Lighting control system

Abstract

A lighting control system (1) comprises a first lighting fixture (300) and a second lighting fixture (400). The first lighting fixture (300) and the second lighting fixture (400) each have a control unit (130) that causes the respective first lighting fixture (300) or second lighting fixture (400) to illuminate in a first control mode that continuously changes the illumination from a first control condition to a second control condition. When the respective control units (130) cause the first lighting fixture (300) and the second lighting fixture (400) to illuminate in the first control mode, the control unit (130a) of the first lighting fixture (300) causes the first lighting fixture (300) to illuminate in a second control mode, and when an acquisition unit (111a) has acquired a third signal, the control unit (130a) causes the first lighting fixture (300) to illuminate so as to continuously change to the second control condition from a third control condition under which the second lighting fixture (400) being caused to illuminate in the first control mode is controlled.

Description

Lighting control system

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

[0002] Conventionally, it is known that a lighting fixture included in a lighting control system performs a fade process of changing the brightness of the emitted light from a first level (first control condition) to a second level (second control condition) (Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-062617

[0004] Such a lighting control system may include a plurality of lighting fixtures, and the plurality of lighting fixtures may perform a fade process. By the way, while all of the plurality of lighting fixtures are performing the fade process, some of the plurality of lighting fixtures continue to perform the fade process, and some of the other lighting fixtures of the plurality of lighting fixtures perform a process different from the fade process and then perform the fade process again. There are cases. In this case, the illumination light emitted by some of the lighting fixtures that continue to perform the fade process may be different from the illumination light emitted by the other lighting fixtures that perform the fade process again. For example, the dimming rate of the illumination light emitted by some lighting fixtures may be different from the dimming rate of the illumination light emitted by other lighting fixtures. A user who sees such illumination light may feel discomfort.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a lighting control system that can emit illumination light that is less likely to cause discomfort.

[0006] To achieve the above objective, a lighting control system in one embodiment of the present invention comprises a first lighting fixture and a second lighting fixture, the first lighting fixture having an acquisition unit that acquires a first signal for illuminating the first lighting fixture in a first control mode in which the control conditions for controlling the first lighting fixture change continuously from a first control condition to a second control condition different from the first control condition, and a control unit that illuminates the first lighting fixture in the first control mode based on the first signal acquired by the acquisition unit of the first lighting fixture, the second lighting fixture having an acquisition unit that acquires a first signal for illuminating the second lighting fixture in a first control mode in which the control conditions for controlling the second lighting fixture change continuously from a first control condition to a second control condition, and a control unit that illuminates the first lighting fixture in the first control mode based on the first signal acquired by the acquisition unit of the second lighting fixture The first lighting fixture has a control unit for illuminating a second lighting fixture, and when the control unit of the first lighting fixture illuminates the first lighting fixture in the first control mode and the control unit of the second lighting fixture illuminates the second lighting fixture in the first control mode, when the acquisition unit of the first lighting fixture acquires a second signal for illuminating the first lighting fixture in a second control mode different from the first control mode, the control unit of the first lighting fixture illuminates the first lighting fixture in the second control mode based on the acquired second signal, and when the acquisition unit of the first lighting fixture acquires a third signal for ending the second control mode, the control unit of the first lighting fixture illuminates the first lighting fixture so as to continuously change from a third control condition in which the second lighting fixture illuminating in the first control mode is controlled to a second control condition.

[0007] According to the present invention, a lighting control system is realized that can emit illumination light that does not cause discomfort.

[0008] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the space to which the lighting control system according to the embodiment is applied. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the lighting control system according to the embodiment. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the change in dimming rate for a lighting fixture controlled in the first control mode according to the embodiment. Figure 4 is a flowchart of an example of operation performed by the lighting control system according to the embodiment. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the change in dimming rate and color temperature for a lighting fixture in an operation example according to the embodiment. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the change in illumination light emitted by multiple lighting fixtures according to the embodiment. Figure 7 is a detailed flowchart of step S16 of the operation example according to the embodiment. Figure 8 is a detailed flowchart of step S20 of the operation example according to the embodiment. Figure 9 is a detailed flowchart of step S202 of the operation example according to the embodiment. Figure 10 is a detailed flowchart of step S204 of the operation example according to the embodiment. Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of operation of the lighting control system according to the embodiment and an example of operation of a conventional lighting control system. Figure 12 is a diagram showing a light distribution fixture, which is an example of a lighting fixture according to another first example.

[0009] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection configurations of components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, components in the following embodiments that are not described in an independent claim will be described as optional components.

[0010] Please note that each figure is a schematic diagram and not necessarily a strictly accurate representation. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0011] Furthermore, in this specification, ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," etc., do not indicate the number or order of components unless otherwise specified, but are used to avoid confusion and to distinguish similar components.

[0012] (Embodiment) [Configuration] First, the lighting control system 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a space 90 to which the lighting control system 1 according to this embodiment is applied. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the lighting control system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0014] The lighting control system 1 is a system used in a building that includes a space 90. The space 90 in which the lighting control system 1 is used is, for example, an office, but is not limited to this. The space 90 may be a residence, a public facility such as a community center or library, or a facility for the elderly, a shop or commercial facility.

[0015] The lighting control system 1 is a system for illuminating a space 90. The lighting control system 1 comprises a plurality of lighting fixtures 100 and a control device 200. The plurality of lighting fixtures 100 are installed in the space 90 and illuminate the space 90.

[0016] The multiple lighting fixtures 100 are fixtures placed in the space 90, for example, on the ceiling surface of the space 90.

[0017] In some cases, the multiple lighting fixtures 100 may be described separately as multiple first lighting fixtures 300 and multiple second lighting fixtures 400. Each of the multiple lighting fixtures 100 has the same configuration. That is, each of the multiple first lighting fixtures 300 has the same configuration, and each of the multiple second lighting fixtures 400 has the same configuration.

[0018] Each of the multiple lighting fixtures 100 has a communication unit 110 including an acquisition unit 111 and an output unit 112, a light-emitting unit 120, a control unit 130, and a storage unit 140.

[0019] Furthermore, when identification is necessary, the communication unit 110, light-emitting unit 120, control unit 130, and storage unit 140 of each of the multiple first lighting fixtures 300 may be described as communication unit 110a, light-emitting unit 120a, control unit 130a, and storage unit 140a. In addition, the communication unit 110a has an acquisition unit 111a and an output unit 112a, and the acquisition unit 111a and output unit 112a correspond to the acquisition unit 111 and output unit 112. Similarly, the communication unit 110, light-emitting unit 120, control unit 130, and storage unit 140 of each of the multiple second lighting fixtures 400 may be described as communication unit 110b, light-emitting unit 120b, control unit 130b, and storage unit 140b. Furthermore, the communication unit 110b has an acquisition unit 111b and an output unit 112b, and the acquisition unit 111b and the output unit 112b correspond to the acquisition unit 111 and the output unit 112.

[0020] The communication unit 110 is a communication circuit (communication module) for a lighting fixture 100 having the communication unit 110 to communicate with the control device 200 and other lighting fixtures 100, respectively. As described above, the communication unit 110 includes an acquisition unit 111 and an output unit 112. The acquisition unit 111 acquires signals or information output from the control device 200 or other lighting fixtures 100, and the output unit 112 outputs signals or information to the control device 200 or other lighting fixtures 100.

[0021] The communication unit 110 performs communication using, for example, a wide-area communication network. The communication performed by the communication unit 110 may be, for example, wireless communication, but it may also be wired communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standards used for communication.

[0022] The light-emitting unit 120 is a light-emitting device that emits light (illumination light), and here, as an example, it is an LED (Light Emitting Diode) light source, but is not limited to this. The light-emitting unit 120 has a plurality of LED chips as light-emitting elements. However, it is not limited to this, and the light-emitting unit 120 may be realized by other light-emitting elements such as semiconductor lasers, organic EL (Electroluminescence), or inorganic EL.

[0023] Furthermore, each of the multiple lighting fixtures 100 according to this embodiment is a dimmable and color-adjustable fixture (i.e., a color-adjustable fixture). Therefore, the light-emitting unit 120 emits light in a dimmable and color-adjustable manner when controlled by the control unit 130 of the lighting fixture 100. As a result, the lighting fixture 100 can emit illumination light with different color temperatures, for example. For example, the lighting fixture 100 can emit illumination light with a color temperature of 2000K to 6500K. Similarly, the lighting fixture 100 can be controlled with different dimming rates and emit illumination light, for example. For example, the lighting fixture 100 can be controlled with a dimming rate of 0% to 100% and emit illumination light corresponding to that dimming rate.

[0024] The control unit 130 of the lighting fixture 100 is a processing unit that controls the light-emitting unit 120 to emit illumination light according to a signal output from the control device 200. In other words, the control unit 130a of the first lighting fixture 300 controls the light-emitting unit 120a to emit illumination light according to a signal output from the control device 200. Similarly, the control unit 130b of the second lighting fixture 400 controls the light-emitting unit 120b to emit illumination light according to a signal output from the control device 200. The control unit 130 may be implemented by, for example, a microcomputer, but it may also be implemented by a processor. The control unit 130 controls the communication unit 110, the light-emitting unit 120, and the storage unit 140.

[0025] For example, let's consider the case where the acquisition unit 111a acquires a first signal output from the control device 200. The first signal is a signal that causes the first lighting fixture 300 (more specifically, the light-emitting part 120a of the first lighting fixture 300) having the acquisition unit 111a that acquired the first signal to illuminate in a first control mode. The first control mode is a control mode in which the control conditions for controlling the first lighting fixture 300 change continuously from a first control condition to a second control condition. The second control condition is a different control condition from the first control condition. In this case, the control unit 130a illuminates the first lighting fixture 300 having the acquisition unit 111a that acquired the first signal in the first mode based on the acquired first signal. The same processing is performed in the second lighting fixture 400 when the acquisition unit 111b acquires the first signal.

[0026] For example, the first control mode is a control mode that continuously changes from a first control condition in which the lighting fixture 100 is controlled at a first dimming rate, to a second control condition in which the lighting fixture 100 is controlled at a second dimming rate higher than the first dimming rate. As an example, the first dimming rate is 10%, and the second dimming rate is 100%. That is, when the control condition for controlling the first lighting fixture 300 is the first control condition, the control unit 130a controls the first lighting fixture 300 at a dimming rate of 10%, and the first lighting fixture 300 emits illumination light corresponding to a dimming rate of 10%. Also, when the control condition for controlling the first lighting fixture 300 is the second control condition, the control unit 130a controls the first lighting fixture 300 at a dimming rate of 100%, and the first lighting fixture 300 emits illumination light corresponding to a dimming rate of 100%. Note that the dimming rate may be described as the dimming rate related to the control condition. Furthermore, when the control condition for controlling the second lighting fixture 400 is the first control condition, the control unit 130b controls the second lighting fixture 400 with a dimming rate of 10%, and the second lighting fixture 400 emits illumination light corresponding to a dimming rate of 10%. Furthermore, when the control condition for controlling the second lighting fixture 400 is the second control condition, the control unit 130b controls the second lighting fixture 400 with a dimming rate of 100%, and the second lighting fixture 400 emits illumination light corresponding to a dimming rate of 100%.

[0027] Furthermore, the first control mode will be explained using Figure 3.

[0028] Figure 3 shows an example of the change in dimming rate for a lighting fixture 100 controlled in the first control mode according to this embodiment. As described above, in the first control mode, the control conditions change continuously from the first control conditions to the second control conditions. Therefore, as shown in Figure 3, the lighting fixture 100 first emits illumination light corresponding to a dimming rate of 10% (first control condition), gradually emits illumination light with an increasing dimming rate, and then emits illumination light with a dimming rate corresponding to 100% (second control condition). In other words, "continuously changing" means that the value related to the control conditions (in this case, the dimming rate) increases or decreases from the value related to the first control condition (dimming rate of 10%) to the value related to the second control condition (dimming rate of 100%), or more precisely, increases or decreases monotonically. In other words, the first control mode described here can be said to be a mode in which the lighting fixture 100 performs a fade process (more specifically, a fade-in process).

[0029] Furthermore, the first signal indicates the start time and the end time. The start time is the time when the control condition for controlling the lighting fixture 100 becomes the first control condition, that is, the time when the lighting fixture 100 starts illuminating under the first control condition. The end time is the time when the control condition for controlling the lighting fixture 100 becomes the second control condition, that is, the time when the lighting fixture 100 starts illuminating under the second control condition. The start time is time t1 shown in Figure 3, and the end time is time t6 shown in Figure 3.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3, after the lighting fixture 100 starts illuminating under the second control condition, the lighting fixture 100 may continue to illuminate under the second control condition.

[0031] Furthermore, although the first control mode was described above using the dimming ratio, it is not limited to this. We will also explain it using the color temperature shown in Figure 3. Figure 3 is also a diagram showing an example of the change in color temperature for a lighting fixture 100 controlled by the first control mode according to this embodiment.

[0032] For example, the first control mode may be a control mode that continuously changes from a first control condition that controls the lighting fixture 100 to emit illumination light of a first color temperature to a second control condition that controls the lighting fixture 100 to emit illumination light of a second color temperature higher than the first color temperature. As an example, the first color temperature is 2000K and the second color temperature is 6500K. In this case, when the control condition for controlling the first lighting fixture 300 is the first control condition, the control unit 130a controls the first lighting fixture 300 to emit illumination light with a color temperature of 2000K. When the control condition for controlling the first lighting fixture 300 is the second control condition, the control unit 130a controls the first lighting fixture 300 to emit illumination light with a color temperature of 6500K. Note that the color temperature may be described as the color temperature related to the control condition. Furthermore, if the control condition for controlling the second lighting fixture 400 is the first control condition, the control unit 130b controls the second lighting fixture 400 to emit illumination light with a color temperature of 2000K. If the control condition for controlling the second lighting fixture 400 is the second control condition, the control unit 130b controls the second lighting fixture 400 to emit illumination light with a color temperature of 6500K.

[0033] Furthermore, the control conditions change continuously from the first control condition to the second control condition. Therefore, the lighting fixture 100 first emits illumination light with a color temperature of 2000K (first control condition), then gradually emits illumination light with a higher color temperature, and finally emits illumination light with a color temperature of 6500K (second control condition). In other words, "continuously changing" means that the value related to the control condition (in this case, color temperature) increases or decreases from the value related to the first control condition (color temperature 2000K) to the value related to the second control condition (color temperature 6500K), or more precisely, it increases or decreases monotonically.

[0034] Furthermore, the example of dimming ratio shown in Figure 3 and the example of color temperature described above may be combined. In this combination, the lighting fixture 100 first emits lighting light corresponding to a dimming ratio of 10% and a color temperature of 2000K (first control condition). Next, the lighting fixture 100 emits lighting light with gradually increased dimming ratio and color temperature. Then, the lighting fixture 100 emits lighting light corresponding to a dimming ratio of 100% and a color temperature of 6500K (second control condition). The first control mode according to this embodiment is a control mode in which such an example of dimming ratio and an example of color temperature are combined.

[0035] In the following, for simplicity, lighting light emitted by lighting fixture 100 with a dimming rate of X% (where X is a value between 0 and 100) and a color temperature of YK (where Y is a value between 2000 and 6500) may be referred to as lighting light with a dimming rate of X% and a color temperature of YK.

[0036] The control unit 130 also keeps track of the internal time in the lighting fixture 100 having the control unit 130. The internal time is the time defined in the lighting fixture 100 (the so-called system time), and is not limited to the exact current time, but includes a range that can be considered substantially the same as the current time.

[0037] The storage unit 140 is a storage device that stores control programs used in information processing performed by the control unit 130, as well as various types of information used in said information processing. The storage unit 140 may be implemented by, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), but it may also be implemented by semiconductor memory or the like. The storage unit 140 may also store the internal time measured by the control unit 130.

[0038] The control device 200 is an information terminal operated by the user of the lighting control system 1 (for example, the administrator of the space 90). The control device 200 is, for example, a tablet terminal owned by the user, but it may also be the smartphone or dedicated device of the lighting control system 1.

[0039] The control device 200 is a device that controls each of the multiple lighting fixtures 100 arranged in the space 90.

[0040] The control device 200 includes an operation reception unit 210, a display unit 220, a communication unit 230, a control unit 240, and a storage unit 250.

[0041] The operation reception unit 210 receives operations from a user or the like. The operation reception unit 210 is realized, for example, by a touch panel, but may also be realized by hardware keys or the like.

[0042] The display unit 220 displays images. The display unit 220 is realized, for example, by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel.

[0043] The communication unit 230 is a communication circuit (communication module) for the control device 200 to communicate with each of the plurality of lighting fixtures 100. The communication unit 230 performs communication, for example, using a wide area communication network. The communication performed by the communication unit 230 is, for example, wireless communication, but may also be wired communication. The communication standard used for communication is not particularly limited either.

[0044] The control unit 240 controls the communication unit 230 to output a first signal to the communication unit 110. The control unit 240 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor. The control unit 240 controls the operation reception unit 210, the display unit 220, the communication unit 230, and the storage unit 250.

[0045] The storage unit 250 is a storage device that stores a control program used for the information processing performed by the control unit 240 and various information used for the information processing. The storage unit 250 is realized, for example, by an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), but may also be realized by a semiconductor memory or the like.

[0046] In this embodiment, each of the plurality of lighting fixtures 100 constitutes a wireless mesh network (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a mesh network). Each of the plurality of lighting fixtures 100 corresponds to a communication node. In the mesh network, when transmitting information from one communication node (also referred to as the first communication node) to another communication node (also referred to as the second communication node), the information is transmitted, for example, in a routing manner, but may also be transmitted in a flooding manner. Note that each of the plurality of lighting fixtures 100 and the control device 200 may constitute a mesh network.

[0047] Further, the lighting control system 1 may include other devices not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The other device is, for example, a server device or a scheduler, and here, the scheduler will be described.

[0048] The scheduler stores schedules for controlling the plurality of lighting fixtures 100 and the control device 200. The scheduler controls the plurality of lighting fixtures 100 and the control device 200 according to the schedules. For example, the scheduler may turn on, turn off, or dim the plurality of lighting fixtures 100.

[0049] Next, an operation example of the method performed by the lighting control system 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0050] [Operation Example] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an operation example performed by the lighting control system 1 according to this embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of changes in the dimming rate and color temperature of the lighting fixture 100 in the operation example according to this embodiment. The horizontal axis of FIG. 5 shows the change in time, and the vertical axis of FIG. 5 shows the dimming rate and color temperature. In FIG. 5, the thin solid line and the thin dashed line indicate the change in color temperature, the thick solid line and the thick dashed line indicate the change in the dimming rate, the two solid lines indicate the color temperature and the dimming rate of the first lighting fixture 300, and the two dashed lines indicate the color temperature and the dimming rate of the second lighting fixture 400.

[0051] First, as shown in FIG. 4, the communication unit 110 (more specifically, the acquisition unit 111) of each of the plurality of lighting fixtures 100 acquires a first signal (S10).

[0052] As described above, the first signal is a signal that causes the lighting fixture 100, which has an acquisition unit 111 that acquires the first signal, to light up in the first control mode.

[0053] For example, the control device 200's operation reception unit 210 may perform a process to receive an operation from the user instructing it to execute a first control mode. When such an operation is received, the control device 200's communication unit 230 outputs a first signal, and the acquisition unit 111 acquires the outputted first signal.

[0054] Alternatively, instead of the communication unit 230 outputting the first signal, the scheduler's communication unit may output the first signal to each acquisition unit 111 of the multiple lighting fixtures 100 according to the schedule.

[0055] As an example, as shown in Figure 5, the acquisition unit 111 acquires the first signal between time t0 and time t1 (for example, 10:00).

[0056] As shown in Figure 5, from time t0 to time t1, the control unit 130 controls the lighting fixture 100 to emit illumination light with a dimming rate of 10% and a color temperature of 2000K.

[0057] When the acquisition unit 111 acquires the first signal, each control unit 130 of the multiple lighting fixtures 100 illuminates the lighting fixture 100 (more specifically, the light-emitting unit 120) in the first control mode based on the acquired first signal (S12). In other words, the control unit 130 illuminates the lighting fixture 100 having the control unit 130 in the first control mode.

[0058] In the first control mode of this operation example, when the control conditions are the first control condition and the second control condition, the control unit 130 performs the following control: When the control condition is the first control condition, the control unit 130 controls the lighting fixture 100 to emit illumination light with a dimming rate of 10% and a color temperature of 2000K. When the control condition is the second control condition, the control unit 130 controls the lighting fixture 100 to emit illumination light with a dimming rate of 100% and a color temperature of 6500K.

[0059] As described above, the first signal indicates the start time (time t1) and the end time (time t6).

[0060] Therefore, the control unit 130 illuminates the lighting fixture 100 (more specifically, the light-emitting unit 120) in the first control mode from time t1.

[0061] Here, we will use Figure 6 to explain the illumination light emitted by each of the multiple lighting fixtures 100. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the change in illumination light emitted by the multiple lighting fixtures 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 6(a) shows an example of the illumination light emitted by the multiple lighting fixtures 100 at time t1. Figures 6(b) and (c) show examples of the illumination light emitted by the multiple lighting fixtures 100 at time t4, which is a time between time t1 and time t6. Figure 6(d) shows an example of the illumination light emitted by the multiple lighting fixtures 100 at time t6.

[0062] Here, we will explain the case in which the illumination light emitted by multiple lighting fixtures 100 transitions in the order of Figure 6(a), Figure 6(b), and Figure 6(d) as Case 1, and the case in which it transitions in the order of Figure 6(a), Figure 6(c), and Figure 6(d) as Case 2.

[0063] As shown in Figure 6, at time t1 (10:00), each of the multiple lighting fixtures 100 emits illumination light with a dimming rate of 10% and a color temperature of 2000K (first control condition).

[0064] The first control mode will be explained in more detail.

[0065] Based on the first signal, the control unit 130 controls the lighting fixture 100 over a period of time from time t1 to time t6 (i.e., 2 hours) such that the dimming rate increases from 10% to 100% and the color temperature increases from 2000K to 6500K. In other words, the control unit 130 controls the lighting fixture 100 over a period of 2 hours such that the value related to the control condition increases monotonically from the value related to the first control condition to the value related to the second control condition.

[0066] The control unit 130 calculates the increase or decrease in dimming rate and color temperature per unit time. For example, the unit time is between 10 seconds and 5 minutes, which is 1 minute in this case, but is not limited to this. The control unit 130 calculates the increase or decrease in dimming rate per unit time (1 minute) according to the following formula (1).

[0067] Increase / decrease in dimming rate per unit time (1 minute) = (dimming rate at time t6 - dimming rate at time t1) / (time t6 - time t1) = (100% - 10%) / 120 minutes = 0.75 (% / min) ... Equation (1)

[0068] Furthermore, the control unit 130 calculates the amount of increase or decrease in color temperature per unit time (1 minute) according to the following formula (2).

[0069] Increase or decrease in color temperature per unit time (1 minute) = (Color temperature at time t6 - Color temperature at time t1) / (Time t6 - Time t1) = (6500K - 2000K) / 120 minutes = 37.5 (K / min) ... Equation (2)

[0070] The above value t6 minus t1 corresponds to the difference between time t1 and time t6. The above value t6 dimming rate minus t1 dimming rate corresponds to the difference between the dimming rate at time t1 and the dimming rate at time t6. The above value t6 color temperature minus t1 color temperature corresponds to the difference between the color temperature at time t1 and the color temperature at time t6.

[0071] The control unit 130 updates the dimming rate used to control the lighting fixture 100 and the color temperature of the light emitted by the lighting fixture 100 at regular intervals. The control unit 130 updates the dimming rate and color temperature by accumulating the increase or decrease in the dimming rate and the increase or decrease in the color temperature per unit time according to the elapsed time from time t1. As a result, the control unit 130 can control the lighting fixture 100 so that the dimming rate increases from 10% to 100% and the color temperature increases from 2000K to 6500K over the period from time t1 to time t6.

[0072] Incidentally, it is also possible that all of the multiple lighting fixtures 100 continue to be controlled in the first control mode until time t6 (end time). In this case, it corresponds to Case 1 shown in Figure 6.

[0073] However, while all of the multiple lighting fixtures 100 are being controlled in the first control mode, some of the lighting fixtures 100 may start to be controlled in a second control mode, which is different from the first control mode. The other lighting fixtures 100 of the multiple lighting fixtures 100 continue to be controlled in the first control mode. This case corresponds to Case 2 shown in Figure 6, for example. Case 2 will be explained below.

[0074] Here, we will explain assuming that some of the lighting fixtures 100 are multiple first lighting fixtures 300, and the other lighting fixtures 100 are multiple second lighting fixtures 400.

[0075] Let's explain again using Figure 4. As a result of the processing in step S12, each control unit 130a of the multiple first lighting fixtures 300 illuminates the first lighting fixture 300 in the first control mode. Similarly, each control unit 130b of the multiple second lighting fixtures 400 illuminates the second lighting fixture 400 in the first control mode.

[0076] Next, in each of the multiple lighting fixtures 100, the control unit 130 determines whether the communication unit 110 (acquisition unit 111) has acquired the second signal (S14). More specifically, the control unit 130 of one lighting fixture 100 determines whether the acquisition unit 111 of that lighting fixture 100 has acquired the second signal. The second signal is a signal that causes the lighting fixture 100 (more specifically, the light-emitting unit 120) having the acquisition unit 111 that has acquired the second signal to illuminate in the second control mode.

[0077] Each acquisition unit 111b of the multiple second lighting fixtures 400 does not acquire the second signal. That is, each control unit 130b of the multiple second lighting fixtures 400 determines that the acquisition unit 111b has not acquired the second signal (No in step S14). In this case, each of the multiple second lighting fixtures 400 performs the process in step S20, that is, continues to illuminate in the first control mode.

[0078] Furthermore, each acquisition unit 111a of the multiple first lighting fixtures 300 acquires the second signal. That is, each control unit 130a of the multiple first lighting fixtures 300 determines that the acquisition unit 111a has acquired the second signal (Yes in step S14). The time at which the acquisition unit 111a of the first lighting fixture 300 acquired the second signal is defined as time t2.

[0079] If the answer in step S14 is Yes, each control unit 130a of the multiple first lighting fixtures 300 illuminates the first lighting fixture 300 (more specifically, the light-emitting unit 120a) in a second control mode based on the acquired second signal (S16).

[0080] Now, let's explain the second control mode.

[0081] The second control mode can be any control mode that is different from the first control mode. For example, the second control mode is a control mode in which the control unit 130a controls the first lighting fixture 300 having the control unit 130a under the fourth control condition. When the control condition is the fourth control condition, the control unit 130a controls the first lighting fixture 300 so that it is controlled at a predetermined dimming rate and emits illumination light of a predetermined color temperature.

[0082] The second signal indicates that the first lighting fixture 300 will begin illuminating under the fourth control condition after a first predetermined time interval from the time the second signal is acquired (time t2). The first predetermined time interval is, for example, 1 minute or more and 10 minutes or more, and the time after the first predetermined time interval from time t2 is time t3. The predetermined dimming rate is 0% or more and 100% or less, for example 30%, and the predetermined color temperature is 2000K or more and 6500K or less, for example 2000K, but is not limited to this. The first lighting fixture 300 controlled in the second control mode will be described in more detail below.

[0083] Figure 7 is a detailed flowchart of step S16 of the operation example according to this embodiment.

[0084] If the acquisition unit 111a of the first lighting fixture 300 acquires the second signal in step S14, the control unit 130a of the first lighting fixture 300 determines whether the control condition is the fourth control condition (S161).

[0085] If the control condition is not the fourth control condition (No in step S161), the control unit 130a performs the following processing.

[0086] The control unit 130a controls the first lighting fixture 300, which has the control unit 130a, so that it starts illuminating under the fourth control condition at a first predetermined time (time t3) from the time (time t2) when the second signal is acquired (time t2) (S162). That is, by having the control unit 130a illuminate the first lighting fixture 300 in the second control mode, at a first predetermined time (time t3) from time t2, the first lighting fixture 300 emits illumination light with a dimming rate of a predetermined dimming rate (30%) and a color temperature of a predetermined color temperature (2000K). As shown in Figure 5, in the second control mode, it is preferable that the dimming rate and color temperature of the first lighting fixture 300 change continuously from the dimming rate and color temperature at time t2 to the predetermined dimming rate and color temperature at a first predetermined time (time t3) from time t2. The control unit 130a may calculate the increase or decrease in the dimming rate and color temperature per unit time from time t2 to time t3 in the same manner as described in step S12 using equations (1) and (2). The control unit 130a may then update the dimming rate used to control the first lighting fixture 300 and the color temperature of the illumination light emitted by the lighting fixture 100 at regular intervals.

[0087] After the processing in step S162, the processing in step S161 is performed again. At time t3, the control unit 130a determines that the control condition is the fourth control condition (Yes in S161), and further controls the system to maintain the fourth control condition (S163). That is, as shown in Figure 5, from time t3 onward, the dimming rate and color temperature of the first lighting fixture 300 are maintained at the same values ​​as the dimming rate (30%) and color temperature (2000K) at time t3.

[0088] This completes the process in step S16.

[0089] Let's go back to Figure 4 and explain again.

[0090] After the processing in step S16, in each of the multiple first lighting fixtures 300, the control unit 130a determines whether the communication unit 110a (acquisition unit 111a) has acquired the third signal (S18). More specifically, the control unit 130a of one first lighting fixture 300 determines whether the acquisition unit 111a of that first lighting fixture 300 has acquired the third signal.

[0091] The third signal is a signal to terminate the second control mode. That is, when the control unit 130a is illuminating the first lighting fixture 300 in the second control mode, and the acquisition unit 111a of the first lighting fixture 300 acquires the third signal, the control unit 130a terminates the second control mode of the first lighting fixture 300. After that, the control unit 130a controls the first lighting fixture 300 in the first control mode, that is, it returns the first lighting fixture 300 to the first control mode. The time when the acquisition unit 111a of the first lighting fixture 300 acquires the third signal is defined as time t4. In addition, the acquisition units 111b of each of the multiple second lighting fixtures 400 that continue to illuminate in the first control mode do not acquire the third signal.

[0092] If the control unit 130a of the first lighting fixture 300 determines that the acquisition unit 111a has not acquired the third signal (No in step S18), the process in step S16 is performed again. In other words, the control unit 130a continues to illuminate the first lighting fixture 300 in the second control mode.

[0093] When the control unit 130a determines that the acquisition unit 111a has acquired the third signal (Yes in step S18), it causes the first lighting fixture 300 (more specifically, the light-emitting unit 120a) to illuminate so that it continuously changes from the third control condition to the second control condition (S20).

[0094] The third signal indicates that the first lighting fixture 300 will begin illuminating under the third control condition after a second predetermined time interval from the time the third signal is acquired (time t4). That is, the second predetermined time interval is the time from when the acquisition unit 111a of the first lighting fixture 300 acquires the third signal until the control unit 130a of the first lighting fixture 300 causes the first lighting fixture 300 to illuminate under the third control condition. The second predetermined time interval can be 10 minutes or less, for example, 1 minute or more and 10 minutes or less, and the time after the second predetermined time interval from time t4 is time t5. The third control condition is the condition under which the second lighting fixture 400, which is illuminating in the first control mode, is controlled. More specifically, the third control condition is the condition under which the second lighting fixture 400, which is illuminating in the first control mode, is controlled at time t5. When the control condition is the third control condition, that is, at time t5, as shown in Figure 5, the second illuminator 400 emits illumination light with a dimming rate of D1% and a color temperature of C1K.

[0095] Therefore, in step S20, the control unit 130a controls the first lighting fixture 300 so that at time t5, it emits illumination light with a dimming rate of D1% and a color temperature of C1K. In other words, at time t5, the dimming rate and color temperature of the illumination light emitted by the first lighting fixture 300 match those of the illumination light emitted by the second lighting fixture 400, and the first lighting fixture 300 and the second lighting fixture 400 are synchronized. In other words, at time t5, the first lighting fixture 300 is controlled in the first control mode, meaning it has returned to the first control mode.

[0096] As described above, the acquisition units 111b of each of the multiple second lighting fixtures 400 do not acquire the third signal. Therefore, as shown in Figure 5, even from time t2 to time t5, the control unit 130b of the second lighting fixture 400 continues to illuminate the second lighting fixture 400 in the first control mode.

[0097] Furthermore, in step S20, the control unit 130a of the first lighting fixture 300 illuminates the first lighting fixture 300 over a period of time from time t5 to time t6 such that the control conditions continuously change from the third control condition to the second control condition. As a result, at time t6, the first lighting fixture 300 can emit illumination light with a dimming rate of 100% and a color temperature of 6500K.

[0098] At time t4, when the acquisition unit 111a acquires the third signal, the control condition is the fourth control condition. Therefore, in step S20, as shown in Figure 5, the control unit 130a controls the first lighting fixture 300 with the fourth control condition at time t4, controls the first lighting fixture 300 with the third control condition at time t5, and controls the first lighting fixture 300 with the second control condition from time t6 onward. Step S20 will be explained in more detail using Figure 8.

[0099] Figure 8 is a detailed flowchart of step S20 of the operation example according to this embodiment.

[0100] If the acquisition unit 111a of the first lighting fixture 300 acquires the third signal in step S18, the control unit 130a of the first lighting fixture 300 performs the following processing: The control unit 130a determines whether there is a difference between the start time (time t1) and the time when the third signal was acquired (S201).

[0101] In this example of operation, the time at which the third signal is acquired by the acquisition unit 111a is time t4. Time t4 is preferably determined using the internal time measured by the control unit 130a.

[0102] In the example shown in Figure 5, time t4 is 11:00. In this example, the control unit 130a determines that there is a difference between time t1 and time t4 (Yes in S201). Then, the control unit 130a controls the first lighting fixture 300 having the control unit 130a so that it starts illuminating under the third control condition at a second predetermined time (time t5) from the time the third signal was acquired (time t4) (S202).

[0103] In other words, at time t5, the control unit 130a controls the first lighting fixture 300 to emit illumination light with a dimming rate of D1% and a color temperature of C1K.

[0104] Furthermore, step S202 will be explained in more detail with reference to Figure 9.

[0105] Figure 9 is a detailed flowchart of step S202 of the operation example according to this embodiment.

[0106] First, the control unit 130a calculates the dimming rate (D1%) and color temperature (C1K) of the illumination light emitted by the first lighting fixture 300 at time t5 under the third control condition.

[0107] The control unit 130a calculates the time difference between the start time (time t1) and the time when the first lighting fixture 300 starts illuminating under the third control condition (time t5) (S2021). This time difference is denoted as time t5 - time t1.

[0108] The control unit 130a calculates the dimming rate difference and the color temperature difference (S2022).

[0109] More specifically, the control unit 130a calculates the difference in dimming rates between the dimming rate of the illumination light emitted by the first lighting fixture 300 under the first control condition (10%) and the dimming rate of the illumination light emitted by the first lighting fixture 300 under the second control condition (100%). This difference in dimming rates corresponds to the difference between the dimming rate at time t1 and the dimming rate at time t6.

[0110] Furthermore, the control unit 130a calculates the color temperature difference between the color temperature of the illumination light emitted by the first lighting fixture 300 under the first control condition (2000K) and the color temperature of the illumination light emitted by the first lighting fixture 300 under the second control condition (6500K). This color temperature difference corresponds to the difference between the color temperature at time t1 and the color temperature at time t6.

[0111] The control unit 130a calculates the dimming rate (D1%) and color temperature (C1K) of the illumination light emitted by the first lighting fixture 300 at time t5 according to the following formula (S2023).

[0112] D1% = {(Dimming rate at time t6 - Dimming rate at time t1) x (Time t5 - Time t1)} / (Time t6 - Time t1) C1K = {(Color temperature at time t6 - Color temperature at time t1) x (Time t5 - Time t1)} / (Time t6 - Time t1)

[0113] In other words, the control unit 130a calculates the third control condition (D1% and C1K) based on the start time (time t1), the end time (time t6), the first control condition (dimming rate and color temperature at time t1), and the second control condition (dimming rate and color temperature at time t6).

[0114] The control unit 130a then controls the first lighting fixture 300 to illuminate under the third control condition at time t5 (S2024). That is, the control unit 130a controls the first lighting fixture 300 so that the control condition for controlling the first lighting fixture 300 transitions from the fourth control condition (at time t4) to the third control condition (at time t5). In other words, the control unit 130a controls the dimming rate of the first lighting fixture 300 from 30% to D1%, and controls the color temperature of the illumination light emitted by the first lighting fixture 300 from 2000K to C1K. It is preferable for the control unit 130a to control the first lighting fixture 300 so that the control condition for controlling the first lighting fixture 300 changes continuously from the fourth control condition to the third control condition.

[0115] In this example, the control unit 130a calculated the dimming rate (D1%) and color temperature (C1K), but this is not limited to this. The output unit 112b of one of the multiple second lighting fixtures 400 may output information indicating the dimming rate (D1%) and color temperature (C1K) for that one second lighting fixture 400 at time t5 to each of the multiple first lighting fixtures 300. The acquisition unit 111a of each of the multiple first lighting fixtures 300 may acquire this information, and the control unit 130a may perform the processing in step S2024 based on the dimming rate (D1%) and color temperature (C1K) indicated in the information.

[0116] Let's go back to Figure 8 and explain again.

[0117] If the control unit 130a determines that there is no difference between time t1 and time t4 (No in S201), or if the process in step S202 is performed, the control unit 130a determines whether the control condition is the second control condition (S203).

[0118] If the control unit 130a determines that the control condition is not the second control condition (No in S203), it controls the first lighting fixture 300 having the control unit 130a at time t6 so that the first lighting fixture 300 illuminates under the second control condition (S204). That is, at time t6, the control unit 130a controls the first lighting fixture 300 so that it emits illumination light with a dimming rate of 100% and a color temperature of 6500K.

[0119] Furthermore, step S204 will be explained in more detail using Figure 10.

[0120] Figure 10 is a detailed flowchart of step S204 of the operation example according to this embodiment.

[0121] The control unit 130a calculates the time difference between the time when the first lighting fixture 300 begins illuminating under the third control condition (time t5) and the time when the first lighting fixture 300 begins illuminating under the second control condition (time t6) (S2041). This time difference is denoted as time t6 - time t5.

[0122] The control unit 130a calculates the dimming rate difference and the color temperature difference (S2042). More specifically, the control unit 130a calculates the dimming rate difference between the dimming rate (D1%) of the illumination light emitted by the first lighting fixture 300 under the third control condition and the dimming rate (100%) of the illumination light emitted by the first lighting fixture 300 under the second control condition. The control unit 130a also calculates the color temperature difference between the color temperature (C1K) of the illumination light emitted by the first lighting fixture 300 under the third control condition and the color temperature (6500K) of the illumination light emitted by the first lighting fixture 300 under the second control condition.

[0123] The difference in dimming rate corresponds to the difference between the dimming rate related to the third control condition at time t5 and the dimming rate related to the second control condition at time t6, and the difference in color temperature corresponds to the difference between the color temperature related to the third control condition at time t5 and the color temperature related to the second control condition at time t6. Here, the difference in dimming rate is described as the dimming rate at time t6 minus the dimming rate at time t5, and the difference in color temperature is described as the color temperature at time t6 minus the color temperature at time t5.

[0124] The control unit 130a calculates the amount of increase or decrease in dimming rate and the amount of increase or decrease in color temperature per unit time of the illumination light emitted by the first lighting fixture 300 from time t5 to time t6 according to the following formula (S2043).

[0125] Increase / decrease in dimming rate per unit time = (Dimming rate at time t6 - Dimming rate at time t5) / (Time t6 - Time t5) Increase / decrease in color temperature per unit time = (Color temperature at time t6 - Color temperature at time t5) / (Time t6 - Time t5)

[0126] Then, at time t6, the control unit 130a controls the first lighting fixture 300 having the control unit 130a so that it illuminates under the second control conditions (S2044). For example, the control unit 130a updates the dimming rate used to control the first lighting fixture 300 and the color temperature of the illumination light emitted by the first lighting fixture 300 at regular intervals. The control unit 130a updates the dimming rate and color temperature by accumulating the increase or decrease in the dimming rate and the increase or decrease in the color temperature per unit time according to the elapsed time from time t5.

[0127] Let's go back to Figure 8 and explain again.

[0128] After the processing in step S204, the processing in step S203 is performed again. At time t6, the control unit 130a determines that the control condition is the second control condition (Yes in S203), and further controls the system to maintain the second control condition (S205). That is, as shown in Figure 5, from time t6 onward, the dimming rate and color temperature of the first lighting fixture 300 are maintained at the same values ​​as the dimming rate (100%) and color temperature (6500K) at time t6.

[0129] Here, we compare the lighting control system 1 according to this embodiment with a conventional lighting control system. Figure 11 shows an example of operation of the lighting control system 1 according to this embodiment and an example of operation of the conventional lighting control system.

[0130] First, let's explain the conventional example. There are cases where, while all of a group of lighting fixtures are illuminating in the first control mode, some of the lighting fixtures continue to illuminate in the first control mode, while other parts of the lighting fixtures illuminate in the second control mode (see times t1 to t5 in Figure 11). In this case, the part according to the conventional example emits illumination light with the same dimming rate and color temperature as the multiple second lighting fixtures 400 according to this embodiment, for example, as shown by the dashed lines in Figure 11. Similarly, the other parts according to the conventional example emit illumination light with the same dimming rate and color temperature as the multiple first lighting fixtures 300 according to this embodiment, for example, as shown by the solid lines in Figure 11.

[0131] Furthermore, when the other part of the conventional example is illuminated again in the first control mode (times t5 to t6 in Figure 11), it exhibits the following behavior. In this case, the other part of the conventional example is controlled so that the control conditions change continuously from the fourth control condition to the second control condition. In other words, the illumination light emitted by the other part changes continuously from the dimming rate (30%) and color temperature (2000K) at the time the third signal is acquired (time t4) to the dimming rate (100%) and color temperature (6500K) related to the second control condition at time t6.

[0132] As a result, the dimming rate and color temperature of the illumination light emitted by a portion of the conventional example (corresponding to the dashed line in Figure 11) differ from those of the illumination light emitted by other portions of the conventional example (corresponding to the dashed line in Figure 11). In other words, other portions of the conventional example cannot synchronize with the portion of the conventional example at time t5. Users who see such illumination will feel a sense of unease.

[0133] However, in this embodiment, when the acquisition unit 111a of the first lighting fixture 300 acquires a third signal that terminates the second control mode, the control unit 130a performs the following processing. That is, the control unit 130a causes the first lighting fixture 300 to illuminate in such a way that it continuously changes from the third control condition under which the second lighting fixture 400, which is illuminating in the first control mode, is controlled, to the second control condition.

[0134] As a result, even after control in the second control mode has ended, the first lighting fixture 300 can be controlled under the same control conditions as the second lighting fixture 400, meaning that the illumination light emitted by the first lighting fixture 300 and the illumination light emitted by the second lighting fixture 400 are the same. In this embodiment, the dimming rate and color temperature of the illumination light emitted by the first lighting fixture 300 are the same as those of the illumination light emitted by the second lighting fixture 400. Users who see such illumination light will feel less discomfort compared to conventional examples. Therefore, a lighting control system 1 that can emit illumination light that does not cause discomfort is realized.

[0135] [Effects, etc.] Invention 1 comprises a first lighting fixture 300 and a second lighting fixture 400. The first lighting fixture 300 includes an acquisition unit 111a that acquires a first signal to illuminate the first lighting fixture 300 in a first control mode in which the control conditions for controlling the first lighting fixture 300 continuously change from a first control condition to a second control condition different from the first control condition, and a control unit 130a that illuminates the first lighting fixture 300 in the first control mode based on the first signal acquired by the acquisition unit 111a of the first lighting fixture 300. The second lighting fixture 400 includes an acquisition unit 111b that acquires a first signal to illuminate the second lighting fixture 400 in a first control mode in which the control conditions for controlling the second lighting fixture 400 continuously change from a first control condition to a second control condition, and a control unit 130b that illuminates the second lighting fixture 400 in the first control mode based on the first signal acquired by the acquisition unit 111b of the second lighting fixture 400. The lighting control system 1 includes the following: When the control unit 130a of the first lighting fixture 300 illuminates the first lighting fixture 300 in a first control mode and the control unit 130b of the second lighting fixture 400 illuminates the second lighting fixture 400 in a first control mode, when the acquisition unit 111a of the first lighting fixture 300 acquires a second signal to illuminate the first lighting fixture 300 in a second control mode different from the first control mode, the control unit 130a of the first lighting fixture 300 illuminates the first lighting fixture 300 in a second control mode based on the acquired second signal, and when the acquisition unit 111a of the first lighting fixture 300 acquires a third signal to terminate the second control mode, the control unit 130a of the first lighting fixture 300 illuminates the first lighting fixture 300 in such a way that it continuously changes from a third control condition in which the second lighting fixture 400, which is illuminating in the first control mode, is controlled to a second control condition.

[0136] As a result, even after control in the second control mode has ended, the first lighting fixture 300 can be controlled under the same control conditions (third control conditions) as the second lighting fixture 400, meaning that the illumination light emitted by the first lighting fixture 300 and the illumination light emitted by the second lighting fixture 400 are the same. In this embodiment, the dimming rate and color temperature of the illumination light emitted by the first lighting fixture 300 are the same as those of the illumination light emitted by the second lighting fixture 400, and the first lighting fixture 300 and the second lighting fixture 400 are synchronized. Users who see the illumination light emitted from the first lighting fixture 300 and the second lighting fixture 400 in this way will feel less discomfort compared to the conventional example. Therefore, a lighting control system 1 that can emit illumination light that does not cause discomfort is realized.

[0137] Invention 2 is a lighting control system 1 as described in Invention 1, wherein when the control condition for controlling the first lighting fixture 300 is the first control condition, the control unit 130a of the first lighting fixture 300 controls the first lighting fixture 300 at a first dimming rate; when the control condition for controlling the first lighting fixture 300 is the second control condition, the control unit 130a of the first lighting fixture 300 controls the first lighting fixture 300 at a second dimming rate higher than the first dimming rate; when the control condition for controlling the second lighting fixture 400 is the first control condition, the control unit 130b of the second lighting fixture 400 controls the second lighting fixture 400 at a first dimming rate; and when the control condition for controlling the second lighting fixture 400 is the second control condition, the control unit 130b of the second lighting fixture 400 controls the second lighting fixture 400 at a second dimming rate.

[0138] As a result, the dimming rate of the illumination light emitted by the first lighting fixture 300 and the second lighting fixture 400 can be continuously changed from a first dimming rate (e.g., 10%) to a second dimming rate (e.g., 100%). In other words, the first lighting fixture 300 and the second lighting fixture 400 can perform a fade-in process (more specifically, a fade-in process).

[0139] Invention 3 is a lighting control system 1 according to Invention 1 or 2, wherein when the control condition for controlling the first lighting fixture 300 is the first control condition, the control unit 130a of the first lighting fixture 300 controls the first lighting fixture 300 to emit illumination light of the first color temperature; when the control condition for controlling the first lighting fixture 300 is the second control condition, the control unit 130a of the first lighting fixture 300 controls the first lighting fixture 300 to emit illumination light of the second color temperature which is higher than the first color temperature; when the control condition for controlling the second lighting fixture 400 is the first control condition, the control unit 130b of the second lighting fixture 400 controls the second lighting fixture 400 to emit illumination light of the first color temperature; and when the control condition for controlling the second lighting fixture 400 is the second control condition, the control unit 130b of the second lighting fixture 400 controls the second lighting fixture 400 to emit illumination light of the second color temperature.

[0140] As a result, the color temperature of the illumination light emitted by the first lighting fixture 300 and the second lighting fixture 400 can be continuously changed from a first color temperature (e.g., 2000K) to a second color temperature (e.g., 6500K).

[0141] Invention 4 is a lighting control system 1 according to any one of Inventions 1 to 3, wherein the first signal indicates a start time which is the time when the control condition is set as the first control condition and an end time which is the time when the control condition is set as the second control condition, and the control unit 130a of the first lighting fixture 300 calculates a third control condition based on the start time and end time indicated by the acquired first signal, the first control condition and the second control condition.

[0142] This allows the control unit 130a to easily calculate the third control condition. For example, in this embodiment, as shown in step S2023, the control unit 130a can calculate D1% and C1K related to the third control condition.

[0143] Invention 5 is a lighting control system 1 according to any one of Inventions 1 to 4, wherein the time (second predetermined time) from when the acquisition unit 111a of the first lighting fixture 300 acquires the third signal until the control unit 130a of the first lighting fixture 300 illuminates the first lighting fixture 300 under the third control condition is 10 minutes or less.

[0144] This allows the control unit 130a to illuminate the first lighting fixture 300 under the third control condition in a short time of less than 10 minutes.

[0145] (Other Embodiments) Although embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0146] In the above embodiment, a dimmable and color-adjustable fixture (color-adjustable fixture) was used as the lighting fixture 100, but the invention is not limited to this.

[0147] For example, a dimmable fixture (i.e., a dimmer) may be used as the lighting fixture 100. In this case, the light-emitting unit 120 emits light in a dimmable manner by being controlled by the control unit 130 of the lighting fixture 100. For example, the lighting fixture 100 can be controlled at a dimming rate of 0% to 100%, and emit illumination light corresponding to that dimming rate.

[0148] Alternatively, for example, a light distribution device 500 may be used as the lighting fixture 100. Figure 12 shows a light distribution device 500, which is an example of a lighting fixture 100 according to another first example.

[0149] The light distribution device 500 is a device that can control the direction of the illumination light it emits. For example, the light distribution device 500 has a cylindrical main body that encloses the light-emitting part 120, and a rod-shaped connecting part that connects the main body to the ceiling of the space 90. The main body rotates along the direction R shown in Figure 12. The main body rotates along the direction R with the direction in which the connecting part extends as its axis. As a result, the direction of the illumination light emitted by the light distribution device 500 can be controlled. Here, the direction of the optical axis of the illumination light emitted by the light distribution device 500 coincides with the direction in which the main body faces.

[0150] When a light distribution device 500 is used as the lighting fixture 100, the rotation angle of the main body is used as a value related to the control conditions. The rotation angle is the angle between a predetermined direction, which is the reference direction, and the optical axis of the illumination light emitted by the light distribution device 500. More specifically, the rotation angle is the angle between the predetermined direction and the optical axis when the light distribution device 500 is viewed in the vertical direction, for example.

[0151] Another lighting control system according to the first example comprises a plurality of light distribution fixtures 500. Similar to the embodiment, the plurality of light distribution fixtures 500 will be described separately as a plurality of first lighting fixtures and a plurality of second lighting fixtures.

[0152] In this case, the first control mode is a control mode that continuously changes from a first control condition in which the light distribution device 500 is controlled to emit illumination light when the rotation angle is a first angle, to a second control condition in which the light distribution device 500 is controlled to emit illumination light when the rotation angle is a second angle different from the first angle. The control units 130 of the first lighting device (light distribution device 500) and the second lighting device (other light distribution device 500) respectively illuminate the first lighting device and the second lighting device in the first control mode.

[0153] Even in such cases, the first lighting fixture can be controlled under the same control conditions (third control conditions) as the second lighting fixture, even after control in the second control mode has ended. In other words, the rotation angle of the first lighting fixture and the rotation angle of the second lighting fixture coincide. That is, the first and second lighting fixtures are synchronized. Users who see the illumination light emitted from the first and second lighting fixtures in this manner will feel less discomfort compared to conventional examples. Therefore, a lighting control system that can emit illumination light that is less likely to cause discomfort is realized.

[0154] Furthermore, for example, a color fixture may be used as the lighting fixture 100. The light-emitting unit 120 of the color fixture is preferably capable of emitting light of multiple colors. The light-emitting unit 120 may, for example, have an LED chip that emits red light, an LED chip that emits green light, and an LED chip that emits blue light, but is not limited to this.

[0155] Even when a color fixture is used as the lighting fixture 100, the same processing as when a dimming fixture is used as the lighting fixture 100 should be performed. However, while color temperature was used as the value related to the control condition when a dimming fixture is used, chromaticity should be used as the value related to the control condition when a color fixture is used.

[0156] Here, we will describe a lighting control system according to another second example, which includes multiple color fixtures. Similar to the embodiment, the multiple color fixtures will be described separately as multiple first lighting fixtures and multiple second lighting fixtures.

[0157] In this case, the first control mode is preferably a control mode that continuously changes from a first control condition that controls the color fixture to emit illumination light of a first chromaticity to a second control condition that controls the color fixture to emit illumination light of a second chromaticity different from the first chromaticity. The control units 130 of the first lighting fixture (color fixture) and the second lighting fixture (other color fixture) respectively illuminate the first lighting fixture and the second lighting fixture in the first control mode.

[0158] Even in such cases, the first lighting fixture can be controlled under the same control conditions (third control conditions) as the second lighting fixture, even after control in the second control mode has ended. In other words, the chromaticity of the first lighting fixture and the chromaticity of the second lighting fixture match. That is, the first and second lighting fixtures are synchronized. Users who view the illumination light emitted from the first and second lighting fixtures in this manner will feel less discomfort compared to conventional examples. Therefore, a lighting control system that can emit illumination light that is less likely to cause discomfort is realized.

[0159] Furthermore, the order of processing described in the flowchart of the above embodiment is just one example. The order of multiple processing steps may be changed, and multiple processing steps may be executed in parallel.

[0160] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0161] Furthermore, each component may be implemented by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or they may be separate circuits. Also, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0162] Furthermore, general or specific embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. Alternatively, they may be implemented as any combination of a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium.

[0163] For example, the present invention may be implemented as a method executed by a computer, or as a program for causing a computer to execute such a method. Alternatively, the present invention may be implemented as a computer-readable, non-temporary recording medium on which such a program is stored.

[0164] Furthermore, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art could conceive, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0165] 1. Lighting control system 111, 111a, 111b Acquisition unit 130, 130a, 130b Control unit 300 First lighting fixture 400 Second lighting fixture

Claims

1. A first lighting fixture and a second lighting fixture are provided, wherein the first lighting fixture includes an acquisition unit that acquires a first signal for illuminating the first lighting fixture in a first control mode in which the control conditions for controlling the first lighting fixture change continuously from a first control condition to a second control condition different from the first control condition, and a control unit that illuminates the first lighting fixture in the first control mode based on the first signal acquired by the acquisition unit of the first lighting fixture, and the second lighting fixture includes an acquisition unit that acquires a first signal for illuminating the second lighting fixture in a first control mode in which the control conditions for controlling the second lighting fixture change continuously from a first control condition to a second control condition, and a control unit that illuminates the second lighting fixture in the first control mode based on the first signal acquired by the acquisition unit of the second lighting fixture, A lighting control system comprising: when the control unit of the first lighting fixture illuminates the first lighting fixture in the first control mode and the control unit of the second lighting fixture illuminates the second lighting fixture in the first control mode, when the acquisition unit of the first lighting fixture acquires a second signal to illuminate the first lighting fixture in a second control mode different from the first control mode, the control unit of the first lighting fixture illuminates the first lighting fixture in the second control mode based on the acquired second signal, and when the acquisition unit of the first lighting fixture acquires a third signal to terminate the second control mode, the control unit of the first lighting fixture illuminates the first lighting fixture so as to continuously change from a third control condition in which the second lighting fixture, which is illuminating in the first control mode, is controlled to the second control condition.

2. When the control condition for controlling the first lighting fixture is the first control condition, the control unit of the first lighting fixture controls the first lighting fixture at a first dimming rate; when the control condition for controlling the first lighting fixture is the second control condition, the control unit of the first lighting fixture controls the first lighting fixture at a second dimming rate higher than the first dimming rate; when the control condition for controlling the second lighting fixture is the first control condition, the control unit of the second lighting fixture controls the second lighting fixture at a first dimming rate; and when the control condition for controlling the second lighting fixture is the second control condition, the control unit of the second lighting fixture controls the second lighting fixture at a second dimming rate, the lighting control system according to claim 1.

3. The lighting control system according to claim 1, wherein when the control condition for controlling the first lighting fixture is the first control condition, the control unit of the first lighting fixture controls the first lighting fixture to emit illumination light of a first color temperature; when the control condition for controlling the first lighting fixture is the second control condition, the control unit of the first lighting fixture controls the first lighting fixture to emit illumination light of a second color temperature higher than the first color temperature; when the control condition for controlling the second lighting fixture is the first control condition, the control unit of the second lighting fixture controls the second lighting fixture to emit illumination light of the first color temperature; and when the control condition for controlling the second lighting fixture is the second control condition, the control unit of the second lighting fixture controls the second lighting fixture to emit illumination light of the second color temperature.

4. The lighting control system according to claim 1, wherein the first signal indicates a start time which is the time when the control condition is set as the first control condition, and an end time which is the time when the control condition is set as the second control condition, and the control unit of the first lighting fixture calculates the third control condition based on the start time and end time indicated by the acquired first signal, the first control condition and the second control condition.

5. The lighting control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the time from when the acquisition unit of the first lighting fixture acquires the third signal until the control unit of the first lighting fixture illuminates the first lighting fixture under the third control condition is 10 minutes or less.

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