JPH08203676A - Dimming method and device thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Purpose] Even when a current exceeding the breaking current value is supplied to the dimming load, the current is reduced without suddenly interrupting the current supply or reducing it to a constant value. Provided is a dimming method and device which can be corrected by the above. [Structure] A current cutoff unit 7 for cutting off the current when the current exceeds a cutoff current value, and a dimming load 5 for dimming,
In a dimmer that converts a dimming level signal generated according to an operation into a control signal and supplies a current to the dimming load according to the control signal, if the current to the dimming load exceeds the cutoff current value, A dimming level determination means 9 for outputting a dimming control signal corresponding to the difference between the current supplied to the optical load and the cutoff current value;
From the dimming control signal storage means 10 for adding the dimming control signal to the dimming control signal stored therein to form a new dimming control signal and storing the new dimming control signal, and the dimming level signal. The signal calculation means 11 for subtracting the dimming control signal is provided.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is used in a stage or the like, and is adapted to automatically reduce the current supplied to a dimming load when a current exceeding a breaking current value of a current breaking means flows through the dimming load. The present invention relates to an optical method and its device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional light control device will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the light control device. FIG. 7 is a characteristic diagram showing the characteristics of the current interruption means 7 with respect to the time until interruption to the current when a current exceeding the interruption current value is supplied. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing another example of the light control device. 9 and 10
[Fig. 4] is a time-series graph showing the current when the current supplied to the dimming load exceeds the breaking current value.

In FIG. 6, reference numeral 1 denotes a dimming level signal generating means. The dimming level signal generating means 1 outputs the dimming level signal to the dimming level signal converting means 2 based on the operation of the operator. Dimming level signal is dimming load 5
It is the information of the dimming level that indicates the brightness of the illumination corresponding to.

The dimming level signal converting means 2 converts the dimming level signal input from the dimming level signal generating means 1 into a control signal and outputs the control signal to the dimming load control means 3.

The dimming load control means 3 supplies from the power source 6 to the dimming load 5 an amount of current corresponding to the control signal input from the dimming level signal converting means 2. Light control load control means 3
Is, for example, a triac or thyristor. In the case of a triac or thyristor, the input control signal is P
A WM (pulse width modulation) control signal, which changes the dimming level according to the width of the signal.

The load current detection means 4 is located between the dimming load control means 3 and the dimming load 5, and the current supplied to the dimming load 5 by the dimming load control means 3 is set at constant time intervals (T time). The detected current value is output to the alarm means 8.

The dimming load 5 is composed of a lighting device such as an incandescent lamp, and is turned on with a brightness according to the current supplied from the dimming load control means 3. Further, the number of lighting fixtures of the dimming load 5 is not fixed, and the user can provide an arbitrary number of lighting fixtures.

The current cutoff means 7 is provided between the power supply 6 and the dimming load control means 3 and cuts off the current supply after a predetermined time T1 when the current supplied by the power supply 6 becomes equal to or more than the cutoff current value of the current cutoff means 7. To do. The cut-off current value is a value that indicates a constant current that acts as a threshold value, and a general number of lighting fixtures are used as the dimming load 5, and the dimming load 5 is turned on at a dimming level of 100%. It is the value of the current sometimes supplied to the dimming load 5.

As shown in FIG. 7, the time T1 from the time when the current exceeds the breaking current value to the time when the current is interrupted becomes shorter as the rate at which the current exceeds the breaking current value becomes higher.

That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, the current interruption means 7 interrupts the current supply after 10 seconds when the current is supplied such that the ratio of the current to the interruption current value is 200% (point A). ), When a current such that the ratio of the current to the breaking current value is 150% is supplied, 40
After a few seconds, the current supply is cut off (point B).

When the current is input from the load current detection means 4, the alarm means 8 emits an alarm sound if the current is above the breaking current value, and the current to the operator is above the breaking current value. To inform.

Therefore, the operator operates the dimming level signal generating means 1 so that the alarm stops when the alarm sounds.
By operating so that the current does not always exceed the breaking current value, the current breaking means 7 is prevented from performing the breaking operation.

The dimming device shown in FIG. 8 differs from the dimming device shown in FIG. 6 described above in that the current detected by the load current detecting means 4 is cut off without providing the alarm means 8. If the current value is equal to or more than the current value, it is acknowledged that the current is equal to or more than the breaking current value for a certain time T2. It is designed to be lowered to maintain the breaking current value. Then, when the operator operates the dimming level signal generating means 1 in the direction of decreasing the current, the current corresponding to the operation of the dimming level signal generating means 1 is supplied to the dimming load 5 again.

[0014]

By the way, as described above, the number of lighting fixtures of the dimming load 5 is not fixed, and the user can provide an arbitrary number of lighting fixtures. Even if the same operation is performed in the signal generating means 1, the current supplied to the dimming load 5 varies depending on the number of lighting fixtures of the dimming load 5. Therefore, if additional lighting equipment is used, even if the lighting level is set to 100% and not turned on,
There may occur a case where a current equal to or more than the breaking current value flows into the dimming load 5.

Therefore, in the dimming device as shown in FIG. 6 described above, the operator mistakenly outputs a high dimming level signal, and a current greatly exceeding the cut-off current value is supplied to the dimming load 5. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 9, the current interrupting means 7 interrupts the supply of current after a predetermined time T1.
The operator must listen to the alarm sound of the alarm means 8 and operate the dimming level signal generating means 1 to adjust to an appropriate dimming level by the elapse of the predetermined time T1. However, the predetermined time T1 becomes shorter as the rate at which the current exceeds the breaking current value becomes higher as described above. Therefore, when the current greatly exceeding the breaking current value is supplied to the dimming load 5, the predetermined time T1 becomes extremely small. It will be a short time. Therefore, the operator cannot operate the dimming level signal generating means 1 within a predetermined time T1 to adjust the dimming level to an appropriate dimming level, and the current supply to the dimming load 5 is cut off.
There was a problem that the light control load 5 disappeared.

In the dimming device as shown in FIG. 8, the operator mistakenly outputs a high dimming level signal, and a current greatly exceeding the breaking current value is supplied to the dimming load 5. In this case, the current supply to the dimming load 5 is not interrupted and the dimming load 5 does not disappear. However, as shown in FIG. Reduce the supplied current to the breaking current value. Therefore, even if the operator operates the dimming level signal generating means 1 by imagining the current shown by the broken line, the dimming load 5 is constant regardless of the operation of the dimming level signal generating means 1 by the operator. The dimming level is set, and there is a problem that smooth dimming cannot be performed.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to suddenly supply a current exceeding a breaking current value to a dimming load. Without interrupting the current supply or suddenly lowering the current supply to a certain value, the current supplied is reduced and corrected, and the operation of the operator is adjusted even during the correction operation. An object of the present invention is to provide a dimming method and device that can be reflected in a light level signal.

[0018]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a control signal by converting a dimming level signal generated according to an operation of an operator. However, in the dimming method of supplying a current to the dimming load according to the control signal, if the current supplied to the dimming load is equal to or higher than the breaking current value flow, the difference between the supplied current and the breaking current value is determined. The dimming control signal is determined, the dimming control signal is subtracted from the dimming level signal to form a new dimming level signal, the new dimming level signal is converted to the control signal, and according to the control signal. The method is characterized by supplying an electric current to a dimming load.

Further, in the invention according to claim 2, a current cutoff means for cutting off the supply of the current when the current becomes equal to or more than the cutoff current value, and a brightness adjustment according to the current supplied by the lighting equipment. A dimming device that includes a dimming load that performs light conversion, converts a dimming level signal generated according to an operation of an operator into a control signal, and supplies a current to the dimming load according to the control signal. When the current supplied to the load exceeds the cutoff current value, the dimming level determination means that outputs a dimming control signal corresponding to the difference between the current supplied to the dimming load and the cutoff current value, and the dimming control signal are output by the self control device. And a dimming control signal storing means for storing the new dimming control signal by adding it to the dimming control signal stored by the dimming control signal, and subtracting the dimming control signal from the dimming level signal. And a signal calculation means.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the dimming level signal generated according to the operation of the operator is converted into a control signal, and the current is supplied to the plurality of dimming loads according to the control signal. In the dimming method, the count value is increased if the sum of the currents supplied to the plurality of dimming loads is larger than the breaking current value, and it is decreased if the sum is smaller than the breaking current value. Determines the level signal, subtracts the drop level signal from the dimming level signal to form a new dimming level signal, converts the new dimming level signal to a control signal, and dims the current according to the control signal. It is a method characterized by supplying to a load.

Further, in the invention according to claim 4, a current cut-off means for cutting off the supply of the current when the current exceeds the cut-off current value, and a brightness adjustment according to the supplied current, which comprises a luminaire. A dimming device including a plurality of dimming loads for performing light conversion, converting a dimming level signal generated according to an operation of an operator into a control signal, and supplying a current to the plurality of dimming loads according to the control signal. In (1), load current integrating means for summing the currents supplied to a plurality of dimming loads, and a count value increase signal is output if the sum of the currents is larger than the breaking current value, and if the sum of the currents is smaller than the breaking current value, the count value A current determining means for outputting a falling signal, a counting means for increasing or decreasing the count value by the count value increasing signal or the count value decreasing signal, and a descending level signal for determining the falling level signal from the dimming level signal and the count value. It is characterized in that comprises a level determining unit, and a signal operation means for subtracting the falling level signal from the dimming level signal.

[0022]

With the above construction, according to the first aspect of the invention, if the current supplied to the dimming load is greater than or equal to the breaking current value, the difference between the supplied current and the breaking current value. The dimming control signal is determined and the dimming control signal is subtracted from the dimming level signal to obtain a new dimming level signal. Therefore, the current based on the dimming level signal increases the dimming control signal. It decreases with it.

Further, in the invention according to claim 2, when the current detected by the load current detecting means exceeds the breaking current value, the dimming level judging means detects the current and the breaking current value detected by the load current detecting means. And outputs a dimming control signal corresponding to the difference, and the dimming control signal storage means adds the dimming control signal to the dimming control signal stored by itself and newly stores it and outputs it to the signal computing means, Since the signal calculation means subtracts the dimming control signal from the dimming level signal and outputs it as a new dimming level signal to the signal level converting means, the current based on the dimming level signal decreases as the dimming control signal increases. To do.

In the invention according to claim 3, the count value is increased if the sum of the currents supplied to the plurality of dimming loads is larger than the breaking current value, and the count value is decreased if it is smaller than the breaking current value. The falling level signal is determined from the dimming level signal and the count value, and the falling level signal is subtracted from the dimming level signal to obtain a new dimming level signal, so the new dimming level signal is converted to the control signal. Since the current is supplied to the plurality of dimming loads according to the control signal, the current based on the dimming level signal decreases as the dimming control signal increases.

Further, in the invention of claim 4, the load current accumulating means sums the currents supplied to the plurality of dimming loads, and the current judging means determines that the sum of the currents is larger than the breaking current value. If the count value increase signal is output and the sum of the currents is smaller than the cutoff current value, the count value decrease signal is output, the counting means increases or decreases the count value by the count value increase signal or the count value decrease signal, and the decrease level determination means Since the falling level signal is determined from the dimming level signal and the count value, the signal calculating means subtracts the falling level signal from the dimming level signal to form a new dimming level signal and outputs it to the dimming level signal converting means. The current based on the dimming level signal decreases as the dimming control signal increases.

[0026]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of a light control device according to the present invention is shown in FIG.
~ A second embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 4 and 5 based on Fig. 3.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a light control device. FIG. 2 is a flowchart explaining the operation of the light control device. FIG. 3 is a time-series graph showing the current when the current supplied to the dimming load 5 exceeds the breaking current value. In FIG. 1, the same parts as those of the light control device described in the above-mentioned conventional technique are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description of the same parts will be omitted.

The light control device shown in FIG. 1 is different from the light control device shown in FIG. 6 described in the above-mentioned conventional technique, and is characterized by the following structure. That is, in the light control device shown in FIG. 1, instead of providing the alarm means 8, the light control level determination means 9, the light control signal storage means 10, and the signal calculation means 11 are provided.
Is provided.

The dimming level determination means 9 outputs a dimming control signal S1 corresponding to the difference between the current detected by the load current detecting means 4 and the breaking current value to the dimming control signal storage means 10. If the detected current is smaller than the cutoff current, the dimming level determination means 9 does not output the dimming control signal S1.

The dimming control signal S1 is supplied to the load current detecting means 4
When the time until the current cut-off means 7 corresponding to the current detected by the load current detection means 4 is Ts, the interval of the detection time of the load current detection means 4 is set to T hour, so the current detected by the load current detection means 4 is cut off. It is a signal indicating the current value obtained by dividing the value obtained by subtracting the current value by (Ts / T).

When the dimming control signal S1 is input from the dimming level determination means 9, the dimming control signal storage means 10 receives the dimming control signal S2 stored in the dimming control signal storage means 10. The dimming control signal S1 is added, and the added dimming control signal S2 is stored. Also, the dimming level determination means 9
When the dimming control signal S1 is not input from the dimming control signal storage unit 10, the dimming control signal storage unit 10 stores the dimming control signal S2 stored therein.
Subtract a constant value from. Then, the dimming control signal storage means 1
0 indicates the dimming control signal S2 stored by itself at every T time which is the detection time interval of the load current detection means 4 and the signal calculation means 11
Output to.

The signal calculation means 11 subtracts the dimming control signal S2 output from the dimming control signal storage means 10 from the dimming level signal S3 output from the dimming level signal generating means 1, and newly subtracts the subtracted signal. It outputs to the dimming level signal conversion means 2 as a dimming level signal S4.

The operation of the light control device configured as described above will be described below with reference to FIG.

First, the operator operates the dimming level signal generating means 1
And the dimming level signal generating means 1 outputs the dimming level signal S3 to the signal computing means 11 in response to the operation (step S101). The signal calculation means 11 subtracts the dimming control signal S2 output from the dimming control signal storage means 10 from the dimming level signal S3 output from the dimming level signal generating means 1, and the subtracted signal is newly dimmed. The level signal S4 is output to the dimming level signal converting means 2 (step S10).
2). Immediately after the operation is started, the value of the dimming control signal S2 stored in the dimming control signal storage means 10 is 0. Therefore, the dimming level signal S4 output from the signal computing means 11 is the dimming level signal generating means. 1 output dimming level signal S
Equal to 3.

Next, the dimming level signal converting means 2 converts the dimming level signal S4 into a control signal and outputs it to the dimming load control means 3 (step S103).

The dimming load control means 3 supplies a current to the dimming load 5 according to the control signal (step S104), and the load current detecting means 4 detects the current supplied to the dimming load 5 to dimming. Output to the level determination means 9 (step S10)
5).

Then, the dimming level judging means 9 judges whether or not the supplied current is equal to or higher than the breaking current value (step S106), and if it is equal to or higher than the breaking current value, the supplied current and the breaking current value. The dimming control signal S1 is determined in accordance with the difference between and, and output to the dimming control signal storage means 10 (step S1
07).

When the dimming control signal S1 is input, the dimming control signal storage means 10 stores the dimming control signal S stored therein.
The value of the dimming control signal S1 output by the dimming level determination means 9 is added to the value of 2 and is newly stored (step S10).
8). Then, the stored new dimming control signal S2 is output to the signal calculation means 11.

On the other hand, when the dimming control signal S1 is not input from the dimming level determination means 9 (step S106), the dimming control signal storage means 10 stores the value of the dimming control signal S2 stored therein as 0. Judge whether there is (step S
109) keeps 0 if the value of the dimming control signal S2 stored by itself is 0, and if the value of the dimming control signal S2 stored by itself is other than 0, the dimming control signal S2 stored by itself is A constant value is subtracted from the value (step S110), and a new dimming control signal S2 with the value subtracted is output to the signal calculation means 11.

Then, the signal calculation means 11 is newly input from the dimming level signal generation means 1 (step S10).
1) The dimming control signal S2 is subtracted from the dimming level signal S3, and the subtracted signal is output to the dimming level signal converting means 2 as a new dimming level signal S4 (step S1).
02).

Therefore, when the dimming level signal S1 for supplying the breaking current value or more is generated, the value of the dimming control signal S2 stored in the dimming control signal storage means 10 increases (step S108), Since the signal calculation means 11 subtracts the dimming control signal S2 from the dimming level signal S3 input from the dimming level signal generating means 1, as a result, the dimming level signal S4 output to the dimming level signal converting means 2 is obtained. Decrease (step S102). Then, the control signal obtained by converting the dimming level signal decreases, and the current supplied to the dimming load 5 also decreases. Since it is considered that the operator is operating the dimming level signal generating means 1 even during such a decreasing operation, the current supplied to the dimming load 5 is as shown in FIG. The change is such that the curve indicated by the broken line, which is originally intended by the operator, is similar to the shape of the curve and decreases.

On the other hand, as a result of the increase of the dimming control signal S2,
When the current supplied to the dimming load 5 becomes equal to or lower than the breaking current value, the dimming control signal S2 is decreased by a constant value (step S110), and the current supplied to the dimming load 5 is adjusted. It increases toward the original value indicated by the light level signal S3.

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a light control device, and FIG. 5 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the light control device.

In FIG. 4, reference numerals 1a to n denote dimming level signal generating means. The dimming level signal generating means 1a to 1n are
The descent level determining means 15a to 15n based on the operation of the operator.
And the signal calculation means 16a-n for the dimming level signal S5a-.
It outputs n. The dimming level signal S5a is information on a dimming level that instructs the dimming load 5a to have 256 levels of brightness, and similarly, the dimming level signals S5b to n.
Also, the maximum value is 256 for the dimming loads 5b to 5n.
It is the information of the dimming level that indicates the brightness of 256 levels.

The dimming level signal converting means 2a-n convert the dimming level signals S7a-n inputted from the signal calculating means 16a-n described later into control signals, and the control signals are controlled by the dimming load controlling means 3a. Output to ~ n.

The dimming load control means 3a-n supply the dimming loads 5a-n with an amount of current corresponding to the control signal input from the dimming level signal converting means 2a-n.

The load current detecting means 4a-n are provided between the dimming load control means 3a-n and the dimming load 5a-n, and the dimming load control means 3a-n supply the dimming loads 5a-n. The current is detected every fixed time (T time), and the detected current is output to the load current integrating means 12.

The dimming loads 5a to 5n are lighting fixtures such as incandescent lamps, and are turned on with brightness according to the current supplied from the power source 6 through the dimming load control means 3a to 3n.

The current interrupting means 7 interrupts the supply of current when the sum of the currents supplied by the power source 6 exceeds the interrupting current value of the current interrupting means 7.

The branch current interruption means 7a-n are located between the current interruption means 7 and the dimming load control means 3a-n, and the current supplied to the dimming loads 5a-n is the branch current interruption means 7a-n.
When the branch breaking current value of n or more is reached, the current supply is individually cut off.

The load current accumulating means 12 calculates the sum of the currents supplied to the dimming loads 5a to 5n detected by the load current detecting means 4a to 4n, and outputs the sum to the current judging means 13.

The current judging means 13 compares the total sum of the currents supplied to the dimming loads 5a to 5n output by the load current integrating means 12 at the T time interval with the breaking current value of the current breaking means 7,
If the total sum of currents is larger than the breaking current value, a count value increase signal is output to the counting means 14, and if the total sum of currents is smaller than the breaking current value, a count value decreasing signal is output to the counting means 14.

The counting means 14 holds the count value, and increases the count value by 1 when the count value increase signal is input and decreases the count value by 1 when the count value decrease signal is input (however, Immediately after the operation is started, the count value is 0, and the count value does not become 0 or less). Then, the counting means 14 outputs the count value to the falling level determining means 15a to 15n.

The falling level determining means 15a to 15n determine the falling level signals S6a to Sn from the count value and the dimming level signals S5a to n. Falling level signal S
6a-n are determined corresponding to each of the dimming level signals S5a-n.

When the value of the dimming level signal S5a is CL, the maximum value of the dimming level signal is ML, the count value is C, and the value of the falling level signal S6a is DL, DL = CL × (C / ML). This can be expressed as (Equation 1), and the falling level signals S6b to S6n are similarly obtained.

The signal calculating means 16a-n subtract the falling level signals S6a-n output by the falling level determining means 15a-n from the dimming level signals S5a-n output by the dimming level signal generating means 1. . Therefore, the new dimming level signals S7a-n reduced are the dimming level signals S5.
The dimming level is reduced as a whole while maintaining the relative relationship between the dimming levels a to n.

The dimming level signal generating means 1a-n
, Dimming level signal converting means 2a-n, dimming load control means 3a-n, load current detecting means 4a-n, branch current interruption means 7a-n, and falling level determining means 15a-n.
And the signal calculation means 16a to 16n are provided corresponding to the dimming loads 5a to 5n. In the second embodiment, the means having alphabets in the symbols have the same alphabet. It acts on the adjusted dimming loads 5a to 5n.

The operation of the light control device configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. First, the operator operates the dimming level signal generating means 1, and the dimming level signal generating means 1 outputs the dimming level signals S5a-n corresponding to the operation to the falling level determining means 15a-n and the signal calculating means 16a-. and n (step S111).

Then, the descent level determining means 15a to 15n
Is the count value and dimming level signal S5a based on Equation 1.
~ N are used to determine the falling level signals S6a-n (step S112), and the signal computing means 16a-n subtract the falling level signals S6a-n from the dimming level signals S5a-n (step S113). The converted signals are used as new dimming level signals S7a-n and dimming level signal converting means 2a.
Output to ~ n.

Immediately after the operation is started, the count value of the counting means 14 is 0, so that the falling level signals S6a to S6 are 0 respectively, and therefore the signal calculating means 16a.
The dimming level signals S7a-n output by the signals ~ n are equal to the dimming level signals S5a-n output by the dimming level signal generating means 1.

Next, the dimming level signal converting means 2a-n.
Converts the input dimming level signals S7a-n into control signals and outputs the control signals to the dimming load control means 3a-n (step S114).

The dimming load control means 3a to 3n supply a current to the dimming loads 5a to 5n according to the control signal (step S11).
5), the load current detecting means 4a to 4n detect the current supplied to the dimming loads 5a to 5n and output it to the load current integrating means 12 (step S116).

The load current accumulating means 12 obtains the sum of the currents supplied to the dimming loads 5a to 5n detected by the load current detecting means 4a to 4n (step S117), and the current determining means 13 determines the T interval. Then, the sum of the currents supplied to the dimming loads 5a to 5n output from the load current accumulating means 12 is compared with the breaking current value (step S118).

When the sum of the currents is larger than the breaking current value, the count value increasing signal is output to the counting means 14, and the count value increasing signal is input to the counting means 14, so that the count value is increased by 1, and The count value is output to the falling level determining means 15a to 15n (step S1).
19).

On the other hand, if the sum of the currents is smaller than the breaking current value, the count value drop signal is output to the counting means 14, and if the count value is 0 or more (step S12).
0), since the count value drop signal is input, the count means 14 decrements the count value by 1 and outputs the count value to the drop level determination means 15a to 15n (step S).
121).

Then, returning to step S111 again, when the dimming level signal generating means 1 outputs the dimming level signals S5a-n, the descending level determining means 15a-n in step S112 are calculated by the formula 1 as falling level signals S6a-n. n
Is output to the signal calculation means 16a to 16n, and step S
At 113, the signal calculation means 16a-n subtract the falling level signals S6a-n from the dimming level signals S5a-n.
Further, the signal calculating means 16a to 16n are provided with the falling level signal S.
The reduced dimming level signals S7a-n of 6a-n are used as new dimming level signals and the dimming level signal converting means 2a-
output to n.

By repeating the above operation, the light control device controls the light control loads 5a to 5n. Therefore, when the sum of the currents supplied to the dimming loads 5a to 5n is larger than the breaking current value, the count value increases, the drop level signal increases, and the dimming level signal decreases.
The sum of the currents supplied to ~ n decreases.

On the other hand, as a result of the control, if the sum of the currents supplied to the dimming loads 5a to 5n is less than or equal to the cutoff current value, the count value is decreased and the drop level signals S6a to 6n.
And the current supplied to the dimming load 5 increases toward the original value indicated by the dimming level signals S5a-n.

In the second embodiment, the count means 14 increases the count value by 1 when the count value increase signal is input and decreases the count value by 1 when the count value decrease signal is input. However, the value for increasing or decreasing the count value is not limited to the fixed value of 1. For example, when the difference between the total current and the breaking current value is large, the count value is greatly increased, and when the difference is small, the count value is slightly increased. You may make it fluctuate.

In the second embodiment, the dimming level signals S5a-n indicate the brightness of 256 levels, but the number of levels is not limited to this. Then, when the number of brightness steps designated by the dimming level signals S5a to n increases, it becomes possible to more smoothly adjust the dimming level.

[0071]

Since the dimmer of the present invention is constructed as described above, in the invention according to claim 1, when a current exceeding the breaking current value is supplied to the dimmer load. Even if it is, the dimming control signal is determined according to the difference between the current and the cutoff current value, and the dimming control signal is subtracted from the dimming level signal. A dimming method that can correct the amount of current supplied by reducing the amount of current supplied without lowering the supply of the current to a constant value and can reflect the operation by the operator in the dimming even during the operation of correcting the amount of current supplied. There is an effect that it can be provided.

Further, in the invention described in claim 2, there is an effect that it is possible to provide a light control device embodying the invention described in claim 1.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the falling level signal is determined from the counter value and the falling level signal is subtracted from the dimming level signal, a current exceeding the cutoff current value is supplied to the dimming load. Even if it is done, without suddenly interrupting the supply of current and without suddenly lowering the supply of current to a constant value, while maintaining the relative relationship of the dimming levels of multiple dimming loads, The present invention has an effect that it is possible to provide a dimming method that can correct the current supply amount by reducing it and can reflect the operation of the operator in the dimming even during the operation of correcting the current supply amount.

Further, in the invention described in claim 4, there is an effect that it is possible to provide a light control device embodying the invention described in claim 3.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a light control device according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the light control device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a time-series graph showing the current when the current supplied to the dimming load exceeds the breaking current value in the light control device of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a light control device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the light control device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of a conventional light control device.

FIG. 7 is a characteristic diagram showing characteristics of a time until interruption with respect to a current value when a current exceeding the interruption current value of the current interruption means is supplied.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing another example of a conventional light control device.

FIG. 9 is a time-series graph showing the current when the current supplied to the dimming load exceeds the breaking current value in the conventional dimming device.

FIG. 10 is a time-series graph showing the current when the current supplied to the dimming load exceeds the breaking current value in the conventional dimming device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 5 Dimming load 5a-n Dimming load 7 Current interruption means 9 Dimming level judging means 10 Dimming control signal storage means 11 Signal calculating means 12 Load current integrating means 13 Current judging means 14 Counting means 15a-n Drop level deciding means 16a-n signal calculation means

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A dimming method in which a dimming level signal generated according to an operation of an operator is converted into a control signal and a current is supplied to the dimming load according to the control signal. If the current is equal to or higher than the breaking current flow, the dimming control signal is determined according to the difference between the supplied current and the breaking current value, and the dimming control signal is subtracted from the dimming level signal to obtain a new dimming level. A dimming method, which comprises a signal, converts a new dimming level signal into a control signal, and supplies a current to a dimming load according to the control signal. 2. An operation comprising: a current cutoff means for cutting off the supply of current when the current exceeds a cutoff current value; and a dimming load for dimming the brightness according to the supplied current. In a dimming device that converts a dimming level signal generated according to a user's operation into a control signal and supplies a current to the dimming load according to the control signal, the current supplied to the dimming load exceeds a cutoff current value. And a dimming level determination means for outputting a dimming control signal corresponding to the difference between the current supplied to the dimming load and the breaking current value, and the dimming control signal is added to the dimming control signal stored by itself. It is characterized by comprising a dimming control signal storing means for storing the new dimming control signal as a new dimming control signal, and a signal calculating means for subtracting the dimming control signal from the dimming level signal. Light control device. 3. A dimming method, wherein a dimming level signal generated according to an operation of an operator is converted into a control signal and a current is supplied to the plurality of dimming loads according to the control signal. If the sum of the currents supplied to is greater than the breaking current value, the count value is increased, and if it is less than the breaking current value, the count value is decreased, and the falling level signal is determined from the dimming level signal and the count value. A dimming characterized by reducing a drop level signal to form a new dimming level signal, converting the new dimming level signal into a control signal, and supplying a current to a dimming load according to the control signal. Method. 4. A current cutoff means for cutting off the supply of current when the current exceeds a cutoff current value, and a plurality of dimming loads for dimming the brightness according to the supplied current. , A dimming device that converts a dimming level signal generated according to an operation of an operator into a control signal and supplies a current to a plurality of dimming loads according to the control signal, is supplied to the plurality of dimming loads. A load current integrating means for summing the currents, a current judging means for outputting a count value increase signal if the sum of the currents is larger than the breaking current value, and a count value decreasing signal for the sum of the currents being smaller than the breaking current value, and counting Counting means for increasing or decreasing the count value by the value increase signal or count value falling signal, falling level determining means for determining the falling level signal from the dimming level signal and the count value, and the dimming level signal And a signal calculation means for subtracting the falling level signal from the dimmer.