Lighting device and lighting system

Abstract

The present invention provides an illumination device and an illumination system with which it is possible to realize dynamic light distribution control using 1 / f fluctuation. The present invention comprises: a light source; an optical element that is provided on an optical axis of the light source, and that controls the light distribution status of light emitted from the light source in two directions, a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction; and a processing circuit that executes at least light distribution control processing of the optical element. The processing circuit dynamically controls the light distribution status of at least one of the first direction and the second direction using 1 / f fluctuation on the basis of the light distribution setting value which is the setting value for executing light distribution control processing.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there are lighting fixtures that combine a light source such as an LED with a thin lens engraved with a prism pattern, and change the spread of light (hereinafter also referred to as "light distribution") by changing the distance between the light source and the thin lens. For example, a lighting fixture has been disclosed in which the front of a transparent light bulb is covered with a liquid crystal dimming element, and the transmittance of the liquid crystal layer is changed to switch between direct light and scattered light (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Also, a lighting control device has been disclosed that changes the brightness of lighting over time to achieve a flickering light like a candle flame (see, for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2-65001 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-004329 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] 1 / f fluctuations, which are a harmonious blend of regularity and irregularity, are a phenomenon commonly seen in nature, such as candle flames and the murmuring of a river, and can provide psychological comfort. For example, it is desirable to be able to create such fluctuations in lighting devices that can control the light distribution.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a lighting device and a lighting system that can realize dynamic light distribution control using 1 / f fluctuation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An illumination device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a light source, an optical element disposed on an optical axis of the light source and configured to control the light distribution state of light emitted from the light source in two directions, a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction, and a processing circuit configured to execute at least a light distribution control process for the optical element, wherein the processing circuit dynamically controls the light distribution state in at least one of the first direction and the second direction independently using 1 / f fluctuations based on a light distribution setting value that is a setting value for executing the light distribution control process.

[0007] An illumination system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises an illumination device including a light source, an optical element disposed on the optical axis of the light source and controlling the light distribution state of light emitted from the light source in two directions, a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction, and a processing circuit that executes light distribution control processing for at least the optical element, and a control device that can change the light distribution state of the illumination device in at least the two directions, the first direction and the second direction, using 1 / f fluctuations based on a light distribution setting value that is a setting value for executing the light distribution control processing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a side view illustrating an example of a lighting device according to an embodiment. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a perspective view illustrating an example of an optical element according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the first substrate as viewed from the Dz direction. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of the second substrate as viewed from the Dz direction. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a liquid crystal cell in which the first substrate and the second substrate are stacked in the Dz direction. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' shown in FIG. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a diagram showing the alignment direction of the alignment film of the first substrate. [Figure 6B]FIG. 6B is a diagram showing the alignment direction of the alignment film of the second substrate. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the layer structure of the optical element according to the embodiment. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A is a conceptual diagram for explaining the change in the shape of light caused by the optical element according to the embodiment. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a conceptual diagram for explaining the change in the shape of light caused by the optical element according to the embodiment. [Figure 8C] FIG. 8C is a conceptual diagram for explaining the change in the shape of light caused by the optical element according to the embodiment. [Figure 8D] FIG. 8D is a conceptual diagram for explaining the change in the shape of light caused by the optical element according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram for conceptually explaining light distribution control by the lighting device according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a control block configuration of the lighting device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the correspondence between the state values ​​of the setting circuit and each setting value. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of light distribution control processing in the lighting device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a sub-flowchart illustrating an example of the light distribution fluctuation control process in the lighting device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a sub-flowchart illustrating an example of a light distribution fluctuation control process in an illumination device according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a first calculation example of an intermediate gray level. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a second calculation example of the intermediate gradation. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a lighting system. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is an external view showing an example of a control device. [Figure 19]FIG. 19 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a touch detection area in a touch sensor. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display mode of a setting change screen of the control device. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a control block configuration of the control device. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of a control block configuration of the lighting device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of light distribution control processing in the lighting system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an example of the light distribution setting value change interrupt process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Modes for carrying out the invention (embodiments) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the contents described in the following embodiments. Furthermore, the components described below include those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art and those that are substantially identical. Furthermore, the components described below can be combined as appropriate. Note that the disclosure is merely an example, and any appropriate modifications that a person skilled in the art can easily conceive while maintaining the gist of the invention are naturally included within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, for clarity of explanation, the drawings may show the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part schematically compared to the actual embodiment. However, these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the interpretation of the present invention. Furthermore, in this specification and each figure, elements similar to those previously described with reference to the preceding figures are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions may be omitted as appropriate.

[0010] FIG. 1A is a side view showing an example of an illumination device according to an embodiment. FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing an example of an optical element according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1A, the illumination device 1 includes a light source 4, a reflector 4a, and an optical element 100. As shown in FIG. 1B, the optical element 100 includes a first liquid crystal cell 2_1, a second liquid crystal cell 2_2, a third liquid crystal cell 2_3, and a fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4. The light source 4 is formed of, for example, a light emitting diode (LED). The reflector 4a is a component that collects light from the light source 4 onto the optical element 100.

[0011] In FIG. 1B, the Dz direction indicates the emission direction of light from the light source 4 and the reflector 4a. The optical element 100 is configured by stacking a first liquid crystal cell 2_1, a second liquid crystal cell 2_2, a third liquid crystal cell 2_3, and a fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4 in the Dz direction. In the present disclosure, the optical element 100 is configured by stacking the first liquid crystal cell 2_1, the second liquid crystal cell 2_2, the third liquid crystal cell 2_3, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4 in this order from the light source 4 side (the lower side of FIG. 1B). In FIG. 1B, one direction of a plane parallel to the stacking plane of the first liquid crystal cell 2_1, the second liquid crystal cell 2_2, the third liquid crystal cell 2_3, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4, which is perpendicular to the Dz direction, is defined as the Dx direction (first direction), and a direction perpendicular to both the Dx direction and the Dz direction is defined as the Dy direction (second direction).

[0012] The first liquid crystal cell 2_1, the second liquid crystal cell 2_2, the third liquid crystal cell 2_3, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4 each have the same configuration. In the present disclosure, the first liquid crystal cell 2_1 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4 are liquid crystal cells for p-wave polarization. The second liquid crystal cell 2_2 and the third liquid crystal cell 2_3 are liquid crystal cells for s-wave polarization. Hereinafter, the first liquid crystal cell 2_1, the second liquid crystal cell 2_2, the third liquid crystal cell 2_3, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4 will also be collectively referred to as "liquid crystal cells 2."

[0013] The liquid crystal cell 2 includes a first substrate 5 and a second substrate 6. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the first substrate as viewed from the Dz direction. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of the second substrate as viewed from the Dz direction. In FIG. 3, the drive electrodes are visible through the substrates, but the drive electrodes and wiring are shown with solid lines for ease of understanding. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a liquid crystal cell in which the first substrate and the second substrate are stacked in the Dz direction. In FIG. 4, the drive electrodes and wiring on the second substrate side are shown with solid lines and the drive electrodes and wiring on the first substrate side are shown with dotted lines for ease of understanding. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' in FIG. 4. In addition, FIGS. 2, 3, 4, and 5 illustrate a third liquid crystal cell 2_3 and a fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4 in which the drive electrodes 10a and 10b of the first substrate 5 extend in the Dx direction and the drive electrodes 13a and 13b of the second substrate 6 extend in the Dy direction.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 5, the liquid crystal cell 2 includes a liquid crystal layer 8 between a first substrate 5 and a second substrate 6, the periphery of which is sealed with a sealing material .

[0015] The liquid crystal layer 8 modulates light passing through the liquid crystal layer 8 according to the state of the electric field. Positive nematic liquid crystals are used as the liquid crystal molecules, but other liquid crystals having a similar effect may also be used.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, the first substrate 5 includes, on its base material 9 facing the liquid crystal layer 8, a plurality of drive electrodes 10a and 10b, a plurality of metal wirings 11a and 11b that supply drive voltages to the drive electrodes 10a and 10b, and a plurality of metal wirings 11c and 11d that supply drive voltages to a plurality of drive electrodes 13a and 13b (see FIG. 3) provided on the second substrate 6 (described later). The metal wirings 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d are provided in a wiring layer on the first substrate 5. The metal wirings 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d are provided at intervals in the wiring layer on the first substrate 5. Hereinafter, the plurality of drive electrodes 10a and 10b may be simply referred to as "drive electrodes 10." The plurality of metal wirings 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d may be referred to as "first metal wirings 11." 2, in the third liquid crystal cell 2_3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4, the drive electrodes 10 on the first substrate 5 extend in the Dx direction. Note that in the first liquid crystal cell 2_1 and the second liquid crystal cell 2_2, the drive electrodes 10 on the first substrate 5 extend in the Dy direction.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 3, the base material 12 of the second substrate 6 shown in FIG. 5 includes, on the liquid crystal layer 8 side, a plurality of drive electrodes 13a and 13b and a plurality of metal wirings 14a and 14b that supply drive voltages to these drive electrodes 13. The metal wirings 14a and 14b are provided in the wiring layer of the second substrate 6. The metal wirings 14a and 14b are provided at intervals in the wiring layer on the second substrate 6. Hereinafter, the plurality of drive electrodes 13a and 13b may be simply referred to as "drive electrodes 13." The plurality of metal wirings 14a and 14b may be referred to as "second metal wirings 14." As shown in FIG. 3, in the third liquid crystal cell 2_3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4, the drive electrodes 13 on the second substrate 6 extend in the Dy direction. In the first liquid crystal cell 2_1 and the second liquid crystal cell 2_2, the drive electrodes 13 on the second substrate 6 extend in the Dx direction.

[0018] The driving electrodes 10 and 13 are translucent electrodes formed of a translucent conductive material (translucent conductive oxide) such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide). The first substrate 5 and the second substrate 6 are translucent substrates such as glass or resin. The first metal wiring 11 and the second metal wiring 14 are formed of at least one metal material selected from aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), molybdenum (Mo), and alloys thereof. The first metal wiring 11 and the second metal wiring 14 may also be formed as a laminated body in which a plurality of layers are stacked using one or more of these metal materials. At least one metal material selected from aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), molybdenum (Mo), and alloys thereof has lower resistance than a translucent conductive oxide such as ITO.

[0019] Metal wiring 11c of first substrate 5 and metal wiring 14a of second substrate 6 are connected by conductive portion 15a made of, for example, conductive paste. Metal wiring 11d of first substrate 5 and metal wiring 14b of second substrate 6 are connected by conductive portion 15b made of, for example, conductive paste.

[0020] Furthermore, connection (Flex-on-Board) terminal portions 16a and 16b to be connected to a flexible printed circuit (FPC) (not shown) are provided in an area on the first substrate 5 that does not overlap with the second substrate 6 in the Dz direction. The connection terminal portions 16a and 16b each include four connection terminals corresponding to the metal wirings 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d.

[0021] The connection terminals 16a and 16b are provided on the wiring layer of the first substrate 5. A drive voltage is supplied to the liquid crystal cell 2 from the FPC connected to the connection terminal 16a or the connection terminal 16b to be applied to the drive electrodes 10a and 10b on the first substrate 5 and the drive electrodes 13a and 13b on the second substrate 6. Hereinafter, the connection terminals 16a and 16b may be simply referred to as "connection terminals 16."

[0022] As shown in FIG. 4, the liquid crystal cell 2 has the first substrate 5 and the second substrate 6 overlapping in the Dz direction (light irradiation direction), and the plurality of drive electrodes 10 on the first substrate 5 and the plurality of drive electrodes 13 on the second substrate 6 intersect as viewed from the Dz direction. The liquid crystal cell 2 configured in this manner can control the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules 17 in the liquid crystal layer 8 by supplying drive voltages to the plurality of drive electrodes 10 on the first substrate 5 and the plurality of drive electrodes 13 on the second substrate 6, respectively. The region where the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules 17 in the liquid crystal layer 8 can be controlled is referred to as the "effective area AA." In the effective area AA, the refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal layer 8 changes, thereby enabling control of the degree of diffusion of light passing through the effective area AA of the liquid crystal cell 2. The region outside the effective area AA, where the liquid crystal layer 8 is sealed with the sealant 7, is referred to as the "peripheral area GA" (see FIG. 5).

[0023] 5, in the effective area AA of the first substrate 5, the drive electrode 10 (drive electrode 10a in FIG. 5) is covered with an alignment film 18. In addition, in the effective area AA of the second substrate 6, the drive electrode 13 (drive electrodes 13a and 13b in FIG. 5) is covered with an alignment film 19. The alignment directions of the liquid crystal molecules in the alignment film 18 and the alignment film 19 are different.

[0024] Fig. 6A is a diagram showing the alignment direction of the alignment film on the first substrate, and Fig. 6B is a diagram showing the alignment direction of the alignment film on the second substrate.

[0025] 6A and 6B, the alignment direction of the alignment film 18 on the first substrate 5 and the alignment direction of the alignment film 19 on the second substrate 6 intersect with each other in a plan view. Specifically, as shown by the solid arrow in FIG. 6A, the alignment direction of the alignment film 18 on the first substrate 5 is perpendicular to the extension direction of the drive electrodes 10a and 10b, as shown by the dashed arrow in FIG. 6A. Furthermore, as shown by the solid arrow in FIG. 6B, the alignment direction of the alignment film 19 on the second substrate 6 is perpendicular to the extension direction of the drive electrodes 13a and 13b, as shown by the dashed arrow in FIG. 6B. In the following description, the extension direction of each of the drive electrodes 10 and 13 and the alignment direction of the alignment films 18 and 19 covering them are described as being perpendicular to each other, but they may intersect at an angle other than perpendicular, for example, an angle in the range of 85° to 90°. Furthermore, it is preferable that the drive electrodes 10 on the first substrate 5 side and the drive electrodes 13 on the second substrate 6 side are perpendicular to each other, but they may intersect at an angle ranging from 85° to 90°, for example. The alignment directions of the alignment films 18 and 19 are formed by a rubbing treatment or a photo-alignment treatment.

[0026] Here, we will explain how the shape of light is changed by each liquid crystal cell 2 (first liquid crystal cell 2_1, second liquid crystal cell 2_2, third liquid crystal cell 2_3, and fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4). Figure 7 is a diagram showing the layered structure of the optical element according to the embodiment. Figures 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D are conceptual diagrams for explaining how the shape of light is changed by the optical element according to the embodiment. Figures 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D show an example in which a potential difference is generated between each drive electrode of the shaded substrate of each liquid crystal cell 2.

[0027] 7, the optical element 100 is provided on the optical axis of the light source 4 indicated by the dashed line, and as described above, the first liquid crystal cell 2_1, the second liquid crystal cell 2_2, the third liquid crystal cell 2_3, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4 are stacked in this order from the light source 4 side (the lower side in FIG. 7). The third liquid crystal cell 2_3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4 are stacked in a state rotated by 90° with respect to the first liquid crystal cell 2_1 and the second liquid crystal cell 2_2.

[0028] 6A and 6B, in each liquid crystal cell 2, the alignment direction of the alignment film crosses between the first substrate 5 side and the second substrate 6 side. As a result, the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 8 gradually changes from the Dx direction to the Dy direction (or from the Dy direction to the Dx direction) as it moves from the first substrate 5 side to the second substrate 6 side, and the polarization component of the transmitted light rotates along this change. That is, in the liquid crystal cell 2, the polarization component that was a p-polarized component on the first substrate 5 side changes to an s-polarized component as it moves toward the second substrate 6 side, and the polarization component that was an s-polarized component on the first substrate 5 side changes to a p-polarized component as it moves toward the second substrate 6 side. This rotation of the polarization component may be referred to as optical rotation.

[0029] 8A shows a state in which no potential is generated between adjacent electrodes of each liquid crystal cell 2. In this case, only optical rotation occurs in each liquid crystal cell 2, and none of the polarized light components are diffused.

[0030] 8B, for example, by generating a potential difference between the drive electrodes 10a and 10b on the first substrate 5 side of the first liquid crystal cell 2_1, the liquid crystal molecules are oriented in an arc shape between the electrodes, thereby forming a refractive index distribution along the Dx direction in the liquid crystal layer 8. When light from the light source 4 passes through in this state, the refractive index distribution acts on the polarized light component parallel to the Dx direction (the p-polarized component in FIG. 8B), causing the p-polarized component to diffuse in the Dx direction.

[0031] Furthermore, when a potential difference is also generated between the drive electrodes 13a and 13b on the second substrate 6 side of the first liquid crystal cell 2_1, a refractive index distribution in the Dy direction is formed on the second substrate 6 side, which causes the s-polarized component to diffuse in the Dy direction on the second substrate 6 side. That is, the polarized component that changed from a p-polarized component to an s-polarized component while passing through the liquid crystal layer 8 of the first liquid crystal cell 2_1 is now diffused in the Dy direction as well. On the other hand, the s-polarized component when it is incident on the first liquid crystal cell 2_1 undergoes optical rotation while passing through the liquid crystal layer 8, but becomes a polarized component that intersects with both refractive index distributions, so it passes through the first liquid crystal cell 2_1 with only optical rotation without being diffused.

[0032] The s-polarized light component incident on the first liquid crystal cell 2_1 is changed to a p-polarized light component after passing through the first liquid crystal cell 2_1, and the second liquid crystal cell 2_2 acts on the p-polarized light component. That is, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B , of the light incident on the optical element 100, the first liquid crystal cell 2_1 acts on the p-polarized light component, and the second liquid crystal cell 2_2 acts on the s-polarized light component. The third liquid crystal cell 2_3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4 are rotated 90° relative to the first liquid crystal cell 2_1 and the second liquid crystal cell 2_2, so that the polarization components they act on are also swapped by 90°. That is, the third liquid crystal cell 2_3 acts on the s-polarized light component incident on the optical element 100, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4 acts on the p-polarized light component incident on the optical element 100.

[0033] 8C, in the optical element, by applying a potential difference between the drive electrodes extending in the Dy direction for each liquid crystal cell 2 (between the drive electrodes 10a and 10b on the first substrate 5 for the first liquid crystal cell 2_1 and the second liquid crystal cell 2_2, and between the drive electrodes 13a and 13b on the second substrate 6 for the third liquid crystal cell 2_3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4), the p-polarized light component can be affected, and the shape of the light can be enlarged mainly in the Dx direction. This effect may be called lateral diffusion.

[0034] 8D, by applying a potential difference between the drive electrodes extending in the Dx direction for each liquid crystal cell 2 (between the drive electrodes 13a and 13b on the second substrate 6 in the first liquid crystal cell 2_1 and the second liquid crystal cell 2_2, and between the drive electrodes 10a and 10b on the first substrate 5 in the third liquid crystal cell 2_3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4), the s-polarized light component can be affected, and the shape of the light can be enlarged mainly in the Dy direction. This effect may be called vertical diffusion.

[0035] The degree of light diffusion in each direction depends on the potential difference between adjacent drive electrodes 10a and 10b (or between drive electrodes 13a and 13b). If the potential difference between drive electrodes 10a and 10b (or between drive electrodes 13a and 13b) is set to a predetermined maximum potential difference (e.g., 30 V), the light diffusion in that direction will be maximum (100%). If no potential difference is generated, no light diffusion will occur in that direction (0%). Alternatively, if the potential difference between drive electrodes 10a and 10b (or between drive electrodes 13a and 13b) is set to 50% of the maximum potential difference (e.g., 15 V), the light diffusion in that direction will be 50%. Note that if the relationship between the voltage difference and the light diffusion is not linear, a potential difference other than 15 V can be used.

[0036] The distance (also called the cell gap) between the substrates (between the first substrate 5 and the second substrate 6) of each liquid crystal cell 2 is wide, about 30 μm to 50 μm, which minimizes the influence of the electric field formed on one substrate on the other substrate. Also, the drive voltage that generates a potential difference between adjacent drive electrodes 10a, 10b (or drive electrodes 13a, 13b) is a so-called AC rectangular wave, which of course prevents burn-in of liquid crystal molecules.

[0037] In addition, the orientation direction of each orientation film, the extension direction of the drive electrodes of each substrate, and the angle between them can be changed as appropriate for the entire optical element 100 or for each liquid crystal cell 2 depending on the characteristics of the liquid crystal used and the optical properties desired to be achieved.

[0038] In this embodiment, the optical element 100 is described as having a configuration in which four liquid crystal cells, a first liquid crystal cell 2_1, a second liquid crystal cell 2_2, a third liquid crystal cell 2_3, and a fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4, are stacked together. However, this configuration is not limited to this, and it is also possible to use a configuration in which, for example, two or three liquid crystal cells 2 are stacked together, or a configuration in which five or more liquid crystal cells 2 are stacked together.

[0039] In the present disclosure, in the lighting device 1 configured as described above, the light incident on the optical element from the light source 4 is controlled in two directions, the Dx direction (horizontal diffusion direction) and the Dy direction (vertical diffusion direction), by controlling the drive voltage of each liquid crystal cell 2. The vertical and horizontal diffusions may be collectively referred to as light diffusion. This changes the shape of the light emitted from the optical element. The light shape refers to the shape of the light appearing on a plane parallel to the exit surface of the optical element, and may also be referred to as the light distribution shape. The control of the degree of light diffusion in the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIG. 9.

[0040] Fig. 9 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the control of the degree of light diffusion by the lighting device according to the embodiment. Fig. 9 shows the light illumination range on a virtual plane xy perpendicular to the Dz direction. Note that the outline of the actual illumination range may be slightly unclear due to factors such as the distance from the light source 4 and the light diffraction phenomenon.

[0041] As described above, the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules 17 in the liquid crystal layer 8 is controlled by supplying a drive voltage to each of the drive electrodes 10, 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100 provided on the optical axis of the light source 4. This controls the light distribution shape of the light emitted from the optical element 100.

[0042] Specifically, for example, as described above, the light distribution pattern in the Dx direction changes depending on the drive voltage applied to the drive electrodes 10 or 13 extending in the Dy direction in each liquid crystal cell 2. Such diffusion of light in the Dx direction may be referred to as horizontal diffusion. Furthermore, the light distribution pattern in the Dy direction changes depending on the drive voltage applied to the drive electrodes 10 or 13 extending in the Dx direction in the first to fourth liquid crystal cells. Such diffusion of light in the Dy direction may be referred to as vertical diffusion.

[0043] In the present disclosure, the minimum diffusivity of the horizontal and vertical diffusion is 0% and the maximum diffusivity is 100%. More specifically, when the horizontal diffusivity is 0%, the drive electrodes (e.g., the drive electrodes 10 extending in the Dy direction on the first substrate 5 of the first liquid crystal cell 2_1) that function to widen the light distribution in the Dx direction do not affect the refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal layer 8. In this case, there is no potential difference between the adjacent drive electrodes 10a and 10b, or no potential is supplied to the electrodes. On the other hand, when the horizontal diffusivity is 100%, the drive electrodes (e.g., the drive electrodes 10 extending in the Dy direction on the first substrate 5 of the first liquid crystal cell 2_1) that function to widen the light distribution in the Dx direction have the maximum effect on the refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal layer 8. In this case, the potential difference between the adjacent drive electrodes 10a and 10b is set to the maximum potential difference (e.g., 30V) in the optical element 100. When the horizontal diffusion rate is greater than 0% and less than 100%, the potential difference between the adjacent drive electrodes 10a and 10b is adjusted to be greater than 0V and less than the maximum potential difference (e.g., 30V). The same applies to the vertical diffusion rate.

[0044] The outline a in Fig. 9 illustrates an illumination range when the horizontal diffusivity and vertical diffusivity are both 100%. The outline b in Fig. 9 illustrates an illumination range when the horizontal diffusivity is 100% and the vertical diffusivity is 0%. The outline c in Fig. 9 illustrates an illumination range when the horizontal diffusivity is 0% and the vertical diffusivity is 100%. The outline d in Fig. 9 illustrates an illumination range when the horizontal diffusivity and vertical diffusivity are both 0%. That is, the outline d shows the light distribution state when light from the light source 4 is emitted without being controlled by the optical element 100 (i.e., transmitted through the optical element 100 as is).

[0045] In this way, in the lighting device 1 configured as described above, the horizontal and vertical diffusivities of the light emitted from the optical element 100 can be controlled by controlling the drive voltage of each liquid crystal cell 2. This makes it possible to change the light distribution shape of the light emitted from the lighting device 1. Hereinafter, the control that changes the light distribution shape of the light emitted from the lighting device 1 will also be referred to as "light distribution control."

[0046] In this disclosure, an illumination device 1 capable of controlling light distribution in two directions, the Dx direction and the Dy direction, is exemplified, but the controllable parameters of the illumination device 1 are not limited to light distribution (spread of light). For example, the illumination device 1 may be capable of dimming control. In this case, the controllable parameters of the illumination device 1 may include dimming (brightness).

[0047] The following describes the configuration and operation of lighting device 1 capable of controlling light distribution in two directions, Dx and Dy, by dynamically controlling the light distribution state in two directions, Dx and Dy, using 1 / f fluctuation.

[0048] In the following description, dynamic light distribution control using 1 / f fluctuation may be simply referred to as "fluctuation control." Furthermore, in this disclosure, "dynamic light distribution control using 1 / f fluctuation" refers to control in which the magnitude of fluctuation (light distribution shape) changes over time. In other words, in this disclosure, "dynamic light distribution control using 1 / f fluctuation" refers to control in which the light distribution shape changes over time due to 1 / f fluctuation. In the following description, the Dx direction will be referred to as the H direction (first direction), and the Dy direction will be referred to as the V direction (second direction).

[0049] (Embodiment 1) Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a control block configuration of the lighting device according to embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 10, the lighting device 1 according to this embodiment includes an electrode driving circuit 112, a memory circuit 113, and a processing circuit 114 as control blocks for controlling the above-described optical element 100. The processing circuit 114 is configured with a microcomputer for executing light distribution control and dimming control of the lighting device 1.

[0050] Based on the processing results in the processing circuit 114, the electrode driving circuit 112 supplies a driving voltage to each of the driving electrodes 10, 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100. The processing in the processing circuit 114 will be described later.

[0051] The storage circuitry 113 includes, for example, an internal memory implemented in a microcomputer constituting the processing circuitry 114. In the present disclosure, a storage area of ​​the storage circuitry 113 stores a light distribution setting value S0h in the H direction and a light distribution setting value S0v in the V direction of the lighting device 1. Note that, hereinafter, the direction of horizontal diffusion is referred to as the H direction, and the degree of diffusion in the horizontal direction (horizontal diffusion degree) is referred to as the light distribution setting value in the H direction. Similarly, the direction of vertical diffusion is referred to as the V direction, and the degree of diffusion in the vertical direction (vertical diffusion degree) is referred to as the light distribution setting value in the V direction.

[0052] The light distribution setting value S0h in the H direction and the light distribution setting value S0v in the V direction stored in the memory area of ​​the memory circuit 113 may be, for example, setting values ​​stored in the memory area of ​​the memory circuit 113 the previous time the lighting device 1 was operated, or may be transmitted from a control device (not shown) and stored in the memory area of ​​the memory circuit 113.

[0053] In addition, in the present disclosure, intermediate data of processing in the processing circuitry 114 is temporarily stored in the storage area of ​​the storage circuitry 113.

[0054] The storage circuit 113 also includes a setting circuit 113_1 for setting various setting items such as whether fluctuation control is enabled or disabled, and a fluctuation width that defines the range of change in the light distribution value due to fluctuation control.

[0055] In the present disclosure, the setting circuit 113_1 is exemplified by, for example, a DIP switch (Dual In-line Package switch) capable of setting each setting item. In this case, the setting circuit 113_1 is exemplified by a configuration including a plurality of two-state switch circuits, for example, "0" and "1".

[0056] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the correspondence between the state values ​​of the setting circuit and each setting value. In the example shown in Fig. 11, the setting circuit 113_1 includes four switch circuits, and is configured so that the upper two bits can set whether fluctuation control is enabled or disabled, and the lower two bits can set the fluctuation width.

[0057] FIG. 11 shows an example in which, in addition to the fluctuation control of light distribution (spread of light) (light distribution fluctuation control), the enabling or disabling of fluctuation control of dimming (brightness) (dimming fluctuation control) and the fluctuation width are set as setting value items.

[0058] In the example shown in FIG. 11, when the upper two bits of the state value of the setting circuit 113_1 are "00," both the dimming fluctuation control and the light distribution fluctuation control are disabled. Furthermore, when the upper two bits of the state value of the setting circuit 113_1 are "01," the dimming fluctuation control is enabled and the light distribution fluctuation control is disabled. Furthermore, when the upper two bits of the state value of the setting circuit 113_1 are "10," the dimming fluctuation control is disabled and the light distribution fluctuation control is enabled. Furthermore, when the upper two bits of the state value of the setting circuit 113_1 are "11," both the dimming fluctuation control and the light distribution fluctuation control are enabled. Note that, in the example shown in FIG. 11, when both the dimming fluctuation control and the light distribution fluctuation control are disabled (the upper two bits are "00"), the lower two bits "**" are set to any value.

[0059] 11, when the dimming fluctuation control is enabled (the upper two bits are "01"), the dimming fluctuation width is set to "5[%]" when the lower two bits of the state value of the setting circuit 113_1 are "00". When the lower two bits of the state value of the setting circuit 113_1 are "01", the dimming fluctuation width is set to "10[%]". When the lower two bits of the state value of the setting circuit 113_1 are "10", the dimming fluctuation width is set to "20[%]". When the lower two bits of the state value of the setting circuit 113_1 are "11", the dimming fluctuation width is set to "30[%]".

[0060] 11, when the light distribution fluctuation control is enabled (the upper two bits are "10"), the light distribution fluctuation width is set to "5[%]" when the lower two bits of the state value of the setting circuit 113_1 are "00". When the lower two bits of the state value of the setting circuit 113_1 are "01", the light distribution fluctuation width is set to "10[%]". When the lower two bits of the state value of the setting circuit 113_1 are "10", the light distribution fluctuation width is set to "20[%]". When the lower two bits of the state value of the setting circuit 113_1 are "11", the light distribution fluctuation width is set to "30[%]".

[0061] 11, when both the dimming fluctuation control and the light distribution fluctuation control are enabled (the upper two bits are "11"), the dimming fluctuation width and the light distribution fluctuation width are set to "5[%]" when the lower two bits of the state value of the setting circuit 113_1 are "00". When the lower two bits of the state value of the setting circuit 113_1 are "01", the dimming fluctuation width and the light distribution fluctuation width are set to "10[%]". When the lower two bits of the state value of the setting circuit 113_1 are "10", the dimming fluctuation width and the light distribution fluctuation width are set to "20[%]". When the lower two bits of the state value of the setting circuit 113_1 are "11", the dimming fluctuation width and the light distribution fluctuation width are set to "30[%]".

[0062] The number of switches in the setting circuit 113_1 is not limited to the above. Specifically, for example, by setting the number of switches for setting the fluctuation width to three or more, the number of options for the fluctuation width can be increased. Also, for example, an embodiment may be possible in which the light distribution fluctuation width in the H direction and the light distribution fluctuation width in the V direction in the light distribution fluctuation control can be set to different values. In this case, for example, an embodiment may be possible in which the sum of the light distribution fluctuation width in the H direction and the light distribution fluctuation width in the V direction in the light distribution fluctuation control is a predetermined value (for example, 100[%]), or further, an embodiment may be possible in which only one of the light distribution fluctuation width in the H direction and the light distribution fluctuation width in the V direction in the light distribution fluctuation control can be set.

[0063] In the following description of the present embodiment, the light distribution fluctuation control will be described, and the description of the dimming fluctuation control will be omitted. In a configuration in which only the light distribution fluctuation control is performed, the number of switches in the setting circuit 113_1 for setting whether the fluctuation control is enabled or disabled may be 1, with "0" disabling the fluctuation control and "1" enabling the fluctuation control.

[0064] The state values ​​of the setting circuit 113_1 may be stored in a storage area of ​​the storage circuit 113. In this case, each setting item such as whether fluctuation control is enabled or disabled, or the fluctuation width in fluctuation control may be, for example, a setting value stored in the storage area of ​​the storage circuit 113 the previous time the lighting device 1 was operated, or may be transmitted from a control device according to a second embodiment (control device 200, see FIGS. 17 to 21) described later and stored in the storage area of ​​the storage circuit 113.

[0065] The processing circuit 114 executes the light distribution control process described below. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the light distribution control process in the lighting device according to the first embodiment.

[0066] When the lighting device 1 is started up, the processing circuit 114 reads a state value from the setting circuit 113_1 of the storage circuit 113 (step S101), and determines whether fluctuation control is enabled or not based on the state value (step S102). Specifically, the processing circuit 114 reads the state value of the setting circuit 113_1, and determines that fluctuation control is enabled if the most significant two bits of the state value are "10". Furthermore, the processing circuit 114 determines that fluctuation control is disabled if the most significant two bits of the state value are "00". Here, a description of the case where the most significant two bits of the state value are "01" or "11" will be omitted.

[0067] If fluctuation control is disabled (step S102; No), specifically, if the most significant two bits of setting circuit 113_1 are "00," processing circuit 114 reads out the light distribution setting value S0h in the H direction and the light distribution setting value S0v in the V direction stored in the storage area of ​​storage circuit 113 (step S103), converts the light distribution setting values ​​S0h and S0v, which are expressed as percentages from 0% to 100%, into light distribution gradation values ​​Dh, Dv of optical element 100, respectively (step S104), and outputs them to electrode driving circuit 112. The light distribution gradation value Dh in the H direction is expressed by the following equation (1). The light distribution gradation value Dv in the V direction is expressed by the following equation (2).

[0068] Dh = S0h × gradation / 100 (1)

[0069] Dv = S0v × gradation / 100 (2)

[0070] The light distribution gradation of the optical element 100 is, for example, "255." In this case, the light distribution gradation values ​​Dh and Dv are 8-bit data. The light distribution gradation of the optical element 100 is not limited to "255." In other words, the light distribution gradation values ​​Dh and Dv are not limited to 8-bit data. The light distribution gradation of the optical element 100 does not limit the present disclosure.

[0071] The electrode driving circuit 112 supplies driving voltages corresponding to the light distribution gradation values ​​Dh, Dv output from the processing circuit 114 to the driving electrodes 10, 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100. This controls the light distribution state according to the light distribution setting value S0h in the H direction and the light distribution setting value S0v in the V direction.

[0072] The processing circuit 114 determines whether the power supply of the lighting device 1 has been controlled to be turned off (step S105), and if the power supply of the lighting device 1 has not been controlled to be turned off (step S105; No), it repeats the processing of step S105, and if the power supply of the lighting device 1 has been controlled to be turned off (step S105; Yes), it ends the light distribution control processing.

[0073] If fluctuation control is enabled (step S102; Yes), specifically, if the most significant two bits of setting circuit 113_1 are "10," processing circuit 114 reads out the light distribution setting value S0h for the H direction and the light distribution setting value S0v for the V direction stored in the storage area of ​​storage circuit 113 (step S106), and sets a fluctuation range defined as the range of change of the light distribution value in the light distribution fluctuation control processing described below. Hereinafter, the light distribution setting value S0h for the H direction and the light distribution setting value S0v for the V direction stored in the storage area of ​​storage circuit 113 are also referred to as "initial setting values."

[0074] Specifically, when the lowest two bits of the read state value are "00", the processing circuit 114 sets the fluctuation width α to 5[%] and sets the lower and upper limits of the fluctuation range of the light distribution value.

[0075] Furthermore, when the lowest two bits of the read state value are "01", the processing circuit 114 sets the fluctuation width α to 10[%] and sets the lower and upper limits of the fluctuation range of the light distribution value.

[0076] Furthermore, when the lowest two bits of the read state value are "10", the processing circuit 114 sets the fluctuation width α to 20[%] and sets the lower and upper limits of the fluctuation range of the light distribution value.

[0077] Furthermore, when the lowest two bits of the read state value are "11", the processing circuit 114 sets the fluctuation width α to 30[%] and sets the lower and upper limits of the fluctuation range of the light distribution value.

[0078] First, an upper limit value Shmax of the fluctuation range of the light distribution value Sh relative to the light distribution set value S0h in the H direction is set (steps S011 to S013).

[0079] The processing circuit 114 determines whether the value obtained by adding the fluctuation width α to the light distribution setting value S0h in the H direction is 100% or less (step S011). If the value obtained by adding the fluctuation width α to the light distribution setting value S0h is 100% or less (step S011; Yes), the processing circuit 114 sets the upper limit Shmax of the fluctuation range of the light distribution value Sh for the light distribution setting value S0h to S0h+α (step S012) and stores this in a storage area of ​​the storage circuit 113. If the value obtained by adding the fluctuation width α to the light distribution setting value S0h exceeds 100% (step S011; No), the processing circuit 114 sets the upper limit Shmax of the fluctuation range of the light distribution value Sh for the light distribution setting value S0h to 100% (step S013) and stores this in a storage area of ​​the storage circuit 113.

[0080] Next, a lower limit value Shmin of the fluctuation range of the light distribution value Sh relative to the light distribution set value S0h in the H direction is set (steps S021 to S023).

[0081] The processing circuit 114 determines whether the value obtained by subtracting the fluctuation width α from the light distribution set value S0h in the H direction is 0% or greater (step S021). If the value obtained by subtracting the fluctuation width α from the light distribution set value S0h is 0% or greater (step S021; Yes), the processing circuit 114 sets the lower limit Shmin of the fluctuation range of the light distribution value Sh for the light distribution set value S0h to S0h-α (step S022) and stores this in a storage area of ​​the storage circuit 113. If the value obtained by subtracting the fluctuation width α from the light distribution set value S0h is below 0% (step S021; No), the processing circuit 114 sets the lower limit Shmin of the fluctuation range of the light distribution value Sh for the light distribution set value S0h to 0% (step S023), and stores this in a storage area of ​​the storage circuit 113.

[0082] Next, an upper limit value Svmax of the fluctuation range of the light distribution value Sv relative to the light distribution set value S0v in the V direction is set (steps S031 to S033).

[0083] The processing circuit 114 determines whether the value obtained by adding the fluctuation width α to the light distribution setting value S0v in the V direction is 100% or less (step S031). If the value obtained by adding the fluctuation width α to the light distribution setting value S0v is 100% or less (step S031; Yes), the processing circuit 114 sets the upper limit Svmax of the fluctuation range of the light distribution value Sv for the light distribution setting value S0v to S0v+α (step S032) and stores this in a storage area of ​​the storage circuit 113. If the value obtained by adding the fluctuation width α to the light distribution setting value S0v exceeds 100% (step S031; No), the processing circuit 114 sets the upper limit Svmax of the fluctuation range of the light distribution value Sv for the light distribution setting value S0v to 100% (step S033), and stores this in a storage area of ​​the storage circuit 113.

[0084] Next, a lower limit value Svmin of the fluctuation range of the light distribution value Sv relative to the light distribution set value S0v in the V direction is set (steps S041 to S043).

[0085] The processing circuit 114 determines whether the value obtained by subtracting the fluctuation width α from the light distribution setting value S0v in the V direction is 0% or greater (step S041). If the value obtained by subtracting the fluctuation width α from the light distribution setting value S0v is 0% or greater (step S041; Yes), the processing circuit 114 sets the lower limit Svmin of the fluctuation range of the light distribution value Sv for the light distribution setting value S0v to S0v-α[%] (step S042) and stores this in a storage area of ​​the storage circuit 113. If the value obtained by subtracting the fluctuation width α from the light distribution setting value S0v is below 0[%] (step S041; No), the processing circuit 114 sets the lower limit Svmin of the fluctuation range of the light distribution value Sv for the light distribution setting value S0v to 0[%] (step S043) and stores this in a storage area of ​​the storage circuit 113.

[0086] Then, processing circuitry 114 sets the light distribution setting value S0h in the H direction as the first light distribution value Sh(t) at time t, and stores the light distribution setting value S0v in the V direction as the first light distribution value Sv(t) at time t in a memory area of ​​memory circuitry 113 (Sh(t)=S0h, Sv(t)=S0v, step S107).

[0087] The order of execution of the process for setting the upper limit value Shmax of the fluctuation range of the light distribution value Sh (steps S011 to S013), the process for setting the lower limit value Shmin of the fluctuation range of the light distribution value Sh (steps S021 to S023), the process for setting the upper limit value Svmax of the fluctuation range of the light distribution value Sv (steps S031 to S033), and the process for setting the lower limit value Svmin of the fluctuation range of the light distribution value Sv (steps S041 to S043) is not limited to the above. Furthermore, these setting processes may be performed in parallel.

[0088] Next, as preprocessing before executing the light distribution fluctuation control process (step S200) described later, processing circuit 114 converts the first light distribution value Sh(t) in the H direction and the first light distribution value Sv(t) in the V direction, which are expressed as percentages from 0% to 100%, into light distribution gradation values ​​Dh(t) and Dv(t) for optical element 100, respectively, and outputs them to electrode driving circuit 112 (step S108). The light distribution gradation value Dh(t) in the H direction is expressed by the following equation (3). The light distribution gradation value Dv(t) in the V direction is expressed by the following equation (4).

[0089] Dh(t) = Sh(t) × gradation / 100 (3)

[0090] Dv(t)=Sv(t)×gradation / 100...(4)

[0091] The electrode driving circuit 112 supplies driving voltages according to the light distribution gradation values ​​Dh(t) and Dv(t) output from the processing circuit 114 to the driving electrodes 10 and 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100. This controls the light distribution state according to the initial setting values ​​(light distribution setting value S0h in the H direction and light distribution setting value S0v in the V direction) stored in the memory area of ​​the memory circuit 113.

[0092] After outputting the light distribution gradation values ​​Dh(t), Dv(t) corresponding to the initial setting values ​​(light distribution setting value S0h (=Sh(t)) in the H direction and light distribution setting value S0v (=Sv(t)) in the V direction) stored in the storage area of ​​the storage circuitry 113 to the electrode driving circuit 112 (step S108), the processing circuitry 114 executes a light distribution fluctuation control process (step S200). FIG. 13 is a sub-flowchart showing an example of the light distribution fluctuation control process in the lighting device according to embodiment 1. The sub-flowchart shown in FIG. 13 corresponds to the light distribution fluctuation control process (step S200) in the light distribution control process shown in FIG. 12.

[0093] In the present disclosure, an intermittent chaos method is used as an algorithm for realizing dynamic light distribution control using 1 / f fluctuation. In the intermittent chaos method, the variable X(t+1) at time t+1 is expressed by the variable X(t) at time t (where 0.0≦X(t)≦1.0). More specifically, the variable X(t+1) at time t+1 is expressed by the following formula (5) when 0.0≦X(t)<0.5, and by the following formula (6) when 0.5≦X(t)≦1.0. In the following formulas (5) and (6), the variable X(t+1) is a target value at time t+1 after time t. In the present disclosure, the execution interval of the light distribution fluctuation control process (i.e., the time from time t to time t+1) is set to, for example, 100 ms. The execution interval of the light distribution fluctuation control process is not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0094] X(t+1)=X(t)+2×X(t) 2 ···(5)

[0095] X(t+1)=X(t)-2×(1-X(t)) 2 ···(6)

[0096] The execution interval of the light distribution fluctuation control process (step S200) is timing-controlled by a timer value tf. That is, the time-out value TF of the timer value tf corresponds to the execution interval of the light distribution fluctuation control process. The timer value tf is reset when the light distribution fluctuation control process starts.

[0097] At the start of the light distribution fluctuation control process, the processing circuit 114 resets the timer value tf of the light distribution fluctuation control process (tf=0, step S001).

[0098] Here, first, a second light distribution value Sh(t+1) is set, which is the light distribution target value in the H direction at time t+1. The first light distribution value Sh(t) in the H direction at time t is defined by the following equation (7), with the variable X(t) at time t in the intermittent chaos method being the first variable Xh(t) in the H direction.

[0099] Sh(t)=Shmin+(Shmax-Shmin)×Xh(t)...(7)

[0100] Processing circuitry 114 reads out upper limit value Shmax and lower limit value Shmin of the fluctuation range of light distribution value Sh stored in a storage area of ​​memory circuitry 113 (step S201), and calculates a first variable Xh(t) at time t using the following equation (8), which is a modification of the above equation (7) (step S202). It is assumed that the following equation (8) is stored in the storage area of ​​memory circuitry 113, for example.

[0101] Xh(t)=(Sh(t)-Shmin) / (Shmax-Shmin)...(8)

[0102] Next, the processing circuit 114 calculates the second variable Xh(t+1) in the H direction at time t+1. Specifically, the processing circuit 114 determines whether the first variable Xh(t) in the H direction calculated in step S202 is less than 0.5 (step S203). If Xh(t)<0.5 (step S203; Yes), the processing circuit 114 calculates the second variable Xh(t+1) in the H direction at time t+1 using the following equation (9), which is a modification of the above equation (5) (step S204). If Xh(t)≧0.5 (step S203; No), the processing circuit 114 calculates the second variable Xh(t+1) in the H direction at time t+1 using the following equation (10), which is a modification of the above equation (6) (step S205). It is assumed that the following equations (9) and (10) are stored in a storage area of ​​the storage circuit 113, for example.

[0103] Xh(t + 1)=Xh(t)+2×Xh(t) 2 ···(9)

[0104] Xh(t + 1)=Xh(t)-2×(1 - Xh(t)) 2 ···(10)

[0105] Here, the processing circuit 114 determines whether the second variable Xh(t + 1) in the H direction calculated in step S204 or step S205 is 0.01 or more and 0.99 or less (step S206). If 0.01 ≤ Xh(t + 1) ≤ 0.99 (step S206; Yes), the process proceeds to step S208. If the second variable Xh(t + 1) in the H direction is less than 0.01 (0 ≤ Xh(t + 1) < 0.01) or greater than 0.99 (0.99 < Xh(t + 1) ≤ 1.0) (step S206; No), the processing circuit 114 sets the second variable Xh(t + 1) in the H direction to a random value within the range of 0.01 or more and 0.99 or less (step S207), and the process proceeds to step S208. At this time, the processing circuit 114 sets the second variable Xh(t + 1) in the H direction to a random value of 0.01 to 0.99, for example, using a random number table stored in the storage area of the storage circuit 113. Through the processes of step S206 and step S207, it is possible to prevent the second variable Xh(t + 1) in the H direction from sticking to 0.0 or 1.0.

[0106] The processing circuit 114 applies the second variable Xh(t + 1) in the H direction obtained by the processes from step S203 to step S207 to the following formula (11) obtained by transforming the above formula (7) to calculate the second light distribution value Sh(t + 1), which is the light distribution target value in the H direction at time t + 1, and stores it in the storage area of the storage circuit 113 (step S208). The following formula (11) is assumed to be stored in the storage area of the storage circuit 113, for example.

[0107] Sh(t + 1)=Shmin+(Shmax - Shmin)×Xh(t + 1)···(11)[[ID=二十一]] [[ID=二十二]]

[0108] [[ID=二十三]] Next, a second light distribution value Sv(t+1) is set, which is the light distribution target value in the V direction at time t+1. The first light distribution value Sv(t) in the V direction at time t is expressed by the following equation (12), where the variable X(t) at time t in the intermittent chaos method is set as the first variable Xv(t) in the V direction.

[0109] Sv(t)=Svmin+(Svmax-Svmin)×Xv(t)...(12)

[0110] Processing circuitry 114 reads out upper limit value Svmax and lower limit value Svmin of the fluctuation range of light distribution value Sv stored in a storage area of ​​memory circuitry 113 (step S211), and calculates a first variable Xv(t) at time t using the following equation (13), which is a modification of the above equation (12) (step S212). It is assumed that the following equation (13) is stored in the storage area of ​​memory circuitry 113, for example.

[0111] Xv(t)=(Sv(t)-Svmin) / (Svmax-Svmin)...(13)

[0112] Next, the processing circuit 114 calculates the second variable Xv(t+1) at time t+1. Specifically, the processing circuit 114 determines whether the first variable Xv(t) in the V direction calculated in step S212 is less than 0.5 (step S213). If Xv(t)<0.5 (step S213; Yes), the processing circuit 114 calculates the second variable Xv(t+1) in the V direction at time t+1 using the following equation (14), which is a modification of the above equation (5) (step S214). If Xv(t)≧0.5 (step S213; No), the processing circuit 114 calculates the second variable Xv(t+1) in the V direction at time t+1 using the following equation (15), which is a modification of the above equation (6) (step S215). It is assumed that the following equations (14) and (15) are stored in a storage area of ​​the storage circuit 113, for example.

[0113] Xv(t+1)=Xv(t)+2×Xv(t) 2 ···(14)

[0114] Xv(t+1)=Xv(t)-2×(1-Xv(t))2 ···(15)

[0115] Here, the processing circuit 114 determines whether the second variable Xv(t + 1) in the V direction calculated in step S214 or step S215 is 0.01 or more and 0.99 or less (step S216). If 0.01 ≤ Xv(t + 1) ≤ 0.99 (step S216; Yes), the process proceeds to the process of step S218. If the second variable Xv(t + 1) in the V direction is less than 0.01 (0 ≤ Xv(t + 1) < 0.01) or greater than 0.99 (0.99 < Xv(t + 1) ≤ 1.0) (step S:216; No), the processing circuit 114 sets the second variable Xv(t + 1) in the V direction to a random value within the range of 0.01 or more and 0.99 or less (step S217), and the process proceeds to the process of step S218. At this time, the processing circuit 114 sets the second variable Xv(t + 1) in the V direction to a random value of 0.01 to 0.99, for example, using a random number table stored in the storage area of the storage circuit 113. By the processes of step S216 and step S217, it is possible to prevent the second variable Xv(t + 1) in the V direction from sticking to 0.0 or 1.0.

[0116] The processing circuit 114 applies the second variable Xv(t + 1) obtained by the processes from step S213 to step S217 to the following equation (16) obtained by transforming the above equation (12) to calculate the second light distribution value Sv(t + 1) which is the light distribution target value in the V direction at time t + 1, and stores it in the storage area of the storage circuit 113 (step S218). The following equation (16) is assumed to be stored in the storage area of the storage circuit 113, for example.

[0117] Sv(t + 1)=Svmin+(Svmax - Svmin)×Xv(t + 1)···(16)

[0118] Then, processing circuit 114 converts the first light distribution value Sh(t+1) in the H direction and the first light distribution value Sv(t+1) in the V direction, which are expressed as percentages from 0% to 100%, into light distribution gradation values ​​Dh(t+1) and Dv(t+1) for optical element 100, respectively (step S221), and outputs them to electrode driving circuit 112. The light distribution gradation value Dh(t+1) in the H direction is expressed by the following equation (17). The light distribution gradation value Dv(t+1) in the V direction is expressed by the following equation (18).

[0119] Dh(t+1)=Sh(t+1)×gradation / 100 (17)

[0120] Dv(t+1)=Sv(t+1)×gradation / 100...(18)

[0121] Electrode drive circuit 112 supplies drive voltages according to light distribution gradation values ​​Dh(t+1), Dv(t+1) output from processing circuit 114 to drive electrodes 10, 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of optical element 100. This controls the light distribution state according to the first light distribution value Sh(t+1) in the H direction and the first light distribution value Sv(t+1) in the V direction.

[0122] Then, processing circuitry 114 updates the second light distribution value Sh(t+1), which is the light distribution target value in the H direction at time t+1, to a new first light distribution value Sh(t) in the H direction at time t, and updates the second light distribution value Sv(t+1), which is the light distribution target value in the V direction at time t+1, to a new first light distribution value Sv(t) in the V direction at time t (Sh(t)=Sh(t+1), Sv(t)=Sv(t+1), step S222), and stores them in a storage area of ​​storage circuitry 113.

[0123] The processing circuit 114 determines whether the timer value tf of the light distribution fluctuation control process is the time-up value TF (for example, TF=100 [ms]) (step S002). If the timer value tf of the light distribution fluctuation control process is not the time-up value TF (step S002; No), the processing of step S002 is repeatedly executed. The time-up value TF (i.e., the execution interval of the light distribution fluctuation control process) is assumed to be stored in a memory area of ​​the memory circuit 113, for example.

[0124] When the timer value tf of the light distribution fluctuation control process reaches the time-up value TF (tf=TF, step S002; Yes), the process returns to the light distribution control process shown in FIG.

[0125] Processing circuit 114 determines whether the power supply of lighting device 1 has been controlled to be turned off (step S109), and if the power supply of lighting device 1 has not been controlled to be turned off (step S109; No), processing returns to step S200 and repeatedly executes the light distribution fluctuation control process shown in Fig. 13. If the power supply of lighting device 1 has been controlled to be turned off (step S109; Yes), processing circuit 114 terminates the light distribution control process. By repeatedly executing the light distribution fluctuation control process shown in Fig. 13, the light distribution state of optical element 100 is dynamically controlled. As a result, the light distribution shape of lighting device 1 changes in a fluctuating manner, and a comfortable light can be produced.

[0126] (Variation) Fig. 14 is a sub-flowchart showing an example of the light distribution fluctuation control process in an illumination device according to a modified example of embodiment 1. The sub-flowchart shown in Fig. 14 corresponds to the light distribution fluctuation control process (step S200) in the light distribution control process shown in Fig. 12. Note that differences from the sub-flowchart shown in Fig. 13 will be described in detail here, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted.

[0127] In the light distribution fluctuation control process of the modified example of the first embodiment, after calculating a second light distribution value (Sh(t+1), Sv(t+1)), which is the light distribution target value at time t+1 (steps S201 to S218), light distribution control is performed in stages at intermediate gradations between the light distribution gradation value at time t and the light distribution gradation value at time t+1 at short time intervals (hereinafter also referred to as "light distribution control intervals") obtained by dividing the time from time t to time t+1 (i.e., the execution interval of the light distribution fluctuation control process). Below, a specific process for performing light distribution control at a light distribution control interval shorter than the execution interval of the light distribution fluctuation control process will be described.

[0128] For example, when the execution interval of the light distribution fluctuation control process is 100 [ms] and the division number N of the execution interval of the light distribution fluctuation control process is 5, the count-up interval of the count value n expressed as an integer from 1 to the division number N (i.e., the light distribution control interval in intermediate gradations) is 20 [ms]. Note that the present disclosure is not limited by the division number of the execution interval of the light distribution fluctuation control process or the light distribution control interval in intermediate gradations. Alternatively, for example, the division number N input by the user can be transmitted from a control device (not shown) and stored in memory circuitry 113.

[0129] Specifically, the time from count value n to n+1 is timed up and reset when count value n is reset (n=1, step S231) and when count value n is counted up (n=n+1, step S236). In other words, when count-up timer value ts, which measures the time from count value n to n+1, reaches time-up value TS, count value n is reset (n=1, step S231) or counted up (n=n+1, step S236).

[0130] After storing second light distribution value Sh(t+1), which is the light distribution target value in the H direction at time t+1 calculated in step S208, in a storage area of ​​storage circuitry 113 (step S208) and second light distribution value Sv(t+1), which is the light distribution target value in the V direction at time t+1 calculated in step S218, in a storage area of ​​storage circuitry 113 (step S218), processing circuitry 114 divides the time from time t to time t+1 into N parts and resets count value n and count-up timer value ts (n=1, ts=0, step S231). It is assumed that the number of divisions N of the time from time t to time t+1 (the execution interval of the light distribution fluctuation control process) is stored in a storage area of ​​storage circuitry 113, for example.

[0131] Processing circuit 114 calculates the light distribution value Sh(t+n / N) in the H direction and the light distribution value Sv(t+n / N) in the V direction at each of the N divided times (t+n / N) (step S232). The light distribution value Sh(t+n / N) in the H direction at each time (t+n / N) is given by the following equation (19). The light distribution value Sv(t+n / N) in the V direction at each time (t+n / N) is given by the following equation (20).

[0132] Sh(t+n / N) =Sh(t)+[(Sh(t+1)-Sh(t)) / N]×n...(19)

[0133] Sv(t+n / N) =Sv(t)+[(Sv(t+1)-Sv(t)) / N]×n...(20)

[0134] Then, processing circuit 114 converts light distribution values ​​Sh(t+n / N) and Sv(t+n / N), which are expressed as percentages from 0% to 100%, into light distribution gradation values ​​Dh(t+n / N) and Dv(t+n / N) for optical element 100, respectively (step S233), and outputs them to electrode driving circuit 112. The light distribution gradation value Dh(t+n / N) in the H direction is expressed by the following equation (21). The light distribution gradation value Dv(t+n / N) in the V direction is expressed by the following equation (22).

[0135] Dh(t+n / N) = Sh(t+n / N) × gradation / 100 (21)

[0136] Dv(t+n / N) = Sv(t+n / N) × gradation / 100 (22)

[0137] The processing circuit 114 determines whether the count-up timer value ts is the time-up value TS (for example, TS=20 [ms]) (step S234). If the count-up timer value ts is not the time-up value TS (step S234; No), the processing of step S234 is repeatedly executed. The time-up value TS (i.e., the light distribution control interval in intermediate gradations) is assumed to be stored in a storage area of ​​the storage circuit 113, for example.

[0138] When the count-up timer value ts reaches the time-up value TS (step S234; Yes), the processing circuit 114 then determines whether the count value n is equal to the division number N (e.g., N=5) (step S235). If the count value n is not equal to the division number N (step S235; No), the count value n is incremented by 1 to reset the count-up timer value ts (n=n+1, ts=0, step S236), and the process returns to step S232. The processes from step S232 to step S236 are repeatedly executed until the value of the count value n reaches the division number N (step S235; Yes). As a result, at each time (t+n / N) from time t to time t+1, the light distribution is controlled at an intermediate gradation between the light distribution gradation value Dh(t) in the H direction at time t and the light distribution gradation value Dh(t+1) in the H direction at time t+1. Furthermore, at each time (t+n / N) from time t to time t+1, the light distribution is controlled at an intermediate gradation between the light distribution gradation value Dv(t) in the V direction at time t and the light distribution gradation value Dv(t+1) in the V direction at time t+1.

[0139] Fig. 15 is a diagram showing a first calculation example of intermediate gradations. In the example shown in Fig. 15, the light distribution value in the H direction is Sh, and the light distribution gradation value is Dh. Also, in the example shown in Fig. 15, the number of divisions N of the time from time t to time t+1 is 5 (N=5).

[0140] For example, if the first light distribution value Sh(t) in the H direction at time t is 25.09804[%], the light distribution gradation value Dh(t) is 64.000002 (≈64), the second light distribution value Sh(t+1) which is the light distribution target value in the H direction at time t+1 is 27.69704[%], and the light distribution gradation value Dh(t+1) is 70.627452 (≈71), the light distribution value Sh(t+n / N) in the H direction at each time (t+n / N) is calculated as follows using equation (19) above: Note that it is not necessary to calculate the light distribution value Sh(t+5 / 5) (=Sh(t+1)) in the H direction when n=5, and the light distribution value Sh(t+1) calculated in step S208 can be used.

[0141] Sh(t+1 / 5)=25.61784[%] Sh(t+2 / 5)=26.13764[%] Sh(t+3 / 5)=26.65744[%] Sh(t+4 / 5)=27.17724[%] Sh(t+5 / 5)=Sh(t+1)=27.69704[%]

[0142] At this time, the light distribution value Sh(t+n / N) in the H direction at each time (t+n / N) is converted to the following light distribution gradation value Dh(t+n / N) using the above formula (21). Note that the light distribution gradation value Dh(t+n / N) in the H direction is a value that has been rounded off to the nearest integer.

[0143] Dh(t+1 / 5)=65.325492≒65 Dh(t+2 / 5)=66.650982≒67 Dh(t+3 / 5)=67.976472≒68 Dh(t+4 / 5)=69.301962≒69 Dh(t+5 / 5)=Dh(t+1)=70.627452≒71

[0144] Fig. 16 is a diagram showing a second calculation example of intermediate gradations. In the example shown in Fig. 16, the light distribution value in the V direction is Sv, and the light distribution gradation value is Dv. In addition, in the example shown in Fig. 16, the number of divisions N of the time from time t to time t+1 is 5 (N=5).

[0145] For example, if the first light distribution value Sv(t) in the V direction at time t is 74.90196% and the light distribution gradation value Dv(t) is 190.999998 (≈191), the second light distribution value Sv(t+1) which is the target light distribution value in the V direction at time t+1 is 72.30296% and the light distribution gradation value Dh(t+1) is 184.372548 (≈184), the light distribution value Sv(t+n / N) in the V direction at each time (t+n / N) is calculated as follows using equation (20): Note that it is not necessary to calculate the light distribution value Sv(t+5 / 5) (=Sv(t+1)) in the V direction when n=5, and the light distribution value Sv(t+1) calculated in step S218 can be used.

[0146] Sv(t+1 / 5)=74.38216[%] Sv(t+2 / 5)=73.86236[%] Sv(t+3 / 5)=73.34256[%] Sv(t+4 / 5)=72.82276[%] Sv(t+5 / 5)=Sv(t+1)=72.30296[%]

[0147] At this time, the light distribution value Sv(t+n / N) in the V direction at each time (t+n / N) is converted into the following light distribution gradation value Dv(t+n / N) using the above formula (22). Note that the light distribution gradation value Dv(t+n / N) in the V direction is a value that has been rounded off to the nearest integer.

[0148] Dv(t+1 / 5)=189.674508≒190 Dv(t+2 / 5)=188.349018≒188 Dv(t+3 / 5)=187.023528≒187 Dv(t+4 / 5)=185.698038≒186 Dv(t+5 / 5)=Dv(t+1)=184.372548≒184

[0149] Returning to FIG. 14 , when count value n+1 becomes equal to division number N (step S235; Yes), processing circuitry 114 updates the second light distribution value Sh(t+1), which is the light distribution target value in the H direction at time t+1, to a new first light distribution value Sh(t) in the H direction at time t, and updates the second light distribution value Sv(t+1), which is the light distribution target value in the V direction at time t+1, to a new first light distribution value Sv(t) in the V direction at time t (Sh(t)=Sh(t+1), Sv(t)=Sv(t+1), step S237), stores these in the storage area of ​​storage circuitry 113, and the process returns to the light distribution control processing shown in FIG. 12 . By repeatedly executing the light distribution fluctuation control process shown in FIG. 14, at each time (t+n / N), the light distribution state is controlled according to the light distribution value Sh(t+n / N) in the H direction and the light distribution value Sv(t+n / N) in the V direction.

[0150] 14 , in the light distribution fluctuation control process of the modification of the first embodiment, the processes of steps S232 to S236 described above are repeated N times to smooth the change in the light distribution state between the first light distribution value Sh(t) in the H direction at time t and the second light distribution value Sh(t+1), which is the light distribution target value in the H direction at time t+1. Furthermore, the processes of steps S232 to S236 described above are repeated N times to smooth the change in the light distribution state between the first light distribution value Sv(t) in the V direction at time t and the second light distribution value Sv(t+1), which is the light distribution target value in the V direction at time t+1. This makes it possible to smooth the change in the fluctuation of the light distribution pattern of the lighting device 1.

[0151] As described above, the lighting device 1 according to the first embodiment is configured to be capable of controlling light distribution in two directions, the H direction and the V direction, and executes dynamic light distribution control using 1 / f fluctuation in each of the H direction and the V direction. This makes it possible to produce light that is more natural and comfortable than, for example, when dynamic control using 1 / f fluctuation is applied to dimming control (brightness control).

[0152] Furthermore, in the light distribution fluctuation control process of the modified example of embodiment 1, light distribution is controlled in stages at intermediate gradations between the light distribution gradation value at time t and the light distribution gradation value at time t+1, at light distribution control intervals shorter than the execution interval of the light distribution fluctuation control process. This makes it possible to smooth changes in the light distribution state.

[0153] (Embodiment 2) 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a lighting system. The lighting system includes lighting devices 1 (1_1, 1_2, . . . , 1_N) and a control device 200. The control device 200 is exemplified by a portable communication terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet. The lighting devices 1 (1_1, 1_2, . . . , 1_N) are registered in advance in the control device 200 as control target devices whose light distribution can be controlled by the control device 200.

[0154] Data and various command signals are transmitted and received between the lighting devices 1 (1_1, 1_2, . . . , 1_N) and the control device 200 via a communication means 300. In the present disclosure, the communication means 300 is, for example, a wireless communication means such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or WiFi (registered trademark). The lighting devices 1 (1_1, 1_2, . . . , 1_N) and the control device 200 may communicate wirelessly via a predetermined network such as a mobile communication network. Alternatively, the lighting devices 1 (1_1, 1_2, . . . , 1_N) and the control device 200 may be wiredly connected to each other and communicate via wire.

[0155] Note that, although FIG. 17 shows an example in which multiple lighting devices 1 (1_1, 1_2, ..., 1_N) are registered, in the present disclosure, it is sufficient that at least one lighting device 1 is registered as a control target device capable of light distribution control.

[0156] In the above-described lighting system, the control device 200 is configured to be able to change the light distribution state of the lighting device 1 in the H direction and the V direction. Setting items such as whether fluctuation control is enabled or disabled and the fluctuation width are set by a setting circuit 113_1 (for example, a DIP switch) provided in the lighting device 1. The control device 200 of the lighting system according to the second embodiment will be described below.

[0157] 18 is an external view showing an example of a control device. The control device 200 is a display device (touch screen) with a touch detection function, in which a display panel 20 and a touch sensor 30 are integrated. The control device 200 is equipped with, as internal components, various ICs such as a detection IC and a display IC, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) of a smartphone, tablet, or the like that constitutes the control device 200, a RAM (Random Access Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and the like.

[0158] The display panel 20 is a so-called in-cell type or hybrid type device in which the touch sensor 30 is built in and integrated. Building the touch sensor 30 in and integrating the display panel 20 includes, for example, using some of the components, such as the substrate and electrodes, used as the display panel 20 and some of the components, such as the substrate and electrodes, used as the touch sensor 30. Note that the display panel 20 may also be a so-called on-cell type device in which the touch sensor 30 is mounted on a display device.

[0159] The display panel 20 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel using a liquid crystal display element, but is not limited to this, and may be, for example, an organic EL display panel (OLED: Organic Light Emitting Diode) or an inorganic EL display panel (micro LED, mini LED).

[0160] The touch sensor 30 is, for example, a capacitance type touch sensor, but is not limited to this, and the touch sensor 30 may be, for example, a resistive film type touch sensor, an ultrasonic type touch sensor, or an optical type touch sensor.

[0161] 19 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a touch detection area in a touch sensor. A plurality of detection elements 31 are provided in the detection area FA of the touch sensor 30. The plurality of detection elements 31 are arranged in a matrix in the X direction and the Y direction perpendicular to the X direction within the detection area FA of the touch sensor 30. In other words, the touch sensor 30 has a detection area FA that overlaps with the plurality of detection elements 31 arranged in the X direction and the Y direction.

[0162] Fig. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display mode of a setting change screen of the control device. The display panel 20 is provided with a display area DA that overlaps with the detection area FA of the touch sensor 30 in a plan view, and the setting change screen shown in Fig. 20 is displayed in the display area DA. In addition, an HV plane is defined with a predetermined position on the setting change screen shown in Fig. 20 as the origin O(0,0).

[0163] In the example shown in FIG. 20, a light distribution shape object OBJ is displayed with its center point at the origin O(0,0) of the HV plane on the setting change screen, and a first slider S1 for changing the light distribution state of the lighting device 1 in the H direction and a second slider S2 for changing the light distribution state of the lighting device 1 in the V direction are arranged on the contour line of this light distribution shape object OBJ.

[0164] The light distribution shape object OBJ is an image corresponding to the light distribution state of the light emitted from the lighting device 1.

[0165] The first slider S1 and the second slider S2 are, for example, image displayed on the display area DA, and can be moved (drag operation) by the user's finger.

[0166] The shape of the light distribution shape object OBJ can be changed by moving the first slider S1 in the H direction. At the same time, the light distribution state of the lighting device 1 in the H direction is controlled. Furthermore, the shape of the light distribution shape object OBJ can be changed by moving the second slider S2 in the V direction. At the same time, the light distribution state of the lighting device 1 in the V direction is controlled.

[0167] In the present disclosure, the shape of the light distribution shape object OBJ on the setting change screen is circular or elliptical depending on the light distribution value Sh in the H direction and the light distribution value Sv in the V direction. In other words, the shape of the light distribution shape object OBJ changes to a circle or an ellipse as the first slider S1 and the second slider S2 are moved.

[0168] The first slider S1 can be moved in the H direction between a position on the contour line of the light distribution shape object OBJ when the light distribution value Sh in the H direction is 0[%] and a position on the contour line of the light distribution shape object OBJ when the light distribution value Sh in the H direction is 100[%].

[0169] The second slider S2 can be moved in the V direction between a position on the contour line of the light distribution shape object OBJ when the light distribution value Sv in the V direction is 0[%] and a position on the contour line of the light distribution shape object OBJ when the light distribution value Sv in the V direction is 100[%].

[0170] On the setting change screen of the control device 200, the light distribution value Sh of the lighting device 1 in the H direction can be set by the amount of movement of the position h of the intersection between the H axis of the HV plane and the contour line of the light distribution shape object OBJ.

[0171] In the present disclosure, the center point of the first slider S1 is the position h of the intersection between the H axis and the outline of the light distribution shape object OBJ. In other words, the position h0 of the first slider S1 on the display area DA overlaps with the position h of the intersection between the H axis and the outline of the light distribution shape object OBJ. This allows the light distribution value Sh of the lighting device 1 in the H direction to be changed by touching and moving the first slider S1 in the H direction. "Sh" in FIG. 20 indicates the light distribution value of the lighting device 1 in the H direction (for example, "50" [%]).

[0172] Furthermore, on the setting change screen of the control device 200, the light distribution value Sv of the lighting device 1 in the V direction can be set by the amount of movement of the position v of the intersection between the V axis of the HV plane and the contour line of the light distribution shape object OBJ.

[0173] In the present disclosure, the position v of the intersection between the V axis and the outline of the light distribution shape object OBJ is set as the center point of the second slider S2. In other words, the position v0 of the second slider S2 on the display area DA overlaps with the position v of the intersection between the V axis and the outline of the light distribution shape object OBJ. This allows the light distribution value Sv of the lighting device 1 in the V direction to be changed by touching and moving the second slider S2 in the V direction. "Sv" in FIG. 20 indicates the light distribution value of the lighting device 1 in the V direction (for example, "50" [%]).

[0174] Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a control block configuration of a control device, which illustrates a control block configuration for changing the light distribution state of the lighting device 1 in the H direction and the V direction.

[0175] As shown in FIG. 21 , the control device 200 includes a display panel 20, a touch sensor 30, a detection circuit 211, a conversion processing circuit 212, a memory circuit 223, a transmission / reception circuit 225, and a display control circuit 231. The detection circuit 211 is configured, for example, by a detection IC. Alternatively, the detection circuit 211 and the display control circuit 231 may be mounted as a single display IC on the display panel 20 or on an FPC connected to the display panel 20. The conversion processing circuit 212 and the memory circuit 223 are configured, for example, by a CPU, RAM, EEPROM, ROM, etc., of a smartphone, tablet, or the like that constitutes the control device 200. The display control circuit 231 may be a display IC mounted on the display panel 20 as described above, or may further include, for example, a GPU, etc., of a smartphone, tablet, or the like that constitutes the control device 200. The transmission / reception circuit 225 is configured, for example, by a wireless communication module of a smartphone, tablet, or the like that constitutes the control device 200.

[0176] The detection circuit 211 is a circuit that detects whether or not the touch sensor 30 is touched based on the detection signals output from the detection elements 31 of the touch sensor 30 .

[0177] The conversion processing circuit 212 is a circuit that performs conversion processing between the touch detection position in the detection circuit 211 and various setting values ​​(light distribution value in the present disclosure) of the lighting device 1. In the present disclosure, the conversion processing circuit 212 has a function of performing conversion processing between the touch detection position in the detection circuit 211, and therefore the position of the touched object (image), and the operation state on various screens. The conversion processing circuit 212 is a component realized by, for example, a CPU of a smartphone, tablet, or the like that configures the control device 200.

[0178] The memory circuit 223 is configured with, for example, RAM, EEPROM, ROM, etc. of a smartphone, tablet, or the like that constitutes the control device 200. In the present disclosure, the memory circuit 223 stores various setting values ​​of the lighting device 1 (in the present disclosure, light distribution values).

[0179] The transmission / reception circuit 225 transmits and receives various setting values ​​(light distribution values ​​in this disclosure) to and from the lighting device 1. Specifically, the transmission / reception circuit 225 transmits the light distribution value Sh in the H direction and the light distribution value Sv in the V direction set by the control device 200 to the lighting device 1 as light distribution setting values ​​S1h and S1v, respectively. The transmission / reception circuit 225 also receives light distribution setting values ​​S0h and S0v transmitted from the lighting device 1.

[0180] The display control circuit 231 executes a display control process for displaying the setting change screen described above on the display panel 20. The display control circuit 231 controls the display of the display panel 20 based on various setting values ​​(in the present disclosure, light distribution values) and position information of image data stored in the memory circuit 223.

[0181] The lighting device in the above-mentioned lighting system will be described below. Fig. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a control block configuration of a lighting device according to embodiment 2. Here, the same components as those in the control block configuration of lighting device 1 according to embodiment 1 are assigned the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations may be omitted.

[0182] As shown in FIG. 22, the lighting device 1a according to the second embodiment includes a transmitting / receiving circuit 111 in addition to the components of the lighting device 1 according to the first embodiment described above.

[0183] The transmission / reception circuit 111 transmits and receives various setting values ​​(light distribution setting values ​​in this disclosure) to and from the control device 200. Specifically, the transmission / reception circuit 111 receives light distribution setting values ​​S1h and S1v transmitted from the control device 200. The transmission / reception circuit 111 also transmits light distribution setting values ​​S0h and S0v stored in a memory area of ​​the memory circuit 113 to the control device 200.

[0184] In the present disclosure, when lighting device 1 is started up, transmission / reception circuit 111 transmits light distribution setting values ​​S0h and S0v stored in the storage area of ​​storage circuit 113 to control device 200, and stores light distribution setting values ​​S1h and S1v transmitted from control device 200 in the storage area of ​​storage circuit 113 as new light distribution setting values ​​S0h and S0v. That is, when light distribution setting values ​​S1h and S1v are transmitted from control device 200 to lighting device 1a, the light distribution setting values ​​S0h and S0v in the storage area of ​​storage circuit 113 are updated to these light distribution setting values ​​S1h and S1v. Note that initially, lighting device 1 does not store light distribution setting values ​​S0h and S0v (both light distribution setting values ​​S0h and S0v are 0[%]). In this case, when light distribution setting values ​​S1h and S1v are transmitted from control device 200, the light distribution setting values ​​S0h and S0v are stored in the storage area of ​​storage circuit 113. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above, and a configuration may be adopted in which the initial light distribution setting values ​​S0h and S0v are stored as predetermined values, such as 50[%], in advance.

[0185] In the lighting system described above, the processing circuit 114 executes the light distribution control process described below. Fig. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of the light distribution control process in the lighting system according to embodiment 2. Note that differences from embodiment 1 will be described in detail here, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted.

[0186] When the lighting device 1a is started up, the processing circuit 114 causes the lighting device 1a to read out the light distribution setting value S0h in the H direction and the light distribution setting value S0v in the V direction stored in the memory area of ​​the memory circuit 113, and transmit them to the control device 200 (step S301).

[0187] The transmitter / receiver circuit 225 of the control device 200 stores the light distribution setting values ​​S0h and S0v transmitted from the lighting device 1a in the memory circuit 223. When the control device 200 executes a setting change process, the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200 reads out the light distribution setting values ​​S0h and S0v stored in the memory circuit 223, and executes display control on the display panel 20 so as to reflect on the setting change screen the shape of the light distribution shape object OBJ, the position of the first slider S1, the Dx-direction light distribution display, the position of the second slider S2, and the Dy-direction light distribution display that correspond to the light distribution setting values ​​S0h and S0v. This causes the control device 200 to transition to a standby state for a change operation.

[0188] The processing circuit 114 of the lighting device 1a reads out the state value from the setting circuit 113_1 of the storage circuit 113 (step S302), and determines whether or not fluctuation control is enabled based on the state value (step S303).

[0189] If fluctuation control is disabled (step S303; No), the processing circuit 114 reads out the light distribution setting value S0h in the H direction and the light distribution setting value S0v in the V direction stored in the memory area of ​​the memory circuit 113 (step S304), converts the light distribution setting value S0h and the light distribution setting value S0v, which are expressed as percentages from 0[%] to 100[%], into light distribution gradation values ​​Dh, Dv of the optical element 100, respectively (step S305), and outputs them to the electrode driving circuit 112.

[0190] The electrode driving circuit 112 supplies driving voltages corresponding to the light distribution gradation values ​​Dh, Dv output from the processing circuit 114 to the driving electrodes 10, 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100. This controls the light distribution state according to the light distribution setting value S0h in the H direction and the light distribution setting value S0v in the V direction.

[0191] Next, the processing circuit 114 determines whether the light distribution set value S0h in the H direction and the light distribution set value S0v in the V direction stored in the storage area of ​​the storage circuit 113 have been changed (step S306).

[0192] The change of the light distribution set value S0h in the H direction and the light distribution set value S0v in the V direction is executed by interrupt processing. Fig. 24 is a flowchart showing an example of the light distribution set value change interrupt processing.

[0193] When the first slider S1 or the second slider S2 is operated on the setting change screen of the control device 200 (see FIG. 20), the light distribution setting value S1h in the H direction and the light distribution setting value S1v in the V direction are transmitted from the control device 200.

[0194] The transmission / reception circuit 111 of the lighting device 1a determines whether or not it has received the light distribution setting values ​​S1h, S1v transmitted from the control device 200 (step S401). If it has not received the light distribution setting values ​​S1h, S1v (step S401; No), it repeats the processing of step S401. If it receives the light distribution setting values ​​S1h, S1v (step S401; Yes), it sets the light distribution setting value S1h transmitted from the control device 200 as a new light distribution setting value S0h for the H direction and stores the light distribution setting value S1v transmitted from the control device 200 as a new light distribution setting value S0v for the V direction in a storage area of ​​the storage circuit 113 (S0h=S1h, S0v=S1v, step S402), and then returns to the processing of step S401.

[0195] Returning to FIG. 23, if the light distribution setting value S0h in the H direction and the light distribution setting value S0v in the V direction stored in the memory area of ​​the memory circuit 113 have not been changed (S306; Yes), the processing circuit 114 determines whether the power to the lighting device 1a has been controlled to be turned off (step S307), and if the power to the lighting device 1a has not been controlled to be turned off (step S307; No), the processing from step S306 to step S307 is repeatedly executed.

[0196] If the H-direction light distribution setting value S0h and the V-direction light distribution setting value S0v stored in the storage area of ​​the storage circuit 113 have been changed (S306; No), the processes of steps S304 to S306 are repeatedly executed, thereby controlling the light distribution state to correspond to the changed H-direction light distribution setting value S0h and V-direction light distribution setting value S0v.

[0197] When the power supply of the lighting device 1a is controlled to be turned off (step S307; Yes), the light distribution control process ends.

[0198] If the fluctuation control is enabled (step S303; Yes), the processing circuit 114 reads out the light distribution setting value S0h for the H direction and the light distribution setting value S0v for the V direction stored in the memory area of ​​the memory circuit 113 (step 308), and sets the fluctuation range of the light distribution value in the light distribution fluctuation control processing.

[0199] After setting the fluctuation range of the light distribution value Sh with respect to the light distribution set value S0h in the H direction in steps S011 to S013 and steps S021 to S023, and the fluctuation range of the light distribution value Sv with respect to the light distribution set value S0v in the V direction in steps S031 to S033 and steps S041 to S043, processing circuitry 114 sets the light distribution set value S0h in the H direction as the first light distribution value Sh(t) at time t, and the light distribution set value S0v in the V direction as the first light distribution value Sv(t) at time t, and stores these in a storage area of ​​storage circuitry 113 (Sh(t) = S0h, Sv(t) = S0v, step S309). Furthermore, after outputting the light distribution gradation values ​​Dh(t) and Dv(t) corresponding to the initial setting values ​​(light distribution setting value S0h (=Sh(t)) in the H direction and light distribution setting value S0v (=Sv(t)) in the V direction) stored in the memory area of ​​the memory circuit 113 to the electrode driving circuit 112 (step S310), the processing circuit 114 executes the light distribution fluctuation control process (step S200) shown in FIG. 13 or 14.

[0200] Next, the processing circuit 114 determines whether the light distribution set value S0h in the H direction and the light distribution set value S0v in the V direction stored in the storage area of ​​the storage circuit 113 have been changed (step S311).

[0201] If the light distribution setting value S0h in the H direction and the light distribution setting value S0v in the V direction stored in the memory area of ​​the memory circuit 113 have not been changed (step S311; Yes), the processing circuit 114 determines whether the power to the lighting device 1a has been controlled to be turned off (step S312), and if the power to the lighting device 1a has not been controlled to be turned off (step S312; No), the process returns to step S200 and repeatedly executes the light distribution fluctuation control process shown in FIG. 13 or 14.

[0202] If the light distribution setting value S0h in the H direction and the light distribution setting value S0v in the V direction stored in the memory area of ​​memory circuit 113 have been changed (step S311; No), the processes from step S308 onwards are repeatedly executed. As a result, the light distribution fluctuation control shown in Fig. 13 or 14 is executed based on the changed light distribution setting value S0h in the H direction and the changed light distribution setting value S0v in the V direction, and the light distribution state of optical element 100 is dynamically controlled.

[0203] When the power supply of the lighting device 1a is controlled to be turned off (step S312; Yes), the light distribution control process ends.

[0204] By the interrupt process shown in FIG. 24, lighting device 1a of the lighting system according to embodiment 2 stores light distribution setting values ​​S1h, S1v transmitted from control device 200 as new light distribution setting values ​​S0h, S0v in a memory area of ​​memory circuit 113 (step S402), and then executes the processes of steps S304 to S307 or the processes of steps S308 to S312. In other words, in the lighting system according to the second embodiment, the light distribution setting values ​​S0h, S0v of the lighting device 1a can be changed by the control device 200; if fluctuation control is disabled (step S303; No), and the light distribution setting values ​​S0h, S0v of the lighting device 1a are changed (step S306; No), normal light distribution control is executed based on the changed light distribution setting values ​​S0h, S0v; and if fluctuation control is enabled (step S303; Yes), and the light distribution setting values ​​S0h, S0v of the lighting device 1a are changed (step S311; No), dynamic light distribution control using 1 / f fluctuation is executed based on the changed light distribution setting values ​​S0h, S0v.

[0205] 13 is repeatedly executed, the light distribution fluctuation control process is dynamically controlled to control the light distribution state of the optical element 100. As a result, the light distribution shape of the lighting device 1 changes in a fluctuating manner, and a comfortable light can be produced.

[0206] 14 are repeated N times, light distribution is controlled at an intermediate gradation between the light distribution gradation value Dh(t) in the H direction at time t and the light distribution gradation value Dh(t+1) in the H direction at time t+1, at each time (t+n / N) from time t to time t+1. Also, light distribution is controlled at an intermediate gradation between the light distribution gradation value Dv(t) in the V direction at time t and the light distribution gradation value Dv(t+1) in the V direction at time t+1, at each time (t+n / N) from time t to time t+1.

[0207] This makes it possible to smooth the change in the light distribution state between the first light distribution value Sh(t) in the H direction at time t and the second light distribution value Sh(t+1), which is the light distribution target value in the H direction at time t+1. It also makes it possible to smooth the change in the light distribution state between the first light distribution value Sv(t) in the V direction at time t and the second light distribution value Sv(t+1), which is the light distribution target value in the V direction at time t+1.

[0208] In the above-described embodiment, an example was given of a configuration in which the light distribution states in two directions, the H direction (first direction) and the V direction (second direction), are dynamically controlled independently, but the present invention is not limited to a configuration in which the light distribution states in two directions, the H direction (first direction) and the V direction (second direction), are dynamically controlled independently, and may be a configuration in which the light distribution state in at least one of the H direction (first direction) and the V direction (second direction) is dynamically controlled.

[0209] Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to such embodiments. The contents disclosed in the embodiments are merely examples, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. Appropriate modifications made within the scope of the present disclosure also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0210] 1,1a Lighting equipment 2 Liquid crystal cells 2_1 First liquid crystal cell 2_2 Second liquid crystal cell 2_3 Third liquid crystal cell 2_4 4th liquid crystal cell 4 light source 5 First board 6 Second board 7. Encapsulating material 8 Liquid Crystal Layer 9 Base material 10, 10a, 10b drive electrodes 11 1st metal wiring 11a,11b,11c,11d Metal wiring 12 Base material 13, 13a, 13b drive electrodes 14 2nd metal wiring 14a, 14b Metal wiring 15a,15b Continuity part 16a, 16b Connection terminal section 17 Liquid crystal molecules 18 Alignment film 19 Alignment film 20 Display panel 30 Touch Sensor 31 Detector element 100 Optical Elements 111 Transmitting and receiving circuit 112 Electrode drive circuit 113 Memory circuit 113_1 Setting circuit (DIP switch) 200 control device 211 Detection circuit 212 Conversion processing circuit 223 Memory circuit 225 Transmitting and receiving circuit 231 Display control circuit 300 Means of communication AA effective area DA display area FA detection area GA peripheral area OBJ Light distribution shape object S1 First slider S2 Second slider Sh light distribution value (H direction) Sh(t) First light distribution value (H direction) Sh(t+1) Second light distribution value (H direction) Sv Light distribution value (V direction) Sv(t) First light distribution value (V direction) Sv(t+1) Second light distribution value (V direction) Xh(t) First variable (H direction) Xh(t+1) Second variable (H direction) Xv(t) First variable (V direction) Xv(t+1) Second variable (V direction)

Claims

1. A light source and an optical element provided on an optical axis of the light source and configured to control a light distribution state of light emitted from the light source in two directions, a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction; a processing circuit that executes at least a light distribution control process for the optical element; Equipped with The processing circuitry dynamically controlling the light distribution state in at least one of the first direction and the second direction by 1 / f fluctuation based on a light distribution setting value that is a setting value for executing the light distribution control process; Lighting equipment.

2. The processing circuitry The light distribution states in the first direction and the second direction are dynamically controlled independently of each other. The lighting device according to claim 1 .

3. The processing circuitry Dynamic light distribution control using 1 / f fluctuations using the intermittent chaos method.

3. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a storage circuit in which a fluctuation width defining a change width of the light distribution value when the dynamic light distribution control is executed is set; The processing circuitry When executing the dynamic light distribution control, a fluctuation range is set, which is defined as a range of change in the light distribution value in the control; The light distribution setting value and the fluctuation width are added together to obtain an upper limit value of the fluctuation range, and the fluctuation width is subtracted from the light distribution setting value to obtain a lower limit value of the fluctuation range.

4. The lighting device according to claim 3.

5. The processing circuitry When executing the dynamic light distribution control, a first variable at time t is calculated based on a first light distribution value that is a light distribution value for realizing a light distribution state of the optical element at time t and upper and lower limit values ​​of the fluctuation range, a second variable at time t+1 that is later than time t is calculated based on the first variable, and a second light distribution value that is a light distribution target value for realizing the light distribution state of the optical element at time t+1 is calculated based on the second variable and the upper and lower limit values ​​of the fluctuation range.

5. The lighting device according to claim 4.

6. The processing circuitry when the second variable is outside a predetermined range, a random value within the predetermined range is used as the second variable to calculate the second light distribution value.

6. The lighting device according to claim 5.

7. The processing circuitry When executing the dynamic light distribution control, the light distribution state of the optical element is changed stepwise between the time t and the time t+1 in an intermediate gradation between the first light distribution value at the time t and the second light distribution value at the time t+1.

7. The lighting device according to claim 6.

8. an illumination device including a light source, an optical element provided on an optical axis of the light source and controlling a light distribution state of light emitted from the light source in two directions, a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction, and a processing circuit that executes light distribution control processing of at least the optical element; a control device capable of changing a light distribution state of at least the lighting device in two directions, the first direction and the second direction; Equipped with The processing circuitry dynamically controlling the light distribution state in at least one of the first direction and the second direction by 1 / f fluctuation based on a light distribution setting value that is a setting value for executing the light distribution control process; Lighting system.

9. The processing circuitry The light distribution states in the first direction and the second direction are dynamically controlled independently of each other.

9. The lighting system of claim 8.

10. The processing circuitry Dynamic light distribution control using 1 / f fluctuations using the intermittent chaos method.

10. A lighting system according to claim 8 or 9.

11. The lighting device includes: a storage circuit in which a fluctuation width defining a change width of the light distribution value when the dynamic light distribution control is executed is set; The processing circuitry When executing the dynamic light distribution control, a fluctuation range is set, which is defined as a range of change in the light distribution value in the control; The light distribution setting value and the fluctuation width are added together to obtain an upper limit value of the fluctuation range, and the fluctuation width is subtracted from the light distribution setting value to obtain a lower limit value of the fluctuation range.

11. The lighting system of claim 10.

12. The processing circuitry When executing the dynamic light distribution control, a first variable at time t is calculated based on a first light distribution value that is a light distribution value for realizing a light distribution state of the optical element at time t and upper and lower limit values ​​of the fluctuation range, a second variable at time t+1 that is later than time t is calculated based on the first variable, and a second light distribution value that is a light distribution target value for realizing the light distribution state of the optical element at time t+1 is calculated based on the second variable and the upper and lower limit values ​​of the fluctuation range.

12. The lighting system of claim 11.

13. The processing circuitry when the second variable is outside a predetermined range, a random value within the predetermined range is used as the second variable to calculate the second light distribution value.

13. The lighting system of claim 12.

14. The processing circuitry When executing the dynamic light distribution control, the light distribution state of the optical element is changed stepwise between the time t and the time t+1 in an intermediate gradation between the first light distribution value at the time t and the second light distribution value at the time t+1.

14. The lighting system of claim 13.

15. The control device transmitting the light distribution setting value to the lighting device; The lighting device includes: storing the light distribution setting value transmitted from the control device in a storage area of ​​the storage circuit; 12. The lighting system of claim 11.

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