Lighting control system, lighting system, lighting control method, program, server, and control device

Abstract

The present disclosure addresses the problem of performing on-demand lighting rendition based on a user's instruction. A lighting control system (A1) comprises a control device (C1) that controls a plurality of lighting devices (D1) installed in a space for rendition, and a server (S1) capable of communicating with the control device (C1) and a communication terminal (E1) via a network (NW1). The server (S1), upon receiving a user's instruction input from a communication terminal (E1) carried by the user, transmits, to the control device (C1), on-demand control information for performing on-demand lighting rendition based on the instruction input. The control device (C1) controls the plurality of lighting devices (D1) on the basis of the on-demand control information to perform the on-demand lighting rendition.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lighting control system, a lighting system, a lighting control method, a program, a server, and a control device, and more particularly to a lighting control system, a lighting system, a lighting control method, a program, a server, and a control device that perform lighting effects. [Background technology]

[0002] As a conventional example, we will take the spatial presentation device (lighting system) described in Patent Document 1. The spatial presentation device described in Patent Document 1 (hereinafter referred to as the conventional example) is equipped with multiple presentation poles incorporating LEDs, speakers, sensors that detect human bodies, and controllers that control the on / off of the LEDs and the drive / stop of the speakers based on signals from the sensors.

[0003] Multiple performance poles are placed at intervals in areas where pedestrians pass by, and sensors detect the movements of pedestrians in the surrounding area.By controlling the LEDs and speakers based on the sensor detection results, it is possible to create a detailed spatial effect using light and sound.

[0004] In the above-mentioned conventional example, the controller was only able to control the LED and speaker in accordance with predetermined content. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-151439 Summary of the Invention

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a lighting control system, a lighting system, a lighting control method, a program, a server, and a control device that can perform on-demand lighting effects based on user instructions.

[0007] A lighting control system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a control device that controls a plurality of lighting devices installed in a space to be designed for lighting effects, and a server that can communicate with the control device and a communication terminal via a network. When the server receives an instruction input from a user via the communication terminal carried by the user, the server transmits on-demand control information to the control device for creating an on-demand lighting effect based on the instruction input. The control device controls the plurality of lighting devices based on the on-demand control information to create the on-demand lighting effect. The server transmits steady-state control information for performing a steady-state lighting effect to the control device. The control device performs the steady-state lighting effect by controlling the plurality of lighting devices based on the steady-state control information. Upon receiving the instruction input, the server transmits an interrupt command to the control device and then transmits the on-demand control information to the control device. Upon receiving the interrupt command, the control device interrupts the steady-state lighting effect and performs the on-demand lighting effect by controlling the plurality of lighting devices based on the on-demand control information.

[0008] A lighting system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the lighting control system and the plurality of lighting devices controlled by the control device of the lighting control system.

[0009] A lighting control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure communicates with a control device that controls multiple lighting devices installed in a space to be designed for lighting effects and a communication terminal carried by a user, and upon receiving information regarding an instruction input by the user from the communication terminal, transmits on-demand control information to the control device for performing on-demand lighting effects based on the instruction input. The lighting control method transmits steady-state control information for performing a steady-state lighting effect to the control device, and causes the control device to control the plurality of lighting devices based on the steady-state control information to perform the steady-state lighting effect. Upon receiving information regarding the instruction input from the communication terminal, the lighting control method transmits an interrupt command to the control device and then transmits the on-demand control information to the control device, causes the control device that has received the interrupt command to interrupt the steady-state lighting effect, and causes the control device to control the plurality of lighting devices based on the on-demand control information to perform the on-demand lighting effect.

[0010] A program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: The lighting control method is executed.

[0011] A server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first communication unit and a second communication unit. The first communication unit communicates with a control device that controls a plurality of lighting devices installed in a space to be rendered. The second communication unit communicates with a communication terminal carried by a user. The first communication unit transmits steady-state control information for performing a steady-state lighting effect to the control device, and performs the steady-state lighting effect by having the control device control the multiple lighting devices based on the steady-state control information. When the second communication unit receives information regarding the user's instruction input from the communication terminal, the first communication unit transmits on-demand control information to the control device for performing on-demand lighting effects based on the instruction input. When the second communication unit receives information regarding the instruction input from the communication terminal, it causes the first communication unit to send an interrupt command to the control device, and then causes the first communication unit to send the on-demand control information to the control device, causing the control device that has received the interrupt command to interrupt the regular lighting performance, and causing the control device to control the multiple lighting devices based on the on-demand control information, thereby performing the on-demand lighting performance.

[0012] The control device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a third communication unit that communicates with the server and a fourth communication unit that communicates with the plurality of lighting devices, and when the third communication unit receives the on-demand control information from the server, the fourth communication unit transmits information related to lighting control based on the on-demand control information to the plurality of lighting devices. When the third communication unit receives the steady-state control information from the server, the control device performs the steady-state lighting performance by controlling the plurality of lighting devices based on the steady-state control information. When the third communication unit receives the on-demand control information from the server after receiving the interrupt command from the server, the control device interrupts the steady-state lighting performance and performs the on-demand lighting performance by controlling the plurality of lighting devices based on the on-demand control information. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a lighting control system and a lighting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a lighting device in the lighting system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a front view of the lighting control system and a communication terminal used in the lighting system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front view of the communication terminal in a state where input is being received. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a front view of the communication terminal in a state where a start button is displayed. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view of a temple in which lighting effects are performed using the lighting control system and lighting system described above. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a floor plan of the temple. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a system configuration diagram of a modified example of the lighting control system and lighting system of the above embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] A lighting control system, a lighting system, a lighting control method, a program, a server, and a control device according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0015] (1) Overview A lighting control system A1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a control device C1 that controls multiple lighting devices D1 installed in a space to be displayed, and a server (cloud server) S1 that can communicate with the control device C1 and a communication terminal E1 via a network NW1 (see FIG. 1 ). In this embodiment, the "space to be displayed" refers to outdoor or indoor facilities such as parks, shrines, temples, museums, art galleries, train stations, stadiums, and gymnasiums. The multiple lighting devices D1 are installed in these facilities and used to illuminate the "space to be displayed." It is preferable that each of the multiple lighting devices D1 be capable of not only blinking but also dimming and adjusting color. It is also preferable that each of the multiple lighting devices D1 has communication capabilities compliant with a lighting control communication standard, such as DMX (Digital Multiplex) 512A.

[0016] The server S1 includes a first communication unit S11 that communicates with the control device C1 and a second communication unit S12 that communicates with a communication terminal E1 carried by a user. When the second communication unit S12 receives information regarding a user's instruction input from the communication terminal E1, the first communication unit S11 transmits on-demand control information to the control device C1 for performing on-demand lighting effects based on the instruction input. The server S1 is a virtual server provided in a cloud environment (Internet environment). Note that a virtual server is a virtual server built on a physical server. However, the server S1 is not limited to a cloud server and may be, for example, a physical server such as a web server or a dedicated server. The communication terminal E1 in this embodiment is, for example, a portable communication terminal such as a smartphone.

[0017] The control device C1 performs on-demand lighting effects by controlling the plurality of lighting devices D1 based on the on-demand control information. The control device C1 has a third communication unit C11 that communicates with the server S1 via the network NW1 (Internet) and a fourth communication unit C12 that communicates with the plurality of lighting devices D1. The fourth communication unit C12 has a communication function in common with the communication function (e.g., a communication function compliant with DMX512A) of a fifth communication unit D13 that the plurality of lighting devices D1 have.

[0018] Therefore, the lighting control system A1 according to the embodiment transmits on-demand control information based on instruction input received from the communication terminal E1 from the server S1, and causes the control device C1 to control multiple lighting devices D1 based on the on-demand control information, thereby enabling on-demand lighting effects to be performed based on user instructions.

[0019] A lighting system B1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a lighting control system A1 according to an embodiment and a plurality of lighting devices D1 controlled by a control device C1 of the lighting control system A1 according to an embodiment (see FIG. 1).

[0020] Therefore, the lighting system B1 according to the embodiment transmits on-demand control information based on instruction input received from the communication terminal E1 from the server S1, and causes the control device C1 to control multiple lighting devices D1 based on the on-demand control information, thereby enabling on-demand lighting effects to be performed based on user instructions.

[0021] A lighting control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure communicates with a control device C1 that controls multiple lighting devices D1 installed in a space to be designed, and a communication terminal E1 carried by a user. When the lighting control method receives information related to an instruction input from the user from the communication terminal E1, it transmits on-demand control information to the control device C1 for performing on-demand lighting design based on the instruction input.

[0022] Therefore, the lighting control method of the embodiment transmits on-demand control information based on instruction input received from the communication terminal E1, and the control device C1 controls multiple lighting devices D1 based on the on-demand control information, thereby enabling on-demand lighting effects to be performed based on user instructions.

[0023] A program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure causes one or more processors to execute a process for communicating with a control device C1 that controls multiple lighting devices D1 installed in a space to be designed, and with a communication terminal E1 carried by a user. The program causes the one or more processors to execute a process for receiving information related to an instruction input by the user from the communication terminal E1. The program causes the one or more processors to execute a process for transmitting on-demand control information to the control device C1 for performing on-demand lighting design based on the instruction input.

[0024] Therefore, the program according to the embodiment transmits on-demand control information based on instruction input received from the communication terminal E1, and causes the control device C1 to control multiple lighting devices D1 based on the on-demand control information, thereby enabling on-demand lighting effects to be performed based on the user's instructions.

[0025] The present disclosure Embodiment The server S1 according to the present invention includes a first communication unit S11 and a second communication unit S12. The first communication unit S11 communicates with a control device C1 that controls multiple lighting devices D1 installed in a space to be illuminated. The second communication unit S12 communicates with a communication terminal E1 carried by a user. When the second communication unit S12 receives information regarding an instruction input by the user from the communication terminal E1, the first communication unit S11 transmits on-demand control information to the control device C1 for performing on-demand lighting illumination based on the instruction input.

[0026] Thus, the server S1 according to the embodiment can perform on-demand lighting effects based on instructions from a user.

[0027] The present disclosure Embodiment The control device C1 according to the present invention includes a third communication unit C11 that communicates with a server S1 and a fourth communication unit C12 that communicates with a plurality of lighting devices D1. When the third communication unit C11 receives on-demand control information from the server S1, the fourth communication unit C12 transmits information related to lighting control based on the on-demand control information to the plurality of lighting devices D1.

[0028] Thus, the control device C1 according to the embodiment can perform on-demand lighting effects based on instructions from the user.

[0029] (2) Details The lighting system B1 (hereinafter abbreviated as lighting system B1) according to the embodiment has a lighting control system A1 (hereinafter abbreviated as lighting control system A1) according to the embodiment and a plurality of lighting devices D1 controlled by a control device C1 of the lighting control system A1 (see FIG. 1).

[0030] The lighting control system A1 includes a control device C1 that controls multiple lighting devices D1 installed in the space to be produced, and a server S1 that can communicate with the control device C1 and a communication terminal E1 via a network NW1 (Internet).

[0031] It should be noted that each of the lighting control system A1 and the lighting system B1 may include a plurality of control devices C1.

[0032] (2-1) Lighting equipment Each of the lighting devices D1 is a floodlight used for floodlighting such as for lighting up an area (see FIG. 2). Each of the lighting devices D1 includes a light source D11, a control unit D12, and a fifth communication unit D13. The light source D11 has four light-emitting diodes (LEDs) of red, green, blue, and white, and is capable of dimming and adjusting color. The fifth communication unit D13 uses a communication cable Ls1 as a communication medium to transmit and receive signals compliant with the DMX512A standard (hereinafter referred to as DMX signals) to and from the control device C1. The control unit D12 controls the blinking (switching between on and off) of the light source D11, as well as dimming and adjusting color in response to the DMX signals received by the fifth communication unit D13 from the control device C1.

[0033] However, the plurality of lighting devices D1 are not limited to floodlights. At least some of the plurality of lighting devices D1 may be lighting devices other than floodlights, for example, lighting devices that illuminate building walls with indirect light. Furthermore, the fifth communication unit D13 may communicate using a communication protocol suitable for lighting control, and may communicate using a communication protocol that complies with standards such as DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface: see IEC62386: registered trademark) in addition to DMX512A.

[0034] (2-2) Control device The control device C1 includes a third communication unit C11, a fourth communication unit C12, and a processing unit C13. However, the control device C1 mainly comprises one or more processors and memory as hardware, and the processing unit C13 is realized by the one or more processors executing a program recorded in the memory.

[0035] The third communication unit C11 has a gateway function and can communicate with the server S1 via the network NW1. However, a gateway device separate from the control device C1 may be installed, and the third communication unit C11 may communicate with the server S1 via the gateway device.

[0036] Furthermore, communication between the third communication unit C11 and the server S1 uses TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol), a standard Internet communication protocol. Meanwhile, communication between the fourth communication unit C12 and the plurality of lighting devices D1 is compliant with the DMX512A standard. In other words, the control device C1 can communicate in accordance with the different communication standards of TCP / IP and DMX512A. However, a signal conversion device that converts TCP / IP signals into DMX signals may be provided separately from the control device C1, and the TCP / IP signals sent from the control device C1 may be converted into DMX signals by the signal conversion device before being sent to the lighting devices D1.

[0037] The processing unit C13 stores control data for lighting effects in its memory. The control data is data for flashing (turning on and off), dimming, and adjusting the color of the multiple lighting devices D1 (controlling them). The processing unit C13 stores multiple types of control data in its memory. The multiple types of control data correspond one-to-one to the contents of the multiple types of lighting effects. The multiple types of control data stored in the memory of the processing unit C13 include control data for regular lighting effects and control data for on-demand lighting effects. Regular lighting effects are lighting effects that are performed according to a predetermined schedule during the time period in a day when the lighting effects are performed (for example, five hours from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM). On the other hand, on-demand lighting effects are lighting effects that are temporarily performed in response to input received from a user.

[0038] The processing unit C13 reads one or more types of control data from the memory in accordance with instructions received from the server S1 via the third communication unit C11. The processing unit C13 then transmits a DMX signal containing the read control data to the lighting devices D1 via the fourth communication unit C12. When the fifth communication unit D13 receives the DMX signal transmitted from the fourth communication unit C12 of the control device C1, the control unit D12 controls the lighting devices D1 to blink, dim, or adjust the color according to the control data contained in the received DMX signal.

[0039] (2-3) Communication terminal The communication terminal E1 is an electronic device that has an input device and a display, such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, and is capable of wireless communication via the Internet (network NW1). The communication terminal E1 is carried by a user who uses the space (facility) that is the target of the performance. In the following explanation, it is assumed that the communication terminal E1 is a smartphone.

[0040] The communication terminal E1 has a thin, plate-like housing 1 made of synthetic resin or metal, and a display 10 with a touch panel provided on the front surface of the housing 1 (see FIG. 3). The display 10 is a liquid crystal display or organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display with a touch panel.

[0041] The communication terminal E1 is also equipped with a camera, and can acquire information from a two-dimensional code captured by the camera using a two-dimensional code reader (application). The information acquired from the two-dimensional code is, for example, a uniform resource locator (URL) of a web page.

[0042] (2-4) Server The server S1 has a first communication unit S11, a second communication unit S12, and a server control unit S13. The server control unit S13 includes a computer system. The computer system is primarily composed of one or more processors and memory as hardware. The functions of the server control unit S13 are realized by the one or more processors executing a program stored in the memory of the computer system. The program may be pre-stored in the memory of the computer system, provided via a telecommunications line, or provided by being stored on a non-transitory recording medium readable by the computer system, such as a memory card, optical disk, or hard disk drive. The processor of the computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits, including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). The integrated circuits, such as ICs and LSIs, are referred to by different names depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSIs, very large-scale integration (VLSI), or ultra-large-scale integration (ULSI). Furthermore, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), which is programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or a logic device capable of reconfiguring the connections within the LSI or the circuit partitions within the LSI, can also be employed as a processor. Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated into a single chip or distributed across multiple chips. Multiple chips may be integrated into a single device or distributed across multiple devices. The computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, a microcontroller may also be composed of one or more electronic circuits, including a semiconductor integrated circuit or a large-scale integrated circuit.

[0043] The server control unit S13 can communicate with an operating PC via the network NW1. The server control unit S13 stores control data for a lighting performance created using the operating PC in memory. The server control unit S13 transmits a signal including the control data for a lighting performance read from memory to the control device C1 (third communication unit C11) from the first communication unit S11 via the network NW1. The server control unit S13 also transmits various control commands to the control device C1. For example, a control command instructing the control device C1 to execute a lighting performance is a control command for selecting one or more control data from multiple types of control data stored in the memory of the processing unit C13 of the control device C1 and instructing the control device C1 to execute the selected one or more control data. An interrupt command control command is a control command for instructing the processing unit C13 of the control device C1, which is executing a lighting performance, to suspend the lighting performance currently being executed. An interrupt release command control command is a control command for instructing the processing unit C13 of the control device C1, which is executing a lighting performance, to resume a lighting performance that has been suspended by an interrupt command.

[0044] The server control unit S13 also implements a WebAPI (Application Programming Interface). The WebAPI implemented in the server control unit S13 returns a URL of a web page for accepting input of various information (hereinafter, may be referred to as an input acceptance web page) in response to a request from a web browser accessed via the network NW1 to the second communication unit S12.

[0045] For example, when the server control unit S13 is accessed from the web browser of the communication terminal E1, the WebAPI implemented in the server control unit S13 sends an input acceptance web page from the second communication unit S12 to the web browser of the communication terminal E1. The web browser of the communication terminal E1 displays the web page received from the WebAPI of the server control unit S13 on the display 10 (see FIG. 4). When a user inputs data from the input acceptance web page displayed on the display 10 of the communication terminal E1, the input data is sent from the web browser of the communication terminal E1 to the WebAPI of the server control unit S13. The WebAPI of the server control unit S13 accepts the data sent from the web browser of the communication terminal E1 and received by the second communication unit S12.

[0046] (2-5) Operation explanation Next, the operation of the lighting control system A1 and the lighting system B1 will be described. In the following explanation of the operation, the temple gate G1 and the approach R1 leading to the gate G1 are the target spaces for illumination (see FIGS. 6 and 7). Multiple lighting devices D1 are installed at positions to light up the gate G1 and at positions to light up the groves W1 on both sides of the approach R1. In FIGS. 6 and 7, the positions where multiple lighting devices D1 are installed are indicated by the symbol (◆).

[0047] A sign with a two-dimensional code is installed on the approach R1. This two-dimensional code represents a URL for requesting the WebAPI implemented in the server control unit S13 of the server S1 to send an input acceptance web page.

[0048] When a user photographs a two-dimensional code with the camera of communication terminal E1 (smartphone) (see Figure 3), communication terminal E1 uses a two-dimensional code reader to obtain a URL from the two-dimensional code. Communication terminal E1 then launches a web browser and accesses the URL using the web browser.

[0049] When the URL is accessed from the web browser of communication terminal E1, server control unit S13 of server S1 sends a web page for WebAPI input acceptance back to the web browser of communication terminal E1 via second communication unit S12. The web browser of communication terminal E1 displays the web page received from the WebAPI of server control unit S13 on display 10 (see FIG. 4). This web page accepts input of the user's birthday (year, month, and day).

[0050] When a user enters their birthday on the input acceptance web page displayed on the display 10 of the communication terminal E1, the entered birthday data (year, month, and day data) is sent from the web browser of the communication terminal E1 to the WebAPI of the server control unit S13.

[0051] When the WebAPI of the server control unit S13 receives data transmitted from the web browser of the communication terminal E1, it transmits the URL of another web page (web page for receiving a trigger input) to the web browser of the communication terminal E1.

[0052] The web browser of communication terminal E1 displays the web page received from the WebAPI of server control unit S13 on display 10 (see FIG. 5). On this web page, a start button icon 11 is displayed on display 10. When start button icon 11 is touched, trigger input data is sent from the web browser of communication terminal E1 to the WebAPI of server control unit S13. However, after sending the URL of a web page for accepting trigger input to the web browser of communication terminal E1, if the WebAPI of server control unit S13 does not receive trigger input data within a predetermined time (e.g., one minute), it sends another web page. On this web page, the start button icon 11 is not displayed. In other words, the WebAPI of server control unit S13 displays the web page for accepting trigger input on display 10 of communication terminal E1 for a predetermined time.

[0053] When the WebAPI of the server control unit S13 receives trigger input data from the communication terminal E1, it sends an interrupt command to the control device C1. The WebAPI of the server control unit S13 then selects control data (control data for on-demand lighting performance) from among multiple types of control data stored in the memory of the processing unit C13 of the control device C1, based on the birthday data received from the communication terminal E1. The WebAPI of the server control unit S13 then sends a control command from the first communication unit S11 to the third communication unit C11 of the control device C1 to instruct execution of the selected control data for on-demand lighting performance.

[0054] When the processing unit C13 of the control device C1 receives the interrupt control command, it interrupts the regular lighting performance. Then, when the processing unit C13 receives a control command to execute control data for an on-demand lighting performance, it reads the control data for the on-demand lighting performance specified in the control command from memory. The processing unit C13 then transmits a DMX signal containing the control data for the on-demand lighting performance read from memory from the fourth communication unit C12 to the multiple lighting devices D1. When the multiple lighting devices D1 receive the DMX signal transmitted from the control device C1 via the fifth communication unit D13, the control unit D12 performs blinking, dimming, and color adjustment in accordance with the control data contained in the received DMX signal, thereby executing the on-demand lighting performance.

[0055] Here, the memory of processing unit C13 stores multiple types (e.g., five types) of control data corresponding to the year, month, and day of the birthday. On-demand lighting effects based on these five types of control data are, for example, lighting effects that use red, blue, green, yellow, and pink as the base color for each type, and dim and blink the lighting light of the base color. However, the content of on-demand lighting effects is not limited to lighting effects that use the above five colors of lighting light as the base color.

[0056] After transmitting the control data for on-demand lighting performance to the control device C1, the WebAPI of the server control unit S13 transmits a control command to cancel interruption to the control device C1 after a predetermined time (for example, 10 to 15 seconds) has elapsed.

[0057] When the processing unit C13 of the control device C1 receives the interrupt release control command via the third communication unit C11, it ends the on-demand lighting performance and transmits a DMX signal containing control data for a steady-state lighting performance to the plurality of lighting devices D1 via the fourth communication unit C12. When the plurality of lighting devices D1 receive the DMX signal transmitted from the control device C1 via the fifth communication unit D13, the control unit D12 blinks, dims, and adjusts the color according to the control data contained in the received DMX signal, thereby resuming the steady-state lighting performance.

[0058] Here, when the WebAPI of the server control unit S13 receives new operation input (entering a birthday and touching the start button) while an on-demand lighting performance is being executed, it sends an interrupt control command from the first communication unit S11 to the control device C1, and then selects control data for the on-demand lighting performance based on the newly received birthday data.The WebAPI of the server control unit S13 then sends a control command from the first communication unit S11 to the control device C1 to instruct it to execute the selected control data for the on-demand lighting performance.

[0059] When the processing unit C13 of the control device C1 receives an interrupt command while an on-demand lighting performance is being executed, it interrupts the on-demand lighting performance in progress and performs a (new) on-demand lighting performance by controlling the multiple lighting devices D1 based on the control data for the on-demand lighting performance newly received from the server S1.

[0060] However, if the WebAPI of server control unit S13 receives a new instruction input from communications terminal E1 before the predetermined time has elapsed, for example, if a new operation input (entering a birthday or touching the start button) is received while an on-demand lighting performance is being executed, the WebAPI of server control unit S13 does not have to send an interrupt command. In other words, even if the WebAPI of server control unit S13 receives a new operation input while an on-demand lighting performance is being executed, the lighting control system A1 may continue the on-demand lighting performance in progress without interrupting it.

[0061] Note that the lighting control system A1 may have the processing unit C13 of the control device C1 measure the predetermined time instead of having the server control unit S13 measure the predetermined time.

[0062] (2-6) Embodiments of lighting control method and program A lighting control method according to an embodiment (hereinafter simply referred to as the lighting control method) is implemented by a server S1. The lighting control method communicates with a control device C1 that controls multiple lighting devices D1 installed in a space to be designed, and with a communication terminal E1 carried by a user. When the lighting control method receives information related to an instruction input by the user from the communication terminal E1, it transmits on-demand control information to the control device C1 for performing on-demand lighting design based on the instruction input.

[0063] The program according to the embodiment is executed by one or more processors (server control unit S13) included in the server S1. One or more processorsThe program executes processes to communicate with a control device C1 that controls multiple lighting devices D1 installed in a space to be designed, and with a communication terminal E1 carried by a user. The program according to the embodiment causes one or more processors to execute processes to receive information related to a command input by a user from the communication terminal E1. The program according to the embodiment causes one or more processors to execute processes to send on-demand control information to the control device C1 for performing on-demand lighting design based on the command input. The program according to the embodiment may be pre-recorded in a memory accessible by the processor (processing unit C13), provided via a telecommunications line, or provided by being recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card, optical disc, or hard disk drive that is readable by the processor.

[0064] (3) Advantages of the embodiment As described above, the lighting control system A1 receives user instruction input from the communication terminal E1 at a server (cloud server S1), and transmits on-demand control information for performing on-demand lighting effects based on the instruction input from the cloud server S1 to the control device C1. The control device C1 then controls multiple lighting devices D1 based on the on-demand control information.

[0065] Thus, the lighting control system A1 causes the cloud server S1 to transmit on-demand control information based on instruction input received from the communication terminal E1, and causes the control device C1 to control multiple lighting devices D1 based on the on-demand control information, thereby enabling on-demand lighting effects to be performed based on the user's instructions.

[0066] Furthermore, the server S1 (WebAPI of the server control unit S13) transmits a web page for accepting instruction input to the communication terminal E1 that reads the predetermined two-dimensional code. That is, the lighting control system A1 causes the server S1 to accept the instruction input from the user in the web page transmitted to the communication terminal E1 (see FIG. 4), thereby improving convenience for the user.

[0067] Furthermore, the server control unit S13 of the server S1 displays an icon 11 of a button (start button) for receiving operational input on the screen (screen of the display 10) of the communication terminal E1 that displays the web page (see FIG. 5). The server control unit S13 receives the operational input when the button icon 11 is touched. Thus, the lighting control system A1 causes the server S1 to receive the operational input when the button icon 11 (start button) displayed on the web page is touched, thereby further improving convenience for users.

[0068] In the lighting control system A1, the server S1 transmits steady-state control information (control data) for performing a steady-state lighting effect to the control device C1, and the control device C1 performs the steady-state lighting effect by controlling the plurality of lighting devices D1 based on the steady-state control information. When the server S1 receives an instruction input, it transmits an interrupt command to the control device C1 and then transmits on-demand control information to the control device C1. When the control device C1 receives the interrupt command, it interrupts the steady-state lighting effect and performs an on-demand lighting effect by controlling the plurality of lighting devices D1 based on the on-demand control information.

[0069] Thus, the lighting control system A1 interrupts the steady-state lighting performance by the plurality of lighting devices D1 and performs an on-demand lighting performance based on the on-demand control information, thereby enabling smooth switching from the steady-state lighting performance to the on-demand lighting performance.

[0070] Furthermore, in lighting control system A1, when control device C1 receives an interrupt command while an on-demand lighting performance is being executed, it interrupts the on-demand lighting performance in progress and executes a (new) on-demand lighting performance by controlling multiple lighting devices D1 based on on-demand control information newly received from server S1. In other words, lighting control system A1 executes on-demand lighting performance by prioritizing operation inputs received last, so that even when receiving operation inputs from multiple users, on-demand lighting performances for each user can be executed without delay.

[0071] Furthermore, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the transmission of the on-demand control information, lighting control system A1 causes server S1 to send an interrupt release command to control device C1, and causes control device C1, which has received the interrupt release command, to end the on-demand lighting performance and perform a steady lighting performance. As a result, lighting control system A1 can smoothly switch from the on-demand lighting performance to the steady lighting performance.

[0072] However, if server S1 receives a new instruction input from communications terminal E1 before the specified time has elapsed, for example, if server S1 receives a new operation input (such as entering a birthday or touching the start button) while an on-demand lighting performance is being executed, server S1 may not send an interrupt command. In other words, lighting control system A1 may continue the on-demand lighting performance in progress without interruption even if the WebAPI of server control unit S13 receives a new operation input while an on-demand lighting performance is being executed. In this case, lighting control system A1 executes the on-demand lighting performance based on the user's operation input without interruption, thereby improving user satisfaction with the on-demand lighting performance.

[0073] The advantages of the lighting control system A1 according to the embodiment described above can also be advantages of the lighting system B1, the lighting control method, the program, the server S1, and the control device C1 according to the embodiment.

[0074] (4) Variations Figure 8 shows a system configuration diagram of a modified example of lighting control system A1. The modified lighting control system A1 includes at least two servers. One server is a performance server S1 that handles processing related to lighting performance. The other server is a web server S2 that handles processing related to the exchange of information with communication terminal E1. The performance server S1 and web server S2 are managed and operated by a single business operator. However, the business operator that manages and operates performance server S1 and the business operator that manages and operates web server S2 may be different.

[0075] The rendering server S1 has a first communication unit S11, a rendering server control unit S14, and a seventh communication unit S15. The first communication unit S11 communicates with the control device C1 via the network NW1. The seventh communication unit S15 communicates with the sixth communication unit S23 of the web server S2 via the network NW2.

[0076] The web server S2 includes a second communication unit S21, a web server control unit S22, and a sixth communication unit S23. The second communication unit S21 communicates with the communication terminal E1 via the network NW1. The sixth communication unit S23 communicates with the seventh communication unit S15 of the production server S1 via the network NW2. Here, for example, if the production server S1 and the web server S2 are managed and operated by a single business, the network NW2 may be a LAN (local area network) established at the business's premises. Alternatively, if the production server S1 and the web server S2 are managed and operated by different businesses, the network NW2 may be the Internet, just like the network NW1. Furthermore, if the production server S1 and the web server S2 are each configured as cloud servers, the network NW2 may be a communication means for communication within the cloud. In this case, the network for communication within the cloud may be a communication means other than the Internet.

[0077] The Web server control unit S22 implements a WebAPI. The WebAPI implemented in the Web server control unit S22 returns (responses) the URL of a web page for accepting input to the second communication unit S21 in response to a request from a web browser accessed via the network NW1. Note that, hereinafter, the processing performed by the WebAPI will be described as processing performed by the Web server control unit S22.

[0078] For example, when accessed from the web browser of communication terminal E1, web server control unit S22 transmits an input acceptance web page from second communication unit S21 to the web browser of communication terminal E1. The web browser of communication terminal E1 displays the web page received from web server S2 on display 10 (see FIG. 4). When a user inputs data from the input acceptance web page displayed on display 10 of communication terminal E1, the input data is transmitted from the web browser of communication terminal E1 to web server S2. Web server control unit S22 receives data transmitted from the web browser of communication terminal E1 and received by second communication unit S21.

[0079] When the web server control unit S22 receives data sent from the web browser of the communication terminal E1, it transmits the URL of a web page for receiving trigger input from the second communication unit S12 to the web browser of the communication terminal E1 via the network NW1.

[0080] The web browser of communication terminal E1 displays the web page received from web server S2 (a web page including start button icon 11) on display 10 (see FIG. 5). When start button icon 11 is touched, trigger input data is sent from the web browser of communication terminal E1 to web server control unit S22.

[0081] The Web server control unit S22 transmits the trigger input data received from the communication terminal E1 from the sixth communication unit S23 to the seventh communication unit S15 of the rendering server S1 via the network NW2.

[0082] When the seventh communication unit S15 of the production server control unit S14 receives the trigger input data, it transmits an interrupt command to the control device C1 from the first communication unit S11 via the network NW1. The production server control unit S14 then selects control data (control data for on-demand lighting production) from among the multiple types of control data stored in the memory of the processing unit C13 of the control device C1 based on the birthday data received from the communication terminal E1. The production server control unit S14 then transmits a control command from the first communication unit S11 to the third communication unit C11 of the control device C1 to instruct execution of the selected control data for on-demand lighting production. The subsequent operation of the lighting control system A1 is the same as in the embodiment, and therefore will not be described again.

[0083] As described above, the lighting control system A1 of the modified example can also perform on-demand lighting effects based on instructions from a user, similar to the lighting control system A1 of the embodiment.

[0084] In any of the lighting control systems A1 according to the embodiment and the modified examples, content including music, video, and the like may be streamed to the communication terminal E1 in addition to lighting effects.

[0085] (5) Summary A lighting control system (A1) according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a control device (C1) that controls a plurality of lighting devices (D1) installed in a space to be designed, and a server (S1) that can communicate with the control device (C1) and a communication terminal (E1) via a network (NW1). When the server (S1) receives a user instruction input from the communication terminal (E1) carried by the user, the server (S1) transmits on-demand control information to the control device (C1) for performing on-demand lighting performance based on the instruction input. The control device (C1) performs on-demand lighting performance by controlling the plurality of lighting devices (D1) based on the on-demand control information.

[0086] The lighting control system (A1) according to the first aspect transmits on-demand control information based on instruction input received from a communication terminal (E1) from a server (S1), and causes a control device (C1) to control a plurality of lighting devices (D1) based on the on-demand control information, thereby enabling on-demand lighting effects to be performed based on user instructions.

[0087] A lighting control system (A1) according to a second aspect of the present disclosure can be realized in combination with the first aspect. In the lighting control system (A1) according to the second aspect, it is preferable that the server (S1) transmits a web page for receiving instruction input to the communication terminal (E1) that has read the predetermined two-dimensional code.

[0088] The lighting control system (A1) according to the second aspect can improve convenience for users.

[0089] A lighting control system (A1) according to a third aspect of the present disclosure can be realized in combination with the second aspect. In the lighting control system (A1) according to the third aspect, it is preferable that the server (S1) displays a button icon (11) for receiving an operation input on a screen of the communication terminal (E1) that displays a web page. It is preferable that the server (S1) receives the operation input by touching the button icon (11).

[0090] The lighting control system (A1) according to the third aspect can further improve convenience for users.

[0091] A lighting control system (A1) according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining it with any of the first to third aspects. In the lighting control system (A1) according to the fourth aspect, the server (S1) preferably transmits steady-state control information for performing a steady-state lighting performance to the control device (C1). The control device (C1) preferably controls the plurality of lighting devices (D1) based on the steady-state control information to perform the steady-state lighting performance. Upon receiving an instruction input, the server (S1) preferably transmits an interrupt command to the control device (C1) and then transmits on-demand control information to the control device (C1). Upon receiving the interrupt command, the control device (C1) preferably interrupts the steady-state lighting performance and performs an on-demand lighting performance by controlling the plurality of lighting devices (D1) based on the on-demand control information.

[0092] The lighting control system (A1) according to the fourth aspect can smoothly switch from a steady lighting effect to an on-demand lighting effect.

[0093] A lighting control system (A1) according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized in combination with the fourth aspect. In the lighting control system (A1) according to the fifth aspect, it is preferable that the control device (C1) interrupts the on-demand lighting performance in progress when an interrupt command is received while the on-demand lighting performance is being executed. It is preferable that the control device (C1) executes the on-demand lighting performance by controlling a plurality of lighting devices (D1) based on on-demand control information newly received from the server.

[0094] The lighting control system (A1) according to the fifth aspect performs on-demand lighting design by prioritizing operation inputs received later, and therefore can execute on-demand lighting design for each user without delay even when receiving operation inputs from multiple users.

[0095] A lighting control system (A1) according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining it with the fourth or fifth aspect. In the lighting control system (A1) according to the sixth aspect, it is preferable that the server (S1) transmits an interruption cancel command to the control device (C1) when a predetermined time has elapsed since transmitting the on-demand control information. It is preferable that the control device (C1) terminates the on-demand lighting performance and performs a regular lighting performance upon receiving the interruption cancel command.

[0096] The lighting control system (A1) according to the sixth aspect can smoothly switch from an on-demand lighting effect to a steady lighting effect.

[0097] A lighting control system (A1) according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining it with the sixth aspect. In the lighting control system (A1) according to the seventh aspect, it is preferable that the server (S1) does not send an interrupt command when a new instruction input is received from the communication terminal (E1) before a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0098] The lighting control system (A1) according to the seventh aspect executes on-demand lighting effects based on user operation inputs without interruption, thereby improving user satisfaction with on-demand lighting effects.

[0099] A lighting system (B1) according to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure includes a lighting control system (A1) according to any one of the first to seventh aspects and a plurality of lighting devices (D1) controlled by a control device (C1) of the lighting control system (A1).

[0100] The lighting system (B1) according to the eighth aspect transmits on-demand control information based on instruction input received from a communication terminal (E1) from a server, and causes a control device (C1) to control a plurality of lighting devices (D1) based on the on-demand control information, thereby enabling on-demand lighting effects to be performed based on user instructions.

[0101] A lighting control method according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure communicates with a control device (C1) that controls multiple lighting devices (D1) installed in a space to be designed, and a communication terminal (E1) carried by a user. When the lighting control method according to the ninth aspect receives information related to an instruction input by the user from the communication terminal (E1), it transmits on-demand control information to the control device (C1) for performing on-demand lighting design based on the instruction input.

[0102] In the lighting control method according to the ninth aspect, on-demand control information based on instruction input received from a communication terminal (E1) is transmitted from a server (S1), and a control device (C1) controls a plurality of lighting devices (D1) based on the on-demand control information, thereby enabling on-demand lighting effects to be performed based on instructions from a user.

[0103] A program according to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure causes one or more processors to execute a process for communicating with a control device (C1) that controls multiple lighting devices (D1) installed in a space to be designed, and with a communication terminal (E1) carried by a user. The program according to the tenth aspect causes the one or more processors to execute a process for receiving information related to a command input by the user from the communication terminal (E1). The program according to the tenth aspect causes the one or more processors to execute a process for transmitting on-demand control information to the control device (C1) for performing on-demand lighting design based on the command input.

[0104] The program according to the tenth aspect causes the server to transmit on-demand control information based on instruction input received from the communication terminal (E1), and causes the control device (C1) to control a plurality of lighting devices (D1) based on the on-demand control information, thereby enabling on-demand lighting effects to be performed based on user instructions.

[0105] A server (S1) according to an eleventh aspect includes a first communication unit (S11) and a second communication unit (S12). The first communication unit (S11) communicates with a control device (C1) that controls a plurality of lighting devices (D1) installed in a space to be designed. The second communication unit (S12) communicates with a communication terminal (E1) carried by a user. When the second communication unit (S12) receives information relating to an instruction input by the user from the communication terminal (E1), the first communication unit (S11) transmits on-demand control information to the control device (C1) for performing on-demand lighting design based on the instruction input.

[0106] The server (S1) according to the eleventh aspect can perform on-demand lighting effects based on instructions from a user.

[0107] A control device (C1) according to a twelfth aspect includes a third communication unit (C11) that communicates with the server (S1) according to the eleventh aspect, and a fourth communication unit (C12) that communicates with a plurality of lighting devices (D1). When the third communication unit (C11) receives on-demand control information from the server (S1), the fourth communication unit (C12) transmits information related to lighting control based on the on-demand control information to the plurality of lighting devices (D1).

[0108] The control device (C1) according to the twelfth aspect can perform on-demand lighting effects based on instructions from a user. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] A1 Lighting Control System B1 Lighting System C1 control unit D1 lighting equipment E1 communication terminal S1 Server NW1 Network 11 Icons S11 1st Communication Department S12 Second Communication Department C11 3rd Communications Department C12 4th Communication Department D13 5th Communications Department

Claims

1. a control device that controls a plurality of lighting devices installed in a space to be subjected to a performance; a server capable of communicating with the control device and the communication terminal via a network; Equipped with When the server receives an instruction input from the user through the communication terminal carried by the user, the server transmits on-demand control information to the control device for performing on-demand lighting effects based on the instruction input; the control device controls the plurality of lighting devices based on the on-demand control information to perform the on-demand lighting effect; the server transmits steady-state control information for performing steady-state lighting effects to the control device; the control device controls the plurality of lighting devices based on the steady-state control information to perform the steady-state lighting effect; When the server receives the instruction input, it transmits an interrupt command to the control device, and then transmits the on-demand control information to the control device; the control device interrupts the steady-state lighting performance when receiving the interrupt command, and performs the on-demand lighting performance by controlling the plurality of lighting devices based on the on-demand control information. Lighting control system.

2. the server transmits a web page for receiving the instruction input to the communication terminal that reads the predetermined two-dimensional code; The lighting control system of claim 1 .

3. the server displays a button icon for receiving an operation input on a screen of the communication terminal displaying the web page, and receives the operation input when the button icon is touched; 3. The lighting control system of claim 2.

4. When the control device receives the interrupt command while the on-demand lighting performance is being executed, the control device interrupts the on-demand lighting performance being executed, and performs the on-demand lighting performance by controlling the plurality of lighting devices based on the on-demand control information newly received from the server. A lighting control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The server transmits an interrupt release command to the control device when a predetermined time has elapsed since transmitting the on-demand control information, When the control device receives the interrupt release command, the control device ends the on-demand lighting performance and performs the steady lighting performance. A lighting control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The server does not transmit the interrupt command if it receives a new instruction input from the communication terminal before the predetermined time has elapsed.

6. The lighting control system of claim 5.

7. A lighting control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the plurality of lighting devices controlled by the control device of the lighting control system; having Lighting system.

8. A control device that controls multiple lighting devices installed in a space to be staged, and a communication terminal carried by a user, which communicate with each other; When receiving information regarding an instruction input by the user from the communication terminal, transmitting on-demand control information to the control device for performing on-demand lighting effects based on the instruction input, transmitting steady-state control information for performing a steady-state lighting effect to the control device, and causing the control device to control the plurality of lighting devices based on the steady-state control information, thereby performing the steady-state lighting effect; when receiving information regarding the instruction input from the communication terminal, transmitting an interrupt command to the control device, and then transmitting the on-demand control information to the control device, causing the control device that has received the interrupt command to interrupt the regular lighting performance, and causing the control device to control the plurality of lighting devices based on the on-demand control information, thereby performing the on-demand lighting performance. Lighting control methods.

9. Causing one or more processors to execute the lighting control method of claim 8. program.

10. A first communication unit that communicates with a control device that controls multiple lighting devices installed in a space to be staged; a second communication unit that communicates with a communication terminal carried by a user; Equipped with the first communication unit transmits steady-state control information for performing a steady-state lighting effect to the control device, and causes the control device to control the plurality of lighting devices based on the steady-state control information, thereby performing the steady-state lighting effect; when the second communication unit receives information regarding an instruction input by the user from the communication terminal, the first communication unit transmits on-demand control information to the control device for performing on-demand lighting performance based on the instruction input; When the second communication unit receives information regarding the instruction input from the communication terminal, the second communication unit causes the first communication unit to transmit an interrupt command to the control device, and then causes the first communication unit to transmit the on-demand control information to the control device, causing the control device that has received the interrupt command to interrupt the regular lighting performance, and causing the control device to control the plurality of lighting devices based on the on-demand control information, thereby performing the on-demand lighting performance. server.

11. A third communication unit that communicates with the server according to claim 10; a fourth communication unit that communicates with the plurality of lighting devices; Equipped with when the third communication unit receives the on-demand control information from the server, the fourth communication unit transmits information regarding lighting control based on the on-demand control information to the plurality of lighting devices; When the third communication unit receives the steady-state control information from the server, the steady-state lighting effect is performed by controlling the plurality of lighting devices based on the steady-state control information; when the third communication unit receives the on-demand control information from the server after receiving the interrupt command from the server, the steady-state lighting performance is interrupted, and the on-demand lighting performance is performed by controlling the plurality of lighting devices based on the on-demand control information. Control device.

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