Lighting device and time setting method for lighting device

The lighting device addresses the complexity and cost of conventional circadian lighting by using a control unit to adjust color temperature and light amount through switch operations, providing a cost-effective and simplified installation for circadian rhythm-based lighting.

WO2024257482A1PCT designated stage expired Publication Date: 2024-12-19MINEBEAMITSUMI INC
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/JP2024/015498
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-06-14
Filing Date
2024-04-19
Publication Date
2024-12-19

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional circadian lighting devices require expensive and complex installations, including dedicated remote control devices or wired control systems, making them costly and difficult to introduce, especially for workers without specialized knowledge.

Method used

A lighting device with a control unit that changes color temperature and light amount based on circadian rhythms, using a simple switch operation to set time settings, eliminating the need for expensive hardware or complex setups.

Benefits of technology

Enables cost-effective and easy introduction of circadian lighting, allowing users to adjust lighting modes by switch operations, reducing initial setup costs and simplifying the installation process while maintaining effective circadian rhythm-based lighting control.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A lighting device (M) is provided with: a light source (LS) electrically connected to a power supply (I1) via a switch (I2); and a control unit (M6) that changes the color temperature and the light quantity of the light emitted from the light source (LS) over time on the basis of a circadian rhythm. The control unit (M6) performs time setting relating to the control of the color temperature and the light quantity in accordance with the circadian rhythm in accordance with the number of operations of the switch (I2) in a predetermined time.
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Description

Lighting device and time setting method for lighting device

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting device and a method for setting the time of a lighting device.

[0002] Among conventional lighting devices, there are those that provide illumination based on the so-called circadian rhythm, in which the ratio of light emitted by a first light-emitting device and light emitted by a second light-emitting device, which have different color temperatures, is changed depending on the time of day (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Furthermore, some lighting devices that provide illumination based on circadian rhythms are equipped with a dedicated remote control device that changes the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting device at a specific color temperature and changes the lighting time.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-182566

[0005] However, when a dedicated remote control device is provided for a lighting device that provides illumination based on circadian rhythms, or when a dedicated wired control system is introduced, there are problems such as high initial setup costs and complicated installation of the lighting device due to the cost of the dedicated device and the expense of having a worker with specialized knowledge perform the initial setup.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide an inexpensive lighting device that provides illumination based on circadian rhythms and to make it easy to install the lighting device.

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the lighting device of the present invention includes a light source electrically connected to a power source via a switch, and a control unit that changes the color temperature and light intensity of the light emitted from the light source over time based on a circadian rhythm. The control unit sets a time for controlling the color temperature and light intensity based on the circadian rhythm in accordance with the number of times the switch is operated within a predetermined period of time.

[0008] According to one aspect of the lighting device of the present invention, it is possible to provide a lighting device that provides illumination based on circadian rhythms at low cost, and to simplify the installation of the lighting device.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a lighting system including a lighting device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a graph showing the relationship between wavelength and relative values ​​of the visual spectral sensitivity characteristics and the visual spectral sensitivity characteristics of an eye sensor that affect biological rhythms. FIG. 3 is a graph showing an example of circadian rhythm-based control performed by the lighting device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4A is a flowchart (1) of a setting process performed by the control circuit. FIG. 4B is a flowchart (2) of a setting process performed by the control circuit. FIG. 4C is a flowchart (3) of a setting process performed by the control circuit. FIG. 5 is a graph showing the relationship between time and the rectified voltage applied to the input side of a power factor correction circuit in a lighting device when the lighting device is set to morning mode. FIG. 6 is a graph showing the relationship between time and the rectified voltage applied to the input side of a power factor correction circuit in a lighting device when the lighting device is set to night mode. FIG. 7 is a graph showing the relationship between time and the rectified voltage applied to the input side of a power factor correction circuit in a lighting device when adjusting the time of day addition immediately after setting the lighting device to morning mode or night mode. Fig. 8 is a graph showing the relationship between time and the rectified voltage at the input side of the power factor correction circuit applied to the lighting device when adjusting the time subtraction immediately after setting the morning mode or night mode. Fig. 9 is a flowchart of the reset mode process performed by the control circuit. Fig. 10 is a graph showing the relationship between time and the rectified voltage at the input side of the power factor correction circuit applied to the lighting device in the reset mode.

[0010] The lighting device M according to the embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensional relationships and ratios of elements in the drawings may differ from the actual situation. The dimensional relationships and ratios may also differ between the drawings.

[0011] 1 is a block diagram of a lighting system 1 including a lighting device M according to an embodiment. The lighting system 1 according to the embodiment includes, for example, an AC power supply ACI1, a switch I2, and a lighting device M.

[0012] An AC (alternating current) power supply I1 supplies power to the lighting device M and is electrically connected to a switch I2. The switch I2 is electrically connected to a PFC (power factor correction) M1 and to an AC voltage detection circuit M5 (described later). The switch I2 is provided on a wall of a facility such as an office, school, or hospital, and is switched on and off by pressing the switch I2. Turning the switch I2 on causes an LED module M4 (described later) to emit light, thereby turning on the lighting device M. Turning the switch I2 off stops the emission of light from the LED module M4, thereby turning off the lighting device M.

[0013] The lighting device M is installed, for example, on the ceiling of the facility described above, and includes a PFC (power factor correction circuit) M1, a first DC / DC converter M2, a second DC / DC converter M3, and an LED module M4.

[0014] The PFC (power factor correction circuit) M1 is a circuit that brings the power factor of the AC (alternating current power supply) I1 closer to 1, and is electrically connected to the first DC / DC converter M2 and also electrically connected to the second DC / DC converter M3. The PFC (power factor correction circuit) M1 rectifies the input AC voltage to a DC voltage on the input side and converts the DC voltage to a DC voltage of a predetermined voltage on the output side and outputs it. Note that the PFC (power factor correction circuit) M1 according to this embodiment may be provided with an insulating circuit or may be a non-insulating circuit system.

[0015] The first DC / DC converter M2 is a circuit that converts the DC voltage input from the PFC (power factor correction circuit) M1 into a voltage necessary to light the plurality of first light sources M41 and outputs a predetermined current to the light sources M41. The first DC / DC converter M2 is electrically connected to the first light sources M41.

[0016] The second DC / DC converter M3 is a circuit that converts the DC voltage input from the PFC (power factor correction circuit) M1 into a voltage necessary to light the plurality of second light sources M42 and outputs a predetermined current to the light sources M42. The second DC / DC converter M3 is electrically connected to the second light sources M42.

[0017] The LED module M4 includes multiple light sources LS, which are arranged two-dimensionally, e.g., vertically and horizontally. The light sources LS of the LED module M4 according to this embodiment include, for example, multiple first light sources M41 that emit cool color light and multiple second light sources M42 that emit warm color light. For example, the LED module M4 is an LED module in which the multiple first light sources M41 and the multiple second light sources M42 are mounted on a substrate. In other words, the LED module M4 is electrically connected to an AC (alternating current) power supply I1 via a switch I2 and includes multiple light sources LS that can emit cool color light and warm color light. The cool color light emitted from the first light source M41 is, for example, a daylight color of 6500K, and the warm color light emitted from the second light source M42 is, for example, an incandescent color of 2700K.

[0018] The lighting device M also includes an AC voltage detection circuit M5, a control circuit (controller) M6, a timer circuit M7, and a power storage unit M8.

[0019] When AC (alternating current power supply) I1 is on the upstream side, AC voltage detection circuit M5 detects whether power is being supplied to the downstream side of switch I2 or whether power supply to the downstream side of switch I2 is being cut off. AC voltage detection circuit M5 is electrically connected to control circuit M6.

[0020] The control circuit M6 has a function of comprehensively controlling each unit of the lighting device M according to this embodiment. The control circuit M6 is electrically connected to the first DC / DC converter M2, the second DC / DC converter M3, the timer circuit M7, and the power storage unit M8.

[0021] The control circuit M6 has a determination control unit 21, a mode control unit 22, an adjustment unit 23, a storage unit 24, and a drive control unit 25. The control circuit M6 is realized by a computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), an input / output interface, an internal bus, and the like.

[0022] The determination control unit 21 has a function of selecting the morning mode, the night mode, or the reset mode according to the number of times the power is turned off and on.

[0023] The mode control unit 22 has a function to control the execution of processes in the above three modes (morning, night, and reset). The mode control unit 22 also has a function to control the selection of modes (circadian mode, fixed color temperature modes 1 and 2) in the reset mode, which will be described later. Furthermore, the mode control unit 22 transfers the execution process to the adjustment unit 23 when the time adjustment mode of the morning mode or night mode is selected. Furthermore, the mode control unit 22 transfers the execution process to the adjustment unit 23 even when the circadian mode of the reset mode is selected. When the fixed color temperature mode of the reset mode is selected, the mode control unit 22 instructs the drive control unit 25 to output a fixed color temperature.

[0024] In the time adjustment mode, the adjustment unit 23 adjusts the shift time of the circadian rhythm time. When the circadian mode is selected in the reset mode, the adjustment unit 23 resets the shift time of the circadian rhythm time (returning it to the initial setting).

[0025] The storage unit 24 stores various data. The storage unit 24 includes a first storage unit 241 and a second storage unit 242. The first storage unit 241 stores circadian rhythm information, which is various data such as data related to dimming and color adjustment of a 24-hour (daily) schedule of a circadian rhythm (described later). The second storage unit 242 stores data related to the time set as the start time and the adjusted time difference (so-called shift time).

[0026] The drive control unit 25 has a function of driving the multiple light sources LS. More specifically, the drive control unit 25 adjusts the color temperature (color adjustment) by adjusting the ratio between the current value of the first light source M41 to be turned on and the current value of the second light source M42 to be turned on. The drive control unit 25 also adjusts the light intensity (luminous flux amount) (dimming) by adjusting the sum of the current value of the first light source M41 to be turned on and the current value of the second light source M42 to be turned on. For example, the drive control unit 25 can adjust the color and dimming by adjusting the sum of the current value of the first light source M41 to be turned on and the current value of the second light source M42 to be turned on, after setting the ratio to achieve a desired color temperature. The current adjustment method may be either a PWM control method or an amplitude control method.

[0027] Through this control, the control circuit M6 changes the color temperature and light intensity of the light emitted from the LED module M4 over time based on a circadian rhythm (described below). Specifically, the control circuit M6 changes the intensity of cool colored light and the intensity of warm colored light emitted from the LED module M4 over time based on a circadian rhythm (described below). More specifically, the control circuit M6 changes the color temperature of the light emitted from the LED module M4 (i.e., adjusts the color) and changes the intensity of the light emitted from the LED module M4 (i.e., adjusts the light intensity) depending on the time of day.

[0028] The timer circuit M7 is, for example, a configuration of a crystal oscillator and a microcomputer or an RTC (Real Time Clock) element, and has the function of continuing to keep time on the timer circuit M7 even when the power supply from the AC (alternating current) power supply I1 is cut off. The control circuit M6 stores the adjusted time difference between the first time in the first mode (morning mode) or the second time in the second mode (night mode), as described below, and reflects it on the timer circuit M7. In the following description, the morning mode is an example of the first mode, and the night mode is an example of the second mode.

[0029] The power storage unit M8 is, for example, an electric double layer capacitor (supercapacitor), and can store electricity while electrically connected to the AC (alternating current) power supply I1. After storing electricity, the power storage unit M8 can supply power to the timer circuit M7 via the control circuit M6 when the power supply from the AC (alternating current) power supply I1 is cut off. In other words, the lighting device M includes the power storage unit M8 that supplies power to the timer circuit M7 continuously for, for example, about 10 days when the power supply from the AC (alternating current) power supply I1 is cut off. The power storage unit M8 prevents the timer circuit M7 from being reset even when the AC power supply I1 is momentarily turned off and then on again.

[0030] Next, circadian rhythms will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a graph showing the relationship between wavelength and relative values ​​of the spectral sensitivity characteristics of vision and the spectral sensitivity characteristics of the eye sensor that affect biological rhythms. Figure 3 is a graph showing an example of circadian rhythm-based control performed by the lighting device M shown in Figure 1.

[0031] Circadian rhythms, also known as circadian rhythms, are roughly 24-hour cycles that exist in living organisms. Human circadian rhythms are slightly longer than 24 hours, which can disrupt our daily rhythms. However, sunlight or light from lighting devices M or the like can adjust the human circadian rhythm to 24 hours, allowing humans to live according to the same rhythm.

[0032] As shown by the dashed line in Figure 2, the spectral sensitivity of vision peaks at approximately 555 nm. Meanwhile, as shown by the solid line in Figure 2, the spectral sensitivity of the eye, which affects circadian rhythms, peaks at approximately 480 nm. Light-induced synchronization of the circadian clock can only occur in the suprachiasmatic nucleus. When neurons in the retina of the eye are exposed to light at 480 nm (several thousand lux), a signal is transmitted to the suprachiasmatic nucleus in the hypothalamus, where it is regulated by increasing Per1 gene transcription. It is known that the primary circadian clock operates on a 24-hour cycle in the suprachiasmatic nucleus. More specifically, short-wavelength light, such as cool colors, has a significant impact on circadian rhythms. Therefore, when cool-colored light is insufficient in the morning, exposure to cool-colored light can efficiently compensate for this. Taking these factors into consideration, the lighting device M according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, emits more short-wavelength cool-colored light from the LED module M4 than long-wavelength warm-colored light in the morning (first time period), and emits more long-wavelength warm-colored light from the LED module M4 than short-wavelength cool-colored light in the evening (second time period), thereby adjusting the human circadian rhythm to 24 hours.

[0033] Furthermore, the lighting device M according to this embodiment changes the color temperature according to the time of day, and also changes the amount of light (i.e., luminous flux value) emitted from the LED module M4 according to the time of day, as shown in Fig. 3. Therefore, the LED module M4 according to this embodiment adjusts the human circadian rhythm to 24 hours by changing the color temperature (color adjustment) and the amount of light (dimming) according to the time of day.

[0034] Next, an example of a 24-hour (one day) circadian rhythm schedule performed by the lighting device M according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. The lighting device M according to this embodiment shows a case where the starting point is, for example, 6:00.

[0035] At 6 o'clock, the control circuit M6 causes the LED module M4 to emit light having a color temperature of approximately 2700K and an amount of light that is 30% of the maximum amount of light emitted by the LED module M4.

[0036] The control circuit M6 controls the LED module M4 to emit light such that the color temperature changes from 2700K to 5000K and the light intensity of the LED module M4 changes from 30% to 100% between 6:00 and 10:00.

[0037] The control circuit M6 controls the LED module M4 to emit light so that the color temperature is maintained at 5000K and the amount of light emitted from the LED module M4 is maintained at 100% from 10:00 to 13:30.

[0038] The control circuit M6 controls the LED module M4 to emit light at a color temperature that changes from 5000 K to 2700 K from 1:30 PM to 8:30 PM. After 8:30 PM, the control circuit M6 controls the LED module M4 to emit light at a color temperature of 2700 K until 6:00 AM the next morning.

[0039] The control circuit M6 controls the LED module M4 to emit light so that the amount of light emitted from the LED module M4 is maintained at 100% from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM. The control circuit M6 controls the LED module M4 to emit light so that the amount of light emitted from the LED module M4 changes from 100% to 30% from 2:30 PM to 9:30 PM. The control circuit M6 also controls the LED module M4 to emit light after 9:30 PM so that the amount of light emitted from the LED module M4 is maintained at 30% until 6:00 AM the following morning. In other words, the control circuit M6 controls the LED module M4 to emit light so that the amount of light emitted from the LED module M4 is minimized after 9:30 PM.

[0040] 3, when the lighting device M emits light from the LED module M4 based on the circadian rhythm, the light source M41 emitting cool color light predominates in the morning, and the current-time product flowing through the light source M42 emitting warm color light is smaller than that of the light source M41 emitting cool color light. At night, the light source M42 emitting warm color light predominates, but the amount of light emitted from the LED module M4 is smaller than in the morning, so the current-time product of the light source M41 emitting cool color light throughout the day is larger than that of the light source M42 emitting warm color light.

[0041] It is known that the current-time product affects the life of the LED (i.e., the light source LS). That is, the larger the current-time product, the sooner the life of the LED will expire.

[0042] In the LED module M4, if the number of light sources M41 that emit cool color light is the same as the number of light sources M42 that emit warm color light, and if the maximum color temperature in the circadian rhythm and the color temperature characteristics of the light sources M41 that emit cool color light are the same, the light sources M41 that emit cool color light will approach the end of their life sooner, causing a decrease in the luminous flux value of the light sources M41 that emit cool color light before the end of the life of the light sources M42 that emit warm color light, and the lighting device M will no longer be able to provide illumination based on the circadian rhythm.

[0043] Therefore, the light source M41 that emits cool color light and the light source M42 that emits warm color light of the LED module M4 of this embodiment are set so that their current-hour products per day are the same.

[0044] Specifically, when the number of light sources M41 emitting cool color light is the same as the number of light sources M42 emitting warm color light, the color temperature characteristics of the light sources M41 emitting cool color light are set higher than the maximum color temperature in the circadian rhythm. Since the maximum color temperature in the circadian rhythm is 5000 K in Figure 3, for example, the color temperature characteristics of the light source M41 emitting cool color light are set to 6500 K. For example, by using light sources of 6500 K and 2700 K and adjusting the color temperature of the LED light source at a current ratio of 65:35 (cool color:warm color), it is possible to emit light of 5000 K. By increasing the color temperature of the light source M41 that emits cool colored light above the maximum color temperature in the circadian rhythm, it is possible to change the balance of the current values ​​flowing through the light source M41 that emits cool colored light and the light source M42 that emits warm colored light when emitting light based on the circadian rhythm from the LED module M4. This makes it possible to adjust the daily current-time product of the light source M41 that emits cool colored light and the light source M42 that emits warm colored light to be the same, thereby extending the life of the lighting device M.

[0045] As described above, the lighting device M according to this embodiment automatically changes the color temperature (color adjustment) and light intensity (dimming) according to the time of day using the control circuit M6, and emits light from the LED module M4 that is similar to that experienced under sunlight, thereby adjusting the human circadian rhythm to 24 hours.

[0046] Next, the setting process performed by the control circuit M6 will be described with reference to Figures 4A, 4B, and 4C, which are flowcharts of the setting process performed by the control circuit M6.

[0047] First, the control circuit M6 determines whether or not the switch I2 has been operated (step S01). If the operation of the switch I2 has not been detected (step S01: No), the control circuit M6 waits until the operation of the switch I2 is detected. If the operation of the switch I2 is detected (step S01: Yes), the control circuit M6 proceeds to step S02.

[0048] Next, the control circuit M6 determines whether the time for the morning mode or night mode has not been adjusted (step S02). If the time for the morning mode or night mode has been adjusted (step S02: No), the control circuit M6 performs a determination process for the reset mode process, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the time for the morning mode or night mode has not been adjusted (step S02: Yes), the control circuit M6 proceeds to step S03.

[0049] Next, the control circuit M6 determines whether the switch I2 has been operated to set a mode (step S03). Specifically, the control circuit M6 detects the number of times the switch I2 is turned on and off within a predetermined period of time to determine the selected mode setting. If the switch I2 is turned on and off three times within the predetermined period of time (step S03:B), the control circuit M6 proceeds to step S11 shown in FIG. 4B. If the switch I2 is turned on and off four times within the predetermined period of time (step S03:C), the control circuit M6 proceeds to step S31 shown in FIG. 4C. If the switch I2 is turned on and off neither three nor four times within the predetermined period of time (step S03:A), the control circuit M6 returns to step S01.

[0050] Next, a case where the switch I2 is turned on and off three times within a predetermined time period (step S03: B) and the mode is switched to the morning mode will be described with reference to Fig. 4B. The control circuit M6 proceeds to set the morning mode (step S11), and then starts displaying an answerback indicating that the morning mode has been set (by turning on the first light source M41, which is a cool color, for 30 seconds) (step S12).

[0051] Next, the control circuit M6 determines whether or not the switch I2 is turned on or off during the predetermined time (30 seconds) during which the answerback is illuminated (step S13). If the control circuit M6 detects the switch I2 being turned on or off (step S13: Yes), the control circuit M6 transitions to the time adjustment mode (step S14) and stops the display of the answerback (turning off the first light source M41, which is a cool color). On the other hand, if the control circuit M6 does not detect the switch I2 being turned on or off (step S13: No), the control circuit M6 proceeds to step S23.

[0052] When the time adjustment mode is entered, the control circuit M6 starts the stopwatch and determines whether a predetermined time (e.g., three minutes) has not elapsed (step S15). If the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S15: Yes), the control circuit M6 proceeds to step S16. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S15: No), the control circuit M6 proceeds to step S23.

[0053] If the predetermined time has not elapsed as determined by the stopwatch, the control circuit M6 performs an off-on pulse determination (step S16). More specifically, if the switch I2 has been turned off and on once, the control circuit M6 proceeds to step S17, and if the switch I2 has been turned off and on twice, the control circuit M6 proceeds to step S20.

[0054] In step S17, the control circuit M6 delays the time of the first period by one hour (step S17), and to indicate that the time has been delayed, for example, the control circuit M6 displays an answerback message by turning on the second light source M42 once every two seconds (step S18), and subtracts one hour from the first period of the morning mode, i.e., adjusts the time by one hour (step S19).Then, the control circuit M6 returns to step S15 and determines whether the predetermined time (e.g., three minutes) has not yet elapsed.

[0055] If the switch I2 is turned on and off twice in step S16, the control circuit M6 advances the time of the first period by one hour (step S20), and to indicate that the time has been advanced, for example, the control circuit M6 displays an answerback message by turning on the first light source M41 twice in three seconds (step S21), and adds one hour to the first period of the morning mode, i.e., adjusts the time forward by one hour (step S22).The control circuit M6 then returns to step S15 and determines whether the predetermined time (e.g., three minutes) has not yet elapsed.

[0056] Here, when a predetermined time has elapsed on the stopwatch (step S15: No), the control circuit M6 determines the first time period of the morning mode (step S23).

[0057] Next, the control circuit M6 stores the time set as the start time and the adjusted time difference, adjusts the time to reflect this on the time on the timer circuit M7 (step S24), and then terminates this setting process.

[0058] Next, a case where the switch I2 is turned on and off four times within the predetermined time period (step S03: C) and the night mode is entered will be described with reference to Fig. 4C. The control circuit M6 proceeds to set the night mode (step S31), and then starts displaying an answerback indicating that the night mode has been entered (by turning on the warm-colored second light source M42 for 30 seconds) (step S32).

[0059] Next, the control circuit M6 determines whether or not the switch I2 is turned on or off during the predetermined time (30 seconds) during which the answerback is illuminated (step S33). If the control circuit M6 detects the switch I2 being turned on or off (step S33: Yes), the control circuit M6 transitions to the time adjustment mode (step S34) and stops the display of the answerback (turning off the warm-colored second light source M42). On the other hand, if the control circuit M6 does not detect the switch I2 being turned on or off (step S33: No), the control circuit M6 proceeds to step S43.

[0060] When the time adjustment mode is entered, the control circuit M6 starts the stopwatch and determines whether a predetermined time (e.g., three minutes) has not elapsed (step S35). If the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S35: Yes), the control circuit M6 proceeds to step S36. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S35: No), the control circuit M6 proceeds to step S43.

[0061] If the predetermined time has not elapsed as determined by the stopwatch, the control circuit M6 performs an off-on pulse determination (step S36). More specifically, if the switch I2 has been turned off and on once, the control circuit M6 proceeds to step S37, and if the switch I2 has been turned off and on twice, the control circuit M6 proceeds to step S40.

[0062] In step S37, the control circuit M6 delays the second time period by one hour (step S37), and to indicate that the time has been delayed, for example, the control circuit M6 displays an answerback message by turning on the second light source M42 once every two seconds (step S38), and subtracts one hour from the second time period in the night mode, i.e., adjusts the time by one hour (step S39).The control circuit M6 then returns to step S35 and determines whether the predetermined time (e.g., three minutes) has not yet elapsed.

[0063] If the switch I2 is turned on and off twice in step S36, the control circuit M6 advances the time of the second period by one hour (step S40), and to indicate that the time has been advanced, for example, the control circuit M6 displays an answerback message by turning on the first light source M41 twice in three seconds (step S41), and adds one hour to the second period in the night mode, i.e., adjusts the time forward by one hour (step S22).The control circuit M6 then returns to step S35 and determines whether the predetermined time (e.g., three minutes) has not yet elapsed.

[0064] Next, the control circuit M6 stores the time set as the start time and the adjusted time difference, adjusts the time to reflect this in the time on the timer circuit M7 (step S44), and then terminates this setting process.

[0065] Next, we will explain the morning mode of the lighting device M, which sets the color temperature and the time for controlling the light intensity based on the circadian rhythm in a first time period, and the night mode, which sets the color temperature and the time for controlling the light intensity based on the circadian rhythm in a second time period.

[0066] Next, the setting of the morning mode and the setting of the night mode performed by the control circuit M6 will be described with reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. Fig. 5 is a graph showing the relationship between time and the rectified voltage applied to the input side of the power factor correction circuit (PFC) M1 in the lighting device M when the morning mode is set. Fig. 6 is a graph showing the relationship between time and the rectified voltage applied to the input side of the power factor correction circuit (PFC) M1 in the lighting device M when the night mode is set.

[0067] The morning mode is a mode in which the color temperature and light intensity control time based on the circadian rhythm are set starting from a first time in a first time slot, and the night mode is a mode in which the color temperature and light intensity control time based on the circadian rhythm are set starting from a second time in a second time slot. In the lighting system 1 according to this embodiment, the first time slot is, for example, from 8:00 to 20:00, and the second time slot is, for example, from 20:00 to 8:00, with half of the 24 hours set as the first time slot and the other half set as the second time slot. Of course, a third mode and a fourth mode may be added to divide the 24 hours into four, but for ease of explanation, the morning mode and the night mode will be described here with the start time of the morning mode time slot as the first time slot and the start time of the night mode time slot as the second time slot.

[0068] Here, the setting of the morning mode shown in FIG. 5 corresponds to the processing of step S03:B in FIG. 4A, and the setting of the night mode shown in FIG. 6 corresponds to the processing of step S03:C in FIG. 4A.

[0069] The control circuit M6 initially sets at least the morning mode or the night mode when the switch I2 is turned off and on a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time T1. More specifically, when the switch I2 is turned off and on within a predetermined short period of time, the power supply state from the AC (alternating current power supply) I1 switches between being supplied and being cut off. Therefore, the control circuit M6 detects the on / on operation of the switch I2 using the AC voltage detection circuit M5 and recognizes it as an input operation from the user based on this. The control circuit M6 according to this embodiment recognizes it as an input operation from the user based on a combination of the period during which power was supplied from the AC (alternating current power supply) I1 and the period during which the power supply from the AC (alternating current power supply) I1 was cut off, as determined by the AC voltage detection circuit M5 based on the operation of the switch I2.

[0070] The morning mode is a setting for morning (first time period) as an initial setting performed by the lighting system 1, for example, and the night mode is a setting for night (second time period) as an initial setting performed by the lighting system 1, for example.

[0071] For example, when the switch I2 is turned off for the first time while power is being supplied from the AC (alternating current) power supply I1, the control circuit M6 enters a selection mode for a predetermined time T1 from the time the switch I2 is turned off. In this embodiment, the predetermined time T1 for the selection mode is, for example, 5 seconds.

[0072] 5, the control circuit M6 transitions to the morning mode when the switch I2 is turned off and on three times while power is being supplied from the AC (alternating current power supply) I1. In other words, the control circuit M6 transitions to the morning mode when, for example, a period in which power is supplied from the AC power supply I1 and a period in which the power supply from the AC power supply I1 is cut off alternately three times.

[0073] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6 , the control circuit M6 transitions to the night mode when the switch I2 is repeatedly turned on and off four times while power is being supplied from the AC power supply I1. That is, the control circuit M6 transitions to the night mode when, for example, a period in which power is supplied from the AC (alternating current power supply) I1 and a period in which the power supply from the AC (alternating current power supply) I1 is cut off alternately four times. Note that, as will be described later, the control circuit M6 transitions to the reset mode when a period in which power is supplied from the AC power supply I1 and a period in which the power supply from the AC power supply I1 is cut off alternately five times. While transitioning to the morning mode or the night mode is an initial setting, the reset mode is a mode in which an operation to reset the initial setting is performed.

[0074] When the control circuit M6 recognizes the mode setting based on the user's on / off operation of the switch I2, it displays an output (answerback) corresponding to the mode by lighting up a specified light source LS.

[0075] For example, when the morning mode is set based on the user's on / off operation of the switch I2, the control circuit M6 turns off all the light sources LS, then turns on the first light source M41, and lights up cool color light from the first light source M41 for a maximum of 30 seconds to indicate that the morning mode is set. Thereafter, the control circuit M6 turns on the light sources LS with the color temperature and light intensity corresponding to the set time.

[0076] On the other hand, when the night mode is set based on the user's on / off operation of the switch I2, the control circuit M6 turns off all the light sources LS, then turns on the second light source M42, and indicates that the night mode is set by emitting warm light from the second light source M42 for a maximum of 30 seconds. Thereafter, the control circuit M6 turns on the light sources LS at the color temperature and light intensity corresponding to the set time.

[0077] Next, the time adjustment performed by the control circuit M6 immediately after the mode setting will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 . "Immediately after the mode setting" refers to, for example, within 30 seconds of the output (answerback) after the mode setting in the lighting system 1 according to this embodiment. If the switch I2 is not turned on or off even once within 30 seconds, the control circuit M6 determines that the time adjustment will not be performed and confirms this. FIG. 7 is a graph showing the relationship between time and the rectified voltage applied to the input side of the power factor correction circuit (PFC) M1 in the lighting device M when adjusting the time by adding to the time immediately after setting the morning mode or night mode. FIG. 8 is a graph showing the relationship between time and the rectified voltage applied to the input side of the power factor correction circuit (PFC) M1 in the lighting device M when adjusting the time by subtracting from the time immediately after setting the morning mode or night mode.

[0078] Here, the time adjustment immediately after mode setting shown in Figure 7 corresponds to performing steps S14 to S16 and steps S20 to S22 in Figure 4B twice. For example, when switch I2 is turned off for the first time immediately after setting morning mode and power is supplied from AC (alternating current) power supply I1, control circuit M6 transitions to time adjustment mode for a preset period of time T22 (three minutes in this embodiment) from the time I2 was turned off (corresponding to steps S14 and S15 in Figure 4B). In this embodiment, the predetermined period of time T22 for the time adjustment mode is, for example, three minutes.

[0079] Furthermore, for example, when the switch I2 is turned off for the first time immediately after the morning mode is set, the control circuit M6 transitions to the operation reception mode (corresponding to step S16 in FIG. 4B) for a predetermined time T21 from the time the switch I2 is turned off. In this embodiment, the predetermined time T21 for the operation reception mode is, for example, 2 seconds.

[0080] To advance the current time of the timer circuit M7 by one hour from the first time, the control circuit M6 adds one hour to the first time when, for example, the switch I2 is repeatedly turned off and on twice within a predetermined time T21 (corresponding to steps S20 to S22 in FIG. 4B ). That is, the control circuit M6 advances the current time of the timer circuit M7 by one hour from the first time when, for example, there are two alternating periods in which power is supplied from the AC (alternating current power supply) I1 and two periods in which the power supply from the AC (alternating current power supply) I1 is cut off.

[0081] When the control circuit M6 recognizes an operation to advance the first time by one hour based on the user's on / off operation of switch I2, it displays an output (answerback) corresponding to that operation by flashing and lighting a specified light source LS (corresponding to step S21 in Figure 4B).

[0082] For example, when the control circuit M6 recognizes an operation to advance the first time by one hour based on the user's on / off operation of the switch I2, it turns off all the light sources LS and then turns on the first light source M41, which emits cool colored light, by flashing it twice every three seconds.

[0083] If the user wishes to set the time on the timer circuit M7 one hour ahead of the first time, the user repeats the same operation as above once. When the same operation as above is performed, the control circuit M6 determines that the time has advanced by two hours from the first time, and turns on the first light source M41, which emits cool colored light, in two sets of flashes, each set being two flashes every three seconds.

[0084] When these operations are performed, the time on the timer circuit M7 is advanced by two hours from the first time of 8:00 to 10:00 (corresponding to step S24 in FIG. 4B ). Furthermore, in the lighting device M of this embodiment, the control circuit M6 stores the time difference between the time set as the first time and the current time on the timer circuit M7. For example, if the current first time is 8:00, the first time is set to 10:00 based on the above operations. Therefore, the time on the timer circuit M7 in the circadian rhythm control shown in FIG. 3 is the first time plus two hours. In this way, the control circuit M6 changes the first time in accordance with the number of operations of the switch I2 within a predetermined period immediately after the morning mode is set, and starts controlling the color temperature and light intensity based on the circadian rhythm, starting from the point in time that has elapsed since the stopwatch was started (the point in time when the predetermined period T22 has elapsed).

[0085] By the above operation, the second memory unit 242 stores the set start time of 10:00 and the adjusted time difference (so-called shift time) of 2 hours, and the time on the timer circuit M7 is set to 10:00. As a result, regardless of the current time, control based on the circadian rhythm begins from the current time at the color temperature and luminous flux ratio of 10:00 shown in Figure 3. Also, if the morning mode is set and no time adjustment is performed, the time on the timer circuit M7 is set to 8:00, and regardless of the current time, control based on the circadian rhythm begins from the current time at the color temperature and luminous flux ratio of 8:00 shown in Figure 3.

[0086] Here, the time adjustment immediately after the mode setting shown in Fig. 8 corresponds to performing steps S34 to S39 in Fig. 4C twice. For example, as shown in Fig. 8, when switch I2 is turned off for the first time immediately after night mode is set and power is being supplied from AC (alternating current) power supply I1, control circuit M6 transitions to time adjustment mode for a preset period of time T22 (three minutes in this embodiment) from the time I2 is turned off (corresponding to steps S34 and S35 in Fig. 4C). In this embodiment, the predetermined period of time T22 for the time adjustment mode is, for example, three minutes.

[0087] Furthermore, for example, when the switch I2 is turned off for the first time immediately after the night mode is set, the control circuit M6 transitions to the operation reception mode (corresponding to step S36 in FIG. 4C) for a predetermined time T21 from the time the switch I2 is turned off. In this embodiment, the predetermined time T21 for the operation reception mode is, for example, 2 seconds.

[0088] To delay the current time of the timer circuit M7 by one hour from the second time, the control circuit M6 subtracts one hour from the second time when, for example, the switch I2 is turned off and on once during the predetermined time T21 (corresponding to steps S37 to S39 in FIG. 4C ). In other words, the control circuit M6 delays the current time of the timer circuit M7 by one hour from the second time when, for example, there is one period in which power is supplied from the AC (alternating current power supply) I1 and one period in which the supply of power from the AC (alternating current power supply) I1 is cut off.

[0089] When the control circuit M6 recognizes an operation to delay the second time by one hour based on the user's on / off operation of switch I2, it displays an output (answerback) corresponding to that operation by flashing and lighting a specified light source LS (corresponding to step S38 in Figure 4C).

[0090] For example, when the control circuit M6 recognizes an operation to delay the second time by one hour based on the user's on / off operation of the switch I2, it turns off all the light sources LS and then turns on the second light source M42, which emits warm color light, by flashing it once every two seconds for one set.

[0091] If the user wishes to delay the time of the timer circuit M7 by another hour from the second time, he or she repeats the same operation as above once. When the same operation as above is performed, the control circuit M6 turns on the second light source M42, which emits warm colored light, in two sets of flashes, with one set being one flash every two seconds, since the time of the timer circuit M7 has been delayed by two hours from the second time.

[0092] When these operations are performed, the time on the timer circuit M7 is delayed by two hours from 20:00, and the time on the timer circuit M7 is changed to 18:00 (corresponding to step S44 in FIG. 4C ). Furthermore, in the lighting device M of this embodiment, the control circuit M6 stores the time difference between the second time and the current time on the timer circuit M7. For example, if the current second time is 20:00, the second time is set to 18:00 based on the above operations. Therefore, the time on the timer circuit M7 in the circadian rhythm control shown in FIG. 3 is the second time minus two hours. In this way, the control circuit M6 changes the second time in accordance with the number of operations of the switch I2 within a predetermined period immediately after the night mode is selected, and starts controlling the color temperature and light intensity based on the circadian rhythm, starting from the point in time that has elapsed since the stopwatch was started (the point in time when the predetermined period T22 has elapsed).

[0093] By the above operation, the second memory unit 242 stores the set start time of 18:00 and the adjusted time difference (so-called shift time) of 2 hours, and the time on the timer circuit M7 is set to 18:00. As a result, regardless of the current time, control based on the circadian rhythm begins from the current time at the color temperature and luminous flux ratio for 18:00 shown in Figure 3. Furthermore, if the night mode is set and no time adjustment is performed, the time on the timer circuit M7 is set to 20:00, and regardless of the current time, control based on the circadian rhythm begins from the current time at the color temperature and luminous flux ratio for 20:00 shown in Figure 3.

[0094] To set back the first time, switch I2 is operated in the same way as when setting back the second time, as described with reference to Fig. 8, and to set forward the second time, switch I2 is operated in the same way as when setting forward the first time, as described with reference to Fig. 7. Therefore, by performing the operations shown in Fig. 7 or 8 up to six times, the time can be adjusted in one-hour increments over 24 hours. It is also possible to adjust the time to an accuracy of within ±30 minutes of the true time.

[0095] As described above, the control circuit M6 provides answerback by indicating how many sets of cool-colored light are turned on, either twice every three seconds or once every two seconds, to indicate how many hours the first time has been changed, and by indicating how many sets of warm-colored light are turned on, either twice every three seconds or once every two seconds, to indicate how many hours the second time has been changed. Furthermore, the control circuit M6 sets the flashing pattern to two times every three seconds when the first time or the second time is advanced, and sets the flashing pattern to one time every two seconds when the first time or the second time is delayed. In other words, the control circuit M6 clearly changes the flashing pattern depending on whether the time is advanced or delayed.

[0096] In this way, when the first time or the second time is changed, the control circuit M6 lights the light source LS a number of times according to the changed time, and indicates by the blinking pattern whether the light source LS blinks twice every three seconds or once every two seconds depending on whether the first time or the second time is advanced or delayed. In other words, the control circuit M6 changes the number of times the light source LS is turned on and the blinking pattern according to the changed time.

[0097] Let's assume that after the time adjustment setting is confirmed after a predetermined time T22 has elapsed, switch I2 is turned off, and circadian rhythm-based light intensity control is suspended. In this case, timer circuit M7 continues to operate without stopping thanks to the power supply from power storage unit M8. When switch I2 is turned on and power supply from AC (alternating current power supply) I1 is resumed, circadian rhythm-based control of color temperature and light intensity resumes. At the point when power supply from AC (alternating current power supply) I1 is resumed, control circuit M6 resumes circadian rhythm-based control of color temperature and light intensity according to the time on timer circuit M7.

[0098] For example, even if the light is turned off at 9:00 p.m. and turned on at 9:30 p.m., the timer circuit M7 is still operating, so control resumes at the color temperature and light intensity based on the circadian rhythm corresponding to "9:30 p.m."

[0099] Next, the reset mode process performed by the control circuit M6 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a flowchart of the reset mode process performed by the control circuit M6.

[0100] First, the control circuit M6 performs a reset mode determination to determine whether the reset mode has been set (step S50). More specifically, the control circuit M6 determines, for example, whether the switch I2 has been turned on and off five times. If the control circuit M6 has not detected five off and on operations of the switch I2 (step S50: No), the control circuit M6 waits until it detects five off and on operations of the switch I2. In the standby state, the control circuit M6 continues to control the light source LS based on the currently set mode.

[0101] On the other hand, if the control circuit M6 detects five ON / OFF operations of the switch I2 (step S50: Yes), it starts a stopwatch and determines whether a predetermined time (e.g., 25 seconds) has not elapsed (step S51). If the control circuit M6 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S51: No), that is, if the predetermined time has elapsed, it proceeds to step S62.

[0102] On the other hand, if the predetermined time has not elapsed as determined by the stopwatch (step S51: Yes), the control circuit M6 initializes the mode and time adjustment values ​​(step S52) and returns the circadian mode to the initial setting state (step S53).

[0103] Next, the control circuit M6 displays an answerback message stating "Light source LS will not blink" to indicate that the device has transitioned to the initialized circadian mode (step S54), and determines whether or not the switch I2 has been turned on or off (step S55).

[0104] If the control circuit M6 does not detect the on / off of the switch I2 in step S55 (step S55: No), the control circuit M6 returns to step S51 and determines whether 25 seconds have elapsed. On the other hand, if the control circuit M6 detects the on / off of the switch I2 in step S55 (step S55: Yes), the control circuit M6 transitions to color temperature fixed mode 1 (step S56). Then, to indicate that the control circuit M6 has transitioned to color temperature fixed mode 1, the control circuit M6 displays an answerback message, for example, by blinking the light source LS once every two seconds (step S57), and determines whether the on / off of the switch I2 has been detected (step S58).

[0105] If the control circuit M6 does not detect the on / off of the switch I2 in step S58 (step S58: No), the control circuit M6 returns to step S51 and determines whether 25 seconds have elapsed. On the other hand, if the control circuit M6 detects the on / off of the switch I2 in step S58 (step S58: Yes), the control circuit M6 transitions to color temperature fixed mode 2 (step S59), and to indicate that the control circuit M6 has transitioned to color temperature fixed mode 2, the control circuit M6 displays an answerback message, for example, by blinking the light source LS twice in three seconds (step S60), and determines whether the on / off of the switch I2 has been detected (step S61).

[0106] In step S61, if the control circuit M6 detects that switch I2 has been turned off or on (step S61: Yes), it returns to step S53, cancels the setting of color temperature fixed mode 2, returns to the initial setting of the circadian mode, and continues processing from step S54 onwards.

[0107] On the other hand, if the control circuit M6 does not detect the switch I2 being turned on or off in step S61 (step S61: No), the control circuit M6 returns to step S51 and determines whether 25 seconds have elapsed.

[0108] If 25 seconds have elapsed (step S51: No), the control circuit M6 confirms the mode setting (step S62) and ends the reset mode process.

[0109] Next, the reset mode performed by the control circuit M6 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a graph showing the relationship between the rectified voltage applied to the input side of the power factor correction circuit (PFC) M1 in the lighting device M and time in the reset mode.

[0110] When correcting an error in the time setting, resetting the time, or returning the circadian mode to the initial setting, if the switch I2 is turned off and on a predetermined number of times during a predetermined time T31, the control circuit M6 transitions to the reset mode. For example, the control circuit M6 transitions to the reset mode if the switch I2 is turned off and on five times while power is being supplied from the AC (alternating current power supply) I1. In other words, the control circuit M6 transitions to the reset mode if, for example, there are five alternating periods in which power is supplied from the AC (alternating current power supply) I1 and five periods in which the power supply from the AC (alternating current power supply) I1 is cut off. The predetermined time T31 is five seconds, the same specified time as T1 in FIGS. 5 and 6 .

[0111] When the device transitions to the reset mode, the control circuit M6 resets the morning mode or night mode setting and the time adjustment value adjusted in the morning mode or night mode. In other words, the device transitions to the initialized circadian mode. Here, "T33-T31" shown in FIG. 10 corresponds to the "25 seconds" described in the flowchart of FIG. 9. The predetermined time T32 is, for example, 2 seconds.

[0112] Thereafter, when switch I2 is turned off from the on state and then turned on again within a predetermined time T32, the lamp transitions to a separately pre-programmed fixed color temperature mode 1. In fixed color temperature mode 1, the lamp is constantly lit with a set light intensity at a color temperature that is balanced between the lifespan determined by the current-time product of the first light source M41 that emits cool color light and the second light source M42 that emits warm color light, for example, at a fixed color temperature of 4000 K, and the working efficiency determined by the color temperature in actual use.

[0113] Thereafter, when switch I2 is turned off from the on state and then turned on again within a predetermined time T32, the mode shifts to a separately pre-programmed fixed color temperature mode 2. This fixed color temperature mode 2 is, for example, a mode in which the light intensity is further changed compared to fixed color temperature mode 1.

[0114] Thereafter, in response to further operation of switch I2, the mode is switched in order to circadian mode, color temperature fixed mode 1, and color temperature fixed mode 2. An example of the answerback setting when switching between modes may be, for example, no flashing in circadian mode, one flash every two seconds in color temperature fixed mode 1, and two flashes every three seconds in color temperature fixed mode 2. Then, when a predetermined time T33 has elapsed since the first time switch I2 was turned off in reset mode, the selected mode (i.e., circadian mode, color temperature fixed mode 1, or color temperature fixed mode 2) is confirmed. The predetermined time T33 is, for example, 30 seconds. After that, selection of morning mode or night mode and adjustment of the time can be accepted only in circadian mode.

[0115] The lighting device M according to the above-described embodiment has been described as having two modes, a morning mode and an evening mode, in a 24-hour period. However, for example, the lighting device M may have one mode or three or more modes in a 24-hour period.

[0116] As described above, the lighting device M according to this embodiment includes a light source LS electrically connected to an AC (alternating current) power source I1 via a switch I2, and a control circuit (controller) M6 that changes the color temperature and light intensity of light emitted from the light source LS over time based on a circadian rhythm. The control circuit M6 sets the time for controlling the color temperature and light intensity based on the circadian rhythm in response to the number of times the switch IS is operated within a predetermined period of time. Therefore, the lighting device M according to this embodiment can set the time for controlling the color temperature and light intensity based on the circadian rhythm in response to the number of times the switch I2 is operated within a predetermined period of time, eliminating the need for a dedicated remote control device. As a result, the lighting device M that provides lighting based on a circadian rhythm can be provided inexpensively and easily installed. Furthermore, lighting devices that can wirelessly adjust brightness and color using a mobile device such as a smartphone have been sold in recent years, but detailed settings are required to adjust brightness and color based on a circadian rhythm. Furthermore, with such lighting devices, pairing the lighting device with a mobile device is cumbersome, and preparing a registered mobile device is also cumbersome. On the other hand, the lighting device M according to this embodiment does not require pairing with a mobile device, does not require a registered mobile device, and does not encounter problems with radio wave interference caused by wireless communication. Furthermore, when circadian rhythms are realized using a wired remote control, a control system that controls the light intensity of the cool-color LEDs and the warm-color LEDs with PWM signals, a control system that controls each with a 0-10V signal, or a DALI (registered trademark) system that controls both at the same time, the control system is expensive, requires specialized knowledge for initial setup, and the construction costs are high due to the wired remote control. Furthermore, the lighting device M according to this embodiment can change the start time of the morning mode or night mode, regardless of the current time, and the time setting operation is easy.Furthermore, the lighting device M according to this embodiment can shift the mode by 12 hours by operating the switch six times to advance or six times to delay in the two modes, so that time adjustment can be performed with a small number of operations.

[0117] Furthermore, the lighting device M according to this embodiment has two circadian rhythm-based control modes for color temperature and light intensity: a first mode in which the color temperature and light intensity are controlled based on the circadian rhythm during a first time period, and a second mode in which the color temperature and light intensity are controlled based on the circadian rhythm during a second time period. The control circuit M6 switches between the first mode and the second mode depending on the number of times the switch I2 is operated within a predetermined period. Therefore, the lighting device M according to this embodiment can divide 24 hours into two modes, the first mode and the second mode, making it easier to set the time. On the other hand, if the time could be set by turning the device on and off without dividing the 24 hours, the time adjustment operation would be cumbersome or would require a user to synchronize the time only at specific times, which would be impractical.

[0118] Furthermore, in the lighting device M according to this embodiment, the control circuit M6 adjusts the time in the first time period in accordance with the number of times the switch I2 is operated within a predetermined period after transitioning to the first mode, and starts controlling the color temperature and light intensity based on the circadian rhythm with the adjusted time as the start time, and adjusts the time in the second time period in accordance with the number of times the switch I2 is operated within a predetermined period after transitioning to the second mode, and starts controlling the color temperature and light intensity based on the circadian rhythm with the adjusted time as the start time.

[0119] In the lighting device M according to this embodiment, the control circuit M6 sets, as a first mode, a mode in which the color temperature and light intensity are controlled based on a circadian rhythm, with the start time being a first time in a first time zone, or sets, as a second mode, a mode in which the color temperature and light intensity are controlled based on a circadian rhythm, with the start time being a second time zone. Furthermore, the control circuit M6 changes the first time in accordance with the number of times the switch I2 is operated within a predetermined period immediately after setting the first mode, and controls the color temperature and light intensity based on the circadian rhythm, with the adjusted time as the start time, or changes the second time in accordance with the number of times the switch I2 is operated within a predetermined period immediately after setting the second mode, and controls the color temperature and light intensity based on the circadian rhythm, with the adjusted time as the start time.

[0120] Furthermore, in the lighting device M according to this embodiment, the first time is the time after adjustment in the first mode or a preset initial setting time, and the second time is the time after adjustment in the second mode or a preset initial setting time.

[0121] In the lighting device M according to this embodiment, when the first time or the second time is changed, the control circuit M6 turns on the light source LS a number of times according to the changed time, and changes the blinking pattern depending on whether the first time or the second time is advanced or delayed. Therefore, in the lighting device M according to this embodiment, the user can easily determine whether the operation performed by the user has been properly input to the lighting device M based on the blinking pattern of the light source LS and the number of times the blinking pattern is repeated.

[0122] The lighting device M according to this embodiment further includes a timer circuit M7. In addition, the control circuit M6 stores the time difference between the start time and the set time, and reflects this time on the timer circuit M7.

[0123] The lighting device M according to this embodiment further includes a power storage unit M8 that supplies power to the timer circuit M7 when the supply of power from the AC (alternating current power source) I1 is cut off. Furthermore, when the supply of power from the AC (alternating current power source) I1 is resumed, the control circuit M6 resumes controlling the color temperature and light intensity based on the circadian rhythm in accordance with the time of the timer circuit M7. Therefore, the lighting device M according to this embodiment can control the color temperature and light intensity based on the circadian rhythm even after the supply of power from the AC (alternating current power source) I1 is cut off.

[0124] In the lighting device M according to this embodiment, the control circuit M6 transitions to the reset mode when the time adjustment is set to the morning mode or the night mode and the switch I2 has been operated a predetermined number of times. Therefore, the lighting device M according to this embodiment can prevent the time from being readjusted after the time adjustment unless the device goes through the reset mode. By increasing the complexity of the operation of the switch I2 for time readjustment, it is possible to prevent the time from being incorrectly adjusted due to an incorrect operation of the switch I2.

[0125] Furthermore, in the lighting device M according to this embodiment, the light source LS includes a first light source M41 that emits cool color light and a second light source M42 that emits warm color light, and the first light source M41 emits light with a color temperature higher than the maximum color temperature in the circadian rhythm, thereby extending the expected life of the lighting device M.

[0126] In the lighting device M according to the embodiment described above, the number of times the switch I2 is turned on and off is an example, and can be changed to an appropriate number as needed.

[0127] Furthermore, in the lighting device M according to the above embodiment, the light source LS has been described as including a plurality of first light sources M41 that emit cool color light and a plurality of second light sources M42 that emit warm color light. However, the light source LS according to the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the light source LS may include a plurality of first light sources that emit blue light, a plurality of second light sources that emit red light, and a plurality of third light sources that emit green light. Of course, the light source LS is not limited to this, and may be any light source that can change the color temperature and light intensity of light over time.

[0128] The above has been a description based on an embodiment of the lighting device M according to the present invention, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Such modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention are also included in the technical scope of the present invention, and this will be clear to those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

[0129] I1 AC (AC power supply), I2 switch, LS light source, M lighting device, M6 control circuit (control unit)

Claims

1. A lighting device comprising: a light source electrically connected to a power source via a switch; and a control unit that changes the color temperature and light intensity of the light emitted from the light source over time based on a circadian rhythm, wherein the control unit sets a time for control of the color temperature and light intensity based on the circadian rhythm in accordance with the number of times the switch is operated within a specified period of time.

2. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein the control modes for color temperature and light intensity based on circadian rhythm include a first mode in which color temperature and light intensity are controlled based on circadian rhythm in a first time period, and a second mode in which color temperature and light intensity are controlled based on circadian rhythm in a second time period, and the control unit transitions to the first mode or the second mode depending on the number of times the switch is operated within a specified period of time.

3. The lighting device described in claim 2, wherein the control unit adjusts the time in the first time period in accordance with the number of times the switch is operated within a specified period after transitioning to the first mode, and initiates control of the color temperature and light intensity based on the circadian rhythm starting from the adjusted time, and adjusts the time in the second time period in accordance with the number of times the switch is operated within a specified period after transitioning to the second mode, and initiates control of the color temperature and light intensity based on the circadian rhythm starting from the adjusted time.

4. The lighting device described in claim 2, wherein the control unit sets, as the first mode, a mode in which the color temperature and light intensity are controlled based on a circadian rhythm starting at a first time in the first time period, or sets, as the second mode, a mode in which the color temperature and light intensity are controlled based on a circadian rhythm starting at a second time in the second time period, changes the first time in response to the number of times the switch is operated within a predetermined period of time immediately after setting the first mode, and controls the color temperature and light intensity based on the circadian rhythm starting at the adjusted time, or changes the second time in response to the number of times the switch is operated within a predetermined period of time immediately after setting the second mode, and controls the color temperature and light intensity based on the circadian rhythm starting at the adjusted time.

5. The lighting device of claim 4, wherein the first time is a time after adjustment in the first mode or a preset initial setting time, and the second time is a time after adjustment in the second mode or a preset initial setting time.

6. The lighting device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, when the first time or the second time is changed, the control unit turns on the light source a number of times according to the changed time, and changes the manner of blinking depending on whether the first time or the second time has been advanced or delayed.

7. The lighting device according to claim 2, further comprising a timer circuit, wherein the control unit stores the time set as the start time and the adjusted time difference, and reflects this in the time on the timer circuit.

8. The lighting device according to claim 7, further comprising a power storage unit which supplies power to the timer circuit when the supply of power from the power source is cut off, wherein when the supply of power from the power source is resumed, the control unit resumes control of the color temperature and light intensity based on the circadian rhythm in accordance with the time on the timer circuit.

9. The lighting device according to claim 3, further comprising a reset mode for resetting the adjusted time to an initial value, wherein the control unit transitions to the reset mode when the time adjustment is set and the switch is operated a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period of time.

10. The lighting device of claim 2, wherein the light source comprises a first light source that emits light of a cool color and a second light source that emits light of a warm color, and the first light source emits light of a color temperature higher than a maximum color temperature in the circadian rhythm.

11. A time setting method for a lighting device comprising: a light source electrically connected to a power source via a switch; and a control unit that changes the color temperature and light intensity of the light emitted from the light source over time based on a circadian rhythm, wherein the control unit sets the time for control of the color temperature and light intensity based on the circadian rhythm in accordance with the number of times the switch is operated within a predetermined period of time.

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