Lighting system, control method, and program

Abstract

To provide a lighting system or the like capable of improving convenience of a user when adjusting brightness of a luminaire.SOLUTION: Lighting system 10 includes luminaire 20 and control terminal 30 which transmits a first control signal for instructing luminaire 20 to perform first control, the first control signal including priority level information indicating a priority level for the first control, and a second control signal for instructing luminaire 20 performing the first control to perform common control based on the first control signal, the second control signal being for causing luminaire 20 to perform the common control with the priority level for the first control.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A technology has been disclosed in which a plurality of lighting fixtures that illuminate an indoor space are controlled by transmitting control signals for controlling the lighting fixtures via a mesh network (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-133218 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Generally, in order to control a lighting fixture in multiple modes, it is necessary to set up control for multiple hierarchical levels and specify one of those levels to control. When controlling a lighting fixture in this way, in order to fine-tune the brightness, it is necessary to specify the hierarchical level at which the lighting fixture is controlled and then fine-tune the brightness. This means that the user needs to know the hierarchical level at which the lighting fixture is controlled, and it is necessary to prepare control buttons for each hierarchical level, which is inconvenient.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide a lighting system, a control method, and a program that can improve convenience when adjusting the brightness of a lighting device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of a lighting system according to the present disclosure includes a lighting fixture; and a control terminal that transmits a first control signal instructing the lighting fixture to perform a first control, the first control signal including priority information indicating a priority relative to the first control; and a second control signal instructing the lighting fixture that is executing the first control to perform a common control based on the first control signal, the second control signal causing the lighting fixture to execute the common control at the priority relative to the first control.

[0007] Furthermore, one aspect of the control method according to the present disclosure is a control method executed by a control terminal for controlling lighting devices, and includes a first control signal transmitting step of transmitting a first control signal instructing the lighting device to perform a first control, the first control signal including priority information indicating a priority relative to the first control, and a second control signal transmitting step of transmitting a second control signal instructing the lighting device that is executing the first control to perform a common control based on the first control signal, the second control signal for causing the lighting device that is executing the first control to execute the common control at the priority relative to the first control.

[0008] The present disclosure can be realized not only as the above-described control method, but also as a program for causing a computer to execute the above-described control method, and further as a computer-readable recording medium storing the program. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The lighting system, control method, and program according to the present disclosure can improve convenience when adjusting the brightness of a lighting device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a lighting system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a network diagram of a lighting system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of a control terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a priority included in a control signal according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating how the lighting system according to the first operation example operates. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating how the lighting system according to the second operation example operates. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating how the lighting system according to the third operation example operates. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating how the lighting system according to the fourth operation example operates. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating another example of the appearance of the control terminal according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] (Embodiment) Hereinafter, embodiments of a lighting system, a control method, and a program according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that each of the embodiments described below represents a preferred specific example of the present disclosure. The numerical values, components, component placement and connection configurations, steps, step order, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components not recited in independent claims will be described as optional components constituting a preferred embodiment.

[0012] It should be noted that the drawings are schematic diagrams and are not necessarily strict illustrations. In addition, in the drawings, substantially the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

[0013] [composition] First, the configuration of a lighting system according to the present embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a lighting system 10 according to the embodiment. Lighting system 10 includes a plurality of lighting fixtures 20 and a plurality of control terminals 30.

[0014] The lighting system 10 is a system for illuminating an indoor space. The indoor space in which the lighting system 10 is installed is, for example, a shopping center, an office, etc. The lighting system 10 can, for example, illuminate the entire indoor space at a predetermined brightness, or can illuminate only a certain area included in the indoor space at a predetermined brightness. Furthermore, the lighting system 10 can illuminate only a predetermined zone of a certain area included in the indoor space at a predetermined brightness. A user of the lighting system 10 is, for example, a manager of the indoor space, but may also be a user of the indoor space.

[0015] In the lighting system 10, the lighting fixtures 20 and the control terminals 30 each have wireless capabilities, and the lighting fixtures 20 and the control terminals 30 form a wireless mesh network 40 (hereinafter simply referred to as mesh network 40). The wireless mesh network 40 is an example of a wireless network.

[0016] The mesh network 40 may include devices other than the plurality of lighting fixtures 20 and the plurality of control terminals 30. For example, the mesh network 40 may include devices such as an environmental sensor or a projector (not shown).

[0017] The information transmitted through the mesh network 40 is, for example, a control signal for controlling the turning on, turning off, or dimming of the lighting fixture 20. Furthermore, when the mesh network 40 includes an environmental sensor, the measurement value (sensing information) of the environmental sensor is transmitted.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a network diagram of a lighting system 10 according to an embodiment. Each circle in FIG. 2 corresponds to one lighting fixture 20 or one control terminal 30 (in other words, a communication node). In the mesh network 40, when information is transmitted from one communication node to another, the information is transmitted, for example, by a routing method, but may also be transmitted by other methods such as a flooding method. The control terminal 30 transmits a control signal to the lighting fixture 20. A control signal transmitted from the control terminal 30 to one lighting fixture 20 is transmitted to the other lighting fixtures 20 via the mesh network 40. In this way, the control terminal 30 can transmit control signals to the multiple lighting fixtures 20 that make up the mesh network 40.

[0019] First, the lighting fixture 20 will be described. The lighting fixture 20 has a wireless communication function, and multiple lighting fixtures 20, together with multiple control terminals 30, form a mesh network 40. The lighting fixture 20 is, for example, a base light installed on the ceiling of an indoor space to illuminate the indoor space. The lighting fixture 20 has a function of irradiating the indoor space with light based on a control signal acquired via the mesh network 40. The lighting fixture 20 also has a function of relaying the acquired control signal to other lighting fixtures 20 via the mesh network 40. The lighting fixture 20 is not particularly limited in form, and may be a ceiling light, downlight, spotlight, or the like. Specifically, the lighting fixture 20 includes a communication unit 21, an information processing unit 22, a memory unit 23, and a light source 24.

[0020] The communication unit 21 is a wireless communication circuit that enables the lighting fixture 20 to communicate wirelessly (more specifically, via radio waves) with the control terminal 30 and other lighting fixtures 20. The communication unit 21 communicates via a mesh network 40 that is made up of multiple lighting fixtures 20 and one or more control terminals 30. Specifically, the communication unit 21 performs wireless communication in accordance with a communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy (BLE) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) mesh.

[0021] Information processing unit 22 performs information processing and the like for operating lighting device 20. Information processing unit 22 operates lighting device 20, for example, by controlling light source 24. Information processing unit 22 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor or a dedicated circuit. The functions of information processing unit 22 are realized by hardware such as a microcomputer or processor constituting information processing unit 22 executing a computer program (software) stored in storage unit 23. Information processing unit 22 specifically includes an acquisition unit 221, a control unit 222, and an output unit 223.

[0022] The acquisition unit 221 acquires a control signal.

[0023] Controller 222 controls lighting device 20 based on the acquired control signal.

[0024] Output unit 223 transmits the acquired control signal to other lighting devices 20.

[0025] Storage unit 23 is a storage device that stores control signal information related to the control signal acquired by acquisition unit 221, and various information necessary for operation of lighting device 20. Storage unit 23 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory.

[0026] The light source 24 emits white light into the indoor space so that the lighting fixture 20 can illuminate the indoor space. The light source 24 is realized by, for example, an LED element, but may also be realized by other light-emitting elements such as a semiconductor laser, an organic EL element, or an inorganic EL element.

[0027] Next, the control terminal 30 will be described. The control terminal 30 has wireless communication capabilities and forms a mesh network 40 together with multiple lighting fixtures 20 and other control terminals 30. The control terminal 30 is, for example, a remote controller used by a user to control the lighting fixtures 20. The control terminal 30 may also be, for example, a scheduler that causes the lighting fixtures 20 to perform predetermined operations at predetermined times. The control terminal 30 may be portable. Specifically, the control terminal 30 includes a communication unit 31, an information processing unit 32, a storage unit 33, and an operation reception unit 34.

[0028] The communication unit 31 is a wireless communication circuit that enables the control terminal 30 to perform wireless communication (more specifically, radio wave communication) with the lighting fixtures 20 and other control terminals 30. The communication unit 31 performs communication via a mesh network 40 that is configured by multiple lighting fixtures 20 and one or more control terminals 30. Specifically, the communication unit 31 performs wireless communication in accordance with a communication standard such as BLE or Bluetooth (registered trademark) mesh.

[0029] Information processing unit 32 performs information processing and the like to enable control terminal 30 to transmit control signals for controlling lighting fixtures 20. Information processing unit 32 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor or a dedicated circuit. The functions of information processing unit 32 are realized by hardware such as a microcomputer or processor constituting information processing unit 32 executing a computer program (software) stored in storage unit 33. Information processing unit 32 specifically includes an acquisition unit 321, a control unit 322, and an output unit 323.

[0030] The acquisition unit 321 acquires operations accepted by the operation acceptance unit 34, control signals transmitted by other control terminals 30, and the like.

[0031] The control unit 322 generates a control signal to be transmitted based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit 321 .

[0032] Output unit 323 outputs a control signal for controlling lighting device 20 and the like.

[0033] Storage unit 33 is a storage device that stores setting information set in control terminal 30 and information necessary for information processing, such as computer programs executed by information processing unit 32. Storage unit 33 is realized, for example, by a semiconductor memory. The computer programs stored in storage unit 33 include dedicated application programs for operating control terminal 30 as a control terminal for lighting fixtures 20.

[0034] The operation accepting unit 34 accepts user operations and is realized by, for example, a push button or the like.

[0035] Here, a description will be given of a case where a user configures the control terminal 30. Using a configuration terminal (not shown), the user configures the control target and control content of the control signal that is transmitted when, for example, the user operates the operation reception unit 34 of each of the multiple control terminals 30.

[0036] The setting terminal is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), etc. The setting terminal may also be a dedicated remote controller used in the lighting system 10.

[0037] The setting terminal communicates with one of the devices that make up the mesh network 40 using, for example, a communication protocol different from that of the mesh network 40. By transmitting this communication via the mesh network 40, any control terminal 30 can be set.

[0038] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the control terminal 30 according to the embodiment. In particular, Fig. 3 shows the appearance of the control terminal 30 for transmitting a second control signal (described later).

[0039] As shown in FIG. 3 , control terminal 30 is a portable remote controller. Control terminal 30 has four push buttons, “△,” “▽,” “ON,” and “OFF,” as its operation receiving unit 34. For example, by pressing the “△” button, the user can fine-tune the brightness of light source 24 of lighting device 20 to be brighter (e.g., increase the dimming rate by 5%). Also, by pressing the “▽” button, the user can fine-tune the brightness of light source 24 of lighting device 20 to be darker (e.g., decrease the dimming rate by 5%). Also, by pressing the “ON” button, the user can maximize the dimming rate of light source 24 of lighting device 20 (e.g., 100%). Also, by pressing the “OFF” button, the user can minimize the dimming rate of light source 24 of lighting device 20 (e.g., 0%).

[0040] [Control signal] The format of the control signal acquired by the lighting fixture 20 in the lighting system 10 will be described.

[0041] The control signals sent to the lighting system 10 are a first control signal and a second control signal.

[0042] [First control signal] The first control signal is a control signal that includes priority information for controlling lighting device 20 with a predetermined priority.

[0043] The priority is information for determining whether or not to execute control based on the first control signal. Control based on a control signal with a higher priority is executed with priority over control based on a control signal with a lower priority.

[0044] 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of information indicating priority included in a control signal according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the priority included in the control signal includes a "name" and a "content."

[0045] For example, if the "name" of the priority included in the first control signal is "Layer 9," this indicates that the control based on the first control signal is "default" control. Also, for example, if the "name" of the priority included in the first control signal is "Layer 6," this indicates that the control based on the first control signal is "schedule switching control." Also, for example, if the "name" of the priority included in the first control signal is "Layer 3," this indicates that the control based on the first control signal is "remote control." Here, "Layer 1" has the highest priority, followed by decreasing priorities, with "Layer 9" having the lowest priority.

[0046] For example, if lighting device 20 is being controlled based on the first control signal of "Layer 6," and a first control signal of "Layer 3" is received, lighting device 20 will be controlled based on the first control signal of "Layer 3." Also, if lighting device 20 is being controlled based on the first control signal of "Layer 6," and a first control signal of "Layer 7" is received, lighting device 20 will not be controlled based on the first control signal of "Layer 7," but will continue to be controlled based on the first control signal of "Layer 6."

[0047] [Second control signal] The second control signal is a control signal for controlling lighting fixture 20, which is controlled based on the first control signal, without changing the priority. Hereinafter, the control that lighting fixture 20 executes based on the second control signal will be referred to as common control. In other words, the second control signal can cause lighting fixture 20 to execute common control without changing the priority at which lighting fixture 20 is operating. Common control is control that adjusts the dimming rate of light source 24 and is executed regardless of the priority at which lighting fixture 20 is operating.

[0048] For example, the second control signal may have a specific value set in the "priority" portion of the control signal format to indicate that it is a second control signal. When the "priority" portion of the acquired control signal has the specific value, lighting device 20 executes common control based on the control signal, regardless of the priority at which lighting device 20 is operating.

[0049] For example, if lighting device 20 is being controlled based on the first control signal of "layer 6," when it receives the second control signal, lighting device 20 will continue to perform control based on the first control signal of "layer 6," and will also perform control that reflects the content of the common control based on the second control signal.

[0050] The manner in which common control based on such a second control signal is applied will be described in detail below as operation examples 1 to 4.

[0051] [Example 1] When lighting device 20 is being controlled based on the first control signal of "Layer 3," upon receiving the second control signal, lighting device 20 can continue to be controlled based on the first control signal of "Layer 3," and can also execute control that reflects the content of the common control based on the second control signal. Operation Example 1 of this lighting system 10 will be described below. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating how lighting system 10 operates in Operation Example 1.

[0052] FIG. 5 shows the control of lighting fixture 20 included in lighting system 10 and the resulting changes in brightness of lighting fixture 20. The horizontal axis of the graph in the upper part of FIG. 5 represents time, and the vertical axis represents the brightness of lighting fixture 20. T1, T2, and T3 represent time, and L1, L2, and L3 represent the brightness of light source 24. Note that the values ​​of T1 to T3 and L1 to L3 are merely illustrative and not specific values. The lower part of FIG. 5 shows the priority at which lighting fixture 20 is controlled. For example, it shows that lighting fixture 20 is controlled at the priority level of "Layer 3" from time T1 to time T2.

[0053] First, controller 222 controls light source 24 of lighting device 20 to emit light at brightness L1. Brightness L1 is the "default" brightness. At this time, lighting device 20 is controlled based on the first control signal with a priority of "Layer 9" shown in FIG. 4.

[0054] Next, consider the case where a user attempts to change the brightness of lighting device 20. At time T1, the user transmits a first control signal with a priority level of "Layer 3" by pressing operation reception unit 34 of control terminal 30 for transmitting a first control signal. Acquisition unit 221 of lighting device 20 acquires the first control signal with a priority level of "Layer 3" transmitted by control terminal 30 via communication unit 21, mesh network 40, and communication unit 31. Control unit 222 controls light source 24 to emit light at brightness L2 based on the acquired control signal for "Layer 3."

[0055] Now, consider the case where the user wishes to fine-tune the brightness of lighting device 20, dimming it slightly. At time T2, control terminal 30 transmits a second control signal to adjust the brightness of lighting device 20. For example, the user can transmit a second control signal to dim light source 24 by a predetermined value by pressing the "▽" button on operation reception unit 34 of control terminal 30, which is used to transmit the second control signal. When acquirer 221 of lighting device 20 acquires the second control signal, controller 222 controls light source 24 to emit light at brightness L3 based on the acquired second control signal, while maintaining the state in which it is controlled based on the control signal of "layer 3."

[0056] Next, consider the case where a user wishes to restore the brightness of lighting device 20. At time T3, control terminal 30 transmits a second control signal to adjust the brightness of lighting device 20. For example, the user can transmit a second control signal to increase the dimming rate of light source 24 by a predetermined value by pressing the "△" button on operation reception unit 34 of control terminal 30 for transmitting the second control signal. The user may also transmit a control signal to terminate common control based on the second control signal. When acquirer 221 of lighting device 20 acquires the second control signal, controller 222 terminates common control based on the acquired second control signal and controls light source 24 to emit light at brightness L2. At this time, lighting device 20 is controlled at "Layer 3."

[0057] According to Operation Example 1, a user can adjust the brightness of lighting device 20 through common control based on the second control signal without needing to know the priority at which lighting device 20 is being controlled. Furthermore, by using control terminal 30 for common control, there is no need to provide control buttons for fine-tuning the brightness for each priority.

[0058] Therefore, such lighting system 10 can improve the user's convenience when adjusting the brightness of lighting device 20.

[0059] [Example 2] When lighting device 20 is being controlled based on the first control signal of "Layer 6," upon receiving the second control signal, lighting device 20 can continue to be controlled based on the first control signal of "Layer 6," and can also execute control that reflects the content of the common control based on the second control signal. A second operational example of such lighting system 10 will now be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating how lighting system 10 operates in this second operational example. FIG. 6 corresponds to FIG. 5.

[0060] First, controller 222 controls light source 24 of lighting device 20 to emit light at brightness L1. Brightness L1 is the "default" brightness. At this time, lighting device 20 is controlled based on the first control signal with a priority of "Layer 9" shown in FIG. 4.

[0061] Next, consider a case in which control terminal 30, which is a scheduler, changes the brightness of lighting device 20. The scheduler is a device that transmits a control signal to control lighting device 20 to a predetermined brightness at a predetermined time. The scheduler transmits a first control signal with a priority of "Layer 6" at time T1. Acquisition unit 221 of lighting device 20 acquires the first control signal with a priority of "Layer 6" transmitted by control terminal 30 via communication unit 21, mesh network 40, and communication unit 31. Control unit 222 controls light source 24 to emit light at brightness L2 based on the acquired control signal for "Layer 6."

[0062] Now, consider the case where the user wishes to fine-tune the brightness of lighting device 20 to be slightly darker. At time T2, control terminal 30 transmits a second control signal to adjust the brightness of lighting device 20. For example, the user can transmit a second control signal to dim light source 24 by a predetermined value by pressing the "▽" button on operation reception unit 34 of control terminal 30 for transmitting the second control signal. When acquirer 221 of lighting device 20 acquires the second control signal, controller 222 controls light source 24 to emit light at brightness L3 based on the acquired second control signal while maintaining the state controlled based on the control signal for "layer 6."

[0063] Next, consider the case where a user wishes to restore the brightness of lighting device 20. At time T3, control terminal 30 transmits a second control signal to adjust the brightness of lighting device 20. For example, the user can transmit a second control signal to increase the dimming rate of light source 24 by a predetermined value by pressing the "△" button on operation reception unit 34 of control terminal 30 for transmitting the second control signal. The user may also transmit a control signal to terminate common control based on the second control signal. When acquirer 221 of lighting device 20 acquires the second control signal, controller 222 terminates common control based on the acquired second control signal and controls light source 24 to emit light at brightness L2. At this time, lighting device 20 is controlled at "layer 6."

[0064] According to the second operation example, the user can adjust the brightness of lighting device 20 through common control based on the second control signal, without needing to know the priority at which lighting device 20 is being controlled.

[0065] Therefore, such lighting system 10 can improve the user's convenience when adjusting the brightness of lighting device 20.

[0066] [Example 3] When lighting device 20 is being controlled based on the first control signal of "Layer 6," upon receiving a second control signal, lighting device 20 continues to perform control based on the first control signal of "Layer 6" and also executes control that reflects the content of the common control based on the second control signal. Furthermore, if lighting device 20 receives a first control signal of "Layer 3," lighting device 20 can execute control based on the first control signal of "Layer 3." Operation example 3 of this lighting system 10 is described below.

[0067] 7 is a diagram illustrating how the lighting system 10 operates in Operation Example 3. FIG. 7 is a diagram corresponding to FIGS.

[0068] First, controller 222 controls light source 24 of lighting device 20 to emit light at brightness L1. Brightness L1 is the "default" brightness. At this time, lighting device 20 is controlled based on the first control signal with a priority of "Layer 9" shown in FIG. 4.

[0069] Next, consider the case where control terminal 30, which is the scheduler, changes the brightness of lighting device 20. At time T1, the scheduler transmits a first control signal with a priority level of "Layer 6." Acquisition unit 221 of lighting device 20 acquires the first control signal with a priority level of "Layer 6" transmitted by control terminal 30 via communication unit 21, mesh network 40, and communication unit 31. Based on the acquired control signal for "Layer 6," control unit 222 controls light source 24 to emit light at brightness L2.

[0070] Now, consider the case where the user wishes to fine-tune the brightness of lighting device 20 to be slightly darker. At time T2, control terminal 30 transmits a second control signal to adjust the brightness of lighting device 20. For example, the user can transmit a second control signal to dim light source 24 by a predetermined value by pressing the "▽" button on operation reception unit 34 of control terminal 30 for transmitting the second control signal. When acquirer 221 of lighting device 20 acquires the second control signal, controller 222 controls light source 24 to emit light at brightness L3 based on the acquired second control signal while maintaining the state controlled based on the control signal for "layer 6."

[0071] Next, consider the case where a user attempts to control the brightness of lighting device 20 using a remote control. At time T3, control terminal 30 transmits a first control signal to control lighting device 20 at "layer 3." When acquirer 221 of lighting device 20 acquires the first control signal for "layer 3," controller 222 terminates the common control and controls light source 24 to emit light at brightness L4 based on the acquired first control signal for "layer 3."

[0072] In operation example 3, common control ends when a first control signal with a higher priority than the priority of the currently operating lighting device is received. The user can adjust the brightness of lighting device 20 using the first control signal with the higher priority, even if the user does not know whether lighting device 20 is under common control.

[0073] Therefore, such lighting system 10 can improve the user's convenience when adjusting the brightness of lighting device 20.

[0074] [Example 4] When lighting device 20 is being controlled based on the first control signal of "Layer 6," upon receiving a second control signal, lighting device 20 continues to perform control based on the first control signal of "Layer 6" and also executes control that reflects the content of the common control based on the second control signal. Furthermore, if lighting device 20 receives a first control signal of "Layer 6," it can execute control based on the first control signal of "Layer 6." Operation example 4 of this lighting system 10 is described below.

[0075] 8 is a diagram illustrating how the lighting system 10 operates in Operation Example 4. FIG. 8 is a diagram corresponding to FIGS.

[0076] First, controller 222 controls light source 24 of lighting device 20 to emit light at brightness L1. Brightness L1 is the "default" brightness. At this time, lighting device 20 is controlled based on the first control signal with a priority of "Layer 9" shown in FIG. 4.

[0077] Next, consider the case where control terminal 30, which is the scheduler, changes the brightness of lighting device 20. At time T1, the scheduler transmits a first control signal with a priority level of "Layer 6." Acquisition unit 221 of lighting device 20 acquires the first control signal with a priority level of "Layer 6" transmitted by control terminal 30 via communication unit 21, mesh network 40, and communication unit 31. Based on the acquired control signal for "Layer 6," control unit 222 controls light source 24 to emit light at brightness L2.

[0078] Now, consider the case where the user wishes to fine-tune the brightness of lighting device 20 to be slightly darker. At time T2, control terminal 30 transmits a second control signal to adjust the brightness of lighting device 20. For example, the user can transmit a second control signal to dim light source 24 by a predetermined value by pressing the "▽" button on operation reception unit 34 of control terminal 30 for transmitting the second control signal. When acquirer 221 of lighting device 20 acquires the second control signal, controller 222 controls light source 24 to emit light at brightness L3 based on the acquired second control signal while maintaining the state controlled based on the control signal for "layer 6."

[0079] Next, consider that control terminal 30, which is the scheduler, further changes the brightness of lighting device 20. At time T3, control terminal 30 transmits a first control signal for "layer 6" to adjust the brightness of lighting device 20. When acquirer 221 of lighting device 20 acquires the first control signal for "layer 6," controller 222 ends the common control and controls light source 24 to emit light at brightness L4 based on the acquired first control signal for "layer 6."

[0080] According to Operation Example 4, even when a user adjusts the brightness of lighting device 20 using common control, the brightness of lighting device 20 can be adjusted based on a control signal from control terminal 30, which is the scheduler. Therefore, lighting system 10 described above can improve the user's convenience when adjusting the brightness of lighting device 20.

[0081] (Other embodiments) 9 is a diagram showing another example of the appearance of the control terminal 30 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the control terminal 30 is provided with two sets of operation receiving units 34.

[0082] By pressing the first pair of operation reception sections 34a and the second pair of operation reception sections 34b, a second control signal intended for a different lighting device 20 can be transmitted.

[0083] For example, by pressing the operation receiving unit 34a, a second control signal can be transmitted to lighting devices 20 in a predetermined first range, and by pressing the operation receiving unit 34b, a second control signal can be transmitted to lighting devices 20 in a predetermined second range different from the predetermined first range.

[0084] In other words, such a lighting system 10 can set the lighting fixtures 20 to be subject to common control.

[0085] Control unit 222 of lighting device 20 determines whether lighting device 20 is the control target of the second control signal acquired by acquisition unit 221, and determines whether to perform common control.

[0086] 9 shows the control terminal 30 including two sets of the operation reception units 34a and 34b, but the control terminal 30 may include three sets of the operation reception units 34. The number of sets of the operation reception units 34 included in the control terminal 30 is not particularly limited.

[0087] Furthermore, the control terminal 30 including the operation reception unit 34a and the control terminal including the operation reception unit 34b may be different control terminals 30. In other words, a different control terminal 30 for transmitting the second control signal may be provided for each area to be controlled.

[0088] [Effects, etc.] The technologies derived from the disclosure of this specification are, for example, the following technologies. Below, the technologies derived from the disclosure of this specification will be described together with the effects and the like obtained by the technologies.

[0089] Technique 1 relates to a lighting system 10 including lighting fixtures 20 and a control terminal 30 that transmits a first control signal instructing lighting fixtures 20 to perform a first control, the first control signal including priority information indicating a priority relative to the first control, and a second control signal instructing lighting fixtures 20 that are executing the first control to perform common control based on the first control signal, the second control signal causing lighting fixtures 20 that are executing the first control to execute the common control with a priority relative to the first control.

[0090] With lighting system 10 as described above, a user can adjust the brightness of lighting fixtures 20 through common control based on the second control signal, without needing to know the priority at which lighting fixtures 20 are being controlled. Furthermore, using control terminal 30 for common control eliminates the need for control buttons for adjusting brightness for each priority. This improves user convenience when adjusting the brightness of lighting fixtures 20.

[0091] Technique 2 is the lighting system 10 of technique 1, in which the second control signal includes information indicating that the control target of the second control signal is a predetermined lighting fixture 20.

[0092] Such lighting system 10 can set lighting fixture 20 to adjust its brightness, thereby improving user convenience when adjusting the brightness of lighting fixture 20.

[0093] Technique 3 is the lighting system 10 of Technique 1 or 2, in which the common control is one of a control to change the dimming state of the light source 24 of the lighting fixture 20, a control to maximize the dimming rate of the light source 24 of the lighting fixture 20, and a control to minimize the dimming rate of the light source 24.

[0094] According to such lighting system 10, the user can adjust the brightness of lighting fixture 20 by executing one of the following controls: a control to change the dimming state of light source 24 of lighting fixture 20 based on the second control signal; a control to maximize the dimming rate of light source 24 of lighting fixture 20; and a control to minimize the dimming rate, without needing to know the priority at which lighting fixture 20 is being controlled.

[0095] Technique 4 is lighting system 10 according to any one of techniques 1 to 3, in which lighting fixture 20 terminates the common control when lighting fixture 20 receives the first control signal while common control is being executed.

[0096] According to this lighting system 10, a user can adjust the brightness of lighting device 20 by receiving a high first control signal without knowing whether lighting device 20 is commonly controlled or not.

[0097] Technique 5 relates to a lighting system 10 including lighting fixture 20, a first control terminal that transmits a first control signal instructing lighting fixture 20 to perform a first control, the first control signal including priority information indicating the priority of the first control, and a second control terminal that transmits a second control signal instructing lighting fixture 20 that is executing the first control based on the first control signal to perform common control, the second control signal causing lighting fixture 20 that is executing the first control to execute the common control with priority over the first control.

[0098] According to such a lighting system 10, the number of operation receiving units 34 provided in the second control terminal 30 for performing common control can be reduced, thereby improving convenience when a user attempts to perform common control.

[0099] Technique 6 is a control method executed by control terminal 30 for controlling lighting fixture 20, the control method including: a first control signal transmitting step of transmitting a first control signal instructing lighting fixture 20 to perform a first control, the first control signal including priority information indicating the priority over the first control; and a second control signal transmitting step of transmitting a second control signal instructing lighting fixtures performing the first control to perform common control based on the first control signal, the second control signal causing the lighting fixtures performing the first control to perform the common control with priority over the first control.

[0100] According to this control method, it is possible to improve the convenience for the user when adjusting the brightness of lighting device 20.

[0101] Technique 7 is a program for causing a computer to execute the control method of technique 6.

[0102] Such a program can help improve the user's convenience when adjusting the brightness of lighting device 20.

[0103] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiments have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0104] For example, in the above embodiment, the lighting system is realized by a plurality of devices. When the lighting system is realized by a plurality of devices in this way, the components (particularly functional components) of the lighting system may be distributed among the plurality of devices in any manner.

[0105] Furthermore, the method of communication between the devices in the above-described embodiments is not particularly limited. Furthermore, a relay device (such as a gateway device) (not shown) may be involved in the communication between the devices.

[0106] In the above-described embodiment, the processing performed by a specific processing unit may be performed by another processing unit. The order of multiple processing operations may be changed, or multiple processing operations may be performed in parallel.

[0107] In the above-described embodiments, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for that component, or by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0108] Furthermore, each component may be realized by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or each may be a separate circuit. Furthermore, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0109] Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present disclosure may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or may be realized as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0110] For example, the present disclosure may be realized as a control method executed by a computer such as the lighting system of the above-described embodiment, or as a program for causing a computer to execute the control method (in other words, a computer program product).Furthermore, the present disclosure may be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0111] In addition, this disclosure also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art would think of, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope that does not deviate from the intent of this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 10. Lighting System 20 Lighting fixtures 24 Light source 30 Control Terminal

Claims

1. Lighting equipment and a control terminal that transmits: a first control signal instructing the lighting devices to perform a first control, the first control signal including priority information indicating a priority for the first control; and a second control signal instructing the lighting devices that are executing the first control to perform a common control based on the first control signal, the second control signal causing the lighting devices to execute the common control with the priority for the first control. Lighting system.

2. the second control signal includes information indicating that a control target of the second control signal is a predetermined lighting fixture, 10. The lighting system of claim 1.

3. the common control is at least one of control to change the dimming state of the light source of the lighting device, control to maximize the dimming rate of the light source of the lighting device, and control to minimize the dimming rate; 3. A lighting system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. When the lighting device receives the first control signal while executing the common control, the lighting device terminates the common control.

3. A lighting system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. Lighting equipment and a first control terminal that transmits a first control signal instructing the lighting device to perform a first control, the first control signal including priority information indicating a priority of the first control; a second control terminal configured to transmit a second control signal instructing the lighting devices that are currently executing the first control to perform common control based on the first control signal, the second control signal causing the lighting devices to execute the common control with the priority given to the first control, Lighting system.

6. A control method executed by a control terminal for controlling a lighting device, comprising: a first control signal transmitting step of transmitting a first control signal instructing the lighting device to perform a first control, the first control signal including priority information indicating a priority of the first control; a second control signal transmitting step of transmitting a second control signal that instructs the lighting devices that are currently executing the first control to perform common control based on the first control signal, the second control signal being used to cause the lighting devices to execute the common control with the priority level relative to the first control. Control method.

7. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 6.

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