Lighting Systems and Control Devices

Abstract

The present invention provides an illumination system and a control device that can change various settings of a plurality of illumination devices all at once. This illumination system comprises: a light source; a plurality of illumination devices provided on the optical axis of the light source, and provided with an optical element that can set the state of distribution of light emitted from the light source in a first direction, and a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a control device that controls the plurality of illumination devices so as to change the light distribution state. The control device comprises: a touch sensor having a detection region on which a plurality of detection elements are provided; a display panel on which a display region is provided overlapping the touch sensor detection region in plan view; and a first memory circuit that stores setting information including at least the setting value of the light distribution state. When the setting value has been changed, the control device transmits setting information to some or all of the plurality of illumination devices, and each illumination device is provided with a second memory circuit that stores setting information transmitted from the control device.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting system and a control device. [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 light distribution angle 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). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

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

[0004] For example, in a lighting device using a liquid crystal cell for p-wave polarization and a liquid crystal cell for s-wave polarization, it is possible to control the degree of light diffusion in two directions by driving both liquid crystal cells separately. In this way, it is desirable to arrange multiple high-performance lighting devices in the same space that can set the degree of light diffusion, light intensity, color temperature, etc., and to change the various settings of multiple lighting devices simultaneously.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a lighting system and a control device that can simultaneously change various setting values ​​of a plurality of lighting devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a lighting system comprising: a light source; a plurality of lighting devices each having an optical element disposed on an optical axis of the light source and capable of setting a light distribution state of light emitted from the light source in two directions, a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a control device configured to control the plurality of lighting devices to change the light distribution state, the control device comprising: a touch sensor having a detection area in which a plurality of detection elements are disposed; a display panel having a display area that overlaps the detection area of ​​the touch sensor in a planar view; and a first memory circuit configured to store setting information including at least a setting value of the light distribution state, the control device transmitting the setting information to some or all of the plurality of lighting devices when the setting value is changed; and each lighting device comprising a second memory circuit configured to store the setting information transmitted from the control device.

[0007] A lighting device control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a control device that controls a plurality of lighting devices that can set the light distribution shape of light emitted from a light source in two directions, a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, and includes a touch sensor having a detection area in which a plurality of detection elements are provided, a display panel having a display area that overlaps the detection area of ​​the touch sensor in a planar view, and a memory circuit that stores setting information including at least a setting value of the light distribution shape, and transmits the setting information to the plurality of lighting devices when the setting value is changed. [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 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 explaining the concept of controlling the degree of light diffusion by the lighting device according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the lighting system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an external view illustrating an example of the control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a touch detection area in a touch sensor. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a control block configuration of the control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a control block configuration of the lighting device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15A] FIG. 15A is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a display mode of a setting change screen of the control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15B] FIG. 15B is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a display mode of a setting change screen of the control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15C] FIG. 15C is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a display mode of a setting change screen of the control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15D] FIG. 15D is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a display mode of a setting change screen of the control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15E] FIG. 15E is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a display mode of a setting change screen of the control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the position on the setting change screen of the control device and the degree of light diffusion according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a setting change process in the control device of the lighting device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a storage area in the control device of the lighting device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 19A] FIG. 19A is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a lighting system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 19B] FIG. 19B is a schematic diagram showing a specific connection example when the lighting control device is a DMX controller in the configuration of the lighting system according to the second embodiment. 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 crystal is 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 irradiation range on a virtual plane xy perpendicular to the Dz direction. Note that the outline of the actual irradiation range becomes 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 allows the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the lighting device 1 to be changed.

[0046] (Embodiment 1) 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a lighting system according to embodiment 1. The lighting system according to embodiment 1 includes a plurality of lighting devices 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. Each of the lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, . . . , 1_N is registered in advance in the control device 200 as a control target device whose light diffusion degree can be controlled by the control device 200.

[0047] Data and various command signals are transmitted and received between each of the lighting devices 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). Each of the lighting devices 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, each of the lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, ..., 1_N and the control device 200 may be wiredly connected to each other and communicate via wire.

[0048] 10, the present disclosure illustrates an example in which N (N is a natural number greater than or equal to 1) lighting devices 1_n (n is a natural number from 1 to N) are controlled by the control device 200, but the present disclosure is not limited to the number of controlled devices (lighting devices 1_n) of the control device 200. Furthermore, the present disclosure describes an example in which the light diffusion degree of each lighting device 1_n is controlled as a setting parameter of the controlled device (lighting device 1_n), but the setting parameter is not limited to the light diffusion degree. The setting parameter of the controlled device (lighting device 1_n) may include, for example, the light intensity or color temperature of the lighting device 1_n.

[0049] 11 is an external view showing an example of a control device according to embodiment 1. 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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).

[0052] 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.

[0053] 12 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.

[0054] Hereinafter, a specific configuration and operation for controlling the degree of light diffusion of the lighting device 1 in the configuration of the lighting system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0055] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a control block configuration of the control device according to embodiment 1. First, a control block configuration for executing a setting change process, which will be described later, will be described.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 13 , the control device 200 according to the first embodiment includes a display panel 20, a touch sensor 30, a detection circuit 211, a conversion processing circuit 212, a memory circuit (first 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.

[0057] 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 .

[0058] 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 ​​(in the present disclosure, the light diffusion degree) of the lighting device 1. In the present disclosure, the conversion processing circuit 212 also has a function of performing conversion processing between the touch detection position in the detection circuit 211, and therefore 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.

[0059] The memory circuit 223 is configured, for example, with 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 setting information including various setting values ​​(in the present disclosure, the degree of light diffusion) of the lighting device 1. In addition, the memory circuit 223 temporarily stores, for example, intermediate data in a setting change process described below.

[0060] The transmission / reception circuit 225 transmits and receives setting information to and from the lighting device 1. Specifically, the transmission / reception circuit 225 transmits the Dx-direction light diffusion degree S1x and the Dy-direction light diffusion degree S1y, which are determined in a setting change process described below, as first setting information to the lighting device 1. In addition, the transmission / reception circuit 225 receives second setting information (the Dx-direction light diffusion degree S2x and the Dy-direction light diffusion degree S2y) transmitted from the lighting device 1.

[0061] The display control circuit 231 executes a display control process for displaying a setting change screen, which will be described later, on the display panel 20. In the present disclosure, the display control circuit 231 controls the display on the display panel 20 based on various setting information and position information of image data stored in the memory area of ​​the memory circuit 223.

[0062] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a control block configuration of the illumination device according to embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 14, the illumination device 1 according to embodiment 1 includes a transmission / reception circuit 111, an electrode driving circuit 112, and a memory circuit (second memory circuit) 113 as control blocks for controlling the optical element 100 described above.

[0063] The transmission / reception circuit 111 transmits and receives various setting information to and from the control device 200. Specifically, the transmission / reception circuit 111 receives first setting information (Dx-direction light diffusion degree S1x and Dy-direction light diffusion degree S1y) transmitted from the control device 200. In addition, the transmission / reception circuit 111 transmits the Dx-direction light diffusion degree S2x and Dy-direction light diffusion degree S2y stored in the memory circuit 113 to the control device 200 as second setting information.

[0064] In the present disclosure, when the lighting device 1 is started up, the transmission / reception circuit 111 transmits the Dx-direction light diffusion degree S2x and the Dy-direction light diffusion degree S2y stored in the memory circuit 113 to the control device 200 as second setting information, and stores the Dx-direction light diffusion degree S1x and the Dy-direction light diffusion degree S1y of the first setting information transmitted from the control device 200 by a setting change process of the control device 200, which will be described later, as new Dx-direction light diffusion degree S2x and Dy-direction light diffusion degree S2y in the memory circuit 113. That is, when the first setting information is transmitted from the control device 200 to the lighting device 1, the second setting information is updated to the first setting information. Note that the lighting device 1 does not store the second setting information initially (both vertical and horizontal diffusion are 0[%]). In this case, the lighting device 1 stores the second setting information when the first setting information is transmitted from the control device 200.

[0065] The electrode driving circuit 112 supplies driving voltages according to the Dx direction light diffusion degree S2x and the Dy direction light diffusion degree S2y stored in the memory circuit 113 to the driving electrodes 10 and 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100 .

[0066] Specifically, when the lighting device 1 is started up, the electrode driving circuit 112 supplies a driving voltage according to the second setting information stored in the memory circuit 113 to each of the driving electrodes 10 and 13 of each of the liquid crystal cells 2 of the optical element 100.

[0067] In addition, the electrode driving circuit 112 supplies driving voltages according to the second setting information updated based on the first setting information transmitted from the control device 200 to the driving electrodes 10, 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100.

[0068] The storage circuit 113 is configured with, for example, a RAM, an EEPROM, a ROM, etc. In the present disclosure, the storage circuit 113 stores the final value of the second setting information when the lighting device 1 was last operated.

[0069] 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, and 15E are conceptual diagrams showing an example of a display aspect of a setting change screen of the control device according to embodiment 1. On setting change screen 400 shown in FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, and 15E, the X direction is defined to correspond to the Dx direction (first direction) in the control of the light diffusion degree of lighting device 1, and the Y direction is defined to correspond to the Dy direction (second direction) in the control of the light diffusion degree of lighting device 1. Furthermore, on setting change screen 400, an XY plane is defined with a predetermined position on display area DA as the origin O(0,0).

[0070] 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, and 15E, a light distribution shape object OBJ is displayed on the setting change screen 400 with its center point at the origin O(0,0) of the XY plane, and a first slider S1 and a second slider S2 for setting the light diffusion degree of the lighting device 1 are arranged on the contour line of the light distribution shape object OBJ.

[0071] The light distribution shape object OBJ is an image on the setting change screen 400 that corresponds to the light distribution state of the light emitted from the lighting device 1.

[0072] The first slider S1 and the second slider S2 are, for example, image data displayed on the setting change screen 400, and can be moved (drag operation) by the user's finger.

[0073] The shape of the light distribution shape object OBJ can be changed by moving the first slider S1 in the X direction. At the same time, the degree of light diffusion in the Dx direction (horizontal diffusion) of the lighting device 1 is controlled. Furthermore, the shape of the light distribution shape object OBJ can be changed by moving the second slider S2 in the Y direction. At the same time, the degree of light diffusion in the Dy direction (vertical diffusion) of the lighting device 1 is controlled.

[0074] In the present disclosure, a selection switch SSEL for a single unit operation mode (first mode) and a selection switch MSEL for a multiple unit operation mode (second mode) are provided on the setting change screen 400. Also, a plurality of device selection switches DSEL corresponding to the lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, 1_3, 1_4, and 1_5 registered in advance as devices to be controlled are provided on the setting change screen 400.

[0075] Each device selection switch DSEL is an image of a button displayed on the setting display screen, and by selecting one or more of these device selection switches DSEL, lighting devices 1 to be operated in the device setting process described below are selected. Note that each time a new lighting device 1 is registered, a device selection switch DSEL is provided individually corresponding to that lighting device 1, and when a registered lighting device 1 is deleted, the device selection switch DSEL corresponding to that lighting device 1 is deleted from the setting display screen. Hereinafter, a lighting device 1 to be operated by selecting a device selection switch DSEL is also referred to as a "device to be operated."

[0076] In this disclosure, "selecting a switch" means that the user touches the image corresponding to the switch on the setting change screen 400, causing the display of the image to change (such as changing the shape, color, brightness, etc. of the image). Also, "deselecting a switch" means that the user touches the image again, causing the image to return to its original state.

[0077] The selection switch SSEL is an image as a button displayed on the setting change screen 400. By selecting the selection switch SSEL and then selecting one of the images corresponding to the lighting device 1 to be operated from the device selection switch DSEL, it becomes possible to control the lighting device 1. Details will be described later.

[0078] The selection switch MSEL is an image in the form of a button displayed on the setting change screen 400. By selecting the selection switch MSEL and then selecting one or more images corresponding to the lighting devices 1 to be operated from the device selection switch DSEL, it becomes possible to control the selected lighting devices. Details will be described later.

[0079] The positions at which the device selection switch DSEL, selection switch SSEL, and selection switch MSEL are provided are not limited to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, and 15E.

[0080] The single-unit operation mode and the multiple-unit operation mode will now be described. The single-unit operation mode and the multiple-unit operation mode are operation modes that can be selected exclusively.

[0081] Specifically, for example, when the selection switch MSEL is touched in the single unit operation mode, the mode switches to the multiple unit operation mode. Also, for example, when the selection switch SSEL is touched in the multiple unit operation mode, the mode switches to the single unit operation mode.

[0082] Furthermore, the behavior when the device selection switch DSEL is operated differs between the single unit operation mode and the multiple unit operation mode.

[0083] Specifically, when the lighting device 1_1 is selected in the standalone operation mode, for example, selecting the device selection switch DSEL corresponding to the lighting device 1_2 switches the target device to be standalone operated from the lighting device 1_1 to the lighting device 1_2. That is, in the standalone operation mode, any one of the plurality of lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, 1_3, 1_4, and 1_5 registered in advance as control target devices is selected as the device to be operated and becomes capable of being standalone operated.

[0084] Furthermore, in the multiple-device operation mode, for example, when the lighting device 1_1 is selected, if the device selection switch DSEL corresponding to the lighting device 1_2 is selected, the number of devices to be operated becomes two, the lighting device 1_1 and the lighting device 1_2. Thereafter, if the device selection switch DSEL corresponding to the lighting device 1_2 is deselected again, the lighting device 1_2 is excluded from the devices to be operated, and the only device to be operated becomes the lighting device 1_1. Alternatively, when the two devices to be operated are the lighting device 1_1 and the lighting device 1_2, if the device selection switch DSEL corresponding to the lighting device 1_1 is deselected, the lighting device 1_1 is excluded from the devices to be operated, and the only device to be operated becomes the lighting device 1_2. In other words, in the multiple-device operation mode, among the plurality of lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, 1_3, 1_4, and 1_5 that are pre-registered as control target devices, 1 of When one of the devices is selected as the device to be operated, the device to be operated can be operated independently, and when multiple devices to be controlled (for example, the selected lighting device 1_1 and lighting device 1_2) are selected as the devices to be operated, the selected multiple devices to be operated (for example, the lighting device 1_1 and lighting device 1_2) can be operated simultaneously.

[0085] In the stand-alone operation mode, when transmitting the same setting information (in the present disclosure, light diffusion degree information) for multiple lighting devices, it is necessary to select the device selection switch DSEL to switch the device to be operated, and make the same setting change for each of the multiple devices to be operated (for example, lighting device 1_1 and lighting device 1_2).

[0086] On the other hand, in the multiple-device operation mode, the same setting change is applied to multiple selected devices to be operated (for example, the lighting device 1_1 and the lighting device 1_2). This can save the effort of transmitting the same setting information to multiple lighting devices.

[0087] 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, and 15E show an example in which five lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, 1_3, 1_4, and 1_5 are registered as control target devices of control device 200, but the number of control target devices of control device 200 is not limited to five. In the following description, there may be cases where the number of control target devices (lighting devices 1) of control device 200 is N (N is a natural number of 1 or more). There may also be cases where the number of operation target devices (lighting devices 1) selected in the multiple-device operation mode (second mode) from among the control target devices (lighting devices 1_n (1_1, 1_2, . . . , 1_N)) of control device 200 is M (M is a natural number from 1 to N).

[0088] Fig. 15A shows a setting change screen 400 when the lighting device 1_1 is selected as the device to be operated in the stand-alone operation mode. Fig. 15A shows an example in which the Dx-direction light diffusion degree Sx of the lighting device 1_1 is 50[%] and the Dy-direction light diffusion degree Sy is 50[%]. As shown in Fig. 15A, the numerical values ​​of the Dx-direction light diffusion degree Sx and the Dy-direction light diffusion degree Sy are also displayed on the display screen. Note that, hereinafter, the Dx-direction light diffusion degree Sx will be referred to as the horizontal diffusion degree Sx, and the Dy-direction light diffusion degree Sy will be referred to as the vertical diffusion degree Sy.

[0089] Fig. 15B shows the setting change screen 400 when the lighting device 1_2 is selected as the device to be operated in the stand-alone operation mode. Fig. 15B shows an example in which both the horizontal diffusion degree Sx and the vertical diffusion degree Sy of the lighting device 1_2 are 100[%].

[0090] Fig. 15C shows the setting change screen 400 when the lighting device 1_3 is selected as the device to be operated in the stand-alone operation mode. Fig. 15C shows an example in which both the horizontal diffusion degree Sx and the vertical diffusion degree Sy of the lighting device 1_3 are 0[%].

[0091] Fig. 15D shows the setting change screen 400 when the lighting device 1_4 is selected as the device to be operated in the stand-alone operation mode. Fig. 15D shows an example in which the horizontal diffusion degree Sx of the lighting device 1_4 is 100[%] and the vertical diffusion degree Sy is 50[%].

[0092] FIG. 15E shows a setting change screen 400 when the lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, and 1_3 are selected as devices to be operated in the multiple-device operation mode. FIG. 15E shows an example in which the horizontal diffusion factor Sx and the vertical diffusion factor Sy of the lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, and 1_3 are set to initial values ​​(default values) in the setting change process described later. FIG. 15E shows an example in which the initial values ​​of the horizontal diffusion factor Sx and the vertical diffusion factor Sy are both 50%. However, the initial values ​​of the horizontal diffusion factor Sx and the vertical diffusion factor Sy are not limited to 50% and can be set to any value, such as 0%, 30%, or 100%. The initial values ​​of the horizontal diffusion factor Sx and the vertical diffusion factor Sy may be different from each other. The setting change procedure in the multiple-device operation mode will be described in detail in the setting change process described later.

[0093] In the present disclosure, the shape of the light distribution shape object OBJ on the setting change screen 400 is determined by the first slider S1 and the second slider S2 as shown in FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, and 15E. of As it moves, it changes shape to a circle or oval.

[0094] 9, in the lighting device 1 to be controlled in the present disclosure, even when both the horizontal diffusion degree Sx and the vertical diffusion degree Sy of the lighting device 1 are set to 0[%], light is irradiated into a predetermined approximately circular range (outline d). In the present disclosure, when both the horizontal diffusion degree Sx and the vertical diffusion degree Sy are set to 0[%], as shown in FIG. 15C, a small circular light distribution shape object OBJ is displayed.

[0095] In addition, in the present disclosure, as shown in FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, and 15E, a first area TA1 is provided as an area in which the first slider S1 can be operated.

[0096] The first slider S1 can be moved in the X direction within the first area TA1 between a position on the contour line of the light distribution shape object OBJ when the horizontal diffusivity Sx is 0[%] and a position on the contour line of the light distribution shape object OBJ when the horizontal diffusivity Sx is 100[%]. Therefore, the first slider S1 does not move when the user's finger is lifted from the screen, or even if the finger is not lifted from the screen, if the finger moves out of the first area TA1.

[0097] In addition, in the present disclosure, as shown in FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, and 15E, a second area TA2 is provided as an area in which the second slider S2 can be operated.

[0098] The second slider S2 can be moved in the Y direction within the second area TA2 between a position on the contour line of the light distribution shape object OBJ when the vertical diffusion rate Sy is 0% to a position on the contour line of the light distribution shape object OBJ when the vertical diffusion rate Sy is 100%. Therefore, the second slider S2 does not move when the user's finger is lifted from the screen, or even if the finger is not lifted from the screen, if the second slider S2 moves out of the second area TA2.

[0099] 16 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the position on the setting change screen of the control device and the degree of light diffusion according to embodiment 1. In the present disclosure, for ease of explanation, the position (coordinates) on the display area DA of the display panel 20 and the position (coordinates) on the detection area FA of the touch sensor 30 will be described as being equivalent.

[0100] On the setting change screen 400 of the control device 200 according to the first embodiment, the horizontal diffusion degree Sx of the lighting device 1 can be set by the amount of movement of the position x of the intersection between the X axis of the XY plane and the contour line of the light distribution shape object OBJ.

[0101] In the present disclosure, the position x of the intersection of the X-axis and the outline of the light distribution shape object OBJ is set as the center point of the first slider S1. In other words, the position x0 of the first slider S1 on the display area DA overlaps with the position x of the intersection of the X-axis and the outline of the light distribution shape object OBJ. This allows the horizontal diffusion degree Sx of the lighting device 1 to be set by touching and moving the first slider S1 in the X-axis direction. "Sx" in FIG. 16 indicates the horizontal diffusion degree of the lighting device 1 (for example, "50" [%]).

[0102] The reference movement amount Px in the X direction on the XY plane when the horizontal diffusion degree change amount ΔSx of the lighting device 1 is 1 [%] is the intersection of the X axis and the outline of the light distribution shape object OBJ when the horizontal diffusion degree Sx is 100 [%]. 100 If the intersection of the X axis with the contour of the light distribution shape object OBJ when the horizontal diffusivity Sx is 0[%] is X0, then it is expressed by the following equation (1).

[0103] Px=(X 100 -X0) / 100···(1)

[0104] The relationship between the horizontal diffusivity Sx and the position x0 of the first slider S1 on the display area DA on the XY plane is expressed by the following equations (2) and (3) using the above equation (1).

[0105] Sx = (x0 - X0) / Px (2)

[0106] x0 = Sx × Px + X0 (3)

[0107] Furthermore, on the setting change screen 400 of the control device 200 according to the first embodiment, the vertical diffusion degree Sy of the lighting device 1 can be set by the amount of movement of the position y of the intersection between the Y axis of the XY plane and the contour line of the light distribution shape object OBJ.

[0108] In the present disclosure, the center point of the second slider S2 is the position y of the intersection between the Y axis and the outline of the light distribution shape object OBJ. In other words, the position y0 of the second slider S2 on the display area DA overlaps with the position y of the intersection between the Y axis and the outline of the light distribution shape object OBJ. This allows the vertical diffusion degree Sy of the lighting device 1 to be set by touching and moving the second slider S2 in the Y axis direction. "Sy" in FIG. 16 indicates the vertical diffusion degree of the lighting device 1 (for example, "50" [%]).

[0109] Lighting device 1 vertical The reference movement amount Py in the Y direction on the XY plane when the diffusion degree change amount ΔSy is 1 [%] is given by the following equation (4), where the intersection point between the Y axis and the outline of the light distribution shape object OBJ when the vertical diffusion degree Sy is 100 [%] is Y100, and the intersection point between the Y axis and the outline of the light distribution shape object OBJ when the vertical diffusion degree Sy is 0 [%] is Y0.

[0110] Py=(Y 100 -Y0) / 100 (4)

[0111] The relationship between the vertical diffusion degree Sy and the position y0 of the second slider S2 on the display area DA on the XY plane is expressed by the following equations (5) and (6) using the above equation (4).

[0112] Sy = (y0 - Y0) / Py (5)

[0113] y0=Sy×Py+Y0 (6)

[0114] Although the embodiment in which a circular light distribution shape object OBJ is displayed when both the horizontal diffusion degree Sx and the vertical diffusion degree Sy are set to 0% has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the origin O(0,0) of the XY plane on the setting change screen 400 may be set to the position when both the horizontal diffusion degree Sx and the vertical diffusion degree Sy are set to 0%.

[0115] A specific example of the setting change process in the control device 200 of the lighting device 1 according to the first embodiment and the lighting system will be described below.

[0116] Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of a setting change process in the control device of the lighting device according to embodiment 1. Fig. 18 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a storage area in the control device of the lighting device according to embodiment 1.

[0117] 17 is realized by, for example, application software executed on a CPU of a smartphone, tablet, or the like that constitutes the control device 200. Hereinafter, in the present disclosure, the application software for realizing the setting change process of the lighting device 1_n will also be simply referred to as a "setting change app."

[0118] The setting change app can display a device registration screen for registering a control target device in the display area DA in addition to the setting change screen 400 described above. The device registration screen may be a sub-screen to which the user explicitly transitions when registering a control target device after the setting change app is launched, or may be an initial screen that is displayed immediately after the setting change app is launched. In the present disclosure, a mode will be described in which the standalone operation mode is selected as the default setting of the operation mode when the setting change app is launched, and the lighting device 1_1 is selected as the device to be operated in the standalone operation mode.

[0119] When the setting change application is launched, the transmission / reception circuit 225 of the control device 200 transmits a request command for the second setting information to the control target device (lighting device 1_n). Specifically, the transmission / reception circuit 225 resets the device counter value n (n=0, step S001), then adds 1 to the device counter value n (n=n+1, step S002), and transmits the request command for the second setting information to the lighting device (e.g., lighting device 1_1) corresponding to the device counter value n (=1).

[0120] The transmitting / receiving circuit 111 of the lighting device 1_1 reads out the second setting information stored in the memory circuit 113 and transmits it to the control device 200. In addition, the electrode driving circuit 112 of the lighting device 1_1 supplies a driving voltage according to the second setting information to each of the driving electrodes 10, 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100.

[0121] The transmission / reception circuit 225 of the control device 200 determines whether or not the second setting information has been received from the lighting device 1_1 (step S003). If the second setting information has not been received from the lighting device 1_1 (step S003; No), the processing of step S003 is repeatedly executed.

[0122] When receiving the second setting information from the lighting device 1_1 (step S003; Yes), the transmission / reception circuit 225 sets the Dx-direction light diffusion degree S2x_1 of the second setting information of the lighting device 1_1 as the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_1 and the Dy-direction light diffusion degree S2y_1 as the vertical diffusion degree Sy_1, and stores them in the memory area of ​​the memory circuit 223 shown in FIG. 18 (step S004).

[0123] In FIG. 18, n=1 exemplifies the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_1 and vertical diffusion degree Sy_1 of the lighting device 1_1 shown in FIG. 15A. Furthermore, n=2 exemplifies the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_2 and vertical diffusion degree Sy_2 of the lighting device 1_2 shown in FIG. 15B. Furthermore, n=3 exemplifies the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_3 and vertical diffusion degree Sy_3 of the lighting device 1_3 shown in FIG. 15C. Furthermore, n=4 exemplifies the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_4 and vertical diffusion degree Sy_4 of the lighting device 1_4 shown in FIG. 15D. In this way, the storage circuit 223 of the control device 200 stores the current horizontal diffusion degree Sx_n and vertical diffusion degree Sy_n of each lighting device 1_n. Note that in FIG. 18, the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_n of the lighting device 1_5 (n=5) is 5 and longitudinal diffusion Sy_ 5 are indicated by "**". The horizontal diffusion degree Sx_n and vertical diffusion degree Sy_n of each lighting device 1_n are merely examples, and are not limited to the examples shown in FIG.

[0124] The transmission / reception circuit 225 determines whether it has received the second setting information from all the lighting devices 1_n (here, lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, 1_3, 1_4, 1_5). Specifically, the control device 200 determines whether the device counter value n = N (step S005).

[0125] If n < N (step S005; No), the processes from step S002 to step S005 are repeatedly executed. Specifically, the transmission / reception circuit 225 adds 1 to the device counter value n (n = n + 1, step S002), and transmits a request command for the second setting information to the lighting device 1_n corresponding to the device counter value n.

[0126] The transmission / reception circuit 111 of the lighting device 1_n reads out the second setting information stored in the storage circuit 113 and transmits it to the control device 200. Also, the electrode drive circuit 112 of the lighting device 1_n supplies a drive voltage corresponding to the second setting information stored in the storage circuit 113 to each drive electrode 10, 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100.

[0127] The transmission / reception circuit 225 of the control device 200 determines whether it has received the second setting information from the lighting device 1_n (step S003). If it has not received the second setting information from the lighting device 1_n (step S003; No), the process of step S003 is repeatedly executed.

[0128] When receiving the second setting information from the lighting device 1_n (step S003; Yes), the transmission / reception circuit 225 stores the Dx-direction light diffusion degree S2x_n among the second setting information of the lighting device 1_n as the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_n, and the Dy-direction light diffusion degree S2y_n as the vertical diffusion degree Sy_n in the storage area of the storage circuit 223 shown in FIG. 18 (step S004). Thereby, the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_n and the vertical diffusion degree Sy_n of all the control target devices (lighting devices 1_n) are acquired and stored in the storage area of the storage circuit 223 (see FIG. 18).

[0129] Subsequently, the control device 200 determines whether the multi-unit operation mode has been selected (step S006).

[0130] In the present disclosure, it is assumed that the standalone operation mode is selected as the default setting (initial setting) of the operation mode when the setting change application is launched, as described above. That is, in step S006 immediately after the launch of the setting change application, the standalone operation mode is selected (step S006; No).

[0131] When the standalone operation mode is selected immediately after the setting change application is launched (step S006; No), the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200 reads out the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_1 and vertical diffusion degree Sy_1 of the lighting device 1_1 stored in the storage area of ​​the storage circuitry 223 (step S007) and executes display control of the display panel 20 (step S008). Here, the "current values" in FIG. 18 refer to the current horizontal diffusion degree Sx and vertical diffusion degree Sy displayed on the setting change screen 400. However, by going through steps S007 and S008, the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_1 and vertical diffusion degree Sy_1 of the lighting device 1_1 are overwritten as the current horizontal diffusion degree Sx and vertical diffusion degree Sy. As a result, the setting change screen 400 reflecting the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_1 and vertical diffusion degree Sy_1 of the lighting device 1_1 is displayed in the display area DA as the default screen in the standalone operation mode immediately after the setting change application is launched.

[0132] Next, the control device 200 determines whether the device to be operated has been changed (step S011).

[0133] If the operation target device has not been changed (step S011; No), the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200 determines whether or not a setting change has been made to the setting information (in the present disclosure, light diffusion degree information) of the lighting device 1_s (in the present disclosure, the lighting device 1_1) that is set as the operation target device by default in the stand-alone operation mode immediately after the setting change app is started (step S101). If a setting change has not been made to the setting information (step S101; No), the control device 200 returns to the processing of step S006.

[0134] Here, a specific example of an operation for changing the setting information (light diffusion degree information in the present disclosure) will be described. Specifically, the conversion processing circuit 212 executes, for example, a touch detection process for the first slider S1 and a touch detection process for the second slider S2 on the setting change screen 400. When the first slider S1 is touched, the conversion processing circuit 212 calculates the current horizontal diffusion degree Sx based on the X-direction position of the first slider S1 on the detection area FA, and stores the calculated value in a storage area of ​​the storage circuit 223. More specifically, the current value of the horizontal diffusion degree Sx shown in FIG. 18 is updated and overwritten by the operation on the first slider S1. When the second slider S2 is touched, the conversion processing circuit 212 calculates the current vertical diffusion degree Sy based on the Y-direction position of the second slider S2 on the detection area FA, and stores the calculated value in a storage area of ​​the storage circuit 223. More specifically, by operating the second slider S2, the current value of the vertical diffusion degree Sy shown in FIG. 18 is updated and overwritten and saved.

[0135] When a setting change of the setting information is performed on the setting change screen 400 (step S101; Yes), the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200 reads out the horizontal diffusion degree Sx and vertical diffusion degree Sy, which are the current values ​​on the display that have been changed and overwritten on the setting change screen 400 (step S102), and performs display control of the display panel 20 (step S103).

[0136] The transmission / reception circuit 225 of the control device 200 transmits the first setting information to the lighting device 1_s (lighting device 1_1 in the present disclosure) that is set as the device to be operated by default when the setting change app is launched. Specifically, the transmission / reception circuit 225 transmits the horizontal diffusion degree Sx and vertical diffusion degree Sy, which are the current values ​​on the display, as the first setting information (S1x_s(S1x_1)=Sx, S1y_s(S1y_1)=Sy, step S107), to the lighting device 1_s(1_1) that is set as the device to be operated by default when the setting change app is launched (step S108).

[0137] The transmitting / receiving circuit 111 of the lighting device 1_s(1_1) stores the received first setting information in the storage circuit 113 as second setting information. s The electrode driving circuit 112 of the lighting device 1_s(1_1) supplies a driving voltage corresponding to the second setting information stored in the memory circuit 113 to each of the driving electrodes 10, 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100. Stored in The second setting information is read out and transmitted to the control device 200.

[0138] The transmission / reception circuit 225 of the control device 200 determines whether or not the second setting information has been received from the lighting device 1_s(1_1) (step S110). If the second setting information has not been received from the lighting device 1_s(1_1) (step S110; No), the processing of step S110 is repeatedly executed.

[0139] When the second setting information is received from the lighting device 1_s (1_1) (step S110; Yes), the transmission / reception circuit 225 sets the Dx-direction light diffusion degree S2x_s (S2x_1) of the second setting information of the lighting device 1_s as the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_s (Sx_1) and the Dy-direction light diffusion degree S2y_s (S2y_1) as the vertical diffusion degree Sy_s (Sy_1), and stores them in a storage area of ​​the storage circuit 223 (step S111). This executes a setting change of the lighting device 1_s (the lighting device 1_1 in the present disclosure) that is set by default as the device to be operated in the stand-alone operation mode immediately after the setting change app is launched.

[0140] Furthermore, when the device to be operated on the setting change screen 400 is changed from the lighting device 1_s (in the present disclosure, the lighting device 1_1) which is set as the default setting (step S011; Yes), the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200 reads out the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_s and vertical diffusion degree Sy_s of the lighting device 1_s (s is a natural number from 1 to N) selected as the device to be operated in the stand-alone operation mode from the storage area of ​​the memory circuit 223, and overwrites them as the horizontal diffusion degree Sx and vertical diffusion degree Sy which are the current values ​​on the display (Sx=Sx_s, Sy=St_s, step S112), and executes display control of the display panel 20 (step S103).

[0141] The transmission / reception circuit 225 of the control device 200 transmits the first setting information to the lighting device 1_s selected as the device to be operated in the stand-alone operation mode. Specifically, the transmission / reception circuit 225 sets the horizontal diffusion degree Sx and vertical diffusion degree Sy, which are the current values ​​on the display, as the first setting information (S1x_s=Sx, S1y_s=Sy, step S107), and transmits the first setting information to the lighting device 1_s selected as the device to be operated in the stand-alone operation mode (step S108).

[0142] The transmitting / receiving circuit 111 of the lighting device 1_s stores the received first setting information in the storage circuit 113 as second setting information. s The electrode driving circuit 112 supplies a driving voltage corresponding to the second setting information stored in the memory circuit 113 to each of the driving electrodes 10 and 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100. The transmitting / receiving circuit 111 of the lighting device 1_s then stores the second setting information stored in the memory circuit 113. Stored in The second setting information is read out and transmitted to the control device 200.

[0143] The transmission / reception circuit 225 of the control device 200 determines whether or not the second setting information has been received from the lighting device 1_s (step S110). If the second setting information has not been received from the lighting device 1_s (step S110; No), the processing of step S110 is repeatedly executed.

[0144] When the second setting information is received from the lighting device 1_s (step S110; Yes), the transmitting and receiving circuit 225 sets the Dx-direction light diffusion degree S2x_s of the second setting information of the lighting device 1_s as the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_s and the Dy-direction light diffusion degree S2y_s as the vertical diffusion degree Sy_s, and stores them in a storage area of ​​the storage circuit 223 (step S111). This executes a setting change of the lighting device 1_s selected as the device to be operated in the stand-alone operation mode.

[0145] When the multiple-device operation mode is selected on the setting change screen 400 (step S006; Yes), the control device 200 determines whether the number M of lighting devices 1 selected as devices to be operated in the multiple-device operation mode is 2 or more (step S012). If only one lighting device 1 is selected as the device to be operated (M=1, step S012; No), the control device 200 determines whether a change in the setting information of the lighting device 1 selected as the device to be operated has been made (step S101). If a change in the setting information has not been made (step S101; No), the control device 200 returns to the processing of step S006.

[0146] When a setting change of the setting information is performed on the setting change screen 400 (step S101; Yes), the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200 reads out the horizontal diffusion degree Sx and vertical diffusion degree Sy, which are the current values ​​on the display that have been changed and overwritten on the setting change screen 400 (step S102), and performs display control of the display panel 20 (step S103).

[0147] The transmission / reception circuit 225 of the control device 200 transmits the first setting information to the only lighting device 1_s selected as the device to be operated in the multiple-device operation mode. Specifically, the transmission / reception circuit 225 sets the horizontal diffusion degree Sx and vertical diffusion degree Sy, which are the current values ​​on the display, as the first setting information (S1x_s=Sx, S1y_s=Sy, step S107), and transmits the first setting information to the only lighting device 1_s selected as the device to be operated in the multiple-device operation mode (step S108).

[0148] The transmitting / receiving circuit 111 of the lighting device 1_s stores the received first setting information in the storage circuit 113 as second setting information. s The electrode driving circuit 112 supplies a driving voltage corresponding to the second setting information stored in the memory circuit 113 to each of the driving electrodes 10 and 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100. The transmitting / receiving circuit 111 of the lighting device 1_s then stores the second setting information stored in the memory circuit 113. Stored in The second setting information is read out and transmitted to the control device 200.

[0149] The transmission / reception circuit 225 of the control device 200 determines whether or not the second setting information has been received from the lighting device 1_s (step S110). If the second setting information has not been received from the lighting device 1_s (step S110; No), the processing of step S110 is repeatedly executed.

[0150] When the second setting information is received from the lighting device 1_s (step S110; Yes), the transmitting and receiving circuit 225 sets the Dx-direction light diffusion degree S2x_s of the second setting information of the lighting device 1_s as the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_s and the Dy-direction light diffusion degree S2y_s as the vertical diffusion degree Sy_s, and stores them in a storage area of ​​the storage circuit 223 (step S111). This executes a setting change for only the lighting device 1_s selected as the device to be operated in the multiple-device operation mode.

[0151] If the number M of lighting devices 1 selected as devices to be operated in the multiple-device operation mode is two or more (M≧2, step S012; Yes), the control device 200 determines whether the light distribution shapes of the M lighting devices 1_m (1_a, 1_b,...) selected as devices to be operated in the multiple-device operation mode are the same. Specifically, the control device 200 determines whether the horizontal diffusion degrees Sx_m (Sx_a, Sx_b,...) of the M lighting devices 1_m (1_a, 1_b,...) are the same and whether the vertical diffusion degrees Sy_m (Sy_a, Sy_b,...) of the M lighting devices 1_m (1_a, 1_b,...) are the same (step S013).

[0152] If the light distribution shapes of the M lighting devices 1_m (1_a, 1_b, . . . ) selected as devices to be operated in the multiple-device operation mode are the same (step S013; Yes), the process proceeds to step S201.

[0153] When the light distribution shapes of the M lighting devices 1_m (1_a, 1_b, ...) selected as devices to be operated in the multiple-device operation mode are different (step S013; No), the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200 reads out the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_ini (50[%] in FIG. 18), which is the initial value (default value) of the horizontal diffusion degree Sx, stored in the memory area of ​​the memory circuit 223, and sets this as the current value of the horizontal diffusion degree Sx. It also reads out the vertical diffusion degree Sy_ini (50[%] in the example shown in FIG. 18), which is the initial value of the vertical diffusion degree Sy, and sets this as the current value of the vertical diffusion degree Sy (Sx=Sx_ini, Sy=Sy_ini, step S009), executes display control of the display panel 20 (step S010), and proceeds to step S201.

[0154] The display control circuit 231 of the control device 200 determines whether or not a change in the settings of the plurality of lighting devices 1_m selected as devices to be operated in the multiple-device operation mode has been executed (step S201). If a change in the setting information has not been executed (step S201; No), the control device 200 returns to the processing of step S006.

[0155] When a setting change of the setting information is performed on the setting change screen 400 (step S201; Yes), the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200 reads out the horizontal diffusion degree Sx and vertical diffusion degree Sy, which are the current values ​​on the display that have been changed and overwritten on the setting change screen 400 (step S202), and performs display control of the display panel 20 (step S203).

[0156] The transmitting / receiving circuit 225 of the control device 200 transmits the first setting information to M lighting devices 1_m selected as devices to be operated in the multiple device operation mode. Specifically, the transmitting / receiving circuit 225 transmits the horizontal diffusion degree Sx and the vertical diffusion degree Sy, which are the current values ​​on the display, as the first setting information (S1x_m=Sx, S1y_m=Sy, step S207), and transmits the first setting information to the M lighting devices 1_m selected as devices to be operated in the multiple-device operation mode (step S208).

[0157] The transmitting / receiving circuit 111 of the lighting device 1_m stores the received first setting information as second setting information in the memory circuit 113. The electrode driving circuit 112 of the lighting device 1_m supplies driving voltages according to the second setting information stored in the memory circuit 113 to the driving electrodes 10, 13 of the liquid crystal cells 2 of the optical element 100. Then, the transmitting / receiving circuit 111 of the lighting device 1_m stores the received first setting information in the memory circuit 113. Stored in The second setting information is read out and transmitted to the control device 200.

[0158] The transmission / reception circuit 225 of the control device 200 determines whether or not the second setting information has been received from the lighting device 1_m (step S210). If the second setting information has not been received from the lighting device 1_m (step S210; No), the processing of step S210 is repeatedly executed.

[0159] When the second setting information is received from the lighting device 1_m (step S210; Yes), the transmission / reception circuit 225 sets the Dx-direction light diffusion degree S2x_m of the second setting information of the lighting device 1_m as the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_m and the Dy-direction light diffusion degree S2y_m as the vertical diffusion degree Sy_m, and stores them in a memory area of ​​the memory circuit 223 (step S211).

[0160] The above-described processing from step S206 to step S211 is executed for the M lighting devices 1_m selected as the operation target devices in the multiple-device operation mode. As a result, the same setting change is executed for the M lighting devices 1_m selected as the operation target devices in the multiple-device operation mode.

[0161] In the control device 200 of the lighting device 1 and the lighting system according to the above-described first embodiment, the same setting information (in the present disclosure, light diffusion degree information) can be simultaneously set for a plurality of lighting devices 1_m selected when the multiple-device operation mode is selected from among a plurality of lighting devices 1_n registered in advance as devices to be controlled.

[0162] In the above-described first embodiment, the setting change screen 400 is displayed for each of the plurality of lighting devices 1_n (see FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, and 15E), but the present invention is not limited to a setting change screen 400 being displayed for each of the plurality of lighting devices 1_n. For example, if the control device 200 is a tablet or the like with a sufficiently large display area DA, the setting change may be performed on a single screen for the plurality of lighting devices 1_n registered as devices to be controlled.

[0163] (Embodiment 2) FIG. 19A is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a lighting system according to embodiment 2. In FIG. 19A, multiple lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, . . . , 1_N are connected to a lighting control device (control device) 200a via communication means 300a consisting of multiple wirings 310. More specifically, the lighting control device 200a may be a DMX controller. The DMX controller can adjust the brightness and color of the light emitted from the lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, . . . , 1_N, as well as operate the optical elements 100 of the lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, . . . , 1_N, thereby changing the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from each of the lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, . . . , 1_N. FIG. 19B is a schematic diagram showing a specific connection example when the lighting control device is a DMX controller in the configuration of the lighting system according to embodiment 2. 19B, the lighting control device 200a and a plurality of lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, ..., 1_N are daisy-chain connected. More specifically, the lighting control device 200a and the lighting device 1_1 are connected by a cable 310_1, and the lighting devices 1_1 and 1_2 are connected by a cable 310_2. Thereafter, the preceding lighting device and the succeeding lighting device are sequentially connected by cables.

[0164] The lighting system includes a plurality of lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, ..., 1_N and one lighting control device 200a, which are connected by wires. More specifically, each of the lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, ..., 1_N includes a light source 4 and an optical element 100, as in the first embodiment, and the lighting control device 200a has a plurality of physical sliders 200b. Furthermore, the light source 4 and the optical element 100 of each of the lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, ..., 1_N are connected to the lighting control device 200a via wiring 310 (or cables 310_1, 310_2, ..., 310_N), so that each light source 4 or each optical element 100 can be driven by moving the physical slider (hereinafter referred to as slider) 200b up and down. More specifically, there is a one-to-one correspondence between each light source 4 and the slider 200b, and the brightness of the light emitted from the light source 4 can be changed by moving the slider 200b up and down. Note that a configuration in which the color of the light emitted from the light source 4 is changed by moving the slider 200b up and down can also be employed, or it is also possible to change both the brightness and the color. Alternatively, a configuration in which two sliders 200b correspond to each light source 4, and the brightness of the light emitted from the light source 4 is changed by moving one slider 200b up and down, and the color of the light emitted from the light source 4 is changed by moving the other slider 200b up and down can also be employed.

[0165] Furthermore, two wirings 310 are drawn from the optical element 100 of each of the lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, ..., 1_N and connected to the lighting control device 200a. As a result, two sliders 200b correspond to each optical element 100, and the horizontal diffusion degree of the optical element 100 can be changed by moving one slider 200b up and down, and the vertical diffusion degree of the optical element 100 can be changed by moving the other slider 200b up and down. Needless to say, the horizontal and vertical diffusion degrees of the multiple optical elements 100 can be changed simultaneously by moving multiple sliders 200b up and down simultaneously. It is also possible to employ a configuration in which additional sliders 200b corresponding to multiple optical elements 100 selectively selected from the multiple optical elements 100 are provided, and the diffusion degrees of the selected multiple optical elements 100 are changed by moving the sliders 200b up and down.

[0166] In this way, the degree of diffusion of one optical element 100 is changed by operating the slider 200b of the lighting control device 200a. Aspects This may be referred to as a single-unit operation mode (first mode) in correspondence with the above-described embodiment 1. Furthermore, the operation of simultaneously changing the diffusion degrees of multiple optical elements 100 by operating one or multiple sliders 200b of the lighting control device 200a may be referred to as a multiple-unit operation mode (second mode) in correspondence with the above-described embodiment 1.

[0167] The lighting control device 200a can be connected to an external control device 500 such as a PC via port 200c, and the settings of the lighting control device 200a, more specifically, the combination of the correspondence between each slider 200b and the lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, ..., 1_N and the degree of change in the diffusion and brightness of the light emitted from each lighting device 1_1, 1_2, ..., 1_N due to the up and down movement of each slider 200b, can be changed by the external control device 500. Alternatively, it goes without saying that a configuration in which the external control device 500 and the lighting control device 200a are kept connected and are collectively referred to as the control device 200 can also be adopted.

[0168] 19A and 19B, similarly to the first embodiment, each of the lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, . . . , 1_N is connected to the lighting control device 200a having the slider 200b by wireless communication means. Aspects can also be adopted.

[0169] 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]

[0170] 1. 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 (second memory circuit) 200 control device 200a Lighting control device (control device) 200b Physical Slider (Slider) 200c port 211 Detection circuit 212 Conversion processing circuit 223 Memory circuit (first memory circuit) 225 Transmitting and receiving circuit 231 Display control circuit 300 Communication means (wireless communication means) 300a Communication means (wired communication means) 310 Wiring 310_1, 310_2, 310_N Cable 400 Setting change screen 500 External control device AA effective area DA display area DSEL Device selection switch FA detection area GA peripheral area MSEL selection switch (multiple unit operation mode (second mode)) OBJ Light distribution shape object S1 First slider S2 Second slider SSEL selection switch (standalone operation mode (mode 1)) Sx lateral diffusion S1x, S2x Dx direction light diffusion Sy longitudinal diffusivity S1y, S2y Light diffusion in the Dy direction TA1 1st area TA2 2nd area

Claims

1. a plurality of lighting devices each including a light source and an optical element disposed on an optical axis of the light source, the optical element being capable of setting a light distribution state of light emitted from the light source in two directions, a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction; a control device that controls the plurality of lighting devices to change the light distribution state; Equipped with The control device a touch sensor having a detection area in which a plurality of detection elements are provided; a display panel having a display area that overlaps the detection area of ​​the touch sensor in a plan view; a first storage circuit that stores setting information including at least a setting value of the light distribution state; Equipped with When the setting value is changed, setting information is transmitted to some or all of the plurality of lighting devices; Each lighting device is a second storage circuit for storing the setting information transmitted from the control device; Lighting system.

2. The control device When the setting value is changed, the same setting information is transmitted to some or all of the plurality of lighting devices.

10. The lighting system of claim 1.

3. The control device a first mode for selecting one of the plurality of lighting devices; a second mode for selecting a plurality of the plurality of lighting devices; and When the setting value is changed in the first mode, transmitting setting information to a selected lighting device; transmitting the same setting information to the selected plurality of lighting devices when the setting value is changed in the second mode; 10. The lighting system of claim 1.

4. A control device that controls a plurality of lighting devices capable of setting a light distribution shape of light emitted from a light source in two directions, a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, a touch sensor having a detection area in which a plurality of detection elements are provided; a display panel having a display area that overlaps the detection area of ​​the touch sensor in a plan view; a memory circuit for storing setting information including at least a setting value of the light distribution shape; Equipped with When the setting value is changed, setting information is transmitted to some or all of the plurality of lighting devices. Control device.

5. When the setting value is changed, the same setting information is transmitted to some or all of the plurality of lighting devices. The control device according to claim 4.

6. a first mode for selecting one of the plurality of lighting devices; a second mode for selecting a plurality of the plurality of lighting devices; and When the setting value is changed in the first mode, transmitting setting information to a selected lighting device; transmitting the same setting information to the selected plurality of lighting devices when the setting value is changed in the second mode; The control device according to claim 4.

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