Lighting control system, lighting control method, and program

Abstract

This invention provides a lighting control system, a lighting control method, and a program that suppress variations in illuminance within a lit space. [Solution] The lighting control system comprises a lighting device, a detection unit 20, a comparison unit 222, a first determination unit 223, and a second determination unit 224. The lighting device has a light source unit and a control unit. The detection unit 20 detects the brightness of the illuminated space as a detection value. The comparison unit 222 compares the detection value, a target value of the lighting output indicating the output of the light source unit, and a spatial lower limit value set corresponding to the illuminated space. The first determination unit 223 determines a first control value for the lighting output using the comparison result of the comparison unit 222. The second determination unit 224 determines a second control value for the lighting output using the device lower limit value set corresponding to the lighting device A1 and the first control value. The control unit controls the light source unit based on the second control value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a lighting control system, a lighting control method, and a program. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a lighting control system, a lighting control method, and a program for performing lighting control.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a lighting control system for performing lighting control has been provided. For example, the lighting system (lighting control system) described in Patent Document 1 has a lighting fixture, a remote control for lighting control, a human presence sensor, an illuminance sensor, and the like. The lighting control system controls the lighting fixture based on the detection result of a person by the human presence sensor and the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the conventional lighting control system as described above, the illuminance sensor (detection unit) detects the brightness of the lighting space where the lighting device irradiates the lighting light, and the lighting device is controlled based on the detection result of the illuminance sensor. However, when the brightness of the lighting space is not uniform, there is a problem that variations in illuminance occur in the lighting space.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a lighting control system, a lighting control method, and a program that suppress variations in illuminance in a lighting space.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A lighting control system according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a lighting device, a detection unit, a comparison unit, a first determination unit, and a second determination unit. The lighting device has a light source unit that irradiates lighting light into a lighting space, and a control unit that controls the light source unit. The detection unit detects the brightness of the lighting space as a detection value. The comparison unit compares the detection value, a target value of the lighting output indicating the output of the light source unit, and a spatial lower limit value which is the lower limit of the lighting output set in accordance with the lighting space. The first determination unit determines a first control value for the lighting output using the comparison result of the comparison unit. The second determination unit determines a second control value for the lighting output using a device lower limit value which is the lower limit of the lighting output set in accordance with the lighting device, and the first control value. The control unit controls the light source unit based on the second control value.

[0007] A lighting control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a lighting control method for controlling a lighting device having a light source unit that irradiates lighting light into a lighting space. The lighting control method includes a detection step, a comparison step, a first determination step, a second determination step, and a control step. In the detection step, the brightness of the lighting space is detected as a detection value. In the comparison step, the detection value, a target value of the lighting output indicating the output of the light source unit, and a spatial lower limit value which is the lower limit of the lighting output set in accordance with the lighting space are compared. In the first determination step, a first control value for the lighting output is determined using the comparison result from the comparison step. In the second determination step, a second control value for the lighting output is determined using a device lower limit value which is the lower limit of the lighting output set in accordance with the lighting device, and the first control value. In the control step, the light source unit is controlled based on the second control value.

[0008] A program according to one aspect of this disclosure is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the lighting control method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, there is an advantage in suppressing variations in illuminance in the illuminated space. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a system configuration diagram of a lighting control system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram of the lighting equipment in the same lighting control system. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram of the sensor device in the same lighting control system. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram of the communication device in the same lighting control system. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a block diagram of the control device in the same lighting control system. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a block diagram of the setting device in the same lighting control system. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram of the mesh network used in the lighting control system described above. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a diagram showing the arrangement of areas and zones in the lighting control system described above. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the lighting control method using the same lighting control system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments and modifications described below are merely examples of the present disclosure. This disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and modifications, and various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as they do not depart from the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure. The figures described in the embodiments and modifications below are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the size and thickness of each component in the figures do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0012] (Embodiment) (1) Overview The following describes the outline of the lighting control system S1 according to this embodiment, with reference to Figures 1 to 3.

[0013] The lighting control system S1 according to this embodiment is installed, for example, in commercial facilities such as office buildings and shopping centers, factories, warehouses, and public facilities such as libraries. However, the above facilities are merely examples, and the location where the lighting control system S1 according to this embodiment is installed is not limited to these facilities.

[0014] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the lighting control system S1 according to the embodiment comprises a lighting device A1, a detection unit 20, a comparison unit 222, a first determination unit 223, and a second determination unit 224. As shown in Figure 2, the lighting device A1 has a light source unit 10 and a control unit 14. The light source unit 10 irradiates the lighting space with illumination light. The control unit 14 controls the light source unit 10. The detection unit 20 detects the brightness of the lighting space irradiated by the light source unit 10 as a detection value. The comparison unit 222 compares the detection value detected by the detection unit 20, the target value of the lighting output indicating the output of the light source unit 10, and the spatial lower limit value, which is the lower limit of the lighting output set corresponding to the lighting space that is the target of detection by the detection unit 20. The first determination unit 223 determines a first control value for the lighting output of the light source unit 10 using the comparison result of the comparison unit 222. The second determination unit 224 determines a second control value for the lighting output of the light source unit 10 using the device lower limit value, which is the lower limit value of the lighting output set in accordance with the lighting device A1, and the first control value determined by the first determination unit 223. The control unit 14 controls the light source unit 10 based on the second control value determined by the second determination unit 224.

[0015] In the comparative example's lighting control system, the control unit uniformly controls the light source of the lighting device based on the detection result of the detection unit, regardless of the location where the lighting device is installed. In other words, in the comparative example's lighting control system, the control unit does not control the light source of the lighting device using the lower limit of the lighting output that is set in accordance with the lighting device, taking into account the location where the lighting device is installed. Therefore, if the brightness of the illuminated space, which is the target of detection by the detection unit, is not uniform, there is a problem that variations in illuminance will occur in the illuminated space.

[0016] On the other hand, in the lighting control system S1 of the embodiment, the control unit 14 controls the light source unit 10 using both the space lower limit value, which is the lower limit value of the lighting output set corresponding to the lighting space that is the detection target of the detection unit 20, and the device lower limit value, which is the lower limit value of the lighting output set corresponding to the lighting device A1. Therefore, when the brightness of the lighting space that is the detection target of the detection unit 20 is not uniform, the lighting control system S1 of the embodiment has the advantage that it can suppress the variation in illuminance in the lighting space by appropriately setting or correcting the device lower limit value.

[0017] In addition to suppressing the variation in illuminance in the lighting space, there is an advantage that an individual lighting space can be realized for a specific space within the lighting space by adjusting the device lower limit value. For example, when it is not desired to make the lighting output from the lighting device A1 of a certain color temperature too dark, the device lower limit value of the corresponding lighting device A1 is set to a large value.

[0018] (2) Detailed Configuration Next, each component of the lighting control system S1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8.

[0019] (2-1) System Configuration As shown in FIG. 1, the lighting control system S1 according to the embodiment includes a plurality of lighting devices A1, a sensor device B1, a communication device D1, a tablet C1, and a handy remote control C2. The lighting control system S1 controls each of the plurality of lighting devices A1.

[0020] Multiple lighting devices A1, sensor devices B1, and communication devices D1 are supplied with AC power from an external power source P1 via a two-wire power supply circuit P11. In the example shown in Figure 1, a switch device J1 is inserted into the power supply circuit P11. The switch device J1 is equipped with an operating handle J11 and is configured to turn the connection between the external power source P1 and the power supply circuit P11 on or off each time the operating handle J11 is operated. In other words, when the switch device J1 turns on the connection between the external power source P1 and the power supply circuit P11, AC power is supplied from the external power source P1 via the power supply circuit P11, and the lighting control system S1 becomes operational. On the other hand, when the switch device J1 turns off the connection between the external power source P1 and the power supply circuit P11, AC power is not supplied from the external power source P1 via the power supply circuit P11, and the lighting control system S1 becomes inoperable.

[0021] Furthermore, the switch device J1 may be, for example, a smart operating terminal, and does not necessarily have to be arranged in series between the external power supply P1 and the power supply line P11. In this case, the switch device J1 has an operating unit, and each time the operating unit is operated, it transmits a control signal to turn the connection state on or off to each of the multiple lighting devices A1, sensor devices B1, and communication device D1. Each of the multiple lighting devices A1, sensor devices B1, and communication device D1 has a built-in switch to switch whether or not to cut off the power supply from the external power supply P1. When the above-mentioned switch receives a control signal from the switch device J1 to turn off the connection state, it cuts off the power supply from the external power supply P1.

[0022] The power for each device may be supplied by DC power (including PoE: Power over Ethernet), microwave power, energy harvesting power, etc.

[0023] (2-1-1) Lighting device Each of the multiple lighting devices A1, as shown in Figure 2, includes a light source unit 10, a power supply unit 11, a wireless communication unit 12, a storage unit 13, and a control unit 14.

[0024] The light source unit 10 has, for example, an LED module configured by mounting multiple LEDs on a substrate. Note that the multiple light source units 10 in multiple lighting devices A1 may be of different types. For example, the multiple light source units 10 include a light source unit 10 that emits monochromatic illumination light, a light source unit 10 with a variable color temperature of illumination light, a light source unit 10 with a variable light color of illumination light, and a light source unit 10 in which the direction of illumination light can be switched or changed. The light source unit 10 with a variable color temperature of illumination light has LED modules that emit illumination light at different color temperatures (e.g., 2700K and 6500K). The light source unit 10 with a variable light color of illumination light has LED modules that emit illumination light of different colors, such as red light, green light, and blue light. Furthermore, the light source unit 10 in which the direction of illumination light can be switched includes, for example, an LED module that emits illumination light toward the floor and an LED module that emits illumination light toward the ceiling or wall. Furthermore, the light source unit 10, whose illumination direction can be changed, has, for example, a movable part that can change the illumination direction using a control signal.

[0025] The power supply unit 11 includes, for example, a power conversion circuit and a constant current circuit. The power conversion circuit converts AC power supplied from an external power supply P1 via a power supply line P11 into DC power. The constant current circuit operates to match the DC current supplied to the light source unit 10 to a target value. The power supply unit 11 may have multiple constant current circuits depending on the type of light source unit 10. That is, a power supply unit 11 paired with a light source unit 10 whose illumination light color temperature is variable has multiple constant current circuits that supply DC current individually to multiple LED modules with different color temperatures. Also, a power supply unit 11 paired with a light source unit 10 whose illumination light color is variable has multiple constant current circuits that supply DC current individually to LED modules with multiple light colors. Furthermore, a power supply unit 11 paired with a light source unit 10 whose irradiation direction is switchable has, for example, a constant current circuit that supplies DC current to an LED module that radiates illumination light toward the floor, and a constant current circuit that supplies DC current to an LED module that radiates illumination light toward the ceiling or wall.

[0026] The wireless communication unit 12 includes a wireless communication circuit and an antenna. The wireless communication circuit is an integrated circuit configured to perform wireless communication compliant with wireless communication standards, such as BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy), and mesh communication using radio waves as a medium. The wireless communication circuit may also be configured to perform wireless communication compliant with wireless communication standards other than BLE, such as Wi-Fi®, ZigBee®, or 920MHz band low-power radio stations (for telecontrol). The wireless communication circuit is capable of transmitting and receiving wireless signals through the antenna.

[0027] The memory unit 13 has, for example, an electrically rewritable non-volatile semiconductor memory. The memory unit 13 stores multiple scene information. Each of the multiple scene information includes lighting-related information and mode specification information. The lighting-related information is, for example, information for specifying at least one of the following: illumination light intensity, light color, and irradiation direction. The mode specification information is information for specifying one control mode from among multiple control modes. Here, the power supply unit 11 adjusts the amount of light output by adjusting the DC current supplied to the light source unit 10. The illumination light intensity is expressed by the dimming level of the light source unit 10. The dimming level is defined as the ratio of the light amount when the light amount when the rated current is flowed through the light source unit 10 is set to 100%. For example, a dimming level of 50% indicates that the light source unit 10 outputs half the rated light amount. The light color is defined by the color temperature when the color temperature of the illumination light from the light source unit 10 is variable. However, the lighting-related information that specifies the light color is indicated by the ratio of the light amounts for each of several types of LED modules with different color temperatures. Similarly, if the light color of the light source unit 10 is variable, the lighting information specifying the light color is indicated by the ratio of the light intensity of each LED module of each color. Furthermore, the lighting information specifying the irradiation direction of the light source unit 10 is indicated, for example, by a numerical value corresponding to the irradiation direction (e.g., 0: downward, 1: upward, or horizontal: 90 degrees, vertical: 50 degrees).

[0028] The control unit 14 mainly consists of a microcontroller. The control unit 14 is configured to perform various processes related to lighting control by having the microcontroller's processor execute a program for lighting control. Based on a control command included in a wireless signal received by the wireless communication unit 12 from the control device 5 (described later), the control unit 14 selects one scene information from among multiple scene information stored in the memory unit 13 and controls the light source unit 10 (more specifically, the power supply unit 11 that supplies DC current to the light source unit 10) based on the selected scene information. In the following description, "controlling the power supply unit 11 that supplies DC current to the light source unit 10" may also be referred to as "controlling the light source unit 10". Furthermore, based on a control command included in a message received by the wireless communication unit 12 from the sensor device B1, the control unit 14 selects the scene information instructed by the control command and controls the light source unit 10 based on the selected scene information.

[0029] Furthermore, the control unit 14 controls the light source unit 10 to increase or decrease the dimming level of the illumination light based on the control commands included in the message received by the wireless communication unit 12 from the sensor device B1. More specifically, the control unit 14 controls the light source unit 10 so that the illumination output of the light source unit 10 becomes a second control value determined by the second determination unit 224 of the sensor device B1 (described later), thereby increasing or decreasing the dimming level of the illumination light. In this embodiment, since the second control value is the dimming rate, the control unit 14 controls the light source unit 10 so that the dimming rate of the light source unit 10 becomes the second control value, thereby increasing or decreasing the dimming level of the illumination light.

[0030] (2-1-2) Sensor device As shown in Figure 3, the sensor device B1 includes a brightness detection unit 20, a human detection unit 21, a control unit 22, a wireless communication unit 23, and a storage unit 24. The brightness detection unit 20 corresponds to the detection unit of this disclosure.

[0031] The brightness detection unit 20 detects the brightness (i.e., illuminance) of the illuminated space irradiated by the light source unit 10 of the lighting device A1 as a detection value. The brightness detection unit 20 includes, for example, a photoelectric conversion element and a signal processing circuit. The signal processing circuit processes the output signal of the photoelectric conversion element. The brightness detection unit 20 detects reflected light from the floor surface or desk surface, etc., within the detection range in the illuminated space as the amount of incident light, converts the detected amount of incident light into a voltage signal (brightness signal), and outputs it to the control unit 22 as a detection value.

[0032] The human detection unit 21 includes a passive sensor that detects heat rays (infrared rays) emitted from the human body, generally called a heat ray sensor or PIR (Passive Infrared) sensor. The human detection unit 21 may also include an active sensor that detects a person (moving object) by emitting radio waves (microwaves) and receiving the radio waves reflected by an antenna after they hit an object in space, thereby determining whether or not the object is moving. When the human detection unit 21 detects the presence of a person in the detection area, it outputs a human detection signal to the control unit 22.

[0033] The brightness detection unit 20 and the person detection unit 21 may each have a single image sensor, and the system may be configured to detect a person from the difference between the background image acquired by the image sensor and the current image, as well as to detect brightness from the acquired image.

[0034] The control unit 22 primarily consists of a microcontroller. The control unit 22 is configured to perform various processes related to sensor control by having the microcontroller's processor execute a program for sensor control.

[0035] The control unit 22 includes a sensor control unit 221, a comparison unit 222, a first determination unit 223, a second determination unit 224, a judgment unit 225, and a correction unit 226.

[0036] The comparison unit 222 compares the detected value detected by the brightness detection unit 20 with the brightness target value of the lighting output, which indicates the output of the light source unit 10, and the spatial lower limit value, which is the lower limit of the lighting output set in accordance with the lighting space that is the target of detection by the detection unit 20. In this embodiment, the comparison unit 222 compares the brightness (illuminance within the detection range) indicated by the brightness signal input from the brightness detection unit 20 with the brightness target value of the lighting output set in the setting device 3, which will be described later, and the spatial lower limit value mentioned above. The brightness target value mentioned above corresponds to the target value in this disclosure.

[0037] The lower limit of the device in the embodiment may be set or corrected according to the time or season compared by the comparison unit 222. More specifically, the lower limit of the device in the embodiment may be set or corrected according to the time or season compared by the comparison unit 222 using digital data including time and date generated by the clock unit 40 of the communication device D1.

[0038] The first determination unit 223 uses the comparison results from the comparison unit 222 to determine a first control value for the illumination output of the light source unit 10. More specifically, the first determination unit 223 determines the first control value such that the difference between the detected value (illuminance within the detection range) and the brightness target value becomes small, and the illumination output of the light source unit 10 becomes equal to or greater than the spatial lower limit value.

[0039] The second determination unit 224 uses the device lower limit value, which is the lower limit value of the lighting output set for each of the multiple lighting devices A1, and the first control value determined by the first determination unit 223 to determine a second control value for the lighting output of the light source unit 10 in each of the multiple lighting devices A1. In this embodiment, the second determination unit 224 determines the second control value as the larger of the first control value and the device lower limit value in each of the multiple lighting devices A1. With this configuration, the second determination unit 224 can determine the second control value in each of the multiple lighting devices A1 such that the difference between the detected value and the brightness target value becomes small, and the lighting output of the light source unit 10 becomes equal to or greater than the spatial lower limit value and the device lower limit value.Therefore, if the brightness of the lighting space that is the target of detection by the detection unit 20 is not uniform, there is an advantage that variations in illuminance in the lighting space can be further suppressed by appropriately setting or correcting the device lower limit value.

[0040] The lower limit of the device in the embodiment is set or corrected according to the characteristics, location information, intended use, and installation environment of each of the multiple lighting devices A1. Here, "characteristics" refers to, for example, the maximum luminous flux and light distribution of the light source unit 10 of each of the multiple lighting devices A1. Here, "installation environment" refers to, for example, whether or not there are structures (windows, white walls, mirrors, etc.) that transmit, diffuse, shield, or reflect light around each of the multiple lighting devices A1. Furthermore, the lower limit of the device in the embodiment may be set or corrected according to the time or season in which the second determination unit 224 determines the second control value. More specifically, the lower limit of the device in the embodiment may be set or corrected according to the time or season in which the second determination unit 224 determines the second control value using digital data including the time and date generated by the clock unit 40 of the communication device D1.

[0041] The following explains, with specific examples, how the second determination unit 224 determines the second control value.

[0042] As a first specific example, let us assume a case where the lower limit of the device is greater than both the brightness target value and the spatial lower limit. In this first specific example, the second determination unit 224 determines the above lower limit of the device as the second control value. That is, the second determination unit 224 does not determine a value lower than the above lower limit of the device as the second control value.

[0043] Next, as a second specific example, let us consider the case where the spatial lower limit is greater than both the brightness target value and the device lower limit. In this second specific example, the second determination unit 224 determines the above spatial lower limit as the second control value. That is, the second determination unit 224 does not determine a value lower than the above spatial lower limit as the second control value.

[0044] As a third specific example, consider the case where the brightness target value is greater than both the spatial lower limit and the device lower limit. In this third specific example, the second determination unit 224 determines a second control value such that the difference between the detected value and the brightness target value falls within a predetermined range.

[0045] The determination unit 225 determines the influence of factors different from the multiple lighting devices A1 on the brightness of the illuminated space. "Factors different from the multiple lighting devices A1" here refers to, for example, devices different from the multiple lighting devices A1 that emit light into the illuminated space, or structures that transmit, diffuse, shield, or reflect light (windows, white walls, mirrors, etc.). For example, if lighting device A1 located near a window that receives natural light and lighting device A1 located far from the window have the same lighting output, the lighting device A1 closer to the window will have a brighter illuminated space due to the presence of natural light. Lighting device A1 near a mirror or white wall will have a brighter illuminated space due to reflected light. Conversely, if there is an obstruction such as a pillar nearby, lighting device A1 will have a darker illuminated space compared to lighting device A1 not near a pillar, because the lighting output of other lighting devices A1 cannot reach it. The range of natural light entering through a window varies depending on the season and location, so this information may be used to make it variable.

[0046] The correction unit 226 corrects the second control value determined by the second determination unit 224 based on the determination result of the determination unit 225. Specifically, if the determination unit 225 determines that the illuminated space is brighter due to factors different from those of the multiple lighting devices A1, the correction unit 226 corrects the second control value so that the illumination output of the light source unit 10 decreases. On the other hand, if the determination unit 225 determines that the illuminated space is darker due to factors different from those of the multiple lighting devices A1, the correction unit 226 corrects the second control value so that the illumination output of the light source unit 10 increases. The control unit 14 in each of the multiple lighting devices A1 controls the light source unit 10 based on the second control value corrected by the correction unit 226. The above configuration has the advantage that even when factors different from those of the multiple lighting devices A1 affect the brightness of the illuminated space, variations in illuminance in the illuminated space can be reliably suppressed.

[0047] The sensor control unit 221 creates a control command that instructs the dimming level to increase or decrease so that the illumination output of the light source unit 10 in each of the multiple lighting devices A1 reaches a second control value. The sensor control unit 221 outputs the created control command to the wireless communication unit 23.

[0048] In this embodiment, the first control value determined by the first determination unit 223 and the second control value determined by the second determination unit 224 are each the dimming ratio of the light source unit 10 in each of the multiple lighting devices A1. The control unit 14 in each of the multiple lighting devices A1 controls the light source unit 10 and increases or decreases the dimming level of the illumination light so that the dimming ratio of the light source unit 10 becomes the second control value. This configuration has the advantage that the control unit 14 in each of the multiple lighting devices A1 can easily control the light source unit 10. In this disclosure, "dimming ratio" refers to the ratio of the output to the maximum output of the light source unit 10 in each of the multiple lighting devices A1. Therefore, if the maximum luminous flux of the light source unit 10 in two lighting devices A1 is different, the luminous flux of the light source unit 10 in the two lighting devices A1 will be different even if the dimming ratio is the same. Furthermore, the term "maximum luminous flux" as used in this disclosure is a different value from the maximum output, and is a specified value (spec value) that is set to be smaller than the maximum output as a safety margin for each of the multiple lighting devices A1.

[0049] The wireless communication unit 23, like the wireless communication unit 12 of the lighting device A1, includes a wireless communication circuit and an antenna. The wireless communication circuit is an integrated circuit configured to perform wireless communication and mesh communication in accordance with the same wireless communication standards as the wireless communication circuit of the wireless communication unit 12. The wireless communication circuit can send and receive wireless signals through the antenna. The wireless communication unit 23 transmits messages, including control commands received from the sensor control unit 221, via wireless signals.

[0050] The memory unit 24 has, for example, an electrically rewritable non-volatile semiconductor memory. The memory unit 24 stores multiple scene information. Each scene information stored in the memory unit 24 matches the scene information stored in the memory unit 13 of the lighting device A1. More specifically, each scene information stored in the memory unit 24 includes the same mode designation information as the mode designation information stored in the memory unit 13 of the lighting device A1, and information regarding the operation of the sensor device B1. It is not necessary for the control source device (e.g., the sensor device) and the controlled device (e.g., the lighting device) to each store all of the information contained in each scene information. For example, the control source device may transmit only the scene information as control information to the controlled device, and the controlled device may operate according to the information associated with the scene information. Alternatively, the control source device may directly transmit the information associated with the scene information to the controlled device, and the controlled device may operate according to that information.

[0051] (2-1-3) Communication equipment As shown in Figure 4, the communication device D1 includes a clock unit 40, a schedule storage unit 41, a schedule control unit 42, and a wireless communication unit 43.

[0052] The clock unit 40 includes, for example, a real-time clock module. The real-time clock module is an integrated circuit configured to generate and output digital data including the time and date from a clock source. The clock unit 40 outputs the digital data of the time and date (hereinafter also referred to as "clock data") generated by the real-time clock module to the schedule control unit 42.

[0053] The schedule storage unit 41 has an electrically rewritable non-volatile semiconductor memory. The schedule storage unit 41 stores a schedule for lighting control. The schedule includes, for example, a combination of time zones and specification information that specifies scene information.

[0054] The schedule control unit 42 primarily consists of a microcontroller. The schedule control unit 42 is configured to perform various processes related to schedule control by having the microcontroller's processor execute a program for schedule control. The schedule control unit 42 refers to the clock data obtained from the clock unit 40 and the schedule stored in the schedule storage unit 41, and when the current time in the clock data matches the start time of the schedule, it creates a control command from the schedule specification information and outputs it to the wireless communication unit 43. Note that the control command may be transmitted not only when it matches the schedule start time, but also periodically.

[0055] The wireless communication unit 43, like the wireless communication unit 12 of the lighting device A1, includes a wireless communication circuit and an antenna. The wireless communication circuit is an integrated circuit configured to perform wireless communication and mesh communication in accordance with the same wireless communication standards as the wireless communication circuit of the wireless communication unit 12. The wireless communication circuit can send and receive wireless signals through the antenna. The wireless communication unit 43 transmits messages, including control commands received from the schedule control unit 42, via wireless signals.

[0056] Furthermore, if the microcontroller of the schedule control unit 42 is equipped with a real-time clock module, the clock function may be implemented using the real-time clock module of the microcontroller.

[0057] As described above, the communication device D1 transmits control commands to the lighting device A1 using clock data as a trigger input, and therefore can also perform the role of the control device 5 in the lighting control system S1.

[0058] (2-1-4) Tablet As shown in Figure 1, the tablet C1 is a portable computer system configured by housing an SoC (System on a chip), a touch panel display device C10, and other components in a rectangular, plate-shaped enclosure C11.

[0059] An SoC is a single-chip semiconductor device that incorporates a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), modem, and other components. A touch panel display device C10 is, for example, a touch panel liquid crystal display or a touch panel organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

[0060] In the lighting control system S1, the tablet C1 acts as the control device 5 by having the SoC (CPU) execute a control program (application program). Furthermore, in the lighting control system S1, the tablet C1 acts as the setting device 3 by having the SoC (CPU) execute a setting program (application program).

[0061] As shown in Figure 5, the control device 5 includes an input receiving unit 50, a control unit 51, and a wireless communication unit 52. That is, the tablet C1 has the input receiving unit 50, the control unit 51, and the wireless communication unit 52 that constitute the control device 5. The input receiving unit 50 is implemented by the touch panel of the tablet C1. The control unit 51 is implemented by the CPU of the tablet C1. The wireless communication unit 52 is implemented by the modem of the tablet C1. The wireless communication unit 52 is configured to perform wireless communication compliant with standards such as BLE and Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0062] The setting device 3 has an input receiving unit 30, a wireless communication unit 31, and a creation unit 32 (see Figure 6). That is, the tablet C1 has the input receiving unit 30, the wireless communication unit 31, and the creation unit 32 that constitute the setting device 3. The input receiving unit 30 is implemented by the touch panel of the tablet C1. The creation unit 32 is implemented by the CPU of the tablet C1. The wireless communication unit 31 is implemented by the modem of the tablet C1. The wireless communication unit 31 is configured to perform wireless communication compliant with standards such as BLE and Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0063] In this embodiment, the control device 5 and the setting device 3 are implemented using the tablet C1, but the control device 5 and the setting device 3 may each be configured with dedicated hardware and software.

[0064] The input receiving unit 30 accepts operations related to scene information. More specifically, the input receiving unit 30 accepts operation inputs related to lighting information and mode specification information, specifically operation inputs indicating dimming level, light color, irradiation direction, dimming rate / color temperature increase / decrease operations, and enabling / disabling of sensor control, as well as operation inputs for selecting a control mode. The input receiving unit 30 accepts the above operation inputs, for example, when the user operates the touch panel display device C10 of the tablet C1.

[0065] The creation unit 32 creates scene information, including lighting-related information and mode specification information, in response to the operation input received by the scene reception unit 301. The creation unit 32 passes the created scene information to the wireless communication unit 31. The wireless communication unit 31 transmits a message containing the scene information received from the creation unit 32 to the sensor device B1 and the lighting device A1 via a wireless signal.

[0066] Furthermore, the setting device 3 sets a brightness target value for the lighting output, which indicates the output of the light source unit 10 in each of the multiple lighting devices A1. More specifically, the input receiving unit 30 receives a setting operation to set the above brightness target value. The input receiving unit 30 receives the above setting operation, for example, when a user operates the touch panel display device C10 of the tablet C1. With the above configuration, there is an advantage that the control unit 14 in each of the multiple lighting devices A1 can control the light source unit 10 based on the arbitrarily set brightness target value.

[0067] In this embodiment, the setting device 3 sets a spatial lower limit value, which is the lower limit of the lighting output set in accordance with the lighting space that is the target of detection by the detection unit 20, similar to the brightness target value. More specifically, the input receiving unit 30 receives a setting operation to set the spatial lower limit value mentioned above.

[0068] (2-1-5) Handheld remote control As shown in Figure 1, the handy remote control C2 has a main body C20 made of, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped synthetic resin molded body. The main body C20 is small enough for a person to hold in one hand. Multiple (six in the illustrated example) operation buttons C21 to C26 are provided on the front of the main body C20.

[0069] In the lighting control system S1, the handheld remote control C2 acts as the control device 5. As shown in Figure 5, the control device 5 has an input receiving unit 50, a control unit 51, and a wireless communication unit 52. In other words, the handheld remote control C2 has the input receiving unit 50, the control unit 51, and the wireless communication unit 52 that constitute the control device 5. More specifically, the handheld remote control C2 has the input receiving unit 50, the control unit 51, and the wireless communication unit 52 that constitute the control device 5 built into the main unit C20.

[0070] The input receiving unit 50 has six tact switches that correspond one-to-one with six operation buttons C21 to C26 (see Figure 1). The six tact switches are configured to turn on when the corresponding operation buttons C21 to C26 are pressed. In other words, the input receiving unit 50 is configured to receive operation inputs corresponding to each operation button C21 to C26 when the tact switches are turned on.

[0071] The control unit 51 mainly consists of a microcontroller. The control unit 51 is configured to perform various processes related to lighting control, such as scene selection and switching the lighting device A1 on and off, by having the microcontroller's processor execute a control program.

[0072] The wireless communication unit 52, like the wireless communication unit 12 of the lighting device A1, includes a wireless communication circuit and an antenna. The wireless communication circuit is an integrated circuit configured to perform wireless communication and mesh communication in accordance with the same wireless communication standards as the wireless communication circuit of the wireless communication unit 12. The wireless communication circuit can send and receive wireless signals through the antenna. The wireless communication unit 52 transmits messages, including control commands received from the control unit 51, via wireless signals.

[0073] The setting device 3 can set different control settings for each of the six operation buttons C21 to C26 on the handheld remote control C2. For example, the setting device 3 can set control settings to select four different scene information for four of the operation buttons C21 to C24 on the handheld remote control C2, and set control settings to turn off one operation button C25 and turn on the remaining operation button C26.

[0074] The handheld remote control C2 stores the control settings configured by the setting device 3 for multiple operation buttons C21 to C26 in the built-in memory of the microcontroller that constitutes the control unit 51.

[0075] The handheld remote control C2 receives operation inputs (equivalent to trigger inputs) corresponding to operation buttons C21 to C26 when those buttons are pressed, via the input reception unit 50. For example, when the input reception unit 50 receives an operation input corresponding to operation button C21, the control unit 51 reads the control content set for operation button C21 from the built-in memory. The wireless communication unit 52 then transmits a message containing the control content read by the control unit 51 (a control command to select scene information set for operation button C21) via a wireless signal.

[0076] Furthermore, the operating interface does not necessarily have to be a tactile switch; a touch panel or other similar method may be used. The control functions could also include increasing or decreasing the dimming rate and color temperature, or enabling / disabling sensor control.

[0077] (2-2) Mesh network in lighting control system The lighting control system S1 constructs a mesh network with each of the lighting device A1, sensor device B1, and communication device D1 acting as a communication terminal (node). Each node in the mesh network (lighting device A1, sensor device B1, and communication device D1) is assigned a unique network address.

[0078] As shown in Figure 7, the mesh network NW1 has multiple subnetworks (four in the illustrated example) SN1, SN2, SN3, and SN4. Each subnetwork SNi (i=1,2,3,4) has one or more nodes Nij (j=1,2,…). Each of the multiple nodes Nij can communicate directly with other nodes Nij within its own subnetwork SNi, but cannot communicate directly with nodes Nij belonging to a different subnetwork SNi.

[0079] In each subnetwork SNi, one of several nodes Nij acts as the management node MNi. Each management node MNi can communicate directly with other nodes Nij within its own subnetwork SNi, and also with other management nodes MNi belonging to other subnetwork SNi. In other words, all nodes Nij belonging to each subnetwork SNi can communicate via the management node MNi of its own subnetwork SNi with all nodes Nij belonging to other subnetwork SNi.

[0080] Furthermore, one of the multiple management nodes MNi acts as the master unit. The master unit performs processes such as synchronizing all nodes Nij (including the management node MNi) belonging to the mesh network NW1, and broadcasting messages to the entire mesh network NW1.

[0081] Note that a mesh network does not necessarily need to be composed of multiple layers like this.

[0082] (2-3) Grouping in lighting control systems As shown in Figure 8, a lighting control system S1 has one or more areas ARi (i=1,2,…,n). Each area ARi has one or more zones ZNij (j=1,2,…). Each zone ZNij contains multiple lighting devices A1 and, if necessary, one sensor device B1. Note that each zone ZNij may contain only one lighting device A1, and may not contain a sensor device B1.

[0083] Furthermore, the zoning of zone ZNij and area ARi is independent of the topology of the mesh network NW1. For example, multiple zones ZNij and area ARi may exist in one subnetwork SNi. Alternatively, multiple nodes Nij belonging to different subnetworks SNi may reside in one zone ZNij. In one example of a lighting control system S1, there is at most one communication device D1, but the communication device D1 does not belong to any area ARi or any zone ZNij.

[0084] In one example of the lighting control system S1, the communication device D1 acts as the master unit in the mesh network NW1. If the lighting control system S1 does not have the communication device D1, either one of the lighting devices A1 or the sensor device B1 may act as the master unit.

[0085] When operating an example of the lighting control system S1, tablet C1 can communicate with the management node MNi in the mesh network NW1 via BLE communication. In the lighting control system S1, the sensor device B1, lighting device A1, or communication device D1 can act as the management node MNi. Furthermore, tablet C1 can communicate with all nodes (communication device D1, sensor device B1, lighting device A1) and the handheld remote control C2 via BLE communication.

[0086] The handheld remote control C2 can perform mesh communication with the nodes of the mesh network NW1 (lighting device A1, sensor device B1, and communication device D1) only when transmitting control commands for purposes such as reducing power consumption. Additionally, the handheld remote control C2 can perform BLE communication with the tablet C1.

[0087] (3) Lighting control method Next, a lighting control method for controlling the lighting device A1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 9. The lighting control method according to the embodiment is executed, for example, by the lighting control system S1 according to the embodiment. However, the entity executing the lighting control method is not limited to the lighting control system S1.

[0088] As shown in Figure 9, the lighting control method according to the embodiment includes a detection step ST1, a setting step ST2, a comparison step ST3, a first determination step ST4, a second determination step ST5, a judgment step ST6, a correction step ST7, and a control step ST8.

[0089] In detection step ST1, the brightness detection unit 20 detects the brightness (i.e., illuminance) of the illuminated space irradiated by the light source unit 10 of the lighting device A1 as a detection value. The brightness detection unit 20 converts the detected amount of incident light into a voltage signal (brightness signal) and outputs it to the control unit 22 as a detection value. In setting step ST2, the setting device 3 sets the brightness target value of the lighting output, which indicates the output of the light source unit 10 in each of the multiple lighting devices A1. More specifically, in setting step ST2, the input reception unit 30 accepts a setting operation to set the above brightness target value.

[0090] Then, in comparison step ST3, the comparison unit 222 compares the detected value detected by the brightness detection unit 20 in detection step ST1 with the brightness target value of the lighting output, which indicates the output of the light source unit 10, and the spatial lower limit value, which is the lower limit value of the lighting output set in accordance with the lighting space that is the target of detection by the detection unit 20. In comparison step ST3 of the embodiment, the comparison unit 222 compares the brightness (illuminance within the detection range) indicated by the brightness signal input from the brightness detection unit 20 with the brightness target value of the lighting output set in the setting device 3 and the spatial lower limit value mentioned above.

[0091] Next, in the first determination step ST4, the first determination unit 223 determines a first control value for the illumination output of the light source unit 10 using the comparison results from the comparison step ST3. More specifically, in the first determination step ST4, the first determination unit 223 determines the first control value such that the difference between the detected value (illuminance within the detection range) and the brightness target value is within a predetermined range, and the illumination output of the light source unit 10 is equal to or greater than the spatial lower limit. In the second determination step ST5, the second determination unit 224 determines a second control value for the illumination output of the light source unit 10 in each of the multiple lighting devices A1 using the device lower limit value, which is the lower limit value of the illumination output set for each of the multiple lighting devices A1, and the first control value determined in the first determination step ST4. In the second determination step ST5 of the embodiment, the second determination unit 224 determines the larger of the above first control value and the above device lower limit value as the second control value for each of the multiple lighting devices A1.

[0092] Subsequently, in the determination step ST6, the determination unit 225 determines the influence of factors different from those of the multiple lighting devices A1 on the brightness of the illuminated space. In the correction step ST7, the correction unit 226 corrects the second control value determined by the second determination unit 224 based on the determination result of the determination unit 225 in the determination step ST6. In the control step ST8, the control unit 14 in each of the multiple lighting devices A1 controls the light source unit 10 based on the second control value corrected by the correction unit 226.

[0093] (4) Effects The lighting control system S1 according to the embodiment comprises a lighting device A1, a detection unit 20, a comparison unit 222, a first determination unit 223, and a second determination unit 224. The lighting device A1 has a light source unit 10 and a control unit 14. The light source unit 10 irradiates the lighting space with illumination light. The control unit 14 controls the light source unit 10. The detection unit 20 detects the brightness of the lighting space irradiated by the light source unit 10 as a detection value. The comparison unit 222 compares the detection value detected by the detection unit 20, the target value of the lighting output indicating the output of the light source unit 10, and the spatial lower limit value, which is the lower limit of the lighting output set corresponding to the lighting space that is the target of detection by the detection unit 20. The first determination unit 223 determines a first control value for the lighting output using the comparison result of the comparison unit 222. The second determination unit 224 determines a second control value for the lighting output using the device lower limit value, which is the lower limit value of the lighting output set in accordance with the lighting device A1, and the first control value determined by the first determination unit 223. The control unit 14 controls the light source unit 10 based on the second control value determined by the second determination unit 224. As a result, the lighting control system S1 of this embodiment has the advantage that, when the brightness of the lighting space that is the target of detection by the detection unit 20 is not uniform, variations in illuminance in the lighting space can be suppressed by appropriately setting or correcting the device lower limit value. Furthermore, in the lighting control system S1 of this embodiment, the device lower limit value is set or corrected according to the characteristics, location information, usage, and installation environment of each of the multiple lighting devices A1, so it has the advantage that variations in illuminance in the lighting space can be suppressed in a state suitable for each of the above characteristics, location information, usage, and installation environment. Furthermore, in addition to suppressing variations in illuminance within the illuminated space, there is the advantage that by adjusting the lower limit of the device, individual lighting spaces can be created for specific areas within the illuminated space.

[0094] In the lighting control system S1 according to this embodiment, the second determination unit 224 determines the larger of the above-mentioned first control value and the above-mentioned lower limit value of the device as the second control value. This has the effect that the second determination unit 224 can determine the second control value such that the difference between the detected value and the brightness target value is kept within a predetermined range, and the lighting output of the light source unit 10 is equal to or greater than the lower limit value of the space and the lower limit value of the device. Therefore, when the brightness of the lighting space that is the target of detection by the detection unit 20 is not uniform, there is an advantage that variations in illuminance in the lighting space can be further suppressed.

[0095] The lighting control system S1 according to the embodiment further comprises a determination unit 225 and a correction unit 226. The determination unit 225 determines the influence of factors other than lighting device A1 on the brightness of the illuminated space. The correction unit 226 corrects the second control value determined by the second determination unit 224 based on the determination result of the determination unit 225. The control unit 14 of lighting device A1 controls the light source unit 10 based on the second control value corrected by the correction unit 226. This has the advantage that even when there is an influence of factors other than lighting device A1 on the brightness of the illuminated space, variations in illuminance in the illuminated space can be reliably suppressed.

[0096] The lighting control system S1 according to this embodiment further includes a setting device 3 for setting the above-mentioned target value. This has the advantage that the control unit 14 of the lighting device A1 can control the light source unit 10 based on the arbitrarily set target value.

[0097] In the lighting control system S1 according to this embodiment, the first control value determined by the first determination unit 223 and the second control value determined by the second determination unit 224 are each the dimming rate of the light source unit 10 of the lighting device A1. This has the advantage that the control unit 14 of the lighting device A1 can easily control the light source unit 10.

[0098] The lighting control method according to the embodiment includes a detection step ST1, a comparison step ST3, a first determination step ST4, a second determination step ST5, and a control step ST8. In the detection step ST1, the brightness of the illuminated space irradiated by the light source unit 10 of the lighting device A1 is detected as a detection value. In the comparison step ST3, the detection value detected in the detection step ST1 is compared with the brightness target value of the lighting output, which indicates the output of the light source unit 10, and the spatial lower limit value, which is the lower limit of the lighting output set in accordance with the illuminated space that is the target of detection by the detection unit 20. In the first determination step ST4, a first control value for the lighting output of the light source unit 10 is determined using the comparison result from the comparison step ST3. In the second determination step ST5, a second control value for the lighting output of the light source unit 10 of the lighting device A1 is determined using the device lower limit value, which is the lower limit of the lighting output set in accordance with the lighting device A1, and the first control value determined in the first determination step ST4. In control step ST8, the light source unit 10 is controlled based on the second control value described above. As a result, the lighting control system S1 of this embodiment has the advantage of being able to suppress variations in illuminance in the illuminated space when the brightness of the illuminated space, which is the target of detection by the detection unit 20, is not uniform.

[0099] (5) Variant The embodiments described above are merely one of many embodiments of this disclosure. The embodiments described above can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the objectives of this disclosure are achieved. Furthermore, functions similar to those of the lighting control system S1 according to the embodiments described above may be embodied in the lighting control method, (computer) program, or non-temporary recording medium on which the program is stored. A program according to one embodiment is a program that causes one or more processors to execute the lighting control method described above. Such a program makes it possible to suppress variations in illuminance in the illuminated space.

[0100] The following lists some modifications of the above-described embodiment. The modifications described below can be combined and applied as appropriate.

[0101] (5-1) First variation In the lighting control system S1 of the above-described embodiment, the first control value determined by the first determination unit 223 and the second control value determined by the second determination unit 224 are each the dimming rate of the light source unit 10 in each of the multiple lighting devices A1. However, in the lighting control system S1 of the first modified example, the first control value determined by the first determination unit 223 and the second control value determined by the second determination unit 224 are each values ​​calculated using the dimming rate and the maximum luminous flux of the light source unit 10 in each of the multiple lighting devices A1. More specifically, in the lighting control system S1 of the first modified example, the first control value and the second control value are each values ​​obtained by multiplying the dimming rate and the maximum luminous flux of the light source unit 10 in each of the multiple lighting devices A1. Therefore, even if the maximum luminous flux of the light source 10 in the two lighting devices A1 is different, if each of the second control values ​​described above is the same, the luminous flux of the light source 10 in the two lighting devices A1 will be equal. According to the above configuration, when the brightness of the illuminated space that is the target of detection by the detection unit 20 is not uniform, there is an advantage that variations in illuminance in the illuminated space can be suppressed with greater accuracy. In this disclosure, "maximum luminous flux" refers to the specified value (spec value) which is set to a value smaller than the maximum output as a safety margin for each of the multiple lighting devices A1, as described above.

[0102] (5-2) Second variation In the lighting control system S1 of the above-described embodiment, the comparison unit 222, the first determination unit 223, the second determination unit 224, the judgment unit 225, and the correction unit 226 are provided by the sensor device B1. However, in the lighting control system S1 of the second modified example, the comparison unit 222, the first determination unit 223, the second determination unit 224, the judgment unit 225, and the correction unit 226 are provided by each of the multiple lighting devices A1.

[0103] In other words, multiple lighting devices A1 may each be equipped with at least one of the comparison unit 222, the first determination unit 223, the second determination unit 224, the judgment unit 225, and the correction unit 226. Alternatively, the comparison unit 222, the first determination unit 223, the second determination unit 224, the judgment unit 225, and the correction unit 226 may be equipped in any of the devices constituting the lighting control system S1, such as the sensor device B1, the communication device D1, or each of the multiple lighting devices A1.

[0104] (5-3) Third variation In the above embodiment, the correction unit 226 corrects the second control value determined by the second determination unit 224 based on the determination result of the determination unit 225, and the control unit 14 in each of the multiple lighting devices A1 controls the light source unit 10 based on the second control value corrected by the correction unit 226. However, in the third modified lighting control system S1, the correction unit 226 corrects the lower limit value of each of the multiple lighting devices A1 based on the determination result of the determination unit 225, and the control unit 14 in each of the multiple lighting devices A1 controls the light source unit 10 based on the second control value calculated based on the lower limit value of the device corrected by the correction unit 226. This configuration has the advantage that even when there is an influence on the brightness of the lighting space due to factors different from the multiple lighting devices A1, variations in illuminance in the lighting space can be suppressed.

[0105] More specifically, after the correction unit 226 corrects the lower limit of the device, the second determination unit 224 uses the lower limit of the device corrected by the correction unit 226 and the first control value determined by the first determination unit 223 to determine a second control value for the lighting output of the light source unit 10 in each of the multiple lighting devices A1. Then, the control unit 14 in each of the multiple lighting devices A1 controls the light source unit 10 based on the second control value determined by the second determination unit 224.

[0106] The lighting control method according to the third modified example includes a detection step ST1, a setting step ST2, a comparison step ST3, a first determination step ST4, a second determination step ST5, a judgment step ST6, a correction step ST7, and a control step ST8, similar to the lighting control method of the embodiment described above. However, unlike the lighting control method of the embodiment described above, the lighting control method of the third modified example performs the second determination step ST5 and the control step ST8 after performing the judgment step ST6 and the correction step ST7.

[0107] More specifically, in the determination step ST6, the determination unit 225 determines the influence of factors different from the multiple lighting devices A1 on the brightness of the illuminated space. In the correction step ST7, the correction unit 226 corrects the lower limit value of each of the multiple lighting devices A1 based on the determination result of the determination unit 225 in the determination step ST6.

[0108] Subsequently, in the second determination step ST5, the second determination unit 224 uses the lower limit of the device corrected by the correction unit 226 in the correction step ST7 and the first control value determined in the first determination step ST4 to determine a second control value for the lighting output of the light source unit 10 in each of the multiple lighting devices A1. Then, in the control step ST8, the control unit 14 in each of the multiple lighting devices A1 controls the light source unit 10 based on the second control value determined by the second determination unit 224 in the second determination step ST5.

[0109] (5-4) Other variations The following lists other modifications of the embodiments described above.

[0110] The implementing entity of the lighting control system S1 or lighting control method in this disclosure includes a computer system. The computer system mainly consists of a processor and memory as hardware. The processor executes a program recorded in the memory of the computer system, thereby realizing the function of the implementing entity of the lighting control system S1 or lighting control method in this disclosure. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, provided via a telecommunications line, or provided on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card, optical disk, or hard disk drive that can be read by the computer system. The processor of the computer system consists of one or more electronic circuits including semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) or large-scale integrated circuits (LSIs). The integrated circuits referred to here, such as ICs or LSIs, are named differently depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSIs, VLSIs (Very Large Scale Integration), or ULSIs (Ultra Large Scale Integration). Furthermore, FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) that are programmed after the manufacture of the LSI, or logic devices that allow for the reconfiguration of junction relationships or circuit compartments within the LSI, can also be used as processors. Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated onto a single chip or distributed across multiple chips. Multiple chips may be integrated onto a single device or distributed across multiple devices. The computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, the microcontroller also consists of one or more electronic circuits, including semiconductor integrated circuits or large-scale integrated circuits.

[0111] Furthermore, it is not essential for the lighting control system S1 to have multiple functions integrated into a single housing; the components of the lighting control system S1 may be distributed across multiple housings.

[0112] Conversely, in the above-described embodiment, at least some of the functions of the lighting control system S1, which are distributed across multiple devices, may be consolidated into a single housing. For example, some of the functions of the lighting control system S1, which are distributed across lighting device A1 and sensor device B1, may be consolidated into a single housing.

[0113] (summary) The first embodiment of the lighting control system (S1) comprises a lighting device (A1), a detection unit (20), a comparison unit (222), a first determination unit (223), and a second determination unit (224). The lighting device (A1) has a light source unit (10) that irradiates the lighting space with lighting light, and a control unit (14) that controls the light source unit (10). The detection unit (20) detects the brightness of the lighting space as a detection value. The comparison unit (222) compares the detection value, a target value of the lighting output indicating the output of the light source unit (10), and a spatial lower limit value which is the lower limit of the lighting output set in accordance with the lighting space. The first determination unit (223) determines a first control value for the lighting output using the comparison result of the comparison unit (222). The second determination unit (224) determines a second control value for the lighting output using the device lower limit value, which is the lower limit value of the lighting output set in accordance with the lighting device (A1), and the first control value. The control unit (14) controls the light source unit (10) based on the second control value.

[0114] This embodiment has the advantage of suppressing variations in illuminance in the illuminated space.

[0115] In the lighting control system (S1) of the second embodiment, in the first embodiment, the second determination unit (224) determines the larger of the first control value and the device lower limit value as the second control value.

[0116] This embodiment has the advantage of being able to further suppress variations in illuminance within the illuminated space.

[0117] A third embodiment of the lighting control system (S1) further comprises, in the first or second embodiment, a determination unit (225) and a correction unit (226). The determination unit (225) determines the influence of factors other than the lighting device (A1) on the brightness of the illuminated space. The correction unit (226) corrects the second control value based on the determination result of the determination unit (225). The control unit (14) controls the light source unit (10) based on the second control value corrected by the correction unit (226).

[0118] This embodiment has the advantage of reliably suppressing variations in illuminance in the illuminated space, even when factors other than the lighting device (A1) affect the brightness of the illuminated space.

[0119] A fourth aspect of the lighting control system (S1) further comprises, in the first or second aspect, a determination unit (225) and a correction unit (226). The determination unit (225) determines the influence of factors other than the lighting device (A1) on the brightness of the illuminated space. The correction unit (226) corrects the lower limit of the device based on the determination result of the determination unit (225). The control unit (14) controls the light source unit (10) based on a second control value calculated based on the lower limit of the device corrected by the correction unit (226).

[0120] This embodiment has the advantage of being able to suppress variations in illuminance in the illuminated space, even when factors other than the lighting device (A1) affect the brightness of the illuminated space.

[0121] The fifth embodiment of the lighting control system (S1) further comprises a setting device (3) for setting a target value, in any one of the first to fourth embodiments.

[0122] This embodiment has the advantage that the control unit (14) can control the light source unit (10) based on an arbitrarily set target value.

[0123] In the sixth embodiment of the lighting control system (S1), in any one of the first to fifth embodiments, the first control value and the second control value are each the dimming rate of the light source unit (10).

[0124] This embodiment has the advantage that the control unit (14) can easily control the light source unit (10).

[0125] In the seventh embodiment of the lighting control system (S1), in any one of the first to fifth embodiments, the first control value and the second control value are values ​​calculated using the dimming rate and the maximum luminous flux of the light source unit (10).

[0126] This embodiment has the advantage of being able to suppress variations in illuminance in the illuminated space with greater precision.

[0127] The eighth aspect of the lighting control method is a lighting device (A1) having a light source unit (10) that irradiates a lighting space with lighting light. The seventh aspect of the lighting control method includes a detection step (ST1), a comparison step (ST3), a first determination step (ST4), a second determination step (ST5), and a control step (ST8). In the detection step (ST1), the brightness of the lighting space is detected as a detection value. In the comparison step (ST3), the detection value, a target value of the lighting output indicating the output of the light source unit (10), and a spatial lower limit value, which is the lower limit of the lighting output set in accordance with the lighting space, are compared. In the first determination step (ST4), a first control value for the lighting output is determined using the comparison result from the comparison step (ST3). In the second determination step (ST5), a second control value for the lighting output is determined using the device lower limit value, which is the lower limit of the lighting output set in accordance with the lighting device (A1), and the first control value. In the control step (ST8), the light source unit (10) is controlled based on the second control value.

[0128] This embodiment has the advantage of suppressing variations in illuminance in the illuminated space.

[0129] The program relating to the ninth aspect is a program that causes one or more processors to execute the lighting control method of the eighth aspect.

[0130] This embodiment has the advantage of suppressing variations in illuminance in the illuminated space.

[0131] The configurations relating to the second to seventh aspects are not essential to the lighting control system (S1) and can be omitted as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0132] 3. Setting device 10 Light source section 14 Control Unit 20 Brightness detection unit (detection unit) 222 Comparison Section 223 First Decision Section 224 Second Decision Section 225 Judgment section 226 Correction Unit A1 Lighting device S1 Lighting Control System ST1 Detection Step ST3 Comparison Step ST4 First Decision Step ST5 Second Decision Step ST8 Control Step

Claims

1. A lighting device having a light source unit that irradiates lighting light into the lighting space, and a control unit that controls the light source unit, A detection unit that detects the brightness of the aforementioned illuminated space as a detected value, A comparison unit that compares the detected value, the target value of the lighting output indicating the output of the light source unit, and the spatial lower limit value which is the lower limit of the lighting output set in accordance with the lighting space, A first determination unit determines a first control value for the lighting output using the comparison results of the comparison unit, The system includes a second determination unit that determines a second control value for the lighting output using a device lower limit value, which is the lower limit value of the lighting output set in accordance with the lighting device, and the first control value, The control unit controls the light source unit based on the second control value. Lighting control system.

2. The second determination unit determines the larger of the first control value and the lower limit value of the device as the second control value. The lighting control system according to claim 1.

3. A determination unit for determining the influence of factors other than the aforementioned lighting device on the brightness of the illuminated space, The system further includes a correction unit that corrects the second control value based on the determination result of the determination unit, The control unit controls the light source unit based on the second control value corrected by the correction unit. The lighting control system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A determination unit for determining the influence of factors other than the aforementioned lighting device on the brightness of the illuminated space, The system further includes a correction unit that corrects the lower limit of the device based on the determination result of the determination unit, The control unit controls the light source unit based on the second control value calculated based on the lower limit value of the device corrected by the correction unit. The lighting control system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The device further comprises a setting device for setting the aforementioned target value. The lighting control system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The first control value and the second control value are each the dimming rate of the light source unit. The lighting control system according to claim 1 or 2.

7. Each of the first and second control values ​​is a value calculated using the dimming rate and the maximum luminous flux of the light source. The lighting control system according to claim 1 or 2.

8. A lighting control method for controlling a lighting device having a light source unit that irradiates lighting light into a lighting space, A detection step in which the brightness of the aforementioned illuminated space is detected as a detected value, A comparison step of comparing the detected value, the target value of the lighting output indicating the output of the light source unit, and the spatial lower limit value which is the lower limit of the lighting output set in accordance with the lighting space, A first determination step in which a first control value for the lighting output is determined using the comparison results from the comparison step, A second determination step in which a second control value for the lighting output is determined using the device lower limit value, which is the lower limit value of the lighting output set in accordance with the lighting device, and the first control value, A control step of controlling the light source based on the second control value, Lighting control method.

9. A program for causing one or more processors to execute the lighting control method described in claim 8.

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