Control device for lighting equipment, and lighting system

Abstract

To provide a control device for an illumination device and an illumination system with which it is possible to intuitively set the diffusion degree of light in two directions.SOLUTION: In a control device for an illumination device capable of controlling the diffusion degree of light in a first direction and a second direction, a light diffusion degree setting screen for executing light diffusion degree setting processing of the illumination device is displayed in a display region (DA). The display region (DA) overlaps a detection region (FA) of a touch sensor. An X direction corresponding to the first direction, a Y direction corresponding to the second direction, and an XY plane with an origin (O) at a predetermined position on the light diffusion degree setting screen are defined, and the light diffusion degree setting screen is provided with a light distribution shape object (OBJ) with a central point at the origin (O), a first slider (first light diffusion degree setting object S1) with a central point at a position (x0) of an intersection point of the X axis and the outline of the light distribution shape object, and a second slider (second light diffusion degree setting object S2) with a central point at a position (y0) of an intersection point of the Y axis and the outline of the light distribution shape object.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device for a lighting device and a lighting system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is a lighting fixture that combines a thin lens with a prism pattern engraved on a light source such as an LED, and changes the light distribution angle by changing the distance between the light source and the thin lens. For example, a lighting fixture is disclosed in which the front surface of a transparent bulb is covered with a liquid crystal dimming element, and direct light and scattered light are switched by changing the transmittance of the liquid crystal layer (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For example, in a lighting device using a liquid crystal cell for p-wave polarization and a liquid crystal cell for s-wave polarization, the diffusion degree of light in two directions can be controlled by driving both liquid crystal cells respectively. Thus, in a lighting device capable of controlling the diffusion degree of light in two directions, a control device capable of intuitively setting the diffusion degree of light in two directions is desired.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a control device for a lighting device and a lighting system that can intuitively set the diffusion degree of light in two directions.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A control device for a lighting device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a control device for a lighting device capable of controlling the light distribution state of light emitted from a light source in two directions: a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, comprising: a touch sensor having a detection area provided with a plurality of detection elements; and a display panel having a display area that overlaps the detection area of ​​the touch sensor in a plan view, wherein a light diffusion setting screen for executing a light diffusion setting process for the lighting device is displayed in the display area of ​​the display panel, the light diffusion setting screen defines an X direction corresponding to the first direction, a Y direction corresponding to the second direction, and an XY plane with a predetermined position on the light diffusion setting screen as the origin, and includes a light distribution shape object with the origin of the XY plane as its center point, a first light diffusion setting object with the intersection of the X axis of the XY plane and the contour line of the light distribution shape object as its center point, and a second light diffusion setting object with the intersection of the Y axis of the XY plane and the contour line of the light distribution shape object as its center point.

[0007] A lighting system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a light source, an optical element provided on the optical axis of the light source and capable of controlling the light distribution state of light emitted from the light source in two directions: a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a control device that controls the lighting device to change the light distribution state, wherein the control device includes a touch sensor having a detection area provided with a plurality of detection elements, and a display panel having a display area that overlaps the detection area of ​​the touch sensor in a plan view, and the display area of ​​the display panel is configured to display the light diffusion degree setting process of the lighting device. A light diffusion setting screen for execution is displayed, and the light diffusion setting screen defines an X direction corresponding to the first direction, a Y direction corresponding to the second direction, and an XY plane with a predetermined position on the light diffusion setting screen as the origin. The screen includes a light distribution shape object with the origin of the XY plane as its center point, a first light diffusion setting object with the intersection of the X axis of the XY plane and the contour line of the light distribution shape object as its center point, and a second light diffusion setting object with the intersection of the Y axis of the XY plane and the contour line of the light distribution shape object as its center point. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1A] Figure 1A is a side view showing an example of a lighting device according to an embodiment. [Figure 1B] Figure 1B is a perspective view showing an example of an optical element according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of the first substrate as seen from the Dz direction. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of the second substrate as seen from the Dz direction. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a liquid crystal cell in which the first substrate and the second substrate are stacked in the Dz direction. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A' shown in Figure 4. [Figure 6A] Figure 6A shows the orientation direction of the alignment film on the first substrate. [Figure 6B] Figure 6B shows the orientation direction of the alignment film on the second substrate. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a diagram of the stacked structure of the optical element according to the embodiment. [Figure 8A] Figure 8A is a conceptual diagram illustrating the change in the shape of light caused by the optical element according to this embodiment. [Figure 8B] Figure 8B is a conceptual diagram illustrating the change in the shape of light caused by the optical element according to this embodiment. [Figure 8C] Figure 8C is a conceptual diagram illustrating the change in the shape of light caused by the optical element according to this embodiment. [Figure 8D] Figure 8D is a conceptual diagram illustrating the change in the shape of light caused by the optical element according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the control of light diffusion by the lighting device according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a lighting system according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is an external view showing an example of a control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a touch detection area in a touch sensor. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a control block configuration of the control device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a control block configuration of the lighting device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 15A] FIG. 15A is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a display mode of a light diffusion degree setting screen of the control device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 15B] FIG. 15B is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a display mode of a light diffusion degree setting screen of the control device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 15C] FIG. 15C is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a display mode of a light diffusion degree setting screen of the control device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 15D] FIG. 15D is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a display mode of a light diffusion degree setting screen of the control device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the position on the light diffusion degree setting screen of the control device according to Embodiment 1 and the light diffusion degree. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of an initial setting of a light diffusion degree setting screen in the control device of the lighting device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of a light diffusion degree setting process in the control device of the lighting device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of a light diffusion degree setting process in the control device of the lighting device according to a modification of Embodiment 1. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a control block configuration of the control device according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 21A] FIG. 21A is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a display mode of a light diffusion degree setting screen of the control device according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 21B] FIG. 21B is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a display mode of a light diffusion degree setting screen of the control device according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 22]Figure 22 is a flowchart showing an example of a light diffusion fine-tuning process in the control device of the lighting device according to Embodiment 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments for carrying out the invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. Furthermore, the components described below include those that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art, and those that are substantially the same. Moreover, the components described below can be combined as appropriate. Note that the disclosure is merely an example, and any modifications that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art while maintaining the spirit of the invention are naturally included within the scope of the present invention. In addition, the drawings may schematically represent the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part compared to the actual embodiment in order to make the explanation clearer, but these are merely examples and do not limit the interpretation of the present invention. Furthermore, in this specification and each drawing, elements similar to those described above with respect to previously shown drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations may be omitted as appropriate.

[0010] Figure 1A is a side view showing an example of a lighting device 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 1B is a perspective view showing an example of an optical element 100 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 1A, the lighting device 1 includes a light source 4, a reflector 4a, and an optical element 100. Also, as shown in Figure 1B, the optical element 100 includes a first liquid crystal cell 2_1, a second liquid crystal cell 2_2, a third liquid crystal cell 2_3, and a fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4. The light source 4 is composed of, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED). The reflector 4a is a component that focuses the light from the light source 4 onto the optical element 100.

[0011] In Figure 1B, the Dz direction indicates the direction of light emission from the light source 4 and the reflector 4a. The optical element 100 is constructed by stacking a first liquid crystal cell 2_1, a second liquid crystal cell 2_2, a third liquid crystal cell 2_3, and a fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4 in the Dz direction. In this disclosure, the optical element 100 is constructed by stacking the first liquid crystal cell 2_1, the second liquid crystal cell 2_2, the third liquid crystal cell 2_3, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4 in that order from the light source 4 side (lower side of Figure 1B). In Figure 1B, one direction of the plane parallel to the stacking planes of the first liquid crystal cell 2_1, the second liquid crystal cell 2_2, the third liquid crystal cell 2_3, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4 which are orthogonal to the Dz direction is defined as the Dx direction (first direction), and the direction orthogonal to both the Dx direction and the Dz direction is defined as the Dy direction (second direction).

[0012] The first liquid crystal cell 2_1, the second liquid crystal cell 2_2, the third liquid crystal cell 2_3, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4 each have the same configuration. In this disclosure, the first liquid crystal cell 2_1 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4 are liquid crystal cells for p-wave polarization. The second liquid crystal cell 2_2 and the third liquid crystal cell 2_3 are liquid crystal cells for s-wave polarization. Hereinafter, the first liquid crystal cell 2_1, the second liquid crystal cell 2_2, the third liquid crystal cell 2_3, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4 will also be collectively referred to as "liquid crystal cell 2".

[0013] The liquid crystal cell 2 comprises a first substrate 5 and a second substrate 6. Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of the first substrate 5 as seen from the Dz direction. Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of the second substrate 6 as seen from the Dz direction. In Figure 3, the drive electrodes are visible through the substrates, but for clarity, the drive electrodes and wiring are shown with solid lines. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the liquid crystal cell with the first substrate 5 and the second substrate 6 superimposed in the Dz direction. In Figure 4 as well, for clarity, the drive electrodes and wiring on the second substrate side are shown with solid lines, and the drive electrodes and wiring on the first substrate side are shown with dotted lines. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' shown in Figure 4. In Figures 2, 3, 4, and 5, the third liquid crystal cell 2_3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4 are illustrated as examples, in which the drive electrodes 10a and 10b of the first substrate 5 extend in the Dx direction, and the drive electrodes 13a and 13b of the second substrate 6 extend in the Dy direction.

[0014] As shown in Figure 5, the liquid crystal cell 2 includes a liquid crystal layer 8 between the first substrate 5 and the second substrate 6, with its periphery sealed by a sealing material 7.

[0015] The liquid crystal layer 8 modulates the light passing through it depending on the state of the electric field. Positive-type nematic liquid crystals are used as the liquid crystal molecules, but other liquid crystals with similar properties may also be used.

[0016] As shown in Figure 2, the liquid crystal layer 8 side of the base material 9 of the first substrate 5 is provided with a plurality of drive electrodes 10a, 10b, a plurality of metal wirings 11a, 11b that supply the drive voltage applied to these drive electrodes 10a, 10b, and a plurality of metal wirings 11c, 11d that supply the drive voltage applied to a plurality of drive electrodes 13a, 13b (see Figure 3) provided on the second substrate 6, which will be described later. The metal wirings 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d are provided on the wiring layer of the first substrate 5. The metal wirings 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d are provided at intervals on the wiring layer on the first substrate 5. Hereinafter, the plurality of drive electrodes 10a, 10b may be simply referred to as "drive electrodes 10". Also, the plurality of metal wirings 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d may be referred to as "first metal wiring 11". As shown in Figures 2 and 7, in the third liquid crystal cell 2_3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4, the drive electrode 10 on the first substrate 5 extends in the Dx direction. In the first liquid crystal cell 2_1 and the second liquid crystal cell 2_2, the drive electrode 10 on the first substrate 5 extends in the Dy direction.

[0017] As shown in Figure 3, the liquid crystal layer 8 side of the base material 12 of the second substrate 6 shown in Figure 5 is provided with a plurality of drive electrodes 13a, 13b and a plurality of metal wirings 14a, 14b that supply the drive voltage applied to these drive electrodes 13. The metal wirings 14a, 14b are provided in the wiring layer of the second substrate 6. The metal wirings 14a, 14b are provided at intervals in the wiring layer on the second substrate 6. Hereinafter, the plurality of drive electrodes 13a, 13b may be simply referred to as "drive electrodes 13". Also, the plurality of metal wirings 14a, 14b may be referred to as "second metal wiring 14". As shown in Figures 3 and 7, in the third liquid crystal cell 2_3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4, the drive electrodes 13 on the second substrate 6 extend in the Dy direction. In the first liquid crystal cell 2_1 and the second liquid crystal cell 2_2, the drive electrodes 13 on the second substrate 6 extend in the Dx direction.

[0018] The drive electrodes 10 and 13 are translucent electrodes formed from a translucent conductive material (translucent conductive oxide) such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide). The first substrate 5 and the second substrate 6 are translucent substrates such as glass or resin. The first metal wiring 11 and the second metal wiring 14 are formed from at least one metallic material such as aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), molybdenum (Mo), or an alloy thereof. Alternatively, the first metal wiring 11 and the second metal wiring 14 may be laminates formed by stacking one or more of these metallic materials. At least one metallic material such as aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), molybdenum (Mo), or an alloy thereof has lower resistance than a translucent conductive oxide such as ITO.

[0019] The metal wiring 11c of the first substrate 5 and the metal wiring 14a of the second substrate 6 are connected by a conductive portion 15a, for example, a conductive paste. Furthermore, the metal wiring 11d of the first substrate 5 and the metal wiring 14b of the second substrate 6 are connected by a conductive portion 15b, for example, a conductive paste.

[0020] Furthermore, in the region of the first substrate 5 that does not overlap with the second substrate 6 in the Dz direction, connection (Flex-on-Board) terminals 16a and 16b are provided for connection to a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) (not shown). Each of the connection terminals 16a and 16b has four connection terminals corresponding to metal wirings 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d.

[0021] The connection terminals 16a and 16b are provided on the wiring layer of the first substrate 5. The liquid crystal cell 2 receives a drive voltage from the FPC connected to the connection terminal 16a or the connection terminal 16b, which is applied to the drive electrodes 10a and 10b on the first substrate 5 and the drive electrodes 13a and 13b on the second substrate 6. Hereinafter, the connection terminals 16a and 16b may be simply referred to as "connection terminal 16".

[0022] As shown in Figure 4, in the liquid crystal cell 2, the first substrate 5 and the second substrate 6 overlap in the Dz direction (direction of light irradiation), and when viewed from the Dz direction, multiple drive electrodes 10 on the first substrate 5 and multiple drive electrodes 13 on the second substrate 6 intersect. With the liquid crystal cell 2 configured in this way, the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules 17 in the liquid crystal layer 8 can be controlled by supplying a drive voltage to the multiple drive electrodes 10 on the first substrate 5 and the multiple drive electrodes 13 on the second substrate 6, respectively. This region in which the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules 17 in the liquid crystal layer 8 can be controlled is called the "effective region AA". In this effective region AA, the refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal layer 8 changes, which allows for control of the degree of light diffusion transmitted through the effective region AA of the liquid crystal cell 2. The region outside this effective region AA in which the liquid crystal layer 8 is sealed with the sealing material 7 is called the "peripheral region GA" (see Figure 5).

[0023] As shown in Figure 5, the effective region AA of the first substrate 5 is covered with an alignment film 18, which covers the driving electrode 10 (driving electrode 10a in Figure 5). Similarly, the effective region AA of the second substrate 6 is covered with an alignment film 19, which covers the driving electrode 13 (driving electrodes 13a and 13b in Figure 5). The alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules differs between the alignment film 18 and the alignment film 19.

[0024] Figure 6A shows the orientation direction of the orientation film on the first substrate 5. Figure 6B shows the orientation direction of the orientation film on the second substrate 6.

[0025] As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the orientation direction of the orientation film 18 on the first substrate 5 and the orientation direction of the orientation film 19 on the second substrate 6 intersect each other in a plan view. Specifically, as shown by the solid arrows in Figure 6A, the orientation direction of the orientation film 18 on the first substrate 5 is perpendicular to the extension direction of the drive electrodes 10a and 10b, shown by the dashed arrows in Figure 6A. Also, as shown by the solid arrows in Figure 6B, the orientation direction of the orientation film 19 on the second substrate 6 is perpendicular to the extension direction of the drive electrodes 13a and 13b, shown by the dashed arrows in Figure 6B. In the following explanation, we will assume that the extension directions of these drive electrodes 10 and 13 and the orientation directions of the orientation films 18 and 19 covering them are perpendicular, but they may intersect at angles other than perpendicular, for example, in the range of 85° to 90°. Furthermore, while it is preferable that the drive electrode 10 on the first substrate 5 side and the drive electrode 13 on the second substrate 6 side be orthogonal to each other, they may intersect within an angular range of, for example, 85° to 90°. The orientation direction of the alignment films 18 and 19 is formed by a rubbing process or a photo-alignment process.

[0026] Here, we will explain the mechanism by which each liquid crystal cell 2 (first liquid crystal cell 2_1, second liquid crystal cell 2_2, third liquid crystal cell 2_3, and fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4) changes the shape of light. Figure 7 is a stacked structure diagram of the optical element 100 according to the embodiment. Figures 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D are conceptual diagrams to explain the change in the shape of light by the optical element 100 according to the embodiment. Figures 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D show examples in which a potential difference is generated between each drive electrode of the shaded substrate of each liquid crystal cell 2.

[0027] As shown in Figure 7, the optical element 100 is mounted on the optical axis of the light source 4, indicated by the dashed line, and as described above, the first liquid crystal cell 2_1, the second liquid crystal cell 2_2, the third liquid crystal cell 2_3, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4 are stacked in that order from the light source 4 side (lower side of Figure 7). The third liquid crystal cell 2_3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4 are stacked rotated 90° relative to the first liquid crystal cell 2_1 and the second liquid crystal cell 2_2.

[0028] In each liquid crystal cell 2, as shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the orientation direction of the alignment film intersects on the first substrate 5 side and the second substrate 6 side. As a result, the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 8 gradually changes from the Dx direction to the Dy direction (or from the Dy direction to the Dx direction) as you move from the first substrate 5 side to the second substrate 6 side, and the polarization component of the transmitted light rotates in accordance with this change. That is, in the liquid crystal cell 2, the polarization component that was p-polarized on the first substrate 5 side changes to s-polarized as you move towards the second substrate 6 side, and the polarization component that was s-polarized on the first substrate 5 side changes to p-polarized as you move towards the second substrate 6 side. This rotation of the polarization component may be called optical rotation.

[0029] Figure 8A shows a state in which no potential is generated between adjacent electrodes in each liquid crystal cell 2. In this case, only optical rotation occurs in each liquid crystal cell 2, and none of the polarization components are diffused.

[0030] As shown in Figure 8B, for example, by creating a potential difference between the drive electrodes 10a and 10b on the first substrate 5 side of the first liquid crystal cell 2_1, the liquid crystal molecules are oriented in an arc shape between the electrodes, thereby forming a refractive index distribution in the liquid crystal layer 8 along the Dx direction. When light from the light source 4 passes through in this state, the refractive index distribution acts on the polarization component parallel to the Dx direction (p-polarization component in Figure 8B), causing the p-polarization component to diffuse in the Dx direction.

[0031] Furthermore, if a potential difference is generated between the drive electrodes 13a and 13b on the second substrate 6 side of the first liquid crystal cell 2_1, a refractive index distribution will be formed in the Dy direction on the second substrate 6 side, causing the s-polarized component to diffuse in the Dy direction on the second substrate 6 side. In other words, the polarization component that changed from a p-polarized component to an s-polarized component while passing through the liquid crystal layer 8 of the first liquid crystal cell 2_1 will now also diffuse in the Dy direction. On the other hand, the s-polarized component that is incident on the first liquid crystal cell 2_1 will rotate while passing through the liquid crystal layer 8, but since it is a polarization component that intersects with either refractive index distribution, it will only rotate and pass through the first liquid crystal cell 2_1 without diffusing.

[0032] Light that is s-polarized when incident on the first liquid crystal cell 2_1 changes to p-polarized light after passing through the first liquid crystal cell 2_1, and the second liquid crystal cell 2_2 acts on this p-polarized light. That is, as shown in Figures 8A and 8B, of the light incident on the optical element 100, the first liquid crystal cell 2_1 acts on the p-polarized light, and the second liquid crystal cell 2_2 acts on the s-polarized light. The third liquid crystal cell 2_3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4 are positioned rotated 90° relative to the first liquid crystal cell 2_1 and the second liquid crystal cell 2_2, so the polarization components they act on are also reversed by 90°. That is, the third liquid crystal cell 2_3 acts on the s-polarized light when incident on the optical element 100, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4 acts on the p-polarized light when incident on the optical element 100.

[0033] As shown in Figure 8C, in the optical element, by applying a potential difference between the drive electrodes extending in the Dy direction for each liquid crystal cell 2 (between the drive electrodes 10a and 10b of the first substrate 5 in the first liquid crystal cell 2_1 and the second liquid crystal cell 2_2, and between the drive electrodes 13a and 13b of the second substrate 6 in the third liquid crystal cell 2_3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4), the p-polarized component is affected, and the shape of the light can be enlarged mainly in the Dx direction. This effect may be called transverse diffusion.

[0034] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8D, by applying a potential difference between the drive electrodes extending in the Dx direction for each liquid crystal cell 2 (between the drive electrodes 13a and 13b of the second substrate 6 in the first liquid crystal cell 2_1 and the second liquid crystal cell 2_2, and between the drive electrodes 10a and 10b of the first substrate 5 in the third liquid crystal cell 2_3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4), the s-polarization component is affected, and the shape of the light can be enlarged mainly in the Dy direction. This effect may be called longitudinal diffusion.

[0035] The degree of light diffusion in each direction depends on the potential difference between adjacent driving electrodes 10a, 10b (or between driving electrodes 13a, 13b). If the potential difference between driving electrodes 10a, 10b (or between driving electrodes 13a, 13b) is set to a predetermined maximum potential difference (e.g., 30[V]), the light diffusion in that direction will be at its maximum (100[%]), and if no potential difference is generated at all, there will be no light diffusion in that direction (0[%]). Alternatively, if the potential difference between driving electrodes 10a, 10b (or between driving electrodes 13a, 13b) is set to 50[%] of the above maximum potential difference (e.g., 15[V]), the light diffusion in that direction will be 50[%].

[0036] Furthermore, each liquid crystal cell 2 has a wide gap (also called a cell gap) between its substrates (between the first substrate 5 and the second substrate 6), approximately 30 μm to 50 μm, which minimizes the influence of the electric field formed on one substrate on the other substrate. In addition, the driving voltage that generates a potential difference between adjacent driving electrodes 10a and 10b (or between driving electrodes 13a and 13b) is a so-called AC square wave, which naturally prevents the burning of liquid crystal molecules.

[0037] Furthermore, the orientation direction of each alignment film, the extension direction of the driving electrodes on each substrate, and the angles between them can be appropriately changed for the entire optical element 100 or for each liquid crystal cell 2, depending on the characteristics of the liquid crystal used and the specific optical effect to be applied.

[0038] In this embodiment, a configuration in which four first liquid crystal cells 2_1, second liquid crystal cell 2_2, third liquid crystal cell 2_3, and fourth liquid crystal cell 2_4 are stacked for the optical element 100 is described. However, this configuration is not the only possible configuration. For example, a configuration in which two or three liquid crystal cells 2 are stacked, or a configuration in which five or more liquid crystal cells 2 are stacked, can also be adopted.

[0039] In this disclosure, in the lighting device 1 with the configuration described above, the light incident on the optical element from the light source 4 is controlled in two directions, the Dx direction and the Dy direction, by controlling the drive voltage of each liquid crystal cell 2. The above vertical diffusion and horizontal diffusion may be collectively referred to as light diffusion. This changes the shape of the light emitted from the optical element. The shape of the light refers to the shape of the light that appears on a plane parallel to the emission surface of the optical element, and this may also be referred to as the light distribution shape. The control of the degree of light diffusion in this disclosure will be explained below with reference to Figure 9.

[0040] Figure 9 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the control of light diffusion by the lighting device 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 9 shows the light irradiation range on a virtual plane xy perpendicular to the Dz direction. Note that the actual outline of the irradiation range will be slightly unclear due to the distance from the light source 4 and the diffraction phenomenon of light.

[0041] As described above, the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules 17 in the liquid crystal layer 8 is controlled by supplying a driving voltage to each of the driving electrodes 10 and 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100, which is positioned on the optical axis of the light source 4. This controls the light distribution shape of the light emitted from the optical element 100.

[0042] Specifically, for example, as described above, the light distribution shape in the Dx direction changes depending on the drive voltage applied to the drive electrode 10 or drive electrode 13 extending in the Dy direction in each liquid crystal cell 2. This diffusion of light in the Dx direction may be called transverse diffusion. Also, the light distribution shape in the Dy direction changes depending on the drive voltage applied to the drive electrode 10 or drive electrode 13 extending in the Dx direction in the first to fourth liquid crystal cells. This diffusion of light in the Dy direction may be called longitudinal diffusion.

[0043] In this disclosure, the minimum lateral and longitudinal diffusion degrees are set to 0%, and the maximum diffusion degree to 100%. More specifically, when the lateral diffusion degree is 0%, the driving electrode that functions to broaden the light distribution state in the Dx direction (for example, the driving electrode 10 extending in the Dy direction on the first substrate 5 of the first liquid crystal cell 2_1) does not act on the refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal layer 8. In this case, there is no potential difference between adjacent driving electrodes 10a and 10b, or no potential is supplied to the electrodes. On the other hand, when the lateral diffusion degree is 100%, the driving electrode that functions to broaden the light distribution state in the Dx direction (for example, the driving electrode 10 extending in the Dy direction on the first substrate 5 of the first liquid crystal cell 2_1) acts to the maximum extent on the refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal layer 8. In this case, the potential difference between adjacent driving electrodes 10a and 10b is set to the maximum potential difference in the optical element 100 (for example, 30V). Furthermore, if the degree of lateral diffusion is greater than 0% and less than 100%, a potential is applied to the electrodes such that the potential difference between adjacent driving electrodes 10a and 10b is greater than 0V and less than the maximum potential difference (e.g., 30V). The same applies to longitudinal diffusion.

[0044] Contour a in Figure 9 illustrates the illumination range when both the transverse and longitudinal diffusion are 100%. Contour b in Figure 9 illustrates the illumination range when the transverse diffusion is 100% and the longitudinal diffusion is 0%. Contour c in Figure 9 illustrates the illumination range when the transverse diffusion is 0% and the longitudinal diffusion is 100%. Contour d in Figure 9 illustrates the illumination range when both the transverse and longitudinal diffusion are 0%. In other words, contour d shows the light distribution state when light from the light source 4 is emitted without any control by the optical element 100 (i.e., it passes directly through the optical element 100).

[0045] In this way, in the lighting device 1 with the above-described configuration, the lateral and vertical diffusion of the light emitted from the optical element 100 can be controlled by controlling the drive voltage of each liquid crystal cell 2. This makes it possible to change the light distribution shape of the light emitted from the lighting device 1.

[0046] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a lighting system according to the embodiment. The lighting system according to the embodiment includes a lighting device 1 and a control device 200. The control device 200 is exemplified by, for example, a portable communication terminal device such as a smartphone or tablet.

[0047] Data and various command signals are transmitted and received between the lighting device 1 and the control device 200 via a communication means 300. In this disclosure, the communication means 300 is, for example, a wireless communication means such as Bluetooth® or WiFi®. The lighting device 1 and the control device 200 may communicate wirelessly via a predetermined network, such as a mobile communication network. Alternatively, the lighting device 1 and the control device 200 may be connected by a wire and communicate via a wired connection. Although Figure 10 illustrates a configuration in which the control device 200 controls lighting devices 1_1, 1_2, ..., 1-n, this disclosure is not limited by the number of lighting devices 1 controlled by the control device 200.

[0048] Figure 11 is an external view showing an example of a control device 200 according to an embodiment. The control device 200 is a touch detection display device (touchscreen) in which a display panel 20 and a touch sensor 30 are integrated. The control device 200 is equipped with various ICs such as detection ICs and display ICs as internal components, as well as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc., which constitute the control device 200, such as a smartphone or tablet.

[0049] The display panel 20 is a so-called in-cell or hybrid type device that incorporates and integrates a touch sensor 30. Integrating the touch sensor 30 into the display panel 20 means, for example, that some components such as the substrate and electrodes used for the display panel 20 are shared with some components such as the substrate and electrodes used for the touch sensor 30. The display panel 20 may also be a so-called on-cell type device in which the touch sensor 30 is mounted on top of the display device.

[0050] For example, the display panel 20 may be a liquid crystal display panel using liquid crystal display elements. However, it is not limited to this, and the display panel 20 may also be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display panel or an inorganic light-emitting diode (micro-LED, mini-LED).

[0051] For example, a capacitive touch sensor is an example of the touch sensor 30. However, the touch sensor 30 may also be a resistive touch sensor, an ultrasonic touch sensor, or an optical touch sensor.

[0052] Figure 12 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a touch detection area in a touch sensor 30. The detection area FA of the touch sensor 30 is provided with multiple detection elements 31. The multiple detection elements 31 are arranged in a matrix within the detection area FA of the touch sensor 30, aligned in the X direction and in the Y direction which is orthogonal to the X direction. In other words, the touch sensor 30 has a detection area FA that overlaps with the multiple detection elements 31 aligned in the X and Y directions.

[0053] The following describes the specific configuration and operation for controlling the light diffusion degree of the lighting device 1 in the lighting system configuration according to the above-described embodiment.

[0054] (Embodiment 1) Figure 13 shows an example of the control block configuration of the control device 200 according to Embodiment 1. Embodiment 1 describes the control block configuration for executing the light diffusion degree setting process, which will be described later.

[0055] As shown in Figure 13, the control device 200 according to Embodiment 1 comprises a display panel 20, a touch sensor 30, a detection circuit 211, a position extraction circuit 212, a movement amount calculation circuit 221, a light diffusion degree calculation circuit 222, a storage circuit 223, a position conversion circuit 224, a transmit / receive circuit 225, and a display control circuit 231. The detection circuit 211 and the position extraction circuit 212 are composed of, for example, detection ICs. Alternatively, the detection circuit 211, the position extraction circuit 212, and the display control circuit 231 may be mounted on the display panel 20 as a single display IC, or mounted on an FPC connected to the display panel 20. The movement amount calculation circuit 221, the light diffusion degree calculation circuit 222, the storage circuit 223, and the position conversion circuit 224 are composed of, for example, a CPU, RAM, EEPROM, ROM, etc. of a smartphone or tablet that constitutes the control device 200. Furthermore, the display control circuit 231 may be a display IC mounted on the display panel 20 as described above, or it may also include a GPU, for example, from a smartphone or tablet that constitutes the control device 200. The transmit / receive circuit 225 is composed of, for example, a wireless communication module from a smartphone or tablet that constitutes the control device 200.

[0056] The detection circuit 211 is a circuit that detects whether or not a touch is made to the touch sensor 30 based on the detection signals output from each detection element 31 of the touch sensor 30.

[0057] The position extraction circuit 212 is a logic circuit that determines the touch detection position, and consequently the position of the touched object (image), when a touch is detected by the detection circuit 211.

[0058] The movement amount calculation circuit 221 calculates the amount of movement of an object (image) that moves while touching the touch detection position extracted by the position extraction circuit 212 or the light diffusion degree setting screen described later. The movement amount calculation circuit 221 is a component that is implemented, for example, by the CPU of a smartphone or tablet that constitutes the control device 200.

[0059] The light diffusion calculation circuit 222 calculates the diffusion of light emitted from the controlled lighting device 1 based on the touch detection position or the amount of movement of the touched object calculated by the movement amount calculation circuit 221. The light diffusion calculation circuit 222 is a component implemented, for example, by the CPU of a smartphone or tablet that constitutes the control device 200.

[0060] The memory circuit 223 is composed of, for example, RAM, EEPROM, ROM, etc., of a smartphone or tablet that constitutes the control device 200. In this disclosure, the memory circuit 223 stores, for example, the touch detection position or the position of the touched object extracted by the position extraction circuit 212, and the light diffusion degree of the controlled lighting device 1. In this embodiment, the memory circuit 223 also stores the reference movement amount Px in the X direction and the reference movement amount Py in the Y direction, which are used in the light diffusion degree setting process described later. In addition, the memory circuit 223 temporarily stores, for example, intermediate data in the light diffusion degree setting process described later. The reference movement amounts Px and Py will be described later.

[0061] The position conversion circuit 224 is a component implemented, for example, by the CPU of a smartphone or tablet that constitutes the control device 200. In this disclosure, the position conversion circuit 224 converts the light diffusion information transmitted from the lighting device 1 to be controlled into position information on the display area of ​​the display panel 20 of the control device 200.

[0062] The transmitting / receiving circuit 225 transmits and receives light diffusion information to and from the lighting device 1. Specifically, the transmitting / receiving circuit 225 transmits the light diffusion in the Dx direction S1x and the light diffusion in the Dy direction S1y as first light diffusion information to the lighting device 1. The transmitting / receiving circuit 225 also receives second light diffusion information (light diffusion in the Dx direction S2x and light diffusion in the Dy direction S2y) transmitted from the lighting device 1.

[0063] The display control circuit 231 performs display control processing to display the light diffusion degree setting screen, which will be described later, on the display panel 20. In this disclosure, the display control circuit 231 controls the display of the display panel 20 based on the light diffusion degree information and position information of various image images stored in the memory circuit 223.

[0064] Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of the control block configuration of the lighting device 1 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 14, the lighting device 1 according to the embodiment includes a transmitting / receiving circuit 111, an electrode driving circuit 112, and a storage circuit 113 as control blocks for controlling the optical element 100 described above.

[0065] The transmitting / receiving circuit 111 transmits and receives optical diffuseness information with the control device 200. Specifically, the transmitting / receiving circuit 111 receives first optical diffuseness information (optical diffuseness S1x in the Dx direction and optical diffuseness S1y in the Dy direction) transmitted from the control device 200. The transmitting / receiving circuit 111 also transmits the optical diffuseness S2x in the Dx direction and optical diffuseness S2y in the Dy direction, which are stored in the memory circuit 113, to the control device 200 as second optical diffuseness information.

[0066] In this disclosure, when the lighting device 1 is started up, the transmitting / receiving circuit 111 transmits the light diffusion degree S2x in the Dx direction and the light diffusion degree S2y in the Dy direction stored in the memory circuit 113 to the control device 200 as second light diffusion degree information. The first light diffusion degree information (light diffusion degree S1x in the Dx direction and light diffusion degree S1y in the Dy direction) transmitted from the control device 200 by the light diffusion degree setting process of the control device 200, described later, is stored in the memory circuit 113 as new light diffusion degree S2x in the Dx direction and light diffusion degree S2y in the Dy direction. That is, when the first light diffusion degree information is transmitted from the control device 200 to the lighting device 1, the second light diffusion degree information is updated to the first light diffusion degree information. Initially, the lighting device 1 does not store the second light diffusion degree information (both vertical and horizontal diffusion are 0 [%]). In this case, the second light diffusion degree information is stored when the first light diffusion degree information is transmitted from the control device 200.

[0067] The electrode drive circuit 112 supplies drive voltages corresponding to the light diffusion in the Dx direction S2x and the light diffusion in the Dy direction S2y stored in the memory circuit 113 to the respective drive electrodes 10 and 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100.

[0068] Specifically, when the lighting device 1 is started up, the electrode drive circuit 112 supplies a drive voltage corresponding to the second light diffusion information stored in the memory circuit 113 to each drive electrode 10, 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100.

[0069] Furthermore, the electrode drive circuit 112 supplies a drive voltage to each drive electrode 10, 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100, according to the second light diffusion information which has been updated based on the first light diffusion information transmitted from the control device 200.

[0070] The memory circuit 113 is composed of, for example, RAM, EEPROM, ROM, etc. In this disclosure, the memory circuit 113 stores the final value of the second light diffusion information from the last time the lighting device 1 was operated.

[0071] Figures 15A, 15B, 15C, and 15D are conceptual diagrams showing an example of the display mode of the light diffusion setting screen of the control device 200 according to Embodiment 1. On the light diffusion setting screen shown in Figures 15A, 15B, 15C, and 15D, the X direction is defined corresponding to the Dx direction (first direction) in the light diffusion control of the lighting device 1, and the Y direction is defined corresponding to the Dy direction (second direction) in the light diffusion control of the lighting device 1. In addition, an XY plane is defined with a predetermined position on the light diffusion setting screen as the origin O(0,0).

[0072] The display panel 20 is provided with a display area DA that overlaps with the detection area FA of the touch sensor 30 in a plan view. In the examples shown in Figures 15A, 15B, 15C, and 15D, a light distribution shape object OBJ is displayed with the origin O(0,0) of the XY plane on the light diffusion setting screen as the center point. A first slider S1 (first light diffusion setting object) and a second slider S2 (second light diffusion setting object) for operating the light distribution state of the lighting device 1 are placed on the contour line of this light distribution shape object OBJ.

[0073] The light distribution shape object (OBJ) is an image corresponding to the light distribution state of the light emitted from the lighting device 1.

[0074] The first slider S1 and the second slider S2 are, for example, image images displayed on the display area DA, which the user can move (drag) by touching them with their finger.

[0075] By moving the first slider S1 in the X direction, the shape of the light distribution shape object OBJ can be changed. Simultaneously, the light diffusion degree of the lighting device 1 in the Dx direction is controlled. Furthermore, by moving the second slider S2 in the Y direction, the shape of the light distribution shape object OBJ can be changed. Simultaneously, the light diffusion degree of the lighting device 1 in the Dy direction is controlled.

[0076] Figure 15A shows an example where the light diffusion Sx in the Dx direction of lighting device 1 is 50% and the light diffusion Sy in the Dy direction is 50%. As shown in Figure 15A, the values ​​of the light diffusion Sx in the Dx direction and the light diffusion Sy in the Dy direction are also displayed on the display screen. Hereafter, the light diffusion Sx in the Dx direction will be referred to as the lateral diffusion Sx, and the light diffusion Sy in the Dy direction will be referred to as the vertical diffusion Sy. Figure 15B shows an example where the lateral diffusion Sx of lighting device 1 is 100% and the vertical diffusion Sy is 100%. Figure 15C shows an example where the lateral diffusion Sx of lighting device 1 is 0% and the vertical diffusion Sy is 0%. Figure 15D shows an example where the lateral diffusion Sx of lighting device 1 is 100% and the vertical diffusion Sy is 50%.

[0077] In this disclosure, the shape of the light distribution shape object OBJ on the light diffusion setting screen changes from circular to elliptical as the first slider S1 and the second slider S2 are moved, as shown in Figures 15A, 15B, 15C, and 15D.

[0078] As shown in Figure 9, in the lighting device 1 controlled in this disclosure, even when both the lateral diffusion Sx and the longitudinal diffusion Sy of the lighting device 1 are set to 0 [%], light is irradiated over a predetermined substantially circular area (contour d). In this disclosure, as shown in Figure 15C, when both the lateral diffusion Sx and the longitudinal diffusion Sy are set to 0 [%], a small circular light distribution shape object OBJ is displayed.

[0079] Furthermore, even if both the lateral diffusivity Sx and the longitudinal diffusivity Sy are set to 0%, there is still an actual light irradiation range provided by the lighting device 1, so the actual light irradiation range can be intuitively understood.

[0080] In this disclosure, as shown in Figures 15A, 15B, 15C, and 15D, a first region TA1 is provided as a region where the first slider S1 can be operated.

[0081] The first slider S1 is capable of moving in the X direction within the first region TA1, from its position on the contour line of the light distribution shape object OBJ when the lateral diffusion Sx is 0% to its position on the contour line of the light distribution shape object OBJ when the lateral diffusion Sx is 100%. Therefore, the first slider S1 will not move if the user's finger leaves the screen, or even if it leaves the first region TA1 without leaving the screen.

[0082] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 15A, 15B, 15C, and 15D, a second region TA2 is provided as a region where the second slider S2 can be operated.

[0083] The second slider S2 is capable of moving in the Y direction within the second region TA2, from its position on the contour line of the light distribution shape object OBJ when the vertical diffusion rate Sy is 0% to its position on the contour line of the light distribution shape object OBJ when the vertical diffusion rate Sy is 100%. Therefore, the second slider S2 will not move if the user's finger leaves the screen, or even if it leaves the second region TA2 without leaving the screen.

[0084] Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the position on the light diffusion setting screen of the control device 200 according to Embodiment 1 and the light diffusion. In this disclosure, for the sake of ease of explanation, the position (coordinates) of the display panel 20 on the display area DA and the position (coordinates) of the touch sensor 30 on the detection area FA are assumed to be equivalent.

[0085] On the light diffusion degree setting screen of the control device 200 according to Embodiment 1, the lateral diffusion degree Sx of the lighting device 1 can be set by the amount of movement of the position x of the intersection point between the X axis of the XY plane and the contour line of the light distribution shape object OBJ.

[0086] In this disclosure, the position x of the intersection point between the X-axis and the contour line of the light distribution shape object OBJ is defined as the center point of the first slider S1. In other words, the position x0 of the first slider S1 on the display area DA coincides with the position x of the intersection point between the X-axis and the contour line of the light distribution shape object OBJ. This allows the lateral diffusion Sx of the lighting device 1 to be set by touching the first slider S1 and moving it in the X-axis direction. In Figure 16, "Sx" indicates the lateral diffusion (e.g., "50" [%]) of the lighting device 1.

[0087] When the change in lateral diffusion ΔSx of the lighting device 1 is 1[%], the reference displacement Px in the X direction on the XY plane is the point at which the X axis intersects with the contour line of the light distribution shape object OBJ when the lateral diffusion Sx is 100[%]. 100 If X0 is the intersection point between the X-axis and the contour line of the light distribution shape object OBJ when the transverse diffusion Sx is 0[%], then it is given by the following equation (1).

[0088] Px=(X 100 -X0) / 100···(1)

[0089] The relationship between the transverse diffusion Sx and the position x0 of the first slider S1 on the display area DA in the XY plane is given by equations (2) and (3) below, using equation (1) above.

[0090] Sx = (x0 - X0) / Px ... (2)

[0091] x0 = Sx × Px + X0 ... (3)

[0092] Furthermore, on the light diffusion degree setting screen of the control device 200 according to Embodiment 1, the vertical diffusion degree Sy of the lighting device 1 can be set by the amount of movement of the position y of the intersection point between the Y axis of the XY plane and the contour line of the light distribution shape object OBJ.

[0093] In this disclosure, the position y of the intersection point between the Y-axis and the contour line of the light distribution shape object OBJ is defined as the center point of the second slider S2. In other words, the position y0 of the second slider S2 on the display area DA coincides with the position y of the intersection point between the Y-axis and the contour line of the light distribution shape object OBJ. As a result, the vertical diffusion degree Sy of the lighting device 1 can be set by touching the second slider S2 and moving it in the Y-axis direction. In Figure 16, "Sy" indicates the vertical diffusion degree of the lighting device 1 (for example, "50" [%]).

[0094] When the change in longitudinal diffusion ΔSy ​​of lighting device 1 is 1[%], the reference displacement Py in the Y direction on the XY plane is the intersection of the Y axis and the contour line of the light distribution shape object OBJ when the longitudinal diffusion Sy is 100[%]. 100 If we define Y0 as the intersection point between the Y-axis and the contour line of the light distribution shape object OBJ when the vertical diffusion rate Sy is 0 [%], then it is given by equation (4) below.

[0095] Py=(Y 100 -Y0) / 100···(4)

[0096] The relationship between the longitudinal diffusion degree Sy and the position y0 of the second slider S2 on the display area DA in the XY plane is given by equations (5) and (6) below, using equation (4) above.

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

[0098] y0 = Sy × Py + Y0 ... (6)

[0099] Here, we have described a method for displaying a circular light distribution shape object OBJ when both the lateral diffusion Sx and the longitudinal diffusion Sy are set to 0[%], but we are not limited to this. For example, the origin O(0,0) of the XY plane on the light diffusion setting screen may be set to the position when both the lateral diffusion Sx and the longitudinal diffusion Sy are set to 0[%].

[0100] The control device 200 of the lighting device 1 according to Embodiment 1 described above, and the light diffusion degree setting process of the lighting device 1 in the lighting system will be described below.

[0101] Figure 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the initial settings for the light diffusion degree setting screen in the control device 200 of the lighting device 1 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the light diffusion degree setting process in the control device 200 of the lighting device 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0102] The control device 200 first performs the initial setup of the light diffusion degree setting screen shown in Figure 17.

[0103] The control device 200 transmits a request command for second light diffusion information to the lighting device 1, which is already running. The transmitting / receiving circuit 111 of the lighting device 1 reads the second light diffusion information stored in the memory circuit 113 and transmits it to the control device 200. The electrode driving circuit 112 of the lighting device 1 supplies a driving voltage corresponding to the second light diffusion information stored in the memory circuit 113 to each driving electrode 10, 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100.

[0104] The control device 200 determines whether or not it has received second light diffusion information from the lighting device 1 (step S101). If it has not received the information (step S101; No), the process in step S101 is repeated.

[0105] When the second light diffusion information is received from the lighting device 1 (step S101; Yes), the transmitting and receiving circuit 225 of the control device 200 stores the light diffusion in the Dx direction S2x of the second light diffusion information as the lateral diffusion Sx and the light diffusion in the Dy direction S2y as the longitudinal diffusion Sy in the memory circuit 223 (step S102).

[0106] The position conversion circuit 224 of the control device 200 reads out the lateral diffusion Sx and longitudinal diffusion Sy stored in the memory circuit 223 (step S103), and using equations (3) and (6) above, converts the lateral diffusion Sx to the X-direction position x0 on the display area DA of the first slider S1 on the light diffusion setting screen, and converts the longitudinal diffusion Sy to the Y-direction position y0 on the display area DA of the second slider S2 on the light diffusion setting screen (step S104), and stores them in the memory circuit 223 (step S105).

[0107] Then, the display control circuit 231 reads the horizontal diffusion degree Sx, X-direction position x0, vertical diffusion degree Sy, and Y-direction position y0 obtained by the processing in steps S101 to S105 described above from the memory circuit 223, and performs display control of the display panel 20 so as to reflect the shape of the light distribution shape object OBJ, the display of the horizontal diffusion degree Sx, the position of the first slider S1, the display of the vertical diffusion degree Sy, and the position of the second slider S2 (step S106), and then moves to the standby state for the light diffusion degree setting process shown in Figure 18 (step S107).

[0108] Embodiment 1 describes an example in which, after transitioning to a standby state for the light diffusion setting process in the initial setup of the light diffusion setting screen shown in Figure 17, the light diffusion setting process shown in Figure 18 is executed.

[0109] When the control device 200 is in standby mode for the light diffusion degree setting process, it performs touch detection processing for the first slider S1 (step S111) and touch detection processing for the second slider S2 (step S131). Specifically, if the first slider S1 is touched (step S111; Yes), the process proceeds to step S112; if the first slider S1 is not touched (step S111; No), the process proceeds to step S131. If the second slider S2 is touched (step S131; Yes), the process proceeds to step S132; if the second slider S2 is not touched (step S131; No), the process returns to step S111.

[0110] When the first slider S1 is touched and moves within the first region TA (step S111; Yes), the position extraction circuit 212 extracts the X-direction position x1 after the movement of the first slider S1 (step S112).

[0111] The movement amount calculation circuit 221 reads the position x0 stored in the memory circuit 223 (step S113) and calculates the X-direction movement amount Δx (=x1-x0) of the first slider S1 (step S114). The position extraction circuit 212 updates the extracted X-direction position x1 on the detection area FA as the new X-direction position x0 and stores it in the memory circuit 223 (step S115).

[0112] The light diffuseness calculation circuit 222 calculates the change in lateral diffuseness ΔSx by dividing the X-direction movement amount Δx calculated by the movement amount calculation circuit 221 by the reference movement amount Px (step S116). The light diffuseness calculation circuit 222 also reads the lateral diffuseness Sx before the movement of the first slider S1 stored in the memory circuit 223 (step S117), calculates the lateral diffuseness Sx (=Sx+ΔSx) after the movement of the first slider (step S118), and stores it in the memory circuit 223 (step S119).

[0113] Then, the display control circuit 231 reads the lateral diffusion degree Sx and the X-direction position x0 calculated by the processing in steps S112 to S119 described above from the memory circuit 223, and performs display control of the display panel 20 so as to reflect the shape of the light distribution shape object OBJ, the position of the first slider S1, and the lateral diffusion degree Sx in the display (step S120).

[0114] The detection circuit 211 detects whether the touch state on the first slider S1 has been released (step S121). If the touch state on the first slider S1 continues (step S121; No), the process from step S112 to step S121 is repeatedly executed. As a result, during the period in which the touch state on the first slider S1 continues, the shape of the light distribution shape object OBJ, the position of the first slider S1, and the display of the lateral diffusion degree Sx change in real time, following the movement of the first slider S1. That is, the operation from step S112 to step S121 is performed for a very short time, for example, with a period of 30Hz to 120Hz synchronized with the touch detection period. Therefore, although the user moves the first slider S1 in step S112, this action is immediately reflected on the display screen via step S120, and the user can recognize that their action and the change in the display on the screen are performed as a single unit. The same operation applies to the control of vertical diffusion described below.

[0115] If the touch state on the first slider S1 is released (step S121; Yes), the transmitting / receiving circuit 225 reads the transverse diffusion Sx stored in the memory circuit 223 (step S122), transmits the read transverse diffusion Sx as the Dx direction light diffusion S1x, and sends the first light diffusion information to the lighting device 1 (step S123), and returns to the process in step S111.

[0116] In this disclosure, the case where the touch state on the first slider S1 is released (step S121; Yes) includes the state in which the drag operation of the first slider S1 is released, such as when the user's finger is removed from the first slider S1 or when the touch detection position is outside the first region TA1.

[0117] The electrode drive circuit 112 of the lighting device 1 stores the first light diffusion information (light diffusion in the Dx direction S1x) received from the control device 200 as second light diffusion information in the memory circuit 113, and supplies a drive voltage to each drive electrode 10, 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100 based on this second light diffusion information. As a result, the lateral diffusion Sx set on the light diffusion setting screen of the control device 200 is reflected in the light diffusion control (lateral diffusion) of the lighting device 1.

[0118] When the second slider S2 is touched (step S131; Yes), the position extraction circuit 212 extracts the Y-direction position y1 on the detection area FA of the second slider S2 (step S132).

[0119] The movement amount calculation circuit 221 reads the position y0 stored in the memory circuit 223 (step S133) and calculates the Y-direction movement amount Δy (=y1-y0) of the second slider S2 (step S134). Then, the position extraction circuit 212 stores the extracted Y-direction position y1 on the detection area FA as the Y-direction position y0 on the display area DA in the memory circuit 223 (step S135).

[0120] The light diffuseness calculation circuit 222 calculates the change in longitudinal diffuseness ΔSy by dividing the Y-direction movement amount Δy calculated by the movement amount calculation circuit 221 by the reference movement amount Py (step S136). The light diffuseness calculation circuit 222 also reads the longitudinal diffuseness Sy before the second slider movement stored in the memory circuit 223 (step S137), calculates the longitudinal diffuseness Sy (=Sy+ΔSy) after the second slider movement (step S138), and stores it in the memory circuit 223 (step S139).

[0121] Then, the display control circuit 231 reads the longitudinal diffusion degree Sy and Y-direction position y0 calculated by the processing in steps S132 to S139 described above from the memory circuit 223 and performs display control of the display panel 20 so as to reflect the shape of the light distribution shape object OBJ, the position of the second slider S2, and the display of the longitudinal diffusion degree Sy (step S140).

[0122] The detection circuit 211 detects whether the touch state on the second slider S2 has been released (step S141). If the touch state on the second slider S2 continues (step S141; No), the process from step S132 to step S141 is repeated. As a result, during the period in which the touch state on the second slider S2 continues, the shape of the light distribution shape object OBJ, the position of the second slider S2, and the display of the vertical diffusion degree Sy change in real time in accordance with the movement of the second slider S2.

[0123] If the touch state on the second slider S2 is released (step S141; Yes), the transmitting / receiving circuit 225 reads the longitudinal diffusion degree Sy stored in the memory circuit 223 (step S142), transmits the read longitudinal diffusion degree Sy as the light diffusion degree S1y in the Dy direction, and sends the first light diffusion degree information to the lighting device 1 (step S143), and returns to the process in step S111.

[0124] In this disclosure, the case where the touch state on the second slider S2 is released (step S141; Yes) includes the state in which the drag operation of the second slider S2 is released, such as when the user's finger is removed from the second slider S2 or when the touch detection position is outside the second area TA2.

[0125] The electrode drive circuit 112 of the lighting device 1 stores the first light diffusion information (Dy direction light diffusion S1y) received from the control device 200 as second light diffusion information in the memory circuit 113, and supplies a drive voltage to each drive electrode 10, 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100 based on this second light diffusion information. As a result, the vertical diffusion Sy set on the light diffusion setting screen of the control device 200 is reflected in the light diffusion control (vertical diffusion) of the lighting device 1.

[0126] In the light diffusion degree setting process according to Embodiment 1 described above, as long as the touch on the first slider S1 is maintained, the shape of the light distribution shape object OBJ, the position of the first slider S1, and the display of the lateral diffusion degree Sx change in real time, following the movement of the first slider S1. On the other hand, the actual light distribution control of the lighting device 1 is performed after the touch on the first slider S1 or the second slider S2 is released. That is, while the first slider S1 is being touched and moved left or right on the screen, the shape of the light distribution shape object OBJ on the screen changes, but the actual light distribution state of the lighting device 1 does not change. The actual light distribution state of the lighting device 1 changes only after the touch on each slider is released, or when the touch position moves outside the first region TA1 or the second region TA2. As a result, on the light diffusion setting screen of the control device 200, after setting the light diffusion degree in the Dx direction or Dy direction of the lighting device 1 on the screen, the set light diffusion degree will be reflected in the light distribution control of the lighting device.

[0127] (modified version) Figure 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the light diffusion degree setting process in the control device 200 of the lighting device 1 according to a modified example of Embodiment 1. Here, we will explain in detail the differences from the flowchart shown in Figure 18, and omit redundant explanations.

[0128] In the light diffusion degree setting process in the control device of the lighting device according to a modified embodiment of Embodiment 1 shown in Figure 19, immediately after the display control of the display panel 20 is performed in step S120, the transmitting and receiving circuit 225 reads the lateral diffusion degree Sx stored in the memory circuit 223 (step S122), and transmits the read lateral diffusion degree Sx as the light diffusion degree S1x in the Dx direction to the lighting device 1 as first light diffusion degree information (step S123).

[0129] The electrode drive circuit 112 of the lighting device 1 stores the first light diffusion information (light diffusion in the Dx direction S1x) received from the control device 200 as second light diffusion information in the memory circuit 113, and supplies a drive voltage to each drive electrode 10, 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100 based on the second light diffusion information.

[0130] The detection circuit 211 then detects whether the touch state on the first slider S1 has been released (step S121). If the touch state on the first slider S1 has been released (step S121; Yes), the process returns to step S111.

[0131] If the touch state on the first slider S1 continues (step S121; No), the processes from step S112 to step S123 are repeatedly executed. As a result, during the period in which the touch state on the first slider S1 continues, the shape of the light distribution shape object OBJ, the position of the first slider S1, and the display of the lateral diffusion degree Sx change in real time in accordance with the movement of the first slider S1. Furthermore, the light distribution state of the lighting device 1 changes in real time in accordance with the movement of the first slider S1 on the light diffusion degree setting screen of the control device 200.

[0132] Furthermore, in the light diffusion degree setting process of the control device for the lighting device according to a modified example of Embodiment 1 shown in Figure 19, immediately after the display control of the display panel 20 is performed in step S140, the transmitting and receiving circuit 225 reads the longitudinal diffusion degree Sy stored in the memory circuit 223 (step S142), and transmits the read longitudinal diffusion degree Sy as the light diffusion degree S1y in the Dy direction and transmits the first light diffusion degree information to the lighting device 1 (step S143).

[0133] The electrode drive circuit 112 of the lighting device 1 stores the first light diffusion information (light diffusion in the Dy direction S1y) received from the control device 200 as second light diffusion information in the memory circuit 113, and supplies a drive voltage to each drive electrode 10, 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100 based on the second light diffusion information.

[0134] The detection circuit 211 then detects whether the touch state on the second slider S2 has been released (step S141). If the touch state on the second slider S2 has been released (step S141; Yes), the process returns to step S111.

[0135] If the touch state on the second slider S2 continues (step S141; No), the processes from step S132 to step S143 are repeatedly executed. As a result, during the period in which the touch state on the second slider S2 continues, the shape of the light distribution shape object OBJ, the position of the second slider S2, and the display of the vertical diffusion degree Sy change in real time in accordance with the movement of the second slider S2. Furthermore, the vertical diffusion degree Sy is reflected in the light diffusion degree control of the lighting device 1 in real time in accordance with the movement of the second slider S2 on the light diffusion degree setting screen of the control device 200.

[0136] In the light diffusion degree setting process according to the modified embodiment 1 described above, not only the shape of the light distribution shape object OBJ but also the orientation control by the lighting device changes in real time in accordance with the movement of the first slider S1 on the light diffusion degree setting screen of the control device 200. As a result, the light diffusion degree in the Dx and Dy directions of the lighting device 1 can be set more intuitively than in the light diffusion degree setting process according to embodiment 1.

[0137] (Embodiment 2) Figure 20 shows an example of the control block configuration of the control device 200a according to Embodiment 2. Embodiment 2 describes the control block configuration for performing the light diffusion fine-tuning process described later. Note that the same reference numerals are used for the same components as in Embodiment 1, and explanations that overlap with Embodiment 1 may be omitted.

[0138] As shown in Figure 20, the control device 200a according to Embodiment 2 includes a display panel 20, a touch sensor 30, a detection circuit 211, a position extraction circuit 212, a light diffusion degree calculation circuit 222a, a storage circuit 223a, a transmit / receive circuit 225, a position calculation circuit 226, and a display control circuit 231.

[0139] The light diffusion calculation circuit 222a calculates the light diffusion relative to the controlled lighting device 1 by adding a defined fine adjustment amount to the object extracted by the position extraction circuit 212. The light diffusion calculation circuit 222a is a component implemented by, for example, the CPU of a smartphone or tablet that constitutes the control device 200a. Note that the light diffusion calculation circuit 222a may be substantially the same component as the light diffusion calculation circuit 222 of the control device 200 according to Embodiment 1.

[0140] The memory circuit 223a is composed of, for example, RAM, EEPROM, ROM, etc., of a smartphone or tablet that constitutes the control device 200a. In this embodiment, in addition to the reference displacement amount Px in the X direction and the reference displacement amount Py in the Y direction, the memory circuit 223a stores the fine adjustment amounts ΔSxf(+), ΔSxf(-), fine adjustment amounts ΔSyf(+), ΔSyf(-) used in the light diffusion fine adjustment process described later. Furthermore, the memory circuit 223a temporarily stores, for example, intermediate data used in the light diffusion fine adjustment process described later. Note that the memory circuit 223a may be substantially the same configuration as the memory circuit 223 of the control device 200 according to Embodiment 1.

[0141] The position calculation circuit 226 calculates the X-direction position x0 of the first slider S1 on the display area DA of the light diffusion setting screen, and the Y-direction position y0 of the second slider S2 on the display area DA, corresponding to the light diffusion calculated by the light diffusion calculation circuit 222a. The position calculation circuit 226 is a component implemented, for example, by the CPU of a smartphone or tablet that constitutes the control device 200a.

[0142] Figures 21A and 21B are conceptual diagrams showing an example of the display mode of the light diffusion degree setting screen of the control device 200a according to Embodiment 2.

[0143] The display panel 20 is provided with a display area DA that overlaps with the detection area FA of the touch sensor 30 in a plan view. In the example shown in Figures 21A and 21B, similar to Embodiment 1, a light distribution shape object OBJ is displayed with the origin O(0,0) of the XY plane on the light diffusion degree setting screen as the center point, and a first slider S1 and a second slider S2 for setting the light diffusion degree of the lighting device 1 are placed on the contour line of this light distribution shape object OBJ.

[0144] In the display configuration of the light diffusion degree setting screen of the control device 200a according to Embodiment 2, in addition to the display configuration of Embodiment 1 shown in Figures 15A, 15B, 15C, and 15D, a toggle switch (fine-tuning switching object) TSW for selecting whether to enable (ON) or disable (OFF) the light diffusion degree fine-tuning process, a first fine-tuning button (first fine-tuning object) B1 for fine-tuning the light diffusion degree in the Dx direction (first direction) of the lighting device 1, and a second fine-tuning button (second fine-tuning object) B2 for fine-tuning the light diffusion degree in the Dy direction (second direction) of the lighting device 1 are provided.

[0145] The first fine adjustment button B1 includes a first fine adjustment button (positive first fine adjustment object) B1(+) for fine adjustment on the positive side of the Dx direction, and a first fine adjustment button (negative first fine adjustment object) B1(-) for fine adjustment on the negative side, as shown in Figures 21A and 21B.

[0146] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 21A and 21B, the second fine adjustment button B2 includes a second fine adjustment button (positive second fine adjustment object) B2(+) for fine adjustment on the positive side of the Dy direction, and a second fine adjustment button (negative second fine adjustment object) B2(-) for fine adjustment on the negative side.

[0147] The toggle switch TSW is a button (image shown) that appears as an icon on the display area DA, for example, which can be touched and moved left or right to select whether to enable (ON) or disable (OFF) the light diffusion fine-tuning process.

[0148] In the examples shown in Figures 21A and 21B, the toggle switch TSW is displayed in the upper right corner of the light diffusion setting screen.

[0149] The first fine adjustment buttons B1(+), B1(-), B2(+), and B2(-) are hidden when the light diffusion fine adjustment process is disabled (OFF), as shown in Figure 21A.

[0150] Furthermore, the first fine adjustment button B1(+), the first fine adjustment button B1(-), the second fine adjustment button B2(+), and the second fine adjustment button B2(-) are displayed when the light diffusion fine adjustment process is enabled (ON), as shown in Figure 21B.

[0151] The first fine-tuning button B1(+) defines a fine-tuning amount (first-direction light diffusion fine-tuning amount) ΔSxf(+) that increases in the Dx direction (first direction) relative to the lateral diffusion Sx. The fine-tuning amount ΔSxf(+) is, for example, the minimum value of the change in the + direction in the light diffusion setting process (e.g., +1[%]). The first fine-tuning button B1(+) is a button (image) that is displayed as an icon that allows you to select the lateral diffusion fine-tuning amount ΔSxf(+) to be added to the lateral diffusion Sx by, for example, touching the first fine-tuning button B1(+) displayed on the display area DA.

[0152] Furthermore, the first fine-tuning button B1(-) defines a fine-tuning amount (first-direction light diffusion fine-tuning amount) ΔSxf(-) that decreases the lateral diffusion Sx in the Dx direction (first direction). The lateral diffusion fine-tuning amount ΔSxf(-) is, for example, the minimum value of the change in the + direction in the light diffusion setting process (for example, -1[%]). The first fine-tuning button B1(-) is a button (image) that is displayed as an icon that allows you to select the lateral diffusion fine-tuning amount ΔSxf(-) to be added to the lateral diffusion Sx by, for example, touching the first fine-tuning button B1(-) displayed on the display area DA.

[0153] In the example shown in Figures 21A and 21B, the first fine adjustment button B1(+) and the first fine adjustment button B1(-) are displayed side by side in the X direction below the XY plane where the light distribution shape object OBJ is displayed.

[0154] The second fine-tuning button B2(+) defines a fine-tuning amount (second-direction light diffusion fine-tuning amount) ΔSyf(+) that increases in the Dy direction (second direction) relative to the longitudinal diffusion Sy. The fine-tuning amount ΔSyf(+) is, for example, the minimum value of the change in the + direction in the light diffusion setting process (e.g., +1[%]). The second fine-tuning button B2(+) is a button (image) that is displayed as an icon that allows you to select the fine-tuning amount ΔSyf(+) to be added to the longitudinal diffusion Sy by, for example, touching the second fine-tuning button B2(+) displayed on the display area DA.

[0155] Furthermore, the second fine-tuning button B2(-) defines a vertical diffusion fine-tuning amount (second-direction light diffusion fine-tuning amount) ΔSyf(-) that decreases in the Dy direction (second direction) relative to the vertical diffusion Sy. The vertical diffusion fine-tuning amount ΔSyf(-) is, for example, the minimum value of the change in the + direction in the light diffusion setting process (for example, -1[%]). The second fine-tuning button B2(-) is a button (image) that is displayed as an icon that allows you to select the vertical diffusion fine-tuning amount ΔSyf(-) to be added to the vertical diffusion Sy by, for example, touching the second fine-tuning button B2(-) displayed on the display area DA.

[0156] In the examples shown in Figures 21A and 21B, the second fine adjustment buttons B2(+) and B2(-) are displayed side-by-side in the Y direction to the right of the XY plane where the light distribution shape object OBJ is displayed.

[0157] The display positions of the first fine-tuning button B1 and the second fine-tuning button B2 on the light diffusion degree setting screen are not limited to the examples shown in Figures 21A and 21B. The first fine-tuning button B1(+) and the first fine-tuning button B1(-) may be displayed side by side in the X direction on the light diffusion degree setting screen. The second fine-tuning button B2(+) and the second fine-tuning button B2(-) may be displayed side by side in the Y direction on the light diffusion degree setting screen.

[0158] The control device 200a of the lighting device 1 according to the above-described embodiment 2, and the light diffusion degree fine-tuning process of the lighting device 1 in the lighting system will be described below.

[0159] Figure 22 is a flowchart showing an example of the light diffusion fine-tuning process in the control device 200a of the lighting device 1 according to Embodiment 2.

[0160] Embodiment 2 describes an example in which, in the initial setup of the light diffusion setting processing screen shown in Figure 17, the system transitions to a standby state for the light diffusion setting processing, and after executing the light diffusion setting processing shown in Figure 18 or Figure 19, the light diffusion fine-tuning processing shown in Figure 22 is executed. The light diffusion setting processing shown in Figure 22 (step S100) corresponds to the light diffusion setting processing according to Embodiment 1 or a modified example of Embodiment 1 (Figure 18 or Figure 19).

[0161] The following explanation assumes that the light diffusion fine-tuning process is enabled (ON) beforehand. However, it is also possible that after the light diffusion setting process shown in Figure 18 or Figure 19 is executed, the user touches the toggle switch TSW to switch the light diffusion fine-tuning process from disabled (OFF) to enabled (ON).

[0162] While in a standby state for the light diffusion fine-tuning process after the light diffusion setting process (step S100), the control device 200a executes the following touch detection processes: touch detection process for the first fine-tuning button B1(+) (step S201), touch detection process for the first fine-tuning button B1(-) (step S211), touch detection process for the second fine-tuning button B2(+) (step S221), and touch detection process for the second fine-tuning button B2(-) (step S231).

[0163] Specifically, if the first fine adjustment button B1(+) is touched (step S201; Yes), the process proceeds to step S202; if the first fine adjustment button B1(+) is not touched (step S201; No), the process proceeds to step S211.

[0164] If the first fine adjustment button B1(-) is touched (step S211; Yes), the process proceeds to step S212. If the first fine adjustment button B1(-) is not touched (step S211; No), the process proceeds to step S221.

[0165] If the second fine adjustment button B2(+) is touched (step S221; Yes), the process proceeds to step S222. If the second fine adjustment button B2(+) is not touched (step S221; No), the process proceeds to step S231.

[0166] If the second fine adjustment button B2(-) is touched (step S231; Yes), proceed to step S232; if the second fine adjustment button B2(-) is not touched (step S231; No), return to step S201.

[0167] When the first fine-tuning button B1(+) is touched (step S201; Yes), the light diffusion calculation circuit 222a reads the lateral diffusion fine-tuning amount ΔSxf(+) defined for the first fine-tuning button B1(+) from the memory circuit 223a (step S202), reads the lateral diffusion Sx before the touch stored in the memory circuit 223a (step S203), calculates the lateral diffusion Sx after the touch (= Sx + ΔSxf(+)) from these and updates the lateral diffusion (step S204). Then, the calculated lateral diffusion Sx is stored in the memory circuit 223a (step S205).

[0168] The position calculation circuit 226 uses equation (3) above to calculate and update the X-direction position x0 on the display area DA of the first slider S1 after the first fine adjustment button B1(+) is touched (step S206), and stores the updated X-direction position x0 in the memory circuit 223a (step S207).

[0169] Then, the display control circuit 231 reads the lateral diffusion degree Sx and X-direction position x0 updated by the processing in steps S202 to S207 described above from the memory circuit 223a and performs display control of the display panel 20 so as to reflect the shape of the light distribution shape object OBJ, the position of the first slider S1, and the lateral diffusion degree Sx in the display (step S208).

[0170] Furthermore, the transmitting / receiving circuit 225 reads out the transverse diffusion Sx stored in the memory circuit 223a (step S209), and transmits the read transverse diffusion Sx as the Dx-direction light diffusion S1x, along with the first light diffusion information, to the lighting device 1 (step S210).

[0171] The electrode drive circuit 112 of the lighting device 1 stores the first light diffusion information (light diffusion in the Dx direction S1x) received from the control device 200a as second light diffusion information in the memory circuit 113, and supplies a drive voltage to each drive electrode 10, 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100 based on the second light diffusion information.

[0172] When the first fine adjustment button B1(-) is touched (step S211; Yes), the light diffusion calculation circuit 222a reads the lateral diffusion fine adjustment amount ΔSxf(-) defined for the first fine adjustment button B1(-) from the memory circuit 223a (step S212), then reads the lateral diffusion Sx stored in the memory circuit 223a (step S213), calculates the lateral diffusion Sx (= Sx + ΔSxf(-)) (step S214), and stores the calculated lateral diffusion Sx in the memory circuit 223a (step S215).

[0173] The position calculation circuit 226 uses equation (3) above to calculate the X-direction position x0 on the display area DA of the first slider S1 (step S216), and stores the calculated X-direction position x0 in the memory circuit 223a (step S217).

[0174] Then, the display control circuit 231 reads the lateral diffusion degree Sx and the X-direction position x0 calculated by the processing in steps S212 to S217 described above from the memory circuit 223a and performs display control of the display panel 20 so as to reflect the shape of the light distribution shape object OBJ, the position of the first slider S1, and the lateral diffusion degree Sx in the display (step S218).

[0175] The transmitting / receiving circuit 225 reads the transverse diffusion Sx stored in the memory circuit 223a (step S219), and transmits the read transverse diffusion Sx as the Dx-direction light diffusion S1x, along with the first light diffusion information, to the lighting device 1 (step S220).

[0176] The electrode drive circuit 112 of the lighting device 1 stores the first light diffusion information (light diffusion in the Dx direction S1x) received from the control device 200a as second light diffusion information in the memory circuit 113, and supplies a drive voltage to each drive electrode 10, 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100 based on the second light diffusion information.

[0177] When the second fine adjustment button B2(+) is touched (step S221; Yes), the light diffusion calculation circuit 222a reads the longitudinal diffusion fine adjustment amount ΔSyf(+) defined for the second fine adjustment button B2(+) from the memory circuit 223a (step S222), then reads the longitudinal diffusion Sy stored in the memory circuit 223a (step S223), calculates the longitudinal diffusion Sy (=Sy+ΔSyf(+)) (step S224), and stores the calculated longitudinal diffusion Sy in the memory circuit 223a (step S225).

[0178] The position calculation circuit 226 uses equation (6) above to calculate the Y-direction position y0 on the display area DA of the second slider S2 (step S226), and stores the calculated Y-direction position y0 in the memory circuit 223a (step S227).

[0179] Then, the display control circuit 231 reads the longitudinal diffusion degree Sy and Y-direction position y0 calculated by the processing in steps S222 to S227 described above from the memory circuit 223a and performs display control of the display panel 20 so as to reflect the shape of the light distribution shape object OBJ, the position of the second slider S2, and the longitudinal diffusion degree Sy in the display (step S228).

[0180] The transmitting / receiving circuit 225 reads out the longitudinal diffusion degree Sy stored in the memory circuit 223a (step S229), and transmits the read-out longitudinal diffusion degree Sy as the light diffusion degree S1y in the Dy direction, as first light diffusion information to the lighting device 1 (step S230).

[0181] The electrode drive circuit 112 of the lighting device 1 stores the first light diffusion information (light diffusion in the Dy direction S1y) received from the control device 200a as second light diffusion information in the memory circuit 113, and supplies a drive voltage to each drive electrode 10, 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100 based on the second light diffusion information.

[0182] When the second fine adjustment button B2(-) is touched (step S231; Yes), the light diffusion calculation circuit 222a reads the longitudinal diffusion fine adjustment amount ΔSyf(-) defined for the second fine adjustment button B2(-) from the memory circuit 223a (step S232), then reads the longitudinal diffusion Sy stored in the memory circuit 223a (step S233), calculates the longitudinal diffusion Sy (=Sy+ΔSyf(-)) (step S234), and stores the calculated longitudinal diffusion Sy in the memory circuit 223a (step S235).

[0183] The position calculation circuit 226 uses equation (6) above to calculate the Y-direction position y0 on the display area DA of the second slider S2 (step S236), and stores the calculated Y-direction position y0 in the memory circuit 223a (step S237).

[0184] Then, the display control circuit 231 reads the longitudinal diffusion degree Sy and Y-direction position y0 calculated by the processing in steps S232 to S237 described above from the memory circuit 223a and performs display control of the display panel 20 so as to reflect the shape of the light distribution shape object OBJ, the position of the second slider S2, and the display of the longitudinal diffusion degree Sy (step S238).

[0185] The transmitting / receiving circuit 225 reads out the longitudinal diffusion degree Sy stored in the memory circuit 223a (step S239), and transmits the read-out longitudinal diffusion degree Sy as the light diffusion degree S1y in the Dy direction, as first light diffusion information to the lighting device 1 (step S240).

[0186] The electrode drive circuit 112 of the lighting device 1 stores the first light diffusion information (light diffusion in the Dy direction S1y) received from the control device 200a as second light diffusion information in the memory circuit 113, and supplies a drive voltage to each drive electrode 10, 13 of each liquid crystal cell 2 of the optical element 100 based on the second light diffusion information.

[0187] In the light diffusion fine-tuning process according to Embodiment 2 described above, the horizontal diffusion Sx and vertical diffusion Sy can be fine-tuned with respect to the light diffusion setting result obtained by the light diffusion setting process shown in Figure 18 or Figure 19. This makes it possible to fine-tune the light diffusion, which is difficult to do by moving (dragging) the first slider S1 or the second slider S2 on the light diffusion setting screen.

[0188] In the above-described embodiment 2, the horizontal diffusion fine adjustment amount ΔSxf(+) and the vertical diffusion fine adjustment amount ΔSyf(+) are set to the minimum value of the change in the + direction in the light diffusion setting process (e.g., +1[%]), and the horizontal diffusion fine adjustment amount ΔSxf(-) and the vertical diffusion fine adjustment amount ΔSyf(-) are set to the minimum value of the change in the - direction in the light diffusion setting process (e.g., -1[%]). That is, for example, each time the first fine adjustment button B1(+) is pressed once, the first slider S1 on the display screen moves 1% to the right, and the light distribution state of the lighting device 1a expands by 1% in the horizontal direction. Therefore, if you want to fine-tune by +3% in the x direction, you just need to press the first fine adjustment button B1(+) three times. Needless to say, by pressing the fine adjustment button multiple times, it is possible to make adjustments of not only a few percent but also tens of percent to tens of percent.

[0189] Furthermore, the values ​​of the lateral diffusivity fine adjustment amount ΔSxf(+), longitudinal diffusivity fine adjustment amount ΔSyf(+), lateral diffusivity fine adjustment amount ΔSxf(-), and longitudinal diffusivity fine adjustment amount ΔSyf(-) are not limited to ±1%.

[0190] Specifically, the lateral diffusivity fine-tuning amount ΔSxf(+) and the longitudinal diffusivity fine-tuning amount ΔSyf(+) may be set to a value smaller than, for example, the minimum value of the change in the + direction in the light diffusivity setting process (e.g., +0.1[%]), and the lateral diffusivity fine-tuning amount ΔSxf(-) and the longitudinal diffusivity fine-tuning amount ΔSyf(-) may be set to a value smaller than, for example, the minimum value of the change in the - direction in the light diffusivity setting process (e.g., -0.1[%]).

[0191] In this case, when the cumulative value of the horizontal diffusion fine-tuning amount ΔSxf(+) (or the vertical diffusion fine-tuning amount ΔSyf(+)) reaches the minimum value of the change in the positive direction during the light diffusion setting process (for example, +1[%]), the shape of the light distribution shape object OBJ and the position of the first slider S1 (or the second slider S2) may be reflected on the light diffusion setting screen.

[0192] Furthermore, when the cumulative value of the horizontal diffusion fine-tuning amount ΔSxf(-) (or the vertical diffusion fine-tuning amount ΔSyf(-)) reaches the minimum value of the change in the negative direction during the light diffusion setting process (for example, -1[%]), the shape of the light distribution shape object OBJ and the position of the first slider S1 (or the second slider S2) may be reflected on the light diffusion setting screen.

[0193] While preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, this disclosure is not limited to such embodiments. The content disclosed in the embodiments is merely an example, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. Any modifications made without departing from the spirit of this disclosure will naturally fall within the technical scope of this disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0194] 1. Lighting device 2 LCD cells 2_1 First LCD cell 2_2 Second LCD cell 2_3 Third LCD cell 2_4 Fourth LCD cell 4 light source 5. First substrate 6. Second board 7. Sealing material 8 liquid crystal layers 9 Base material 10, 10a, 10b driving electrodes 11 1st metal wiring 11a,11b,11c,11d Metal wiring 12 Base material 13, 13a, 13b drive electrodes 14 2nd metal wiring 14a, 14b Metal wiring 15a,15b Continuity part 16a, 16b Connection terminal section 17 Liquid crystal molecules 18. Alignment film 19. Orientation film 20 Display Panel 30 touch sensors 31 detection element 100 optical elements 111 Transmit / Receive Circuit 112 Electrode drive circuit 113 Memory circuit 200,200a Control device 211 Detection Circuit 212 Position extraction circuit 221 Movement amount calculation circuit 222,222a Light diffusion calculation circuit 223,223a Memory circuit 224 Position Conversion Circuit 225 Transceiver Circuit 226 Position calculation circuit 231 Display Control Circuit 300 Communication methods AA effective area B1 First fine-tuning button (first fine-tuning object) B1(+) First fine-tuning button (first fine-tuning object) B1(-) First fine-tuning button (first fine-tuning object) B2 Second fine-tuning button (second fine-tuning object) B2(+) Second fine-tuning button (second fine-tuning object) B2(-) Second fine-tuning button (second fine-tuning object) DA display area FA detection area GA related fields OBJ Light Distribution Shape Object Px Standard movement amount (X direction) Py Reference movement amount (Y direction) S1 First slider (object for setting the first light diffusion level) S2 Second slider (object for setting the second light diffusion level) Sx transverse diffusion S1x, S2x Dx direction light diffusion Sy Longitudinal Diffusivity S1y, S2y Dy direction light diffusion TA1 1st area TA2 2nd area TSW Toggle Switch (Fine-tuning toggle object) ΔSxf(+), ΔSxf(-), ΔSyf(+), ΔSyf(-) Fine adjustment amount

Claims

1. A control device for a lighting device that can control the light distribution state of light emitted from a light source in two directions: a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, It is equipped with a display panel with a display area, A light diffusion degree setting screen for executing the light diffusion degree setting process for the lighting device is displayed in the display area of ​​the display panel. The aforementioned light diffusion setting screen is, The X direction corresponding to the first direction, the Y direction corresponding to the second direction, and the XY plane with a predetermined position on the light diffusion degree setting screen as the origin are defined. A light distribution shape object with the origin of the aforementioned XY plane as its center point, The first intersection point of the X-axis of the XY plane and the contour line of the light distribution shape object, The second intersection point of the Y axis of the XY plane and the contour line of the light distribution shape object, A system is in place, The width of the light distribution shape object in the X-axis direction changes in accordance with the movement of the first intersection point in the X-direction. The width of the light distribution shape object in the Y-axis direction changes in accordance with the movement of the second intersection point in the Y-direction. Control device for lighting equipment.

2. The system includes a transmission circuit that transmits the light diffusion degree set on the light diffusion degree setting screen as light diffusion degree information to the lighting device. A control device for a lighting device according to claim 1.

3. A position extraction circuit that extracts at least one of the position of the first intersection in the X direction and the position of the second intersection in the Y direction, A light diffusion calculation circuit that calculates the light diffusion degree corresponding to the position extracted by the position extraction circuit, Equipped with, The transmission circuit transmits the light diffusion degree calculated by the light diffusion degree calculation circuit to the lighting device as light diffusion degree information. A control device for a lighting device according to claim 2.

4. A memory circuit that stores the position of at least one of the first intersection and the second intersection before and after movement, A movement amount calculation circuit that calculates the amount of movement before and after the movement of at least one of the first intersection point and the second intersection point, Equipped with, The light diffusion calculation circuit calculates the light diffusion based on the amount of movement of at least one of the first intersection and the second intersection calculated by the amount of movement calculation circuit. A control device for a lighting device according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned light diffusion setting screen is, A fine-tuning switch object for selecting whether to enable or disable the light diffusion fine-tuning process of the lighting device, A first fine-tuning object for fine-tuning the light diffusion degree in the first direction of the lighting device, A second fine-tuning object for fine-tuning the light diffusion degree in the second direction of the lighting device, A system was established, The first fine-tuning object and the second fine-tuning object are This is displayed when the aforementioned light diffusion fine-tuning process is enabled, and hidden when the aforementioned light diffusion fine-tuning process is disabled. A control device for a lighting device according to claim 1.

6. A memory circuit defines a first directional light diffusion fine adjustment amount for the lighting device in the first fine adjustment object, and defines a second directional light diffusion fine adjustment amount for the lighting device in the second fine adjustment object, A light diffusion calculation circuit generates light diffusion information by adding a fine adjustment amount for the light diffusion in the first direction to the light diffusion in the first direction, and adding a fine adjustment amount for the light diffusion in the second direction to the light diffusion in the second direction. A transmitting circuit that transmits the light diffusion information generated by the light diffusion calculation circuit to the lighting device, Equipped with, A control device for a lighting device according to claim 5.

7. The amount of fine adjustment for the light diffusion in the first direction is the minimum value of the change in the light diffusion in the first direction during the light diffusion setting process. The amount of fine adjustment for the second direction of light diffusion is set to the minimum value of the change in the second direction of light diffusion during the light diffusion setting process. A control device for a lighting device according to claim 6.

8. The amount of fine adjustment for the light diffusion in the first direction is set to a value smaller than the minimum value of the change in the light diffusion in the first direction during the light diffusion setting process. The amount of fine adjustment for the second direction of light diffusion is set to a value smaller than the minimum value of the change in the second direction of light diffusion in the light diffusion setting process. A control device for a lighting device according to claim 6.

9. The first fine-tuning object is, A positive-side first fine-tuning object defined by a first-direction light diffusion fine-tuning amount that increases in the first direction, A negative-side first fine-tuning object defined by a first-direction light diffusion fine-tuning amount that decreases in the first direction, Includes, The aforementioned second fine-tuning object is, A positive-side second fine-tuning object defined by a second-direction light diffusion fine-tuning amount that increases in the second direction, A negative second fine-tuning object defined by a second direction light diffusion fine-tuning amount that decreases in the second direction, including, A control device for a lighting device according to claim 6.

10. The aforementioned light diffusion setting screen is, The positive first fine-tuning object and the negative first fine-tuning object are arranged side by side in the first direction. The positive second fine-tuning object and the negative second fine-tuning object are arranged side by side in the second direction. A control device for a lighting device according to claim 9.

11. A lighting device comprising a light source and an optical element provided on the optical axis of the light source, capable of controlling the light distribution state of the light emitted from the light source in two directions: a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction. A control device that controls the lighting device to change the light distribution state, Equipped with, The control device is It is equipped with a display panel with a display area, A light diffusion degree setting screen for executing the light diffusion degree setting process for the lighting device is displayed in the display area of ​​the display panel. The aforementioned light diffusion setting screen is, The X direction corresponding to the first direction, the Y direction corresponding to the second direction, and the XY plane with a predetermined position on the light diffusion degree setting screen as the origin are defined. A light distribution shape object with the origin of the aforementioned XY plane as its center point, The first intersection point of the X-axis of the XY plane and the contour line of the light distribution shape object, The second intersection point of the Y axis of the XY plane and the contour line of the light distribution shape object, A system is in place, The width of the light distribution shape object in the X-axis direction changes in accordance with the movement of the first intersection point in the X-direction. The width of the light distribution shape object in the Y-axis direction changes in accordance with the movement of the second intersection point in the Y-direction. Lighting system.

12. The control device is The system includes a transmission circuit that transmits the light diffusion degree set on the light diffusion degree setting screen as first light diffusion degree information to the lighting device. The aforementioned lighting device is At startup, the final value of the light diffusion degree from the previous power-on is transmitted to the control device as second light diffusion degree information. The lighting system according to claim 11.

13. The control device is A position extraction circuit that extracts at least one of the position of the first intersection in the X direction and the position of the second intersection in the Y direction, A light diffusion calculation circuit that calculates the light diffusion degree corresponding to the position extracted by the position extraction circuit, Equipped with, The transmission circuit transmits the light diffusion degree calculated by the light diffusion degree calculation circuit to the lighting device as light diffusion degree information. The lighting system according to claim 12.

14. The control device is A memory circuit that stores the position of at least one of the first intersection and the second intersection before and after movement, A movement amount calculation circuit that calculates the amount of movement before and after the movement of at least one of the first intersection point and the second intersection point, Equipped with, The light diffusion calculation circuit calculates the light diffusion based on the amount of movement of at least one of the first intersection and the second intersection calculated by the amount of movement calculation circuit. The lighting system according to claim 13.

15. The aforementioned light diffusion setting screen is, A fine-tuning switch object for selecting whether to enable or disable the light diffusion fine-tuning process of the lighting device, A first fine-tuning object for fine-tuning the light diffusion degree in the first direction of the lighting device, A second fine-tuning object for fine-tuning the light diffusion degree in the second direction of the lighting device, A system was established, The first fine-tuning object and the second fine-tuning object are This is displayed when the aforementioned light diffusion fine-tuning process is enabled, and hidden when the aforementioned light diffusion fine-tuning process is disabled. The lighting system according to claim 11.

16. The control device is A memory circuit defines a first directional light diffusion fine adjustment amount for the lighting device in the first fine adjustment object, and defines a second directional light diffusion fine adjustment amount for the lighting device in the second fine adjustment object, A light diffusion calculation circuit that generates first light diffusion information by adding a fine adjustment amount for the light diffusion in the first direction to the light diffusion in the first direction, and adding a fine adjustment amount for the light diffusion in the second direction to the light diffusion in the second direction, A transmitting circuit that transmits the light diffusion information generated by the light diffusion calculation circuit to the lighting device, Equipped with, The lighting system according to claim 15.

17. The amount of fine adjustment for the light diffusion in the first direction is the minimum value of the change in the light diffusion in the first direction during the light diffusion setting process. The amount of fine adjustment for the second direction of light diffusion is set to the minimum value of the change in the second direction of light diffusion during the light diffusion setting process. The lighting system according to claim 16.

18. The amount of fine adjustment for the light diffusion in the first direction is set to a value smaller than the minimum value of the change in the light diffusion in the first direction during the light diffusion setting process. The amount of fine adjustment for the second direction of light diffusion is set to a value smaller than the minimum value of the change in the second direction of light diffusion in the light diffusion setting process. The lighting system according to claim 16.

19. The first fine-tuning object is, A positive-side first fine-tuning object defined by a first-direction light diffusion fine-tuning amount that increases in the first direction, A negative-side first fine-tuning object defined by a first-direction light diffusion fine-tuning amount that decreases in the first direction, Includes, The aforementioned second fine-tuning object is, A positive-side second fine-tuning object defined by a second-direction light diffusion fine-tuning amount that increases in the second direction, A negative second fine-tuning object defined by a second direction light diffusion fine-tuning amount that decreases in the second direction, including, The lighting system according to claim 16.

20. The aforementioned light diffusion setting screen is, The positive first fine-tuning object and the negative first fine-tuning object are arranged side by side in the first direction. The positive second fine-tuning object and the negative second fine-tuning object are arranged side by side in the second direction. The lighting system according to claim 19.

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