JP4915908B2 - Lighting control terminal - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a lighting control terminal.

  Conventionally, lighting provided with one or more load-side terminals that respectively control one or more lighting loads, and an illumination control terminal that outputs a control signal instructing each load-side terminal to control the lighting load. An illumination control terminal used for a control system is provided (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  As this kind of lighting control terminal, as shown in FIG. 6, it is connected to a dimmer 2 as a load side terminal that is connected to a plurality of lighting loads L and controls each lighting load L to be turned on / off and dimmed. The dimming console 1 is used for stage and studio lighting.

  The dimming console 1 and the dimmer 2 are connected to each other via a transmission path (not shown). As shown in FIG. 7, the dimming console 1 includes an operation unit 11 including a plurality of operation units such as switches and faders operated by a user, and a control signal corresponding to an operation applied to the operation unit 11. And a transmission unit 13 for transmitting the control signal generated by the control signal generation unit 12 to the dimmer 2 via the transmission line. Each lighting load L is controlled in accordance with a control signal received from the dimming console 1 via the control signal.

In addition to the individual control for individually controlling each lighting load L, the dimming console 1 performs group control for performing common control over a plurality of preselected lighting loads L (so-called patches), Pattern control for realizing a specific lighting scene by setting the light output of the plurality of selected lighting loads L to a constant value set in advance for each lighting load L, or a plurality of times according to a preset time schedule In order to enable chase control that sequentially executes pattern control, a storage unit 14 that stores the correspondence between the illumination load L and the operation means and the contents of pattern control / chase control is provided. The operation unit 11 is provided with a number of operation means corresponding to the number of illumination loads L and the various controls. The contents of pattern control and chase control are input using, for example, an individual control operation means or a pattern control operation means.
JP 2002-289378 A

  Generally, in the lighting control terminal, if the number of lighting loads to be individually controlled and the types of control to be performed are large, so many operation means are required. In order to ensure operability and prevent erroneous operation, it is necessary to secure a certain area for each operation means. Therefore, if the number of operation means is large, the dimming console 1 becomes large.

  However, for example, when an individual control operating means corresponding to each lighting load L is used only when inputting the contents of pattern control or chase control, at the stage of performing input pattern control or chase control. The operation means for individual control becomes unnecessary. Even when individual control is performed, if the number of lighting loads L is smaller than the number of operation means for individual control, a part of the operation means for individual control becomes unnecessary. Thus, the operation means actually used in each scene is different. Unnecessary operation means get in the way or cause confusion for the user, leading to a decrease in operability.

  In addition, in order to improve operability, it is desirable that operating means that are frequently operated be arranged at a position that is easy to operate, such as near the user, but which operating means may be operated frequently. It depends on the scene.

  Conventionally, since all the operation means are provided in the integrated dimming console 1, it is impossible to change specifications such as the maximum number of individually controlled lighting loads L, the type of control, and the arrangement of the operation means. Met.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above reasons, and an object thereof is to provide an illumination control terminal whose specification can be easily changed.

The invention according to claim 1 is an illumination control terminal that outputs one or more load-side terminals that respectively control one or more illumination loads, and a control signal that instructs each load-side terminal to control the illumination load. A lighting control terminal for use in a lighting control system comprising a main module and at least one sub-module connected to the main module, each sub-module operated by a user. An operation unit having at least one operation means, an operation signal generation unit that generates an operation signal according to an operation applied to the operation unit, and a communication that transmits an operation signal output from the operation signal generation unit to the main module And a housing that holds the operation unit and the communication unit and accommodates the operation signal generation unit, respectively. Generated by a communication unit that communicates with the communication unit of the module, a control signal generation unit that generates a control signal according to an operation signal transmitted from the submodule and received by the communication unit, and a control signal generation unit a control signal output unit for outputting a control signal to the load side terminal, a communication unit and a control signal output unit possess a housing accommodating a control signal generation unit holds each individual sub-module, respectively, the communication unit A connection determination unit that determines whether communication with the communication unit of the main module is communicable or not, and the operation signal generation unit is configured to perform all operation means of the operation unit when determination by the connection determination unit is impossible to communicate. When the operation signal is received, the communication unit of the main module generates a predetermined confirmation signal to the submodule that has transmitted the operation signal. When the connection determination unit determines that communication is impossible and the confirmation signal is received by the communication unit, the determination is switched to be communicable, and the operation signal is transmitted when it is determined that communication is possible. If a confirmation signal is not received after a predetermined time has elapsed, the determination is switched to disable communication .

According to the present invention, the specifications can be easily changed by attaching and detaching the submodule as necessary. In addition, operability is improved by changing the arrangement of each submodule as appropriate, such as removing unnecessary submodules or placing submodules that are frequently operated in positions that are easier to operate, depending on the situation. Can do. Furthermore, by sharing a sub-module that is less frequently used by a plurality of lighting control systems, the equipment cost can be reduced. In addition, when a failure occurs in a submodule, it can be recovered simply by replacing the submodule in which the failure has occurred. Furthermore, the illumination load can be controlled according to the state of the operation unit of the newly connected submodule.

  The invention of claim 2 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 1, each operation means is given a unique identification number, and the operation signal includes the identification number of the operated operation means.

  According to the present invention, the control signal generation unit can identify more operation means as compared with the case where the operation signal is identified only by the portion indicating the state of the operation means in the operation signal, for example.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the main module calculates the state of each lighting load after control by the control signal when the control signal generation unit generates the control signal. A calculation unit that generates a display signal indicating a calculation result and transmits the display signal to all submodules from the communication unit at a predetermined timing. Each submodule has at least one illumination based on the display signal. It has a display part which displays the state of load.

  According to this invention, the user can grasp the state of the illumination load by referring to the display unit.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in any of the first to third aspects of the present invention, a hub having a plurality of receptacles is provided, and the communication section of the main module and the communication section of each submodule each have a receptacle. The module and each submodule are connected to the hub via a cable with plugs connected to the receptacles at both ends, and the communication part of each submodule is connected to the communication part of the main module via the hub. It is characterized by being.

According to the present invention, the submodule can be easily removed as compared with the case where the connection between the main module and each submodule is a daisy chain type .

According to the present invention, since the lighting control terminal includes the main module and the sub module, the specification can be easily changed by attaching and detaching the sub module as necessary. In addition, operability is improved by changing the arrangement of each submodule as appropriate, such as removing unnecessary submodules or placing submodules that are frequently operated in positions that are easier to operate, depending on the situation. Can do. Furthermore, by sharing a sub-module that is less frequently used by a plurality of lighting control systems, the equipment cost can be reduced. In addition, when a failure occurs in a submodule, it can be recovered simply by replacing the submodule in which the failure has occurred. Furthermore, the illumination load can be controlled according to the state of the operation unit of the newly connected submodule.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
As shown in FIG. 1, a dimming console 1 that is a lighting control terminal in the present embodiment includes a main module 3 and at least one (three in the figure) connected to the main module 3 in a daisy chain form. A submodule 4. The main module 3 and the submodule 4 and the submodules 4 adjacent to each other are connected to each other via a cable 6. Plugs (not shown) constituting connectors 5 are provided at both ends of each cable 6 so as to be detachably connected to receptacles 51 provided in the main module 3 and each submodule 4 respectively. Yes. The power of each submodule 4 may be supplied separately from the main module 3 or may be supplied from the main module 3 via the cable 6. In addition, since the structure of the light control device 2 and the lighting fixture L used with this embodiment in a lighting system is common with the prior art example demonstrated in FIG. 6, illustration and detailed description are abbreviate | omitted about these.

  As shown in FIG. 2, each of the submodules 4 has an operation unit 41 having at least one operation means (not shown) operated by the user and an operation applied to the operation unit 41. A control unit 42 that generates an operation signal, a communication unit 43 that is connected to the main module 2 and transmits an operation signal generated by the control unit 42 to the main module 2, and a housing (not shown) that houses the control unit 42 Individually. That is, the control unit 42 is an operation signal generation unit in the claims. The communication unit 43 is provided with two receptacles 51 that constitute the connector 5 together with the plug provided on the cable 6. The housing of the submodule 4 holds the operation unit 41 and the communication unit 43 by exposing the operation means and the receptacle 51, respectively. One of the receptacles 51 is connected to the main module 3 directly or via another submodule 4, and the other of the receptacles 51 is connected to the other submodule 4.

  Each sub-module 4 includes a changeover switch 45 as a switching unit that alternatively connects the receptacle 51 connected to the main module 3 to one of the other receptacle 51 and the communication unit 43. More specifically, the changeover switch 45 is controlled by the control unit 42 and normally maintains the state in which the receptacles 51 are connected to each other. When an operation signal is transmitted, the connection is switched to the communication unit 43 side, and a confirmation described later. When the signal is received by the communication unit 43, the state returns to the state in which the receptacles 51 are connected to each other. As a result, the communication unit 43 of each submodule 4 is connected to the main module 3 directly or via another submodule 4 only during the period from when the transmission of the operation signal is started until the reception of the confirmation signal is completed. Otherwise, the other communication module 43 is disconnected from the main module 3 while the other submodule 4 is connected to the main module 3.

  Here, as the operation means, for example, for continuous control such as dimming, a fader or encoder including a linear operation type or rotary type variable resistor having an operation handle such as a slider or a knob is used. A switch such as a push button switch or a toggle switch can be used for switching control such as turning on and off the illumination load L. As the operation means, in addition to the above, a well-known input device that operates buttons and sliders displayed on a display device such as a liquid crystal monitor with a touch panel or a mouse may be used.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the main module 3 includes an operation unit 31 similar to the submodule 4, a communication unit 33 connected to the submodule 4 via a detachable connector 5 and a cable 6, and an operation unit 31. The control unit 32 generates a control signal in accordance with an operation applied to the operation means or an operation signal received by the communication unit 32, and the dimmer 2 transmits the control signal generated by the control unit 32 via a transmission line. A transmission unit 35 as a control signal output unit to be transmitted to the housing, and a housing (not shown) in which the control unit 32 is housed. The communication unit 33 is provided with one receptacle similar to the communication unit 43 of the submodule 4. The housing of the main module 3 holds the operation unit 31, the communication unit 33, and the transmission unit 35 by exposing the part to which the transmission path is connected in the transmission unit 35, the operation unit, and the receptacle, respectively.

  The dimmer 2 controls the illumination load L according to the control signal received from the main module 3 via the transmission path.

  Hereinafter, the operations of the main module 3 and the sub module 4 will be specifically described.

  The control unit 42 of the submodule 4 periodically stores the state of each operation means of the operation unit 41 and compares the state of each operation means with the state stored last time. When the state of the operating means has changed, that is, when the operating means has been operated, an operation signal indicating the changed state of the operating means is generated and transmitted from the communication unit 43. That is, the control unit 42 is an operation signal generation unit in the claims. In the operation signal, the state of the operation means is represented by, for example, a voltage between both ends when the operation means is composed of a variable resistor, and is represented by a voltage corresponding to ON / OFF when the operation means is composed of a switch. In the case where the state of the operation means is expressed by a continuous quantity as in the case where the operation means is composed of a variable resistor, in the operation signal, the state of the operation means may be expressed by an analog signal or a digital signal It may be converted.

  When the operation signal is received by the communication unit 33, the control unit 32 of the main module 2 transmits a predetermined confirmation signal from the communication unit 33 to the submodule 4. Then, if the confirmation signal is not received by the communication unit 43 within a predetermined time after the operation signal is transmitted, the control unit 42 of the submodule 4 causes the communication unit 43 to transmit the operation signal again.

  In addition, the control unit 32 of the main module 3 periodically stores the state of each operation unit of the operation unit 31 and compares the state of each operation unit with the state stored last time. When the state of the operating means has changed, a control signal corresponding to the changed state of the operating means is generated and transmitted from the transmission unit 35 to the dimmer 2 via the transmission line. Further, when the operation signal is received by the communication unit 33, the control unit 32 transmits a confirmation signal from the communication unit 33 to the submodule 4 as described above, and transmits a control signal corresponding to the received operation signal. It is generated and transmitted from the transmission unit 35 to the dimmer 2 via the transmission line. The dimmer 2 controls each lighting load L based on the received control signal.

  Here, a unique identification number is assigned to each operation means of the submodule 4, and the operation signal includes the identification number of the operated operation means. The lighting load L is controlled for each circuit number (so-called control channel) assigned in advance. In the control unit 32 of the main module 3, each operation means is associated with at least one circuit number. The control signal instructs the dimmer 2 to control the lighting load L belonging to the circuit number corresponding to the operated operating means, such as turning on / off or dimming according to the operation content. To do. The identification number of the operation means may be determined in advance for each type of operation means and cannot be changed, or an identification number setting unit for inputting the identification number is provided in the main module 3 or each submodule 4. The user may be able to set. In addition, a relationship setting unit to which a correspondence relationship between the identification number of the operation means and the circuit number of the illumination load L is input may be provided in the main module 3.

  The operation means includes individual control for performing individual control, group control for performing group control, pattern control for performing pattern control, and chase for instructing execution or stop of chase control. There are things for control. Of the operation means, one for pattern control, one for individual control or group control, and one for chase control are provided in different submodules 4. Further, the submodule 4 has a function for inputting / editing the contents of pattern control and chase control. By the operation signal output when a specific operation is performed on the operation unit 41 of the submodule 4, The operation mode of the main module 3 can be switched so that the contents of pattern control and chase control can be input / edited using the individual control operation means and the pattern control operation means. The main module 3 is provided with a storage unit 36 for storing the contents of input pattern control and chase control.

  Further, the main module 3 includes a display unit 34 that is controlled by the control unit 32 and displays the state of the illumination load L corresponding to the operation means. The state of the lighting load L is whether it is turned on or off, the dimming ratio, and the like. The display unit 34 includes, for example, a light emitting diode disposed in the vicinity of the operation unit and its drive circuit. A light-emitting diode that is turned on when the lighting load L corresponding to is illuminated, a circuit that displays the circuit number of the lighting load L that is composed of a digital display panel and its drive circuit and that is associated with the operating means, Those using a liquid crystal monitor are conceivable, and a plurality of these may be used in combination. When transmitting the control signal, the control unit 32 of the main module 3 calculates the state of each lighting load L after the control by the transmitted control signal is performed, and displays the display unit 34 based on the calculation result. And display at least the state of each lighting load L corresponding to the operating means of the operating unit 31 that the user has. Further, in the case of having an operation means for pattern control and an operation means for chase control, which pattern control is being executed and which stage of which chase control is being executed are displayed on the display unit 34. You may do it.

  Each submodule 4 includes a display unit 44. The display unit 44 of the submodule 4 displays, for example, the state of the operation means such as on / off of the switch and the operation amount applied to the encoder, and the circuit number of the illumination load L corresponding to the operation means.

  Each configuration of the main module 3 and the sub module 4 as described above can be realized by a well-known technique, and thus detailed illustration and description thereof will be omitted.

  According to the said structure, the specification of the light control console 1 can be easily changed by adding, removing, or changing the submodule 4 connected to the main module 3. FIG.

  Therefore, for example, when it is desired to control each lighting load L individually, such as when examining a production, the individual control sub-module 4 having many operation means is used, and the lighting load L is set at a fixed time schedule as in a play. When controlled, use the submodule 4 for chase control, and use the submodule 4 for pattern control when you want to perform pattern control according to ad lib or encore in a live concert. The submodule 4 can be removed. When performing individual control, the size and number of sub-modules 4 for individual control to be used are appropriately adjusted according to the number of individually controlled lighting loads L (number of circuit numbers used). Can do.

  In addition, depending on the situation, operation can be performed by appropriately changing the arrangement of each sub-module 4 such as removing unnecessary sub-modules 4 or arranging sub-modules 4 that are frequently operated at positions that are easier to operate. Can be improved.

  Furthermore, by sharing the submodule 4 that is not frequently used by a plurality of lighting control systems, the equipment cost can be reduced.

  Further, when a failure occurs in the submodule 4, it can be recovered simply by replacing the submodule 4 in which the failure has occurred.

  Furthermore, since the submodule 4 is not fixed to the main module 3, the space can be used effectively by appropriately adjusting the position of the submodule 4 with respect to the main module 3 in accordance with the shape of the installed space. .

(Embodiment 2)
Since the basic configuration of the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, common portions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and illustration and description are omitted.

  In this embodiment, the connection form between the main module 3 and the sub module 4 is different from that in the first embodiment, and the sub modules 4 are connected to the main module 3 via the hub H as shown in FIG. It is said. The hub H has a plurality (eight in the figure) of receptacles 51. In the example of FIG. 4, another hub H ′ is connected to the hub H to which the main module 3 is connected, and the submodule 4 is also connected to this hub H ′. Each of the hubs H and H ′ is a well-known switching hub. Usually, all the submodules 4 are connected to the main module 3, and an operation signal is input from a certain submodule 4, and then a confirmation signal is sent to the submodule 4. During the period until output, the input of the operation signal from the other submodule 4 is cut off. In the submodule 4, as shown in FIG. 5, one receptacle 51 and the changeover switch 45 that have become unnecessary with the use of the hubs H and H ′ are omitted.

  Further, the control unit 32 of the main module 3 stores the calculation result obtained by the calculation at the time of controlling the display unit 34 in the storage unit 36, and periodically sets the lighting load L based on the calculation result. A display signal indicating the state is generated and transmitted from the communication unit 32 to all the submodules 4. That is, the control unit 32 of the main module 3 is also a calculation unit in the claims. When the communication unit 43 receives the display signal, the control unit 42 of the submodule 4 controls the display unit 44 based on the received display signal, and at least corresponds to the operation means of the operation unit 41 possessed by itself. The state of each lighting load L to be displayed is displayed. .

  As described above, when the display signal is periodically transmitted, for example, unlike when the display signal is transmitted only when the control signal is output, a new sub-control block 4 is generated during the period in which the control signal is not output. Even when connected, the new sub-control block 4 performs appropriate display on the display unit 44.

  Furthermore, the control unit 42 of the submodule 4 in the present embodiment is also a connection determination unit that determines whether the communication unit 43 can communicate with the communication unit 33 of the main module 3 or not. More specifically, immediately after the power is turned on, the control unit 42 determines that communication is impossible. When the communication unit 43 receives a display signal (that is, the submodule 4 is newly connected to the main module 3) while determining that communication is impossible, the control unit 42 For all the operation means included in the operation unit 41, an operation signal indicating the state of the operation means is transmitted from the communication unit 43 to the main module 3. The illumination load L is controlled according to the state of each operation means in the operation unit 41 of the newly connected submodule 4 by the control signal output from the main module 3 in response to this operation signal. When the communication unit 43 receives a confirmation signal for the operation signal, the control unit 42 switches the determination from communication impossible to communication possible. Thereafter, if the confirmation signal is not received by the communication unit 43 even if the operation signal is transmitted a predetermined number of times (that is, the confirmation signal is not received over a period in which the operation signal is transmitted a predetermined number of times), the control unit 42 The judgment is switched from communication possible again to communication impossible. The predetermined number of times may be one, but it is desirable to set it twice or more in order to reliably transmit and receive the operation signal.

  According to the above configuration, the same effects as in the first embodiment are obtained, and the following advantages are obtained as compared with the first embodiment. That is, in the daisy chain type as in the first embodiment, when the submodule 4 located in the middle is removed, the submodule 4 connected to the main module 3 is disconnected from the main module 3 via the removed submodule 4. Therefore, it is necessary to perform connection again. On the other hand, since this is not the case with the star shape as in this embodiment, the sub-module 4 is removed in the star shape as in this embodiment rather than in the daisy chain shape as in Embodiment 1. There is an advantage of easy.

  The hub H may be integrated with either the main module 3 or the sub module 4.

  If a well-known multiplex transmission technique is used, the changeover switch 45 can be omitted in the first embodiment, and a normal hub can be used in this embodiment instead of the switching hub. The use of the changeover switch 45 or the switching hub as in this embodiment has an advantage that the configuration is simplified.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the submodule in the same as the above. It is a block diagram which shows the main module in the same as the above. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the submodule in the same as the above. It is explanatory drawing which shows the aspect of use of a light control console. It is a block diagram which shows the conventional light control console.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Light control console 2 Light control device 3 Main module 4 Sub module 32 Control part 33 Communication part 34 Display part 35 Transmission part 41 Operation part 42 Control part 43 Communication part 44 Display part 45 Changeover switch 51 Receptacle 6 Cable H Hub L Illumination load

Claims (4)

An illumination control system comprising one or more load-side terminals that respectively control one or more illumination loads, and an illumination control terminal that outputs a control signal instructing each load-side terminal to control the illumination load. A lighting control terminal used,
Comprising a main module and at least one sub-module connected to the main module,
Each sub-module includes an operation unit having at least one operation unit operated by a user, an operation signal generation unit that generates an operation signal according to an operation applied to the operation unit, and an operation signal generation unit Each having a communication unit that transmits the operation signal output from the main module, and a housing that holds the operation unit and the communication unit and stores the operation signal generation unit,
The main module includes a communication unit that communicates with the communication unit of the submodule, a control signal generation unit that generates a control signal according to an operation signal transmitted from the submodule and received by the communication unit, and a control signal generation possess a control signal output unit for outputting a control signal generated on the load side terminal by section, and a housing in which the communication unit and a control signal output unit housing a control signal generation unit holds each
Each sub-module has a connection determination unit that determines whether the communication unit can communicate with the communication unit of the main module or not, and the operation signal generation unit cannot communicate with the determination by the connection determination unit. Sometimes, an operation signal indicating the state of all operation means of the operation unit is generated and transmitted from the communication unit,
When the operation signal is received, the communication unit of the main module transmits a predetermined confirmation signal to the submodule that has transmitted the operation signal.
The connection determination unit switches the determination to communicable if a confirmation signal is received by the communication unit when it is determined that communication is impossible, and a predetermined time elapses after the operation signal is transmitted when it is determined that communication is possible Even if a confirmation signal is not received , the lighting control terminal switches the determination to disable communication .   2. The lighting control terminal according to claim 1, wherein each operation means is given a unique identification number, and the operation signal includes the identification number of the operated operation means. When the control signal generation unit generates the control signal, the main module calculates the state of each lighting load after the control by the control signal and generates a display signal indicating the result of the calculation to generate a predetermined timing from the communication unit. Has a calculation unit that sends to all submodules,
The lighting control terminal according to claim 1, wherein each submodule includes a display unit that displays a state of at least one lighting load based on a display signal. A hub having a plurality of receptacles;
The communication unit of the main module and the communication unit of each submodule each have a receptacle,
The main module and each submodule are connected to the hub via a cable having plugs connected to the receptacles at both ends, and the communication section of each submodule is connected to the communication section of the main module via the hub. lighting control terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it is connected.

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