Lighting control method and lighting fixture

Abstract

To provide a lighting control method and the like that can expand a range of a color of an output light.SOLUTION: In a lighting control method of a lighting fixture 100, the lighting fixture 100 comprises: a first light source part radiating first light; and a second light source part radiating second light. An output light output by the lighting fixture 100 contains the first light and the second light. The lighting control method comprises: an acquisition step of acquiring color level instruction information indicating a color level coordinate value of the output light, lighting control rate instruction information, and flux value information indicating a setting flux value of the output light associated with the color level coordinate value; a fourth determination step of determining a first driving signal for driving the first light source part and a second driving signal for driving the second light source part on the basis of the color level instruction information, the lighting control ratio instruction information, and the flux value information; and a first control step of controlling so as to output the output light containing the first light radiated by the first light source part driven by the first driving signal and the second light radiated by the second light source part driven by the second driving signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting control method and a lighting fixture.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, lighting fixtures capable of controlling the color of the output light have been known.

[0003] The lighting fixture disclosed in Citation Document 1 includes first, second, and third groups each of which is a light source (fixed light emitter). This lighting fixture outputs white output light within a color temperature range of 2700K to 6500K (for example, 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 4500K, 5000K, 5500K, 6000K, and 6500K).

[0004] In this lighting fixture, a table is held in which each of the plurality of color temperatures described above corresponds one-to-one with the ratio of the luminous flux values of the first to third groups for realizing the color temperature.

[0005] For example, this lighting fixture acquires a command to set one desired color temperature from among the plurality of color temperatures described above, and outputs output light of the desired color temperature by referring to the table.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] Incidentally, instead of the above command, an example is being considered in which chromaticity indication information, which indicates chromaticity coordinate values ​​(more specifically, chromaticity coordinate values ​​in the xy chromaticity diagram of the CIE1931 color space), is used. If this chromaticity indication information is used instead of the above command, not only white light within the above color temperature range but also light of other colors can be output as output light, thereby expanding the range of colors of the output light.

[0008] However, in this example, a resolution of 2 bytes is required to indicate the x-coordinate value and 2 bytes to indicate the y-coordinate value in the chromaticity coordinate values, meaning a large resolution is required. Let's consider, for example, the case where the lighting fixture shown in Reference 1 outputs light based on chromaticity indication information. In this case, in order to accommodate this large resolution, the data capacity of the above table would be on the order of gigabytes, and it would be difficult to store such a large amount of data in the memory (for example, the ROM of a microcontroller) of the lighting fixture shown in Reference 1.

[0009] Thus, in the lighting fixtures shown in Reference 1, chromaticity indication information is difficult to use, meaning that it is difficult to broaden the range of colors of the output light.

[0010] This invention provides a lighting control method that can broaden the range of colors of the output light, and the like. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] A lighting control method according to one aspect of the present invention is a lighting control method for a lighting fixture, wherein the lighting fixture comprises a first light source unit that emits first light and a second light source unit that emits second light of a different color from the first light, the output light output by the lighting fixture includes the first light and the second light, and the lighting control method includes an acquisition step of acquiring chromaticity instruction information that indicates the chromaticity coordinate value of the output light, dimming rate instruction information that indicates the dimming rate of the output light, and luminous flux value information that indicates the set luminous flux value of the output light associated with the chromaticity coordinate value, a first determination step of determining the luminous flux ratio of the first light and the second light so that the output light becomes the light of the chromaticity coordinate value indicated by the acquired chromaticity instruction information, and based on the acquired luminous flux value information, the acquired chromaticity instruction information indicates The system includes: a second determination step of determining the set luminous flux value associated with the chromaticity coordinate value; a third determination step of determining the first luminous flux value of the first light and the second luminous flux value of the second light based on the determined luminous flux ratio and the determined set luminous flux value; a fourth determination step of determining the first drive signal for driving the first light source and the second drive signal for driving the second light source based on the determined first luminous flux value, the determined second luminous flux value and the dimming rate indicated by the acquired dimming rate information; and a first control step of controlling the system to output the output light, which includes the first light emitted by the first light source driven by the determined first drive signal and the second light emitted by the second light source driven by the determined second drive signal.

[0012] A lighting control method according to one aspect of the present invention is a lighting control method for a plurality of lighting fixtures, wherein each of the plurality of lighting fixtures outputs output light, and one lighting fixture included in the plurality of lighting fixtures and another lighting fixture included in the plurality of lighting fixtures are different lighting fixtures, and the lighting control method includes an acquisition step of acquiring chromaticity instruction information that indicates the chromaticity coordinate value of the output light, dimming rate instruction information that indicates the dimming rate of the output light, and luminous flux value information that indicates the set luminous flux value of the output light associated with the chromaticity coordinate value, and based on the acquired chromaticity instruction information, acquired dimming rate instruction information and acquired luminous flux value information, each of the plurality of lighting fixtures outputs the output light. The acquisition step and the second control step are repeated, and the chromaticity coordinate values ​​indicated by the chromaticity indication information acquired in the nth (n is a natural number) and the (n+1)th acquisition step are different from each other. In one lighting fixture, the rate of change between the luminous flux value of the output light in the nth second control step and the luminous flux value of the output light in the (n+1)th second control step is defined as the first rate of change, and in the other lighting fixture, the rate of change between the luminous flux value of the output light in the nth second control step and the luminous flux value of the output light in the (n+1)th second control step is defined as the second rate of change. In this case, the difference between the first rate of change and the second rate of change is 5% or less.

[0013] A lighting fixture according to one aspect of the present invention is a lighting fixture comprising: a first light source unit that emits first light; a second light source unit that emits second light of a different color from the first light; and a control processing unit that controls the first light source unit and the second light source unit, wherein the output light output by the lighting fixture includes the first light and the second light, and the control processing unit acquires chromaticity instruction information that indicates the chromaticity coordinate value of the output light, dimming rate instruction information that indicates the dimming rate of the output light, and luminous flux value information that indicates the set luminous flux value of the output light associated with the chromaticity coordinate value, and determines the luminous flux ratio of the first light and the second light so that the output light becomes the light of the chromaticity coordinate value indicated by the acquired chromaticity instruction information, and based on the acquired luminous flux value information The system determines the set luminous flux value associated with the chromaticity coordinate value indicated by the acquired chromaticity indication information, determines the first luminous flux value of the first light and the second luminous flux value of the second light based on the determined luminous flux ratio and the determined set luminous flux value, determines the first drive signal for driving the first light source and the second drive signal for driving the second light source based on the determined first luminous flux value and the determined second luminous flux value and the dimming rate indicated by the acquired dimming rate information, and controls the system to output the output light including the first light emitted by the first light source driven by the determined first drive signal and the second light emitted by the second light source driven by the determined second drive signal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] The lighting control method of the present invention can broaden the range of colors of the output light. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the lighting system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a flowchart of operation example 1 of the lighting fixture according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a graph illustrating the luminous flux value information according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a graph showing the relationship between chromaticity coordinate values and color temperature. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of operation example 2 of the lighting fixture according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of operation example 3 of the lighting fixture according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of operation example 4 of the lighting fixture according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the lighting system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of operation example 5 of a plurality of lighting fixtures according to Embodiment 2. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. Note that each of the embodiments described below shows comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components, steps, order of steps, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, among the components in the following embodiments, the components not described in the independent claims are described as optional components.

[0017] Note that each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily drawn precisely. Also, in each drawing, substantially the same configuration is denoted by the same reference numeral, and duplicate descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

[0018] (Embodiment 1) [Configuration] First, the configuration of the lighting system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the lighting system 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0019] The lighting system 1 according to this embodiment is a system for controlling multiple lighting fixtures (lighting fixtures 100 and 200). Specifically, the controller 300 provided in the lighting system 1 controls the lighting fixtures 100 and 200.

[0020] Each of the lighting fixtures 100 and 200 is a lighting device that emits output light and is installed in an indoor space such as an office, residence, or store, and is used, for example, to illuminate the indoor space.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, the lighting system 1 comprises lighting fixtures 100 and 200 and a controller 300. In this embodiment, the lighting system 1 comprises two lighting fixtures 100 and 200, but is not limited to this, and may comprise one or three or more lighting fixtures.

[0022] [Lighting fixtures] First, let's describe lighting fixtures 100 and 200. In this embodiment, lighting fixtures 100 and 200 have the same components and functions, and are, in other words, the same model of lighting fixture. Here, we will describe lighting fixture 100, and since lighting fixture 200 is the same as lighting fixture 100, we will omit its description.

[0023] As described above, the lighting fixture 100 is a device that outputs output light, for example, a device that outputs illumination light as output light. The output light is not limited to white light within a color temperature range (i.e., white light on a blackbody locus), but includes light of colors indicated by chromaticity coordinate values ​​in the xy chromaticity diagram of the CIE1931 color space.

[0024] The lighting fixture 100 outputs output light based on information (information regarding output light) output from the controller 300. More specifically, the lighting fixture 100 includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, a control processing unit 13, a first light source unit 101, a second light source unit 102, and a third light source unit 103.

[0025] Each of the first light source unit 101, the second light source unit 102, and the third light source unit 103 is a light-emitting device, and here, as an example, it is an LED (Light Emitting Diode) light source, but it is not limited to this. Each of the first light source unit 101, the second light source unit 102, and the third light source unit 103 has multiple LED chips as light-emitting elements.

[0026] The first light source 101 emits first light, the second light source 102 emits second light, and the third light source 103 emits third light. The second light is a different color from the first light, and the third light is a different color from both the first and second lights; in other words, the first to third lights are each different colors. The first to third lights are in the visible light range, with the first light being red light, the second light being green light, and the third light being blue light. In other words, the lighting fixture 100 is a device having an RGB light source.

[0027] The colors of light emitted by each of the first to third light sources 101 to 103 are not limited to those described above. For example, the first light source may be green, the second light source blue, and the third light source red, and the first to third lights may each be of a different color. Furthermore, each of the lighting fixtures 100 and 200 does not necessarily have a third light source 103. In this case, for example, if the first light source is blue and the second light source is yellow, the output light can be white.

[0028] In this embodiment, by combining the first to third lights in a predetermined ratio, the lighting fixture 100 can output output light of a color indicated by the chromaticity coordinate values ​​in the xy chromaticity diagram.

[0029] The communication unit 11 is a communication module (communication circuit) that enables the lighting fixture 100 to communicate with the controller 300 via a wide-area communication network such as the Internet. The communication unit 11 acquires chromaticity instruction information and dimming rate instruction information output from the controller 300. The chromaticity instruction information is information that indicates the chromaticity coordinate value of the output light of the lighting fixture 100 from which the chromaticity instruction information was acquired. The dimming rate instruction information is information that indicates the dimming rate of the output light of the lighting fixture 100 from which the dimming rate instruction information was acquired. In this embodiment, the chromaticity coordinate value indicated by the chromaticity instruction information is the chromaticity coordinate value in the xy chromaticity diagram of the CIE1931 color space, and represents the x and y coordinate values ​​in the xy chromaticity diagram. The lighting fixture 100 outputs output light of the color indicated by the chromaticity coordinate value indicated by the acquired chromaticity instruction information. The dimming rate indicated by the dimming rate instruction information is a numerical value that specifies the brightness of the output light.

[0030] The memory unit 12 is a memory device that stores luminous flux value information. Luminous flux value information is information that indicates the set luminous flux value of the output light associated with the chromaticity coordinate value. In the luminous flux value information, the chromaticity coordinate value and the set luminous flux value of the output light of the lighting fixture 100 are associated one-to-one. The luminous flux value information may be stored in the memory unit 12 in advance, for example, when the lighting fixture 100 is manufactured, but it may also be stored in the memory unit 12 after being acquired by the communication unit 11. In addition, the memory unit 12 may store chromaticity instruction information and dimming rate instruction information acquired by the communication unit 11.

[0031] Furthermore, the memory unit 12 stores programs executed by the lighting fixture 100 (more specifically, the control processing unit 13), as well as various types of information used for information processing. The memory unit 12 is implemented, for example, by ROM (Read Only Memory), but may also be implemented by RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like.

[0032] The control processing unit 13 is a processing unit that controls the first light source unit 101 and the second light source unit 102. As a result, the lighting fixture 100 can output output light that includes the first light emitted by the first light source unit 101 and the second light emitted by the second light source unit 102. In this embodiment, since the control processing unit 13 controls each of the first to third light source units 101 to 103, the lighting fixture 100 can output output light that includes the first to third light emitted by the first to third light source units 101 to 103. More specifically, the output light output by the lighting fixture 100 includes only the first to third light, that is, light composed of the first to third light.

[0033] As shown in Figure 1, the control processing unit 13 includes an acquisition unit 131, a determination unit 132, and a control unit 133.

[0034] The acquisition unit 131 acquires chromaticity indicator information, dimming rate indicator information, and luminous flux value information. In this case, since the luminous flux value information is stored in the storage unit 12, the acquisition unit 131 acquires the luminous flux value information stored in the storage unit 12. The acquisition unit 131 also acquires the chromaticity indicator information and dimming rate indicator information acquired by the communication unit 11 from the communication unit 11. If the chromaticity indicator information and dimming rate indicator information are stored in the storage unit 12, the acquisition unit 131 may acquire the chromaticity indicator information and dimming rate indicator information stored in the storage unit 12.

[0035] The determination unit 132 determines a first drive signal to drive the first light source unit 101 and a second drive signal to drive the second light source unit 102 based on the chromaticity instruction information, dimming rate instruction information, and luminous flux value information acquired by the acquisition unit 131. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the determination unit 132 also determines a seventh drive signal to drive the third light source unit 103 based on the acquired chromaticity instruction information, dimming rate instruction information, and luminous flux value information.

[0036] The control unit 133 controls the first and second light sources 101 and 102 based on the first drive signal and the second drive signal determined by the determination unit 132. When the control unit 133 drives the first light source 101 with the first drive signal determined by the determination unit 132, the first light source 101 emits first light. When the control unit 133 drives the second light source 102 with the second drive signal determined by the determination unit 132, the second light source 102 emits first light. Furthermore, the control unit 133 controls the first and second light sources 101 and 102 so that the lighting fixture 100 outputs output light including the first light emitted by the first light source 101 driven by the first drive signal and the second light emitted by the second light source 102 driven by the second drive signal.

[0037] Furthermore, as described above, since the lighting fixture 100 has a third light source unit 103, the control unit 133 controls the first to third light source units 101 to 103 to output output light including the first light, the second light, and the third light emitted by the third light source unit 103 driven by the determined seventh drive signal.

[0038] [controller] Next, I will explain the controller 300.

[0039] Controller 300 is a control device for controlling lighting fixtures 100 and 200, respectively. Controller 300 is a general-purpose portable terminal such as a smartphone or tablet, but it may also be a dedicated terminal for lighting system 1. Controller 300 receives operations from the user or administrator of lighting system 1 and outputs information indicating the received operation to lighting fixtures 100 and 200, respectively. The information indicating the received operation includes chromaticity instruction information and dimming rate instruction information, etc.

[0040] The controller 300 has a communication module (communication circuit). This communication module communicates with the lighting fixtures 100 and 200 respectively via a local communication network and outputs, for example, chromaticity indication information and dimming rate indication information. The communication performed by this communication module may be wireless communication, but it may also be wired communication. The communication standard used for communication is not particularly limited.

[0041] [Example of operation 1] The following describes example 1 of the operation method for controlling the lighting fixtures 100 and 200.

[0042] Figure 2 is a flowchart of Operation Example 1 of the lighting fixture 100 according to this embodiment. In this operation example, lighting fixture 100 and lighting fixture 200 are controlled identically. Here, we will explain lighting fixture 100, and omit the explanation of lighting fixture 200.

[0043] Before the flowchart shown in Figure 2 is processed, the controller 300 receives an operation from the user or administrator of the lighting system 1 and outputs chromaticity instruction information and dimming rate instruction information to the lighting fixture 100.

[0044] Then, the acquisition unit 131 acquires chromaticity instruction information, dimming rate instruction information, and luminous flux value information (S10). Here, the acquisition unit 131 acquires the chromaticity instruction information and dimming rate instruction information output from the controller 300 and acquired by the communication unit 11, and acquires the luminous flux value information stored in the storage unit 12. Step S10 corresponds to the acquisition step.

[0045] Next, the determination unit 132 determines the luminous flux ratio of the first and second light beams (S20) so that the output light becomes light with the chromaticity coordinate value indicated by the acquired chromaticity indication information. This step S20 corresponds to the first determination step.

[0046] More specifically, the determination unit 132 determines the luminous flux ratios of the first, second, and third light sources so that the output light corresponds to the chromaticity coordinate value. For example, if the sum of the luminous flux values ​​of the first, second, and third light sources is set to 100%, the determination unit 132 determines the ratio of the luminous flux value of the first light source to the total luminous flux value, the ratio of the luminous flux value of the second light source to the total luminous flux value, and the ratio of the luminous flux value of the third light source to the total luminous flux value. The luminous flux ratios of the first, second, and third light sources are numerical values ​​that represent the ratio of the respective luminous flux values ​​of the first to third light sources to the total luminous flux value. As described above, in this embodiment, since the output light is composed of the first to third light sources, the sum of the luminous flux values ​​of the first, second, and third light sources corresponds to the total luminous flux of the output light. Therefore, in other words, the luminous flux ratio of the first, second, and third light sources is also a numerical value that represents the ratio of the respective luminous flux values ​​of the first to third light sources to the total luminous flux of the output light.

[0047] Furthermore, the determination unit 132 determines a set luminous flux value associated with the chromaticity coordinate value indicated by the acquired chromaticity indication information, based on the acquired luminous flux value information (S30). This step S30 corresponds to the second determination step.

[0048] Here, we will explain the luminous flux value information using Figure 3.

[0049] Figure 3 is a graph illustrating the luminous flux value information according to this embodiment.

[0050] The graph shown in Figure 3 illustrates a curve showing the relationship between chromaticity coordinate values ​​and the set luminous flux value of the output light associated with those chromaticity coordinate values, demonstrating a one-to-one correspondence between chromaticity coordinate values ​​and the set luminous flux value of the output light.

[0051] In step S30, the determination unit 132 calculates and determines the set luminous flux value associated with the chromaticity coordinate value indicated by the chromaticity indication information acquired in step S20, according to the calculation formula shown in the graph curve in Figure 3. In other words, the luminous flux value information is information from the calculation formula that shows the curve representing the set luminous flux value of the output light associated with the chromaticity coordinate value.

[0052] In the graph shown in Figure 3, the horizontal axis represents the chromaticity coordinate values, or more specifically, the digital conversion value of the x-coordinate value within the chromaticity coordinate values. The larger the x-coordinate value, the larger the corresponding digital conversion value, and the smaller the x-coordinate value, the smaller the corresponding digital conversion value.

[0053] Furthermore, in the graph shown in Figure 3, the vertical axis represents the value related to the set luminous flux value, but it may also represent the percentage of the set luminous flux value, as shown by the left vertical axis, for example. Here, the percentage of the set luminous flux value is shown when the set luminous flux value corresponding to the chromaticity coordinate value corresponding to a color temperature of 4000K is set to 100%.

[0054] Furthermore, as shown by the vertical axis on the right, the set luminous flux value may also be shown. In Figure 3, it is shown that the set luminous flux value corresponding to the chromaticity coordinate value corresponding to a color temperature of 4000K is 3000lm, and the set luminous flux value corresponding to the chromaticity coordinate value corresponding to a color temperature of 1800K is 1200lm. In addition, Figure 3 shows that the set luminous flux value corresponding to the chromaticity coordinate value corresponding to a color temperature of 12000K is 300lm, but the set luminous flux value is not limited to the above.

[0055] In step S30, the determination unit 132 calculates the digital conversion value of the x-axis coordinate value among the chromaticity coordinate values ​​indicated by the chromaticity indication information acquired in step S20, and calculates and determines the set luminous flux value associated with the calculated digital conversion value. For example, if the chromaticity coordinate value indicated by the chromaticity indication information acquired in step S20 corresponds to a color temperature of 4000K, the determination unit 132 calculates and determines 4000lm as the set luminous flux value.

[0056] Furthermore, the curve shown in the graph of Figure 3 represents the set luminous flux value when the chromaticity coordinate value indicated by the chromaticity indication information corresponds to the value of the blackbody locus; however, the chromaticity indication information is not limited to information that shows such a curve.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the graph showing the luminous flux value information in Figure 3, the x-coordinate value (more specifically, the digitally converted value of the x-coordinate value) is used on the horizontal axis, and the y-coordinate value is not used. The reason for this will be explained using Figure 4.

[0058] Figure 4 is a graph showing the relationship between chromaticity coordinate values ​​and color temperature.

[0059] The curve shown in Figure 4 represents the chromaticity coordinate values ​​corresponding to the blackbody locus and the color temperature indicated by those chromaticity coordinate values. In the graph shown in Figure 4, the horizontal axis represents the x-coordinate value and the vertical axis represents the y-coordinate value, with the color temperature for a given x-coordinate value and a given y-coordinate value shown in the callout. In addition, black circles are plotted to indicate color temperatures at 100K intervals. For example, it is shown that the color temperature is 1800K when the x-coordinate value is approximately 0.55 and the y-coordinate value is approximately 0.41.

[0060] As shown in Figure 4, if the x-coordinate value included in the chromaticity coordinate value is determined, the color temperature is uniquely determined. However, even if the y-coordinate value included in the chromaticity coordinate value is determined, the color temperature may not be uniquely determined. For example, if the x-coordinate value is determined to be approximately 0.53, the color temperature is determined to be 2000K, but if the y-coordinate value is determined to be approximately 0.41, the color temperature will be one of the values ​​between 1800K and 2600K, and will not be uniquely determined.

[0061] Thus, since the color temperature is uniquely determined once the x-coordinate value is set, in this embodiment, the set luminous flux value of the output light associated with the x-coordinate value among the chromaticity coordinate values ​​is used in the luminous flux value information.

[0062] Thus, in step S30, the determination unit 132 calculates and determines a set luminous flux value associated with the chromaticity coordinate value indicated by the acquired chromaticity indication information, based on a calculation formula which is luminous flux value information. Furthermore, since such luminous flux value information is information with a sufficiently small data capacity, it can be stored in the storage unit 12, which is implemented by ROM.

[0063] Next, the determination unit 132 determines the first luminous flux value of the first light and the second luminous flux value of the second light based on the luminous flux ratio determined in step S20 and the set luminous flux value determined in step S30 (S40).

[0064] More specifically, the determination unit 132 determines the first luminous flux value, the second luminous flux value, and the seventh luminous flux value of the third light based on the luminous flux ratio and the set luminous flux value. Here, we will explain using an example where the luminous flux ratio is 50% as the ratio of the luminous flux value of the first light, 20% as the ratio of the luminous flux value of the second light, and 30% as the ratio of the luminous flux value of the third light to the total luminous flux value (i.e., the total luminous flux of the output light), and the set luminous flux value is 2400lm. In this case, the first luminous flux value is 1200lm calculated from 2400lm × 50%, the second luminous flux value is 480lm calculated from 2400lm × 20%, and the seventh luminous flux value is 720lm calculated from 2400lm × 30%. Note that this step S40 corresponds to the third determination step.

[0065] Next, the determination unit 132 determines the first drive signal and the second drive signal (S50) based on the first luminous flux value and the second luminous flux value determined in step S40 and the dimming rate indicated by the dimming rate information acquired in step S10. The first drive signal is a signal to drive the first light source unit 101, and the second drive signal is a signal to drive the second light source unit 102.

[0066] More specifically, the determination unit 132 determines the first drive signal, the second drive signal, and the seventh drive signal for driving the third light source unit 103 based on the determined first, second, and seventh luminous flux values ​​and the dimming rate. Each of the first, second, and seventh drive signals is a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal. Each of the first, second, and seventh drive signals includes a duty cycle. The first, second, and seventh drive signals are determined such that the duty cycle increases as the dimming rate increases, and decreases as the dimming rate decreases.

[0067] More specifically, the first drive signal is determined based on the first luminous flux value and the dimming rate as follows: The determination unit 132 multiplies the first luminous flux value by the dimming rate to determine a predetermined luminous flux value for the first light, and determines the first drive signal so that the first light source unit 101 can emit the first light at the determined predetermined luminous flux value. For example, if the first luminous flux value is 1200lm and the dimming rate is 50%, the predetermined luminous flux value for the first light will be 600lm, calculated from 1200lm × 50%. The second and seventh drive signals are determined in the same manner. This step S50 corresponds to the fourth determination step.

[0068] Next, the control unit 133 controls the lighting fixture 100 to output output light including the first light emitted by the first light source unit 101 driven by the first drive signal determined in step S50, and the second light emitted by the second light source unit 102 driven by the determined second drive signal (S60). More specifically, the control unit 133 controls the lighting fixture 100 to output output light including the first light, the second light, and the third light emitted by the third light source unit 103 driven by the determined seventh drive signal. This step S60 corresponds to the first control step.

[0069] In step S60, the output light emitted by the lighting fixture 100 is light of the color of the chromaticity coordinate value indicated by the chromaticity indication information, and is light that has been dimmed by the dimming rate indicated by the dimming rate indication information.

[0070] The details of Operation Example 1 are summarized as follows:

[0071] In step S30, the determination unit 132 determines the set luminous flux value associated with the chromaticity coordinate value indicated by the acquired chromaticity indication information, based on luminous flux value information indicating the set luminous flux value of the output light associated with the chromaticity coordinate value. More specifically, in step S30, the determination unit 132 calculates and determines the set luminous flux value based on a calculation formula which is luminous flux value information. Since such luminous flux value information is information with a sufficiently small data capacity, it can be stored in the storage unit 12 which is implemented by ROM. In other words, in the lighting fixture 100 according to this embodiment, it is not necessary for the storage unit 12 to store a table with a data capacity on the order of gigabytes, as described in the problem that the invention aims to solve above.

[0072] Based on the set luminous flux value determined in this way, steps S40 and S50 are processed so that in step S60 the luminaire 100 can output output light.

[0073] As described above, the lighting fixture 100 according to this embodiment does not require a table with gigabyte-order data capacity to be stored in the storage unit 12. Therefore, unlike the lighting fixture shown in Reference Document 1, which was described in the problem the invention aims to solve, the lighting fixture 100 can determine the color of the output light based on chromaticity indication information, which is information that indicates the chromaticity coordinate values ​​of the output light. As a result, the lighting fixture 100 can output not only white light within the color temperature range but also light of other colors as output light. In other words, a lighting fixture 100 that can broaden the range of colors of the output light is realized.

[0074] [Example of operation 2] The following describes example 2 of the operation method for controlling the lighting fixtures 100 and 200.

[0075] Figure 5 is a flowchart of operation example 2 of the lighting fixture 100 according to this embodiment. In this operation example, lighting fixture 100 and lighting fixture 200 are controlled identically. Here, lighting fixture 100 will be described, and lighting fixture 200 will be omitted.

[0076] This example of operation is performed after the processing in steps S10 to S40 of Operation Example 1 has been completed. In other words, after the determination unit 132 determines the first luminous flux value, the second luminous flux value, and the seventh luminous flux value in step S40 above, the lighting fixture 100 performs the following processing.

[0077] First, the determination unit 132 determines whether the first luminous flux value determined in step S40 exceeds the first threshold for the first light (S40a). This step S40a corresponds to the first determination step.

[0078] The first threshold value may be stored in the storage unit 12 beforehand, for example, before step S10 of operation example 1 and operation example 2 begins. The first threshold value is the maximum luminous flux value of the first light emitted by the first light source unit 101. For example, the first threshold value is also the value at which the first light source unit 101 may malfunction if the luminous flux value of the first light emitted is greater than the first threshold value. The first threshold value may also be a value predetermined by the user or administrator of the lighting system 1. Alternatively, the first threshold value may be a value obtained by multiplying the maximum luminous flux value of the first light by a number between 80% and 95%.

[0079] The determination unit 132 refers to the first threshold value stored in the memory unit 12 to determine whether the determined first luminous flux value exceeds the first threshold value.

[0080] If the first luminous flux value is below the first threshold (No in step S40a), the process in step S50 is performed, followed by the process in step S60.

[0081] Furthermore, if the first luminous flux value exceeds the first threshold (Yes in step S40a), the determination unit 132 performs the following processing.

[0082] In this case, the determination unit 132 determines the first threshold value as the third luminous flux value of the first light and determines the fourth luminous flux value of the second light such that it satisfies the following equation 1 (S41). Here, the first luminous flux value determined in step S40 is L1, the first threshold value is T1, the second luminous flux value determined in step S40 is L2, and the fourth luminous flux value is L4. At this time, the fourth luminous flux value satisfies equation 1.

[0083] L4=L2×(T1 / L1)...(Formula 1)

[0084] In other words, the fourth luminous flux value of the second light is determined by multiplying the second luminous flux value, which was determined in step S40, by the value obtained by dividing the first threshold (i.e., the third luminous flux value of the first light) by the first luminous flux value.

[0085] In step S41, the determination unit 132 determines the eighth luminous flux value of the third light so as to satisfy the following equation 2. Here, the seventh luminous flux value determined in step S40 is L7, and the eighth luminous flux value of the third light is L8. In this case, the eighth luminous flux value satisfies equation 2.

[0086] L8=L7×(T1 / L1)...(Formula 2)

[0087] In other words, the 8th luminous flux value of the 3rd light is determined by multiplying the 7th luminous flux value, which was determined once in step S40, by the value obtained by dividing the 1st threshold (i.e., the 3rd luminous flux value of the 1st light) by the 1st luminous flux value.

[0088] Furthermore, the third, fourth, and eighth luminous flux values ​​can also be expressed by multiplying the first, second, and seventh luminous flux values ​​determined in step S40 by the value obtained by dividing the first threshold by the first luminous flux value. In other words, the same value is multiplied by the first, second, and seventh luminous flux values. Therefore, the luminous flux ratio determined in step S20 is the same as the luminous flux ratio of the third luminous flux value of the first light, the fourth luminous flux value of the second light, and the eighth luminous flux value of the third light determined in step S41. In other words, the luminous flux ratios of the first, second, and third lights determined in step S20 are maintained.

[0089] Next, the determination unit 132 determines the third drive signal and the fourth drive signal based on the third luminous flux value and the fourth luminous flux value determined in step S41, and the dimming rate indicated by the dimming rate information acquired in step S10 (S51). The third drive signal is a signal to drive the first light source unit 101, and the fourth drive signal is a signal to drive the second light source unit 102.

[0090] More specifically, the determination unit 132 determines the third drive signal, the fourth drive signal, and the eighth drive signal for driving the third light source unit 103 based on the third, fourth, and eighth luminous flux values ​​and the dimming rate determined in step S41. Each of the third, fourth, and eighth drive signals is a PWM signal. Each of the third, fourth, and eighth drive signals includes a duty cycle. The third, fourth, and eighth drive signals are determined such that the duty cycle increases with increasing dimming rate and decreases with decreasing dimming rate. The third, fourth, and eighth drive signals are determined in the same way as the first, second, and seventh drive signals.

[0091] Furthermore, steps S41 and S51 correspond to the fifth decision step.

[0092] Next, the control unit 133 controls the lighting fixture 100 to output output light including the first light emitted by the first light source unit 101, which is driven by the third drive signal determined in step S51, and the second light emitted by the second light source unit 102, which is driven by the determined fourth drive signal (S61).

[0093] More specifically, the control unit 133 controls the lighting fixture 100 to output output light including the first light, the second light, and the third light emitted by the third light source unit 103, which is driven by the determined eighth drive signal.

[0094] In this example of operation, if the first luminous flux value determined in step S40 exceeds the first threshold, the following process is shown. In this example of operation, in such a case, the third, fourth, and eighth luminous flux values ​​are determined again in step S41, and based on these third, fourth, and eighth luminous flux values, the lighting fixture 100 outputs output light in step S61.

[0095] To summarize the second example of operation, it is as follows:

[0096] As described above, the first threshold is the maximum luminous flux value of the first light, and if the first light emitted has a luminous flux value greater than the first threshold, the first light source unit 101 may malfunction. In this example of operation, the luminous flux value of the first light emitted by the first light source unit 101 does not exceed the first threshold, so the malfunction of the first light source unit 101 is suppressed.

[0097] Furthermore, this example shows an instance where the first luminous flux value determined in step S40 exceeds the first threshold. For example, the first luminous flux value may exceed the first threshold when the chromaticity coordinate value indicated by the chromaticity indicator information acquired in step S10 is a value far from the blackbody locus. In this example, even when the first luminous flux value exceeds the first threshold, the lighting fixture 100 can output light of the color of the chromaticity coordinate value indicated by the chromaticity indicator information (i.e., output light of the color of the chromaticity coordinate value far from the blackbody locus).

[0098] In Operation Example 2, step S40a determined whether the first luminous flux value exceeded the first threshold. However, the luminous flux value exceeding the threshold is not limited to the first luminous flux value. In other words, if any one of the first luminous flux value of the first light, the second luminous flux value of the second light, or the seventh luminous flux value of the third light exceeds a predetermined threshold, the same processing as in Operation Example 2 is performed.

[0099] Furthermore, in this example of operation, if the answer to step S40a is Yes, then the processes in steps S41, S51, and S61 are performed. More specifically, if the answer to step S40a is Yes, then the processes in steps S41, S51, and S61 are performed instead of steps S50 and S60 as shown in Operation Example 1.

[0100] [Example of operation 3] The following describes example 3 of the operation method for controlling the lighting fixtures 100 and 200.

[0101] Figure 6 is a flowchart of operation example 3 of the lighting fixture 100 according to this embodiment. In this operation example, lighting fixture 100 and lighting fixture 200 are controlled identically. Here, we will explain lighting fixture 100, and omit the explanation of lighting fixture 200.

[0102] This example of operation is performed after the processing in steps S10 to S40 of Operation Example 1 has been completed. In other words, after the determination unit 132 determines the first luminous flux value, the second luminous flux value, and the seventh luminous flux value in step S40 above, the lighting fixture 100 performs the following processing.

[0103] The determination unit 132 determines whether the first luminous flux value determined in step S40 exceeds the first threshold, whether the second luminous flux value determined in step S40 exceeds the second threshold for the second light, and whether the first difference is greater than the second difference (S40b).

[0104] More specifically, the determination unit 132 determines whether the first luminous flux value exceeds the first threshold, the second luminous flux value exceeds the second threshold, the seventh luminous flux value determined in step S40 exceeds the fourth threshold for the third light, and whether the first difference is greater than the second and third differences.

[0105] Since the first threshold was explained in Operation Example 2, we will first explain the second and fourth thresholds here. The second and fourth thresholds are values ​​that correspond to the first threshold for the second and third light, respectively, and will be explained below.

[0106] The second and fourth thresholds may be stored in the memory unit 12 beforehand, for example, before step S10 of operation example 1 to operation example 3 begins. The second threshold is the maximum luminous flux value of the second light emitted by the second light source unit 102. For example, the second threshold is also a value at which the second light source unit 102 may malfunction if the luminous flux value of the second light is greater than the second threshold. The fourth threshold is the maximum luminous flux value of the third light emitted by the third light source unit 103. For example, the fourth threshold is also a value at which the third light source unit 103 may malfunction if the luminous flux value of the third light is greater than the fourth threshold. Furthermore, the second and fourth thresholds may be values ​​predetermined by the user or administrator of the lighting system 1. Also, the second and fourth thresholds may be values ​​obtained by multiplying the maximum luminous flux value of the second light and the maximum luminous flux value of the third light by a value between 80% and 95%.

[0107] The determination unit 132 refers to the first to third threshold values ​​stored in the memory unit 12 to determine whether the determined first, second, and seventh luminous flux values ​​exceed the first, second, and fourth threshold values.

[0108] Next, the first, second, and third differences will be explained. The first difference is the value obtained by subtracting the first threshold from the first luminous flux value determined in step S40. The second difference is the value obtained by subtracting the second threshold from the second luminous flux value determined in step S40. The third difference is the value obtained by subtracting the fourth threshold from the seventh luminous flux value determined in step S40.

[0109] Thus, in step 40b, it is determined whether all of the first, second, and seventh luminous flux values ​​exceed their respective thresholds, and whether the first difference is the largest among the first, second, and third differences. For simplicity, here we will explain that the first condition is that all of the first, second, and seventh luminous flux values ​​exceed their respective thresholds, and the second condition is that the first difference is the largest among the first, second, and third differences. In other words, in step S40b, it is determined whether the first condition is met and whether the second condition is met.

[0110] If neither the first nor the second condition is met (No in step S40b), the process in step S50 is performed, followed by the process in step S60.

[0111] If the first and second conditions are met (Yes in step S40b), the determination unit 132 performs the process in step S41.

[0112] In this case, in step S41, the determination unit 132 determines the first threshold value as the third luminous flux value, determines the fourth luminous flux value of the second light so as to satisfy equation 1, and determines the eighth luminous flux value of the third light so as to satisfy equation 2. In other words, in this example of operation as well, the fourth luminous flux value and the eighth luminous flux value are determined using the value obtained by dividing the first threshold value related to the first light source unit 101, which is the light source with the largest difference among the first, second, and third differences, by the first luminous flux value.

[0113] Based on these determined third, fourth, and eighth luminous flux values, steps S51 and S61 are performed.

[0114] To summarize example 3, it is as follows:

[0115] As described above, the second threshold is a value at which the second light source unit 102 may malfunction if a second light source with a luminous flux value greater than the second threshold is emitted, and the fourth threshold is a value at which the third light source unit 103 may malfunction if a third light source with a luminous flux value greater than the fourth threshold is emitted.

[0116] If the first and second conditions are met in step S40b, the first threshold is determined as the third luminous flux value, and the fourth and eighth luminous flux values ​​are determined using the value obtained by dividing the first threshold related to the first light source unit 101, which is the light source with the largest difference, by the first luminous flux value. Therefore, in this example of operation, the luminous flux value of the first light never exceeds the first threshold, the luminous flux value of the second light never exceeds the second threshold, and the luminous flux value of the third light never exceeds the fourth threshold, thus suppressing failures of the first to third light source units 101 to 103.

[0117] Furthermore, this example shows a case where at least one of the first, second, and seventh luminous flux values ​​determined in step S40 (all luminous flux values ​​in this example) exceeds the corresponding threshold. For example, at least one luminous flux value may exceed the corresponding threshold when the chromaticity coordinate value indicated by the chromaticity indication information acquired in step S10 is a value far from the blackbody locus. In this example, even when at least one luminous flux value exceeds the corresponding threshold, the lighting fixture 100 can output light of the color of the chromaticity coordinate value indicated by the chromaticity indication information (i.e., output light of the color of the chromaticity coordinate value far from the blackbody locus).

[0118] In example 2, the first difference was used as the largest of the first, second, and third differences, but this is not the only case. If the second difference is the largest, the second threshold is determined as the fourth luminous flux value, and the value obtained by dividing the second threshold by the second luminous flux value is used to determine the third and eighth luminous flux values, respectively. If the third difference is the largest, the fourth threshold is determined as the eighth luminous flux value, and the value obtained by dividing the fourth threshold by the seventh luminous flux value is used to determine the third and fourth luminous flux values, respectively.

[0119] [Example of operation 4] The following describes example 4 of the operation method for controlling the lighting fixtures 100 and 200.

[0120] Figure 7 is a flowchart of operation example 4 of the lighting fixture 100 according to this embodiment. In this operation example, lighting fixture 100 and lighting fixture 200 are controlled identically. Here, lighting fixture 100 will be described, and lighting fixture 200 will be omitted.

[0121] This example of operation is performed after the processing in steps S10 to S40 of Operation Example 1 has been completed. In other words, after the determination unit 132 determines the first luminous flux value, the second luminous flux value, and the seventh luminous flux value in step S40 above, the lighting fixture 100 performs the following processing.

[0122] The determination unit 132 determines whether the output power of the lighting fixture 100 exceeds the third threshold (S40c) when the first light source unit 101 emits first light with a first luminous flux value determined in step S40, and the second light source unit 102 emits second light with a second luminous flux value determined in step S40. This step S40c corresponds to the second determination step.

[0123] More specifically, the determination unit 132 determines whether the output power exceeds the third threshold when the first and second light sources 101 and 102 emit the first and second light, respectively, and the third light source 103 emits the third light with the seventh luminous flux value determined in step S40.

[0124] In other words, in step S40c, it is determined whether the output power of the lighting fixture 100 exceeds the third threshold when output light consisting of a first light with a first luminous flux value, a second light with a second luminous flux value, and a third light with a seventh luminous flux value is output.

[0125] The third threshold may be stored in the storage unit 12 beforehand, for example, before step S10 of operation example 1 to operation example 4 begins. The third threshold is the maximum power of the output light output by the lighting fixture 100. For example, the third threshold is also a value that, if the output light is output at a power greater than the third threshold, may cause the lighting fixture 100 to malfunction. The third threshold may also be a value predetermined by the user or administrator of the lighting system 1. Alternatively, the third threshold may be a value obtained by multiplying the above maximum power of the output light by a value between 80% and 95%.

[0126] The determination unit 132 refers to the third threshold stored in the storage unit 12 to determine whether the output power exceeds the third threshold.

[0127] If the output power is below the third threshold (No in step S40c), the process in step S50 is performed, followed by the process in step S60.

[0128] Furthermore, if the output power exceeds the third threshold (Yes in step S40c), the determination unit 132 performs the following processing.

[0129] In this case, the determination unit 132 determines the fifth luminous flux value of the first light and the sixth luminous flux value of the second light such that the output power becomes the third threshold and the luminous flux ratio determined in step S20 is maintained (S43).

[0130] More specifically, the determination unit 132 determines the fifth luminous flux value, the sixth luminous flux value, and the ninth luminous flux value of the third light such that the output power becomes the third threshold and the luminous flux ratio determined in step S20 is maintained. For example, the fifth luminous flux value, the sixth luminous flux value, and the ninth luminous flux value are determined as follows.

[0131] Here, when output light consisting of the first light with the first luminous flux value, the second light with the second luminous flux value, and the third light with the seventh luminous flux value is output, the output power of the lighting fixture 100 is defined as W1, and the third threshold value is defined as T3. Furthermore, the fifth luminous flux value is defined as L5, the sixth luminous flux value as L6, and the ninth luminous flux value as L9. In this case, the fifth luminous flux value as L5, the sixth luminous flux value as L6, and the ninth luminous flux value as L9 satisfy equations 3, 4, and 5, respectively.

[0132] L5=L1×(T3 / W1)...(Formula 3) L6=L2×(T3 / W1)...(Formula 4) L9=L7×(T3 / W1)...(Formula 5)

[0133] In other words, the 5th luminous flux value of the first light, the 6th luminous flux value of the second light, and the 9th luminous flux value of the third light are determined by multiplying the 1st, 2nd, and 7th luminous flux values, which were determined in step S40, by the value obtained by dividing the 3rd threshold T3 by the output power W1. That is, the same value is multiplied by the 1st, 2nd, and 7th luminous flux values. For this reason, the luminous flux ratio determined in step S20 is the same as the luminous flux ratio of the 5th luminous flux value of the first light, the 6th luminous flux value of the second light, and the 9th luminous flux value of the third light determined in step S43. In other words, the luminous flux ratios of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd lights determined in step S20 are maintained.

[0134] Next, the determination unit 132 determines the fifth drive signal and the sixth drive signal based on the fifth luminous flux value determined in step S43, the determined sixth luminous flux value, and the dimming rate indicated by the dimming rate information acquired in step S10 (S53). The fifth drive signal is a signal to drive the first light source unit 101, and the sixth drive signal is a signal to drive the second light source unit 102.

[0135] More specifically, the determination unit 132 determines the fifth drive signal, the sixth drive signal, and the ninth drive signal for driving the third light source unit 103 based on the fifth, sixth, and ninth luminous flux values ​​and the dimming rate determined in step S43. Each of the fifth, sixth, and ninth drive signals is a PWM signal. Each of the fifth, sixth, and ninth drive signals includes a duty cycle. The duty cycle is determined such that a higher dimming rate results in a higher duty cycle, and a lower dimming rate results in a lower duty cycle. The fifth, sixth, and ninth drive signals are determined in the same way as the first, second, and seventh drive signals.

[0136] Furthermore, steps S43 and S53 correspond to the sixth decision step.

[0137] Next, the control unit 133 controls the lighting fixture 100 to output output light including the first light emitted by the first light source unit 101, which is driven by the fifth drive signal determined in step S53, and the second light emitted by the second light source unit 102, which is driven by the determined sixth drive signal (S63).

[0138] More specifically, the control unit 133 controls the lighting fixture 100 to output output light including the first light, the second light, and the third light emitted by the third light source unit 103, which is driven by the determined ninth drive signal.

[0139] To summarize the operation example 4, it is as follows:

[0140] As described above, the third threshold is the maximum power of the output light, and if the output light is output at a power value greater than the third threshold, the lighting fixture 100 may malfunction. In this example of operation, the output power does not exceed the third threshold, so the malfunction of the lighting fixture 100 is suppressed.

[0141] [Effects, etc.] In the first embodiment of the lighting control method, the lighting control method is a lighting control method for a lighting fixture 100. The lighting fixture 100 includes a first light source unit 101 that emits first light and a second light source unit 102 that emits second light of a different color from the first light. The output light output by the lighting fixture 100 includes the first light and the second light. The lighting control method includes an acquisition step, first to fourth determination steps, and a first control step. The acquisition step acquires chromaticity indicator information that indicates the chromaticity coordinate values ​​of the output light, dimming rate indicator information that indicates the dimming rate of the output light, and luminous flux value information that indicates the set luminous flux value of the output light associated with the chromaticity coordinate values. In the first determination step, the luminous flux ratio of the first light and the second light is determined so that the output light becomes the light of the chromaticity coordinate values ​​indicated by the acquired chromaticity indicator information. In the second determination step, the set luminous flux value associated with the chromaticity coordinate values ​​indicated by the acquired chromaticity indicator information is determined based on the acquired luminous flux value information. In the third determination step, the first luminous flux value of the first light and the second luminous flux value of the second light are determined based on the determined luminous flux ratio and the determined set luminous flux value. In the fourth determination step, the first drive signal for driving the first light source unit 101 and the second drive signal for driving the second light source unit 102 are determined based on the determined first luminous flux value, the determined second luminous flux value and the dimming rate indicated by the acquired dimming rate information. In the first control step, the system is controlled to output output light including the first light emitted by the first light source unit 101 driven by the determined first drive signal and the second light emitted by the second light source unit 102 driven by the determined second drive signal.

[0142] As explained in Operation Example 1, in the lighting control method according to this embodiment, the lighting fixture 100 outputs output light based on luminous flux value information, which is information with a sufficiently small data capacity that can be stored in the storage unit 12 realized by ROM. In other words, the lighting fixture 100 does not need to store a table with a data capacity on the order of gigabytes in the storage unit 12. For this reason, unlike the lighting fixture shown in Reference Document 1 as described in the problem that the invention aims to solve, the lighting fixture 100 can determine the color of the output light based on chromaticity indication information, which is information that indicates the chromaticity coordinate values ​​of the output light. As a result, the lighting fixture 100 can output not only white light within the color temperature range but also light of other colors as output light. Thus, in this embodiment, a lighting control method is realized that can broaden the range of output light colors.

[0143] In the illumination control method according to the second embodiment, the illumination control method further includes a first determination step for determining whether the determined first luminous flux value exceeds a first threshold for the first light, and a fifth determination step. The fourth determination step is performed if, in the first determination step, the determined first luminous flux value is less than or equal to the first threshold. The fifth determination step is performed if, in the first determination step, the determined first luminous flux value exceeds the first threshold. In the fifth determination step, the first threshold is determined as the third luminous flux value of the first light, and the fourth luminous flux value is determined such that it satisfies Equation 1, when the determined first luminous flux value is L1, the first threshold is T1, the determined second luminous flux value is L2, and the fourth luminous flux value of the second light is L4.

[0144] L4=L2×(T1 / L1)...(Formula 1)

[0145] In the fifth decision step, a third drive signal to drive the first light source unit 101 and a fourth drive signal to drive the second light source unit 102 are determined based on the determined third luminous flux value, the determined fourth luminous flux value, and the dimming rate indicated by the acquired dimming rate information. In the first control step, the system is controlled to output output light including the first light emitted by the first light source unit 101 driven by the determined third drive signal and the second light emitted by the second light source unit 102 driven by the determined fourth drive signal.

[0146] As explained in Operation Example 2, in the lighting control method according to this embodiment, the first threshold is the maximum luminous flux value of the first light, and if the first light emitted has a luminous flux value greater than the first threshold, the first light source unit 101 may malfunction. In this operation example, since the luminous flux value of the first light emitted by the first light source unit 101 does not exceed the first threshold, malfunction of the first light source unit 101 is suppressed.

[0147] Furthermore, the first luminous flux value may exceed the first threshold when the chromaticity coordinate value indicated by the chromaticity indication information acquired in the acquisition step (step S10) is a value far from the blackbody locus. In operation example 2, even when the first luminous flux value exceeds the first threshold, the lighting fixture 100 can output light of the color of the chromaticity coordinate value indicated by the chromaticity indication information (i.e., output light of the color of the chromaticity coordinate value far from the blackbody locus). Thus, in this embodiment, a lighting control method is realized that can broaden the range of colors of the output light.

[0148] In the lighting control method according to the third embodiment, the following processing is performed according to the second embodiment. In the first determination step, it is further determined whether the determined second luminous flux value exceeds the second threshold for the second light, and whether the first difference obtained by subtracting the first threshold from the determined first luminous flux value is greater than the second difference obtained by subtracting the second threshold from the determined second luminous flux value. If, in the first determination step, the determined first luminous flux value exceeds the first threshold, the determined second luminous flux value exceeds the second threshold, and the first difference is greater than the second difference, then the fifth determination step is executed.

[0149] As explained in Operation Example 3, in the lighting control method according to this embodiment, the second threshold is a value at which the second light source unit 102 may malfunction if a second light with a luminous flux value greater than the second threshold is emitted. Also, the fourth threshold is a value at which the third light source unit 103 may malfunction if a third light with a luminous flux value greater than the fourth threshold is emitted. If the first and second conditions are met in the first determination step (step S40b), the following processing is performed. In this case, the first threshold is determined as the third luminous flux value, and the fourth luminous flux value and the eighth luminous flux value are determined using the value obtained by dividing the first threshold related to the first light source unit 101, which is the light source with the largest difference, by the first luminous flux value. Therefore, in operation example 3, the luminous flux value of the first light never exceeds the first threshold, the luminous flux value of the second light never exceeds the second threshold, and the luminous flux value of the third light never exceeds the fourth threshold, thus suppressing failures of the first to third light sources 101 to 103.

[0150] In the lighting control method according to the fourth embodiment, in any one embodiment of the first to third embodiments, the lighting control method further includes a second determination step and a sixth decision step. In the second determination step, it is determined whether the output power of the lighting fixture 100 exceeds a third threshold when the first light source unit 101 emits first light with a determined first luminous flux value and the second light source unit 102 emits second light with a determined second luminous flux value. The fourth decision step is performed when, in the second determination step, the output power is less than or equal to the third threshold, and the sixth decision step is performed when, in the second determination step, the output power exceeds the third threshold. In the sixth decision step, the fifth luminous flux value of the first light and the sixth luminous flux value of the second light are determined so that the output power becomes the third threshold and the determined luminous flux ratio is maintained. In the sixth determination step, a fifth drive signal to drive the first light source unit 101 and a sixth drive signal to drive the second light source unit 102 are determined based on the determined fifth luminous flux value, the determined sixth luminous flux value, and the dimming rate indicated by the acquired dimming rate information. In the first control step, the system is controlled to output output light including the first light emitted by the first light source unit 101 driven by the determined fifth drive signal and the second light emitted by the second light source unit 102 driven by the determined sixth drive signal.

[0151] As explained in Operation Example 4, in the lighting control method according to this embodiment, the third threshold is the maximum power of the output light, and if the output light is output at a power value greater than the third threshold, the lighting fixture 100 may malfunction. In Operation Example 4, since the output power does not exceed the third threshold, the malfunction of the lighting fixture 100 is suppressed.

[0152] In the seventh embodiment of the lighting fixture 100, the lighting fixture 100 comprises a first light source unit 101 that emits first light, a second light source unit 102 that emits second light of a different color from the first light, and a control processing unit 13 that controls the first light source unit 101 and the second light source unit 102. The output light output by the lighting fixture 100 includes first light and second light. The control processing unit 13 acquires chromaticity instruction information that indicates the chromaticity coordinate values ​​of the output light, dimming rate instruction information that indicates the dimming rate of the output light, and luminous flux value information that indicates the set luminous flux value of the output light associated with the chromaticity coordinate values. The control processing unit 13 determines the luminous flux ratio of the first light and the second light so that the output light becomes the light of the chromaticity coordinate values ​​indicated by the acquired chromaticity instruction information. Based on the acquired luminous flux value information, the control processing unit 13 determines the set luminous flux value associated with the chromaticity coordinate values ​​indicated by the acquired chromaticity instruction information. The control processing unit 13 determines the first luminous flux value of the first light and the second luminous flux value of the second light based on the determined luminous flux ratio and the determined set luminous flux value. The control processing unit 13 determines a first drive signal to drive the first light source unit 101 and a second drive signal to drive the second light source unit 102 based on the determined first luminous flux value, the determined second luminous flux value and the dimming rate indicated by the acquired dimming rate information. The control processing unit 13 controls the output to output output light including the first light emitted by the first light source unit 101 driven by the determined first drive signal and the second light emitted by the second light source unit 102 driven by the determined second drive signal.

[0153] As explained in Operation Example 1, the lighting fixture 100 according to this embodiment outputs output light based on luminous flux value information, which is information with a sufficiently small data capacity that can be stored in the storage unit 12 realized by ROM. In other words, the lighting fixture 100 does not need to store a table with a data capacity on the order of gigabytes in the storage unit 12. For this reason, unlike the lighting fixture shown in Reference Document 1 as described in the problem that the invention aims to solve, the lighting fixture 100 can determine the color of the output light based on chromaticity indication information, which is information that indicates the chromaticity coordinate values ​​of the output light. As a result, the lighting fixture 100 can output not only white light within the color temperature range but also light of other colors as output light. Thus, in this embodiment, a lighting fixture 100 that can broaden the range of colors of output light is realized.

[0154] (Embodiment 2) [composition] The configuration of the lighting system 1a according to Embodiment 2 will be described below.

[0155] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the lighting system 1a according to this embodiment.

[0156] Lighting system 1a differs from lighting system 1 according to embodiment 1 mainly in that it includes lighting fixture 400 instead of lighting fixture 200. Lighting system 1a includes multiple lighting fixtures, where one lighting fixture included in the multiple lighting fixtures is lighting fixture 100, and another lighting fixture included in the multiple lighting fixtures is lighting fixture 400.

[0157] Here, we will explain the differences between lighting fixture 400 and lighting fixture 100.

[0158] Like lighting fixture 100, lighting fixture 400 has a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, a control processing unit 13, a first light source unit 101, a second light source unit 102, and a third light source unit 103. The difference between lighting fixture 400 and lighting fixture 100 is that lighting fixture 400 further has a fourth light source unit 104.

[0159] The fourth light source unit 104, like the first to third light source units 101 to 103, is a light-emitting device that emits light, and while an LED light source is used as an example here, it is not limited to this. The fourth light source unit 104 has multiple LED chips as light-emitting elements.

[0160] The fourth light source unit 104 emits a fourth light. The fourth light is a different color from the first to third lights, for example, white light. In other words, the lighting fixture 400 is a device having an RGBW light source.

[0161] Therefore, in this embodiment, lighting fixture 100 and lighting fixture 400 are different lighting fixtures, and more specifically, they are lighting fixtures of different models. In other words, the lighting system 1a according to this embodiment comprises multiple lighting fixtures (lighting fixtures 100 and 400) of different types.

[0162] In this embodiment, as in Embodiment 1, chromaticity indication information is used. The advantages of using chromaticity indication information will now be explained.

[0163] Chromaticity indication information is information that indicates the chromaticity coordinate value of the output light of the lighting fixture that acquired the chromaticity indication information, and the output light of lighting fixtures 100 and 400 will be light of the color of the indicated chromaticity coordinate value. In this embodiment, when chromaticity indication information is used and the lighting system 1a is equipped with lighting fixtures of different models (lighting fixtures 100 and 400), the following advantages arise. In this case, since the same chromaticity indication information is output to lighting fixtures 100 and 400, lighting fixtures 100 and 400 can each output light of the color of the same chromaticity coordinate value. In other words, in order for lighting fixtures 100 and 400 to each output light of the color of the same chromaticity coordinate value, the controller 300 does not need to output different information to lighting fixtures 100 and 400. Therefore, the user or administrator of the lighting system 1a has the advantage of being able to easily operate lighting fixtures of different models. Another advantage is that the controller 300 does not need to store information for lighting fixtures 100 and 400.

[0164] The control processing unit 13 of the lighting fixture 400 controls each of the first to fourth light sources 101 to 104. Therefore, the lighting fixture 400 can output output light that includes the first to fourth light emitted by the first to fourth light sources 101 to 104. More specifically, the output light output by the lighting fixture 400 includes only the first to fourth light, that is, light composed of the first to fourth light.

[0165] The control unit 133 of the lighting fixture 400 controls the first to fourth light sources 101 to 104 based on the first drive signal, second drive signal, seventh drive signal, and tenth drive signal determined by the determination unit 132. The tenth drive signal is a signal that drives the fourth light source 104, and when the control unit 133 drives the fourth light source 104 with the tenth drive signal determined by the determination unit 132, the fourth light source 104 emits the fourth light.

[0166] Here, the control unit 133 controls the first to fourth light sources 101 to 104 using the first drive signal, second drive signal, seventh drive signal, and tenth drive signal so that the lighting fixture 100 outputs output light including the first to fourth light emitted by each of the first to fourth light sources 101 to 104.

[0167] [Example of operation 5] The following describes example 5 of the operation method for controlling the lighting fixtures 100 and 400.

[0168] Figure 9 is a flowchart of Operation Example 5 of multiple lighting fixtures (lighting fixtures 100 and 400) according to this embodiment. Note that the processing in steps S10 to S60 shown in Figure 9 is the same as the processing shown in Operation Example 1. Therefore, lighting fixture 100 performs the same processing in steps S10 to S60 shown in Figure 9 as the processing described in Operation Example 1.

[0169] First, we will explain the processes performed by the lighting fixture 400 in steps S10 to S60 shown in Figure 9.

[0170] Before step S10, the controller 300 outputs chromaticity instruction information and dimming rate instruction information to the lighting fixtures 100 and 400.

[0171] In step S10, the acquisition unit 131 of the lighting fixture 400 acquires chromaticity instruction information, dimming rate instruction information, and luminous flux value information. The acquisition unit 131 acquires the chromaticity instruction information and dimming rate instruction information output by the controller 300, and acquires the luminous flux value information stored in the storage unit 12. The acquisition unit 131 of the lighting fixture 400 acquires the same chromaticity instruction information, the same dimming rate instruction information, and the same luminous flux value information as the acquisition unit 131 of the lighting fixture 100.

[0172] In step S20, the determination unit 132 of the lighting fixture 400 determines the luminous flux ratios of the first, second, third, and fourth lights so that the output light becomes the light with the chromaticity coordinate value indicated by the acquired chromaticity indication information.

[0173] In step S30, the determination unit 132 of the lighting fixture 400 determines a set luminous flux value associated with the chromaticity coordinate value indicated by the acquired chromaticity indication information, based on the acquired luminous flux value information.

[0174] In step S40, the determination unit 132 of the lighting fixture 400 determines the first luminous flux value of the first light, the second luminous flux value of the second light, the seventh luminous flux value of the third light, and the tenth luminous flux value of the fourth light, based on the luminous flux ratio determined in step S20 and the set luminous flux value determined in step S30.

[0175] In step S50, the determination unit 132 of the lighting fixture 400 determines the following based on the first luminous flux value, second luminous flux value, seventh luminous flux value, and tenth luminous flux value determined in step S40, and the dimming rate indicated by the dimming rate information acquired in step S10. Here, the determination unit 132 of the lighting fixture 400 determines the first drive signal, second drive signal, seventh drive signal, and tenth drive signal. The first drive signal is a signal to drive the first light source unit 101, the second drive signal is a signal to drive the second light source unit 102, the seventh drive signal is a signal to drive the third light source unit 103, and the tenth drive signal is a signal to drive the fourth light source unit 104. Each of the first drive signal, second drive signal, seventh drive signal, and tenth drive signal is a PWM signal. Each of the first drive signal, second drive signal, seventh drive signal, and tenth drive signal includes a duty cycle. The first drive signal, second drive signal, seventh drive signal, and tenth drive signal are determined such that the duty cycle increases as the dimming rate increases, and decreases as the dimming rate decreases.

[0176] In step S60, the control unit 133 of the lighting fixture 400 controls the lighting fixture 400 to output the following predetermined output light based on the first drive signal, second drive signal, seventh drive signal, and tenth drive signal determined in step S50.

[0177] The predetermined output light is output light that includes the first light emitted by the first light source unit 101 driven by the first drive signal, and the second light emitted by the second light source unit 102 driven by the second drive signal. The predetermined output light is further output light that includes the third light emitted by the third light source unit 103 driven by the seventh drive signal, and the fourth light emitted by the fourth light source unit 104 driven by the tenth drive signal.

[0178] In step S60, the respective control units 133 of the lighting fixtures 100 and 400 control each lighting fixture to output output light. In step S60, the output light output by each lighting fixture 100 and 400 is light of the color of the chromaticity coordinate value indicated by the chromaticity indication information, and is light that has been dimmed by the dimming rate indicated by the dimming rate indication information.

[0179] Thus, even if lighting fixtures of different models (lighting fixtures 100 and 400) are installed, if lighting fixtures 100 and 400 each acquire the same chromaticity indication information, the output light emitted by lighting fixtures 100 and 400 will be the same color light.

[0180] Furthermore, similar to Operation Example 1, the lighting fixtures 100 and 400 according to this embodiment do not require a table with gigabyte-order data capacity to be stored in the storage unit 12. Therefore, unlike the lighting fixtures shown in Reference Document 1 as described in the problem the invention aims to solve, the lighting fixtures 100 and 400 can determine the color of the output light based on chromaticity indication information, which is information that indicates the chromaticity coordinate values ​​of the output light. As a result, the lighting fixtures 100 and 400 can output not only white light within the color temperature range but also light of other colors as output light. In other words, a lighting fixture 100 that can broaden the range of colors of the output light is realized.

[0181] Furthermore, consider the case where the lighting system 1a includes a new lighting fixture different from both lighting fixture 100 and lighting fixture 400. Even in this case, the new lighting fixture can be controlled using the same chromaticity instruction information. In other words, even if multiple lighting fixtures of different types are provided, as long as the multiple lighting fixtures are controlled using the same chromaticity instruction information, each of the multiple lighting fixtures can output light of the same color. In short, a highly scalable lighting system 1a is realized.

[0182] In Operation Example 5, in step S10, chromaticity instruction information, dimming rate instruction information, and luminous flux value information are acquired, and in step S60, the respective control units 133 of the lighting fixtures 100 and 400 control the lighting fixtures 100 and 400 to output output light. In other words, in step S60, the lighting fixtures 100 and 400 are controlled to output output light based on the acquired chromaticity instruction information, dimming rate instruction information, and luminous flux value information. As described above, step S60 corresponds to the first control step, but furthermore, in this operation example, step S60 also corresponds to the second control step.

[0183] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, we will describe an example in which step S10 is performed after step S60, that is, in which the processes from steps S10 to S60 are repeated. Here, we will give an example in which the processes from steps S10 to S60 are repeated sequentially n+1 times (where n is a natural number). In addition, the processes for both lighting fixtures 100 and 400 will be described below.

[0184] Each of the lighting fixtures 100 and 400 acquires chromaticity indication information in the nth and n+1th steps S10 (acquisition step).

[0185] The chromaticity coordinate values ​​(hereinafter referred to as the first chromaticity coordinate values) indicated by the chromaticity indication information acquired for lighting fixtures 100 and 400 on the nth time are identical. Furthermore, the chromaticity coordinate values ​​(hereinafter referred to as the second chromaticity coordinate values) indicated by the chromaticity indication information acquired for lighting fixtures 100 and 400 on the (n+1)th time are identical. However, the first chromaticity coordinate values ​​and the second chromaticity coordinate values ​​are different from each other.

[0186] Furthermore, in the lighting fixture 100, the rate of change between the luminous flux value of the output light at the nth step S60 (hereinafter referred to as luminous flux value A) and the luminous flux value of the output light at the (n+1)th step S60 (hereinafter referred to as luminous flux value B) is defined as the first rate of change. As described above, step S60 corresponds to both the first control step and the second control step. For example, if luminous flux value A is 2000lm and luminous flux value B is 2200lm, the amount of change is 2200lm - 2000lm, which is 200lm. In this case, the first rate of change is 10%, calculated as change (200lm) ÷ luminous flux value A (2000lm).

[0187] Similarly, in the lighting fixture 400, the rate of change between the luminous flux value of the output light at the nth step S60 (hereinafter referred to as luminous flux value C) and the luminous flux value of the output light at the (n+1)th step S60 (hereinafter referred to as luminous flux value D) is defined as the second rate of change. For example, if luminous flux value C is 2000lm and luminous flux value D is 2240lm, the change is 2240lm - 2000lm, which is 240lm. In this case, the second rate of change is change (240lm) ÷ luminous flux value A (2000lm), which is 12%.

[0188] At this point, we focus on the difference between the first rate of change and the second rate of change.

[0189] In this embodiment, lighting fixtures 100 and 400 acquire the same chromaticity coordinate value (first chromaticity coordinate value) in the nth step S10, and acquire the same chromaticity coordinate value (second chromaticity coordinate value) in the (n+1)th step S10. Based on the first and second chromaticity coordinate values, the lighting fixtures 100 and 400 perform the processing in steps S20 to S60, resulting in a difference of 5% or less between the first rate of change and the second rate of change. In particular, by using the same luminous flux value information (more specifically, the calculation formula information showing the curve shown in Figure 3) for each of the lighting fixtures 100 and 400, the difference between the first rate of change and the second rate of change is 5% or less. Thus, in this embodiment, even if the lighting system 1a is equipped with lighting fixtures of different models (lighting fixtures 100 and 400), the difference between the first rate of change and the second rate of change is 5% or less because the same luminous flux value information is used.

[0190] If the difference between the first rate of change and the second rate of change is sufficiently large, the following problem occurs. In this case, when the chromaticity coordinate value changes from the first chromaticity coordinate value to the second chromaticity coordinate value in step S10 between the nth and n+1th steps, people in the indoor space where lighting fixtures 100 and 400 are installed are more likely to feel a sense of unease. Conversely, if the difference between the first rate of change and the second rate of change is sufficiently small, such as 5%, people in the indoor space are less likely to feel a sense of unease even when the chromaticity coordinate value changes from the first chromaticity coordinate value to the second chromaticity coordinate value.

[0191] [Effects, etc.] In the fifth aspect of the lighting control method, in any one aspect of the first to fifth aspects, the lighting control method is a lighting control method for multiple lighting fixtures. The acquisition step, first decision step, second decision step, third decision step, fourth decision step, and first control step are repeated. The chromaticity coordinate values ​​indicated by the chromaticity indication information acquired in the nth (n is a natural number) and the (n+1)th acquisition step are different from each other. For one lighting fixture (lighting fixture 100) that includes multiple lighting fixtures, the rate of change between the luminous flux value of the output light at the nth first control step and the luminous flux value of the output light at the (n+1)th first control step is defined as the first rate of change. For another lighting fixture (lighting fixture 400) that includes multiple lighting fixtures, the rate of change between the luminous flux value of the output light at the nth first control step and the luminous flux value of the output light at the (n+1)th first control step is defined as the second rate of change. In this case, the difference between the first rate of change and the second rate of change is 5% or less.

[0192] As explained in Operation Example 5, if the difference between the first rate of change and the second rate of change is sufficiently large, the following problem occurs. In this case, when the chromaticity coordinate value changes from the first chromaticity coordinate value to the second chromaticity coordinate value in step S10 between the nth and n+1th steps, people in the indoor space where the lighting fixtures 100 and 400 are installed are more likely to feel uncomfortable. Conversely, if the difference between the first rate of change and the second rate of change is sufficiently small, such as 5%, people in the indoor space are less likely to feel uncomfortable even when the chromaticity coordinate value changes from the first chromaticity coordinate value to the second chromaticity coordinate value. In other words, this embodiment realizes a lighting control method that makes people less likely to feel uncomfortable.

[0193] In the sixth aspect of the lighting control method, the lighting control method is a lighting control method for multiple lighting fixtures. Each of the multiple lighting fixtures outputs output light, and one lighting fixture (lighting fixture 100) included in the multiple lighting fixtures and another lighting fixture (lighting fixture 400) included in the multiple lighting fixtures are different lighting fixtures. The lighting control method includes an acquisition step and a second control step. In the acquisition step, each of the multiple lighting fixtures acquires chromaticity instruction information indicating the chromaticity coordinate value of the output light, dimming rate instruction information indicating the dimming rate of the output light, and luminous flux value information indicating the set luminous flux value of the output light associated with the chromaticity coordinate value. In the second control step, each of the multiple lighting fixtures is controlled to output output light based on the acquired chromaticity instruction information, acquired dimming rate instruction information, and acquired luminous flux value information. The acquisition step and the second control step are repeated. The chromaticity coordinate values ​​indicated by the chromaticity instruction information acquired in the nth (n is a natural number) and the (n+1)th acquisition step are different values ​​from each other. For one lighting fixture (lighting fixture 100), the rate of change between the luminous flux value of the output light at the nth second control step and the luminous flux value of the output light at the (n+1)th second control step is defined as the first rate of change. For another lighting fixture (lighting fixture 400), the rate of change between the luminous flux value of the output light at the nth second control step and the luminous flux value of the output light at the (n+1)th second control step is defined as the second rate of change. In this case, the difference between the first rate of change and the second rate of change is 5% or less.

[0194] As explained in Operation Example 5, in the lighting control method according to this embodiment, the lighting fixtures 100 and 400 output output light based on luminous flux value information, which is information with a sufficiently small data capacity that can be stored in the storage unit 12 realized by ROM. In other words, the lighting fixtures 100 and 400 do not need to store a table with a data capacity on the order of gigabytes in the storage unit 12. For this reason, unlike the lighting fixtures shown in Reference Document 1 as described in the problem that the invention aims to solve, the lighting fixtures 100 and 400 can determine the color of the output light based on chromaticity indication information, which is information that indicates the chromaticity coordinate values ​​of the output light. As a result, the lighting fixtures 100 and 400 can output not only white light within the color temperature range but also light of other colors as output light. Thus, in this embodiment, a lighting control method is realized that can broaden the range of output light colors.

[0195] Furthermore, as explained in Operation Example 5, if the difference between the first rate of change and the second rate of change is sufficiently large, the following problem occurs. In this case, when the chromaticity coordinate value changes from the first chromaticity coordinate value to the second chromaticity coordinate value in step S10 between the nth and n+1th steps, people in the indoor space where the lighting fixtures 100 and 400 are installed are more likely to feel uncomfortable. Conversely, if the difference between the first rate of change and the second rate of change is sufficiently small, such as 5%, people in the indoor space are less likely to feel uncomfortable even when the chromaticity coordinate value changes from the first chromaticity coordinate value to the second chromaticity coordinate value. In other words, this embodiment realizes a lighting control method that makes people less likely to feel uncomfortable.

[0196] (Other embodiments) Although embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0197] Furthermore, operation example 2 and operation example 4 may be combined, and operation example 3 and operation example 4 may be combined. When operation example 2 and operation example 4 are combined, it is preferable that step S40c of operation example 4 is performed after step S41 of operation example 2. For example, in step S41, the third luminous flux value, the fourth luminous flux value, and the eighth luminous flux value are determined. Furthermore, in step S40c, when the first to third light sources 101 to 103 emit the first light of the third luminous flux value, the second light of the fourth luminous flux value, and the third light of the eighth luminous flux value, respectively, it is determined whether the output power of the lighting fixture 100 exceeds the third threshold. Subsequent processing is performed according to the determination in step S40c.

[0198] Furthermore, the method of communication between devices in the above embodiment is not particularly limited. In addition, a relay device (not shown) may be involved in the communication between devices.

[0199] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the processing performed by a specific processing unit may be performed by another processing unit. Also, the order of multiple processing units may be changed, or multiple processing units may be executed in parallel.

[0200] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0201] Furthermore, each component may be implemented by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or they may be separate circuits. Also, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0202] Furthermore, general or specific embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. Alternatively, they may be implemented as any combination of a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium.

[0203] For example, the present invention may be implemented as a lighting control method executed by a computer, or as a program for causing a computer to execute such a lighting control method. The present invention may also be implemented as a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium on which these programs are recorded.

[0204] Furthermore, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to the embodiments that a person skilled in the art could conceive, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0205] 1. 1a Lighting System 13 Control Processing Unit 100, 200, 400 lighting fixtures 101 1st light source section 102 Second light source section

Claims

1. A method for controlling the lighting of a lighting fixture, The aforementioned lighting fixture is A first light source unit that emits first light, It comprises a second light source that emits a second light of a different color from the first light, The output light emitted by the aforementioned lighting fixture includes the first light and the second light. The aforementioned lighting control method is Acquisition step of acquiring chromaticity indicator information that indicates the chromaticity coordinate values ​​of the output light, dimming rate indicator information that indicates the dimming rate of the output light, and luminous flux value information that indicates the set luminous flux value of the output light associated with the chromaticity coordinate values, A first determination step of determining the luminous flux ratio of the first light and the second light such that the output light becomes the light of the chromaticity coordinate value indicated by the acquired chromaticity indication information, A second determination step in which, based on the acquired luminous flux value information, the set luminous flux value is determined to correspond to the chromaticity coordinate value indicated by the acquired chromaticity indication information, A third determination step in which the first luminous flux value of the first light and the second luminous flux value of the second light are determined based on the determined luminous flux ratio and the determined set luminous flux value, A fourth determination step in which a first drive signal for driving the first light source unit and a second drive signal for driving the second light source unit are determined based on the determined first luminous flux value and the determined second luminous flux value and the dimming rate indicated by the acquired dimming rate information, A first control step of controlling the output light to include the first light emitted by the first light source unit driven by the determined first drive signal and the second light emitted by the second light source unit driven by the determined second drive signal. Includes, The aforementioned luminous flux value information is calculated using a formula. Lighting control method.

2. Furthermore, a first determination step is to determine whether the determined first luminous flux value exceeds a first threshold for the first light, Including the fifth decision step, The fourth determination step is performed when the first luminous flux value determined in the first determination step is less than or equal to the first threshold. The fifth determination step is performed if the first luminous flux value determined in the first determination step exceeds the first threshold. In the fifth decision step, The first threshold is determined as the third luminous flux value of the first light, When the determined first luminous flux value is L1, the first threshold value is T1, the determined second luminous flux value is L2, and the fourth luminous flux value of the second light is L4, the fourth luminous flux value is determined such that equation 1 is satisfied. L4=L2×(T1 / L1)...(Formula 1) Based on the determined third luminous flux value and the determined fourth luminous flux value, and the dimming rate indicated by the acquired dimming rate information, a third drive signal for driving the first light source unit and a fourth drive signal for driving the second light source unit are determined. In the first control step, the system controls the system to output the output light, which includes the first light emitted by the first light source unit driven by the determined third drive signal and the second light emitted by the second light source unit driven by the determined fourth drive signal. The lighting control method according to claim 1.

3. In the first determination step, it is further determined whether the determined second luminous flux value exceeds the second threshold for the second light, and whether the first difference obtained by subtracting the first threshold from the determined first luminous flux value is greater than the second difference obtained by subtracting the second threshold from the determined second luminous flux value. If, in the first determination step, the determined first luminous flux value exceeds the first threshold, the determined second luminous flux value exceeds the second threshold, and the first difference is greater than the second difference, then the fifth determination step is performed. The lighting control method according to claim 2.

4. Furthermore, when the first light source emits the first light with a determined first luminous flux value and the second light source emits the second light with a determined second luminous flux value, a second determination step is made to determine whether the output power of the lighting fixture exceeds a third threshold. Including the sixth decision step, The fourth decision step is performed when, in the second determination step, the output power is less than or equal to the third threshold, The sixth determination step is performed if, in the second determination step, the output power exceeds the third threshold. In the sixth decision step described above, The fifth luminous flux value of the first light and the sixth luminous flux value of the second light are determined such that the output power becomes the third threshold and the determined luminous flux ratio is maintained. Based on the determined fifth luminous flux value and the determined sixth luminous flux value, and the dimming rate indicated by the acquired dimming rate information, a fifth drive signal for driving the first light source unit and a sixth drive signal for driving the second light source unit are determined. In the first control step, the system controls the system to output the output light, which includes the first light emitted by the first light source unit driven by the determined fifth drive signal and the second light emitted by the second light source unit driven by the determined sixth drive signal. The lighting control method according to claim 1.

5. A method for controlling the lighting of a plurality of lighting fixtures, The acquisition step, the first decision step, the second decision step, the third decision step, the fourth decision step, and the first control step are repeated. The chromaticity coordinate values ​​indicated by the chromaticity indication information obtained in the nth (where n is a natural number) and the (n+1)th acquisition step are different from each other. In a single lighting fixture containing the aforementioned plurality of lighting fixtures, the rate of change between the luminous flux value of the output light in the nth first control step and the luminous flux value of the output light in the (n+1)th first control step is defined as the first rate of change. In one of the multiple lighting fixtures mentioned above, if the rate of change between the luminous flux value of the output light in the nth first control step and the luminous flux value of the output light in the (n+1)th first control step is defined as the second rate of change, The difference between the first rate of change and the second rate of change is 5% or less. A lighting control method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A method for controlling the lighting of multiple lighting fixtures, Each of the aforementioned multiple lighting fixtures emits output light, The one lighting fixture included in the aforementioned plurality of lighting fixtures and the other one lighting fixture included in the aforementioned plurality of lighting fixtures are different lighting fixtures from each other. The aforementioned lighting control method is Acquisition step of acquiring chromaticity instruction information indicating the chromaticity coordinate values ​​of the output light, dimming rate instruction information indicating the dimming rate of the output light, and luminous flux value information indicating the set luminous flux value of the output light associated with the chromaticity coordinate values, The process includes a second control step of controlling each of the plurality of lighting fixtures to output the output light based on the acquired chromaticity indicator information, the acquired dimming rate indicator information, and the acquired luminous flux value information, The acquisition step and the second control step are repeated. The chromaticity coordinate values ​​indicated by the chromaticity indication information obtained in the nth (where n is a natural number) and the (n+1)th acquisition step are different from each other. In the aforementioned lighting fixture, the rate of change between the luminous flux value of the output light in the nth second control step and the rate of change of the luminous flux value of the output light in the (n+1)th second control step is defined as the first rate of change. In the other lighting fixture, if the rate of change between the luminous flux value of the output light in the nth second control step and the luminous flux value of the output light in the (n+1)th second control step is defined as the second rate of change, The difference between the first rate of change and the second rate of change is 5% or less. The aforementioned luminous flux value information is calculated using a formula. Lighting control method.

7. Lighting fixtures, A first light source unit that emits first light, A second light source unit that emits a second light of a different color from the first light, The system comprises a control processing unit that controls the first light source unit and the second light source unit, The output light emitted by the aforementioned lighting fixture includes the first light and the second light. The control processing unit is Chromaticity indicator information indicating the chromaticity coordinate values ​​of the output light, dimming rate indicator information indicating the dimming rate of the output light, and luminous flux value information indicating the set luminous flux value of the output light associated with the chromaticity coordinate values ​​are acquired. The ratio of the luminous flux of the first and second lights is determined so that the output light becomes the light of the chromaticity coordinate value indicated by the acquired chromaticity indication information. Based on the acquired luminous flux value information, the set luminous flux value corresponding to the chromaticity coordinate value indicated by the acquired chromaticity indication information is determined. Based on the determined luminous flux ratio and the determined set luminous flux value, the first luminous flux value of the first light and the second luminous flux value of the second light are determined. Based on the determined first luminous flux value and the determined second luminous flux value, and the dimming rate indicated by the acquired dimming rate information, a first drive signal for driving the first light source unit and a second drive signal for driving the second light source unit are determined. The system is controlled to output the output light, which includes the first light emitted by the first light source unit driven by the determined first drive signal and the second light emitted by the second light source unit driven by the determined second drive signal. The aforementioned luminous flux value information is calculated using a formula. Lighting fixtures.

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