Patent Publication Number: US-10314149-B2

Title: Lighting control device and lighting system

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of priority of Japanese Patent Application Number 2017-063938 filed on Mar. 28, 2017, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
     The present disclosure relates to a lighting control device and a lighting system including the lighting control device. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Conventionally, a control device (lighting control device) including a schedule function for turning on or off or changing the brightness of a luminaire over time is known (for example, see Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2014-017542). Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2014-017542 discloses transitioning the dimming level of a luminaire via a wall switch. 
     SUMMARY 
     Improving the user-friendliness of the above-described lighting control device is desired. 
     Accordingly, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a lighting control device and a lighting system that are more user friendly. 
     In order to achieve the above-described object, a lighting control device according to one aspect of the present disclosure controls a lighting state of a luminaire, and includes a storage that stores control information for sequentially changing the lighting state of the luminaire; a detector that detects an operation of a remote controller that remotely operates the lighting state of the luminaire; and a controller that controls the lighting state of the luminaire based on the control information. The control information includes first scene information for a current lighting state and second scene information for a next lighting state. Each time the detector detects an operation of the remote controller, the controller changes the lighting state of the luminaire from the current lighting state to the next lighting state indicated in the second scene information. 
     In order to achieve the above-described object, a lighting system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a luminaire and the above-described lighting control device that controls a lighting state of the luminaire based on control information stored in a storage. 
     The lighting control device and the lighting system according to one aspect of the present disclosure improve user friendliness. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       The figures depict one or more implementations in accordance with the present teaching, by way of examples only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a lighting system according to Embodiment 1; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates one example of control information according to Embodiment 1; 
         FIG. 3  is a flow chart illustrating an order in which the control information according to Embodiment 1 is generated; 
         FIG. 4  is a flow chart illustrating operations performed by a lighting control device according to Embodiment 1; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates transitions between lighting states of a luminaire prompted by operation of a switch in a lighting system according to Embodiment 1; 
         FIG. 6A  is a sequence chart illustrating operations performed in a lighting system according to Embodiment 1 when the lighting state corresponding to a switch is maintained; 
         FIG. 6B  is a sequence chart illustrating operations performed in a lighting system according to Embodiment 1 when the lighting state corresponding to a switch is reset; 
         FIG. 7A  illustrates one example of lighting states of a luminaire or luminaires and control states of switches each time a switch is operated, when the lighting state corresponding to a switch is maintained, in a lighting system according to Embodiment 1; 
         FIG. 7B  illustrates one example of lighting states of a luminaire or luminaires and control states of switches each time a switch is operated, when the lighting state corresponding to a switch is reset, in a lighting system according to Embodiment 1; 
         FIG. 8  is a flow chart illustrating operations performed by a controller for controlling a lighting state of a lighting unit according to Embodiment 1; 
         FIG. 9  is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a lighting system according to Embodiment 2; 
         FIG. 10  is a flow chart illustrating operations performed by a lighting control device according to Embodiment 2; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates one example of an operational screen that is for remotely operating a luminaire and is displayed on a display in a lighting control device according to Embodiment 2; 
         FIG. 12A  illustrates one example of a method of selecting one or more luminaires when “individually” is selected in tag information according to Embodiment 2; 
         FIG. 12B  illustrates one example of a method of selecting one or more luminaires when “as a group” is selected in tag information according to Embodiment 2; 
         FIG. 12C  illustrates one example of a method of selecting one or more luminaires when “freely” is selected in tag information according to Embodiment 2; 
         FIG. 13  is a flow chart illustrating examples of modes included in a lighting control device according to Embodiment 2; and 
         FIG. 14  illustrates transitions between lighting states of a luminaire prompted by operation of a display in a lighting system according to Embodiment 2. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     The following describes exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the drawings. Each of the embodiments described below is a general or specific example. The numerical values, shapes, materials, elements, arrangement and connection of the elements, steps, order of the steps, etc., indicated in the following embodiments are given merely by way of illustration and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Therefore, among elements in the following embodiments, those not recited in any one of the independent claims defining the broadest inventive concept of the present disclosure are described as optional elements. 
     Note that the figures are schematic illustrations and are not necessarily precise depictions. Moreover, in the figures, elements that are essentially the same share like reference signs. Accordingly, duplicate description is omitted or simplified. 
     Embodiment 1 
     Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 8 . 
     (1-1. Lighting System Configuration) 
     First, the configuration of a lighting system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of lighting system  10  according to this embodiment. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , lighting system  10  according to this embodiment includes lighting control device  20 , a plurality of luminaires  30 , switch unit  40 , and terminal device  50 . Switch unit  40  included in lighting system  10  includes one or more switches. When the user operates a switch, lighting control device  20  controls the plurality of luminaires  30  according to a lighting state associated with that switch. More specifically, when the user operates a switch, lighting control device  20  controls the plurality of luminaires  30  according to a lighting state associated with that switch based on control information stored in advance in storage  25  for controlling the lighting state of luminaires  30 . Note that the number of luminaires  30  included in lighting system  10  is not particularly limited. For example, lighting system  10  may include one luminaire  30 . 
     Lighting system  10  includes a schedule function for changing at least one of the dimming or color of the plurality of luminaires  30  over time. Next, each element included in lighting system  10  will be described. 
     (1-1-1. Lighting Control Device) 
     Lighting control device  20  is a control device that controls a lighting state of luminaire  30  by transmitting a dimming rate and color temperature to luminaire  30 . The dimming rate and color temperature are information transmitted from terminal device  50  and stored in lighting control device  20  in advance. Stated differently, lighting control device  20  controls a lighting state of luminaires  30  included in lighting system  10  based on information transmitted from terminal device  50 . For example, a dimming rate of 100% equates to a state in which luminaire  30  is fully on and a dimming rate of 0% equates to a state in which luminaire  30  is completely off. 
     Lighting control device  20  is a device that is physically separate from luminaires  30  and does not include a lighting function itself. Lighting control device  20  includes detector  21 , controller  22 , timer  23 , communications unit  24 , storage  25 , and transmitter  26 . 
     Detector  21  is a detection device that detects operation of switch unit  40 . In this embodiment, switch unit  40  includes four switches (for example, switch  40   a  through switch  40   d ). Detector  21  detects which of the four switches has been operated (for example, pressed down). For example, detector  21  may determine that a switch has been operated by detecting the switch becoming conductive from being operated. Detector  21  outputs a detection result to controller  22 . 
     Controller  22  is a control device that carries out various types of control by performed by lighting control device  20 . When detector  21  detects operation of switch unit  40  (any one of switches  40   a  through  40   d ), controller  22  controls a lighting state of one or more luminaires  30  in accordance with the detected switch  40   a  through switch  40   d . Each of switches  40   a  through  40   d  is assigned with group-related information relating to a group of one or more luminaires, lighting state information relating to one or more lighting states of each luminaire included in the group (for example, two or more items of scene information), and reproduction order information relating to the order in which the two or more items of scene information are reproduced. This will be described in more detail later. Stated differently, for each of switches  40   a  through  40   d , group-related information, lighting state information, and reproduction order information is stored in storage  25 . Note that scene information is information indicating a luminaire dimming rate and color temperature. Reproduction order information is information indicating the order in which two or more items of scene information are reproduced. Scene information is one example of non-time-changing scene information. 
     When detector  21  detects operation of a switch (for example, switch  40   a ), controller  22  reads, from storage  25 , the group-related information, the two or more items of scene information, and the reproduction order information corresponding to operated switch  40   a , and controls each luminaire included in the group in accordance with the dimming rate and color temperature indicated in the read two or more items of scene information in accordance with the read reproduction order information. 
     Note that the group-related information, the two or more items of scene information, and the reproduction order information corresponding to a switch are examples of the control information. More specifically, they are examples of first control information included in the control information. Stated differently, controller  22  controls a lighting state of luminaire  30  based on the detection result of detector  21  and control information (more specifically, first control information). Note that the first control information is stored in advance in storage  25 . 
     Note that the lighting state information is not limited to scene information. For example, lighting state information may include slide show information which is a combination of two or more items of scene information. Slide show information is one example of non-time-changing scene information. 
     Next, control information stored in lighting control device  20  will be described with reference to  FIG. 2 . Note that  FIG. 2  illustrates an example in which the control information (more specifically, the first control information) includes scene information. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates one example of control information according to this embodiment. More specifically,  FIG. 2  illustrates examples of control information (one example of first control information) corresponding to each of switches  40   a  through  40   d . Control information corresponding to switch  40   a  is illustrated in (a) in  FIG. 2 , control information corresponding to switch  40   b  is illustrated in (b) in  FIG. 2 , control information corresponding to switch  40   c  is illustrated in (c) in  FIG. 2 , and control information corresponding to switch  40   d  is illustrated in (d) in  FIG. 2 . 
     Moreover, in (a) through (d) in  FIG. 2 , the lighting information corresponding to phase  0  in the reproduction order is shown as schedule information. Schedule information is information in which at least one of scene information and slide show information is associated with temporal information relating to the reproduction of the lighting state indicated by the at least one of the scene information and the slide show information (for example, time stamp information indicating the start and end times of the lighting state). Moreover, the schedule information is one example of second control information. Note that schedule information may be set daily, per weekday, per month, per season, per year, etc. The user can freely select when the schedule information is set. Moreover, second control information includes group-related information and reproduction order information corresponding to a switch. Note that the second control information is stored in advance in storage  25 . Schedule information is one example of time-changing scene information. 
     As illustrated in (a) in  FIG. 2 , control information corresponding to switch  40   a  includes second control information and first control information. The second information includes group-related information indicating “all” (for example, all of the luminaires  30  included in lighting system  10 ), reproduction order information indicating phase “ 0 ”, and schedule information as information for the dimming rate and color temperature. The first control information includes group-related information indicating “all”, reproduction order information indicating phases “ 1 ” through “ 3 ”, and scene information (scenes  1   a  through  3   a ) corresponding to each phase in the reproduction order as information for the dimming rate and color temperature. 
     In this embodiment, one characteristic of the control information corresponding to a switch is that it includes information relating to a plurality of lighting states and reproduction order information, which is information relating to the order in which the plurality of lighting states are reproduced. Stated differently, one switch is assigned with a plurality of lighting states. This is true for switch  40   b  through switch  40   d  as well, as is illustrated in (b) through (d) in  FIG. 2 . 
     Note that the control information does not include temporal information for reproduction of the scene information or schedule information (for example, information relating to a point in time at which the scene information is reproduced or an interval during which the scene information is reproduced). 
     Controller  22  controls the lighting state of luminaire  30  based on control information including, as described above, a plurality of lighting states and information relating to the order in which the plurality of lighting states are reproduced. More specifically, each time detector  21  detections operation of switch unit  40 , controller  22  changes the scene information that luminaire  30  reproduces based on the control information and causes luminaire  30  to reproduce the lighting state indicated by the changed scene information. For example, controller  22  controls luminaire  30  by transmitting, via transmitter  26 , a control signal including a dimming rate and color temperature to luminaire  30 . For example, each time detector  21  detects an operation of switch unit  40  by a user, controller  22  transmits, to luminaire  30  via transmitter  26 , a control signal including a dimming rate and color temperature different from the dimming rate and color temperature before the detection of the operation. Note that the control of luminaire  30  by controller  22  will be described in detail later. 
     Moreover, controller  22  controls lighting states of first indicator lamp  41  and second indicator lamp  42  (to be described later) included in each of switches  40   a  through  40   d  in accordance with the lighting state of luminaire  30 . Note that the control of first indicator lamp  41  and second indicator lamp  42  by controller  22  will be described in detail later. 
     Moreover, when controller  22  acquires an ON instruction based on the schedule information, controller  22  controls the dimming rate and color temperature of luminaire  30  based on schedule information in accordance with the instruction. More specifically, when controller  22  acquires an ON instruction based on the schedule information, controller  22  reads the schedule information stored in storage  25 , identifies the dimming rate and color temperature indicated in the scene information or slide show information corresponding to the current time as notified by timer  23 , and controls the lighting state of luminaire  30  in accordance with the identified dimming rate and color temperature. Note that lighting control device  20  acquires the ON instruction based on the schedule information from, for example, terminal device  50 . Stated differently, lighting control device  20  does not acquire the ON instruction based on the schedule information via operation of switch unit  40 . 
     Controller  22  is, more specifically, a microcomputer, but may be implemented as a processor or a dedicated circuit, for example. 
     Timer  23  measures and notifies controller  22  of the current time. Timer  23  is, more specifically, a generic timer integrated circuit (IC) (timer circuit) or a real-time clock IC. Note that timer  23  may be internally provided in controller  22 . In such a case, timer  23  is implemented as, for example, an on-chip oscillator. When timer  23  is implemented as an on-chip oscillator, the measuring precision of the current time can be increased by additionally providing an external quartz crystal. 
     Communications unit  24  receives, from terminal device  50 , control information associated with switch unit  40  that includes, for example, a plurality of lighting states for luminaires  30 . Communications unit  24  receives scene information, slide show information, and schedule information from terminal device  50 . Note that the scene information, slide show information, and schedule information are each one example of control information. Communications unit  24  is, more specifically, a communications circuit (communications module), and receives, for example, control information from communications unit  54  included in terminal device  50  via wireless communication. Note that the communication method used between communications unit  24  (lighting control device  20 ) and terminal device  50  is not particularly limited. Examples of the communication method used between communications unit  24  and terminal device  50  include wireless communication based on a communications protocol, such as specified low power radio, ZigBee®, Bluetooth®, or WiFi®. 
     Storage  25  is a storage device that stores, for example, control information transmitted from terminal device  50  and received via communications unit  24 . Storage  25  also stores a control program executed by controller  22 . 
     Storage  25  is, specifically, a storage device such as semiconductor memory. Storage of information into storage  25  is performed by controller  22 . Note that storage  25  may be internally provided in controller  22 . 
     Transmitter  26  transmits a control signal including a dimming rate and color temperature to luminaire  30 . In other words, transmitter  26  transmits a dimming rate and color temperature. Transmitter  26  is, specifically, a communications circuit (communications module), and transmits the dimming rate and color temperature via wired communication. Wired communication is, for example, power line communication (PLC) or communication over a wired local area network (LAN). 
     Note that lighting control device  20  may include a power supply (not illustrated in the drawings) that converts alternating current (AC) power supplied from an energy grid (for example, a utility power supply) into direct current (DC) power suitable for operation of lighting control device  20 , and supplies the converted power. The power supply is, more specifically, a power supply circuit including, for example, an AC/DC converter or DC/DC converter. 
     (1-1-2. Luminaire) 
     Next, luminaire  30  will be described. Note that lighting system  10  according to this embodiment includes four luminaires, namely luminaires  30   a  through  30   d . Each luminaire  30   a  through  30   d  has the same configuration. Accordingly, in the description, “luminaire  30 ” is also used to refer to any given one of the luminaires  30   a  through  30   d.    
     Luminaire  30  is a ceiling light that provides in-door lighting. Luminaire  30  emits light at a brightness and color in accordance with the dimming rate and color temperature received from lighting control device  20 . In other words, the dimming and color of and luminaire  30  are controlled by lighting control device  20 . Note that luminaire  30  is exemplified as, but not limited to, a ceiling light; luminaire  30  may be, for example, a down light. Moreover, in this embodiment, lighting system  10  is exemplified as including a plurality of luminaires  30 , but lighting system  10  may include one or more luminaires  30 . Luminaire  30  includes receiver  31 , light emission controller  32 , and light emitter  33 . 
     Receiver  31  receives a control signal including a dimming rate and color temperature from lighting control device  20 . In other words, receiver  31  receives a dimming rate and color temperature. Receiver  31  is, specifically, a communications circuit (communications module), and receives the dimming rate and color temperature via wired communication from transmitter  26  included in lighting control device  20 . 
     Light emission controller  32  supplies, to light emitter  33 , voltage and current in accordance with the dimming rate and color temperature received via receiver  31 . Light emission controller  32  includes, specifically, a control circuit (for example, a pulse width modification (PWM) circuit), and controls the dimming and color of light. For example, light emission controller  32  controls the dimming rate by changing the voltage and current it supplies to light emitter  33 . Moreover, when light emitter  33  includes light-emitting elements that emit light of different colors (for example, includes a light-emitting element that emits blue light and a light-emitting element that emits red light), light emission controller  32  controls the color temperature by changing the ratios of the voltage and current supplied to the light-emitting elements. 
     Light emission controller  32  includes a microcomputer, processor, or dedicated circuit that controls, for example, a control circuit. Stated differently, the embodiment of light emission controller  32  is not particularly limited. 
     Light emitter  33  is a light-emitting module that emits light when supplied with voltage and current from light emission controller  32 . Light emitter  33  includes, more specifically, a light-emitting diode (LED) as a light-emitting element. For example, light emitter  33  may include a plurality of LEDs that emit light of different colors. Moreover, light emitter  33  may include a fluorescent tube, a semiconductor light-emitting element such as a semiconductor laser, or a solid-state light-emitting element such as an organic electro-luminescent (EL) element or an inorganic EL element. 
     Note that luminaire  30  may include a power supply (not illustrated in the drawings) that converts AC power or DC power supplied from an external source into DC power suitable for operation of luminaire  30 , and supplies the converted power. The power supply is, more specifically, a power supply circuit including, for example, an AC/DC converter or DC/DC converter. 
     (1-1-3. Switch Unit) 
     Switch unit  40  is disposed between lighting control device  20  and the plurality of luminaires  30  and spaced apart from the plurality of luminaires  30 . Switch unit  40  is a switch for remotely operating, for example, the lighting states of the plurality of luminaires  30 . Switch unit  40  is a switch that is fixed to a part of a building, and is, for example, a wall switch disposed on a wall of a room. Note that switch unit  40  is one example of a remote controller that remotely operates, for example, the lighting state of luminaire  30 . 
     Switch unit  40  receives an operation with respect to luminaire  30  from a user. In this embodiment, switch unit  40  includes four switches, namely switch  40   a  through switch  40   d . Note that the number of switches included in switch unit  40  is not limited to four; switch unit  40  may include one or more switches. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , each of switches  40   a  through  40   d  is assigned with different control information. More specifically, each of switches  40   a  through  40   d  is assigned with, for example, a group, a plurality of lighting states for each luminaire included in the assigned group, and an order for the plurality of lighting states. Note that the information assigned to switches  40   a  through  40   d  is stored in storage  25  in lighting control device  20 . 
     Note that operation of switch unit  40  does not include operation via terminal device  50 . Stated differently, switch unit  40  does not include an operational screen (for example, a screen showing the switches) displayed on the display of an operator terminal such as terminal device  50 . 
     Moreover, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , each of switches  40   a  through  40   d  includes first indicator lamp  41  and second indicator lamp  42 . As described above, each of switches  40   a  through  40   d  is assigned with scene information and schedule information. First indicator lamp  41  and second indicator lamp  42  are displays that display whether the current lighting state of luminaire  30  is a lighting state based on scene information or a lighting state based on schedule information. More specifically, first indicator lamp  41  and second indicator lamp  42  are light-emitting devices that emit light of mutually different colors. For example, when luminaire  30  is being controlled based on scene information, first indicator lamp  41  emits light and second indicator lamp  42  does not emit light. Moreover, for example, when luminaire  30  is being controlled based on schedule information, second indicator lamp  42  emits light and first indicator lamp  41  does not emit light. With this, the user can know whether luminaire  30  is being controlled based on scene information or schedule information by checking the lighting states of first indicator lamp  41  and second indicator lamp  42  included in switches  40   a  through  40   d.    
     Note that first indicator lamp  41  and second indicator lamp  42  are, collectively, one example of a lighting unit. Moreover, the lighting unit is not limited to including two indicator lamps that emit light of mutually different colors. For example, the lighting unit may include a single indicator lamp that emits light of two different colors, and controller  22  may change the color of the light emitted by the indicator lamp in accordance with whether the control is based on scene information or schedule information. Moreover, the lighting state of the lighting unit is controlled by, for example, controller  22 . 
     (1-1-4. Terminal Device) 
     Terminal device  50  is an operator terminal that transmits, to lighting control device  20  via wireless communication, control information for controlling the lighting states of the plurality of luminaires  30  included in lighting system  10 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , terminal device  50  includes acquisition unit  51 , display  52 , controller  53 , communications unit  54 , and storage  55 . 
     Acquisition unit  51  is a user interface that receives, from a user, an operation (instruction) relating to a lighting state of luminaire  30  and an operation for generating control information. For example, acquisition unit  51  is a touch panel. When acquisition unit  51  is implemented as a touch panel, acquisition unit  51  and display  52  (for example, a liquid crystal display) are adhered together. 
     For example, acquisition unit  51  acquires a selection result in response to the user touching, from among lighting states displayed on display  52 , a location in which a lighting state desired to be selected is displayed. Note that, for example, acquisition unit  51  is not limited to a touch panel; acquisition unit  51  may be implemented as a pressable button or a keyboard, for example. 
     Display  52  is a display device that displays information for controlling luminaire  30  and/or information for generating control information. For example, display  52  is a liquid crystal display. 
     Controller  53  is a device that controls components included in terminal device  50 . For example, upon receiving an operation relating to a lighting state via acquisition unit  51 , controller  53  generates information associated with the lighting state and transmits the generated information to lighting control device  20  via communications unit  54 . Upon receiving an operation for generation of control information via acquisition unit  51 , controller  53  transmits the generated control information to lighting control device  20  via communications unit  54 . 
     Controller  53  is a processor that executes a control program stored in storage  55 , but may be implemented as a microcomputer or a dedicated circuit, for example. 
     Communications unit  54  transmits, from terminal device  50  to lighting control device  20 , control information for controlling the lighting state of luminaire  30 . Communications unit  54  is, more specifically, a communications circuit (communications module), and transmits, for example, control information to communications unit  24  included in lighting control device  20  via wireless communication. Note that the communication method used between communications unit  54  (terminal device  50 ) and communications unit  24  (lighting control device  20 ) is not particularly limited. Examples of the communication method used between communications unit  54  and communications unit  24  include wireless communication based on a communications protocol, such as specified low power radio, ZigBee®, Bluetooth®, or WiFi®. 
     Storage  55  is a storage device that stores, for example, control information transmitted to lighting control device  20 . Storage  55  also stores a control program executed by controller  53 . 
     Storage  55  is, specifically, a storage device such as semiconductor memory. Storage of information into storage  55  is performed by controller  53 . Note that storage  55  may be internally provided in controller  53 . 
     Using terminal device  50 , the user creates control information—including scene information, slide show information, and schedule information—via acquisition unit  51 , and transmits the created control information to lighting control device  20  via communications unit  54  to store the created control information in storage  25  of lighting control device  20 . Moreover, using terminal device  50 , the user divides (groups) the plurality of luminaires  30  into two or more groups and transmits the resulting group-related information to lighting control device  20  via communications unit  54  to store the group-related information in storage  25  of lighting control device  20 . A group is a collection of one or more luminaires determined by the user. Group information is information in which each group is associated with unique identification information (for example, a device ID) for each luminaire included in the group. Note that the group information is one example of control information. Moreover, for example, terminal device  50  acquires identification information for the plurality of luminaires  30  included in lighting system  10  from lighting control device  20 , and groups the plurality of luminaires  30  using the acquired identification information. 
     In this embodiment, the plurality of luminaires  30  are exemplified as being divided into two groups, namely group  1  and group  2 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , luminaires  30   a  and  30   b  belong to group  1 , and luminaires  30   c  and  30   d  belong to group  2 . Note that the number of luminaires included in a single group is not limited. Each group may include one or more luminaires. Moreover, the number of luminaires included in a group may differ from group to group. 
     Then, the user sets up switch unit  40  included in lighting system  10  with information indicating the group associated with that switch unit  40 , the plurality of lighting states for the luminaire or luminaires included in the group, and the reproduction order of the plurality of lighting states. In this embodiment, lighting system  10  includes four switches, namely switches  40   a  through  40   d . The user sets the above-described information for each of the four switches  40   a  through  40   d  using terminal device  50 . This assigns each of switches  40   a  through  40   d  with, for example, a group and a plurality of lighting states. 
     Note that terminal device  50  is exemplified as, but not limited to, a tablet terminal; terminal device  50  may be implemented as, for example, a high-functioning cellular phone (i.e., a smart phone), a cellular phone, a controller terminal designed for a specific use, or a personal computer (PC). 
     Note that the lighting state of luminaire  30  included in lighting system  10  is controllable using terminal device  50 . 
     (1-2. Generation of Control Information) 
     Next, the generation of control information—including group-related information, lighting state information, and reproduction order information—associated with a switch and stored in storage  25  of lighting control device  20  will be described. 
     The control information is generated via a user using terminal device  50 . Next, the order in which the control information is generated by the user will be described with reference to  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 3  is a flow chart illustrating an order in which the control information according to this embodiment is generated. Note that the scene information, schedule information, and group-related information are exemplified as being stored in advance in storage  25  of lighting control device  20 . Moreover, terminal device  50  is exemplified as having acquired information on switch unit  40  included in lighting system  10  from lighting control device  20  (in this embodiment, information on switches  40   a  through  40   d ). Moreover, in this example, each switch is assigned with a single group. 
     First, the user selects, from the acquired information on switch unit  40 , a switch to generate the control information (S 10 ). In this embodiment, the user selects one of the four switches  40   a  through  40   d  to generate the control information. For example, switches  40   a  through  40   d  are displayed on display  52 , and the user selects a switch via acquisition unit  51 . For example, assume the user selects switch  40   a . Hereinafter, an example will be given in which the control information corresponding to switch  40   a  illustrated in (a) in  FIG. 2  is generated. 
     Next, the user selects a group to be controlled by the selected switch  40   a  (stated differently, selects a group to be assigned to switch  40   a ) (S 20 ). For example, group information that is stored in advance is displayed on display  52 , and the user selects a desired group via acquisition unit  51 . This associates switch  40   a  with a group. For example, assume that the user selects “all” (“all” being a group including all luminaires  30  included in lighting system  10 ). Note that when a group is not already set or the user wishes to set a new group, a new group may be set in step S 20 . 
     When a predetermined group (for example, “all” in the case of switch  40   a ) is set in step S 20 , the user selects information relating to lighting states (lighting states indicating scene information or schedule information) assigned to switch  40   a  for each phase in the reproduction order (S 30 ). For example, the user selects a lighting state for each phase in the reproduction order from among scene information or schedule information stored in advance in storage  25 . Note that the user may set a dimming rate or color temperature different from that indicated in the stored scene information or schedule information. 
     For example, assume that schedule information is selected for phase  0  in the reproduction order, scene  1   a  (dimming rate of 100% and color temperature of 4000K) is selected as scene information for phase  1  in the reproduction order, scene  2   a  (dimming rate of 50% and color temperature of 4000K) is selected as scene information for phase  2  in the reproduction order, and scene  3   a  (dimming rate of 0%, i.e., off) is selected as scene information for phase  3  in the reproduction order. Note that the number of phases in the reproduction order varies depending on the number of items of scene information or schedule information selected. In this example, since four items of scene information or schedule information were selected, the reproduction order includes phases  0  through  3 . For example, as illustrated in (b) in  FIG. 2 , when five items of scene information or schedule information are set, the reproduction order includes phases  0  through  4 . This makes it possible to set up a switch with a plurality of lighting states. 
     Then, when the user is done selecting the desired number of lighting information items (i.e., when the user is done selecting lighting states for all phases in the reproduction order in accordance with the number of desired lighting states) (yes in S 40 ), processing confirms whether the setting of the control information for all switches (switches  40   a  through  40   d ) included in lighting system  10  is complete or not (S 50 ). Note that when the user is not done selecting the desired number of lighting information items when the user is not done selecting lighting states for all phases in the reproduction order in accordance with the number of desired lighting states) (no in S 40 ), processing returns to step S 30  where the user selects lighting information for an empty phase in the reproduction order. 
     When the setting of the control information for all switches included in lighting system  10  is complete (yes in S 50 ), the generated control information is transmitted to lighting control device  20  via communications unit  54  (S 60 ). For example, the control information is transmitted upon acquisition unit  51  receiving a transmission instruction from the user. Note that when the setting of the control information for all switches included in lighting system  10  is not complete (no in S 50 ), processing returns to step S 10 , and steps S 10  through S 40  are preformed for the remaining switches. 
     (1-3. Operations Performed by Lighting Control Device) 
     Next, operations performed by lighting control device  20  in lighting system  10  will be described with reference to  FIG. 4  through  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 4  is a flow chart illustrating operations performed by lighting control device  20  according to this embodiment. Note that in the following description, control information is exemplified as being stored in advance in storage  25 . 
     First, lighting control device  20  receives, from the user, an ON instruction based on the schedule information (yes in S 110 ), and controls the lighting states of the plurality of luminaires  30  included in lighting system  10  so as to be in accordance with the lighting state based on the schedule information (S 120 ). More specifically, when an ON instruction based on schedule information is received via communications unit  24 , controller  22  reads that schedule information from storage  25 . Controller  22  also acquires information indicating the current time from timer  23 . Controller  22  then controls the plurality of luminaires  30  in accordance with the lighting state in the schedule information corresponding to the acquired information indicating the current time. Controller  22  controls the lighting states of the plurality of luminaires  30  by transmitting, to the plurality of luminaires  30  via transmitter  26 , a control signal that is in accordance with the lighting state indicated by the schedule information. 
     Note that an ON instruction based on the schedule information is, for example, an instruction received from terminal device  50 . Stated differently, the ON instruction does not originate from operation of switch unit  40 . Moreover, for example, the ON instruction based on the schedule information may be an instruction that powers on each luminaire  30  included in a predetermined group or lighting system  10 . In other words, the schedule information may be information indicating an initial lighting state of luminaire  30  when luminaire  30  is powered on. This makes it possible to suitably determine an initial lighting state of luminaire  30  when luminaire  30  is powered on, in accordance with, for example, the time of day that luminaire  30  is powered on. 
     Note that when lighting control device  20  does not receive an ON instruction based on the schedule information (no in S 110 ), lighting control device  20  does not control the lighting state of luminaire  30 . For example, if luminaire  30  is off, lighting control device  20  keeps luminaire  30  turned off. Moreover, for example, if luminaire  30  is emitting light based on some instruction, lighting control device  20  keeps luminaire  30  in the light-emitting state. 
     When luminaire  30  is emitting light based on the schedule information and detector  21  detects operation of switch unit  40  (yes in S 130 ), controller  22  updates the reproduction order in switch unit  40  (S 140 ). Controller  22  then reads control information corresponding to switch unit  40  from storage  25  (S 150 ), and controls the lighting state of a predetermined group included in the read control information so as to be in accordance with the lighting state indicated in the scene information or schedule information according to the reproduction order included in the control information (S 160 ). Processing then returns to step S 130 , and each time detector  21  detects operation of switch unit  40 , detector  21  executes steps S 140  through S 160 . This transitions the lighting state of luminaire  30  each time switch unit  40  is operated. 
     Note that when luminaire  30  is emitting light based on schedule information and detector  21  does not detect operation of switch unit  40  (no in S 130 ), controller  22  continues performing control based on schedule information until detector  21  detects operation of switch unit  40 . 
     Hereinafter, the lighting state of luminaire  30  per operation of switch unit  40  will be described with reference to  FIG. 5 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates transitions between lighting states of luminaire  30  prompted by operation of switch unit  40  in lighting system  10  according to this embodiment. More specifically,  FIG. 5  illustrates transitions between lighting states of all luminaires  30  included in the group corresponding to switch  40   a , prompted each time switch  40   a  is operated. 
     First, lighting system  10  is powered on (S 210   a ). With this, all luminaires  30  included in lighting system  10  emit light. More specifically, all luminaires  30  emit light in accordance with a lighting state based on the schedule information, i.e., the lighting state associated with phase  0  in the reproduction order illustrated in (a) in  FIG. 2  (S 220   a ). In such a case, the schedule information, which is the current lighting state, is one example of first scene information. Note that when the lighting state corresponding to phase  0  in the reproduction order is predetermined scene information instead of schedule information, when lighting system  10  is powered on, luminaires  30  emit light in accordance with the predetermined scene information. 
     Next, when switch  40   a  is operated (S 210   b ), luminaires  30  emit light at a dimming rate of 100% and a color temperature of 4000K (scene  1   a ), which is the lighting state corresponding to phase  1  after phase  0  in the reproduction order (S 220   b ). More specifically, the lighting state of luminaires  30  transitions from the lighting state indicated by the schedule information (one example of first scene information) to the next lighting state indicated by scene  1   a  (one example of second scene information). In other words, when switch  40   a  is operated, luminaires  30  emit light in accordance with the lighting state indicated by scene  1   a.    
     When switch  40   a  is operated again (S 210   c ), luminaires  30  emit light at a dimming rate of 50% and a color temperature of 4000K (scene  2   a ), which is the lighting state corresponding to phase  2  after phase  1  in the reproduction order (S 220   c ). More specifically, the lighting state of luminaires  30  transitions from the current lighting state indicated by scene  1   a  (one example of first scene information) to the next lighting state indicated by scene  2   a  (one example of second scene information). In other words, when switch  40   a  is operated, luminaires  30  emit light in accordance with the lighting state indicated by scene  2   a.    
     When switch  40   a  is operated yet again (S 210   d ), luminaires  30  emit light at a dimming rate of 0% (scene  3   a ), which is the lighting state corresponding to phase  3  after phase  2  in the reproduction order (S 220   d ). More specifically, the lighting state of luminaires  30  transitions from the current lighting state indicated by scene  2   a  (one example of first scene information) to the next lighting state indicated by scene  3   a  (one example of second scene information). In other words, when switch  40   a  is operated, luminaires  30  emit light in accordance with the lighting state indicated by scene  3   a . Note that a dimming rate of 0% means that light is not emitted. 
     When switch  40   a  is operated further again (S 210   e ), the sequence returns to phase  0  from phase  3  in the reproduction order, and luminaires  30  emit light in accordance with the lighting state indicated in the schedule information, which is the lighting state corresponding to phase  0  in the reproduction order (S 220   a ). More specifically, the lighting state of luminaires  30  transitions from the current lighting state indicated by scene  3   a  (one example of first scene information) to the next lighting state indicated in the schedule information (one example of second scene information). In other words, when switch  40   a  is operated, luminaires  30  emit light in accordance with the lighting state indicated in the schedule information. 
     Thereinafter, each time switch  40   a  is operated, the lighting state of luminaires  30  transitions in the order of steps S 220   a  through S 220   d . Note that as a result of steps S 130  through S 160  in  FIG. 4  being executed repeatedly in lighting control device  20 , the lighting state of luminaires  30  transitions in the order of steps S 220   a  through S 220   d.    
     Note that, as described above, first control information illustrated in (a) in  FIG. 2  includes first scene information indicating the current lighting state and second scene information indicating the next lighting state. 
     Next, control performed by controller  22  when, for example, two different switches are set up with the same group, as is the case in (b) and (c) in  FIG. 2 , will be described with reference to  FIG. 6A  through  FIG. 7B . In such a case, there are two methods performed by controller  22  for managing the reproduction order assigned to the switches. More specifically, when a second switch (for example, switch  40   c ) is operated while the lighting state of luminaire  30  is being controlled in response to a first switch (for example, switch  40   b ) being operated, the reproduction order assigned to the first switch is either maintained or not maintained. These are the two methods. First, the method of maintaining the reproduction order will be described with reference to  FIG. 6A  and  FIG. 7A . 
       FIG. 6A  is a sequence chart illustrating operations performed in lighting system  10  according to this embodiment when the lighting state corresponding to a switch is maintained.  FIG. 7A  illustrates one example of the lighting states of the luminaire or luminaires and the control states of the switches each time a switch is operated, in accordance with the method in which the lighting state corresponding to a switch is maintained, in lighting system  10  according to this embodiment. Note that in this example, while each luminaire  30  is emitting light based on schedule information (S 340 ), firstly, switch  40   b  is operated (pressed), then switch  40   c  is operated (pressed), and lastly switch  40   b  is operated (pressed) once again. Moreover, switch  40   b  is one example of the first switch, and group  1 , which is the group associated with switch  40   b , is one example of the first group. Moreover, switch  40   c  is one example of the second switch, and group  1 , which is the group associated with switch  40   c , is one example of the second group. Moreover, in the description of  FIG. 6A  through  FIG. 7B , the one or more luminaires  30  included in group  1 , which are the one or more luminaires  3  to be controlled, may be referred to simply as luminaire  30 . 
     First, when switch  40   b  is operated once (S 310   a ), detector  21  detects the operation of switch  40   b  (S 320   a ) and outputs the detection result to controller  22 . Controller  22  updates the phase in the reproduction order assigned to switch  40   b  from 0 to 1 based on the detection result, reads the control information corresponding to switch  40   b , and controls luminaire  30  included in group  1  corresponding to switch  40   b  in accordance with the lighting state indicated by scene  1   b  corresponding to phase  1  in the reproduction order indicated in the read control information (S 330   a ). In other words, controller  22  causes the lighting state of luminaire  30  included in group  1  corresponding to switch  40   b  to transition from the current lighting state indicated in the schedule information (one example of first scene information) to the lighting state indicated by scene  1   b  (one example of second scene information) associated with switch  40   b . This causes luminaire  30  to emit light in accordance with the lighting state indicated by scene  1   b  (S 340   a ). In such a case, as illustrated in  FIG. 7A , controller  22  associates scene  1   b  corresponding to phase  1  in the reproduction order with switch  40   b , and associates the schedule information corresponding to phase  0  in the reproduction order with switch  40   c . Moreover, since switch  40   b  was operated, luminaire  30  is controlled in accordance with the lighting state indicated by scene  1   b.    
     Then, as illustrated in  FIG. 6A , when switch  40   c  is operated while luminaire  30  is being controlled in accordance with scene  1   b  (one example of first scene information) (S 310   b ), detector  21  detects the operation of switch  40   c  (S 320   b ) and outputs the detection result to controller  22 . Controller  22  updates the phase in the reproduction order assigned to switch  40   c  from 0 to 1 based on the detection result, reads the control information corresponding to switch  40   c , and controls luminaire  30  in accordance with the lighting state indicated by scene  1   c  (one example of second scene information) corresponding to phase  1  in the reproduction order indicated in the read control information (S 330   b ). In other words, controller  22  causes the lighting state of luminaire  30  included in group  1  corresponding to switch  40   c  to transition from the lighting state indicated by scene  1   b  to the lighting state indicated by scene  1   c  associated with switch  40   c . This causes luminaire  30  to emit light in accordance with the lighting state indicated by scene  1   c  (S 340   b ). 
     Here, controller  22  maintains the phase in the reproduction order assigned to switch  40   b  at phase  1 . In other words, controller  22  maintains the scene information corresponding to switch  40   b  at scene  1   b . In such a case, as illustrated in  FIG. 7A , controller  22  associates scene  1   b  corresponding to phase  1  in the reproduction order with switch  40   b , and associates scene  1   c  corresponding to phase  1  in the reproduction order with switch  40   c . Moreover, since switch  40   c  was operated, luminaire  30  is controlled in accordance with the lighting state indicated by scene  1   c.    
     Then, as illustrated in  FIG. 6A , when switch  40   b  is operated while luminaire  30  is being controlled in accordance with scene  1   c  (one example of first scene information) (S 310   c ), detector  21  detects the operation of switch  40   b  (S 320   c ) and outputs the detection result to controller  22 . Controller  22  updates the phase in the reproduction order assigned to switch  40   b  from the hitherto maintained 1 to 2, reads the control information corresponding to switch  40   b , and controls luminaire  30  in accordance with the lighting state indicated by scene  2   b  (one example of second scene information) corresponding to phase  2  in the reproduction order indicated in the read control information (S 330   c ). In other words, controller  22  causes the lighting state of luminaire  30  included in group  1  corresponding to switch  40   b  to transition from the lighting state indicated by scene  1   c  to the lighting state indicated by scene  2   b  associated with switch  40   b . This causes luminaire  30  to emit light in accordance with the lighting state indicated by scene  2   b  (S 340   c ). Here, controller  22  maintains the phase in the reproduction order assigned to switch  40   c  at phase  1 . In such a case, as illustrated in  FIG. 7A , controller  22  associates scene  2   b  corresponding to phase  2  in the reproduction order with switch  40   b , and associates scene  1   c  corresponding to phase  1  in the reproduction order with switch  40   c . Moreover, since switch  40   b  was operated, luminaire  30  is controlled in accordance with the lighting state indicated by scene  2   b.    
     With this, even when a plurality of switches are set to the same group, it is possible to control the lighting state of luminaire  30  in accordance with the reproduction order set by the user for each of the switches. 
     Next, the method in which the reproduction order is not maintained will be described with reference to  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7B . 
       FIG. 6B  is a sequence chart illustrating operations performed in lighting system  10  according to this embodiment when the lighting state corresponding to a switch is not maintained.  FIG. 7B  illustrates one example of the lighting states of the luminaire or luminaires and the control states of the switches each time a switch is operated, in accordance with the method in which the lighting state corresponding to a switch is reset (i.e., is not maintained), in lighting system  10  according to this embodiment. Note that in this example, firstly, switch  40   b  is operated, then switch  40   c  is operated, and lastly switch  40   b  is operated once again. Moreover, since the processing from when the initial operation of switch  40   b  is detected until luminaire  30  is caused to emit light in accordance with the lighting state indicated by scene  1   b  (steps S 340  through S 340   a ) are the same as in the method in which the reproduction order is maintained, repeated description thereof is omitted. 
     First, when switch  40   b  is operated once, controller  22  updates the phase in the reproduction order assigned to switch  40   b  from 0 to 1 and controls luminaire  30  in accordance with the lighting state indicated by scene  1   b  corresponding to phase  1  in the reproduction order (S 310   a  through S 330   a ). This causes luminaire  30  to emit light in accordance with the lighting state indicated by scene  1   b  (S 340   a ). Then, controller  22  updates the phase in the reproduction order assigned to switch  40   c  to phase  0 . Stated differently, controller  22  resets the phase in the reproduction order assigned to switch  40   c  to phase  0  (initial value) (S 350   a ). 
     Then, as illustrated in  FIG. 6B , when switch  40   c  is operated while luminaire  30  is being controlled in accordance with scene  1   b  (one example of first scene information) (S 310   b ), detector  21  detects the operation of switch  40   c  (S 320   b ) and outputs the detection result to controller  22 . Controller  22  updates the phase in the reproduction order assigned to switch  40   c  from 0 (initial value) to 1 based on the detection result, reads the control information corresponding to switch  40   c , and controls luminaire  30  in accordance with the lighting state indicated by scene  1   c  (one example of second scene information) corresponding to phase  1  in the reproduction order indicated in the read control information (S 330   b ). In other words, controller  22  causes the lighting state of luminaire  30  included in group  1  corresponding to switch  40   c  to transition from the current lighting state indicated by scene  1   b  (one example of first scene information) to the lighting state indicated by scene  1   c  (one example of second scene information) associated with switch  40   c . This causes luminaire  30  to emit light in accordance with the lighting state indicated by scene  1   c  (S 340   b ). Stated differently, controller  22  resets the phase in the reproduction order assigned to switch  40   b  from phase  1  to phase  0  (initial value) (S 350   b ). In other words, controller  22  updates the scene information corresponding to switch  40   b  from scene  1   b  to schedule information (one example of third scene information). In such a case, as illustrated in  FIG. 7B , controller  22  associates schedule information corresponding to phase  0  in the reproduction order with switch  40   b , and associates scene  1   c  corresponding to phase  1  in the reproduction order with switch  40   c . Moreover, since switch  40   c  was operated, luminaire  30  is controlled in accordance with the lighting state indicated by scene  1   c.    
     Then, as illustrated in  FIG. 6B , when switch  40   b  is operated while luminaire  30  is being controlled in accordance with scene  1   c  (S 310   c ), detector  21  detects the operation of switch  40   b  (S 320   c ) and outputs the detection result to controller  22 . Controller  22  updates the phase in the reproduction order assigned to switch  40   b  from 0—to which the phase was previously reset—to 1, reads the control information corresponding to switch  40   b , and controls luminaire  30  in accordance with the lighting state indicated by scene  1   b  corresponding to phase  1  in the reproduction order indicated in the read control information (S 330   d ). This causes luminaire  30  to emit light in accordance with the lighting state indicated by scene  1   b  (S 340   d ). Here, controller  22  resets the phase in the reproduction order assigned to switch  40   c  from phase  1  to phase  0  (initial value) (S 350   c ). In such a case, as illustrated in  FIG. 7B , controller  22  associates scene  1   b  corresponding to phase  1  in the reproduction order with switch  40   b , and associates the schedule information corresponding to phase  0  in the reproduction order with switch  40   c . Moreover, since switch  40   b  was operated, luminaire  30  is controlled in accordance with the lighting state indicated by scene  1   b.    
     With this, even when a plurality of switches are set to the same group, since the reproduction order is reset each time a switch is operated (switched), when the user switches a switch, it is possible to reproduce the lighting states indicated in the control information corresponding to the switch in the order indicated by the reproduction order starting from phase  1 . 
     Note that methods for managing the reproduction order when the plurality of switches are set up with the same group were described with reference to  FIG. 6A  through  FIG. 7B , but the methods are not limited to when the plurality of switches are set up with the same group. For example, among the plurality of switches, when the one or more luminaires  30  included in a group assigned to a switch are not exclusive to that group (stated differently, are non-exclusively included in that group), as illustrated in (a) and (b) in FIG.  2 , the methods for managing the reproduction order exemplified in  FIG. 6A  through  FIG. 7B  may be implemented. Here, “non-exclusive” means that in a case in which two switches are assigned with different groups, at least one luminaire  30  belongs to both groups. Note that when a group assigned to a plurality of switches is exclusive, the reproduction order of the switch is maintained, for example. Stated differently, when a group assigned to a plurality of switches is exclusive, one switch is not affected by operation of another switch. 
     Moreover, as described above, switch unit  40  includes a lighting unit. In this embodiment, each of switches  40   a  through  40   d  includes first indicator lamp  41  and second indicator lamp  42  that emit light of mutually different colors. In one non-limiting example, first indicator lamp  41  emits green light and second indicator lamp  42  emits red light. Moreover, the lighting states of first indicator lamp  41  and second indicator lamp  42  (for example, the turning on and off of first indicator lamp  41  and second indicator lamp  42 ) are controlled by, for example, controller  22 . Control of first indicator lamp  41  and second indicator lamp  42  by controller  22  will be described with reference to  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 8  is a flow chart indicating operations for controlling lighting states of first indicator lamp  41  and second indicator lamp  42  performed by controller  22  according to this embodiment. 
     First indicator lamp  41  and second indicator lamp  42  constitute a display that informs the user of whether the current lighting state of luminaire  30  is being controlled based on scene information (one example of first control information) or schedule information (one example of second control information). Accordingly, for each switch, controller  22  determines whether the current lighting state of each luminaire  30  included in a group corresponding to that switch is being controlled based on scene information (S 410 ). For example, controller  22  may determine whether each luminaire  30  is being controlled based on scene information by checking the current phase in the reproduction order of the switch. 
     Controller  22  causes first indicator lamp  41  to emit light (S 420 ) when the current lighting state of each luminaire  30  is being controlled based on scene information (yes in S 410 ). With this, when each luminaire  30  included in a predetermined group is being controlled based on scene information, an indicator lamp of the switch associated with that group emits green light. Therefore, simply by looking at the switch, the user can know that the predetermined group associated to that switch is being controlled in accordance with the lighting state indicated in the scene information. Note that the illumination of first indicator lamp  41  when control is based on scene information is one example of the first lighting mode. 
     Moreover, controller  22  causes second indicator lamp  42  to emit light (S 430 ) when the current lighting state of luminaire  30  is being controlled based on schedule information (no in S 410 ). With this, when each luminaire  30  included in a predetermined group is being controlled based on schedule information, an indicator lamp of the switch associated with that group emits red light. Therefore, simply by looking at the switch, the user can know that the predetermined group associated to that switch is being controlled in accordance with the lighting state indicated in the schedule information. Note that the illumination of second indicator lamp  42  when control is based on schedule information is one example of the second lighting mode. 
     Then, when steps S 420  and S 430  have been executed for all switches (yes in S 440 ), controller  22  ends control of first indicator lamp  41  and second indicator lamp  42 , and when steps S 420  and S 430  have not been executed for all switches (no in S 440 ), controller  22  returns to step S 410  and continues the processing from there. 
     With this, the user can confirm whether each of the switches is being controlled in accordance with the lighting state indicated in the scene information or the lighting state indicated in the schedule information simply by looking at the color of the light emitted by first indicator lamp  41  or second indicator lamp  42  included in the switch. Note that steps S 410  through S 440  are executed, for example, each time step S 160  illustrated in  FIG. 4  is executed. 
     Note that in the example described above, the lighting modes of the lighting unit were exemplified as the emission of lights of different color (for example green light and red light), but this example is not limiting. For example, the lighting modes may be the emission or non-emission of light by the lighting unit, and may be continuous emission of light or emission of flashing light by the lighting unit. It is sufficient if the lighting unit includes two lighting states visibly discernible by the user. Moreover, the lighting unit is exemplified as, but not limited to, including two indicator lamps, namely first indicator lamp  41  second indicator lamp  42 . So long as the lighting unit includes two lighting modes visibly discernibly by the user, the lighting unit may be configured of a single indicator lamp. For example, each switch may include a single indicator lamp as the lighting unit, and controller  22  may cause the indicator lamp to flash in the case of control in accordance with the lighting state indicated by scene information, and may cause the indicator lamp to either emit light continuously or not emit light in the case of control in accordance with schedule information. 
     (1-4. Advantageous Effects, Etc.) 
     As described above, lighting control device  20  controls a lighting state of luminaire  30 , and includes: storage  25  that stores control information for sequentially changing the lighting state of luminaire  30 ; detector  21  that detects an operation of a switch unit  40  (one example of the remote controller) that remotely operates the lighting state of luminaire  30 ; and controller  22  that controls the lighting state of luminaire  30  based on the control information. The control information includes first scene information for a current lighting state and second scene information for a next lighting state. Each time detector  21  detects an operation of switch unit  40 , controller  22  changes the lighting state of luminaire  30  from the current lighting state to the next lighting state indicated in the second scene information. 
     With this, the lighting state of luminaire  30  can be transitioned from the lighting state indicated in the first scene information included in the control information to the lighting state indicated in the second scene information included in the control information each time switch unit  40  is operated. Stated differently, lighting control device  20  can assign a plurality of items of scene information to a single switch. When only one item of scene information is assigned to a single switch, a different switch is required for each scene. This requires the user to search among a plurality of switches for, and operate the switch assigned with, the lighting state desired by the user, which is time consuming. In contrast, since lighting control device  20  according to this embodiment can assign a plurality of scenes to a single switch, the required number of switches can be reduced. Moreover, since scenes can be transitioned by operating a single switch, the user can easily reproduce the desired lighting state. Accordingly, lighting control device  20  improves user-friendliness. 
     Moreover, switch unit  40  (one example of the remote controller) includes switches  40   a  through  40   d  fixed to a wall (one example of a part of a building), and detector  21  detects an operation of switches  40   a  through  40   d.    
     Since this makes it possible to assign a plurality of scenes to each of switches  40   a  through  40   d  fixed to a part of a building, it is therefore possible to reduce the number of switches that need to be fixed to, for example, the wall. 
     Moreover, each of the first scene information and the second scene information is one of non-time-changing scene information in which the lighting state does not change with time and time-changing scene information in which the lighting state changes with time. Switches  40   a  through  40   d  include first indicator lamp  41  and second indicator lamp  42  that emit light of mutually different colors (one example of the lighting unit including a first lighting mode and a second lighting mode different from the first lighting mode). Controller  22  causes first indicator lamp  41  to emit light (one example of causing the lighting unit to emit light in the first lighting mode) when controlling luminaire  30  in accordance with non-time-changing scene information, and causes second indicator lamp  42  to emit light (one example of causing the lighting unit to emit light in the second lighting mode) when controlling luminaire  30  in accordance with time-changing scene information. 
     With this, the user can confirm whether the current luminaire  30  is being controlled based on scene information or schedule information simply by looking at first indicator lamp  41  and second indicator lamp  42 . Stated differently, when changing the lighting state of luminaire  30  from the current lighting state, since the user knows whether the current lighting state is based on the scene information or the schedule information, the user can easily change the lighting state. 
     Moreover, luminaire  30  includes a plurality of luminaires  30  grouped into at least two groups. At least one of the plurality of luminaires  30  belongs to both of the two groups. Switch unit  40  includes a plurality of switches  40   a  through  40   d , each of the plurality of switches  40   a  through  40   d  being assigned with one of the at least two groups to control. The plurality of switches  40   a  through  40   d  include switch  40   b  (one example of the first switch) assigned with group  1  (one example of the first group) and switch  40   c  (one example of the second switch) also assigned with group  1  (one example of the second group). In a case in which: switch  40   b  is assigned with a plurality of items of scene information including scene  1   b  (one example of the first scene information) and switch  40   c  is assigned with a plurality of items of scene information including scene  1   c  (one example of the second scene information), when detector  21  detects the operation of switch  40   c  while controller  22  is controlling the lighting state of each lamp  30  included in group  1  corresponding to switch  40   b  in accordance with the current lighting state indicated by scene  1   b  associated with switch  40   b , controller  22  changes the lighting state of in the at least one of the plurality of luminaires  30  as a member of group  1  from the current lighting state indicated by scene  1   b  to the next lighting state indicated by scene  1   c  associated with switch  40   c , and maintains the scene information of the at least one of the plurality of luminaires  30  as a member of group  1  at scene b 1 . 
     With this, even when the plurality of switches are set with groups that non-exclusively include luminaires  30 , even if one of switches  40   a  through  40   d  is operated and then a different one of switches  40   a  through  40   d  is operated, the lighting state corresponding to the initial switch is maintained (stated differently, the reproduction order is maintained). Accordingly, even if the user changes the switch that he or she operates from among switches  40   a  through  40   d , the lighting states indicated in the control information corresponding to the switch can be controlled in accordance with the reproduction order set by the user. 
     Moreover, luminaire  30  includes a plurality of luminaires  30  grouped into at least two groups. At least one of the plurality of luminaires  30  belongs to both of the two groups. Switch unit  40  includes a plurality of switches  40   a  through  40   d , each of the plurality of switches  40   a  through  40   d  being assigned with one of the at least two groups to control. The plurality of switches  40   a  through  40   d  include switch  40   b  (one example of the first switch) assigned with group  1  (one example of the first group) and switch  40   c  (one example of the second switch) assigned with group  1  (one example of the second group). In a case in which: switch  40   b  is assigned with a plurality of items of scene information including scene  1   b  (one example of the first scene information) and schedule information (one example of the third scene information) indicating an initial state and switch  40   c  is assigned with a plurality of items of scene information including scene  1   c  (one example of the second scene information), when detector  21  detects the operation of switch  40   c  while controller  22  is controlling the lighting state of each lamp  30  included in group  1  corresponding to switch  40   b  in accordance with the current lighting state indicated by scene  1   b  associated with switch  40   b , controller  22  changes the lighting state of the at least one of the plurality of luminaire  30  as a member of group  1  corresponding to switch  40   c  from the current lighting state indicated by scene  1   b  to the next lighting state indicated by scene  1   c  associated with switch  40   c , and updates the scene information that corresponds to switch  40   b  from scene  1   b  to the schedule information. 
     With this, even when the plurality of switches are set with groups that non-exclusively include luminaires  30 , the lighting state is updated to the initial lighting state each time the switch that is operated changes from one switch to another among switches  40   a  through  40   d  (stated differently, the phase in the reproduction order is updated to 0). Accordingly, when the user changes the switch that he or she operates from among switches  40   a  through  40   d , the lighting states indicated in the control information corresponding to the switch can be reproduced starting from phase  1  in the reproduction order. 
     Moreover, lighting control device  20  receives the control information from terminal device  50  and stores the control information in storage  25 . 
     With this, lighting control device  20  can control the lighting state of luminaire  30  based on the control information received from terminal device  50  and stored in storage  25 . Moreover, when changing the control information, the control information included in lighting control device  20  can be updated by receipt of the changed control information from terminal device  50 . This makes it possible to simplify and reduce the size of the structure of lighting control device  20  since lighting control device  20  need not include, for example, a display and acquisition unit for input of the control information. 
     Moreover, as described above, lighting system  10  includes luminaire  30  and lighting control device  20  that controls a lighting state of luminaire  30  based control information stored in storage  25  and terminal device  50  that transmits the control information to lighting control device  20 . 
     With this, lighting control device  20  can transition the lighting state each time one of switches  40   a  through  40   d  is operated, based on control information transmitted from terminal device  50 . Since lighting control device  20  according to this embodiment can assign a plurality of items of scene information to a single switch, the required number of switches can be reduced. Moreover, since the lighting state can be transitioned by operating a single switch, the user can easily reproduce the desired lighting state. Accordingly, lighting system  10  improves user-friendliness. 
     Embodiment 2 
     Hereinafter, Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to  FIG. 9  through  FIG. 14 . Note that the following description will focus on the points of difference from Embodiment 1. Accordingly, configurations that are essentially the same as in Embodiment 1 are assigned with the same reference signs, and description thereof may be omitted or simplified. 
     (2-1. Lighting System Configuration) 
     First, the configuration of a lighting system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 9 . 
       FIG. 9  is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of lighting system  110  according to this embodiment. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , lighting system  110  according to this embodiment includes lighting control device  120  and a plurality of luminaires  130 . In lighting system  110 , lighting control device  120  includes display  127  as the remote controller. When display  127  is operated by the user, detector  121  detects the operation, and lighting control device  120  controls the plurality of luminaires  130  in accordance with the lighting state corresponding to the detection result. More specifically, when the user operates display  127 , lighting control device  120  controls the plurality of luminaires  130  in accordance with the lighting state associated with the operation, based on control information for controlling the lighting state of luminaire  130 , which is stored in advance in storage  25 . Note that the number of luminaires  130  included in lighting system  110  is not particularly limited. For example, lighting system  110  may include one luminaire  130 . 
     Lighting system  110  includes a schedule function for changing the dimming and color of the plurality of luminaires  130  over time. Next, each element included in lighting system  110  will be described. 
     (2-1-1. Lighting Control Device) 
     Lighting control device  120  is a control device that controls a lighting state of luminaire  130  by transmitting a dimming rate and color temperature to luminaire  130 . The dimming rate and color temperature are information acquired from the user via display  127 , and stored in storage  25 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , lighting control device  120  is a device that is physically separate from luminaires  130  and does not include a lighting function itself. In this embodiment, lighting control device  120  is a handheld terminal. More specifically, lighting control device  120  is a tablet terminal. Note that implementation of lighting control device  120  is not limited to a tablet terminal; lighting control device  120  may be implemented as any portable handheld terminal, such as a smart phone (i.e., a high-functioning cellular phone), a cellular phone, or a controller terminal designed for a specific use. 
     Lighting control device  120  includes detector  121 , controller  122 , timer  23 , storage  25 , transmitter  126 , and display  127 . Note that timer  23  and storage  25  are essentially the same as those included in lighting control device  20  according to claim  1 . Accordingly, description thereof is omitted. 
     Detector  121  is a user interface that receives from a user, an operation (instruction) relating to a lighting state of luminaire  130  and an operation for generating control information. For example, detector  121  is a touch panel. Detector  121  acquires an instruction (operation) from the user made on an operational screen displayed on display  127 . When detector  121  is implemented as a touch panel, detector  121  and display  127  (for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD)) are integrated together. 
     Detector  121  acquires a selection result from the user in response to the user touching, from among lighting states displayed on display  127 , a location in which a lighting state desired to be selected is displayed. Note that, for example, detector  121  is not limited to a touch panel; detector  121  may be implemented as a pressable button, for example. 
     Note that unlike Embodiment 1, lighting system  110  according to this embodiment does not include a switch fixed to, for example, a wall. Accordingly, detector  121  need not include a function of detecting an operation of luminaire  130  performed via a device other than lighting control device  120 . 
     Controller  122  is a control device that carries out various types of control performed by lighting control device  120 . Controller  122  further controls display  127  in addition to controller  22  according to Embodiment 1. For example, controller  122  causes display  127  to display a plurality of tags for selecting a method of selecting one or more luminaires  130  to be controlled, and controls the lighting state of the one or more luminaires  130  to be controlled, which are acquired via selection of a tag by the user. 
     Controller  122  is a processor that executes a control program stored in storage  25 , but may be implemented as a microcomputer or a dedicated circuit, for example. 
     Transmitter  126  transmits, from lighting control device  120  to luminaire  130 , a control signal for controlling a lighting state of luminaire  130 . Transmitter  126  is, specifically, a communications circuit (communications module), and transmits the control signal via wireless communication to receiver  131  included in luminaire  130 . Note that the communication method used between transmitter  126  (lighting control device  120 ) and receiver  131  (luminaire  130 ) is not particularly limited. Examples of the communication method used between transmitter  126  and receiver  131  include wireless communication based on a communications protocol, such as specified low power radio, ZigBee®, Bluetooth®, or WiFi®. 
     Display  127  is a display device that displays an operational screen for remote operation of luminaire  130 . Display  127  is a display device that displays information for controlling luminaire  130  based on control by controller  122  or information for generating control information, and is configured of, for example, a display panel implemented as, for example, an LCD or organic electroluminescent (EL) panel, and a circuit for driving the display panel. Display  127  may display characters, numbers, and/or symbols required to assist the user in inputting control information. Moreover, display  127  may display a still image or a moving image. Note that display  127  is one example of the remote controller that remotely operates the lighting state of luminaire  130 . 
     (2-1-2. Luminaire) 
     Next, luminaire  130  will be described. Note that the plurality of luminaires  130  included in lighting system  110  each have the same configuration, and the following description will be based on any given luminaire  30 . Luminaire  130  includes receiver  131 , light emission controller  32 , and light emitter  33 . Note that light emission controller  32  and light emitter  33  are essentially the same as those included in luminaire  30  according to claim  1 . Accordingly, description thereof is omitted. 
     Receiver  131  receives, from lighting control device  120 , a control signal including, for example, the lighting state of luminaire  130 . Receiver  131  is, specifically, a communications circuit (communications module), and receives, for example, the control signal via wireless communication from transmitter  126  included in lighting control device  120 . Note that the communication method used between receiver  131  (luminaire  130  and transmitter  126  (lighting control device  120 )) is not particularly limited. Examples of the communication method used between receiver  131  and transmitter  126  include wireless communication based on a communications protocol, such as specified low power radio, ZigBee®, Bluetooth®, or WiFi®. 
     (2-2. Operations Performed by Lighting Control Device) 
     Next, operations performed by lighting control device  120  in lighting system  110  will be described with reference to  FIG. 10  through  FIG. 14 . More specifically, the steps involved in the user operating luminaire  130  by using lighting control device  120  will be described. 
       FIG. 10  is a flow chart illustrating operations performed by lighting control device  120  according to this embodiment.  FIG. 11  illustrates one example of operational screen G that is for remotely controlling luminaire  130  and is displayed on display  127  of lighting control device  120  according to this embodiment. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , luminaire information C 1 , tag information C 2 , and mode information C 3  are displayed in operational screen G. Luminaire information C 1  indicates the plurality of luminaires  130  included in lighting system  110 . Tag information C 2  includes a plurality of tags for selecting, from among the plurality of luminaires  130 , one or more luminaires  130  whose lighting state is to be controlled. Mode information C 3  indicates a plurality of modes including the reproduction order indicating two or more scene information indicating pre-stored lighting states of luminaires  130  and the order in which each of two or more scene information are reproduced. 
     Positions of each luminaire  130  indicated by luminaire information C 1  approximately correspond to the physical positions of luminaires  130  arranged in, for example, the ceiling. Luminaire information C 1  is information that is stored in advance by the user. 
     Note that information other than luminaire information C 1 , tag information C 2 , or mode information C 3  may be displayed in operational screen G. Hereinafter, an example will be given in which operational screen G illustrated in  FIG. 11  is displayed on display  127 . Moreover, although not illustrated in the drawings, detector  121  (for example, a touch panel) is integrated with display  127 , on the side of display  127  adjacent the user. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , first, the user determines a method of selecting, from among the plurality of luminaires  130 , one or more luminaires  130  whose lighting state is to be controlled. More specifically, detector  121  acquires a selection of a tag included in tag information C 2  displayed on display  127  by the user (S 510 ). As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , three tags are displayed in tag information C 2 , namely “individually” (one example of the first tag), “as a group” (one example of the second tag), and “freely” (one example of the third tag). The user selects a desired one of these three tags. Then, one or more luminaires  130  to be controlled or one or more groups of luminaires  130  to be controlled, each of which is a collection of luminaires  130 , is selected based on the method of selecting one or more luminaires  130  corresponding to the selected tag (S 520 ). 
     Here, the methods of selecting one or more luminaires  130  to be controlled associated with each of the three tags shown in tag information C 2  will be described with reference to  FIG. 12A  through  FIG. 12C . First, the method indicated as “individually” in tag information C 2  will be described with reference to  FIG. 12A . 
       FIG. 12A  illustrates one example of a method of selecting one or more luminaires  130  when “individually” is selected in tag information C 2  according to this embodiment. When “individually” is selected, the user individually selects one or more luminaires  130  to be controlled from among the plurality of luminaires  130  displayed in luminaire information C 1 . For example, as a result of the user individually tapping one or more luminaires  130  to be controlled from among the plurality of luminaires  130  displayed in luminaire information C 1 , the tap or taps are detected by detector  121  and one or more luminaires  130  to be controlled are selected. In the example illustrated in  FIG. 12A , three luminaires  130  selected as a result of being tapped are surrounded by dashed line L 1 . Note that one luminaire  130  may be selected, or a plurality of luminaires  130  may be selected. 
     Since the positions of the plurality of luminaires  130  displayed by luminaire information C 1  approximately correspond to the physical positions of the plurality of luminaires  130  attached to the ceiling, the user can easily select which luminaire  130  to control from luminaire information C 1 . Note that the “tapping” described above is one example of an operation of display  127  (one example of the remote controller) by the user. 
     Next, the method indicated as “as a group” in tag information C 2  will be described with reference to  FIG. 12B . 
       FIG. 12B  illustrates one example of a method of luminaires  130  when “as a group” is selected in tag information C 2  according to this embodiment. When “as a group” is selected, a group to be controlled from among a plurality of groups, each of which is a collection of luminaires  130  that is stored in advance by the user via detector  121 , is selected by the user. When “as a group” in tag information C 2  is selected by the user, information on groups stored in advance is displayed on display  127 . For example, as one example of information on groups stored in advance, dashed lines surrounding each group of the plurality of luminaires  130  are displayed. As a result of the user tapping the region surrounded by a dashed line (for example, tapping a given luminaire  130  in the region surrounded by the dashed line), a group to be controlled is selected. In the example illustrated in  FIG. 12B , three groups surrounded by dashed lines L 2 , L 3 , and L 4  are displayed, and the user has selected the group surrounded by dashed line L 2 . This makes it possible for the user to select a plurality of luminaires  30  in a single operation. Note that a plurality of groups may be selected. Moreover, luminaires  130  are exclusively assigned to groups. Stated differently, each luminaire  130  belongs to only one group. 
     Next, the method indicated as “freely” in tag information C 2  will be described with reference to  FIG. 12C . 
       FIG. 12C  illustrates one example of a method of selecting one or more luminaires  130  when “freely” is selected in tag information C 2  according to this embodiment. When “freely” is selected, the user freely selects one or more luminaires  130  to be controlled from among the plurality of luminaires  130  displayed by luminaire information C 1 . More specifically, as a result of the user making a dragging action on the image displayed by luminaire information C 1  (see the arrow in  FIG. 12C ), detector  121  detects the dragging action and one or more luminaires  130  to be controlled are selected. For example, luminaires  130  included in the region surrounded by dashed line L 5  defined by the start and end points of the dragging action are selected as the one or more luminaires  130  to be controlled. With this, the user can freely create a group of luminaires  130  to be controlled with a simple operation, namely a dragging action. Note that the dragging action described above is one example of an operation of display  127  (one example of the remote controller) by the user. 
     Note that  FIG. 12A  through  FIG. 12C  illustrate examples in which selected luminaires  130  to be controlled (one example of the one or more luminaires  130 ) are displayed as being surrounded by dashed lines, but this example is not limiting. Any embodiment that allows the user to recognize the selected luminaires  130  is acceptable. For example, the display method of the selected luminaires  130  themselves may be changed (for example, the color of the images of the selected luminaires  130  may be changed or the images may be made to flash). 
     Steps S 510  and S 520  complete the selection of luminaires  130  to be controlled by lighting control device  120 . Hereinafter, the selection of the lighting state for controlling the selected luminaire  130  will be described. 
     Next, as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , detector  121  acquires a selection of a predetermined mode from a user from among a plurality of modes including two or more scene information indicating a lighting state of luminaire  130  and reproduction order indicating the order in which the two or more scene information are reproduced, which are stored in advance (S 530 ). In this embodiment, as illustrated in mode information C 3 , two modes, namely a spot mode and a 5-stage dimming mode, are stored in advance. For example, a mode may be selected by the user tapping a predetermined mode from among the plurality of modes displayed in mode information C 3  and detector  121  detecting the tap. 
     Here, the modes stored in storage  25  will be described with reference to  FIG. 13 . 
       FIG. 13  is a flow chart illustrating examples of modes included in lighting control device  120  according to this embodiment. More specifically, (a) in  FIG. 13  is one example of control information corresponding to a spot mode, and (b) in  FIG. 13  is one example of control information corresponding to a 5-stage dimming mode. As illustrated in (a) and (b) in  FIG. 13 , the control information corresponding to the modes includes information on the reproduction order and scene information (for example, dimming rate and color temperature). 
     As illustrated in (a) in  FIG. 13 , the spot mode includes two scene information. More specifically, the spot mode includes scene  11   a , which is a dimming rate of 50% and a color temperature of 4000K, and scene  12   a , which is a dimming rate of 100% and a color temperature of 2700K, Phase  0  in the reproduction order corresponds to scene  11   a  and phase  1  in the reproduction order corresponds to scene  12   a . Note that phase  0  in the reproduction order (initial phase) is, for example, the phase at the point in time that the user selects a mode or switches modes in step S 530 . In other words, at the point in time that the user selects a mode or switches modes, luminaire  130  is controlled in accordance with the lighting state illustrated in the scene information (for example, scene  11   a ) corresponding to phase  0  in the reproduction order. 
     Moreover, as illustrated in (b) in  FIG. 13 , the 5-stage dimming mode includes five items of scene information. More specifically, the 5-stage dimming mode includes five items of scene information having the same color temperature and different dimming rates. Moreover, just like in (a) in  FIG. 13 , information on the reproduction order is associated with each item of scene information. 
     Note that the scene information included in the spot mode and the scene information included in the 5-stage dimming mode are exemplified as indicating different lighting states, but this example is not limiting. The scene information included in the spot mode and the scene information included in the 5-stage dimming mode may partially indicate the same lighting state. For example, the spot mode may include scene  11   b  included in the 5-stage dimming mode. In other words, the plurality of modes may include scene information indicating mutually different lighting states. 
     Moreover, the modes do not include temporal information for reproduction of the scene information (for example, information relating to a point in time at which the scene information is reproduced or an interval during which the scene information is reproduced). 
     In step S 530 , the control information for controlling the selected luminaire  130  is selected. Note that a mode including two or more scene information indicating a lighting state of luminaire  130  and reproduction order indicating an order in which the two or more scene information are reproduced is one example of the first control information. Moreover, hereinafter, an example will be given in which the user performs an operation to switch scene information. In the example, the group indicated by dashed line L 2  in  FIG. 12B  (hereinafter also referred to as group L) is selected in steps S 510  and S 520 , and the 5-stage dimming mode is selected in step S 530 . 
     When the 5-stage dimming mode is selected in step S 530 , controller  122  controls luminaires  130  included in group L in accordance with the lighting state indicated in the scene information associated with phase  0  in the reproduction order. More specifically, controller  122  causes luminaires  130  included in group L to emit light at a dimming rate of 100% and a color temperature of 4000K (scene  11   b ). When detector  121  detects an operation (for example, a tap) performed by the user (yes in step S 540 ) while controller  122  is controlling luminaires  130  included in group L in accordance with the scene information indicated by phase  0  in the reproduction order, controller  122  updates the reproduction order (S 550 ). More specifically, controller  122  updates the phase in the reproduction order from 0 to 1. Controller  122  then causes luminaires  130  included in group L to emit light at the lighting state indicated by a dimming rate of 100% and a color temperature of 4000K (scene  12   b ) and associated with phase  1  in the reproduction order (S 560 ). Stated differently, when detector  121  detects an operation performed by the user while controller  122  is controlling luminaires  130  included in group L according to scene  11   b  (one example of first scene information), controller  122  transitions the lighting state of luminaires  130  included in group L from the lighting state indicated by scene  11   b  to the lighting state indicated by scene  12   b  (one example of second scene information). 
     Processing then returns to step S 540 , and each time detector  121  detects an operation of display  127 , steps S 540  through S 560  are executed. With this, the lighting state of luminaires  130  is controlled based on control information each time an operation is performed. Stated differently, each time detector  121  detects (acquires) an operation performed by the user, the lighting state of luminaires  130  included in group L is transitioned from the current lighting state (for example, scene  11   b ) to the next lighting state (for example, scene  12   b ), in accordance with the mode (for example, the 5-stage dimming mode) selected by the user. 
     Hereinafter, the lighting state of luminaire  130  per operation of display  127  will be described with reference to  FIG. 14 . 
       FIG. 14  illustrates transitions between lighting states of luminaire  130  prompted by operation of display  127  in lighting system  110  according to this embodiment. More specifically,  FIG. 14  illustrates transitions between lighting states of luminaire  130  each time the operational screen displayed by display  127  is operated. Note that in the following example, the group indicated by dashed line L 2  in  FIG. 12B  (hereinafter also referred to as group L) is selected, and the 5-stage dimming mode is selected in step S 530 . 
     First, in the group L included in lighting system  110 , as a result of the 5-stage dimming mode being selected (S 610   a ), luminaires  130  included in the group L are caused to emit light in accordance with the lighting state associated with phase  0  in the reproduction order. More specifically, luminaires  130  emit light in accordance with the lighting state associated with phase  0  in the reproduction order illustrated in (b) in  FIG. 13 , which indicates a dimming rate of 100% and a color temperature of 4000K (scene  11   b ) (S 620   a ). Note that the lighting state corresponding to phase  0  in the reproduction order may be schedule information. 
     Next, when display  127  is operated (S 610   b ), luminaires  130  emit light at a dimming rate of 80% and a color temperature of 4000K (scene  12   b ), which is the lighting state corresponding to phase  1  after phase  0  in the reproduction order (S 620   b ). More specifically, the lighting state of luminaires  130  transitions from the current lighting state indicated by scene  11   b  (one example of first scene information) to the next lighting state indicated by scene  12   b  (one example of second scene information). In other words, when display  127  is operated, luminaires  130  emit light in accordance with the lighting state indicated by scene  12   b.    
     When display  127  is operated again (S 610   c ), luminaires  130  emit light at a dimming rate of 60% and a color temperature of 4000K (scene  13   b ), which is the lighting state corresponding to phase  2  after phase  1  in the reproduction order (S 620   c ). More specifically, the lighting state of luminaires  130  transitions from the current lighting state indicated by scene  12   b  (one example of first scene information) to the next lighting state indicated by scene  13   b  (one example of second scene information). In other words, when display  127  is operated, luminaires  130  emit light in accordance with the lighting state indicated by scene  13   b.    
     Similarly, each time display  127  is operated (for example, S 610   d  and S 610   e ), the lighting state of luminaires  130  transitions (for example, S 620   d  and S 620   e ). Then when display  127  while scene  15   b  (one example of first scene information) is being executed (S 610   f ), luminaires  130  return to the next phase  0  after phase  4  in the reproduction order, and transition to the lighting state indicated by scene  11   b  (one example of second scene information), which is the lighting state corresponding to phase  0  (S 620   a ). In other words, when display  127  is operated, luminaires  130  return to the lighting state indicated by scene  11   b . Thereafter, each time display  127  is operated, the lighting state of luminaires  130  transitions in the order of steps S 620   a  through S 620   e . Note that as a result of steps S 540  through S 560  in  FIG. 10  being executed repeatedly in lighting control device  120 , the lighting state of luminaires  130  transitions in the order of steps S 620   a  through S 620   e.    
     As described above, each time detector  121  acquires an operation of display  127  from the user, controller  122  transitions luminaires  130  from the current lighting state (lighting state indicated in the first scene information) to the next lighting state (lighting state indicated in the second scene information) in accordance with a predetermined mode selected by the user from among the plurality of modes (for example, the 5-stage dimming mode). 
     Note that, as described above, the mode (one example of first control information) illustrated in (b) in  FIG. 13  includes first scene information indicating the current lighting state and second scene information indicating the next lighting state. 
     This makes it possible to cause selected luminaire or luminaires  130  to reproduce a plurality of lighting states simply by tapping display  127  to select one mode. In such a case in which only one lighting state is assigned to one scene, there is a need to generate a lot of scene information for various scenes. To change the scene, it is necessary for the user to select the desired scene information from among the large amount of scene information, which is time consuming. Moreover, there is also a method of, after selection of the luminaire or group to be controlled, setting the dimming rate and color temperature indicating the lighting state controlled each time, but setting the dimming rate and color temperature each time is time consuming. Accordingly, lighting control device  120  and lighting system  110  including lighting control device  120  can improve user-friendliness. 
     Note that the operation from the user is, for example, the tapping of a predetermined region of display  127 . For example, the region inside dashed line L 2  indicating group L selected in step S 520  may be tapped, and, alternatively, a predetermined display for receiving a tap may be displayed on display  127  (operational screen G), and that display may be tapped. 
     Note that an example was given using  FIG. 10  in which luminaire  130  to be controlled is selected (S 510  and S 520 ) and then a mode including a lighting state for controlling luminaire  130  is selected (S 530 ), but this example is not limiting; the mode may be selected and then luminaire  130  to be controlled may be selected. Moreover, one or more modes may be stored. 
     (2-3. Advantageous Effects, Etc.) 
     As described above, lighting control device  120  is a handheld terminal, and lighting control device  120  further includes, as the remote controller, display  127  (one example of the remote controller) for displaying an operational screen for remotely operating luminaire  130 . Detector  121  acquires, as the operation of display  127 , an instruction from the user that is made on the operational screen. 
     With this, even when the lighting state of luminaire  130  is controlled using a handheld terminal, each time an instruction performed by the user on display  127  is acquired, it is possible to control the lighting state of luminaire  130  based on the first control information. More specifically, each time detector  121  detects an operation such as a tap, it is possible to transition the lighting state of luminaire  130  from the current lighting state to the next lighting state. For example, when a plurality of items of scene information assigned with only one lighting state is displayed on display  127  and the user selects one scene among the plurality of items of scene information to control the lighting state of the luminaire, there is a need to search for the desired scene information from among the plurality of items of scene information. On the other hand, with lighting control device  120  according to this embodiment, it is possible to transition the lighting state of luminaire  130  simply by tapping. Accordingly, lighting control device  120  improves user-friendliness. 
     Moreover, lighting control device  120  includes, as the control information, a plurality of modes including the first scene information for the current lighting state and the second scene information for the next lighting state. The plurality of modes include scene information for mutually different lighting states. Each time detector  121  acquires an operation from the user, controller  122  changes the lighting state of luminaire  130  from the current lighting state to the next lighting state indicated in the second scene information, in accordance with a predetermined mode (for example, the 5-stage dimming mode) selected by the user from among the plurality of modes. 
     With this, simply by performing a simple operation such as tapping to select a desired mode from among a plurality of modes, the user can transition the lighting states indicated in the plurality of items of scene information included in the mode. 
     Moreover, luminaire  130  includes a plurality of luminaires  130 . Display  127  displays a plurality of tags for selecting, from among the plurality of luminaires  130 , at least one luminaire  130  whose lighting state is to be controlled. Controller  122  controls the lighting state of the at least one luminaire  130  acquired via selection of one of the plurality of tags by the user. 
     This makes it possible for the user to easily select luminaire  130  to be controlled since it is possible to select luminaire  130  to be controlled via a tag. 
     The plurality of tags include “individually” (one example of the first tag), “as a group” (one example of the second tag), and “freely” (one example of the third tag). The tag “individually” is for individually selecting the at least one luminaire  130  from among the plurality of luminaires  130 . The tag “as a group” is for selecting a group including the at least one luminaire  130  from among a plurality of groups of luminaires  130 . The tag “freely” is for freely creating a group including the at least one luminaire  130  from among the plurality of luminaires  130 . 
     This makes it possible for the user to easily select at least one luminaire  130  to be controlled since it is possible for the user to select the at least one luminaire  130  to be controlled via selecting one of the plurality of tags in accordance with the at least one luminaire  130  to be controlled. 
     Moreover, as described above, lighting system  110  includes luminaire  130  and lighting control device  120  that controls a lighting state of luminaire  130  based control information stored in storage  25 . 
     This makes it possible to transition the lighting state of luminaire  130  each time display  127  is operated, based on the control information stored in storage  25 . Accordingly, lighting system  110  improves user-friendliness. 
     Other Embodiments 
     Hereinbefore, a lighting control device and a lighting system including the lighting control device have been described based on embodiments, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. 
     For example, in the above embodiments, the lighting control device is implemented as a device that is physically separate from the luminaire, but the lighting control device may be internally provided in the luminaire. In other words, the lighting control device may be implemented as an element of the luminaire. 
     Moreover, in the above embodiments, the plurality of luminaires included in the lighting system are exemplified as, but not limited to, having the same configuration. The plurality of luminaires included in the lighting system may have different configurations. For example, in Embodiment 1, the plurality of luminaires are exemplified as not including wireless communications units, but some or all of the plurality of luminaires may include a wireless communications unit. 
     Moreover, in the above embodiments, an example is given in which a plurality of lighting states and information relating to the order in which the lighting states are to be reproduced are assigned to each of four switches, but this example is not limiting. For example, when the lighting system includes a switch unit that includes a plurality of switches, it is sufficient so long as a plurality of lighting states and information relating to the order in which the lighting states are to be reproduced are assigned to at least one switch. 
     Moreover, in the above embodiments, the control information is exemplified as, but not limited to, including first control information and second control information. For example, the second control information may be omitted from the control information. Stated differently, the control information may exclusively include the first control information. In other words, the control information need not include the schedule information. 
     Moreover, in the examples given in the above embodiments, each time the remote controller is operated, the lighting state is immediately transitioned to the next lighting state indicated in the next scene information (second scene information), but this example is not limiting. For example, when the remote controller is operated, the scene information may be switched from the lighting state indicated in the current scene information (first scene information) to the lighting state indicated in the next scene information in stages over time. In other words, a fade length may be set. 
     Moreover, in the above embodiments, scene information is exemplified as including dimming rate and color temperature, but the scene information may include at least one of the dimming rate and the color temperature. 
     Moreover, in Embodiment 1, the communication between the lighting control device and the terminal device is exemplified as, but not limited to, wireless communication. For example, instead of wireless communication, wired communication, such as power line communication (PLC) or communication over a wired LAN, may be used. 
     Moreover, in the above embodiments, the lighting system is exemplified as, but not limited to, including schedule function that changes the dimming and color of the plurality of luminaires over time. The lighting system need not include a schedule function. 
     Moreover, the processing order of the operations performed by the terminal device and lighting control device in the above embodiments is merely one example. The processing order may be rearranged, and, alternatively, the processes may be performed in parallel. 
     Moreover, in the above embodiments, one group is exemplified as being assigned to one switch (for example, switch  40   a ), but this example is not limiting. A plurality of groups may be assigned to one switch. For example, the lighting state of luminaires in group  1  may be controlled when the switch is operated once, and the lighting state of luminaires in group  2  different from group  1  may be controlled when the switch is operated once again. Note that the lighting state of each of the luminaires in group  1  and group  2  may be the same and, alternatively, may be different. 
     While the foregoing has described one or more embodiments and/or other examples, it is understood that various modifications may be made therein and that the subject matter disclosed herein may be implemented in various forms and examples, and that they may be applied in numerous applications, only some of which have been described herein. It is intended by the following claims to claim any and all modifications and variations that fall within the true scope of the present teachings.