Lighting control system, dimmer panel, lighting control method, and program

Abstract

To facilitate prevention of unintended operations of an illumination load.SOLUTION: An illumination control system 100 comprises an input unit 11, a control unit 12, and a restriction unit 14. The input unit 11 receives an operation signal for operating an illumination load 2 that is transmitted from the exterior by multicast or broadcast. The control unit 12 transmits a control signal to a dimmer 13 that controls the illumination load 2 on the basis of the operation signal that the input unit 11 has received. The restriction unit 14 specifies a transmission source of the operation signal being received by the input unit 11. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the restriction unit 14 executes a restriction processing of invalidating the operation signal even when the input unit 11 receives the operation signal from a transmission source different from the specified transmission source.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting control system, a dimmer panel, a lighting control method, and a program for controlling a lighting load. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a lighting communication system that collectively controls a plurality of lighting loads installed in a lighting area, or controls the lighting loads for each small area obtained by dividing the lighting area. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-135640 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention provides a lighting control system and the like that can easily prevent unintended operation of lighting loads. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A lighting control system according to one aspect of the present invention includes an input unit, a control unit, and a restriction unit. The input unit receives an operation signal for operating a lighting load, the operation signal being transmitted via multicast or broadcast from an external device. The control unit transmits a control signal to a dimmer that controls the lighting load, based on the operation signal received by the input unit. The restriction unit identifies a source of the operation signal received by the input unit, and, if a predetermined condition is satisfied, executes restriction processing to invalidate the operation signal, even if the input unit receives the operation signal from a source different from the identified source.

[0006] A dimmer panel according to one aspect of the present invention includes an input unit, a dimmer, a control unit, and a limiting unit. The input unit receives an operation signal for operating a lighting load, the operation signal being transmitted by multicast or broadcast from an external device. The dimmer controls the lighting load. The control unit transmits a control signal to the dimmer based on the operation signal received by the input unit. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the limiting unit executes a limiting process to invalidate the operation signal, even if the input unit receives the operation signal from a transmission source different from the transmission source of the operation signal currently received by the input unit.

[0007] A lighting control method according to one aspect of the present invention receives an operation signal for operating a lighting load that is transmitted by multicast or broadcast from an external device. The lighting control method transmits a control signal to a dimmer that controls the lighting load based on the received operation signal. The lighting control method identifies a sender of the received operation signal, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, invalidates the received operation signal even if the operation signal is received from a sender different from the identified sender.

[0008] A program according to one aspect of the present invention causes one or more processors to execute the lighting control method described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The lighting control system etc. of the present invention has the advantage that it is easy to prevent unintended operation of lighting loads. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a lighting control system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a first operation example of the lighting control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a second operation example of the lighting control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the lighting control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a problem in the operation of the lighting control system of the comparative example. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an advantage of the operation of the lighting control system according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection forms, steps, step order, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components not recited in independent claims will be described as optional components.

[0012] It should be noted that the drawings are schematic diagrams and are not necessarily strict illustrations. In addition, in the drawings, substantially the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

[0013] (Embodiment) [composition] First, the configuration of a lighting control system according to an embodiment will be described. The lighting control system is a system installed in a facility where lighting is performed in one or more spaces, such as a television station, concert hall, or theater. The one or more spaces may be, for example, a studio, a hall, or a stage. Of course, the facility in which the lighting control system is installed may be a facility other than a television station, concert hall, or theater.

[0014] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an overview of a lighting control system according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the lighting control system 100 is mounted on a dimmer panel 1. The dimmer panel 1 is configured to be able to communicate with a plurality of controllers 3 in accordance with a communication protocol for communication over Ethernet (registered trademark). The dimmer panel 1 also includes a plurality of dimmers 13, as will be described later. A plurality of lighting loads 2 are connected to the plurality of dimmers 13, respectively.

[0015] 1, one lighting load 2 is connected to each dimmer 13, but multiple lighting loads 2 may be daisy-chained. Furthermore, when multiple lighting loads 2 are daisy-chained to each dimmer 13, these lighting loads 2 do not all have to be of the same specification or type, and lighting loads 2 of different specifications or types may be mixed together.

[0016] In the following description, three controllers 3 and four lighting loads 2 appear in the environment in which the lighting control system 100 is used (see FIGS. 2, 3, 5, and 6), and the three controllers 3 may be distinguished as a "first controller 31," a "second controller 32," and a "third controller 33," respectively. The four lighting loads 2 may also be distinguished as a "lighting load 21," a "lighting load 22," a "lighting load 23," and a "lighting load 24," respectively.

[0017] Although not shown in FIG. 1, the dimmer panel 1, the plurality of lighting loads 2, and the plurality of operating devices 3 are each supplied with power from a power supply device.

[0018] The controller 3 is, for example, a stationary or portable dimming console. The controller 3 may be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer on which an application for controlling the lighting load 2 is installed. The controller 3 accepts operations for controlling the lighting load 2 from a user. The controller 3 accepts operations for, for example, dimming the lighting load 2, adjusting the color of the lighting load 2, or changing the lighting range of the lighting load 2. The controller 3 is composed of, for example, various faders and various buttons. The fader is, for example, a slider that accepts operations for dimming the lighting load 2. The controller 3 may be composed of a touch panel or the like.

[0019] In the embodiment, each controller 3 is connected to a port of the dimmer panel 1 via, for example, a cable. When each controller 3 receives an operation from a user, it transmits a control signal including control data of the lighting load 2 according to the operation from the user as an operation signal to the dimmer panel 1 via the cable by multicast or broadcast.

[0020] Here, each controller 3 transmits an operation signal of the Ethernet® protocol for communicating DMX (Digital Multiplex System) signals via Ethernet® to the dimmer panel 1 by multicast or broadcast. The Ethernet® protocol is a communication protocol that can transmit control signals of multiple systems by multicast or broadcast, with 512-channel DMX signal data packets as one system (universe) of control signals. Examples of the Ethernet® protocol include the sACN (streaming Architecture for Control Networks) protocol, which employs a multicast transmission method, or the Art-Net protocol, which employs a broadcast transmission method.

[0021] The operation signal has identification information for identifying the controller 3 that sent it. A universe number, which is an ID (IDentification) number, is assigned to the operation signal for each system, and the universe number is used as identification information. The universe number can be appropriately set for the operation signal, for example, by the user operating the controller 3. In the embodiment, the operation signal further includes an identifier unique to the controller 3, and this unique identifier is used as identification information. The identifier unique to the controller 3 here is, for example, the MAC (Media Access Control) address of the controller 3 or the IP (Internet Protocol) address of the controller 3.

[0022] The lighting load 2 is, for example, a horizon light, downlight, spotlight, or floodlight used in a studio, hall, stage, or the like. The lighting load 2 has, for example, a semiconductor light-emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode), an organic EL (Electro Luminescence), a fluorescent lamp, or an incandescent lamp as a light source. The lighting load 2 may have, for example, a motor for changing the direction of light irradiation. The lighting load 2 is placed, for example, at any location such as the floor or ceiling of the space in which it is installed, such as a studio. The lighting load 2 may also be suspended from a hanging fixture such as a baton installed on the ceiling.

[0023] In this embodiment, a plurality of lighting loads 2 are arranged in one space A1 (see FIGS. 2, 3, 5, and 6). The space A1 is, for example, a large room that can be divided into one or more areas by accordion curtains, movable partition walls, or the like. That is, if no partition walls or the like are used, the space A1 can be used as a single area, and if partition walls or the like are used, the space A1 can be used as multiple areas.

[0024] The dimmer panel 1 (lighting control system 100) includes an input unit 11, a control unit 12, a plurality of dimmers 13, a limiting unit 14, and a division designating unit 15. In the embodiment, the plurality of dimmers 13 are included as components of the lighting control system 100, but they do not have to be included as components of the lighting control system 100.

[0025] The input unit 11 is a communication interface for receiving an operation signal for operating the lighting loads 2, which is transmitted by multicast or broadcast from outside. In the embodiment, the input unit 11 is configured to receive an operation signal from each controller 3. A local area network (LAN) or the like is used as the network between the input unit 11 and each controller 3. The LAN used for the network may be a wired LAN or a wireless LAN. When a wired LAN is used for the network, the wired LAN is configured, for example, with a LAN cable and a switching hub. Note that, when the communication distance is relatively long, an optical fiber cable may be used instead of a LAN cable. Note that, for example, a wireless communication method such as a specified low-power radio, ZigBee (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or Wi-Fi (registered trademark) using a frequency in accordance with a national radio wave usage allocation may be used for communication between the input unit 11 and each controller 3.

[0026] The control unit 12 is, for example, a microcomputer or the like, and includes a processor and a memory. The control unit 12 is realized by the processor executing a program stored in the memory. The control unit 12 transmits a control signal to the dimmer 13 that controls the lighting load 2, based on the operation signal received by the input unit 11. In this embodiment, the control unit 12 performs protocol conversion bidirectionally between communication signals of the Ethernet (registered trademark) protocol and communication signals of the DMX protocol. The DMX protocol is a communication protocol mainly used to control stage lighting or studio lighting equipment. When the input unit 11 receives an operation signal from the controller 3, the control unit 12 converts the operation signal into a DMX signal (control signal) and transmits the converted DMX signal to the dimmer 13. As a result, the dimmer 13 that receives the DMX signal controls the lighting load 2 in accordance with the control data included in the DMX signal.

[0027] The dimmer 13 is a device that controls the lighting load 2. Specifically, the dimmer 13 receives a DMX signal (control signal) from the control unit 12, and controls the power supplied to the lighting load 2 connected to the dimmer 13 in accordance with the received DMX signal, thereby dimming the light emitted by the lighting load 2. The dimmer 13 may adjust the color of the light emitted by the lighting load 2 or change the lighting range by controlling the lighting load 2 in accordance with the received DMX signal. The dimmer 13 controls the lighting load 2, thereby performing lighting effects in a space in which the lighting load 2 is installed, such as a studio, a hall, or a stage.

[0028] The restriction unit 14 is, for example, a microcomputer or the like, and includes a processor and a memory. The restriction unit 14 is realized by the processor executing a program stored in the memory. The restriction unit 14 identifies the source of the operation signal received by the input unit 11, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, executes a restriction process to invalidate the operation signal even if the input unit 11 receives an operation signal from a source different from the identified source.

[0029] In the restriction process, the restriction unit 14 identifies the sender of the operation signal by referring to the universe number corresponding to the operation signal received by the input unit 11 and the unique identifier (e.g., MAC address) of the controller 3 included in the operation signal. Here, if the sender of the operation signal is identified by referring only to the universe number corresponding to the operation signal, when operation signals corresponding to the same universe number are sent from multiple controllers 3, it is not possible to distinguish between these controllers 3. Therefore, in the embodiment, the restriction unit 14 identifies the sender of the operation signal by referring not only to the universe number but also to the unique identifier of the controller 3 as described above.

[0030] Furthermore, in the restriction process, if a predetermined condition is satisfied, the restriction unit 14 invalidates an operation signal even if the input unit 11 receives the operation signal from a transmission source different from the identified transmission source. Here, "invalidating an operation signal" means that the control unit 12 does not transmit a control signal based on the operation signal to the dimmer 13. For example, the restriction unit 14 may invalidate the operation signal by preventing the operation signal from being transmitted from the input unit 11 to the control unit 12, or may invalidate the operation signal by preventing the control unit 12 from reacting to the operation signal.

[0031] As an example, assume that the restriction unit 14 executes the restriction process in a state in which the input unit 11 is accepting an operation signal corresponding to universe number "1" and an operation signal corresponding to universe number "2" from each of two controllers 3. In this case, even if the input unit 11 accepts an operation signal corresponding to universe number "1" from another controller 3, the restriction unit 14 invalidates the operation signal. In other words, while the restriction unit 14 is executing the restriction process, only the operation signal accepted by the input unit 11 at the start of the restriction process is valid.

[0032] The predetermined condition is, for example, a user operating a switch or the like provided on the dimmer panel 1. In this case, it is possible for the restriction unit 14 to switch whether to execute the restriction process in response to the user's operation. Note that the predetermined condition may also be, for example, acceptance of a predetermined operation by the user on an information terminal such as a smartphone, tablet terminal, or personal computer, and receipt of a signal corresponding to the predetermined operation by the dimmer panel 1. In this case, it is possible for the restriction unit 14 to switch whether to execute the restriction process in response to a user's remote operation.

[0033] Furthermore, for example, the predetermined condition may be that the number of transmission sources of operation signals accepted by the input unit 11 reaches a predetermined number. For example, if the predetermined number is set to "2," the limiting unit 14 executes the limiting process when the input unit 11 accepts operation signals from two operating devices 3. The predetermined number may be set appropriately, for example, by a user operating a switch or the like provided on the dimmer panel 1, or by a user remotely operating the dimmer panel 1 using an information terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer.

[0034] In the above case, the restriction unit 14 may stop the restriction process when the number of transmission sources of operation signals accepted by the input unit 11 falls below a specified number during the execution of the restriction process. For example, when the specified number is set to "2", the restriction unit 14 stops the restriction process when the input unit 11 accepts an operation signal from one operating device 3.

[0035] The partition designation unit 15 designates how to partition the space A1 into one or more areas. In the embodiment, the partition designation unit 15 designates whether the entire space A1 is to be one area (see FIG. 3) or whether the space A1 is to be divided into two areas (a first area A11 and a second area A12) (see FIG. 2). Note that the partition designation unit 15 may be capable of designating how to partition the space A1 into three or more areas.

[0036] The division designation unit 15 can switch the division method of the space A1, for example, by a user operating a switch or the like provided on the dimmer panel 1. Furthermore, the division designation unit 15 may be able to switch the division method of the space A1 by a user remotely operating it using an information terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer.

[0037] In the embodiment, the control unit 12 transmits control signals to a plurality of dimmers 13 that respectively control a plurality of lighting loads 2, according to the division method specified by the division specification unit 15. An example of the operation of the control unit 12 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a first example of operation of the lighting control system 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a second example of operation of the lighting control system 100 according to the embodiment. In both FIGS. 2 and 3, it is assumed that four lighting loads 21-24 are arranged in a space A1. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, it is assumed that of the four lighting loads 21-24, lighting loads 21 and 22 are arranged in a first area A11, and the remaining two lighting loads 23 and 24 are arranged in a second area A12.

[0038] 2 and 3, the lighting loads 21 and 22 and the lighting loads 23 and 24 are respectively connected to two different dimmers 13. The lighting loads 21 and 22 and the dimmers 13 connected to the lighting loads 21 and 22 correspond to universe numbers "1" and "4," and the lighting loads 23 and 24 and the dimmers 13 connected to the lighting loads 23 and 24 correspond to universe numbers "2" and "4." Here, the universe number "1" is a universe number unique to the lighting loads 21 and 22 and the dimmers 13 connected to the lighting loads 21 and 22. The universe number "2" is a universe number unique to the lighting loads 23 and 24 and the dimmers 13 connected to the lighting loads 23 and 24. The universe number "4" is a universe number common to the lighting loads 21 to 24 and the two dimmers 13.

[0039] 2, the division designation unit 15 designates that the space A1 be divided into a first area A11 and a second area A12. In this case, the dimmer panel 1 (control unit 12) transmits a control signal to each dimmer 13 without converting the universe number corresponding to the operation signal from the operation device 3.

[0040] For example, if the operation signal from the first controller 31 corresponds to universe number "1," the dimmer panel 1 transmits a control signal corresponding to universe number "1" to each dimmer 13. As a result, the dimmer 13 corresponding to universe number "1" controls the lighting loads 21 and 22 arranged in the first area A11 in accordance with the control data included in the control signal. Also, for example, if the operation signal from the second controller 32 corresponds to universe number "2," the dimmer panel 1 transmits a control signal corresponding to universe number "2" to each dimmer 13. As a result, the dimmer 13 corresponding to universe number "2" controls the lighting loads 23 and 24 arranged in the second area A12 in accordance with the control data included in the control signal.

[0041] Therefore, in the first operation example, the lighting loads 21 and 22 arranged in the first area A11 are controlled by the first controller 31, and the lighting loads 23 and 24 arranged in the second area A12 are controlled by the second controller 32.

[0042] 3, in the second operation example, the entire space A1 is designated as one area by the division designation unit 15. In this case, the dimmer panel 1 (control unit 12) converts the universe number corresponding to the operation signal from the operation device 3 into a common universe number, and transmits a control signal corresponding to the converted common universe number to each dimmer 13.

[0043] For example, when the operation signal from the first operation device 31 corresponds to the universe number "1," the dimmer panel 1 transmits a control signal corresponding to the common universe number "4" to each dimmer 13. As a result, the two dimmers 13 corresponding to the common universe number "4" each control the lighting loads 21 to 24 according to the control data included in the control signal.

[0044] Therefore, in the second operation example, the lighting loads 21 to 24 arranged in the space A1 are controlled by the first controller 31 collectively.

[0045] [Operation] The operation of the dimmer panel 1 (lighting control system 100) according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the lighting control system 100 according to the embodiment. In Fig. 4, the operation of the division designation unit 15 is omitted.

[0046] First, upon receiving an operation from a user, the controller 3 transmits an operation signal by multicast or broadcast to the dimmer panel 1. Then, the input unit 11 of the dimmer panel 1 receives the operation signal (S101). Next, the restriction unit 14 of the dimmer panel 1 identifies the source of the operation signal received by the input unit 11 by referring to the universe number corresponding to the operation signal and an identifier unique to the operation signal (S102).

[0047] If the predetermined condition is satisfied (S103: Yes), the restriction unit 14 executes a restriction process to invalidate operation signals from transmission sources other than the transmission source of the operation signal accepted by the input unit 11 (S104). On the other hand, if the predetermined condition is not satisfied (S103: No), the restriction unit 14 does not execute the restriction process.

[0048] Then, the control unit 12 controls each lighting load 2 by transmitting a control signal to each dimmer 13 based on the operation signal received by the input unit 11 (S105). While the limiting unit 14 is executing the limiting process, the control unit 12 transmits a control signal to each dimmer 13 based only on the operation signal received by the input unit 11 at the start of the limiting process. On the other hand, while the limiting unit 14 is not executing the limiting process, the control unit 12 transmits a control signal to each dimmer 13 based on the operation signal received by the input unit 11.

[0049] [advantage] The advantages of lighting control system 100 (dimmer panel 1) according to the embodiment will be described below, along with a comparison with a comparative example dimmer panel 200 (see FIG. 5) equipped with a comparative example lighting control system. The comparative example lighting control system differs from lighting control system 100 according to the embodiment in that it does not include limiter 14.

[0050] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a problem with the operation of a lighting control system (dimmer panel 200 of the comparative example). FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of an advantage of the operation of a lighting control system 100 (dimmer panel 1) according to an embodiment. In both FIGS. 5 and 6, it is assumed that the first controller 31 transmits an operation signal corresponding to universe number "1," the second controller 32 transmits an operation signal corresponding to universe number "2," and the third controller 33 transmits an operation signal corresponding to universe number "1." In addition, in both FIGS. 5 and 6, it is assumed that the lighting loads 21 and 22 arranged in the first area A11 are operated based on the operation signal corresponding to universe number "1," and the lighting loads 23 and 24 arranged in the second area A12 are operated based on the operation signal corresponding to universe number "2."

[0051] 5, the dimmer panel 200 of the comparative example accepts an operation signal from the first controller 31, an operation signal from the second controller 32, and an operation signal from the third controller 33 as valid operation signals. Therefore, the lighting loads 21 and 22 arranged in the first area A11 can be operated by either the first controller 31 or the third controller 33. Therefore, a problem may arise in that, while a user is operating the lighting loads 21 and 22 using the first controller 31, another user can interrupt and operate the lighting loads 21 and 22 using the third controller 33.

[0052] The above problem can occur, for example, in the following situation. Suppose a wedding ceremony is being held by a first group in a first area A11, and lighting loads 21 and 22 are being operated in the first area A11 using a dedicated first controller 31. Suppose also that an event is being held by a second group in a second area A12, and lighting loads 23 and 24 are being operated in the second area A12 using a dedicated second controller 32. Suppose also that the second group is attempting to operate the lighting loads 23 and 24 using a portable third controller 33 that they have brought into the second area A12.

[0053] In such a situation, for example, if a user operating the third controller 33 accidentally specifies universe number "1" instead of universe number "2," the dimmer panel 200 of the comparative example will interrupt and operate the lighting loads 21 and 22 arranged in the first area A11 based on the operation signal corresponding to universe number "1" from the third controller 33. In this case, the lighting loads 21 and 22 will be unintentionally operated at the wedding ceremony of the first group, causing confusion.

[0054] In contrast to this, in the lighting control system 100 (dimmer panel 1) according to the embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6, while an operation signal from the first controller 31 and an operation signal from the second controller 32 are being accepted, the restriction unit 14 can execute restriction processing to invalidate an operation signal from another controller 3 (here, the third controller 33). Therefore, the lighting control system 100 according to the embodiment can accept each of the operation signal from the first controller 31 and the operation signal from the second controller 32 as valid operation signals, while invalidating the operation signal from the third controller 33. Therefore, a problem does not occur in which, while a user is operating the lighting loads 21 and 22 using the first controller 31, another user can interrupt and operate the lighting loads 21 and 22 using the third controller 33.

[0055] As described above, the lighting control system 100 (dimmer panel 1) according to the embodiment can disable operation signals from a transmission source other than the transmission source accepted by the input unit 11, which has the advantage of making it easier to prevent unintended operation of the lighting load 2.

[0056] [Variations] Although the embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Modifications of the embodiment will be listed below. The modifications described below may be combined as appropriate.

[0057] In the above embodiment, the lighting control system 100 includes the division designation unit 15, but the lighting control system 100 does not necessarily need to include the division designation unit 15.

[0058] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the input unit 11 receives an operation signal from the operating device 3, but this is not limited to this. For example, the input unit 11 may receive an operation signal relayed from a dimmer panel other than the dimmer panel 1. In other words, the input unit 11 may be configured to receive an operation signal transmitted by multicast transmission or broadcast transmission from a device or the like other than the dimmer panel 1.

[0059] In addition, in the above embodiment, the dimmer 13 is built into the dimmer panel 1, but this is not limited to this. For example, the dimmer 13 may be arranged outside the dimmer panel 1, such as in the space A1 where the lighting load 2 is arranged.

[0060] In addition, in the above embodiment, the dimmer 13 and the lighting load 2 to be controlled are separate entities, but this is not limited to this. For example, the dimmer 13 may be built into the lighting load 2 to be controlled. In other words, the lighting load 2 may have the function of the dimmer 13.

[0061] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, lighting control system 100 is realized by one device, namely, dimmer panel 1, but this is not limited to this. For example, lighting control system 100 may be realized by multiple devices. When lighting control system 100 is realized by multiple devices, the components of lighting control system 100 may be distributed among the multiple devices in any manner.

[0062] In the above-described embodiments, components such as the control unit may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0063] Furthermore, the components such as the control unit may be realized by hardware. For example, the components such as the control unit may be circuits (or integrated circuits). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or may be separate circuits. Furthermore, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0064] In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art would think of, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope that does not deviate from the spirit of the present invention.

[0065] (summary) As described above, the lighting control system 100 includes an input unit 11, a control unit 12, and a restriction unit 14. The input unit 11 receives an operation signal for operating the lighting load 2, which is transmitted by multicast transmission or broadcast transmission from outside. The control unit 12 transmits a control signal to a dimmer 13 that controls the lighting load 2, based on the operation signal received by the input unit 11. The restriction unit 14 identifies the source of the operation signal received by the input unit 11, and, if a predetermined condition is satisfied, executes restriction processing to invalidate the operation signal, even if the input unit 11 receives an operation signal from a source different from the identified source.

[0066] According to such a lighting control system 100, it is possible to invalidate operation signals from a transmission source other than the transmission source accepted by the input unit 11, which has the advantage of making it easier to prevent unintended operation of the lighting load 2.

[0067] Furthermore, for example, the predetermined condition is that the number of transmission sources of operation signals received by the input unit 11 reaches a specified number.

[0068] According to such a lighting control system 100, when the number of senders of operation signals received by the input unit 11 reaches a specified number, the restriction unit 14 executes a restriction process, which has the advantage that the user does not have to perform an operation to cause the restriction unit 14 to execute the restriction process.

[0069] Furthermore, for example, when the number of transmission sources of operation signals accepted by the input unit 11 falls below a specified number while the restriction process is being executed, the restriction unit 14 stops the restriction process.

[0070] According to such a lighting control system 100, when the number of senders of operation signals accepted by the input unit 11 falls below a specified number, the restriction processing by the restriction unit 14 is stopped, which has the advantage that the user does not have to perform any operation to cause the restriction unit 14 to stop the restriction processing.

[0071] For example, a plurality of lighting loads 2 are arranged in one space A1. The lighting control system 100 further includes a partition designation unit 15 that designates how to partition the space A1 into one or more areas. The control unit 12 transmits control signals to a plurality of dimmers 13 that control the plurality of lighting loads 2, respectively, according to the designation method designated by the partition designation unit 15.

[0072] Such a lighting control system 100 has the advantage that it is possible to operate all lighting loads 2 arranged in space A1 or to divide the lighting loads 2 into multiple areas and operate them separately, making it easier to use space A1 effectively.

[0073] Further, for example, the dimmer panel 1 includes an input unit 11, a dimmer 13, a control unit 12, and a limiting unit 14. The input unit 11 receives an operation signal for operating the lighting load 2, which is transmitted by multicast transmission or broadcast transmission from outside. The dimmer 13 controls the lighting load 2. The control unit 12 transmits a control signal to the dimmer 13 based on the operation signal received by the input unit 11. The limiting unit 14 identifies the transmission source of the operation signal received by the input unit 11, and, if a predetermined condition is satisfied, executes a limiting process to invalidate the operation signal, even if the input unit 11 receives an operation signal from a transmission source different from the identified transmission source.

[0074] According to such a dimmer panel 1, it is possible to achieve the same effects as the lighting control system 100 described above.

[0075] Furthermore, for example, the lighting control method receives an operation signal for operating the lighting load 2, which is transmitted by multicast transmission or broadcast from outside. Furthermore, the lighting control method transmits a control signal to a dimmer 13 that controls the lighting load 2 based on the received operation signal. Furthermore, the lighting control method identifies the source of the received operation signal, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, invalidates the operation signal even if the operation signal is received from a source different from the identified source.

[0076] According to this lighting control method, it is possible to achieve the same effects as those of the lighting control system 100 described above.

[0077] Also, for example, the program causes one or more processors to execute the lighting control method described above.

[0078] According to such a program, it is possible to achieve the same effects as the lighting control system 100 described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 1 dimmer 11 Input section 12 Control Unit 13 Dimmer 14 Restrictions 15 Delimiter 2, 21, 22, 23, 24 Lighting load 3, 31, 32, 33 Operator 100 Lighting Control System A1 space

Claims

1. an input unit that receives an operation signal for operating the lighting load, the operation signal being transmitted from an external device via multicast or broadcast; a control unit that transmits a control signal to a dimmer that controls the lighting load based on the operation signal received by the input unit; a restriction unit that identifies a transmission source of the operation signal received by the input unit, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, executes a restriction process that invalidates the operation signal even if the operation signal is received by the input unit from a transmission source different from the identified transmission source; the predetermined condition is that the number of transmission sources of the operation signals received by the input unit reaches a specified number; Lighting control system.

2. the restriction unit stops the restriction process when the number of transmission sources of the operation signals accepted by the input unit falls below the specified number during the execution of the restriction process. The lighting control system of claim 1 .

3. A plurality of the lighting loads are arranged in one space, A partition designation unit that designates how to partition the space into one or more areas is further provided, the control unit transmits the control signal to a plurality of the dimmers that respectively control the plurality of the lighting loads in accordance with the division method specified by the division specifying unit.

3. A lighting control system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. an input unit that receives an operation signal for operating the lighting load, the operation signal being transmitted from an external device by multicast transmission or broadcast transmission; a dimmer for controlling the lighting load; a control unit that transmits a control signal to the dimmer based on the operation signal received by the input unit; a restriction unit that, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, executes a restriction process to invalidate the operation signal even if the input unit receives the operation signal from a transmission source different from the transmission source of the operation signal currently received by the input unit; the predetermined condition is that the number of transmission sources of the operation signals received by the input unit reaches a specified number; Dimmer panel.

5. receiving an operation signal for operating a lighting load, which is transmitted by multicast or broadcast from an external device; transmitting a control signal to a dimmer that controls the lighting load based on the received operation signal; Identifying a transmission source of the received operation signal, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, invalidating the operation signal even if the operation signal is received from a transmission source different from the identified transmission source; the predetermined condition is that the number of transmission sources of the received operation signals reaches a specified number; Lighting control methods.

6. one or more processors, Executing the lighting control method according to claim 5 , program.

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