Information terminal control method, program, and information terminal

Abstract

This invention provides a control method, program, and information terminal for an information terminal that allows for easy setting of lighting effects. [Solution] The control method for the information terminal 40 is a control method for the information terminal 40 having a display unit 43, and includes: a first display step (S3) of displaying scene information relating to lighting effects as a first object 26 in a first area R1 of the display unit 43; a selection acceptance step (S4) of accepting a user's operation to select a target first object 26 when editing scene information; and a second display step (S5) of displaying a second object 28 indicating information relating to the selected first object 26 in a second area R2 of the display unit 43.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for controlling an information terminal, a program, and an information terminal.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a device capable of performing lighting effects on a lighting effect space has been known. As such a device capable of performing lighting effects, Patent Document 1 discloses a dimming console as an operation device for operating the dimming states of a plurality of lighting fixtures installed in a studio or a theater.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides a method for controlling an information terminal, a program, and an information terminal that can easily perform lighting effect settings.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A method for controlling an information terminal according to an aspect of the present invention is a method for controlling an information terminal having a display unit, including: a first display step of displaying scene information related to lighting effects as a first object in a first area of the display unit; a selection reception step of receiving a selection operation by a user of the first object to be targeted when editing the scene information; and a second display step of displaying a second object indicating information related to the selected first object in a second area of the display unit.

[0006] A program according to an aspect of the present invention causes a computer to execute the above control method.

[0007] An information terminal according to one aspect of the present invention includes a display unit that displays scene information relating to lighting effects as a first object in a first area, and an operation reception unit that accepts an operation by the user to select the target first object when editing the scene information, wherein the display unit displays a second object indicating information relating to the selected first object in a second area. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a control method, program, and information terminal for an information terminal that can easily set up lighting effects. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a lighting control system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the lighting design space from the front. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the settings image displayed on the information terminal's display. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a simplified diagram showing the lighting object and third object in the setting image. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the settings image displayed on the information terminal's display. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing a control method for a lighting control system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a simplified diagram showing the lighting object and third object displayed on an information terminal according to a modified version of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement and connection configurations of components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, components in the following embodiments that are not described in an independent claim will be described as optional components. Also, each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily a strictly accurate representation. In each figure, substantially identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0011] (Embodiment) First, with reference to Figure 1, the configuration of the lighting control system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the lighting control system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] The lighting control system 1 is a system capable of controlling lighting equipment 10 for performances, such as those installed on a stage, television studio, or stadium, and simulating lighting effects. The lighting control system 1 is used, for example, for lighting effects in plays, concert events, or television program recordings. As shown in Figure 1, the lighting control system 1 comprises lighting equipment 10, a control device 20, a simulation system 30, and an information terminal 40. The number of lighting equipment 10 provided by the lighting control system 1 is not particularly limited; the lighting control system 1 only needs to have at least one lighting equipment 10. In this embodiment, the lighting control system 1 is equipped with multiple lighting equipment 10.

[0013] The lighting device 10 is a lighting device for performance purposes, specifically a spotlight or a moving light. The lighting device 10 allows for changes in dimming level and emitted color. The lighting device 10 includes, for example, light-emitting elements that emit red light, light-emitting elements that emit green light, and light-emitting elements that emit blue light, and the change in emitted color is achieved, for example, by independently controlling the brightness of these light-emitting elements. The light-emitting elements are, for example, LED (Light Emitting Diode) elements, but may also be realized by organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) elements or semiconductor laser elements.

[0014] The control device 20 controls multiple lighting devices 10. The control device 20 transmits control signals to each lighting device 10, for example, to emit light at a predetermined dimming level and color at a predetermined timing. As a result, each lighting device 10 emits light at a predetermined dimming level and color at a predetermined timing.

[0015] In this embodiment, the control device 20 receives lighting effect information, described later, from at least one of the simulation system 30 and the information terminal 40 (in this embodiment, the simulation system 30). The control device 20 controls the lighting device 10 based on the lighting effect information. This realizes the lighting effect provided by the lighting device 10. The control device 20 is, for example, a controller that is communicated to the simulation system 30 and the information terminal 40. The controller may include a PC or a tablet terminal. Alternatively, the control device 20 may be built into the simulation system 30, for example.

[0016] The simulation system 30 performs a simulation of a lighting show based on the architectural data D1 of the lighting show space S (see FIG. 2) and the equipment data D2 of the lighting device 10 that illuminates the lighting show space S. The lighting show space S is, for example, a space such as a stage, a television studio, or an arena, and is a space that is illuminated by the lighting device 10. The architectural data D1 is, for example, data obtained by three-dimensionally modeling the lighting show space S. Specifically, the architectural data D1 includes data related to the building such as the ceiling, walls, and floor that make up the lighting show space S. The architectural data D1 includes, for example, the position, material, and reflectivity of the building. The equipment data D2 is data related to the lighting device 10. The equipment data D2 includes, for example, at least one piece of information such as the type of the lighting device 10, the position illuminated by the lighting device 10, the installation position of the lighting device 10, and the light distribution direction. The installation position of the lighting device 10 may be the installation position of the lighting device 10 in the lighting show space S, or may be the relative positional relationship between the lighting devices 10.

[0017] The simulation system 30 is, for example, a system for an expert such as a lighting staff (also referred to as a lighting designer) (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a first user) to perform a simulation of a lighting show. Therefore, it is possible to perform a detailed simulation of a lighting show.

[0018] The simulation system 30 includes, for example, a PC or a tablet terminal that is communicatively connected to other devices. The simulation system 30 includes an operation reception unit 31, an acquisition unit 32, a display unit 33, a communication unit 34, an information processing unit 35, and a storage unit 36.

[0019] The operation reception unit 31 receives the user's operations. Specifically, the operation reception unit 31 receives the operations of the first user for setting the light emission timing, dimming level, emission color, etc. of each lighting device 10 in order to perform the simulation of lighting effects. That is, the simulation system 30 can perform the simulation of lighting effects when information regarding the light emission timing, dimming level, emission color, etc. of each lighting device 10 is input by the first user. Specifically, the operation reception unit 31 is realized by a touch panel, but it may also be realized by a mouse and a keyboard. In the present embodiment, the operation reception unit 31 is realized as a GUI including a touch panel.

[0020] The acquisition unit 32 acquires the architectural data D1 of the lighting effect space S and the equipment data D2 of the lighting device 10 that illuminates the lighting effect space S. The acquisition unit 32 acquires the architectural data D1 and the equipment data D2 from, for example, a database DB that stores the architectural data D1 and the equipment data D2. The database DB is, for example, an external server. The acquisition unit 32 is, for example, a communication circuit for communicating with the database DB. The acquisition unit 32 is, for example, a wired communication circuit for performing wired communication with the database DB, but it may also be a wireless communication circuit for performing wireless communication with the database DB. Note that the acquisition unit 32 may acquire the architectural data D1 and the equipment data D2 via a storage medium such as a USB memory.

[0021] The display unit 33 displays various images. The display unit 33 displays, for example, an image including various objects for the first user to input (set) regarding the light emission timing, dimming level, emission color, etc. of each lighting device 10. The display unit 33 is realized by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel, for example.

[0022] The communication unit 34 is a communication circuit for the simulation system 30 to communicate with the control device 20 and the information terminal 40. The communication unit 34 is, for example, a wireless communication circuit for performing wireless communication with the control device 20 and the information terminal 40, but it may also be a wired communication circuit for performing wired communication with the control device 20 and the information terminal 40.

[0023] The information processing unit 35 controls the entire simulation system 30. The information processing unit 35 also performs information processing in response to user operations received by the operation reception unit 31. For example, the information processing unit 35 generates an image containing various objects for the first user to input (set) regarding the light emission timing, dimming level, and light emission color of each lighting device 10, and stores the generated image in the storage unit 36. The information processing unit 35 also performs a lighting effect simulation based on the information input by the first user regarding the light emission timing, dimming level, and light emission color of each lighting device 10.

[0024] In this embodiment, the information processing unit 35 performs a lighting simulation based on the input information received from the information terminal 40. In other words, in this embodiment, the information processing unit 35 can perform a lighting simulation based on information input to the simulation system 30 by the operation of the first user, and can also perform a lighting simulation based on the input information received from the information terminal 40.

[0025] The information processing unit 35 is implemented, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a processor or dedicated circuit. The functions of the information processing unit 35 are realized by the execution of a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 36 ​​by the hardware, such as the microcomputer or processor that constitutes the information processing unit 35.

[0026] The memory unit 36 ​​stores various types of data, such as building data D1 and equipment data D2. The memory unit 36 ​​is a storage device that stores information necessary for information processing, such as computer programs executed by the information processing unit 35. The memory unit 36 ​​is implemented, for example, by semiconductor memory.

[0027] The information terminal 40 displays a setting image that allows for the setting of lighting effects, based at least on the equipment data D2. In this embodiment, the information terminal 40 allows for the setting of lighting effects with fewer setting items compared to the simulation system 30. The setting items when setting the lighting effects include, for example, the number of lighting devices 10, the brightness level, and the number of emitted colors. The information terminal 40 is a terminal for a general user (for example, a user aged 6 or older) (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a second user) to set the lighting effects.

[0028] The information terminal 40 receives, for example, operations from a second user for setting up lighting effects simulations. The information terminal 40 is, for example, a smartphone, PC, or tablet terminal that is connected to the simulation system 30. In this embodiment, the information terminal 40 is a smartphone. The information terminal 40 may also be a PC built into the simulation system 30. The information terminal 40 includes an operation reception unit 41, an acquisition unit 42, a display unit 43, a communication unit 44, an information processing unit 45, and a storage unit 46.

[0029] The operation reception unit 41 receives operations from a second user. Specifically, the operation reception unit 41 receives operations from a second user to set the light emission timing, dimming level, and light emission color of each lighting device 10 in order to simulate lighting effects and perform lighting effects using the lighting devices 10. The operation reception unit 41 is specifically implemented by a touch panel, but may also be implemented by a mouse and keyboard. In this embodiment, the operation reception unit 41 is implemented as a GUI including a touch panel.

[0030] The operation reception unit 41 accepts the selection of a color by the second user. Specifically, the operation reception unit 41 accepts the selection of a color in the fifth region R5 of the display unit 43, which will be described later, by the second user. The operation reception unit 41 accepts the selection of a lighting object by the second user. Specifically, the operation reception unit 41 accepts the selection of a lighting object in the fourth region R4 of the display unit 43, which will be described later, by the second user. In addition, the operation reception unit 41 accepts, for example, the selection of a first object by the second user. Specifically, when editing scene information related to lighting effects, the operation reception unit 41 accepts the selection of a first object to be edited in the first region R1, which will be described later, by the second user.

[0031] The acquisition unit 42 acquires at least equipment data D2 from the database DB. The acquisition unit 42 may acquire both building data D1 and equipment data D2. Note that the equipment data D2 and / or building data D1 acquired by the acquisition unit 42 do not have to be exactly the same as the equipment data D2 and / or building data D1 acquired by the simulation system 30. The acquisition unit 42 is, for example, a communication circuit for communicating with the database DB. The acquisition unit 42 is, for example, a wired communication circuit for wired communication with the database DB, but it may also be a wireless communication circuit for wireless communication with the database DB. Note that the acquisition unit 42 may acquire equipment data D2 and / or building data D1 via a storage medium such as a USB memory.

[0032] The display unit 43 displays various images. The display unit 43 displays images that include various objects for a second user to input (set) regarding the light emission timing, dimming level, and light emission color of each lighting device 10.

[0033] In this embodiment, the display unit 43 displays scene information related to lighting effects as a first object in the first region R1. The display unit 43 also displays a second object in the second region R2, which indicates information related to the first object selected by the second user. The display unit 43 is implemented by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. The setting image displayed by the display unit 43 will be described later.

[0034] The communication unit 44 is a communication circuit for the information terminal 40 to communicate with the simulation system 30. The communication unit 44 is, for example, a wireless communication circuit that communicates wirelessly with the simulation system 30, but it may also be a wired communication circuit that communicates wired with the simulation system 30.

[0035] The information processing unit 45 controls the entire information terminal 40. The information processing unit 45 also processes information in response to operations of a second user received by the operation reception unit 41. For example, the information processing unit 45 generates an image containing various objects for the second user to input (set) regarding the light emission timing, dimming level, and light emission color of each lighting device 10, and stores the generated image in the storage unit 46.

[0036] For example, the information processing unit 45 assigns the color selected by the second user to the lighting object selected by the second user. In other words, the information processing unit 45 assigns the color received by the operation reception unit 41 to the lighting object received by the operation reception unit 41. Then, the information processing unit 45 generates an image including the assigned color lighting object and stores the generated image in the storage unit 46.

[0037] In this embodiment, the information processing unit 45 displays the lighting effect pattern, which is scene information, as a still image on the display unit 43, or dynamically plays the lighting effect pattern and displays it on the display unit 43.

[0038] The information processing unit 45 is implemented, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a processor or dedicated circuit. The functions of the information processing unit 45 are realized by the execution of a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 46 by the hardware, such as the microcomputer or processor that constitutes the information processing unit 45.

[0039] The storage unit 46 stores various types of data, such as equipment data D2 and / or building data D1. The storage unit 46 is a memory device that stores information necessary for information processing, such as computer programs executed by the information processing unit 45. The storage unit 46 is implemented, for example, by semiconductor memory.

[0040] Next, with reference to Figures 2 to 5, the images (setting images) displayed on the display unit 43 of the information terminal 40 will be explained. Figure 2 is a front view of the lighting effect space S.

[0041] Before explaining the setting images i40 and i41 displayed on the display unit 43, we will explain the lighting effect space S and the lighting device 10. Hereafter, for the sake of simplicity, the right and left sides of the lighting effect space S when viewed from the front will be referred to as "right" and "left," respectively. Also, the front and back sides of the lighting effect space S when viewed from the front will be referred to as "front" and "back" (or "rear"), respectively.

[0042] As shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment, the lighting effect space S is a space enclosed by the ceiling 201, the back wall 202, the right wall 203, the left wall 204, and the floor 205. Note that in Figure 2, for ease of understanding, multiple lighting devices 10 are grouped together and shown with a single reference numeral.

[0043] Multiple (42 in this case) lighting devices 10 are arranged in a planar (matrix) manner in the left-right and front-back directions on the ceiling 201. Specifically, the ceiling 201 is provided with six rows of lighting devices, each containing seven lighting devices 10 arranged in a row in the left-right direction. The six rows of lighting devices are arranged at predetermined intervals in the front-back direction. The six lighting devices 10 arranged in the front-back direction are aligned in a straight line. Hereinafter, the 21 lighting devices 10 located on the front part of the ceiling 201 (the 21 lighting devices 10 included in the three rows of lighting devices located on the front part) may be referred to as lighting device 10A. Also, the 21 lighting devices 10 located on the rear part of the ceiling 201 (the 21 lighting devices 10 included in the three rows of lighting devices located on the rear part) may be referred to as lighting device 10B. When lighting device 10A is illuminated in a predetermined color, the area around the front part of the ceiling 201 is illuminated in a predetermined color. When the lighting device 10B is illuminated in a predetermined color, the area around the rear part of the ceiling 201 is illuminated in that predetermined color.

[0044] Multiple (42 in this case) lighting devices 10 are arranged in a planar (matrix) manner on the floor 205 in the left-right and front-back directions. Specifically, the floor 205 is provided with six rows of lighting devices, each containing seven lighting devices 10 arranged in a row in the left-right direction. The six rows of lighting devices are arranged at predetermined intervals in the front-back direction. The six lighting devices 10 arranged in the front-back direction are aligned in a straight line. Hereinafter, the 21 lighting devices 10 located on the rear part of the floor 205 (the 21 lighting devices 10 included in the three rows of lighting devices located on the rear part) may be referred to as lighting device 10C. Also, the 21 lighting devices 10 located on the front part of the floor 205 (the 21 lighting devices 10 included in the three rows of lighting devices located on the front part) may be referred to as lighting device 10D. When lighting device 10C is illuminated in a predetermined color, the area around the rear part of the floor 205 is illuminated in the predetermined color. When the lighting device 10D is illuminated in a predetermined color, the area around the front part of the floor 205 is illuminated in that predetermined color.

[0045] In this embodiment, lighting devices 10 are not provided on the back wall 202, the right wall 203, and the left wall 204, but lighting devices 10 may be provided on the back wall 202, the right wall 203, and / or the left wall 204.

[0046] Furthermore, in this embodiment, for the sake of ease of understanding, an example of installing the lighting device 10 in the lighting performance space S will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the lighting device 10 that illuminates the ceiling 201 and the floor 205 may be installed outside the lighting performance space S.

[0047] Next, with reference to Figures 3 and 4, the setting image i40 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as image i40) displayed on the display unit 43 of the information terminal 40 will be explained. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the setting image i40 displayed on the display unit 43 of the information terminal 40. Figure 4 is a simplified diagram showing the lighting object 22 and the third object 24 of the setting image i40. In the figures, hatching indicates color. The same hatching indicates the same color, and different hatching indicates different colors.

[0048] As shown in Figure 3, image i40 is an image used by a second user to set the light emission timing, dimming level, and light emission color of each lighting device 10. Image i40 has a third region R3, a fourth region R4, a fifth region R5, and a sixth region R6.

[0049] Specifically, the fifth area R5 is an area where one color can be selected from multiple colors corresponding to the light emission colors of the lighting device 10. Multiple (in this case, nine) color objects 21 corresponding to the light emission colors of the lighting device 10 are arranged in the fifth area R5. In other words, the fifth area R5 represents a color palette. For example, if a second user touches a color object 21 that represents red, red is selected. The number of color objects 21 is not particularly limited, but for example, it is between 3 and 20. Color objects 21 can be added or deleted. Note that in Figure 3, for ease of understanding, multiple color objects 21 are grouped together with a single symbol, and multiple lighting objects 22, which will be described later, are also grouped together with a single symbol.

[0050] The fourth region R4 is a region in which multiple lighting objects 22 corresponding to one or more lighting devices 10 are arranged. The fourth region R4 has a first-stage region R41, a second-stage region R42, a third-stage region R43, and a fourth-stage region R44. The first-stage region R41 has a lighting object 22a that indicates the area illuminated by lighting device 10A (or the location of lighting device 10A). The second-stage region R42 has a lighting object 22b that indicates the area illuminated by lighting device 10B (or the location of lighting device 10B). The third-stage region R43 has a lighting object 22c that indicates the area illuminated by lighting device 10C (or the location of lighting device 10C). The fourth-stage region R44 has a lighting object 22d that indicates the area illuminated by lighting device 10D (or the location of lighting device 10D).

[0051] Note that one lighting object 22 may be provided corresponding to an area (or the position of a lighting device 10) illuminated by one lighting device 10, but in this embodiment, it is provided corresponding to an area (or the position of a lighting device 10) illuminated by multiple (in this case, three) lighting devices 10. In other words, in this embodiment, one lighting object 22 is assigned to multiple (three) lighting devices 10. For example, one lighting object 22 in the first stage area R41 corresponds to three lighting devices 10A arranged in a straight line in the front-to-back direction. Thus, image i40 includes an image that allows setting a portion of multiple lighting devices 10 at once.

[0052] Near the first-stage region R41, a text object labeled "Ceiling Front" is displayed, indicating the front portion of the ceiling 201 of the lighting effect space S. Near the second-stage region R42, a text object labeled "Ceiling Back" is displayed, indicating the rear portion of the ceiling 201 of the lighting effect space S. Near the third-stage region R43, a text object labeled "Floor Back" is displayed, indicating the rear portion of the floor 205 of the lighting effect space S. Near the fourth-stage region R44, a text object labeled "Floor Front" is displayed, indicating the front portion of the floor 205 of the lighting effect space S. Thus, image i40 includes an image in which lighting objects 22 representing the lighting device 10 are arranged in two dimensions to correspond to the positions illuminated by the lighting device 10 (or the positions of the lighting device 10).

[0053] Furthermore, the first-stage region R41, the second-stage region R42, the third-stage region R43, and the fourth-stage region R44 are arranged sequentially from the top to the bottom of the fourth-stage region R4.

[0054] When viewing the lighting space S from the front, the front part of the ceiling 201, the rear part of the ceiling 201, the rear part of the floor 205, and the front part of the floor 205 are visible in order from top to bottom. In other words, the fourth region R4 (first-stage region R41, second-stage region R42, third-stage region R43, and fourth-stage region R44) corresponds to the areas illuminated by lighting devices 10A to 10D (or the positions of lighting devices 10A to 10D) when viewing the lighting space S from the front. Thus, the fourth region R4 contains an image in which the areas illuminated by lighting device 10 (or the positions of lighting device 10) in the lighting space S are simplified and arranged in two dimensions. Therefore, the second user can intuitively manipulate the lighting object 22 while imagining the desired lighting effect.

[0055] In this information terminal 40, for example, if a second user touches (selects) a color object 21 that represents red, and then touches (selects) a lighting object 22, the touched lighting object 22 will turn red, and the light emission color of the lighting device 10 corresponding to that lighting object 22 will be set to red. In other words, the lighting object 22 selected by the second user will be colored according to the color selected by the second user. As a result, the lighting object 22 will have color information. Then, for example, a circular area of ​​the lighting object 22 (see Figure 3) will be displayed in the color selected by the second user.

[0056] Although a detailed explanation is omitted here, it is also possible to assign multiple colors to the lighting object 22 so that its emitted color changes over time.

[0057] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, an object 23 is located in the sixth region R6 of image i40. Object 23 displays a preview of settings entered by a second user, for example. Object 23 contains at least one (in this embodiment, all) of the color scheme information, placement information, and color change information of multiple lighting objects 22 in the fourth region R4. Specifically, object 23 contains regions 23a, 23b, 23c, and 23d, which correspond to the first-stage region R41, the second-stage region R42, the third-stage region R43, and the fourth-stage region R44, respectively. For example, if a lighting object 22 in the first-stage region R41 is set to red, region 23a in object 23 becomes red. In other words, the colors (hatching) of regions 23a to 23d are the same as the colors (hatching) of the first-stage region R41, the second-stage region R42, the third-stage region R43, and the fourth-stage region R44, respectively. Each of the first to fourth regions R41 corresponds to, for example, seven lighting objects 22. For instance, if you change the color of only one lighting object 22a at the left end of the first region R41, the color (hatching) of region 23a will change only in the portion corresponding to that leftmost lighting object 22a.

[0058] Furthermore, as described above, if multiple colors are assigned to the lighting object 22 so that the emitted color changes over time, the colors in each region 23a to 23d of object 23 will change over time according to the settings information of the lighting object 22. In other words, object 23 dynamically plays and displays the lighting effect pattern, which is scene information.

[0059] Here, the information terminal 40 can switch between scenes by registering how to control multiple lighting devices 10 (control content). In other words, it is possible to create a relatively long scene by combining multiple short subscenes. For example, the information terminal 40 can register the control content for scene control to create a house scene, a mountain scene, and a sea scene, as well as their playback order and switching times, on a stage. As a result, when a scene is played, it is possible to sequentially control the house scene, the mountain scene, and the sea scene as time progresses.

[0060] Specifically, in the third region R3 of image i40, one or more (in this case, multiple) third objects 24 are placed. The setting information of multiple lighting objects 22 in the fourth region R4 is associated with each third object 24 as scene information. The scene information corresponding to a single third object 24 is sometimes referred to as subscene information.

[0061] One of the one or more (in this case, multiple) third objects 24 corresponds to an object 23 displayed in the sixth area R6. Furthermore, the object 23 corresponding to the third object 24 selected by the second user from among the one or more (in this case, multiple) third objects 24 is displayed in the sixth area R6. Note that the display of the selected third object 24 and the display of object 23 do not necessarily have to be the same.

[0062] Furthermore, image i40 includes a button object 25 for adding a third object 24. The button object 25 is not particularly limited, but is positioned adjacent to the third region R3.

[0063] When the button object 25 is touched (operated) by the second user, a third object 24 is added to the third region R3. The second user can set the emission timing, dimming level, and emission color of the lighting device 10 corresponding to multiple lighting objects 22 for the newly added third object 24. This increases the number of subscene information entries that can be registered.

[0064] Furthermore, image i40 includes a speed object 404 for adjusting the playback speed of the lighting effect pattern, which is scene information. In other words, the playback speed of the lighting effect pattern, which is scene information such as the third object 24, the first object 26 and the second object 28 described later, is adjusted by the speed object 404. Note that the speed object 404 may also be placed in image i41.

[0065] Next, with reference to Figure 5, the setting image i41 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as image i41) displayed on the display unit 43 of the information terminal 40 will be explained. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the setting image i41 displayed on the display unit 43 of the information terminal 40.

[0066] As shown in Figure 5, image i41 is an image displayed at a higher hierarchical level than image i40. Image i41 shows a first object 26 associated with scene information that combines the subscene information set in image i40. Image i41 has a first area R1 that displays scene information related to lighting effects as the first object 26, and a second area R2 that displays a second object 28 that shows information about the first object 26 selected by a second user.

[0067] Specifically, one or more (three in Figure 5) first objects 26 are placed in the first region R1. The number of first objects 26 displayed in the first region R1 is not particularly limited. By increasing the number of first objects 26, the number of lighting effect scenes can be increased. A button object 27 is placed adjacent to the first object 26. When the button object 27 is touched (operated) by the second user, a new first object 26 is added to the first region R1.

[0068] Each first object 26 corresponds to one or more (in this case, multiple) third objects 24. For example, the leftmost first object 26a corresponds to the three third objects 24 shown in Figure 4. Also, for example, the center first object 26b corresponds to one or more third objects 24 displayed in another image i40, and the rightmost first object 26c corresponds to one or more third objects 24 displayed in yet another image i40.

[0069] A second object 28 is placed in the second region R2. The second object 28 displays information about, for example, the first object 26 selected by the second user from among a plurality of first objects 26. In this embodiment, the second object 28 displays in the same way as the first object 26 selected by the second user. Note that the display of the selected first object 26 and the display of the second object 28 do not have to be the same. It is preferable that the second object 28 is displayed larger than the first object 26.

[0070] In this embodiment, at least one of the first object 26 and the second object 28 may display a lighting effect pattern, which is scene information related to lighting effects, as a still image. Specifically, at least one of the first object 26 and the second object 28 may display one or more third objects 24 associated with sub-scene information in which the light emission color of the lighting device 10 does not change over time. It is preferable that at least the second object 28 displays a lighting effect pattern, which is scene information related to lighting effects, as a still image. In this embodiment, both the first object 26 and the second object 28 are capable of displaying a lighting effect pattern, which is scene information related to lighting effects, as a still image.

[0071] Furthermore, at least one of the first object 26 and the second object 28 may dynamically reproduce and display a lighting effect pattern, which is scene information related to lighting effects. Specifically, at least one of the first object 26 and the second object 28 may display one or more third objects 24 associated with sub-scene information in which the light emission color of the lighting device 10 changes over time. It is preferable that at least the second object 28 dynamically reproduces and displays a lighting effect pattern, which is scene information related to lighting effects. In this embodiment, both the first object 26 and the second object 28 are capable of dynamically reproducing and displaying a lighting effect pattern, which is scene information related to lighting effects.

[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment, at least one of the first object 26 and the second object 28 switches sequentially (for example, in the order of arrangement) to a plurality of third objects 24 (see Figure 3). In other words, at least one of the first object 26 and the second object 28 plays back the subscene information of the plurality of third objects 24 in sequence.

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment, at least one of the first object 26 and the second object 28 plays the lighting effect pattern either once or in a loop. Specifically, image i41 includes a loop object 29a displaying the text "Loop / 1 time". When the loop object 29a is touched (operated) by a second user, the display control switches between a state in which the lighting effect pattern is played once and a state in which the lighting effect pattern is played in a loop (repeatedly).

[0074] Furthermore, image i41 includes a change object 29b displaying the word "change" and a trash can object 29c displaying a trash can. When either of the first objects 26 is selected by the second user and the change object 29b is touched, the image displayed on the display unit 43 transitions from image i41 to image i40. This makes it possible to change the scene information of the selected first object 26.

[0075] Furthermore, if the trash can object 29c is touched while any of the first objects 26 are selected by the second user, the selected first object 26 is discarded. In other words, the selected first object 26 is removed from image i41.

[0076] Next, an example of the operation of the lighting control system 1 will be described with reference to Figure 6. Here, we will describe the case in which a second user simulates a lighting effect using the information terminal 40 and then uses the lighting device 10 to perform the lighting effect. Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing the control method of the lighting control system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] The acquisition unit 42 of the information terminal 40 acquires at least equipment data D2 from the database DB (S1). The acquisition unit 32 of the simulation system 30 acquires building data D1 and equipment data D2 from the database DB (S2).

[0078] The information processing unit 45 of the information terminal 40 generates an image i41 based on the equipment data D2 in response to the operation of the second user. The display unit 43 then displays the generated image i41 (S3). At this time, the information processing unit 45 displays scene information related to lighting effects as a first object 26 in the first area R1 of the display unit 43. In other words, the information processing unit 45 displays the first area R1, in which multiple first objects 26 associated with scene information are arranged, on the display unit 43. At this time, the information processing unit 45 also displays a change object 29b, a loop object 29a, and a trash can object 29c on the display unit 43. Step S3 is an example of the "first display step" of the present invention.

[0079] When a second user edits scene information, they select the first object 26 to be edited from one or more first objects 26 displayed in the first area R1. The operation reception unit 41 then accepts the second user's selection of the target first object 26 (S4). Note that when setting scene information for the first time, the first object 26 is not displayed in image i41; in this case, the button object 27 is selected by the second user. Step S4 is an example of the "selection reception step" of the present invention.

[0080] Next, the display unit 43 displays a second object 28 in the second area R2 that shows information about the selected first object 26 (S5). This allows the user to confirm the information about the first object 26 (in this embodiment, the lighting effect pattern). At this time, the loop object 29a can be touched (operated) by the second user to switch between a state in which the lighting effect pattern is played once and a state in which the lighting effect pattern is played in a loop. Step S5 is an example of the "second display step" of the present invention.

[0081] Furthermore, as described above, at least one of the first object 26 and the second object 28 may display the lighting effect pattern, which is scene information related to the lighting effect, as a still image, or it may dynamically play and display it. Also, as described above, at least one of the first object 26 and the second object 28 may play the lighting effect pattern as a single or looped playback.

[0082] Then, the second user touches the change object 29b. As a result, the operation reception unit 41 receives the operation of the change object 29b by the second user.

[0083] Then, the information processing unit 45 switches the image to be displayed on the display unit 43 from image i41 to image i40. As a result, the display unit 43 displays multiple subscene information corresponding to the selected first object 26 as third objects 24 in the third region R3 (S6). At this time, as shown in Figure 3, the information processing unit 45 displays the fourth region R4 where the illumination object 22 is placed, the fifth region R5 where the color object 21 is placed, and the sixth region R6 where the object 23 is placed on the display unit 43. Step S6 is an example of the "third display step" of the present invention.

[0084] The second user inputs the light emission timing, dimming level, and light emission color of each lighting device 10 via image i40. The operation reception unit 41 then accepts the input from the second user.

[0085] Specifically, the operation reception unit 41 receives the selection of the third object 24 to be edited by the second user. Subsequently, the operation reception unit 41 receives the selection of a color in the fifth area R5 by the second user (S7). The operation reception unit 41 also receives the selection of the illumination object 22 in the fourth area R4 by the second user. As a result, the information processing unit 45 colors the illumination object 22 selected in step S7 with the selected color (S8). Step S7 is an example of the "color reception step" of the present invention. Step S8 is an example of the "coloring step" of the present invention.

[0086] The second user performs an input operation to transmit input information, for example, through image i40, to the simulation system 30. The operation reception unit 41 then receives the second user's operation to transmit the input information to the simulation system 30. The communication unit 44 transmits the input information received by the second user through image i40 to the simulation system 30 (S9). The input information includes not only information directly entered by the second user, but also color scheme information indicating the relationship between the lighting object 22 and the assigned colors.

[0087] The communication unit 34 of the simulation system 30 receives input information from the information terminal 40 via image i40 by the second user (S10). The information processing unit 35 of the simulation system 30 performs a lighting simulation based on the building data D1, equipment data D2, and input information (S11). The display unit 33 of the simulation system 30 displays the lighting simulation results as a three-dimensional model (S12). This allows the second user to view and confirm the simulation results of the dynamically changing lighting effects set using the information terminal 40.

[0088] Next, the second user executes (or verifies) the configured lighting effect using the actual lighting device 10. For example, if the second user is in a different location from the lighting effect space S, they may move to a location where they can see the lighting effect space S before executing (or verifying) the lighting effect using the lighting device 10. On the other hand, if the second user is in a location where they can see the lighting effect space S, they may execute (or verify) the lighting effect using the lighting device 10 immediately after viewing the simulation results of the lighting effect.

[0089] Specifically, the information terminal 40 receives input from a second user to initiate the lighting effect (S13). The information terminal 40 then transmits a lighting effect start signal to the simulation system 30 to initiate the lighting effect (S14). The lighting effect start signal is a signal that instructs the system to start the lighting effect based on the input information transmitted in step S9. In other words, steps S9 and S14 can be described as control steps that control one or more (in this case, multiple) lighting devices 10 to illuminate in accordance with scene information, as will be described later.

[0090] The communication unit 34 of the simulation system 30 receives a lighting effect start signal. The information processing unit 35 then generates lighting effect information indicating the light emission timing, dimming level, and light emission color of each lighting device 10 for executing the lighting effect. The lighting effect information is control information related to the lighting effect based on the input information input via the image i40. The communication unit 34 transmits the lighting effect information to the control device 20 (S15).

[0091] The control device 20 transmits control signals to each lighting device 10 based on the lighting effect information (S16). As a result, the lighting effects are executed by the lighting devices 10 (S17). In other words, the control device 20 causes the lighting devices 10 to execute lighting effects based on lighting effect information related to lighting effects based on input information from the second user.

[0092] In Figure 6, an example is shown in which the lighting object 22 is selected and accepted after the color is selected and accepted in step S7, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the color may be selected and accepted after the lighting object 22 has been selected and accepted.

[0093] As described above, the control method for the information terminal 40 includes a first display step (S3) in which scene information relating to lighting effects is displayed as a first object 26 in the first area R1 of the display unit 43; a selection acceptance step (S4) in which a selection operation of the first object 26 is accepted by a second user; and a second display step (S5) in which a second object 28 indicating information relating to the selected first object 26 is displayed in the second area R2 of the display unit 43.

[0094] According to this control method for the information terminal 40, even when multiple first objects 26 are displayed in the first area R1, by selecting the target first object 26, a second object 28 showing information about the selected first object 26 can be displayed in the second area R2. This makes it easy to check information about the target first object 26, and thus easy to set up lighting effects. For example, this makes it easy to simulate lighting effects. Also, for example, it makes it easy to perform lighting effects for the lighting device 10.

[0095] (modified version) Next, a modified example of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 7. In this modified example, an example in which the position of the third object 24 can be changed will be described. Figure 7 is a simplified diagram showing the illumination object 22 and the third object 24, etc., displayed in the information terminal 40 according to a modified example of the present invention.

[0096] In the modified version, the positions of multiple third objects 24 in the third region R3 can be changed. Specifically, for example, the three third objects 24 shown in Figure 4 are designated as third objects 24a, 24b, and 24c from left to right. Then, a second user can, for example, drag third object 24b and drop it to the right of third object 24c.

[0097] In this modified example, as shown in Figure 7, for instance, the positions of the third object 24b and the third object 24c shown in Figure 4 are swapped. The three third objects 24 then become third objects 24a, 24c, and 24b from left to right. This changes the playback order in at least one of the first object 26 and the second object 28. Note that the method for changing the positions of multiple third objects 24 is not limited to drag and drop.

[0098] In the modified version, as described above, the positions of multiple third objects 24 in the third region R3 can be changed, and at least one of the first object 26 and the second object 28 plays and displays the lighting effect pattern, which is scene information, in the order in which the third objects 24 are arranged. This makes it easy to change the playback order of subscene information.

[0099] [Effects, etc.] The following describes examples of inventions that can be obtained from the disclosures in this specification, and explains the effects and other benefits that can be obtained from these examples.

[0100] Invention 1 is a control method for an information terminal 40 having a display unit 43, comprising: a first display step (S3) of displaying scene information relating to lighting effects as a first object 26 in a first area R1 of the display unit 43; a selection acceptance step (S4) of accepting a user's operation to select a target first object 26 when editing scene information; and a second display step (S5) of displaying a second object 28 indicating information relating to the selected first object 26 in a second area R2 of the display unit 43.

[0101] According to this control method for the information terminal 40, even when multiple first objects 26 are displayed in the first area R1, by selecting the target first object 26, a second object 28 showing information about the selected first object 26 can be displayed in the second area R2. This makes it easy to check information about the target first object 26. As a result, lighting effects can be easily configured.

[0102] Invention 2 is a control method for the information terminal 40 of Invention 1, wherein at least one of the first object 26 and the second object 28 displays a lighting effect pattern, which is scene information, as a still image.

[0103] According to this control method for the information terminal 40, the lighting effect pattern, which is scene information related to lighting effects, can be viewed as a still image.

[0104] Invention 3 is a control method for the information terminal 40 of Invention 1, wherein at least one of the first object 26 and the second object 28 dynamically reproduces and displays a lighting effect pattern which is scene information.

[0105] According to this control method for the information terminal 40, lighting effect patterns, which are scene information related to lighting effects, can be viewed as a video.

[0106] Invention 4 is a control method for an information terminal 40 of any of Inventions 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the first object 26 and the second object 28 plays a lighting effect pattern, which is scene information, either as a single or looped playback.

[0107] According to this control method for the information terminal 40, lighting effects patterns can be played back as a single or looped sequence. For example, when a lighting effect pattern is played back as a single sequence, it becomes easy to check the duration of each lighting effect sequence and to determine when the lighting effect begins and ends. Also, for example, when a lighting effect pattern is played back in a loop, the lighting effect can be repeatedly viewed without repeatedly touching the play button or other controls.

[0108] Invention 5 is a control method for an information terminal 40 of any of Inventions 1 to 4, wherein one scene information is composed of multiple sub-scene information, and the control method for the information terminal 40 further includes a third display step (S6) of displaying multiple sub-scene information as third objects 24 in a third region R3, the positions of the multiple third objects 24 in the third region R3 can be changed, and at least one of the first object 26 and the second object 28 reproduces and displays a lighting effect pattern which is scene information in the order in which the third objects 24 are arranged.

[0109] According to this control method for the information terminal 40, the playback order of subscene information can be easily changed.

[0110] Invention 6 is a control method for an information terminal 40 of any of Inventions 1 to 5, which includes control steps (S9, S13) for controlling one or more lighting devices 10 to illuminate in accordance with scene information.

[0111] According to this control method for the information terminal 40, lighting effects corresponding to scene information can be executed by the lighting device 10.

[0112] Invention 7 is a program that causes a computer to execute one of the control methods from Inventions 1 to 6. The computer can easily perform lighting effects settings.

[0113] Invention 8 is an information terminal 40 comprising a display unit 43 that displays scene information relating to lighting effects as a first object 26 in a first area R1, and an operation reception unit 41 that accepts the user's operation to select the target first object 26 when editing the scene information, wherein the display unit 43 displays a second object 28 indicating information relating to the selected first object 26 in a second area R2.

[0114] With this information terminal 40, even when multiple first objects 26 are displayed in the first area R1, selecting the target first object 26 allows a second object 28 showing information about the selected first object 26 to be displayed in the second area R2. This makes it easy to check information about the target first object 26. As a result, lighting effects can be easily configured.

[0115] (Other embodiments) Although embodiments and modifications have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and modifications described above.

[0116] For example, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the information terminal 40 is connected to the simulation system 30 but not to the control device 20. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the information terminal 40 may be connected to the control device 20 only, or it may be connected to both the simulation system 30 and the control device 20.

[0117] Furthermore, while the above embodiments describe an example in which a simulation of lighting effects by the lighting device 10 is performed using the simulation system 30, and then the lighting effects by the lighting device 10 are executed, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is not necessary to perform a simulation of lighting effects by the lighting device 10 using the simulation system 30. Also, the lighting control system 1 does not need to include the simulation system 30. In this case, it is sufficient to transmit the lighting effects information, including the above input information, from the information terminal 40 to the control device 20.

[0118] Furthermore, while the above embodiments show an example in which the simulation system 30 performs a simulation based on input information entered by the first user and a simulation based on input information entered from the information terminal 40, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the simulation system 30 may perform only one of the simulations: a simulation based on input information entered by the first user and a simulation based on input information entered from the information terminal 40.

[0119] Furthermore, while the above embodiments illustrate an example in which the simulation system 30 performs a simulation based on input information entered into the information terminal 40 by a second user, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the information terminal 40 may perform a simulation based on input information entered into the information terminal 40 by a second user.

[0120] Furthermore, although the lighting control system 1 was implemented by multiple devices in the above embodiments, it may also be implemented as a single device. Thus, the system in this specification may consist of a single device or it may consist of multiple devices. When the system is implemented by multiple devices, the components of the system may be distributed among the multiple devices in any way.

[0121] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, a process executed by a specific information processing unit may be executed by another information processing unit. Also, the order of multiple processes may be changed, or multiple processes may be executed in parallel.

[0122] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for that component. Each component may also be realized 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.

[0123] Furthermore, each component may be implemented by hardware. Each component may also be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or they may be separate circuits. Also, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0124] Furthermore, general or specific embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. Alternatively, they may be implemented as any combination of a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium.

[0125] For example, the present invention may be implemented as any of the systems or devices described above, such as the lighting control system 1, the simulation system 30, or the information terminal 40. Furthermore, the present invention may be implemented as a control method or device control method executed by a computer system. The present invention may also be implemented as a program for causing a computer to execute the control method or device control method, or as a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium on which such a program is stored.

[0126] Furthermore, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to the above embodiments and modifications as conceived by those skilled in the art, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of the above embodiments and modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] 24. Third Object 26. First Object 28. Second Object 40 Information terminals 41 Operation reception section 43 Display section R1 1st area R2 2nd area R3 3rd area S3 Step (First Display Step) S4 Step (Selection Acceptance Step) S5 Step (Second Display Step) S6 Step (Third Display Step) S9, S13 Steps (Control Steps)

Claims

1. A control method for an information terminal having a display unit, A first display step in which scene information related to lighting effects is displayed as a first object in the first area of ​​the display unit, When editing the scene information, a selection acceptance step is performed to accept a selection operation by the user of the target first object, A second display step involves displaying a second object, which indicates information about the selected first object, in a second area of ​​the display unit; including, A method for controlling information terminals.

2. At least one of the first object and the second object displays the scene information, which is a lighting effect pattern, as a still image. A method for controlling an information terminal as described in claim 1.

3. At least one of the first object and the second object dynamically plays and displays the lighting effect pattern which is the scene information. A method for controlling an information terminal as described in claim 1.

4. At least one of the first object and the second object plays the lighting effect pattern, which is the scene information, as a single or looped playback. A method for controlling an information terminal as described in claim 1.

5. One of the aforementioned scene pieces is composed of multiple sub-scene pieces. The control method for the information terminal further includes a third display step of displaying the subscene information as a third object in a third area, The positions of multiple third objects in the third region can be changed. At least one of the first object and the second object plays and displays the lighting effect pattern, which is the scene information, in the order in which the third object is arranged. A method for controlling an information terminal as described in claim 1.

6. The control step includes controlling one or more lighting devices to illuminate in accordance with the aforementioned scene information, A method for controlling an information terminal as described in claim 1.

7. A program that causes a computer to execute the control method described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A display unit that displays scene information related to lighting effects as a first object in the first area, When editing the aforementioned scene information, an operation receiving unit accepts the user's selection operation for the target first object, Equipped with, The display unit displays a second object in the second area that indicates information about the selected first object. Information terminal.

Images