Lighting device

Abstract

To improve efficiency and convenience of installation operations.SOLUTION: A lighting device according to the present application includes a lighting unit, a display device, a storage unit, a lighting control unit, and a display control unit. A display device consumes power when updating a display content, and can continuously display a display content without consuming power. The storage unit stores information regarding the lighting device. The lighting control unit controls the lighting unit on the basis of the information stored in the storage unit. The display control unit displays, on the display device, the information stored in the storage unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to lighting equipment Place .

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in studios, stages, etc., lighting effects are created using a plurality of lighting devices. And a lighting control system has been introduced in which a lighting control device controls each lighting device using control addresses set on each lighting device side.

[0003] In such a lighting control system, when changing the lighting effect or replacing a lighting device, the installation and replacement of the lighting device are performed manually. For example, in a lighting control system, a series of installation operations such as carrying a lighting device to be used into a studio, stage, etc. and connecting it to the lighting control system, and associating an operation unit such as a dimming fader of the lighting control device with the lighting device are performed manually.

[0004] By the way, in such a lighting control system, lighting devices not used in performances or programs are stored without being connected to a power source in a lighting warehouse or lighting baton. When preparing for a new performance or program, the required lighting devices are selected and installed. Here, since the brightness and light changes vary depending on the setting state of the lighting device, the setting state is confirmed on the operation panel of the lighting device body or the screen of a communication destination personal computer or the like. For this purpose, it is necessary to connect the device to a power source. Therefore, since it cannot be confirmed that the lighting device is stored in a state where it is not connected to a power source such as a lighting warehouse, operations such as confirming the setting state and changing the setting occur after installing the lighting device, which has been an obstacle to the installation work.

[0005] Furthermore, since the lifespan of LED (Light Emitting Diode) fixtures is affected by the power supply duration of the internal control power and the illumination time of the LED light-emitting part, using fixtures with shorter usage times first will extend the product life. However, since illumination time information is not available when selecting fixtures in warehouses, there was room for improvement in terms of convenience. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-120351 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a lighting device and a relay device that can improve the efficiency and convenience of installation work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An example of an embodiment of a lighting device comprises a lighting unit, a display device, a storage unit, a lighting control unit, and a display control unit. The display device consumes power when updating the display content and can continuously display the content without consuming power. The storage unit stores information related to the lighting device. The lighting control unit controls the lighting unit based on the information stored in the storage unit. The display control unit causes the information stored in the storage unit to be displayed on the display device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the lighting device and relay device described in one embodiment, the efficiency and convenience of installation work can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of a lighting system 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the storage unit 23 according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of a storage unit 34-1 according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the lighting device 30-1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The following describes in detail, with reference to the drawings, the embodiments for implementing the lighting device and relay device according to the present application (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments"). Note that these embodiments do not limit the lighting device and relay device according to the present application. Furthermore, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in each of the following embodiments, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0012] The lighting device (lighting device 30-1) according to the embodiment described below comprises a control unit 32-1, an electronic paper 33-1, a storage unit 34-1, a lighting unit 35-1, and an operation unit 36-1. The electronic paper 33-1 consumes power when updating the display content, and can continuously display content without consuming power. The storage unit 34-1 stores information related to the lighting device 30-1. The control unit 32-1 controls the lighting unit 35-1 based on the information stored in the storage unit 34-1. The control unit 32-1 also causes the information stored in the storage unit 34-1 to be displayed on the electronic paper 33-1.

[0013] Furthermore, the control unit 32-1 according to the embodiment described below displays information related to the control of the lighting unit 35-1 on the electronic paper 33-1.

[0014] Furthermore, the control unit 32-1 according to the embodiment described below displays information regarding the operation of the lighting device 30-1 on the electronic paper 33-1.

[0015] Furthermore, the control unit 32-1 according to the embodiment described below displays the information entered by the user on the electronic paper 33-1.

[0016] In addition, when predetermined information is transmitted from a control device (dimming control console 10) that controls the lighting device 30-1 to the control unit 32-1 according to the embodiment described below, the display content of the electronic paper 33-1 is updated based on the information.

[0017] In addition, the operation unit 36-1 according to the embodiment described below receives an input of predetermined information from the user. When predetermined information is input via the operation unit 36-1, the control unit 32-1 updates the display content of the electronic paper 33-1 based on the information.

[0018] In addition, the operation unit 36-1 according to the embodiment described below updates the display content of the electronic paper 33-1 at every predetermined period when the lighting device 30-1 is powered on.

[0019] In addition, a relay device (DMX node 20) according to the embodiment described below is a DMX node 20 that receives control information for controlling a lighting device (lighting device 30-1) from a control device (dimming control console 10) and transmits a control signal to the lighting device 30-1 to be controlled. The relay device includes a control unit 22, a storage unit 23, and an electronic paper 24. The storage unit 23 stores information for controlling the lighting device 30-1 via the dimming control console 10. The electronic paper 24 consumes power when updating the display content and can continuously display the display content without consuming power. The control unit 22 causes the electronic paper 24 to display the information stored in the storage unit 23.

[0020] [Embodiment] (An example of a lighting system) First, the outline of the lighting system 1 according to the embodiment will be described using FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the lighting system 1 according to the embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the lighting system 1 includes a dimming control console 10, a DMX node 20, and a plurality of lighting devices 30-1, 30-2, 30-3, ··· (hereinafter, when the lighting devices 30-1, 30-2, 30-3, ··· are not particularly distinguished, they may be described as the lighting device 30). In the example of FIG. 1, there are three lighting devices 30, but the number of lighting devices 30 included in the lighting system 1 can be arbitrarily set.

[0021] In the lighting system 1 shown in FIG. 1, the dimming control console 10 and the DMX node 20 are communicably connected by a predetermined network such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or LAN (Local Area Network). Also, the DMX node 20 and the lighting device 30 are connected by a standard that enables two-way communication such as RDM that extends DMX512. Note that the dimming control console 10 and the DMX node 20 may be connected by wired communication or wireless communication.

[0022] The dimming control console 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a control device that can communicate a bidirectional control signal with the lighting device 30 via the DMX node 20. For example, when the dimming control console 10 receives an operation command for the lighting device 30 from a user (for example, an operator who operates the dimming control console 10), it generates a control signal including the address (control address) assigned to the lighting device 30 and transmits the control signal to the DMX node 20. The DMX node 20 converts the control signal received from the dimming control console 10 into a signal (RDM signal) conforming to, for example, the RDM standard and outputs it to the lighting device 30 indicated by the address. Thereby, the lighting device 30 is controlled. In this way, the dimming control console 10 remotely controls the lighting device 30 using, for example, the address included in the RDM-compatible control signal. When the dimming control console 10 and the DMX node 20 are connected by the Internet, the dimming control console 10 may be, for example, a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like.

[0023] The DMX node 20 shown in Figure 1 is a relay device that receives control information for controlling a lighting device from a control device and transmits control signals to the lighting device to be controlled. It includes a communication unit 21, a control unit 22, a storage unit 23, an electronic paper 24, and DMX ports 25-1, 25-2, 25-3, ... (hereinafter, when DMX ports 25-1, 25-2, 25-3, ... are not specifically distinguished, they may be referred to as DMX port 25).

[0024] The communication unit 21 is a communication device that sends and receives information with the dimming control console 10, and is implemented by a communication device such as a NIC (Network Interface Card). The communication unit 21 is connected to the dimming control console 10 via a predetermined network and sends and receives information with the dimming control console 10 and the like.

[0025] The control unit 22 is a controller, and is implemented, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit) executing various programs stored in the memory device inside the lighting device 30 using RAM as the working area. Alternatively, the control unit 22 is a controller and can be implemented, for example, by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0026] For example, the control unit 22 converts the control signal received from the dimming control console 10 into a signal conforming to the RDM standard and outputs it via the DMX port 25 to the lighting device 30 indicated by the universe and address included in the control signal. The control unit 22 also displays the information stored in the memory unit 23 on the electronic paper 24. Specifically, the control unit 22 displays information such as the universe, IN / OUT information, HTP / LTP information, backup settings, and comments on the electronic paper 24.

[0027] The storage unit 23 is implemented by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or optical disc. For example, the storage unit 23 stores information for controlling the lighting device 30 via the dimming control console 10. The storage unit 23 also stores information related to the DMX node 20. Now, an overview of the storage unit 23 according to this embodiment will be described using Figure 2. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the storage unit 23 according to this embodiment.

[0028] In the example shown in Figure 2, the storage unit 23 contains items such as "DMX node ID," "universe information," "IN / OUT information," "HTP (Highest Takes Precedence) / LTP (Latest Takes Precedence) information," "backup settings," "operation information," and "comments." The "DMX node ID" indicates identification information for identifying the DMX node 20. The "universe information" stores information that associates the DMX data links of the lighting device 30 connected to the DMX port 25 of the DMX node 20 with each DMX port 25.

[0029] The "IN / OUT information" indicates information about the IN / OUT of the DMX node 20, and stores information about, for example, the dimming control console 10 and lighting devices 30 connected to the DMX node 20. To give a specific example, the "IN / OUT information" stores information that associates the address of the lighting device 30 connected to the DMX port 25 of the DMX node 20 with each DMX port 25.

[0030] "HTP / LTP Information" indicates the HTP and LTP settings of the lighting device 30 connected to the DMX port 25 of the DMX node 20. "Backup Settings" indicates information regarding the backup of the functions of the DMX node 20 in the lighting system 1. "Operation Information" indicates information regarding the operation of the DMX node 20 (e.g., power-on time). "Comments" indicates text information arbitrarily entered by the user to the DMX node 20 via the dimming control console 10, etc. (e.g., text information that the user wishes to display on the electronic paper 24).

[0031] In other words, the example shown in Figure 2 is an example in which DMX node 20 is identified by DMX node ID "NID#1", and the universe information stored in DMX node 20 is "Universe Information #1", IN / OUT information is "IN / OUT Information #1", HTP / LTP information is "HTP / LTP Information #1", backup settings are "Backup Settings #1", operation information is "Operation Information #1", and comments are "Comment #1".

[0032] Returning to Figure 1, let's continue the explanation. The electronic paper 24 is implemented using electronic paper that consumes power when updating the display content and can continuously display the content without consuming power. For example, the electronic paper 24 is installed outside the DMX node 20 so that the display content is visible to the user.

[0033] DMX port 25 is a connector for sending and receiving signals to and from the lighting device 30 in accordance with the RDM standard.

[0034] The lighting device 30-1 shown in Figure 1 includes a DMX port 31-1, a control unit 32-1, an electronic paper display 33-1, a storage unit 34-1, a lighting unit 35-1, and an operation unit 36-1.

[0035] DMX port 31-1 is a connector for sending and receiving signals with DMX node 20 in accordance with the RDM standard.

[0036] The control unit 32-1 is a controller, and is implemented, for example, by a CPU or MPU executing various programs stored in the memory device inside the lighting device 30-1 using RAM as the working area. Alternatively, the control unit 32-1 is a controller and can be implemented, for example, by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA.

[0037] For example, the control unit 32-1 controls the lighting unit 35-1 based on the information stored in the memory unit 34-1. For instance, the control unit 32-1 turns on the lighting unit 35-1 based on a control signal received from the DMX node 20 or the like. The control unit 32-1 also displays the information stored in the memory unit 34-1 on the electronic paper 33-1.

[0038] Furthermore, the control unit 32-1 may display information related to the control of the lighting unit 35-1 on the electronic paper 33-1. For example, the control unit 32-1 may display information indicated by control signals received from the DMX node 20 or the like, or information input by the user via the operation unit 36-1, on the electronic paper 33-1. To give a specific example, the control unit 32-1 may display information related to the operating mode of the lighting unit 35-1, such as the upper limit of the dimming output, cut change playback, and fade time, as well as the address assigned to the lighting device 30-1, on the electronic paper 33-1.

[0039] Furthermore, the control unit 32-1 may display information regarding the operation of the lighting device 30-1 on the electronic paper 33-1. For example, the control unit 32-1 may display information indicating the lighting time of the lighting unit 35-1 on the electronic paper 33-1. Also, the control unit 32-1 may display information indicating the power-on time of the lighting device 30-1 on the electronic paper 33-1.

[0040] Furthermore, the control unit 32-1 may display information entered by the user on the electronic paper 33-1. For example, the control unit 32-1 displays text information arbitrarily entered by the user for the lighting device 30-1 via the dimming control console 10 or the operation unit 36-1 on the electronic paper 33-1. To give a specific example, the control unit 32-1 displays text information on the electronic paper 33-1 indicating precautions to take when handling the lighting device 30-1 and where to return the lighting device 30-1.

[0041] Furthermore, the control unit 32-1 may update the display content of the electronic paper 33-1 based on predetermined information transmitted from the control device that controls the lighting device 30-1. For example, when the control unit 32-1 receives information such as setting information, text information, or an address assigned to the lighting device 30-1 from the dimming control console 10 or the like via the DMX node 20, it updates the display content of the electronic paper 33-1 based on the received information and displays it.

[0042] Furthermore, the control unit 32-1 may update the display content of the electronic paper 33-1 based on predetermined information input via the operation unit 36-1. For example, when the control unit 32-1 receives information such as setting information, text information, or an address assigned to the lighting device 30-1 via the operation unit 36-1, it may update and display the display content of the electronic paper 33-1 based on the input information.

[0043] Furthermore, the control unit 32-1 may update the display content of the electronic paper 33-1 at predetermined intervals when the lighting device 30-1 is powered on. For example, when the lighting device 30-1 is powered on, the control unit 32-1 updates and displays the display content (e.g., operation information) of the electronic paper 33-1 at predetermined intervals (e.g., every hour). To give a specific example, the control unit 32-1 updates and displays the power-on time and lighting time accumulated while the lighting device 30-1 is powered on.

[0044] The electronic paper 33-1 is implemented using electronic paper that consumes power when updating the display content and can continuously display the content without consuming power. For example, the electronic paper 33-1 is installed outside the lighting device 30-1 so that the display content is visible to the user.

[0045] The storage unit 34-1 is implemented by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as RAM or flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or optical disc. For example, the storage unit 34-1 stores information related to the lighting device. Specifically, the storage unit 34-1 stores information related to the device itself and information received from the DMX node 20 (for example, information related to the control of the lighting unit 35-1). Now, an overview of the storage unit 34-1 according to the embodiment will be explained using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the storage unit 34-1 according to the embodiment.

[0046] In the example shown in Figure 3, the memory unit 34-1 has items such as "lighting device ID," "address," "setting information," "operation information," and "comments." "Lighting device ID" indicates identification information for identifying the lighting device 30-1. "Address" indicates the address assigned to control the lighting device 30-1. "Setting information" indicates information related to the lighting settings (control) of the lighting unit 35-1, and stores information related to the operating mode of the lighting device 30-1, such as the upper limit of the dimming output, cut change playback, and fade time. "Operation information" indicates information related to the operation of the lighting device 30-1, and stores information such as the power-on time of the lighting device 30-1 and the lighting time of the lighting unit 35-1. "Comments" indicates text information arbitrarily entered by the user for the lighting device 30-1 via the dimming control console 10 or the operation unit 36-1.

[0047] In other words, the example shown in Figure 3 is one in which lighting device 30-1 is identified by lighting device ID "DID#1", the assigned address is "address#1", the stored setting information is "setting information#1", the operation information is "operation information#1", and the comment is "comment#1".

[0048] Returning to Figure 1, let's continue the explanation. The lighting unit 35-1 is the light source of the lighting device 30-1 and is realized by a semiconductor light-emitting element such as an LED, which can control the illuminance, the range of illumination, the color, etc., according to the control of the control unit 32-1. Note that the lighting unit 35-1 may also be a so-called halogen lamp.

[0049] The control unit 36-1 receives operations for the lighting device 30-1 and is implemented, for example, by multiple buttons or a touch panel (LCD panel). For example, the control unit 36-1 receives input of predetermined information from the user. Specifically, the control unit 36-1 receives input of information such as setting information, text information, and an address assigned to the lighting device 30-1.

[0050] Since the configurations of lighting devices 30-2, 30-3, ... are the same as those of lighting device 30-1, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0051] As described above, the lighting device 30-1 according to the embodiment displays the information stored in the memory unit 34-1 on the electronic paper 33-1. This allows the user to check the settings even when the lighting device 30-1 according to the embodiment is stored in a lighting warehouse or lighting batten without being connected to a power source. Furthermore, even when the lighting device 30-1 according to the embodiment is stored without being connected to a power source, the power-on time and the lighting time of the LED light-emitting part can be checked, allowing the user to select an appropriate lighting device. In other words, the lighting device 30-1 according to the embodiment can provide a lighting device and relay device that can improve the efficiency and convenience of installation work.

[0052] (Example of e-paper display) Next, using Figure 4, we will explain an example of the display of the electronic paper 33-1 of the lighting device 30-1. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the lighting device 30-1.

[0053] As shown in Figure 4, the lighting device 30-1 has an electronic paper display 33-1 and an operation unit 36-1 external to itself. For example, when the lighting device 30-1 is powered on, the control unit 32-1 refers to the memory unit 34-1 and updates the display content of the electronic paper display 33-1 to display the information. Specifically, the control unit 32-1 displays the address assigned to the lighting device 30-1, setting information (dimming output and fade time), and operation information (power-on time and lighting time) in area AR1 of the electronic paper display 33-1. The control unit 32-1 also displays comments entered by the user in area AR2 of the electronic paper display 33-1.

[0054] (modified version) The above-described embodiment is merely an example, and various modifications and applications are possible.

[0055] (Regarding the information to be displayed on the e-paper) The information displayed on the electronic paper of the DMX node 20 and the lighting device 30-1 is not limited to what is described above, and any information may be displayed. For example, the control unit 32-1 may display the model numbers of the DMX node 20 and the lighting device 30-1 on the electronic paper.

[0056] (Regarding lighting devices equipped with batteries) The updating of the display content of the electronic paper 33-1 in the above-described embodiment is not limited to using power supplied from outside the lighting device 30-1. For example, the updating of the display content of the electronic paper 33-1 may be performed using power from the battery provided in the lighting device 30-1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1. Lighting System 10. Dimming control console 20 DMX nodes 21 Communications Department 22 Control Unit 23 Memory section 24 e-paper 25 DMX ports 30-1 Lighting equipment 31-1 DMX port 32-1 Control Unit 33-1 Electronic paper 34-1 Storage section 35-1 Lighting Section 36-1 Operation section

Claims

1. A lighting device, Lighting section; A display device that consumes power when updating the displayed content, and can continue to display content without consuming power; A storage unit that stores information relating to the aforementioned lighting device; A lighting control unit controls the lighting unit based on the information stored in the storage unit; A display control unit that causes the information stored in the storage unit to be displayed on the display device; It has, The display control unit, The display device will show at least one of the power-on time and the lighting time of the lighting device. A lighting device characterized by the following features.

2. The display control unit, Information regarding the control of the lighting unit is displayed on the display device. The lighting device according to feature 1.

3. The display control unit, Information regarding the operation of the lighting device is displayed on the display device. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The display control unit, The information entered by the user is displayed on the display device. A lighting device according to any one of features 1 to 3.

5. The display control unit, When predetermined information is transmitted from the control device that controls the lighting device, the display content of the display device is updated based on that information. A lighting device according to any one of features 1 to 4.

6. An input unit that receives specified information from the user. It further possesses, The display control unit, When predetermined information is input via the input unit, the display content of the display device is updated based on that information. A lighting device according to any one of features 1 to 5.

7. The display control unit, When the lighting device is powered on, the display content of the display device is updated at predetermined intervals based on at least one of the cumulative power-on time and lighting time while the lighting device is powered on. A lighting device according to any one of features 1 to 6.

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