JPH0465518B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a light control device that is suitably implemented when controlling the light intensity of a plurality of lighting loads on a stage, a studio, or the like.

Prior Art FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of a conventional light control device. The operation control section 1 is an operation section for controlling the dimming of a plurality of dimming loads 5, and the dimming control output from the operation control section 1 is given to the dimming loads 5 via the dimming interface 2. It will be done. The dimming load 5 is composed of a dimmer 3 and a lighting load 4.
The dimmer 3 applies a voltage corresponding to the dimming control output to the lighting load 4, thereby performing a dimming operation.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of the operation control section 1, and is shared with the embodiments described later. The illumination level setting section 10 is, for example, a potentiometer called a fader, and is used to preset the dimming level of each dimmer. The lighting scene specifying section 11 is composed of, for example, a numeric keypad switch, and inputs a scene number and the like. The illumination reproduction unit 12 is an operation unit configured with, for example, a cross fader, and is used to reproduce scenes stored in advance. The illumination level setting section 10 and the illumination reproducing section 12 are connected to a line l1 via an analog/digital converter (hereinafter referred to as an A/D converter) 15
The illumination scene specifying section 11 is connected to the line l1 via an input/output circuit 16.

The storage unit 13 is composed of a ROM (read-only memory) for storing programs for dimming control, a RAM (random access memory) for calculations, etc., and the RAM stores each dimming load as dimming data. Dimming level data, fade time data, etc. are stored for each time. The control section 14 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer, and electrically controls the entire operation control section 1 . For example, the dimming level set in the lighting level setting section 10 is stored in the storage section 13 in association with the scene number specified by the lighting scene specifying section 11, and then the dimming level set in the lighting level setting section 10 is stored in the storage section 13 in association with the scene number specified by the lighting scene specifying section 11. Play each scene.

The dimming data output section 17 transmits analog signals for controlling dimming in a time-division manner. The basic configuration of the dimming data output section 17 is shown in FIG. The dimming data output section 17 includes a buffer memory 18, an address generator 19, a digital/analog converter (hereinafter referred to as a D/A converter) 20, and a parallel/serial converter (hereinafter referred to as a P/S converter) 2.
1 and an amplifier 23a. The dimming level signal for each dimming load applied from the line l1 is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 18,
The address signal ADi from the address generator 19 is read out in a time-division manner and applied to the D/A converter 20. The dimming level signal converted into an address value by the D/A converter 20 is applied to the dimming interface 2 via line l2.

Further, the address signal from the address generator 19 is converted into serial data by the P/S converter 21, and is applied to the dimming interface 2 via the line l3. FIG. 5 shows the address generator 1
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of the device. Address generator 19 includes a counter 24 and a clock generation circuit 25. A clock signal from clock generation circuit 25 is applied to counter 24 and P/S converter 21. counter 24
is counted up sequentially from "1" and is reset when it reaches the number of dimming loads. The count value from the counter 24, that is, the address signal ADi is
The signal is applied to buffer memory 18 and P/S converter 21. The P/S converter 21 converts the address signal ADi into serial data in response to the clock signal from the clock generation circuit 25, and outputs the serial data on the line l3.
Output to.

As shown in FIG. 4, the dimming interface 2 includes an amplifier 23b, a serial/parallel converter (hereinafter referred to as an S/P converter) 26, a multiplexer 27, and a signal holding circuit 28. Ru. Address signal provided via line l3
ADi is converted into parallel data by the S/P converter 26 and provided to the multiplexer 27. The multiplexer 27 sequentially closes the switches SW1 to SWN based on the address signal,
A dimming level signal applied via line l2 is applied to hold circuits H1 to HN. hold circuit
Hi consists of a capacitor Ci and an amplifier APi. A voltage as a dimming level signal given from the multiplexer 27 is charged in a capacitor Ci, and is given to each dimming load via an amplifier APi. The input resistance of the amplifier APi is set high, and the capacitor Ci does not discharge, and only the potential is output. In this manner, each dimming level signal from the dimming interface 2 causes the dimmer 3 to apply a corresponding voltage to the lighting load 4, thereby performing a dimming operation.

Problems to be Solved by the Invention In the above-mentioned light control device, when the operation control unit 1 is in an abnormal state, for example, when the control unit 14 goes out of control due to noise etc., the light control level signal is stored in the buffer memory 18. Because it is remembered,
The dimming level signal immediately before the abnormal state will continue to be output. Further, the specific address signal continues to be output to the multiplexer 27, and the corresponding switch remains closed. The operation control unit 1 is in an abnormal state and cannot be operated, so the power to the operation control unit 1 is temporarily cut off.
Turn on the power again and force a reset, or
Alternatively, if there is an operation control section for backup, switching to that section will be performed.

During this reset or switching, as mentioned above, in the multiplexer 27, a specific switch remains closed, so the voltage charged in the hold circuit connected to that switch is discharged momentarily or Some lights will be turned off for a while. This becomes a serious problem during performances such as stage performances.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a light control device that can prevent illumination from turning off even when the light control device enters an abnormal state until the light control device recovers from the abnormal state.

Means for Solving the Problems The present invention provides a dimming control means that outputs a dimming level signal for each of a plurality of dimming loads to a signal line and outputs an identification signal for each dimming load, and the identification signal. selective connection means for selectively connecting each dimming load to the signal line based on the above; and a plurality of signal holding devices provided in advance between the selective connection means and each dimming load and holding dimming level signals. and a cutoff signal generating means for outputting a cutoff signal to cut off the signal line from any dimming load in the selective connection means when the dimming control means is abnormal.

Effect According to the present invention, the dimming control means outputs the dimming level signal for each of the plurality of dimming loads to the signal line, and strengthens the identification signal for each dimming load. The selective connection means selectively connects the dimming load to the signal line based on the identification signal from the dimming control means. A plurality of signal holding means are provided between the selection connection means and each dimming load, and the signal holding means holds the dimming level signal from the dimming control means. Each dimming load is dimmed and controlled by the dimming level signal held by this signal holding means.
The cutoff signal generating means outputs a cutoff signal for cutting off the signal line from any dimming load in the selective connection means when the dimming control means is abnormal.

When the dimming control means enters an abnormal state, a cutoff signal from the cutoff signal generation means is given to the selection connection means, and all dimming loads are cut off from the signal line, so that the dimming control means immediately before entering the abnormal state is The optical level signal is held in the signal holding means. Each dimming load is controlled to be dimmed by this held dimming level signal. Therefore, even if the power is cut off or switched to a backup dimming control means in order to restore the dimming control means from an abnormal state to a normal state, the lighting load will not go out and will remain in an abnormal state. It will be controlled based on the previous dimming level.

Embodiment FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of a light control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The operation control unit 31, which is a dimming control means, controls a plurality of dimming loads 35.
The dimming control output from the operation control unit 31 is transmitted to the dimming load 35 via the changeover switch 37 and the dimming interface 32.
given to. The dimming load 35 is composed of a dimmer 33 and a lighting load 34. The dimmer 33 applies a voltage corresponding to the dimming control output to the lighting load 34, thereby performing a dimming operation. The cutoff signal generation circuit 36 is a circuit that generates a cutoff signal, which will be described later. When the operation control section 31 is abnormal, the cutoff signal from the cutoff signal generation circuit 36 is switched to the dimming interface by switching the changeover switch 37. Given to 32. The operation control unit 31 and the cutoff signal generation circuit 36 are powered by an AC power source 39.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of the operation control section 31. As shown in FIG. The illumination level setting section 10 is, for example, a potentiometer called a fader, and is used to preset the dimming level of each dimmer. The lighting scene specifying section 11 is composed of, for example, a numeric keypad switch, and inputs a scene number and the like. The illumination reproduction unit 12 is an operation unit configured with, for example, a cross fader, and is used to reproduce scenes stored in advance. The illumination level setting section 10 and the illumination reproduction section 12 include an analog/digital converter (hereinafter referred to as an A/D converter) 15
The illumination scene specifying section 11 is connected to the line l1 via an input/output circuit 16.

The storage unit 13 is composed of a ROM (read-only memory) for storing programs for dimming control, a RAM (random access memory) for calculations, etc., and the RAM stores each dimming load as dimming data. Dimming level data, fade time data, etc. are stored for each time. The control unit 14 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer, and performs electrical control of the entire operation control unit 31. For example, the dimming level set in the lighting level setting section 10 is stored in the storage section 13 in association with the scene number specified by the lighting scene specifying section 11, and the dimming level is stored in the storage section 13 in association with the scene number specified by the lighting scene specifying section 11, and then Play each scene. The dimming data output section 17 is
Analog signals for dimming control are transmitted in a time-division manner.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a cut-off signal generating circuit 36 which is a cut-off signal generating means. The cutoff signal generation circuit 36 outputs a cutoff signal for cutting off the multiplexer 27 of the dimming interface 32, which will be described later, from any dimming load. The cutoff signal generation circuit 36 includes an address setting circuit 41, a clock generation circuit 42, a P/S converter 43, and a DC power supply circuit 44. The address setting circuit 41 includes deep switches DS1 to DSM.
and resistors R1 to RM connected between each dip switch and the P/S converter 43, respectively. Different addresses are set depending on the open/closed states of the deep switches DS1 to DSM. The address signal ADD as a cutoff signal outputted from the address setting circuit 41 is converted into serial data by the P/S converter 43 and applied to the changeover switch 37 based on the clock signal from the clock generation circuit 42. The cutoff signal generation circuit 36 is
It is powered by voltage V _CC from DC power supply circuit 44 .

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the dimming data output section 17 and the dimming interface 32. The dimming data output section 17 is connected to the buffer memory 1.
8, an address generator 19, a digital/analog converter (hereinafter referred to as a D/A converter) 20, and a parallel/serial converter (hereinafter referred to as a P/S converter) 21
and an amplifier 23a. The dimming level signal for each dimming load applied from the line l1 is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 18, and is time-divided by the address signal ADi as an identification signal from the address generator 19 as shown in FIG. is read out and applied to the D/A converter 20. D/
The dimming level signal converted into an analog value by the A converter 20 is provided to the dimming interface 32 via line l2.

Also, the address signal from the address generator 19
ADi is converted into serial data by the P/S converter 21 and provided to the dimming interface 32 via line l3. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of address generator 19.
Address generator 19 includes a counter 24 and a clock generation circuit 25. A clock signal from clock generation circuit 25 is applied to P/S converter 21 and counter 24. The counter 24 sequentially counts up from "1",
When the number of dimming loads reaches "N" in this embodiment, it is reset. The count value from the counter 24, that is, the address signal ADi is the buffer memory 1.
8 and P/S converter 21. P/S
Converter 21 converts address signal ADi into serial data in response to a clock signal from clock generation circuit 25, and outputs the serial data to line 13.

As shown in FIG. 4, the dimming interface 32 includes an amplifier 23b, a serial/parallel converter (hereinafter referred to as an S/P converter) 26, a multiplexer 27 as a selective connection means, and a signal holding means. The signal holding circuit 28 is configured to include the signal holding circuit 28. The address signal ADi applied via line l3 is
It is converted into parallel data by the S/P converter 26 and provided to the multiplexer 27. The multiplexer 27 sequentially closes the switches SW1 to SWN based on the address signal ADi, and applies the dimming level signal applied via the line l2 to the hold circuits H1 to HN. Hold circuit Hi is
It consists of a capacitor Ci and an amplifier APi. The voltage that is the dimming level signal given from the multiplexer 27 is charged to the capacitor Ci, and the voltage is applied to the amplifier.
It is given to each dimming load via APi. amplifier
The input resistance of APi is set high, so the capacitor Ci does not discharge, and only the potential is output.
In this manner, depending on the dimming level signal from the dimming interface 32, the dimmer 33 applies a corresponding voltage to the lighting load 34, thereby performing a dimming operation.

In the light control device configured as described above, when the control section 14 of the operation control section 31 becomes abnormal, the changeover switch 37 is changed over so that the output of the cutoff signal generation circuit 36 is applied to the light control interface 32. Address setting circuit 4 of cutoff signal generation circuit 36
The address signal ADD set by 1 is a value larger than the number of dimming loads "N", for example "N+1". By applying the address signal ADD to the multiplexer 27 of the dimming interface 32, all of the switches SW1 to SWN are opened in the multiplexer 27, and the voltages charged in the hold circuits H1 to HN remain unchanged. Retained. As a result, the dimming interface 32 continues to apply the voltage immediately before switching the changeover switch 37 to the dimming load 35. Therefore, even when a failure in the operation control section 31 is being repaired or when switching to the operation control section for backup, the illumination will not go out.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the operation control unit 3
1 becomes abnormal, by giving the output from the cutoff signal generation circuit 36 to the dimming interface 32, the voltage held in the signal holding circuit 28 will continue to be held as it is, and the operation Even if the power to the control unit 31 is turned off, the illumination will not go out. This makes it possible to avoid any hindrance in performances such as stage plays.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention. Since this embodiment is similar to the above-described first embodiment, corresponding components are given the same reference numerals. The feature of this embodiment is that an abnormal state detection circuit 38 is provided to detect an abnormal state of the operation control section 31, and the changeover switch 37 is automatically switched based on the detection signal of the abnormal state detection circuit 38. . FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the abnormal state detection circuit 38. The abnormal state detection circuit 38 is
For example, a watchdog timer circuit, a retriggerable one-shot multivibrator 46,
Consists of 47. Multi vibrator 46,4
7 are each supplied with a voltage V _CC .

The multivibrator 46 is supplied with a clock signal from the control section 14. When this clock signal is not input for a certain period of time, the Q output S1 of the multivibrator 46 is inverted, and this inverted signal is applied to the changeover switch 37 to perform a switching operation. Further, the Q output S1 of the multivibrator 46 is used as the CK input of the multivibrator 47, and by inverting the Q output of the multivibrator 46, the multivibrator 47 outputs a pulse S2. This pulse S2 is used as a reset signal for the control section 14. At this time, the pulse S
2, the transfer switch 37
After the switching operation has been reliably performed, the pulse S
2 may be given to the control unit 14.

This embodiment also has the same effects as the first embodiment described above. Further, when an abnormal state is detected by the abnormal state detection circuit 38, the switching operation is automatically performed, so that the operability of the light control device is improved.

Effects of the Invention As described above, according to the present invention, when the dimming control means is in an abnormal state, a cutoff signal from the cutoff signal generation means is given to the selection connection means, thereby controlling each dimming load. is cut off from the signal line, and dimming is controlled by a dimming level signal from the signal holding means. Therefore, the lighting is prevented from turning off during the period for restoring the dimming control means from an abnormal state to a normal state.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of a light control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the operation control unit 3.
3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the cutoff signal generation circuit 36, and FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the dimming data output section 17 and the dimming interface 3.
2. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the address generator 19 in the dimming data output section 17. FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing the operation of the dimming data output section 17. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the structure of the abnormal state detection circuit 38, and FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the basic structure of a conventional light control device. 14...Control unit, 17...Dimmer data output unit,
27... Multiplexer, 28... Signal holding circuit, 31... Operation control unit, 32... Dimming interface, 35... Dimming load, 36... Cutoff signal generation circuit, 41... Address setting circuit, 42 ...Clock generation circuit, 43...P/S converter, 44...
...DC power supply circuit.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A dimming control means that outputs a dimming level signal for each of a plurality of dimming loads to a signal line, and outputs an identification signal for each dimming load; Based on the identification signal, selective connection means for selectively connecting each dimming load to the signal line; a plurality of signal holding means provided in advance between the selective connection means and each dimming load and holding dimming level signals; A light control device comprising a cutoff signal generating means for outputting a cutoff signal for cutting off a signal line from any light control load in the selective connection means when the light control means is abnormal.