Illumination control terminal and illumination control system

An illumination control terminal includes a frame; a handle cover pivotably rotatably attached to the frame. An operation switch unit is arranged on a front surface of the handle cover. Provided on a rear surface of the handle cover are a setting operation unit for setting a set time at which lamps are turned on or off and a locking portion which keeps the handle cover in a closed state. Provided on a front surface of the frame are a display unit for displaying setting contents and a locked portion engaging with the locking portion. The terminal further includes a storage unit storing a setting program set by the setting operation unit and a terminal control unit for outputting a control signal on an on/off operation of the lamps, either upon pushing the operation switch unit or according to the setting program.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an illumination control terminal for outputting a control signal to control an on/off operation of an illumination load and an illumination control system including the illumination control terminal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A conventional illumination control system100zfor controlling an on/off operation of illumination loads (hereinafter just referred to as “lamps”) installed in an office, a factory, a store or other place will be described with reference toFIG. 35, which is an explanatory view showing a configuration of the conventional illumination control system100z. The illumination control system100zincludes lamps1zto4z, an operation control unit13z, an illumination control terminal14zserving as an illumination switch and a commercial AC power source AC4.

Each of lamps1zto4zis turned on or off depending on the opening or closing of corresponding contacts of individual relays provided in the operation control unit13zin a corresponding relationship with the lamps1zto4z. For example, if the contacts of the relay corresponding to the lamp1zare closed, the lamp1zis turned on. If the contacts of the relay corresponding to the lamp3zare opened, the lamp3zis turned off.

The operation control unit13zis operated by using as a driving power source the electric power supplied from the commercial AC power source AC4. The illumination control terminal14zoutputs to the operation control unit13za control signal, so that the operation control unit13zcontrols the on/off operation of the respective lamps1zto4zin response to the control signal.

InFIG. 35, the lamps1zto4zand the commercial AC power source AC4 are electrically connected to the operation control unit13zby respective power lines. The operation control unit13zis electrically connected to the illumination control terminal14zby a signal line S. In this regard, it is assumed that the kinds of the lamps1zto4zto be turned on or off upon pushing an operation panel SWy or SWz, i.e., an operation switch unit, of the illumination control terminal14zshown inFIG. 36are previously set in the operation control unit13z.

As mentioned above, upon pushing the operation panel SWy or SWz shown inFIG. 36, the illumination control terminal14zoutputs to the operation control unit13zthe control signal for controlling the on/off operation of the lamps1zto4z. The control signal contains information on the kind of the pushed operation panel SWy or SWz. More specifically, the control signal issued by pushing the operation panel SWy contains information on the kind of the operation panel SWy. Similarly, the control signal issued by pushing the operation panel SWz contains information on the kind of the operation panel SWz. Since the control signal issued by pushing the operation panel SWy or SWz contains information on the kind of the pushed operation panel, the operation control unit13zcan control the on/off operation of the lamps1zto4zcorresponding to the kind of the pushed operation panel contained in the control signal.

The details of the external structure of the illumination control terminal14zwill now be described with reference toFIG. 36, which shows an external structure of the conventional illumination control terminal14z. In the description ofFIG. 36, the upper, lower, left and right directions running along the paper surface will be defined as upper, lower, left and right directions of the illumination control terminal14z. Moreover, the direction running perpendicularly forwards with respect to the paper surface will be defined as a front direction and the direction running perpendicularly rearwards with respect to the paper surface will be defined as a rear direction.

The illumination control terminal14zis visibly installed on a wall surface of an office, a factory, a store or other place. The illumination control terminal14zshown inFIG. 36includes a terminal frame K having a left frame14zland a right frame14zr, both of which are arranged at the front side and unified together. A set of operation panel SWy and LED lamp23zand a set of operation panel SWz and LED lamp24zare arranged in the left frame14zlof the illumination control terminal14z. A display unit17zformed of, e.g., an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and a various buttons26zto30zare provided in the right frame14zrof the illumination control terminal14z.

As set forth above, when the operation panel SWy or SWz is pushed, the illumination control terminal14zoutputs to the operation control unit13za control signal for controlling the on/off operations of the respective lamps1zto4z. The LED lamp23zarranged in the left frame14zlof the illumination control terminal14zemits light in different colors to identify the on/off state of, e.g., the lamps1zand2z, which are previously set to be turned on or off upon pushing the operation panel SWy in the operation control unit13z. The LED lamp24zarranged in the left frame14zlof the illumination control terminal14zemits light in different colors to identify the on/off state of, e.g., the lamps3zand4z, which are previously set to be turned on or off upon pushing the operation panel SWz in the operation control unit13z. For example, the LED lamp23zemits red light in the on-state of the lamps1zand2z. The LED lamp23zemits green light in the off-state of the lamps3zand4z.

In the right frame14zrof the illumination control terminal14z, there are arranged a display unit17zfor displaying the current time or the like, information on the kinds of the operation panels SWy and SWz and a plurality of buttons26z,27z,28zand30zand the relationships between the operation panel SWy or SWz and the respective lamps1zto4zturned on or off upon pushing the operation panel SWy or SWz. The buttons26z,27z,28zand30zwill be described in more detail. The buttons26z,27z,28zand30zinclude a mode selection button28zfor selecting one of a normal mode, a timer mode and a current time mode appearing in a mode display area31zdisplayed in the upper portion of the display unit17z.

Here, the modes in a mode display area31zwill now be described in detail.

The normal mode is a mode indicating that the illumination control system100zis in operation. The normal mode excludes the current time mode for setting the current time and the timer mode for reviewing the setting programs used in turning on or off one of the lamps1zto4zat a specified time. The timer mode a mode in which a user can review the setting programs used in turning on or off one of the lamps1zto4zat a time predetermined by the user.

In the following description, the programs for setting therein a plurality of operation parameters to turn on or off the lamps at a set time and for causing the operation control unit13zto perform the on/off operation of the lamps will be referred to as “setting programs”. Each operation parameter set in the setting programs includes the time at which the lamps are to be turned on or off (hereinafter referred to as “set time”) and the kinds of the lamps to be turned on or off. The setting programs containing such operation parameters are stored in a storage unit (not shown) in the operation control unit13z. The operation control unit13zincludes an internal clock C1(not shown). For example, if the current time indicated by the internal clock C1coincides with a set time included in an operation parameter of a setting program, the lamps set as the control target of the operation parameter of the setting program are turned on or off. The current time mode is a mode for setting the current time of an internal clock C2(not shown) built in the illumination control terminal14z.

Turning back to the description of the buttons26z,27z,28zand30z, an increment button26zand a decrement button27zare provided to increase or decrease the program number of the setting programs that can be reviewed in the timer mode when the timer mode is selected and also to increase or decrease the digits of the current time that can be changed in the current time mode when the current time mode is selected, for example. Further, a setting button30zis provided to make a setting to display one of the setting programs selected by pushing the increment button26zor the decrement button27zand to set the time selected by pushing the increment button26zor the decrement button27zas the current time.

The operation control unit13zwhich stores the setting programs that can be reviewed in the timer mode includes, as one element thereof, a program timer for controlling the on/off operation of the respective lamps1zto4zin accordance with the setting programs. The program timer is disclosed in, e.g., Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-175306. The above disclosure discloses a program timer for a remote monitoring and control system in which transmission signals are sent and received between a plurality of terminals having their own addresses and a transmission unit, both of which are connected to a signal line. Responsive to an on/off signal as a monitoring signal inputted to one of the terminals, the remote monitoring and control system controls the loads connected to other terminals by using the correspondence relationship of the addresses of the terminals.

However, the conventional illumination control terminal14zshown inFIG. 36is limited in installation width (Lz) and installation number because it is installed in a narrow installation area of an office, a factory, a store or other place. The display unit17zand the buttons26z,27z,28zand30zof the illumination control terminal14zare all arranged in the narrow area of the right frame14zrof the illumination control terminal14zin an integrated manner. This makes it difficult to arrange a display unit having an increased physical size in the right frame14zr. Use of the small-size display unit17zmakes it troublesome to set the respective parameters in the timer mode.

In case of executing a turning-off program, one of the setting programs, for control of the off operation of the lamps, it is sometimes the case that the lamps are manually turned on again by a third person after execution of the turning-off program. In other words, the turning-off program available in the conventional illumination control terminal is set to turn off the lamps only once at a set time. In order to periodically turn off the lamps as a countermeasure against the event that the lamps are turned on again by a third person, there is a need to prepare an increased number of turning-off programs and to thoroughly execute the turning-off programs thus prepared. This requires a user managing the illumination control system to invest a considerable amount of time in preparing the turning-off programs and to perform troublesome operations. Since the turning-off programs available in the conventional illumination control terminal are hard to keep the lamps thoroughly turned off, difficulties are encountered in reducing power consumption by not turning on unnecessary lamps.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the above, the present invention provides an illumination control terminal having a compact installation area while making a operation switch unit and a setting efficient and easy to control the on/off operation of lamps, and an illumination control system provided with the illumination control terminal.

In addition, the present invention provides an illumination control terminal capable of thoroughly turning off lamps in an office, a factory, a store or other place and remarkably reducing the power consumption of lamps without having to prepare a vast number of turning-off programs one by one, and an illumination control system provided with the illumination control terminal.

In accordance with an first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an illumination control terminal, including: a frame with a pivot shaft extending in a longitudinal direction; a handle cover pivotably attached to the frame for rotating about the pivot shaft; an operation switch unit arranged on a front surface of the handle cover for, when pushed, turning on or off lamps; a setting operation unit arranged on a rear surface of the handle cover for setting a set time at which the lamps are turned on or off, the handle cover including a locking portion arranged on the rear surface thereof to keep the handle cover in a closed state; a display unit arranged on a front surface of the frame for displaying setting contents set by the setting operation unit, the frame including a locked portion arranged on the front surface thereof to keep the handle cover in the closed state through engagement with the locking portion; a storage unit storing a setting program set by the setting operation unit; and a terminal control unit for outputting a control signal on an on/off operation of the lamps, either upon pushing the operation switch unit or according to the setting program in case where a current time indicated by a clock built in the terminal control unit coincides with the set time of the setting program stored in the storage unit.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an illumination control system, including the illumination control terminal described above and an operation control unit for controlling the on/off operation of the lamps in response to the control signal outputted from the illumination control terminal.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an illumination control terminal, including: a frame with a pivot shaft extending in a longitudinal direction; a handle cover pivotally attached to the frame for rotation about the pivot shaft; an operation switch unit arranged on a front surface of the handle cover for, when pushed, turning on or off lamps; a locking portion arranged on a rear surface the handle cover to keep the handle cover in a closed state; a setting operation unit arranged on a front surface of the frame for setting a set time at which the lamps are turned on or off; a display unit arranged on a front surface of the frame for displaying setting contents set by the setting operation unit, the frame including a locked portion arranged on the front surface thereof to keep the handle cover in the closed state through engagement with the locking portion; a storage unit for storing a setting program set by the setting operation unit; and a terminal control unit for outputting a control signal on an on/off operation of the lamps, either upon pushing the operation switch unit or according to the setting program in case where a current time indicated by a clock built in the terminal control unit coincides with the set time of the setting program stored in the storage unit.

The setting program includes contents with which all or some of the lamps are repeatedly turned off in a specified time interval during a specified time period.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an illumination control system, including: an illumination control terminal including: a frame with a pivot shaft extending in a longitudinal direction; a handle cover pivotally attached to the frame for rotation about the pivot shaft; an operation switch unit arranged on a front surface of the handle cover for, when pushed, turning on or off lamps, the handle cover including a locking portion arranged on a rear surface thereof to keep the handle cover in a closed state; a setting operation unit arranged on a front surface of the frame for setting a set time at which the lamps are turned on or off; a display unit arranged on a front surface of the frame for displaying setting contents set by the setting operation unit, the frame including a locked portion arranged on the front surface thereof to keep the handle cover in the closed state through engagement with the locking portion; a storage unit for storing a setting program set by the setting operation unit; and a terminal control unit for outputting a control signal on an on/off operation of the lamps, either upon pushing the operation switch unit or according to the setting program in case where a current time indicated by a clock built in the terminal control unit coincides with the set time of the setting program stored in the storage unit; and an operation control unit for controlling the on/off operation of the lamps in response to the control signal outputted from the illumination control terminal.

The setting program includes contents with which all or some of the lamps are repeatedly turned off in a specified time interval during a specified time period.

In accordance with the aspects of the present invention, there can be provided an illumination control terminal having an installation area smaller than available in the conventional illumination control terminal while assuring an operation switch unit and a setting for control of an on/off operation of lamps in an efficient and easy manner, and an illumination control system provided with the illumination control terminal.

Further, in accordance with the aspects of the present invention, there can be provided the illumination control terminal can thoroughly turn off lamps in an office, a factory, a store or other place and remarkably reduce the power consumption of lamps without having to prepare a vast number of turning-off programs one by one, and an illumination control system provided with the illumination control terminal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof. In the following description, the upper, lower, left and right directions running along the paper surface inFIG. 3will be defined as upper, lower, left and right directions of an illumination control terminal. Moreover, the direction running perpendicularly forwards with respect to the paper surface inFIG. 3will be defined as a front direction and the direction running perpendicularly rearwards with respect to the paper surface inFIG. 3will be defined as a rear direction. By the term “turning-off” (sometimes called “normal turning-off”) used herein below, it is meant that the lamps as turning-off control targets are turned off at a specified normal turning-off time. By the term “forenotice turning-off”, it is meant that some of the lamps to be subjected to the normal turning-off are turned off for a forenotice purpose earlier than the normal turning-off time (e.g., five minutes earlier than the normal turning-off time).

First Embodiment

A configuration of an illumination control system100in accordance with a first embodiment, which includes an illumination control terminal14, will be described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 2D. The illumination control system100shown inFIG. 1controls the on/off operation of lamps1to8installed in an office, a factory, a store or other place as illustrated inFIG. 2A. As shown inFIG. 1, the illumination control system100includes lamps1to8as control targets, an operation control unit13, an illumination control terminal14and commercial AC power sources AC1 and AC2. The commercial AC power source AC1 may be the same as the commercial AC power source AC2.

(Configuration of Illumination Control System100)

The lamps1to8are turned on or off depending on the open or closed state of contact points of relays Ry1to Ry8arranged in the operation control unit13in a one-to-one correspondence relationship with the lamps1to8. For example, the lamp1is turned on if the contact points of the relay Ry1corresponding to the lamp1are in a closed state. The lamp5is turned off if the contact points of the relay Ry5corresponding to the lamp5are in an open state. The lamps1to8and the relays Ry1to Ry8are connected to respectively through power lines.

The lamps1to8shown inFIG. 1are given their addresses as can be seen inFIG. 2B. The correspondence relationship between the lamps1to8and their addresses is shown inFIG. 2B. Referring toFIG. 2B, addresses1-1to1-4are respectively assigned to the lamps1to4and addresses2-1to2-4are respectively assigned to the lamps5to8. The data shown inFIG. 2Bare stored in a transmission unit9(to be described later) of the operation control unit13.

In an effort to efficiently perform the control of the on/off operation of the lamps1to8, the addresses thus assigned are set into a plurality of groups. The correspondence relationship between the addresses and the groups is shown inFIG. 2C. Referring toFIG. 2C, the addresses1-1,1-2,1-3and1-4are set as group G1. The addresses2-1,2-2,2-3and2-4are set as group G2. The addresses1-2and1-4are set as group G3. The addresses2-2and2-4are set as group G4. The data shown inFIG. 2Care stored in a transmission unit9(to be described later) of the operation control unit13.

The operation control unit13is operated by using as a driving power source the electric power supplied from the commercial AC power sources AC1 and AC2 and controls the on/off operation of the lamps1to8in response to the control signal outputted from the illumination control terminal14. As shown inFIG. 1, the operation control unit13includes a transmission unit9, a terminal unit (T/U)10a, a terminal unit (T/U)10b, a remote control transformer11and a plurality of relays Ry1to Ry8.

In the following description, the programs for setting therein a plurality of operation parameters to turn on or off the lamps at a set time and for causing the operation control unit13to perform the on/off operation of the lamps will be referred to as “setting programs”.

The transmission unit9is operated by using as a driving power source the electric power supplied from the commercial AC power source AC1 and supplies the electric power to operate the terminal unit10aor10b. A control signal is outputted from the illumination control terminal and inputted to the transmission unit9. The control signal contains at least the information on the kind of group to which the lamps1to8belong as shown inFIG. 2Cand the set time at which the lamps belonging to the group are turned on or off. For example, the control signal outputted from the illumination control terminal14contains the information on the kind of group G1and the set time at which the lamps of group G1are to be turned on or off when the transmission unit9is set beforehand to turn on or off the lamps1to4of group G1upon pushing the operation panel SWa as an operation switch unit of the illumination control terminal14(seeFIG. 3) as shown inFIG. 2D. The control signal outputted from the illumination control terminal14contains the information on the kind of group G2and the set time at which the lamps of group G2are to be turned on or off when the transmission unit9is set beforehand to turn on or off the lamps5to8of group G2upon pushing the operation panel SWb as an operation switch unit of the illumination control terminal14(seeFIG. 3) as shown inFIG. 2D.

Responsive to the control signal thus inputted, the transmission unit9outputs to the terminal unit10aor10ba signal for controlling the on/off operation of the lamps1to8. The transmission unit9and the commercial AC power source AC1 are electrically connected to each other through a power line.

The terminal unit10aor10bis operated either by using as a driving power source the electric power supplied from the transmission unit9or by using as the driving power source both the electric power supplied from the transmission unit9and the electric power supplementarily supplied from the remote control transformer11. The signal outputted from the transmission unit9is inputted to the terminal unit10aor10b. Responsive to this signal, the terminal unit10aor10bcontrols the operation of the relays Ry1to Ry8. As shown inFIG. 1, the terminal unit10acontrols the operation of the relays Ry1, Ry2, Ry5and Ry6while the terminal unit10bcontrols the operation of the relays Ry3, Ry4, Ry7and Ry8. The transmission unit9and the terminal unit10aor10bare electrically connected to each other by a power line. The terminal unit10aand each of the relays Ry1, Ry2, Ry5and Ry6are electrically connected to one another by power lines. The terminal unit10band each of the relays Ry3, Ry4, Ry7and Ry8are electrically connected to one another by power lines. The terminal unit10aor10band the remote control transformer11are electrically connected to each other by a power line.

The remote control transformer11transforms the voltage of the electric power supplied from the commercial AC power source AC2 to supplementarily supply the electric power required in driving the terminal unit10aor10b. Moreover, the remote control transformer11transforms the voltage of the electric power supplied from the commercial AC power source AC2 to supplementarily supply the electric power required in opening and closing the contact points of the relays Ry1to Ry8. As shown inFIG. 1, the remote control transformer11and the relays Ry1to Ry8are electrically connected to each other by power lines. Likewise, the remote control transformer11and the commercial AC power source AC2 are electrically connected to each other by a power line.

Using the electric power supplied from an AC power source (not shown) or using both the electric power supplied from the AC power source (not shown) and the electric power supplementarily supplied from the remote control transformer11, the relays Ry1to Ry8open or close their contact points to thereby control the on/off operations of the lamps1to8. InFIG. 1, the relays Ry1to Ry8respectively control the on/off operations of the lamps1to8.

(Configuration of Illumination Control Terminal14)

The illumination control terminal14outputs to the transmission unit9of the operation control unit13a control signal for controlling the on/off operation of the lamps1to8. The details of the outward appearance of the illumination control terminal14will now be described with reference toFIGS. 3 and 4.FIG. 3is an outward appearance view showing the illumination control terminal14of the first embodiment with handle covers HC1and HC2thereof kept in a closed state.FIG. 4is an outward appearance view showing the illumination control terminal14of the first embodiment with the handle covers HC1and HC2thereof kept in an open state.

As shown inFIG. 3, the illumination control terminal14is visibly arranged on a wall surface W of an office, a factory, a store or other place. The illumination control terminal14has an installation width (L) much smaller than the installation width (Lz) of the conventional illumination control terminal14zshown inFIG. 36. The illumination control terminal14shown inFIG. 3includes first and second operation units A and B sharing a very thin frame K of generally rectangular solid shape. While the illumination control terminal14shown inFIG. 3includes two first and second operation units, the present invention is not limited thereto.

The first operation unit includes at least a very thin frame K of generally rectangular solid shape and the handle cover HC1pivotably attached to the front surface of the frame K for rotating about a pivot shaft J1extending in the longitudinal direction of the frame K.FIG. 3shows the handle cover HC1rotated by zero degree. As shown inFIG. 3, an operation panel SWa is arranged on the front surface of the handle cover HC1. An LED lamp23is arranged on the front surface of the frame K. Referring back toFIG. 2D, the operation panel SWa outputs, when pushed, a control signal for controlling the on/off operation of the lamps1to4of group G1. In the first embodiment, the groups of the lamps to be turned on or off upon pushing the operation panel SWa or SWb are previously set in the transmission unit9as shown inFIG. 2D.

The LED lamp23emits light in different colors to identify the on/off state of the lamps1to4of group G1. An LED lamp24to be set forth below emits light in different colors to identify the on/off state of the lamps5to8of group G2. For example, the LED lamp23emits red light to notify the on-state of the lamps1to4of group G1. The LED lamp23emits green light to notify the off-state of the lamps1to4of group G1. Similarly, the LED lamp24emits red light to notify the on-state of the lamps5to8of group G2. The LED lamp24emits green light to notify the off-state of the lamps5to8of group G2.

Similar to the first operation unit, the second operation unit includes at least a very thin frame K of generally rectangular solid shape and the handle cover HC2pivotably attached to the front surface of the frame K for rotating about a pivot shaft J2extending in the longitudinal direction of the frame K.FIG. 3shows the handle cover HC2rotated by zero degree. As shown inFIG. 3, an operation panel SWb is arranged on the front surface of the handle cover HC2. An LED lamp24and a communications unit25are arranged on the front surface of the frame K. The communications unit25receives a setting program inputted from a setting communications device50(to be described later), i.e., an external terminal, through infrared communications or other communications. As shown inFIG. 5, the setting program is associated with the on/off operation of the lamps1to8.

The setting programs will be described with reference toFIG. 5, which is an explanatory view illustrating the setting programs associated with the on/off operation of lamps. The setting programs shown inFIG. 5contain the program numbers of the setting programs as control program numbers, the groups of the lamps to be controlled, the turning-on time at which the lamps of the group to be controlled are simultaneously turned on, the forenotice turning-off time at which some of the lamps of the group to be controlled are turned off for a forenotice purpose before the turning-off time of the lamps of the group to be controlled, the turning-off time at which the lamps of the group to be controlled are simultaneously turned off, and the control day on which the above control is executed.

In the description made with reference toFIG. 5, it is assumed that the lamps1to8of groups G1and G2arranged in an office, a factory, a store or other place are all turned on at 8:30 on weekdays from Monday to Friday. With the setting program of program number1shown inFIG. 5, the lamps2,4,6and8belonging to group G3and group G4are turned off for a forenotice purpose at 12:00 on Monday through Friday. In this forenotice turning-off, all the lamps1to8are not collectively turned off at the same clock time but some of the lamps1to8, e.g., the lamps2,4,6and8, are turned off as a forenotice of the forthcoming collective turning-off. With the setting program of program number2, the lamps1to8belonging to group G1and group G2are collectively turned off at 12:05 on Monday through Friday. Since the lamps2,4,6and8have been already turned off by the setting program of program number1, only the lamps1,3,5and7are additionally turned off at 12:05 in reality.

With the setting program of program number3, the lamps2,4,6and8belonging to group G3and group G4are turned off for a forenotice purpose at 18:00 on Monday through Friday. With the setting program of program number4, the lamps5,6,7and8belonging to group G2are collectively turned off at 18:05 on Monday through Friday. With the setting program of program number5, the lamps2and4belonging to group G3are turned off for a forenotice purpose at 23:00 on Monday through Friday. With the setting program of program number6, the lamps1,2,3and4belonging to group G1are collectively turned off at 23:05 on Monday through Friday. Since the lamps2and4have been already turned off by the setting program of program number5, only the lamps1and3are additionally turned off at 23:05 in reality. For the setting program shown inFIG. 6, the forenotice turning-off time of the lamps may be preferably automatically set through the setting of the turning-off time at which the lamps are simultaneously turned off. Alternatively, the forenotice turning-off time may separately set from the turning-off time.

Referring back toFIG. 3, the handle cover HC1(or HC2) is kept locked to the frame K as a locking portion KC1(or KC2) arranged on the rear surface of the handle cover HC1(or HC2) comes into engagement with a locked portion HKC1(or HKC2) positioned on the front surface of the frame K. The state in which the handle cover HC1is locked to the frame K as shown inFIG. 3will be defined as a closed state of the handle cover HC1. The state in which the handle cover HC2is locked to the frame K will be defined as a closed state of the handle cover HC2.

The state in which the locking portion KC1(or KC2) is disengaged from the locked portion HKC1(or HKC2) as shown inFIG. 4will be defined as an open state of the handle cover HC1(or HC2).FIG. 4shows the handle cover HC1(or HC2) rotated by 180 degrees. When the handle cover HC1is in the open state, it can be seen that an increment button26a, a decrement button27a, a mode selection button28a, a selection button29aand a setting button30aare arranged on the rear surface of the handle cover HC1. The locking portion KC1is arranged on the rear surface of the handle cover HC1to keep the handle cover HC1in the closed state.

As shown inFIG. 4, a display unit17is arranged on the front surface of the frame K of the first operation unit. The screen of the display unit17is largely divided into a mode display area31aand a setting content display area32a. The mode display area31ais an area for displaying various kinds of modes and specifying the currently selected mode. A normal mode is selected in the mode display area31ashown inFIG. 4. The setting content display area32ais an area for displaying contents corresponding to a mode selected in the mode display area31a. For example, the current time reading 9:30 a.m. is displayed in the setting content display area32ashown inFIG. 4.

The various kinds of modes including a normal mode, a current time mode, a timer mode and a forenotice-extension mode will now be described. The normal mode is a mode indicating that the illumination control system100is in a normal operation, which excludes the current time mode for setting the current time, the timer mode for setting the setting programs used in turning on or off one of the lamps1to8at a specified time and the forenotice-extension mode for setting a turning-on extension time or a forenotice turning-off time. The current time mode is a mode for setting the current time of an internal clock C3(seeFIG. 6) built in the illumination control terminal14. The timer mode is a mode for newly registering the setting programs shown inFIG. 5or for changing individual parameters in the setting programs. The forenotice-extension mode is a mode for newly registering the setting programs shown inFIG. 5or for changing individual parameters in the setting programs.

As shown inFIG. 4, a display unit18is arranged on the front surface of the frame K of the second operation unit. The screen of the display unit18is largely divided into a mode display area31band a setting content display area32b. The mode display area31bis an area for displaying various kinds of modes and specifying the currently selected mode. A forenotice-extension mode is selected in the mode display area31bshown inFIG. 4. The setting content display area32bis an area for displaying the contents corresponding to a mode selected in the mode display area31b. For example, a step of setting the forenotice turning-off time corresponding to the setting program of program number2is displayed in the setting content display area32bshown inFIG. 4.

The various kinds of buttons shown inFIG. 4will now be described. The mode selection button28a(or28b) is a button for selecting one of the normal mode, the current time mode, the timer mode and the forenotice-extension mode displayed in the mode display area31a(or31b) of the display unit17(or18). The selection button29a(or29b) is a button for selecting individual parameters in one of the current time mode, the timer mode and the forenotice-extension mode selected by the mode selection button28a(or28b). The increment button26a(or26b) and the decrement button27a(27b) are buttons for increasing or decreasing the values of the individual parameters in one of the current time mode, the timer mode and the forenotice-extension mode selected by the mode selection button28a(or28b). The setting button30a(or30b) is a button for setting the finally-selected individual parameters.

Next, the configuration of the illumination control terminal14will be described in detail with reference toFIG. 6, which is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the illumination control terminal14in accordance with the first embodiment. The illumination control terminal14includes a terminal control unit15, an internal clock C3, a memory16, a display unit17, a display unit18, a switch group19a, a switch group19b, an input detection unit20, an LED lamp23, an LED lamp24and a communications unit25. The illumination control terminal14is operated by using as a driving power source the electric power supplied from the transmission unit9of the operation control unit13.

The terminal control unit15includes a microcomputer and controls the operation of the respective components of the illumination control terminal14. The internal clock C3indicates the current time by counting the clock pulses generated from a clock circuit (not shown). The memory16stores the information indicating which switch of the switch group19a(or19b) was selected and pushed. Responsive to the push signal (to be described later) outputted by the input detection unit20, the terminal control unit15generates a control signal for controlling the on/off operation of the lamps and outputs the control signal to the operation control unit13.

The memory16is formed of a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory) or the like and stores the operation parameters of the setting programs shown inFIG. 5, which are associated with the control of the on/off operation of the lamps1to8.

The display unit17(or18) is arranged on the front surface of the frame K of the first operation unit (or the second operation unit). If the normal mode is selected by pushing the mode selection button28a(or28b), the current time indicated by the internal clock C3of the terminal control unit15is displayed in the display unit17(or18). In case where the current time mode is selected by pushing the mode selection button28a(or28b), the current time at the moment of pushing the mode selection button28a(or28b) is displayed in a flickering fashion and an underbar (not shown) indicating the availability of setting of the current time is also displayed in the display unit17(or18) so that a user can set the current time.

If the timer mode is selected by pushing the mode selection button28a(or28b), displayed in the display unit (or18) are one of the setting programs shown inFIG. 5and an underbar (not shown) indicating the availability of setting of parameters (e.g., program number, group, execute and withhold) in the displayed setting program. If the forenotice-extension mode is selected by pushing the mode selection button28a(or28b), displayed in the display unit17(or18) are one of the setting programs shown inFIG. 5and an underbar (not shown) indicating the availability of setting of parameters (e.g., program number, group, forenotice turning-off time and turning-on extension time) in the displayed setting program.

The switch group19a(or19b) includes a switch SW0a(or SW0b) corresponding to the operation panel SWa (or SWb), a switch SW1a(or SW1b) indicating the open state or the closed state of the handle cover HC1(or HC2), a switch SW2a(or SW2b) corresponding to the increment button26a(or26b), a switch SW3a(or SW3b) corresponding to the decrement button27a(or27b), a switch SW4a(or SW4b) corresponding to the mode selection button28a(or28b), a switch SW5a(or SW5b) corresponding to the selection button29a(or29b) and a switch SW6a(or SW6b) corresponding to the setting button30a(or30b). The switches of the switch group19a(or19b) other than the switch SW1a(or SW1b) output signals indicative of the pushing operation thereof to the input detection unit20each time when they are pushed (hereinafter, such signals referred to as ‘push signals’).

Responsive to the opening of the handle cover HC1(or HC2), the switch SW1a(or SW1b) outputs a push signal indicative of the off-state of its contact points to the input detection unit20. In response to the closing of the handle cover HC1(or HC2), the switch SW1a(or SW1b) outputs a push signal indicative of the on-state of its contact points to the input detection unit20.

The input detection unit20monitors the operation of the respective switches of the switch group19a(or19b), receives the push signal outputted from one of the switches of the switch group19a(or19b) and outputs the push signal to the terminal control unit15. The push signal outputted from the input detection unit20to the terminal control unit15contains at least information on the kind of the pushed switch of the switch group19a(or19b). Based on the push signal outputted from the switch SW1aor SW1b, the input detection unit20detects the open state or the closed state of the handle cover HC1or HC2. For instance, if a push signal indicating the on-state of contact points is inputted from the switch SW1a, the input detection unit20detects the fact that the handle cover HC1is in an open state. If a push signal indicating the off-state of contact points is inputted from the switch SW1b, the input detection unit20detects the fact that the handle cover HC2is in a closed state.

If the terminal control unit15determines that the lamps1to4of group G1(or the lamps5to8of group G2) are turned on, the LED lamp23(or24) emits red light under the control of the terminal control unit15. If the terminal control unit15determines that the lamps1to4of group G1(or the lamps5to8of group G2) are turned off, the LED lamp23(or24) emits green light under the control of the terminal control unit15. If a push signal outputted upon pushing the switch SW0a(or SW0b) is acquired through the input detection unit20while the switch SW0a(or SW0b) corresponding to the operation panel SWa (or SWb) is not in a pushed state, namely while the lamps1to4of group G1(or the lamps5to8of group G2) are kept turned off, the terminal control unit15determines that the lamps1to4of group G1(or the lamps5to8of group G2) are being turned on. Similarly, if a push signal outputted upon pushing the switch SW0a(or SW0b) is acquired through the input detection unit20while the switch SW0a(or SW0b) is in a pushed state, namely while the lamps1to4of group G1(or the lamps5to8of group G2) are kept turned on, the terminal control unit15determines that the lamps1to4of group G1(or the lamps5to8of group G2) are being turned off.

The communications unit25is arranged on the front surface of the frame K of the second operation unit to receive a control signal on the new registration of the setting programs shown inFIG. 5, which is transmitted from a setting communications device50, i.e., an external terminal, through infrared communications or other communications. The control signal on the new registration of the setting programs contains the sign of new registration of the setting programs and the individual parameters of the setting programs inputted from the setting communications device50. The parameters include at least the group of lamps to be controlled and the set time at which the control of the on/off operation of the lamps is to be executed. If a control signal on the new registration of the setting programs is received from the setting communications device50, the communications unit25notifies the terminal control unit15of the fact that it has received the control signal. In case where the terminal control unit15is notified of the fact that the communications unit25has received the control signal on the new registration of the setting programs from the setting communications device50, the terminal control unit15acquires the setting programs and causes the memory16to store the setting programs.

Next, a process of newly registering or changing the setting program in the timer mode will be described with reference toFIGS. 7 to 8.FIG. 7is a flowchart explaining a process of newly registering or changing the setting program in the timer mode.FIG. 8illustrate examples of screen images available before and after changing the setting program in the timer mode. (a) ofFIG. 8is a screen image available before changing the 24 hour-displaying-type parameter of the setting program. (b) ofFIG. 8is a screen image available after changing the 24 hour-displaying-type parameter of the setting program. (c) ofFIG. 8is a screen image available before changing the weekday-displaying-type parameter of the setting program. (d) ofFIG. 8is a screen image available after changing the weekday-displaying-type parameter of the setting program. In the description made with reference toFIGS. 7 to 8, it is assumed that the first operation unit is used by way of an example.

Referring toFIG. 7, the input detection unit20of the illumination control terminal14detects whether the handle cover HC1is in an open state (step S11). If it is detected that the handle cover HC1is in the open state (YES in step S11), the terminal control unit15designates the “timer mode” of the mode display area31awith an underbar34aas the switch SW4a(seeFIG. 6) corresponding to the mode selection button28ais pushed a specified number of times (step S12).

If the “timer mode” is designated with the underbar34a(YES in step S12), the terminal control unit15causes the display unit17to display menus of the timer mode in the setting content display area32a. If an input indicative of the new registration of a setting program is made through the displayed menus (YES in step S13), various kinds of parameters (e.g., the groups of the lamps to be controlled and the set time at which the lamps are to be turned on or off) of the setting program to be newly registered are set (step S14). Based on the parameters thus set, the terminal control unit15generates a setting program and stores the setting program in the memory16(step S19). Thus, the process shown inFIG. 7comes to an end.

If an input indicative of the change of a setting program is made through the menus of the timer mode displayed in the setting content display area32a(NO in step S13), the terminal control unit15causes the display unit17to display one of the setting programs shown inFIG. 5in the setting content display area32aas shown in (a) or (c) ofFIG. 8(step S15). The setting program thus displayed may be either a setting program whose program number is initially set to be displayed at the outset or a previous setting program displayed just before. When displaying the previous setting program, the terminal control unit15may have the memory16to store the program number of the previous setting program and cause the display unit17to display the setting programs based on the program number of the previous setting program stored in the memory16.

After the setting program is displayed as shown in (a) or (c) ofFIG. 8, one of the switch SW2acorresponding to the increment button26a, the switch SW3acorresponding to the decrement button27a, the switch SW5acorresponding to the selection button29aand the switch SW6acorresponding to the setting button30ais operated so that the terminal control unit15can change the parameters of the setting program (step S16). The terminal control unit15causes the memory16to store the setting program thus changed (step S19). Thereafter, the process shown inFIG. 7comes to an end.

If it is detected in step S11that the handle cover HC1is not in the open state (NO in step S11) and if the setting program is to be newly registered (YES in step S17), the control signal on the new registration of the setting program issued by the setting communications device50is inputted to the communications unit25of the illumination control terminal14(YES in step S18). The communications unit25receives the control signal thus inputted and notifies the terminal control unit15of the fact that it has received the control signal. Upon receiving the notice that the communications unit25has received the signal on the new registration of a setting program from the setting communications device50, the terminal control unit15acquires the setting program and causes the memory16to store the setting program (step S19). Thus, the process shown inFIG. 7comes to an end.

Description will now be made on the examples shown in (a) and (b) ofFIG. 8. As shown in (a) ofFIG. 8, upon pushing the switch SW4acorresponding to the mode selection button28a, the terminal control unit15designates the “timer mode” of the mode display area31awith the underbar34a. At this time, the terminal control unit15causes the display unit17to initially display the parameter “PGR3” indicating the setting program of program number3(PGR3) in the setting content display area32a. The setting program initially displayed upon selecting the timer mode from the mode display area31amay be an arbitrary one set by the previously-defined setting.

In case where the setting program of program number3(PGR3) is displayed in the setting content display area32aas shown in (a) ofFIG. 8, the terminal control unit15designates the parameter “PGR3” displayed in the setting content display area32awith an underbar35aas a primary key. Upon pushing the switch SW2acorresponding to the increment button26aor the switch SW3acorresponding to the decrement button27awhile the parameter “PGR3” is selected by the underbar35a, the terminal control unit15causes the display unit17to display the setting program of arbitrary program number corresponding to the number of pushing times. For example, if the switch SW2acorresponding to the increment button26ais pushed once while the parameter “PGR3” is selected by the underbar35a, the setting program of program number4corresponding to the parameter “PGR4” is displayed in the setting content display area32a.

In case where a parameter changing task is performed with respect to the setting program of program number3(PGR3) displayed in the setting content display area32ashown in (a) ofFIG. 8, the terminal control unit15designates the time period display region33ain the setting content display area32awith an underbar36aas the primary key upon pushing the switch SW6acorresponding to the setting button30awhile the parameter “PGR3” is selected by the underbar35a. In this regard, a 24 hour-displaying-type parameter “24 hour” that can be selected to change the turning-on or turning-off time period on an hourly basis and a weekday-displaying-type parameter “1 day” that can be selected to change the turning-on or turning-off time period on a weekday basis are displayed in the time period display region33a.

If the switch SW2acorresponding to the increment button26aor the switch SW3acorresponding to the decrement button27ais pushed once while the time period display region33ais designated with the underbar36a, the parameter “1 day” can be selected by the underbar36a. In the previously-defined setting, the parameter “24 hour” is selected by the underbar36aat the outset. Alternatively, the parameter “1 day” may be initially selected by the underbar36a. As can be seen inFIG. 5, the setting program of program number3is set to turn off, for a forenotice purpose, the lamps2,4,6and8of groups G3and G4at 18:00.

As shown in (a) ofFIG. 8, if the switch SW5acorresponding to the selection button29ais pushed while the parameter “24 hour” is selected by the underbar36ain the time period display region33aof the setting program of program number3(PGR3), the terminal control unit15designates the parameter “18:00” indicative of the turning-off time of the setting program with an underbar37aas the primary key. The turning-off time can be arbitrarily changed by pushing the switch SW2acorresponding to the increment button26aor the switch SW3acorresponding to the decrement button27awhile the underbar37ais displayed in the setting content display area32a. If the switch SW5acorresponding to the selection button29ais pushed after the turning-off time has been changed by pushing the switch SW2aor the switch SW3a, the terminal control unit15designates the parameter “execute” indicating execution of the setting program of program number3with an underbar38aas the primary key. In the previously-defined setting, the parameter “execute” is selected by the underbar38aat the outset. Alternatively, the parameter “withhold” may be initially selected by the underbar38a.

As shown in (b) ofFIG. 8, if the parameter “withhold” is selected by pushing the switch SW2acorresponding to the increment button26aor the switch SW3acorresponding to the decrement button27awhile the underbar38ais displayed in the setting content display area32a, the terminal control unit15removes the underbar37afrom the setting content display area32a. The parameter “withhold” shown in (b) ofFIG. 8indicates that the setting program of program number3is not executed. If the switch SW6acorresponding to the setting button30ais pushed while the parameter “withhold” is selected by the underbar38aas shown in (b) ofFIG. 8, the terminal control unit15additionally sets a non-execution flag in the setting program of program number3and stores the setting program in the memory16.

Description will now be made on the examples shown in (c) and (d) ofFIG. 8. As shown in (c) ofFIG. 8, upon pushing the switch SW4acorresponding to the mode selection button28a, the terminal control unit15designates the “timer mode” of the mode display area31awith the underbar34a. At this time, the terminal control unit15causes the display unit17to initially display the parameter “PGR3” indicating the setting program of program number3(PGR3) in the setting content display area32a. The setting program initially displayed upon selecting the timer mode from the mode display area31amay be an arbitrary one set by the previously-defined setting.

In case where the setting program of program number3(PGR3) is displayed in the setting content display area32aas shown in (c) ofFIG. 8, the terminal control unit15designates the parameter “PGR3” displayed in the setting content display area32awith the underbar35a. Upon pushing the switch SW2acorresponding to the increment button26aor the switch SW3acorresponding to the decrement button27awhile the parameter “PGR3” is selected by the underbar35a, the terminal control unit15causes the display unit17to display the setting program of arbitrary program number corresponding to the number of pushing times. For example, if the switch SW2acorresponding to the increment button26ais pushed once while the parameter “PGR3” is selected by the underbar35a, the setting program of program number4corresponding to the parameter “PGR4” is displayed in the setting content display area32a.

In case where a parameter changing task is performed with respect to the setting program of program number3(PGR3) displayed in the setting content display area32ashown in (c) ofFIG. 8, the terminal control unit15designates the time period display region33ain the setting content display area32awith the underbar36aupon pushing the switch SW6acorresponding to the setting button30awhile the parameter “PGR3” is selected by the underbar35a

By pushing the switch SW2acorresponding to the increment button26aor the switch SW3acorresponding to the decrement button27awhile the underbar36ais displayed in the time period display region33a, the parameter “24 hour” can be selected by the underbar36a. As can be seen inFIG. 5, the setting program of program number3is set to turn off, for a forenotice purpose, the lamps2,4,6and8of groups G3and G4at 18:00.

As shown in (c) ofFIG. 8, if the switch SW5acorresponding to the selection button29ais pushed while the parameter “1 day” is selected by the underbar36ain the time period display region33aof the setting program of program number3(PGR3) displayed in the setting content display area32a, the terminal control unit15designates the parameter “Monday-Friday” indicative of the turning-off control day of the setting program with the underbar37a. By pushing the switch SW2acorresponding to the increment button26aor the switch SW3acorresponding to the decrement button27awhile the underbar37ais displayed in the setting content display area32a, it is possible to arbitrarily change the turning-off control day. For example, the parameter “Monday-Friday” is displayed if the switch SW2acorresponding to the increment button26ais pushed once. The weekday parameters selectively displayed depending on the number of pushing times of the increment button26aor the decrement button27amay be previously set on a periodical basis. If the switch SW5acorresponding to the selection button29ais pushed after the turning-off control day has been changed by pushing the switch SW2acorresponding to the increment button26aor the switch SW3acorresponding to the decrement button27a, the terminal control unit15designates the parameter “execute” indicative of execution of the setting program of program number3with the underbar38a.

As shown in (d) ofFIG. 8, if the parameter “withhold” is selected by pushing the switch SW2acorresponding to the increment button26aor the switch SW3acorresponding to the decrement button27awhile the underbar38ais displayed in the setting content display area32a, the terminal control unit15removes the underbar37aand the turning-off control day from the setting content display area32a. The parameter “withhold” shown in (d) ofFIG. 8indicates that the setting program of program number3is not executed. If the switch SW6acorresponding to the setting button30ais pushed while the parameter “withhold” as shown in (d) ofFIG. 8is selected by the underbar38a, the terminal control unit15additionally sets a non-execution flag in the setting program of program number3and stores the setting program in the memory16.

While not shown in (a) to (d) ofFIG. 8, the terminal control unit15may designate the control target group of the setting program with an underbar (not shown) to enable a user to change the control target group. In this case, the control target group of the setting program can be arbitrarily changed by pushing the switch SW2acorresponding to the increment button26aor the switch SW3acorresponding to the decrement button27aa specified number of times.

Next, a process of newly registering or changing the setting program in the forenotice-extension mode will be described with reference toFIGS. 9 to 13.FIG. 9is a flowchart explaining a process of newly registering or changing the setting program in the forenotice-extension mode.FIG. 10show examples of screen images available before and after changing the forenotice turning-off time of the setting program in the forenotice-extension mode, (a) ofFIG. 10illustrating a screen image available before changing the forenotice turning-off time and (b) ofFIG. 10illustrating a screen image available after changing the forenotice turning-off time.FIG. 11is an explanatory view illustrating the time-dependent change of the on-state of the lamps1to8.FIG. 12show examples of screen images available before and after changing the turning-on extension time of the setting program in the forenotice-extension mode, (a) ofFIG. 12illustrating a screen image available before changing the turning-on extension time and (b) ofFIG. 12illustrating a screen image available after changing the turning-on extension time.FIG. 13is an explanatory view illustrating the time-dependent change of the on-state of the lamps1-8. In the description made with reference toFIGS. 9 to 13, it is assumed that the first operation unit is used by way of example.

Referring toFIG. 9, the input detection unit20of the illumination control terminal14detects whether the handle cover HC1is in an open state (step S21). If it is detected that the handle cover HC1is in the open state (YES in step S21), the terminal control unit15designates the “forenotice-extension mode” of the mode display area31awith an underbar34aas the switch SW4a(seeFIG. 6) corresponding to the mode selection button28ais pushed a specified number of times (step S22).

If the “forenotice-extension mode” is designated with the underbar34a(YES in step S22), the terminal control unit15causes the display unit17to display menus of the forenotice-extension mode in the setting content display area32a. If an input indicative of the new registration of a setting program is made through the displayed menus (YES in step S23), various kinds of parameters (e.g., the groups of the lamps to be controlled and the set time at which the lamps are to be turned on or off) of the setting program to be newly registered are set (step S24). Based on the parameters thus set, the terminal control unit15generates a setting program and stores the setting program in the memory16(step S29). Thus, the process shown inFIG. 9comes to an end.

If an input indicative of the change of a setting program is made through the menus of the forenotice-extension mode displayed in the setting content display area32a(NO in step S23), the terminal control unit15causes the display unit17to display one of the setting programs shown inFIG. 5in the setting content display area32aas shown in (a) ofFIG. 10or (a) ofFIG. 12(step S25). The setting program thus displayed may be either a setting program whose program number is initially set to be displayed at the outset or a previous setting program displayed just before. When displaying the previous setting program, the terminal control unit15may have the memory16to store the program number of the previous setting program and cause the display unit17to display the setting programs based on the program number of the previous setting program stored in the memory16.

After the setting program is displayed as shown in (a) ofFIG. 10or (a) ofFIG. 12, one of the switch SW2acorresponding to the increment button26a, the switch SW3acorresponding to the decrement button27a, the switch SW5acorresponding to the selection button29aand the switch SW6acorresponding to the setting button30ais operated so that the terminal control unit15can change the parameters of the setting program (step S26). The terminal control unit15causes the memory16to store the setting program thus changed (step S29). Thereafter, the process shown inFIG. 9comes to an end.

If it is detected in step S21that the handle cover HC1is not in the open state (NO in step S21) and if the setting program is to be newly registered (YES in step S27), the control signal on the new registration of the setting program issued by the setting communications device50is inputted to the communications unit25of the illumination control terminal14(YES in step S28). The communications unit25receives the control signal thus inputted and notifies the terminal control unit15of the fact that it has received the control signal. Upon receiving the notice that the communications unit25has received the signal on the new registration of a setting program from the setting communications device50, the terminal control unit15acquires the setting program and causes the memory16to store the setting program (step S29). Thus, the process shown inFIG. 9comes to an end.

Description will now be made on the examples shown in (a) and (b) ofFIG. 10. As shown in (a) ofFIG. 10, upon pushing the switch SW4acorresponding to the mode selection button28a, the terminal control unit15designates the “forenotice-extension mode” of the mode display area31awith the underbar34a. At this time, the terminal control unit15causes the display unit17to initially display the parameter “PGR1” indicating the setting program of program number1(PGR1) in the setting content display area32a. The setting program initially displayed upon selecting the forenotice-extension mode from the mode display area31amay be an arbitrary one set by the previously-defined setting.

In case where the setting program of program number1(PGR1) is displayed in the setting content display area32aas shown in (a) ofFIG. 10, the terminal control unit15designates the parameter “PGR1” displayed in the setting content display area32awith an underbar35aas a primary key. Upon pushing the switch SW2acorresponding to the increment button26aor the switch SW3acorresponding to the decrement button27awhile the parameter “PGR1” is selected by the underbar35a, the terminal control unit15causes the display unit17to display the setting program of arbitrary program number corresponding to the number of pushing times. For example, if the switch SW2acorresponding to the increment button26ais pushed once while the parameter “PGR1” is selected by the underbar35a, the setting program of program number2corresponding to the parameter “PGR2” is displayed in the setting content display area32a.

The setting program of program number1shown in (a) ofFIG. 10is set to turn off, for a forenotice purpose, the lamps2,4,6and8of groups G2and G4at 12:00 as illustrated inFIG. 5. In case where a parameter changing task is performed with respect to the setting program of program number1(PGR1) displayed in the setting content display area32ashown in (a) ofFIG. 10, the terminal control unit15designates the parameter “forenotice turning-off time” displayed in the setting content display area32awith an underbar39aas the primary key upon pushing the switch SW6acorresponding to the setting button30awhile the parameter “PGR3” is selected by the underbar35a. If the parameter “forenotice turning-off time” is designated with the underbar39aas illustrated in (a) ofFIG. 10, the terminal control unit15of the illumination control terminal14is capable of changing the forenotice turning-off time of the setting program of program number1. In the first embodiment, the parameter “forenotice turning-off time” can be selected from “none”, “5 min earlier” and “10 min earlier”. However, the parameter “forenotice turning-off time” may be arbitrarily set.

If the switch SW5acorresponding to the selection button29ais pushed while the parameter “forenotice turning-off time” is selected by the underbar39a, the terminal control unit15designates the parameter “5 min earlier” indicative of one selection option of the forenotice turning-off time of the setting program with an underbar40aas the primary key as illustrated in (b) ofFIG. 10. By pushing the switch SW2acorresponding to the increment button26aor the switch SW3acorresponding to the decrement button27awhile the underbar40ais displayed in the setting content display area32a, it becomes possible to select one of the parameters “none”, “5 min earlier” and “10 min earlier” as the forenotice turning-off time.

In case where the switch SW6acorresponding to the setting button30ais pushed after the forenotice turning-off time has been changed to the parameter “5 min earlier” by pushing the switch SW2acorresponding to the increment button26aor the switch SW3acorresponding to the decrement button27a, the terminal control unit15causes the memory16to store the setting program of program number1in which the forenotice turning-off time is set to 11:55.

While not shown in (a) and (b) ofFIG. 10, the terminal control unit15may designate the control target group of the setting program with an underbar (not shown) to enable a user to change the control target group. In this case, the control target group of the setting program can be arbitrarily changed by pushing the switch SW2acorresponding to the increment button26aor the switch SW3acorresponding to the decrement button27aa specified number of times.

The variations in the on/off time of the lamps1to8depending on the setting program of program number1changed as above and the setting program of program number2will be described with reference toFIG. 11. Referring toFIG. 11, the lamps1to8are all kept in an on-state (which is called “all in on-state”) until the newly-set forenotice turning-off time, 11:55, in accordance with the setting program of program number1stored in the memory16. If the current time coincides with the forenotice turning-off time of the setting program of program number1, 11:55, the terminal control unit15of the illumination control terminal14outputs to the operation control unit13a control signal for turning off, for a forenotice purpose, the lamps2,4,6and8of groups G3and G4in accordance with the setting program of program number1. Responsive to this control signal, the operation control unit13controls the lamps2,4,6and8so that they can be turned off for a forenotice purpose (which is called a “partial on-state”). If the current time coincides with the all turning-off time of the setting program of program number2, 12:05, the terminal control unit15outputs to the operation control unit13a control signal for turning off all the lamps1to8of groups G1and G2in accordance with the setting program of program number2. Responsive to this control signal, the operation control unit13controls the lamps1to8so that they can be turned off in their entirety (which is called “all in off-state”).

Description will now be made on the examples shown in (a) and (b) ofFIG. 12. As shown in (a) ofFIG. 10, upon pushing the switch SW4acorresponding to the mode selection button28a, the terminal control unit15designates the “forenotice-extension mode” of the mode display area31awith the underbar34a. At this time, the terminal control unit15causes the display unit17to initially display the parameter “PGR1” indicating the setting program of program number1(PGR1) in the setting content display area32a. The setting program initially displayed upon selecting the forenotice-extension mode from the mode display area31amay be an arbitrary one set by the previously-defined setting.

In case where the setting program of program number1(PGR1) is displayed in the setting content display area32aas shown in (a) ofFIG. 10, the terminal control unit15designates the parameter “PGR1” displayed in the setting content display area32awith the underbar35a. Upon pushing the switch SW2acorresponding to the increment button26aor the switch SW3acorresponding to the decrement button27awhile the parameter “PGR1” is selected by the underbar35a, the terminal control unit15causes the display unit17to display the setting program of arbitrary program number corresponding to the number of pushing times. (a) ofFIG. 12is a screen image showing that the terminal control unit15causes the display unit17to display the setting program of program number6, which is set by pushing the switch SW2acorresponding to the increment button26aor the switch SW3acorresponding to the decrement button27aa specified number of times.

The setting program of program number6shown in (a) ofFIG. 12is set to turn off the lamps1to4of group G1at 23:05 as illustrated inFIG. 5.

In case where a parameter changing task is performed with respect to the setting program of program number6(PGR6) displayed in the setting content display area32ashown in (a) ofFIG. 12, the terminal control unit15designates the parameter “turning-on extension time” displayed in the setting content display area32awith an underbar41aas a primary key upon pushing the switch SW6acorresponding to the setting button30awhile the parameter “PGR6” is selected by the underbar35a. If the parameter “turning-on extension time” is designated with the underbar41aas illustrated in (a) ofFIG. 12, the terminal control unit15of the illumination control terminal14is capable of changing the turning-on extension time of the setting program of program number6. In the first embodiment, the parameter “turning-on extension time” can be selected from “30 min” and “1 hour”. However, the parameter “turning-on extension time” may be arbitrarily set.

If the switch SW5acorresponding to the selection button29ais pushed while the parameter “turning-on extension time” is selected by the underbar41a, the terminal control unit15designates the parameter “30 min” indicative of one selection option of the turning-on extension time of the setting program with an underbar42aas the primary key as illustrated in (b) ofFIG. 12. By pushing the switch SW2acorresponding to the increment button26aor the switch SW3acorresponding to the decrement button27awhile the underbar42ais displayed in the setting content display area32a, it becomes possible to select one of the parameters “30 min” and “1 hour” as the turning-on extension time.

In case where the setting button30ais pushed after the turning-on extension time has been changed to the parameter “30 min” by pushing the switch SW2acorresponding to the increment button26aor the switch SW3acorresponding to the decrement button27a, the terminal control unit15causes the memory16to store the setting program of program number6in which the turning-on extension time is set to 23:35.

While not shown in (a) and (b) ofFIG. 12, the terminal control unit15may designate the control target group of the setting program with an underbar (not shown) to enable a user to change the control target group. In this case, the control target group of the setting program can be arbitrarily changed by pushing the switch SW2acorresponding to the increment button26aor the switch SW3acorresponding to the decrement button27aa specified number of times.

The variations in the on/off time of the lamps1to8depending on the setting program of program number5and the setting program of program number6changed as above will be described with reference toFIG. 13. Referring toFIG. 13, the lamps1to4of group G1are kept in an on-state (which is called “all of G1in on-state”) until the forenotice turning-off time, 23:00, previously set in the setting program of program number5stored in the memory16, but the lamps5to8of group G2is kept in an off-state. If the current time coincides with the forenotice turning-off time of the setting program of program number5, 23:00, the terminal control unit15of the illumination control terminal14outputs to the operation control unit13a control signal for turning off, for a forenotice purpose, the lamps2and4of groups G3in accordance with the setting program of program number5. Responsive to this control signal, the operation control unit13controls the lamps2and4so that they can be turned off for a forenotice purpose (which is called a “G1-G3partial on-state”). If the current time coincides with the all turning-off time of the setting program of program number6, 23:35, the terminal control unit15outputs to the operation control unit13a control signal for turning off all the lamps1to4of group G1in accordance with the setting program of program number6. Responsive to this control signal, the operation control unit13controls the lamps1to4so that they can be turned off in their entirety (which is called “all in off-state”).

As described above, the illumination control terminal in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention includes the frame K to which the handle cover HC1(or HC2) is pivotably attached for rotating about the pivot shaft J1(or J2) extending in the longitudinal direction of the frame K. In particular, the operation panel SWa (or SWb) for outputting a control signal on the on/off operation of the lamps1to8is arranged on the front surface of the handle cover HC1(or HC2). On the rear surface of the handle cover HC1(or HC2), there are arranged the various kinds of buttons26ato30a(or26bto30b) as a setting operation unit for setting the kind and on/off time of the lamps1to8and the locking portion KC1(or KC2) for keeping the handle cover HC1(or HC2) in a closed state. On the front surface of the frame K, there are arranged the display unit17(or18) for displaying the setting contents to be set by the various kinds of buttons26ato30a(or26bto30b) and the locked portion HKC1(or HKC2) for keeping the handle cover HC1(or HC2) in a closed state through engagement with the locking portion KC1(or KC2).

Built-in in the frame K are the memory16as a storage unit storing the setting programs set by the various kinds of buttons26ato30a(or26bto30b) and the terminal control unit15provided with the internal clock C3as a clock for indicating the current time. The terminal control unit15is designed to output a control signal on the on/off operation of the lamps1to8upon pushing the operation panel SWa (or SWb) or in accordance with the setting program in case where the current time indicated by the internal clock C3coincides with the set time of the setting program stored in the memory16.

With the illumination control terminal14in accordance with the first embodiment, in case where the handle cover HC1(or HC2) is in an open state, it is possible to efficiently and easily perform the setting of the lamps to be turned on or off by pushing one of the operation panels SWa and SWb through the setting communications device50or through the display unit17and the various kinds of buttons26ato30a(or the display unit18and the various kinds of buttons26bto30b). In case where the handle cover HC1(or HC2) is in a closed state, the operation of the lamps1to8set to be turned on or off upon pushing the operation panels SWa and SWb can be controlled within the installation area much smaller in space than the installation area of the conventional illumination control terminal14z.

The setting program may include contents with which all or some of the lamps1to8are collectively turned off at a specified set time. In this case, the illumination control terminal14can collectively turn off all or some of the lamps1to8at the specified set time in accordance with the setting program regardless of whether the operation panel SWa or SWb is pushed or not.

The setting program may include contents with which some of the lamps1to8are turned off before the specified set time. In this case, the illumination control terminal14can collectively turn off some of the lamps1to8just before the specified set time in accordance with the setting program regardless of whether the operation panel SWa or SWb is pushed or not.

The turning-off time of the setting program may be set by the various kinds of buttons26ato30a(or26bto30b) as a setting operation unit. Moreover, the turning-off time may be extended by using the setting operation unit. In this case, the illumination control terminal14of the first embodiment can efficiently set the setting program stored in the memory16on a case-by-case basis by using the various kinds of buttons26ato30a(or26bto30b).

The illumination control terminal14of the first embodiment includes the LED lamp23(or24) as a notification unit for notifying a user of the on/off state of the lamps1to8. The LED lamp23(or24) emits first-color light (red light) to notify the on-state of the lamps1to4and emits second-color light (green light) to notify the off-state of the lamps5to8. By providing the LED lamp23(or24), the illumination control terminal14of the first embodiment can show the on/off state of the lamps1to8in an appropriate manner.

Second Embodiment

Configuration of Illumination Control System100′

The configuration of an illumination control system100′ in accordance with a second embodiment, which includes an illumination control terminal14′ as an illumination switch, will be described with reference toFIGS. 14 to 15D. A basic configuration of the illumination control system100′ of the second embodiment shown inFIG. 14is substantially the same as the configuration of the illumination control system100of the first embodiment shown inFIG. 1. The illumination control system100′ of the second embodiment differs from the illumination control system100of the first embodiment in that the illumination control system100′ includes the illumination control terminal14′ instead of the illumination control terminal14.FIGS. 15A to 15Dare explanatory views showing the arrangement of lamps1-8, a correspondence relationship between the lamps1-8and their addresses, a correspondence relationship between the groups and their addresses and a correspondence relationship between the operation panels and the groups. The arrangement of the lamps and the correspondence relationships shown inFIGS. 15A to 15Dare substantially the same as those shown inFIGS. 2A to 2D. One difference resides in that, as shown inFIG. 15A, the illumination control terminal14′ of the illumination control system100′ in the second embodiment includes an illumination control terminal14aand an illumination control terminal14b. Another difference lies in the correspondence relationship between the operation panels SWa′, SWb′, SWc′ and SWd′ and the groups of lamps to be turned on or off upon pushing the operation panels SWa′, SWb′, SWc′ and SWd′ (seeFIG. 15D). Description will now be made on the points differing from the illumination control system100of the first embodiment. Like reference numerals will be given to like parts and the description thereof will be omitted. Further, since the illumination control terminal14ahas the same configuration as the illumination control terminal14b, a configuration of the illumination control terminal14band an illumination control of the lamps1-4through the illumination control terminal14bare mainly described hereinafter, and description of a configuration and an illumination control of the illumination control terminal14afor controlling the lamps5-8is omitted. Further, the entire control of lamps1-8is described by using the illumination control terminal14′ when needed.

Referring toFIG. 15A, the illumination control terminal14bincludes operation panels SWa′ and SWb′ as its operation switch units while the illumination control terminal14aincludes operation panels SWc′ and SWd′ as its operation switch units. The correspondence relationship between the operation panels SWa′, SWb′, SWc′ and SWd′ and the groups of lamps to be turned on or off upon pushing the operation panels SWa′, SWb′, SWc′ and SWd′ will be described with reference toFIG. 15D. As can be seen inFIG. 15D, the lamps1to4belonging to group G1are turned on or off upon pushing the operation panel SWa′. The lamps2and4belonging to group G3are turned on or off upon pushing the operation panel SWb′. The lamps5to8belonging to group G2are turned on or off upon pushing the operation panel SWc′. The lamps6and8belonging to group G4are turned on or off upon pushing the operation panel SWd′.

Referring back toFIG. 14, the illumination control terminal14′ of the present embodiment outputs a control signal in the following two cases. In the first case, a control signal is automatically outputted from the illumination control terminal14′ if the current time coincides with the set time of the setting programs set by the illumination control terminal14′. In the second case, a control signal is outputted if the operation panel SWa′, SWb, SWc′ or SWd′ of the illumination control terminal14′ is manually pushed by a user. In the description made herein below, the setting programs defined above includes turning-off programs (seeFIG. 20A) and repeated turning-off programs (seeFIG. 20B).

In case where the setting programs are previously stored in both the transmission unit9and the illumination control terminal14′, the control signal automatically outputted at the set time in the first case contains the current time and the program numbers of the setting programs in which the current time is used as the set time. If the setting programs are previously stored only in the illumination control terminal14′, the control signal outputted from the illumination control terminal14′ in the first case contains the current time and the individual parameters (seeFIGS. 20A and 20B) of the setting programs in which the current time is used as the set time.

In case where the setting programs are previously stored at least in both the transmission unit9and the illumination control terminal14′, the control signal outputted by the manual pushing operation in the second case contains the current time and information on the kind of the manually-pushed operation panel SWa′, SWb′, SWc′ or SWd′. If the setting programs are previously stored only in the illumination control terminal14′, the control signal outputted from the illumination control terminal14′ in the second case contains the current time, the individual parameters (seeFIGS. 20A and 20B) of the setting programs in which the current time is used as the set time, and information on the kind of the manually-pushed operation panel SWa′, SWb′, SWc′ or SWd′.

(Configuration of Illumination Control Terminal14′)

The illumination control terminal14′ outputs to the transmission unit9of the operation control unit13a control signal for controlling the on/off operation of the lamps1to8. The details of the outward appearance of the illumination control terminal14bwill now be described with reference toFIGS. 16 and 17.FIG. 16is an outward appearance view showing the illumination control terminal14bof the second embodiment with handle covers HC10and HC20thereof kept in a closed state.FIG. 17is an outward appearance view showing the illumination control terminal14bof the second embodiment with the handle covers HC10and HC20thereof kept in an open state.

As shown inFIG. 16, the illumination control terminal14bis used as an illumination switch and is visibly arranged on a wall surface of an office, a factory, a store or other place. The illumination control terminal14bincludes first and second operation units of generally equal size arranged on a very thin frame K10of generally rectangular solid shape. The first operation unit includes an operation panel SWa′ while the second operation unit includes an operation panel SWb′. The first and second operation units make up a setting operation unit of the illumination control terminal14b.

The first operation unit includes at least a very thin frame K10of generally rectangular solid shape, a pivot shaft J10arranged on the front surface of the frame K10to extend in the longitudinal direction of the frame K10and the handle cover HC10pivotably attached to the frame K10for rotating about the pivot shaft J10.FIG. 16shows the handle cover HC10rotated by zero degree and kept in a closed state. As shown inFIG. 16, an operation panel SWa′ and a name plate surface NPa are arranged on the front surface of the handle cover HC10. Also arranged on the front surface of the handle cover HC10is a cutout portion230g. The name plate surface NPa is a blank section in which the name of the division illuminated by the lamps1to4corresponding to the operation panel SWa′, the number of the lamps1to4corresponding to the operation panel SWa′ or other information is written. The cutout portion230gis a through-hole through which the on/off state of an LED lamp230(to be described later with reference toFIG. 17) arranged on the front surface of the frame K10can be observed even when the handle cover HC10is kept in a closed state.

The second operation unit includes at least a very thin frame K10of generally rectangular solid shape, a pivot shaft J20arranged on the front surface of the frame K10to extend in the longitudinal direction of the frame K10and the handle cover HC20pivotably attached to the frame K10for rotating about the pivot shaft J20. As shown inFIG. 16, an operation panel SWb′ and a name plate surface NPb are arranged on the front surface of the handle cover HC20. Also arranged on the front surface of the handle cover HC20are cutout portions240gand250g. The name plate surface NPb is a blank section in which the name of the division illuminated by the lamps2and4corresponding to the operation panel SWb′, the number of the lamps2and4corresponding to the operation panel SWb′ or other information is written. The cutout portion240gis a through-hole through which the on/off state of an LED lamp240(to be described later with reference toFIG. 17) arranged on the front surface of the frame K10can be observed even when the handle cover HC20is kept in a closed state. The cutout portion250gis a through-hole that makes a communications unit250(to be described later with reference toFIG. 17) operable regardless of whether the handle cover HC20is in an open state or a closed state.

Referring toFIG. 17, the cutout portion230gset forth above and a locking portion KC10for keeping the handle cover HC10in a locked state through engagement with a locked portion HKC10arranged on the front surface of the frame K10are provided on the rear surface of the handle cover HC10.FIG. 17shows the handle cover HC10rotated by 180 degrees. As shown inFIG. 17, the cutout portions240gand250gset forth above and a locking portion KC20for keeping the handle cover HC20in a locked state through engagement with a locked portion HKC20arranged on the front surface of the frame K10are provided on the rear surface of the handle cover HC20.

The state in which the handle cover HC10(or HC20) is locked to the frame K by the engagement of the locking portion KC10(or KC20) and the locked portion HKC10(or HKC20) as shown inFIG. 16will be defined as a closed state of the handle cover HC10(or HC20). The state in which the locking portion KC10(or KC20) is disengaged from the locked portion HKC10(or HKC20) as shown inFIG. 17will be defined as an open state of the handle cover HC10(or HC20).

As shown inFIG. 17, a display unit180and an LED lamp230are arranged on the front surface of the frame K10of the first operation unit.

The contents to be displayed on the display unit180will be described with reference toFIG. 18. The screen of the display unit180is largely divided into a mode display area180aand a setting content display area180c.

The mode display area180ais an area for displaying various kinds of modes and specifying the currently selected mode. In the mode display area180ashown inFIG. 18, a “timer mode” is selected by a mode selection bar180b. Description will now be made on the various kinds of modes including a “normal mode”, a “timer mode” and a “current time mode”. The “normal mode” is a mode indicating that the illumination control terminal14bis in a normal operation, which excludes the timer mode and the current time mode. The “timer mode” is a mode for making it possible to change or review the individual operation parameters of one or more programs previously set and stored in the illumination control terminal14b. The “current time mode” is a mode for setting the current time of an internal clock C30(see FIG.19) built in the illumination control terminal14b.

The setting content display area180cis an area for displaying the contents corresponding to a mode selected in the mode display area180a. For example, if the “normal mode” is selected in the mode display area180a, the contents of the setting program to be executed next on the basis of the current time may be displayed in the setting content display area180c. In this case, in addition to the contents of the setting program to be executed next, the current time may be further displayed in a set time display region180e. If the “timer mode” is selected in the mode display area180a, the contents of the setting program selected for a changing or reviewing purpose by the operation of the below-mentioned individual buttons260to300may be displayed in the setting content display area180c. If the “current time mode” is selected in the mode display area180a, the current time may be displayed in a flickering manner in the set time display region180eof the setting content display area180c.

The setting content display area180cwill now be described in detail. The setting content display area180cincludes a program number display region180d, a set time display region180e, a target operation panel display region180f, a set weekday display region180gand a flag display region180i. The program number display region180dis a region for displaying the program number of the setting program (seeFIGS. 20A and 20B) selected for a changing or reviewing purpose. InFIG. 18, the program number “4” is displayed in the program number display region180d. The set time display region180eis a region for displaying the set time of the setting program (seeFIGS. 20A and 20B) selected for a changing or reviewing purpose. InFIG. 18, the set time “19:00” is displayed in the set time display region180e. The target operation panel display region180fis a region for distinguishably displaying the kind of the operation panel associated with the lamps to be turned off by the setting program (seeFIGS. 20A and 20B) selected for a changing or reviewing purpose. InFIG. 18, the operation panel “SWa′” is displayed as the kind of the operation panel in the target operation panel display region180f. The set weekday display region180gis a region in which the execution days of the setting program (seeFIGS. 20A and 20B) selected for a changing or reviewing purpose are distinguishably designated with a weekday selection bar180h. Referring toFIG. 18, “Monday (M)”, “Tuesday (T)”, “Wednesday (W)”, “Thursday (TH)” and “Friday (F)” are designated as the execution days in the set weekday display region180g. “Saturday (SA)” and “Sunday (SU)” are not designated with the weekday selection bar180hbecause they are not the execution days of the setting program. Lastly, the flag display region180iis a region for displaying the content of a flag indicating whether to execute the setting program (seeFIGS. 20A and 20B) selected for a changing or reviewing purpose. InFIG. 18, “invalid” indicating non-execution of the setting program is displayed in the flag display region180i. In case of executing the setting program, “valid” rather than “invalid” is displayed in the flag display region180i.

Referring back toFIG. 17, if the operation panel SWa′ of the first operation unit is pushed or if a control signal for turning off the lamps1to4corresponding to the operation panel SWa′ is outputted from the illumination control terminal14bat the set time, the LED lamp230emits light to distinguishably notify the on/off state of the lamps1to4. For instance, the LED lamp230emits red light to notify the on-state of the lamps1to4of group G1or emits green light to notify the off-state of the lamps1to4.

As shown inFIG. 17, an increment button260, a decrement button270, a mode selection button280, a return button290and a setting button300are arranged on the front surface of the frame K10of the second operation unit. These buttons will be described in detail. The mode selection button280is a button for, when pushed, changing the mode designated by the mode selection bar180bto select one of the normal mode, the timer mode and the current time mode. The return button290is a button for, when the timer mode is selected for instance by the mode selection button280, returning the set item of the individual operation parameters of the setting program selected in the timer mode. For example, when the weekdays are set after setting the program number and the set time, the return button290may be pushed in order to alter the set time. The increment button260and the decrement button270are buttons for, when the current time mode or the timer mode is selected by the mode selection button280, increasing or decreasing the individual operation parameters in one of the current time mode and the timer mode, and also for, when the current time mode is selected, increasing or decreasing the digits of the current time that can be changed in the current time mode. The setting button300is a button for setting the individual operation parameters selected as above.

Referring again toFIG. 17, an LED lamp240and a communications unit250as well as the various kinds of buttons260to300are arranged on the front surface of the frame K10of the second operation unit.

If the operation panel SWb′ of the second operation unit is pushed or if a control signal for turning off the lamps2and4corresponding to the operation panel SWb′ is outputted from the illumination control terminal14bat the set time, the LED lamp240emits light to distinguishably notify the on/off state of the lamps2and4. For instance, the LED lamp240emits red light to notify the on-state of the lamps2and4of group G3or emits green light to notify the off-state of the lamps2and4of group G3.

The communications unit250receives a setting program inputted from a setting communications device50(seeFIG. 19), i.e., an external terminal, through infrared communications or other communications.

Next, the configuration of the illumination control terminal14bwill be described in detail with reference toFIG. 19, which is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the illumination control terminal14bin accordance with the second embodiment. The illumination control terminal14bincludes a terminal control unit150, an internal clock C30, a memory160, a display unit180, a switch group190, an input detection unit200, an LED lamp230, an LED lamp240and a communications unit250. The illumination control terminal14bis operated by using a driving power source the electric power supplied from the transmission unit9of the operation control unit13.

The terminal control unit150is formed of an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) and controls the operation of the respective components of the illumination control terminal14b. The internal clock C30indicates the current time by counting the clock pulses generated from a clock circuit (not shown). The memory160stores the information indicating which switch of the switch group190was selected and pushed. Responsive to the push signal (to be described later) outputted by the input detection unit200, the terminal control unit150generates a control signal for controlling the on/off operation of the lamps and outputs the control signal to the operation control unit13.

The memory160is formed of a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM or the like and stores the operation parameters of the setting programs shown inFIGS. 20A and 20B, which are associated with the turning-off control of the lamps1to8. The operation parameters of the setting programs will now be described with reference toFIGS. 20A and 20B. As mentioned earlier, the setting programs employed in the second embodiment are largely divided into “turning-off programs” and “repeated turning-off programs”.FIG. 20Ashows turning-off programs PRa whileFIG. 20Billustrates repeated turning-off programs PRb. Further, the turning-off programs PRa of the groups G1and G3are only shown inFIG. 20A, and the repeated turning-off program PRb of the groups G1and G2are only shown inFIG. 20B.

Each of the turning-off programs PRa shown inFIG. 20Acontains a program number, a control target, a forenotice turning-off time, a forenotice turning-off duration (min), a turning-off time, a control day, an operation panel and a flag, which will now be described briefly.

The “program number” denotes the ID (or identification number) of each of the turning-off programs PRa. The “control target” denotes the group of control target lamps to be normally turned off or turned off for a forenotice purpose in accordance with each of the turning-off programs PRa identified by the program number. The “forenotice turning-off time” denotes the time at which some of the control target lamps to be turned off in accordance with each of the turning-off programs PRa are turned off for a forenotice purpose earlier than the turning-off time thereof. The “forenotice turning-off duration” denotes the forenotice turning-off execution time period counted from the forenotice turning-off time of the control target lamps to be turned off in accordance with each of the turning-off programs PRa. The “turning-off time” denotes the time at which all the control target lamps to be turned off in accordance with each of the turning-off programs PRa are collectively turned off. The “control day” denotes the days on which each of the turning-off programs PRa is executed. The “operation panel” denotes the kind of the operation panel by which the control target lamps to be turned off in accordance with each of the turning-off programs PRa can be manually turned on or off. Lastly, the “flag” indicates whether to execute each of the turning-off programs PRa. For example, if the flag is “valid”, the turning-off program PRa having such a flag is executed. If the flag is “invalid”, the turning-off program PRa having such a flag is not executed.

Description will now be made on the turning-off programs PRa shown inFIG. 20A. Referring toFIG. 20A, the turning-off program PRa of program number1indicates that the lamps2and4of group G3are turned off for a forenotice purpose between 11:55 and 12:00 from Monday to Friday and further that the lamps2and4of group G3can be manually turned on or off with the operation panel SWb′. The turning-off program PRa of program number2indicates that the lamps1to4of group G1are normally turned off at 12:00 from Monday to Friday and further that the lamps1to of group G1can be manually turned on or off with the operation panel SWa′. The turning-off program PRa of program number3indicates that the lamps2and4of group G3are turned off for a forenotice purpose between 17:55 and 18:00 from Monday to Friday and further that the lamps2and4of group G3can be manually turned on or off with the operation panel SWb′. The turning-off program PRa of program number4indicates that the lamps1to4of group G1are normally turned off at 18:00 from Monday to Friday and further that the lamps1to4of group G1can be manually turned on or off with the operation panel SWa′. The turning-off program PRa of program number5indicates that the lamps2and4of group G3are turned off for a forenotice purpose between 18:55 and 19:00 from Monday to Friday and further that the lamps2and4of group G3can be manually turned on or off with the operation panel SWb′. The turning-off program PRa of program number6indicates that the lamps1to4of group G1are normally turned off at 19:00 from Monday to Friday and further that the lamps1to of group G1can be manually turned on or off with the operation panel SWa′. The turning-off program PRa of program number7indicates that the lamps2and4of group G3are turned off for a forenotice purpose between 19:55 and 20:00 from Monday to Friday and further that the lamps2and of group G3can be manually turned on or off with the operation panel SWb′. The turning-off program PRa of program number8indicates that the lamps1to4of group G1are normally turned off at 20:00 from Monday to Friday and further that the lamps1to4of group G1can be manually turned on or off with the operation panel SWa′.

Each of the repeated turning-off programs PRb shown inFIG. 20Bcontains a program number, a control target, a repeated turning-off start time, a repeated turning-off end time, a turning-off time interval (min), a control day and a flag, which will now be described briefly.

The “program number” denotes the ID (or identification number) of each of the repeated turning-off programs PRb. The “control target” denotes the group of control target lamps to be normally turned off in accordance with each of the repeated turning-off programs PRb identified by the program number. The “repeated turning-off start time” denotes the start time of the time period during which the control target lamps to be normally turned off in accordance with each of the repeated turning-off programs PRb are repeatedly turned off in a specified turning-off time interval. The “repeated turning-off end time” denotes the end time of the time period during which the control target lamps to be normally turned off in accordance with each of the repeated turning-off programs PRb are repeatedly turned off in a specified turning-off time interval. The “turning-off time interval” denotes the time interval in which the control target lamps to be normally turned off in accordance with each of the repeated turning-off programs PRb are repeatedly and normally turned off. During the time period between the repeated turning-off start time and the repeated turning-off end time, the control target lamps are repeatedly and normally turned off at every time point determined by the turning-off time interval. The “control day” denotes the days on which each of the repeated turning-off programs PRb is executed. Lastly, the “flag” indicates whether to execute each of the repeated turning-off programs PRb. For example, if the flag is “valid”, the repeated turning-off program PRb having such a flag is executed. If the flag is “invalid”, the repeated turning-off program PRb having such a flag is not executed.

Description will now be made on the repeated turning-off programs PRb shown inFIG. 20B. Referring toFIG. 20B, the repeated turning-off program PRb of program number1indicates that the lamps5to8of group G2are repeatedly and normally turned off every 60 minutes between 17:55 and 05:00 on Saturday and Sunday. However, the repeated turning-off program PRb of program number1is not executed because the flag thereof is invalid. The repeated turning-off program PRb of program number2indicates that the lamps1to4of group G1are repeatedly and normally turned off every 60 minutes between 18:00 and 23:00 from Monday to Friday. The repeated turning-off program PRb of program number3indicates that the lamps5to8of group G2are repeatedly and normally turned off every 30 minutes between 19:00 and 22:00 from Monday to Friday.

Referring back toFIG. 19, the display unit180is formed of, e.g., an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and is arranged on the front surface of the frame K10of the first operation unit as can be seen inFIG. 17. The display unit180is configured to display the contents corresponding to the mode selected by pushing the mode selection button280as set forth above. If the normal mode is selected, the display unit180displays the contents of the setting program to be executed next on the basis of the current time, and the current time indicated by the internal clock C30of the terminal control unit150. If the current time mode is selected, the display unit180displays the current time in a flickering manner so that a user can set the current time. If the timer mode is selected, the display unit180displays the setting program (i.e., the turning-off program PRa or the repeated turning-off program PRb) selected by pushing the various kinds of buttons260to300.

The switch group190includes a switch SWa1corresponding to the operation panel SWa′, a switch SWb1corresponding to the operation panel SWb′, a switch SWak, a switch SWbk, a switch SW26corresponding to the increment button260, a switch SW27corresponding to the decrement button270, a switch SW28corresponding to the mode selection button280, a switch SW29corresponding to the return button290and a switch SW30corresponding to the setting button300. Each of the switches of the switch group190outputs a signal indicative of the pushing operation thereof to the input detection unit200each time when the operation panel or the button corresponding to the switch is selected and pushed (hereinafter, such signal referred to as ‘push signal’). The switch SWak is provided, e.g., in the frame K10in an adjoining relationship with the locked portion HKC10arranged on the front surface of the frame K10of the first operation unit. Only when the closed state of the handle cover HC10is assured by the engagement of the locking portion KC10and the locked portion HKC10, the switch SWak outputs a push signal indicative of the closed state of the handle cover HC10to the input detection unit200. Therefore, if the handle cover HC10is in an open state, the switch SWak does not output any push signal to the input detection unit200. Similarly, the switch SWbk is provided, e.g., in the frame K10in an adjoining relationship with the locked portion HKC20arranged on the front surface of the frame K10of the second operation unit. Only when the closed state of the handle cover HC20is assured by the engagement of the locking portion KC20and the locked portion HKC20, the switch SWbk outputs a push signal indicative of the closed state of the handle cover HC20to the input detection unit200. Therefore, if the handle cover HC20is in an open state, the switch SWbk does not output any push signal to the input detection unit200.

The input detection unit200monitors the operation of the respective switches of the switch group190, receives the push signal outputted from one of the switches of the switch group190and outputs the push signal to the terminal control unit150. The push signal outputted from the input detection unit200to the terminal control unit150contains at least the kind of the pushed switch of the switch group190. Responsive to the push signal outputted from the switch SWak or SWbk, the input detection unit200detects the open state or the closed state of the handle cover HC10or HC20.

If the terminal control unit150determines that the lamps1to4of group G1are turned on, the LED lamp230emits red light under the control of the terminal control unit150. If the terminal control unit150determines that the lamps1to4of group G1are turned off, the LED lamp230emits green light under the control of the terminal control unit150. If a push signal outputted upon pushing the switch SWa1is acquired through the input detection unit200while the switch SWa1corresponding to the operation panel SWa′ is not pushed and while the lamps1to4of group G1are kept turned off, the terminal control unit150determines that the lamps1to4of group G1are being turned on. Similarly, if a push signal outputted upon pushing the switch SWa1is acquired through the input detection unit200while the switch SWa1is pushed to turn on the lamps1to4of group G1, the terminal control unit150determines that the lamps1to4of group G1are being turned off.

If the terminal control unit150determines that the lamps2and4of group G3are turned on, the LED lamp240emits red light under the control of the terminal control unit150. If the terminal control unit150determines that the lamps2and4of group G3are turned off, the LED lamp240emits green light under the control of the terminal control unit150. If a push signal outputted upon pushing the switch SWb1is acquired through the input detection unit200while the switch SWb1corresponding to the operation panel SWb′ is not pushed and while the lamps2and4of group G3are kept turned off, the terminal control unit150determines that the lamps2and4of group G3are being turned on. Similarly, if a push signal outputted upon pushing the switch SWb1is acquired through the input detection unit200while the switch SWb1is pushed to turn on the lamps2and4of group G3, the terminal control unit150determines that the lamps2and4of group G3are being turned off.

The communications unit250is arranged on the front surface of the frame K10of the second operation unit to receive a control signal on the new registration of the setting programs shown inFIGS. 20A and 20B, which is transmitted from a setting communications device50, i.e., an external terminal, through infrared communications or other communications. The control signal on the new registration of the setting programs contains the sign of new registration of the setting programs and the individual operation parameters of the setting programs inputted from the setting communications device50. The operation parameters include at least the group of the control target lamps, the set time at which the normal turning-off and the forenotice turning-off are to be executed, and the control day. If a control signal on the new registration of the setting programs is received from the setting communications device50, the communications unit250notifies the terminal control unit150of the fact that it has received the control signal. In case where the terminal control unit150is notified of the fact that the communications unit250has received the control signal on the new registration of the setting programs from the setting communications device50, the terminal control unit150acquires the setting programs and causes the memory160to store the setting programs.

(Operation of Illumination Control Terminal14b: Change or Renewal of Turning-Off Program PRa)

Next, a process of changing the setting programs (the turning-off programs PRa) in the timer mode will be described with reference toFIG. 21toFIG. 26B.FIG. 21is an explanatory view showing a management example of the turning-off programs PRa and the repeated turning-off programs PRb in offices or other places.FIG. 22is a flowchart illustrating a process of changing the setting programs (the turning-off programs PRa) in the timer mode A (to be described later) of the illumination control terminal14bin accordance with the second embodiment.FIGS. 23A to 26Billustrate examples of screen images available when changing the turning-off programs PRa. More specifically,FIG. 23Ais a screen image showing how to select the timer mode A with the mode selection button230and how to select a desired turning-off program PRa.FIG. 23Bis a screen image showing how to set the desired turning-off program PRa.FIG. 24Ais a screen image showing how to select a desired control target and a desired operation panel.FIG. 24Bis a screen image showing how to set the desired control target and the desired operation panel.FIG. 25Ais a screen image showing how to select a desired turning-off time.FIG. 25Bis a screen image showing how to set the desired turning-off time.FIG. 26Ais a screen image showing how to select a desired turning-off day.FIG. 26Bis a screen image showing how to set the desired turning-off day.

Referring toFIG. 21, it is assumed that the lamps are manually turned on by pushing individual switches (not shown) by a user. Since the repeated turning-off program PRb of program number2shown inFIG. 21Bis valid, the lamps1to4of group G1are repeatedly turned off every 60 minutes between 18:00 and 23:00 as illustrated inFIG. 21. In the following description on the flowchart shown inFIG. 22, it is assumed that the input detection unit200of the illumination control terminal14bhas already detected the open states of the handle covers HC10and HC20.

Referring toFIG. 22, the terminal control unit150determines whether the timer mode A is selected by the push signal outputted from the switch SW28in response to the pushing operation of the mode selection button280(step S110). The timer mode A is a mode for enabling the turning-off program PRa to be changed in accordance with the flowchart shown inFIG. 22. In the illumination control terminal14bof the second embodiment, the transition to the timer mode A is caused by pushing the mode selection button280.

If it is determined that the transition to the timer mode A has been made by pushing the switch SW28corresponding to the mode selection button280(YES in step S110), the terminal control unit150causes the display unit180to display, e.g., the operation parameters of the turning-off program PRa of program number1, in the setting content display area180c. The pushing operation of the mode selection button280corresponds to the finger operation1illustrated inFIG. 23A. Moreover, the terminal control unit150keeps changeable the program number, one of the operation parameters displayed in the setting content display area180c(step S120).

The contents of the operation parameters displayed in the setting content display area180cupon transition to the timer mode A may be the contents of the turning-off program PRa whose operation parameters have been changed previously. In this case, the program number of the previously-changed turning-off program PRa is stored in the memory160. Thereafter, upon transition to the timer mode A, the operation parameters of the turning-off program PRa corresponding to the program number stored in the memory160are displayed in the setting content display area180cof the display unit180.

The terminal control unit150determines whether a program number has been selected by the push signal outputted from the switch SW26or SW27in response to the pushing operation of the increment button260or the decrement button270and whether the selected program number has been set by the push signal outputted from the switch SW30in response to the pushing operation of the setting button300(step S130). If it is determined that the program number has been selected and set (YES in step S130), the terminal control unit150causes the display unit180to display the operation parameters of the turning-off program PRa of the set program number in the setting content display area180c. Turning to the pushing operation of the increment button260or the decrement button270, the pushing operation of, e.g., the increment button260, corresponds to the finger operation2shown inFIG. 23A. The pushing operation of the setting button300corresponds to the finger operation3shown inFIG. 23B. In addition, the terminal control unit150keeps changeable the control target and the operation panel, some of the operation parameters displayed in the setting content display area180c(step S140). The relationships between the control target groups and the operation panels are previously set by the transmission unit9of the operation control unit13as shown inFIG. 15D.

The terminal control unit150determines whether a control target and an operation panel have been selected by the push signal outputted from the switch SW26or SW27in response to the pushing operation of the increment button260or the decrement button270and whether the selected control target and the selected operation panel have been set by the push signal outputted from the switch SW30in response to the pushing operation of the setting button300(step S150). If it is determined that the control target and the operation panel have not been selected and set (NO in step S150), the turning-off program PRa is not changed in the timer mode A but merely seen by a user for a reviewing purpose or for other purposes. Thus, the flow illustrated inFIG. 22comes to an end. No in step S150is made, e.g., when at least one of the handle covers HC10and HC20is closed by a user.

In contrast, if it is determined that the control target and the operation panel have been selected and set (YES in step S150), the terminal control unit150causes the display unit180to display the set control target and the set operation panel in the setting content display area180c. Turning to the pushing operation of the increment button260or the decrement button270, the pushing operation of, e.g., the increment button260, corresponds to the finger operation4shown inFIG. 24A. The pushing operation of the setting button300corresponds to the finger operation5shown inFIG. 24B. In addition, the terminal control unit150keeps changeable the set time (or the turning-off time), one of the operation parameters displayed in the setting content display area180c(step S160).

The terminal control unit150determines whether a set time has been selected by the push signal outputted from the switch SW26or SW27in response to the pushing operation of the increment button260or the decrement button270and whether the selected set time has been set by the push signal outputted from the switch SW30in response to the pushing operation of the setting button300(step S170). If it is determined that the set time has not been selected and set (NO in step S170), the turning-off program PRa is not changed in the timer mode A but merely seen by a user for a reviewing purpose or for other purposes. Thus, the flow illustrated inFIG. 22comes to an end. No in step S170is made, e.g., when at least one of the handle covers HC10and HC20is closed by a user.

In contrast, if it is determined that the set time has been selected and set (YES in step S170), the terminal control unit150causes the display unit180to display the set time in the setting content display area180c. Turning to the pushing operation of the increment button260or the decrement button270, the pushing operation of, e.g., the increment button260, corresponds to the finger operation6shown inFIG. 25A. The pushing operation of the setting button300corresponds to the finger operation7shown inFIG. 25B. In addition, the terminal control unit150keeps changeable the control day (or the turning-off day), one of the operation parameters displayed in the setting content display area180c(step S180).

The terminal control unit150determines whether a control day has been selected by the push signal outputted from the switch SW26or SW27in response to the pushing operation of the increment button260or the decrement button270and whether the selected control day has been set by the push signal outputted from the switch SW30in response to the pushing operation of the setting button300(step S190). If it is determined that the control day has not been selected and set (NO in step S190), the turning-off program PRa is not changed in the timer mode A but merely seen by a user for a reviewing purpose or for other purposes. Thus, the flow illustrated inFIG. 22comes to an end. No in step S190is made, e.g., when at least one of the handle covers HC10and HC20is closed by a user.

In contrast, if it is determined that the control day has been selected and set (YES in step S190), the terminal control unit150causes the display unit180to display the set control day in the setting content display area180c. Turning to the pushing operation of the increment button260or the decrement button270, the pushing operation of, e.g., the increment button260, corresponds to the finger operation8shown inFIG. 26A. The pushing operation of the setting button300corresponds to the finger operation9shown inFIG. 26B. After setting the control day, the terminal control unit150terminates the tasks of setting the operation parameters displayed in the setting content display area180c. Then, the turning-off program PRa is renewed by changing the operation parameters of the turning-off program PRa selected in step S130to the operation parameters set in steps S150, S170and S190(step S200). Thereafter, the flow illustrated inFIG. 22comes to an end. In the flow illustrated inFIG. 22, description of the setting (valid/invalid) for the flag corresponding to each program number in the operation parameters of the turning-off program PRa is omitted.

(Operation of Illumination Control Terminal14b: Change or Renewal of Repeated Turning-Off Program PRb)

Next, a process of changing the setting programs (the turning-off programs PRb) in the timer mode will be described with reference toFIG. 27toFIG. 33B.FIG. 27is a flowchart illustrating a process of changing the setting programs (the repeated turning-off programs PRb) in the illumination control terminal14bin accordance with the second embodiment.FIGS. 28A to 30Billustrate examples of screen images available when changing the repeated turning-off programs PRb. More specifically,FIG. 28Ais a screen image showing how to make the repeated turning-off program PRb changeable with the mode selection button280and the setting button300.FIG. 28Bis a screen image showing how to select and set a desired turning-off time interval in the repeated turning-off program PRb.FIG. 29Ais a screen image showing how to select a desired turning-off start time in the repeated turning-off program PRb.FIG. 29Bis a screen image showing how to set the desired turning-off start time in the repeated turning-off program.FIG. 30Ais a screen image showing how to select a desired turning-off end time in the repeated turning-off program PRb.FIG. 30Bis a screen image showing how to set the desired turning-off end time in the repeated turning-off program PRb.FIG. 31is an explanatory view showing another management example of the turning-off programs PRa and the repeated turning-off programs PRb.FIGS. 32A and 32Billustrate examples of screen images available when changing the repeated turning-off program PRb.FIG. 32Ais a screen image showing a state in which the repeated turning-off program PRb is selected by pushing the mode selection button280and the setting button300together.FIG. 32Bis a screen image showing how to set the repeated turning-off time interval reduction in the repeated turning-off program PRb.FIG. 33Ais a screen image showing how to select a flag on the repeated turning-off time interval reduction in the repeated turning-off program PRb.FIG. 33Bis a screen image showing how to set valid the flag on the repeated turning-off time interval reduction in the repeated turning-off program PRb. In the description made with reference toFIGS. 27 to 30B, the handle covers HC10and HC20are all kept in an open state. In the following description on the flowchart shown inFIG. 27, it is assumed that the input detection unit200of the illumination control terminal14bhas already detected the open states of the handle covers HC10and HC20.

Referring toFIG. 27, the terminal control unit150determines whether the timer mode B is selected by the push signals outputted from the switch SW28and switch SW30in response to the simultaneous long pushing operation of the mode selection button280and the setting button300(step S310). The timer mode B is a mode for enabling the repeated turning-off program PRb to be changed in accordance with the flowchart shown inFIG. 27. In the illumination control terminal14bof the second embodiment, the transition to the timer mode B is caused by the simultaneous long pushing operation of the mode selection button280and the setting button300. If it is determined that the transition to the timer mode B has been made by the simultaneous long pushing operation of the switches SW28and SW30corresponding to the mode selection button280and the setting button300(YES in step S310), the terminal control unit150causes the display unit180to display, e.g., the operation parameters of the repeated turning-off program PRb of program number2, in the setting content display area180c. The simultaneous long pushing operation of the mode selection button280and the setting button300corresponds to the finger operation1illustrated inFIG. 28Aor32A.

Moreover, the terminal control unit150keeps changeable the program number, one of the operation parameters displayed in the setting content display area180c(step S320). The contents of the operation parameters displayed in the setting content display area180cupon transition to the timer mode B may be the contents of the repeated turning-off program PRb whose operation parameters have been changed previously. In this case, the program number of the previously-changed repeated turning-off program PRb is stored in the memory160. Thereafter, upon transition to the timer mode B, the operation parameters of the repeated turning-off program PRb corresponding to the program number stored in the memory160are displayed in the setting content display area180cof the display unit180.

The terminal control unit150determines whether a program number has been selected by the push signal outputted from the switch SW26or SW27in response to the pushing operation of the increment button260or the decrement button270and whether the selected program number has been set by the push signal outputted from the switch SW30in response to the pushing operation of the setting button300(step S330). If it is determined that the program number has been selected and set (YES in step S330), the terminal control unit150determines whether one of the repeated turning-off time interval, the repeated turning-off start time and the repeated turning-off time interval reduction among the operation parameters of the repeated turning-off program PRb identified by the set program number have been selected by the push signal outputted from the switch SW26or SW27in response to the pushing operation of the increment button260or the decrement button270and whether the selected operation parameter has been set by the push signal outputted from the switch SW30in response to the pushing operation of the setting button300(step S340). Turning to the pushing operation of the increment button260and the decrement button270, the pushing operation of, e.g., the increment button260, corresponds to the finger operation2shown inFIG. 28Bor32B. The pushing operation of the setting button300corresponds to the finger operation3shown inFIG. 28Bor32B.

If it is determined in step S340that the repeated turning-off time interval is to be set (YES: repeated turning-off time interval in S340), the terminal control unit150keeps changeable the repeated turning-off time interval (step S350). Then, the terminal control unit150determines whether a repeated turning-off time interval of, e.g., “45 min”, has been selected in place of “60 min” by the push signal outputted from the switch SW26or SW27in response to the pushing operation of the increment button260or the decrement button270and whether the selected repeated turning-off time interval (e.g., “45 min”) has been set by the push signal outputted from the switch SW30in response to the pushing operation of the setting button300(step S360). If it is determined that the repeated turning-off time interval has not been selected and set (NO in step S360), the repeated turning-off program PRb is not changed in the timer mode B but merely seen by a user for a reviewing purpose or for other purposes. Thus, the flow illustrated inFIG. 27comes to an end. No in step S360is made, e.g., when at least one of the handle covers HC10and HC20is closed by a user.

If it is determined that the repeated turning-off time interval has been selected and set (YES in step S360), the terminal control unit150changes the repeated turning-off time interval (step S370) and, then, the terminal control unit150renews the setting programs (the repeated turning-off programs PRb) by reflecting the change made in step S370(step S450). Thereafter, the flow illustrated inFIG. 27comes to an end. In the flow illustrated inFIG. 27, description of the setting for the control targets, the control day and the flag corresponding to each program number in the operation parameters of the repeated turning-off program PRb is omitted.

If it is determined in step S340that the repeated turning-off start time is to be set (YES: repeated turning-off start time in S340), the terminal control unit150keeps changeable the repeated turning-off start time (step S380). Then, the terminal control unit150determines whether a repeated turning-off start time of, e.g., “19:00”, has been selected in place of “18:00” by the push signal outputted from the switch SW26or SW27in response to the pushing operation of the increment button260or the decrement button270and whether the selected repeated turning-off start time (e.g., 19:00) has been set by the push signal outputted from the switch SW30in response to the pushing operation of the setting button300(step S390). If it is determined that the repeated turning-off start time has been selected and set (YES in step S390), the terminal control unit150causes the display unit180to display the set repeated turning-off start time in the setting content display area180c. Turning to the pushing operation of the increment button260or the decrement button270, the pushing operation of, e.g., the increment button260, corresponds to the finger operation4shown inFIG. 29A. The pushing operation of the setting button300corresponds to the finger operation5shown inFIG. 29B. In addition, the terminal control unit150keeps changeable the repeated turning-off end time, one of the operation parameters displayed in the setting content display area180c(step S400).

The terminal control unit150determines whether a repeated turning-off end time has been selected by the push signal outputted from the switch SW26or SW27in response to the pushing operation of the increment button260or the decrement button270and whether the selected repeated turning-off end start time has been set by the push signal outputted from the switch SW30in response to the pushing operation of the setting button300(step S410). If it is determined that the repeated turning-off end time has been selected and set (YES in step S410), the terminal control unit150causes the display unit180to display the set repeated turning-off end time in the setting content display area180c. Turning to the pushing operation of the increment button260or the decrement button270, the pushing operation of, e.g., the increment button260, corresponds to the finger operation6shown inFIG. 30A. The pushing operation of the setting button300corresponds to the finger operation7shown inFIG. 30B. In addition, the terminal control unit150renews the setting programs (the repeated turning-off programs PRb) by changing the operation parameters to the ones set in steps S390and S410(step S450). Thereafter, the flow shown inFIG. 27comes to an end.

If it is determined in step S340that the repeated turning-off time interval reduction is to be set (YES: repeated turning-off time interval reduction in S340), the terminal control unit150keeps changeable the flag on the repeated turning-off time interval reduction (step S420). Turning to the pushing operation of the increment button260, the decrement button270and the setting button300, the pushing operation of, e.g., the increment button260, corresponds to the finger operation2shown inFIG. 32B. The pushing operation of the setting button300corresponds to the finger operation3shown inFIG. 32B. The terminal control unit150determines whether a flag on the repeated turning-off time interval reduction, e.g., “valid”, has been selected in place of “invalid” by the push signal outputted from the switch SW26or SW27in response to the pushing operation of the increment button260or the decrement button270and whether the selected flag “valid” has been set by the push signal outputted from the switch SW30in response to the pushing operation of the setting button300(step S430). If it is determined that the selected flag “valid” has not been set (NO in S430), the flag on the repeated turning-off time interval reduction is not changed in the timer mode B but merely seen by a user for a reviewing purpose or for other purposes. Thus, the flow illustrated inFIG. 27comes to an end. The negative determination in step S430is made, e.g., when at least one of the handle covers HC10and HC20is closed by a user. Turning to the pushing operation of the increment button260and the decrement button270, the pushing operation of, e.g., the increment button260, corresponds to the finger operation4shown inFIG. 33A. The pushing operation of the setting button300corresponds to the finger operation5shown inFIG. 33B.

If it is determined that the flag “valid” has been selected and set (YES in step S430), the terminal control unit150changes the repeated turning-off time interval (step S440). For example, if the flag on the repeated turning-off time interval reduction of the repeated turning-off program PRb of program number2shown inFIG. 20Bhas been changed from “invalid” to “valid”, the repeated turning-off time interval is reduced in such a pattern of e.g., “60 min”, “30 min”, “15 min”, “10 min”, “5 min”, and “5 min” is continuously repeated as shown inFIG. 31. However, the reduced repeated turning-off time interval is not limited thereto. Next, the terminal control unit150renews the setting programs (the repeated turning-off programs PRb) by reflecting the change made in step S440(step S450). Thereafter, the flow illustrated inFIG. 27comes to an end.

With the illumination control terminal14′ of the second embodiment, it is possible to thoroughly turn off lamps in an office, a factory, a store or other place and to sharply reduce the power consumption of lamps without having to prepare a vast number of turning-off programs one by one. If the handle covers HC10and HC20are all kept in an open state, the setting of the lamps1to8to be turned on or off upon pushing the operation panel SWa′, SWb′, SWc′ or SWd′ can be efficiently and easily performed with the setting communications device50.

The setting program may further include contents with which some of the lamps are turned off for a forenotice purpose earlier than the repeated turning-off time. This makes it possible to give a warning or forenotice on the forthcoming turning-off of lamps to a user, thereby urging the user to thoroughly manage the turning-off of lamps.

The time period between the repeated turning-off start time and the repeated turning-off end time specified in the setting programs can be changed by the setting operation units, e.g., the first operation unit and the second operation unit. This makes it possible to realize the repeated turning-off of lamps depending on the user's management environment.

The turning-off time interval of lamps in the setting programs can be reduced by the setting operation units, e.g., the first operation unit and the second operation unit. This makes it possible to shorten the repeated turning-off time interval depending on the user's management environment, thereby reducing the power consumption.

In case where the setting contents (e.g., the operation parameters) of the setting programs (the turning-off program PRa and the repeated turning-off programs PRb) previously stored in the memory160are changed and renewed by the illumination control terminal14′, the terminal control unit150outputs the changed and renewed contents of the setting programs to the transmission unit9. This makes it possible to synchronize the setting programs stored in the illumination control terminal14′ with the setting programs stored in the transmission unit9.

In the second embodiment described above, the repeated turning-off programs PRb shown inFIG. 20Binclude the contents with which the lamps of the control targets (groups) are normally turned off in a specified turning-off time interval between the repeated turning-off start time and the repeated turning-off end time. In addition, a repeated forenotice turning-off program including the contents with which the lamps of the control targets (groups) are turned off for a forenotice purpose in a specified turning-off time interval between the repeated turning-off start time and the repeated turning-off end time may be stored in the memory160. By referring to the repeated forenotice turning-off program stored in the memory160, the terminal control unit150may turn off the lamps for a forenotice purpose in a specified turning-off time interval during the time period set by the repeated forenotice turning-off program.

In addition to the second embodiment described above, the authority to change the setting programs may be given to each user of the illumination control terminal14′ in order to assure information security of the setting programs (the turning-off programs PRa and the repeated turning-off programs PRb). For example, a manufacturer that manufactures and sells the illumination control terminal14′ is given a manufacturer mode in which the manufacturer is authorized to prepare and change the setting programs. A middleman, e.g., an electric engineer, who purchases the illumination control terminal14′ from the manufacturer and resells it to a user, is given a middleman mode in which the middleman is authorized to merely change the setting programs. A user (e.g., an office dweller) who actually manages and uses the illumination control terminal14′ is given a user mode in which the user is authorized to merely change over the valid and invalid states of the setting programs.FIGS. 34A and 34Bare explanatory views showing how to select and set the flag of the setting program that can be operated by a user in case where the user mode is given.FIG. 34Ais a screen image showing how to select the timer mode A and the desired turning-off program with the mode selection button280.FIG. 34Bis a screen image showing how to set the flag of the setting program thus selected. As shown inFIG. 34A, the increment button260is pushed while the timer mode A is selected by pushing the mode selection button280through the finger operation1. Thus, the turning-off program PRa of program number2thus selected is displayed to be “valid”. If the increment button260is pushed through the finger operation2as shown inFIG. 34Aand if the setting button300is pushed through the finger operation3, the turning-off program PRa of program number2thus selected is displayed to be “invalid”. By giving the authority to change the setting programs to each user of the illumination control terminal14′, it is possible to reliably assure information security of the setting programs.

Upon receiving from the setting communications device50a control signal on the new registration of the normally turned-off program, one of the turning-off programs PRa shown inFIGS. 20A and 20B, the terminal control unit150shown inFIG. 19newly registers the normally turned-off program. Along with this new registration, a program with which some of the control target lamps to be normally turned off are turned off for a forenotice purpose, e.g., 5 min earlier than the normal turning-off time of the newly registered program, may be automatically generated and stored in the memory160.

In the first and second embodiments described above, the illumination control terminal14(or14′) includes the communications unit25(or250) provided on the front surface of the frame K (or K10) for receiving the setting program to be stored in the memory16(or160) from the setting communications device50as an external terminal. The terminal control unit150causes the memory16(or160) to sore the setting program received by the communications unit25(or250). Provision of the communications unit25(or250) makes it possible for the illumination control terminal14(or14′) to newly prepare, and store in the memory16(or160), a vast number of setting programs in an efficient manner with no operation of the illumination control terminal14(or14′) but through the operation of the setting communications device50.

In the first and second embodiments described above, the illumination control system100(or100′) includes the illumination control terminal14(or14′) for outputting a control signal and the operation control unit13for controlling the on/off operation of the lamps1to8in response to the control signal outputted by the illumination control terminal14(or14′). This makes it possible to provide an illumination control system including the illumination control terminal14(or14′), which is capable of efficiently and easily performing the setting of the lamps turned on or off upon pushing one of the operation panels and capable of saving the installation area of the illumination control terminal14(or14′).

In the description made above, if the switch SWa0(or SWa1) is pushed while the handle cover HC1(or HC10) of the first operation unit remains in a closed state, the illumination control terminal14(or14′) outputs a control signal for turning on or off the lamps of the groups set inFIG. 5(orFIGS. 20A and 20B). If the handle cover HC1(or HC10) remains in an open state and if the current time coincides with the set time of one of the setting programs illustrated inFIG. 5(orFIGS. 20A and 20B), the illumination control terminal14(or14′) outputs a control signal corresponding to the setting program. As an alternative example, only if the current time coincides with the set time of one of the setting programs illustrated inFIG. 5(orFIGS. 20A and 20B), the illumination control terminal14(or14′) may output a control signal corresponding to the setting program even if the switch SWa0(or SWa1) is not pushed while the handle cover HC1(or HC10) remains in a closed state.

In the description made above, the locking portion KC1(or KC10) is arranged on the rear surface of the handle cover HC1(or HC10) and the locked portion HKC1(or HKC10) is arranged on the front surface of the frame K (or K10) in order to keep the handle cover HC1(or HC10) in a closed state. As an alternative example, the handle cover HC1(or HC10) may be kept in a closed state by using a permanent magnet as the locked portion HKC1(or HKC10) and a magnetic material as the locking portion KC1(or KC10). This alternative configuration may be employed to keep the handle cover HC2(or HC20) in a closed state. As a further alternative unit for keeping the handle cover HC1(or HC10) in a closed state through engagement of the locking portion KC1(or KC10) and the locked portion HKC1(or HKC10), a touch panel may be provided in a partial area of the front surface of the handle cover HC1(or HC10). If the touch panel is pushed, the terminal control unit15(or150) determines that the handle cover HC1(or HC10) needs to be brought into a closed state. In this case, the terminal control unit15(or150) causes an electronic circuit (not shown) to keep the handle cover HC1(or HC10) in a closed state. The touch panel may be provided in the handle cover HC2(or HC20).

In the description made above, the communications unit (or250) is arranged on the front surface of the frame K (or K10) of the second operation unit. Alternatively, the communications unit25(or250) may be arranged on the front surface of the frame K (or K10) of the first operation unit.

Even when the handle cover HC2(or HC20) is kept in an open state, the communications unit25(or250) may receive a control signal transmitted from the setting communications device50through infrared communications or other communications.

In case where one of the lamps1to4is turned off for a forenotice purpose, the LED lamp23(or230) may flicker to notify the forenotice turning-off. Similarly, the LED lamp24(or240) may be configured to flicker to notify the forenotice turning-off of lamps.