Lighting Control Device

Abstract

To provide a lighting control device that allows a user to easily change the dimming level and the toning level of a lighting device.SOLUTION: A lighting control device C controls a lighting device B. The lighting control device C includes a lighting operation unit 11. The lighting operation unit 11 can operate in a plurality of operation modes. The plurality of operation modes include a dimming mode and a toning mode. When the operation mode of the lighting operation unit 11 is the dimming mode, the lighting operation unit 11 receives an instruction to change the dimming level of the lighting device B. When the operation mode of the lighting operation unit 11 is the toning mode, the lighting operation unit 11 receives an instruction to change the toning level of the lighting device B.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] The wall switch described in Patent Document 1 includes an operation area and a signal processor. A tap operation on the operation area turns on the lighting load and a turn off operation on the lighting load. A slide operation on the operation area changes the dimming level of the lighting load. When the signal processor detects a tap operation while the lighting load is on, the signal processor turns off the lighting load when a predetermined delay time has elapsed. When the signal processor detects a slide operation between the tap operation for turning off the lighting load and the delay time has elapsed, the signal processor changes the dimming level of the lighting load and keeps the lighting load on even after the delay time has elapsed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-120208 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the wall switch described in Patent Document 1 cannot change the color tone level of the lighting load. Therefore, in order to change the color tone level, multiple wall switches must be prepared to change the dimming levels of multiple light sources with different light emission colors. As a result, a user must use multiple wall switches when changing the dimming level and color tone level of a lighting load (lighting fixture), which is cumbersome.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a lighting control device that allows a user to easily change the dimming level of a lighting fixture. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A lighting control device disclosed in the present application controls a lighting fixture. The lighting control device includes a dimming level display unit, a lighting operation unit, and a control unit. The dimming level display unit displays dimming level information indicating the dimming level of the lighting fixture. The lighting operation unit accepts an instruction to change the dimming level of the lighting fixture. The control unit controls the dimming level display unit. The lighting operation unit is configured with a touch panel that can be operated by touch. The control unit controls the dimming level display unit to display dimming level information of the lighting fixture corresponding to the dimming level changed by the touch operation.

[0007] The dimming level display unit preferably includes a plurality of light sources. Each of the plurality of light sources preferably lights up or flashes at a first predetermined brightness or a second predetermined brightness higher than the first predetermined brightness. The control unit preferably controls at least one of the plurality of light sources to light up or flash at the first predetermined brightness and controls the other light sources to light up or flash at the second predetermined brightness in accordance with the dimming level of the lighting device.

[0008] It is preferable that the control unit changes a ratio between the number of light sources that light up or flash at the first predetermined brightness and the number of light sources that light up or flash at the second predetermined brightness among the plurality of light sources in accordance with a dimming level of the lighting device.

[0009] When the lighting operation unit receives a predetermined operation, it is preferable that the control unit controls the dimming level display unit to display the dimming level information. Effect of the Invention

[0010] The present invention allows a user to easily change the dimming and color adjustment levels of a lighting fixture. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1]1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a lighting system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates a lighting control device. [Diagram 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the lighting control device shown in FIG. 2 along line III-III. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a display unit in a first display state. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the display unit in a second display state. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the display unit in a third display state. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the display unit in a fourth display state. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the display unit in a fifth display state. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the display unit in a sixth display state. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the display unit in a seventh display state. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a first flow chart showing an example of the operation of a lighting control device. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a second flow chart showing an example of the operation of the lighting control device. [Figure 14] FIG. 3 is a third flow chart showing an example of the operation of the lighting control device. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a lighting control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 13(a) to 13(d) are diagrams showing a lighting control device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] 10(a) to 10(d) are diagrams showing a lighting control device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] 13(a) to (d) are diagrams showing a lighting control device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a lighting control device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a lighting control device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0013] [First embodiment] A lighting system A according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a lighting system A according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, a lighting system A includes a lighting fixture B and a lighting control device C.

[0015] The lighting fixture B is a fixture that emits light, such as a downlight or a spotlight. The lighting fixture B includes a light source B1. The light source B1 emits light. The light source B1 is installed, for example, on the ceiling of a room and emits light from the ceiling into the room. The light source B1 includes, for example, a light-emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) element.

[0016] The lighting control device C controls the lighting fixture B. The lighting control device C includes an operation unit 10, a display unit 20, a connection unit 30, a storage unit 40, and a control unit 50. The lighting control device C is, for example, a dimming and color adjustment controller.

[0017] The operation unit 10 accepts lighting instructions, which are instructions for the lighting device B. The lighting instructions include, for example, an instruction to turn on or off the power of the lighting device B, an instruction to change the dimming level of the light source B1, and an instruction to change the color tuning level of the light source B1.

[0018] In the first embodiment, the operation unit 10 is configured as a touch panel. A user inputs lighting instructions by performing touch operations such as tapping and swiping on the operation unit 10, which is a touch panel. A tapping operation is an operation of touching the touch panel and then immediately releasing the touch. A swipe operation is an operation of sliding a finger or the like while touching the touch panel with the finger or the like.

[0019] Display unit 20 displays, for example, information indicating whether lighting device B is powered on or off, and information indicating a lighting instruction received by operation unit 10.

[0020] The connection unit 30 connects the control unit 50 and the lighting fixture B. The connection unit 30 may connect the control unit 50 and the lighting fixture B by wire or wirelessly. When the control unit 50 and the lighting fixture B are connected by wire, the connection unit 30 is configured, for example, as a connection port to which a signal line is connected. In this case, the control unit 50 and the lighting fixture B are connected via a signal line. When the control unit 50 and the lighting fixture B are connected wirelessly, the connection unit 30 is configured, for example, as a communication module (communication device) such as a LAN board. In this case, the control unit 50 and the lighting fixture B are connected by Wifi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The control unit 50 controls the lighting fixture B by communicating with the lighting fixture B via the connection unit 30.

[0021] The storage unit 40 includes a main storage device (e.g., a semiconductor memory) such as a Read Only Memory (ROM) and a Random Access Memory (RAM), and may further include an auxiliary storage device (e.g., a hard disk drive). The storage unit 40 stores various computer programs executed by the control unit 50.

[0022] The control unit 50 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The control unit 50 controls each element of the lighting control device C by executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 40.

[0023] Next, a lighting control device C will be described with reference to Fig. 1, Fig. 2, and Fig. 3. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the lighting control device C. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the lighting control device C shown in Fig. 2 taken along line III-III.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the display unit 20 of the lighting control device C includes a display pattern film 21 and a plurality of light sources .

[0025] In Fig. 2, the plurality of light sources 28 are disposed on the rear side of the display pattern film 21. As shown in Fig. 3, the plurality of light sources 28 are disposed opposite the display pattern film 21 via the operation unit 10. Each of the plurality of light sources 28 includes a light emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) element. The plurality of light sources 28 are disposed on a circuit board 60.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the plurality of light sources 28 includes a light source 28V, a light source 28W, light sources 281 to 286, and light sources 28a to 28f.

[0027] In the first embodiment, light source 28V, light source 28W, and light sources 281 to 286 emit white light. Light source 28a to light source 28c emit light with a high color temperature (for example, blue). Light source 28d to light source 28f emit light with a lower color temperature (for example, orange) than light source 28a to light source 28c.

[0028] The display unit 20 of the lighting control device C further includes a power display unit 22, a mode display unit 23, an operation display unit 24, and a switching display unit 25.

[0029] The power indicator 22 , the mode indicator 23 , the operation indicator 24 , and the switching indicator 25 are symbols formed on the display pattern film 21 .

[0030] The areas of the display pattern film 21 where the power display section 22, the mode display section 23, the operation display section 24, and the switching display section 25 are formed transmit light. The power display section 22, the mode display section 23, the operation display section 24, and the switching display section 25 are formed in, for example, white or gray. In contrast, the areas 21a of the display pattern film 21 other than the areas where the power display section 22, the mode display section 23, the operation display section 24, and the switching display section 25 are formed do not transmit light. The areas 21a are formed in, for example, black. In the first embodiment, the black areas 21a are represented in white.

[0031] The power indicator 22 is represented by a symbol of a power button on the display pattern film 21. The power indicator 22 is disposed in the center of the display pattern film 21. The power indicator 22 faces the light source 28W across the operation unit 10 (see FIG. 3). The light emitted from the light source 28W passes through the power indicator 22. As a result, the power indicator 22 lights up. The power indicator 22 lights up in white due to the light from the light source 28W.

[0032] The mode display section 23 is represented by a symbol formed in the shape of an arrowhead on the display pattern film 21. The mode display section 23 includes a first mode display section 231 and a second mode display section 232. The first mode display section 231 and the second mode display section 232 are arranged at an interval along the predetermined direction X. The mode display section 23 displays information indicating the current operation mode of the lighting operation section 11. The operation modes of the lighting operation section 11 will be described later.

[0033] The power supply display unit 22 is disposed between the first mode display unit 231 and the second mode display unit 232. The first mode display unit 231 is disposed on one side in the predetermined direction X with respect to the power supply display unit 22. The second mode display unit 232 is disposed on the other side in the predetermined direction X with respect to the power supply display unit 22.

[0034] The first mode display unit 231 faces the light source 281 and the light source 28a across the operation unit 10. The first mode display unit 231 lights up in white by transmitting light from the light source 281, and lights up in blue by transmitting light from the light source 28a. The second mode display unit 232 faces the light source 286 and the light source 28f across the operation unit 10. The second mode display unit 232 lights up in white by transmitting light from the light source 286, and lights up in orange by transmitting light from the light source 28f.

[0035] The operation display unit 24 is represented by a circular symbol on the display pattern film 21. The operation display unit 24 includes a first operation display unit 241, a second operation display unit 242, a third operation display unit 243, and a fourth operation display unit 244.

[0036] The first operation display unit 241 and the second operation display unit 242 are disposed between the power display unit 22 and the first mode display unit 231, and are aligned along the predetermined direction X. The first operation display unit 241 faces the light source 282 and the light source 28b across the operation unit 10. The first operation display unit 241 lights up in white by transmitting light from the light source 282, and lights up in blue by transmitting light from the light source 28b. The second operation display unit 242 faces the light source 283 and the light source 28c across the operation unit 10. The second operation display unit 242 lights up in white by transmitting light from the light source 283, and lights up in blue by transmitting light from the light source 28c.

[0037] The third operation display unit 243 and the fourth operation display unit 244 are disposed between the power display unit 22 and the second mode display unit 232, and are aligned along the predetermined direction X. The third operation display unit 243 faces the light source 284 and the light source 28d across the operation unit 10. The third operation display unit 243 lights up in white by transmitting light from the light source 284, and lights up in orange by transmitting light from the light source 28d. The fourth operation display unit 244 faces the light source 285 and the light source 28e across the operation unit 10. The fourth operation display unit 244 lights up in white by transmitting light from the light source 285, and lights up in orange by transmitting light from the light source 28e.

[0038] The switching display unit 25 is represented by a circular symbol on the display pattern film 21. The switching display unit 25 is disposed in a corner of the display pattern film 21. The switching display unit 25 faces the light source 28V via the operation unit 10. The switching display unit 25 lights up in white by transmitting light from the light source 28V.

[0039] The display section 20 further includes a first mark 26a, a pair of second marks 26b, and a third mark 26c. The first mark 26a, the pair of second marks 26b, and the third mark 26c are formed on the display pattern film 21. The first mark 26a, the pair of second marks 26b, and the third mark 26c are formed in a color different from the black region 21a of the display pattern film 21, for example, in white.

[0040] The first mark 26a is formed in a ring shape and surrounds the switching display portion 25. By forming the first mark 26a on the display pattern film 21, the visibility of the switching display portion 25 for the user can be improved.

[0041] Each of the pair of second marks 26b is formed in a substantially linear shape. The power indicator 22 is disposed between the pair of second marks 26b. By forming the second marks 26b on the display pattern film 21, the visibility of the power indicator 22 by the user can be improved.

[0042] The third mark 26c is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and surrounds the power display section 22, the mode display section 23, the operation display section 24, and the switching display section 25.

[0043] Next, the operation unit 10 will be further described with reference to Figures 1, 3, and 4. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the operation unit 10. Note that in Figures 4, 7, 8, 10, and 11, the size of a hand relative to the display unit 20 is drawn smaller than the actual size in order to clearly show the configuration of the display unit 20.

[0044] 1, 3, and 4, the operation unit 10 is, for example, a resistive, capacitive, or optical transmissive touch panel. A display pattern film 21 is disposed on the operation unit 10. The operation unit 10 receives an instruction for the lighting device B by being touched via the display pattern film 21.

[0045] Hereinafter, touching the operation unit 10 via the display pattern film 21 may be simply referred to as touching the operation unit 10.

[0046] The operation unit 10 includes a lighting operation unit 11 and a switching operation unit 12 .

[0047] The lighting control unit 11 is capable of operating in a plurality of operation modes.

[0048] The multiple operating modes include a standby mode, a dimming mode, and a color changing mode.

[0049] The standby mode is an operation mode of the lighting control unit 11 when the lighting device B is powered off. The dimming mode and the color adjustment mode are each an operation mode of the lighting control unit 11 when the lighting device B is powered on.

[0050] When the lighting control unit 11 is in the dimming mode, the lighting control unit 11 accepts an instruction to change the dimming level of lighting fixture B. The dimming level of lighting fixture B, more specifically, indicates the dimming level of light emitted from light source B1 of lighting fixture B. When the lighting control unit 11 is in the color adjustment mode, the lighting control unit 11 accepts an instruction to change the color adjustment level of lighting fixture B. The color adjustment level of lighting fixture B, more specifically, indicates the color adjustment level of light emitted from light source B1 of lighting fixture B.

[0051] The lighting operation section 11 includes a first operation section 11a, a second operation section 11b, a third operation section 11c, a fourth operation section 11d, and a fifth operation section 11e.

[0052] The first operation unit 11a to the fifth operation unit 11e are lined up in a predetermined direction X in this order.

[0053] The first operation unit 11a is disposed opposite the first mode display unit 231. The second operation unit 11b is disposed opposite the first operation display unit 241 and the second operation display unit 242. The third operation unit 11c is disposed opposite the power display unit 22. The fourth operation unit 11d is disposed opposite the third operation display unit 243 and the fourth operation display unit 244. The fifth operation unit 11e is disposed opposite the second mode display unit 232.

[0054] The switching operation unit 12 switches the operation mode of the lighting operation unit 11 to one of a plurality of operation modes. In the first embodiment, the switching operation unit 12 switches the operation mode of the lighting operation unit 11 to one of a dimming mode and a color adjustment mode. The switching operation unit 12 is disposed in a corner of the operation unit 10, and adjacent to each of the first operation unit 11a and the second operation unit 11b. The switching operation unit 12 is disposed opposite the switching display unit 25.

[0055] Next, operations performed by the user on the operation unit 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 4, when the lighting device B is turned off, the user performs a tap operation Z1 on the third operation unit 11c with the hand H1 to turn on the lighting device B. When the lighting device B is turned on, the light source B1 is turned on. When the lighting device B is turned on, the user performs a tap operation Z1 on the third operation unit 11c with the hand H1 to turn off the lighting device B. When the lighting device B is turned off, the light source B1 is turned off. Note that the dimming level and color adjustment level when the lighting device B is turned on are, for example, the levels immediately before the lighting device B was turned off last time. In other words, when an operation is performed to turn off the lighting device B, the lighting control device C stores the dimming level and color adjustment level at the time of the operation in the storage unit 40. When an operation is performed to turn on the lighting device B, the lighting control device C reads out the dimming level and color adjustment level stored in the storage unit 40.

[0057] The third operation unit 11c is an example of a power operation unit of the present invention. The tap operation Z1 on the third operation unit 11c is an example of a first operation of the present invention.

[0058] With lighting device B powered on, each time the user performs a tap operation Z2 on switching operation unit 12 with hand H2, the operation mode of lighting operation unit 11 alternates between a dimming mode and a color adjustment mode.

[0059] When the operating mode of the lighting operation unit 11 is in the dimming mode, the user performs a first swipe operation Z3 with hand H3 to increase the dimming level of lighting device B (see FIG. 1). The first swipe operation Z3 indicates that a swipe operation is performed to one side in the predetermined direction X across at least two of the first operation unit 11a to the fifth operation unit 11e. An increase in the dimming level indicates that the brightness of the light emitted from the light source B1 increases.

[0060] In contrast, when the operating mode of the lighting operation unit 11 is in the dimming mode, the user performs a second swipe operation Z4 with hand H4, thereby decreasing the dimming level of lighting device B (see FIG. 1). The second swipe operation Z4 indicates that a swipe operation is performed to the other side of the predetermined direction X across at least two of the first operation unit 11a to the fifth operation unit 11e. The decrease in the dimming level indicates that the brightness of the light emitted from the light source B1 is reduced.

[0061] The dimming level is set to, for example, 20 levels. When the operation mode of the lighting operation unit 11 is in the dimming mode, a first swipe operation Z3 is performed across n operation units among the first operation unit 11a to the fifth operation unit 11e, thereby increasing the dimming level by (n-1) levels. On the other hand, when the operation mode of the lighting operation unit 11 is in the dimming mode, a second swipe operation Z4 is performed across n operation units among the first operation unit 11a to the fifth operation unit 11e, thereby decreasing the dimming level by (n-1) levels. n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to 5.

[0062] When the operation mode of the lighting operation unit 11 is in the dimming mode, each time the user performs a double-tap operation Z5 on the third operation unit 11c with his / her hand H5, the dimming level changes in a predetermined order. Changing the dimming level in a predetermined order means that the dimming level changes more roughly than the above-mentioned five levels. The double-tap operation Z5 is an operation in which a tap operation is performed twice in succession.

[0063] In the first embodiment, when the operation mode of the lighting operation unit 11 is in the dimming mode, each time a double-tap operation Z5 is performed on the third operation unit 11c, the sequence changes to a state in which the light source B1 is turned off, a state in which the light source B1 is turned on at 100% brightness, a state in which the light source B1 is turned on at 50% brightness, and a state in which the light source B1 is turned on at night light brightness, and when the sequence reaches the end, the sequence returns to the beginning and loops.

[0064] By configuring the dimming level to change in a predetermined order by a double-tap operation Z5 on the third operating unit 11c, it is possible to meet the needs of users who do not need to finely adjust the dimming level but only need to roughly adjust the dimming level.

[0065] The double tap operation Z5 on the third operation portion 11c is an example of a second operation of the present invention.

[0066] When the operation mode of the lighting operation unit 11 is in the color adjustment mode, the user performs a first swipe operation Z3 with his / her hand H3 to increase the color adjustment level of the light source B1 (see FIG. 1 ). An increase in the color adjustment level indicates that the light emitted from the light source B1 becomes cooler and the color temperature of the light becomes higher.

[0067] In contrast, when the operation mode of the lighting operation unit 11 is in the color adjustment mode, the user performs a second swipe operation Z4 with hand H4 to decrease the color adjustment level of lighting device B (see FIG. 1 ). The decrease in the color adjustment level indicates that the warmth of the light emitted from light source B1 increases, and the color temperature of the light decreases.

[0068] The color adjustment level is set to, for example, 20 levels. When the operation mode of the lighting operation unit 11 is in the color adjustment mode, a first swipe operation Z3 is performed across n operation units among the first operation unit 11a to the fifth operation unit 11e, thereby increasing the color adjustment level by (n-1) levels. On the other hand, when the operation mode of the lighting operation unit 11 is in the color adjustment mode, a second swipe operation Z4 is performed across n operation units among the first operation unit 11a to the fifth operation unit 11e, thereby decreasing the color adjustment level by (n-1) levels.

[0069] Hereinafter, the first swipe operation Z3 and the second swipe operation Z4 may be collectively referred to as the swipe operation Z.

[0070] When the operation mode of the lighting operation unit 11 is in the color adjustment mode, each time the user performs a double tap operation Z5 on the third operation unit 11c with the hand H1, the color adjustment level changes in a predetermined order. Changing the color adjustment level in a predetermined order means that the color adjustment level changes more roughly than the above-mentioned five levels.

[0071] In the first embodiment, when the operating mode of the lighting operation unit 11 is in the color adjustment mode, each time a double-tap operation Z5 is performed on the third operation unit 11c, the state changes in the following order: a state in which the light source B1 is turned off, a state in which the light source B1 emits cool light (e.g., daylight color), a state in which the light source B1 emits neutral light (e.g., neutral white), and a state in which the light source B1 emits warm light (e.g., incandescent light), and when the end of the sequence is reached, the sequence returns to the beginning and loops.

[0072] By configuring the third operating unit 11c so that the color adjustment level changes in a predetermined order by a double tap operation Z5, it is possible to meet the needs of users who do not need to finely adjust the color adjustment level but only need to roughly adjust the color adjustment level.

[0073] As described above with reference to Fig. 4, lighting operation unit 11 accepts an instruction to change the dimming level of lighting device B and an instruction to change the color tuning level of lighting device B. Therefore, the user can use a single device (lighting operation unit 11) to change the dimming level and color tuning level of lighting device B. As a result, the user can easily change the dimming level and color tuning level of lighting device B.

[0074] Furthermore, switching operation unit 12 accepts an instruction to switch the operation mode of lighting operation unit 11 to one of a plurality of operation modes. Therefore, by switching the operation mode of lighting operation unit 11 between the dimming mode and the color adjustment mode by switching operation unit 12, a single lighting operation unit 11 can be used for both changing the dimming level of lighting device B and changing the color adjustment level of lighting device B. As a result, there is no need to provide a plurality of operation units (an operation unit for changing the color adjustment level and an operation unit for changing the color adjustment level) in lighting control device C, and lighting control device C can be configured compactly.

[0075] Furthermore, when the dimming level is changed, a change operation is input to the lighting operation unit 11 while the operation mode of the lighting operation unit 11 is in the dimming mode. The change operation is composed of a swipe operation Z and a double tap operation Z5. When the color adjustment level is changed, the change operation is input to the lighting operation unit 11 while the operation mode of the lighting operation unit 11 is in the color adjustment mode. Therefore, the user only needs to perform the same operation (the change operation) on the lighting operation unit 11 not only when changing the dimming level but also when changing the color adjustment level, so that the user needs to remember fewer operation methods and can easily change the dimming level and the color adjustment level.

[0076] In the first embodiment, the change operation includes both the swipe operation Z and the double tap operation Z5. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The change operation may be composed of either one of the swipe operation Z and the double tap operation Z5.

[0077] Next, the display unit 20 in the first display state P1 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The first display state P1 shows the state of the display unit 20 when the lighting operation unit 11 is in the standby mode.

[0078] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the display unit 20 in the first display state P1.

[0079] As shown in Fig. 5, when the display unit 20 is in the first display state P1, the power display unit 22 is lit in white. In the first embodiment, the power display unit 22 is painted black in Fig. 5 to indicate that the power display unit 22 is lit in white.

[0080] When the display unit 20 is in the first display state P1, the mode display unit 23, the operation display unit 24, and the switching display unit 25 are all turned off.

[0081] The mode display section 23 being turned off indicates that the light sources 28 (light source 281, light source 28a, light source 286, and light source 28f shown in FIG. 2) arranged opposite the mode display section 23 are turned off.

[0082] The fact that the operation display unit 24 is turned off indicates that the light sources 28 (light source 282, light source 283, light source 28b, light source 28c, light source 284, light source 285, light source 28d, and light source 28e shown in FIG. 2) arranged opposite the operation display unit 24 are turned off.

[0083] The fact that the switching display section 25 is turned off indicates that the light source 28V (see FIG. 2) arranged opposite the switching display section 25 is turned off.

[0084] In the first embodiment, in FIG. 5, the mode display unit 23, the operation display unit 24, and the switching display unit 25 are each represented by thin lines (white) to indicate that the mode display unit 23, the operation display unit 24, and the switching display unit 25 are each turned off.

[0085] When display unit 20 is in first display state P1, lighting device B is powered off and turned off. Therefore, the room may be dark. However, power indicator unit 22 of lighting control device C is lit (lit in white in the first embodiment), so the user can easily visually determine the location of power indicator unit 22. Note that when lighting device B is powered off, power indicator unit 22 may flash (flashing white in the first embodiment).

[0086] Blinking indicates that the blinking object alternates between turning on for a first predetermined time and turning off for a second predetermined time. Each of the first and second predetermined times indicates a time that allows the user to recognize that the blinking object is alternately turning on and off. Each of the first and second predetermined times is, for example, 0.5 seconds. The blinking object includes not only a light source that emits light, but also an object that is irradiated with light from a light source, such as the power indicator 22 and the mode indicator 23.

[0087] Next, the display unit 20 in the second display state P2 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The second display state P2 shows the state of the display unit 20 when the lighting operation unit 11 is in the dimming mode.

[0088] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the display unit 20 in the second display state P2.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 6, when the display unit 20 is in the second display state P2, the mode display unit 23 is lit in white.

[0090] When the display unit 20 is in the second display state P2, the power display unit 22, the operation display unit 24, and the switching display unit 25 are all turned off. The fact that the power display unit 22 is turned off indicates that the light source 28W (see FIG. 2) disposed opposite the power display unit 22 is also turned off.

[0091] Next, the display unit 20 in the third display state P3 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. The third display state P3 shows the state of the display unit 20 when the lighting operation unit 11 is in the dimming mode and a first swipe operation Z3 is performed on the lighting operation unit 11 (see Fig. 4).

[0092] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the display unit 20 in the third display state P3.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 7, when the display unit 20 is in the third display state P3, the mode display unit 23, the first operation display unit 241, and the second operation display unit 242 are lit in white.

[0094] When the display unit 20 is in the third display state P3, the power display unit 22, the third operation display unit 243, the fourth operation display unit 244, and the switching display unit 25 are all turned off.

[0095] Next, the display unit 20 in the fourth display state P4 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. The fourth display state P4 shows the state of the display unit 20 when the lighting operation unit 11 is in the dimming mode and a second swipe operation Z4 is performed on the lighting operation unit 11 (see Fig. 4).

[0096] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the display unit 20 in the fourth display state P4.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 8, when the display unit 20 is in the fourth display state P4, the mode display unit 23, the third operation display unit 243, and the fourth operation display unit 244 are lit in white.

[0098] When the display unit 20 is in the fourth display state P4, the power display unit 22, the first operation display unit 241, the second operation display unit 242, and the switching display unit 25 are all turned off.

[0099] Next, the display unit 20 in the fifth display state P5 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. The fifth display state P5 shows the state of the display unit 20 when the lighting operation unit 11 is in the color adjustment mode.

[0100] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the display unit 20 in the fifth display state P5.

[0101] As shown in Fig. 9, when the display unit 20 is in the fifth display state P5, the first mode display unit 231 is lit in blue. In the first embodiment, in Fig. 9, the first mode display unit 231 is represented by a thick line to indicate that the first mode display unit 231 is lit in blue.

[0102] Furthermore, when the display unit 20 is in the fifth display state P5, the second mode display unit 232 is lit in orange. In the first embodiment, the second mode display unit 232 is hatched in Fig. 9 to indicate that the second mode display unit 232 is lit in orange.

[0103] Furthermore, when the display unit 20 is in the fifth display state P5, the switching display unit 25 is lit in white.

[0104] When the display unit 20 is in the fifth display state P5, the power display unit 22 and the operation display unit 24 are both turned off.

[0105] As described above with reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 9, when the lighting operation unit 11 is in the dimming mode, the first mode display unit 231 and the second mode display unit 232 are lit in white. In contrast, when the lighting operation unit 11 is in the color adjustment mode, the first mode display unit 231 is lit in blue, and the second mode display unit 232 is lit in orange. Therefore, the mode display unit 23 (the first mode display unit 231 and the second mode display unit 232) is lit in a different color for each operation mode of the lighting operation unit 11. As a result, the user can easily know the current operation mode of the lighting operation unit 11 by checking the color of the mode display unit 23.

[0106] The mode display unit 23 may flash in a different color for each operation mode of the lighting operation unit 11. In this case, in the first embodiment, when the lighting operation unit 11 is in the dimming mode, the first mode display unit 231 and the second mode display unit 232 flash in white, whereas when the lighting operation unit 11 is in the color adjustment mode, the first mode display unit 231 flashes in blue and the second mode display unit 232 flashes in orange.

[0107] Next, the display unit 20 in a sixth display state P6 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. The sixth display state P6 shows the state of the display unit 20 when the lighting operation unit 11 is in the color adjustment mode and a first swipe operation Z3 is performed on the lighting operation unit 11 (see Fig. 4).

[0108] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the display unit 20 in the sixth display state P6.

[0109] 10, when the display unit 20 is in the sixth display state P6, the first mode display unit 231, the first operation display unit 241, and the second operation display unit 242 are lit in blue. Furthermore, when the display unit 20 is in the sixth display state P6, the second mode display unit 232 is lit in orange. Furthermore, when the display unit 20 is in the sixth display state P6, the switching display unit 25 is lit in white.

[0110] When the display unit 20 is in the sixth display state P6, the power display unit 22, the third operation display unit 243, and the fourth operation display unit 244 are each turned off.

[0111] Next, the display unit 20 in a seventh display state P7 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. The seventh display state P7 shows the state of the display unit 20 when the lighting operation unit 11 is in the color adjustment mode and a second swipe operation Z4 is performed on the lighting operation unit 11 (see Fig. 4).

[0112] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the display unit 20 in the seventh display state P7.

[0113] 11, when the display unit 20 is in the seventh display state P7, the first mode display unit 231 is lit in blue. Also, when the display unit 20 is in the seventh display state P7, the second mode display unit 232, the third operation display unit 243, and the fourth operation display unit 244 are lit in orange. Also, when the display unit 20 is in the seventh display state P7, the switching display unit 25 is lit in white.

[0114] When the display unit 20 is in the seventh display state P7, the power display unit 22, the first operation display unit 241, and the second operation display unit 242 are all turned off.

[0115] 7, 8, 10, and 11, the operation display unit 24 lights up in response to an operation on the lighting operation unit 11. Specifically, when a first swipe operation Z3 is performed, the first operation display unit 241 and the second operation display unit 242 light up, and when a second swipe operation Z4 is performed, the third operation display unit 243 and the fourth operation display unit 244 light up. Therefore, the user can easily understand the operation content that the user himself is inputting to the lighting operation unit 11.

[0116] 9 to 11, when the operation mode of the lighting operation unit 11 is the color adjustment mode, the first mode display unit 231 and the second mode display unit 232 are lit in different colors. In the first embodiment, the first mode display unit 231 is lit in blue, and the second mode display unit 232 is lit in orange. Therefore, the user can intuitively recognize the direction in which the finger is swiped when performing the first swipe operation Z3 and the direction in which the finger is swiped when performing the second swipe operation Z4. As a result, the operability of the lighting operation unit 11 can be improved when the user performs an operation to change the dimming level.

[0117] Next, an example of the operation of the lighting control device C will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 14. Fig. 12 is a first flow diagram showing an example of the operation of the lighting control device C. Fig. 13 is a second flow diagram showing an example of the operation of the lighting control device C. Fig. 14 is a third flow diagram showing an example of the operation of the lighting control device C.

[0118] 1, 4, 5, and 12, in step S1, the state of the display unit 20 is the first display state P1. At this time, the operation mode of the lighting operation unit 11 is the standby mode. At this time, the power of the lighting device B is turned off.

[0119] In step S2, the control unit 50 determines whether an on operation has been performed to power on the lighting device B. In the first embodiment, the on operation refers to a tap operation Z1 (see FIG. 4) being performed on the third operation unit 11c when the lighting device B is in a powered-off state.

[0120] When control unit 50 determines that an ON operation has been performed (Yes in step S2), the process proceeds to step S3. Note that when an ON operation is performed, lighting device B is powered on.

[0121] If control unit 50 determines that the ON operation has not been performed (No in step S2), the process in step S2 is repeated. In this case, lighting device B is maintained in the powered-off state.

[0122] As shown in FIGS. 1, 6, and 12, in step S3, when an on operation is performed, the control unit 50 switches the operation mode of the lighting operation unit 11 from the standby mode to the dimming mode.

[0123] In step S4, when the operation mode of the lighting operation unit 11 becomes the dimming mode, the control unit 50 switches the state of the display unit 20 to the second display state P2.

[0124] In step S5, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the switching operation unit 12 has been subjected to a tap operation Z2 (see FIG. 4).

[0125] When the control unit 50 determines that the tap operation Z2 has not been performed on the switching operation unit 12 (No in step S5), the process proceeds to step S6 shown in Fig. 13. Note that when the tap operation Z2 has not been performed on the switching operation unit 12, the operation mode of the lighting operation unit 11 is maintained in the dimming mode.

[0126] When the control unit 50 determines that the tap operation Z2 has been performed on the switching operation unit 12 (Yes in step S5), the process proceeds to step S13.

[0127] As shown in FIGS. 1, 7, and 13, in step S6, the control unit 50 determines whether or not a first swipe operation Z3 has been performed.

[0128] When the control unit 50 determines that the first swipe operation Z3 has been performed (Yes in step S6), the process proceeds to step S7. When the control unit 50 determines that the first swipe operation Z3 has not been performed (No in step S6), the process proceeds to step S8.

[0129] In step S7, when the first swipe operation Z3 is performed while the operation mode of the lighting operation unit 11 is in the dimming mode, the control unit 50 switches the state of the display unit 20 to the third display state P3. Furthermore, when the first swipe operation Z3 is performed while the lighting operation unit 11 is in the dimming mode, the dimming level of lighting device B is increased.

[0130] As shown in FIGS. 1, 8, and 13, in step S8, the control unit 50 determines whether or not a second swipe operation Z4 has been performed.

[0131] If the control unit 50 determines that the second swipe operation Z4 has been performed (Yes in step S8), the process proceeds to step S9. If the control unit 50 determines that the second swipe operation Z4 has not been performed (No in step S8), the process proceeds to step S10.

[0132] In step S9, when the second swipe operation Z4 is performed while the operating mode of the lighting operation unit 11 is in the dimming mode, the control unit 50 switches the state of the display unit 20 to the fourth display state P4. Furthermore, when the second swipe operation Z4 is performed while the lighting operation unit 11 is in the dimming mode, the dimming level of lighting device B is reduced.

[0133] In step S10, the control unit 50 determines whether or not a double tap operation Z5 (see FIG. 4) has been performed.

[0134] If the control unit 50 determines that a double tap operation Z5 has been performed (Yes in step S10), the process proceeds to step S11. If the control unit 50 determines that a double tap operation Z5 has not been performed (No in step S10), the process proceeds to step S12.

[0135] In step S11, when the operating mode of lighting operation unit 11 is in the dimming mode and double-tap operation Z5 is performed to increase the dimming level of lighting device B, control unit 50 switches the state of display unit 20 to the third display state P3 (see FIG. 7). In contrast, when the operating mode of lighting operation unit 11 is in the dimming mode and double-tap operation Z5 is performed to decrease the dimming level of lighting device B, control unit 50 switches the state of display unit 20 to the fourth display state P4 (see FIG. 8).

[0136] In step S12, the control unit 50 determines whether an off operation has been performed to power off the lighting device B. In the first embodiment, the off operation refers to a tap operation Z1 (see FIG. 4) being performed on the third operation unit 11c when the lighting device B is powered on.

[0137] If control unit 50 determines that an OFF operation has been performed (Yes in step S12), the process proceeds to step S1 shown in Fig. 12. Note that when an OFF operation is performed, lighting device B is powered off.

[0138] If control unit 50 determines that an OFF operation has not been performed (No in step S12), the process proceeds to step S5 shown in Fig. 12. In this case, lighting device B is maintained in the ON state.

[0139] As shown in FIGS. 1, 9, and 12, in step S13, the control unit 50 switches the operation mode of the lighting operation unit 11 from the dimming mode to the color adjustment mode.

[0140] In step S14, when the operation mode of the lighting operation unit 11 becomes the color adjustment mode, the control unit 50 switches the state of the display unit 20 to the fifth display state P5. When the process shown in step S14 ends, the process proceeds to step S15 shown in FIG.

[0141] As shown in FIGS. 1, 10, and 14, in step S15, the control unit 50 determines whether or not a first swipe operation Z3 has been performed.

[0142] If the control unit 50 determines that the first swipe operation Z3 has been performed (Yes in step S15), the process proceeds to step S16. If the control unit 50 determines that the first swipe operation Z3 has not been performed (No in step S15), the process proceeds to step S17.

[0143] In step S16, when the first swipe operation Z3 is performed while the operation mode of the lighting operation unit 11 is in the color adjustment mode, the control unit 50 switches the state of the display unit 20 to the sixth display state P6. Furthermore, when the first swipe operation Z3 is performed in the color adjustment mode, the color adjustment level of the lighting device B is increased.

[0144] As shown in FIGS. 1, 11, and 14, in step S17, the control unit 50 determines whether or not a second swipe operation Z4 has been performed.

[0145] If the control unit 50 determines that the second swipe operation Z4 has been performed (Yes in step S17), the process proceeds to step S18. If the control unit 50 determines that the second swipe operation Z4 has not been performed (No in step S17), the process proceeds to step S19.

[0146] In step S18, when the second swipe operation Z4 is performed while the operation mode of the lighting operation unit 11 is in the color adjustment mode, the control unit 50 switches the state of the display unit 20 to the seventh display state P7. Furthermore, when the second swipe operation Z4 is performed while the lighting operation unit 11 is in the color adjustment mode, the color adjustment level of the lighting device B is lowered.

[0147] In step S19, the control unit 50 determines whether or not a double tap operation Z5 (see FIG. 4) has been performed.

[0148] If the control unit 50 determines that a double tap operation Z5 has been performed (Yes in step S19), the process proceeds to step S20. If the control unit 50 determines that a double tap operation Z5 has not been performed (No in step S19), the process proceeds to step S21.

[0149] In step S20, when the operation mode of lighting operation unit 11 is the color adjustment mode and double-tap operation Z5 is performed to increase the color adjustment level of lighting device B, control unit 50 switches the state of display unit 20 to the sixth display state P6 (see FIG. 10). On the other hand, when the operation mode of lighting operation unit 11 is the color adjustment mode and double-tap operation Z5 is performed to decrease the color adjustment level of lighting device B, control unit 50 switches the state of display unit 20 to the seventh display state P7 (see FIG. 11).

[0150] In step S21, controller 50 determines whether or not an operation to power off lighting device B has been performed.

[0151] When the control unit 50 determines that an OFF operation has been performed (Yes in step S21), the process proceeds to step S1 shown in FIG.

[0152] When the control unit 50 determines that the power-off operation has not been performed (No in step S21), the process proceeds to step S22.

[0153] In step S22, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the switching operation unit 12 has performed a tap operation Z2 (see FIG. 4).

[0154] When the control unit 50 determines that the tap operation Z2 has not been performed on the switching operation unit 12 (No in step S22), the process proceeds to step S15. Note that, when the tap operation Z2 has not been performed on the switching operation unit 12, the operation mode of the lighting operation unit 11 is maintained in the color adjustment mode.

[0155] When the control unit 50 determines that the tap operation Z2 has been performed on the switching operation unit 12 (Yes in step S22), the process proceeds to step S23 shown in FIG.

[0156] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 13, in step S23, the control unit 50 switches the operation mode of the lighting operation unit 11 from the color adjustment mode to the dimming mode.

[0157] In step S24, when the operation mode of the lighting operation unit 11 becomes the dimming mode, the control unit 50 switches the state of the display unit 20 to the second display state P2 (see FIG. 6). When the process shown in step S24 ends, the process proceeds to step S6.

[0158] [Second embodiment] Next, a lighting control device C2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing a lighting control device C2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0159] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 15, the lighting control device C2 further includes a dimming level display unit 27 (see FIG. 15).

[0160] Dimming level display unit 27 displays information indicating the dimming level of lighting device B.

[0161] Hereinafter, information indicating the dimming level of lighting fixture B may be referred to as dimming level information.

[0162] The dimming level display unit 27 includes the operation display unit 24 (first operation display unit 241 to fourth operation display unit 244) and light sources 282 to 285 (see FIG. 2).

[0163] The light from the light source 282 to the light source 285 is emitted to the outside of the lighting control device C2 via the first operation display unit 241 to the fourth operation display unit 244. As a result, the first operation display unit 241 to the fourth operation display unit 244 are lit with brightness according to the luminance of the light source 282 to the light source 285, respectively.

[0164] Control unit 50 (see FIG. 1) performs a luminance change process to cause dimming level display unit 27 to display dimming level information. The luminance change process is a process for changing the luminance of light sources 282 to 285 in accordance with the dimming level of lighting device B.

[0165] In the second embodiment, the dimming level of lighting device B can be set in a range from 1 to 20. As the dimming level increases, the dimming level of lighting device B becomes higher.

[0166] The dimming level of lighting device B is set by lighting operation unit 11 (see FIG. 11). In more detail, when the operating mode of lighting operation unit 11 is in the dimming mode, a first swipe operation Z3 or a second swipe operation Z4 is performed across at least two of first operation unit 11a to fifth operation unit 11e, thereby setting the dimming level of lighting device B to one of 1 to 20 levels (see FIGS. 4, 7, and 8).

[0167] The dimming levels, ranging from 1 to 20, are divided into first to fourth dimming levels. The first dimming level is a dimming level with 1 to 5 steps. The second dimming level is a dimming level with 6 to 10 steps. The third dimming level is a dimming level with 11 to 15 steps. The fourth dimming level is a dimming level with 16 to 20 steps.

[0168] When the dimming level of lighting device B is the first dimming level, control unit 50 turns on light sources 282 to 285 at the first brightness. As a result, first operation display unit 241 to fourth operation display unit 244 are turned on at a brightness corresponding to the first brightness.

[0169] When the dimming level of lighting device B is the second dimming level, control unit 50 turns on light sources 282 to 285 at the second brightness. As a result, first operation display unit 241 to fourth operation display unit 244 are turned on at a brightness corresponding to the second brightness.

[0170] When the dimming level of lighting device B is the third dimming level, control unit 50 turns on light sources 282 to 285 at the third luminance. As a result, first operation display unit 241 to fourth operation display unit 244 are turned on at a brightness corresponding to the third luminance.

[0171] When the dimming level of lighting device B is the fourth dimming level, control unit 50 turns on light sources 282 to 285 at the fourth luminance. As a result, first operation display unit 241 to fourth operation display unit 244 are turned on at a brightness corresponding to the fourth luminance.

[0172] The first luminance to the fourth luminance have different luminance levels. For example, the luminance increases in the order of the first luminance, the second luminance, the third luminance, and the fourth luminance.

[0173] As described above, control unit 50 performs the brightness change process. As a result, operation display unit 24 (first operation display unit 241 to fourth operation display unit 244) is turned on with the brightness of the operation display unit 24 corresponding to the dimming level of lighting device B. That is, dimming level information is displayed on dimming level display unit 27. As a result, the user can recognize the dimming level of lighting device B by checking the brightness of operation display unit 24.

[0174] [Third embodiment] The third embodiment is an embodiment in which a lighting ratio change process is executed. A lighting control device C3 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1, 2, and 16(a) to 16(d). Figures 16(a) to 16(d) are diagrams showing a lighting control device C3 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0175] 1, 2, and 16(a) to 16(d), the lighting control device C3 further includes a dimming level display unit 27. The dimming level display unit 27 includes a plurality of operation display units 24 and light sources 282 to 285 (see FIG. 2).

[0176] When the dimming level of lighting device B is displayed by dimming level display unit 27, light sources 282 to 285 are turned on at either a first predetermined luminance or a second predetermined luminance. The first predetermined luminance is higher than the second predetermined luminance.

[0177] Controller 50 performs a ratio change process to cause dimming level display unit 27 to display dimming level information. The ratio change process is a process for changing the ratio between the number of light sources that are turned on at a first predetermined luminance and the number of light sources that are turned on at a second predetermined luminance, among light sources 282 to 285, in accordance with the dimming level of lighting device B.

[0178] Figures 16(a) to 16(d) show an example of the ratio change processing. An example of the ratio change processing will be described with reference to Figures 16(a) to 16(d).

[0179] 16(a) to 16(d), the operation display unit 24 shown filled in black is illuminated with light of a first predetermined luminance, and the operation display unit 24 shown shading is illuminated with light of a second predetermined luminance.

[0180] 2 and 16(a), when the dimming level of lighting device B is the first dimming level, light source 285 is turned on at a first predetermined brightness, and light sources 282 to 284 are turned on at a second predetermined brightness. As a result, fourth operation display unit 244 is turned on at a brightness corresponding to the first predetermined brightness, and first operation display unit 241 to third operation display unit 243 are turned on at brightness corresponding to the second predetermined brightness.

[0181] 2 and 16(b), when the dimming level of lighting device B is the second dimming level, light source 284 and light source 285 are turned on at the first predetermined luminance, and light source 282 and light source 283 are turned on at the second predetermined luminance. As a result, third operation display unit 243 and fourth operation display unit 244 are turned on at a brightness corresponding to the first predetermined luminance, and first operation display unit 241 and second operation display unit 242 are turned on at a brightness corresponding to the second predetermined luminance.

[0182] 2 and 16(c), when the dimming level of lighting device B is the third dimming level, light sources 283 to 285 are turned on at the first predetermined brightness, and light source 282 is turned on at the second predetermined brightness. As a result, second operation display unit 242 to fourth operation display unit 244 are turned on at a brightness corresponding to the first predetermined brightness, and first operation display unit 241 is turned on at a brightness corresponding to the second predetermined brightness.

[0183] 2 and 16(d), when the dimming level of lighting device B is the fourth dimming level, light sources 282 to 285 are turned on at the first predetermined brightness. As a result, first operation display unit 241 to fourth operation display unit 244 are turned on at brightness corresponding to the first predetermined brightness.

[0184] As described above, controller 50 performs the ratio change process. As a result, the ratio (brightness ratio) between the operation display units 24 (first operation display unit 241 to fourth operation display unit 244) that are lit at a brightness corresponding to the first predetermined brightness and the operation display units that are lit at a brightness corresponding to the second predetermined brightness is changed according to the dimming level of lighting device B. That is, dimming level information is displayed on dimming level display unit 27. As a result, the user can recognize the dimming level of lighting device B by checking the brightness ratio. Note that in FIGS. 16(a) to 16(d), operation display units 24 that are filled in black may be lit at the second predetermined brightness by being illuminated with light of the second predetermined brightness, and operation display units 24 that are hatched may be lit at the first predetermined brightness by being illuminated with light of the first predetermined brightness.

[0185] [Fourth embodiment] The fourth embodiment is an embodiment in which a turn-on light source change process is executed. A lighting control device C4 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1, 2, and 17(a) to 17(d). Figures 17(a) to 17(d) are diagrams showing a lighting control device C4 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0186] 1, 2, and 17(a) to 17(d), the lighting control device C4 further includes a dimming level display unit 27. The dimming level display unit 27 includes a plurality of operation display units 24 and light sources 282 to 285 (see FIG. 2).

[0187] When the dimming level display unit 27 displays the dimming level of lighting device B, a certain number of light sources among light source 282 to light source 285 are turned on. That is, the number of light sources that are turned on is fixed to a certain number. In the fourth embodiment, one light source among light source 282 to light source 285 is turned on, and the other light sources are turned off. Note that, among light source 282 to light source 285, a plurality of light sources (e.g., two light sources) may be turned on simultaneously. Also, among light source 282 to light source 285, one light source may be turned on at a first predetermined luminance, and the other light source may be turned on at a second predetermined luminance. Also, among light source 282 to light source 285, a plurality of light sources (e.g., two light sources) may be turned on simultaneously at a first predetermined luminance, and the other light source may be turned on at a second predetermined luminance.

[0188] Control unit 50 performs a light source changing process to cause dimming level information to be displayed on dimming level display unit 27. The light source changing process is a process for changing the light source to be turned on, among light sources 282 to 285, in accordance with the dimming level of lighting device B.

[0189] Figures 17(a) to 17(d) show an example of the light source changing process. An example of the light source changing process will be described with reference to Figures 17(a) to 17(d).

[0190] 2 and 17(a), when the dimming level of lighting device B is the first dimming level, light source 285 is turned on and light sources 282 to 284 are turned off. As a result, fourth operation display unit 244 is turned on.

[0191] 2 and 17(b), when the dimming level of lighting device B is the second dimming level, light source 284 is turned on and light source 282, light source 283, and light source 285 are turned off. As a result, third operation display unit 243 is turned on.

[0192] 2 and 17(c), when the dimming level of lighting device B is the third dimming level, light source 283 is turned on and light source 282, light source 284, and light source 285 are turned off. As a result, second operation display unit 242 is turned on.

[0193] 2 and 17(d), when the dimming level of lighting device B is the fourth dimming level, light source 282 is turned on and light sources 283 to 285 are turned off. As a result, first operation display unit 241 is turned on.

[0194] As described above, controller 50 performs the light source changing process. As a result, the operation display unit 24 that is lit among the multiple operation display units 24 (first operation display unit 241 to fourth operation display unit 244) is changed depending on the dimming level of lighting device B. That is, dimming level information is displayed on dimming level display unit 27. As a result, the user can recognize the dimming level of lighting device B by checking which of the multiple operation display units 24 is lit.

[0195] [Fifth embodiment] The fifth embodiment is an embodiment in which a lighting number change process is executed. A lighting control device C5 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1, 2, and 18(a) to 18(d). Figures 18(a) to 18(d) are diagrams showing a lighting control device C5 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0196] 1, 2, and 18(a) to 18(d), the lighting control device C5 further includes a dimming level display unit 27. The dimming level display unit 27 includes a plurality of operation display units 24 and light sources 282 to 285 (see FIG. 2).

[0197] Control unit 50 performs the number change process to cause dimming level information to be displayed on dimming level display unit 27. The number change process is a process for changing the number of light sources to be turned on, among light sources 282 to 285, in accordance with the dimming level of lighting device B.

[0198] Figures 18(a) to 18(d) show an example of the number change processing. An example of the number change processing will be described with reference to Figures 18(a) to 18(d).

[0199] 2 and 18(a), when the dimming level of lighting device B is the first dimming level, light source 285 is turned on and light sources 282 to 284 are turned off. As a result, fourth operation display unit 244 is turned on.

[0200] 2 and 18(b), when the dimming level of lighting device B is the second dimming level, light source 284 and light source 285 are turned on and light source 282 and light source 283 are turned off. As a result, third operation display unit 243 and fourth operation display unit 244 are turned on.

[0201] 2 and 18(c), when the dimming level of lighting device B is the third dimming level, light sources 283 to 285 are turned on and light source 282 is turned off. As a result, second operation display unit 242 to fourth operation display unit 244 are turned on.

[0202] 2 and 18(d), when the dimming level of lighting device B is the fourth dimming level, light sources 282 to 285 are turned on. As a result, first operation display unit 241 to fourth operation display unit 244 are turned on.

[0203] As described above, controller 50 performs the number change process. As a result, the number of lit operation display units 24 among the plurality of operation display units 24 (first operation display unit 241 to fourth operation display unit 244) is changed according to the dimming level of lighting device B. That is, dimming level information is displayed on dimming level display unit 27. As a result, the user can recognize the dimming level of lighting device B by checking the number of lit operation display units 24.

[0204] [Sixth embodiment] A lighting control device C6 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 15 to Fig. 19. Fig. 19 is a diagram showing a lighting control device C6 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0205] 2 and 19, the lighting control device C6 is a device that supports only the dimming level operation among the dimming level operation and the color adjustment level operation, unlike the lighting control devices C2 to C5. The lighting control device C6 has a configuration in which, for example, the switching operation unit 12, the mode display unit 23, the switching display unit 25, the light sources 281 to 286, the light source 28a, the light source 28f, and the first mark 26a are omitted from the various components included in the lighting control device C2.

[0206] Control unit 50 of lighting control device C6 changes the display mode of dimming level display unit 27 in accordance with the dimming level of lighting device B by performing the luminance change process of the second embodiment (see FIG. 15), the ratio change process of the third embodiment (see FIGS. 16(a) to 16(d)), the light source change process of the fourth embodiment (see FIGS. 17(a) to 17(d)), or the number change process of the fifth embodiment (see FIGS. 18(a) to 18(d)). As a result, the user can recognize the dimming level of lighting device B.

[0207] [Seventh embodiment] A lighting control device C7 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 20. Fig. 20 is a diagram showing a lighting control device C7 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0208] As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 20, the lighting control device C7 is a device that supports only the dimming level operation among the dimming level operation and the color adjustment level operation, similar to the lighting control device C6. However, the lighting control device C7 differs from the lighting control device C6 in that it has a mode display unit 23, a light source 281, and a light source 286. In the lighting control device C7, the mode display unit 23 does not display information indicating the operation mode of the lighting operation unit 11 as in the lighting control devices C2 to C5, but functions as, for example, a mark indicating the position of the operation display unit 24. By lighting the mode display unit 23 with the light of the light source 281 and the light source 286, the user can easily recognize the position of the operation display unit 24 even when the light sources 282 to 285 are turned off. Note that the control unit 50 of the lighting control device C7 changes the display mode of the dimming level display unit 27 according to the dimming level of the lighting device B by performing the luminance change process of the second embodiment, the ratio change process of the third embodiment, the light source change process of the fourth embodiment, or the number change process of the fifth embodiment.

[0209] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings (FIGS. 1 to 20). However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be implemented in various aspects without departing from the gist of the present invention (for example, (1) to (13)). In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some components may be deleted from all components shown in the embodiments. The drawings are mainly shown schematically for ease of understanding, and the number of each component shown may differ from the actual number due to the convenience of drawing. In addition, each component shown in the above embodiments is an example, is not particularly limited, and various modifications are possible without substantially departing from the effects of the present invention.

[0210] (1) As shown in Fig. 12, in steps S2 and S3 in the first embodiment, when an on operation is performed to power on lighting device B, the operation mode of lighting operation unit 11 is switched from the standby mode to the dimming mode. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When an on operation is performed, the operation mode of lighting operation unit 11 may be switched from the standby mode to the color adjustment mode.

[0211] (2) As shown in Fig. 2, in the first embodiment, the color of the region 21a of the display pattern film 21 is black. However, the color of the region 21a is not particularly limited. The color of the region 21a may be, for example, white.

[0212] (3) Hereinafter, the power display unit 22, the mode display unit 23, the operation display unit 24, and the switching display unit 25 may be collectively referred to as various display units. As shown in FIG. 2, in the first embodiment, the light source 28 arranged opposite the various display units is turned off to indicate that the various display units are turned off. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The light amount of the light source 28 arranged opposite the various display units may be reduced to be less than when the various display units are turned on to indicate that the various display units are turned off.

[0213] (4) As shown in FIG. 2, in the first embodiment, the light source 28 arranged opposite the various display units is turned on to indicate that the various display units are turned on, and the light source 28 arranged opposite the various display units is turned off to indicate that the various display units are turned off. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The light source 28 arranged opposite the various display units may be turned off to indicate that the various display units are turned on, and the light source 28 arranged opposite the various display units may be turned on to indicate that the various display units are turned off. For example, the color of the area 21a is white, and the color of the power display unit 22 is black. Then, in the standby mode shown in FIG. 5, the light source 28W is turned off to indicate that the power display unit 22 is turned on. In this case, the black power display unit 22 appears on the white area 21a, so the user can easily recognize the power display unit 22. In addition, in the dimming mode shown in Figures 6 to 8 and in the dimming mode shown in Figures 9 to 11, white light is emitted from the light source 28W and the white light is transmitted through the power display unit 22 on the white area 21a, thereby indicating that the power display unit 22 is turned off.

[0214] (5) In the second to seventh embodiments, an example of the timing at which information indicating the dimming level of lighting device B is displayed on dimming level display unit 27 will be described.

[0215] For example, in the second to seventh embodiments, the dimming level information may be configured to be always displayed except when an operation for changing the dimming level shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 is being performed.

[0216] In the second to seventh embodiments, the dimming level information may be displayed for a predetermined period of time after the operation for changing the dimming level shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 is completed.

[0217] In the second to seventh embodiments, the dimming level information may be displayed when the lighting operation unit 11 (see FIG. 2) receives a predetermined operation. The predetermined operation is, for example, an operation of tapping the lighting operation unit 11 a predetermined number of times, or an operation of continuously touching the lighting operation unit 11 for a predetermined period of time or longer.

[0218] (6) In the second to fifth embodiments, a color adjustment level display unit may be further provided. The color adjustment level display unit indicates the color adjustment level of the lighting device B. The color adjustment level display unit includes the operation display unit 24 (first operation display unit 241 to fourth operation display unit 244) and the light sources 28b to 28e.

[0219] Hereinafter, information indicating the color adjustment level of lighting device B may be referred to as color adjustment level information.

[0220] The control unit 50 may cause the toning level display unit to display toning level information by performing a process similar to the luminance change process of the second embodiment (a process of changing the luminance of the light sources 28b to 28e in accordance with the toning level of the lighting device B). The control unit 50 may cause the toning level display unit to display toning level information by performing a process similar to the ratio change process of the third embodiment (a process of changing the ratio of the light sources 28b to 28e that are turned on at the first predetermined luminance and the light sources that are turned on at the second predetermined luminance in accordance with the toning level of the lighting device B). The control unit 50 may cause the toning level display unit to display toning level information by performing a process similar to the light source change process of the fourth embodiment (a process of changing the light source that is turned on in accordance with the toning level of the lighting device B). In addition, the control unit 50 may cause the color adjustment level display unit to display color adjustment level information by performing processing similar to the number change processing of the fifth embodiment (processing of changing the number of light sources to be turned on, among the light sources 28b to 28e, depending on the color adjustment level of the lighting device B).

[0221] In addition, when the operation mode of the lighting operation unit 11 is the dimming mode, the dimming level display unit 27 may be configured to display dimming level information, and when the operation mode of the lighting operation unit 11 is the color adjustment mode, the color adjustment level display unit may be configured to display color adjustment level information.

[0222] (7) In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 15, control unit 50 may blink light sources 282-285 while changing the luminance of light sources 282-285 in accordance with the dimming level of lighting device B.

[0223] (8) In the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 16(a) to 16(d), light sources 282 to 285 flash at either a first predetermined brightness or a second predetermined brightness, and controller 50 may change the ratio between the number of light sources flashing at the first predetermined brightness and the number of light sources flashing at the second predetermined brightness, among light sources 282 to 285, in accordance with the dimming level of lighting device B.

[0224] (9) In the fourth embodiment shown in FIGS. 17(a) to 17(d), a certain number of light sources among light sources 282 to 285 may be caused to blink, and control unit 50 may change which of light sources 282 to 285 are caused to blink in accordance with the dimming level of lighting device B.

[0225] (10) In the fifth embodiment shown in FIGS. 18(a) to 18(d), controller 50 may change the number of light sources to be caused to blink among light sources 282 to 285 depending on the dimming level of lighting device B.

[0226] (11) In each of the lighting control device C6 shown in FIG. 19 and the lighting control device C7 shown in FIG. 20, when the control unit 50 performs the luminance change process of the second embodiment (see FIG. 15), the ratio change process of the third embodiment (see FIGS. 16(a) to 16(d)), the light source change process of the fourth embodiment (see FIGS. 17(a) to 17(d)), or the number change process of the fifth embodiment (see FIGS. 18(a) to 18(d)), instead of turning on the light source (a corresponding light source among light sources 282 to 285), the control unit 50 may perform a process of blinking the light source.

[0227] (12) In the first to seventh embodiments, the operation and display unit 24 has a circular shape, but there is no particular limitation to the shape of the operation and display unit 24. The operation and display unit 24 may be formed, for example, in a rectangular shape.

[0228] (13) In the first to seventh embodiments, the display pattern film 21 may be subjected to a process of gradually decreasing the light transmittance around the operation display unit 24 with increasing distance from the operation display unit 24. This allows the light from the light sources 28b to 28e emitted from the operation display unit 24 to change in a gradational manner when the operation display unit 24 is turned on or blinking. This allows the presence of the operation display unit 24 to be made inconspicuous when the light sources 28b to 28e are turned off, thereby realizing a simple design of the operation display unit 24. In addition, since the presence of the operation display unit 24 can be made conspicuous when the light sources 28b to 28e are turned on or blinking, the user can easily visually confirm the operation display unit 24. [Industrial Applicability]

[0229] The present invention can be used in the field of lighting control devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0230] 11 Lighting control unit 12 Switching operation section A. Lighting System B Lighting equipment B1 light source C. Lighting control device

Claims

1. A lighting control device for controlling a lighting fixture, a dimming level display unit that displays dimming level information indicating a dimming level of the lighting fixture; a power indicator, represented by a power button symbol, for indicating the power status of said lighting device; A lighting operation unit configured with a touch panel that can be touched and that receives an instruction to change the dimming level of the lighting device; a control unit for controlling the dimming level display unit, the power display unit, and the lighting operation unit; Equipped with The dimming level display unit includes a plurality of operation display units, In the touch panel, the power display unit and the plurality of operation display units are arranged side by side in a predetermined direction, The control unit is When it is determined that a swipe operation in one direction of the predetermined direction has been performed on the lighting operation unit, a dimming level of the lighting device is increased; When it is determined that a swipe operation to the other side of the predetermined direction has been performed on the lighting operation unit, a dimming level of the lighting device is reduced, and a lighting control device that controls the dimming level display unit to display dimming level information corresponding to the dimming level of the lighting device changed by a touch operation.

2. the dimming level display unit includes a plurality of light sources for lighting the plurality of operation display units, respectively; each of the plurality of light sources is turned on or blinks at a first predetermined luminance or a second predetermined luminance higher than the first predetermined luminance; 2. The lighting control device according to claim 1, wherein, in response to a dimming level of the lighting device, the control unit controls at least one of the plurality of light sources to light up or flash at the first predetermined brightness, and controls other light sources to light up or flash at the second predetermined brightness.

3. 3. The lighting control device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit changes a ratio between a number of light sources that are turned on or flashing at the first predetermined brightness and a number of light sources that are turned on or flashing at the second predetermined brightness, among the plurality of light sources, in accordance with a dimming level of the lighting device.

4. The lighting control device according to claim 2 , wherein when the lighting operation unit receives a predetermined operation, the control unit controls the dimming level display unit to display the dimming level information.

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