Lighting control system, lighting system, lighting control method, program, server, and control device

Abstract

The present disclosure addresses the problem of performing on-demand lighting rendition based on a user's instruction. A lighting control system (A1) comprises a control device (C1) that controls a plurality of lighting devices (D1) installed in a space for rendition, and a server (S1) capable of communicating with the control device (C1) and a communication terminal (E1) via a network (NW1). The server (S1), upon receiving a user's instruction input from a communication terminal (E1) carried by the user, transmits, to the control device (C1), on-demand control information for performing on-demand lighting rendition based on the instruction input. The control device (C1) controls the plurality of lighting devices (D1) on the basis of the on-demand control information to perform the on-demand lighting rendition.

Description

Lighting control system, lighting system, lighting control method, program, server, and control device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lighting control system, a lighting system, a lighting control method, a program, a server, and a control device, and more particularly to a lighting control system, a lighting system, a lighting control method, a program, a server, and a control device that perform lighting effects.

[0002] As a conventional example, a spatial presentation device (lighting system) is described in Patent Document 1. The spatial presentation device described in Patent Document 1 (hereinafter, abbreviated as the conventional example) includes a plurality of presentation poles each incorporating an LED, a speaker, a sensor for detecting a human body, and a controller for controlling the turning on and off of the LED and the driving and stopping of the speaker based on signals from the sensor.

[0003] Multiple performance poles are placed at intervals in areas where pedestrians pass by, and sensors detect the movements of pedestrians passing by in the surrounding area. LEDs and speakers are controlled according to the sensor detection results, allowing for detailed spatial effects using light and sound.

[0004] In the above-mentioned conventional example, the controller was only able to control the LED and the speaker in accordance with predetermined content.

[0005] JP 2011-151439 A

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a lighting control system, a lighting system, a lighting control method, a program, a server, and a control device that can perform on-demand lighting effects based on user instructions.

[0007] A lighting control system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a control device that controls a plurality of lighting devices installed in a space to be designed for lighting effects, and a server that can communicate with the control device and a communication terminal via a network. When the server receives an instruction input from a user via the communication terminal carried by the user, the server transmits on-demand control information to the control device for creating an on-demand lighting effect based on the instruction input. The control device controls the plurality of lighting devices based on the on-demand control information to create the on-demand lighting effect.

[0008] A lighting system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the lighting control system and the plurality of lighting devices controlled by the control device of the lighting control system.

[0009] A lighting control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure communicates with a control device that controls multiple lighting devices installed in a space to be designed for lighting effects and a communication terminal carried by a user, and upon receiving information regarding an instruction input by the user from the communication terminal, transmits on-demand control information to the control device for performing on-demand lighting effects based on the instruction input.

[0010] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure causes one or more processors to execute processes for communicating with a control device that controls multiple lighting devices installed in a space to be designed, and with a communication terminal carried by a user. The program causes the one or more processors to execute processes for receiving information related to an instruction input by the user from the communication terminal. The program also causes the one or more processors to execute processes for transmitting on-demand control information to the control device for performing on-demand lighting design based on the instruction input.

[0011] A server according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a first communication unit and a second communication unit. The first communication unit communicates with a control device that controls multiple lighting devices installed in a space to be designed. The second communication unit communicates with a communication terminal carried by a user. When the second communication unit receives information regarding an instruction input by the user from the communication terminal, the first communication unit transmits on-demand control information to the control device for performing on-demand lighting design based on the instruction input.

[0012] A control device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a third communication unit that communicates with the server and a fourth communication unit that communicates with the plurality of lighting devices, and when the third communication unit receives the on-demand control information from the server, the fourth communication unit transmits information related to lighting control based on the on-demand control information to the plurality of lighting devices.

[0013] Fig. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a lighting control system and a lighting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a lighting device in the lighting system. Fig. 3 is a front view of a communication terminal used in the lighting control system and the lighting system. Fig. 4 is a front view of the communication terminal in a state where input is being accepted by the communication terminal. Fig. 5 is a front view of the communication terminal in a state where a start button is displayed. Fig. 6 is a front view of a temple in which a lighting performance is performed using the lighting control system and the lighting system. Fig. 7 is a plan view of the temple. Fig. 8 is a system configuration diagram of a modified example of the lighting control system and the lighting system.

[0014] A lighting control system, a lighting system, a lighting control method, a program, a server, and a control device according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0015] (1) Overview A lighting control system A1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a control device C1 that controls multiple lighting devices D1 installed in a target space, and a server (cloud server) S1 that can communicate with the control device C1 and a communication terminal E1 via a network NW1 (see FIG. 1 ). In this embodiment, the "target space" refers to, for example, an outdoor or indoor facility such as a park, shrine, temple, museum, art gallery, train station, stadium, or gymnasium. The multiple lighting devices D1 are installed in these facilities and used to illuminate the "target space." It is preferable that each of the multiple lighting devices D1 be capable of not only blinking but also dimming and adjusting color. It is also preferable that each of the multiple lighting devices D1 has communication capabilities compliant with a lighting control communication standard, such as DMX (Digital Multiplex) 512A.

[0016] The server S1 includes a first communication unit S11 that communicates with the control device C1 and a second communication unit S12 that communicates with a communication terminal E1 carried by a user. When the second communication unit S12 receives information regarding a user's instruction input from the communication terminal E1, the first communication unit S11 transmits on-demand control information to the control device C1 for performing on-demand lighting effects based on the instruction input. The server S1 is a virtual server provided in a cloud environment (Internet environment). Note that a virtual server is a virtual server built on a physical server. However, the server S1 is not limited to a cloud server and may be, for example, a physical server such as a web server or a dedicated server. The communication terminal E1 in this embodiment is, for example, a portable communication terminal such as a smartphone.

[0017] The control device C1 performs on-demand lighting effects by controlling the plurality of lighting devices D1 based on the on-demand control information. The control device C1 has a third communication unit C11 that communicates with the server S1 via the network NW1 (Internet) and a fourth communication unit C12 that communicates with the plurality of lighting devices D1. The fourth communication unit C12 has a communication function in common with the communication function (e.g., a communication function compliant with DMX512A) of a fifth communication unit D13 that the plurality of lighting devices D1 have.

[0018] Therefore, the lighting control system A1 according to the embodiment transmits on-demand control information based on instruction input received from the communication terminal E1 from the server S1, and causes the control device C1 to control multiple lighting devices D1 based on the on-demand control information, thereby enabling on-demand lighting effects to be performed based on user instructions.

[0019] A lighting system B1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a lighting control system A1 according to an embodiment and a plurality of lighting devices D1 controlled by a control device C1 of the lighting control system A1 according to an embodiment (see FIG. 1).

[0020] Therefore, the lighting system B1 according to the embodiment transmits on-demand control information based on instruction input received from the communication terminal E1 from the server S1, and causes the control device C1 to control multiple lighting devices D1 based on the on-demand control information, thereby enabling on-demand lighting effects to be performed based on user instructions.

[0021] A lighting control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure communicates with a control device C1 that controls multiple lighting devices D1 installed in a space to be designed, and a communication terminal E1 carried by a user. When the lighting control method receives information regarding an instruction input from the user from the communication terminal E1, it transmits on-demand control information to the control device C1 for performing on-demand lighting design based on the instruction input.

[0022] Therefore, the lighting control method of the embodiment transmits on-demand control information based on instruction input received from the communication terminal E1, and the control device C1 controls multiple lighting devices D1 based on the on-demand control information, thereby enabling on-demand lighting effects to be performed based on user instructions.

[0023] A program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure causes one or more processors to execute a process for communicating with a control device C1 that controls multiple lighting devices D1 installed in a space to be designed, and with a communication terminal E1 carried by a user. The program causes the one or more processors to execute a process for receiving information related to an instruction input by the user from the communication terminal E1. The program causes the one or more processors to execute a process for transmitting on-demand control information to the control device C1 for performing on-demand lighting design based on the instruction input.

[0024] Therefore, the program according to the embodiment transmits on-demand control information based on instruction input received from the communication terminal E1, and causes the control device C1 to control multiple lighting devices D1 based on the on-demand control information, thereby enabling on-demand lighting effects to be performed based on the user's instructions.

[0025] A server S1 according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a first communication unit S11 and a second communication unit S12. The first communication unit S11 communicates with a control device C1 that controls multiple lighting devices D1 installed in a space to be designed. The second communication unit S12 communicates with a communication terminal E1 carried by a user. When the second communication unit S12 receives information regarding an instruction input by the user from the communication terminal E1, the first communication unit S11 transmits on-demand control information to the control device C1 for performing on-demand lighting design based on the instruction input.

[0026] Thus, the server S1 according to the embodiment can perform on-demand lighting effects based on instructions from a user.

[0027] A control device C1 according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a third communication unit C11 that communicates with a server S1 and a fourth communication unit C12 that communicates with a plurality of lighting devices D1. When the third communication unit C11 receives on-demand control information from the server S1, the fourth communication unit C12 transmits information related to lighting control based on the on-demand control information to the plurality of lighting devices D1.

[0028] Thus, the control device C1 according to the embodiment can perform on-demand lighting effects based on instructions from a user.

[0029] (2) Details The lighting system B1 according to the embodiment (hereinafter abbreviated as lighting system B1) includes a lighting control system A1 according to the embodiment (hereinafter abbreviated as lighting control system A1) and a plurality of lighting devices D1 controlled by a control device C1 of the lighting control system A1 (see FIG. 1).

[0030] The lighting control system A1 comprises a control device C1 that controls multiple lighting devices D1 installed in the space to be produced, and a server S1 that can communicate with the control device C1 and a communication terminal E1 via a network NW1 (Internet).

[0031] It should be noted that each of the lighting control system A1 and the lighting system B1 may include a plurality of control devices C1.

[0032] (2-1) Lighting Devices Each of the lighting devices D1 is a floodlight used for floodlighting, such as for lighting up (see FIG. 2). Each of the lighting devices D1 includes a light source D11, a control unit D12, and a fifth communication unit D13. The light source D11 has four light-emitting diodes (LEDs) of red, green, blue, and white, and is capable of dimming and adjusting color. The fifth communication unit D13 uses a communication cable Ls1 as a communication medium to transmit and receive signals compliant with the DMX512A standard (hereinafter referred to as DMX signals) between the light source D11 and the control device C1. The control unit D12 controls the blinking (on / off switching), dimming, and color adjustment of the light source D11 in response to the DMX signals received by the fifth communication unit D13 from the control device C1.

[0033] However, the plurality of lighting devices D1 are not limited to floodlights. At least some of the plurality of lighting devices D1 may be lighting devices other than floodlights, such as lighting devices that illuminate the walls of a building with indirect light. Furthermore, the fifth communication unit D13 may communicate using a communication protocol suitable for lighting control, and may communicate using a communication protocol that complies with standards such as DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface: see IEC62386: registered trademark) in addition to DMX512A.

[0034] (2-2) Control Device The control device C1 includes a third communication unit C11, a fourth communication unit C12, and a processing unit C13. However, the control device C1 mainly includes one or more processors and memory as hardware, and the processing unit C13 is realized by the one or more processors executing a program recorded in the memory.

[0035] The third communication unit C11 has a gateway function and can communicate with the server S1 via the network NW1. However, a gateway device separate from the control device C1 may be installed, and the third communication unit C11 may communicate with the server S1 via the gateway device.

[0036] Furthermore, communication between the third communication unit C11 and the server S1 uses TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol), a standard Internet communication protocol. Meanwhile, communication between the fourth communication unit C12 and the plurality of lighting devices D1 is compliant with the DMX512A standard. In other words, the control device C1 can communicate in accordance with the different communication standards of TCP / IP and DMX512A. However, a signal conversion device that converts TCP / IP signals into DMX signals may be provided separately from the control device C1, and the TCP / IP signals transmitted from the control device C1 may be converted into DMX signals by the signal conversion device before being transmitted to the lighting devices D1.

[0037] The processing unit C13 stores control data for lighting effects in its memory. The control data is data for flashing (turning on and off), dimming, and adjusting the color of the multiple lighting devices D1. The processing unit C13 stores multiple types of control data in its memory. The multiple types of control data correspond one-to-one to the contents of the multiple types of lighting effects. The multiple types of control data stored in the memory of the processing unit C13 include control data for regular lighting effects and control data for on-demand lighting effects. The regular lighting effects are lighting effects that are performed according to a predetermined schedule during a time period during which lighting effects are performed (e.g., five hours from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM). On the other hand, the on-demand lighting effects are lighting effects that are temporarily performed in response to input received from a user.

[0038] The processing unit C13 reads one or more types of control data from the memory in accordance with instructions from the server S1 received by the third communication unit C11. The processing unit C13 transmits a DMX signal including the read control data to the plurality of lighting devices D1 from the fourth communication unit C12. When the plurality of lighting devices D1 receive the DMX signal transmitted from the fourth communication unit C12 of the control device C1 by the fifth communication unit D13, the control unit D12 performs blinking, dimming, and color adjustment according to the control data included in the received DMX signal.

[0039] (2-3) Communication Terminal The communication terminal E1 is an electronic device that has an input device and a display, such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, and is capable of wireless communication via the Internet (network NW1). The communication terminal E1 is carried by a user who uses the space (facility) to be rendered. In the following explanation, it is assumed that the communication terminal E1 is a smartphone.

[0040] The communication terminal E1 has a thin, plate-like housing 1 made of synthetic resin or metal, and a display 10 with a touch panel provided on the front surface of the housing 1 (see FIG. 3). The display 10 is a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display with a touch panel.

[0041] The communication terminal E1 is also equipped with a camera, and can acquire information from a two-dimensional code captured by the camera using a two-dimensional code reader (application). The information acquired from the two-dimensional code may be, for example, a uniform resource locator (URL) of a web page.

[0042] (2-4) Server The server S1 has a first communication unit S11, a second communication unit S12, and a server control unit S13. The server control unit S13 includes a computer system. The computer system is primarily composed of one or more processors and memory as hardware. The functions of the server control unit S13 are realized by the one or more processors executing programs stored in the computer system's memory. The programs may be pre-recorded in the computer system's memory, provided via a telecommunications line, or provided by being recorded on a non-transitory recording medium readable by the computer system, such as a memory card, optical disk, or hard disk drive. The processor of the computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits, including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). The integrated circuits, such as ICs and LSIs, are referred to by different names depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSIs, very large-scale integration (VLSI), or ultra-large-scale integration (ULSI). Furthermore, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), which is programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or a logic device capable of reconfiguring the connections within the LSI or the circuit partitions within the LSI, can also be employed as a processor. Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated into a single chip or distributed across multiple chips. Multiple chips may be integrated into a single device or distributed across multiple devices. The computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, the microcontroller is also composed of one or more electronic circuits, including a semiconductor integrated circuit or a large-scale integrated circuit.

[0043] The server control unit S13 can communicate with an operating PC via the network NW1. The server control unit S13 stores lighting performance control data created using the operating PC in memory. The server control unit S13 transmits a signal including the lighting performance control data read from memory from the first communication unit S11 to the control device C1 (third communication unit C11) via the network NW1. The server control unit S13 also transmits various control commands to the control device C1. For example, a control command instructing the execution of a lighting performance is a control command for selecting one or more control data from multiple types of control data stored in the memory of the processing unit C13 of the control device C1 and instructing the execution of the selected one or more control data. An interrupt command control command is a control command for instructing the processing unit C13 of the control device C1, which is executing a lighting performance, to suspend the currently executing lighting performance. An interrupt release command control command is a control command for instructing the processing unit C13 of the control device C1, which is executing a lighting performance, to resume the lighting performance that has been suspended by the interrupt command.

[0044] The server control unit S13 also implements a Web API (Application Programming Interface). The Web API implemented in the server control unit S13 returns a URL of a web page for accepting input of various information (hereinafter, may be referred to as an input acceptance web page) in response to a request from a web browser accessed via the network NW1 to the second communication unit S12.

[0045] For example, when the server control unit S13 is accessed from the web browser of the communication terminal E1, the web API implemented in the server control unit S13 transmits an input acceptance web page from the second communication unit S12 to the web browser of the communication terminal E1. The web browser of the communication terminal E1 displays the web page received from the web API of the server control unit S13 on the display 10 (see FIG. 4). When a user inputs data from the input acceptance web page displayed on the display 10 of the communication terminal E1, the input data is transmitted from the web browser of the communication terminal E1 to the web API of the server control unit S13. The web API of the server control unit S13 receives the data transmitted from the web browser of the communication terminal E1 and received by the second communication unit S12.

[0046] (2-5) Description of Operation Next, the operation of the lighting control system A1 and the lighting system B1 will be described. In the following description of operation, the temple gate G1 and the approach R1 leading to the gate G1 are the target spaces to be produced (see FIGS. 6 and 7). Multiple lighting devices D1 are installed at positions to light up the temple gate G1 and at positions to light up the groves of trees W1 on both sides of the approach R1. In FIGS. 6 and 7, the positions where multiple lighting devices D1 are installed are indicated by a symbol (◆).

[0047] A sign bearing a two-dimensional code is installed on approach R1. This two-dimensional code represents a URL for requesting the Web API implemented in server control unit S13 of server S1 to send an input acceptance web page.

[0048] When a user photographs a two-dimensional code with the camera of the communication terminal E1 (smartphone) (see FIG. 3), the communication terminal E1 uses a two-dimensional code reader to obtain a URL from the two-dimensional code. The communication terminal E1 then launches a web browser and accesses the URL using the web browser.

[0049] When the URL is accessed from the web browser of communication terminal E1, server control unit S13 of server S1 uses the web API to return an input-accepting web page to the web browser of communication terminal E1 via second communication unit S12. The web browser of communication terminal E1 then displays the web page received from the web API of server control unit S13 on display 10 (see FIG. 4). This web page can accept input of the user's birthday (year, month, and day).

[0050] When a user enters their birthday on the input acceptance web page displayed on the display 10 of the communication terminal E1, the entered birthday data (year, month, and day data) is sent from the web browser of the communication terminal E1 to the Web API of the server control unit S13.

[0051] When the Web API of the server control unit S13 receives data sent from the web browser of the communication terminal E1, it sends the URL of another web page (a web page for receiving a trigger input) to the web browser of the communication terminal E1.

[0052] The web browser of communication terminal E1 displays the web page received from the web API of server control unit S13 on display 10 (see FIG. 5 ). On this web page, a start button icon 11 is displayed on display 10. When start button icon 11 is touched, trigger input data is sent from the web browser of communication terminal E1 to the web API of server control unit S13. However, after sending the URL of a web page for accepting trigger input to the web browser of communication terminal E1, if the web API of server control unit S13 does not receive trigger input data within a predetermined time (e.g., one minute), it sends another web page. On this web page, the start button icon 11 is not displayed. In other words, the web API of server control unit S13 displays the web page for accepting trigger input on display 10 of communication terminal E1 for a predetermined time.

[0053] When the Web API of the server control unit S13 receives trigger input data from the communication terminal E1, it sends an interrupt command to the control device C1. The Web API of the server control unit S13 then selects control data (control data for on-demand lighting effects) from among the multiple types of control data stored in the memory of the processing unit C13 of the control device C1, based on the birthday data received from the communication terminal E1. The Web API of the server control unit S13 then sends a control command from the first communication unit S11 to the third communication unit C11 of the control device C1 to instruct execution of the selected control data for on-demand lighting effects.

[0054] When the processing unit C13 of the control device C1 receives the interrupt control command, it interrupts the steady-state lighting performance. Then, when the processing unit C13 receives a control command to execute control data for an on-demand lighting performance, it reads the control data for the on-demand lighting performance specified in the control command from memory. The processing unit C13 then transmits a DMX signal containing the control data for the on-demand lighting performance read from memory from the fourth communication unit C12 to the multiple lighting devices D1. When the multiple lighting devices D1 receive the DMX signal transmitted from the control device C1 via the fifth communication unit D13, the control unit D12 performs blinking, dimming, and color adjustment in accordance with the control data included in the received DMX signal, thereby executing the on-demand lighting performance.

[0055] Here, the memory of processing unit C13 stores multiple types (e.g., five types) of control data corresponding to the year, month, and day of the birthday. On-demand lighting effects based on these five types of control data are, for example, lighting effects that use red, blue, green, yellow, and pink as base colors for each type, and dim and blink illumination light of the base color. However, the content of on-demand lighting effects is not limited to lighting effects that use the above five colors as base colors.

[0056] After the Web API of the server control unit S13 sends control data for on-demand lighting effects to the control device C1, it sends a control command to cancel the interrupt to the control device C1 after a predetermined time (e.g., 10 to 15 seconds) has elapsed.

[0057] When the processing unit C13 of the control device C1 receives the interrupt release control command via the third communication unit C11, it terminates the on-demand lighting performance and transmits a DMX signal including control data for a steady-state lighting performance to the plurality of lighting devices D1 via the fourth communication unit C12. When the plurality of lighting devices D1 receive the DMX signal transmitted from the control device C1 via the fifth communication unit D13, the control unit D12 performs blinking, dimming, and color adjustment in accordance with the control data included in the received DMX signal, thereby resuming the steady-state lighting performance.

[0058] When the Web API of the server control unit S13 receives new operational input (entering a birthday and touching the start button) while an on-demand lighting performance is being executed, the Web API of the server control unit S13 transmits an interrupt control command from the first communication unit S11 to the control device C1, and then selects control data for the on-demand lighting performance based on the newly received birthday data. The Web API of the server control unit S13 then transmits a control command from the first communication unit S11 to the control device C1 to instruct the execution of the selected control data for the on-demand lighting performance.

[0059] When the processing unit C13 of the control device C1 receives an interrupt command while an on-demand lighting performance is being executed, it interrupts the on-demand lighting performance in progress and performs a (new) on-demand lighting performance by controlling the multiple lighting devices D1 based on the control data for the on-demand lighting performance newly received from the server S1.

[0060] However, if the Web API of the server control unit S13 receives a new instruction input from the communications terminal E1 before the predetermined time has elapsed, for example, if a new operation input (entering a birthday or touching the start button) is received while an on-demand lighting performance is being executed, the Web API of the server control unit S13 does not have to send an interrupt command. In other words, even if the Web API of the server control unit S13 receives a new operation input while an on-demand lighting performance is being executed, the lighting control system A1 may continue the on-demand lighting performance in progress without interruption.

[0061] Note that the lighting control system A1 may have the processing unit C13 of the control device C1 time the predetermined time instead of having the server control unit S13 time the predetermined time.

[0062] (2-6) Embodiments of Lighting Control Method and Program A lighting control method according to an embodiment (hereinafter simply referred to as the lighting control method) is implemented by a server S1. The lighting control method communicates with a control device C1 that controls multiple lighting devices D1 installed in a space to be designed, and with a communication terminal E1 carried by a user. Upon receiving information related to an instruction input by the user from the communication terminal E1, the lighting control method transmits on-demand control information to the control device C1 for performing on-demand lighting design based on the instruction input.

[0063] A program according to an embodiment is executed by one or more processors (server control unit S13) included in the server S1. The program according to an embodiment causes the one or more processors to execute a process of communicating with a control device C1 that controls multiple lighting devices D1 installed in a space to be designed, and a communication terminal E1 carried by a user. The program according to an embodiment causes the one or more processors to execute a process of receiving information related to a user's instruction input from the communication terminal E1. The program according to an embodiment causes the one or more processors to execute a process of transmitting on-demand control information to the control device C1 for performing on-demand lighting design based on the instruction input. The program according to an embodiment may be pre-recorded in a memory accessible by the processor (processing unit C13), provided via a telecommunications line, or provided by being recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card, optical disc, or hard disk drive that is readable by the processor.

[0064] (3) Advantages of the Embodiment As described above, the lighting control system A1 receives user instruction input from the communication terminal E1 at a server (cloud server S1), and transmits on-demand control information for performing on-demand lighting effects based on the instruction input from the cloud server S1 to the control device C1. The control device C1 then controls the multiple lighting devices D1 based on the on-demand control information.

[0065] Therefore, the lighting control system A1 transmits on-demand control information based on instruction input received from the communication terminal E1 from the cloud server S1, and causes the control device C1 to control multiple lighting devices D1 based on the on-demand control information, thereby enabling on-demand lighting effects to be performed based on the user's instructions.

[0066] Furthermore, the server S1 (Web API of the server control unit S13) transmits a web page for accepting instruction input to the communication terminal E1 that reads the predetermined two-dimensional code. That is, the lighting control system A1 causes the server S1 to accept the instruction input from the user in the web page transmitted to the communication terminal E1 (see FIG. 4), thereby improving convenience for the user.

[0067] Furthermore, the server control unit S13 of the server S1 displays an icon 11 of a button (start button) for accepting operational input on the screen (screen of display 10) of the communication terminal E1 that displays the webpage (see FIG. 5). The server control unit S13 accepts operational input when the button icon 11 is touched. Thus, the lighting control system A1 causes the server S1 to accept operational input when the button icon 11 (start button) displayed on the webpage is touched, thereby further improving convenience for users.

[0068] In the lighting control system A1, the server S1 transmits steady-state control information (control data) for performing a steady-state lighting effect to the control device C1, and the control device C1 performs the steady-state lighting effect by controlling the plurality of lighting devices D1 based on the steady-state control information. When the server S1 receives an instruction input, it transmits an interrupt command to the control device C1 and then transmits on-demand control information to the control device C1. When the control device C1 receives the interrupt command, it interrupts the steady-state lighting effect and performs an on-demand lighting effect by controlling the plurality of lighting devices D1 based on the on-demand control information.

[0069] Thus, the lighting control system A1 interrupts the regular lighting performance by the plurality of lighting devices D1 and performs on-demand lighting performance based on on-demand control information, so that the regular lighting performance can be smoothly switched to the on-demand lighting performance.

[0070] Furthermore, in lighting control system A1, when control device C1 receives an interrupt command while an on-demand lighting performance is being executed, it interrupts the on-demand lighting performance in progress and executes a (new) on-demand lighting performance by controlling multiple lighting devices D1 based on on-demand control information newly received from server S1. In other words, lighting control system A1 executes on-demand lighting performance by prioritizing operation inputs received last, so that even when receiving operation inputs from multiple users, on-demand lighting performances for each user can be executed without delay.

[0071] Furthermore, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the transmission of the on-demand control information, the lighting control system A1 causes the server S1 to send an interrupt release command to the control device C1, and causes the control device C1, which has received the interrupt release command, to end the on-demand lighting performance and perform a steady-state lighting performance. As a result, the lighting control system A1 can smoothly switch from the on-demand lighting performance to the steady-state lighting performance.

[0072] However, if server S1 receives a new instruction input from communication terminal E1 before the specified time has elapsed, for example, if new operation input (entering a birthday or touching the start button) is received while an on-demand lighting performance is being executed, server S1 does not need to send an interrupt command. In other words, lighting control system A1 may continue the on-demand lighting performance in progress without interruption even if the web API of server control unit S13 receives new operation input while the on-demand lighting performance is being executed. In this case, lighting control system A1 executes the on-demand lighting performance based on the user's operation input without interruption, thereby improving user satisfaction with the on-demand lighting performance.

[0073] The advantages of the lighting control system A1 according to the embodiment described above can also be advantages of the lighting system B1, the lighting control method, the program, the server S1, and the control device C1 according to the embodiment.

[0074] (4) Modifications Figure 8 shows a system configuration diagram of a modification of the lighting control system A1. The modification of the lighting control system A1 includes at least two servers. One server is a rendering server S1 that handles processing related to lighting rendering. The other server is a web server S2 that handles processing related to the exchange of information with the communication terminal E1. The rendering server S1 and the web server S2 are managed and operated by a single business operator. However, the business operator that manages and operates the rendering server S1 may be different from the business operator that manages and operates the web server S2.

[0075] The rendering server S1 includes a first communication unit S11, a rendering server control unit S14, and a seventh communication unit S15. The first communication unit S11 communicates with the control device C1 via a network NW1. The seventh communication unit S15 communicates with a sixth communication unit S23 of the web server S2 via a network NW2.

[0076] The web server S2 includes a second communication unit S21, a web server control unit S22, and a sixth communication unit S23. The second communication unit S21 communicates with the communication terminal E1 via the network NW1. The sixth communication unit S23 communicates with the seventh communication unit S15 of the production server S1 via the network NW2. Here, for example, if the production server S1 and the web server S2 are managed and operated by a single business, the network NW2 may be a local area network (LAN) established at the business's premises. Alternatively, if the production server S1 and the web server S2 are managed and operated by different businesses, the network NW2 may be the Internet, like the network NW1. Furthermore, if the production server S1 and the web server S2 are each configured as cloud servers, the network NW2 may be a communication means for communication within the cloud. In this case, the network for communication within the cloud may be a communication means other than the Internet.

[0077] The Web server control unit S22 implements a Web API. The Web API implemented in the Web server control unit S22 returns (responses to) the URL of a web page accepting input to the second communication unit S21 in response to a request from a web browser accessed via the network NW1. Note that, below, the processing performed by the Web API will be described as processing performed by the Web server control unit S22.

[0078] For example, when accessed from the web browser of communication terminal E1, web server control unit S22 transmits an input acceptance web page from second communication unit S21 to the web browser of communication terminal E1. The web browser of communication terminal E1 displays the web page received from web server S2 on display 10 (see FIG. 4). When a user inputs data from the input acceptance web page displayed on display 10 of communication terminal E1, the input data is transmitted from the web browser of communication terminal E1 to web server S2. Web server control unit S22 receives data transmitted from the web browser of communication terminal E1 and received by second communication unit S21.

[0079] When the web server control unit S22 receives data sent from the web browser of the communication terminal E1, it transmits the URL of a web page for receiving trigger input from the second communication unit S12 to the web browser of the communication terminal E1 via the network NW1.

[0080] The web browser of communication terminal E1 displays the web page received from web server S2 (a web page including start button icon 11) on display 10 (see FIG. 5). When start button icon 11 is touched, trigger input data is sent from the web browser of communication terminal E1 to web server control unit S22.

[0081] The Web server control unit S22 transmits the trigger input data received from the communication terminal E1 from the sixth communication unit S23 to the seventh communication unit S15 of the rendering server S1 via the network NW2.

[0082] When the seventh communication unit S15 of the production server control unit S14 receives the trigger input data, it transmits an interrupt command to the control device C1 from the first communication unit S11 via the network NW1. The production server control unit S14 then selects control data (control data for on-demand lighting production) from among the multiple types of control data stored in the memory of the processing unit C13 of the control device C1 based on the birthday data received from the communication terminal E1. The production server control unit S14 then transmits a control command from the first communication unit S11 to the third communication unit C11 of the control device C1 to instruct the execution of the selected control data for on-demand lighting production. The subsequent operation of the lighting control system A1 is the same as in the embodiment, and therefore will not be described further.

[0083] As described above, the lighting control system A1 of the modified example can also perform on-demand lighting effects based on instructions from a user, similar to the lighting control system A1 of the embodiment.

[0084] Here, in the lighting control system A1 of either the embodiment or the modified example, in addition to lighting effects, content including music, video, and the like may be streamed to the communication terminal E1.

[0085] (5) Summary A lighting control system (A1) according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a control device (C1) that controls a plurality of lighting devices (D1) installed in a space to be designed, and a server (S1) that can communicate with the control device (C1) and a communication terminal (E1) via a network (NW1). When the server (S1) receives a user instruction input from the communication terminal (E1) carried by the user, the server (S1) transmits on-demand control information to the control device (C1) for performing on-demand lighting performance based on the instruction input. The control device (C1) performs on-demand lighting performance by controlling the plurality of lighting devices (D1) based on the on-demand control information.

[0086] The lighting control system (A1) according to the first aspect transmits on-demand control information based on instruction input received from a communication terminal (E1) from a server (S1), and causes a control device (C1) to control a plurality of lighting devices (D1) based on the on-demand control information, thereby enabling on-demand lighting effects to be produced based on user instructions.

[0087] A lighting control system (A1) according to a second aspect of the present disclosure can be realized in combination with the first aspect. In the lighting control system (A1) according to the second aspect, it is preferable that the server (S1) transmits a web page for receiving instruction input to the communication terminal (E1) that has read the predetermined two-dimensional code.

[0088] The lighting control system (A1) according to the second aspect can improve convenience for users.

[0089] A lighting control system (A1) according to a third aspect of the present disclosure can be realized in combination with the second aspect. In the lighting control system (A1) according to the third aspect, it is preferable that the server (S1) displays a button icon (11) for accepting operation input on a screen of the communication terminal (E1) that displays a web page. It is preferable that the server (S1) accepts the operation input by touching the button icon (11).

[0090] The lighting control system (A1) according to the third aspect can further improve convenience for users.

[0091] A lighting control system (A1) according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining it with any of the first to third aspects. In the lighting control system (A1) according to the fourth aspect, the server (S1) preferably transmits steady-state control information for performing a steady-state lighting effect to the control device (C1). The control device (C1) preferably controls a plurality of lighting devices (D1) based on the steady-state control information to perform the steady-state lighting effect. Upon receiving an instruction input, the server (S1) preferably transmits an interrupt command to the control device (C1) and then transmits on-demand control information to the control device (C1). Upon receiving the interrupt command, the control device (C1) preferably interrupts the steady-state lighting effect and performs an on-demand lighting effect by controlling a plurality of lighting devices (D1) based on the on-demand control information.

[0092] The lighting control system (A1) according to the fourth aspect can smoothly switch from a steady lighting effect to an on-demand lighting effect.

[0093] A lighting control system (A1) according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized in combination with the fourth aspect. In the lighting control system (A1) according to the fifth aspect, it is preferable that the control device (C1) interrupts the on-demand lighting performance in progress when an interrupt command is received during the execution of the on-demand lighting performance. It is preferable that the control device (C1) performs the on-demand lighting performance by controlling the plurality of lighting devices (D1) based on on-demand control information newly received from the server.

[0094] The lighting control system (A1) according to the fifth aspect performs on-demand lighting effects by prioritizing operation inputs received later, and therefore can execute on-demand lighting effects for each user without delay even when receiving operation inputs from multiple users.

[0095] A lighting control system (A1) according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized in combination with the fourth or fifth aspect. In the lighting control system (A1) according to the sixth aspect, it is preferable that the server (S1) transmits an interruption cancel command to the control device (C1) when a predetermined time has elapsed since transmitting the on-demand control information. It is preferable that the control device (C1) terminates the on-demand lighting performance and performs a steady-state lighting performance upon receiving the interruption cancel command.

[0096] The lighting control system (A1) according to the sixth aspect can smoothly switch from an on-demand lighting effect to a steady-state lighting effect.

[0097] A lighting control system (A1) according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure can be realized in combination with the sixth aspect. In the lighting control system (A1) according to the seventh aspect, it is preferable that the server (S1) does not transmit an interrupt command when a new instruction input is received from the communication terminal (E1) before a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0098] The lighting control system (A1) according to the seventh aspect executes on-demand lighting effects based on user operation input without interruption, thereby improving user satisfaction with on-demand lighting effects.

[0099] A lighting system (B1) according to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure includes a lighting control system (A1) according to any one of the first to seventh aspects and a plurality of lighting devices (D1) controlled by a control device (C1) of the lighting control system (A1).

[0100] The lighting system (B1) according to the eighth aspect transmits on-demand control information based on instruction input received from the communication terminal (E1) from the server, and causes the control device (C1) to control a plurality of lighting devices (D1) based on the on-demand control information, thereby enabling on-demand lighting effects to be performed based on instructions from the user.

[0101] A lighting control method according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure communicates with a control device (C1) that controls a plurality of lighting devices (D1) installed in a space to be designed for lighting effects, and a communication terminal (E1) carried by a user. When the lighting control method according to the ninth aspect receives information related to an instruction input by the user from the communication terminal (E1), it transmits on-demand control information to the control device (C1) for performing on-demand lighting effects based on the instruction input.

[0102] In the lighting control method according to the ninth aspect, on-demand control information based on instruction input received from a communication terminal (E1) is transmitted from a server (S1), and a control device (C1) controls a plurality of lighting devices (D1) based on the on-demand control information, thereby enabling on-demand lighting effects to be performed based on instructions from a user.

[0103] A program according to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure causes one or more processors to execute a process of communicating with a control device (C1) that controls multiple lighting devices (D1) installed in a space to be designed, and with a communication terminal (E1) carried by a user. The program according to the tenth aspect causes the one or more processors to execute a process of receiving information related to a command input by the user from the communication terminal (E1). The program according to the tenth aspect causes the one or more processors to execute a process of transmitting on-demand control information to the control device (C1) for performing on-demand lighting design based on the command input.

[0104] The program according to the tenth aspect causes the server to transmit on-demand control information based on instruction input received from the communication terminal (E1), and causes the control device (C1) to control a plurality of lighting devices (D1) based on the on-demand control information, thereby enabling on-demand lighting effects to be performed based on the user's instructions.

[0105] The server (S1) according to the eleventh aspect includes a first communication unit (S11) and a second communication unit (S12). The first communication unit (S11) communicates with a control device (C1) that controls a plurality of lighting devices (D1) installed in a space to be designed. The second communication unit (S12) communicates with a communication terminal (E1) carried by a user. When the second communication unit (S12) receives information related to an instruction input by the user from the communication terminal (E1), the first communication unit (S11) transmits on-demand control information to the control device (C1) for performing on-demand lighting design based on the instruction input.

[0106] The server (S1) according to the eleventh aspect can perform on-demand lighting effects based on instructions from a user.

[0107] A control device (C1) according to a twelfth aspect includes a third communication unit (C11) that communicates with the server (S1) according to the eleventh aspect, and a fourth communication unit (C12) that communicates with a plurality of lighting devices (D1). When the third communication unit (C11) receives on-demand control information from the server (S1), the fourth communication unit (C12) transmits information related to lighting control based on the on-demand control information to the plurality of lighting devices (D1).

[0108] The control device (C1) according to the twelfth aspect can perform on-demand lighting effects based on instructions from a user.

[0109] A1 Lighting control system B1 Lighting system C1 Control device D1 Lighting device E1 Communication terminal S1 Server NW1 Network 11 Icon S11 First communication unit S12 Second communication unit C11 Third communication unit C12 Fourth communication unit D13 Fifth communication unit

Claims

1. A control device for controlling a plurality of lighting devices installed in a space to be presented, A server capable of communicating with the control device and a communication terminal via a network, Comprising, When the server receives an instruction input from the communication terminal held by the user, it transmits demand control information for performing an on-demand lighting presentation based on the instruction input to the control device, The control device performs the on-demand lighting presentation by controlling the plurality of lighting devices based on the on-demand control information, Lighting control system.

2. The server transmits a web page for receiving the instruction input to the communication terminal that has read a predetermined two-dimensional code, The lighting control system according to claim 1.

3. The server causes an icon of a button for receiving an operation input to be displayed on the screen of the communication terminal that displays the web page, and receives the operation input when the icon of the button is touched, The lighting control system according to claim 2.

4. The server transmits steady control information for performing a steady lighting presentation to the control device, The control device performs the steady lighting presentation by controlling the plurality of lighting devices based on the steady control information, When the server receives the instruction input, it transmits an interrupt command to the control device and then transmits the on-demand control information to the control device, When the control device receives the interrupt command, it interrupts the steady lighting presentation and performs the on-demand lighting presentation by controlling the plurality of lighting devices based on the on-demand control information, The lighting control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. When the control device receives the interrupt command during the execution of the on-demand lighting presentation, it interrupts the on-demand lighting presentation being executed and performs the on-demand lighting presentation by controlling the plurality of lighting devices based on the on-demand control information newly received from the server, The lighting control system according to claim 4.

6. When a predetermined time has elapsed after the server transmits the on-demand control information, it transmits an interrupt release command to the control device, When the control device receives the interrupt release command, it ends the on-demand lighting presentation and performs the steady lighting presentation, The lighting control system according to claim 4.

7. If the server receives a new instruction input from the communication terminal before the elapse of the predetermined time, the server does not transmit the interrupt command. The lighting control system according to claim 6.

8. The lighting control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A plurality of lighting devices controlled by the control device of the lighting control system, comprising a lighting system.

9. A control device that controls a plurality of lighting devices installed in a space to be staged, and communicates with a communication terminal held by a user respectively. When receiving information regarding the instruction input of the user from the communication terminal, the control device transmits on-demand control information for performing an on-demand lighting show based on the instruction input. A lighting control method.

10. One or more processors perform a process of communicating with a control device that controls a plurality of lighting devices installed in a space to be staged, and a communication terminal held by a user respectively, a process of receiving information regarding the instruction input of the user from the communication terminal, a process of transmitting on-demand control information for performing an on-demand lighting show based on the instruction input to the control device. A program.

11. A first communication unit that communicates with a control device that controls a plurality of lighting devices installed in a space to be staged, and a second communication unit that communicates with a communication terminal held by a user, comprising When the second communication unit receives information regarding the instruction input of the user from the communication terminal, the first communication unit transmits on-demand control information for performing an on-demand lighting show based on the instruction input to the control device. A server.

12. A third communication unit that communicates with the server according to claim 11, and a fourth communication unit that communicates with a plurality of the lighting devices, comprising When the third communication unit receives the on-demand control information from the server, the fourth communication unit transmits information regarding lighting control based on the on-demand control information to the plurality of lighting devices. A control device. ​ ​ ​ ​