JP7617433B2 - Lighting Control Method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a lighting control method.

Conventionally, a technique has been proposed for controlling lighting devices in synchronization between multiple control devices (hereinafter also referred to as controllers). For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method in which a master-slave communication method is applied, and when a control device is the master, it synchronizes control information and the like with other control devices at different times.

JP 2017-016874 A

However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, when a control device performs linked operations in which the control device operates in synchronization with other control devices, if the communication connection with the other control devices is cut off and then restored, there is a possibility that a discrepancy in operation with the other control devices may occur when returning to the linked operation.

The present invention provides a lighting control method that reduces the occurrence of operational discrepancies between a child device and a parent device during linked operations when the child device recovers from a communication disconnection with the parent device.

A lighting control method according to one aspect of the present invention is a lighting control method by a child device in a lighting control system in which a parent device and a child device cooperate to control a plurality of lighting devices to play a plurality of lighting scenes in sequence, and for each of the plurality of lighting scenes, a synchronization signal including a playback start timing of the lighting scene is acquired from the parent device via communication, and a linked operation is executed to control the lighting device to be controlled in synchronization with the parent device based on the acquired synchronization signal, and if the communication with the parent device is disconnected during the execution of the linked operation, the linked operation is executed based on the synchronization signal last acquired before the communication was disconnected, and if the communication with the parent device is restored from the disconnection, the parent device outputs an inquiry signal regarding the lighting control currently being executed, and when the playback time of the lighting scene being played is acquired as a response signal to the inquiry signal from the parent device, the linked operation is executed to play the lighting scene from the acquired playback time.

A lighting control method according to one aspect of the present invention is a lighting control method by a parent device in a lighting control system in which a parent device and a child device cooperate to control a plurality of lighting devices to play a plurality of lighting scenes in sequence, the method comprising: outputting a synchronization signal including a playback start timing of each of the plurality of lighting scenes to the child device via communication; executing a linked operation to control the lighting device to be controlled in synchronization with the child device based on the synchronization signal; and, upon receiving an inquiry signal from the child device regarding the lighting control being executed by the parent device during the execution of the linked operation, outputting the playback time of the lighting scene being played as a response signal to the received inquiry signal.

A lighting control method according to one aspect of the present invention is a lighting control method using a lighting control system in which a parent device and a child device work together to control a plurality of lighting devices to play a plurality of lighting scenes in sequence, the parent device outputs a synchronization signal including a playback start timing for each of the plurality of lighting scenes to the child device via communication, the child device acquires the synchronization signal output from the parent device, the parent device and the child device each execute a linked operation to control the lighting device to be controlled by themselves in synchronization with each other based on the synchronization signal, and if the communication with the parent device is disconnected during the execution of the linked operation, The child device executes the linked operation based on the synchronization signal last acquired before the communication was cut off, and when the communication with the parent device is restored from the cut off, the child device outputs an inquiry signal regarding the lighting control currently being executed by the parent device, the parent device acquires the inquiry signal output from the child device and outputs the playback time of the lighting scene being played as a response signal to the acquired inquiry signal, and when the child device acquires the playback time as the response signal to the inquiry signal from the parent device, it executes the linked operation to play the lighting scene from the acquired playback time.

The lighting control method of the present invention makes it less likely that mismatches will occur between the child device and the parent device during linked operations when the child device recovers from a communication disconnection with the parent device.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a lighting control system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2A is a sequence diagram showing a first example of the operation of the lighting control system in the embodiment. FIG. 2B is a sequence diagram showing a first example of the operation of the lighting control system in the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the conditions under which a child device detects a disconnection of a communication connection with a parent device and a reconnection after the disconnection. FIG. 4A is a sequence diagram showing a second example of the operation of the lighting control system in the embodiment. FIG. 4B is a sequence diagram showing a second example of the operation of the lighting control system in the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating another example of a functional configuration of the lighting control system according to the embodiment. FIG. 6A is a sequence diagram showing a modified example of the operation of the lighting control system according to the embodiment. FIG. 6B is a sequence diagram showing a modified example of the operation of the lighting control system in the embodiment. FIG. 6C is a sequence diagram showing a modified example of the operation of the lighting control system in the embodiment. FIG. 6D is a sequence diagram showing a modified example of the operation of the lighting control system in the embodiment.

The following describes the embodiments in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection forms, steps, and order of steps shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in an independent claim are described as optional components.

Note that each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily a precise illustration. In addition, in each figure, the same reference numerals are used for substantially the same configurations, and duplicate explanations may be omitted or simplified.

(Embodiment 1)
[1. Overview]
First, an overview of a lighting control system according to embodiment 1 will be described. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the lighting control system according to embodiment 1.

The lighting control system 100 is, for example, a lighting control system for performances that controls multiple lighting devices 20 in real time. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the lighting control system 100 can increase the number of lighting devices 20 that can be controlled simultaneously by adding a lighting control controller (child device 1) 10b and a lighting control controller (child device 2) 10c to a lighting control controller (parent device) 10a and connecting lighting devices 20 to each of the added controllers (child device 1) 10b and (child device 2) 10c. The lighting devices 20 are installed in multiple locations on the exterior walls of a building, but may also be installed on a suspension bridge or stadium.

As one of the lighting effects, the lighting control system 100 may, for example, reflect the change over time in the luminous color of each pixel in the video content in the luminous color of the lighting device. For example, if the video content shows moving clouds against a blue sky, the color change of a specific pixel in the video content according to the movement of the clouds is reflected in the luminous color of the lighting device 20. In this case, each lighting device 20 is associated with a pixel in the video content.

2. Configuration
Next, the configuration of the lighting control system 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 1 again. As shown in Fig. 1, the lighting control system 100 includes, for example, a controller (parent device) 10a, a controller (child device 1) 10b, a controller (child device 2) 10c, a signal converter 3, and a plurality of lighting devices 20. Note that, although the lighting control system 100 includes a plurality of lighting devices 20 in the example of Fig. 1, it is not necessary to include a plurality of lighting devices 20. The lighting control system 100 includes, for example, two child devices, but the number of child devices may be one, or three or more.

[controller]
The controller is a control device that controls the lighting devices under its control (in other words, the lighting devices to be controlled). The controller may include, for example, a personal computer (PC) (for example, an information processing unit 12) and a touch panel (for example, a reception unit 14). In this case, the personal computer includes a communication unit 11, an information processing unit 12, and a storage unit 13. The controller includes a parent device and a child device, and one or more child devices are connected to one parent device via communication. In the example of FIG. 1, a controller (child device 1) 10b and a controller (child device 2) 10c are connected to the controller (parent device) 10a via a HUB1. In addition, each controller and its subordinate lighting devices 20 are connected via a HUB2. The HUB1 and HUB2 will be described in the communication unit.

Each of the controller (child device 1) 10b and the controller (child device 2) 10c performs a linked operation in which it controls the lighting devices 20 under its control in synchronization with the controller (parent device) 10a, and a standalone operation in which it controls the lighting devices 20 under its control independently of the controller (parent device) 10a. In addition, in parallel with the standalone operation, each controller (child device) performs a synchronization process for synchronizing with the controller (parent device) 10a in the linked operation. Details of the synchronization process will be described later in Section [3. Operation].

For example, each of controller (parent device) 10a, controller (child device 1) 10b, and controller (child device 2) 10c is installed near the lighting device 20 under its control (e.g., inside a building, etc.) and communicates with the lighting device 20 through a local communication network. Note that although there are multiple lighting devices 20 controlled by one controller in FIG. 1, there may be only one. The multiple lighting devices 20 may be the same type of lighting device or different types of lighting devices. Also, the lighting devices 20 controlled by each controller may be the same type of lighting device or different types of lighting devices. The types of lighting devices will be described later.

Each of the controller (parent device) 10a, controller (child device 1) 10b, and controller (child device 2) 10c includes, for example, a communication unit 11, an information processing unit 12, a memory unit 13, and a reception unit 14. Each component will be described below.

[Communications Department]
The communication unit 11 is, for example, a communication circuit (communication module) for each of the controller (parent device) 10a, the controller (child device 1) 10b, and the controller (child device 2) 10c to communicate (send and receive information) with other controllers and the lighting devices 20 under its control through a local communication network, but may also include a communication circuit (communication module) for communicating through a wide area communication network such as the Internet. The communication unit 11 may be a wired communication circuit for performing wired communication, or a wireless communication circuit for performing wireless communication. The communication standard of the communication performed by the communication unit 11 is not particularly limited. In the example of FIG. 1, the communication unit 11 of each controller performs communication related to linkage through the HUB1, and the communication standard is, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark). In addition, the communication unit 11 of each controller communicates with the signal converter 3 through the HUB2, and the communication standard is, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark). Note that communication is not performed between the controllers through the HUB2.

[Information Processing Section]
The information processing unit 12 performs information processing such as outputting an instruction to start an operation to the lighting device 20 based on the user's input operation accepted by the accepting unit 14, outputting lighting control data (so-called control information) to the lighting device 20, and performing synchronization processing for synchronizing with other controllers in linked operations. The output of the lighting control data (so-called control information) to the lighting device 20 and the synchronization processing with other controllers are performed, for example, through a local communication network. The information processing unit 12 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor.

[Memory unit]
The storage unit 13 is a storage device that stores information (e.g., computer programs) necessary for the information processing unit 12 to perform the information processing. The storage unit 13 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory.

[Reception department]
The reception unit 14 receives input operations by a user. The reception unit 14 receives input operations such as an instruction to start a linked operation and an instruction to start a standalone operation. The reception unit 14 is realized by, for example, a touch panel, but may also be realized by a mouse, a keyboard, a hardware button, a microphone, or the like.

[Lighting equipment]
The lighting device 20 is a lighting device installed outdoors, such as on the exterior wall of a building. The lighting device 20 acquires lighting control data (so-called control information) output from a controller, and emits light based on the acquired lighting control data. The lighting control data output from each controller is converted by a signal converter 3 and transmitted to the lighting device 20 under control. The lighting device 20 includes, for example, a red light source 21r, a green light source 21g, a blue light source 21b, and a white light source 21w (hereinafter also referred to as RGBW), but may not include the white light source 21w. In the lighting control data, the address (identification information) of the lighting device 20 and the emission luminance for each of the red light source 21r, the green light source 21g, the blue light source 21b, and the white light source 21w are specified. In other words, in the lighting control data, the address of the lighting device 20 and the emission color for the lighting device 20 are specified.

Each of the red light source 21r, green light source 21g, blue light source 21b, and white light source 21w is realized by an LED chip or the like, and the light emission brightness of each light source can be controlled independently. This allows the light emission color of the lighting device 20 to be changed. In other words, the lighting device 20 has a dimming function and a color adjustment function. Each of the red light source 21r, green light source 21g, blue light source 21b, and white light source 21w may be realized by a light emitting module using a semiconductor light emitting element such as a semiconductor laser, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) or an inorganic EL, or other solid-state light emitting element.

The lighting devices 20 connected to each controller may be the same type of lighting device or different types of lighting devices. Furthermore, when multiple lighting devices 20 are connected to one controller, the lighting devices 20 may be the same type of lighting device or different types of lighting devices.

The type of the lighting device 20 is not particularly limited. For example, the lighting device 20 may include a red light source 21r, a green light source 21g, and a blue light source 21b (hereinafter also referred to as RGB) and a yellow light source (Y), or may include RGB and a blue light source (B), or may include RGBW and an incandescent light (WW).

3. Operation
Next, the operation of the lighting control system 100 in the first embodiment will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[First Example]
First, a first example of the operation will be described. In the first example, the operation of the child device when the communication connection between the parent device and the child device is cut off while the parent device and the child device are working together to control the lighting devices under their control to play the same lighting scene, and the operation of the child device when the communication connection is restored will be described. Figures 2A and 2B are sequence diagrams showing a first example of the operation of lighting control system 100 in embodiment 1.

First, when the reception unit 14 of the controller (master) 10a receives an instruction to start the linked operation (here, an instruction to play schedule scene 1) (S01), the information processing unit 12 of the controller (master) 10a outputs an instruction to start the linked operation (here, an instruction to play linked scene 1) to the controller (child device 1) 10b and the controller (child device 2) 10c via the communication unit 11 (S02). For example, when the reception unit 14 receives an instruction to play schedule scene 1, the information processing unit 12 of the controller (master) 10a outputs an instruction to play the first lighting scene (here, scene 1) included in the schedule scene 1 in a linked manner (for example, an instruction to play linked scene 1) to the controller (child device 1) 10b and the controller (child device 2) 10c via the communication unit 11. As described above, each controller is connected via the HUB1.

Next, the information processing unit 12 of the controller (parent device) 10a outputs control information for schedule scene 1 to the lighting devices 20 under its control (in other words, the lighting devices to be controlled) (S03), and the information processing unit 12 of the controller (child device 1) 10b and the controller (child device 2) 10c each output control information for linked scene 1 to the lighting devices 20 under its control (S04). Upon acquiring the control information, the lighting devices 20 under each controller start the lighting performance of linked scene 1 in accordance with the acquired control information (not shown). Note that the control information for schedule scene 1 is lighting control data indicating that the lighting performance of scene 1 is to be repeated twice.

When the communication connection (in other words, network communication) between the controller (child device 1) 10b and the controller (parent device) 10a is cut off during the linked operation of scene 1 playback, the information processing unit 12 of the controller (child device 1) 10b detects the disconnection of the communication connection with the controller (parent device) 10a (S05). FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the conditions under which the child device detects the disconnection of the communication connection with the parent device and the reconnection after the disconnection. For example, in step S05, the information processing unit 12 of the controller (child device 1) 10b detects that the communication connection with the controller (parent device) 10a has been disconnected under the conditions under which the child device detects the disconnection with the parent device shown in FIG. 3. In step S05, it is assumed that any condition other than No. 2 and No. 3 shown in FIG. 3 applies. In this case, the information processing unit 12 of the controller (child device 1) 10b continues the operation before the communication connection was disconnected (here, the linked operation of scene 1 playback).

Although not shown in the figure, in step S03, the information processing unit 12 of the controller (master unit) 10a outputs control information for schedule scene 1 to the lighting devices 20 under its control, and starts counting up the elapsed time of scene 1.

Next, the information processing unit 12 of the controller (parent device) 10a judges whether it is the end time of scene 1 (in other words, whether scene 1 has ended) (S06), and if it is judged that it is the end time of scene 1 (Yes in S06), outputs a synchronization signal to the controller (child device 1) 10b and the controller (child device 2) 10c via the communication unit 11 (S07). The synchronization signal is a signal for the parent device and the child device to operate in synchronization, and includes information indicating at least the start timing of the playback of each of the multiple lighting scenes that are produced by controlling the subordinate lighting devices 20. The synchronization signal may further include identification information of the lighting scene. At this time, the network between the controller (child device 1) 10b and the controller (parent device) 10a is disconnected, so the communication unit 11 of the controller (child device 1) 10b cannot obtain the synchronization signal output from the controller (parent device) 10a in step S07. On the other hand, if the information processing unit 12 of the controller (master unit) 10a determines that it is not the end time of scene 1 (in other words, scene 1 has not ended) (No in S06), it returns to step S06.

Next, the information processing unit 12 of the controller (parent device) 10a outputs control information for schedule scene 1 to the subordinate lighting device 20 (so-called controlled object) (S08). The information processing unit 12 of the controller (child device 1) 10b continues the operation before the communication connection was cut off. Specifically, the controller (child device 1) 10b outputs control information for linked scene 1 to the subordinate lighting device 20 to execute a linked operation based on the synchronization signal last acquired before the communication connection with the controller (parent device) 10a was cut off (S09). The information processing unit 12 of the controller (child device 2) 10c outputs control information for linked scene 1 to the subordinate lighting device 20 based on the synchronization signal output from the controller (parent device) 10a in step S07 (S10).

Next, when the reception unit 14 of the controller (parent device) 10a receives a new instruction to start a linked operation (here, an instruction to play schedule scene 2) (S11), the information processing unit 12 of the controller (parent device) 10a outputs an instruction to start a linked operation (here, an instruction to play linked scene 1) to the controller (child device 1) 10b and the controller (child device 2) 10c via the communication unit 11 (S12). At this time, the communication unit 11 of the controller (child device 1) 10b cannot obtain the instruction to play linked scene 2 output from the controller (parent device) 10a in step S12.

Next, the information processing unit 12 of the controller (master) 10a outputs the control information of the schedule scene 2 to the subordinate lighting device 20 (so-called controlled object) (S13). The information processing unit 12 of the controller (child device 1) 10b outputs the control information of the linked scene 1 to the subordinate lighting device 20 based on the synchronization signal last acquired before the communication connection with the controller (master) 10a was cut off (S14). The controller (child device 2) 10c outputs the control information of the linked scene 2 to the subordinate lighting device 20 based on the synchronization signal output from the controller (master) in step S12 (S15). When the lighting devices 20 subordinate to the controller (master) 10a and the controller (child device 2) 10c acquire the control information, they start the lighting performance of the scene 2 in conjunction with the lighting device 20 subordinate to the controller (master) 10a according to the acquired control information (not shown). It is assumed that the control information of the schedule scene 2 is lighting control data indicating that the lighting performance of the scene 2 is repeated twice.

During the linked operation of scene 2 playback, when the communication connection (so-called network communication) between the controller (child device 1) 10b and the controller (parent device) 10a recovers from a disconnection (in other words, reconnects), the information processing unit 12 of the controller (child device 1) 10b detects the reconnection of the communication connection with the controller (parent device) 10a (S16). For example, in step S16, the information processing unit 12 of the controller (child device) 10b detects that the communication connection with the controller (parent device) 10a has been reconnected under the conditions for the child device to detect reconnection with the parent device shown in FIG. 3. In step S16, the conditions are any other than No. 2 and No. 3 shown in FIG. 3.

Next, the information processing unit 12 of the controller (child device 1) 10b outputs an inquiry signal to the controller (parent device) 10a regarding the lighting control currently being performed by the controller (parent device) 10a (S17).

When the information processing unit 12 of the controller (parent device) 10a acquires the inquiry signal, it outputs a response signal to the inquiry signal to the controller (child device 1) 10b. For example, the response signal includes at least the playback time of the lighting scene that the controller (parent device) 10a is currently playing (i.e., playing). Here, the controller (parent device) 10a outputs the scene number of the lighting scene that is being played and the playback time of the lighting scene as a response signal to the controller (child device 1) 10b (S18).

When the information processing unit 12 of the controller (child device 1) 10b acquires the scene number and playback time as a response signal (S19), it outputs a control signal for linked scene 2 to the lighting device 20 under its control so as to play scene 2 in conjunction with the controller (parent device) 10a from the acquired playback time (S20).

Next, the information processing unit 12 of the controller (parent device) 10a determines whether it is the end time of scene 2 (in other words, whether scene 2 has ended) (S21), and if it determines that it is the end time of scene 2 (Yes in S21), it outputs a synchronization signal to the controller (child device 1) 10b and the controller (child device 2) 10c via the communication unit 11 (S22).

Next, the information processing unit 12 of the controller (parent device) 10a outputs control information for schedule scene 2 to the lighting devices 20 under its control (S23). The information processing units 12 of the controller (child device 1) 10b and the controller (child device 2) 10c each output control information for linked scene 2 to the lighting devices 20 under its control (S24).

On the other hand, if the information processing unit 12 of the controller (master unit) 10a determines that it is not the end time of scene 2 (in other words, scene 2 has not ended) (No in S21), it returns to step S21.

Next, the information processing unit 12 of the controller (parent device) 10a determines whether it is the end time of schedule scene 2 (in other words, whether schedule scene 2 has ended) (S25), and if it determines that it is the end time of schedule scene 2 (Yes in S25), it outputs an end instruction to the controller (child device 1) 10b and the controller (child device 2) 10c via the communication unit 11 (S26). On the other hand, if the information processing unit 12 of the controller (parent device) 10a determines that it is not the end time of schedule scene 2 (in other words, schedule scene 2 has not ended) (No in S25), it returns to step S25.

Although not shown, when controller (child device 1) 10b and controller (child device 2) 10c receive the end instruction output from controller (parent device) 10a in step S26, they output a response signal to controller (parent device) 10a. Then, when controller (parent device) 10a receives the response signals from controller (child device 1) 10b and controller (child device 2) 10c, it outputs an execution command for the end instruction output in step S26 to controller (child device 1) 10b and controller (child device 2) 10c.

Next, the controller (master) 10a, the controller (child 1) 10b, and the controller (child 2) 10c each output an end instruction to the lighting devices 20 under their control (S27). Then, when the lighting devices 20 under each controller receive the end instruction, they end the linked operation (not shown).

[Second Example]
Next, a second example of the operation will be described. In the second example, the operation of the child device when the communication connection between the parent device and the child device is cut off while the child device is performing a standalone operation in which the child device controls the lighting devices under its control independently of the parent device, and the operation of the child device when the communication connection is restored will be described. Figures 4A and 4B are sequence diagrams showing a second example of the operation of the lighting control system in embodiment 1.

First, when the reception unit 14 of the controller (parent device) 10a receives an instruction to start the linked operation (here, an instruction to play schedule scene 1) (S31), the information processing unit 12 of the controller (parent device) 10a outputs the instruction to start the linked operation (here, an instruction to play linked scene 1) to the controller (child device 1) 10b and the controller (child device 2) 10c via the communication unit 11 (S33). At this time, the reception unit 14 of the controller (child device 1) 10b receives an instruction to start a standalone operation (here, an instruction to play scene 10) (S32). Note that, for example, when an instruction to start the linked operation and an instruction to start a standalone operation are received, the child device prioritizes the execution of the standalone operation over the execution of the linked operation. Specifically, while executing the standalone operation, the child device performs a synchronization process to synchronize with the parent device in the linked operation in parallel. In Figures 4A and 4B, the process shown in the dashed frame indicates the synchronization process.

Next, the information processing unit 12 of the controller (parent device) 10a outputs the control information of the schedule scene 1 to the lighting device 20 under its control (so-called the controlled object) (S34). The information processing unit 12 of the controller (child device 1) 10b outputs the control information of the scene 10 to the lighting device 20 under its control (S35) and starts the synchronization process of the linked scene 1 (S36). In the synchronization process, the controller (child device 1) 10b measures the elapsed time since acquiring the synchronization signal of the linked scene 1 output together with the instruction to start playing the linked scene 1. In the synchronization process, the playback time of the linked scene 1 corresponding to the measured elapsed time may be calculated. The information processing unit 12 of the controller (child device 2) 10c outputs the control information of the linked scene 1 to the lighting device 20 under its control (S37). When the lighting device 20 under the controller (child device 2) 10c acquires the control information, it starts the lighting performance of the scene 1 in conjunction with the lighting device 20 under the controller (parent device) 10a according to the acquired control information (not shown). Note that the control information for schedule scene 1 is lighting control data that indicates that the lighting effects for scene 1 are to be repeated twice.

When the communication connection (so-called network communication) with the controller (master) 10a is disconnected during the standalone operation of the scene 10 playback of the controller (child 1) 10b, the information processing unit 12 of the controller (child 1) 10b detects that the communication connection with the controller (master) 10a has been disconnected under the conditions for the child to detect disconnection from the master shown in FIG. 3 (S38). In step S38, it is assumed that any condition other than No. 2 and No. 3 shown in FIG. 3 applies. In this case, the information processing unit 12 of the controller (child 1) 10b continues the operation before the communication connection was disconnected (here, the standalone operation of the scene 10 playback and the synchronization processing of the linked scene 1 playback).

Although not shown in the figure, in step S34, the information processing unit 12 of the controller (master unit) 10a outputs control information for schedule scene 1 to the lighting devices 20 under its control, and starts counting up the elapsed time of scene 1.

Next, the information processing unit 12 of the controller (master) 10a judges whether it is the end time of scene 1 (i.e., whether scene 1 has ended) (S39), and if it is judged that it is the end time of scene 1 (Yes in S39), it outputs a synchronization signal to the controller (child device 1) 10b and the controller (child device 2) 10c via the communication unit 11 (S40). The synchronization signal has been described above, so a description thereof will be omitted here. At this time, the network communication between the controller (child device 1) 10b and the controller (master) 10a is cut off, so the communication unit 11 of the controller (child device 1) 10b cannot obtain the synchronization signal output from the controller (master) 10a in step S40. On the other hand, if the information processing unit 12 of the controller (master) 10a judges that it is not the end time of scene 1 (i.e., scene 1 has not ended) (No in S39), it returns to step S39.

Next, the information processing unit 12 of the controller (parent device) 10a outputs the control information of the schedule scene 1 to the lighting device 20 under its control (S41). The information processing unit 12 of the controller (child device 1) 10b continues the operation before the communication connection was cut off. Specifically, the controller (child device 1) 10b executes the linked operation based on the synchronization signal (here, the synchronization signal of the linked scene 1) last acquired before the communication connection with the controller (parent device) 10a was cut off. As described above, since the stand-alone operation has priority, the controller (child device 1) 10b starts the synchronization process of the linked scene 1 in parallel while performing the stand-alone operation for playing the scene 10 (not shown) (S42). The information processing unit 12 of the controller (child device 2) 10c outputs the control information of the linked scene 1 to the lighting device 20 under its control based on the synchronization signal output from the controller (parent device) 10a in step S40 (S43).

Next, when the reception unit 14 of the controller (parent device) 10a receives a new instruction to start a linked operation (here, an instruction to play schedule scene 2) (S44), the information processing unit 12 of the controller (parent device) 10a outputs an instruction to start a linked operation (here, an instruction to play linked scene 2) to the controller (child device 1) 10b and the controller (child device 2) 10c via the communication unit 11 (S45). At this time, the communication unit 11 of the controller (child device 1) 10b cannot obtain the instruction to play linked scene 2 output from the controller (parent device) 10a in step S45.

Next, the information processing unit 12 of the controller (parent device) 10a outputs the control information of the schedule scene 2 to the subordinate lighting device 20 (S46). The information processing unit 12 of the controller (child device 1) 10b starts the synchronization process of the linked scene 1 while performing a standalone operation for playing the scene 10 (not shown) based on the synchronization signal last acquired before the communication connection with the controller (parent device) 10a was cut off (S47). The information processing unit 12 of the controller (child device 2) 10c outputs the control information of the linked scene 2 to the subordinate lighting device 20 based on the synchronization signal output from the controller (parent device) 10a in step S45 (S48). When the lighting device 20 under the controller (child device 2) 10c acquires the control information, it starts the lighting performance of the scene 2 in conjunction with the lighting device 20 under the controller (parent device) 10a according to the acquired control information (not shown). The lighting devices 20 under the controller (child device 1) 10b continue the lighting performance of scene 10 independently of the lighting devices 20 under the controller (parent device) 10a (not shown). Note that the control information for schedule scene 2 is lighting control data indicating that the lighting performance of scene 2 is to be repeated twice.

When the communication connection (so-called network communication) with the controller (parent device) 10a is restored (i.e., reconnected) from a disconnection during standalone operation of the controller (child device 1) 10b playing scene 10, the information processing unit 12 of the controller (child device 1) 10b detects the reconnection of the communication connection with the controller (parent device) 10a (S49), for example, under the conditions in which the child device detects reconnection with the parent device as shown in FIG. 3.

Next, the information processing unit 12 of the controller (child device 1) 10b outputs an inquiry signal to the controller (parent device) 10a regarding the lighting control currently being performed by the controller (parent device) 10a (S50).

When the information processing unit 12 of the controller (parent device) 10a acquires the inquiry signal, it outputs a response signal to the inquiry signal to the controller (child device 1) 10b. Here, the controller (parent device) 10a outputs the scene number of the lighting scene being played back and the playback time of the lighting scene as a response signal to the controller (child device 1) 10b (S51).

When the information processing unit 12 of the controller (child device 1) 10b receives the scene number and playback time as a response signal (S52), it starts synchronization processing of linked scene 2 from the received playback time (S53). Although not shown, at this time, the information processing unit 12 of the controller (child device 1) 10b is performing a standalone operation to control the lighting device 20 under its control so as to play scene 10.

Next, the information processing unit 12 of the controller (parent device) 10a determines whether it is the end time of scene 2 (i.e., whether scene 2 has ended) (S54), and if it determines that it is the end time of scene 2 (Yes in S54), it outputs a synchronization signal to the controller (child device 1) 10b and the controller (child device 2) 10c via the communication unit 11 (S55).

Next, the information processing unit 12 of the controller (parent device) 10a outputs control information for schedule scene 2 to the subordinate lighting devices 20 (S56). The information processing unit 12 of the controller (child device 1) 10b starts synchronization processing for linked scene 2 (S57) while performing standalone operation (not shown) to control the subordinate lighting devices 20 to play scene 10. The information processing unit 12 of the controller (child device 2) 10c outputs control information for linked scene 2 to the subordinate lighting devices 20 based on the synchronization signal output from the controller (parent device) in step S55 (S58).

On the other hand, if the information processing unit 12 of the controller (master unit) 10a determines that it is not the end time of scene 2 (i.e., scene 2 has not ended) (No in S54), it returns to step S54.

Next, the information processing unit 12 of the controller (child device 1) 10b determines whether it is the end time of scene 10 (i.e., whether scene 10 has ended) (S59), and if it determines that it is the end time of scene 10 (Yes in S59), it outputs control information to the subordinate lighting device 20 so as to play linked scene 2 from the playback time corresponding to the elapsed time of linked scene 2 measured in the synchronization process (S60). On the other hand, if the information processing unit 12 of the controller (child device 1) 10b determines that it is not the end time of scene 10 (i.e., scene 10 has not ended) (No in S59), it returns to step S59.

Next, the information processing unit 12 of the controller (parent device) 10a determines whether it is the end time of schedule scene 2 (i.e., whether schedule scene 2 has ended) (S61), and if it determines that it is the end time of schedule scene 2 (Yes in S61), it outputs an end instruction to the controller (child device 1) 10b and the controller (child device 2) 10c via the communication unit 11 (S62). On the other hand, if the information processing unit 12 of the controller (parent device) 10a determines that it is not the end time of schedule scene 2 (i.e., schedule scene 2 has not ended) (No in S61), it returns to step S61.

Although not shown, when controller (child device 1) 10b and controller (child device 2) 10c receive the end instruction output from controller (parent device) 10a in step S62, they output a response signal to controller (parent device) 10a. Then, when controller (parent device) 10a receives the response signals from controller (child device 1) 10b and controller (child device 2) 10c, it outputs an execution command for the end instruction output in step S62 to controller (child device 1) 10b and controller (child device 2) 10c.

Next, the controller (master) 10a, the controller (child 1) 10b, and the controller (child 2) 10c each output an end instruction to the lighting devices 20 under their control (S63). Then, when the lighting devices 20 under each controller receive the end instruction, they end the linked operation (not shown).

In the first embodiment, each controller has a reception unit 14, but it is not necessary to have a reception unit 14. In this case, the controller may be connected to communicate with an information terminal used by the user to obtain instructions that have been input to and accepted by the information terminal.

The controller (parent device) 10a may acquire schedule data of the linked operation previously accepted by the accepting unit 14, store it in the memory unit 13, and output a start instruction and an end instruction of the linked operation to the controller (child device 1) 10b and the controller (child device 2) 10c at a set date and time based on the stored schedule data. For example, the schedule data includes schedules of multiple linked operations, such as (1) playing scene 1 from 10:00 to 11:00 on February 10th, (2) playing scene 2 from 11:00 to 12:00 on February 10th, (3) playing scene 5 from 15:00 to 16:00 on February 11th, and (4) playing scene 8 from 18:00 to 20:00 on February 11th. This allows the controller (parent device) 10a, the controller (child device 1) 10b, and the controller (child device 2) 10c to automatically execute the linked operation at a previously set date and time.

[Modification]
Next, a modified example of the operation will be described. In the first and second examples, a lighting control method by a parent device and a child device when one of the two child devices is disconnected from the communication connection with the parent device and when it recovers from the disconnection in a lighting control system 100 in which two child devices are added to one parent device is described. In the modified example, a lighting control method by a parent device and a child device when two child devices are simultaneously disconnected from the communication connection with the parent device and when each of these two child devices recovers from the disconnection in a lighting control system in which three more child devices are added to the lighting control system 100 is described. In the following, differences from the first and second examples will be mainly described, and descriptions of overlapping contents will be omitted or simplified.

Figure 5 is a block diagram showing another example of the functional configuration of a lighting control system in an embodiment. In Figure 5, the functional configuration of the controller and the lighting device is omitted, but the functional configuration of the controller and the lighting device is the same as the functional configuration shown in Figure 3.

The controller (child device 3) 10d, the controller (child device 4) 10e, and the controller (child device 5) 10f are control devices that control the lighting devices 20 under their control (i.e., the controlled objects), and execute linked operations to control the lighting devices 20 under their control in synchronization with the controller (parent device) 10a. In addition, when the controller (child device 3) 10d, the controller (child device 4) 10e, and the controller (child device 5) 10f receive an instruction to start a standalone operation by their own reception unit 14, they execute a standalone operation independently of the controller (parent device) 10a. In the lighting control system 100a, the reception unit 14 of the controller (parent device) 10a may receive an instruction to start a standalone operation for the child device. In this case, the controller (parent device) 10a may output the instruction received by the reception unit 14 to the child device.

Figures 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D are sequence diagrams showing modified examples of the operation of the lighting control system 100a in the embodiment.

When the reception unit 14 of the controller (parent device) 10a receives an instruction to start a linked operation (here, an instruction to play schedule scene 1) (S71), the information processing unit 12 of the controller (parent device) 10a outputs an instruction to start a linked operation (here, an instruction to play linked scene 1) to the controller (child device 1) 10b, the controller (child device 2) 10c, the controller (child device 3) 10d, the controller (child device 4) 10e, and the controller (child device 5) 10f (hereinafter also referred to as the five child devices) via the communication unit 11 (S74). At this time, the reception unit 14 of the controller (child device 1) 10b and the reception unit 14 of the controller (child device 5) 10f each receive an instruction to start a standalone operation (here, an instruction to play scene 10) (S72, S73). As explained in the second example, when an instruction to start a linked operation and an instruction to start a standalone operation are received, the child device prioritizes the execution of the standalone operation over the linked operation, and while executing the standalone operation, it performs a synchronization process to synchronize with the parent device in the linked operation. In Figures 6A to 6D, as in Figures 4A and 4B, the process enclosed in a dashed line indicates the synchronization process.

Next, the information processing unit 12 of the controller (parent device) 10a outputs the control information of the schedule scene 1 to the lighting devices 20 under its control (so-called controlled objects) (S75). The information processing unit 12 of the controller (child device 1) 10b outputs the control information of scene 10 to the lighting devices 20 under its control (S76) and starts the synchronization process of the linked scene 1 (S77). The synchronization process has been described above, so a description thereof will be omitted here. The information processing units 12 of the controller (child device 2) 10c, the controller (child device 3) 10d, and the controller (child device 4) 10e each output the control information of the linked scene 1 to the lighting devices 20 under its control (S78). When the lighting devices 20 under these controllers acquire the control information, they start the lighting performance of scene 1 in conjunction with the lighting devices 20 under the controller (parent device) 10a according to the acquired control information (not shown). The information processing unit 12 of the controller (child device 5) 10f outputs the control information for scene 10 to the subordinate lighting device 20 (S79) and starts the synchronization process for linked scene 1 (S80). Note that the control information for schedule scene 1 is lighting control data indicating that the lighting performance for scene 1 is to be repeated twice.

During the standalone operation of scene 10 playback of the controller (child device 1) 10b, when the communication connection (so-called network communication connection) with the controller (parent device) 10a is disconnected, the information processing unit 12 of the controller (child device 1) 10b detects that the communication connection with the controller (parent device) 10a has been disconnected under the conditions for the child device to detect disconnection with the parent device shown in Fig. 3 (hereinafter, disconnection detection conditions) (S81). Also, during the linked operation of the linked scene 1 playback of the controller (child device 4) 10e, when the communication connection with the controller (parent device) 10a is disconnected, the information processing unit 12 of the controller (child device 4) 10e detects that the communication connection with the controller (parent device) 10a has been disconnected under the disconnection detection conditions shown in Fig. 3 (S82). In steps S81 and S82, it is assumed that any condition other than No. 2 and No. 3 shown in Fig. 3 applies. In this case, the information processing units 12 of controller (child device 1) 10b and controller (child device 4) 10e each continue the operations (here, the stand-alone operation of playing scene 10 and the synchronous processing of playing linked scene 1) that were in effect before the communication connection was cut off.

Although not shown in the figure, in step S75, the information processing unit 12 of the controller (master unit) 10a outputs control information for schedule scene 1 to the lighting devices 20 under its control, and starts counting up the elapsed time of scene 1.

Next, the information processing unit 12 of the controller (parent device) 10a determines whether it is the end time of scene 1 (i.e., whether scene 1 has ended) (S83), and if it is determined that it is the end time of scene 1 (Yes in S83), it outputs a synchronization signal to the five child devices, controller (child device 1) 10b to controller (child device 5) 10f, via the communication unit 11 (S84). The synchronization signal was explained in the second example, so an explanation will be omitted here. At this time, controller (child device 1) 10b and controller (child device 4) 10e are in a state where network communication with controller (parent device) 10a is cut off, so the communication units 11 of controller (child device 1) 10b and controller (child device 4) 10e cannot obtain the synchronization signal output from controller (parent device) 10a in step S84. On the other hand, if the information processing unit 12 of the controller (master unit) 10a determines that it is not the end time of scene 1 (i.e., scene 1 has not ended) (No in S83), it returns to step S83.

Next, the information processing unit 12 of the controller (parent device) 10a outputs the control information of the schedule scene 1 to the lighting device 20 under its control (S85). The information processing unit 12 of the controller (child device 1) 10b continues the operation before the communication connection was cut off. Specifically, the controller (child device 1) 10b executes the linked operation based on the synchronization signal last acquired before the communication connection with the controller (parent device) 10a was cut off. As described above, since the stand-alone operation has priority, the controller (child device 1) 10b starts the synchronization process of the linked scene 1 in parallel while performing the stand-alone operation for playing the scene 10 (not shown) (S86). The information processing units 12 of the controller (child device 2) 10c and the controller (child device 3) 10d each output the control information of the linked scene 1 to the lighting device 20 under its control based on the synchronization signal output from the controller (parent device) 10a in step S84 (S87). When the lighting devices 20 under these controllers acquire the control information, they start the lighting performance of scene 1 in conjunction with the lighting devices 20 under the controller (master) 10a according to the acquired control information (not shown). The information processing unit 12 of the controller (child 4) 10e continues the operation before the communication connection was cut off. Specifically, the controller (child 4) 10e outputs a control signal for linked scene 1 to the lighting devices 20 under it based on the synchronization signal last acquired before the communication connection with the controller (master) 10a was cut off (S88). The information processing unit 12 of the controller (child 5) 10f starts synchronization processing of linked scene 1 in parallel while performing a standalone operation for playing scene 10 (not shown) (S89).

Next, when the reception unit 14 of the controller (parent device) 10a receives a new instruction to start a linked operation (here, an instruction to play schedule scene 2) (S90), the information processing unit 12 of the controller (parent device) 10a outputs the instruction to start a linked operation (here, an instruction to play linked scene 2) to the five child devices, controller (child device 1) 10b to controller (child device 5) 10f, via the communication unit 11 (S91). At this time, because network communication between controller (child device 1) 10b and controller (child device 4) 10e and controller (parent device) 10a is cut off, the communication units 11 of controller (child device 1) 10b and controller (child device 4) 10e cannot obtain the synchronization signal output from controller (parent device) 10a in step S91.

Next, the information processing unit 12 of the controller (parent device) 10a outputs the control information of the schedule scene 2 to the lighting devices 20 under control (S92). The information processing unit 12 of the controller (child device 1) 10b starts the synchronization process of the linked scene 1 while performing a standalone operation (not shown) to control the lighting devices 20 under its control to play the scene 10 based on the synchronization signal last acquired before the communication connection with the controller (parent device) 10a was cut off (S93). The information processing unit 12 of the controller (child device 2) 10c and the controller (child device 3) 10d outputs the control information of the linked scene 2 to the lighting devices 20 under its control based on the synchronization signal output from the controller (parent device) 10a in step S91 (S94). When the lighting devices 20 under the controller (child device 2) 10c and the controller (child device 3) 10d acquire the control information, they start the lighting performance of the scene 2 in conjunction with the lighting devices 20 under the controller (parent device) 10a according to the acquired control information (not shown). The information processing unit 12 of the controller (child device 4) 10e outputs a control signal for linked scene 1 to the subordinate lighting devices 20 based on the last synchronization signal acquired before the communication connection with the controller (parent device) 10a was cut off (S95). The information processing unit 12 of the controller (child device 5) 10f starts synchronization processing for linked scene 2 while performing a standalone operation (not shown) to control the subordinate lighting devices 20 to play scene 10 (S96). The subordinate lighting devices 20 of the controller (child device 1) 10b and the controller (child device 5) 10f continue the lighting performance of scene 10 independently of the subordinate lighting devices 20 of the controller (parent device) 10a (not shown). The control information for schedule scene 2 is lighting control data indicating that the lighting performance of scene 2 is to be repeated twice.

When the communication connection (so-called network communication) with the controller (parent device) 10a is restored from a disconnection (i.e., reconnected) during the linked operation of linked scene 1 of the controller (child device 4) 10e, the information processing unit 12 of the controller (child device 4) 10e detects the reconnection of the communication connection with the controller (parent device) 10a (S97) under the conditions under which the child device detects reconnection with the parent device (hereinafter, reconnection detection conditions) shown in FIG. 3, for example.

Next, the information processing unit 12 of the controller (child device 4) 10e outputs an inquiry signal to the controller (parent device) 10a regarding the lighting control currently being performed by the controller (parent device) 10a (S98).

When the information processing unit 12 of the controller (parent device) 10a acquires the inquiry signal, it outputs a response signal to the inquiry signal to the controller (child device 4) 10e. Here, the controller (parent device) 10a outputs the scene number of the lighting scene being played back and the playback time of the lighting scene as a response signal to the controller (child device 1) 10b (S99).

When the information processing unit 12 of the controller (child device 4) 10e receives the scene number and playback time as a response signal (not shown), it outputs control information to the subordinate lighting device 20 so as to play linked scene 2 from the received playback time (S100).

When the communication connection (so-called network communication) with the controller (parent device) 10a is restored from a disconnection (i.e., reconnected) during standalone operation of scene 10 of the controller (child device 1) 10b, the information processing unit 12 of the controller (child device 1) 10b detects the reconnection of the communication connection with the controller (parent device) 10a under the reconnection detection conditions shown in FIG. 3, for example (S101).

Next, the information processing unit 12 of the controller (child device 1) 10b outputs an inquiry signal to the controller (parent device) 10a regarding the lighting control currently being performed by the controller (parent device) 10a (S102).

When the information processing unit 12 of the controller (parent device) 10a receives the inquiry signal, it outputs the scene number of the lighting scene being played back and the playback time of the lighting scene to the controller (child device 1) 10b as a response signal to the inquiry signal (S103).

When the information processing unit 12 of the controller (child device 1) 10b receives the scene number and playback time as a response signal (not shown), it starts synchronization processing of linked scene 2 from the received playback time (S104). At this time, although not shown, the information processing unit 12 of the controller (child device 1) 10b is executing a standalone operation to control the lighting device 20 under its control so as to play scene 10.

Next, the information processing unit 12 of the controller (parent device) 10a determines whether it is the end time of scene 2 (i.e., whether scene 2 has ended) (S105), and if it determines that it is the end time of scene 2 (Yes in S105), it outputs a synchronization signal to the five child devices, controller (child device 1) 10b to controller (child device 5) 10f, via the communication unit 11 (S106).

Next, the information processing unit 12 of the controller (parent device) 10a outputs control information for schedule scene 2 to the lighting devices 20 under its control (S107). The information processing unit 12 of the controller (child device 1) 10b starts synchronization processing for linked scene 2 while performing a standalone operation (not shown) to control its own lighting devices 20 under its control to play scene 10 (S108). The information processing unit 12 of the controller (child device 2) 10c and the controller (child device 3) 10d each output control information for linked scene 2 to their own lighting devices 20 under its control based on the synchronization signal output from the controller (parent device) in step S106 (S109). The information processing unit 12 of the controller (child device 5) 10f starts synchronization processing for linked scene 2 while performing a standalone operation (not shown) to control its own lighting devices 20 under its control to play scene 10 (S110).

On the other hand, if the information processing unit 12 of the controller (master unit) 10a determines that it is not the end time of scene 2 (i.e., scene 2 has not ended) (No in S105), it returns to step S105.

Next, the information processing unit 12 of the controller (child device 1) 10b determines whether it is the end time of scene 10 (i.e., whether scene 10 has ended) (S111), and if it determines that it is the end time of scene 10 (Yes in S111), it outputs control information to the subordinate lighting device 20 to play linked scene 2 from the playback time corresponding to the elapsed time of linked scene 2 measured in the synchronization process (S112). On the other hand, if the information processing unit 12 of the controller (child device 1) 10b determines that it is not the end time of scene 10 (i.e., scene 10 has not ended) (No in S111), it returns to step S111.

The information processing unit 12 of the controller (child device 5) 10f also determines whether it is the end time of scene 10 (i.e., whether scene 10 has ended) (S113), and if it determines that it is the end time of scene 10 (Yes in S113), it outputs control information to the subordinate lighting device 20 so as to play linked scene 2 from the playback time corresponding to the elapsed time of linked scene 2 measured in the synchronization process (S114). On the other hand, if the information processing unit 12 of the controller (child device 5) 10f determines that it is not the end time of scene 10 (i.e., scene 10 has not ended) (No in S113), it returns to step S113.

Next, the information processing unit 12 of the controller (parent device) 10a determines whether it is the end time of schedule scene 2 (i.e., whether schedule scene 2 has ended) (S115), and if it determines that it is the end time of schedule scene 2 (Yes in S115), it outputs an end instruction to the five child devices, controller (child device 1) 10b to controller (child device 5) 10f, via the communication unit 11 (S116). On the other hand, if the information processing unit 12 of the controller (parent device) 10a determines that it is not the end time of schedule scene 2 (i.e., schedule scene 2 has not ended) (No in S115), it returns to step S115.

Although not shown, when controller (child device 1) 10b to controller (child device 5) 10f receive the end instruction output from controller (parent device) 10a in step S116, they output a response signal to controller (parent device) 10a. Then, when controller (parent device) 10a receives a response signal from controller (child device 1) 10b to controller (child device 5) 10f, it outputs an execution command for the end instruction output in step S116 to controller (child device 1) 10b to controller (child device 5) 10f.

Next, the controller (master) 10a and the controller (child 1) 10b to controller (child 5) 10f each output an end instruction to the lighting devices 20 under their control (S117). Then, when the lighting devices 20 under each controller receive the end instruction, they end the linked operation (not shown).

[4. Effects, etc.]
As described above, the lighting control method is a lighting control method by controller (child device 1) 10b in lighting control system 100 in which controller (parent device) 10a, controller (child device 1) 10b, and controller (child device 2) 10c cooperate to control a plurality of lighting devices 20 to play a plurality of lighting scenes in sequence, and for each of the plurality of lighting scenes, a synchronization signal including a playback start timing for that lighting scene is obtained from controller (parent device) 10a via communication, and a linked operation is performed to control the lighting device 20 to be controlled in synchronization with controller (parent device) 10a based on the obtained synchronization signal. If communication with controller (parent device) 10a is disconnected during the execution of the linked operation, the linked operation is performed based on the synchronization signal last obtained before communication was disconnected, and if communication with controller (parent device) 10a is restored from the disconnection, controller (parent device) 10a outputs an inquiry signal regarding the lighting control currently being executed, and when the playback time of the lighting scene being played back is obtained as a response signal to the inquiry signal from controller (parent device) 10a, the linked operation is performed so as to play the lighting scene from the obtained playback time.

In such a lighting control method using the controller (child device 1) 10b, when the communication connection with the controller (parent device) 10a is restored from a disconnection, the controller (child device 1) 10b can control the subordinate lighting device 20 to play a lighting scene from the playback time of the lighting scene being played by the subordinate lighting device 20 of the controller (parent device) 10a. Therefore, in the lighting control method using the controller (child device 1) 10b, when the communication connection with the controller (parent device) 10a is restored from a disconnection, the controller (child device 1) 10b is less likely to deviate from the operation of the controller (parent device) 10a in the linked operation.

In the lighting control method, the response signal further includes information about the lighting scene being played back, and when communication with the controller (master unit) 10a is restored from a disconnection, the controller (master unit) 10a outputs an inquiry signal about the lighting control currently being executed, and when a response signal to the inquiry signal is obtained from the controller (master unit) 10a, a linked operation is performed to play the lighting scene from the playback time based on the lighting scene information. For example, the lighting scene information being played back includes identification information (e.g., scene number) of the lighting scene being played back by the subordinate lighting device 20 under the control of the controller (master unit) 10a, the playback time, and the playback position (e.g., frame information).

In such a lighting control method using the controller (child device 1) 10b, when the communication connection with the controller (parent device) 10a is restored from a disconnection, the controller (child device 1) 10b can return to linked operation in synchronization with the operation of the controller (parent device) 10a based on a response signal from the controller (parent device) 10a.

The lighting control method further executes a standalone operation for controlling the lighting device 20 to be controlled independently of the controller (parent device) 10a, and in parallel with the standalone operation, acquires a synchronization signal from the controller (parent device) 10a and performs a synchronization process for synchronizing with the controller (parent device) 10a in a linked operation based on the acquired synchronization signal, and in the synchronization process, measures the elapsed time since the synchronization signal was acquired, and when the standalone operation ends, executes a linked operation to play the lighting scene from the playback time corresponding to the measured elapsed time.

In this lighting control method using the controller (child device 1) 10b, the controller (child device 1) 10b performs a synchronization process to synchronize with the controller (parent device) 10a while performing standalone operation in parallel, so that there is less chance of operational discrepancy when returning from standalone operation to linked operation.

In the lighting control method, if communication with the controller (parent unit) 10a is cut off while a standalone operation is being performed, synchronization processing is performed based on the synchronization signal last obtained before communication was cut off, and if communication with the controller (parent unit) 10a is restored from the cutoff, the controller (parent unit) 10a outputs an inquiry signal regarding the lighting control currently being performed, and when the playback time of the lighting scene being played is obtained from the parent unit as a response signal to the inquiry signal, synchronization processing of the linked operation is performed so that the lighting scene is played from the obtained playback time.

In such a lighting control method using the controller (child device 1) 10b, even during standalone operation, the controller (child device 1) 10b can perform a synchronization process to synchronize with the controller (parent device) 10a based on a response signal from the controller (parent device) 10a when the communication connection with the controller (parent device) 10a is restored after being cut off. Therefore, in the lighting control method using the controller (child device 1) 10b, when the controller (child device 1) 10b returns from standalone operation to linked operation, there is less chance of a mismatch in operation with the controller (parent device) 10a, and switching from standalone operation to linked operation can be performed smoothly.

The lighting control method is a lighting control method by the controller (parent device) 10a in the lighting control system 100 in which the controller (parent device) 10a, the controller (child device 1) 10b, and the controller (child device 2) 10c cooperate to control a plurality of lighting devices 20 to sequentially play a plurality of lighting scenes, and for each of the plurality of lighting scenes, a synchronization signal including the playback start timing of the lighting scene is output to the controller (child device 1) 10b and the controller (child device 2) 10c via communication, and a linked operation is performed to control the lighting device 20 to be controlled in synchronization with the controller (child device 1) 10b and the controller (child device 2) 10c based on the synchronization signal, and when an inquiry signal regarding the lighting control being performed by the controller (parent device) 10a is obtained from the controller (child device 1) 10b during the execution of the linked operation, the playback time of the lighting scene being played is output as a response signal to the inquiry signal.

In such a lighting control method using the controller (parent unit) 10a, the controller (parent unit) 10a can assist the controller (child unit 1) 10b in reducing misalignment with the controller (parent unit) 10a in linked operations when the controller (child unit 1) 10b recovers from a communication disconnection with the controller (parent unit) 10a.

The lighting control method is a lighting control method by a lighting control system 100 in which a controller (parent device) 10a, a controller (child device 1) 10b, and a controller (child device 2) 10c cooperate to control a plurality of lighting devices 20 to sequentially play a plurality of lighting scenes, in which the controller (parent device) 10a outputs a synchronization signal including a playback start timing of each of the plurality of lighting scenes to the child devices via communication, the controller (child device 1) 10b and the controller (child device 2) 10c acquire the synchronization signal output from the controller (parent device) 10a, and the controller (parent device) 10a, the controller (child device 1) 10b, and the controller (child device 2) 10c each execute a linked operation to control the lighting device 20 to be controlled by themselves in synchronization with each other based on the synchronization signal, and if communication with the controller (parent device) 10a is interrupted during the execution of the linked operation, Controller (child device 1) 10b and controller (child device 2) 10c execute a linked operation based on the synchronization signal last acquired before communication was cut off, and when communication with controller (parent device) 10a is restored from the cut off, controller (child device 1) 10b and controller (child device 2) 10c output an inquiry signal regarding the lighting control currently being executed by controller (parent device) 10a, controller (parent device) 10a acquires the inquiry signal output from controller (child device 1) 10b and controller (child device 2) 10c and outputs the playback time of the lighting scene being played as a response signal to the acquired inquiry signal, and when controller (child device 1) 10b and controller (child device 2) 10c acquire the playback time as a response signal to the inquiry signal from controller (parent device) 10a, they execute a linked operation to play the lighting scene from the acquired playback time.

In such a lighting control method using the lighting control system 100, when the communication connection between the controller (child device 1) 10b and the controller (child device 2) 10c and the controller (parent device) 10a is restored after being disconnected, there is less chance of a mismatch in the operation of the controller (child device 1) 10b and the controller (child device 2) 10c with the controller (parent device) 10a during linked operation.

Other Embodiments
Although the embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

For example, in the above embodiment, the lighting control system is used for outdoor lighting effects, but it may also be used for indoor lighting effects in stores, offices, concert halls, etc.

In the above embodiment, the synchronization process for synchronizing with other controllers in linked operations is exemplified by a method of measuring (counting up) the elapsed time since a synchronization signal indicating the start timing of each of multiple lighting scenes in the linked operations was acquired, but this is not limited to this. For example, multiple controllers performing linked operations may synchronize the start timing of each of multiple lighting scenes by synchronizing the time using a method of receiving standard radio waves like a radio-controlled clock.

For example, in the above embodiment, the lighting control system is realized by multiple devices, but it may be realized as a single device. For example, the lighting system may be realized as a single device corresponding to an information terminal, or as a single device corresponding to a controller. When the lighting control system is realized by multiple devices, the components of the lighting control system described in the above embodiment may be allocated in any manner to the multiple devices.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the processing performed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit. Also, the order of multiple processes may be changed, and multiple processes may be executed in parallel.

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

In addition, each component may be realized by hardware. Each component may be a circuit (or an integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or each may be a separate circuit. In addition, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit, or a dedicated circuit.

The 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 computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM. The present invention may also 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 an information terminal of the above-mentioned embodiment, or as a controller of the above-mentioned embodiment. The present invention may also be realized as a lighting control method executed by a computer such as the lighting control system of the above-mentioned embodiment. The present invention may also be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute such a lighting control method, or as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art may conceive, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope of the spirit of the present invention.

10a Controller (master unit)
10b Controller (child device 1)
10c Controller (child device 2)
10d Controller (child device 3)
10e Controller (child device 4)
10f Controller (child device 5)
20 Lighting device

Claims (6)

1. A lighting control method by a slave device in a lighting control system in which a master device and a slave device cooperate to control a plurality of lighting devices to sequentially play a plurality of lighting scenes, comprising:
acquiring, for each of the plurality of lighting scenes, a synchronization signal including a playback start timing of the lighting scene from the master unit via communication;
Executing a linkage operation to control the lighting device to be controlled in synchronization with the master device based on the acquired synchronization signal;
In executing the interlocking operation,
When the communication with the master unit is disconnected, the interlocking operation is performed based on the synchronization signal last acquired before the communication is disconnected.
When the communication with the master unit is recovered from the disconnection, the master unit outputs an inquiry signal regarding the lighting control currently being executed, and when a playback time of the lighting scene being played back is obtained as a response signal to the inquiry signal from the master unit, the interlocking operation is executed so as to play back the lighting scene from the obtained playback time.
Lighting control methods. the response signal further includes lighting scene information regarding the lighting scene being played back;
when the communication with the master unit is recovered from the disconnection, the master unit outputs an inquiry signal regarding a lighting control currently being executed, and when the master unit receives the response signal to the inquiry signal, the master unit executes the linked operation so as to reproduce the lighting scene from the reproduction time based on the lighting scene information.
The lighting control method according to claim 1 . Furthermore, a standalone operation is performed to control the lighting device to be controlled independently of the master unit.
In parallel with the stand-alone operation, the synchronization signal is acquired from the parent device, and a synchronization process is performed to synchronize with the parent device in the linked operation based on the acquired synchronization signal;
In the synchronization process, an elapsed time from acquisition of the synchronization signal is measured;
and when the stand-alone operation is terminated, executing the linked operation so as to play back the lighting scene from a playback time corresponding to the measured elapsed time.
The lighting control method according to claim 1 or 2. When the communication with the master unit is interrupted during the execution of the standalone operation, the synchronization process is performed based on the synchronization signal last obtained before the communication was interrupted;
When the communication with the master unit is recovered from the disconnection, the master unit outputs an inquiry signal regarding the lighting control currently being executed, and when a playback time of the lighting scene being played back is obtained from the master unit as a response signal to the inquiry signal, the synchronization process of the interlocking operation is performed so as to play back the lighting scene from the obtained playback time.
The lighting control method according to claim 3. A lighting control method by a master unit in a lighting control system in which a master unit and a slave unit cooperate to control a plurality of lighting devices to sequentially play a plurality of lighting scenes, comprising:
outputting a synchronization signal including a playback start timing of each of the plurality of lighting scenes to the child device via communication;
executes a linked operation to control the lighting device to be controlled in synchronization with the child device based on the synchronization signal;
In executing the interlocking operation,
When an inquiry signal regarding the lighting control being executed by the master device is received from the slave device, a playback time of the lighting scene being played back is output as a response signal to the received inquiry signal.
Lighting control methods. A lighting control method for a lighting control system in which a master unit and a slave unit cooperate to control a plurality of lighting devices to sequentially play a plurality of lighting scenes, comprising:
the master device outputs a synchronization signal including a playback start timing of each of the plurality of lighting scenes to the slave device via communication;
The child device receives the synchronization signal output from the parent device,
the master unit and the slave unit each execute a linked operation to control a lighting device to be controlled by the master unit and the slave unit in synchronization with each other based on the synchronization signal;
In executing the interlocking operation,
When the communication with the parent device is disconnected, the child device executes the linked operation based on the synchronization signal last acquired before the communication was disconnected;
When the communication with the parent unit is restored from the disconnection, the child unit outputs an inquiry signal regarding a lighting control currently being performed by the parent unit;
the master device receives the inquiry signal output from the slave device, and outputs a playback time of the lighting scene being played back as a response signal to the received inquiry signal;
When the child device acquires the playback time as the response signal to the inquiry signal from the parent device, the child device executes the linked operation so as to play back the lighting scene from the acquired playback time.
Lighting control methods.

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