Lighting device control device

Abstract

Provided is a control device for an illumination device, the control device enabling the range of light irradiation to be changed intuitively. This control device for an illumination device comprises: a touch sensor that has a detection region provided with a plurality of detection elements; and a display panel provided with a display region that overlaps with the detection region of the touch sensor in plan view. A determination region for sensing prescribed touch operations is provided within the detection region. Touch operations that are to be sensed in the determination region include: a first touch operation which is defined by the number and / or duration of touches to the determination region; and a second touch operation which differs from the first touch operation. If the first touch operation is sensed (step S014–step S019), the degree of spread of the illumination device is increased (step S400), and if the second touch operation is sensed (step S014–step S016), the degree of spread of the illumination device is decreased (step S500).

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there are lighting fixtures that combine a light source such as an LED with a thin lens engraved with a prism pattern, and change the light distribution angle by changing the distance between the light source and the thin lens. For example, a lighting fixture has been disclosed in which the front of a transparent light bulb is covered with a liquid crystal dimming element, and the transmittance of the liquid crystal layer is changed to switch between direct light and scattered light (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

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

[0004] For example, in a lighting device using a liquid crystal cell for p-wave polarization and a liquid crystal cell for s-wave polarization, the degree of light diffusion in two directions can be controlled by driving both liquid crystal cells separately. In a lighting device capable of controlling the degree of light diffusion in two directions, for example, a conventional adjustment method that adjusts the degree of diffusion by detecting a touch position on the screen of a smartphone or tablet requires the degree of light diffusion in two directions to be adjusted separately when expanding or reducing the light irradiation range while maintaining the light distribution shape. Therefore, a control device that allows users to more intuitively expand or reduce the light irradiation range is desired.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a control device for a lighting device that can intuitively change the light irradiation range. [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 lighting device capable of changing an illumination range by controlling the diffusion degree of light emitted from a light source, and includes: a touch sensor having a detection area in which a plurality of detection elements are provided; and a display panel having a display area that overlaps the detection area of ​​the touch sensor in a planar view. A judgment area is provided within the detection area for detecting a predetermined touch operation. The touch operations to be detected in the judgment area include a first touch operation defined by at least one of the number of times and duration of touches to the judgment area and a second touch operation different from the first touch operation. When the first touch operation is detected, the diffusion degree of the lighting device is increased, and when the second touch operation is detected, the diffusion degree of the lighting device is decreased. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [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 a lighting system according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an external view illustrating an example of a control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a 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. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a control block configuration of a lighting device. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a display mode of the lighting control application screen. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the position on the lighting control application screen and the diffusion degree. [Figure 17A] FIG. 17A is a diagram showing an example of a change in shape of a light distribution object when a determination region is double-tapped on the illumination control application screen. [Figure 17B] FIG. 17B is a diagram showing an example of a change in shape of the light distribution object when the determination region is long-tapped on the illumination control application screen. [Figure 18A] FIG. 18A is a diagram illustrating an example of data used in the lighting control application. [Figure 18B] FIG. 18B is a diagram showing an example of data used in the lighting control application. [Figure 18C] FIG. 18C is a diagram illustrating an example of data used in the lighting control application. [Figure 18D] FIG. 18D is a diagram showing an example of data used in the lighting control application. [Figure 18E] FIG. 18E is a diagram illustrating an example of data used in the lighting control application. [Figure 18F] FIG. 18F is a diagram showing a specific example of the conversion table. [Figure 18G] FIG. 18G is a diagram showing a specific example of the conversion table. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of an initial setting process of the lighting control application. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the overall flow of the illumination control process in the control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of the conversion table generation process. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of the horizontal diffusion degree adjustment process. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of the vertical diffusion degree adjustment process. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an example of the enlargement process. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an example of the reduction process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] 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.

[0009] 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.

[0010] 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).

[0011] 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."

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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 .

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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."

[0021] 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).

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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., 30V), 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., 15V), 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 15V can be used.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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 (the direction of horizontal diffusion) and the Dy direction (the direction of vertical diffusion), 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 now be described with reference to FIG. 9.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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 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 adjacent drive electrodes 10a and 10b is set to the maximum potential difference (e.g., 30 V) in the optical element 100. When the horizontal diffusion degree is greater than 0% and less than 100%, a potential adjusted so that the potential difference between adjacent drive electrodes 10a and 10b is greater than 0 V and less than the maximum potential difference (e.g., 30 V) is applied to the electrodes. The same applies to vertical diffusion.

[0043] Contour a shown in Fig. 9 illustrates an illumination range on the virtual plane xy when the horizontal diffusivity and vertical diffusivity are both 100%. Contour b shown in Fig. 9 illustrates an illumination range on the virtual plane xy when the horizontal diffusivity is 100% and the vertical diffusivity is 0%. Contour c shown in Fig. 9 illustrates an illumination range when the horizontal diffusivity is 0% and the vertical diffusivity is 100%. Contour d shown in Fig. 9 illustrates an illumination range on the virtual plane xy when both the horizontal diffusivity and the vertical diffusivity are 0%. In other words, contour 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).

[0044] In this way, in the lighting device 1 configured as described above, the horizontal diffusivity and vertical diffusivity 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 pattern on the virtual plane xy of the light emitted from the lighting device 1. Hereinafter, the control of changing the light distribution pattern of the light irradiated on the virtual plane xy by adjusting the horizontal diffusivity and vertical diffusivity of the light emitted from the lighting device 1 will also be referred to as "light distribution control."

[0045] 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).

[0046] 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a lighting system according to an embodiment. The lighting system according to the embodiment 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.

[0047] Data and various command signals are transmitted and received between each of the lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, ..., 1_N and the control device 200 via a communication means 300. In the present disclosure, the communication means 300 is, for example, a wireless communication means such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or WiFi (registered trademark). Each of the lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, ..., 1_N and the control device 200 may communicate wirelessly via a predetermined network such as a mobile communication network. Alternatively, each of the lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, ..., 1_N and the control device 200 may be wiredly connected to each other and communicate via wire.

[0048] 10 illustrates N (N is a natural number of 1 or more) lighting devices 1_n (n is a natural number from 1 to N) as an example, but the present disclosure is not limited to the number of lighting devices 1. Furthermore, in the present disclosure, an aspect of controlling the diffusion degree of the lighting device 1 will be described as a setting parameter of the lighting device 1, but the setting parameter is not limited to the diffusion degree. The setting parameter of the lighting device 1 may also include, for example, the light intensity or color temperature of the lighting device 1.

[0049] 11 is an external view showing an example of a control device 200 according to an 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.

[0050] The display panel 20 is a so-called in-cell type or hybrid type device in which the touch sensor 30 is built in and integrated. Building the touch sensor 30 in and integrating the display panel 20 includes, for example, using some of the components, such as the substrate and electrodes, used as the display panel 20 and some of the components, such as the substrate and electrodes, used as the touch sensor 30. Note that the display panel 20 may also be a so-called on-cell type device in which the touch sensor 30 is mounted on a display device.

[0051] The display panel 20 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel using a liquid crystal display element, but is not limited to this, and may be, for example, an organic EL display panel (OLED: Organic Light Emitting Diode) or an inorganic EL display panel (micro LED, mini LED).

[0052] The touch sensor 30 is, for example, a capacitance type touch sensor, but is not limited to this, and the touch sensor 30 may be, for example, a resistive film type touch sensor, an ultrasonic type touch sensor, or an optical type touch sensor.

[0053] 12 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a 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.

[0054] The configurations and operations of the control device 200 for controlling the degree of light diffusion of the lighting device 1 and the lighting device 1 will be described below.

[0055] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a control block configuration of the control device 200. First, the control block configuration for executing each process described later will be described.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 13 , the control device 200 includes a display panel 20, a touch sensor 30, a processing circuit 210, a detection circuit 211, a memory circuit 223, a transmission / reception circuit 225, and a display control circuit 231. The detection circuit 211 is configured, for example, by a detection IC. Alternatively, the detection circuit 211 and the display control circuit 231 may be mounted as a single display IC on the display panel 20 or on an FPC connected to the display panel 20. The processing circuit 210 and the memory circuit 223 are configured, for example, by a CPU, RAM, EEPROM, ROM, etc., of a smartphone, tablet, or the like that constitutes the control device 200. The display control circuit 231 may be a display IC mounted on the display panel 20 as described above, or may further include, for example, a GPU, etc., of a smartphone, tablet, or the like that constitutes the control device 200. The transmission / reception circuit 225 is configured, for example, by a wireless communication module of a smartphone, tablet, or the like that constitutes the control device 200.

[0057] The detection circuit 211 is a circuit that detects whether or not the touch sensor 30 is touched based on the detection signals output from the detection elements 31 of the touch sensor 30 .

[0058] The processing circuit 210 detects a touch on the lighting control app screen based on the touch detection position in the detection circuit 211, and executes operation control of the lighting control app, which will be described later. The processing circuit 210 is a component realized by, for example, a CPU of a smartphone, tablet, or the like that constitutes the control device 200.

[0059] The memory circuitry 223 is configured, for example, with RAM, EEPROM, ROM, etc. of the smartphone, tablet, or the like that constitutes the control device 200. The memory circuitry 223 stores data such as various parameter values ​​and various setting values ​​required for the operation of a lighting control app, which will be described later. The data required for the operation of the lighting control app will be described later.

[0060] The transmission / reception circuit 225 transmits and receives setting information to and from the lighting device 1. Specifically, the transmission / reception circuit 225 receives second setting information (horizontal diffusion degree S2x, vertical diffusion degree S2y) transmitted from the lighting device 1 in an initial setting process of a lighting control application, which will be described later. Furthermore, the transmission / reception circuit 225 transmits the horizontal diffusion degree Sx and vertical diffusion degree Sy set in the lighting control process, which will be described later, to the lighting device 1 as first setting information (horizontal diffusion degree S1x, vertical diffusion degree S1y).

[0061] The display control circuit 231 controls the display of the display panel 20 in accordance with the operation control of the illumination control application, which will be described later.

[0062] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a control block configuration of the lighting device 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 14, the lighting device 1 includes a processing circuit 110, a transmitting / receiving circuit 111, an electrode driving circuit 112, and a memory circuit 113 as control blocks for controlling the above-described optical element 100. The processing circuit 110 is configured with, for example, a microcomputer. The memory circuit 113 is configured with, for example, a RAM, an EEPROM, a ROM, etc.

[0063] The transmission / reception circuit 111 transmits and receives setting information to and from the control device 200. Specifically, the transmission / reception circuit 111 receives first setting information transmitted from the control device 200 when the lighting device 1 is started up. The processing circuit 110 stores the first setting information received by the transmission / reception circuit 111 in the memory circuit 113 as second setting information. Furthermore, the processing circuit 110 reads out the second setting information stored in the memory circuit 113, and the transmission / reception circuit 111 transmits the second setting information read out from the memory circuit 113 by the processing circuit 110 to the control device 200.

[0064] In addition, the processing circuit 110 reads out the second setting information stored in the memory circuit 113, and the electrode driving circuit 112 supplies a driving voltage corresponding to the second setting information read out by the processing circuit 110 to each driving electrode 10, 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100.

[0065] In the present disclosure, the lighting device 1 transmits the second setting information stored in the storage circuitry 113 to the control device 200 when the lighting device 1 is started, and stores the first setting information (horizontal diffusion index S1x, vertical diffusion index S1y) transmitted from the control device 200 in a lighting control process described below as new second setting information (horizontal diffusion index S2x, vertical diffusion index S2y) in the storage circuitry 113. In other words, when the first setting information is transmitted from the control device 200 to the lighting device 1, the second setting information is updated to the first setting information.

[0066] The processing of the control device 200 in the present disclosure is executed by application software (hereinafter also referred to as a "lighting control application") that runs on the control device 200. Below, specific examples of each process in the lighting control application that runs on the control device 200 and the display mode of the display panel 20 will be described in detail.

[0067] FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a display mode of the lighting control application screen 400.

[0068] In the present disclosure, the lighting control application will be described as being installed in the control device 200 in advance.

[0069] When the lighting control app is launched, a lighting control app screen 400 shown in Fig. 15 is displayed on the display panel 20. The lighting control app screen 400 is an adjustment screen for adjusting the vertical diffusion degree and horizontal diffusion degree of the lighting device 1 according to the amount of movement of the touch detection position in the detection area FA.

[0070] 15, 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, the lighting control app screen 400 defines an XY plane with a predetermined position on the display area DA as the origin O(0,0).

[0071] 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 example shown in Fig. 15, a light distribution shape object OBJ is displayed with its center point at the origin O(0,0) of the XY plane on the lighting control application screen 400, and a first slider S1 for setting the horizontal diffusion degree of the lighting device 1 and a second slider S2 for setting the vertical diffusion degree of the lighting device 1 are arranged on the contour line of the light distribution shape object OBJ.

[0072] The light distribution shape object OBJ is an image on the lighting control application screen 400 that corresponds to the light distribution state of light emitted from the lighting device 1. In other words, the shape and size of the light distribution shape object OBJ are an image on the lighting control application screen 400 that imitates the illumination range of the light from the lighting device 1 (see FIG. 9).

[0073] In the configuration according to the embodiment, the shape of the light distribution shape object OBJ on the lighting control application screen 400 changes to a circle or an ellipse depending on the horizontal diffusion degree and the vertical diffusion degree. Fig. 15 shows an example in which the horizontal diffusion degree of the lighting device 1 is 50% and the vertical diffusion degree is 50%, and the shape of the light distribution shape object OBJ is a circle.

[0074] As shown in Fig. 9, in the lighting device 1 to be controlled in the present disclosure, even when both the horizontal diffusion degree and the vertical diffusion degree of the lighting device 1 are set to 0%, light is irradiated within a predetermined approximately circular range corresponding to the outline d. In the present disclosure, when both the horizontal diffusion degree and the vertical diffusion degree are set to 0%, a small circular light distribution shape object OBJ overlapping the inner dashed line shown in Fig. 15 is displayed. When both the horizontal diffusion degree and the vertical diffusion degree of the lighting device 1 are set to 100%, a large circular light distribution shape object OBJ overlapping the outer dashed line shown in Fig. 15 is displayed, corresponding to the outline a in Fig. 9.

[0075] The first slider S1 and the second slider S2 are, for example, image displayed on the lighting control application screen 400, and can be moved (drag operation) by the user's finger.

[0076] 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 horizontal diffusion degree (diffusion degree in the Dx direction) 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 vertical diffusion degree (diffusion degree in the Dy direction) of the lighting device 1 is controlled.

[0077] The first slider S1 can be moved in the X direction between a position on the contour line of the light distribution shape object OBJ when the horizontal diffusion degree is 0% and a position on the contour line of the light distribution shape object OBJ when the horizontal diffusion degree is 100%.

[0078] When the user touches the area within the outline of the first slider S1, the first slider S1 is selected as the drag operation target and can be moved. If the user's finger is removed from the screen, or if the user's finger is shifted in the Y direction without removing it from the screen so that the touch detection position is outside the area within the outline of the first slider S1, the first slider S1 is no longer the drag operation target and does not move.

[0079] The second slider S2 can be moved in the Y direction between a position on the contour line of the light distribution shape object OBJ when the vertical diffusion degree is 0% and a position on the contour line of the light distribution shape object OBJ when the vertical diffusion degree is 100%.

[0080] When the user touches the area within the outline of the second slider S2, the second slider S2 is selected as the drag operation target and can be moved. If the user's finger is removed from the screen, or if the user's finger is shifted in the X direction without removing it from the screen so that the touch detection position is outside the area within the outline of the second slider S2, the second slider S2 is no longer the drag operation target and does not move.

[0081] 16 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between a position on the lighting control app and the degree of 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 are described as being equivalent.

[0082] On the lighting control application screen 400 of the control device 200, the horizontal diffusion degree of the lighting device 1 can be set by the position x of the intersection between the X axis of the XY plane and the outline of the light distribution shape object OBJ.

[0083] 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 defined 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. In the present disclosure, the touch detection position in the X direction when the first slider S1 is touched is the position x0 of the first slider S1 on the display area DA. This allows the horizontal diffusion degree Sx of the lighting device 1 to be adjusted by dragging the first slider S1 and moving it in the X direction. "Sx" displayed near the first slider S1 in FIG. 16 indicates the horizontal diffusion degree of the lighting device 1 corresponding to the position x0 of the first slider S1 on the display area DA.

[0084] The relationship between the position x0 of the first slider S1 on the display area DA and the horizontal diffusivity Sx can be expressed as follows:

[0085] The reference movement amount Px in the X direction on the XY plane when the amount of change in the horizontal diffusion degree of the lighting device 1 by one step 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).

[0086] Px=(X 100 -X0) / 100···(1)

[0087] 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).

[0088] Sx = (x0 - X0) / Px (2)

[0089] x0 = Sx × Px + X0 (3)

[0090] Due to the correspondence between the horizontal diffusion degree Sx and the position x0 of the first slider S1 on the display area DA, the horizontal diffusion degree Sx can be adjusted according to the amount of movement of the first slider S1 in the X direction on the display area DA.

[0091] Furthermore, on the lighting control application screen 400, the vertical diffusion degree of the lighting device 1 can be set by the position y of the intersection between the Y axis of the XY plane and the outline of the light distribution shape object OBJ.

[0092] In the present disclosure, the center point of the second slider S2 is the position y of the intersection of 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 of the Y axis and the outline of the light distribution shape object OBJ. In the present disclosure, the touch detection position in the Y direction when the second slider S2 is touched is the position y0 of the second slider S2 on the display area DA. This allows the vertical diffusion degree Sy of the lighting device 1 to be set by dragging the second slider S2 and moving it in the Y direction. "Sy" displayed near the second slider S2 in FIG. 16 indicates the vertical diffusion degree of the lighting device 1 corresponding to the position y0 of the second slider S2 on the display area DA.

[0093] The relationship between the position y0 of the second slider S2 on the display area DA and the vertical diffusion degree Sy can be expressed as follows:

[0094] The reference movement amount Py in the Y direction on the XY plane when the amount of change in one step of the vertical diffusion degree 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).

[0095] Py=(Y 100 -Y0) / 100 (4)

[0096] 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).

[0097] Sy = (y0 - Y0) / Py (5)

[0098] y0=Sy×Py+Y0 (6)

[0099] Due to the correspondence between this vertical diffusion degree Sy and the position y0 of the second slider S2 on the display area DA on the XY plane, the vertical diffusion degree Sy can be adjusted according to the amount of movement of the second slider S2 in the Y direction on the display area DA.

[0100] In the present disclosure, when the control device 200 detects a touch on the first slider S1 on the above-described illumination control application screen 400 in the illumination control process described below, the control device 200 proceeds to a horizontal diffusion degree adjustment process.

[0101] Furthermore, when the control device 200 detects a touch on the second slider S2 on the above-described illumination control application screen 400 in the illumination control process described below, the control device 200 proceeds to a vertical diffusion degree adjustment process.

[0102] Furthermore, in the present disclosure, in addition to the individual adjustment process of the horizontal diffusion degree or the vertical diffusion degree in response to a touch on the first slider S1 or the second slider S2, the horizontal diffusion degree and the vertical diffusion degree are simultaneously adjusted by detecting two consecutive touches within a predetermined time period on a predetermined judgment area provided on the detection area FA (hereinafter also referred to as a "double tap"), or by detecting that a touch within the judgment area continues for a predetermined time period or longer (hereinafter also referred to as a "long tap"). This allows the user to intuitively expand or contract the range of light emitted by the lighting device 1.

[0103] 15 and 16 show an example in which the area inside the light distribution shape object OBJ is set as the determination area TA. The determination area TA shown in Figures 15 and 16 is just an example, and is not limited to the area inside the light distribution shape object OBJ. For example, any area on the lighting control application screen 400 excluding at least the first slider S1 and the second slider S2 may be set as the determination area TA.

[0104] Fig. 17A is a diagram showing an example of a change in shape of the light distribution object OBJ when a determination area TA is double-tapped on the lighting control application screen 400. Fig. 17B is a diagram showing an example of a change in shape of the light distribution object OBJ when a determination area TA is long-tapped on the lighting control application screen 400. The first slider S1 and the second slider S2 are omitted in Figs. 17A and 17B. Furthermore, although Figs. 17A and 17B show an example in which the shape of the light distribution shape object OBJ is substantially circular, the shape of the light distribution shape object OBJ may become elliptical depending on the horizontal diffusion degree Sx and the vertical diffusion degree Sy.

[0105] 17A shows an example in which the horizontal and vertical diffusivities are increased at the same or approximately the same rate when the determination area TA is double-tapped. As a result, the light distribution object OBJ expands in the direction indicated by the arrow while maintaining its shape. FIG. 17B shows an example in which the horizontal and vertical diffusivities are decreased at the same or approximately the same rate when the determination area TA is long-tapped. As a result, the light distribution object OBJ shrinks in the direction indicated by the arrow while maintaining its shape. In other words, when the determination area TA is double-tapped on the lighting control app screen 400, the light irradiation range of the lighting device 1 expands, and when the determination area TA is long-tapped on the lighting control app screen 400, the light irradiation range of the lighting device 1 shrinks.

[0106] Note that, in this embodiment, a mode is described in which the horizontal and vertical diffusion rates are increased at the same or approximately the same rate when the determination area TA is double-tapped, and decreased at the same or approximately the same rate when the determination area TA is long-tapped, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. Specifically, for example, a mode may be used in which the horizontal and vertical diffusion rates are increased at the same or approximately the same rate when the determination area TA is long-tapped, and decreased at the same or approximately the same rate when the determination area TA is double-tapped.

[0107] Furthermore, the touch operations to be detected in the determination area TA are not limited to double taps and long taps. For example, a determination area TA for detecting predetermined touch operations may be provided within the detection area FA, and a first touch operation defined by at least one of the number of touches and the duration of touches to the determination area TA and a second touch operation different from the first touch operation may be preset. When the first touch operation is detected, the horizontal spread degree and the vertical spread degree are increased at the same or approximately the same rate, and when the second touch operation is detected, the horizontal spread degree and the vertical spread degree are decreased at the same or approximately the same rate. Furthermore, the touch operations (first touch operation, second touch operation) to be detected in the determination area TA may include, for example, a multi-touch gesture in which the determination area TA is touched with multiple fingers.

[0108] 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, and 18E are diagrams showing examples of data used in the lighting control application. Each piece of data shown in Fig. 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, and 18E is stored in the memory circuitry 223 of the control device 200.

[0109] The control device 200 stores the horizontal diffusion degree S2x and vertical diffusion degree S2y (second setting information) of the lighting device 1, acquired in an initial setting process of the lighting control application described below, as an initial horizontal diffusion degree value Sx_ini and an initial vertical diffusion degree value Sy_ini, respectively, in the storage circuitry 223. The control device 200 also stores the horizontal diffusion degree Sx set in a horizontal diffusion degree adjustment process described below as the initial horizontal diffusion degree value Sx_ini in the storage circuitry 223. The control device 200 also stores the vertical diffusion degree Sy set in a vertical diffusion degree adjustment process described below as the initial vertical diffusion degree value Sy_ini in the storage circuitry 223.

[0110] The first variable D is a variable whose value D=0, which corresponds to the initial horizontal diffusion degree Sx_ini and the initial vertical diffusion degree Sy_ini, and is incremented when the horizontal diffusion degree Sx and the vertical diffusion degree Sy are increased by one step in the enlargement process and reduction process described later, and is decremented when the horizontal diffusion degree Sx and the vertical diffusion degree Sy are decreased by one step. The first variable D is updated as appropriate in the illumination control process described later.

[0111] The second variable B is a variable that defines the magnification for the initial horizontal spread degree value Sx_ini and the initial vertical spread degree value Sy_ini, and changes depending on the first variable D. The second variable B is set in advance and stored in the storage circuit 223.

[0112] In the present disclosure, the second variable B differs between when at least one of the initial horizontal diffusion degree value Sx_ini and the initial vertical diffusion degree value Sy_ini exceeds 30% and when both the initial horizontal diffusion degree value Sx_ini and the initial vertical diffusion degree value Sy_ini are 30% or less.

[0113] Furthermore, when both the initial horizontal diffusion degree value Sx_ini and the initial vertical diffusion degree value Sy_ini are 30% or less, the second variable B differs between when the first variable D≧1 and when the first variable D≦−1.

[0114] In this embodiment, the calculation formula for the second variable B shown in FIG. 18C is used for explanation, but the calculation formula for the second variable B shown in FIG. 18C is only an example and is not limited to this.

[0115] In a conversion table generation process described later, the control device 200 generates the conversion table shown in Fig. 18D or 18E and stores it in the storage circuitry 223. Fig. 18D shows the conversion table when at least one of the initial horizontal diffusion degree value Sx_ini and the initial vertical diffusion degree value Sy_ini exceeds 30%, and Fig. 18E shows the conversion table when both the initial horizontal diffusion degree value Sx_ini and the initial vertical diffusion degree value Sy_ini are 30% or less.

[0116] 18D , when at least one of the initial horizontal diffusion level Sx_ini and the initial vertical diffusion level Sy_ini exceeds 30%, the scaling factors (second variable B) of the horizontal diffusion level Sx and the vertical diffusion level Sy to the initial horizontal diffusion level Sx_ini and the initial vertical diffusion level Sy_ini are increased or decreased by 0.1 for each step of the first variable D. More specifically, in the region where the first variable D is equal to or greater than 1, the scaling factors (second variable B) of the horizontal diffusion level Sx and the vertical diffusion level Sy to the initial horizontal diffusion level Sx_ini and the initial vertical diffusion level Sy_ini are increased by 0.1 for each increase of the first variable D by 1. Furthermore, in the region where the first variable D is equal to or less than -1, the scaling factors (second variable B) of the horizontal diffusion level Sx and the vertical diffusion level Sy to the initial horizontal diffusion level Sx_ini and the initial vertical diffusion level Sy_ini are decreased by 0.1 for each decrease of the first variable D by 1.

[0117] 18E , when both the initial horizontal diffusion degree value Sx_ini and the initial vertical diffusion degree value Sy_ini are 30% or less, in the region where the first variable D≧1, the scaling factors (second variable B) of the horizontal diffusion degree Sx and the vertical diffusion degree Sy with respect to the initial horizontal diffusion degree value Sx_ini and the initial vertical diffusion degree value Sy_ini become 2 times, 3 times, and so on, respectively, as the first variable D increases by 1. In addition, in the region where the first variable D≦−1, the scaling factors (second variable B) of the horizontal diffusion degree Sx and the vertical diffusion degree Sy with respect to the initial horizontal diffusion degree value Sx_ini and the initial vertical diffusion degree value Sy_ini become 1 / 2 times, 1 / 3 times, and so on, respectively, as the first variable D decreases by 1.

[0118] 18F and 18G are diagrams showing specific examples of the conversion table.

[0119] 18F shows a conversion table in which the initial horizontal diffusion degree value Sx_ini and the initial vertical diffusion degree value Sy_ini are both 50%. In this example, across the entire range of the first variable D, the horizontal diffusion degree Sx and the vertical diffusion degree Sy each increase or decrease by 5% for each one-step increase or decrease in the first variable D. In the example shown in FIG. 18F, the maximum value Dmax of the first variable is set to 10, where the horizontal diffusion degree Sx and the vertical diffusion degree Sy are both 100%, and the minimum value Dmin of the first variable is set to −10, where the horizontal diffusion degree Sx and the vertical diffusion degree Sy are both 0%.

[0120] 18G shows a conversion table in which the initial horizontal diffusion degree value Sx_ini is 30% and the initial vertical diffusion degree value Sy_ini is 20%. In this example, in the region where the first variable D is equal to or greater than 1, the horizontal diffusion degree Sx increases by 30% and the vertical diffusion degree Sy increases by 20% for each step increase in the first variable D. In the example shown in FIG. 18G, since the horizontal diffusion degree Sx exceeds 100% when the first variable D=3, the first variable D=2, at which the horizontal diffusion degree Sx is within 100%, is set as the maximum value Dmax of the first variable.

[0121] On the other hand, in the region where the first variable D≦−1, when the first variable D=−1, the horizontal diffusion degree Sx is 15% (=30% / 2) and the vertical diffusion degree Sy is 10% (=20% / 2). When the first variable D=−2, the horizontal diffusion degree Sx is 10% (=30% / 3) and the vertical diffusion degree Sy is 7% (≈20% / 3). Note that in the conversion table generation process described later, decimal points are rounded off. In the example shown in FIG. 18G, the first variable D=−2, where the vertical diffusion degree Sy is less than 10%, is set to the minimum value Dmin of the first variable.

[0122] In the enlargement process and reduction process described later, the control device 200 refers to a conversion table (for example, FIG. 18F or FIG. 18G) stored in the memory circuitry 223, reads out the horizontal diffusion degree Sx and the vertical diffusion degree Sy, and transmits them as first setting information (horizontal diffusion degree S1x, vertical diffusion degree S1y) to the lighting device 1. If the first variable D exceeds the maximum value Dmax or if the first variable D is less than the minimum value Dmin, the enlargement process or reduction process is invalidated.

[0123] A specific example of the processing in the control device 200 of the lighting device 1 according to the above embodiment will be described below. Fig. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the initial setting processing of the lighting control application.

[0124] When the lighting control application is started on the control device 200, the lighting control application screen 400 shown in FIG. 15 is displayed in the display area DA (step S001).

[0125] The transmission / reception circuit 225 of the control device 200 executes a pairing process with the lighting device 1 (step S002), and transmits a request command for the second setting information to the device to be controlled (lighting device 1) (step S003).

[0126] The processing circuit 110 of the lighting device 1 reads out the horizontal diffuseness S2x and vertical diffuseness S2y stored in the memory circuit 113, and the transmitting / receiving circuit 111 of the lighting device 1 transmits the horizontal diffuseness S2x and vertical diffuseness S2y read out by the processing circuit 110 to the control device 200 as second setting information. Furthermore, the electrode driving circuit 112 of the lighting device 1 supplies driving voltages corresponding to the horizontal diffuseness S2x and vertical diffuseness S2y read out by the processing circuit 110 to the driving electrodes 10, 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100.

[0127] The transmission / reception circuit 225 of the control device 200 determines whether or not the second setting information has been received from the lighting device 1 (step S004). If the second setting information has not been received from the lighting device 1 (step S004; No), the processing of step S004 is repeatedly executed.

[0128] When the transmitting / receiving circuit 225 receives the second setting information from the lighting device 1 (step S004; Yes), the processing circuit 110 stores the horizontal diffusion degree S2x and the vertical diffusion degree S2y (second setting information) of the lighting device 1 as the initial horizontal diffusion degree value Sx_ini and the initial vertical diffusion degree value Sy_ini, respectively, in the storage circuit 223 (step S005). The display control circuit 231 of the control device 200 reflects the initial horizontal diffusion degree value Sx_ini and the initial vertical diffusion degree value Sy_ini in the display control on the lighting control application screen 400 (step S006).

[0129] When the processing up to step S006 is completed, the process shifts to a standby state (step S007), and the initial setting processing is completed.

[0130] After the initial setting process shown in Fig. 19 is completed, the process proceeds to the illumination control process shown in Fig. 20. Fig. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the overall flow of the illumination control process in the control device 200 according to the embodiment.

[0131] In a standby state after the initial setting process is completed, the control device 200 executes a conversion table generation process (step S100). Fig. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of the conversion table generation process.

[0132] The processing circuitry 210 of the control device 200 determines whether the initial horizontal spread factor Sx_ini and the initial vertical spread factor Sy_ini stored in the memory circuitry 223 exceed 30% (Sx_ini>30%, step S101, and Sy_ini>30%, step S102).

[0133] If at least one of the horizontal spread degree initial value Sx_ini and the vertical spread degree initial value Sy_ini exceeds 30% (Sx_ini>30%, step S101; Yes, or Sy_ini>30%, step S102; Yes), the processing circuit 210 initializes a first variable D (D=0, step S111), increments the first variable D (D=D+1, step S112), and multiplies the horizontal spread degree initial value Sx_ini and the vertical spread degree initial value Sy_ini by the second variable B, respectively, to calculate the horizontal spread degree Sx(D) and the vertical spread degree Sy(D) at the first variable D (Sx(D)=Sx_ini×B, Sy(D)=Sy_ini×B, step S113).

[0134] The processing circuitry 210 determines whether the calculated horizontal spread Sx(D) and vertical spread Sy(D) exceed 100% (Sx(D)>100%, step S114, and Sy(D)>100%, step S115).

[0135] If both the horizontal spread degree Sx(D) and the vertical spread degree Sy(D) are 100% or less (Sx(D)≦100%, step S114; No, and Sy(D)≦100%, step S115; No), the processing circuit 210 stores the horizontal spread degree Sx(D) and the vertical spread degree Sy(D) corresponding to the first variable D in the memory circuit 223 (step S116), and repeatedly executes the processing from step S112 onwards.

[0136] If at least one of the horizontal spread degree Sx(D) and the vertical spread degree Sy(D) exceeds 100% (Sx(D)>100%, step S114; Yes, or Sy(D)>100%, step S115; Yes), the processing circuit 210 initializes the first variable D (D=0, step S121), decrements the first variable D (D=D-1, step S122), and multiplies the initial horizontal spread degree value Sx_ini and the initial vertical spread degree value Sy_ini by the second variable B, respectively, to calculate the horizontal spread degree Sx(D) and the vertical spread degree Sy(D) at the first variable D (Sx(D)=Sx_ini×B, Sy(D)=Sy_ini×B, step S123).

[0137] The processing circuitry 210 determines whether the calculated horizontal spread Sx(D) and vertical spread Sy(D) are less than 0% (Sx(D)<0%, step S124, and Sy(D)<0%, step S125).

[0138] If both the horizontal spread degree Sx(D) and the vertical spread degree Sy(D) are 0% or more (Sx(D)≧0%, step S124; No, and Sy(D)≧0%, step S125; No), the processing circuit 210 stores the horizontal spread degree Sx(D) and the vertical spread degree Sy(D) corresponding to the first variable D in the memory circuit 223 (step S126), and repeatedly executes the processing from step S122 onwards.

[0139] If at least one of the horizontal diffusion degree Sx(D) and the vertical diffusion degree Sy(D) is less than 0% (Sx(D)<0%, step S124; Yes, or Sy(D)<0%, step S125; Yes), the process returns to the illumination control process shown in Fig. 20. By the processes in steps S111 to S126 above, a conversion table for when at least one of the horizontal diffusion degree initial value Sx_ini and the vertical diffusion degree initial value Sy_ini shown in Fig. 18D exceeds 30% is generated and stored in the memory circuitry 223.

[0140] If both the horizontal spread degree initial value Sx_ini and the vertical spread degree initial value Sy_ini are 30% or less (Sx_ini≦30%, step S101; No, and Sy_ini≦30%, step S102; No), the processing circuit 210 initializes a first variable D (D=0, step S131), increments the first variable D (D=D+1, step S132), and multiplies the horizontal spread degree initial value Sx_ini and the vertical spread degree initial value Sy_ini by the second variable B, respectively, to calculate the horizontal spread degree Sx(D) and the vertical spread degree Sy(D) at the first variable D (Sx(D)=Sx_ini×B, Sy(D)=Sy_ini×B, step S133).

[0141] The processing circuitry 210 determines whether the calculated horizontal spread Sx(D) and vertical spread Sy(D) exceed 100% (Sx(D)>100%, step S134, and Sy(D)>100%, step S135).

[0142] If both the horizontal spread degree Sx(D) and the vertical spread degree Sy(D) are 100% or less (Sx(D)≦100%, step S134; No, and Sy(D)≦100%, step S135; No), the processing circuit 210 stores the horizontal spread degree Sx(D) and the vertical spread degree Sy(D) corresponding to the first variable D in the memory circuit 223 (step S136), and repeatedly executes the processing from step S132 onwards.

[0143] If at least one of the horizontal spread degree Sx(D) and the vertical spread degree Sy(D) exceeds 100% (Sx(D)>100%, step S134; Yes, or Sy(D)>100%, step S135; Yes), the processing circuit 210 initializes the first variable D (D=0, step S141), decrements the first variable D (D=D-1, step S142), and multiplies the initial horizontal spread degree value Sx_ini and the initial vertical spread degree value Sy_ini by the second variable B, respectively, to calculate the horizontal spread degree Sx(D) and the vertical spread degree Sy(D) at the first variable D (Sx(D)=Sx_ini×B, Sy(D)=Sy_ini×B, step S143).

[0144] The processing circuitry 210 determines whether the calculated horizontal spread Sx(D) and vertical spread Sy(D) are less than 10% (Sx(D)<10%, step S144, and Sy(D)<10%, step S145).

[0145] If both the horizontal spread degree Sx(D) and the vertical spread degree Sy(D) are 10% or more (Sx(D)≧10%, step S144; No, and Sy(D)≧10%, step S145; No), the processing circuit 210 stores the horizontal spread degree Sx(D) and the vertical spread degree Sy(D) corresponding to the first variable D in the memory circuit 223 (step S146), and repeatedly executes the processes from step S142 onwards.

[0146] If at least one of the horizontal diffusion degree Sx(D) and the vertical diffusion degree Sy(D) is less than 10% (Sx(D)<10%, step S144; Yes, or Sy(D)<10%, step S145; Yes), the horizontal diffusion degree Sx(D) and the vertical diffusion degree Sy(D) corresponding to the first variable D are stored in the storage circuitry 223 (step S147), and the process returns to the illumination control process shown in Fig. 20. By the processes of steps S131 to S147 above, a conversion table for the case where both the horizontal diffusion degree initial value Sx_ini and the vertical diffusion degree initial value Sy_ini shown in Fig. 18E are 30% or less is generated and stored in the storage circuitry 223.

[0147] When the conversion table generation process is completed (step S100), the processing circuit 210 of the control device 200 initializes a first variable D (D=0, step S011), and determines whether a touch on the first slider S1 has been detected (step S012), whether a touch on the second slider S2 has been detected (step S013), and whether a touch on the determination area TA has been detected (step S014). If a touch on the first slider S1, the second slider S2, or the determination area TA has not been detected (step S012; No, step S013; No, step S014; No), the process from step S012 onward is repeatedly executed. Note that the order of the processes in steps S012, S013, and S014 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 20. For example, after determining whether a touch to the judgment area TA has been detected (step S014), it may be determined whether a touch to the first slider S1 has been detected (step S012) and whether a touch to the second slider S2 has been detected (step S013).

[0148] When a touch on the first slider S1 is detected (step S012; Yes), the processing circuit 210 of the control device 200 executes a horizontal spread degree adjustment process (step S200). Fig. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of the horizontal spread degree adjustment process.

[0149] The processing circuit 210 detects a position x0 (a touch detection position in the X direction) of the first slider S1 on the display area DA (step S201), and calculates a horizontal diffusion degree Sx corresponding to the position x0 (step S202). The horizontal diffusion degree Sx calculated by the processing circuit 210 is reflected in the display control on the lighting control application screen 400 by the display control circuit 231 (step S203), and is transmitted as first setting information (horizontal diffusion degree S1x) to the lighting device 1 by the transmission / reception circuit 225 (step S204).

[0150] The processing circuit 210 determines whether the first slider S1 is being touched continuously (step S205), and if the first slider S1 is being touched continuously (step S205; Yes), it repeats the processing from step S201 onwards, and if the first slider S1 is not being touched continuously (step S205; No), it returns to the illumination control processing shown in Fig. 20, stores the latest horizontal diffusion degree Sx calculated in the horizontal diffusion degree adjustment processing (step S200) as the horizontal diffusion degree initial value Sx_ini in the storage circuit 223 (step S021), and executes the conversion table generation processing (step S100) again based on the latest horizontal diffusion degree initial value Sx_ini. As a result, the conversion table of the horizontal diffusion degree is updated and stored in the storage circuit 223.

[0151] When a touch on the second slider S2 is detected (step S013; Yes), the processing circuit 210 of the control device 200 executes a vertical spread degree adjustment process (step S300). Fig. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of the vertical spread degree adjustment process.

[0152] The processing circuit 210 detects a position y0 (a touch detection position in the Y direction) of the second slider S2 on the display area DA (step S301), and calculates a vertical diffusion degree Sy corresponding to the position y0 (step S302). The vertical diffusion degree Sy calculated by the processing circuit 210 is reflected in the display control on the lighting control application screen 400 by the display control circuit 231 (step S303), and is transmitted as first setting information (vertical diffusion degree S1y) to the lighting device 1 by the transmission / reception circuit 225 (step S304).

[0153] The processing circuit 210 determines whether the touch on the second slider S2 continues (step S305). If the touch on the second slider S2 continues (step S305; Yes), the processing after step S301 is repeatedly executed. If the touch on the second slider S2 does not continue (step S305; No), the process returns to the lighting control process shown in FIG. 20, and the latest vertical diffusion degree Sy calculated in the vertical diffusion degree adjustment process (step S300) is stored in the storage circuit 223 as the vertical diffusion degree initial value Sy_ini (step S031), and the conversion table generation process (step S100) is executed again based on the latest vertical diffusion degree initial value Sy_ini. Thereby, a conversion table of the vertical diffusion degree is generated and stored in the storage circuit 223.

[0154] When detecting a touch on the determination area TA (step S014; Yes), the processing circuit 210 of the control device 200 resets the touch operation determination timer T in the determination area TA (T = 0, step S015), and determines whether a predetermined time threshold value Tth (for example, 1 sec) has elapsed (T≧Tth, step S016). When the time threshold value Tth has not elapsed (T < Tth, step S016; No), the processing circuit 210 determines whether the touch on the determination area TA continues (step S017). If the touch on the determination area TA continues (step S017; Yes), the process returns to the process of step S016.

[0155] If the touch on the determination area TA does not continue (step S017; No), the processing circuit 210 determines again whether a touch on the determination area TA has been detected (step S018). If a touch on the determination area TA has not been detected (step S018; No), the processing circuit 210 determines whether the time threshold value Tth has elapsed (T≧Tth, step S019). When the time threshold value Tth has elapsed (T≧Tth, step S019; Yes), the process returns to the process of step S012. When the time threshold value Tth has not elapsed (T < Tth, step S019; No), the process returns to the process of step S018.

[0156] In the process of step S018, if a touch on the determination area TA is detected again (step S018; Yes), the processing circuit 210 determines that the determination area TA has been double-tapped on the lighting control application screen 400, increments the first variable D (D=D+1, step S041), and executes the enlargement process (step S400). Fig. 24 is a flowchart showing an example of the enlargement process.

[0157] The processing circuit 210 refers to the conversion table stored in the memory circuit 223 and determines whether the first variable D exceeds the maximum value Dmax (D>Dmax, step S401).

[0158] If the first variable D is equal to or less than the maximum value Dmax (D≦Dmax, step S401; No), the processing circuit 210 reads out the horizontal diffusion degree Sx(D) and vertical diffusion degree Sy(D) corresponding to the first variable D from the conversion table (step S402), and calculates the position x0 of the first slider S1 on the display area DA and the position y0 of the second slider S2 on the display area DA (step S403). The display control circuit 231 reflects the horizontal diffusion degree Sx(D) and the vertical diffusion degree Sy(D), the position x0 of the first slider S1 on the display area DA, and the position y0 of the second slider S2 on the display area DA in the display control on the lighting control application screen 400 (step S404), and the transmitting / receiving circuit 225 transmits the horizontal diffusion degree Sx(D) and the vertical diffusion degree Sy(D) to the lighting device 1 as first setting information (horizontal diffusion degree S1x, vertical diffusion degree S1y) (step S405), and then returns to the lighting control processing shown in FIG. 20 and to the processing of step S012.

[0159] Furthermore, the transmitting / receiving circuit 111 of the lighting device 1 stores the first setting information (horizontal diffusivity S1x, vertical diffusivity S1y) transmitted from the control device 200 in the memory circuit 113 as new horizontal diffusivity S2x and vertical diffusivity S2y. Furthermore, the electrode driving circuit 112 of the lighting device 1 supplies driving voltages according to the horizontal diffusivity S2x and vertical diffusivity S2y stored in the memory circuit 113 by the processing circuit 210 to the driving electrodes 10 and 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100.

[0160] In the process of step S401, if the first variable D exceeds the maximum value Dmax (D > Dmax, step S401; Yes), the processing circuit 210 invalidates the enlargement process (step S406), returns to the lighting control process shown in FIG. 20, and returns to the process of step S012. At this time, a warning may be displayed on the lighting control application screen 400 indicating that it is the maximum irradiation range of the light of the lighting device 1. The warning display may be a text display, or may be a mode of changing the colors of the light distribution shape object OBJ, the horizontal diffusion degree display value, and the vertical diffusion degree display value (for example, red). Alternatively, instead of the warning display, the user may be notified that it is the minimum irradiation range of the light of the lighting device 1 by the vibration function of the control device 200.

[0161] When the time threshold Tth elapses in the process of step S016 (T ≥ Tth, step S016; Yes), the processing circuit 210 determines that the determination area TA has been long-tapped on the lighting control application screen 400, decrements the first variable D (D = D - 1, step S051), and executes a reduction process (step S500). FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an example of the reduction process.

[0162] The processing circuit 210 refers to the conversion table stored in the storage circuit 223 and determines whether the first variable D is less than the minimum value Dmin (D < Dmin, step S501).

[0163] When the first variable D is greater than or equal to the minimum value Dmin (D ≥ Dmin, step S501; No), the processing circuit 210 reads out the horizontal diffusion degree Sx(D) and the vertical diffusion degree Sy(D) corresponding to the first variable D from the conversion table (step S502), and calculates the position x0 on the display area DA of the first slider S1 and the position y0 on the display area DA of the second slider S2 (step S503).

[0164] The display control circuit 231 reflects the horizontal diffusion degree Sx(D), the vertical diffusion degree Sy(D), the position x0 on the display area DA of the first slider S1, and the position y0 on the display area DA of the second slider S2 in the display control on the illumination control application screen 400 (step S504), and the transmission / reception circuit 225 transmits the horizontal diffusion degree Sx(D) and the vertical diffusion degree Sy(D) to the illumination device 1 as the first setting information (horizontal diffusion degree S1x, vertical diffusion degree S1y) (step S505).

[0165] Also, the transmission / reception circuit 111 of the illumination device 1 stores the first setting information (horizontal diffusion degree S1x, vertical diffusion degree S1y) transmitted from the control device 200 in the storage circuit 113 as new horizontal diffusion degree S2x and vertical diffusion degree S2y. Further, the electrode drive circuit 112 of the illumination device 1 supplies drive voltages corresponding to the horizontal diffusion degree S2x and the vertical diffusion degree S2y stored in the storage circuit 113 by the processing circuit 210 to the respective drive electrodes 10, 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100.

[0166] Thereafter, returning to the illumination control process shown in FIG. 20, the processing circuit 210 determines whether the time threshold Tth has elapsed (T≧Tth, step S052).

[0167] If the time threshold Tth has not elapsed (T<Tth, step S052; No), it is determined whether the touch continues (step S053). If the touch does not continue (step S053; No), the process returns to the process of step S012. If the touch continues (step S053; Yes), the process returns to the process of step S052. And when the time threshold Tth elapses (step S052; Yes), the process returns to the process of step S051, the first variable D is decremented (D = D - 1, step S051), and the reduction process (step S500) is executed again. Thereafter, the control device 200 repeatedly executes the reduction process (step S500) until the touch stops (step S053; No).

[0168] In the process of step S501, if the first variable D is less than the minimum value Dmin (D < Dmin, step S501; Yes), the processing circuit 210 invalidates the reduction process (step S506) and returns to the lighting control process shown in FIG. 20. At this time, a warning may be displayed on the lighting control application screen 400 indicating that it is the minimum light irradiation range of the lighting device 1. The warning display may be a text display, or may be a mode of changing the colors of the light distribution shape object OBJ, the horizontal diffusion degree display value, and the vertical diffusion degree display value (for example, red). Alternatively, instead of the warning display, the user may be notified that it is the minimum light irradiation range of the lighting device 1 by the vibration function of the control device 200.

[0169] Through the above-described lighting control process, when the control device 200 of the lighting device 1 according to the embodiment detects a double tap (first touch operation) in the determination area TA, the horizontal diffusion degree and the vertical diffusion degree are increased at the same or substantially the same ratio. When a long tap (second touch operation) is detected in the determination area TA, the horizontal diffusion degree and the vertical diffusion degree are decreased at the same or substantially the same ratio. Then, every time a double tap (first touch operation) is detected, the horizontal diffusion degree and the vertical diffusion degree are increased at the same or substantially the same ratio, and every time a long tap (second touch operation) is detected, the horizontal diffusion degree and the vertical diffusion degree are decreased at the same or substantially the same ratio. Thereby, it is possible to intuitively expand or contract the light irradiation range of the lighting device 1 while maintaining the light distribution shape. That is, after the user operates the first slider S1 or the second slider S2 on the lighting control application screen 400 to adjust the light distribution shape, while maintaining the shape of this light distribution shape, by double-tapping or long-tapping a predetermined area on the lighting control application screen 400, it is possible to expand or contract each of the light distribution shapes. Also, during the expansion / contraction operation, the first slider S1 or the second slider S2 is operated again to update the light distribution shape, and then, by double-tapping or long-tapping a predetermined area on the lighting control application screen 400, the expansion / contraction operation with the updated light distribution shape becomes possible.

[0170] In the present disclosure, the light distribution shape object OBJ is reduced by the reduction process ( FIG. 25 ), and as a result, the position where the user long-tap is performed may fall outside the determination area TA. Therefore, in step S053 of the illumination control process ( FIG. 20 ), it is determined whether or not a touch is continuing within the detection area FA. For example, if the determination area TA is an area that does not change through the enlargement process ( FIG. 24 ) or the reduction process ( FIG. 25 ), such as the area inside the outline of the light distribution shape object OBJ when the horizontal diffusion degree Sx is 100% and the vertical diffusion degree Sy is 100%, or the area inside the outline of the light distribution shape object OBJ when the horizontal diffusion degree Sx is 0% and the vertical diffusion degree Sy is 0% (see FIG. 16 ), it is possible to determine whether or not a touch is continuing within the determination area TA in step S053 of the illumination control process ( FIG. 20 ), similarly to step S017. Furthermore, by setting the judgment area TA to an area that does not change due to the enlargement process (FIG. 24) or reduction process (FIG. 25), the user does not need to consciously change the position on the detection area FA where he or she double-tap or long-tap in accordance with changes in the light distribution state, and can more intuitively expand or reduce the light irradiation range of the lighting device 1.

[0171] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a configuration has been exemplified in which the degree of diffusion in two directions (horizontal diffusion and vertical diffusion) of optical element 100 can be controlled in order to control the light distribution pattern of lighting device 1 in two directions, the Dx direction and the Dy direction, but the enlargement and reduction processes in the present disclosure can also be applied to a configuration in which the degree of diffusion is controlled uniformly in all directions. That is, for example, the processes can be applied to a configuration in which the size of a substantially circular light distribution pattern object OBJ (the range of light irradiation by lighting device 1) is changed by a single slider provided on lighting control application screen 400 (adjustment screen).

[0172] 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 without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, if the lighting device of the present disclosure is capable of adjusting not only the light distribution shape but also the brightness and color of the light, a configuration in which the brightness and color of the light can be changed by touching the determination area using the configuration of the present disclosure is also possible. Appropriate modifications made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0173] 1. Lighting equipment 2 Liquid crystal cells 2_1 First liquid crystal cell 2_2 Second liquid crystal cell 2_3 Third liquid crystal cell 2_4 4th liquid crystal cell 4 light source 5 First board 6 Second board 7. Encapsulating material 8 Liquid Crystal Layer 9 Base material 10, 10a, 10b drive electrodes 11 1st metal wiring 11a,11b,11c,11d Metal wiring 12 Base material 13, 13a, 13b drive electrodes 14 2nd metal wiring 14a, 14b Metal wiring 15a,15b Continuity part 16a, 16b Connection terminal section 17 Liquid crystal molecules 18 Alignment film 19 Alignment film 20 Display panel 30 Touch Sensor 31 Detector element 100 Optical Elements 111 Transmitting and receiving circuit 112 Electrode drive circuit 113 Memory circuit 200 control device 210 Processing circuit 211 Detection circuit 223 Memory circuit 225 Transmitting and receiving circuit 231 Display control circuit 300 Communication means (wireless communication means) 400 Lighting control app screen AA effective area DA display area FA detection area GA peripheral area OBJ Light distribution shape object S1 First slider S2 Second slider TA judgment area

Claims

1. A control device for controlling a lighting device capable of changing an illumination range by controlling the diffusion degree of light emitted from a light source, 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; Equipped with a determination area for detecting a predetermined touch operation is provided within the detection area; The touch operations to be detected in the determination area include a first touch operation defined by at least one of the number of times and duration of touches on the determination area, and a second touch operation different from the first touch operation, When the first touch operation is detected, the diffusion degree of the lighting device is increased; When the second touch operation is detected, the diffusion degree of the lighting device is reduced. Control device for lighting devices.

2. increasing a diffusion degree of the lighting device each time the first touch operation is detected; reducing the diffusion degree of the lighting device every time the second touch operation is detected; The control device for a lighting device according to claim 1 .

3. one of the first touch operation and the second touch operation is a double tap in which the determination area is touched twice within a predetermined time; the other of the first touch operation and the second touch operation is a long tap in which touch on the determination area continues for a predetermined period of time; The lighting device control device according to claim 2 .

4. The display panel includes: an adjustment screen for adjusting the degree of diffusion of the lighting device according to the amount of movement of the touch detection position in the detection area is displayed; setting a change step of the diffusion degree of the lighting device when the first touch operation and the second touch operation are detected based on the diffusion degree adjusted on the adjustment screen; The control device for a lighting device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The illumination range is defined in two directions, a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, The adjustment screen includes: an X direction corresponding to the first direction, a Y direction corresponding to the second direction, and an XY plane having origins at a predetermined position on the adjustment screen are defined, and a light distribution shape object having a center point at the origin of the XY plane is provided corresponding to the illumination range. The lighting device control device according to claim 4 .

6. The adjustment screen includes: a position corresponding to the diffusion degree of the lighting device overlaps on the contour line of the light distribution shape object, one of the shape and the size of the light distribution pattern object on the adjustment screen is changed in accordance with the change in the diffusion degree of the lighting device. The lighting device control device according to claim 5 .

7. The adjustment screen includes: a first slider that overlaps an intersection of a contour line of the light distribution shape object and an X axis of the XY plane; a second slider that overlaps an intersection of a contour line of the light distribution shape object and a Y axis of the XY plane; is established, adjusting a degree of diffusion in the first direction in accordance with a movement amount of the first slider in the X direction; adjusting the degree of diffusion in the second direction in accordance with the amount of movement of the second slider in the Y direction; The lighting device control device according to claim 6 .

8. When the first touch operation or the second touch operation is detected, the diffusion degree in the first direction and the diffusion degree in the second direction are changed at the same or substantially the same ratio. The lighting device control device according to claim 7 .

9. the determination region is provided inside the outline of the light distribution shape object; The lighting device control device according to claim 8 .

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