Dimming control system, lighting system, and dimming control method

Abstract

The present invention provides a dimming control system, a lighting system, and a dimming control method that facilitate the improvement of the degree of freedom in adjusting the magnitude of the light output of a light source. [Solution] The dimming control system 10 comprises an acquisition unit 101, a setting processing unit 102, and a control processing unit 103. The acquisition unit 101 acquires a dimming signal Sig1 from an external source. The setting processing unit 102 sets a second dimming rate r2 that is different from a first dimming rate r1 based on the dimming signal Sig1, in response to the operation of the operation unit (magnetic material 5). The control processing unit 103 controls the lighting device 1 that lights up the light source 2 based on both the first dimming rate r1 and the second dimming rate r2.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dimming control system, an illumination system, and a dimming control method for dimming and lighting a light source.

Background Art

[0002] As related art, for example, an illumination device including a light source and a power supply unit that supplies power to the light source is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This illumination device includes a sensing unit that senses a magnet, and a control unit that controls the power supply unit to switch the light output of the light source based on the sensing result sensed by the sensing unit. Further, each time the sensing unit senses a magnet, the control unit controls the power supply unit to sequentially switch to a plurality of different light outputs.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the configuration of the related art described above, it is possible to switch the magnitude of the light output of the light source, for example, in the order of "70%", "80%", and "100%". However, in the configuration of the related art described above, although the magnitude of the light output of the light source can be switched with a relatively large step width, there is a problem that it is difficult to finely adjust the magnitude of the light output of the light source.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a dimming control system, an illumination system, and a dimming control method that are easy to improve the degree of freedom in adjusting the magnitude of the light output of a light source.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A dimming control system according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises an acquisition unit, a setting processing unit, and a control processing unit. The acquisition unit acquires a dimming signal from an external source. The setting processing unit sets a second dimming rate different from a first dimming rate based on the dimming signal, in response to an operation of an operation unit. The control processing unit controls a lighting device that turns on a light source based on both the first dimming rate and the second dimming rate.

[0007] A lighting system relating to one aspect of this disclosure comprises the dimming control system, the lighting device, and the light source.

[0008] A dimming control method relating to one aspect of the present disclosure includes acquiring a dimming signal from an external source. The dimming control method includes setting a second dimming rate different from a first dimming rate based on the dimming signal, in response to an operation of an operating unit. The dimming control method includes controlling a lighting device that turns on a light source based on both the first dimming rate and the second dimming rate. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a dimming control system, a lighting system, and a dimming control method that make it easier to improve the degree of freedom in adjusting the magnitude of the light output of a light source. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the overall configuration of the lighting system and dimming device according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the lighting system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a magnet and a holding part in a lighting device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the operation of the detection unit in the lighting device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram of the method for setting the second dimming rate in the dimming control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the method for determining the third dimming rate based on the first and second dimming rates in the dimming control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a dimming control method according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of the holding portion in the lighting device according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. The following embodiments are examples that embody this disclosure and are not intended to limit the technical scope of this disclosure.

[0012] (Embodiment) [1] Overall structure First, the overall configuration of the lighting system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0013] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the lighting system 100 includes a lighting device 1 and a light source 2. In this embodiment, the lighting device 1 receives power from an AC power supply AC1 to light up the light source 2. The AC power supply AC1 is, for example, a single-phase 100V, 60Hz commercial power supply.

[0014] In this embodiment, the lighting system 100 has the lighting device 1 and the light source 2 housed in separate enclosures. In other words, the lighting system 100 is a lighting system in which the lighting device 1 that lights the light source 2 is located separately from the light source 2. Alternatively, the lighting system 100 may be an integrated lighting system in which the lighting device 1 and the light source 2 are integrated into a single enclosure.

[0015] In this embodiment, the lighting device 1 and the light source 2 are electrically connected to each other via the first connector 41 and the second connector 42. Specifically, one end of each of a pair of first electric wires is electrically connected to the lighting device 1. Further, a first connector 41 is attached to the other end of each of the pair of first electric wires. On the other hand, one end of each of a pair of second electric wires is electrically connected to the light source 2. Further, a second connector 42 is attached to the other end of each of the pair of second electric wires. Then, by mechanically and electrically connecting the first connector 41 and the second connector 42, the lighting device 1 and the light source 2 are electrically connected to each other via the first connector 41 and the second connector 42.

[0016] This type of lighting system 100 is used in various facilities (including outdoor facilities) such as houses, offices, stores, or public facilities, for example, and it is possible to illuminate the lighting space by irradiating light from the light source 2 to the desired lighting space.

[0017] Here, the light source 2 has a light-emitting element whose light amount changes according to the magnitude of the supplied current. This light-emitting element is, for example, a semiconductor light-emitting element such as a light-emitting diode (LED: Light Emitting Diode). In this embodiment, the light-emitting element is assumed to be a light-emitting diode as an example.

[0018] Further, the light source 2 has a plurality of light-emitting elements. That is, the lighting system 100 according to this embodiment outputs light from the plurality of light-emitting elements toward the lighting space. The plurality of light-emitting elements are, for example, mounted on a single light source substrate and are modularized. Further, in this embodiment, the plurality of modularized light-emitting elements are electrically connected in series to each other.

[0019] Note that the light source 2 is not limited to a configuration in which a plurality of light emitting elements are electrically connected in series, and may be a configuration in which a plurality of light emitting elements are electrically connected in parallel, or electrically connected in parallel and in series. Also, the light source 2 only needs to include at least one light emitting element, and it is not essential to include a plurality of light emitting elements. Further, the light emitting elements included in the light source 2 are not limited to light emitting diodes, and may be, for example, organic EL (Electroluminescence) elements or other semiconductor light emitting elements, etc.

[0020] The lighting system 100 according to the present embodiment has a "dimming function" for adjusting the magnitude of the light output of the light source 2 according to the dimming signal Sig1 from the dimming device 3. The dimming signal Sig1 is a signal including information related to the dimming rate (here, the first dimming rate r1), and is, for example, a signal generated according to an operation input by a user. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the dimming device 3 that generates the dimming signal Sig1 transmits the dimming signal Sig1 to a plurality of lighting systems 100. That is, the dimming device 3 can dim the light sources 2 of a plurality of lighting systems 100 collectively.

[0021] The dimming device 3 is installed in a place used only by a user having a specific authority, such as a manager's room in a facility such as an apartment building equipped with a plurality of lighting systems 100. And the dimming device 3 is basically used when dimming the light sources 2 of all the lighting systems 100 collectively, and is not used for the purpose of dimming the light sources 2 of each lighting system individually.

[0022] Specifically, the lighting device 1 changes the magnitude of the current flowing through the light source 2 according to the dimming signal Sig1, and adjusts the magnitude of the light output of the light source 2. Basically, the lower the dimming rate (here, the first dimming rate r1) in the dimming signal Sig1, the smaller the current that the lighting device 1 makes flow through the light source 2, and the smaller (darker) the light output of the light source 2. Conversely, the higher the dimming rate in the dimming signal Sig1, the larger the current that the lighting device 1 makes flow through the light source 2, and the larger (brighter) the light output of the light source 2.

[0023] In this embodiment, the lighting device 1 does not adjust the magnitude of the light output of the light source 2 solely in accordance with the dimming signal Sig1 (i.e., the first dimming rate r1), but actually adjusts the magnitude of the light output of the light source 2 in accordance with the second dimming rate r2, which will be described later. Specifically, the lighting device 1 adjusts the magnitude of the light output of the light source 2 in accordance with the third dimming rate r3, which is determined based on both the first dimming rate r1 and the second dimming rate r2.

[0024] In this lighting system 100, the lighting device 1 supplies a constant current to the light source 2 as long as the dimming rate (in this case, the third dimming rate r3) does not change, thereby lighting (emitting light) the light source 2 at a constant brightness. In other words, the lighting device 1 converts the AC power (AC voltage) supplied from the AC power source AC1 into DC power (DC voltage) and applies it to the light source 2, thereby flowing a DC current through the light source 2 and lighting the light source 2.

[0025] Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the lighting device 1 includes a dimming control system 10, a constant current circuit 11, an AC / DC conversion circuit 12, and a detection unit 13. The dimming control system 10 will be described in detail later in "[2] Dimming Control System".

[0026] The constant current circuit 11 performs constant current control to maintain a constant current flowing through the light source 2 as long as the dimming rate (in this case, the third dimming rate r3) does not change. Specifically, the constant current circuit 11 has a control element, and by controlling the control element, it adjusts the magnitude of the current flowing through the constant current circuit 11, thereby adjusting the magnitude of the current flowing through the light source 2, which is electrically connected in series with the control element.

[0027] In this embodiment, the constant current circuit 11 includes an integrated circuit (IC) for constant current control and controls the control element using PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) based on the dimming rate (here, the third dimming rate r3) provided by the dimming control system 10, which will be described later. As a result, the constant current circuit 11 adjusts the magnitude of the current flowing through the light source 2 and adjusts the magnitude of the light output of the light source 2.

[0028] The control element is, for example, an enhancement-type n-channel MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor). The control element forms a current path by electrically connecting the drain-source to the light source 2, for example, via a drain-source connection. The control element controls the current flowing through the light source 2 by changing the conduction state between the drain and source according to the gate voltage applied to the control terminal (gate terminal). Note that the control element is not limited to an enhancement-type n-channel MOSFET, but may also be, for example, an IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor).

[0029] The AC / DC conversion circuit 12 is electrically connected to the AC power supply AC1. The AC / DC conversion circuit 12 converts the AC power supplied from the AC power supply AC1 into DC power and supplies the converted DC power to the constant current circuit 11.

[0030] In this embodiment, the AC / DC conversion circuit 12 includes an AC-DC converter that converts an AC voltage to a DC voltage and a DC-DC converter that converts the DC voltage to a DC voltage of a desired magnitude (step-up / step-down). In addition, in this embodiment, the AC / DC conversion circuit 12 may also function as a power factor correction (PFC) circuit to bring the power factor of the power supply closer to "1".

[0031] The detection unit 13 is a circuit that detects the approach of the magnetic material 5. In this embodiment, the detection unit 13 is used to detect the approach of the magnet 50, which is the magnetic material 5, held in the holding part 15 (described later) of the housing 14 of the lighting device 1. The detection unit 13 has a Hall sensor element 131 (see Figure 4). When the magnetic material 5 approaches within the detection range of the Hall sensor element 131, the detection unit 13 outputs a high-level signal to the dimming control system 10. The detection unit 13 also outputs a low-level signal to the dimming control system 10 when the magnetic material 5 is not within the detection range of the Hall sensor element 131. The signal that the detection unit 13 outputs to the dimming control system 10 is not limited to the above binary signal, as long as it can distinguish whether or not the magnetic material 5 is approaching.

[0032] [2] Dimming control system Next, the details of the dimming control system 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 2. The dimming control system 10 is a system for dimming the light source 2 based on two dimming rates (here, a first dimming rate r1 and a second dimming rate r2). In this embodiment, the dimming control system 10 is implemented by a control board mounted on the lighting device 1.

[0033] The dimming control system 10 primarily consists of a computer system comprising one or more processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and one or more memories such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory), and performs various processes (information processing). Specifically, the dimming control system 10 realizes the functions of the acquisition unit 101, the setting processing unit 102, and the control processing unit 103 by executing programs stored in one or more memories using one or more processors.

[0034] The acquisition unit 101 acquires the dimming signal Sig1 from an external source. Specifically, the acquisition unit 101 acquires the dimming signal Sig1 by receiving the dimming signal Sig1 transmitted from an external source (in this case, the dimming device 3). In this embodiment, the dimming signal Sig1 is a PWM dimming signal that represents the dimming rate (in this case, the first dimming rate r1) by the pulse width. Therefore, the smaller the on-duty ratio of the dimming signal Sig1, the higher the dimming rate, and the larger the on-duty ratio, the lower the dimming rate. Here, the dimming signal Sig1 can represent a dimming rate of 5% to 100% as an example.

[0035] The setting processing unit 102 sets a second dimming rate r2 that is different from the first dimming rate r1 based on the dimming signal Sig1, in response to the operation of the operation unit. In this embodiment, the operation unit is realized by a magnetic body 5 and a detection unit 13. Specifically, the dimming control system 10 includes a detection unit 13 that detects the magnetic body 5 (magnet 50 in this embodiment) which serves as the operation unit. The setting processing unit 102 then sets the second dimming rate r2 according to the detection result of the detection unit 13.

[0036] The following describes a specific example of the process by which the setting processing unit 102 sets the second dimming rate r2, using Figures 3 to 5. In Figures 3 and 4, for the sake of explanation, the vertical direction when the lighting device 1 is attached to a building surface such as a wall, that is, when the lighting device 1 is in a usable state, is defined as the up-down direction D1. In addition, the left-right direction D3 is defined based on the direction in which the lighting device 1 attached to the building surface is viewed from the front, and the front-back direction D2 is defined with the front side of the lighting device 1 as the front and the back side as the rear. However, these direction definitions are not intended to limit the direction of use (direction during use) of the lighting device 1.

[0037] As shown in Figure 3, the lighting device 1 comprises a rectangular parallelepiped housing 14 having a length in the left-right direction D3, formed from a non-magnetic metal material with relatively high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum die-cast. A holding portion 15 for holding the magnet 50 is formed on one side of the housing 14 (in this case, the front), extending along the length direction (left-right direction D3) of the housing 14. In other words, the dimming control system 10 comprises a holding portion 15 for holding the magnet 50. Specifically, the holding portion 15 has a housing recess 151 and an opening 152.

[0038] The housing recess 151 is a rectangular recess, as viewed from the left-right direction D3, that is recessed from one surface of the housing 14 in the thickness direction (rear direction) of the housing 14, and is formed along the length direction (left-right direction D3) of the housing 14. The main part 51, which is part of the magnet 50, is housed in the housing recess 151. The housing recess 151 is also exposed to the outside of the housing 14 through the opening 152.

[0039] The widthwise dimension (here, the vertical direction D1) of the housing recess 151 is equivalent to the widthwise dimension (here, the vertical direction D1) of the main part 51 of the magnet 50. On the other hand, the widthwise dimension of the opening 152 is smaller than the widthwise dimension of the housing recess 151 and is equivalent to the widthwise dimension of the protrusion 52 that protrudes forward from the main part 51 of the magnet 50. Therefore, when attempting to remove the magnet 50 from the holding part 15, the main part 51 catches on the periphery of the opening 152, thus restricting the removal of the main part 51 from the housing recess 151. As a result, the magnet 50 is held in the holding part 15. The magnet 50 is then held in the holding part 15 so as to be able to slide from one end to the other in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction D3) of the housing recess 151.

[0040] As shown in Figure 4, the housing 14 contains a circuit board 16 on which the detection unit 13 is mounted. The inside of the housing 14 is filled with a potting material, such as urethane resin. This provides waterproofing to the circuit board 16 on which the detection unit 13 is mounted inside the housing 14.

[0041] The Hall sensor element 131 of the detection unit 13 is positioned to approach the magnet 50 when the magnet 50 is in a predetermined position (in this case, the leftmost position in the left-right direction D3) (in other words, a position where the magnet 50 can be detected). The Hall sensor element 131 does not approach the magnet 50, that is, it does not detect the magnet 50, when the magnet 50 is in a position other than the predetermined position.

[0042] In this embodiment, the setting processing unit 102 sets the second dimming rate r2 in response to a series of operations, which involves bringing the magnet 50 closer to the detection unit 13 and then moving the magnet 50 away from the detection unit 13. In the following description, it will be assumed that the initial value of the second dimming rate r2 is "100%".

[0043] First, with the second dimming rate r2 set to "100%", suppose a user operates the magnet 50, bringing it closer to the detection unit 13 (Hall sensor element 131). Then, as shown in Figure 5, the detection unit 13 transitions from an "OFF" state where it does not detect the magnet 50 to an "ON" state where it detects the magnet 50. In this case, the detection unit 13 transitions from outputting a low-level signal to the dimming control system 10 to outputting a high-level signal.

[0044] When a predetermined time T1 (for example, a few seconds) has elapsed since the device was in the "ON" state, that is, when a predetermined time T1 has elapsed since the device was in a state where it could receive a high-level signal, the setting processing unit 102 determines that an operation to change the second dimming rate r2 has been performed. In response, the setting processing unit 102 changes the second dimming rate r2 from its current value of "100%" to "90%".

[0045] In this embodiment, when the setting processing unit 102 changes the second dimming rate r2, it sets the second dimming rate r2 to zero for a certain period of time T2 (for example, 1 second). As a result, the third dimming rate r3, which is calculated as the product of the first dimming rate r1 and the second dimming rate r2 as described later, becomes zero, and the light source 2 is temporarily turned off. In this way, in this embodiment, by temporarily turning off the light source 2 when changing the second dimming rate r2, it is possible to visually notify the user that the second dimming rate r2 has been changed.

[0046] Subsequently, the user operates the magnet 50, moving it away from the detection unit 13 (Hall sensor element 131). As shown in Figure 5, the detection unit 13 then transitions from the "ON" state to the "OFF" state. In this case, the detection unit 13 transitions from outputting a high-level signal to the dimming control system 10 to outputting a low-level signal. Subsequently, each time the user repeats the operation of moving the magnet 50 closer to the detection unit 13 and then moving the magnet 50 away from the detection unit 13, the setting processing unit 102 changes the second dimming rate r2 in 10% increments from "90%" to "80%" to "70%".

[0047] Then, if the above series of operations is performed while the second dimming rate r2 is set to "70%", the setting processing unit 102 changes the second dimming rate r2 back from "70%" to "100%". In other words, each time the above series of operations is performed, the setting processing unit 102 changes the second dimming rate r2 in increments of 10%, from "100%" → "90%" → "80%" → "70%" → "100%".

[0048] As described above, in the dimming control system 10 according to this embodiment, the second dimming rate r2 can be set by using a magnetic material 5 (magnet 50 in this embodiment) as an operating part. For this reason, the dimming control system 10 according to this embodiment has the advantage of allowing greater flexibility in the installation location of the operating part in the lighting device 1 compared to the case in which a mechanical operating part such as a DIP switch or volume switch is used.

[0049] Specifically, in the case of mechanical operating parts such as DIP switches or volume switches, in order for the user to operate the operating part, it is necessary to expose the operating part to the outside of the housing 14 of the lighting device 1. In this case, when the inside of the housing 14 is filled with potting material to provide waterproofing, the operating part must be installed in a place where it will not be covered by the potting material, which presents a problem as it restricts the installation location of the operating part.

[0050] In contrast, in the dimming control system 10 according to this embodiment, the magnetic material 5 and the detection unit 13 are used as the operating unit. Therefore, the detection unit 13 only needs to be installed within a range where it can detect the magnetic material 5, and it is not necessary to expose the detection unit 13 to the outside of the housing 14. For this reason, when the inside of the housing 14 is filled with potting material to provide waterproofing, there is no problem even if the detection unit 13 is buried in the potting material, and the operating unit (detection unit 13) can be freely installed in the housing 14.

[0051] Furthermore, in the dimming control system 10 according to this embodiment, the magnetic body 5 used as an operating unit is held by a holding part 15 provided in the housing 14 of the lighting device 1. Therefore, when setting the second dimming rate r2, the magnetic body 5 held in the holding part 15 can be used, eliminating the need to prepare the magnetic body 5 separately. Also, since the magnetic body 5 is held in the holding part 15 when not in use, the magnetic body 5 will not be lost.

[0052] The control processing unit 103 controls the lighting device 1 that lights up the light source 2 based on both the first dimming rate r1 and the second dimming rate r2. Specifically, the control processing unit 103 determines the third dimming rate r3 based on both the first dimming rate r1 and the second dimming rate r2, and outputs the determined third dimming rate r3 to the constant current circuit 11 of the lighting device 1. As a result, the constant current circuit 11 adjusts the magnitude of the light output of the light source 2 by controlling the current flowing to the light source 2 based on the third dimming rate r3.

[0053] Here, the first dimming rate r1 is the dimming rate represented by the dimming signal Sig1 transmitted from the dimming device 3 to each lighting system 100, as already mentioned. The first dimming rate r1 will be the same value in each lighting system 100. For example, if the first dimming rate r1 indicated by the dimming signal Sig1 transmitted to any lighting system 100 is "100%", then the first dimming rate r1 will also be "100%" in the other lighting systems 100. This is because the dimming signal Sig1 transmitted to each lighting system 100 is the same.

[0054] In this embodiment, a user with specific authorization can set the first dimming rate r1 in increments of, for example, 1 to several percent by operating the dimming device 3. Specifically, if the increment is "1%", the first dimming rate r1 can be set to values ​​in 1% increments, such as "5%", "6%", ..., "99%", and "100%", within the range of "5%" to "100%".

[0055] As already mentioned, the second dimming rate r2 is a dimming rate that is changed as appropriate in response to the user's operation of the control unit. In this embodiment, the second dimming rate r2 is changed as appropriate each time the user operates the magnet 50. The second dimming rate r2 can be a different value for each lighting system 100. For example, if the second dimming rate r2 is set to "90%" in one lighting system 100, the second dimming rate r2 in another lighting system 100 may be set to the same "90%", or it may be set to another value such as "70%" or "80%". In other words, the second dimming rate r2 can be changed as appropriate by the user depending on the environment in which the lighting system 100 is installed.

[0056] In this embodiment, the control processing unit 103 controls the lighting device 1 by a third dimming rate r3, which is the product of a first dimming rate r1 and a second dimming rate r2. In this disclosure, "product" refers to the product of the first dimming rate r1 and the second dimming rate r2, which are expressed as numerical values ​​including units. For example, if the first dimming rate r1 is "60%" and the second dimming rate r2 is "50%", the product of the first dimming rate r1 and the second dimming rate r2 is not 60 × 50 = 3000%, which is the product ignoring units. In other words, the product of the first dimming rate r1 and the second dimming rate r2 is 0.6 (=60%) × 0.5 (=50%) = 0.3 (=30%), which is the product considering units.

[0057] Specifically, the control processing unit 103 acquires a first dimming rate r1 represented by the dimming signal Sig1 acquired by the acquisition unit 101. The control processing unit 103 also acquires a second dimming rate r2 set by the setting processing unit 102. Then, the control processing unit 103 determines a third dimming rate r3 by calculating the product of the acquired first dimming rate r1 and second dimming rate r2.

[0058] For example, if the first dimming rate r1 is "100%" and the second dimming rate r2 is "80%", the control processing unit 103 calculates 1.0 (=100%) × 0.8 (=80%) = 0.8 (=80%) and determines that the third dimming rate r3 is "80%".

[0059] Figure 6 is a graph showing the correlation between the third dimming rate r3 and the first dimming rate r1 and the second dimming rate r2. In the example shown in Figure 6, when the second dimming rate r2 is "80%" and the first dimming rate r1 fluctuates within the range of "5%" to "100%", the third dimming rate r3 fluctuates within the range of "4% (=5% × 0.8)" to "80% (=100% × 0.8)".

[0060] Thus, the third dimming rate r3 fluctuates within a range where the dimming rate indicated by the second dimming rate r2 is the upper limit. Therefore, the user can change the upper limit of the light output magnitude of the light source 2 by changing the second dimming rate r2 by operating the control unit. For example, if the user sets the second dimming rate r2 to "70%" by operating the control unit, the third dimming rate r3 will fluctuate within a range of "3.5% (=5% × 0.7)" to "70% (=100% × 0.7)".

[0061] Then, the constant current circuit 11 of the lighting device 1 is given a third dimming ratio r3 determined by the control processing unit 103, and controls the control element using PWM based on the third dimming ratio r3. As a result, the constant current circuit 11 adjusts the magnitude of the light output of the light source 2 based on the third dimming ratio r3.

[0062] [3] Operation Hereinafter, an example of the operation (in other words, the dimming control method) of the dimming control system 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 7. Here, steps S1, S2, ... represent the numbers of the processing procedures (steps) executed by the dimming control system 10.

[0063] <Step S1> First, the acquisition unit 101 of the dimming control system 10 acquires the dimming signal Sig1 from an external source. Here, the acquisition unit 101 acquires the dimming signal Sig1 by receiving the dimming signal Sig1 transmitted from the dimming device 3 to each lighting system 100.

[0064] <Step S2> Next, the setting processing unit 102 of the dimming control system 10 sets the second dimming rate r2 according to the operation of the operating unit (in this case, the magnet 50). Step S2 may be performed before step S1, or it may be performed in parallel with step S1. Also, after step S2 has been performed once, it may be omitted.

[0065] <Step S3> Next, the control processing unit 103 of the dimming control system 10 determines the third dimming rate r3 based on both the first dimming rate r1 represented by the acquired dimming signal Sig1 and the set second dimming rate r2. Here, the control processing unit 103 determines the third dimming rate r3 by calculating the product of the first dimming rate r1 and the second dimming rate r2.

[0066] <Step S4> The control processing unit 103 then controls the lighting device 1 based on the determined third dimming rate r3 (in other words, both the first dimming rate r1 and the second dimming rate r2). Here, the control processing unit 103 outputs the determined third dimming rate r3 to the constant current circuit 11 of the lighting device 1. As a result, the constant current circuit 11 adjusts the magnitude of the light output of the light source 2 by controlling the current flowing to the light source 2 based on the third dimming rate r3.

[0067] As described above, the dimming control system 10 according to this embodiment controls the lighting device 1 that lights up the light source 2 based on both the first dimming rate r1 and the second dimming rate r2. Therefore, the dimming control system 10 according to this embodiment has the advantage of being able to easily improve the degree of freedom in adjusting the light output of the light source 2 compared to the case in which the lighting device 1 is controlled based on only one of the first dimming rate r1 and the second dimming rate r2.

[0068] The advantages of the dimming control system 10 according to this embodiment will be explained below, including a comparison between the case where the lighting device 1 is controlled using only the first dimming ratio r1 and the case where the lighting device 1 is controlled using only the second dimming ratio r2.

[0069] First, we will explain the case where the lighting device 1 is controlled using only the first dimming rate r1, that is, the constant current circuit 11 adjusts the magnitude of the light output of the light source 2 based only on the first dimming rate r1 instead of the third dimming rate r3. In this case, the magnitude of the light output of the light source 2 of each lighting system 100 is adjusted only by the dimming signal Sig1 output by the dimming device 3, so that the light source 2 of each lighting system 100 is dimmed to the same dimming rate collectively.

[0070] Here, for example, if the first dimming rate r1 is "100%", depending on the environment in which the lighting system 100 is installed, controlling the light source 2 with a dimming rate of "100%" may result in excessive brightness, or the user may feel uncomfortable with the level of light output of the light source 2. In such cases, if the lighting device 1 is controlled using only the first dimming rate r1, there is a problem in that it is not possible to adjust only the light source 2 in the environment in which the lighting system 100 is installed to the level of light output desired by the user.

[0071] Next, we will describe the case where the lighting device 1 is controlled using only the second dimming ratio r2, that is, the case where the constant current circuit 11 adjusts the magnitude of the light output of the light source 2 based only on the second dimming ratio r2 instead of the third dimming ratio r3. In this case, there is a problem that the magnitude of the light output of the light source 2 can only be adjusted within the range defined by the specifications of the lighting device 1. For example, in the lighting device 1 of this embodiment, the second dimming ratio r2 can be changed within the range of "70%" to "100%". However, when the lighting device 1 is controlled using only the second dimming ratio r2, it is not possible to adjust the magnitude of the light output of the light source 2 to a dimming ratio outside this range, such as "60%".

[0072] Furthermore, when controlling the lighting device 1 using only the second dimming ratio r2, it is possible to switch the light output of the light source 2 in the order of, for example, "70%", "80%", "90%", and "100%". However, in this case, although it is possible to switch the light output of the light source 2 in relatively large increments of "10%", it is difficult to finely adjust the light output of the light source 2 in increments of 1 to several percent, as is possible with the first dimming ratio r1.

[0073] In contrast, the dimming control system 10 according to this embodiment controls the lighting device 1 based on both the first dimming rate r1 and the second dimming rate r2. Therefore, the dimming control system 10 according to this embodiment can resolve the problems that arise when the lighting device 1 is controlled using only the first dimming rate r1 and when the lighting device 1 is controlled using only the second dimming rate r2.

[0074] Specifically, in the dimming control system 10 according to this embodiment, the lighting device 1 is controlled based on a second dimming ratio r2. Therefore, by changing the second dimming ratio r2, the upper limit of the light output magnitude of the light source 2 can be changed, so that the light output magnitude of the light source 2 can be adjusted for each lighting system 100 to match the environment in which the lighting system 100 is installed.

[0075] Furthermore, in the dimming control system 10 according to this embodiment, the lighting device 1 is controlled based on the first dimming rate r1, so the magnitude of the light output of the light source 2 can be adjusted over a wider range compared to the case where the lighting device 1 is controlled based only on the second dimming rate r2. Specifically, when adjusting the magnitude of the light output of the light source 2 using only the second dimming rate r2, the magnitude of the light output of the light source 2 can only be adjusted within the range of "70%" to "100%". In contrast, in the dimming control system 10 according to this embodiment, the magnitude of the light output of the light source 2 is adjusted using the first dimming rate r1 as well, so it is possible to adjust the magnitude of the light output of the light source 2 over a wide range, for example, from "5%" to "100%".

[0076] Furthermore, in the dimming control system 10 according to this embodiment, the lighting device 1 is controlled based on the first dimming rate r1, so the magnitude of the light output of the light source 2 can be adjusted more precisely compared to the case where the lighting device 1 is controlled based only on the second dimming rate r2. Specifically, when the magnitude of the light output of the light source 2 is adjusted using only the second dimming rate r2, the magnitude of the light output of the light source 2 can only be adjusted in increments of 10%. In contrast, in the dimming control system 10 according to this embodiment, the magnitude of the light output of the light source 2 is adjusted using the first dimming rate r1 in addition, so it is possible to adjust the magnitude of the light output of the light source 2 in increments of 1 to several percent, which is smaller than the increment of the second dimming rate r2.

[0077] Furthermore, in the dimming control system 10 according to this embodiment, the settable range of the second dimming rate r2 is different from the settable range of the first dimming rate r1. Here, the settable range includes the range of values ​​from the lower limit to the upper limit of the settable dimming rate (first dimming rate r1 and second dimming rate). Also, if the dimming rate can be set using discrete values, the settable step size of the dimming rate is included.

[0078] In this embodiment, the configurable range for the first dimming rate r1 is from a lower limit of "5%" to an upper limit of "100%", with increments of 1 to several percent. Therefore, the configurable range for the first dimming rate r1 does not include non-configurable values ​​such as "99.9%". Similarly, the configurable range for the second dimming rate r2 is from a lower limit of "70%" to an upper limit of "100%", with increments of 10%. Therefore, the configurable range for the second dimming rate r2 does not include non-configurable values ​​such as "75%".

[0079] Thus, in the dimming control system 10 according to this embodiment, the lighting device 1 is controlled based on both a first dimming rate r1 and a second dimming rate r2, which have different settable ranges. Therefore, compared to the case where the lighting device 1 is controlled using only one of the first dimming rate r1 or the second dimming rate r2, it is easier to compensate for the unsettable ranges of each dimming rate, and there is an advantage in that the magnitude of the light output of the light source 2 can be adjusted more precisely.

[0080] Furthermore, in the dimming control system 10 according to this embodiment, by changing the specifications of the dimming control system 10, it is possible to freely design how the third dimming rate r3 is determined according to the first dimming rate r1 and the second dimming rate r2. For this reason, the dimming control system 10 according to this embodiment also has the advantage that the magnitude of the light output of the light source 2 can be freely adjusted without changing the specifications of the dimming device 3 and the lighting device 1 (excluding the dimming control system 10).

[0081] By the way, in the dimming control system 10 according to this embodiment, the settable range of the second dimming rate r2 is the same regardless of the value of the first dimming rate r1, but is not limited to this. For example, the settable range of the second dimming rate r2 may change depending on the condition of the first dimming rate r1. This has the advantage of making it easier to improve the degree of freedom in how the second dimming rate r2 is set, compared to the case where the settable range of the second dimming rate r2 is uniform regardless of the value of the first dimming rate r1.

[0082] Specifically, for example, the second dimming rate r2 may only be set if the first dimming rate r1 is a specific dimming rate (e.g., 100%). In this case, the user can set the second dimming rate r2 by operating the control unit only when the first dimming rate r1 is "100%". Alternatively, for example, setting the second dimming rate r2 may be prohibited if the first dimming rate r1 is below a specific dimming rate (e.g., 30%). In this case, if the first dimming rate r1 is "30%" or less, even if the user tries to change the second dimming rate r2 by operating the control unit, the second dimming rate r2 will be maintained at the dimming rate before the change.

[0083] Furthermore, for example, the configurable increment of the second dimming rate r2 may change depending on the value of the first dimming rate r1. For example, if the first dimming rate r1 is "100%", the configurable increment of the second dimming rate r2 may be 10%, whereas if the first dimming rate is "50%", the configurable increment of the second dimming rate r2 may change to 5%. In this way, the configurable increment of the second dimming rate r2 may be proportional to the magnitude of the first dimming rate r1.

[0084] Furthermore, for example, the range of values ​​from the lower limit to the upper limit of the second dimming rate r2 may be changed depending on the value of the first dimming rate r1. For example, if the first dimming rate r1 is 100%, the second dimming rate r2 may be set within the range of "70%" to "100%", whereas if the first dimming rate r1 is 50%, the second dimming rate r2 may be set within the range of "80%" to "100%".

[0085] Alternatively, for example, data defining the range of values ​​from the lower limit to the upper limit of the second dimming rate r2, and the step size, may be pre-stored in memory for each value of the first dimming rate r1. The setting processing unit 102 may then read the data corresponding to the acquired value of the first dimming rate r1 from memory and set the second dimming rate r2 based on the read data in accordance with the user's operation of the control unit.

[0086] For example, if the first dimming rate r1 is "100%", the setting processing unit 102 may read first data corresponding to the value of the first dimming rate r1 from memory, and set the second dimming rate r2 in accordance with the user's operation of the control unit by referring to the read first data. Alternatively, for example, if the first dimming rate r1 is "70%", the setting processing unit 102 may read second data corresponding to the value of the first dimming rate r1 from memory, and set the second dimming rate r2 in accordance with the user's operation of the control unit by referring to the read second data.

[0087] Specifically, the first data specifies that the second dimming rate r2 can be set within the range of "50%" to "100%", and that the increment is 5%. In this case, the setting processing unit 102 refers to the first data and changes the second dimming rate r2 in increments of 5% each time the user operates the control unit, from "100%" → "85%" → "80%" → ... → "55%" → "50%" → "100%".

[0088] [4] Modified form The following lists some modifications of the embodiment. The modifications described below can be combined and applied as appropriate.

[0089] In the above embodiment, for example, the dimming control system 10 may be configured to switch to maintenance mode if the magnetic material 5 remains close to the detection unit 13 for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) or longer. The setting processing unit 102 may then set the second dimming rate r2 in response to user operation of the control unit only while the maintenance mode is running. For example, when the dimming control system 10 is running in normal mode, the setting processing unit 102 does not set the second dimming rate r2 even if it receives user operation of the control unit. On the other hand, when the dimming control system 10 is running in maintenance mode, the setting processing unit 102 sets the second dimming rate r2 in response to user operation of the control unit.

[0090] Furthermore, for example, during maintenance mode, the dimming control system 10 may temporarily fix the first dimming rate r1 to "100%" regardless of the first dimming rate r1 represented by the dimming signal Sig1. In other words, during maintenance mode, the control processing unit 103 may set the first dimming rate r1 to "100%" and determine the third dimming rate r3 according to the second dimming rate r2. In this case, when the user sets the second dimming rate r2 to adjust the light output of the light source 2, there is no variation in the light output of the light source 2 due to the value of the first dimming rate r1, making it easier to set the second dimming rate r2.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the lighting device 1 may further include a holding magnet 17 for holding the magnetic body 5 (in this embodiment, the magnet 50) at a position other than the predetermined position (i.e., a position where the detection unit 13 cannot detect the magnet 50), as shown in Figure 8. The holding magnet 17 has a magnetism with a different polarity from the magnetic body 5 and is configured to attract the magnetic body 5. In addition, the holding magnet 17 is positioned in the housing 14 opposite to the magnet 50 when the magnet 50 is at the rightmost position in the left-right direction D3 of the housing 14.

[0092] In this embodiment, when the user is not using the magnet 50, the magnet 50 can be held outside the detection range of the detection unit 13 by attracting it to the holding magnet 17. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the detection unit 13 mistakenly detects the magnet 50 when the user is not using it.

[0093] In the above embodiment, the setting processing unit 102 changes the second dimming rate r2 each time the user repeats a series of operations, such as bringing the magnet 50 closer to the detection unit 13 and moving the magnet 50 away from the detection unit 13, but it is not limited to this. For example, the setting processing unit 102 may change the second dimming rate r2 according to the duration of time that the detection unit 13 is detecting the magnet 50. For example, the setting processing unit 102 changes the second dimming rate r2 in 10% increments from "100%" → "90%" → "80%" → "70%" → "100%" each time a certain amount of time has elapsed since the detection unit 13 started detecting the magnet 50. Then, when the detection unit 13 stops detecting the magnet 50, the setting processing unit 102 stops changing the second dimming rate r2.

[0094] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the detection unit 13 is equipped with only one Hall sensor element 131, but it may be equipped with multiple Hall sensor elements 131. In this case, the multiple Hall sensor elements 131 may be arranged at intervals along the length direction (left-right direction D3) of the housing 14. The setting processing unit 102 may then set the second dimming rate r2 depending on which Hall sensor element 131 detects the magnet 50. For example, suppose four Hall sensor elements 131 are arranged along the left-right direction D3 of the housing 14. In this case, the setting processing unit 102 sets the second dimming rate r2 to "100%" when the leftmost Hall sensor element 131 detects the magnet 50. Also, the setting processing unit 102 sets the second dimming rate r2 to "70%" when the rightmost Hall sensor element 131 detects the magnet 50.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the lighting device 1 (constant current circuit 11) adjusts the magnitude of the light output of the light source 2 by controlling a control element with PWM, but is not limited to this. For example, if the light source 2 is lit by being supplied with AC power from an AC power source AC1, the lighting device 1 may adjust the magnitude of the light output of the light source 2 by controlling the phase of the amount of power supplied to the AC power source AC1. In this case, the dimming signal Sig1 can be any signal for phase control.

[0096] By the way, in the above embodiment, the lighting device 1 is equipped with a dimming control system 10, but it does not have to be equipped with a dimming control system 10. For example, the lighting device 1 may be equipped with a detection unit 13, a magnetic body 5, and a holding unit 15, and the dimming control system 10 may be equipped with a separate housing from the housing 14 of the lighting device 1. That is, the lighting device 1 is equipped with a magnetic body 5 as an operating unit, a detection unit 13 that detects the magnetic body 5, and a holding unit 15 that holds the magnetic body 5. The lighting device 1 adjusts the magnitude of the light output of the light source 2 according to the detection result of the detection unit 13.

[0097] [Notes on the invention] The following is an overview of the invention extracted from the above-described embodiments. Note that each configuration and processing function described below can be selected and combined as desired.

[0098] <Note 1> An acquisition unit that acquires dimming signals from an external source, A setting processing unit sets a second dimming rate different from the first dimming rate based on the dimming signal in response to the operation of the control unit, The system comprises a control processing unit that controls a lighting device that turns on a light source based on both the first dimming rate and the second dimming rate, Dimming control system.

[0099] <Note 2> The control processing unit controls the lighting device using a third dimming rate, which is the product of the first dimming rate and the second dimming rate. The dimming control system described in Appendix 1.

[0100] <Note 3> The settable range for the second dimming rate is different from the settable range for the first dimming rate. The dimming control system described in Appendix 1 or 2.

[0101] <Note 4> The settable range of the second dimming rate changes according to the status of the first dimming rate. A dimming control system as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 3.

[0102] <Note 5> The operation unit further comprises a detection unit for detecting a magnetic material, The setting processing unit sets the second dimming rate according to the detection result of the detection unit. A dimming control system as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 4.

[0103] <Note 6> The holding portion for holding the magnetic material is further provided. The dimming control system described in Appendix 5.

[0104] <Note 7> A dimming control system described in any one of the appendices 1 to 6, The aforementioned lighting device, The light source comprises, Lighting system.

[0105] <Note 8> Obtaining a dimming signal from an external source, In response to the operation of the control unit, a second dimming rate different from the first dimming rate based on the dimming signal is set, The system includes controlling a lighting device that turns on a light source based on both the first dimming rate and the second dimming rate. Dimming control method. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 1. Lighting device 10. Dimming control system 100 Lighting Systems 101 Acquisition Department 102 Configuration Processing Unit 103 Control Processing Unit 13 Detection unit 15 Holding part 2 light source 5 Magnetic material Sig1 Dimming signal r1 First dimming ratio r2 2nd dimming rate r3 3rd dimming rate

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires dimming signals from an external source, A setting processing unit sets a second dimming rate different from the first dimming rate based on the dimming signal in response to the operation of the control unit, The system comprises a control processing unit that controls a lighting device that turns on a light source based on both the first dimming rate and the second dimming rate, Dimming control system.

2. The control processing unit controls the lighting device using a third dimming rate, which is the product of the first dimming rate and the second dimming rate. The dimming control system according to claim 1.

3. The settable range for the second dimming rate is different from the settable range for the first dimming rate. The dimming control system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The settable range of the second dimming rate changes according to the status of the first dimming rate. The dimming control system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The operation unit further comprises a detection unit for detecting a magnetic material, The setting processing unit sets the second dimming rate according to the detection result of the detection unit. The dimming control system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The holding portion for holding the magnetic material is further provided. The dimming control system according to claim 5.

7. A dimming control system according to claim 1 or 2, The aforementioned lighting device, The light source comprises, Lighting system.

8. Obtaining a dimming signal from an external source, In response to the operation of the control unit, a second dimming rate different from the first dimming rate based on the dimming signal is set, The system includes controlling a lighting device that turns on a light source based on both the first dimming rate and the second dimming rate. Dimming control method.

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