User interface device, lighting control system, and display method

Abstract

To provide a user interface device capable of setting and playing back scenes with a user's energy consumption taken into account.SOLUTION: A user interface device 30 includes a display unit 32, and a control unit 34 that displays a scene setting screen and a scene playback screen on the display unit 32. The control unit 34 is configured to display first information indicating a relative amount of energy consumed when the scene in question is played back by a plurality of lighting fixtures 20, relative to reference energy consumed when the plurality of lighting fixtures 20 emits light in a reference light state in the scene setting screen, for each of the one or more scenes set, and display second information indicating the amount of energy consumed relative to the reference energy consumption when the scene indicated by the scene playback screen is played back by the plurality of lighting fixtures 20 in the scene playback screen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a user interface device used in a lighting control system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a lighting control device that can display statistical values such as power consumption on a simulation screen of illumination.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In some lighting control systems, it is possible to register in advance, as scenes, how to cause a plurality of lighting fixtures to emit light, and then instruct the plurality of lighting fixtures to reproduce the set scenes.

[0005] The present invention provides a user interface device and the like that enable a user to set and reproduce scenes in consideration of energy consumption.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A user interface device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a display unit, a scene setting screen for the user to set one or more scenes, each showing the light emission state of a plurality of lighting fixtures, and a control unit that displays a scene playback screen on the display unit showing the scene being played by the plurality of lighting fixtures from among the set one or more scenes, wherein the control unit displays, on the scene setting screen, first information indicating the relative amount of energy consumed when the scene is played by the plurality of lighting fixtures with respect to the standard energy consumption when the plurality of lighting fixtures are emitting light in a standard light emission state, for each of the set one or more scenes, and displays, on the scene playback screen, second information indicating the relative amount of energy consumed when the scene shown on the scene playback screen is played by the plurality of lighting fixtures with respect to the standard energy consumption.

[0007] A lighting control system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises the user interface device and the plurality of lighting fixtures.

[0008] A display method according to one aspect of the present invention is a display method performed by a computer, comprising the steps of: displaying a scene setting screen on a display unit for a user to set one or more scenes, each showing the light emission state of a plurality of lighting fixtures; and displaying a scene playback screen on a display unit for a scene among the set one or more scenes that is currently being played by the plurality of lighting fixtures; displaying first information on the scene setting screen, for each of the set one or more scenes, indicating the relative amount of energy consumed when the scene is played back by the plurality of lighting fixtures to the standard energy consumption when the plurality of lighting fixtures are emitted in a standard light emission state; and displaying second information on the scene playback screen, indicating the relative amount of energy consumed when the scene shown on the scene playback screen is played back by the plurality of lighting fixtures to the standard energy consumption. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the user interface device of the present invention, users can set and play scenes while taking energy consumption into consideration. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a lighting control system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the user interface device when a scene is set. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the scene settings screen. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the user interface device when a scene is played back. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a scene playback screen. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the user interface device when a scene is scheduled. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a schedule setting screen. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a user interface device when displaying multiple lighting fixtures on a map. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a map screen illustrating the arrangement of multiple lighting fixtures. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection configurations of components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, components in the following embodiments that are not described in an independent claim will be described as optional components.

[0012] Note that each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily drawn precisely. Also, in each figure, the same reference numerals are assigned to substantially identical configurations, and duplicate descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

[0013] (Embodiment) [Configuration] First, the configuration of the lighting control system according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the lighting control system according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the lighting control system 10 includes a plurality of lighting fixtures 20, a user interface device 30, a lighting control terminal 40, and a human presence sensor 50. The number of lighting fixtures 20 included in the lighting control system 10 is not particularly limited.

[0014] The lighting fixture 20 is a base light or the like that is installed on the ceiling of an indoor space and illuminates the indoor space. The form of the lighting fixture 20 is not particularly limited, and it may be a ceiling light, a downlight, a spotlight, or the like. Specifically, the lighting fixture 20 includes a wireless communication unit 21 and a light source 22.

[0015] The wireless communication unit 21 is a wireless communication circuit for the lighting fixture 20 to perform wireless communication (more specifically, radio wave communication) with the user interface device 30, the lighting control terminal 40, and the human presence sensor 50. Specifically, the wireless communication unit 21 performs wireless communication according to a communication standard such as BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0016] The light source 22 irradiates white light into the indoor space so that the lighting fixture 20 illuminates the indoor space. The light source 22 is realized, for example, by an LED (Light Emitting Diode) element, but may also be realized by other light emitting elements such as a semiconductor laser, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence), or an inorganic EL.

[0017] The user interface device 30 is a device that is operated by a user to control a plurality of lighting fixtures 20. The user interface device 30 is realized, for example, by installing a predetermined application program in a general-purpose mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). Specifically, the user interface device 30 includes an operation reception unit 31, a display unit 32, a wireless communication unit 33, a control unit 34, and a storage unit 35.

[0018] The operation reception unit 31 receives a user's operation. Specifically, the operation reception unit 31 is realized by, for example, a touch panel.

[0019] The display unit 32 displays an image necessary for controlling a plurality of lighting fixtures 20. Specifically, the display unit 32 is realized by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel.

[0020] The wireless communication unit 33 is a wireless communication circuit for the user interface device 30 to perform wireless communication (more specifically, radio wave communication) with a plurality of lighting fixtures 20, a lighting control terminal 40, and a human presence sensor 50. Specifically, the wireless communication unit 33 performs wireless communication according to a communication standard such as BLE or Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0021] The control unit 34 performs information processing related to controlling a plurality of lighting fixtures 20 according to the user's operation received by the operation reception unit 31. Such information processing includes processing for displaying an image on the display unit 32. The control unit 34 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor or a dedicated circuit. The functions of the control unit 34 are realized by hardware such as a microcomputer or a processor constituting the control unit 34 executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 35.

[0022] The memory unit 35 is a storage device that stores information necessary for the above-mentioned information processing, such as computer programs executed by the control unit 34. The memory unit 35 is implemented, for example, by semiconductor memory.

[0023] The lighting control terminal 40 is a device operated by a user to control multiple lighting fixtures 20. The lighting control terminal 40 is a separate device from the user interface device 30 and is a dedicated remote controller for the lighting control system 10, installed, for example, in an indoor space illuminated by multiple lighting fixtures 20. The lighting control terminal 40 can communicate wirelessly with the multiple lighting fixtures 20, the user interface device 30, and the motion sensor 50, and controls the multiple lighting fixtures 20 by communicating wirelessly with them.

[0024] The motion sensor 50 is installed in an indoor space illuminated by multiple lighting fixtures 20 and is a sensor that detects the presence or absence of people in the indoor space. The motion sensor 50 can be implemented, for example, by a pyroelectric sensor that detects infrared rays emitted from a person's body. The motion sensor 50 may also be a sensor that detects the presence or absence of people by image processing, such as by an image sensor. The motion sensor 50 can communicate wirelessly with multiple lighting fixtures 20, a user interface device 30, and a lighting control terminal 40.

[0025] Furthermore, the multiple lighting fixtures 20, user interface devices 30, lighting control terminals 40, and motion sensors 50 may constitute a wireless mesh network. In other words, each of the multiple lighting fixtures 20, user interface devices 30, lighting control terminals 40, and motion sensors 50 may function as a communication node in the wireless mesh network.

[0026] [Scene settings screen] The user of the lighting control system 10 can set up a scene to specify how multiple lighting fixtures 20 should emit light, and then instruct the multiple lighting fixtures 20 to play the set scene. In other words, in this specification, a scene is a concept that indicates the light emission state of multiple lighting fixtures 20.

[0027] The operation to set a scene is performed on the user interface device 30 (operation reception unit 31). Figure 2 is a flowchart of an example of the operation of the user interface device 30 when a scene is set.

[0028] When the operation receiving unit 31 receives an operation intended by the user to set a scene, the control unit 34 displays the scene setting screen on the display unit 32 (S11). Figure 3 shows an example of the scene setting screen.

[0029] The scene setting screen is a display screen for users to set scenes, and it is possible to set one or more scenes. As shown in Figure 3, on the scene setting screen, the user performs a setting operation that associates the name of the scene (such as Scene 1 in Figure 3; in other words, the identification information of the scene) with the dimming rate at which the multiple lighting fixtures 20 will emit light (corresponding to 80% in Figure 3), and the operation reception unit 31 accepts such setting operations (S12). In the example in Figure 3, the multiple lighting fixtures 20 are divided into three groups, Group 1 to 3, and the dimming rate can be set for each group. In addition to the dimming rate, the color temperature may also be set when setting a scene. That is, the color temperature may be associated with the name of the scene in addition to the dimming rate.

[0030] When the above setting operation is accepted, the control unit 34 stores scene setting information in the storage unit 35, which associates the name of the scene with the dimming rate of each of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 (S13). Thus, setting a scene means creating scene setting information that associates the name of the scene with the dimming rate of each of the multiple lighting fixtures 20, and storing (registering) it in the storage unit 35.

[0031] Once the scene settings are complete, the control unit 34 calculates the energy saving rate (hereinafter also simply referred to as the energy saving rate) of the set scene (S14), and displays the calculated energy saving rate on the scene setting screen (S15). In the example in Figure 3, the energy saving rate is displayed as an icon to the right of the name of the set scene.

[0032] The energy saving rate is a parameter that indicates, as a percentage, how much energy consumption is reduced compared to the reference state when a set scene is played, with the reference state being when all of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 are illuminated at 100% dimming rate (in other words, maximum output). If the energy consumption in the reference state (hereinafter also referred to as reference energy consumption) is 100%, and the energy consumption when the set scene is played by multiple lighting fixtures 20 is a%, then the energy saving rate is 100% - a%. Note that when a scene is played by multiple lighting fixtures 20, it means that the multiple lighting fixtures 20 illuminate at the dimming rate specified in the set scene (scene control information).

[0033] The energy saving rate is calculated, for example, based on the dimming rate of each of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 defined in a set scene. If the multiple lighting fixtures 20 consist of n units (n is a natural number of 2 or more) from lighting fixture (1) to lighting fixture (n), and the dimming rate of lighting fixture (1) is expressed as dimming rate (1) [%], then the energy saving rate is calculated, for example, based on the following formula 1.

[0034] Energy saving rate = 100-[(Dimming rate (1) + Dimming rate (2) + + Dimming rate (n)) / n] Formula 1

[0035] In other words, the energy saving rate is determined based on the average dimming rate of multiple lighting fixtures 20 when the scene is played back.

[0036] Note that Equation 1 is a formula for simply calculating the energy saving rate, based on the idea that energy consumption (power consumption) and dimming rate are roughly proportional. To improve the accuracy of the energy saving rate, the energy saving rate may be calculated based on the power consumption of multiple lighting fixtures 20 while the set scene is being played. If P is the sum of the power consumption of multiple lighting fixtures 20 while the scene is being played, and Pmax is the sum of the maximum power consumption (power consumption in the standard luminescence state) of the multiple lighting fixtures 20, then the energy saving rate is calculated based on the following Equation 2.

[0037] Energy saving rate=100[1-(P / Pmax)] Formula 2

[0038] In other words, the energy saving rate is calculated by dividing the total power consumption of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 when a scene is played by the total power consumption of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 when they are emitting light at their maximum dimming rate.

[0039] The power consumption here is, for example, a design value (catalog value). For example, if a calculation formula or table information for converting the dimming rate of multiple lighting fixtures 20 to power consumption is stored in the storage unit 35, the control unit 34 can calculate the energy saving rate based on Equation 2 by converting the dimming rate defined in the set scene to power consumption. Since the relationship between the dimming rate and power consumption differs for each model of lighting fixture 20, if the multiple lighting fixtures 20 are not all the same model (if multiple models are mixed), Equation 2 can be used to calculate a more accurate energy saving rate. Note that the power consumption may also be a measured value.

[0040] As described above, the control unit 34 of the user interface device 30 displays, on the scene setting screen, information (energy saving rate) indicating the relative amount of energy consumed when the scene is reproduced using multiple lighting fixtures 20, compared to the standard energy consumption when the multiple lighting fixtures 20 are illuminated in a standard emission state.

[0041] This allows users to set (create) scenes while considering energy consumption. In other words, the user interface device 30 can assist in setting scenes that take energy consumption into consideration.

[0042] Furthermore, the energy saving rate calculated when a scene is set is saved (stored) as part of the scene setting information, for example, associated with the scene name. This has the advantage of eliminating the need to calculate the energy saving rate when displaying it on the scene playback screen and schedule setting screen described later.

[0043] [Scene playback screen] Next, we will describe the operation when a pre-configured scene is played back by multiple lighting fixtures 20. Figure 4 is a flowchart of an example of the operation of the user interface device 30 when a scene is played back.

[0044] When the operation reception unit 31 receives an operation from the user intending to play a scene, the control unit 34 displays the scene playback screen on the display unit 32 (S21). Figure 5 shows an example of the scene playback screen.

[0045] The scene playback screen is a display screen for the user to play a scene, and one or more pre-configured scenes (in the example in Figure 5, there are six scenes, scenes 1 to 6) are displayed as options. Each of the one or more options includes the name of the scene and the energy saving rate. As described above, the method for displaying the energy saving rate is as follows: if the scene name and the energy saving rate are associated in the scene setting information stored in the memory unit 35, the control unit 34 can display the energy saving rate by referring to the scene setting information.

[0046] When the scene playback screen is displayed, the user performs a scene selection operation, and the operation reception unit 31 accepts this operation (S22). Once the scene selection operation is accepted, the control unit 34 causes the wireless communication unit 33 to send a playback command to each of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 (S23). The playback command is a command to play the selected scene on the multiple lighting fixtures 20. The control unit 34 can generate and send the playback command by referring to the scene setting information of the selected scene, which is stored in the storage unit 35, and the management information. The management information is information that associates the ID, communication address, group to which the lighting fixture 20 belongs, and the current dimming rate (current light emission state), and is stored in the storage unit 35 in advance.

[0047] Furthermore, the control unit 34 displays the name of the scene being played and the energy saving rate on the scene playback screen (S24). In the example in Figure 5, the control unit 34 displays the name of the scene and the energy saving rate at the top of the scene playback screen. Note that it is not mandatory for the name of the scene being played and the energy saving rate to be displayed separately; for example, the scene being played may be displayed in a different manner from the other options (for example, the words "Playing" may be superimposed).

[0048] As described above, the control unit 34 of the user interface device 30 displays information on the scene playback screen that shows the relative amount of energy consumed when the scene shown on the scene playback screen is played back by multiple lighting fixtures 20, relative to the standard energy consumption (energy saving rate of the scene being played back).

[0049] This allows users to play scenes while considering energy consumption. In other words, the user interface device 30 can support the playback of scenes while considering energy consumption.

[0050] Furthermore, the scene setting information stored in the memory unit 35 of the user interface device 30 is transmitted to the lighting control terminal 40 and stored in the lighting control terminal 40. In other words, the scene setting information is shared between the user interface device 30 and the lighting control terminal 40. This allows the user to replay (change) the scene not only by operating the user interface device 30 but also by operating the lighting control terminal 40.

[0051] When a scene is changed by an operation on the lighting control terminal 40, the lighting control terminal 40 or multiple lighting fixtures 20 notifies the user interface device 30 that the scene has been changed (notification based on wireless communication). When such notification is received by the wireless communication unit 33, the control unit 34 updates the name of the scene being played and the energy saving rate.

[0052] In this way, the control unit 34 can update and display the energy saving rate even when the scene being played by the multiple lighting fixtures 20 is changed by a device other than the user interface device 30 (for example, a lighting control terminal 40).

[0053] By the way, if an option displayed on the scene playback screen is long-pressed, the screen transitions from the scene playback screen to the scene settings screen. In this way, the scene playback screen may have a mechanism for transitioning to the scene settings screen. As an alternative mechanism, the scene playback screen may also have icons or other actions that the user can perform to transition from the scene playback screen to the scene settings screen.

[0054] Thus, when the scene playback screen is displayed and a predetermined operation is received by the operation reception unit 31, the control unit 34 may display the scene setting screen.

[0055] [Schedule setting screen] Next, we will explain the operation when scheduling a pre-configured scene. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the user interface device 30 when a scene is scheduled.

[0056] When the operation receiving unit 31 receives an operation intended to schedule a user's scene, the control unit 34 displays the schedule setting screen on the display unit 32 (S31). Figure 7 shows an example of the schedule setting screen.

[0057] The schedule setting screen is a display screen for users to schedule scenes. The user performs an operation to specify the start and end times of a pre-configured scene (hereinafter also referred to as the scheduling operation), and the operation reception unit 31 accepts this operation (S32). As a result, the scene is scheduled.

[0058] When a scheduling operation is accepted, the control unit 34 displays the name of the scheduled scene and the energy saving rate on the schedule setting screen (S33). The method for displaying the energy saving rate is as described above; if the scene name and energy saving rate are associated in the scene setting information stored in the memory unit 35, the control unit 34 can display the energy saving rate by referring to the scene setting information.

[0059] As described above, the control unit 34 displays information (energy saving rate) on the schedule setting screen that shows the relative amount of energy consumed when a scheduled scene is played back by multiple lighting fixtures 20, relative to the standard energy consumption.

[0060] This allows users to schedule scenes while considering energy consumption. In other words, the user interface device 30 can assist in scheduling scenes while taking energy consumption into consideration.

[0061] [Map screen] Next, we will describe the operation when multiple lighting fixtures 20 are displayed on the map. Figure 8 is a flowchart of an example of the operation of the user interface device 30 when multiple lighting fixtures 20 are displayed on the map.

[0062] When the operation reception unit 31 receives an operation from the user indicating their intention to display multiple lighting fixtures 20 on the map, the control unit 34 displays the multiple lighting fixtures 20 on the map (S41). Figure 9 shows an example of a map screen showing the arrangement of multiple lighting fixtures 20.

[0063] The map screen in Figure 9 is a floor plan (layout) of an interior space where multiple lighting fixtures 20 are arranged, viewed from above. The multiple lighting fixtures 20 are represented by light bulb icons, and the position of the light bulb icons indicates the installation location of the multiple lighting fixtures 20. For example, if the storage unit 35 stores arrangement information that associates the identification information of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 with their installation locations (coordinates) in the interior space, the control unit 34 can display a map screen like the one in Figure 9 based on the arrangement information.

[0064] In the map screen of Figure 9, four groups (four zones) are displayed, and the control unit 34 calculates the energy saving rate for each group (S42) and displays the energy saving rate for each group on the map screen (S43). Since the control unit 34 manages the current light emission status of multiple lighting fixtures 20, it can calculate and display the energy saving rate for each group using the above formula 1 or formula 2.

[0065] As described above, the control unit 34 displays information (energy saving rate) on the map screen that shows the relative amount of the current energy consumption of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 to the standard energy consumption. When the multiple lighting fixtures 20 are divided into multiple groups, the control unit 34 displays the energy saving rate for each group on the map screen. For example, if one group corresponds to one room, the user can easily understand how much energy each room consumes.

[0066] [Example 1] In the above embodiment, an example was mainly described in which multiple lighting fixtures 20 reproduce one scene, and the energy saving rate is displayed for each scene. However, it is also conceivable that in addition to the multiple lighting fixtures 20, multiple other lighting fixtures are provided in the indoor space, and that the multiple lighting fixtures 20 and the other multiple lighting fixtures reproduce different scenes from each other. For example, the multiple lighting fixtures 20 may reproduce scene 1, while the other multiple lighting fixtures reproduce scene 2.

[0067] In such cases, the control unit 34 may calculate the overall energy saving rate for the multiple lighting fixtures 20 and the other multiple lighting fixtures combined. In other words, the control unit 34 may display information (also referred to as the total energy saving rate) on the display unit 32 that shows the relative amount of the total energy consumption of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 when they are playing Scene 1 and the other multiple lighting fixtures when they are playing Scene 2, relative to the energy consumption of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 and the other multiple lighting fixtures when they are emitting light in a standard emission state. The total energy consumption here can be rephrased as the energy consumption when the multiple lighting fixtures 20 and the other multiple lighting fixtures are playing different scenes. The total energy saving rate is displayed on at least one of the following screens, for example: the scene playback screen, the schedule setting screen, and the map screen.

[0068] This allows users to select and schedule scenes while considering the overall energy saving rate.

[0069] [Differentiation 2] Multiple lighting fixtures 20 may play a scene in response to the detection result of the motion sensor 50. For example, multiple lighting fixtures 20 may play a scene only for a certain period of time after the motion sensor 50 detects a person, and during other periods, they may stop playing the scene and emit light at a predetermined dimming rate.

[0070] In such cases, if the period during which scene playback is stopped is considered to be longer, the control unit 34 may calculate the energy saving rate using the energy consumption when scene playback is stopped and display it on the display unit 32. In other words, when the scene playback state and the scene playback stop state of multiple lighting fixtures 20 are switched according to the detection result of a sensor such as a motion sensor 50, the control unit 34 may display on the display unit 32 information indicating the relative amount of energy consumption when the multiple lighting fixtures 20 are in the scene playback stop state to the standard energy consumption (also referred to as the energy saving rate when playback is stopped). The energy saving rate when playback is stopped is displayed on, for example, the scene playback screen, the schedule setting screen, and the map screen, at least one of these.

[0071] This allows users to select and schedule scenes while considering energy saving rates when playback is paused.

[0072] [Difference 3] In the above embodiment, when the standard energy consumption is set to 100%, if the energy consumption when the set scene is reproduced by multiple lighting fixtures 20 can be expressed as a%, the energy saving rate was expressed as 100%-a%. However, a% itself may also be used as the energy saving rate. In other words, the energy saving rate may be expressed as a percentage when the standard energy consumption is set to 100%.

[0073] Furthermore, the above-mentioned standard illumination state was a state in which all of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 were illuminated at a dimming rate of 100%, and the energy saving rate was a parameter indicating how much lower the energy consumption was compared to the standard energy consumption when the scene was being played. However, the standard illumination state may also be a state in which all of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 were illuminated at a dimming rate of 50%, and can be determined as appropriate by the designer of the lighting control system 10. The energy saving rate only needs to be information that shows the relative amount of energy consumption when the scene is being played relative to the standard energy consumption.

[0074] [Effects, etc.] The following describes examples of inventions that can be obtained from the disclosures in this specification, and explains the effects and other benefits that can be obtained from such inventions.

[0075] Invention 1 is a user interface device 30 comprising a display unit 32, a scene setting screen for the user to set one or more scenes, each showing the light emission state of multiple lighting fixtures 20, and a scene playback screen that displays on the display unit 32 a scene playback screen showing a scene being played by the multiple lighting fixtures 20 from the set one or more scenes. The control unit 34 displays, on the scene setting screen, first information indicating the relative amount of energy consumption when the scene is played by the multiple lighting fixtures 20 with respect to the standard energy consumption when the multiple lighting fixtures 20 are illuminated in a standard light emission state, for each of the set one or more scenes. The control unit 34 displays, on the scene playback screen, second information indicating the relative amount of energy consumption when the scene shown on the scene playback screen is played by the multiple lighting fixtures 20 with respect to the standard energy consumption. The first and second pieces of information correspond to the energy saving rate in the above embodiment.

[0076] With such a user interface device 30, the user can set and play scenes while taking energy consumption into consideration.

[0077] Invention 2 is a user interface device 30 of Invention 1, further comprising an operation reception unit 31 that receives user operations, and a control unit 34 that displays a scene setting screen when a predetermined operation is received by the operation reception unit 31 while the scene playback screen is displayed.

[0078] With such a user interface device 30, the user can display the scene settings screen by performing a predetermined operation while the scene playback screen is displayed.

[0079] Invention 3 is a user interface device 30 of Invention 1 or 2, wherein the control unit 34 displays a schedule setting screen for scheduling one or more set scenes on the display unit 32, and on the schedule setting screen, displays the relative amount of energy consumption with respect to a reference energy consumption when the scheduled scenes are played back by multiple lighting fixtures 20.

[0080] With such a user interface device 30, the user can schedule scenes while taking energy consumption into consideration.

[0081] Invention 4 is a user interface device 30 according to any of Inventions 1 to 3, wherein the control unit 34 displays a map screen showing the arrangement of multiple lighting fixtures 20 on the display unit 32, and on the map screen displays the relative amount of the current energy consumption of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 to a reference energy consumption.

[0082] With such a user interface device 30, the user can see the energy consumption of multiple lighting fixtures 20 on the map screen.

[0083] Invention 5 is a user interface device 30 according to any of Inventions 1 to 4, wherein in a space where multiple lighting fixtures 20 are provided, in addition to the multiple lighting fixtures 20, multiple other lighting fixtures are provided, and the control unit 34 displays on the display unit 32 the relative amount of energy consumed when the multiple lighting fixtures 20 and the other multiple lighting fixtures are playing different scenes relative to the energy consumed when the multiple lighting fixtures 20 and the other multiple lighting fixtures are emitting light in a standard emission state.

[0084] With such a user interface device 30, the user can understand the total energy consumption of multiple lighting fixtures 20 and other multiple lighting fixtures combined.

[0085] Invention 6 is a user interface device 30 according to any of Inventions 1 to 5, wherein the control unit 34 updates and displays second information in accordance with the change when the scene played by the multiple lighting fixtures 20 is changed by a device other than the user interface device 30.

[0086] Such a user interface device 30 can display second information corresponding to the changed scene when the scene is changed by another device.

[0087] Invention 7 is a user interface device 30 according to any of Inventions 1 to 6, wherein the reference light emission state is the state in which multiple lighting fixtures 20 are emitting light at the maximum dimming rate, and the first information and second information are determined based on the average value of the dimming rates of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 when the scene is played back.

[0088] Such a user interface device 30 can calculate first and second information by managing the dimming rates of multiple lighting fixtures 20.

[0089] Invention 8 is a user interface device 30 according to any of Inventions 1 to 6, wherein the reference light emission state is the state in which multiple lighting fixtures 20 are emitting light at the maximum dimming rate, and the first information and second information are obtained by dividing the sum of the power consumption of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 when a scene is played by the sum of the power consumption of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 when they are emitting light at the maximum dimming rate.

[0090] Such a user interface device 30 can calculate primary and secondary information by managing the power consumption of multiple lighting fixtures 20.

[0091] Invention 9 is a user interface device 30 according to any of Inventions 1 to 8, wherein the control unit 34 displays on the display unit 32 the relative amount of energy consumption with respect to a reference energy consumption when the multiple lighting fixtures 20 are in the scene playback stop state, when the scene playback stop state of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 is switched according to the detection result of the sensor.

[0092] With such a user interface device 30, the user can understand the energy consumption when scene playback is stopped.

[0093] Invention 10 is a user interface device 30 according to any of Inventions 1 to 9, wherein, when the standard energy consumption is set to 100%, the energy consumption when one or more set scenes are reproduced by multiple lighting fixtures 20 can be expressed as a%, and the first information is expressed as 100%-a%, and when the standard energy consumption is set to 100%, the energy consumption when the scenes shown on the scene reproduction screen are reproduced by multiple lighting fixtures 20 can be expressed as a%, and the second information is expressed as 100%-a%.

[0094] Such a user interface device 30 can display the first information and the second information in the format 100%-a%.

[0095] Invention 11 is a user interface device 30 according to any of Inventions 1 to 9, wherein the first information and the second information are expressed as a percentage with the standard energy consumption set to 100%.

[0096] Such a user interface device 30 can display the first information and the second information in the form of a percentage with the standard energy consumption set to 100%.

[0097] Invention 12 is a lighting control system 10 comprising a user interface device 30 according to any of Inventions 1 to 11 and a plurality of lighting fixtures 20.

[0098] With such a lighting control system 10, the user can set and play scenes while taking energy consumption into consideration.

[0099] Invention 13 is a display method executed by a computer such as a user interface device 30. The display method includes the steps of: displaying a scene setting screen on a display unit 32 for a user to set one or more scenes, each showing the light emission state of multiple lighting fixtures 20; and displaying first information on the scene setting screen, for each of the set one or more scenes, that shows the relative amount of energy consumed when the scene is reproduced by the multiple lighting fixtures 20 with respect to the standard energy consumption when the multiple lighting fixtures 20 are emitted in a standard light emission state; and displaying second information on the scene playback screen, that shows the relative amount of energy consumed when the scene shown on the scene playback screen is reproduced by the multiple lighting fixtures 20 with respect to the standard energy consumption.

[0100] This display method allows users to set and play scenes while considering energy consumption.

[0101] (Other embodiments) Although embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0102] For example, the communication method between devices described in the above embodiment is just one example. The communication method between devices is not particularly limited. For example, multiple lighting fixtures, user interface devices, lighting control terminals, and motion sensors may use wired communication instead of wireless communication. Also, a part of the wireless communication path described in the above embodiment may be replaced with a wired communication path.

[0103] 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.

[0104] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, components such as the control unit 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.

[0105] Furthermore, components such as the control unit may be implemented by hardware. For example, components such as the control unit may be circuits (or integrated circuits). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or they may be separate circuits. Also, these circuits may be general-purpose circuits or dedicated circuits.

[0106] 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 in any combination of a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium. For example, the present invention may be implemented as a display method executed by a user interface device. The present invention may be implemented as a program for causing a computer to execute such a display method, or as a non-temporary recording medium on which such a program is recorded. Such a program may include an application program for causing a general-purpose portable terminal to function as the user interface device of the above embodiment.

[0107] Furthermore, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment 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]

[0108] 10 Lighting control system 20 Lighting fixtures 21 Wireless Communication Section 22 Light source 30 User Interface Device 31 Operation reception section 32 Display section 33 Wireless Communication Section 34 Control Unit 35 Storage section 40. Lighting control terminals (devices other than user interface devices) 50-person motion sensor (sensor)

Claims

1. A user interface device, Display unit and The system includes a scene setting screen for the user to set one or more scenes, each representing the illumination state of multiple lighting fixtures, and a control unit that displays a scene playback screen on the display unit, showing the scene currently being played by the multiple lighting fixtures from among the set one or more scenes. The control unit, In the scene setting screen, for each of the one or more scenes that have been set, first information is displayed that shows the relative amount of energy consumed when the scene is played back by the multiple lighting fixtures, relative to the standard energy consumed when the multiple lighting fixtures are illuminated in a standard emission state. In the scene playback screen, second information is displayed showing the relative amount of energy consumed when the scene shown on the scene playback screen is played back by the multiple lighting fixtures, with respect to the standard energy consumption. The control unit updates and displays the second information in accordance with the change if the scene being played by the multiple lighting fixtures is changed by a device other than the user interface device. User interface device.

2. Furthermore, it is equipped with an operation reception unit that accepts user input, When the scene playback screen is displayed and a predetermined operation is received by the operation reception unit, the control unit displays the scene setting screen. The user interface device according to claim 1.

3. The control unit, A schedule setting screen for scheduling one or more of the configured scenes is displayed on the display unit. The schedule setting screen displays the relative amount of energy consumed when the scheduled scene is played back by the multiple lighting fixtures, relative to the standard energy consumption. The user interface device according to claim 1.

4. The control unit, A map screen showing the arrangement of the multiple lighting fixtures is displayed on the display unit. The map screen displays the relative amount of the current energy consumption of the multiple lighting fixtures to the reference energy consumption. The user interface device according to claim 1.

5. A display unit and The system includes a scene setting screen for the user to set one or more scenes, each representing the illumination state of multiple lighting fixtures, and a control unit that displays a scene playback screen on the display unit, showing the scene currently being played by the multiple lighting fixtures from among the set one or more scenes. The control unit, In the scene setting screen, for each of the one or more scenes that have been set, first information is displayed that shows the relative amount of energy consumed when the scene is played back by the multiple lighting fixtures, relative to the standard energy consumed when the multiple lighting fixtures are illuminated in a standard emission state. In the scene playback screen, second information is displayed showing the relative amount of energy consumed when the scene shown on the scene playback screen is played back by the multiple lighting fixtures, with respect to the standard energy consumption. In the space where the aforementioned multiple lighting fixtures are provided, in addition to the aforementioned multiple lighting fixtures, other multiple lighting fixtures are provided. The control unit displays on the display unit the relative amount of energy consumed when the plurality of lighting fixtures and the other plurality of lighting fixtures are playing different scenes relative to the energy consumed when the plurality of lighting fixtures and the other plurality of lighting fixtures are emitting light in the standard emission state. User interface device.

6. The aforementioned reference light emission state is the state in which the plurality of lighting fixtures are emitting light at the maximum dimming rate. The first and second pieces of information are determined based on the average value of the dimming rates of the multiple lighting fixtures when the scene is played back. The user interface device according to claim 1.

7. The aforementioned reference light emission state is the state in which the plurality of lighting fixtures are emitting light at the maximum dimming rate. The first and second pieces of information are obtained by dividing the sum of the power consumption of the multiple lighting fixtures when the scene is played by the sum of the power consumption of the multiple lighting fixtures when they are emitting light at the maximum dimming rate. The user interface device according to claim 1.

8. A display unit and The system includes a scene setting screen for the user to set one or more scenes, each representing the illumination state of multiple lighting fixtures, and a control unit that displays a scene playback screen on the display unit, showing the scene currently being played by the multiple lighting fixtures from among the set one or more scenes. The control unit, In the scene setting screen, for each of the one or more scenes that have been set, first information is displayed that shows the relative amount of energy consumed when the scene is played back by the multiple lighting fixtures, relative to the standard energy consumed when the multiple lighting fixtures are illuminated in a standard emission state. In the scene playback screen, second information is displayed showing the relative amount of energy consumed when the scene shown on the scene playback screen is played back by the multiple lighting fixtures, with respect to the standard energy consumption. When the control unit switches between the scene playback state and the scene playback stop state of the plurality of lighting fixtures according to the sensor detection result, it displays the relative amount of the energy consumption of the plurality of lighting fixtures when they are in the scene playback stop state to the reference energy consumption on the display unit. User interface device.

9. When the aforementioned standard energy consumption is set to 100%, if the energy consumption when one or more of the set scenes are reproduced by the multiple lighting fixtures can be expressed as a%, then the first information is expressed as 100% - a%, When the aforementioned standard energy consumption is set to 100%, if the energy consumption when the scene shown on the scene playback screen is reproduced by the multiple lighting fixtures can be expressed as a%, then the second information is expressed as 100% - a%. The user interface device according to claim 1.

10. The first and second pieces of information are expressed as percentages, with the standard energy consumption set at 100%. The user interface device according to claim 1.

11. A user interface device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The plurality of lighting fixtures Lighting control system.

12. A display method performed by a computer, The steps include displaying a scene setting screen for the user to set one or more scenes, each showing the illumination state of multiple lighting fixtures, and a scene playback screen on the display unit showing the scene currently being played by the multiple lighting fixtures from among the set one or more scenes, In the scene setting screen, for each of the one or more scenes that have been set, a first information is displayed showing the relative amount of the energy consumed when the scene is played back by the multiple lighting fixtures, with respect to the standard energy consumed when the multiple lighting fixtures are illuminated in a standard emission state. The scene playback screen includes the step of displaying second information showing the relative amount of energy consumed when the scene shown on the scene playback screen is played back by the multiple lighting fixtures, with respect to the standard energy consumption; The step includes updating and displaying the second information in accordance with the change if the scene being played by the plurality of lighting fixtures is changed by a device other than the computer. Display method.

13. A display method performed by a computer, The steps include displaying a scene setting screen for the user to set one or more scenes, each showing the illumination state of multiple lighting fixtures, and a scene playback screen on the display unit showing the scene currently being played by the multiple lighting fixtures from among the set one or more scenes, In the scene setting screen, for each of the one or more scenes that have been set, a first information is displayed showing the relative amount of the energy consumed when the scene is played back by the multiple lighting fixtures, with respect to the standard energy consumed when the multiple lighting fixtures are illuminated in a standard emission state. The scene playback screen includes the step of displaying second information showing the relative amount of energy consumed when the scene shown on the scene playback screen is played back by the plurality of lighting fixtures, with respect to the reference energy consumption. In the space where the aforementioned multiple lighting fixtures are provided, in addition to the aforementioned multiple lighting fixtures, other multiple lighting fixtures are provided. The display method further includes the step of displaying on the display unit the relative amount of energy consumed when the plurality of lighting fixtures and the other plurality of lighting fixtures are reproducing different scenes from each other, relative to the energy consumed when the plurality of lighting fixtures and the other plurality of lighting fixtures are emitting light in the standard emission state. Display method.

14. A display method performed by a computer, The steps include displaying a scene setting screen for the user to set one or more scenes, each showing the illumination state of multiple lighting fixtures, and a scene playback screen on the display unit showing the scene currently being played by the multiple lighting fixtures from among the set one or more scenes, In the scene setting screen, for each of the one or more scenes that have been set, a first information is displayed showing the relative amount of the energy consumed when the scene is played back by the multiple lighting fixtures, with respect to the standard energy consumed when the multiple lighting fixtures are illuminated in a standard emission state. The scene playback screen includes the step of displaying second information showing the relative amount of energy consumed when the scene shown on the scene playback screen is played back by the multiple lighting fixtures, with respect to the standard energy consumption; The step includes, when the scene playback state and scene playback stop state of the plurality of lighting fixtures switch according to the sensor detection result, displaying the relative amount of the energy consumed when the plurality of lighting fixtures are in the scene playback stop state to the reference energy consumed on the display unit. Display method.

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