Irradiation range control system

Abstract

Provided is a lighting control system capable of easily adjusting an irradiation range. This irradiation range control system comprises: an input device; a central control device that receives operation data from the input device and generates irradiation range information on the basis of the operation data; and at least one irradiation range control panel disposed on an optical path irradiated by a light source. A transmission area and a non-transmission area of the irradiation range control panel are controlled on the basis of the irradiation range information.

Description

Irradiation range control system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an irradiation range control system.

[0002] There has been known a cutter spotlight that changes an irradiation range by operating cutter blades (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Jikko No. 02-038335

[0004] However, in the cutter spotlight described in Document 1, it is necessary to manually adjust the cutter blades, manual fine adjustment takes time, and there has been a possibility that the accuracy of adjusting the irradiation range may deteriorate.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an irradiation range control system capable of easily adjusting an irradiation range.

[0006] An irradiation range control system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: an input device; a central control device that receives operation data from the input device and generates irradiation range information based on the operation data; and at least one irradiation range control panel disposed on an optical path irradiated by a light source, wherein a transmission area and an opaque area of the irradiation range control panel are controlled based on the irradiation range information.

[0007] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an irradiation range control system according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an irradiation range control panel according to Embodiment 1. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the irradiation range control system according to Embodiment 1. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the irradiation range control panel of Embodiment 1. Figure 5 is a configuration diagram of an input device according to Embodiment 1. Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of how to manipulate the shape of the transmission area of ​​irradiation range information by the input device according to Embodiment 1. Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of how to manipulate the shape of the transmission area of ​​irradiation range information by the input device according to Embodiment 1. Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of how to manipulate the shape of the transmission area of ​​irradiation range information by the input device according to Embodiment 1. Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of how to manipulate the shape of the transmission area of ​​irradiation range information by the input device according to Embodiment 1. Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of how to manipulate the shape of the transmission area of ​​irradiation range information by the input device according to Embodiment 1. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of control processing of the transmission area and opaque area of ​​the irradiation range of the irradiation range control panel according to the irradiation range control system according to Embodiment 1. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the irradiation range control panel of Embodiment 2.

[0008] Embodiments for implementing this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below. Furthermore, the components described below include those that are easily conceivable to a person skilled in the art, and those that are substantially the same. Moreover, the components described below can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, this disclosure is merely an example, and any modifications that a person skilled in the art can easily conceive while maintaining the spirit of the invention are naturally included within the scope of this disclosure. In addition, the drawings may schematically represent the width, thickness, shape, etc., of each part compared to the actual embodiment in order to clarify the explanation, but these are merely examples and do not limit the interpretation of this disclosure. Furthermore, in this specification and in each drawing, elements similar to those described above in previously shown drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations may be omitted as appropriate.

[0009] In this specification and in the claims, when describing a manner in which one structure is placed on top of another structure, unless otherwise specified, the term "on top of" includes both cases: when one structure is placed directly on top of another structure so as to be in contact with it, and when another structure is placed above another structure via yet another structure.

[0010] (Embodiment 1)

[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the irradiation range control system according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the irradiation range control panel according to Embodiment 1.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the irradiation range control system 100 controls the irradiation range CL of the lighting device 200. The irradiation range control system 100 comprises an input device 10, a central control device 20, and an irradiation range control panel 30.

[0013] The lighting device 200 comprises a housing 201, and inside the housing 201 are a light source 40 and illumination lenses 2 and 3. In Figure 1, the light source 40 emits light along the third direction Dz. The illumination lenses 2 and 3 are arranged on the optical path L1 illuminated by the light source 40. The illumination lenses 2 and 3 may be one lens, or three or more lenses, or a reflector or the like may be placed on the optical path L1 instead of the illumination lenses 2 and 3.

[0014] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the irradiation range control panel 30 includes a first irradiation range control panel 31, a second irradiation range control panel 32, and a third irradiation range control panel 33. The irradiation range control panel 30 is positioned on the optical path L1 irradiated by the light source 40. In Embodiment 1, the irradiation range control panel 30 is positioned between the light source 40 and the irradiation lens 2, but the irradiation range control panel 30 may also be on the emission side of the irradiation lenses 2 and 3. The irradiation range control panel 30 and the light source 40 constitute the irradiation range control device 300.

[0015] The input device 10 is a device that inputs operation data primarily by operating the multi-control device 160. The input device 10 transmits the operation data to the central control device 20.

[0016] The central control unit 20 is a device that receives operation data from the input device 10 and generates irradiation range information DWG1 based on the operation data.

[0017] The multi-control device 160 of the input device 10 can receive operation data via finger Fg to generate the polygonal shape of the irradiation range information DWG1 of the central control device 20.

[0018] Figure 1 schematically shows the information of the irradiation range information DWG1 displayed on the display unit of the central control unit 20. In the entire area of ​​the display unit of the central control unit 20, the binarized information is arranged in a matrix, and the matrix data MA is displayed. In the matrix data MA of this embodiment 1, the opaque area SA of the irradiation range information DWG1 is set to 0, and the transparent area AA of the irradiation range information DWG1 is set to 1. The shape of the transparent area AA of the irradiation range information DWG1 is, for example, a polygon.

[0019] In this embodiment 1, the shape of the transmission area AA of the irradiation range information DWG1 is described as a rectangle. For example, the shape of the transmission area AA is such that the top left vertex is P1, the top right vertex is P2, the bottom right vertex is P3, and the bottom right vertex is P4.

[0020] For each vertex of the shape of the irradiation area CL, the top left vertex is designated as CP1, the top right vertex as CP2, the bottom right vertex as CP3, and the bottom right vertex as CP4. Vertices CP1, CP2, CP3, and CP4 correspond to vertices AP1, AP2, AP3, and AP4, respectively.

[0021] The irradiation range control system 100 changes the positions of vertices CP1, CP2, CP3, and CP4 within the shape of the irradiation range CL by moving the positions of the vertices P1 (upper left), P2 (upper right), P3 (lower right), and P4 (lower right) of the input device 10 using a person's finger Fg or the like. As a result, the irradiation range control system 100 controls the transmission area AAa and the opaque area SAa of the light control range DWG2 of the irradiation range control panel 30.

[0022] In Figure 2, one direction in the plane of the irradiation range control panel 30 is defined as the first direction Dx, the direction perpendicular to the first direction Dx in the plane of the irradiation range control panel 30 is defined as the second direction Dy, and the direction perpendicular to the X-Y plane is defined as the third direction Dz. When viewed in the third direction Dz, the side of the irradiation range control panel 30 with the display surface (or top surface) that draws the transmitted area AAa and the opaque area SAa of the light control range DWG2 is called the display surface side (or top surface side), and when viewed in the third direction Dz, the side with the back surface (or bottom surface) opposite to the display surface (or top surface) is called the back surface side (or bottom surface side).

[0023] As shown in Figure 2, the irradiation range control panel 30 comprises a first irradiation range control panel 31, a second irradiation range control panel 32, and a third irradiation range control panel 33. The multiple irradiation range control panels 30 are arranged in the second direction Dy. The multiple irradiation range control panels 30 are fixed by a fixing plate 4 that fixes the multiple irradiation range control panels 30. Note that the irradiation range control panel 30 does not necessarily have to be multiple; it may be a single panel.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, the light source 40 illuminates the irradiation range control panel 30, and the entire fixed plate 4 shown in Figure 2 is illuminated by the light from the light source 40.

[0025] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, for example, by sequentially switching the connection destination with the central control device 20 at the input device 10, the transmission area AAa and the opaque area SAa of the first irradiation range control panel 31, the second irradiation range control panel 32, and the third irradiation range control panel 33 are set. For example, in Figure 2, the entirety of the first irradiation range control panel 31 and the third irradiation range control panel 33 is set to the opaque area SAa. The second irradiation range control panel 32 is set to have both a transmission area AAa and an opaque area SAa.

[0026] Of the vertices of the transparent area AAa shown in Figure 2, the top left vertex is AP1, the top right vertex is AP2, the bottom right vertex is AP3, and the bottom right vertex is AP4. Vertices AP1, AP2, AP3, and AP4 correspond to vertices P1, P2, P3, and P4 shown in Figure 1, respectively.

[0027] In the irradiation range control system 100, the transmission area AA of the irradiation range information DWG1 corresponds to the transmission area AAa of the second irradiation range control panel 32 selected by the operator, and the opaque area SA of the irradiation range information DWG1 corresponds to the opaque area SAa of the second irradiation range control panel 32 selected by the operator.

[0028] Light from the light source 40 that has passed through the transmission area AAa of the light control range DWG2 is emitted through the illumination lenses 2 and 3. The illumination area CL of the light becomes a spotlight, and if the transmission area AAa of the light control range DWG2 changes, the illumination area CL of the light also changes.

[0029] As described above, the vertices CP1, CP2, CP3, and CP4 shown in Figure 1 correspond to the vertices AP1, AP2, AP3, and AP4 shown in Figure 2, respectively. Therefore, the irradiation range CL corresponds to the transmission area AAa of the irradiation range control panel 30.

[0030] As a result, there is no need to physically adjust the position of the irradiation range control panel 30, and the irradiation range CL can be easily adjusted by operating the input device 10.

[0031] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the irradiation range control system according to Embodiment 1.

[0032] The input device 10 includes an operation unit 110, a storage unit 120, a control unit 130, and a communication unit 140.

[0033] The communication unit 140 communicates with the communication unit 140 of the central control unit 20. The communication unit 140 communicates with the central control unit 20, for example, by infrared communication. The input device 10 and the central control unit 20 may be connected by a cable or the like to perform wired communication, or they may be connected by short-range wireless communication.

[0034] The operation unit 110 includes a vertex selection unit 111, a vertex movement input unit 112, a read button 13, an invert button 14, a switch button 170, and a multiple connection button 174. In Embodiment 1, the vertex selection unit 111 and the vertex movement input unit 112 constitute the multi-control device 160.

[0035] The vertex selection unit 111 receives input for selecting each vertex P1, P2, P3, and P4 (see Figure 1) of the transmission area AA of the irradiation range information DWG1 of the central control device 20.

[0036] The vertex movement input unit 112 receives input to move the positions of the vertices P1, P2, P3, and P4 selected by the vertex selection unit 111 in the vertical or horizontal direction.

[0037] When the power button 11 is pressed, the control unit 130 receives power-on input information. The power-on input information is transmitted to the control unit 211 of the central control unit 20 via the communication unit 140, and the central control unit 20 turns on the power 210. Furthermore, when the power button 11 is pressed, the control unit 130 receives power-off input information. The power-off input information is transmitted to the control unit 211 of the central control unit 20 via the communication unit 140, and the central control unit 20 turns off the power 210.

[0038] When the memory button 12 is pressed, the control unit 130 receives the input information for the memory button. The input information for the memory button is transmitted to the control unit 211 of the central control unit 20 via the communication unit 140, and the central control unit 20 stores the irradiation range information DWG1 (see Figure 1) at the time of pressing as matrix data 231 in the memory unit 230.

[0039] When the read button 13 is pressed, the control unit 130 receives the input information from the read button. The input information from the read button is transmitted to the control unit 211 of the central control unit 20 via the communication unit 140. The central control unit 20 reads the irradiation range information DWG1 (see Figure 1) from the matrix data 231 stored in the storage unit 230 of the central control unit 20 and displays it on the display unit 250 of the central control unit 20.

[0040] When the inversion button 14 is pressed, the control unit 130 receives input information for the inversion button. The input information for the inversion button is transmitted to the control unit 211 of the central control unit 20 via the communication unit 140. The central control unit 20 inverts the transparent area AA of the irradiation range information DWG1 to the opaque area SA, and the opaque area SA of the irradiation range information DWG1 to the transparent area AA. In other words, the inversion button 14 receives input information to invert the transparent area AA of the irradiation range information DWG1 to the opaque area SA, and the opaque area SA of the irradiation range information DWG1 to the transparent area AA.

[0041] The control unit 130 is an arithmetic circuit that processes predefined calculations based on the operation of the operation unit 110. Based on the operation of the operation unit 110, the control unit 130 sends operation data to the central control unit 20 via the communication unit 140.

[0042] The memory unit 120 is a storage device that stores data used in calculations by the control unit 130 and connection destination data 121. Examples of storage devices include, but are not limited to, flash memory, SSD (Solid State Drive), registers, etc., and other configurations that function similarly may also be used.

[0043] The connection destination data 121 is data that specifies the first irradiation range control panel 31, the second irradiation range control panel 32, and the third irradiation range control panel 33.

[0044] When the toggle button 170 is pressed, the control unit 130 receives input information for the toggle button. The control unit 130 reads connection destination data 121 from the storage unit 120 that specifies the first irradiation range control panel 31, the second irradiation range control panel 32, and the third irradiation range control panel 33, according to the type of toggle button 170, and sends it to the central control unit 20 as operation data. The connection destination data 121 is transmitted to the control unit 211 of the central control unit 20 via the communication unit 140. The control unit 211 of the central control unit 20 updates the connection destination data 131 that specifies the first irradiation range control panel 31, the second irradiation range control panel 32, and the third irradiation range control panel 33 based on the connection destination data 121.

[0045] When the multiple connection button 174 is pressed, input information of the multiple connection button is accepted by the control unit 130. The control unit 130 reads connection destination data 121 that designates all of the first irradiation range control panel 31, the second irradiation range control panel 32, and the third irradiation range control panel 33 from the storage unit 120, and sends the read connection destination data 121 to the central control device 20. The connection destination data 121 is transmitted to the control unit 211 of the central control device 20 via the communication unit 140. The control unit 211 of the central control device 20 updates connection destination data 131 that designates the first irradiation range control panel 31, the second irradiation range control panel 32, and the third irradiation range control panel 33 on the basis of the received connection destination data 121.

[0046] The central control device 20 comprises a power source 210 and a control unit 211. The power source 210 supplies a power supply voltage to the control unit 211. The control unit 211 includes a processing unit 220, a storage unit 230, a communication unit 240, and a display unit 250.

[0047] The communication unit 240 communicates with the communication unit 140 of the input device 10, and also communicates with a communication unit 540 of the irradiation range control device 300.

[0048] The processing unit 220 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and executes a process of generating irradiation range information DWG1 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 230 using these hardware resources. In this case, the processing unit 220 executes processing of a vertex movement processing unit 221, a coordinate position calculation processing unit 222, an inter-line-vertex correction processing unit 223, and a polygon inside / outside determination processing unit 224. Detailed description of the vertex movement processing unit 221, the coordinate position calculation processing unit 222, the inter-line-vertex correction processing unit 223, and the polygon inside / outside determination processing unit 224 will be given later with reference to FIG. 12. The processing executed by the processing unit 220 is reflected in matrix data 231, and the matrix data 231 is sequentially stored in the storage unit 230.

[0049] The memory unit 230 has a storage device that stores matrix data 231 and connection destination data 232. An example of the storage device that the memory unit 230 has is, like the memory unit 120, flash memory, SSD (Solid State Drive), etc.

[0050] The connection destination data 232 is data that specifies the first irradiation range control panel 31, the second irradiation range control panel 32, and the third irradiation range control panel 33. The communication unit 240 communicates with the communication unit 540 of the irradiation range control device 300 via wireless communication means such as Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi®. The communication unit 240 also communicates with the communication unit 540 of the irradiation range control device 300 using a predetermined communication protocol. The central control device 20 and the irradiation range control device 300 may be connected by a cable or the like to perform wired communication.

[0051] The irradiation range control device 300 shown in Figure 3 comprises a light source 40, a plurality of irradiation range control panels 30, a control unit 50, and a power supply 510. The power supply 510 supplies power voltage to each of the plurality of irradiation range control panels 30, the light source 40, and the control unit 50.

[0052] Each of the multiple irradiation range control panels 30 is connected to the control unit 50 via a driver 34. The driver 34 drives each of the multiple irradiation range control panels 30 according to the matrix data 531 of the control unit 50.

[0053] The light source 40 is, for example, an LED (light-emitting diode).

[0054] The control unit 50 includes a processing unit 520, a storage unit 530, and a communication unit 540. The control unit 50 is a circuit that controls the light irradiation range CL (see Figure 1) based on the irradiation range information DWG1 (see Figure 1).

[0055] The communication unit 540 communicates with the central control unit 20 based on the connection destination data 532.

[0056] The processing unit 520 is, for example, a microcontroller. The processing unit 520 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and uses these hardware resources to execute a program stored in the storage unit 530, thereby controlling the operation of the transparent area AAa and the opaque area SAa of the irradiation range control panel 30 based on the matrix data 531.

[0057] The memory unit 530 is a storage device that stores matrix data 531 and connection destination data 532. An example of a storage device that the memory unit 530 has is, like the memory unit 120, flash memory, SSD (Solid State Drive), etc.

[0058] The processing unit 520 updates the matrix data 531 and connection destination data 532 based on the matrix data 231 and connection destination data 232 received via the communication unit 540, and stores them in the storage unit 530.

[0059] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an irradiation range control panel according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 4, the irradiation range control panel 30 comprises a translucent substrate 21, a translucent substrate 22, and a liquid crystal layer 29 sealed between substrates 21 and 22 with a sealing layer 23. Note that the irradiation range control panel 30 is not limited to a liquid crystal panel, but may also be an electrochromic panel having two electrodes facing each other with an electrochromic material in between.

[0060] The liquid crystal layer 29 modulates the light passing through it according to the state of the electric field. In this embodiment 1, for example, a transverse electric field mode such as FFS (fringe field switching), which is a form of IPS (in-plane switching), is used for the liquid crystal layer 29.

[0061] As shown in Figure 4, the liquid crystal layer 29 side of the substrate 21 has a matrix of multiple pixel electrodes 25 and a common electrode 24. The pixel electrodes 25 and the common electrode 24 are insulated by an insulating layer 26 and face each other in the Z direction perpendicular to the surface of the substrate 21. The pixel electrodes 25 and the common electrode 24 are translucent electrodes formed from a translucent conductive material (translucent conductive oxide) such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide). The substrate 21 is a translucent substrate such as glass or resin. A laminated alignment film 83 is provided on the liquid crystal layer 29 side of the substrate 21.

[0062] The flexible printed circuit board (FPC) 28 electrically connects the control unit 50 and the driver 34 shown in Figure 3. The FPC 28 transmits signals from the control unit 50 to the driver 34 or drive power to drive the driver 34.

[0063] A pixel is formed in each region where a pixel electrode 25 is present. Depending on the voltage applied to each pixel electrode 25, each pixel becomes either transparent or opaque. The transparent area AAa of the optical control range DWG2 is a region of pixels that are transparent. The opaque area SAa of the optical control range DWG2 is a region of pixels that are opaque.

[0064] Figure 5 is a configuration diagram of the input device according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 5, the input device 10 includes a power button 11, a memory button 12, a read button 13, an invert button 14, a multi-control device 160, a switch button 170, and a multiple connection button 174.

[0065] When the power button 11 is pressed, an input signal is sent to the power supply unit, which activates the input device 10.

[0066] When the memory button 12 is pressed, the memory unit 120 stores the shape of the transmission area AA of the irradiation range information DWG1.

[0067] When the read button 13 is pressed, an input signal is sent to the read button 13, and the shape of the transmission area AA of the irradiation range information DWG1 is read.

[0068] When the inversion button 14 is pressed, an input signal is sent to the inversion button 14, inverting the transparent area AA to the opaque area SA, and the opaque area SA to the transparent area AA.

[0069] The multi-control device 160 includes a vertex selection unit 111 and a vertex movement input unit 112. The vertex selection unit 111 has a left upper selection button 161, a right upper selection button 162, a left lower selection button 163, and a right lower selection button 164.

[0070] When the upper left selection button 161 is pressed, the input to select vertex P1 shown in Figure 1 is received as operation data. As a result, the coordinates of vertex P1 shown in Figure 1 are selected as the target for the vertex movement input unit 112.

[0071] When the upper right selection button 162 is pressed, the input to select vertex P2 shown in Figure 1 is received as operation data. As a result, the coordinates of vertex P2 shown in Figure 1 are selected as the target for the vertex movement input unit 112.

[0072] When the lower left selection button 163 is pressed, the input to select vertex P4 shown in Figure 1 is received as operation data. As a result, the coordinates of vertex P4 shown in Figure 1 are selected as the target for the vertex movement input unit 112.

[0073] When the lower right selection button 164 is pressed, the input to select vertex P3 shown in Figure 1 is received as operation data. As a result, vertex P3 shown in Figure 1 is selected as the target for the vertex movement input unit 112.

[0074] Furthermore, the vertex movement input unit 112 includes an upward adjustment button 165, a downward adjustment button 166, a leftward adjustment button 167, and a rightward adjustment button 168.

[0075] When the upward adjustment button 165 is pressed, the control unit 130 receives an input to move the coordinates of one of the vertices selected by the vertex selection unit 111. As a result, depending on the state in which the upward adjustment button 165 is pressed, the coordinates of one of the vertices P1, P2, P3, or P4 shown in Figure 1, which were selected by the vertex selection unit 111, move upward.

[0076] When the downward adjustment button 166 is pressed, the control unit 130 receives an input to move the coordinates of one of the vertices selected by the vertex selection unit 111. As a result, depending on the state in which the downward adjustment button 166 is pressed, the coordinates of one of the vertices P1, P2, P3, or P4 shown in Figure 1, which were selected by the vertex selection unit 111, move downward.

[0077] When the leftward adjustment button 167 is pressed, the control unit 130 receives an input to move the coordinates of one of the vertices selected by the vertex selection unit 111. As a result, depending on the state in which the leftward adjustment button 167 is pressed, the coordinates of one of the vertices P1, P2, P3, or P4 shown in Figure 1, which were selected by the vertex selection unit 111, move to the left.

[0078] When the rightward adjustment button 168 is pressed, the control unit 130 receives an input to move the coordinates of one of the vertices selected by the vertex selection unit 111. As a result, depending on the state in which the rightward adjustment button 168 is pressed, the coordinates of one of the vertices P1, P2, P3, or P4 shown in Figure 1, which were selected by the vertex selection unit 111, move to the right.

[0079] In this way, when the upward adjustment button 165, downward adjustment button 166, leftward adjustment button 167, and rightward adjustment button 168 are pressed, the control unit 130 receives input and the coordinates of any of the vertices selected by the vertex selection unit 111 change. When a long press is input to any of the upward adjustment button 165, downward adjustment button 166, leftward adjustment button 167, or rightward adjustment button 168, the control unit 130 increases the amount of movement of any of the vertices selected by the vertex selection unit 111. When a short press is input to any of the upward adjustment button 165, downward adjustment button 166, leftward adjustment button 167, or rightward adjustment button 168, the control unit 130 makes the amount of movement of the vertex selected by the vertex selection unit 111 smaller than that of a long press. As a result, the coordinates of any of the vertices selected by the vertex selection unit 111 are finely adjusted in the vertical or horizontal direction.

[0080] The switch button 170 is a button that selects one of the multiple irradiation range control panels 30 to which it is connected. When the switch button 170 is pressed, it switches the irradiation range control panel 30 to which the central control unit 20 is connected.

[0081] The toggle button 170 includes a first toggle button 171, a second toggle button 172, and a third toggle button 173.

[0082] The first switching button 171 corresponds to number 1 shown in Figure 5, and when pressed, it connects the central control unit 20 to the first irradiation range control panel 31 (see Figure 2).

[0083] The second switching button 172 corresponds to number 2 shown in Figure 5, and when pressed, it connects the central control unit 20 to the second irradiation range control panel 32 (see Figure 2).

[0084] The third switching button 173 corresponds to number 3 shown in Figure 5, and when pressed, it connects the central control unit 20 to the third irradiation range control panel 33 (see Figure 2).

[0085] When the switch button 170 is pressed, it corresponds one matrix data MA to the transmission area AAa and the opaque area SAa of the light control range DWG2 of the selected irradiation range control panel 30.

[0086] The multiple connection button 174 corresponds to button number 0 in Figure 5, and when pressed, it connects the central control unit 20 to multiple irradiation range control panels 30.

[0087] When the multiple connection button 174 is pressed, the connection destinations of multiple irradiation range control panels 30 are selected, and one matrix data MA is mapped to the transmission area AAa and opaque area SAa of the multiple irradiation range control panels 30.

[0088] Figures 6 to 10 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of how to manipulate the shape of the transmission area of ​​the irradiation range information by the input device according to Embodiment 1. In the order of Figures 6 to 10, input is made to the input device 10, and an example is shown in which the shape of the transmission area AA of the irradiation range information DWG1 in the central control device 20 changes in the order of Figures 6 to 10. The shape of the transmission area AA of the irradiation range information DWG1 shown in Figures 6 to 10 schematically represents the state displayed on the display unit 250 shown in Figure 3.

[0089] As shown in Figure 6, when finger Fg presses the upper left selection button 161 of the input device 10, the vertex P1 of the transmission area AA of the irradiation range information DWG1 is selected as the target of operation in the matrix data MA of the central control device 20.

[0090] Next, as shown in Figure 7, finger Fg presses the downward adjustment button 166 of the input device 10. By operating the downward adjustment button 166, the state in which the vertex P1 of the transmission area AA moves downward relative to the irradiation range information DWG1 shown in Figure 6 can be visually confirmed on the display unit 250 (see Figure 3). Note that when the downward adjustment button 166 is pressed briefly, the amount of movement of the vertex P1 per unit time is relatively small, and when the downward adjustment button 166 is pressed and held down, the amount of movement of the vertex P1 per unit time is relatively large.

[0091] Next, as shown in Figure 8, finger Fg presses the leftward adjustment button 167 of the input device 10. By operating the leftward adjustment button 167, the display unit 250 (see Figure 3) can be seen to the right of the vertex P1 of the transmission area AA, which is relative to the irradiation range information DWG1 shown in Figure 7. Note that, similar to the downward adjustment button 166, the leftward adjustment button 167 may be pressed briefly or held down.

[0092] Next, as shown in Figure 9, when finger Fg presses the upper right selection button 162 of the input device 10, the vertex P2 of the transmission area AA of the irradiation range information DWG1 is selected as the target of operation.

[0093] Next, as shown in Figure 10, finger Fg presses the rightward adjustment button 168 of the input device 10. By operating the rightward adjustment button 168, the display unit 250 (see Figure 3) can be visually confirmed to be in a state where the vertex P2 of the transmission area AA moves to the left compared to the irradiation range information DWG1 shown in Figure 9. Note that, similar to the downward adjustment button 166, the rightward adjustment button 168 may be pressed briefly or for a long time.

[0094] The vertices AP1, AP2, AP3, and AP4 of the transparent area AAa shown in Figure 2 change according to the coordinates of the vertices P1, P2, P3, and P4 of the transparent area AA, which change in the order from Figure 6 to Figure 10. The vertices CP1, CP2, CP3, and CP4 of the light irradiation area CL shown in Figure 1 change according to the changes in the respective positions of the vertices AP1, AP2, AP3, and AP4 of the transparent area AAa shown in Figure 2. Therefore, when input is made to the input device 10 in the order from Figure 6 to Figure 10, the positions of the vertices CP1, CP2, CP3, and CP4 of the light irradiation area CL shown in Figure 1 change according to the operation data of the input device 10.

[0095] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the control process for the transmitted and opaque areas of the irradiation range of the irradiation range control panel in the irradiation range control system according to Embodiment 1.

[0096] When the power button 11 (see Figure 5) is pressed down, the operation of the input device 10 is started as shown in Figure 11 (step S101).

[0097] The connection destination data 121 for the input device 10 is input by pressing down the first switch button 171, second switch button 172, third switch button 173, or multiple connection button 174 shown in Figure 5 (step S102).

[0098] The control unit 130 of the input device 10 transmits the connection destination data 121 to the central control unit 20 via the communication unit 140 of the input device 10 (step S103).

[0099] The control unit 211 of the central control device 20 and the communication unit 240 of the central control device 20 receive the connection destination data 121. Based on the connection destination data 121, the control unit 211 of the central control device 20 selects one of the multiple irradiation range control panels 30. If the multiple connection button 174 is pressed on the input device 10, the central control device 20 selects all of the multiple irradiation range control panels 30. In this way, the control unit 211 of the central control device 20 decides whether to specify the first irradiation range control panel 31, the second irradiation range control panel 32, or the third irradiation range control panel 33, updates the decided information as connection destination data 232, and stores it in the storage unit 230. The control unit 211 of the central control device 20 transmits the updated connection destination data 232 to the irradiation range control device 300 via the communication unit 240 of the central control device 20 (step S104).

[0100] The control unit 50 of the irradiation range control device 300 receives connection destination data 232 via the communication unit 540 of the irradiation range control device 300. The control unit 50 of the irradiation range control device 300 updates the connection destination data 532 in the storage unit 530 with the connection information of one of the first irradiation range control panel 31, second irradiation range control panel 32, and third irradiation range control panel 33 specified in the connection destination data 232. Based on the updated connection destination data 532, the control unit 50 of the irradiation range control device 300 drives at least one of the drivers 34. This establishes a connection between the central control unit 20 and at least one irradiation range control panel 30 (step S105). As a result, from step S106 onward, operations on the central control unit 20 from the input device 10 are reflected in the driving of the at least one irradiation range control panel 30 with which the connection has been established.

[0101] The communication unit 240 shown in Figure 3 is constantly communicating with the communication unit 140 of the input device 10. When the control unit 130 receives input from the input device 10 to the vertex selection unit 111, the vertex movement processing unit 221 of the central control device 20 selects the target vertex of the transmission area AA of the irradiation range information DWG1 in response to the input to the vertex selection unit 111 (step S106).

[0102] When the input from the input device 10 to the vertex movement input unit 112 is received by the control unit 130, the central control unit 20 receives operation data for the movement direction and amount of the target vertex of the transmission area AA of the irradiation range information DWG1 (step S107).

[0103] The vertex movement processing unit 221 of the central control unit 20 executes the vertex movement algorithm (step S108).

[0104] The vertex movement algorithm is a program that processes the amount of movement of the vertices in the selected transparent area AA. The vertex movement processing unit 221 calculates the positions of the vertices in the transparent area AA by processing the vertex movement algorithm based on the operation data.

[0105] This makes it possible to dynamically change the shape of the transparent area AA, allowing for easy adjustment of the shape of the transparent area AA.

[0106] The coordinate position calculation processing unit 222 of the central control unit 20 executes the coordinate position calculation algorithm (step S109).

[0107] The coordinate position calculation algorithm is a program that transforms the coordinate system of the irradiation range information DWG1 to correspond to the coordinate system of the irradiation range control panel 30. The coordinate position calculation processing unit 222 processes the coordinate position calculation algorithm to make the transmission area AA of the irradiation range information DWG1 correspond to the transmission area AAa of the light control range DWG2 of the irradiation range control panel 30, and the opaque area SA of the irradiation range information DWG1 correspond to the opaque area SAa of the light control range DWG2 of the irradiation range control panel 30.

[0108] As a result, even if the resolution and aspect ratio of the central control unit 20 and the irradiation range control panel 30 are different from each other, the transmission area AA of the irradiation range information DWG1 can be accurately drawn.

[0109] The line vertex correction processing unit 223 of the central control unit 20 executes the line vertex correction algorithm (step S110).

[0110] The line vertex correction algorithm is a program that corrects the lines connecting the vertices of the transmission area AA of the irradiation range information DWG1. The line vertex correction processing unit 223 processes the line vertex correction algorithm and sets the cells of the matrix data MA that overlap with the lines connecting each vertex of the transmission area AA of the irradiation range information DWG1 as the boundary of the transmission area AA of the irradiation range information DWG1.

[0111] This allows the transparent area AA of the illumination range information DWG1 to be drawn accurately and smoothly.

[0112] The polygon inside / outside determination processing unit 224 of the central control unit 20 executes the quadrilateral inside / outside determination algorithm (step S111).

[0113] The polygonal inside / outside determination algorithm is a program that determines whether a cell in matrix data MA is inside the transmission area AA, for example, by using the raycasting method. The polygonal inside / outside determination processing unit 224 processes the polygonal inside / outside determination algorithm and determines that a cell in matrix data MA of irradiation range information DWG1 is inside the transmission area AA if it is surrounded by the boundary of the transmission area AA of irradiation range information DWG1.

[0114] This allows for more accurate rendering of the transmission area AA of the irradiation range information DWG1.

[0115] The central control unit 20 generates matrix data 231 (step S112).

[0116] The control unit 211 of the central control unit 20 divides the matrix data 231 (irradiation range information DWG1) generated in step S112 into packets (step S113).

[0117] The control unit 211 of the central control unit 20 transmits the divided packet data to the irradiation range control device 300 via the communication unit 240 (step S114).

[0118] The control unit 50 of the irradiation range control device 300 receives the packet data from step S114 via the communication unit 540 (step S115). The control unit 50 of the irradiation range control device 300 decodes the matrix data 231 (irradiation range information DWG1) from the packet data, generates matrix data 531 based on the matrix data 231 (irradiation range information DWG1), and updates the matrix data 531 in the storage unit 530.

[0119] The control unit 50 of the irradiation range control device 300 drives the driver 34 of the irradiation range control panel 30 specified by the connection destination data 532, based on the matrix data 531 in the storage unit 530. Specifically, the control unit 50 of the irradiation range control device 300 performs SPI communication with the driver 34.

[0120] Based on the received irradiation range information DWG1 via SPI communication, data processing is performed bit by bit to determine the voltage applied to each pixel electrode 25 shown in Figure 4, which is driven by the driver 34. Since pixels are formed in each region where the pixel electrodes 25 shown in Figure 4 exist, the transmission or opacity state of each pixel is controlled, thereby determining the transmission area AAa and opacity area SAa of the light control range DWG2. The control unit 50 of the irradiation range control device 300 controls the transmission area AAa and opacity area SAa of the light control range DWG2 (step S116).

[0121] The control unit 211 of the central control unit 20 terminates processing when the power button 11 (see Figure 5) is pressed down (step S117; Yes).

[0122] If the power button 11 (see Figure 5) is not pressed down (step S117; No), the control unit 211 of the central control unit 20 returns the process to step S106. As a result, the processes from step S106 to step S117 are processed sequentially. Consequently, when the operator operates the input device 10, they can directly perceive a change in the shape of the light control range DWG2 on the irradiation range control panel 30.

[0123] As described above, the irradiation range control system 100 comprises an input device 10, a central control device 20, and at least one irradiation range control panel 30. The central control device 20 receives operation data from the input device 10 and generates irradiation range information DWG1 based on the operation data. At least one irradiation range control panel 30 has its light irradiation range CL controlled by the control unit 50 based on the irradiation range information DWG1 and is positioned on the optical path irradiated by the light source 40. The control unit 50 controls the transparent area AAa and the opaque area SAa of the irradiation range control panel 30 based on the irradiation range information DWG1. The shape of the irradiation range CL of the lighting device 200 is determined according to the transparent area AAa and the opaque area SAa of the irradiation range control panel 30.

[0124] In this way, the transparent area AAa and the opaque area SAa of the irradiation range control panel 30 are controlled by the irradiation range information DWG1. As a result, the shape of the irradiation range CL of the lighting device 200 can be easily changed and adjusted by operating the input device 10.

[0125] (Embodiment 2) Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an irradiation range control panel according to Embodiment 2. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as those described in the above-described embodiment, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0126] As shown in Figure 12, the irradiation range control panel 30A of the irradiation range control system 100A of Embodiment 2 includes a first polarizing plate 35, a liquid crystal layer 29A, and a second polarizing plate 36. The common electrode 24 is provided between the substrate 22 and the alignment film 84.

[0127] The first polarizing plate 35 and the second polarizing plate 36 are polarizing plates that transmit light components that vibrate in a predetermined direction from the incident light, and block light components that vibrate in other directions.

[0128] The liquid crystal layer 29A uses liquid crystals of a longitudinal electric field mode, such as TN (Twisted Nematic), VA (Vertical Alignment), or ECB (Electrically Controlled Birefringence).

[0129] This allows the twisting state of the liquid crystal molecules to be controlled according to the voltage applied to the pixel electrode 25, thereby enabling the polarizing plate on the side of the liquid crystal layer 29A to be either transparent or opaque.

[0130] Similar to Embodiment 1, pixels are formed in each region where a pixel electrode 25 is located. Depending on the voltage applied to each pixel electrode 25, each pixel becomes either transparent or opaque. The transparent area AAa of the optical control range DWG2 is a region of pixels that are transparent. The opaque area SAa of the optical control range DWG2 is a region of pixels that are opaque.

[0131] The operation and effects of the irradiation range control system 100A in Embodiment 2 are the same as those of the irradiation range control system 100 in Embodiment 1, and therefore will be omitted.

[0132] While preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, this disclosure is not limited to such embodiments. The content disclosed in the embodiments is merely an example, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. Any modifications made without departing from the spirit of this disclosure will naturally fall within the technical scope of this disclosure.

[0133] 10 Input device 14 Reverse button 20 Central control unit 30 Irradiation range control panel 31 First irradiation range control panel 32 Second irradiation range control panel 33 Third irradiation range control panel 34 Driver 40 Light source 50 Control unit 170 Switching button 174 Multiple connection button 100 Irradiation range control system DWG1 Irradiation range information DWG2 Light control range AA, AAa Transmitted area SA, SAa Opaque area MA Matrix data

Claims

1. An irradiation range control system comprising: an input device; a central control device that receives operation data from the input device and generates irradiation range information based on the operation data; and at least one irradiation range control panel positioned on the optical path irradiated by the light source, wherein the transparent area and the opaque area of ​​the irradiation range control panel are controlled based on the irradiation range information.

2. The irradiation range control system according to claim 1, wherein the transparent area of ​​the irradiation range control panel is polygonal, and the central control device moves the position of each vertex of the transparent area of ​​the irradiation range control panel based on the operation data.

3. The irradiation range control system according to claim 2, wherein the irradiation range information is matrix data in which binarized information is arranged in a matrix, the opaque area of ​​the irradiation range information is set to 0, the transparent area of ​​the irradiation range information is set to 1, the transparent area of ​​the irradiation range information corresponds to the transparent area of ​​the irradiation range control panel, and the opaque area of ​​the irradiation range information corresponds to the opaque area of ​​the irradiation range control panel.

4. The irradiation range control system according to claim 2, wherein the central control device sets cells of matrix data that overlap with lines connecting each vertex of the transmission area of ​​the irradiation range information as the boundary of the transmission area of ​​the irradiation range information.

5. The irradiation range control system according to claim 4, wherein the central control device determines that a cell in the matrix data of the irradiation range information is inside the transmission area when it is surrounded by the boundary.

6. The irradiation range control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the input device has an inversion button, and the input information of the inversion button inverts the transparent area to the opaque area and the opaque area to the transparent area.

7. An irradiation range control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the system has a plurality of irradiation range control panels, the input device has a switch button for switching the connection destination between the central control device and the irradiation range control panels, and the switch button selects one of the plurality of irradiation range control panels as the connection destination and corresponds one matrix data to the transmission area and the opaque area of ​​the selected irradiation range control panel.

8. An irradiation range control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the system has a plurality of irradiation range control panels, the input device has a plurality of connection buttons for connecting the central control device to the plurality of irradiation range control panels, and the plurality of connection buttons select the connection destination of the plurality of irradiation range control panels to make a single matrix data correspond to the transmitted area and the opaque area of ​​the irradiation range of the plurality of irradiation range control panels.

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