Lighting devices and lighting systems

Abstract

To provide an illumination device that has a high degree of freedom of control.SOLUTION: An illumination device of an embodiment comprises: a light source unit that includes a light-emitting device; a storage unit that stores lighting condition information in which a fade time indicating time characteristics during light control of the light source unit according to an input value is associated with a first control channel; and a control unit that refers to the lighting condition information stored by the storage unit to determine the fade time according to the input value to the first control channel, and controls the lighting of the light source unit so as to satisfy the fade time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a lighting device. [Background Art]

[0002] Conventionally, lighting systems that control lighting devices in accordance with remote operation from an operation console have been introduced in studios, stages, and the like. Further, as the light sources of lighting devices have been replaced with LEDs, the control of such lighting devices has become increasingly multifunctional (for example, see Prior Art Document 1). However, as disclosed in Prior Art Document 1, merely controlling the output of a light source and the focal position of a lens as functions of a lighting device is insufficient for users, and there has been a demand for a lighting device with a high degree of control freedom. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-204432 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a lighting device with a high degree of control freedom. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0005] The lighting device of an embodiment comprises: a light source unit provided with a light-emitting element; and a control unit, the lighting device further comprising a storage unit that stores lighting condition information in which a fade time indicating a time characteristic during dimming of the light source unit according to an input value is associated with a first control channel, the control unit determines the fade time by referring to the lighting condition information stored in the storage unit in accordance with an input value to the first control channel, and controls lighting of the light source unit so as to satisfy the fade time, and the lighting condition information stored in the storage unit corresponds to an operation ratio of one operation unit Divided into multiple numerical ranges input values, Multiple input values ​​divided into numerical ranges and comprises a plurality of pieces of information that each associate an input value with a fade time. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the embodiment, it is expected that a lighting device with a high degree of control flexibility can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This figure shows the configuration of a lighting system in one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a lighting device in one embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a table showing the lighting conditions information for one embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a table showing the lighting conditions information for one embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 4 shows a table illustrating modified lighting conditions. [Figure 6] This is a table showing the lighting conditions information for one embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a table showing modified lighting condition information from Figure 6. [Figure 8] This is a table showing the lighting conditions information for one embodiment. [Figure 9] This graph shows the process from when a dimming signal is input until the dimming rate changes. [Figure 10] This is a table showing modified lighting condition information from Figure 8. [Figure 11] This is a table showing the lighting conditions information for one embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a table showing the fader identification information and control channel assignment information of the control unit in one embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a sequence diagram showing the control flow of a lighting system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] One embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0009] Figure 1 shows the lighting system 1 of this embodiment. The lighting system of this embodiment comprises a control console 10 and a lighting device 20. The control console 10 is connected to a DMX node 30 by an Ethernet cable, either directly or via a hub 40, for example. Bidirectional communication takes place between the control console 10 and the DMX node 30 using standards such as Ethernet® or LAN (Local Area Network). The lighting device 20 is also connected to the DMX node 30 by a DMX cable. Communication takes place between the lighting device 20 and the DMX node 30 using a bidirectional communication standard such as RDM (Remote Device Management), an extension of DMX512. In this way, the control console 10 and the lighting device 20 are connected and bidirectional communication takes place. From the control console 10, for example, control information and setting information are transmitted to the lighting device 20. From the lighting device 20, for example, lighting device information and status information indicating the current control state are transmitted to the control console 10.

[0010] The control console 10 transmits control information, including control signals for controlling the lighting device 20, and setting information for setting parameters of the lighting device 20, in accordance with the operator's (operator's) commands. The control console 10 is installed, for example, in a lighting control room different from the space where the lighting device 20 is installed. The control console 10 may be configured to be portable using a tablet terminal or the like, in which case the control console 10 may be installed in the same space as the lighting device 20. The control console 10 comprises an operation unit 11, a control console storage unit 12, and a control console setting unit 13. The control console 10 also includes a control console communication unit (not shown in Figure 1), and may communicate with the lighting device 20 via the control console communication unit.

[0011] The control unit 11 is, for example, a fader, and one or more are provided for a single control console 10. The control unit 11 may be a physical fader or a virtual fader provided on a touch panel or the like. When a user operates the control unit 11, control information including control values ​​based on that operation is transmitted from the control console 10.

[0012] The console storage unit 12 is constituted by, for example, semiconductor memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and flash memory, or storage devices such as hard disks and optical disks. The console storage unit 12 stores allocation information, the details of which will be described later.

[0013] The console setting unit 13 includes, for example, a display, buttons, and the like, and is used when setting the console 10. For example, a user sets the console 10 by using the console setting unit 13 to create allocation information (patch information) that allocates identification information associated with an operation unit 11 and a control channel (DMX channel). The identification information herein is, for example, an identification number assigned to each operation unit 11 to identify (distinguish) each operation unit 11. The control channel herein is a channel on a DMX data link, and integer values from "1" to "512" are used. For example, the console 10 includes four faders as the operation units 11, and when different identification information of F1, F2, F3, and F4 is associated with each of the four faders in advance, the user uses the console setting unit 13 to set which control channel is allocated to each fader. For example, the user allocates control channel "1" to the fader F1, control channel "5" to the fader F2, control channel "9" to the fader F3, and control channel "13" to the fader F4. In this way, information obtained by associating the identification information associated with the operation unit 11 with a control channel (DMX channel) is the allocation information. Note that the console storage unit 12 may store initially-set allocation information in advance; in this case, a user who uses the initially-set allocation information as it is does not need to perform the above-described operation of creating allocation information.

[0014] The console 10 operates based on the allocation information, and when a certain operation unit 11 is operated, transmits control information including a control value based on the operation amount of the operation unit 11 to the control channel allocated to that operation unit 11.

[0015] Next, the lighting device 20 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the lighting device 20. The lighting device 20 receives control information conforming to a predetermined standard such as DMX512 from the console 10, and controls the illuminance, color, illumination range and the like of light emitted from the lighting device 20 in accordance with the received control information, thereby performing lighting production for a studio, a stage or the like. The lighting device 20 is connected to a DMX node 30 via a DMX cable, and is arranged in a form suspended at a predetermined position by a baton or the like, or placed stationary at a predetermined position. The lighting device 20 is, for example, a spotlight, a cyclorama light, or a floodlight. The lighting device 20 includes a light source unit 21, a lighting storage unit 22, a control unit 23, a lighting setting unit 24, a display unit 25, and a power supply unit 26. Note that the lighting device 20 may include a lighting communication unit not shown in FIG. 2, and communicate with the console 10 via the lighting communication unit.

[0016] The light source unit 21 is the light source of the lighting device 20, and emits light upon receiving power output from the power supply unit 26. The light source unit 21 includes, for example, a semiconductor light emitting element. The light source unit 21 may include a semiconductor light emitting element that emits red light, a semiconductor light emitting element that emits green light, and a semiconductor light emitting element that emits blue light. Furthermore, the light source unit 21 may further include any one or more of a semiconductor light emitting element that emits white light, a semiconductor light emitting element that emits cyan light, a semiconductor light emitting element that emits amber light, and a semiconductor light emitting element that emits mint light. These semiconductor light emitting elements may emit light of the corresponding color as a single semiconductor light emitting element, or may emit light of the corresponding color through a combination of a semiconductor light emitting element and a phosphor. In the following description, it is assumed that the light source unit 21 includes LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) as the semiconductor light emitting elements.

[0017] The lighting memory unit 22 is composed of, for example, semiconductor memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and flash memory, or storage devices such as hard disks and optical discs. The lighting memory unit 22 stores the DMX address (DMX start address) and lighting condition information (details will be described later). The DMX address may be set by physical operation using a DIP switch, in which case the lighting memory unit 22 does not need to store the DMX address, and processing using the DMX address is performed by referring to the setting state of the DIP switch.

[0018] The control unit 23 is composed of, for example, a circuit board on which electronic components are mounted. The control unit 23 is an arithmetic unit that performs various information processing and includes, for example, electronic circuits such as a CPU and MPU, and integrated circuits such as an ASIC and FPGA. The control unit 23 has an internal memory for storing programs and control data that anticipate various processing procedures, and performs various processes using these. For example, the control unit 23 receives control information including DMX values ​​transmitted from the control console 10, refers to the lighting condition information (details described later) stored in the lighting memory unit 22, converts it into a dimming signal such as PWM that can be received by the power supply unit 26 (described later), and transmits it to the power supply unit 26. Note that the lighting memory unit 22 and the control unit 23 may be configured as an integrated unit, for example, in the form of a control unit.

[0019] The lighting setting unit 24 is equipped with at least one button, dial, or wheel, which allows the user to switch modes of the lighting device 20 or set lighting condition information (details of which will be described later). The lighting control of the lighting device 20 may also be performed by setting lighting conditions using the lighting setting unit 24. In this case, a user located near the lighting device 20 can control the lighting of the lighting device 20 from their own device without going through the control console 10.

[0020] The display unit 25 is, for example, a display and is configured to display information such as the mode of the lighting device 20, lighting condition information, and information necessary when setting the control status of the lighting device 20 in the lighting setting unit 24.

[0021] The power supply unit 26 is composed of, for example, a circuit board on which electronic components are mounted. The power supply unit 26 receives a dimming signal such as a PWM signal controlled by the control unit 23 and outputs the output of the light-emitting unit 21 as a dimmable DC current to the light-emitting unit 21.

[0022] Furthermore, by using a touch panel display, the system may be configured to achieve compatibility between the functions of the lighting setting unit 24 and the display unit 25.

[0023] Next, the lighting condition information will be explained. The lighting condition information may be stored in the lighting memory unit 22 in advance when the lighting device 20 is shipped, or it may be stored in the lighting memory unit 22 by setting (registering / updating) the lighting device 20 using the lighting setting unit 24 of the lighting device 20. Alternatively, the lighting condition information may be stored in advance outside the lighting device 20 (for example, the control console memory unit 12 of the control console 10, a cloud server, a storage medium, etc.), and the lighting device 20 may receive the lighting condition information from outside the lighting device 20 and store the lighting condition information in the lighting memory unit 22. If the control console memory unit 12 of the control console 10 does not store the lighting condition information, or if the lighting condition information stored in the control console memory unit 12 is different from the lighting condition information stored in the lighting device 20, the lighting condition information may be transmitted from the lighting device 20 to the control console 10, and the control console 10 may store the received lighting condition information in the control console memory unit 12.

[0024] An example of lighting condition information is shown in Figure 3. The lighting condition information is registered (stored in the lighting memory unit 22) for each control channel, associating the DMX value or percentage, which is the input value to that control channel, with the function controlled by that control channel. Note that the lighting condition information may include both the DMX value and the percentage, or only one of them.

[0025] The DMX value here refers to a value output from the control console 10 in response to an operation of the control unit 11 of the control console 10, and is, for example, a numerical value in the range of 0 to 255. The DMX value is transmitted from the control console 10 according to the operation ratio of the control unit 11. For example, if the control unit 11 is a fader, when the fader is moved to its maximum value, control information including a DMX value of 255 is transmitted from the control console 10 to the control channel associated with that fader. Furthermore, when the fader is moved to its minimum value, control information including a DMX value of 0 is transmitted from the control console 10 to the control channel associated with that fader. Additionally, when the fader is moved to a point midway between the maximum and minimum values, control information including a DMX value of 128 (or 127) is transmitted from the control console 10 to the control channel associated with that fader.

[0026] Furthermore, the percentage is a value set using the lighting setting unit 24 when controlling the light output from the light source unit 21 using only the lighting device 20 without going through the control console 10, and is, for example, a numerical value in the range of 0 to 100 (%).

[0027] Furthermore, the DMX value and the percentage are structured to be correlated with each other. Specifically, the percentage corresponds to the value normalized by the maximum DMX value and the maximum percentage for any given DMX value. In other words, for a DMX value "X", the percentage corresponds to the value X × (maximum percentage / maximum DMX value). Conversely, for any given percentage, the DMX value corresponds to the value normalized by the maximum DMX value and the maximum percentage. In other words, for a percentage "Y", the DMX value corresponds to the value Y × (maximum DMX value / maximum percentage).

[0028] Furthermore, "function" refers to the item being controlled. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, control channel 1 is Intensity, that is, the master dimming rate of the light source unit 21. In other words, it is a control channel that controls multiple light sources provided by the light source unit 21 as a whole and sets the dimming rates of multiple light sources at once. Control channel 2 controls Red, that is, the red LED, and is a control channel that sets the dimming rate of the red LED. Control channel 3 controls Green, that is, the green LED, and is a control channel that sets the dimming rate of the green LED. Control channel 4 controls Blue, that is, the blue LED, and is a control channel that sets the dimming rate of the blue LED.

[0029] The lighting condition information in the embodiment shown in Figure 3 includes control channels for setting the dimming rate of the entire light source provided by the light source unit 21 and the dimming rate of each individual light source. Each control channel is assigned one function within the range of DMX values ​​from 0 to 255 and percentages from 0 to 100%, and the input DMX value or percentage is set directly as the dimming rate of the light source unit 21. Therefore, when each control channel is controlled by control information which is a DMX signal transmitted from the control console 10, the dimming rate of the light source assigned to that control channel's function is set based on the DMX value, and when it is controlled by a value input in the lighting setting unit 24 of the lighting device 20, it is set based on the percentage.

[0030] Furthermore, lighting condition information is provided for each operating mode of the lighting device 20. For example, by selecting an operating mode of the lighting device 20 using the lighting setting unit 24 of the lighting device 20, the lighting device 20 operates in that mode, and the lighting device 20 performs control based on the lighting condition information for that mode. Note that the operating mode of the lighting device 20 may be configured to be selected in advance when the power to the lighting device 20 is turned on, or the operating mode may not be selected when the power to the lighting device 20 is turned on, and control may not be performed using DMX values ​​or ratios.

[0031] The lighting conditions information is explained in detail below. The lighting conditions information shown in Figure 3 is for the IRGB mode. The IRGB mode is a mode in which I (Intensity: master dimming rate), R (Red: dimming rate of red LED), G (Green: dimming rate of green LED), and B (Blue: dimming rate of blue LED) are controlled on different channels, and control is performed using four control channels.

[0032] In the lighting device 20 operating in IRGB mode associated with the lighting condition information shown in Figure 3, when control information including a DMX value of 0 output from the control console 10 is received by operating the operation unit 11 associated with control channel 2, or when the ratio of control channel 2 is set to 0% using the lighting setting unit 24 of the lighting device 20, the red LED is controlled to a dimming rate of 0%, i.e., turned off, by referring to the lighting condition information of the currently operating IRGB mode stored in the lighting memory unit 22. Similarly, when control information including a DMX value of 255 output from the control console 10 is received by operating the operation unit 11 associated with control channel 2, or when the ratio of control channel 2 is set to 100% using the lighting setting unit 24 of the lighting device 20, the red LED is controlled to a dimming rate of 255 (100%) by referring to the lighting condition information of the currently operating IRGB mode stored in the lighting memory unit 22. In other words, in this case, the red LED lights up at the maximum dimming rate of the red LED specified by the lighting device 20 (for example, the absolute maximum rated current value of the red LED).

[0033] As described above, in the lighting device 20 operating in IRGB mode associated with the lighting condition information shown in Figure 3, when it receives a DMX value "X" (where X is a number in the range of 0 to 255) output from the control console 10, the red LED is controlled to have a dimming rate of X × (100 / 255)% relative to the maximum dimming rate defined by the lighting device 20. Furthermore, when the ratio of control channel 2 is set to "Y"% (where Y is a number in the range of 0 to 100) using the lighting setting unit 24, the red LED is controlled to have a dimming rate of Y% relative to the maximum dimming rate defined by the lighting device 20. Note that the lighting device 20 may be configured to calculate the dimming rate using a value obtained by multiplying the DMX value or ratio by a correction coefficient, or it may be configured to calculate the final dimming rate by multiplying the dimming rate obtained from the DMX value or ratio by a correction coefficient.

[0034] Control channel 3 for the Green function and control channel 4 for the Blue function operate similarly to control channel 2 for the Red function. However, control channel 3 for the Green function operates based on the DMX value output from the control console 10 via the operation of the control unit 11 associated with control channel 3, or the ratio of control channel 3 set using the lighting setting unit 24 of the lighting device 20. Similarly, control channel 4 for the Blue function operates based on the DMX value output from the control console 10 via the operation of the control unit 11 associated with control channel 4, or the ratio of control channel 4 set using the lighting setting unit 24 of the lighting device 20. Furthermore, the conditions for the maximum dimming rate defined by the lighting device 20 may be set differently for Red, Green, and Blue. The functions of control channels 2, 3, and 4 determine the output of each light-emitting color (LED), thereby determining the color of the light emitted from the light source unit 21 (mixed light of each light-emitting color).

[0035] Subsequently, the function of control channel 1 controls the output (brightness) without significantly changing the color (chromaticity) of the mixed light emitted from the lighting device 20. Specifically, when a DMX value is received from the control console 10 by operating the operation unit 11 associated with control channel 1, or when the ratio of control channel 1 is set using the lighting setting unit 24, the lighting device 20 refers to the lighting condition information of the currently operating IRGB mode stored in the lighting memory unit 22, and controls the light source unit 21 to change the output (brightness) of Red, Green, and Blue according to the received DMX value or the set ratio while maintaining the current output ratio of Red, Green, and Blue set by the functions of control channels 2, 3, and 4.

[0036] In addition to the functions shown in Figure 3, other functions that control single-color LEDs may also exist, such as W (White), which controls white LEDs and sets the dimming rate of white LEDs; C (Cyan), which controls cyan LEDs and sets the dimming rate of cyan LEDs; A (Amber), which controls amber LEDs and sets the dimming rate of amber LEDs; and M (Mint: dimming rate of mint LEDs), which controls mint LEDs and sets the dimming rate of mint LEDs. These functions may be assigned to different control channels than the functions shown in Figure 3, or they may be assigned to the same control channels and configured so that the function operating changes depending on the DMX value or ratio.

[0037] This type of operating mode and lighting condition information allows users (those attempting to control the lighting device 20; the same applies hereinafter) to individually adjust the output of each light source (LED), and also allows them to adjust the output of the mixed-color light without significantly changing the color of the mixed-color light they have created. This increases the degree of freedom in controlling the lighting device 20.

[0038] Another embodiment of the lighting condition information is shown in Figure 4. The lighting condition information shown in Figure 4 is the lighting condition information for the User Color Mode operation mode. In User Color Mode, the user sets arbitrary light colors to be emitted from the light source unit 21 as UserColor (UserColor1 to 4 in Figure 4), and the light source unit 21 emits the set UserColor light according to the DMX value or ratio to the control channel of the UserColor function. In the lighting condition information shown in Figure 4, control is performed by two control channels.

[0039] In the lighting device 20 operating in a user color mode associated with the lighting condition information shown in Figure 4, when control information including a DMX value of 0 is received from the control console 10 by operating the operation unit 11 associated with control channel 2, or when the ratio of control channel 2 is set to 0% using the lighting setting unit 24, the lighting device 20 refers to the lighting condition information of the currently operating user color mode stored in the lighting memory unit 22 and controls the light source unit 21 to turn off. Similarly, when control information including a DMX value in the range of 1 to 64 is received, or when the ratio of control channel 2 is set to the range of 1 to 25%, the lighting device 20 controls the light source unit 21 to emit light of the light color set as UserColor1. Similarly, when control information including a DMX value in the range of 65 to 128 is received, or when the ratio of control channel 2 is set to the range of 26 to 50%, the lighting device 20 controls the light source unit 21 to emit light of the light color set as UserColor2. Similarly, if control information containing a DMX value within the range of 129 to 192 is received, or if the ratio of control channel 2 is set within the range of 51 to 75%, the lighting device 20 is controlled to emit light of the light color set as UserColor3 from the light source unit 21. Similarly, if control information containing a DMX value within the range of 193 to 255 is received, or if the ratio of control channel 2 is set within the range of 76 to 100%, the lighting device 20 is controlled to emit light of the light color set as UserColor4 from the light source unit 21. In this way, the function of control channel 2 determines which UserColor to emit from the light source unit 21.

[0040] Subsequently, the output (brightness) of the UserColor emitted from the light source unit 21 is controlled by the function of control channel 1. Specifically, when a DMX value is received from the control console 10 by operating the operation unit 11 associated with control channel 1, or when the ratio of control channel 1 is set using the lighting setting unit 24, the lighting device 20 refers to the lighting condition information of the currently operating user color mode stored in the lighting memory unit 22 and controls the output (brightness) of the UserColor emitted from the light source unit 21 to change according to the received DMX value or the set ratio.

[0041] Furthermore, Figure 5 shows a modified example of the lighting condition information for user color mode. In the lighting condition information shown in Figure 5, one UserColor is assigned to one control channel, and control is performed by four control channels, each assigned a different UserColor.

[0042] When a lighting fixture 20 operating in the user color mode of the lighting condition information shown in Figure 5 receives control information including a DMX value output from the control console 10 by operating the operation unit 11 associated with control channel 1, or when the percentage of control channel 1 is set using the lighting setting unit 24, the lighting device 20 refers to the lighting condition information of the currently operating user color mode stored in the lighting memory unit 22 and controls the light source unit 21 to emit light of the light color set as UserColor1 at an output (brightness) based on the received DMX value or the set percentage. For example, if the DMX value is 0 (percentage is 0%), the light source unit 21 is controlled to turn off. Also, if the DMX value is 255 (percentage is 100%), the light source unit 21 is controlled to emit UserColor1 light at the maximum dimming rate of UserColor1 (dimming rate 100%) defined by the lighting device 20. In other words, when the DMX value received is "X" (where X is a number within the range of 0 to 255), the light source unit 21 is controlled to emit UserColor1 light at a dimming rate of X × (100 / 255)% relative to the maximum dimming rate of UserColor1 specified by the lighting device 20. Also, when the rate is set to "Y"% (where Y is a number within the range of 0 to 100), the light source unit 21 is controlled to emit UserColor1 light at a dimming rate of Y% relative to the maximum dimming rate of UserColor1 specified by the lighting device 20. Here, the maximum dimming rate of UserColor1 specified by the lighting device 20 is, for example, the dimming rate at which the LED with the lowest absolute maximum rated current value among the LEDs that light up when illuminating UserColor1 is driven at its absolute maximum rated current value. The lighting device 20 may be configured to calculate the target dimming rate by multiplying the input DMX value or ratio by a correction coefficient, or it may be configured to calculate the final dimming rate by first determining the dimming rate from the input DMX value or ratio and then multiplying it by a correction coefficient.

[0043] Control channel 2 for UserColor2, control channel 3 for UserColor3, and control channel 4 for UserColor4 operate similarly to control channel 1 for UserColor1. However, control channel 2 for UserColor2 functions based on the DMX value output from the control console 10 via the operation of the control unit 11 associated with control channel 2, or the ratio of control channel 2 set using the lighting setting unit 24 of the lighting device 20. Similarly, control channel 3 for UserColor3 functions based on the DMX value output from the control console 10 via the operation of the control unit 11 associated with control channel 3, or the ratio of control channel 3 set using the lighting setting unit 24 of the lighting device 20. Furthermore, control channel 4 for UserColor4 functions based on the DMX value output from the control console 10 via the operation of the control unit 11 associated with control channel 4, or the ratio of control channel 4 set using the lighting setting unit 24 of the lighting device 20. In addition, the conditions for achieving the maximum dimming rate defined by the lighting device 20 may be set differently for UserColor1 to 4. Then, the functions of control channels 1 to 4 determine the UserColor emitted from the light source unit 21 and the output (brightness) of that UserColor.

[0044] Furthermore, in the lighting condition information shown in Figure 5, there may be a control channel to which the Intensity function is assigned. In this case, the control channel to which UserColor is assigned is used only for selecting the UserColor. For example, when the DMX value or percentage is 0 (0%), that UserColor is not illuminated, and when the DMX value or percentage is not 0 (0%), the light of that UserColor is illuminated. After setting which UserColor to illuminate, the output (brightness) of the UserColor to be illuminated is set by the control channel to which the Intensity function is assigned.

[0045] This section describes the case where a DMX value or percentage greater than 0 is input to two or more control channels in a lighting device 20 operating in user color mode for the lighting condition information shown in Figure 5. Note that, as an example, the case where a DMX value or percentage greater than 0 is input to control channel 1 and control channel 2 is used, but the explanation is not limited to this configuration.

[0046] If a DMX value or percentage greater than 0 is input to two or more control channels, the lighting device 20 will determine that the control channel with the larger input DMX value or percentage is the active one. For example, if a DMX value of 10 is input to control channel 1 of the lighting device 20 and a DMX value of 20 is input to control channel 2, the lighting device 20 will determine that control channel 2 is the active one, and the light source unit 21 will be controlled to emit UserColor2 light with a brightness equivalent to a DMX value of 20.

[0047] In another configuration, if a DMX value or percentage greater than 0 is input to two or more control channels, the lighting device 20 will determine that the control channel to which the DMX value or percentage was input later is valid. For example, if a DMX value of 10 is input to control channel 1 of the lighting device 20 (at this time, the lighting device 20 may be emitting UserColor1 light with a brightness equivalent to a DMX value of 10), and a DMX value of 20 is later input to control channel 2, the lighting device 20 will determine that control channel 2 is valid, and the light source unit 21 will be controlled to emit UserColor2 light with a brightness equivalent to a DMX value of 20. (So-called "later priority"). Conversely, the lighting device 20 may determine that the control channel to which the DMX value or percentage was input later is invalid (so-called "earlier priority").

[0048] In another configuration, if a DMX value or percentage greater than 0 is input to two or more control channels, the lighting device 20 stops emitting light from the light source unit 21 and then determines that the control channel with a non-zero value is active. For example, if a DMX value of 10 is input to control channel 1 of the lighting device 20 and a DMX value of 20 is input to control channel 2, the lighting device 20 will not illuminate either UserColor1 assigned to control channel 1 or UserColor2 assigned to control channel 2. Then, if a DMX value other than 0 (for example, a DMX value of 30) is input to control channel 2 of the lighting device 20, the lighting device 20 determines that control channel 2 is active and controls the light source unit 21 to illuminate with UserColor2 light at a brightness equivalent to a DMX value of 30. In this configuration, the lighting device 20 may then determine that the control channel with a DMX value or percentage of 0 is inactive, and if there is only one active control channel, it may determine that active control channel is active.

[0049] In another configuration, if a DMX value or ratio greater than 0 is input to two or more control channels, the lighting device 20 will illuminate the UserColor assigned to the control channel to which the DMX value greater than 0 was input. If a DMX value of 10 is input to control channel 1 of the lighting device 20 and a DMX value of 20 is input to control channel 2, the lighting device 20 will illuminate a mixed-color light by mixing UserColor1 with a brightness equivalent to a DMX value of 10 and UserColor2 with a brightness equivalent to a DMX value of 20. In this case, the lighting device 20 may also create the mixed-color light by rapidly flashing multiple UserColors so that each UserColor lights up at a different timing.

[0050] Furthermore, when illuminating with this mixed-color light, multiple UserColors may be lit at the same time. However, if there is a light-emitting element that lights up in common when illuminating each of these multiple UserColors, the brightness of that UserColor will be adjusted to match the UserColor with the highest input DMX value or ratio. For example, if a DMX value of 10 is input to control channel 1 of the lighting device 20 and a DMX value of 20 is input to control channel 2, and a blue light-emitting element lights up when illuminating UserColor1 and UserColor2, the lighting device 20 will irradiate mixed-color light by mixing UserColor1 with a brightness equivalent to a DMX value of 20 and UserColor2 with a brightness equivalent to a DMX value of 20. Note that the brightness of the UserColor may also be adjusted to match the UserColor with the lowest input DMX value or ratio.

[0051] Each UserColor in the User Color Mode described above can be arbitrarily set (registered) by the user. UserColor settings may be performed, for example, by displaying the UserColor setting screen on the display unit 25 of the lighting device 20 and setting the output of each light-emitting color (LED) provided by the lighting device 20 by operating the lighting setting unit 24 of the lighting device 20. Alternatively, the UserColor setting may be configured to set the conditions under which the lighting device 20 is currently lit. In other words, the lighting device 20 is controlled to light up in the desired light-emitting color by operating the lighting setting unit 24 or by external control information, and the light-emitting color that the lighting device 20 is currently lit in is set (registered) as the UserColor by operating the lighting setting unit 24 of the lighting device 20. In addition, there may be 1 to 3 types or 5 or more types of UserColors that can be selected and set in User Color Mode.

[0052] This operating mode and lighting condition information allows users to arbitrarily set UserColors, and also allows users to arbitrarily set the registration order of UserColors, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in controlling the lighting device 20.

[0053] Figure 6 shows another embodiment of the lighting condition information. The lighting condition information shown in Figure 6 is the lighting condition information in the filter mode operation mode. Here, "filter" refers to a color filter used to change the color of light, which was conventionally used in lighting devices equipped with halogen bulbs for stage studios. Each color filter was distinguished by its assigned filter number (#140, #16, etc.). If the lighting device 20 is equipped with multiple color LEDs and is configured to emit multiple different colors, it is possible to reproduce (emit) the light that was emitted using conventional filters without using filters. The filter mode is a mode in which the lighting device 20 reproduces (emits) the color of light that was emitted using conventional lighting devices equipped with halogen bulbs and color filters. Hereinafter, the light reproduced by the LED that is the color of light emitted by a combination of a conventional lighting device equipped with halogen bulbs and color filters will be called the filter color. For example, the light reproduced by the LED that is the color of light emitted by a combination of a conventional lighting device equipped with halogen bulbs and color filters will be called the #140 filter color. In filter mode, the filter color set by the lighting device 20 is emitted according to the output value of the control channel to which the filter function is assigned, and in the lighting condition information shown in Figure 6, control is performed by two control channels.

[0054] In the lighting device 20 operating in a filter mode associated with the lighting condition information shown in Figure 6, when control information including a DMX value of 0 is received from the control console 10 by operating the operation unit 11 associated with control channel 2, or when the ratio of control channel 2 is set to 0% using the lighting setting unit 24, the lighting device 20 refers to the lighting condition information of the currently operating filter mode stored in the lighting memory unit 22 and controls the light source unit 21 to turn off. Similarly, when control information including a DMX value in the range of 1 to 64 is received, or when the ratio of control channel 2 is set to the range of 1 to 25%, the lighting device 20 controls the light source unit 21 to emit a filter color of #140. Similarly, when control information including a DMX value in the range of 65 to 128 is received, or when the ratio of control channel 2 is set to the range of 26 to 50%, the lighting device 20 controls the light source unit 21 to emit a filter color of #16. Similarly, if control information containing a DMX value in the range of 129 to 192 is received, or if the ratio of control channel 2 is set to the range of 51 to 75%, the lighting device 20 is controlled to illuminate the light source 21 with the filter color #22. Similarly, if control information containing a DMX value in the range of 193 to 255 is received, or if the ratio of control channel 2 is set to the range of 76 to 100%, the lighting device 20 is controlled to illuminate the light source 21 with the filter color #31. In this way, the function of control channel 2 determines which filter color is illuminated from the light source 21.

[0055] Subsequently, the output (brightness) of the filter color emitted from the light source unit 21 is controlled by the function of control channel 1. Specifically, when a DMX value is received from the control console 10 by operating the operation unit 11 associated with control channel 1, or when the ratio of control channel 1 is set using the lighting setting unit 24, the lighting device 20 refers to the lighting condition information of the currently operating filter mode stored in the lighting memory unit 22 and controls the output (brightness) of the filter color emitted from the light source unit 21 to change according to the received DMX value or the set ratio.

[0056] Furthermore, Figure 7 shows a modified example of the lighting condition information for filter mode. In the lighting condition information shown in Figure 7, one filter color is assigned to one control channel, and control is performed by four control channels, each assigned a different filter color.

[0057] When a lighting fixture 20 operating in the filter mode of the lighting condition information shown in Figure 7 receives control information including a DMX value output from the control console 10 by operating the operation unit 11 associated with control channel 1, or when the percentage of control channel 1 is set using the lighting setting unit 24, the lighting device 20 refers to the lighting condition information of the currently operating filter mode stored in the lighting memory unit 22 and controls the light source unit 21 to emit the #140 filter color at an output (brightness) based on the received DMX value or the set percentage. For example, if the DMX value is 0 (percentage is 0%), the light source unit 21 is controlled to turn off. Also, if the DMX value is 255 (percentage is 100%), the light source unit 21 is controlled to emit the #140 filter color at the maximum dimming rate (dimming rate 100%) of the #140 filter color defined by the lighting device 20. In other words, when the DMX value received is "X" (where X is a number within the range of 0 to 255), the light source unit 21 is controlled to illuminate the #140 filter color at a dimming rate of X × (100 / 255)% relative to the maximum dimming rate of the #140 filter color specified by the lighting device 20. Also, when the rate is set to "Y"% (where Y is a number within the range of 0 to 100), the light source unit 21 is controlled to illuminate the #140 filter color at a dimming rate of Y% relative to the maximum dimming rate of the #140 filter color specified by the lighting device 20. Here, the maximum dimming rate of the #140 filter color specified by the lighting device 20 is, for example, the dimming rate at which the LED with the lowest absolute maximum rated current value among the LEDs that light up when illuminating the #140 filter color is driven at its absolute maximum rated current value. The lighting device 20 may be configured to calculate the target dimming rate by multiplying the input DMX value or ratio by a correction coefficient, or it may be configured to calculate the final dimming rate by first determining the dimming rate from the input DMX value or ratio and then multiplying it by a correction coefficient.

[0058] The control channel 2 for the filter color function of #16, the control channel 3 for the filter color UserColor3 function of #22, and the control channel 4 for the filter color function of #31 operate in the same way as the control channel 1 for the filter color function of #140. However, the control channel 2 for the filter color function of #16 functions according to the DMX value output from the control console 10 by the operation of the operation unit 11 associated with control channel 2, or the ratio of control channel 2 set using the lighting setting unit 24 of the lighting device 20. Similarly, the control channel 3 for the filter color function of #22 functions according to the DMX value output from the control console 10 by the operation of the operation unit 11 associated with control channel 3, or the ratio of control channel 3 set using the lighting setting unit 24 of the lighting device 20. Furthermore, the control channel 4 for the filter color function of #31 functions according to the DMX value output from the control console 10 by the operation of the operation unit 11 associated with control channel 4, or the ratio of control channel 4 set using the lighting setting unit 24 of the lighting device 20. Furthermore, the conditions for achieving the maximum dimming ratio specified by the lighting device 20 may be set differently for each filter color. The functions of control channels 1 to 4 determine the filter color irradiated from the light source unit 21 and the output (brightness) of that filter color.

[0059] Furthermore, in the lighting condition information shown in Figure 7, there may be a control channel to which the Intensity function is assigned. In this case, the control channel to which the filter color is assigned is used only for selecting the filter color. For example, when the DMX value or percentage is 0 (0%), that filter color is not illuminated, and when the DMX value or percentage is not 0 (0%), the light of that filter color is illuminated. After setting which filter color to illuminate, the output (brightness) of the illuminated filter color is set by the control channel to which the Intensity function is assigned.

[0060] Furthermore, even in the lighting device 20 operating in the filter mode of the lighting condition information shown in Figure 7, if a DMX value or percentage greater than 0 is input to two or more control channels, it will behave similarly to the lighting device 20 operating in the user color mode of the lighting condition information shown in Figure 5. In this case, the user color that appears in the operation of the lighting device 20 operating in the user color mode of the lighting condition information shown in Figure 5 can be interpreted as being replaced with the filter color.

[0061] Each filter color in the filter mode described above can be arbitrarily set (registered) by the user. For example, the lighting memory unit 22 of the lighting device 20 stores the filter color and the output (brightness) of each LED when illuminating with that filter color in association with each other, and the user can select any filter color from the multiple filter colors displayed on the display unit 25 of the lighting device 20 and assign it to any control channel. In addition, the filter colors that can be selected and set in filter mode are, for example, 19 polycolors such as #16, #22, #31, #38, #41, #57, #59, #63, #64, #65, #71, #72, #77, #78, #84, #86, #87, #88, and #140, but other filter colors may also be made selectable and settable. Furthermore, there may be 1 to 3 types or 5 or more types of filter colors that can be selected in filter mode. In addition, the user may arbitrarily set which filter color is illuminated when the DMX value or ratio is within a certain range.

[0062] This operating mode and lighting condition information allows users to easily illuminate with filter colors. Furthermore, since users can arbitrarily set the filter colors and also arbitrarily set the registration order of the filter colors, the degree of control over the lighting device 20 can be increased.

[0063] Another embodiment of the lighting condition information is shown in Figure 8. The lighting condition information shown in Figure 8 is the lighting condition information for the fade time mode operation mode. In the lighting condition information shown in Figure 8, the Intensity function is assigned to control channel 1 and the fade time function is assigned to control channel 2, and control is performed by the two control channels.

[0064] Fade time is a parameter that represents the transient response characteristics of the actual light output to a dimming signal that changes the output of the light source unit 21 of the lighting device 20, and is a parameter that represents the time characteristics of the lighting device 20 during dimming. The details of fade time will be explained using Figure 9. Figure 9 is a graph that shows the process from when control information (dimming signal) to change the dimming rate to B% is input to the lighting device 20, which is irradiating with an arbitrary light color at a dimming rate of A%, until the change in the dimming rate is completed. In Figure 9, the lighting device 20 receives control information (dimming signal) at timing C. The changes in dimming rate at a fade time of 0 seconds (FT: 0s) are shown by a dotted line, those at a fade time of 0.1 seconds (FT: 0.1s) by a dashed line, those at a fade time of 0.6 seconds (FT: 0.6s) by a dashed-dotted line, and those at a fade time of 1.0 second (FT: 1.0s) by a solid line.

[0065] When the fade time is 0 seconds (FT: 0s), the change in dimming rate from A% to B% in the lighting device 20 is completed in less than 0.1 seconds after receiving the control information (dimming signal). This less than 0.1 seconds could be, for example, 0.01 seconds or 0 seconds. Similarly, when the fade time is 0.1 seconds (FT: 0.1s), the change in dimming rate from A% to B% in the lighting device 20 is completed in 0.1 seconds after receiving the control information (dimming signal). Similarly, when the fade time is 0.6 seconds (FT: 0.6s), the change in dimming rate from A% to B% in the lighting device 20 is completed in 0.6 seconds after receiving the control information (dimming signal). Similarly, with a fade time of 1.0 second (FT: 1.0 s), the change in dimming rate from A% to B% in the lighting device 20 is completed 1.0 second after receiving the control information (dimming signal). In this way, the fade time allows the lighting device 20 to adjust the time from when it receives the control information (dimming signal) until the dimming based on that signal is completed.

[0066] In the lighting device 20 operating in fade-time mode as shown in Figure 8, when control information including a DMX value in the range of 0 to 40 output from the control console 10 is received by operating the operation unit 11 associated with control channel 2, or when the ratio of control channel 2 is set to the range of 0 to 16% using the lighting setting unit 24, the lighting condition information of the currently operating fade-time mode stored in the lighting memory unit 22 is referenced, and the light source unit 21 is controlled to operate with a fade time of less than 0.1 seconds. Similarly, when a DMX value in the range of 41 to 84 output from the control console 10 is received, or when the ratio of control channels is set to the range of 17 to 33%, the light source unit 21 is controlled to operate with a fade time of 0.1 seconds. Also similarly, when a DMX value in the range of 85 to 128 output from the control console 10 is received, or when the ratio of control channels is set to the range of 34 to 50%, the light source unit 21 is controlled to operate with a fade time of 0.3 seconds. Similarly, when a DMX value within the range of 129 to 171 is received from the control console 10, or when the control channel ratio is set to within the range of 51 to 67%, the light source unit 21 is controlled to operate with a fade time of 0.6 seconds. Similarly, when a DMX value within the range of 172 to 215 is received from the control console 10, or when the control channel ratio is set to within the range of 68 to 84%, the light source unit 21 is controlled to operate with a fade time of 1.0 second. Similarly, when a DMX value within the range of 216 to 255 is received from the control console 10, or when the control channel ratio is set to within the range of 85 to 100%, the light source unit 21 is controlled to operate with a fade time of 1.5 seconds.

[0067] Then, when the output (dimming rate) of the light source unit 21 is controlled to change according to the DMX value output from the control console 10 by the operation of the control unit 11 associated with control channel 1 to which the Intensity function is assigned, or according to the ratio of control channel 1 set using the lighting setting unit 24, the lighting device 20 controls the light source unit 21 to satisfy the fade time conditions set by control channel 2.

[0068] With this operating mode and lighting condition information, even in a lighting device 20 that uses LEDs as a light source with a fast response to power supply, it is possible to set a fade time to make the light turn on and off slowly, just like a conventional lighting device using halogen bulbs. Furthermore, it becomes possible for the user to set a desired fade time, increasing the degree of control over the lighting device 20.

[0069] Furthermore, Figure 10 shows a modified version of the lighting condition information for fade time mode. In the lighting condition information shown in Figure 8, a predetermined number of fade times are assigned to the control channels, and the user selects from these predetermined fade times when setting the fade time. However, in the lighting condition information shown in Figure 10, the user can set a fade time of any value. In the lighting condition information shown in Figure 10, the Intensity function is assigned to control channel 1, and the fade time function is assigned to control channel 2, with DMX values ​​of 0-255 and percentages of 0%-100%, and control is performed using two control channels.

[0070] In the lighting device 20 operating in fade-time mode based on the lighting condition information shown in Figure 10, the fade time is set according to the DMX value output from the control console 10 by operating the operation unit 11 associated with the control channel 2, or according to the percentage of the control channel 2 set using the lighting setting unit 24. For example, if the DMX value is 255 (percentage 100%), the fade time will be 1 second (if the conversion formula is one that converts 255 to 1 second, or one that converts 100% to 1 second). In this case, according to the same conversion formula, if the DMX value is 127 (percentage 50%), the fade time will be 0.5 seconds. The conversion formula is not limited to the one described above, and any formula can be applied. By configuring the system to convert the output value of the control channel into a fade time in this way, it is possible to realize a configuration in which the user can arbitrarily set the fade time, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in controlling the lighting device 20.

[0071] Furthermore, the dimming rate fluctuation characteristic, which is the transition line when the dimming rate changes from A to B, may be a constant (linear) change per unit time, as shown in Figure 9, or it may not be a constant change per unit time. If it is not a constant change per unit time, for example, the dimming rate will change from A% to B% following a transition line such as an exponential curve. The dimming rate fluctuation characteristic may be predetermined, or it may be configured so that the user can set it arbitrarily. If the user can set it arbitrarily, this can be achieved, for example, by assigning the dimming rate fluctuation characteristic to a control channel. For example, the dimming rate fluctuation characteristic may be assigned to a control channel, and it may be configured so that when the DMX value output by the operation unit 11 associated with that control channel is 0 to 127, or when the percentage of the dimming rate fluctuation characteristic function set using the lighting setting unit 24 is 0 to 50%, it is set to a straight line (linear), and when the DMX value is 128 to 255 (when the percentage is 51% to 100%) it is set to a curve (exponential curve). Furthermore, there may be three or more types of configurable dimming rate variation characteristics.

[0072] Another embodiment of the lighting condition information is shown in Figure 11. The lighting condition information shown in Figure 11 is the lighting condition information for the operation mode of the fade strobe mode (hereinafter referred to as FS mode), which has a fade time function and a strobe function. The strobe function is a function that causes the light source unit 21 to blink at high speed. In the lighting device 20 operating in FS mode with the lighting condition information shown in Figure 12, when control information including a DMX value in the range of 0 to 127 output from the control console 10 is received by operating the operation unit 11 associated with the control channel 3, or when the ratio of the control channel 3 is set to the range of 0 to 50% using the lighting setting unit 24, the lighting condition information of the currently operating FS mode stored in the lighting memory unit 22 is referenced, and the light source unit 21 is controlled to operate without strobe. Similarly, when a DMX value in the range of 128 to 255 output from the control console 10 is received, or when the ratio of the control channel is set to the range of 51 to 100%, the light source unit 21 is controlled to operate with strobe. Strobe operation includes normal strobe, which turns on and off in a regular square wave pattern; opening pulse strobe, which has a longer rise time (when turning on); closing pulse strobe, which has a longer fall time (when turning off); and random strobe, which turns on and off in a random square wave pattern. The selection of which strobe operation to use may be configured to be configurable by DMX values ​​or ratios.

[0073] In the lighting device 20 operating in FS mode for lighting condition information as shown in Figure 12, when control information to enable the strobe function is input to control channel 3, the strobe function is prioritized and executed regardless of the DMX value or ratio input to control channel 2 to which the fade time is assigned. For example, if the fade time is set to 1 second by control channel 2 and the opening pulse strobe with a rise time of 0.5 seconds is enabled by control channel 3, the light source unit 21 of the lighting device 20 is controlled to operate as an opening pulse strobe with a rise time of 0.5 seconds. In this way, the system may be configured so that the set fade time does not function depending on the state of the control channel to which a function other than the fade time is assigned. Here, a function other than the fade time refers to a function that includes elements of rise time or fall time, such as the strobe function.

[0074] Next, the control flow of the lighting device 20 in the lighting system 1 of this embodiment will be described. In the following, to simplify the explanation, the control flow when controlling one lighting device 20 using one control console 10 will be described.

[0075] First, the DMX address of the lighting device 20 is set. The user can set the DMX address on the lighting device 20 by operating the lighting setting unit 24 while checking the display on the display unit 25, or by using the DIP switches. An integer from "1" to "512" can be set as the DMX address.

[0076] Next, the mode of the lighting device 20 is set. The user sets the mode of the lighting device 20 by operating the lighting setting unit 24 while checking the display on the display unit 25. The modes that can be set on the lighting device 20 are, for example, a control mode and an operation mode. There are two control modes: DMX mode and manual mode. In DMX mode, the lighting device 20 is remotely controlled by control information including DMX values ​​transmitted from the control console 10 based on the operation of the operation unit 11 on the control console 10. In manual mode, the lighting device 20 is locally controlled based on control information including percentages entered in the lighting setting unit 24. Operation modes include IRGB mode, user color mode, filter mode, fade time mode, etc., as introduced in the lighting condition information. Multiple operation modes are provided for both DMX mode and manual mode, and the operation mode is selected after selecting the control mode. By selecting the control mode and the operation mode, the lighting condition information that will be referenced when control information is input to the lighting device 20 is identified.

[0077] Next, in the control console 10, the dimming console setting unit is used to create assignment information for the fader identification information and control channels of the control unit 11 (patch work). Note that if the default assignment information stored in the control console memory unit 12 is used, it is not necessary to create this assignment information. In the following explanation, it will be assumed that the control console memory unit 12 of the control console 10 stores the assignment information shown in Figure 12 as either the default assignment information or the created assignment information. In other words, the control console 10 has four faders, with control channel "1" assigned to the fader with fader identification number F1, control channel "2" assigned to the fader with fader identification number F2, control channel "3" assigned to the fader with fader identification number F3, and control channel "4" assigned to the fader with fader identification number F4. For example, when the control unit 11 (fader with fader identification number F1) to which control channel "1" of the control console 10 is assigned is operated, control information including the corresponding DMX value is transmitted to control channel "1" of the lighting device 20.

[0078] The above-mentioned steps of setting the DMX address of the lighting device 20, setting the mode of the lighting device 20, and creating the assignment information for the operation unit 11 may be performed in any order.

[0079] The control flow for the lighting device 20 is shown in Figure 13. First, the control information transmitted from the control console 10 is received by the control unit 23 of the lighting device 20 (step S1). At this time, if the control mode is manual mode and the control information was input by the lighting setting unit 24, it is clear that the control information is for itself, so the control unit 23 receives it as is and the next step is performed. If the control mode is DMX mode and the control information was transmitted from the control console 10, the control unit 23 makes a decision on whether to perform control based on the received control information. The control information transmitted from the control console 10 is received, for example, by the lighting communication unit of the lighting device 20, and the control unit 23 receives the control information from the lighting communication unit.

[0080] If the control mode is DMX mode and the control information is transmitted from the control console 10, the control unit 23 compares the DMX address and operating mode of the self-illuminating device 20 with the destination of the control signal transmitted from the control console 10, and determines whether to perform control based on that control information. At this time, the control unit 23 determines to perform control if the control information is sent from the DMX address of the self-illuminating device 20 to the control channels used for control in the operating mode. Specifically, for example, if the DMX address of the lighting device 20 is "1" and it is operating in DMX mode and IRGB mode as shown in Figure 3, then since it is defined that four control channels are used in IRGB mode, if the control information is from the operation unit 11 to which control channels "1" to "4" are assigned, control will be performed based on that control information, but if the control information is from the operation unit 11 to which control channels "5" or higher are assigned, control will not be performed based on that control information. For example, if the DMX address of the lighting device 20 is "7" and it is operating in DMX mode and IRGB mode as shown in Figure 3, then if the control information is from the operation unit 11 to which control channels "71" to "10" are assigned, control will be performed based on that control information.

[0081] Next, the control unit 23 determines the control content (step S2). Here, the control unit 23 determines the control content by referring to the lighting condition information of the currently operating mode stored in the lighting memory unit 22. Specifically, for example, if the DMX address of the lighting device 20 is "1", and it is operating in DMX mode and IRGB mode as shown in Figure 3, and the control unit 11 (fader with fader identification number F1) to which control channel "1" of the control console 10 is assigned receives control information, the control unit 23 refers to the lighting condition information of the currently operating IRGB mode stored in the lighting memory unit 22 and determines that it is control information for the intensity of control channel 1. Similarly, if the control unit 23 receives control information based on the operation of the operation unit 11 to which control channel "2" is assigned, it determines that it is control information for RED of control channel 2. Similarly, if the control unit 23 receives control information based on the operation of the operation unit 11 to which control channel "3" is assigned, it determines that it is control information for Green of control channel 3. Similarly, if the control unit 23 receives control information based on the operation of the operation unit 11 to which control channel "4" is assigned, it determines that it is control information for Blue of control channel 4. Then, based on the DMX value based on the operation of each control unit 11, or the percentage input in the lighting setting unit 24, the control content is determined by referring to the function of the target control channel.

[0082] Next, the control unit 23 transmits the determined control content as a control command to the power supply unit 26 (step S3). Upon receiving the control command, the power supply unit 26 controls the power supplied to the light source unit 21 based on the control command (step S4). The light source unit 21 then emits light based on that power. If a fade time is set as the operating mode, the control unit 23 transmits a control command to the power supply unit 26, for example, including the set fade time information. The fade time is then realized by changing the amount of power supplied from the power supply unit 26 to the light source unit 21 and the timing of that supply based on the fade time information. In other words, the fade time is realized by the adjustment in step S4. Alternatively, the fade time may be realized by the adjustment in step S3, in which case the control unit 23 adjusts the control command and its timing transmitted to the power supply unit 26 based on the set fade time information.

[0083] In the embodiment described above, the operating modes were finely subdivided into IRGB mode, user color mode, filter mode, and fade time mode, but these modes may be combined into a single mode. In this case, the user may arbitrarily set which functions are assigned to the control channels of that mode. By configuring the lighting device 20 in this way, the user can combine only the functions they want to use into a single mode, thereby increasing the degree of control flexibility.

[0084] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1. Lighting System 10 Control console 11 Control section 12 Console memory section 13 Control console setting section 20 Lighting devices 21 Light source section 22 Lighting memory unit 23 Control Unit 24 Lighting setting section 25 Display section 26 Power supply section

Claims

1. A light source unit equipped with a light-emitting element; A storage unit that stores lighting condition information associated with a first control channel, which includes a fade time indicating the time characteristics of the dimming of the light source according to the input value; The system comprises: a control unit that, in accordance with the input value to the first control channel, determines the fade time by referring to the lighting condition information stored in the storage unit, and controls the lighting of the light source unit to satisfy the fade time; The lighting condition information stored in the memory unit includes multiple pieces of information that associate input values ​​divided into multiple numerical ranges corresponding to the operation ratio of a single control unit with multiple fade times corresponding to the input values ​​divided into numerical ranges. A lighting device characterized by the following features.

2. The aforementioned lighting condition information stores the output of the first function corresponding to the input value, associated with the second control channel. The lighting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the first function is controlled in a predetermined state according to the input value to the second control channel, the fade time determined according to the input value to the first control channel is not reflected in the control.

3. Lighting equipment and; An operating unit that allows input of input values ​​corresponding to the operation ratio; A storage unit that stores a plurality of pieces of information associated with a first control channel as lighting condition information, including input values ​​divided into a plurality of numerical ranges corresponding to the operation ratio of the operation unit, and a plurality of fade times that indicate the time characteristics of the lighting device during dimming and correspond to the input values ​​divided into the numerical ranges; The system comprises: a control unit that determines the fade time by referring to lighting condition information stored in the storage unit based on an input value corresponding to the operation ratio of the operation unit to the first control channel, and controls the lighting of the lighting device to satisfy the fade time; A lighting system characterized by the following features.

4. The larger the input value, the longer the fade time. The lighting device according to claim 1, characterized by the features described above.

5. The input value is a DMX value corresponding to the operating ratio of the fader, which is an operating unit of the control console. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 4.

Images