Lighting device control device and lighting system

Abstract

Provided are a control device for illumination devices, and an illumination system, which are capable of changing various settings of a plurality of illumination devices all at once. This control device for illumination devices controls a plurality of illumination devices in which the light distribution shape of light emitted from a light source can be set in two directions which are a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction. The control device comprises: a touch sensor having a detection region in which a plurality of detection elements are provided; a display panel provided with a display region overlapping the detection region of the touch sensor in a plan view; and a storage circuit that stores setting information including at least a setting value of the light distribution shape. In the storage circuit, setting information for the plurality of illumination devices is set as scene information. The setting information for each of the illumination devices set as scene information is transmitted to a corresponding one of the illumination devices associated with the setting information.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there are lighting fixtures that combine a light source such as an LED with a thin lens engraved with a prism pattern, and change the 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 device control device and a lighting system that can simultaneously change various setting values ​​of a plurality of lighting devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] 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, wherein the setting information of the plurality of lighting devices is set as scene information in the memory circuit, and the memory circuit transmits the setting information for each of the lighting devices that has been set as the scene information to each lighting device with which the setting information is associated.

[0007] 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, the optical element 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 comprises: 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 for the light distribution state. The setting information of the plurality of lighting devices is configured as scene information in the first memory circuit; the control device transmits the setting information for each lighting device, which has been set as the scene information, to each lighting device with which the setting information is associated; and the lighting devices comprise a second memory circuit configured to store the setting information transmitted from the control device. [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 15] FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a display mode of the initial screen of the control device 200 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16A]FIG. 16A 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 16B] FIG. 16B 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 16C] FIG. 16C 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 16D] FIG. 16D 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 16E] FIG. 16E 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 17] FIG. 17 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 18A] FIG. 18A is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a display mode of a scene setting change screen of the control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 18B] FIG. 18B is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a display mode of a scene setting change screen of the control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 18C] FIG. 18C is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a display mode of a scene setting change screen of the control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 18D] FIG. 18D is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a display mode of a scene setting change screen of the control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 18E] FIG. 18E is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a display mode of a scene setting change screen of the control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a display mode when the first slider is operated on the scene setting change screen after device selection shown in FIG. 18A. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a display mode of the first registration screen of the control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a display mode of the second registration screen of the control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 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 23] FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an initial setting process in the control device of the lighting device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the overall flow of the illumination control process in the control device for the illumination device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 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 26] FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a new scene registration process in the control device of the lighting device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a scene change process in the control device of the lighting device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a scene setting change process in the control device of the lighting device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a scene additional registration process in the control device of the lighting device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating an example of a control block configuration of a control device of an illumination device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating an example of a control block configuration of the lighting device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 32A] FIG. 32A is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a storage area in the control device of the lighting device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 32B] FIG. 32B is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a storage area in the control device of the lighting device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 32C] FIG. 32C is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a storage area in the illumination device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 33]FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an initial setting process in the control device of the lighting device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 34A] FIG. 34A is a sequence diagram showing an example of the first synchronization process in the lighting system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 34B] FIG. 34B is a sequence diagram showing an example of the second synchronization process in the lighting system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 35] FIG. 35 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a setting change process in the control device of the lighting device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 36] FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a new scene registration process in the control device of the lighting device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 37A] FIG. 37A is a diagram showing an example of state transition in a storage area of ​​a storage circuit of the lighting device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 37B] FIG. 37B is a diagram showing an example of state transition in the storage area of ​​the storage circuit of the lighting device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 37C] FIG. 37C is a diagram illustrating an example of state transition in the storage area of ​​the storage circuit of the lighting device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 37D] FIG. 37D is a diagram showing an example of state transition in the storage area of ​​the storage circuit of the lighting device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 37E] FIG. 37E is a diagram showing an example of state transition in the storage area of ​​the storage circuit of the lighting device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 38] FIG. 38 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a scene setting change process in the control device of the lighting device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 39] FIG. 39 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a scene additional registration process in the control device of the lighting device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 40A] FIG. 40A is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a lighting system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 40B]FIG. 40B 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 third 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 illustrating an example of an illumination device 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 1B is a perspective view illustrating an example of an optical element 100 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 5 as viewed from the Dz direction. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of the second substrate 6 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 5 and the second substrate 6 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 and 7, 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 FIGS. 3 and 7, 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] 6A is a diagram showing the alignment direction of the alignment film on the first substrate 5. FIG. 6B is a diagram showing the alignment direction of the alignment film on the second substrate 6.

[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). Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the layered structure of the optical element 100 according to the embodiment. Figs. 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D are conceptual diagrams for explaining the change in the shape of light by the optical element 100 according to the embodiment. Figs. 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, a transverse electric field is generated 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, and the liquid crystal molecules are aligned 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 10 μm to 50 μm, and more preferably about 15 μm to 35 μm, thereby minimizing 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 10 a, 10 b (or drive electrodes 13 a, 13 b) 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] 9 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the control of the degree of light diffusion by the lighting device 1 according to the embodiment. Fig. 9 shows the light illumination range on a virtual plane xy perpendicular to the Dz direction. Note that the outline of the actual illumination range may be slightly unclear due to factors such as the distance from the light source 4 and the light diffraction phenomenon.

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

[0042] Specifically, for example, as described above, the light distribution pattern in the Dx direction changes (horizontal diffusion) depending on the drive voltage applied to the drive electrodes 10 or 13 extending in the Dy direction in each liquid crystal cell 2. Also, the light distribution pattern in the Dy direction changes (vertical diffusion) 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.

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

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

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

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

[0047] (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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 11 is an external view showing an example of the control device 200 according to the first embodiment. 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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).

[0053] 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.

[0054] 12 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a touch detection area in the touch sensor 30. 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a control block configuration of the control device 200 according to embodiment 1. First, a control block configuration for executing a setting change process, which will be described later, will be described.

[0057] 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, a display control circuit 231, and a scene setting processing circuit 241. 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.

[0058] 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 .

[0059] 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.

[0060] In the lighting control process described below, the scene setting processing circuit 241 sets, as one piece of scene information (described later), the setting values ​​of various setting parameters (in this disclosure, the light diffusion degree) of the plurality of lighting devices 1_n registered in advance as devices to be controlled. The scene setting processing circuit 241 is a component realized by, for example, a CPU of a smartphone, tablet, or the like that constitutes the control device 200.

[0061] 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.

[0062] The storage circuitry 223 also stores scene information set by the scene setting processing circuitry 241. In the present disclosure, the number of pieces of scene information stored in the storage circuitry 223 may be one or more.

[0063] The scene information includes setting values ​​of various setting parameters (in the present disclosure, light diffusion degree (more specifically, vertical diffusion degree and horizontal diffusion degree)) for multiple lighting devices 1_n that are registered in advance as devices to be controlled, which are associated with each lighting device 1_n and stored in a storage area of ​​the storage circuitry 223. The following description will exemplify an example in which multiple pieces of scene information are stored in the storage circuitry 223.

[0064] The transmission / reception circuit 225 transmits and receives setting information to and from the lighting device 1. Specifically, in the lighting control process described below, the transmission / reception circuit 225 transmits the Dx-direction light diffusion degree S1x and the Dy-direction light diffusion degree S1y to the lighting device 1 as first setting information.

[0065] 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.

[0066] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a control block configuration of the illumination device 1 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] In this embodiment, when the lighting device 1 is started up, the transmission / reception circuit 111 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 in the memory circuit 113 as the Dx-direction light diffusion degree S2x and the Dy-direction light diffusion degree S2y.

[0069] 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 .

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] The processing of the lighting system in the present disclosure is executed by application software running on the control device 200 in cooperation with the lighting device 1. Below, specific examples of the processing according to this embodiment realized by the application software running on the control device 200, the display modes of each screen in the application software (hereinafter also referred to as the "lighting control app"), and the cooperative operation of the lighting device 1 will be described.

[0074] Fig. 15 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a display mode of an initial screen of the control device 200 according to embodiment 1. Figs. 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, and 16E are conceptual diagrams showing an example of a display mode of a setting change screen of the control device according to embodiment 1.

[0075] In the present disclosure, the lighting control application will be described as being installed in the control device 200 in advance.

[0076] 15, the display aspect of the initial screen of the control device 200 according to the first embodiment includes a pairing button PEXE for executing pairing with each lighting device 1_n after the lighting control app is launched. The pairing button PEXE is a button (image) displayed as an icon that enables pairing with a plurality of lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, 1_3, 1_4, and 1_5 that have been registered in advance as devices to be controlled, by touching the pairing button PEXE displayed on the initial screen shown in FIG.

[0077] When the lighting control app is launched, a plurality of device selection switches DSEL corresponding to the plurality of lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, 1_3, 1_4, 1_5 that have been pre-registered as devices to be controlled, and a plurality of scene selection switches SCSEL corresponding to the plurality of scene information SCENE_p (p is a natural number greater than or equal to 1) that have been pre-set by the scene setting processing circuit 241, are displayed on the initial screen.

[0078] Note that, when the lighting control app is first launched, for example, lighting devices 1_n that are running in a pairable space may be registered as controllable devices, and the device selection switch DSEL corresponding to each lighting device 1_n may be displayed on the initial screen. Furthermore, when the lighting control app is first launched, no valid scene is set. In this case, the scene selection switch SCSEL may not be displayed on the initial screen, or only scene information SCENE_1(default) in which an initial value (e.g., 50%) of the Dx-direction light diffusion degree Sx (hereinafter also referred to as "horizontal diffusion degree Sx") and an initial value (e.g., 50%) of the Dy-direction light diffusion degree Sy (hereinafter also referred to as "vertical diffusion degree Sy") are set for each registered lighting device 1_n may be displayed on the initial screen.

[0079] The device selection switch DSEL is, for example, a button (image) displayed as an icon that allows the user to select the lighting device corresponding to the device selection switch DSEL by touching the device selection switch DSEL displayed on the initial screen shown in FIG. 15.

[0080] The scene selection switch SCSEL is, for example, a button (image) that is displayed as an icon that allows selection of scene information SCENE_p corresponding to the selected scene selection switch SCSEL by touching the scene selection switch SCSEL displayed on the initial screen shown in FIG. 15.

[0081] When any one of the plurality of device selection switches DSEL is touched on the initial screen shown in FIG. 15, the screen transitions to a setting change screen (see FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, and 16E) for the lighting device 1_n corresponding to the touched device selection switch DSEL.

[0082] 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, and 16E are conceptual diagrams showing an example of a display aspect of a setting change screen of the control device 200 according to embodiment 1. On the setting change screen 400 shown in FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, and 16E, the X direction is defined to correspond to the Dx direction (first direction) in the control of the light diffusion degree of the 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 the lighting device 1. Furthermore, on the setting change screen 400, an XY plane is defined with a predetermined position on the display area DA as the origin O(0,0).

[0083] The display panel 20 is provided with a display area DA that overlaps the detection area FA of the touch sensor 30 in a plan view. In the examples shown in Figures 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, and 16E, 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 this light distribution shape object OBJ.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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."

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] In this embodiment, a first back button RTSW1 is provided on the setting change screen 400 after device selection.

[0093] The first back button RTSW1 is a button (image) that is displayed as an icon to transition to a screen display according to various conditions described below, for example, by touching the first back button RTSW1 displayed on the setting change screen 400 after selecting a device.

[0094] Specifically, when the first back button RTSW1 is touched on the setting change screen 400 after device selection without changing the setting information (in the present disclosure, light diffusion degree information) of the lighting device 1_n, the screen returns to the initial screen shown in FIG. 15.

[0095] Furthermore, for example, when the first slider S1 and the second slider S2 are operated on the setting change screen 400 after device selection to change the setting information (in the present disclosure, light diffusion degree information) of the lighting device 1_n, and then the first back button RTSW1 is touched, the screen transitions to the first registration screen shown in Fig. 20. The first registration screen will be described later.

[0096] The positions at which the device selection switch DSEL, the selection switch SSEL, the selection switch MSEL, and the first back button RTSW1 are provided are not limited to the aspects shown in FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, and 16E.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] Furthermore, the behavior when the device selection switch DSEL is operated differs between the single unit operation mode and the multiple unit operation mode.

[0100] 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.

[0101] Furthermore, in the multiple-device operation mode, for example, when the lighting device 1_1 is selected, selecting the device selection switch DSEL corresponding to the lighting device 1_2 results in two operation target devices, the lighting device 1_1 and the lighting device 1_2. Thereafter, when the device selection switch DSEL corresponding to the lighting device 1_2 is deselected again, the lighting device 1_2 is excluded from the operation target devices, and the operation target device remains as just one, the lighting device 1_1. Alternatively, when there are two operation target devices, the lighting device 1_1 and the lighting device 1_2, deselecting the device selection switch DSEL corresponding to the lighting device 1_1 results in the lighting device 1_1 being excluded from the operation target devices, and the operation target device remains as just one, the lighting device 1_2. That is, in the multiple-device operation mode, when at least one of the multiple lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, 1_3, 1_4, and 1_5 pre-registered as control target devices is selected as the device to be operated, the device to be operated can be operated independently, and when multiple control target devices (e.g., the selected lighting device 1_1 and lighting device 1_2) are selected as the devices to be operated, the selected multiple control target devices (e.g., the lighting device 1_1 and lighting device 1_2) can be operated simultaneously.

[0102] 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).

[0103] 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.

[0104] 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, and 16E 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).

[0105] Fig. 16A 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. 16A shows an example in which the horizontal diffusion degree Sx of the lighting device 1_1 is 50[%] and the vertical diffusion degree Sy is 50[%]. As shown in Fig. 16A, the numerical values ​​of the horizontal diffusion degree Sx and the vertical diffusion degree Sy are also displayed on the display screen.

[0106] Fig. 16B 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. 16B 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[%].

[0107] Fig. 16C 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. 16C 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[%].

[0108] Fig. 16D 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. 16D 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[%].

[0109] FIG. 16E 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. 16E 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. 16E 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.

[0110] In the present disclosure, the shape of the light distribution shape object OBJ on the setting change screen 400 changes to a circle or an ellipse as the first slider S1 and the second slider S2 are moved, as shown in Figures 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, and 16E.

[0111] 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. 16C, a small circular light distribution shape object OBJ is displayed.

[0112] In addition, in the present disclosure, as shown in FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, and 16E, a first area TA1 is provided as an area in which the first slider S1 can be operated.

[0113] 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.

[0114] In addition, in the present disclosure, as shown in FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, and 16E, a second area TA2 is provided as an area in which the second slider S2 can be operated.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 17 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the position on the setting change screen 400 of the control device 200 according to embodiment 1 and the degree of light diffusion. 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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. 17 indicates the horizontal diffusion degree of the lighting device 1 (for example, "50" [%]).

[0119] 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).

[0120] Px=(X 100 -X0) / 100···(1)

[0121] 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).

[0122] Sx = (x0 - X0) / Px (2)

[0123] x0 = Sx × Px + X0 (3)

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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. 17 indicates the vertical diffusion degree of the lighting device 1 (for example, "50" [%]).

[0126] The reference movement amount Py in the Y direction on the XY plane when the vertical diffusion degree change amount ΔSy of the lighting device 1 is 1 [%] is the intersection of the Y axis and the outline of the light distribution shape object OBJ when the vertical diffusion degree Sy is 100 [%]. 100 If the intersection of the Y axis with the contour of the light distribution shape object OBJ when the vertical diffusion degree Sy is 0[%] is Y0, then it is expressed by the following equation (4).

[0127] Py=(Y 100 -Y0) / 100 (4)

[0128] 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).

[0129] Sy = (y0 - Y0) / Py (5)

[0130] y0=Sy×Py+Y0 (6)

[0131] 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%.

[0132] Returning to FIG. 15, when any one of the plurality of scene selection switches SCSEL is touched on the initial screen, the setting values ​​(in this disclosure, the degree of light diffusion) of the various setting parameters for each lighting device 1_n stored in the scene information SCENE_p of "SCENE_1," "SCENE_2," "SCENE_3," etc. corresponding to the touched scene selection switch SCSEL are read from the memory area of ​​the memory circuit 223, and the changed setting values ​​of the various setting parameters for each lighting device 1_n are transmitted to the plurality of lighting devices 1_n as second setting information.

[0133] 15, when any of the scene selection switches SCSEL is touched and then any one of the plurality of device selection switches DSEL is touched, the screen transitions to a scene setting change screen 400A for the lighting device 1_n corresponding to the touched device selection switch DSEL. Figs. 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, and 18E are conceptual diagrams showing examples of display modes of the scene setting change screen 400A of the control device 200 according to the first embodiment. Figs. 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, and 18E show an example in which the scene selection switch SCSEL corresponding to "SCENE_1" is touched (selected).

[0134] 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, and 18E, the display mode of the scene setting change screen 400A of the control device 200 according to the first embodiment is, similar to FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, and 16E, to display a light distribution shape object OBJ whose center point is the origin O(0,0) of the XY plane on the scene setting change screen 400A, 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 this light distribution shape object OBJ.

[0135] Fig. 18A shows a scene setting change screen 400A when the lighting device 1_1 is selected in "SCENE_1." Fig. 18A shows an example in which both the horizontal diffusion degree Sx and the vertical diffusion degree Sy of the lighting device 1_1 are 50[%].

[0136] Fig. 18B shows a scene setting change screen 400A when the lighting device 1_2 is selected in "SCENE_1." Fig. 18B 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[%].

[0137] Fig. 18C shows a scene setting change screen 400A when the lighting device 1_3 is selected in "SCENE_1." Fig. 18C 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[%].

[0138] Fig. 18D shows the scene setting change screen 400A when the lighting device 1_4 is selected in "SCENE_1." Fig. 18D 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[%].

[0139] Fig. 18E shows a scene setting change screen 400A when the lighting device 1_5 is selected in "SCENE_1." Fig. 18E shows an example in which both the horizontal diffusion degree Sx and the vertical diffusion degree Sy of the lighting device 1_5 are 50[%].

[0140] Fig. 19 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a display mode when the first slider S1 is operated on the scene setting change screen 400A after device selection shown in Fig. 18A. In the example shown in Fig. 19, the first slider S1 of the lighting device 1_1 is operated, and the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_1 is changed from 50[%] to 100[%].

[0141] As described above, when the first back button RTSW1 is touched after the setting information (light diffusion degree information in the present disclosure) of the lighting device 1_n has been changed, the screen transitions to the first registration screen shown in Fig. 20. Fig. 20 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the display mode of the first registration screen of the control device according to the twelfth embodiment.

[0142] As shown in FIG. 20, in the display mode of the first registration screen of the control device 200 according to the first embodiment, a registration button RGSW and a second back button RTSW2 are provided.

[0143] The registration button RGSW is, for example, a button (image) displayed as an icon for transitioning to a second registration screen shown in Fig. 21 by touching the registration button RGSW displayed on the first registration screen shown in Fig. 20. Fig. 21 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a display aspect of the second registration screen of the control device according to the first embodiment.

[0144] As shown in FIG. 21, the display mode of the second registration screen of the control device 200 according to the first embodiment includes a dialog box DB for inputting or changing the registration name of the scene information to which the setting change has been applied on the scene setting change screen 400A shown in FIGS. 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, and 18E after device selection, a save button SVSW, and a third back button RTSW3.

[0145] The save button SVSW is a button (image) that is displayed as an icon for registering scene information after setting changes with the registration name registered in the dialog box DB, for example, by touching the save button SVSW displayed on the second registration screen shown in FIG. 21.

[0146] In addition, the third back button RTSW3 is a button (image) that is displayed as an icon for returning to the initial screen shown in FIG. 15 without registering the scene information to which the setting changes have been applied, for example, by touching the third back button RTSW3 displayed on the second registration screen shown in FIG. 21.

[0147] FIG. 21 shows an example in which "SCENE_1" is displayed as the registered name of scene information in the dialog box DB. When the second registration screen is displayed, the dialog box DB is enabled in a writable state using a character input object (not shown), such as a keyboard. Examples of scene registration names include names based on location, such as "living room," "kitchen," or "office," or names based on time or event, such as "morning," "evening," or "Christmas."

[0148] If the Save button SVSW is touched after the registered name of the scene information has been changed or entered, the scene information will be saved with the registered name that was entered or changed. Also, if the third Back button RTSW3 is touched on the second registration screen, the scene information to which the setting changes have been applied will not be registered, and the screen will return to the initial screen shown in Figure 15.

[0149] A specific example of the control device 200 of the lighting device 1 according to the first embodiment and the processing in the lighting system will be described below.

[0150] FIG. 22 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a storage area in the control device 200 of the lighting device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0151] In the first embodiment, the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_n and vertical diffusion degree Sy_n of the control target device (lighting device 1_n, here, lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, 1_3, 1_4, and 1_5) are stored in the memory circuitry 223 of the control device 200, and are appropriately transmitted to the control target device (lighting device 1_n) as first setting information (S1x_n, S1y_n) in each process of the control device 200 of the lighting device 1 and the lighting system according to the first embodiment. The control target device (lighting device 1_n) stores the received first setting information (S1x_n, S1y_n) in the memory circuitry 113 of each lighting device 1 as second setting information (S2x_n, S2y_n), and is driven and controlled in accordance with the second setting information stored in the memory circuitry 113. Also, as shown in FIG. 22, the memory circuit 223 of the control device 200 stores the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_ini (50[%] in FIG. 22) and the vertical diffusion degree Sy_ini (50[%] in FIG. 22), which are the initial values ​​(default values) of the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_n and the vertical diffusion degree Sy_n.

[0152] The setting change history flag is reset (to "0") when the lighting control app is started. The setting change history flag is stored in the memory circuit 223 of the control device 200, and is set to "1" when a change in setting information occurs in each process of the control device 200 of the lighting device 1 according to the first embodiment and the lighting system.

[0153] 22, each piece of scene information SCENE_p (p=1, 2, 3, . . . ) in which setting values ​​(in this disclosure, light diffusion degree) of various setting parameters are set for each control target device (lighting device 1_n, here, lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, 1_3, 1_4, 1_5) is stored in the memory circuitry 223 of the control device 200. Each piece of scene information SCENE_p (p=1, 2, 3, . . . ) is set as appropriate in each process (see FIGS. 23 to 29) described later.

[0154] The above-described processing during execution of the lighting control app is realized by, for example, application software executed on a CPU of a smartphone, tablet, or the like constituting the control device 200. When the lighting control app is started on the control device 200, the initial screen shown in Fig. 15 is displayed in the display area DA.

[0155] 23 is a flowchart showing an example of an initial setting process in the control device 200 of the lighting device 1 according to embodiment 1. When a lighting control app is started on the control device 200, an initial screen of the lighting control app shown in FIG. 15 is displayed in the display area DA (step S001).

[0156] Before the lighting control application is started, a lighting device 1_n that is registered in advance in a space that can be paired with the control device 200 is started.

[0157] 15 (step S002), the transmission / reception circuit 225 of the control device 200 executes a pairing process with a lighting device 1_n that has been registered in advance as a control target device and is active in a space that can be paired with the control device 200 (step S003), and transmits the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_n (current value Sx_n shown in FIG. 22) and vertical diffusion degree Sy_n (current value Sy_n shown in FIG. 22) at the time of the previous termination of the lighting control app as first setting information (S1x_n, S1y_n). Here, the current values ​​(horizontal diffusion degree Sx_n and vertical diffusion degree Sy_n) shown in FIG. 22 refer to the displayed values ​​on the setting change screen 400 (or the scene setting change screen 400A).

[0158] When the lighting control app is started for the first time, the transmission / reception circuit 225 of the control device 200, for example, registers a lighting device 1_n that is running in a pairable space as a device to be controlled, and transmits the initial value of the horizontal diffusion degree Sx (for example, Sx_ini=50[%] shown in FIG. 22) as the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_n and the initial value of the vertical diffusion degree Sy (for example, Sy_ini=50[%] shown in FIG. 22) as the vertical diffusion degree Sy_n to the registered device to be controlled (lighting device 1_n) as first setting information (S1x_n, S1y_n).

[0159] Specifically, the transmission / reception circuit 225 resets the device counter value n (n=0, step S004), then adds 1 to the device counter value n (n=n+1, step S005), reads out the horizontal diffuseness Sx_n (or Sx_ini) and vertical diffuseness Sy_n (or Sy_ini) stored in the memory circuit 223 (step S006), sets the read horizontal diffuseness Sx_n (or Sx_ini) and vertical diffuseness Sy_n (or Sy_ini) as first setting information (S1x_n=Sx_n(or Sx_ini), S1y_n=Sy_n(or Sy_ini), step S007), and transmits the first setting information to the lighting device 1_n (step S008).

[0160] The transmitter / receiver circuit 111 of the lighting device 1_1 stores the received first setting information as second setting information in the memory circuit 113, reads out the second setting information stored in the memory circuit 113, and supplies a driving voltage corresponding to the second setting information to each driving electrode 10, 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100.

[0161] The transmission / reception circuit 225 determines whether or not the first setting information has been transmitted to all of the control target devices (lighting devices 1_n, here, lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, 1_3, 1_4, and 1_5). Specifically, the control device 200 determines whether or not the device counter value n=N (step S009).

[0162] When n < N (step S009; No), the processes from step S005 to step S009 are repeatedly executed. Specifically, the transmission / reception circuit 225 adds 1 to the device counter value n (n = n + 1, step S005), and transmits the first setting information to the lighting device 1_n corresponding to the device counter value n (step S008).

[0163] The transmission / reception circuit 111 of the lighting device 1_n stores the received first setting information (S1x_n, S1y_n) in the storage circuit 113 as the second setting information (S2x_n, S2y_n), reads out the second setting information stored in the storage circuit 113, and supplies a driving voltage corresponding to the second setting information to each driving electrode 10, 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100.

[0164] When the first setting information is transmitted to all the controlled devices (lighting devices 1_n, here, lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, 1_3, 1_4, 1_5) (step S009; Yes), each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100 is driven in each of the controlled devices (lighting devices 1_n, here, lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, 1_3, 1_4, 1_5).

[0165] <00006 = 41>When the control device 200 of the lighting device 1 according to Embodiment 1 transmits the first setting information to all the controlled devices (lighting devices 1_n, here, lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, 1_3, 1_4, 1_5) (step S009; Yes in FIG. 23), it executes lighting control processing (step S100).

[0166] After the execution of the lighting control processing shown in step S100, the process proceeds to the standby state of the initial screen of the lighting control application shown in FIG. 15 (step S011). When the lighting control application is terminated in the standby state of the initial screen of the lighting control application, the control of the lighting device 1_n by the control device 200 is terminated. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an example of the overall flow of the lighting control processing in the control device 200 of the lighting device 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0167] In the lighting control process in the control device 200 of the lighting device 1 according to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 24, the control device 200 determines whether or not any of the scene selection switches SCSEL has been touched (step S102) in the standby state (step S101) of the initial screen of the lighting control app shown in Fig. 15. If none of the scene selection switches SCSEL has been touched (step S102; No), the control device 200 then determines whether or not any of the device selection switches DSEL has been touched (step S103). If none of the device selection switches DSEL has been touched (step S103; No), the process returns to the standby state of the initial screen of the lighting control app shown in Fig. 15 (step S101).

[0168] When any of the device selection switches DSEL is touched (step S103; Yes), a setting change process is executed (step S200). Fig. 25 is a flowchart showing an example of the setting change process in the control device 200 of the lighting device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0169] In the setting change process in the control device 200 of the lighting device 1 according to embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 25, the control device 200 transitions from the initial screen of the lighting control app shown in FIG. 15 to the setting change screen 400 shown in any one of FIG. 16A, FIG. 16B, FIG. 16C, FIG. 16D, and FIG. 16E (step S201), and determines whether the multiple device operation mode is selected (step S202).

[0170] If the standalone operation mode is selected and the lighting device 1_n is selected (step S202; No), the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200 reads out the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_n and vertical diffusion degree Sy_n of the lighting device 1_n stored in the memory area of ​​the memory circuit 223 (step S203), and executes display control of the display panel 20 (step S204).

[0171] Next, the control device 200 determines whether the device to be operated has been changed (step S205).

[0172] If the device to be operated has not been changed (step S205; No), the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200 determines whether or not a change in the setting information of the lighting device 1_n (in the present disclosure, light diffusion degree information) has been made (step S206). If a change in the setting information of the lighting device 1_n has not been made (step S206; No), the control device 200 returns to the process of step S202.

[0173] Here, a specific example of an operation for changing the setting information (light diffusion degree information in the present disclosure) according to the first embodiment 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_n of the lighting device 1_n 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 operation on the first slider S1 updates and overwrites the current value of the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_n of the lighting device 1_n shown in FIG. 19 . When the second slider S2 is touched, the conversion processing circuit 212 calculates the current vertical diffusion degree Sy_n of the lighting device 1_n 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_n of the lighting device 1_n shown in FIG. 19 is updated and overwritten and saved.

[0174] When a setting change is performed on the setting change screen 400 for the setting information of the lighting device 1_n (step S206; Yes), the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200 reads out the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_n and vertical diffusion degree Sy_n, which are the current display values ​​of the lighting device 1_n that have been changed and overwritten on the setting change screen 400 (step S207), and performs display control on the display panel 20 (step S208).

[0175] The transmission / reception circuit 225 of the control device 200 transmits the first setting information to the lighting device 1_n. Specifically, the transmission / reception circuit 225 sets the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_n and vertical diffusion degree Sy_n, which are the current values ​​on the display of the lighting device 1_n, as the first setting information (S1x_n=Sx_n, S1y_n=Sy_n, step S209), and transmits the first setting information to the lighting device 1_n (step S210).

[0176] Then, the control device 200 reads the setting change history flag stored in the storage area of ​​the storage circuitry 223 (step S238), and determines whether the setting change history flag is "0" (step S239). If the setting change history flag is "0" (step S239; Yes), the control device 200 changes the setting change history flag stored in the storage circuitry 223 from "0" to "1" (step S240), and returns to the processing of step S202.

[0177] In the first embodiment, when the setting change history flag is “0” (step S239; Yes), this indicates a state in which the setting change process in the control device 200 of the lighting device 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 25 has not changed the setting information of all the control target devices (lighting device 1_n, here, lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, 1_3, 1_4, and 1_5). Alternatively, this indicates that the screen was operated to change the setting, but the setting was ultimately restored to the same state as before the setting change. On the other hand, when the setting change history flag is “1”, this indicates a state in which the setting change process in the control device 200 of the lighting device 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 25 has changed the setting information of one of all the control target devices (lighting device 1_n, here, lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, 1_3, 1_4, and 1_5) (here, at least one of the horizontal diffusion index Sx_n and the vertical diffusion index Sy_n of the lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, 1_3, 1_4, and 1_5). That is, here, when the setting change history flag is "0", it indicates that neither the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_n nor the vertical diffusion degree Sy_n of the lighting device 1_n selected as the device to be operated has been changed, and when the setting change history flag is "1", it indicates that at least one of the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_n and the vertical diffusion degree Sy_n of the lighting device 1_n selected as the device to be operated has been changed.

[0178] The transmitting / receiving circuit 111 of the lighting device 1_n stores the received first setting information (S1x_n, S1y_n) as second setting information (S2x_n, S2y_n) in the memory circuit 113. The electrode driving circuit 112 of the lighting device 1_n supplies driving voltages according to the second setting information stored in the memory circuit 113 to the driving electrodes 10, 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100.

[0179] If the device to be operated has been changed (step S205; 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, which are the current values ​​displayed on the screen of the lighting device 1_s selected as the device to be operated (step S214), and executes display control of the display panel 20 (step S215).

[0180] Next, the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200 determines whether or not a change in the setting information (in the present disclosure, light diffusion degree information) of the lighting device 1_s has been made (step S216). If a change in the setting information has not been made (step S216; No), the control device 200 returns to the process of step S202.

[0181] When a setting change is performed on the setting change screen 400 for the setting information of the lighting device 1_s (step S216; 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, which are the current display values ​​of the lighting device 1_s that have been changed and overwritten on the setting change screen 400 (step S217), and performs display control on the display panel 20 (step S218).

[0182] The transmission / reception circuit 225 of the control device 200 transmits the first setting information to the lighting device 1_s. Specifically, the transmission / reception circuit 225 sets the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_s and the vertical diffusion degree Sy_s, which are the current values ​​on the display, as the first setting information (S1x_s=Sx_s, S1y_s=Sy_s, step S219), and transmits the first setting information to the lighting device 1_s (step S220).

[0183] Then, the control device 200 reads the setting change history flag stored in the storage area of ​​the storage circuitry 223 (step S238), and determines whether the setting change history flag is "0" (step S239). If the setting change history flag is "0" (step S239; Yes), the control device 200 changes the setting change history flag stored in the storage circuitry 223 from "0" to "1" (step S240), and returns to the processing of step S202.

[0184] The transmitting / receiving circuit 111 of the lighting device 1_s stores the received first setting information (S1x_s, S1y_s) as second setting information (S2x_s, S2y_s) in the memory circuit 113. The electrode driving circuit 112 of the lighting device 1_s supplies driving voltages according to the second setting information stored in the memory circuit 113 to the driving electrodes 10, 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100.

[0185] When the multiple-device operation mode is selected on the setting change screen 400 (step S202; 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 S224). When only one lighting device 1 is selected as the device to be operated (M=1, step S224; No), the control device 200 determines whether a change in the setting information of the lighting device 1_n selected as the device to be operated has been made (step S206). When a change in the setting information of the lighting device 1_n has not been made (step S206; No), the control device 200 returns to the processing of step S202.

[0186] When a setting change is performed on the setting change screen 400 for the setting information of the lighting device 1_n (step S206; Yes), the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200 reads out the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_n and vertical diffusion degree Sy_n, which are the current display values ​​of the lighting device 1_n that have been changed and overwritten on the setting change screen 400 (step S207), and performs display control on the display panel 20 (step S208).

[0187] The transmission / reception circuit 225 of the control device 200 transmits the first setting information to the lighting device 1_n. Specifically, the transmission / reception circuit 225 sets the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_n and vertical diffusion degree Sy_n, which are the current values ​​on the display of the lighting device 1_n, as the first setting information (S1x_n=Sx_n, S1y_n=Sy_n, step S209), and transmits the first setting information to the lighting device 1_n (step S210).

[0188] Then, the control device 200 reads the setting change history flag stored in the storage area of ​​the storage circuitry 223 (step S238), and determines whether the setting change history flag is "0" (step S239). If the setting change history flag is "0" (step S239; Yes), the control device 200 changes the setting change history flag stored in the storage circuitry 223 from "0" to "1" (step S240), and returns to the processing of step S202.

[0189] The transmitting / receiving circuit 111 of the lighting device 1_n stores the received first setting information (S1x_n, S1y_n) as second setting information (S2x_n, S2y_n) in the memory circuit 113. The electrode driving circuit 112 of the lighting device 1_n supplies driving voltages according to the second setting information stored in the memory circuit 113 to the driving electrodes 10, 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100.

[0190] If the number M of lighting devices 1 selected as devices to be operated in the multiple-device operation mode is 2 or more (M≧2, step S224; Yes), the control device 200 reads out the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_m and vertical diffusion degree Sy_m of the M lighting devices 1_m (1_a, 1_b, ...) selected as devices to be operated in the multiple-device operation mode from the storage area of ​​the storage circuit 223 (step S225), and determines whether the light distribution shapes of the M lighting devices 1_m (1_a, 1_b, ...) 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 S226).

[0191] 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 S226; Yes), the process proceeds to step S229.

[0192] In the multiple-device operation mode, when the light distribution shapes of the M lighting devices 1_m (1_a, 1_b, ...) selected as devices to be operated are different (step S226; No), if only the light distribution shape of a specific lighting device is displayed on the screen, it is difficult for the user to determine from the screen display alone which lighting device has the light distribution shape, or whether all lighting devices have the same light distribution shape. Therefore, in this case, the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200 reads out the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_ini (50[%] in FIG. 22), which is the initial value (default value) of the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_n stored in the memory area of ​​the memory circuit 223, and sets it as the current value of the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_m of the multiple lighting devices 1_m. It also reads out the vertical diffusion degree Sy_ini (50[%] in the example shown in FIG. 22), which is the initial value of the vertical diffusion degree Sy_n, and sets it as the current value of the vertical diffusion degree Sy_m of the multiple lighting devices 1_m (Sx_m=Sx_ini, Sy_m=Sy_ini, step S227), executes display control of the display panel 20 (step S228), and proceeds to step S229.

[0193] 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 S229). If a change in the setting information has not been executed (step S229; No), the control device 200 returns to the processing of step S202.

[0194] When a setting change is performed on the setting change screen 400 for the setting information of the plurality of lighting devices 1_m (step S229; Yes), the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200 reads out the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_m and vertical diffusion degree Sy_m, which are the current display values ​​of the plurality of lighting devices 1_m whose settings have been changed and overwritten on the setting change screen 400 (step S230), and performs display control on the display panel 20 (step S231).

[0195] The transmission / reception circuit 225 of the control device 200 transmits, as first setting information, the horizontally diffused degree Sx_m and the vertically diffused degree Sy_m that have been set and overwritten on the setting change screen 400 to a plurality of lighting devices 1_m selected as operation target devices in the multiple-device operation mode. Specifically, the transmission / reception circuit 225 resets the device counter value m (m = 0, step S232), further adds 1 to the device counter value m (m = m + 1, step S233), and uses the horizontally diffused degree Sx_m and the vertically diffused degree Sy_m, which are the current values on the display of the plurality of lighting devices 1_m, as the first setting information (S1x_m = Sx_m, S1y_m = Sy_m, step S234), and transmits the first setting information to the lighting device corresponding to the device counter value m (step S235).

[0196] The transmission / reception circuit 225 determines whether or not the first setting information has been transmitted to all operation target devices (lighting devices 1_m). Specifically, the control device 200 determines whether or not the device counter value m = M (step S236).

[0197] If m < M (step S236; No), the processes from step S233 to step S236 are repeatedly executed. Specifically, the transmission / reception circuit 225 adds 1 to the device counter value m (m = m + 1, step S233), and transmits the first setting information to the lighting device 1_m corresponding to the device counter value m (step S235).

[0198] Then, the control device 200 reads out the setting change history flag stored in the storage area of the storage circuit 223 (step S238), and determines whether or not the setting change history flag is "0" (step S239). If the setting change history flag is "0" (step S239; Yes), the control device 200 changes the setting change history flag stored in the storage circuit 223 from "0" to "1" (step S240), and returns to the process of step S202.

[0199] The transmitting / receiving circuits 111 of the M lighting devices 1_m store the received first setting information (S1x_m, S1y_m) as second setting information (S2x_m, S2y_m) 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 each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100.

[0200] The above-described processing from step S233 to step S236 is executed until m=M (step S236; Yes). As a result, the same setting change is executed on the M lighting devices 1_m selected as devices to be operated in the multiple-device operation mode.

[0201] Returning to Fig. 24, the control device 200 determines whether the setting change history flag is "1" or not (step S105). If the setting change history flag is "0" (step S105; No), the control device 200 returns to the standby state of the initial screen of the lighting control app shown in Fig. 15 (step S101). If the setting change history flag is "1" (step S105; Yes), the control device 200 transitions to the standby state of the first registration screen shown in Fig. 20, and executes new scene registration processing (step S300). Fig. 26 is a flowchart showing an example of new scene registration processing in the control device 200 of the lighting device 1 according to embodiment 1.

[0202] In the new scene registration process in the control device 200 of the lighting device 1 of embodiment 1 shown in Figure 26, the control device 200 transitions from any of Figures 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, and 16E to the first registration screen 500 shown in Figure 20 (step S301), and executes touch detection process for the registration button RGSW (step S302) and touch detection process for the second back button RTSW2 (step S303).

[0203] Specifically, when the registration button RGSW is touched (step S302; Yes), the control device 200 transitions from the first registration screen 500 shown in FIG. 20 to the second registration screen 600 shown in FIG. 21 (step S304).

[0204] If the registration button RGSW is not touched (step S302; No), the process proceeds to step S303, and if the second back button RTSW2 is not touched (step S303; No), the processes of steps S302 and S303 are repeatedly executed. If the second back button RTSW2 is touched (step S303; Yes), the control device 200 transitions to a standby state of the initial screen of the lighting control application shown in Fig. 15 (step S324).

[0205] In a standby state on the second registration screen 600 (step S304), the conversion processing circuit 212 of the control device 200 executes a touch detection process for the save button SVSW (step S305) and a touch detection process for the third back button RTSW3 (step S306).

[0206] Specifically, if the save button SVSW is not touched (step S305; No), the process proceeds to step S306, and if the third back button RTSW3 is not touched (step S306; No), the processes of steps S305 and S306 are repeatedly executed. If the third back button RTSW3 is touched (step S306; Yes), the control device 200 transitions to a standby state of the initial screen of the lighting control application shown in Fig. 15 (step S324).

[0207] When the save button SVSW is touched (step S305; Yes), the conversion processing circuit 212 of the control device 200 determines whether or not a registration name for the scene information in the dialog box DB has been entered (step S307). If a registration name for the scene information in the dialog box DB has not been entered (step S307; No), the processing of step S307 is repeatedly executed until a registration name for the scene information in the dialog box DB is entered (step S307; Yes), the scene information is registered with the entered registration name (step S308). In FIG. 26, scene information SCENE_p is the target of new registration.

[0208] Note that, when the Save button SVSW is touched while the dialog box DB is blank, for example, a caution object indicating that the dialog box DB is blank may be displayed. The operation mode when the Save button SVSW is touched while the dialog box DB is blank is not limited to the above, and for example, a cursor may be displayed blinking in the dialog box DB to prompt the user to input a registration name for the scene information.

[0209] The scene setting processing circuit 241 of the control device 200 resets the device counter value n (n=0, step S309), then adds 1 to the device counter value n (n=n+1, step S310), and reads out the current values ​​of the horizontal diffuseness Sx_n and vertical diffuseness Sy_n of the lighting device 1_n corresponding to the device counter value n from the storage area of ​​the storage circuit 223 (step S311).Then, the scene setting processing circuit 241 stores the read current values ​​of the horizontal diffuseness Sx_n and vertical diffuseness Sy_n of the lighting device 1_n corresponding to the device counter value n in the storage area of ​​the storage circuit 223 as the horizontal diffuseness Sx_1_p and vertical diffuseness Sy_1_p of the lighting device 1_n corresponding to the device counter value n in the scene information SCENE_p to be registered (Sx_1_p=Sx_1, Sy_1_p=Sy_1, step S312).

[0210] The scene setting processing circuit 241 determines whether the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_n_p and the vertical diffusion degree Sy_n_p of the scene information SCENE_p have been stored for all the control target devices (lighting devices 1_n). Specifically, the scene setting processing circuit 241 determines whether the device counter value n=N (step S313).

[0211] When n < N (step S313; No), the scene setting processing circuit 241 repeatedly executes the processes from step S310 to step S313. As a result, the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_n_p and the vertical diffusion degree Sy_n_p of all the controlled devices (lighting devices 1_n, here, lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, 1_3, 1_4, 1_5) in the scene information SCENE_p are stored in the storage area of the storage circuit 223 as the setting information of the newly registered scene information SCENE_p. By this process, the setting information of the plurality of controlled devices (lighting devices 1_n) and the scene information SCENE_p are associated with each other.

[0212] When n = N (step S313; Yes), the control device 200 shifts to the standby state of the initial screen of the lighting control application shown in FIG. 15 (step S324).

[0213] When shifting to the standby state of the initial screen of the lighting control application shown in FIG. 15 (step S324), the process returns to the lighting control process shown in FIG. 24, and the control device 200 resets the setting change history flag ("1" → "0", step S109). Then, when the lighting control application is terminated in the standby state of the initial screen of the lighting control application shown in FIG. 15, the control of the lighting device 1_n by the control device 200 is terminated.

[0214] When any one of the scene selection switches SCSEL is touched in FIG. 24 (step S102; Yes), the control device 200 executes a scene change process (step S400). FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing an example of the scene change process in the control device 200 of the lighting device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0215] When any one of the scene selection switches SCSEL is touched on the initial screen of the lighting control application shown in FIG. 15, the process shifts to the scene change process shown in FIG. 27.

[0216] In the scene change process in the control device 200 of the lighting device 1 according to embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 27, the transmission / reception circuit 225 of the control device 200 transmits the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_n_p and vertical diffusion degree Sy_n_p of the selected scene information (here, scene information SCENE_p) as first setting information for each controlled device (lighting device 1_n). Specifically, the transmission / reception circuit 225 resets the device counter value n (n=0, step S401), then adds 1 to the device counter value n (n=n+1, step S402), reads out the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_n_p and vertical diffusion degree Sy_n_p stored in the memory circuit 223 (step S403), sets the read horizontal diffusion degree Sx_n_p and vertical diffusion degree Sy_n_p as first setting information (S1x_n=Sx_n_p, S1y_n=Sy_n_p, step S404), and transmits the first setting information to the lighting device 1_n (step S405).

[0217] The transmitter / receiver circuit 111 of the lighting device 1_1 stores the received first setting information as second setting information in the memory circuit 113, reads out the second setting information stored in the memory circuit 113, and supplies a driving voltage corresponding to the second setting information to each driving electrode 10, 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100.

[0218] The transmission / reception circuit 225 determines whether or not the first setting information has been transmitted to all of the control target devices (lighting devices 1_n, here, lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, 1_3, 1_4, and 1_5). Specifically, the control device 200 determines whether or not the device counter value n=N (step S406).

[0219] When n < N (step S406; No), the processes from step S402 to step S406 are repeatedly executed. Specifically, the transmission / reception circuit 225 adds 1 to the device counter value n (n = n + 1, step S402), and transmits the first setting information to the lighting device 1_n corresponding to the device counter value n (step S405). By this process, the setting information for each of the plurality of controlled devices (lighting device 1_n) set as the scene information SCENE_p is transmitted to the lighting device 1_n associated in the scene new registration process shown in FIG. 26, respectively.

[0220] The transmission / reception circuit 111 of the lighting device 1_n stores the received first setting information (S1x_n, S1y_n) in the storage circuit 113 as the second setting information (S2x_n, S2y_n), reads out the second setting information stored in the storage circuit 113, and supplies a driving voltage corresponding to the second setting information to each driving electrode 10, 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100.

[0221] When the first setting information is transmitted to all the controlled devices (lighting device 1_n, here, lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, 1_3, 1_4, 1_5) (step S406; Yes), in each controlled device (lighting device 1_n, here, lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, 1_3, 1_4, 1_5), the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_n_p and the vertical diffusion degree Sy_n_p of the selected scene information (here, scene information SCENE_p) are reflected in the driving of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100.

[0222] When the control device 200 of the lighting device 1 according to Embodiment 1 transmits the first setting information corresponding to the selected scene information (here, scene information SCENE_p) to all the controlled devices (lighting device 1_n, here, lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, 1_3, 1_4, 1_5) (step S406; Yes in FIG. 27), it shifts to the standby state of the initial screen of the lighting control application shown in FIG. 15 (step S407).

[0223] 24, the control device 200 determines whether any of the device selection switches DSEL has been touched (step S106). If any of the device selection switches DSEL has not been touched (step S106; No), the control device 200 returns to the standby state of the initial screen of the lighting control application shown in FIG. 15 (step S101).

[0224] When any of the device selection switches DSEL is touched (step S106; Yes), a scene setting change process for the selected scene information (here, scene information SCENE_p) is executed (step S500). Fig. 28 is a flowchart showing an example of the scene setting change process in the control device 200 of the lighting device 1 according to embodiment 1. That is, in this embodiment, the flowchart shown in Fig. 25 changes the light distribution state of each lighting device without going through scene selection, while the flowchart shown in Fig. 28 goes through scene selection and then further changes the light distribution state of each lighting device that has been set in advance by the scene selection.

[0225] In the scene setting change process in the control device 200 of the lighting device 1 according to embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 28, the control device 200 transitions from the initial screen of the lighting control app shown in FIG. 15 to a scene setting change screen 400A shown in any one of FIG. 18A, FIG. 18B, FIG. 18C, FIG. 18D, and FIG. 18E (step S501), and determines whether or not the multiple device operation mode is selected (step S502).

[0226] If the standalone operation mode is selected and the lighting device 1_n is selected (step S502; No), the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200 reads out the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_n_p and vertical diffusion degree Sy_n_p of the lighting device 1_n of the scene information SCENE_p stored in the memory area of ​​the memory circuit 223 (step S503), and performs display control of the display panel 20 (step S504).

[0227] Next, the control device 200 determines whether the device to be operated in the scene information SCENE_p has been changed (step S505).

[0228] If the device to be operated has not been changed (step S505; No), the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200 determines whether or not a change has been made to the setting information (in this disclosure, light diffusion degree information) of the lighting device 1_n in the scene information SCENE_p (step S506). If a change has not been made to the setting information of the lighting device 1_n (step S506; No), the control device 200 returns to the process of step S502.

[0229] When a change in the setting information of the lighting device 1_n of the scene information SCENE_p is made on the scene setting change screen 400A (step S506; Yes), the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200 reads out the current display values ​​of the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_n_p and vertical diffusion degree Sy_n_p of the lighting device 1_n of the scene information SCENE_p that have been changed and overwritten on the scene setting change screen 400A (step S507), and performs display control on the display panel 20 (step S508).

[0230] The transmission / reception circuit 225 of the control device 200 transmits first setting information to the lighting device 1_n of the scene information SCENE_p. Specifically, the transmission / reception circuit 225 sets the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_n_p and vertical diffusion degree Sy_n_p, which are the current values ​​on the display of the lighting device 1_n of the scene information SCENE_p, as the first setting information (S1x_n=Sx_n_p, S1y_n=Sy_n_p, step S509), and transmits the first setting information to the lighting device 1_n (step S510).

[0231] Then, the control device 200 reads the setting change history flag stored in the memory circuitry 223 (step S538), and determines whether the setting change history flag is "0" (step S539). If the setting change history flag is "0" (step S539; Yes), the control device 200 changes the setting change history flag stored in the memory circuitry 223 from "0" to "1" (step S540), and returns to the processing of step S502.

[0232] The transmitting / receiving circuit 111 of the lighting device 1_n stores the received first setting information (S1x_n, S1y_n) as second setting information (S2x_n, S2y_n) in the memory circuit 113. The electrode driving circuit 112 of the lighting device 1_n supplies driving voltages according to the second setting information stored in the memory circuit 113 to the driving electrodes 10, 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100.

[0233] If the device to be operated has been changed (step S505; Yes), the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200 reads out the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_s_p and vertical diffusion degree Sy_s_p, which are the current values ​​displayed on the display of the lighting device 1_s selected as the device to be operated of the scene information SCENE_p (step S514), and performs display control of the display panel 20 (step S515).

[0234] Next, the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200 determines whether or not a change has been made to the setting information (in this disclosure, light diffusion degree information) of the lighting device 1_s in the scene information SCENE_p (step S516). If a change has not been made to the setting information (step S516; No), the control device 200 returns to the processing of step S502.

[0235] When a change in the setting information of the lighting device 1_s of the scene information SCENE_p is made on the scene setting change screen 400A (step S516; Yes), the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200 reads out the current display values ​​of the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_s_p and vertical diffusion degree Sy_s_p of the lighting device 1_s of the scene information SCENE_p that have been changed and overwritten on the scene setting change screen 400A (step S517), and performs display control of the display panel 20 (step S518).

[0236] The transmission / reception circuit 225 of the control device 200 transmits the first setting information to the lighting device 1_s. Specifically, the transmission / reception circuit 225 sets the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_s_p and the vertical diffusion degree Sy_s_p, which are the current values ​​on the display of the lighting device 1_s in the scene information SCENE_p, as the first setting information (S1x_s=Sx_s_p, S1y_s=Sy_s_p, step S519), and transmits the first setting information to the lighting device 1_s (step S520).

[0237] Then, the control device 200 reads the setting change history flag stored in the memory circuitry 223 (step S538), and determines whether the setting change history flag is "0" (step S539). If the setting change history flag is "0" (step S539; Yes), the control device 200 changes the setting change history flag stored in the memory circuitry 223 from "0" to "1" (step S540), and returns to the processing of step S502.

[0238] The transmitting / receiving circuit 111 of the lighting device 1_s stores the received first setting information (S1x_n, S1y_n) as second setting information (S2x_n, S2y_n) in the memory circuit 113. The electrode driving circuit 112 of the lighting device 1_s supplies driving voltages according to the second setting information stored in the memory circuit 113 to the driving electrodes 10, 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100.

[0239] When the multiple-device operation mode is selected on the scene setting change screen 400A (step S502; Yes), the control device 200 determines whether the number M of lighting devices 1 of the scene information SCENE_p selected as the device to be operated in the multiple-device operation mode is 2 or more (step S524). If there is only one lighting device 1 of the scene information SCENE_p selected as the device to be operated (M=1, step S524; No), the control device 200 determines whether a change in the setting information of the lighting device 1_n of the scene information SCENE_p selected as the device to be operated has been made (step S506). If a change in the setting information of the lighting device 1_n has not been made (step S506; No), the control device 200 returns to the processing of step S502.

[0240] When a change in the setting information of the lighting device 1_n of the scene information SCENE_p is made on the scene setting change screen 400A (step S506; Yes), the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200 reads out the current display values ​​of the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_n_p and vertical diffusion degree Sy_n_p of the lighting device 1_n of the scene information SCENE_p that have been changed and overwritten on the scene setting change screen 400A (step S507), and performs display control on the display panel 20 (step S508).

[0241] The transmission / reception circuit 225 of the control device 200 transmits the first setting information to the lighting device 1_n. Specifically, the transmission / reception circuit 225 sets the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_n_p and vertical diffusion degree Sy_n_p, which are the current values ​​on the display of the lighting device 1_n in the scene information SCENE_p, as the first setting information (S1x_n=Sx_n_p, S1y_n=Sy_n_p, step S509), and transmits the first setting information to the lighting device 1_n (step S510).

[0242] Then, the control device 200 determines whether the setting change history flag stored in the memory circuitry 223 is "0" (step S539). If the setting change history flag is "0" (step S539; Yes), the control device 200 changes the setting change history flag stored in the memory circuitry 223 from "0" to "1" (step S540), and returns to the processing of step S502.

[0243] The transmitting / receiving circuit 111 of the lighting device 1_n stores the received first setting information (S1x_n, S1y_n) as second setting information (S2x_n, S2y_n) in the memory circuit 113. The electrode driving circuit 112 of the lighting device 1_n supplies driving voltages according to the second setting information stored in the memory circuit 113 to the driving electrodes 10, 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100.

[0244] If the number M of lighting devices 1 in the scene information SCENE_p selected as the device to be operated in the multiple-device operation mode is 2 or more (M≧2, step S524; Yes), the control device 200 reads out the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_m and vertical diffusion degree Sy_m of the M lighting devices 1_m (1_a, 1_b, ...) in the scene information SCENE_p selected as the device to be operated in the multiple-device operation mode from the storage area of ​​the memory circuit 223 (step S525), and determines whether the light distribution shapes of the M lighting devices 1_m (1_a, 1_b, ...) are the same. Specifically, the control device 200 determines whether the horizontal diffusion degrees Sx_m_p (Sx_a_p, Sx_b_p, ···) of the M lighting devices 1_m (1_a, 1_b, ···) are the same and whether the vertical diffusion degrees Sy_m_p (Sy_a_p, Sy_b_p, ···) of the M lighting devices 1_m (1_a, 1_b, ···) are the same (step S526).

[0245] If the light distribution shapes of the M lighting devices 1_m (1_a, 1_b, . . . ) of the scene information SCENE_p selected as the device to be operated in the multiple device operation mode are the same (step S526; Yes), the process proceeds to step S529.

[0246] If the light distribution shapes of the M lighting devices 1_m (1_a, 1_b, ...) of the scene information SCENE_p selected as the device to be operated in the multiple-device operation mode are different (step S526; No), the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200 reads out the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_ini (50[%] in FIG. 22), which is the initial value (default value) of the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_n, stored in the memory area of ​​the memory circuit 223, and sets this as the current value of the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_m_p of the multiple lighting devices 1_m. It also reads out the vertical diffusion degree Sy_ini (50[%] in the example shown in FIG. 22), which is the initial value of the vertical diffusion degree Sy_n, and sets this as the current value of the vertical diffusion degree Sy_m_p of the multiple lighting devices 1_m (Sx_m_p=Sx_ini, Sy_m_p=Sy_ini, step S527), executes display control of the display panel 20 (step S528), and proceeds to step S529.

[0247] 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 of the scene information SCENE_p selected as the device to be operated in the multiple-device operation mode has been executed (step S529). If a change in the settings of the setting information has not been executed (step S529; No), the control device 200 returns to the processing of step S502.

[0248] When a change in the setting information of the plurality of lighting devices 1_m of the scene information SCENE_p is performed on the scene setting change screen 400A (step S529; Yes), the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200 reads out the current display values ​​of the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_m_p and vertical diffusion degree Sy_m_p of the plurality of lighting devices 1_m of the scene information SCENE_p that have been changed and overwritten on the scene setting change screen 400A (step S530), and performs display control of the display panel 20 (step S531).

[0249] The transmission / reception circuit 225 of the control device 200 transmits, as first setting information, the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_m_p and the vertical diffusion degree Sy_m_p that have been changed and overwritten on the scene setting change screen 400A to the plurality of lighting devices 1_m of the scene information SCENE_p selected as the device to be operated in the multiple-device operation mode. Specifically, the transmission / reception circuit 225 resets the device counter value m (m=0, step S532), then adds 1 to the device counter value m (m=m+1, step S533), and sets the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_m_p and the vertical diffusion degree Sy_m_p, which are the current values ​​on display of the plurality of lighting devices 1_m of the scene information SCENE_p, as first setting information (S1x_m=Sx_m_p, S1y_m=Sy_m_p, step S534), and transmits the first setting information to the lighting device 1_m corresponding to the device counter value m (step S535).

[0250] The transmission / reception circuit 225 determines whether or not the first setting information has been transmitted to all of the operation target devices (lighting devices 1_m). Specifically, the control device 200 determines whether or not the device counter value m=M (step S536).

[0251] When m < M (step S536; No), the processes from step S533 to step S536 are repeatedly executed. Specifically, the transmission / reception circuit 225 adds 1 to the device counter value m (m = m + 1, step S533), and transmits the first setting information to the lighting device 1_m corresponding to the device counter value m (step S535).

[0252] The transmission / reception circuits 111 of the M lighting devices 1_m respectively store the received first setting information (S1x_m, S1y_m) in the storage circuit 113 as the second setting information (S2x_m, S2y_m). The electrode drive circuit 112 of the lighting device 1_m 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.

[0253] The processes from step S533 to step S536 above are executed until m = M (step S536; Yes). Thereby, the same setting change is executed for the M lighting devices 1_m of the scene information SCENE_p selected as the operation target device in the multiple device operation mode.

[0254] Returning to FIG. 24, the control device 200 determines whether the setting change history flag is "1" (step S108). When the setting change history flag is "0" (step S108; No), it returns to the standby state of the initial screen of the lighting control application shown in FIG. 15 (step S101). When the setting change history flag is "1" (step S108; Yes), it shifts to the standby state of the first registration screen shown in FIG. 20 and executes the scene additional registration process (step S600). FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing an example of the scene additional registration process in the control device 200 of the lighting device 1 according to Embodiment 1. In FIG. 29, it is described as if the scene setting change process shown in FIG. 28 has been executed in the scene information SCENE_p.

[0255] In the scene addition registration process in the control device 200 of the lighting device 1 of embodiment 1 shown in Figure 29, the control device 200 transitions from any of Figures 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, and 18E to the first registration screen 500 shown in Figure 20 (step S601), and executes touch detection processing for the registration button RGSW (step S602) and touch detection processing for the second back button RTSW2 (step S603).

[0256] Specifically, when the registration button RGSW is touched (step S602; Yes), the control device 200 transitions from the first registration screen 500 shown in FIG. 20 to the second registration screen 600 shown in FIG. 21 (step S604).

[0257] If the registration button RGSW is not touched (step S602; No), the process proceeds to step S603, and if the second back button RTSW2 is not touched (step S603; No), the processes of steps S602 and S603 are repeatedly executed. If the second back button RTSW2 is touched (step S603; Yes), the control device 200 transitions to a standby state of the initial screen of the lighting control application shown in Fig. 15 (step S624).

[0258] In a standby state on the second registration screen 600 (step S604), the conversion processing circuit 212 of the control device 200 executes a touch detection process for the save button SVSW (step S605) and a touch detection process for the third return button RTSW3 (step S606).

[0259] Specifically, if the save button SVSW is not touched (step S605; No), the process proceeds to step S606, and if the third back button RTSW3 is not touched (step S606; No), the processes of steps S605 and S606 are repeatedly executed. If the third back button RTSW3 is touched (step S606; Yes), the control device 200 transitions to a standby state of the initial screen of the lighting control application shown in Fig. 15 (step S624).

[0260] When the save button SVSW is touched (step S605; Yes), the conversion processing circuit 212 of the control device 200 determines whether the registered name of the scene information in the dialog box DB has been changed (step S607). If the registered name of the scene information in the dialog box DB has not been changed (step S607; No), the scene information SCENE_p is changed and registered with the registered name of the scene information SCENE_p before the change (step S608). If the registered name of the scene information in the dialog box DB is changed (step S607; Yes), the scene information SCENE_q is additionally registered with the registered name of the changed scene information SCENE_q (step S618). In FIG. 29, the scene information SCENE_p is the target of change registration, and the scene information SCENE_q is the target of additional registration.

[0261] Note that, when the Save button SVSW is touched while the dialog box DB is blank, for example, a caution object indicating that the dialog box DB is blank may be displayed. The operation mode when the Save button SVSW is touched while the dialog box DB is blank is not limited to the above, and for example, a cursor may be displayed blinking in the dialog box DB to prompt the user to input a registration name for the scene information.

[0262] If the registered name of the scene information in the dialog box DB has not been changed (step S607; No), the change registration of the scene information SCENE_p is executed (step S608). The scene setting processing circuit 241 of the control device 200 resets the device counter value n (n = 0, step S609), further adds 1 to the device counter value n (n = n + 1, step S610), and reads the current values of the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_n and the vertical diffusion degree Sy_n of the lighting device 1_n corresponding to the device counter value n from the storage area of the storage circuit 223 (step S611). Then, the read current values of the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_n and the vertical diffusion degree Sy_n of the lighting device 1_n are stored in the storage area of the storage circuit 223 as the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_1_p and the vertical diffusion degree Sy_1_p of the lighting device 1_n corresponding to the device counter value n in the scene information SCENE_p for which the change registration is targeted (Sx_1_p = Sx_1, Sy_1_p = Sy_1, step S612).

[0263] The scene setting processing circuit 241 determines whether the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_n_p and the vertical diffusion degree Sy_n_p of the scene information SCENE_p have been stored for all the controlled devices (lighting device 1_n). Specifically, the scene setting processing circuit 241 determines whether the device counter value n is equal to N (step S613).

[0264] If n < N (step S613; No), the scene setting processing circuit 241 repeatedly executes the processing from step S610 to step S613. As a result, the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_n_p and the vertical diffusion degree Sy_n_p of all the controlled devices (lighting device 1_n, here, lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, 1_3, 1_4, 1_5) in the scene information SCENE_p are stored in the storage area of the storage circuit 223 as the setting information of the scene information SCENE_p for which the change registration has been performed. By this processing, the setting information of the plurality of controlled devices (lighting device 1_n) and the scene information SCENE_p are associated with each other.

[0265] Then, when n=N (step S613; Yes), the control device 200 transitions to a standby state on the initial screen of the lighting control application shown in FIG. 15 (step S624).

[0266] 15 (step S624), the process returns to the lighting control process shown in Fig. 24, and the control device 200 resets the setting change history flag (from "1" to "0", step S109). Then, when the lighting control app is terminated in the standby state of the initial screen of the lighting control app shown in Fig. 15, the control of the lighting device 1_n by the control device 200 ends.

[0267] If the registered name of the scene information in the dialog box DB is changed (step S607; Yes), additional registration of the scene information SCENE_q is executed (step S618). The scene setting processing circuit 241 of the control device 200 resets the device counter value n (n=0, step S619), then adds 1 to the device counter value n (n=n+1, step S620), and reads out the current values ​​of the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_n and vertical diffusion degree Sy_n of the lighting device 1_n corresponding to the device counter value n from the storage area of ​​the storage circuit 223 (step S621). Then, the current values ​​of the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_n and vertical diffusion degree Sy_n of the lighting device 1_n that have been read out are stored in a memory area of ​​the memory circuit 223 as the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_1_q and vertical diffusion degree Sy_1_q of the lighting device 1_n that corresponds to the device counter value n in the scene information SCENE_q that is the target of additional registration (Sx_1_q=Sx_1, Sy_1_q=Sy_1, step S622).

[0268] The scene setting processing circuit 241 determines whether the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_n_q and the vertical diffusion degree Sy_n_q of the scene information SCENE_q have been stored for all the control target devices (lighting devices 1_n). Specifically, the scene setting processing circuit 241 determines whether the device counter value n=N (step S623).

[0269] When n < N (step S623; No), the scene setting processing circuit 241 repeatedly executes the processing from step S620 to step S623. As a result, the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_n_q and the vertical diffusion degree Sy_n_q of all the controlled devices (lighting devices 1_n, here, lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, 1_3, 1_4, 1_5) in the scene information SCENE_q are stored in the storage area of the storage circuit 223 as the setting information of the scene information SCENE_q in which additional registration is performed. By this processing, the setting information of the plurality of controlled devices (lighting devices 1_n) and the scene information SCENE_q are associated with each other.

[0270] When n = N (step S623; Yes), the control device 200 shifts to the standby state of the initial screen of the lighting control application shown in FIG. 15 (step S624).

[0271] When shifting to the standby state of the initial screen of the lighting control application shown in FIG. 15 (step S624), the process returns to the lighting control process shown in FIG. 24, and the control device 200 resets the setting change history flag ("1" → "0", step S109). Then, when the lighting control application is terminated in the standby state of the initial screen of the lighting control application shown in FIG. 15, the control of the lighting device 1_n by the control device 200 is terminated.

[0272] In the control device 200 of the lighting device 1 and the lighting system according to the above-described Embodiment 1, for the plurality of lighting devices 1_m selected at the time of selecting the multi-unit operation mode among the plurality of lighting devices 1_n registered in advance as controlled devices, the same setting information (in the present disclosure, light diffusion degree information) can be set simultaneously.

[0273] Furthermore, in the control device 200 for the lighting device 1 and the lighting system according to the first embodiment described above, the setting information (light diffusion degree information in the present disclosure) associated with each of the lighting devices 1_n, which is registered in the new scene registration process shown in Fig. 26 or the additional scene registration process shown in Fig. 29, can be simultaneously set for the multiple lighting devices 1_n to be controlled. Furthermore, it is possible to call up a pre-registered scene and further change the light distribution state of one or more lighting devices defined in the scene, making it easy to change the light distribution state of each lighting device registered in the scene, and also facilitating the registration of a new scene.

[0274] 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. 16A, 16B, 16C, 16, 16E, 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, and 18E), but the present invention is not limited to a setting change screen 400 or a scene setting change screen 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 each of the plurality of lighting devices 1_n registered as devices to be controlled.

[0275] (Embodiment 2) Fig. 30 is a diagram showing an example of a control block configuration of a control device 200a of an illumination device 1a according to embodiment 2. Fig. 31 is a diagram showing an example of a control block configuration of an illumination device 1a according to embodiment 2. Fig. 32A is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a storage area in the control device of an illumination device according to embodiment 2. Fig. 32B is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a storage area in the control device of an illumination device according to embodiment 2. Fig. 32C is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a storage area in an illumination device according to embodiment 2.

[0276] The transmission / reception circuit 225a of the control device 200a according to the second embodiment transmits the first setting information (the Dx-direction light diffusion degree S1x and the Dy-direction light diffusion degree S1y) to the lighting device 1a. The transmission / reception circuit 225a also receives the second setting information (the Dx-direction light diffusion degree S2x and the Dy-direction light diffusion degree S2y) transmitted from the lighting device 1a.

[0277] The transmission / reception circuit 111a of the lighting device 1a according to the second embodiment receives the first setting information (the Dx-direction light diffusion degree S1x and the Dy-direction light diffusion degree S1y) transmitted from the control device 200a and stores it in the memory circuit 113a. In addition, the transmission / reception circuit 111a transmits the second setting information (the Dx-direction light diffusion degree S2x and the Dy-direction light diffusion degree S2y) stored in the memory circuit 113a to the control device 200.

[0278] In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 32C, the memory area of ​​the memory circuit 113a of the lighting device 1a holds the first setting information (the Dx-direction light diffusion degree S1x and Dy-direction light diffusion degree S1y of the lighting device 1a, i.e., the horizontal diffusion degree S1x_n and the vertical diffusion degree S1y_n) transmitted from the control device 200a, and further has a setting change history flag indicating whether or not the first setting information (the Dx-direction light diffusion degree S2x and Dy-direction light diffusion degree S2y of the lighting device 1a, i.e., the horizontal diffusion degree S2x_n and the vertical diffusion degree S2y_n) has been changed. This is different from the first embodiment in that Also, as shown in FIG. 32A, the memory circuit 223a of the control device 200a stores the display values ​​of the horizontal diffusion degree Sx and the vertical diffusion degree Sy, as well as the initial values ​​(default values) of the horizontal diffusion degree Sx and the vertical diffusion degree Sy, i.e., horizontal diffusion degree Sx_ini (50[%] in FIG. 32A) and vertical diffusion degree Sy_ini (50[%] in FIG. 32A).

[0279] In the second embodiment, the setting change history flag stored in the storage area of ​​the storage circuit 113a of the lighting device 1a is reset (to "0") at the time of startup of the lighting device 1. The setting change history flag is set to "1" when a change occurs in the first setting information (S1x_n, S1y_n) transmitted from the control device 200a of the lighting device 1a according to the second embodiment with respect to the current second setting information (S2x_n, S2y_n) in each process of the lighting control process in the lighting system.

[0280] 32B, in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, each piece of scene information SCENE_p (p=1, 2, 3, . . . ) in which setting values ​​of various setting parameters (in the present disclosure, light diffusion degree) are set for each control target device (lighting device 1a_n, here, lighting devices 1a_1, 1a_2, 1a_3, 1a_4, 1a_5) is stored in the memory circuit 223a of the control device 200a. Each piece of scene information SCENE_p (p=1, 2, 3, . . . ) is set as appropriate in each process (see FIGS. 33 to 39) described later.

[0281] A specific example of the control device 200a of the lighting device 1a according to the second embodiment and the processing in the lighting system will be described below.

[0282] Fig. 33 is a flowchart showing an example of an initial setting process in the control device 200a of the lighting device 1a according to embodiment 2. When a lighting control app is started on the control device 200a, an initial screen of the lighting control app shown in Fig. 15 is displayed in the display area DA (step S001).

[0283] Before the lighting control app is started, a lighting device 1a_n that is registered in advance within a space that can be paired with the control device 200a is started. In the second embodiment, the lighting device 1a_n reads out second setting information (S2x_n, S2y_n) from the storage circuit 113a when the lighting device 1a_n was last turned off, and supplies drive voltages corresponding to the second setting information to the drive electrodes 10, 13 of the liquid crystal cells 2 of the optical element 100.

[0284] 15 (step S002), the transmitter / receiver circuit 225a of the control device 200a executes pairing processing with the lighting device 1a_n that is activated in a space that can be paired with the control device 200a (step S003), and executes lighting control processing (step S100a). The lighting device 1a_n may be registered in advance in the control device 200a as a device to be controlled, or the lighting device 1a_n that has been paired in a space that can be paired with the control device 200a may be registered as a device to be controlled.

[0285] After the lighting control process shown in step S100a is executed, the process moves to a standby state where the initial screen of the lighting control app is displayed as shown in Fig. 15 (step S011). When the lighting control app is terminated in the standby state where the initial screen of the lighting control app is displayed, the control device 200a terminates control of the lighting device 1a_n. The overall flow of the lighting control process in the control device 200a of the lighting device 1a according to the second embodiment is similar to the lighting control process in the control device 200 of the lighting device 1 according to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 24, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0286] As described above, in the second embodiment, the storage circuit 223a of the control device 200a does not store the current values ​​of the horizontal diffusion degree and vertical diffusion degree of each lighting device 1a_n and the setting change history flag. Instead, in each step of the lighting control process, it is necessary to appropriately read out the second setting information (S2x_n, S2y_n) and the setting change history flag from each lighting device 1a_n. Hereinafter, the process of reading out the second setting information (S2x_n, S2y_n) from each lighting device 1a_n will also be referred to as a "first synchronization process," and the process of reading out the setting change history flag will also be referred to as a "second synchronization process." FIG. 34A is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the first synchronization process in the lighting system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 34B is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the second synchronization process in the lighting system according to the second embodiment.

[0287] In the first synchronization process shown in FIG. 34A, the transmission / reception circuit 225a of the control device 200a transmits a second setting information request process to the lighting device 1a_n from which the second setting information is to be read (step S701).

[0288] The transmission / reception circuit 111a of the lighting device 1a_n reads out the second setting information (S2x_n, S2y_n) stored in the storage circuit 113a (step S702), and transmits the second setting information to the control device 200a (step S703).

[0289] Then, the transmission / reception circuit 225a of the control device 200a receives the second setting information (S2x_n, S2y_n) transmitted from the lighting device 1a_n, and uses the second setting information to execute each process of the lighting control process in the control device 200a of the lighting device 1a according to the second embodiment.

[0290] In the second synchronization process shown in FIG. 34B, the transmission / reception circuit 225a of the control device 200a transmits a setting change history flag request process to the lighting device 1a_n from which the setting change history flag is to be read (step S801).

[0291] The transmission / reception circuit 111a of the lighting device 1a_n reads out the setting change history flag stored in the storage circuit 113a (step S802), and transmits the setting change history flag to the control device 200a (step S803).

[0292] Then, the transmission / reception circuit 225a of the control device 200a receives the setting change history flag transmitted from the lighting device 1a_1, and executes each process of the lighting control process in the control device 200a of the lighting device 1a according to the second embodiment using the setting change history flag.

[0293] In a standby state of the initial screen of the lighting control app shown in Fig. 15 (step S101 in Fig. 24), the control device 200a determines whether or not any of the scene selection switches SCSEL has been touched (step S102 in Fig. 24). If none of the scene selection switches SCSEL has been touched (step S102; No), the control device 200a then determines whether or not any of the device selection switches DSEL has been touched (step S103 in Fig. 24). If none of the device selection switches DSEL has been touched (step S103; No), the control device 200a returns to the standby state of the initial screen of the lighting control app shown in Fig. 15 (step S101 in Fig. 24).

[0294] When any of the device selection switches DSEL is touched (step S103; Yes), a setting change process is executed (step S200 in FIG. 24). Fig. 35 is a flowchart showing an example of the setting change process in the control device 200a of the lighting device 1a according to the second embodiment.

[0295] In the setting change process in the control device 200a of the lighting device 1a according to embodiment 2 shown in FIG. 35, the control device 200a transitions from the initial screen of the lighting control app shown in FIG. 15 to the setting change screen 400 shown in any one of FIG. 16A, FIG. 16B, FIG. 16C, FIG. 16D, and FIG. 16E (step S201), and determines whether the multiple-device operation mode is selected (step S202).

[0296] When the standalone operation mode is selected and the lighting device 1a_n is selected (step S202; No), the control device 200a and the lighting device 1a_n execute the first synchronization process shown in Fig. 34A (step S203a). The control device 200a sets the second setting information (S2x_n, S2x_n) transmitted from the lighting device 1a_n as display values ​​(Sx, Sy) (Sx = S2x_n, Sy = S2y_n), and the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200a executes display control of the display panel 20 so as to reflect this on the setting change screen 400 (step S204).

[0297] Next, the control device 200a determines whether the device to be operated has been changed (step S205).

[0298] If the device to be operated has not been changed (step S205; No), the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200a determines whether or not a change in the setting information of the lighting device 1a_n (in the present disclosure, light diffusion degree information) has been made (step S206). If a change in the setting information of the lighting device 1a_n has not been made (step S206; No), the control device 200a returns to the process of step S202.

[0299] Here, a specific example of an operation for changing the setting information (light diffusion degree information in the present disclosure) according to the second embodiment 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 of the lighting device 1a_n 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 223a. More specifically, the operation on the first slider S1 updates and overwrites the displayed value of the horizontal diffusion degree Sx of the lighting device 1a_n shown in FIG. 19 . When the second slider S2 is touched, the conversion processing circuit 212 calculates the current vertical diffusion degree Sy of the lighting device 1a_n 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 223a. More specifically, by operating the second slider S2, the displayed value of the vertical diffusion degree Sy of the lighting device 1a_n shown in FIG. 19 is updated and overwritten and saved.

[0300] When a setting change is performed on the setting change screen 400 for the setting information of the lighting device 1a_n (step S206; Yes), the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200a reads out the display values ​​of the lighting device 1a_n, which have been changed and overwritten on the setting change screen 400, that is, the horizontal diffusion degree Sx and the vertical diffusion degree Sy (step S207a), and performs display control on the display panel 20 (step S208).

[0301] The transmission / reception circuit 225a of the control device 200a transmits first setting information to the lighting device 1a_n. Specifically, the transmission / reception circuit 225 sets the horizontal diffusion degree Sx and vertical diffusion degree Sy, which are display values ​​of the lighting device 1a_n, as the first setting information (S1x_n=Sx, S1y_n=Sy, step S209a), and transmits the first setting information to the lighting device 1a_n (step S210).

[0302] The transmitting / receiving circuit 111a of the lighting device 1a_n stores the received first setting information (S1x_n, S1y_n) in a storage area of ​​the storage circuit 113a.

[0303] The control device 200a then executes the second synchronization process shown in Fig. 34B with the lighting device 1a_n (step S238a). The control device 200a determines whether the setting change history flag transmitted from the lighting device 1a_n is "0" (step S239a). If the setting change history flag is "0" (step S239a; Yes), the control device 200a changes the setting change history flag from "0" to "1" and transmits it to the lighting device 1a_n (step S240a), and returns to the process of step S202.

[0304] In the second embodiment, if the setting change history flag is “0” (step S239a; Yes), this indicates a state in which the setting change process of the control device 200a of the lighting device 1a according to the second embodiment shown in Fig. 35 has not been performed, and both the horizontal diffusion factor S1x_n and the vertical diffusion factor S1y_n of the first setting information transmitted from the control device 200a are the same as the horizontal diffusion factor S2x_n and the vertical diffusion factor S2y_n of the second setting information, which are the current control values. Also, if the setting change history flag is “1,” this indicates a state in which the setting change process of the control device 200a of the lighting device 1a according to the second embodiment shown in Fig. 35 has been performed, and as a result, at least one of the horizontal diffusion factor S1x_n and the vertical diffusion factor S1y_n of the first setting information transmitted from the control device 200a is different from the horizontal diffusion factor S2x_n or the vertical diffusion factor S2y_n of the second setting information, which are the current control values. That is, here, when the setting change history flag is "0", it indicates that the setting information of the lighting device 1a_n selected as the device to be operated has not been changed, and when the setting change history flag is "1", it indicates that the setting information of the lighting device 1a_n selected as the device to be operated has been changed.

[0305] The transmitting / receiving circuit 111a of the lighting device 1a_n stores the received first setting information (S1x_n, S1y_n) in the memory circuit 113a as second setting information (S2x_n, S2y_n). The electrode driving circuit 112 of the lighting device 1a_n supplies driving voltages according to the second setting information stored in the memory circuit 113 to the driving electrodes 10, 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100.

[0306] When the operation target device has been changed (step S205; Yes), the control device 200a executes the first synchronization process shown in Fig. 34A with the lighting device 1a_n (step S214a). The control device 200a sets the second setting information (S2x_s, S2y_s) transmitted from the lighting device 1a_s selected as the operation target device as display values ​​(Sx, Sy) (Sx = S2x_s, Sy = S2y_s), and the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200a executes display control of the display panel 20 so as to reflect this on the setting change screen 400 (step S215).

[0307] Next, the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200a determines whether or not a change in the setting information (in the present disclosure, light diffusion degree information) of the lighting device 1_s has been made (step S216). If a change in the setting information has not been made (step S216; No), the control device 200a returns to the process of step S202.

[0308] When a setting change is performed on the setting change screen 400 for the setting information of the lighting device 1a_s (step S216; Yes), the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200a reads out the display values ​​of the lighting device 1a_s, that is, the horizontal diffusion degree Sx and the vertical diffusion degree Sy, which have been changed and overwritten on the setting change screen 400 (step S217a), and performs display control on the display panel 20 (step S218).

[0309] The transmission / reception circuit 225a of the control device 200a transmits the first setting information to the lighting device 1a_s. Specifically, the transmission / reception circuit 225a sets the horizontal diffusion degree Sx and the vertical diffusion degree Sy, which are display values, as the first setting information (S1x_s=Sx, S1y_s=Sy, step S219a), and transmits the first setting information to the lighting device 1a_s (step S220).

[0310] The transmitting / receiving circuit 111a of the lighting device 1a_s stores the received first setting information (S1x_s, S1y_s) in a storage area of ​​the storage circuit 113a.

[0311] The control device 200a then executes the second synchronization process shown in Fig. 34B with the lighting device 1a_n (step S238a). The control device 200a determines whether the setting change history flag transmitted from the lighting device 1a_n is "0" (step S239a). If the setting change history flag is "0" (step S239a; Yes), the control device 200a changes the setting change history flag from "0" to "1" and transmits it to the lighting device 1a_s (step S240a), and returns to the process of step S202.

[0312] The transmitting / receiving circuit 111a of the lighting device 1a_s stores the received first setting information (S1x_s, S1y_s) in the memory circuit 113a as second setting information (S2x_s, S2y_s). The electrode driving circuit 112 of the lighting device 1a_s supplies driving voltages according to the second setting information stored in the memory circuit 113a to the driving electrodes 10, 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100.

[0313] When the multiple-device operation mode is selected on the setting change screen 400 (step S202; Yes), the control device 200a determines whether the number M of lighting devices 1a selected as devices to be operated in the multiple-device operation mode is 2 or more (step S224). When only one lighting device 1a is selected as the device to be operated (M=1, step S224; No), the control device 200a determines whether a change in the setting information of the lighting device 1a_n selected as the device to be operated has been made (step S206). When a change in the setting information of the lighting device 1a_n has not been made (step S206; No), the control device 200a returns to the processing of step S202.

[0314] When a setting change is performed on the setting change screen 400 for the setting information of the lighting device 1a_n (step S206; Yes), the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200a reads out the display values ​​of the lighting device 1a_n, which have been changed and overwritten on the setting change screen 400, that is, the horizontal diffusion degree Sx and the vertical diffusion degree Sy (step S207a), and performs display control on the display panel 20 (step S208).

[0315] The transmission / reception circuit 225a of the control device 200a transmits first setting information to the lighting device 1a_n. Specifically, the transmission / reception circuit 225a sets the horizontal diffusion degree Sx and vertical diffusion degree Sy, which are display values ​​of the lighting device 1a_n, as the first setting information (S1x_n=Sx, S1y_n=Sy, step S209a), and transmits the first setting information to the lighting device 1a_n (step S210).

[0316] Then, the control device 200a reads the setting change history flag stored in the storage area of ​​the storage circuitry 223 (step S238a), and determines whether the setting change history flag is "0" (step S239a). If the setting change history flag is "0" (step S239a; Yes), the control device 200a changes the setting change history flag stored in the storage circuitry 223a from "0" to "1" (step S240a), and returns to the processing of step S202.

[0317] The transmitting / receiving circuit 111a of the lighting device 1a_n stores the received first setting information (S1x_n, S1y_n) in the memory circuit 113a as second setting information (S2x_n, S2y_n). The electrode driving circuit 112 of the lighting device 1a_n supplies driving voltages according to the second setting information stored in the memory circuit 113a to the driving electrodes 10, 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100.

[0318] When the number M of lighting devices 1a selected as operation target devices in the multiple-device operation mode is 2 or more (M≧2, step S224; Yes), the control device 200a executes the first synchronization process shown in Fig. 34A with each of the M lighting devices 1a_m (step S225a). The control device 200a sets the second setting information (S2x_m, S2y_m) transmitted from the M lighting devices 1a_m to (Sx_m, Sy_m) (Sx_m=S2x_m, Sy_m=S2y_m), and determines whether the light distribution shapes of the M lighting devices 1a_m (1a_a, 1a_b, ...) are the same. Specifically, the control device 200a determines whether the horizontal diffusion degrees Sx_m (Sx_a, Sx_b, ...) of the M lighting devices 1a_m (1a_a, 1a_b, ...) are the same and whether the vertical diffusion degrees Sy_m (Sy_a, Sy_b, ...) of the M lighting devices 1a_m (1a_a, 1a_b, ...) are the same (step S226).

[0319] If the light distribution shapes of the M lighting devices 1a_m (1a_a, 1a_b, . . . ) selected as devices to be operated in the multiple-device operation mode are the same (step S226; Yes), the process proceeds to step S229.

[0320] When the light distribution shapes of the M lighting devices 1a_m (1a_a, 1a_b, ...) selected as devices to be operated in the multiple-device operation mode are different (step S226; No), the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200a reads out the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_ini (50[%] in FIG. 32A), which is the initial value (default value) of the horizontal diffusion degree Sx, stored in the memory area of ​​the memory circuit 223a, and sets this as the display value of the horizontal diffusion degree Sx of the multiple lighting devices 1a_m. The display control circuit 231 also reads out the vertical diffusion degree Sy_ini (50[%] in the example shown in FIG. 32A), which is the initial value of the vertical diffusion degree Sy, and sets this as the display value of the vertical diffusion degree Sy of the multiple lighting devices 1a_m (Sx=Sx_ini, Sy=Sy_ini, step S227a), and executes display control of the display panel 20 (step S228), and proceeds to step S229.

[0321] The display control circuit 231 of the control device 200a determines whether or not a change in the settings of the plurality of lighting devices 1a_m selected as devices to be operated in the multiple-device operation mode has been executed (step S229). If a change in the setting information has not been executed (step S229; No), the control device 200a returns to the processing of step S202.

[0322] When a setting change is performed on the setting change screen 400 for the setting information of the plurality of lighting devices 1a_m (step S229; Yes), the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200a reads out the horizontal diffusion degree Sx and vertical diffusion degree Sy, which are the display values ​​of the plurality of lighting devices 1a_m whose settings have been changed and overwritten on the setting change screen 400 (step S230a), and performs display control on the display panel 20 (step S231).

[0323] The transmission / reception circuit 225a of the control device 200a transmits, as first setting information, to the plurality of lighting devices 1a_m selected as devices to be operated in the multiple-device operation mode, the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_m and vertical diffusion degree Sy_m whose settings have been changed and overwritten on the setting change screen 400. Specifically, the transmission / reception circuit 225a resets the device counter value m (m=0, step S232), then adds 1 to the device counter value m (m=m+1, step S233), and sets the horizontal diffusion degree Sx and vertical diffusion degree Sy, which are display values ​​of the plurality of lighting devices 1a_m, as the first setting information (S1x_m=Sx, S1y_m=Sy), step S234a), and transmits the first setting information to the lighting device 1a_m corresponding to the device counter value m (step S235).

[0324] The transmission / reception circuit 225a determines whether or not the first setting information has been transmitted to all of the operation target devices (lighting devices 1a_m). Specifically, the control device 200a determines whether or not the device counter value m=M (step S236).

[0325] If m < M (step S236; No), the processes from step S233 to step S236 are repeatedly executed. Specifically, the transmission / reception circuit 225a adds 1 to the device counter value m (m = m + 1, step S233), and transmits the first setting information to the lighting device 1a_m corresponding to the device counter value m (step S235).

[0326] The transmission / reception circuits 111a of the M lighting devices 1a_m store the received first setting information (S1x_m, S1y_m) in the storage area of the storage circuit 113a.

[0327] Then, the control device 200a executes the second synchronization process shown in FIG. 34B with each of the M lighting devices 1a_m (step S238a). The control device 200a determines whether the setting change history flags transmitted from the lighting devices 1a_m are each "0" (step S239a). If each of the setting change history flags transmitted from the lighting devices 1a_m is "0" (step S239a; Yes), the control device 200a changes the setting change history flag of the lighting device 1a_m whose setting has been changed from "0" to "1" and transmits it to the corresponding lighting device 1a_m (step S240a), and returns to the process of step S202.

[0328] The transmission / reception circuits 111a of the M lighting devices 1a_m store the received first setting information (S1x_m, S1y_m) in the storage circuit 113a as the second setting information (S2x_m, S2y_m). The electrode drive circuit of the lighting device 1a_m supplies a drive voltage corresponding to the second setting information stored in the storage circuit 113a to each drive electrode 10, 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100.

[0329] The processes from step S233 to step S236 above are executed until m = M (step S236; Yes). 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.

[0330] Returning to FIG. 24, the control device 200a executes the second synchronization process shown in FIG. 34B with each of all the lighting devices 1a_n that are control target devices (step S105), and determines whether the setting change history flags of one or more of all the lighting devices 1a_n are set to “1” (step S105). If the setting change history flags of all the lighting devices 1a_n are set to “0” (step S105; No), the control device 200a returns to the standby state of the initial screen of the lighting control app shown in FIG. 15 (step S101). If the setting change history flags of one or more of all the lighting devices 1a_n are set to “1” (step S105; Yes), the control device 200a transitions to the standby state of the first registration screen shown in FIG. 20, and executes new scene registration processing (step S300). FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing an example of new scene registration processing in the control device 200a of the lighting device 1a according to the second embodiment.

[0331] In the new scene registration process in the control device 200a of the lighting device 1a according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 36, the processes from step S301 to step S307 are the same as the new scene registration process in the control device 200 of the lighting device 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 26, and therefore detailed explanations thereof will be omitted here.

[0332] In the process of newly registering scene information for the lighting device 1a according to the second embodiment (step S308), the control device 200a resets the device counter value n (n=0, step S309), then adds 1 to the device counter value n (n=n+1, step S310), and executes the first synchronization process shown in Fig. 34A with the lighting device 1a_n (step S311a). The control device 200a stores the second setting information (S2x_n, S2x_n) transmitted from the lighting device 1a_n in a storage area of ​​the storage circuitry 223a as the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_1_p and vertical diffusion degree Sy_1_p of the lighting device 1a_n corresponding to the device counter value n in the scene information SCENE_p to be registered (Sx_1_p=Sx_1, Sy_1_p=Sy_1, step S312a).

[0333] The scene setting processing circuit 241 determines whether the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_n_p and the vertical diffusion degree Sy_n_p of the scene information SCENE_p are stored for all the controlled devices (lighting devices 1a_n). Specifically, the scene setting processing circuit 241 determines whether the device counter value n = N (step S313).

[0334] When n < N (step S313; No), the scene setting processing circuit 241 repeatedly executes the processes from step S310 to step S313. As a result, the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_n_p and the vertical diffusion degree Sy_n_p of all the controlled devices (lighting devices 1a_n, here, lighting devices 1a_1, 1a_2, 1a_3, 1a_4, 1a_5) in the scene information SCENE_p are stored in the storage area of the storage circuit 223a as the setting information of the newly registered scene information SCENE_p. By this process, the setting information of the plurality of controlled devices (lighting devices 1_n) and the scene information SCENE_p are associated with each other.

[0335] When n = N (step S313; Yes), the control device 200a shifts to the standby state of the initial screen of the lighting control application shown in FIG. 15 (step S324).

[0336] When shifting to the standby state of the initial screen of the lighting control application shown in FIG. 15 (step S324), the process returns to the lighting control process shown in FIG. 24, and the control device 200a resets the setting change history flag of the lighting device 1a_n which is all the controlled devices ("1" → "0", step S109). Specifically, a reset command for the setting change history flag is transmitted to all the lighting devices 1a_n. Then, when the lighting control application is terminated in the standby state of the initial screen of the lighting control application shown in FIG. 15, the control of the lighting device 1a_n by the control device 200a is terminated.

[0337] 24, when any of the scene selection switches SCSEL is touched (step S102; Yes), the control device 200a executes a scene change process (step S400). The scene change process in the control device 200a of the lighting device 1a according to the second embodiment is similar to the scene change process in the control device 200 of the lighting device 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 27, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0338] Here, a description will be given of state transitions in the storage area of ​​the storage circuit 113a of the lighting device 1a according to embodiment 2. Figures 37A, 37B, 37C, 37D, and 37E are diagrams showing examples of state transitions in the storage area of ​​the storage circuit 113a of the lighting device 1a according to embodiment 2.

[0339] Figure 37A shows a state in which, for example, when lighting device 1a_n is started up, the current control values ​​of the second setting information, horizontal diffusion degree S2x_n=50[%] and vertical diffusion degree S2y_n=50[%], are stored in the memory circuit 113a of lighting device 1a_n, and the setting change history flag is set to "0".

[0340] 37B, for example, in the setting change process according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 35, when the control device 200a transmits the first setting information, which is the changed control values, that is, the horizontal spread factor S1x_n=30[%] and the vertical spread factor S1y_n=80[%], these are stored in the storage area of ​​the storage circuit 113a. At this point, the setting change history flag remains at "0".

[0341] Subsequently, in the setting change processing according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 35, when the second synchronization processing shown in FIG. 34B is executed, the setting change history flag "0" is transmitted to the control device 200a.

[0342] Here, the second synchronization process is executed, for example, after the setting of the lighting device 1a_n is changed in the setting change process according to the second embodiment shown in Fig. 35. At this time, the control device 200a changes the setting change history flag from "0" to "1" and transmits it to the lighting device 1a_n (for example, step S240a in Fig. 35). As a result, as shown in Fig. 37C, the setting change history flag stored in the storage area of ​​the storage circuit 113a of the lighting device 1a_n is updated from "0" to "1".

[0343] 37D, the transmission / reception circuit 111a of the lighting device 1a_n stores, for example, the first setting information (S1x_n, S1y_n) received in the setting change processing according to the second embodiment shown in Fig. 35 as second setting information (S2x_n, S2y_n) in the memory circuit 113. The electrode drive circuit 112 of the lighting device 1a_n supplies drive voltages according to the second setting information stored in the memory circuit 113a to the drive electrodes 10, 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100.

[0344] Then, for example, in step S109 of the lighting control process shown in FIG. 24 after the new scene registration process shown in FIG. 36, the setting change history flag of the lighting device 1a_n is reset (from "1" to "0") as shown in FIG. 37E.

[0345] 24, the control device 200 determines whether any of the device selection switches DSEL has been touched (step S106). If any of the device selection switches DSEL has not been touched (step S106; No), the control device 200 returns to the standby state of the initial screen of the lighting control application shown in FIG. 15 (step S101).

[0346] When any of the device selection switches DSEL is touched (step S106; Yes), a scene setting change process for the selected scene information (here, scene information SCENE_p) is executed (step S500). Fig. 38 is a flowchart showing an example of the scene setting change process in the control device 200a of the lighting device 1a according to the second embodiment.

[0347] In the scene setting change process in the control device 200a of the lighting device 1a according to embodiment 2 shown in FIG. 38, the control device 200a transitions from the initial screen of the lighting control app shown in FIG. 15 to a scene setting change screen 400A shown in any one of FIG. 18A, FIG. 18B, FIG. 18C, FIG. 18D, and FIG. 18E (step S501), and determines whether the multiple-device operation mode is selected (step S502).

[0348] If the standalone operation mode is selected and the lighting device 1a_n is selected (step S502; No), the control device 200a executes the first synchronization process shown in Fig. 34A with the lighting device 1a_n (step S503a). The control device 200a sets the second setting information (S2x_n, S2y_n) transmitted from the lighting device 1a_n as display values ​​(Sx, Sy) (Sx = S2x_n, Sy = S2y_n), and the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200a executes display control of the display panel 20 so as to reflect this on the setting change screen 400 (step S504).

[0349] Next, the control device 200a determines whether the device to be operated in the scene information SCENE_p has been changed (step S505).

[0350] If the device to be operated has not been changed (step S505; No), the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200a determines whether or not a change has been made to the setting information (in this disclosure, light diffusion degree information) of the lighting device 1a_n in the scene information SCENE_p (step S506). If a change has not been made to the setting information of the lighting device 1a_n (step S506; No), the control device 200a returns to the processing of step S502.

[0351] When a change in the setting information of the lighting device 1a_n of the scene information SCENE_p is made on the scene setting change screen 400A (step S506; Yes), the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200a reads out the display values ​​of the horizontal diffusion degree Sx and vertical diffusion degree Sy of the lighting device 1a_n of the scene information SCENE_p that have been changed and overwritten on the scene setting change screen 400A (step S507a), and performs display control of the display panel 20 (step S508).

[0352] The transmission / reception circuit 225a of the control device 200a transmits first setting information to the lighting device 1a_n of the scene information SCENE_p. Specifically, the transmission / reception circuit 225a sets the horizontal diffusion degree Sx and vertical diffusion degree Sy, which are display values ​​of the lighting device 1a_n of the scene information SCENE_p, as the first setting information (S1x_n=Sx, S1y_n=Sy, step S509a), and transmits the first setting information to the lighting device 1a_n (step S510).

[0353] The transmitting / receiving circuit 111a of the lighting device 1a_n stores the received first setting information (S1x_n, S1y_n) in a storage area of ​​the storage circuit 113a.

[0354] The control device 200a then executes the second synchronization process shown in Fig. 34B with the lighting device 1a_n (step S538a). The control device 200a determines whether the setting change history flag transmitted from the lighting device 1a_n is "0" (step S539a). If the setting change history flag is "0" (step S539a; Yes), the control device 200a changes the setting change history flag from "0" to "1" and transmits it to the lighting device 1a_n (step S540a), and returns to the process of step S502.

[0355] The transmitting / receiving circuit 111a of the lighting device 1a_n stores the received first setting information (S1x_n, S1y_n) in the memory circuit 113a as second setting information (S2x_n, S2y_n). The electrode driving circuit 112 of the lighting device 1a_n supplies driving voltages according to the second setting information stored in the memory circuit 113a to the driving electrodes 10, 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100.

[0356] If the device to be operated has been changed (step S505; Yes), the control device 200a executes the first synchronization process shown in Fig. 34A with the lighting device 1a_n (step S514a). The control device 200a sets the second setting information (S2x_s, S2y_s) transmitted from the lighting device 1a_s selected as the device to be operated as display values ​​(Sx, Sy) (Sx = S2x_s, Sy = S2y_s), and the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200a executes display control of the display panel 20 so as to reflect this on the setting change screen 400 (step S515).

[0357] Next, the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200a determines whether or not a change has been made to the setting information (in this disclosure, light diffusion degree information) of the lighting device 1a_s in the scene information SCENE_p (step S516). If a change has not been made to the setting information (step S516; No), the control device 200a returns to the processing of step S502.

[0358] When a setting change is performed on the scene setting change screen 400A for the setting information of the lighting device 1a_s of the scene information SCENE_p (step S516; Yes), the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200a reads out the display values ​​of the horizontal diffusion degree Sx and vertical diffusion degree Sy of the lighting device 1a_s of the scene information SCENE_p that have been changed and overwritten on the scene setting change screen 400A (step S517a), and performs display control on the display panel 20 (step S518).

[0359] The transmission / reception circuit 225a of the control device 200a transmits the first setting information to the lighting device 1a_s. Specifically, the transmission / reception circuit 225a sets the horizontal diffusion degree Sx and vertical diffusion degree Sy, which are display values ​​of the lighting device 1a_s in the scene information SCENE_p, as the first setting information (S1x_s=Sx, S1y_s=Sy, step S519a), and transmits the first setting information to the lighting device 1a_s (step S520).

[0360] The transmitting / receiving circuit 111a of the lighting device 1a_s stores the received first setting information (S1x_s, S1y_s) in a storage area of ​​the storage circuit 113a.

[0361] The control device 200a then executes the second synchronization process shown in Fig. 34B with the lighting device 1a_n (step S538a). The control device 200a determines whether the setting change history flag transmitted from the lighting device 1a_n is "0" (step S539a). If the setting change history flag is "0" (step S539a; Yes), the control device 200a changes the setting change history flag from "0" to "1" and transmits it to the lighting device 1a_s (step S540a), and returns to the process of step S502.

[0362] The transmitting / receiving circuit 111a of the lighting device 1a_s stores the received first setting information (S1x_s, S1y_s) in the memory circuit 113a as second setting information (S2x_s, S2y_s). The electrode driving circuit 112 of the lighting device 1a_s supplies driving voltages according to the second setting information stored in the memory circuit 113a to the driving electrodes 10, 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100.

[0363] When the multiple-device operation mode is selected on the scene setting change screen 400A (step S502; Yes), the control device 200a determines whether the number M of lighting devices 1a of the scene information SCENE_p selected as the device to be operated in the multiple-device operation mode is 2 or more (step S524). If there is only one lighting device 1a of the scene information SCENE_p selected as the device to be operated (M=1, step S524; No), the control device 200a determines whether a change has been made to the setting information of the lighting device 1a_n of the scene information SCENE_p selected as the device to be operated (step S506). If a change has not been made to the setting information of the lighting device 1a_n (step S506; No), the control device 200a returns to the processing of step S502.

[0364] When a change in the setting information of the lighting device 1a_n of the scene information SCENE_p is made on the scene setting change screen 400A (step S506; Yes), the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200a reads out the display values ​​of the horizontal diffusion degree Sx and vertical diffusion degree Sy of the lighting device 1a_n of the scene information SCENE_p that have been changed and overwritten on the scene setting change screen 400A (step S507a), and performs display control of the display panel 20 (step S508).

[0365] The transmission / reception circuit 225a of the control device 200a transmits first setting information to the lighting device 1a_n. Specifically, the transmission / reception circuit 225a sets the horizontal diffusion degree Sx and vertical diffusion degree Sy, which are display values ​​of the lighting device 1a_n in the scene information SCENE_p, as the first setting information (S1x_n=Sx, S1y_n=Sy, step S509a), and transmits the first setting information to the lighting device 1a_n (step S510).

[0366] The control device 200a then executes the second synchronization process shown in Fig. 34B with the lighting device 1a_n (step S538a). The control device 200a determines whether the setting change history flag transmitted from the lighting device 1a_n is "0" (step S539a). If the setting change history flag is "0" (step S539a; Yes), the control device 200a changes the setting change history flag from "0" to "1" and transmits it to the lighting device 1a_n (step S540a), and returns to the process of step S502.

[0367] The transmitting / receiving circuit 111a of the lighting device 1a_n stores the received first setting information (S1x_n, S1y_n) in the memory circuit 113a as second setting information (S2x_n, S2y_n). The electrode driving circuit 112 of the lighting device 1_n supplies driving voltages according to the second setting information stored in the memory circuit 113a to the driving electrodes 10, 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100.

[0368] When the number M of lighting devices 1a in scene information SCENE_p selected as the device to be operated in the multiple-device operation mode is 2 or more (M≧2, step S524; Yes), the control device 200a executes the first synchronization process shown in Fig. 34A with each of the M lighting devices 1a_m (step S525a). The control device 200a sets the second setting information (S2x_m, S2y_m) transmitted from the M lighting devices 1a_m to (Sx_m, Sy_m) (Sx_m=S2x_m, Sy_m=S2y_m), and determines whether the light distribution shapes of the M lighting devices 1a_m (1a_a, 1a_b, ...) are the same. Specifically, the control device 200a determines whether the horizontal diffusion degrees Sx_m (Sx_a, Sx_b, ...) of the M lighting devices 1a_m (1a_a, 1a_b, ...) are the same and whether the vertical diffusion degrees Sy_m (Sy_a, Sy_b, ...) of the M lighting devices 1a_m (1a_a, 1a_b, ...) are the same (step S526).

[0369] If the light distribution shapes of the M lighting devices 1a_m (1a_a, 1a_b, . . . ) of the scene information SCENE_p selected as the device to be operated in the multiple device operation mode are the same (step S526; Yes), the process proceeds to step S529.

[0370] If the light distribution shapes of the M lighting devices 1a_m (1a_a, 1a_b, ...) of the scene information SCENE_p selected as the device to be operated in the multiple-device operation mode are different (step S526; No), the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200a reads out the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_ini (50[%] in FIG. 32A), which is the initial value (default value) of the horizontal diffusion degree Sx, stored in the memory area of ​​the memory circuit 223a, and sets this as the display value of the horizontal diffusion degree Sx of the multiple lighting devices 1a_m. It also reads out the vertical diffusion degree Sy_ini (50[%] in the example shown in FIG. 32A), which is the initial value of the vertical diffusion degree Sy, and sets this as the display value of the vertical diffusion degree Sy of the multiple lighting devices 1a_m (Sx=Sx_ini, Sy=Sy_ini, step S527a), executes display control of the display panel 20 (step S528), and proceeds to step S529.

[0371] The display control circuit 231 of the control device 200a determines whether or not a change in the settings of the plurality of lighting devices 1a_m of the scene information SCENE_p selected as the device to be operated in the multiple-device operation mode has been executed (step S529). If a change in the settings of the setting information has not been executed (step S529; No), the control device 200a returns to the processing of step S502.

[0372] When a change in the setting information of the plurality of lighting devices 1_m of the scene information SCENE_p is performed on the scene setting change screen 400A (step S529; Yes), the display control circuit 231 of the control device 200a reads out the horizontal diffusion degree Sx and vertical diffusion degree Sy, which are the display values ​​of the plurality of lighting devices 1a_m of the scene information SCENE_p that have been changed and overwritten on the scene setting change screen 400A (step S530a), and performs display control of the display panel 20 (step S531).

[0373] The transmission / reception circuit 225a of the control device 200a transmits, as first setting information, the horizontal diffusion degree Sx and vertical diffusion degree Sy that have been changed and overwritten on the scene setting change screen 400A to the plurality of lighting devices 1a_m of the scene information SCENE_p selected as the device to be operated in the multiple-device operation mode. Specifically, the transmission / reception circuit 225a resets the device counter value m (m=0, step S532), then adds 1 to the device counter value m (m=m+1, step S533), sets the horizontal diffusion degree Sx and vertical diffusion degree Sy that are display values ​​of the plurality of lighting devices 1a_m of the scene information SCENE_p as the first setting information (S1x_m=Sx, S1y_m=Sy, step S534a), and transmits the first setting information to the lighting device 1a_m corresponding to the device counter value m (step S535).

[0374] The transmission / reception circuit 225a determines whether or not the first setting information has been transmitted to all of the operation target devices (lighting devices 1a_m). Specifically, the control device 200a determines whether or not the device counter value m=M (step S536).

[0375] If m < M (step S536; No), the processes from step S533 to step S536 are repeatedly executed. Specifically, the transmission / reception circuit 225a adds 1 to the device counter value m (m = m + 1, step S533), and transmits the first setting information to the lighting device 1a_m corresponding to the device counter value m (step S535).

[0376] The transmission / reception circuits 111a of the M lighting devices 1a_m store the received first setting information (S1x_m, S1y_m) in the storage area of the storage circuit 113a.

[0377] Then, the control device 200a executes the second synchronization process shown in FIG. 34B with each of the M lighting devices 1a_m (step S538a). The control device 200a determines whether the setting change history flags transmitted from the lighting devices 1a_m are each "0" (step S539a). If each of the setting change history flags transmitted from the lighting devices 1a_m is "0" (step S539a; Yes), the control device 200a changes the setting change history flag of the lighting device 1a_m whose setting has been changed from "0" to "1" and transmits it to the corresponding lighting device 1a_m (step S540a), and returns to the process of step S502.

[0378] The transmission / reception circuits 111a of the M lighting devices 1a_m store the received first setting information (S1x_m, S1y_m) in the storage circuit 113a as second setting information (S2x_m, S2y_m). The electrode drive circuit 112 of the lighting device 1a_m supplies a drive voltage corresponding to the second setting information stored in the storage circuit 113a to each drive electrode 10, 13 of each liquid crystal cell of the optical element 100.

[0379] The processes from step S533 to step S536 above are executed until m = M (step S536; Yes). As a result, the same setting change is executed for the M lighting devices 1a_m of the scene information SCENE_p selected as the operation target device in the multi-device operation mode.

[0380] Returning to FIG. 24, the control device 200a executes the second synchronization process shown in FIG. 34B with each of all the lighting devices 1a_n that are control target devices (step S105), and determines whether the setting change history flags of one or more of all the lighting devices 1a_n are set to “1” (step S108). If the setting change history flags of all the lighting devices 1a_n are set to “0” (step S108; No), the control device 200a returns to the standby state of the initial screen of the lighting control app shown in FIG. 15 (step S101). If the setting change history flags of one or more of all the lighting devices 1a_n are set to “1” (step S108; Yes), the control device 200a transitions to the standby state of the first registration screen shown in FIG. 20, and executes scene addition registration processing (step S600). FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing an example of the scene addition registration processing in the control device 200a of the lighting device 1a according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 39, the description will be given assuming that the scene setting change processing shown in FIG. 38 has been executed for the scene information SCENE_p.

[0381] In the scene addition registration process in the control device 200a of the lighting device 1a according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 39, the processes from step S601 to step S607 are the same as the scene new registration process in the control device 200 of the lighting device 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 26, and therefore detailed explanations will be omitted here.

[0382] In the scene additional registration process of the lighting device 1a according to Embodiment 2, when the registered name of the scene information in the dialog box DB has not been changed (step S607; No), the modified registration of the scene information SCENE_p is executed (step S608). The scene setting processing circuit 241 of the control device 200a resets the device counter value n (n = 0, step S609), and further adds 1 to the device counter value n (n = n + 1, step S610), and executes the first synchronization process shown in FIG. 34A with the lighting device 1a_n (step S611a). The control device 200a stores the second setting information (S2x_n, S2y_n) transmitted from the lighting device 1a_n in the storage area of the storage circuit 223a as the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_1_p and the vertical diffusion degree Sy_1_p of the lighting device 1a_n corresponding to the device counter value n in the scene information SCENE_p for which modified registration is to be performed (Sx_1_p = Sx_1, Sy_1_p = Sy_1, step S612a).

[0383] The scene setting processing circuit 241 determines whether the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_n_p and the vertical diffusion degree Sy_n_p of the scene information SCENE_p are stored for all controlled devices (lighting device 1a_n). Specifically, the scene setting processing circuit 241 determines whether the device counter value n is equal to N (step S613).

[0384] When n < N (step S613; No), the scene setting processing circuit 241 repeatedly executes the processes from step S610 to step S613. As a result, the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_n_p and the vertical diffusion degree Sy_n_p of all controlled devices (lighting device 1a_n, here, lighting devices 1a_1, 1a_2, 1a_3, 1a_4, 1a_5) in the scene information SCENE_p are stored in the storage area of the storage circuit 223a as the setting information of the scene information SCENE_p for which modified registration has been performed. By this process, the setting information of the plurality of controlled devices (lighting device 1_n) and the scene information SCENE_p are associated with each other.

[0385] Then, when n=N (step S613; Yes), the control device 200a transitions to a standby state on the initial screen of the lighting control application shown in FIG. 15 (step S624).

[0386] When the process transitions to a standby state on the initial screen of the lighting control app shown in FIG. 15 (step S624), the process returns to the lighting control process shown in FIG. 24, and the control device 200a resets the setting change history flags of all the lighting devices 1a_n, which are control target devices (from "1" to "0", step S109). Specifically, a command to reset the setting change history flags is sent to all the lighting devices 1a_n. Then, when the lighting control app is terminated in the standby state on the initial screen of the lighting control app shown in FIG. 15, the control of the lighting device 1a_n by the control device 200a is terminated.

[0387] In the scene additional registration process of the lighting device 1a according to the second embodiment, if the registered name of the scene information in the dialog box DB is changed (step S607; Yes), additional registration of the scene information SCENE_q is executed (step S618). The scene setting processing circuit 241 of the control device 200 resets the device counter value n (n=0, step S619), and further adds 1 to the device counter value n (n=n+1, step S620), and executes the first synchronization process shown in Fig. 34A with the lighting device 1a_n (step S621a). The control device 200a stores the second setting information (S2x_n, S2x_n) transmitted from the lighting device 1a_n in a memory area of ​​the memory circuit 223a as the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_1_q and vertical diffusion degree Sy_1_q of the lighting device 1a_n corresponding to the device counter value n in the scene information SCENE_q to be additionally registered (Sx_1_q=Sx_1, Sy_1_q=Sy_1, step S622a).

[0388] The scene setting processing circuit 241 determines whether the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_n_q and the vertical diffusion degree Sy_n_q of the scene information SCENE_q have been stored for all the control target devices (lighting devices 1a_n). Specifically, the scene setting processing circuit 241 determines whether the device counter value n=N (step S623).

[0389] When n < N (step S623; No), the scene setting processing circuit 241 repeatedly executes the processing from step S620 to step S623. As a result, the horizontal diffusion degree Sx_n_q and the vertical diffusion degree Sy_n_q of all the controlled devices (lighting devices 1a_n, here, lighting devices 1a_1, 1a_2, 1a_3, 1a_4, 1a_5) in the scene information SCENE_q are stored in the storage area of the storage circuit 223a as the setting information of the scene information SCENE_q in which additional registration is performed. By this processing, the setting information of the plurality of controlled devices (lighting devices 1_n) and the scene information SCENE_q are associated with each other.

[0390] Then, when n = N (step S623; Yes), the control device 200a shifts to the standby state of the initial screen of the lighting control application shown in FIG. 15 (step S624).

[0391] When shifting to the standby state of the initial screen of the lighting control application shown in FIG. 15 (step S624), returning to the lighting control process shown in FIG. 24, the control device 200a resets the setting change history flag of the lighting device 1a_n which is all the controlled devices ("1" → "O", step S109). Specifically, for all the lighting devices 1a_n, a reset command of the setting change history flag is transmitted. Then, when the lighting control application is terminated in the standby state of the initial screen of the lighting control application shown in FIG. 15, the control of the lighting device 1a_n by the control device 200 is terminated.

[0392] In the control device 200a of the lighting device 1a and the lighting system according to the above-described Embodiment 2, as in Embodiment 1, for the plurality of lighting devices 1a_m selected at the time of selecting the multi-unit operation mode among the plurality of lighting devices 1a_n registered in advance as the controlled devices, the same setting information (in the present disclosure, light diffusion degree information) can be set all at once.

[0393] Furthermore, similarly to the first embodiment, the control device 200a of the lighting device 1a according to the second embodiment and the lighting system described above can simultaneously set the setting information (in the present disclosure, light diffusion degree information) associated with each of the lighting devices 1a_n, which is registered in the new scene registration process shown in FIG. 36 or the additional scene registration process shown in FIG. 39, for the multiple lighting devices 1a_n to be controlled.

[0394] Furthermore, in the control device 200a of the lighting device 1a and the lighting system according to the second embodiment described above, in the first synchronization process shown in Fig. 34A, second setting information (S2x_n, S2y_n), which is the current control value, is transmitted from the lighting device 1a_n to the control device 200a, and is reflected as a display value on the setting change screen 400 or the scene setting change screen 400A of the control device 200a. As a result, even in a case where the same lighting control app is installed in multiple control devices 200a and multiple users each own multiple control devices 200a, it is possible to similarly perform lighting control processing that reflects the second setting information, which is the current control value of the lighting device 1a_n, by using each control device 200a to perform the first synchronization process in the setting change process shown in Fig. 35 or the scene setting change process shown in Fig. 38.

[0395] 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. 16A, 16B, 16C, 16, 16E, 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, and 18E), but the present invention is not limited to a setting change screen 400 or a scene setting change screen 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 each of the plurality of lighting devices 1_n registered as devices to be controlled.

[0396] (Embodiment 3) FIG. 40A is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a lighting system according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 40A, multiple lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, . . . , 1_N are connected to a lighting control device (control device) 200b via communication means 300a consisting of multiple wirings 310. More specifically, the lighting control device 200b may be a DMX controller. The DMX controller can adjust the brightness and color of the light emitted from the lighting devices 1b_1, 1b_2, . . . , 1b_N, as well as operate the optical elements 100 of the lighting devices 1b_1, 1b_2, . . . , 1b_N, thereby changing the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from each of the lighting devices 1b_1, 1b_2, . . . , 1b_N. FIG. 40B is a schematic diagram showing a specific connection example when the lighting control device 200b is a DMX controller in the configuration of the lighting system according to the third embodiment. When the lighting control device 200b is a DMX controller, the lighting control device 200b and a plurality of lighting devices 1b_1, 1b_2, ..., 1b_N are daisy-chain connected as shown in Fig. 40B. More specifically, the lighting control device 200b and the lighting device 1b_1 are connected by a cable 310_1, and the lighting device 1b_1 and the lighting device 1b_2 are connected by a cable 310_2. Thereafter, the preceding lighting device and the succeeding lighting device are sequentially connected by cables.

[0397] The lighting system includes a plurality of lighting devices 1b_1, 1b_2, . . . , 1b_N and one lighting control device 200b, which are connected by wires. More specifically, each of the lighting devices 1b_1, 1b_2, . . . , 1b_N includes a light source 4 and an optical element 100, as in the first and second embodiments, and the lighting control device 200b has a plurality of physical sliders 200c. 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 200b 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) 200c up and down. More specifically, there is a one-to-one correspondence between each light source 4 and the slider 200c, and the brightness of the light emitted from the light source 4 can be changed by moving the slider 200c 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 200c up and down can also be employed, or it is possible to change both the brightness and the color. Alternatively, a configuration in which two sliders 200c correspond to each light source 4, and the brightness of the light emitted from the light source 4 is changed by moving one slider 200c up and down, and the color of the light emitted from the light source 4 is changed by moving the other slider 200c up and down can also be employed.

[0398] Furthermore, two wirings 310 are drawn from the optical element 100 of each of the lighting devices 1b_1, 1b_2, ..., 1b_N and connected to the lighting control device 200b. As a result, two sliders 200c correspond to each optical element 100, and the horizontal diffusion degree of the optical element 100 can be changed by moving one slider 200c up and down, and the vertical diffusion degree of the optical element 100 can be changed by moving the other slider 200c 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 200c up and down simultaneously. It is also possible to employ a configuration in which additional sliders 200c 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 200c up and down.

[0399] In this way, the operation of operating slider 200c of lighting control device 200b to change the diffusion degree of one optical element 100 may be referred to as a single-unit operation mode (first mode) in correspondence with the above-mentioned embodiments 1 and 2. Furthermore, the operation of operating one or more sliders 200c of lighting control device 200b to simultaneously change the diffusion degrees of multiple optical elements 100 may be referred to as a multiple-unit operation mode (second mode) in correspondence with the above-mentioned embodiments 1 and 2.

[0400] The lighting control device 200b can be connected to an external control device 700 such as a PC via port 200d, and the settings of the lighting control device 200b, more specifically, the combination of the correspondence between each slider 200c and the lighting devices 1b_1, 1b_2, ..., 1b_N and the degree of change in the diffusion and brightness of the light emitted from each lighting device 1b_1, 1b_2, ..., 1b_N due to the up and down movement of each slider 200c, can be changed by the external control device 700. Alternatively, it goes without saying that a configuration in which the external control device 700 and the lighting control device 200b are kept connected and are collectively referred to as the control devices 200, 200a can also be employed.

[0401] In the configurations shown in Figures 40A and 40B, as in embodiments 1 and 2, it is also possible to adopt a solution in which each lighting device 1b_1, 1b_2, ..., 1b_N is connected to a lighting control device 200b having a slider 200c via wireless communication means.

[0402] 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. For example, in this embodiment, the light distribution state of the lighting device is changed by controlling the optical elements of the lighting device. However, it goes without saying that the configuration disclosed in this embodiment can be applied to change the brightness, color, etc. of the light source of the lighting device instead of changing the orientation state. Appropriate modifications made within the scope of the present disclosure also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0403] 1,1a Lighting equipment 2 Liquid crystal cells 2_1 First liquid crystal cell 2_2 Second liquid crystal cell 2_3 Third liquid crystal cell 2_4 4th liquid crystal cell 4 light source 5 First board 6 Second board 7. Encapsulating material 8 Liquid Crystal Layer 9 Base material 10, 10a, 10b drive electrodes 11 1st metal wiring 11a,11b,11c,11d Metal wiring 12 Base material 13, 13a, 13b drive electrodes 14 2nd metal wiring 14a, 14b Metal wiring 15a,15b Continuity part 16a, 16b Connection terminal section 17 Liquid crystal molecules 18 Alignment film 19 Alignment film 20 Display panel 30 Touch Sensor 31 Detector element 100 Optical Elements 111,111a Transmitting and receiving circuit 112 Electrode drive circuit 113,113a Memory circuit (second memory circuit) 200,200a Control device 200b Lighting control device (control device) 200c Physical Slider (Slider) 200d port 211 Detection circuit 212 Conversion processing circuit 223,223a Memory circuit (first memory circuit) 225,225a Transmitting and receiving circuit 231 Display control circuit 241 Scene setting processing 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 400A Scene setting change screen 500 First registration screen 600 Second registration screen 700 External Control Device AA effective area DA display area DB Dialog Box DSEL Device selection switch FA detection area GA peripheral area MSEL selection switch (multiple unit operation mode (second mode)) OBJ Light distribution shape object RGSW registration button RTSW1 Primary Back Button RTSW2 Second back button RTSW3 Third back button S1 First slider S2 Second slider SSEL selection switch (standalone operation mode (mode 1)) SVSW Save button Sx lateral diffusion S1x Dx direction light diffusion degree (horizontal diffusion degree of the first setting information) S2x Dx direction light diffusion degree (horizontal diffusion degree of second setting information) Sy longitudinal diffusivity S1y Dy direction light diffusion degree (vertical diffusion degree of the first setting information) S2y Dy direction light diffusion degree (longitudinal diffusion degree of second setting information) TA1 1st area TA2 2nd area

Claims

1. 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 the storage circuit stores setting information of the plurality of lighting devices as scene information; transmitting the setting information for each of the lighting devices set as the scene information to each of the lighting devices with which the setting information is associated; Control device for lighting devices.

2. When the setting value is changed, setting information is transmitted to some or all of the plurality of lighting devices. The control device for a lighting device according to claim 1 .

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

4. 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 lighting device control device according to claim 2 .

5. 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 the first storage circuit stores setting information of the plurality of lighting devices as scene information; The control device transmitting setting information for each of the lighting devices, which is set as the scene information, to each of the lighting devices with which the setting information is associated; The lighting device includes: a second storage circuit for storing the setting information transmitted from the control device; Lighting system.

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

6. The lighting system of claim 5.

7. 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.

7. The lighting system of claim 6.

8. 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; 7. The lighting system of claim 6.

9. The lighting device includes: transmitting the setting information stored in the second storage circuit to the control device; The control device performing display control of the display panel based on the setting information transmitted from the lighting device; 9. A lighting system according to any one of claims 5 to 8.

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