Illumination control device and illumination device

Abstract

The purpose of the present disclosure is to improve practicality when a plurality of fixed light-emitting elements arranged in an array are used as a light source for illumination. The light source unit (2) includes a plurality of fixed light-emitting elements arranged in an array, and a plurality of semiconductor switch elements. A control unit (5) controls the lighting state by performing switching operations of the plurality of semiconductor switch elements such that the current flowing through the plurality of fixed light-emitting elements is intermittently pulsed. During the switching operations, the control unit (5) applies two or more time-division pulsed scanning drive signals to two or more scanning electrodes, and applies two or more pulsed data drive signals corresponding to the two or more scanning drive signals to two or more data electrodes. Control terminals of the plurality of semiconductor switch elements (4) are electrically connected to the two or more scanning electrodes in units of a first unit related to the array arrangement. Ground terminals of the plurality of semiconductor switch elements are electrically connected to the two or more data electrodes in units of a second unit related to the array arrangement.

Description

Lighting control device and lighting device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lighting control device and a lighting device. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a lighting control device that controls a light source unit having a plurality of fixed light-emitting elements, and a lighting device including the lighting control device.

[0002] Patent Literature 1 discloses an invention related to a lighting device. The lighting device includes an array of micro LEDs or mini LEDs. Each micro LED or mini LED in the array of micro LEDs or mini LEDs is covered with or shaped as a logo, so that the array of micro LEDs or mini LEDs forms an array of micro logos. The array of micro logos is located in the focal plane of a micro lens array.

[0003] Special Publication No. 2022-519861

[0004] However, in a configuration in which multiple LEDs (fixed light-emitting elements) are arranged in an array, such as the lighting device (lighting apparatus) described in Patent Document 1, the number of control lines for controlling the lighting states of the multiple fixed light-emitting elements may increase. Furthermore, when the multiple fixed light-emitting elements are individually controlled, a large power loss may occur within the lighting apparatus. As a result, such lighting apparatuses have room for improvement in terms of practicality.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above reasons, and aims to provide a lighting control device and a lighting device that can improve practicality when using multiple fixed light-emitting elements arranged in an array as a light source for lighting.

[0006] A lighting control device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a control unit for controlling a light source unit. The light source unit includes a plurality of fixed light-emitting elements arranged in an array and a plurality of semiconductor switch elements connected in series to the plurality of fixed light-emitting elements. The control unit controls the illumination states of the plurality of fixed light-emitting elements by performing a switching operation on the plurality of semiconductor switch elements so that a current flowing through the plurality of fixed light-emitting elements is intermittently pulsed. In the switching operation, the control unit applies two or more time-divided pulsed scan drive signals to two or more scan electrodes and applies two or more pulsed data drive signals corresponding to the two or more scan drive signals to two or more data electrodes. Control terminals of the plurality of semiconductor switch elements are electrically connected to the two or more scan electrodes in a first unit along a specific direction relative to the array arrangement of the plurality of fixed light-emitting elements. Ground terminals of the plurality of semiconductor switch elements are electrically connected to the two or more data electrodes in a second unit along a direction intersecting the specific direction relative to the array arrangement.

[0007] A lighting device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the lighting control device described above and the light source unit.

[0008] Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a lighting device including a lighting control device according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a partial circuit diagram of a light source unit in the lighting device, showing an emission pattern based on operation example 1 in the lighting control device. Fig. 3 is a waveform diagram of a scan drive signal and a data drive signal based on operation example 1 in the lighting control device. Fig. 4 is a partial circuit diagram of a light source unit in the lighting device, showing an emission pattern based on operation example 2 in the lighting control device. Fig. 5 is a waveform diagram of a scan drive signal and a data drive signal based on operation example 2 in the lighting control device. Fig. 6 is a partial circuit diagram of a light source unit in a lighting device according to a modified example of the embodiment.

[0009] Hereinafter, a lighting control device and a lighting device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] (Embodiment) (1) Overview First, an overview of a lighting control device 1 and a lighting device 100 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1 , the lighting control device 1 according to the embodiment includes a control unit 5 that controls a light source unit 2 .

[0012] The light source unit 2 has a plurality of fixed light-emitting elements 3 (only nine are shown in FIG. 2 as an example) arranged in an array, and a plurality of semiconductor switch elements 4 (only nine are shown in FIG. 2 as an example) connected in series to the plurality of fixed light-emitting elements 3. In other words, the light source unit 2 has, for example, the same number of semiconductor switch elements 4 as the number of fixed light-emitting elements 3.

[0013] The control unit 5 controls the lighting states of the plurality of fixed light-emitting elements 3 by performing switching operations on the plurality of semiconductor switch elements 4 so that the current flowing through the plurality of fixed light-emitting elements 3 intermittently acts in a pulsed manner.

[0014] In a switching operation, the control unit 5 supplies two or more time-divided pulsed scan drive signals Sg1-1 to Sg1-3 (see FIG. 3) to two or more scan electrodes A0 (three in FIG. 2). Furthermore, in a switching operation, the control unit 5 supplies two or more pulsed data drive signals Sg2-1 to Sg2-3 (see FIG. 3) corresponding to the two or more scan drive signals Sg1-1 to Sg1-3 to two or more data electrodes B0 (three in FIG. 2). The control terminals of the semiconductor switch elements 4 are electrically connected to the two or more scan electrodes A0 in a first unit related to the array arrangement of the fixed light-emitting elements 3. The ground terminals of the semiconductor switch elements 4 are electrically connected to the two or more data electrodes B0 in a second unit related to the array arrangement of the fixed light-emitting elements 3. The first unit is a unit along a specific direction. The second unit is a unit along a direction intersecting the specific direction.

[0015] As an example, the plurality of fixed light-emitting elements 3 are arranged in a matrix array (row and column pattern) as shown in Fig. 2. One of the row unit and the column unit is the first unit, and the other is the second unit.

[0016] In the following description, the first unit will be referred to as a row unit, and the second unit will be referred to as a column unit. That is, the "specific direction" is the horizontal direction in FIG. 2 , and the "direction intersecting the specific direction" is the vertical direction, which is approximately perpendicular to the horizontal direction. In FIG. 2 , nine (plural) semiconductor switch elements 4 are divided into three rows, i.e., three elements per row, and their control terminals are electrically connected to the scan electrodes A0 corresponding to each of the three rows. Also, in FIG. 2 , nine (plural) semiconductor switch elements 4 are divided into three columns, i.e., three elements per column, and their ground terminals are electrically connected to the data electrodes B0 corresponding to each of the three columns.

[0017] According to this configuration, the lighting states of the plurality of fixed light-emitting elements 3 are controlled by the above-described switching operation. Therefore, it is easier to suppress an increase in the number of control lines and to reduce power loss compared to when the lighting states of the respective fixed light-emitting elements 3 are individually controlled. As a result, the lighting control device 1 has the advantage of improving practicality when using a plurality of fixed light-emitting elements 3 arranged in an array as a light source for illumination.

[0018] The lighting device 100 according to the embodiment (see FIG. 1 ) includes the lighting control device 1 and the light source unit 2. This configuration provides the lighting device 100 that can improve practicality when using a plurality of fixed light-emitting elements 3 as a light source for lighting.

[0019] The lighting device 100 equipped with the lighting control device 1 can be used as a lighting device for stage lighting in, for example, stores, exhibition halls, museums, stadiums (baseball stadiums, soccer stadiums, etc.), concert venues, event venues, etc.

[0020] (2) Details Next, each component of the lighting device 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. For convenience of explanation, the following description may be made by defining up, down, left, and right directions for the first control lines G1 to Gn and second control lines S1 to Sn, etc., which will be described later, based on the (partial) circuit diagram of Figure 2. However, defining such directions is not intended to limit the direction in which the lighting device 100 is used.

[0021] 1 , a lighting device 100 according to an embodiment includes a lighting control device 1 and a light source unit 2. The lighting device 100 further includes a housing that houses the lighting control device 1 and the light source unit 2, and a light-transmitting cover member. The cover member is held by the housing so as to guide illumination light emitted from the light source unit 2 to the outside of the housing.

[0022] (2.1) Light Source Unit The light source unit 2 has a plurality of fixed light-emitting elements 3 and a plurality of semiconductor switch elements 4. The light source unit 2 also has a plurality of resistors R1 (see FIG. 2 ) connected in series with the plurality of fixed light-emitting elements 3, respectively. The light source unit 2 also has one or more mounting substrates 6 (see FIG. 2 ; printed wiring board) on which the plurality of fixed light-emitting elements 3, the plurality of semiconductor switch elements 4, and the plurality of resistors R1 are mounted. The mounting substrate 6 is provided with two or more scanning electrodes A0 (only three are shown in FIG. 2 ) and two or more data electrodes B0 (only three are shown in FIG. 2 ).

[0023] In addition, the light source unit 2 may further include a heat dissipation member that dissipates heat generated by the fixed light emitting element 3 and the semiconductor switch element 4 to the outside, and a lens block that condenses light from the fixed light emitting element 3. The heat dissipation member may be made of a material with high heat dissipation properties (for example, a plate material such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy).

[0024] The plurality of fixed light-emitting elements 3 are mounted on the mounting substrate 6 so as to be arranged in a matrix array (rows and columns). The number of fixed light-emitting elements 3 is not particularly limited, but is assumed to be, for example, about one hundred to several hundred. For convenience of explanation, the following description may focus on only nine fixed light-emitting elements 3 arranged in a 3 × 3 matrix, as shown in FIG. 2 , out of the plurality of fixed light-emitting elements 3.

[0025] Each of the multiple fixed light-emitting elements 3 is configured, for example, by at least one light-emitting diode (LED). In this embodiment, as an example, each fixed light-emitting element 3 is configured by one LED (see FIG. 2). It is assumed that so-called mini LEDs are used as the LEDs. Mini LEDs are, for example, 0.1 mm square to 10 mm square. The LEDs are not limited to mini LEDs and may be other light-emitting diodes. The light color of the LED is not particularly limited and may be blue, red, green, white, or the like.

[0026] 2, the anode of each LED is electrically connected to a first end of a corresponding resistor R1, the second end of the resistor R1 is electrically connected to an input end to which a DC voltage Vcc (rated voltage) is applied, and the cathode of each LED is electrically connected to a corresponding semiconductor switch element 4.

[0027] Each of the plurality of fixed light-emitting elements 3 is not limited to an LED, but may be, for example, an organic light-emitting element or a laser diode.

[0028] Each of the plurality of fixed light-emitting elements 3 may be configured by combining two or more light-emitting diodes in series, parallel, or series-parallel. For example, one fixed light-emitting element 3 may be configured by connecting two LEDs in parallel with each other.

[0029] The plurality of semiconductor switch elements 4 are connected in series with the plurality of fixed light-emitting elements 3, respectively. In this embodiment, as an example, each of the plurality of semiconductor switch elements 4 is a field-effect transistor 4A. Each field-effect transistor 4A has a gate terminal, a source terminal, and a drain terminal. That is, in this embodiment, the control terminal of the semiconductor switch element 4 is the gate terminal, and the ground terminal of the semiconductor switch element 4 is the source terminal.

[0030] Each field effect transistor 4A is, for example, an n-channel MOSFET, with its drain terminal being a high potential terminal and its source terminal being a ground terminal.

[0031] The drain terminal (first main terminal) of each field effect transistor 4A is electrically connected to the cathode of the corresponding fixed light emitting element (LED) 3. In other words, the drain terminal is electrically connected to the high potential side input terminal to which the DC voltage Vcc is applied via the fixed light emitting element 3 and resistor R1.

[0032] The gate terminal (control terminal) of each field-effect transistor 4A is electrically connected to a corresponding one of a plurality of first control lines G1 to Gn (see FIG. 1; gate lines). The plurality of first control lines G1 to Gn are formed by a conductor pattern or the like on the mounting substrate 6. In the example shown in FIG. 2, only three of the plurality of first control lines G1 to Gn (hereinafter also referred to as the first gate line G1, the second gate line G2, and the third gate line G3) are shown.

[0033] Each first control line (gate line) is electrically connected to a scanning electrode A0. In other words, a plurality of scanning electrodes A0 are provided on the mounting substrate 6. In FIG. 2 , only three scanning electrodes A0 (hereinafter also referred to as a first scanning electrode A1, a second scanning electrode A2, and a third scanning electrode A3) out of the plurality of scanning electrodes A0 are illustrated.

[0034] Specifically, one end (left end in FIG. 2) of the first gate line G1 is electrically connected to the first scanning electrode A1, one end (left end in FIG. 2) of the second gate line G2 is electrically connected to the second scanning electrode A2, and one end (left end in FIG. 2) of the third gate line G3 is electrically connected to the third scanning electrode A3.

[0035] 2 , the gate terminals of three field-effect transistors 4A are connected to the first gate line G1. Hereinafter, the leftmost field-effect transistor 4A connected to the first gate line G1, the fixed light-emitting element 3 connected to the field-effect transistor 4A, and the resistor R1 connected to the fixed light-emitting element 3 may be collectively referred to as a first light source block C1. Furthermore, the center field-effect transistor 4A connected to the first gate line G1, the fixed light-emitting element 3 connected to the field-effect transistor 4A, and the resistor R1 connected to the fixed light-emitting element 3 may be collectively referred to as a second light source block C2. Furthermore, the rightmost field-effect transistor 4A connected to the first gate line G1, the fixed light-emitting element 3 connected to the field-effect transistor 4A, and the resistor R1 connected to the fixed light-emitting element 3 may be collectively referred to as a third light source block C3.

[0036] 2, the gate terminals of three field-effect transistors 4A are connected to the second gate line G2. Hereinafter, the leftmost field-effect transistor 4A connected to the second gate line G2, the fixed light-emitting element 3 connected to the field-effect transistor 4A, and the resistor R1 connected to the fixed light-emitting element 3 may be collectively referred to as a fourth light source block C4. The center field-effect transistor 4A connected to the second gate line G2, the fixed light-emitting element 3 connected to the field-effect transistor 4A, and the resistor R1 connected to the fixed light-emitting element 3 may be collectively referred to as a fifth light source block C5. The rightmost field-effect transistor 4A connected to the second gate line G2, the fixed light-emitting element 3 connected to the field-effect transistor 4A, and the resistor R1 connected to the fixed light-emitting element 3 may be collectively referred to as a sixth light source block C6.

[0037] 2, the gate terminals of three field-effect transistors 4A are connected to the third gate line G3. Hereinafter, the leftmost field-effect transistor 4A connected to the third gate line G3, the fixed light-emitting element 3 connected to the field-effect transistor 4A, and the resistor R1 connected to the fixed light-emitting element 3 may be collectively referred to as a seventh light source block C7. Furthermore, the center field-effect transistor 4A connected to the third gate line G3, the fixed light-emitting element 3 connected to the field-effect transistor 4A, and the resistor R1 connected to the fixed light-emitting element 3 may be collectively referred to as an eighth light source block C8. Furthermore, the rightmost field-effect transistor 4A connected to the third gate line G3, the fixed light-emitting element 3 connected to the field-effect transistor 4A, and the resistor R1 connected to the fixed light-emitting element 3 may be collectively referred to as a ninth light source block C9.

[0038] The source terminal (ground terminal; second main terminal) of each field-effect transistor 4A is electrically connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of second control lines S1 to Sn (see FIG. 1; source lines). The plurality of second control lines S1 to Sn are formed on the mounting substrate 6 using a conductor pattern or the like. In the example shown in FIG. 2, only three of the plurality of second control lines S1 to Sn (hereinafter also referred to as first source line S1, second source line S2, and third source line S3) are shown. Note that in the example shown in FIG. 2, the number of the plurality of second control lines S1 to Sn and the number of the plurality of first control lines G1 to Gn are the same, but they may be different from each other.

[0039] Each second control line (source line) is electrically connected to a data electrode B0. In other words, a plurality of data electrodes B0 are provided on the mounting substrate 6. In FIG. 2 , only three data electrodes B0 (hereinafter also referred to as a first data electrode B1, a second data electrode B2, and a third data electrode B3) out of the plurality of data electrodes B0 are shown.

[0040] Specifically, one end (the lower end in FIG. 2) of the first source line S1 is electrically connected to the first data electrode B1, one end (the lower end in FIG. 2) of the second source line S2 is electrically connected to the second data electrode B2, and one end (the lower end in FIG. 2) of the third source line S3 is electrically connected to the third data electrode B3.

[0041] 2, the first source line S1 is connected to the source terminals of three field effect transistors 4A in the first light source block C1, the fourth light source block C4, and the seventh light source block C7. The second source line S2 is connected to the source terminals of three field effect transistors 4A in the second light source block C2, the fifth light source block C5, and the eighth light source block C8. The third source line S3 is connected to the source terminals of three field effect transistors 4A in the third light source block C3, the sixth light source block C6, and the ninth light source block C9.

[0042] In this way, the control terminals (gate terminals) of the nine semiconductor switch elements 4 are connected to the first to third scanning electrodes A1 to A3 in first units (row units) along a specific direction (left-right direction) related to the array arrangement of the plurality of fixed light-emitting elements 3. Furthermore, the ground terminals (source terminals) of the nine semiconductor switch elements 4 are connected to the first to third data electrodes B1 to B3 in second units (column units) along a direction (up-down direction) intersecting the specific direction (left-right direction) related to the array arrangement of the plurality of fixed light-emitting elements 3.

[0043] 2 illustrates nine disembodied star-shaped light-emitting marks M1 to M9 to facilitate intuitive understanding of the lighting states of the nine fixed light-emitting elements 3 in Operation Example 1, which will be described later. The light-emitting marks M1 to M9 are illustrated to correspond one-to-one with the first to ninth light source blocks C1 to C9, respectively. The lighting states of the fixed light-emitting elements 3 of the corresponding light source blocks M1 to M9 are indicated by solid black light-emitting marks when they are lit (on), and by hollow light-emitting marks when they are off (off). The solid black light-emitting marks M1, M3, M5, M7, and M9 in FIG. 2 correspond to the solid black light-emitting marks M1, M3, M5, M7, and M9 in FIG. 3, respectively.

[0044] (2.2) Lighting Control Device As shown in FIG. 1 , the lighting control device 1 includes a control unit 5, a first power source 7, and a second power source 8.

[0045] The control unit 5 includes a computer system having one or more processors and a memory. At least some of the functions of the control unit 5 are realized by the processor of the computer system executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be recorded in the memory, or may be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet, or may be provided by being recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card.

[0046] The control unit 5 controls the light source unit 2, the first power source 7, and the second power source 8. The control unit 5 controls the lighting states of the fixed light-emitting elements 3 by performing switching operations of the semiconductor switch elements 4 so that the current flowing through the fixed light-emitting elements 3 is intermittent in a pulsed manner.

[0047] The lighting control device 1 further includes a power supply circuit for generating the first power supply 7 and the second power supply 8. The power supply circuit converts AC power obtained from, for example, a commercial AC power supply, into DC power to generate the first power supply 7 and the second power supply 8.

[0048] The first power supply 7 is a DC power supply. The control unit 5 applies a DC voltage Vcc from the first power supply 7 to each of the plurality of light source blocks (in FIG. 2 , each of the first light source block C1 to the ninth light source block C9) of the light source unit 2. The first power supply 7 may be, for example, a secondary battery.

[0049] The second power supply 8 is a DC power supply. The control unit 5 generates a scan drive signal and a data drive signal (described later) to be applied to the light source unit 2 based on the DC voltage from the second power supply 8. The second power supply 8 may be, for example, a secondary battery.

[0050] Specifically, in the switching operation, the control unit 5 applies two or more time-divided pulsed scan drive signals (only three scan drive signals Sg1-1, Sg1-2, and Sg1-3 are shown in FIG. 3) to two or more scan electrodes A0.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 3, the scanning drive signals Sg1-1 to Sg1-3 are rectangular wave signals whose voltage signal levels are high level (indicated as "H" in FIG. 3) higher than the threshold voltage and low level (indicated as "L" in FIG. 3) lower than the threshold voltage.

[0052] The control unit 5 generates a scan drive signal Sg1-1 and sends it to the first gate line G1 via the first scan electrode A1. The control unit 5 also generates a scan drive signal Sg1-2 and sends it to the second gate line G2 via the second scan electrode A2. The control unit 5 also generates a scan drive signal Sg1-3 and sends it to the third gate line G3 via the third scan electrode A3. Note that the rectangular wave signals corresponding to "G1," "G2," and "G3" in FIG. 3 correspond to the three scan drive signals Sg1-1, Sg1-2, and Sg1-3, respectively.

[0053] The control unit 5 controls the light source unit 2 for each control period T1 (see FIG. 3 ). In this embodiment, attention is focused on only nine fixed light-emitting elements 3 arranged in a 3×3 matrix. Therefore, in FIG. 3 , as an example, the control period T1 includes three time-divided periods (hereinafter referred to as a first period T11, a second period T12, and a third period T13). However, the number of periods in the control period T1 may vary depending on, for example, the number of first control lines G1 to Gn (gate lines). For example, if there are ten first control lines G1 to Gn (gate lines), the number of periods in the control period T1 may be ten.

[0054] The first interval T11 is an interval assigned to the first gate line G1, and the scanning drive signal Sg1-1 is the only one of the multiple scanning drive signals that exhibits a high level during the first interval T11. The scanning drive signal Sg1-1 exhibits a low level during the second interval T12 and the third interval T13.

[0055] The second interval T12 is an interval assigned to the second gate line G2, and the scanning drive signal Sg1-2 is the only one of the multiple scanning drive signals that exhibits a high level during the second interval T12. Note that the scanning drive signal Sg1-2 exhibits a low level during the first interval T11 and the third interval T13.

[0056] The third interval T13 is a interval assigned to the third gate line G3, and the scanning drive signal Sg1-3 is the only one of the multiple scanning drive signals that shows a high level during the third interval T13. Note that the scanning drive signal Sg1-3 shows a low level during the first interval T11 and the second interval T12.

[0057] Furthermore, in the switching operation, the control unit 5 supplies two or more pulsed data drive signals (Sg2-1, Sg2-2, Sg2-3) corresponding to two or more scan drive signals (Sg1-1, Sg1-2, Sg1-3) to two or more data electrodes B0. The control unit 5 sends out the data drive signals in synchronization with the scan drive signals, as shown in FIG.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 3, the data drive signals Sg2-1, 2-2, and 2-3 are rectangular wave signals whose voltage signal levels are high level (denoted as "H" in FIG. 3) higher than the threshold voltage and low level (denoted as "L" in FIG. 3) lower than the threshold voltage.

[0059] The control unit 5 generates a data drive signal Sg2-1 and sends it to the first source line S1 via the first data electrode B1. The control unit 5 also generates a data drive signal Sg2-2 and sends it to the second source line S2 via the second data electrode B2. The control unit 5 also generates a data drive signal Sg2-3 and sends it to the third source line S3 via the third data electrode B3. Note that the rectangular wave signals corresponding to "S1," "S2," and "S3" in FIG. 3 correspond to the three data drive signals Sg2-1, Sg2-2, and Sg2-3, respectively.

[0060] Details will be explained later in Operation Example 1, but the data drive signals Sg2-1 to Sg2-3 may include one or more sections indicating a low level among the first section T11 to the third section T13. When a certain data drive signal indicates a low level in a certain section, the fixed light-emitting elements 3 of the light source block connected to the gate line corresponding to that section (to which a scan drive signal indicating a high level in that section is sent) and the source line to which that data drive signal is sent are lit (turned on).

[0061] As an example, a case will be described in which the data drive signal Sg2-1 indicates a low level in the first interval T11. The fixed light-emitting element 3 of the first light source block C1 connected to the first gate line G1 corresponding to the first interval T11 (to which the scan drive signal Sg1-1 indicating a high level in the first interval T11 is sent) and the first source line S1 to which the data drive signal Sg2-1 is sent is lit (turned on). In other words, the scan drive signal Sg1-1 indicating a high level in the first interval T11 applies a positive voltage to the gate terminals of the corresponding first to third light source blocks C1 to C3. However, only when a data drive signal indicating a low level in the first interval T11 is present at the timing when the voltage is applied to the gate terminal, a potential difference equal to or greater than the threshold value is generated between the gate terminal and source terminal of the light source block that received the data drive signal among the first to third light source blocks C1 to C3. In other words, the field-effect transistor 4A of the light source block that received the data drive signal is turned on. As a result, a current of a magnitude necessary for the fixed light emitting element 3 to light up (for example, about 100 mA to 500 mA) flows through the fixed light emitting element 3 of the light source block, and the fixed light emitting element 3 lights up (is turned on).

[0062] In other words, a positive voltage is applied to the gate terminals of the field effect transistors 4A of the first light source block C1 to the ninth light source block C9 sequentially in a time-division manner on a row-by-row basis during the control period T1 by the scan drive signals Sg1-1 to Sg1-3. However, depending on which of the first to third intervals T11 to T13 of each of the data drive signals Sg2-1, Sg2-2, and Sg2-3 is set to low level, it is possible to control which of the fixed light emitting elements 3 of which light source blocks are to be lit during the control period T1.

[0063] (3) Operation Example 1 Hereinafter, a light emission pattern based on Operation Example 1 of the lighting control device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG.

[0064] In the light emission pattern based on the operation example 1, it is assumed that, among the first light source block C1 to the ninth light source block C9, the first light source block C1, the third light source block C3, the fifth light source block C5, the seventh light source block C7, and the ninth light source block C9 are continuously lit. In other words, it is assumed that the control cycle T1 shown in FIG. 3 is repeatedly and continuously repeated.

[0065] The scan drive signals Sg1-1 to Sg1-3 sequentially exhibit a high level in a time-division manner for each row in the first to third intervals T11 to T13 of the control cycle T1.

[0066] 3, the data drive signals that indicate a low level in the first interval T11 are the data drive signal Sg2-1 and the data drive signal Sg2-3. As a result, the first light source block C1 and the third light source block C3 connected to the first gate line G1 to which the scan drive signal Sg1-1 that indicates a high level in the first interval T11 is sent and the first source line S1 and the third source line S3 to which the data drive signals Sg2-1 and Sg2-3 are sent are lit in the "first interval T11." In FIGS. 2 and 3, black light-emitting marks M1 and M3 are shown to indicate that the first light source block C1 and the third light source block C3 are lit.

[0067] Next, in the example of Fig. 3, the only data drive signal that indicates a low level in the second interval T12 is the data drive signal Sg2-2. As a result, the fifth light source block C5 connected to the second gate line G2 to which the scan drive signal Sg1-2 that indicates a high level in the second interval T12 is sent and the second source line S2 to which the data drive signal Sg2-2 is sent is lit in the "second interval T12". In Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, a black light-emitting mark M5 is shown to indicate that the fifth light source block C5 is lit.

[0068] 3, the data drive signals that indicate a low level in the third interval T13 are the data drive signal Sg2-1 and the data drive signal Sg2-3. As a result, the seventh light source block C7 and the ninth light source block C9 connected to the third gate line G3 to which the scan drive signal Sg1-3 that indicates a high level in the third interval T13 is sent and the first source line S1 and the third source line S3 to which the data drive signals Sg2-1 and Sg2-3 are sent are lighted up in the "third interval T13." In FIGS. 2 and 3, black light-emitting marks M7 and M9 are shown to indicate that the seventh light source block C7 and the ninth light source block C9 are lighted up.

[0069] Note that, because each control period T1 is relatively short, the first light source block C1, the third light source block C3, the fifth light source block C5, the seventh light source block C7, and the ninth light source block C9 appear to be continuously lit to the naked eye. In the example of Figures 2 and 3, when the lighting device 100 is arranged so that the illumination light from the lighting device 100 illuminates, for example, a floor or a wall, a mark such as an "x" may be formed by the illumination light on the floor or wall, which is the illumination area. While Figures 2 and 3 focus on only nine fixed light-emitting elements 3 arranged in a 3 x 3 matrix, various characters, patterns, pictures, etc. can be formed by the illumination light in the illumination area by controlling the lighting of more fixed light-emitting elements 3 by the lighting control device 1.

[0070] (4) Operation Example 2 The light emission pattern based on Operation Example 2 of the lighting control device 1 will be described below with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. Note that Fig. 4 shows a partial circuit diagram of the light source unit 2, but the circuit diagram itself is the same as Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is a waveform diagram of the scan drive signal and the data drive signal based on Operation Example 2.

[0071] In the light emission pattern based on Operation Example 2, it is assumed that the first light source block C1, the third light source block C3, the fifth light source block C5, the seventh light source block C7, and the ninth light source block C9 are continuously lit among the first light source block C1 to the ninth light source block C9, as in Operation Example 1. In other words, it is assumed that the control cycle T1 shown in FIG. 5 is repeatedly and continuously repeated.

[0072] However, the light emission pattern based on Operation Example 2 differs from Operation Example 1 in that the brightness of the fixed light-emitting elements 3 in some of the light source blocks is adjusted (for example, lowered) before lighting. In other words, in Operation Example 2, the lighting control device 1 performs dimming control on at least one light source block of the light source unit 2 (here, light source blocks C1, C3, C7, and C9).

[0073] In the second operational example as well, the scan drive signals Sg1-1 to Sg1-3 sequentially exhibit a high level in a time-division manner on a row-by-row basis in the first to third intervals T11 to T13 of the control cycle T1.

[0074] On the other hand, in operation example 2, the data drive signals that indicate a low level in the first interval T11 are data drive signal Sg2-1 and data drive signal Sg2-3 in the example of Fig. 5. As a result, the first light source block C1 and the third light source block C3 connected to the first gate line G1 to which the scan drive signal Sg1-1 that indicates a high level in the first interval T11 is sent and the first source line S1 and the third source line S3 to which the data drive signals Sg2-1 and Sg2-3 are sent are lighted up in the "first interval T11". However, the length of the low level period in the first interval T11 for each of the data drive signals Sg2-1 and Sg2-3 is set shorter than the first interval T11 (one-third of the first interval T11 in the example of Fig. 5). By making the length of the low-level period shorter than that of the first interval T11, the current duty ratio is reduced, and the average value of the current flowing through the fixed light-emitting elements 3 of the first light source block C1 and the third light source block C3 in the first interval T11 is reduced, thereby reducing the brightness. Specifically, if the fixed light-emitting elements 3 of each light source block in Operation Example 1 have a brightness with a dimming rate of 100%, the fixed light-emitting elements 3 of the first light source block C1 and the third light source block C3 in the first interval T11 can have a brightness with a dimming rate of, for example, about 30%. In Figures 4 and 5, light-emitting marks M1 and M3 with thin dot hatching indicate that the first light source block C1 and the third light source block C3 are lit at reduced brightness.

[0075] Next, in the example of FIG. 5, the only data drive signal that indicates a low level in the second interval T12 is the data drive signal Sg2-2. As a result, the fifth light source block C5, which is connected to the second gate line G2 to which the scan drive signal Sg1-2, which indicates a high level in the second interval T12, is sent, and the second source line S2 to which the data drive signal Sg2-2 is sent, is illuminated in the "second interval T12." Since the length of the low-level period in the second interval T12 in the data drive signal Sg2-2 is the same as that of the second interval T12, the fifth light source block C5 is illuminated at full brightness (dimming rate 100%), as in Operation Example 1. In FIGS. 4 and 5, a black light-emitting mark M5 is shown indicating that the fifth light source block C5 is illuminated at full brightness.

[0076] 5, the data drive signals that indicate a low level in the third interval T13 are the data drive signal Sg2-1 and the data drive signal Sg2-3. As a result, the seventh light source block C7 and the ninth light source block C9 connected to the third gate line G3 to which the scan drive signal Sg1-3 that indicates a high level in the third interval T13 is sent and the first source line S1 and the third source line S3 to which the data drive signals Sg2-1 and Sg2-3 are sent are lighted up in the "third interval T13." However, the length of the low level period in the third interval T13 for each of the data drive signals Sg2-1 and Sg2-3 is set shorter than the third interval T13 (one-third of the third interval T13 in the example of FIG. 5). By making the length of the low level period shorter than that of the third section T13, the current duty ratio is reduced, the average value of the current flowing through the fixed light emitting elements 3 of the seventh light source block C7 and the ninth light source block C9 in the third section T13 is reduced, and the brightness is reduced (for example, the dimming rate is about 30%). In Figures 4 and 5, light-emitting marks M7 and M9 with thin dot hatching indicate that the seventh light source block C7 and the ninth light source block C9 are lit with reduced brightness.

[0077] Since each control period T1 is relatively short, the first light source block C1, the third light source block C3, the fifth light source block C5, the seventh light source block C7, and the ninth light source block C9 appear to be continuously lit to the naked eye. In particular, the first light source block C1, the third light source block C3, the seventh light source block C7, and the ninth light source block C9 appear to be continuously lit at a lower brightness than the fifth light source block C5.

[0078] In this way, the lighting control device 1 achieves dimming control by shortening the length of the low level period of the data drive signal in the section (T11 to T13) in which the scan drive signal indicates a high level.

[0079] (5) Effects According to the lighting control device 1 of this embodiment, the lighting states of the plurality of fixed light-emitting elements 3 are controlled by the above-described switching operation. That is, the control unit 5 applies two or more time-divided pulsed scan drive signals (Sg1-1 to Sg1-3) to two or more scan electrodes A0 to which the control terminals of the plurality of semiconductor switch elements 4 are electrically connected in row units. In addition, the control unit 5 applies two or more pulsed data drive signals (Sg2-1 to Sg2-3) corresponding to the two or more scan drive signals (Sg1-1 to Sg1-3) to two or more data electrodes B0 to which the ground terminals of the plurality of semiconductor switch elements 4 are electrically connected in column units.

[0080] That is, in the lighting control device 1 according to this embodiment, the number of first control lines G1 to Gn and the number of second control lines S1 to Sn only need to be the number of rows and the number of columns, respectively. For example, if there are 100 fixed light-emitting elements 3, this can be achieved with 10 first control lines G1 to Gn and 10 second control lines S1 to Sn. Therefore, it is easier to suppress the increase in the number of control lines compared to, for example, a case where the number of control lines is the same as the number of fixed light-emitting elements and the lighting state of each fixed light-emitting element is controlled individually.

[0081] Furthermore, when the lighting state of each fixed light-emitting element is individually controlled, that is, when each semiconductor switch element is individually controlled, the power loss generated by the semiconductor switch element can be relatively large. In particular, when multiple fixed light-emitting elements arranged in an array are used as a light source for illumination, a relatively large current of approximately 100 mA to 500 mA can flow, and the power loss generated by the semiconductor switch element is also large. In this respect, too, in the lighting control device 1 according to this embodiment, the semiconductor switch elements 4 (field-effect transistors 4A) are sequentially controlled in a time-division manner by row, which makes it easier to reduce power loss.

[0082] As a result, the lighting control device 1 has the advantage of improving practicality when a plurality of fixed light-emitting elements 3 arranged in an array are used as a light source for lighting.

[0083] The light source unit 2 controlled by the lighting control device 1 in this embodiment can be easily realized as a discrete circuit. That is, the light source unit 2 can be realized by pairing the fixed light emitting element 3, which is a discrete component, with the semiconductor switch element 4, which is also a discrete component, and mounting them on the mounting board 6 by soldering.

[0084] (6) Modifications The above-described embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The above-described embodiment can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Modifications of the above-described embodiment are listed below. The modifications described below can be applied in appropriate combination with the above-described embodiment, and can also be applied in appropriate combination with each other.

[0085] In the following description, in each of the modified examples, the same components as those in the lighting control device 1 and the lighting device 100 of the above-described embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0086] In the above-described embodiment, each of the semiconductor switch elements 4 is a field-effect transistor 4A. However, each of the semiconductor switch elements 4 may be a bipolar transistor 4B as shown in FIG. 6. In this case, the control terminal of the semiconductor switch element 4 is the base terminal. The ground terminal of the semiconductor switch element 4 is the emitter terminal.

[0087] FIG. 6 is a partial circuit diagram of the light source unit 2 in a lighting device 100 according to a modified example, showing only the first light source block C1 and its periphery. The bipolar transistor 4B shown in FIG. 6 is, for example, an NPN-type bipolar transistor, with a collector terminal serving as a high-potential terminal and an emitter terminal serving as a ground terminal. The base terminal of the bipolar transistor 4B is electrically connected to a first control line (also referred to as a base line X1). The first control line (base line X1) is electrically connected to a scanning electrode A0 (first scanning electrode A1). The emitter terminal of the bipolar transistor 4B is electrically connected to a second control line (also referred to as an emitter line Y1). The second control line (emitter line Y1) is electrically connected to a data electrode B0 (not shown in FIG. 6). The collector terminal of the bipolar transistor 4B is electrically connected to the cathode of the corresponding fixed light-emitting element 3. The emitter line Y2 on the right side of the emitter line Y1 is electrically connected to the emitter terminal of the bipolar transistor 4B in the second light source block C2 (not shown in Fig. 6). Even in this modified example, it is possible to improve practicality when using a plurality of fixed light-emitting elements 3 arranged in an array as a light source for illumination.

[0088] In the above-described embodiment, each of the semiconductor switch elements 4 is an n-channel MOSFET. However, each of the semiconductor switch elements 4 may be a p-channel MOSFET.

[0089] 6, each of the semiconductor switch elements 4 is an NPN-type bipolar transistor, but each of the semiconductor switch elements 4 may be a PNP-type bipolar transistor.

[0090] In the above-described embodiment, the plurality of fixed light-emitting elements 3 are arranged in a matrix array. In particular, the number of fixed light-emitting elements 3 is the same in each row (three in all in the example of FIG. 2 ). The number of fixed light-emitting elements 3 corresponding to each column is also the same (three in all in the example of FIG. 2 ). The outline of the array arrangement of the plurality of fixed light-emitting elements 3 is generally square overall. However, the number of fixed light-emitting elements 3 may vary from row to row. For example, the number of fixed light-emitting elements 3 may increase as the row number increases, such as one in the first row from the top, three in the second row, five in the third row, seven in the fourth row, and nine in the fifth row. Conversely, the number of fixed light-emitting elements 3 may decrease as the row number increases from the sixth row to the ninth row, such as seven, five, three, and one. The number of fixed light-emitting elements 3 corresponding to each column may also increase or decrease as the column number increases. In short, the outline of the array arrangement of the multiple fixed light-emitting elements 3 is not limited to a square shape as a whole, but may be a rectangle, rhombus, triangle, pentagon, hexagon, circle, ellipse, or the like.

[0091] In the above-described embodiment, the plurality of fixed light-emitting elements 3 are arranged in a matrix array (rows and columns). However, the plurality of fixed light-emitting elements 3 may be arranged in a form other than a matrix array, for example, a radial array. In this case, the "specific direction" regarding the array arrangement of the plurality of fixed light-emitting elements 3 is the circumferential direction of a circle centered on a certain point, and the first unit may be a circular unit of a plurality of concentric circles about the center. Furthermore, the "direction intersecting the specific direction" is a direction intersecting with the circumferential direction of each of the plurality of concentric circles, i.e., a direction along a plurality of straight lines extending radially from the center, and the second unit may be a line unit of a plurality of straight lines extending radially.

[0092] In the above-described embodiment, all of the multiple fixed light-emitting elements 3 of the light source unit 2 are light-emitting elements to which the lighting control by the above-described switching operation is applied. However, in addition to the multiple fixed light-emitting elements 3, the light source unit 2 may further include one or more fixed light-emitting elements to which a lighting control different from the lighting control by the above-described switching operation is applied. The above-described "different lighting control" may be, for example, PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control using a conventionally known switching regulator. In this case, the lighting control device 1 may have a lighting circuit that lights the one or more fixed light-emitting elements by PWM control or the like. The one or more fixed light-emitting elements may be mounted on the mounting substrate 6, for example, so as to be arranged around the multiple fixed light-emitting elements 3 arranged in an array.

[0093] (Aspects) The present specification discloses the following aspects.

[0094] A lighting control device (1) according to a first aspect includes a control unit (5) that controls a light source unit (2). The light source unit (2) includes a plurality of fixed light-emitting elements (3) arranged in an array and a plurality of semiconductor switch elements (4) connected in series to the plurality of fixed light-emitting elements (3). The control unit (5) controls the lighting states of the plurality of fixed light-emitting elements (3) by performing a switching operation on the plurality of semiconductor switch elements (4) so ​​that a current flowing through the plurality of fixed light-emitting elements (3) is intermittent in a pulsed manner. In the switching operation, the control unit (5) provides two or more time-divided pulsed scan drive signals (Sg1-1 to Sg1-3) to two or more scan electrodes (A0). Furthermore, in the switching operation, the control unit (5) provides two or more pulsed data drive signals (Sg2-1 to Sg2-3) corresponding to the two or more scan drive signals (Sg1-1 to Sg1-3) to two or more data electrodes (B0). The control terminals of the semiconductor switch elements (4) are electrically connected to the two or more scanning electrodes (A0) in a first unit along a specific direction related to the array arrangement of the fixed light-emitting elements (3). The ground terminals of the semiconductor switch elements (4) are electrically connected to the two or more data electrodes (B0) in a second unit along a direction intersecting the specific direction related to the array arrangement of the fixed light-emitting elements (3).

[0095] According to the above aspect, the lighting states of the plurality of fixed light-emitting elements (3) are controlled by the above switching operation. Therefore, it is easier to suppress an increase in the number of control lines and to reduce power loss compared to when the lighting states of the respective fixed light-emitting elements (3) are individually controlled. As a result, the lighting control device (1) has the advantage of improving practicality when using a plurality of fixed light-emitting elements (3) arranged in an array as a light source for illumination.

[0096] Regarding the lighting control device (1) according to the second aspect, in the first aspect, the plurality of fixed light-emitting elements (3) are arranged in a matrix array, with one of the row unit and the column unit being a first unit and the other being a second unit.

[0097] According to the above aspect, it is possible to improve the practicality when a plurality of fixed light emitting elements (3) arranged in a matrix array are used as a light source for illumination.

[0098] With regard to the lighting control device (1) according to the third aspect, in the first or second aspect, each of the plurality of fixed light emitting elements (3) is configured by at least one light emitting diode.

[0099] According to the above aspect, it is possible to improve the practicality when using a plurality of fixed light emitting elements (3) made up of light emitting diodes as a light source for illumination.

[0100] Regarding the lighting control device (1) of the fourth aspect, in the third aspect, each of the plurality of fixed light-emitting elements (3) is configured by combining two or more light-emitting diodes in series, parallel, or series-parallel.

[0101] According to the above aspect, practicality can be improved when a plurality of fixed light emitting elements (3) each composed of two or more light emitting diodes are used as a light source for illumination.

[0102] With respect to the lighting control device (1) according to the fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, each of the plurality of semiconductor switch elements (4) is a field-effect transistor (4A), the control terminal is a gate terminal, and the ground terminal is a source terminal.

[0103] According to the above aspect, it becomes easier to further improve the practicality when using a plurality of fixed light emitting elements (3) as a light source for illumination.

[0104] A lighting control device (1) according to a sixth aspect is the lighting control device (1) of any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein each of the plurality of semiconductor switch elements (4) is a bipolar transistor (4B), the control terminal is a base terminal, and the ground terminal is an emitter terminal.

[0105] According to the above aspect, it becomes easier to further improve the practicality when using a plurality of fixed light emitting elements (3) as a light source for illumination.

[0106] The lighting control device (1) according to the seventh aspect is any one of the first to sixth aspects, in which the light source unit (2) further has, in addition to the plurality of fixed light-emitting elements (3), one or more fixed light-emitting elements to which lighting control different from the lighting control by the above-mentioned switching operation is applied.

[0107] According to the above aspect, it becomes easier to further improve the practicality when using a plurality of fixed light emitting elements (3) as a light source for illumination.

[0108] An illumination device (100) according to an eighth aspect includes the illumination control device (1) according to any one of the first to seventh aspects and a light source unit (2).

[0109] According to the above aspect, it is possible to provide an illumination device (100) that can improve practicality when using a plurality of fixed light emitting elements (3) as a light source for illumination.

[0110] The configurations according to the second to seventh aspects are not essential for the lighting control device (1) according to the first aspect, and may be omitted as appropriate.

[0111] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Illumination device 1 Illumination control device 2 Light source unit 3 Fixed light emitting element 4 Semiconductor switch element 4A Field effect transistor 4B Bipolar transistor 5 Control unit A0 Scan electrode B0 Data electrode Sg1-1 to Sg1-3 Scan drive signal Sg2-1 to Sg2-3 Data drive signal

Claims

1. A control unit for controlling a light source unit having a plurality of fixed light emitting elements arranged in an array and a plurality of semiconductor switch elements respectively connected in series with the plurality of fixed light emitting elements, wherein the control unit performs a switching operation of the plurality of semiconductor switch elements so that the current flowing through the plurality of fixed light emitting elements is intermittently pulsed to control the lighting state of the plurality of fixed light emitting elements, and in the switching operation, the control unit applies two or more time-division pulsed scanning drive signals to two or more scanning electrodes and applies two or more pulsed data drive signals corresponding to the two or more scanning drive signals to two or more data electrodes, and the control terminals of the plurality of semiconductor switch elements are electrically connected to the two or more scanning electrodes in a first unit along a specific direction related to the array arrangement of the plurality of fixed light emitting elements, and the ground terminals of the plurality of semiconductor switch elements are electrically connected to the two or more data electrodes in a second unit along a direction intersecting the specific direction related to the array arrangement. Lighting control device.

2. The plurality of fixed light emitting elements are arranged in a matrix array, and one of the row unit and the column unit is the first unit and the other is the second unit. The lighting control device according to claim 1.

3. Each of the plurality of fixed light emitting elements is composed of at least one light emitting diode. The lighting control device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. Each of the plurality of fixed light emitting elements is composed of two or more of the light emitting diodes combined in series, in parallel, or in series-parallel combination. The lighting control device according to claim 3.

5. Each of the plurality of semiconductor switch elements is a field effect transistor, the control terminal is a gate terminal, and the ground terminal is a source terminal. The lighting control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. Each of the plurality of semiconductor switch elements is a bipolar transistor, the control terminal is a base terminal, and the ground terminal is an emitter terminal. The lighting control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The light source unit further has one or more fixed light emitting elements to which lighting control different from the lighting control by the switching operation is applied in addition to the plurality of fixed light emitting elements. The lighting control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. An illumination device comprising the illumination control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and the light source unit.

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