JP6536995B2 - Lighting control system, lighting control method, and lighting control device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a lighting control system, a lighting control method, and a lighting control device for controlling a plurality of lighting fixtures.

  BACKGROUND Conventionally, a lighting control system for controlling a plurality of lighting fixtures is known. Patent Document 1 discloses a lighting control system (remote control system) in which the reliability of wireless communication between a master unit and a slave unit is improved.

JP 2000-83287 A

  In a lighting control system, it is a subject to transmit control instructions efficiently to a plurality of lighting fixtures, and to make a plurality of lighting fixtures emit light in a state according to the control commands early.

  The present invention provides a lighting control system, a lighting control method, and a lighting control apparatus capable of efficiently transmitting control commands to a plurality of lighting fixtures.

  A lighting control system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of lighting fixtures and a controller for controlling the plurality of lighting fixtures, wherein the controller designates any one of the plurality of lighting fixtures as a control target. A receiving unit for receiving a control command, a storage unit, a first control unit for storing the control command received by the receiving unit in the storage unit and reading out the control command stored in the storage unit; And a first communication unit configured to transmit the read control command to the lighting fixture specified in the control command based on the control of the first control unit, each of the plurality of lighting fixtures comprising a light source; A second communication unit that receives the control command transmitted by the first communication unit; and a process that causes the light source to emit light according to the control command received by the second communication unit, and takes a predetermined time. After the first control unit transmits a first control command specifying a first lighting fixture among the plurality of lighting fixtures to the first communication unit. If it is determined whether or not the predetermined time has elapsed since the transmission of the first control command, and it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed since the transmission of the first control command When it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the first communication unit transmits the designated second control command to the first communication unit, and the first control command is transmitted. The control unit causes the first communication unit to transmit a third control command in which the second lighting fixture of the plurality of lighting fixtures is designated.

  A lighting control method according to an aspect of the present invention is a lighting control method executed by a lighting control system, the lighting control system comprising: a plurality of lighting fixtures each provided with a light source; and a storage unit; And a controller for controlling a lighting fixture, wherein, in the lighting control method, the controller receives a control command designated as a control target by any of the plurality of lighting fixtures, and stores the received control command in the storage unit. And the stored control command are read out, and the read out control command is transmitted to the lighting fixture specified in the control command, and each of the plurality of lighting fixtures receives the transmitted control command Processing for causing the light source to emit light according to the received control command, the processing requiring a predetermined time being performed, and the controller is configured to perform processing among the plurality of lighting devices. After one luminaire transmits a designated first control command, it is determined whether or not the predetermined time has elapsed since the first control command has been transmitted, and the first control command is When it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed since being transmitted, the first lighting apparatus transmits a designated second control command, and the first control command is transmitted and then the predetermined control command is transmitted. When it is determined that the second time has not elapsed, the second lighting device among the plurality of lighting devices transmits a designated third control command.

  A lighting control device according to an aspect of the present invention is a lighting control device that controls a plurality of lighting fixtures, and a receiving unit that receives a control command designated as a control target by any of the plurality of lighting fixtures; A storage unit, a first control unit that stores the control command received by the receiving unit in the storage unit, and reads out the control command stored in the storage unit, and a control of the first control unit And a first communication unit for transmitting the read control command to the lighting fixture specified in the control command, the first control unit is configured to specify the first lighting fixture among the plurality of lighting fixtures. After transmitting the first control command to the first communication unit, it is determined whether a predetermined time has passed since the transmission of the first control command, and the first control command is transmitted. It is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed since In the case where the predetermined time has not elapsed since the first lighting unit transmits the designated second control command to the first communication unit and the first control command is transmitted. When it is determined, a third control command in which a second lighting fixture is specified among the plurality of lighting fixtures is transmitted to the first communication unit.

  The lighting control system, the lighting control method, and the lighting control apparatus of the present invention can efficiently transmit control commands to a plurality of lighting fixtures.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a lighting control system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the lighting control system according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a storage area provided in the first storage unit. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the control command. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an outline of the operation of the lighting control system. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the operation of the controller. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the operation of determining the transmission order of the controller according to the first modification. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the operation of determining the transmission order of the controller according to the second modification. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the operation of determining the transmission order of the controller according to the third modification.

  Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are all inclusive or specific examples. Numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of components, steps, order of steps, and the like shown in the following embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Further, among the components in the following embodiments, components not described in the independent claim indicating the highest concept are described as arbitrary components.

  Each figure is a schematic view, and is not necessarily illustrated strictly. Further, in the drawings, substantially the same configuration will be denoted by the same reference numeral, and overlapping description may be omitted or simplified.

Embodiment
[Configuration of lighting control system]
First, the configuration of the illumination control system according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a lighting control system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the lighting control system according to the embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a lighting control system 100 according to the embodiment includes a controller 10, a plurality of lighting fixtures 20a to 20c, and an operating device 30. In addition, although not an essential component, the lighting control system 100 includes a router 40.

  The lighting control system 100 is a system that allows a user to control the plurality of lighting fixtures 20 a to 20 c through the operating device 30.

  Although the number of lighting fixtures included in the lighting control system 100 is not particularly limited, in the embodiment, the lighting control system 100 is described as including three lighting fixtures.

  A user of the lighting control system 100 can control the plurality of lighting fixtures 20 a to 20 c through the operating device 30 to realize a lighting scene. The illumination scene is realized by, for example, control to change the color temperature and the brightness of the light emitted from the plurality of lighting fixtures 20a to 20c according to the time zone.

  For example, the user of the lighting control system 100 selects a lighting scene registered in advance through the operating device 30. Then, a plurality of control commands for realizing the selected illumination scene are wirelessly transmitted from the operation device 30 to the controller 10. In each of the plurality of control commands, an address of any of the plurality of lighting fixtures 20a to 20c is designated.

  The controller 10 sequentially receives a plurality of control commands via the router 40 and temporarily stores the control commands in the first storage unit 12. Then, a plurality of control commands stored in the first storage unit 12 are read one by one, and the read control commands are transmitted to the lighting fixture specified in the control command. That is, the control command stored in the first storage unit 12 is transmitted by unicast.

  In such a case, the controller 10 of the lighting control system 100 can efficiently transmit the control command to the plurality of lighting fixtures 20a to 20c and cause the plurality of lighting fixtures to emit light in a state according to the control command early. it can. Hereinafter, each component of the illumination control system 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[controller]
First, the controller 10 will be described. The controller 10 is an example of a lighting control device, and is a device that controls the plurality of lighting fixtures 20a to 20c. The controller 10 includes a receiving unit 11, a first storage unit 12, a first control unit 13, a first communication unit 14, and a timer unit 15.

  The receiving unit 11 is a communication circuit (communication module) that receives, from the controller device 30, a control command in which an address of any of the plurality of lighting fixtures 20a to 20c is designated. That is, the receiving unit 11 receives a control command specified as one to be controlled by any of the plurality of lighting fixtures 20a to 20c.

  In the embodiment, the receiving unit 11 is a communication circuit that receives, via the router 40, a control command wirelessly transmitted from the controller device 30 operated by the user. In other words, the receiving unit 11 receives a control command from the controller device 30 by wireless communication. The wireless communication method (communication standard) is, for example, a specified low power wireless communication using a 920 MHz band frequency, but other methods such as ZigBee (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), wireless LAN (Local Area Network), etc. The communication standard may be used.

  In addition, the specific aspect of the receiving part 11 is not specifically limited. For example, when the controller 30 is a dedicated remote controller of the controller 10, the receiver 11 may be an infrared light receiver or the like. In such a case, the router 40 is unnecessary.

  Moreover, the receiving part 11 may be contained in the 1st communication part 14 mentioned later. That is, the first communication unit 14 may receive the control command from the controller device 30.

  In the first storage unit 12, the control command received by the receiving unit 11 is stored by the first control unit 13. That is, the first storage unit 12 functions as a transmission buffer. Although the control command may be stored in the first storage unit 12, for example, in the first storage unit 12, a storage area is provided for each lighting fixture. FIG. 3 is a view schematically showing a storage area provided in the first storage unit 12.

  The first storage area 12a shown in FIG. 3 is an area in which a control command in which the address of the lighting fixture 20a is specified is stored, and in the second storage area 12b, the control command in which the address of the lighting fixture 20b is specified is It is an area to be stored. The third storage area 12c is an area in which a control command in which the address of the lighting fixture 20c is designated is stored. Thus, in the first storage area 12a, for example, a storage area is provided for each lighting fixture.

  Specifically, the first storage unit 12 is a semiconductor memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). Although not illustrated, the first storage unit 12 also stores a control program and the like that the first control unit 13 executes.

  The first control unit 13 is a control device that performs various controls of the controller 10. The first control unit 13 reads the control command stored in the first storage unit 12 and transmits the read control command to the first communication unit 14. Specifically, the first control unit 13 is a microcomputer, but may be realized by a processor or a dedicated circuit.

  Here, the control command will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the control command.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the control command includes, for example, the address of the lighting fixture, the task number, and the control content.

  Here, the task number included in the control command is a number assigned when the first control unit 13 stores the control command received by the receiving unit 11 in the first storage unit 12. The task number is, for example, a number incremented by one each time it is assigned. In the embodiment, the first control unit 13 reads out the control instructions in the order stored in the first storage unit 12 by searching the task numbers of the control instructions stored in the first storage unit 12 to perform the first communication. Make the part 14 transmit. That is, the control command stored in the first storage unit 12 is transmitted in a first-in first-out (FIFO) manner.

  The control content included in the control command is, for example, control content such as “control the light control rate of the first light source unit 21 a to 80%”. In the embodiment, one control command includes one control content.

  For example, when the light fixture 20a is toned, two controls of a control command for specifying the light control rate of the first light source unit 21a and a control command for specifying the light control rate of the second light source unit 21b A command is required. In addition, when the lighting fixture 20a is faded (control to decrease or increase the dimming rate with time), the dimming rate gradually decreases (or increases) with respect to one lighting fixture 20a. Multiple control commands are required.

  In addition, it is not essential that one control content includes one control content, and one control command may include a plurality of control content. Although not illustrated in FIG. 4, one control command may be divided into start position information such as a start delimiter and end position information such as an end delimiter.

  The first communication unit 14 is a communication circuit (communication module) for communicating with the plurality of lighting fixtures 20a to 20c, and is used to transmit the control command. Specifically, the first communication unit 14 transmits a control command to the second communication unit 22 of the plurality of lighting fixtures 20 a to 20 c based on the control of the first control unit 13. The first communication unit 14 can transmit a control command every period (for example, 5 ms) shorter than a reception processing period (for example, 50 ms) of a plurality of lighting fixtures 20a to 20c described later.

  In the embodiment, the first communication unit 14 performs wireless communication with the second communication unit 22, but may perform wired communication. The wireless communication method (communication standard) is, for example, a specific low power radio using a 920 MHz band frequency, but other communication standards such as ZigBee (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark) or wireless LAN. It may be The method of wired communication is also not particularly limited, and a wired LAN may be used, or power line carrier communication may be performed.

  The timer unit 15 measures time and notifies the first control unit 13. The first control unit 13 measures (counts) a reception time interval, which will be described later, using the timer unit 15 for each of the plurality of lighting fixtures 20a to 20c. The timer unit 15 notifies the first control unit 13 of, for example, a timer signal indicating that the unit time has elapsed, for each unit time, but the timer unit 15 indicates that the reception time interval has elapsed As long as it can detect, you may notify in any form. Specifically, the timer unit 15 is a general-purpose timer IC (timer circuit). The timer unit 15 may be incorporated in the first control unit 13.

[lighting equipment]
Next, the plurality of lighting fixtures 20a to 20c will be described. In addition, although the description about the lighting fixture 20a is mainly performed below, it is the same structure about the lighting fixtures 20b and 20c.

  The luminaire 20 a is a so-called ceiling light that illuminates the room, and is subjected to dimming control and toning control by the controller 10. In addition, the aspect of the lighting fixture 20a is not limited to the aspect as FIG. 1 shows. The ceiling light or the downlight may have a circular shape in plan view.

  Specifically, the lighting fixture 20 a includes a light source 21, a second communication unit 22, a second control unit 23, and a second storage unit 24. The light source 21 includes a first light source unit 21 a and a second light source unit 21 b. Hereinafter, each component of the lighting fixture 20a will be described.

  The light source 21 is a light source for illumination which emits light under the control of the second control unit 23. Specifically, the light source 21 is a light emitting module in which an LED is used as a light emitting element. The light source 21 may be a light emitting element using a semiconductor light emitting element such as a semiconductor laser, a solid light emitting element such as an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) or an inorganic EL, or a fluorescent tube.

  Further, the light source 21 has two types of light source units (a first light source unit 21a and a second light source unit 21b) having mutually different color temperatures, and the balance of the light output of each of the first light source unit 21a and the second light source unit 21b Is changed, the color temperature of the light emitted from the light source 21 is changed. That is, the lighting fixture 20a corresponds to the color matching control.

  For example, the first light source unit 21a is configured of a plurality of LEDs having a color temperature of 3500 K, and the second light source unit 21 b is configured of a plurality of LEDs having a color temperature of 6500 K. That is, the light source 21 can change the color temperature between 3500 K and 6500 K. The color adjustment control is performed by the second control unit 23 controlling the current supplied to the first light source unit 21a and the second light source unit 21b.

  Although details are not illustrated, the light source 21 and the second control unit 23 are connected via a lighting circuit including a PWM control circuit and the like.

  The second communication unit 22 is a communication circuit (communication module) for communicating with the controller 10. Specifically, the second communication unit 22 receives a control command from the first communication unit 14 of the controller 10. In the embodiment, the second communication unit 22 performs wireless communication with the first communication unit 14, but may perform wired communication.

  The second control unit 23 is a control device that performs various controls of the lighting device 20a. Specifically, the second control unit 23 is a process of causing the light source 21 to emit light in response to the control command received by the second communication unit 22, and performs a process requiring a predetermined time. In the embodiment, while the second control unit 23 performs the process according to one control instruction, even if the second communication unit 22 receives another control instruction, the second control unit 23 responds to the other control instruction. I can not do processing. That is, after receiving one control information command, processing according to another control command can not be performed during a predetermined time. In the following embodiment, this predetermined time is also described as a reception processing period. The reception processing period is, for example, 50 ms.

  The second control unit 23 is specifically a microcomputer, but may be realized by a processor or a dedicated circuit.

  The second storage unit 24 is a storage device in which data is written (stored) by the second control unit 23. Specifically, the second storage unit 24 is a semiconductor memory such as an EEPROM. Specifically, the data stored in the second storage unit 24 is an address of the lighting fixture 20a, information indicating a reception processing period of the lighting fixture 20a, a control program executed by the second control unit 23, and the like.

  The address is a unique value assigned to each of the plurality of lighting fixtures 20a to 20c. When the second communication unit 22 receives a control command from the controller 10, the second control unit 23 collates the address included in the received control command with the address stored in the second storage unit 24. Thus, it can be determined whether the received control command is a command addressed to the lighting device 20a.

[Operating device]
Next, the operating device 30 will be described. The operating device 30 is a device for sending an instruction to the controller 10, and specifically, is a smartphone or the like. The operating device 30 may be a personal computer, a tablet terminal, or a portable terminal such as a PDA. The controller 30 may also be a dedicated remote controller of the controller 10.

[Summary of operation]
Next, an outline of the operation of the lighting control system 100 will be described. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an outline of the operation of the lighting control system 100. As shown in FIG.

  First, the user selects an illumination scene registered in advance through the operation device 30. Then, a plurality of control commands for realizing the selected illumination scene are sequentially transmitted from the operation device 30 to the controller 10 (S11).

  The receiver 11 of the controller 10 sequentially receives a plurality of control commands (S12). The first control unit 13 sequentially stores the control command received by the receiving unit 11 in the first storage unit 12 (S13). At this time, a task number indicating the stored order is added to the control command. As described above, the control command is stored in a different storage area for each address included in the control command.

  Thereafter, the first control unit 13 reads out the control command stored in the first storage unit 12 and, under the control of the first control unit 13, the lighting fixture specified in the control command is the read control command. To (S14).

  For example, it is assumed that the first control command, the second control command, and the third control command are stored in the first storage unit 12 in this order. The first control command and the second control command are control commands in which the lighting fixture 20a is designated among the plurality of lighting fixtures 20a to 20c. The third control command is a lighting fixture to which the lighting fixture 20b is designated among the plurality of lighting fixtures 20a to 20c.

  At this time, the first control unit 13 first causes the first communication unit 14 to transmit a first control command in which the lighting fixture 20 a is designated. The second communication unit 22 of the lighting device 20a receives the control command transmitted by the first communication unit 14, and the second control unit 23 of the lighting device 20a is received by the second communication unit 22 of the lighting device 20a. A process of causing the light source 21 to emit light in response to the control command is started (S15).

  Here, the control command to be transmitted next is essentially the second control command. However, as described above, while the second control unit 23 of the lighting fixture 20a is performing a process according to one control instruction, even if the second communication unit 22 receives another control instruction, the other control unit 23 Processing according to the control command of That is, in the lighting fixture 20a, the ineffective period of another process arises (S16).

  Therefore, the first control unit 13 determines whether the lighting fixture 20a is incapable of other processing. In other words, after transmitting the first control command to the first communication unit 14, the first control unit 13 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the first control command is transmitted.

  When the first control unit 13 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the transmission of the first control command, that is, in the inoperable period of other processes in the lighting device 20a, the lighting device 20b designates The first communication unit is made to transmit the third control command that has been sent (S17). That is, the first control unit 13 gives priority to the transmission of the third control command over the second control command based on the determination result. The second communication unit 22 of the lighting device 20b receives the control command transmitted by the first communication unit 14, and the second control unit 23 of the lighting device 20b is received by the second communication unit 22 of the lighting device 20b. A process of causing the light source 21 to emit light in response to the control command is started (S18).

  On the other hand, when the first control unit 13 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed since the transmission of the first control command, that is, the first control unit 13 of the lighting fixture 20a responds to the first control command. After the process is completed (S19), the first communication unit 14 is caused to transmit the second control command in which the lighting fixture 20a is designated (S20). The second communication unit 22 of the lighting device 20a receives the control command transmitted by the first communication unit 14, and the second control unit 23 of the lighting device 20a is received by the second communication unit 22 of the lighting device 20a. A process of causing the light source 21 to emit light in response to the control command is started (S21).

  As described above, once the controller 10 transmits the control command to the lighting device 20a, the controller 10 does not transmit the control command to the lighting device 20a until the lighting device 20a can process another control command. Further, the controller 10 transmits the control command to the lighting device 20b using the time until the lighting device 20a can process another control command. That is, the controller 10 can efficiently transmit the control command in consideration of the processing capability of the lighting fixture 20a.

[Operation example]
Next, an example of the operation of the controller 10 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the operation of the controller 10.

  In the operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6, a plurality of control commands stored in the first storage unit 12 are transmitted in ascending order of task numbers in principle. Then, the transmission processing order of some control commands is switched in consideration of the reception processing period of the plurality of lighting fixtures 20a to 20c.

  First, the first control unit 13 of the controller 10 specifies the control command with the smallest task number among the plurality of unsent control commands stored in the first storage unit 12 (S31).

  Next, the first control unit 13 determines whether the lighting fixture specified in the specified control command is in the reception processing period (S32). It can be determined by using the timer unit 15 whether or not the reception processing period is in progress.

  When it is determined that the lighting fixture is not in the reception processing period (No in S32), the first control unit 13 causes the first communication unit 14 to transmit the specified control command (S33). Then, the first control unit 13 uses the timer unit 15 to start counting of the reception processing period of the lighting device as the transmission destination of the control command (S34).

  Next, the first control unit 13 determines whether or not there is a control instruction not transmitted yet in the first storage unit 12 (S35). If there is an unsent control instruction (Yes in S35), the first control unit 13 specifies the control instruction with the smallest task number among the unsent control instructions (S31). After that, the operation after step S32 is performed again. If there is no unsent control command (S35: No), the operation ends.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S32 that the lighting fixture is in the reception processing period (Yes in S32), the first control unit 13 determines that the plurality of unsent control instructions stored in the first storage unit 12 Among them, the control command having the next smallest task number is specified (S36). Then, the first control unit 13 determines whether the lighting fixture specified in the specified control command is in the reception processing period (S32). In addition, in step S36, when there is no control instruction with the next smallest task number, the first control unit 13 stands by until the reception processing period of the lighting apparatus expires.

  By the operation as described above, the controller 10 can efficiently transmit the control command in consideration of the processing capability of the lighting fixture 20a.

[Modification 1]
In the above-described operation example, the plurality of control commands stored in the first storage unit 12 are basically transmitted in ascending order of task numbers, but the transmission order of the plurality of control commands is not particularly limited. For example, there may be a case where the reception processing periods of the plurality of lighting fixtures 20a to 20c are different from one another. In such a case, the first control unit 13 may determine the transmission order of the control command stored in the first storage unit 12 based on the reception processing period. Then, the transmission processing order of some control commands may be switched in consideration of the reception processing period of the plurality of lighting fixtures 20a to 20c. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the operation of determining the transmission order of the controller 10 according to the first modification.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the first communication unit 14 of the controller 10 receives information indicating the reception processing period from each of the plurality of lighting fixtures 20 a to 20 c (S 51). The information indicating the reception processing period is stored in the second storage unit 24, read by the second control unit 23, and transmitted by the second communication unit 22. The timing at which the process of step S51 is performed is not particularly limited, but the process of step S51 may be performed, for example, as part of an initial setting process performed when the power of the illumination control system 100 is turned on.

  Next, the first control unit 13 determines the transmission order of the control command stored in the first storage unit 12 based on the information indicating the plurality of reception processing periods received by the first communication unit 14 (S52) ).

  For example, among the control commands stored in the first storage unit 12, the first control unit 13 causes the first communication unit 14 to preferentially transmit the control command for which the lighting fixture having a long reception processing period is designated. In the case where one lighting scene is realized by transmitting a plurality of control commands to each of a plurality of lighting fixtures, it takes time for the lighting fixture with a long reception processing period to be in the lighting state according to the plurality of control commands. Is considered to Therefore, by transmitting the control command to such a lighting device in advance, the control of all the plurality of lighting devices 20a to 20c can be completed, and the time until the lighting scene is generated can be shortened.

  In addition, even if the first control unit 13 causes the first communication unit 14 to preferentially transmit the control instruction for which the lighting fixture having a short reception processing period is designated among the control instructions stored in the first storage unit 12. Good.

  For example, when lighting a plurality of lighting fixtures 20a to 20c from a dark state, it may be desirable to make one lighting fixture emit light in a desired state at the earliest possible timing. In such a case, if a control instruction in which a lighting fixture having a short reception processing period is designated is transmitted with priority, control of the lighting fixture having a short reception processing period can be completed early.

[Modification 2]
In addition, the transmission order of the plurality of control commands (the priority of the plurality of lighting fixtures 20a to 20c) may be determined in advance when the lighting control system 100 is introduced, or the user (the builder of the lighting control system 100). It may be specified by). FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the operation of determining the transmission order of the controller 10 according to the second modification.

  As shown in FIG. 8, first, the controller 10 acquires the priorities of a plurality of lighting fixtures (S61). When the priority is stored in advance in the first storage unit 12, the first control unit 13 acquires the priority from the first storage unit 12. In this case, the first control unit 13 includes an acquisition unit that acquires the priorities of the plurality of lighting fixtures 20a to 20c. When the priority is transmitted from the operation device 30, the receiving unit 11 acquires the priority. That is, the reception unit 11 functions as an acquisition unit. Alternatively, the user may directly input the priority to the controller 10 (first control unit 13). In this case, the acquisition unit is a user interface provided in the controller 10.

  Next, the first control unit 13 determines the transmission order of control commands based on the priority (S62). For example, among the control commands stored in the first storage unit 12, the first control unit 13 causes the acquired first priority to be sent to the first communication unit 14 with priority given to the designated control command. .

  For example, the plurality of lighting fixtures 20a to 20c may include a lighting fixture as a base primary lighting application and a lighting fixture as a secondary lighting application for presentation. In such a case, if it is necessary to give priority to control of the luminaire for the main illumination application, the priority of the luminaire for the main illumination application may be increased.

[Modification 3]
In order to realize one lighting scene, different numbers of control commands may be transmitted to the plurality of lighting fixtures 20a to 20c. In such a case, the first control unit 13 determines the transmission order of control instructions stored in the first storage unit 12 based on the number of control instructions transmitted to each of the plurality of lighting fixtures 20a to 20c. May be FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the operation of determining the transmission order of the controller 10 according to the third modification.

  In the following description, the first storage unit 12 is a plurality of control commands for creating one lighting scene by the plurality of lighting fixtures 20a to 20c, each of which designates any of the plurality of lighting fixtures It is assumed that a plurality of control commands to be stored are stored.

  As shown in FIG. 9, first, the first control unit 13 of the controller 10 acquires the number of control commands for each lighting fixture (S71). That is, the first control unit 13 obtains the designated number of each of the plurality of lighting fixtures 20 a to 20 c (the number designated by the plurality of control commands) by referring to the first storage unit 12.

  Then, the first control unit 13 determines at least a part of the transmission order of the plurality of control commands based on the acquired number of control commands (S72).

  For example, the first control unit 13 causes the first communication unit 14 to preferentially transmit a control command for specifying a lighting fixture having a large number of designations. As described above, by transmitting the control command to the lighting fixtures having a large number of designations in advance, the time until the lighting scene is generated can be shortened.

  In addition, the first control unit 13 may cause the first communication unit 14 to preferentially transmit a control command specifying a lighting fixture with a small number of designations. Thereby, control of a lighting fixture with few designated numbers can be completed early.

[Summary]
As described above, the lighting control system 100 includes the plurality of lighting fixtures 20a to 20c and the controller 10 that controls the plurality of lighting fixtures 20a to 20c.

  The controller 10 includes a first storage unit 12 and a receiving unit 11 that receives a control command designated as a control target by any of the plurality of lighting fixtures 20a to 20c. In addition, the controller 10 stores the control command received by the receiving unit 11 in the first storage unit 12 and reads the control command stored in the first storage unit 12; The first communication unit 14 transmits the read control command to the lighting fixture specified in the control command based on the control of the unit 13.

  In addition, each of the plurality of lighting fixtures 20 a to 20 c includes the light source 21, the second communication unit 22 that receives the control command transmitted by the first communication unit 14, and the control command received by the second communication unit 22. The second control unit 23 performs processing for causing the light source 21 to emit light in response to the predetermined time.

  The first control unit 13 transmits the first control command in which the lighting fixture 20a is designated among the plurality of lighting fixtures 20a to 20c to the first communication unit 14, and then the first control command is transmitted. It is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed. The lighting fixture 20a is an example of a first lighting fixture.

  If the first control unit 13 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed since the transmission of the first control command, the first control unit 13 transmits the second control command in which the lighting fixture 20a is designated to the first communication unit 14 Let On the other hand, when the first control unit 13 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the transmission of the first control command, the lighting fixture 20b or the lighting fixture 20c among the plurality of lighting fixtures 20a to 20c. Is sent to the first communication unit 14. The lighting fixture 20a or the lighting fixture 20c is an example of a second lighting fixture.

  Thus, once the controller 10 transmits the control command to the lighting device 20a, the controller 10 does not transmit the control command to the lighting device 20a until the lighting device 20a becomes ready to process another control command. In addition, the controller 10 transmits a control command to the lighting device 20b or the lighting device 20c using the time until the lighting device 20a can process another control command. Therefore, the controller 10 can efficiently transmit the control command in consideration of the processing capability of the lighting fixture 20a.

  In addition, the first communication unit 14 may further receive, from each of the plurality of lighting fixtures 20a to 20c, information indicating a predetermined time required for the process performed by the second control unit 23 of the lighting fixture. The first control unit 13 may determine the transmission order of the control command stored in the first storage unit 12 based on the information indicating the plurality of predetermined times received by the first communication unit 14.

  Thereby, the first control unit 13 transmits the transmission order of the control command stored in the first storage unit 12 based on the predetermined time (reception processing period) in which each of the plurality of lighting fixtures 20a to 20c relates to processing. It can be decided.

  In addition, even if the first control unit 13 causes the first communication unit 14 to preferentially transmit the control instruction for which the lighting fixture having a longer predetermined time is designated among the control instructions stored in the first storage unit 12. Good.

  As described above, by transmitting the control command to the lighting fixture having a long predetermined time for processing, it is possible to shorten the time until the control of all the lighting fixtures 20a to 20c is completed.

  In addition, even if the first control unit 13 causes the first communication unit 14 to preferentially transmit the control instruction for which the lighting fixture having a short predetermined time is designated among the control instructions stored in the first storage unit 12. Good.

  As described above, by transmitting the control command to the lighting fixture for which the predetermined time for processing is short, control of the lighting fixture for which the predetermined time for processing is short can be completed early.

  In addition, the controller 10 may further include an acquisition unit that acquires the priorities of the plurality of lighting fixtures 20a to 20c. Among the control commands stored in the first storage unit 12, the first control unit 13 causes the first communication unit 14 to preferentially transmit the acquired control instruction with a high priority to the designated control command. Good.

  When the priority is stored in advance in the first storage unit 12, the acquisition unit is included in the first control unit 13. In addition, when the priority is transmitted from the operation device 30, the receiving unit 11 is an example of an acquisition unit. The acquisition unit may be provided separately from the first control unit 13 and the reception unit 11.

  Thereby, the first control unit 13 can determine the transmission order of control commands stored in the first storage unit 12 based on the priorities of the plurality of lighting fixtures 20a to 20c.

  In addition, a plurality of control commands for creating one lighting scene by the plurality of lighting fixtures 20a to 20c in the first storage unit 12, and a plurality of each specifying any of the plurality of lighting fixtures 20a to 20c Control commands may be stored. The first control unit 13 may determine at least a part of the transmission order of the plurality of control commands based on the designated numbers of the plurality of lighting fixtures 20a to 20c according to the plurality of control commands.

  Thereby, the first control unit 13 transmits the control command stored in the first storage unit 12 based on the number (designated number) of control commands scheduled to be transmitted to each of the plurality of lighting fixtures 20a to 20c. The order can be determined.

  In addition, the first control unit 13 may cause the first communication unit 14 to preferentially transmit the control command for specifying the lighting fixtures having a large number of designations.

  As described above, by transmitting the control command to the lighting fixtures having a large number of designations in advance, it is possible to shorten the time until the control of all of the plurality of lighting fixtures 20a to 20c is completed.

  In addition, the first control unit 13 may cause the first communication unit 14 to preferentially transmit a control command specifying a lighting fixture with a small number of designations.

  As described above, by transmitting the control command to the lighting fixtures having a small number of designations in advance, the control of the lighting fixtures having a small number of designations can be completed early.

  Also, the receiving unit 11 may receive a control command from the operating device 30 operated by the user by wireless communication.

  Thereby, the user can wirelessly transmit the control command to the controller 10.

  In addition, the first control unit 13 may read the control command in the order stored in the first storage unit 12 and transmit the control command to the first communication unit 14. Each of the first control command and the second control command is received by the receiving unit 11 prior to the third control command, and stored in the first storage unit 12 prior to the third control command. It may be a command.

  Thereby, the first control unit 13 can determine the transmission order of the control command stored in the first storage unit 12 based on the storage order in the first storage unit 12.

(Other embodiments)
As mentioned above, although the illumination control system which concerns on embodiment was demonstrated, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment.

  For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, although the controller which does not have a lighting function was provided separately from a plurality of lighting fixtures, one lighting fixture of a plurality of lighting fixtures may function as a controller. That is, the controller may be one of a plurality of lighting devices. Thus, one of the plurality of lighting devices can be used as a controller.

  Also, the plurality of lighting fixtures provided in the lighting control system may include different kinds of lighting fixtures. For example, some of the plurality of lighting fixtures provided in the lighting control system may be downlights, and others may be ceiling lights.

  Further, in the above embodiment, each component may be configured by dedicated hardware or implemented by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded in a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

  Also, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may constitute one circuit as a whole or may be separate circuits. Each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

  In addition, general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium such as a computer readable CD-ROM. Also, the present invention may be realized as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

  For example, the present invention may be realized as a controller (lighting control device) according to the above embodiment, or may be realized as a program used for a controller or a lighting fixture. In addition, the present invention may be realized as a lighting control method executed by the lighting control system according to the above embodiment.

  In addition, the order of the plurality of processes in the operation of the lighting control system described in the above embodiment is an example. The order of the plurality of processes may be changed, or the plurality of processes may be performed in parallel.

  In addition, the embodiments can be realized by various combinations that each person skilled in the art can think of for each embodiment, or by combining components and functions in each embodiment without departing from the scope of the present invention. The embodiments of the present invention are also included in the present invention.

10 Controller (Lighting control device)
11 receiver 12 first storage unit (storage unit)
13 first control unit 14 first communication unit 20a, 20b, 20c lighting fixture 21 light source 22 second communication unit 23 second control unit 24 second storage unit 30 operation device 100 lighting control system

Claims (13)

With multiple lighting fixtures,
A controller for controlling the plurality of lighting fixtures;
The controller
A receiving unit configured to receive a control command specified by any of the plurality of lighting devices as a control target;
A storage unit,
A first control unit that stores the control command received by the receiving unit in the storage unit and reads out the control command stored in the storage unit;
And a first communication unit that transmits the read control command to the lighting fixture specified in the control command based on the control of the first control unit.
Each of the plurality of lighting fixtures
Light source,
A second communication unit that receives the control command transmitted by the first communication unit;
A process for causing the light source to emit light in response to a control command received by the second communication unit, the second control unit performing a process requiring a predetermined time;
The first control unit is
The first control command is transmitted to the first communication unit after the first lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices is designated, and then the predetermined time has elapsed since the first control command is transmitted. To determine whether or not
If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed since the transmission of the first control command, the first lighting device transmits a designated second control command to the first communication unit,
When it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the transmission of the first control command, a third control command in which a second lighting device is specified among the plurality of lighting devices is selected as the third control command. Lighting control system to be sent to the first communication unit. The first communication unit further receives, from each of the plurality of lighting devices, information indicating the predetermined time for the process performed by the second control unit of the lighting device.
The first control unit determines the transmission order of control commands stored in the storage unit based on information indicating the plurality of predetermined times received by the first communication unit. Lighting control system. The first control unit is configured to cause the first communication unit to preferentially transmit a control instruction in which a lighting fixture having a longer predetermined time among the control instructions stored in the storage unit is designated. Lighting control system. The first control unit causes the first communication unit to preferentially transmit a control instruction in which a lighting fixture having a short predetermined time among the control instructions stored in the storage unit is designated. Lighting control system. The controller further includes an acquisition unit that acquires the priorities of the plurality of lighting devices.
Among the control commands stored in the storage unit, the first control unit causes the acquired first priority to be sent to the first communication unit with priority given to the control command in which the acquired high-priority lighting fixture is designated. Lighting control system as described. The storage unit stores a plurality of control commands for creating one lighting scene by the plurality of lighting devices, and a plurality of control commands each specifying any of the plurality of lighting devices.
The lighting control system according to claim 1, wherein the first control unit determines at least a part of the transmission order of the plurality of control commands based on a designated number of each of the plurality of lighting fixtures according to the plurality of control commands. . The lighting control system according to claim 6, wherein the first control unit causes the first communication unit to preferentially transmit a control command specifying a lighting fixture having a large number of designations. The lighting control system according to claim 6, wherein the first control unit causes the first communication unit to preferentially transmit a control command specifying a lighting fixture with a small number of designations. The lighting control system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the receiving unit receives a control command from an operating device operated by a user by wireless communication. The lighting control system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the controller is a lighting fixture of one of the plurality of lighting fixtures. The first control unit reads control commands in the order stored in the storage unit and causes the first communication unit to transmit the control instructions.
Each of the first control command and the second control command is received by the receiving unit prior to the third control command, and stored in the storage unit prior to the third control command. The lighting control system according to claim 1, which is a control command. A lighting control method performed by a lighting control system, comprising:
The lighting control system
A plurality of luminaires, each comprising a light source;
A storage unit and a controller for controlling the plurality of lighting devices,
In the lighting control method,
The controller
One of the plurality of lighting devices receives a control command designated as a control target,
Storing the received control command in the storage unit, and reading out the stored control command;
Send the read control command to the lighting fixture specified in the control command,
Each of the plurality of lighting fixtures
Receive the sent control command,
A process for causing the light source to emit light in accordance with the received control command, the process requiring a predetermined time,
The controller
After transmitting the first control command in which the first lighting fixture of the plurality of lighting fixtures has been designated, it is determined whether or not the predetermined time has elapsed since the transmission of the first control command. ,
If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed since the transmission of the first control command, the first lighting device transmits a designated second control command.
When it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the transmission of the first control command, a third control command in which the second lighting device is specified among the plurality of lighting devices is transmitted Lighting control method. A lighting control device for controlling a plurality of lighting fixtures, comprising:
A receiving unit configured to receive a control command specified by any of the plurality of lighting devices as a control target;
A storage unit,
A first control unit that stores the control command received by the receiving unit in the storage unit and reads out the control command stored in the storage unit;
And a first communication unit that transmits the read control command to the lighting fixture specified in the control command based on the control of the first control unit.
The first control unit is
After transmitting the first control command in which the first lighting fixture is specified among the plurality of lighting fixtures to the first communication unit, a predetermined time has elapsed since the first control command is sent To determine whether or not
If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed since the transmission of the first control command, the first lighting device transmits a designated second control command to the first communication unit,
When it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the transmission of the first control command, a third control command in which a second lighting device is specified among the plurality of lighting devices is selected as the third control command. Lighting control device to be sent to the first communication unit.

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