Lighting Control Device

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to set the usage state to the same usage state as the previous usage state at the time of turning on a power source in an illumination apparatus. This illumination control device is provided with: a nonvolatile storage unit for storing setting information for controlling a light irradiation unit that performs irradiation with light; and a control unit that, when a writing request for the setting information is inputted thereto, writes, in the storage unit, the setting information at the time of the input, and that, when a reading request for the setting information is inputted thereto, reads the setting information from the storage unit. The light irradiation unit is controlled on the basis of the setting information read by the control unit.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lighting control device. [Background technology]

[0002] A lighting fixture having a liquid crystal light control element is disclosed in Patent Document 1. In the lighting fixture disclosed in Patent Document 1, light is controlled by applying an electrical signal to the liquid crystal light control element. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2-65001 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the lighting device disclosed in Patent Document 1, dimming can be performed by changing the setting value of the electrical signal given to the liquid crystal dimming element. However, when the power is turned on, in order to return to the previously set dimming state, i.e., the same usage state as the previous usage state, it is necessary to set the electrical signal every time the power of the lighting device is turned on again.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a lighting control device that can put a lighting device into the same usage state as the previous usage state when the power is turned on. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a lighting control device comprising: A light source and a dimming unit that dims light from the light source, Light irradiation unit that irradiates light and the light irradiation unit and a control unit that, when a write request for the setting information is input, writes the setting information at that time into the storage unit, and, when a read request for the setting information is input, reads the setting information from the storage unit, the setting information includes luminance data for controlling the luminance of the light source and control data for controlling the dimmer, The light irradiation unit is controlled based on the setting information read by the control unit. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, when the lighting device is turned on, it is possible to set the lighting device to the same usage state as the previous usage state. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a lighting device including a lighting control device according to this embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a power supply system of the lighting control device of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of processing when the lighting control device is powered on. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a power-off process when the power input to the lighting control device is cut off. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing another example of processing performed when the lighting control device is powered on. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing another example of a power-off process when the power input to the lighting control device is cut off. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing another example of processing performed when the lighting control device is powered on. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing another example of processing performed when the lighting control device is powered on. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a light irradiation unit of an illumination device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the control section and the relationship between the configuration of the control section, the light source unit, and the sensor section. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a light control panel according to the embodiment. [Figure 12]FIG. 12 is a plan view showing wiring of an array substrate of a light-adjusting panel according to an embodiment, in which the array substrate is viewed from above. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing wiring of a counter substrate of a light-adjusting panel according to the embodiment, in which the counter substrate is viewed from above. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a plan view showing wiring of the light control panel according to the embodiment, in which the light control panel is viewed from above. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the light adjusting section. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of light distribution control using a light distribution control area. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of another lighting device including a lighting control device according to this embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed by the control unit in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The form (embodiment) for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the contents described in the following embodiment. In addition, the components described below include those that a person skilled in the art can easily imagine and those that are substantially the same. Furthermore, the components described below can be appropriately combined. Note that the disclosure is merely an example, and those that a person skilled in the art can easily imagine appropriate modifications while maintaining the gist of the invention are naturally included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, in order to make the explanation clearer, the drawings may be schematic in terms of the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part compared to the actual embodiment, but they are merely examples and do not limit the interpretation of the present invention. In addition, in this specification and each figure, elements similar to those described above with respect to the previous figures may be given the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations may be omitted as appropriate.

[0010] (Lighting control devices, lighting equipment) 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a lighting device 100 including a lighting control device according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, the lighting device 100 includes a lighting control device 12 and a light irradiation unit 13.

[0011] The light irradiation unit 13 includes a light source unit 80 and a dimming unit 700. The light source unit 80 has the light source 800. The light source 800 is, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The dimming unit 700 can change the shape and size of the light. The light from the light source 800 is incident on the dimming unit 700. The dimming unit 700 dims the light incident from the light source 800. The dimming performed by the dimming unit 700 refers to changing the shape and size of the incident light. The light dimmed by the dimming unit 700 is emitted from the dimming unit 700. A more detailed configuration of the light irradiation unit 13 will be described later.

[0012] The lighting control device 12 includes a communication unit 11, a control unit 60, a storage unit 61, a D / A conversion unit 64, and a light source driving unit 65.

[0013] In this example, the communication unit 11 performs wireless communication with the communication terminal device 500. The communication unit 11 acquires setting information from the communication terminal device 500. The setting information acquired by the communication unit 11 is sent to the control unit 60. The setting information is information for controlling the light irradiation unit 13. In this example, the setting information includes brightness data for controlling the brightness of the light source 800 and control data for controlling the dimming unit 700. Note that, when the brightness of the light source 800 is fixed, the setting information does not include brightness data, but includes control data for controlling the dimming unit 700.

[0014] The luminance of the light source 800 can be changed by, for example, PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control that changes the width of the applied pulse. In this case, the luminance data for controlling the luminance of the light source 800 is pulse duty ratio data.

[0015] The control data for controlling the light adjustment unit 700 is, for example, data on the degree of diffusion for diffusing light. The data on the degree of diffusion is, for example, data on the degree of diffusion in the X direction and the Y direction. When the degree of diffusion in the X direction is 50% and the degree of diffusion in the Y direction is 50%, circular light with a medium degree of diffusion is obtained. When the degree of diffusion in the X direction is 0% and the degree of diffusion in the Y direction is 50%, vertically long elliptical light is obtained. When the degree of diffusion in the X direction is 50% and the degree of diffusion in the Y direction is 0%, horizontally long elliptical light is obtained.

[0016] The control unit 60 controls each unit of the lighting control device 12. When a write request for setting information of the lighting control device 12 is input, the control unit 60 writes the setting information at that time to the storage unit 61. In this example, the control unit 60 writes the setting information at that time to the storage unit 61 when the power is turned off. When a write request for setting information is input, it refers to when a switch operation is performed to turn off the power of the lighting control device, or when a power-off signal is input to the lighting control device. When a read request for setting information is input, the control unit 60 reads the setting information from the storage unit 61. When a read request for setting information is input, it refers to, for example, when a switch operation is performed to turn on the power of the lighting control device, or when a power-on signal is input to the lighting control device.

[0017] The storage unit 61 stores setting information. The storage unit 61 also stores various types of information. The storage unit 61 is a non-volatile storage unit that retains the stored contents even when the power supply to the lighting device 100 is cut off. The storage unit 61 is configured, for example, by a non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory is, for example, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

[0018] The D / A conversion unit 64 outputs an analog signal corresponding to the digital data output from the control unit 60. The light source driving unit 65 outputs a signal for driving the light source 800 based on the digital data output from the control unit 60.

[0019] The communication terminal device 500 has a function of performing wireless communication with the communication unit 11. The communication terminal device 500 can input setting information by a user's operation. The communication terminal device 500 is, for example, a smartphone. When the communication terminal device 500 is a smartphone, an application program for performing wireless communication with the lighting device 100 is installed in the communication terminal device 500.

[0020] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a power supply system of lighting control device 12 in Fig. 1. Lighting control device 12 is operated by, for example, a commercial power supply.

[0021] The lighting control device 12 has an AC / DC converter 66 that converts an AC voltage into a DC voltage, and a DC / DC converter 67 that converts the level of the DC voltage. A DC voltage (DC) that is an output of the AC / DC converter 66 is input to the control unit 60, the DC / DC converter 67, and the light source driving unit 65.

[0022] When the switch 200 is turned on, power is supplied to the lighting control device 12. This causes an AC voltage to be input to the lighting control device 12. The input of the AC voltage causes the lighting control device 12 to operate. The AC voltage is, for example, 100 V. When the switch 200 is turned off, the power input to the lighting control device 12 is cut off. This causes the operation of the lighting control device 12 to stop. Note that since the AC / DC converter 66 has a capacitor (not shown), it takes several seconds from when the switch 200 is turned off until the power supply is actually stopped.

[0023] (Example of operation) Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 are flowcharts showing an example of processing by control unit 60 in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of processing when power is applied to lighting control device 12. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a power-off process when power input to lighting control device 12 is cut off.

[0024] 3, first, control unit 60 determines whether or not lighting control device 12 is powered on (step S101). Until the power is turned on, control unit 60 remains in a standby state (No in step S101).

[0025] When the control unit 60 determines that the lighting control device 12 has been powered on, i.e., when it determines that a request to read the setting information has been input (Yes in step S101), it reads the setting information, i.e., the control data and brightness data, from the memory unit 61 (step S102).

[0026] Next, the control unit 60 sets the diffusion degree of the dimming unit 700 based on the control data (step S103). Furthermore, the control unit 60 sets the luminance of the light source 800 based on the luminance data (step S104). After that, the control unit 60 turns on the light source 800 (step S105). That is, after controlling the dimming unit 700 based on the control data, the control unit 60 controls the luminance of the light source 800 based on the luminance data. Since the luminance of the light source 800 is controlled after controlling the dimming unit 700, light that is being controlled by the dimming unit 700 is not emitted, and the user does not feel uncomfortable.

[0027] The control unit 60 determines whether or not there is an instruction regarding the setting information from the communication terminal device 500 (step S106). If the control unit 60 determines in step S106 that there is no instruction, it maintains the current state of the light irradiation unit 13 (No in step S106).

[0028] If the control unit 60 determines in step S106 that there is an instruction (Yes in step S106), it determines whether or not the instruction is to set the luminance of the light source 800 (step S107). If the control unit 60 determines in step S107 that there is an instruction to set the luminance of the light source 800 (Yes in step S107), it sets the luminance of the light source 800 in accordance with the content of the instruction (step S108).

[0029] Thereafter, the control unit 60 judges whether or not to end the process (step S109). If the control unit 60 judges to end the process in step S109 (Yes in step S109), for example, when the switch 200 is turned off or a power-off signal is received, the control unit 60 judges that a request to write setting information has been input, and proceeds to a power-off process shown in FIG. 4 (step S110).

[0030] If the control unit 60 determines in step S107 that the instruction is not an instruction to set the luminance of the light source 800 (No in step S107), it determines whether or not the instruction is an instruction to set the diffusion degree of the dimming unit 700 (step S111). If the control unit 60 determines in step S111 that the instruction is an instruction to set the diffusion degree of the dimming unit 700 (Yes in step S111), it sets the diffusion degree of the dimming unit 700 in accordance with the content of the instruction (step S112). Thereafter, the control unit 60 proceeds to step S109. If the control unit 60 determines in step S111 that the instruction is not an instruction to set the diffusion degree of the dimming unit 700, it proceeds to step S109 (No in step S111).

[0031] The control unit 60 determines whether or not to end the process (step S109). If the control unit 60 determines to end the process in step S109 (Yes in step S109), the control unit 60 proceeds to a power-off process shown in FIG.

[0032] When control unit 60 determines in step S109 not to end the process (No in step S109), control returns to step S106 and continues the process.

[0033] 4, first, the light source 800 is turned off (step S201). Next, the setting information, i.e., the control data and the brightness data, is written to the storage unit 61 (step S202). The setting information written to the storage unit 61 is read out the next time the power is turned on, and is used to set the diffusion degree of the dimming unit 700 and the brightness of the light source 800 (see steps S103 and S104 in FIG. 3).

[0034] Finally, the off sequence of the dimming unit 700 is executed (step S203). The off sequence of the dimming unit 700 is a process of discharging the applied voltage. This process is, for example, a process of discharging the charge given to the dimming unit 700 and applying a voltage of 0 volts from the D / A conversion unit 64.

[0035] By the process described with reference to FIG. 4, when the power is turned off, the setting information is written in the storage unit 61. Then, by the process described with reference to FIG. 3, when the power is turned on, the setting information is read from the storage unit 61, and the light irradiation unit 13 is controlled based on the read setting information. By processing in this manner, it is possible to irradiate the same light as when the power is turned off. In other words, when the power is turned on, it is possible to set the same usage state as the previous usage state. Therefore, the user does not need to set the diffusion degree of the dimming unit 700 and the brightness of the light source 800 every time the power is turned on. Note that when the power is turned off, it is the time from when the switch 200 (see FIG. 2) is turned off until the power is actually turned off, or from when a power off signal is input until the power is actually turned off.

[0036] (Variation 1) In the above processing example, the control unit 60 writes the setting information into the storage unit 61 when the power-off switch is operated or when a power-off signal for the device itself is input. As another processing example, the control unit 60 may write the setting information at that time into the storage unit 61 every time the setting information is changed. When writing the setting information at that time into the storage unit 61 every time the setting is changed, input of a command to change the setting information corresponds to input of a write request. The control unit 60 writes the setting information at the time when the command to change the setting information was input into the storage unit 61. An example of the processing by the control unit 60 in this case will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0037] 5 is a flowchart showing another example of the processing performed when the power is turned on to the lighting control device 12. In FIG. 5, the processing from step S101 to step S108 is similar to the processing described with reference to FIG.

[0038] After setting the luminance of the light source 800 (step S108), the control unit 60 writes the setting information, i.e., the luminance data of the light source 800, to the storage unit 61 (step S202). That is, the control unit 60 writes the luminance data at the time when the command to change the setting information was input to the storage unit 61. The setting information written to the storage unit 61 is read out the next time the power is turned on, and is used to set the luminance of the light source 800 (see step S104 in FIG. 3). Thereafter, the control unit 60 determines whether or not to end the process (step S109).

[0039] Furthermore, after setting the diffusion degree of the dimming unit 700 (Yes in step S111, step S112), the control unit 60 writes the setting information, i.e., the control data of the dimming unit 700, to the storage unit 61 (step S202). That is, the control unit 60 writes the control data at the time when the command to change the setting information was input to the storage unit 61. The setting information written to the storage unit 61 is read out the next time the power is turned on, and is used to set the diffusion degree of the dimming unit 700 (see step S103 in FIG. 3).

[0040] In Fig. 5, the process of step S109 is the same as the process described with reference to Fig. 3. When the control unit 60 determines to end the process in step S109 (Yes in step S109), the control unit 60 proceeds to a power-off process shown in Fig. 6 (step S110).

[0041] Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing another example of the power-off process when the power input to the lighting control device 12 is cut off. In Fig. 6, first, the light source 800 is turned off (step S201). Next, the off sequence of the dimming unit 700 is executed (step S203).

[0042] By the process described with reference to Fig. 5, the setting information is stored in the storage unit every time the setting is changed, so that the latest setting information can be stored even if the power input is cut off due to a power outage or the like. This makes it possible to read the setting information from the storage unit 61 the next time the power is turned on, and control the light irradiation unit 13 based on the read setting information. By processing in this way, it is possible to irradiate the same light as when the power was turned off. In other words, it is possible to achieve the same usage state as the previous usage state.

[0043] (Variation 2) In the process described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 5, after setting the diffusion degree of the light adjustment unit 700, the luminance of the light source 800 is set and the light source 800 is turned on (see steps S104 and S105).

[0044] The order of the processes may be changed so that the luminance of the light source 800 is set, the light source 800 is turned on, and then the diffusion degree of the light adjustment unit 700 is set. The process of the control unit 60 in this case will be described with reference to FIG.

[0045] 7 is a flowchart showing another example of the process when the power is turned on to the lighting control device 12. In FIG. 7, the process from step S101 to step S102 is similar to the process described with reference to FIG.

[0046] Next, the control unit 60 sets the luminance of the light source 800 (step S104), turns on the light source 800 (step S105), and then sets the diffusion degree of the dimming unit 700 (step S103). The subsequent processes are the same as those described with reference to Fig. 3 (steps S106 to S112). Note that when the control unit 60 transitions to the power-off process (step S110), it performs the process described with reference to Fig. 4.

[0047] As described above, the luminance of the light source 800 is controlled based on the luminance data by the processes of steps S104, S105, and S103, and then the dimming unit 700 is controlled based on the control data. The light source 800 is turned on first, and the user can see how the emitted light changes due to the subsequent operation of the dimming unit 700. This allows the user to enjoy the change in light as a performance, thereby enhancing the entertainment value.

[0048] (Variation 3) In the second modification, similarly to the first modification, each time the setting information is changed, the control unit 60 may write the setting information at that time into the storage unit 61. An example of the processing of the control unit 60 in this case will be described with reference to FIG.

[0049] Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing another example of processing when the lighting control device 12 is powered on. In Fig. 8, the processing from step S101 to step S108 is similar to the processing described with reference to Fig. 7. Furthermore, after step S108, the processing from step S111 to step S110 is similar to the processing described with reference to Fig. 5.

[0050] When the control unit 60 transitions to the power-off process (step S110), the control unit 60 performs the process described with reference to FIG.

[0051] As in the case of the first modification described with reference to FIG. 5, each time the settings are changed, the setting information at that time is stored in the storage unit, so that even if the power input is cut off due to a power outage or the like, the latest setting information can be stored. This makes it possible to read the setting information from the storage unit 61 the next time the power is turned on, and control the light irradiation unit 13 based on the read setting information. By processing in this way, it is possible to irradiate the same light as when the power was turned off. In other words, it is possible to achieve the same usage state as the previous usage state.

[0052] 7, the light source 800 is turned on first, and the user can see how the emitted light changes due to the subsequent operation of the dimming unit 700. This allows the user to enjoy the change in light as a dramatic effect, enhancing the entertainment value.

[0053] (Variation 4) When writing to or reading from the storage unit 61, an error may occur in the setting information. If an error occurs in the setting information, it is not possible to restore the same usage state as the previous usage state. Therefore, a parity bit or checksum may be provided in the setting information data to verify the presence or absence of an error. If an error is found in the setting information, the error is corrected and then the next process is started. Multiple generations of setting information may be stored in the storage unit 61, and if an error occurs in the setting information, the setting information of the previous generation may be used.

[0054] (Example of the configuration of the light irradiation unit) Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the light irradiation unit 13 of the lighting device 100. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a cross section along a plane passing through the central axis of the light irradiated by the light irradiation unit 13. As shown in Fig. 9, the light irradiation unit 13 includes a light source unit 80, a reflector 130, and a dimming unit 700. Fig. 9 shows a case where the light irradiation unit 13 is a downlight. The light irradiation unit 13 may be a lighting fixture that is hung from a ceiling, or may be a lighting fixture that is provided on a wall and used as indirect lighting.

[0055] The light source unit 80 includes a light source 800. The light source 800 is, for example, an LED mounted on a substrate of the light source unit 80.

[0056] The reflector 130 has a curved surface that reflects the light output from the light source 800. The light reflected by the reflector 130 is incident on the dimming unit 700. The dimming unit 700 emits the light from a surface opposite to the surface into which the light is incident. The emitted light is irradiated onto, for example, a floor surface. The dimming unit 700 includes four dimming panels 1-1 to 1-4. The four dimming panels 1-1 to 1-4 have the same configuration. The four dimming panels 1-1 to 1-4 can change the shape and size of the incident light. The dimming panels 1-1 to 1-4 deform the light from the light source 800 into, for example, an elliptical shape.

[0057] In this example, the dimming panel 1-1 and the dimming panel 1-2 are stacked. The dimming panel 1-1 is a dimming panel for p-wave polarization. The dimming panel 1-2 is a dimming panel for s-wave polarization. Flexible dimming control is possible by providing the dimming panel 1-1 and the dimming panel 1-2 with a signal based on the light to be irradiated. The dimming panel 1-1 may be a dimming panel for s-wave polarization, and the dimming panel 1-2 may be a dimming panel for p-wave polarization. Either the dimming panel 1-1 or the dimming panel 1-2 may be a dimming panel for p-wave polarization, and the other may be a dimming panel for s-wave polarization.

[0058] In this example, the dimming panel 1-3 and the dimming panel 1-4 are stacked. The dimming panel 1-3 is a dimming panel for p-wave polarization. The dimming panel 1-4 is a dimming panel for s-wave polarization. By providing a signal based on the light to be irradiated to the dimming panel 1-3 and the dimming panel 1-4, flexible dimming control is possible. The dimming panel 1-3 may be a dimming panel for s-wave polarization, and the dimming panel 1-4 may be a dimming panel for p-wave polarization. Either the dimming panel 1-3 or the dimming panel 1-4 may be a dimming panel for p-wave polarization, and the other may be a dimming panel for s-wave polarization.

[0059] Therefore, each of the four dimming panels 1-1 to 1-4 has two liquid crystal cells for p-wave polarization and two liquid crystal cells for s-wave polarization. This configuration makes it possible to change the size and shape of the light to be emitted, enabling more flexible dimming control.

[0060] 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the lighting control device 12. The lighting control device 12 has an MCU (Micro Controller Unit) 62, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) 63, a D (Digital) / A (Analog) conversion unit 64, and a light source driving unit 65. The lighting control device 12 is connected to a communication unit 11.

[0061] The communication unit 11 communicates with the communication terminal device 500. Specifically, the communication unit 11 has a circuit that functions as, for example, a network interface controller (NIC). The communication unit 11 receives a signal including a command related to the operation of the lighting device 100 transmitted from the communication terminal device 500, and outputs information indicating the command to the MCU 62.

[0062] The command regarding the operation of the lighting device 100 transmitted from the communication terminal device 500 is, for example, a command to specify whether to turn on / off the light irradiation by the lighting device 100, the shape, size, and intensity of the light, but is not limited to these, and the command may include any item that can be individually specified within the operational control range of the lighting device 100.

[0063] The MCU 62 outputs various signals to the FPGA 63 and the light source driving unit 65 in response to commands related to the operation of the lighting device 100 obtained from the communication terminal device 500 via the communication unit 1112. That is, the MCU 62 controls each unit of the lighting control device 12 so that the lighting device 100 operates in response to the operation from the communication terminal device 500.

[0064] Under the control of the MCU 62, the FPGA 63 performs information processing for controlling the operation of the dimming unit 700, and outputs a signal indicating the result of the information processing to the D / A conversion unit 64. For example, when a command for the operation of the lighting device 100 transmitted from the communication terminal device 500 includes a designation for a light irradiation range, the FPGA 63 performs information processing for operating the dimming unit 700 so that light is irradiated to an irradiation range corresponding to the designation.

[0065] The D / A conversion unit 64 is configured to output an analog signal for operating a plurality of light control panels 1 included in the light control unit 700 based on a digital signal that is a signal from the FPGA 63. This configuration may be one circuit or may include a plurality of circuits.

[0066] The light source driving unit 65 performs on / off control of the light source 800 included in the light source unit 80 and control of the light emission intensity when on, under the control of the MCU 62. The light source driving unit 65 may be a single circuit, or may include a plurality of circuits.

[0067] Next, the light control panel 1 included in the light control unit 700 will be described with reference to FIG. 11 to FIG.

[0068] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a light control panel according to an embodiment. FIG. 12 is a plan view showing wiring of an array substrate of a light control panel according to an embodiment, and is a view of the array substrate seen from above. FIG. 13 is a plan view showing wiring of an opposing substrate of a light control panel according to an embodiment, and is a view of the opposing substrate seen from above. FIG. 14 is a plan view showing wiring of a light control panel according to an embodiment, and is a view of the light control panel seen from above. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 14. In the xyz coordinate system shown in FIGS. 11 to 14, the direction along the x1 direction and the x2 direction is referred to as the x direction. The x1 direction and the x2 direction are opposite. Also, the direction along the y1 direction and the y2 direction is referred to as the y direction. The y1 direction and the y2 direction are opposite. Also, the direction along the z1 direction and the z2 direction is referred to as the z direction. The z1 direction and the z2 direction are opposite. The x direction and the y direction are perpendicular to each other. The plane along which the x and y directions lie is perpendicular to the z direction.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 11, the light control panel 1 includes an array substrate 2, a counter substrate 3, a liquid crystal layer 4, and a sealant 30. The array substrate 2 includes a counter substrate 3, a liquid crystal layer 4, and a sealant 30.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 14, the array substrate (first substrate) 2 is larger than the counter substrate (second substrate) 3. That is, the area of ​​the counter substrate (second substrate) 3 is smaller than the area of ​​the array substrate (first substrate) 2. The array substrate 2 has a transparent glass 23 (see FIG. 12). The counter substrate 3 has a transparent glass 31 (see FIG. 13). In the embodiment, the array substrate 2 and the counter substrate 3 are square in a plan view seen from above, but the shape of the substrate according to the present invention is not limited to a square. A first terminal group area 21 and a second terminal group area 22 are provided on the surface 2a of the array substrate 2. The first terminal group area 21 is located at the end of the surface 2a of the array substrate 2 on the y1 side. The second terminal group area 22 is located at the end of the surface 2a of the array substrate 2 on the x2 side. The first terminal group area 21 and the second terminal group area 22 have an L shape when seen from above. The first terminal group 10 is arranged in the first terminal group area 21, and the second terminal group 20 is arranged in the second terminal group area 22. Since the area of ​​the counter substrate 3 is smaller than the area of ​​the array substrate 2, the first terminal group 10 and the second terminal group 20 are exposed. The first terminal group 10 and the second terminal group 20 are also simply referred to as terminal portions.

[0071] 11 and 14, the first terminal group 10 includes a first terminal 101, a second terminal 102, a third terminal 103, a fourth terminal 104, a first pad 105, a second pad 106, a third pad 107, a fourth pad 108, a fifth pad 109, a sixth pad 110, a seventh pad 111, and an eighth pad 112. The first terminal 101, the second terminal 102, the third terminal 103, the fourth terminal 104, the first pad 105, the second pad 106, the third pad 107, the fourth pad 108, the fifth pad 109, the sixth pad 110, the seventh pad 111, and the eighth pad 112 are arranged in order in the left-right direction from the x1 side to the x2 side. The first pad 105 and the eighth pad 112 are electrically connected via a lead wire 113. The second pad 106 and the seventh pad 111 are electrically connected via a lead wire 113. The third pad 107 and the sixth pad 110 are electrically connected via a lead wire 113. The fourth pad 108 and the fifth pad 109 are electrically connected via the lead wire 113.

[0072] 11 and 14, the second terminal group 20 includes a fifth terminal 201, a sixth terminal 202, a seventh terminal 203, an eighth terminal 204, a ninth pad 205, a tenth pad 206, an eleventh pad 207, a twelfth pad 208, a thirteenth pad 209, a fourteenth pad 210, a fifteenth pad 211, and a sixteenth pad 212. The fifth terminal 201, the sixth terminal 202, the seventh terminal 203, the eighth terminal 204, the ninth pad 205, the tenth pad 206, the eleventh pad 207, the twelfth pad 208, the thirteenth pad 209, the fourteenth pad 210, the fifteenth pad 211, and the sixteenth pad 212 are arranged in sequence in the front-rear direction from the y2 side to the y1 side. The ninth pad 205 and the sixteenth pad 212 are electrically connected via a lead wire 213. The tenth pad 206 and the fifteenth pad 211 are electrically connected via a lead wire 213. The eleventh pad 207 and the fourteenth pad 210 are electrically connected via a lead wire 213. The twelfth pad 208 and the thirteenth pad 209 are electrically connected via a lead wire 213.

[0073] 11, the counter substrate 3 is disposed on the upper side (z1 side) of the array substrate 2. A sealant 30 and a liquid crystal layer 4 are provided between the counter substrate 3 and the array substrate 2. The sealant 30 is provided in a ring shape along the outer periphery of the counter substrate 3, and the liquid crystal layer 4 is filled inside the sealant 30. The region where the liquid crystal layer 4 is provided is an active region, the outside of the liquid crystal layer 4 is a frame region, and the first terminal group area 21 and the second terminal group area 22 are terminal regions.

[0074] Next, the wiring of the array substrate 2 and the counter substrate 3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 15, the wiring is provided on the front surface of the substrate. That is, the surface on which the wiring is provided is referred to as the front surface, and the surface opposite to the front surface is referred to as the back surface. Specifically, referring to FIG. 15, the wiring is provided on the upper surface 2a of the front surface 2a and back surface 2b of the array substrate 2, and the wiring is provided on the lower surface 3a of the front surface 3a and back surface 3b of the counter substrate 3. In this way, the front surface 2a of the array substrate 2 and the front surface 3a of the counter substrate 3 are disposed to face each other with the liquid crystal layer 4 sandwiched therebetween.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 12, the wiring 24 and the first electrodes 25 are provided on the surface 2a of the transparent glass 23 of the array substrate 2. Specifically, the first terminal 101 and the fifth terminal 201 are electrically connected via the wiring 24. The second terminal 102 and the sixth terminal 202 are electrically connected via the wiring 24. The third terminal 103 and the seventh terminal 203 are electrically connected via the wiring 24. The fourth terminal 104 and the eighth terminal 204 are electrically connected via the wiring 24. A plurality of first electrodes 25 are connected to the wiring 24 connecting the second terminal 102 and the sixth terminal 202. A plurality of first electrodes 25 are connected to the wiring 24 connecting the third terminal 103 and the seventh terminal 203. The wiring 24 is provided with connection parts C1 and C2.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 13, the wiring 32 and the second electrode 33 are provided on the surface 3a of the counter substrate 3. Specifically, the wiring 32 is provided on the y1 side and the y2 side. The wiring 32 extends in the x direction. The second electrode 33 is electrically connected to the wiring 32. The second electrode 33 extends in the y direction. The wiring 32 is provided with connection parts C3 and C4. In the example shown in FIG. 12 to FIG. 14, the number of the first electrodes 25 and the number of the second electrodes 33 are eight, but this is a schematic diagram and does not indicate the actual number of the first electrodes 25 and the second electrodes 33. The number of the first electrodes 25 and the number of the second electrodes 33 may be two or more, and may be nine or more.

[0077] 14 and 15, the counter substrate 3 is disposed above the array substrate 2 with a gap therebetween. A liquid crystal layer 4 is filled between the array substrate 2 and the counter substrate 3. The connection portion C1 of the array substrate 2 and the connection portion C3 of the counter substrate 3 are electrically connected via a conductive pillar (not shown). The connection portion C2 of the array substrate 2 and the connection portion C4 of the counter substrate 3 are electrically connected via a conductive pillar (not shown).

[0078] 14, the first terminal 101, the second terminal 102, the third terminal 103, the fourth terminal 104, the first pad 105, the second pad 106, the third pad 107, and the fourth pad 108 can be electrically connected to an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits) 40 shown by a two-dot chain line. The multiple light control panels 1-1 to 1-4 are connected to a D / A conversion unit 64 via, for example, the FPC 40 provided individually for each of them.

[0079] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the light control unit 700. As shown in FIG. 16, the light control unit 700 has, for example, four light control panels 1-1 to 1-4 stacked in the z direction. The four light control panels 1-1 to 1-4 are the light control panels 1-1 to 1-4 described with reference to FIG. 11 to FIG. 15. The four light control panels 1-1 to 1-4 are stacked such that the liquid crystal layers 4 of each panel overlap, and the arrangements of the first electrodes 25 and the second electrodes 33 of each panel overlap in a plan view. The plan view is a view from the front of a plane along the x and y directions. The area in which the first electrodes 25 and the second electrodes 33 are arranged functions as a light distribution control area LDA shown in FIG. 17, etc., which will be described later.

[0080] 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of light distribution control by the light distribution control area LDA. As described above, the light distribution control area LDA is an area in which a plurality of first electrodes 25 and a plurality of second electrodes 33 are arranged in a plan view. That is, the light distribution control area LDA includes a plurality of electrodes extending in the x direction and aligned in the y direction, and a plurality of electrodes extending in the y direction and aligned in the x direction. The electrodes extending in the x direction and aligned in the y direction are, for example, the first electrodes 25. The electrodes extending in the y direction and aligned in the x direction are, for example, the second electrodes 33.

[0081] Since the dimming unit 700 has four dimming panels 1-1 to 1-4 overlapping in the z direction, the electrodes extending in the x direction and aligned in the y direction and the electrodes extending in the y direction and aligned in the x direction are fourfold in the z direction. By controlling the potential of each of the electrodes extending in the x direction and aligned in the y direction and the electrodes extending in the y direction and aligned in the x direction of the four dimming panels 1-1 to 1-4 of the dimming unit 700, the light distribution control area LDA can control the transmission range and degree of light traveling from one side of the dimming unit 700 to the other side, for example, as in examples E1, E2, E3, and E4 of the "examples of light distribution patterns" shown in FIG.

[0082] In the following description, it is assumed that the electric potentials applied to electrodes overlapping in a plan view are equal. Example E1 in Fig. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the light distribution control area LDA is viewed from the opposite side of a light source (e.g., light source 800) in a plan view when all of the electric potentials of the multiple electrodes extending in the x direction and aligned in the y direction and the multiple electrodes extending in the y direction and aligned in the x direction are 0 volts (V). In example E1, the light from the light source is almost completely transmitted through the light distribution control area LDA.

[0083] Example E2 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the light distribution control area LDA is viewed from the opposite side of the light source (e.g., light source 800) in a planar perspective when the potential of multiple electrodes extending in the x direction and aligned in the y direction is 0 volts (V) and the potential of multiple electrodes extending in the y direction and aligned in the x direction is a potential exceeding 0 volts (V). Example E2 shows the light distribution control area LDA in a state in which, when comparing the spread of light in the x direction and the spread of light in the y direction, the light from the light source spreads relatively widely in the x direction, while the light distribution is controlled so that it does not spread much in the y direction.

[0084] Example E3 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the light distribution control area LDA is viewed from the opposite side of the light source (e.g., light source 800) in a planar perspective when the potentials of multiple electrodes extending in the x direction and aligned in the y direction exceed 0 volts (V) and the potentials of multiple electrodes extending in the y direction and aligned in the x direction are 0 volts (V). Example E3 shows the light distribution control area LDA in a state in which, when comparing the spread of light in the x direction and the spread of light in the y direction, the light from the light source spreads relatively widely in the y direction, while the light distribution is controlled so that it does not spread much in the x direction.

[0085] Example E4 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the light distribution control area LDA is viewed from the opposite side of a light source (e.g., light source 800) in a plan view when all of the potentials of the multiple electrodes extending in the x direction and aligned in the y direction and the multiple electrodes extending in the y direction and aligned in the x direction exceed 0 volts (V). Example E4 shows the light distribution control area LDA in a state in which the light from the light source is largely blocked by the light distribution control area LDA, and thus the light distribution control area LDA appears dim overall when viewed from the opposite side of the light source across the light distribution control area LDA.

[0086] In addition, the light distribution control area LDA may have two or more electrodes extending in the x direction and arranged in the y direction, and two or more electrodes extending in the y direction and arranged in the x direction, in a plan view. Here, the first condition is that one light distribution control area LDA has m electrodes extending in the x direction and arranged in the y direction, and n electrodes extending in the y direction and arranged in the x direction. In addition, the second condition is that in one of the light control panels 1-1 to 1-4, the number of electrodes (e.g., first electrodes 25) extending in the x direction and arranged in the y direction is m×p, and the number of electrodes (e.g., second electrodes 33) extending in the y direction and arranged in the x direction is n×q. On the premise of the first condition and the second condition, the light control unit 700 can set p light distribution control areas LDA in the x direction and q light distribution control areas LDA in the y direction in a matrix. m, n, p, and q are natural numbers of 2 or more. Of course, the entire active area (area where the liquid crystal layer 4 is provided) of one light control panel from a planar perspective may be one light distribution control area LDA.

[0087] Moreover, examples E1, E2, E3, and E4 shown in Fig. 17 particularly show the difference in the shape of the light distribution range from a planar viewpoint due to potential control. As described with reference to Fig. 14 and Fig. 15, the shape and size of the light transmission range can be more flexibly controlled by the relationship between the potential applied to the first electrode 25 and the potential applied to the second electrode 33. This control makes it possible to change the shape and size of the irradiated light.

[0088] (Other embodiments) Next, an embodiment in which communication with a controller is performed via a wired connection will be described. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of another lighting device 100a including a lighting control device according to this embodiment. In Fig. 18, the lighting device 100a includes a lighting control device 12a and a light irradiation unit 13. The configuration and operation of the light irradiation unit 13 are the same as those described above.

[0089] 18, the lighting control device 12 includes a communication unit 11a, a control unit 60a, a storage unit 61, a D / A conversion unit 64, and a light source driving unit 65. The controller 400 outputs, for example, a DMX512 signal for controlling the luminance and diffusion degree. The controller 400 outputs the DMX512 signal, for example, when a user operates a slide switch (not shown).

[0090] In this example, the communication unit 11a can perform wired communication with the controller 400 and wireless communication with the communication terminal device 500. The communication unit 11a can acquire setting information for controlling the light irradiation unit 13 from the controller 400. The communication unit 11a can acquire, for example, a DMX512 signal from the controller 400. The DMX512 signal is a signal including setting information for controlling the light irradiation unit 13. The DMX512 signal acquired by the communication unit 11a is sent to the control unit 60a.

[0091] The control unit 60a controls the light irradiation unit 13 based on setting information included in the DMX512 signal received by the communication unit 11a. The setting information includes brightness data for controlling the brightness of the light source 800 and control data for controlling the dimming unit 700. When the brightness of the light source 800 is fixed, the setting information does not include brightness data but includes control data for controlling the dimming unit 700.

[0092] The lighting device 100a can switch from a state in which setting information is acquired from the controller 400 to a state in which setting information is acquired from the communication terminal device 500. This switching is triggered by an interrupt input from the communication terminal device 500. The lighting device 100a writes the setting information in the state before the switching to the storage unit 61, reads the setting information from the storage unit 61 after the switching, and controls the light irradiation unit 13 based on the read setting information.

[0093] Fig. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the control unit 60a in Fig. 18. Fig. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of processing when the lighting control device 12a is powered on. In Fig. 19, first, the control unit 60a determines whether the lighting control device 12a is powered on (step S101). The processing of the control unit 60a is in a standby state until the power is turned on (No in step S101).

[0094] When it is determined that the lighting control device 12 is powered on (Yes in step S101), the control unit 60a acquires setting information, i.e., control data and luminance data, from the controller 400 via the communication unit 11a (step S302). After acquiring the control data and luminance data, the processes from step S103 to step S108, and steps S111 and S112 are the same as those described with reference to FIG.

[0095] After setting the luminance of the light source 800 (step S108), the control unit 60a checks with the communication unit 11a whether or not there is an interrupt from another communication terminal device 500 other than the controller 400 (step S309). If the control unit 60a determines in step S309 that there is an interrupt (Yes in step S309), it determines whether or not to switch to a state in which the light irradiation unit 13 is controlled based on the setting information input from the communication terminal device 500 to the communication unit 11a (step S310). If the control unit 60a determines in step S310 that the switching is to be performed (Yes in step S310), it writes the setting information at that time into the storage unit 61 (step S311) and ends the process. In this case, the interrupt corresponds to a write request for the setting information.

[0096] If the control unit 60a determines in step S309 that there is no interrupt (No in step S309), the control unit 60a returns to step S106 and continues the process.

[0097] When the control unit 60a determines in step S310 that the switching is not to be performed (No in step S310), it determines whether or not to end the process (step S312). When the control unit 60a determines in step S312 that the processing is to be ended (Yes in step S312), it writes the setting information at that time into the storage unit 61 (step S311) and ends the processing. In this case, the above interrupt corresponds to a write request for the setting information. Thereafter, the state is switched to a state in which the light irradiation unit 13 is controlled based on the setting information input from the communication terminal device 500 to the communication unit 11a. After the switching, the process proceeds to any one of the processes described with reference to FIG. 3, the process described with reference to FIG. 5, the process described with reference to FIG. 7, and the process described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0098] When control unit 60a determines in step S312 not to end the process (No in step S312), control returns to step S106 and continues the process.

[0099] As described with reference to Fig. 17 and Fig. 18, when switching to a state in which the light irradiation unit 13 is controlled based on setting information input to the communication unit 11a from the communication terminal device 500 which is a second communication terminal device other than the controller 400 which is a first communication terminal device, the setting information in the state before switching is written to the storage unit 61. Then, after switching, the setting information is read from the storage unit 61 as described with reference to Fig. 3, Fig. 5, Fig. 7 or Fig. 8. Thereafter, the lighting control device 12a controls the light irradiation unit 13 based on the read setting information. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 1, 1-1~1-4 Dimming panel 11, 11a Communication Department 12, 12a Lighting control device 13 Light irradiation unit 60, 60a Control section 61 Storage section 64 D / A conversion section 65 Light source driver 66 AC / DC Converter 67 DC / DC Converter 80 Light source section 100, 100a Lighting equipment 200 Switch 400 Controller 500 Communication terminal equipment 700 Dimmer 800 light sources

Claims

1. A light source, a light control unit that controls the light from the light source, and a light irradiation unit that irradiates the light, a non-volatile storage unit that stores setting information for controlling the light irradiation unit; a control unit which, when a write request for setting information is input, writes the setting information at that time into the storage unit, and, when a read request for setting information is input, reads the setting information from the storage unit; the setting information includes luminance data for controlling the luminance of the light source and control data for controlling the dimmer, A lighting control device that controls the light irradiation unit based on setting information read by the control unit.

2. After controlling the dimming unit based on the control data, The lighting control device according to claim 1 , wherein the luminance of the light source is controlled based on the luminance data.

3. After controlling the luminance of the light source based on the luminance data, The lighting control device according to claim 1 , wherein the light control unit is controlled based on the control data.

4. The dimming unit includes a dimming panel for p-wave polarization and a dimming panel for s-wave polarization, The p-wave polarized light control panel and the s-wave polarized light control panel are laminated together, A signal based on the control data is given to the p-wave polarization control panel and the s-wave polarization control panel; The lighting control device according to claim 1 , wherein the light from the light source is irradiated through the p-wave polarization control panel and the s-wave polarization control panel.

5. The lighting control device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit writes setting information at the time of powering off the lighting control device to the storage unit when the lighting control device itself is powered off.

6. The lighting control device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit writes the setting information at that time into the storage unit every time the setting information is changed.

7. A communication unit for communicating with a communication terminal device; a control unit that controls a light emitting unit that emits light based on setting information input from a first communication terminal device to the communication unit; A non-volatile storage unit that stores the setting information; Including, The control unit is A lighting control device that, when switching to a state in which the light irradiation unit is controlled based on setting information input to the communication unit from a second communication terminal device other than the first communication terminal device, writes the setting information in the state before switching to the memory unit, reads the setting information from the memory unit after switching, and controls the light irradiation unit based on the read setting information.

8. The lighting control device according to claim 7 , wherein the communication unit communicates with the first communication terminal device via a wired connection and communicates with the second communication terminal device via wireless communication.

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