the predetermined group via the wireless communication, a control method comprising: instructing the lighting device to notify that the lighting device belongs to the predetermined group when the instruction regarding the setting is given. (Method 2) A method for controlling a lighting device controlled by a control device via wireless communication, comprising: wirelessly communicating with the control device; determining, via the wireless communication, whether the lighting device belongs to a predetermined group; and if it is determined that the lighting device belongs to the predetermined group, notifying the lighting device that it belongs to the predetermined group. (Method 3) 1. A method for controlling a lighting system including at least one lighting device and a control device that controls the at least one lighting device via wireless communication, comprising: receiving an operation related to settings of a lighting device belonging to a predetermined group among the at least one lighting device; in response to the operation, issuing an instruction regarding the setting to the at least one lighting device via the wireless communication; determining, via the wireless communication, whether the at least one lighting device belongs to the predetermined group; and if it is determined that the at least one lighting device belongs to the predetermined group, notifying the user that the at least one lighting device belongs to the predetermined group. (Configuration 11) A program that causes a computer to execute the control method described in Method 1. (Configuration 12) A program causing a computer to execute the lighting device control method according to Method 2. (Configuration 13) A program causing a computer to execute the lighting system control method according to Method 3.

[0112] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 300 Sender lighting device (control device) 301 Lighting device control unit (control means) 302 Lighting device wireless communication unit (communication means, first communication means) 303 Lighting device operation section (operation means) 303a Operation button (notification means) 304 Lighting device display section (notification means) 307 Modeling Light (notification means) 400 Receiver Illumination Device (Illumination Device)

Claims

1. A control device that controls at least one lighting device via wireless communication, a communication means for wirelessly communicating with the at least one lighting device; an operation means for receiving an operation relating to settings of the lighting devices belonging to a predetermined group among the at least one lighting device; a control unit that issues an instruction regarding the setting to the lighting devices that belong to the predetermined group via the communication unit in response to the operation, The control device is characterized in that the control means instructs the lighting device to notify that the lighting device belongs to the predetermined group.

2. the communication means is connected to only one lighting device; The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the control means instructs the lighting device not to make the notification when the instruction regarding the setting of the lighting device is given.

3. the communication means is connected to a plurality of lighting devices belonging to a plurality of groups; 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control means instructs the lighting devices not to make the notification when the operation means accepts the operation with the lighting devices treating the groups as the predetermined group.

4. 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined group is at least one group selected by a user.

5. Further comprising a lighting means and a notification means, 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein, when the control device having the lighting means belongs to the predetermined group, the notification means notifies the user that the control device belongs to the predetermined group.

6. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the notification is a notification using light, color, sound, or action.

7. A lighting device controlled by a control device via wireless communication, a communication means for wirelessly communicating with the control device; a determination means for determining, via the wireless communication, whether the lighting device belongs to a predetermined group; and a notification means for, when it is determined that the lighting device belongs to the predetermined group, notifying the user that the lighting device belongs to the predetermined group.

8. The lighting device according to claim 7 , wherein the notification is a notification using light, color, sound, or action.

9. A lighting system comprising at least one lighting device and a control device that controls the at least one lighting device via wireless communication, The control device a first communication means for wirelessly communicating with the at least one lighting device; an operation means for receiving an operation relating to settings of the lighting devices belonging to a predetermined group among the at least one lighting device; a control unit that issues an instruction regarding the setting to the lighting devices that belong to the predetermined group via the communication unit in response to the operation, the at least one lighting device; a second communication means for wirelessly communicating with the control device; a determination means for determining, via the wireless communication, whether the lighting device belongs to a predetermined group; and a notification means for, when it is determined that the lighting device belongs to the predetermined group, notifying the user that the lighting device belongs to the predetermined group.

10. The lighting system according to claim 9 , wherein the notification is a notification by light, color, sound, or action.

11. 1. A control method for controlling at least one lighting device via wireless communication, comprising: conducting said wireless communication with said at least one lighting device; receiving an operation related to settings of a lighting device belonging to a predetermined group among the at least one lighting device; and in response to the operation, issuing an instruction regarding the setting to the lighting devices belonging to the predetermined group via the wireless communication, a control method comprising: instructing the lighting device to notify that the lighting device belongs to the predetermined group when the instruction regarding the setting is given.

12. A method for controlling a lighting device controlled by a control device via wireless communication, comprising: wirelessly communicating with the control device; determining, via the wireless communication, whether the lighting device belongs to a predetermined group; and if it is determined that the lighting device belongs to the predetermined group, notifying the lighting device that it belongs to the predetermined group.

13. 1. A method for controlling a lighting system including at least one lighting device and a control device that controls the at least one lighting device via wireless communication, comprising: receiving an operation related to settings of a lighting device belonging to a predetermined group among the at least one lighting device; in response to the operation, issuing an instruction regarding the setting to the at least one lighting device via the wireless communication; determining, via the wireless communication, whether the at least one lighting device belongs to the predetermined group; and if it is determined that the at least one lighting device belongs to the predetermined group, notifying the user that the at least one lighting device belongs to the predetermined group.

14. A program causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 11.

15. A program causing a computer to execute the lighting device control method according to claim 12.

16. A program causing a computer to execute the lighting system control method according to claim 13.

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