Lighting system and lighting control device

Abstract

To provide a lighting system capable of individually controlling a plurality of lighting devices and collectively managing their control.SOLUTION: A lighting system includes: a plurality of lighting devices controlled by wireless communication; and a lighting control device that transmits information on lighting control to the lighting devices. The lighting control device includes a display unit and an input unit. A user can create areas in which the same lighting control is performed, with the lighting control device. At least one lighting device corresponds to each area displayed on the lighting control device. In the lighting control device, the area to which the lighting devices correspond can be changed. The same lighting control can be performed for the lighting devices within the area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting system, and more particularly to a technique for controlling a lighting device via wireless communication. [Background technology]

[0002] In conventional wireless lighting systems, a technology is often used in which one lighting device is controlled by wireless communication using one corresponding lighting control device (for example, see Patent Document 1). Specifically, the lighting control device has a transmission unit, an input unit, and a first control unit, and the first control unit generates a control signal including at least one of a turn-on signal, a turn-off signal, and a dimming signal based on a command input from the input unit, and transmits the control signal to the lighting device via the transmission unit. The lighting device has a receiving unit, a light-emitting unit such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode), and a second control unit, and when the receiving unit receives a control signal transmitted from the transmission unit of the lighting control device, the second control unit performs lighting control (turning on, turning off, dimming, etc.) on the light-emitting unit according to the control signal received by the receiving unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-238572 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a large space such as an office, multiple lighting devices are required. When trying to control multiple lighting devices individually by wireless communication, a conventional wireless lighting system requires one lighting control device for each lighting device. Therefore, when the number of lighting devices increases, it becomes practically impossible to control all the lighting devices individually.

[0005] For example, it is possible to use one lighting control device to perform the same lighting control on all lighting devices installed in a space such as an office. However, with this type of control, depending on the location of the lighting device or the time of lighting, the illuminance of the lighting device may not be appropriate, resulting in wasteful consumption of electricity.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENTS Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a lighting system capable of individually controlling a plurality of lighting devices and collectively managing the control of the lighting devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A lighting system according to the present invention is a lighting system comprising a plurality of lighting devices controlled by wireless communication, and a lighting control device that transmits information regarding lighting control to the lighting devices, the lighting control device comprising a display unit and an input unit, a user can create an area on the display unit of the lighting control device that is an area associated with the lighting devices that perform the same lighting control, and at least one of the lighting devices corresponds to the area, The user, The lighting control device The display unit Smell hand, This lighting system is capable of changing the area, which is an area associated with the lighting devices that perform the same lighting control, and of performing the same lighting control on the lighting devices within the area. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the lighting system of the present invention, it is possible to control a plurality of lighting devices individually and to collectively manage the control of the lighting devices.

[0009] The novel features of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims, but the present invention, both in terms of structure and content, together with other objects and features of the present invention, will be better understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1]1 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of an LED lighting system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating the configuration of a lighting control device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of each of the LED lighting devices. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing control executed by a first control unit of the lighting control device and operations performed by a user. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a PC monitor on which a lighting distribution image is displayed. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a PC monitor used to explain the operation of creating an area image. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a PC monitor on which a created area image is displayed. [Figure 8] 11 is a plan view of a PC monitor used to explain a drag operation performed when creating a list of area images. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a PC monitor on which a screen for performing an operation to arrange symbolic images is displayed. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a PC monitor used to explain the arrangement operation of symbolic images. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a PC monitor used to explain the arrangement operation of symbolic images. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a PC monitor on which arranged symbolic images are displayed. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a lighting control device used to explain a drag operation executed when associating an LED lighting device (first identification information) with an area image. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a lighting control device used to explain a drag operation executed when associating an LED lighting device (first identification information) with a symbolic image. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of a lighting control device provided in a first modified LED lighting system. [Figure 16]FIG. 11 is a perspective view conceptually showing a gateway provided in a second modified LED lighting system of the LED lighting system. [Figure 17] 13 is a flowchart showing control executed by a first control unit of a lighting control device and operations performed by a user in a second modified example of the LED lighting system. [Figure 18] 11 is a plan view of a lighting control device in which second identification information is displayed on a touch panel. FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of a demand control system including an LED lighting system. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of a demand control system according to a first modified example of the demand control system. [Figure 21] FIG. 11 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of a demand control system according to a second modified example of the demand control system. [Figure 22] FIG. 11 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of a demand control system according to a third modified example of the demand control system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] First, embodiments of the present invention will be listed and described.

[0012] A lighting control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a device for controlling a plurality of lighting devices via wireless communication, and includes a transmitter, a controller, a display, an input unit, and a storage unit. The transmitter transmits a control signal including at least one of a light-on signal, a light-off signal, and a dimming signal. The lighting devices to be controlled each have first identification information that enables them to be identified.

[0013] Then, the control unit executes control (i) to (v). In control (i), the control unit causes the display unit to display a symbolic image to be associated with at least one lighting device. In control (ii), the control unit acquires first identification information and causes the display unit to display the acquired first identification information. In control (iii), when the first identification information displayed on the display unit is dragged to a position where it overlaps with the symbolic image by an operation from the input unit, the control unit stores the dragged first identification information in the storage unit in association with the symbolic image on which the first identification information is overlapped, thereby causing the lighting device having the first identification information and the symbolic image to be associated with each other. In control (iv), the control unit stores lighting control information related to control of the lighting device associated with the symbolic image in control (iii) in the storage unit in association with the symbolic image. In control (v), the control unit generates a control signal based on the first identification information and lighting control information associated with the symbolic image, and transmits the generated control signal to the lighting device associated with the symbolic image through the transmission unit.

[0014] According to the lighting control device, at least one first identification information is associated with the lighting control information via a symbolic image by a simple operation of the user from the input unit. Therefore, it is possible to control a plurality of lighting devices in a desired association manner with the lighting control information. Here, the desired association manner includes a manner in which the lighting control information is associated with each lighting device, a manner in which the lighting control information is associated with a group of lighting devices, and a manner in which the lighting control information is combined. In this way, according to the lighting control device, it is possible to individually control a plurality of lighting devices and collectively manage the control of the plurality of lighting devices with one lighting control device. Moreover, in the lighting control device, it is easy to change settings related to lighting control, such as changing the symbolic image (for example, changing the area in which the same lighting control is to be performed). Furthermore, since a plurality of lighting devices are controlled by wireless communication, the circuit (wiring) constructed in a wired system is not necessary.

[0015] Preferably, on a lighting arrangement image showing an arrangement of a plurality of lighting devices, the symbolic image is an image symbolizing that the symbolic image corresponds to at least one lighting device arranged at a position overlapping the symbolic image, and prior to the control (i), the control unit further executes a control (vi) for causing the display unit to display the lighting arrangement image. Then, in the control (i), the control unit causes the display unit to display the symbolic image superimposed on the lighting arrangement image.

[0016] Preferably, in the control (ii), the control unit causes the display unit to display a first switch, which generates a lighting signal for turning on the lighting device having the first identification information, in correspondence with the acquired first identification information.

[0017] According to this configuration, the user can turn on the lighting device by operating the first switch from the input unit, and confirm the actual position of the lighting device corresponding to the operated first switch. Therefore, the user can drag the first identification information displayed in correspondence with the operated first switch to the symbolic image to which the user wishes to associate the first identification information based on the confirmed actual position. When such a drag operation by the user is performed, the control unit executes control (iii). Thus, the first identification information is accurately associated with the symbolic image.

[0018] In the lighting control device, the symbolic image may be an area image representing an area of ​​lighting devices for which the same lighting control is executed. In this case, in the control (iii), the control unit stores the first identification information of all lighting devices in the area represented by the area image in the storage unit in association with the area image. In addition, in the control (v), the control unit transmits a control signal to all lighting devices in the area represented by the area image through the transmission unit.

[0019] According to this configuration, the user can perform a simple operation from the input unit to set all lighting devices in a desired area to perform the same lighting control.

[0020] In a preferred specific configuration of the above lighting control device, the lighting control device further includes a receiving unit that receives an information signal transmitted from a lighting device in wireless communication and including the first identification information. In the control (ii), the control unit causes the receiving unit to receive the information signal, thereby acquiring the first identification information included in the information signal, and causes the display unit to display the acquired first identification information.

[0021] In another preferred specific configuration of the above lighting control device, the lighting control device further includes a reader that reads a QR code (registered trademark), each of the lighting devices is provided with a QR code (registered trademark) corresponding to the first identification information, and the memory unit stores a table indicating a correspondence relationship between the first identification information and the QR code (registered trademark). Then, in control (ii), the control unit obtains the first identification information corresponding to the QR code (registered trademark) read by the reader based on the table, and causes the display unit to display the obtained first identification information.

[0022] According to this configuration, even if a lighting system including a lighting control device having this configuration and a plurality of lighting devices is adopted in, for example, each of a plurality of adjacent stores, only the first identification information of the lighting devices constituting the same lighting system together with the lighting control device is displayed on the display unit of each lighting control device. Therefore, the above specific configuration prevents a problem in which a user, i.e., a system administrator, obtains first identification information from a lighting system other than the lighting system he or she owns and erroneously associates the first identification information with a symbolic image.

[0023] A lighting system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of lighting devices and the lighting control device configured to control the lighting devices via wireless communication.

[0024] In a preferred specific configuration of the lighting system, the lighting system further includes a plurality of communication repeaters, which perform wireless communication between the lighting device and the lighting control device and are connected to each other by wire. The lighting control device communicates with the lighting device via at least one communication repeater. In such a configuration, it is preferred that the communication repeaters have second identification information that enables each of them to be identified, and the control unit of the lighting control device further executes control (vii) before control (ii). Specifically, in control (vii), the control unit acquires second identification information of communication repeaters that exist within a range where wireless communication with the lighting control device is possible, and displays the acquired second identification information on the display unit. In control (ii), the control unit acquires first identification information of a lighting device that can perform direct wireless communication with the communication repeater through a communication repeater corresponding to the second identification information selected by an operation from the input unit among the second identification information displayed on the display unit, and displays the acquired first identification information on the display unit.

[0025] According to this configuration, only the first identification information of the lighting devices that are within a range where direct wireless communication with the selected communication repeater is possible is displayed on the display unit, making it easy to associate the first identification information with the symbolic image by a drag operation.

[0026] In a more preferred specific configuration, each of the communication repeaters has a light-emitting unit that emits light to the outside, and in the control (vii), the control unit causes the display unit to display a second switch that generates a lighting signal for lighting up the light-emitting unit of the communication repeater having the second identification information, in correspondence with the acquired second identification information.

[0027] According to this configuration, the user can confirm the actual location of the communication repeater by operating the second switch from the input unit to turn on the light emitting unit of the communication repeater. Therefore, the user can easily associate the first identification information with the symbolic image for all the installed lighting devices by repeatedly selecting a communication repeater and associating the first identification information with the symbolic image while changing the communication repeater to be selected.

[0028] In another preferred specific configuration of the above lighting system, the lighting system further includes an illuminance sensor provided in the space in which the plurality of lighting devices are arranged, and a human presence sensor provided integrally with or separately from the illuminance sensor. In the control (v), the control unit generates a control signal based on the detection signals output from the illuminance sensor and the human presence sensor in addition to the first identification information and the lighting control information associated with the symbolic image.

[0029] Next, the details of the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0030] [1] LED lighting system configuration Fig. 1 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of an LED lighting system according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the LED lighting system includes a plurality of LED lighting devices 2, a lighting control device 1 that controls the LED lighting devices 2 via wireless communication, a wired network 3, and a sensor 4.

[0031] The network 3 has multiple gateway GWs that are wired and connected to each other via a hub. Each gateway GW transmits information between the LED lighting device 2 and the lighting control device 1 by wireless communication. The lighting control device 1 communicates with the LED lighting device 2 via at least one gateway GW in the network 3. The gateway GW has a communication repeater that converts communication protocols, and a controller that controls the lighting of the LED lighting device 2 according to a control signal output from the lighting control device 1.

[0032] According to the LED lighting system of this embodiment, wireless communication between the lighting control device 1 and the multiple LED lighting devices 2 is relayed by the network 3 (gateway GW). Therefore, even if multiple LED lighting devices 2 are installed in a large space such as an office, wireless communication between the lighting control device 1 and the LED lighting devices 2 can be reliably performed.

[0033] Furthermore, in the LED lighting system of this embodiment, multiple gateways GW are connected by wires. Therefore, even if multiple LED lighting devices 2 are installed in multiple rooms or across multiple floors, by installing a gateway GW in each room or on each floor, it becomes possible to collectively manage the lighting control of all the LED lighting devices 2 with one lighting control device 1.

[0034] The sensor 4 is an integral combination of an illuminance sensor and a human presence sensor, and is provided in a space where multiple LED lighting devices 2 are arranged. The sensor 4 transmits information to the gateway GW via wireless communication. The lighting control device 1 acquires a detection signal output from the sensor 4 via the network 3. Note that a lighting sensor and a human presence sensor may be provided separately in the space where the LED lighting devices 2 are arranged.

[0035] Fig. 2 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of lighting control device 1. As shown in Fig. 2, lighting control device 1 has a first transmission unit 11, a first reception unit 12, a first control unit 13, a display unit 14, an input unit 15, and a storage unit 16. In this embodiment, display unit 14 and input unit 15 are a touch panel 18 integrally formed with each other.

[0036] The first transmitting unit 11 transmits the signal generated by the first control unit 13 to the LED lighting device 2 and the sensor 4 through the network 3. The signal generated by the first control unit 13 includes a control signal having at least one of a light-on signal, a light-off signal, and a dimming signal. The first receiving unit 12 receives the signal output from the LED lighting device 2 and the sensor 4 through the network 3. Details of the control executed by the first control unit 13 will be described later.

[0037] Fig. 3 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of each LED lighting device 2. As shown in Fig. 3, the LED lighting device 2 has a second transmitting unit 21, a second receiving unit 22, a second control unit 23, and an LED 24. The LED lighting device 2 also has first identification information I that enables it to be distinguished from other LED lighting devices 2.LED It has.

[0038] The second transmission unit 21 transmits the signal generated by the second control unit 23 to the lighting control device 1 through the network 3. The signal generated by the second control unit 23 includes the first identification information I LED In this embodiment, the second transmitting unit 21 and the second receiving unit 22 are an integrally formed wireless module, and the first identification information I LED is for distinguishing the wireless module from wireless modules provided in other LED lighting devices 2. The transmission of a signal from second transmission unit 21 is executed in response to a command from the lighting control device 1, for example.

[0039] The second receiving unit 22 receives, via the network 3, a control signal output from the lighting control device 1, or a control signal output from a controller of the gateway GW in response to this control signal. The second control unit 23 performs lighting control (turning on, turning off, dimming, etc.) of the LED 24 based on the control signal received by the second receiving unit 22.

[0040] [2] LED lighting system control Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the control executed by first control unit 13 of lighting control device 1 and the operation performed by the user. First, in step S20, the user performs advance preparations using a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as "PC"). Figs. 5 to 12 are plan views of PC monitor 6 on which screens related to this advance preparation are displayed.

[0041] In step S20, the user first loads a lighting distribution image P showing the arrangement of a plurality of LED lighting devices 2 into the hard disk of the PC, and displays the loaded lighting distribution image P on the PC monitor 6 (see FIG. 5). In FIG. 5, the arrangement of the LED lighting devices 2 is shown by a plurality of circles. The lighting distribution image P may include images of interior design, equipment, etc. The lighting distribution image P may also be an image created by a perspective projection method. Furthermore, the user may load arrangement information on the arrangement of a plurality of LED lighting devices 2, which is necessary for generating the lighting distribution image P, into the hard disk of the PC. In this case, the user causes the PC to read the arrangement information from the hard disk and generate the lighting distribution image P based on the arrangement information.

[0042] On the screen where the light distribution image P is displayed, the user creates or places a symbolic image on the light distribution image P displayed on the PC monitor 6 by operating a mouse or the like (step S20). Here, the symbolic image is created or placed by using at least one first identification information I LED By associating the first identification information I LED In this embodiment, the symbolic image is displayed superimposed on the light distribution image P on the PC monitor 6 or the lighting control device 1, so that the user can recognize that the symbolic image corresponds to at least one LED lighting device 2 arranged at a position overlapping the symbolic image on the light distribution image P. In other words, the symbolic image is an image that symbolizes that the symbolic image corresponds to at least one LED lighting device 2 arranged at a position overlapping the symbolic image on the light distribution image P. Note that the symbolic image is associated with at least one first identification information I LED may be created without displaying the lighting distribution image P, such as a box to which the lighting distribution image P is associated.

[0043] The symbolic image includes an image (see FIG. 7) that represents an area of ​​LED lighting devices 2 on the light distribution image P where the same lighting control is executed, and that is associated with multiple LED lighting devices 2 in that area. Hereinafter, this image is referred to as an "area image." Furthermore, the symbolic image includes an image (see FIG. 12) that is associated with only one LED lighting device 2. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the term "symbolic image" is used for this image.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 5, on the screen on which the light distribution image P is displayed, in addition to the light distribution image P, buttons B1 to B7 and EG1 to EG10 are displayed. Button B1 is a button for displaying on the PC monitor 6 a placement operation screen (see FIG. 9) for the user to perform a placement operation of a symbol image. Button B2 is a button for displaying on the PC monitor 6 a creation operation screen (see FIG. 5) for the user to perform a creation operation of an area image. Button B6 is a button for displaying again on the PC monitor 6 the screen prior to the screen displayed on the PC monitor 6. Button B7 is a button for completing the placement operation of the symbol image and the creation operation of the area image.

[0045] In the creation operation screen (see FIG. 5), the buttons B3 to B5 are buttons selected when the user creates an area image. Here, the button B3 is selected when creating a rectangular area image (see FIG. 6). Specifically, the user selects the button B3 by operating the mouse or the like, and then specifies two different positions on the screen displayed on the PC monitor 6. As a result, a rectangular area image is created with a straight line connecting the two positions as a diagonal line. The button B4 is selected when creating a straight line portion of the outer edge of an area image having various shapes not limited to a rectangle. Specifically, the user selects the button B4 by operating the mouse or the like, and then specifies multiple positions on the screen displayed on the PC monitor 6. As a result, a line image is created in which the multiple positions are connected in the specified order. The button B5 is selected when creating an arc-shaped curved portion of the outer edge of the area image. Specifically, the user selects the button B5 by operating the mouse or the like, and then specifies one position on the screen displayed on the PC monitor 6. Next, the user specifies another position, and then slides the position around the previously specified position. As a result, an arc-shaped curved image is created with the previously specified position as its center.

[0046] By performing the above-mentioned creation operation on the creation operation screen, the user can create area images on the lighting distribution image P. In FIG. 7, four area images P AREA (1)~P AREA (4) is created, and four area images P AREA (1)~P AREA In this example, the area image may correspond to only some of the LED lighting devices 2 to be controlled by the lighting control device 1 among the LED lighting devices 2 shown in the lighting distribution image P. Alternatively, the area image may correspond to some of the LED lighting devices 2 to be controlled by the lighting control device 1, and the remaining LED lighting devices 2 may be assigned symbolic images by a layout operation to be described later.

[0047] The operation for creating the area image is not limited to the above-mentioned operation. For example, figures having various shapes may be displayed on the PC monitor 6, and the user may select several figures from the multiple figures displayed on the PC monitor 6 by operating a mouse or the like, and combine the selected figures to create one area image. Also, the operation for creating the area image may be performed not only on a PC, but also on the lighting control device 1.

[0048] When the button B1 is selected by the user using a mouse or the like on the screen shown in Fig. 5, a screen for performing symbolic image arrangement operation is displayed (see Fig. 9). At this time, buttons B11 to B14 are displayed on the PC monitor 6 instead of buttons B3 to B5. As a result, as shown in Fig. 9, the lighting distribution image P and buttons B1, B2, B11 to B14, B6, and B7 are displayed on the PC monitor 6.

[0049] On the arrangement operation screen (see FIG. 9), buttons B11 to B13 are buttons that the user selects when arranging symbolic images, and button B14 is a button that the user selects when deleting an arranged symbolic image.

[0050] Button B11 is selected when placing only one symbolic image. Specifically, the user selects button B11 by operating a mouse or the like, and then specifies one position on the screen displayed on the PC monitor 6. Once the position specification is complete, a selection screen for selecting the type of symbolic image is displayed on the PC monitor 6 (see FIG. 10). Then, the user selects the type of symbolic image on the selection screen by operating a mouse or the like. As a result, the symbolic image of the selected type is placed at the specified position.

[0051] Button B12 is selected when arranging multiple symbol images of the same type in a line. Specifically, the user selects button B12 by operating a mouse or the like, and then specifies two positions on the screen displayed on the PC monitor 6. After the two positions have been specified, a selection screen for selecting the type of symbol image is displayed on the PC monitor 6 (see FIG. 10). Then, the user operates a mouse or the like to select the type of symbol image on the selection screen. After the selection of the type of symbol image is completed, an input screen for inputting the number of symbol images to be arranged is displayed on the PC monitor 6 (see FIG. 11). Then, the user inputs a numerical value on the input screen by operating a mouse, keyboard, or the like. As a result, the input number of symbol images are arranged at equal intervals on the straight line connecting the two specified positions.

[0052] The button B13 is selected when arranging a plurality of symbolic images of the same type in a matrix. Specifically, when the button B13 is selected by the user operating a mouse or the like, the buttons B3 to B5 are displayed on the PC monitor 6 instead of the buttons B11 to B14 (see FIG. 10). Then, the user selects the button B3 by operating a mouse or the like, and then specifies two different positions on the screen displayed on the PC monitor 6 as shown in FIG. 10. This specifies a rectangular area R with a straight line connecting the two positions as a diagonal line. After the two positions have been specified, a selection screen for selecting the type of symbolic image is displayed on the PC monitor 6 (see FIG. 10). Then, the user operates a mouse or the like to select the type of symbolic image on the selection screen. After the selection of the type of symbolic image is completed, an input screen for inputting the number of symbolic images (number of rows and number of columns) to be arranged is displayed on the PC monitor 6 (see FIG. 11). Then, the user operates a mouse, a keyboard, or the like to input a numerical value on the input screen. As a result, the input number of symbolic images are arranged in a matrix in the specified rectangular area (see FIG. 12).

[0053] By performing the above-mentioned arrangement operation on the arrangement operation screen, the user can arrange symbol images on the light distribution image P. FIG. 12 shows nine symbol images P of the same type arranged on the light distribution image P. SMBL 1 shows a case where the symbolic image is arranged on the LED lighting device 2. By repeatedly executing such an arrangement operation, it is possible to make the symbolic image correspond to all the LED lighting devices 2 shown in the lighting distribution image P. It is also possible to make the symbolic image correspond to only some of the LED lighting devices 2 to be controlled by the lighting control device 1 among the LED lighting devices 2 shown in the lighting distribution image P. Alternatively, it is also possible to make the symbolic image correspond to some of the LED lighting devices 2 to be controlled by the lighting control device 1, and make the area image correspond to the remaining LED lighting devices 2 by the above-mentioned creation operation. Furthermore, the symbolic image may be arranged within an area represented by the area image. The arrangement operation of the symbolic image may be performed not only by the PC but also by the lighting control device 1.

[0054] In step S20, the user selects an area image P AREA (1)~P AREA When (4) is created, the created area image P AREA (1)~P AREA (4) is stored in the hard disk of the PC. At this time, the area image P AREA (1)~P AREA (4) may be listed by being stored in a hard disk in one-to-one correspondence with any of the buttons EG1 to EG10. AREA (1)~P AREA (4) The association of the buttons EG1 to EG10 with each other is performed, for example, by the user using a mouse or the like to drag the buttons on the screen on which they are displayed on the PC monitor 6 (see FIG. 8).

[0055] Also, in step S20, the user selects a symbolic image P SMBL When is placed, the symbolic image P SMBL is stored on the PC's hard disk.

[0056] When the advance preparation is completed, in step S21, the user reads the lighting distribution image P and the area image P stored in the hard disk of the PC. AREA (1)~P AREA (4) and symbolic image P SMBL is transferred to the lighting control device 1 via the network 3, for example.

[0057] As a result, in step S11, the first control unit 13 of the lighting control device 1 receives the light distribution image P and the area image P via the first receiving unit 12. AREA (1)~P AREA (4) and symbolic image P SMBL These images are read and stored in the storage unit 16.

[0058] Next, in step S12, the first control unit 13 reads out the light distribution image P from the storage unit 16 and displays the read light distribution image P on the touch panel 18. In addition, the first control unit 13 reads out the area image P from the storage unit 16. AREA (1)~P AREA (4) and symbolic image P SMBL At least one of the area images and the symbol image is read out, and the read image is displayed on the touch panel 18 in a state where it is superimposed on the light distribution image P. FIG. AREA (1)~P AREA FIG. 14 is a plan view of the lighting control device 1 in which only the area image P(4) is displayed on the touch panel 18. AREA (1)~P AREA (4) and symbolic image P SMBL 1 is a plan view of the lighting control device 1 in which both of the above are displayed on the touch panel 18. In step S12, the first control unit 13 does not display the light distribution image P on the touch panel 18, but displays the area image P AREA (1)~P AREA (4) and symbolic image P SMBL Alternatively, the symbol image may display at least one of the first identification information I. LED is an associated box, only the symbolic image may be displayed on the touch panel 18.

[0059] Next, in step S13, the first control unit 13 receives the first identification information I LED By having the first receiving unit 12 receive an information signal including the first identification information I, the first identification information I is transmitted from the plurality of LED lighting devices 2 through the network 3. LED Then, the first control unit 13 acquires the acquired first identification information I LED On the touch panel 18 (see FIG. 13 and FIG. 14), the first control unit 13 displays the acquired first identification information I LED For each of the first identification information I LED The first control unit 13 generates a first switch S1 that generates a lighting signal for lighting the LED lighting device 2 having the first identification information I. LED In this embodiment, the first switch S1 is displayed on the touch panel 18 in correspondence with the first identification information I LED The first switch S1 may be a switch that selectively generates a turn-on signal and a turn-off signal. The first switch S1 may be stored in the storage unit 16, and the first control unit 13 may store the acquired first identification information I LED The first switch S1 corresponding to each of the above may be read from the storage unit 16, and the read first switch S1 may be displayed on the touch panel 18.

[0060] Next, the user touches the LED lighting device 2 and the area image P displayed on the touch panel 18. AREA (1)~P AREA (4) or symbolic image P SMBL Specifically, the first identification information I LED On the screen on which the LED lighting device 2 and the first switch S1 are displayed, the user operates the first switch S1 on the touch panel 18 to turn on the LED lighting device 2. In this way, the user can confirm the actual position of the LED lighting device 2 corresponding to the operated first switch S1. After that, the user can confirm the actual position of the LED lighting device 2 corresponding to the operated first switch S1 by checking the first identification information I LED Based on the confirmed actual position, the area image P displayed at the corresponding position on the lighting distribution image P isAREA (1)~P AREA (4) or symbolic image P SMBL Drag it to the position where it overlaps with the

[0061] When the above-described drag operation by the user is performed, in step S14, the first control unit 13 detects the dragged first identification information I LED The first identification information I LED The first identification information I is stored in the storage unit 16 in association with the area image or symbol image on which it is superimposed. LED Area Image P AREA When it is associated with (1), the area image P AREA First identification information I of all LED lighting devices 2 in the area represented by (1) LED However, area image P AREA (1) is stored in the memory unit 16 in association with the above.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 14, the area image P AREA (1) Within the area represented by the symbolic image P SMBL In the case where the first identification information I LED But the symbolic image P SMBL When the first identification information I is dragged to a position where the first identification information I overlaps with the first identification information I, the first control unit 13 LED The symbolic image P SMBL Alternatively, the area image P AREA (1) and symbolic image P SMBL The above information may be stored in the storage unit 16 in association with any of the above information.

[0063] According to the user's drag operation based on the position confirmation of the LED lighting device 2 (step S22) and the control of the first control unit 13 (step S14), the first identification information I LED However, area image P AREA (1)~P AREA (4) or symbolic image P SMBL is accurately related to

[0064] Next, in step S15, the first control unit 13 causes the storage unit 16 to store lighting control information relating to the control of the plurality of LED lighting devices 2 corresponding to the area image in association with the area image. The first control unit 13 also causes the storage unit 16 to store lighting control information relating to the control of one LED lighting device 2 corresponding to the symbolic image in association with the symbolic image. The lighting control information is input by the user operating the touch panel 18 (step S23). The lighting control information also includes information such as illuminance and time schedule.

[0065] According to the control of the first control unit 13 in steps S11 to S15 and the user's operation in steps S21 to S23, settings for performing the same lighting control on all the LED lighting devices 2 in a desired area, and settings for performing individual lighting control on each LED lighting device 2 can be performed by simple operation of the touch panel 18.

[0066] After the setting is completed, in step S16, the first control unit 13 sets the first identification information I associated with the area image. LED and the lighting control information. The first control unit 13 then transmits the generated control signal to all the LED lighting devices 2 within the area represented by the area image via the first transmission unit 11. In this way, the same lighting control is performed on all the LED lighting devices 2 within the desired area.

[0067] The first control unit 13 also generates the first identification information I associated with the symbolic image. LED and the lighting control information. Then, the first control unit 13 transmits the generated control signal to the LED lighting device 2 corresponding to the symbolic image through the first transmission unit 11. As a result, lighting control is performed individually for the LED lighting device 2.

[0068] In step S16, the first control unit 13 receives the first identification information I LED In addition to the illumination control information, the control signal may also be generated based on a detection signal output from the sensor 4.

[0069] According to the lighting control device 1 of the present embodiment, at least one first identification information I is generated for the lighting control information by a simple operation of the touch panel 18 by the user. LED However, area image P AREA (1)~P AREA (4) or symbolic image P SMBL . Therefore, it is possible to control the multiple LED lighting devices 2 in a desired association mode with the lighting control information. Here, the desired association mode includes a mode in which the lighting control information is associated with each LED lighting device 2, a mode in which the lighting control information is associated with a group of LED lighting devices 2, and a combination of these. In this way, according to the lighting control device 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to individually control the multiple LED lighting devices 2 and collectively manage the control of them with one lighting control device 1. Furthermore, in the lighting control device 1 of this embodiment, it is easy to change the settings related to lighting control, such as changing the area image and symbol image. Furthermore, since the multiple LED lighting devices 2 are controlled by wireless communication, the circuit (wiring) constructed in a wired system is not necessary.

[0070] By utilizing the fact that the lighting control device 1 can collectively manage the LED lighting devices 2, for example, the usage time of each of the LED lighting devices 2 may be collectively managed by the lighting control device 1. As an example, the timers provided in each of the LED lighting devices 2 may be collectively managed by the lighting control device 1. The timers are usually provided in the wireless module.

[0071] In the case of lighting devices such as fluorescent lamps, the user can recognize the end of the lighting device's lifespan when the device cannot be turned on. However, the LED lighting device 2 can be used semi-permanently, and its functionality gradually deteriorates. For this reason, it is difficult for the user to recognize the end of its lifespan (insufficient illumination).

[0072] Therefore, by utilizing the fact that the lighting control device 1 can collectively manage the LED lighting devices 2, when the LED lighting devices 2 reach the end of their lifespan (insufficient illumination state), the lifespan may be displayed, for example, on the touch panel 18 of the lighting control device 1. This allows the user to recognize the lifespan of the LED lighting devices 2.

[0073] [3] Modifications regarding LED lighting systems Two modified examples (a first modified example and a second modified example) of the LED lighting system will be described.

[0074] [3-1] First modified example In the first modification of the LED lighting system, in addition to the configuration of the above embodiment, each of the LED lighting devices 2 is provided with a first identification information I LED A QR code (registered trademark) corresponding to the first identification information I is provided, and the storage unit 16 stores the first identification information I LED 15, the lighting control device 1 further includes a reading unit 17 which is a QR code reader that reads the QR code.

[0075] In such an LED lighting system, in step S13 described above, the first control unit 13 calculates the first identification information I corresponding to the QR code (registered trademark) read by the reading unit 17 based on the table. LED Then, the first control unit 13 acquires the acquired first identification information I LED is displayed on the touch panel 18. The reading of the QR code (registered trademark) by the reading unit 17 is executed by a user before the installation of the LED lighting device 2, for example, at the stage of installing the LED lighting device 2.

[0076] According to the first modified example of the LED lighting system, even if this LED lighting system is adopted in, for example, each of a plurality of adjacent stores, the touch panel 18 of each lighting control device 1 displays the first identification information I of the LED lighting device 2 which constitutes the same LED lighting system together with this lighting control device 1. LEDTherefore, when a user, i.e., a system administrator, acquires the first identification information I from an LED lighting system other than the LED lighting system he or she owns, LED and obtain the first identification information I LED The first modified example of the LED lighting system prevents the problem of erroneously associating the image with an area image or a symbol image.

[0077] [3-2] Second variant In the second modified example of the LED lighting system, in addition to the configuration of the above embodiment, the gateway GW stores second identification information I GW 16, each of the gateways GW is provided with a light emitting unit 5 that emits light to the outside. As the light emitting unit 5, for example, an LED is used.

[0078] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the control executed by the first control unit 13 of the lighting control device 1 and the operation performed by the user in the second modified example of the LED lighting system. Also, FIG. 18 shows how the second identification information I GW 17 is a plan view of the lighting control device 1 on which the second identification information I of a gateway GW present within a range in which wireless communication with the lighting control device 1 is possible is displayed. As shown in FIG. 17, the first control unit 13 executes the control of step S17 before the control of step S13 in addition to the control shown in FIG. 4. In step S17, the first control unit 13 GW Then, the first control unit 13 obtains the obtained second identification information I GW is displayed on the touch panel 18 (see FIG. 18). GW are displayed on the touch panel 18 in ascending order of the distance between the corresponding gateway GW and the lighting control device 1.

[0079] At this time, the first control unit 13 outputs the acquired second identification information I GW For each of the second identification information I GWThe first control unit 13 generates a second switch S2 that generates a lighting signal for lighting the light emitting unit 5 of the gateway GW having the second identification information I. GW In this embodiment, the second switch S2 displays the second identification information I GW The second switch S2 may be a switch that selectively generates a turn-on signal and a turn-off signal. The second switch S2 may be stored in the storage unit 16, and the first control unit 13 may store the acquired second identification information I GW The second switches S2 corresponding to the respective switches may be read out from the storage unit 16 and the read out second switches S2 may be displayed on the touch panel 18.

[0080] Next, the user selects a gateway GW (step S24). GW On the screen displaying the first switch S1 and the second switch S2, the user operates the second switch S2 on the touch panel 18 to turn on the light emitting unit 5 of the gateway GW. In this manner, the user confirms the actual position of the gateway GW corresponding to the operated second switch S2. Then, the user selects one gateway GW from among the gateway GWs present within a range where wireless communication with the lighting control device 1 is possible.

[0081] When the gateway GW is selected, in step S13, the first control unit 13 transmits the first identification information I of the LED lighting device 2 capable of direct wireless communication with the gateway GW through the selected gateway GW. LED Then, the first control unit 13 acquires the acquired first identification information I LED is displayed on the touch panel 18. After that, the same control as in the above embodiment is executed.

[0082] According to the second modification of the LED lighting system, the first identification information I of the LED lighting device 2 present within a range where direct wireless communication with the selected gateway GW is possible is stored. LEDOnly the first identification information I LED This makes it easy to associate the area image or symbol image with the area image or symbol image.

[0083] In addition, the user can turn on the gateway GW by operating the second switch S2 to check the actual location of the gateway GW. Therefore, the user can select the gateway GW (step S24) and obtain the first identification information I LED The first identification information I of all the installed LED lighting devices 2 is obtained by repeatedly associating the first identification information I with the area image or the symbol image (step S22) while changing the selected gateway GW. LED It is therefore easy to associate the area image or symbol image with the corresponding area image or symbol image.

[0084] [4] Demand control for LED lighting systems Next, demand control will be described. Here, demand control refers to monitoring the total amount of power used in an office, store, etc., and controlling the amount of power consumed by loads (such as lighting devices and air conditioners) (hereinafter referred to as "power consumption") so that the total amount of power does not exceed a predetermined threshold. In this embodiment, a demand control system for realizing demand control is constructed. In this demand control system, the total amount of power used is monitored, and the power consumption of loads included in an LED lighting system, an air conditioning system, etc. is controlled so that the total amount of power does not exceed a predetermined threshold. Below, a case where demand control is mainly performed on an LED lighting system will be described.

[0085] [4-1] Demand control system Fig. 19 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of a demand control system including an LED lighting system. As shown in Fig. 19, the demand control system includes a power meter 71, a demand control device 72, and a contact converter 73, all connected to a power line 70. Although not shown in Fig. 19, the LED lighting device 2 and the sensor 4 included in the LED lighting system are connected to the power line 70. Note that other loads, such as an air conditioner included in an air conditioning system, may also be connected to the power line 70.

[0086] The power meter 71 measures the total amount of power used. The power meter 71 is connected to the demand control device 72, and the demand control device 72 judges whether or not to execute demand control based on the measurement result (total amount of power) by the power meter 71. Specifically, the demand control device 72 judges whether or not the measured total amount of power exceeds a predetermined threshold value that is set in advance. If it is judged that the total amount of power exceeds the predetermined threshold value, the demand control device 72 outputs a demand control signal for executing demand control. In this embodiment, the demand control signal is a contact signal output using a real contact such as a relay contact, or a non-contact signal output using a transistor or the like. On the other hand, if it is judged that the total amount of power does not exceed the predetermined threshold value, the demand control device 72 waits without outputting the demand control signal.

[0087] The demand control device 72 is connected to the network 3 constituting the LED lighting system via a contact converter 73. FIG. 19 particularly shows a configuration in which the demand control device 72 is connected to a hub (HUB). A demand control signal output from the demand control device 72 is input to the contact converter 73. The contact converter 73 converts the input demand control signal into a digital signal. This digital signal is transmitted to a gateway GW in the network 3 via the hub (HUB). Alternatively, the digital signal is transmitted to the LED lighting device 2 through the network 3.

[0088] Information regarding the lighting control to be executed on the LEDs 24 of the LED lighting device 2 when the controller of each gateway GW or the second control unit 23 of each LED lighting device 2 receives a digital signal is preset. Specifically, the lighting control information adopted at this time is information intended to reduce the power consumption of the LED lighting device 2. One example of lighting control is a control to uniformly reduce the illuminance of all the LED lighting devices 2 to a predetermined illuminance that has been set in advance. Another example of lighting control is a control to reduce the illuminance of the LED lighting device 2 to a predetermined illuminance for each area.

[0089] According to the demand control system, by executing demand control on the LED lighting system, it is possible to suppress excessive consumption of power. Here, the important point is that the LED lighting system of this embodiment can control a plurality of LED lighting devices 2 individually and manage the control collectively, and demand control is executed on such an LED lighting system. That is, since the control (lighting control) of the LED lighting devices 2 executed during demand control can be individually set under the centralized management of the lighting control device 1 or a PC, there is no need to include information on the lighting control in the demand control signal transmitted to the LED lighting system during demand control, and therefore it is possible to use a contact signal or a non-contact signal as the demand control signal. Therefore, it is easy to build a demand control system.

[0090] [4-2] Variations in the demand control system Fig. 20 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of a demand control system according to a first modified example of the demand control system. As shown in Fig. 20, any one of a plurality of gateways GW constituting the network 3 may be integrated with the contact converter 73. This simplifies the construction of the demand control system.

[0091] Fig. 21 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of a demand control system according to a second modified example of the demand control system. As shown in Fig. 21, in the demand control system, a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) converter 74 may be provided in place of the contact converter 73. In this case, the demand control is performed as follows.

[0092] When the demand control device 72 determines to execute demand control based on the measurement result (total power amount) of the power meter 71, it outputs a PWM signal as a demand control signal for executing the demand control. The demand control signal output from the demand control device 72 is input to the PWM converter 74. The PWM converter 74 converts the input demand control signal into a digital signal. This digital signal is transmitted to the gateway GW in the network 3 via a hub. Alternatively, the digital signal is transmitted to the LED lighting device 2 through the network 3. Then, the second control unit 23 of the LED lighting device 2 performs lighting control (on, off, dimming, etc.) of the LED 24 based on the digital signal (control signal) output from the PWM converter 74 or the control signal output from the controller of the gateway GW in response to this digital signal. In this case, information related to lighting control during demand control is set on the demand control device 72 side. Incidentally, the demand control system is not limited to a configuration in which either the contact converter 73 or the PWM converter 74 is provided, and a configuration in which both of them are provided may be adopted.

[0093] Fig. 22 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of a demand control system according to a third modified example of the demand control system. As shown in Fig. 22, any one of a plurality of gateways GW constituting the network 3 may be integrated with the PWM converter 74. This simplifies the construction of the demand control system.

[0094] The configuration of each part of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the technical scope of the claims. For example, the configuration of each part of the above LED lighting system can be applied to a lighting system equipped with various lighting devices not limited to LED lighting devices.

[0095] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the presently preferred embodiments, such disclosure should not be interpreted as limiting. Various modifications and alterations will no doubt become apparent from the above disclosure to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Accordingly, the appended claims should be interpreted to cover all such modifications and alterations without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 1 Lighting control device 11 First transmission unit 12 First receiving unit 13 First Control Section 14 Display section 15 Input section 16 Memory section 17 Reading section 18 Touch Panel 2 LED lighting device 21 Second transmission unit 22 Second Receiving Unit 23 Second Control Section 24 LED 3. Network 4 Sensors 5 Light emitting part 6 PC monitor 70 Power Lines 71 Power Meter 72 Demand control device 73 Contact Converter 74 PWM Converter GW Gateway I LED First identification information I GW Second identification information P Lighting distribution image P AREA(1)~P AREA (4) Area image P SMBL Iconic Image B1~B7, B11~B14 buttons EG1 to EG10 buttons R region S1 First switch S2 Second switch

Claims

1. A lighting system comprising: a plurality of lighting devices controlled by wireless communication; and a lighting control device that transmits information regarding lighting control to the lighting devices, The lighting control device includes a display unit and an input unit, The user can create an area on the display unit of the lighting control device that is an area associated with the lighting devices that perform the same lighting control, At least one of the lighting devices corresponds to the area; a user can change the area on the display unit of the lighting control device, the area being an area associated with the lighting device that performs the same lighting control; The lighting devices in the area can have the same lighting control. Lighting system.

2. A lighting control device that transmits information regarding lighting control for controlling a plurality of lighting devices via wireless communication, The lighting control device includes a display unit and an input unit, The user can create an area on the display unit of the lighting control device that is an area associated with the lighting devices that perform the same lighting control, At least one of the lighting devices corresponds to the area; a user can change the area on the display unit of the lighting control device, the area being an area associated with the lighting device that performs the same lighting control; A lighting control device capable of providing the same lighting control to the lighting devices in the area.

Images