HK1227982B - Light-emitting device - Google Patents

Description

Light-emitting device

Technical Field

The invention relates to a portable lighting device.

Background Art

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-36981 describes the following: A light-emitting device for performances capable of displaying arbitrary light characters, images, or patterns in an auditorium, and a performance method using the device, are provided. The screen of a personal computer used for a lighting state control device is divided, and addresses are assigned to each divided area. For an image generated on the personal computer screen, an image address data conversion device is used to generate color data and addresses for each area, which are then wirelessly transmitted from a transmitter. The auditorium surface at a venue such as a concert is divided, and the same addresses are assigned to the auditorium areas corresponding to the divided areas on the personal computer screen. Wireless penlights with these addresses pre-set are loaned to the audience in the auditorium. A receiver receives the signal, and based on the color data transmitted along with its own address, an LED drive control circuit illuminates the red, green, and blue light-emitting units, thereby displaying an image identical to that displayed on the personal computer screen through the penlights in the auditorium.

Summary of the Invention

We are looking for a device that can provide a highly entertaining lighting experience at concert venues, etc.

One embodiment of the present invention is a portable light-emitting device, such as a light-emitting or illuminating device such as a penlight having a light-emitting portion and a grip connected thereto, a communication terminal such as a smartphone including a display portion that generates light, or a wearable terminal. The light-emitting device includes a short-range wireless communication unit that transmits and receives light-emitting patterns to and from other light-emitting devices, and a switching unit that, in response to a switching instruction caused by at least one of an activity using the light-emitting device and an activity using another light-emitting device, initiates control of the light-emitting device according to the light-emitting pattern received by the short-range wireless communication unit.

This type of light-emitting device is issued a switching instruction when other light-emitting devices enter the communication range of the short-range wireless communication unit and the user holding the light-emitting device or other users holding other light-emitting devices perform a certain activity, and the light-emitting device is controlled in the same light-emitting mode as the other light-emitting devices. For example, when the light-emitting portion of the light-emitting device is in the off state and other light-emitting devices are emitting light in a specified color or display mode, the light-emitting device contacts the other light-emitting devices, or the other light-emitting devices perform an action (activity, performance, show) such as throwing light, or perform an activity such as using the light-emitting device to extract light, thereby the light-emitting device starts to emit light in the same color or display mode as the other light-emitting devices. In addition, when the light-emitting device is brought into contact with the next different light-emitting device or when an activity such as throwing light to the next light-emitting device is performed, the next light-emitting device also emits light in the same color or display mode. Therefore, multiple light-emitting devices can be made to emit light in succession, such as a torch relay, so that a large number of users can enjoy a highly entertaining lighting process.

The lighting pattern is not limited to being on (lit up) the light-emitting portion; it can also be off (lit up) the light-emitting portion, and can also change the display mode, including the color of the light-emitting portion. The light-emitting device can not only broadcast the lighting pattern of the light-emitting portion being turned off when the light-emitting portion is on, but also broadcast a different display or color when the light-emitting portion is in the display or lit state. The light-emitting device can also include a memory and a transmitting unit, the memory storing the received lighting pattern, and the transmitting unit starting the short-range wireless communication unit to transmit the lighting pattern stored in the memory in response to the switching instruction.

A short-range wireless communication unit (proximity communication unit) can be either a short-range wireless communication unit (NFC) such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), or a short-range optical communication unit such as visible light communication and infrared communication. It is expected that data can be sent and received between devices within the range visible to the eyes and within the range reachable by the hands.

The light-emitting device may also have a first detection unit that issues a switching instruction (switching signal) by contacting other light-emitting devices. In addition, the light-emitting device may also have a sensor and a second detection unit that detects the movement of the light-emitting device. When the sensor detects the activity of using the light-emitting device, the second detection unit generates a switching instruction. In addition, the light-emitting device may also have a switching transmission unit that sends the switching instruction via a short-range wireless communication unit. An example of a sensor that detects the movement of the light-emitting device is an acceleration sensor, a magnetic sensor, etc. The sensor only needs to be able to detect actions (activities) such as using a light-emitting device to throw light at other light-emitting devices, or detect the performance of receiving or extracting light from other light-emitting devices. The user holds the light-emitting device and touches the devices together like passing a torch or performing actions such as throwing fire or light, thereby lighting or extinguishing other light-emitting devices.

The light emitting device may further include a unit for setting a new light emitting pattern, so that a user can create a light emitting pattern and transmit it to other light emitting devices.

The light-emitting device may also include: a long-distance wireless communication unit that receives information sent from a distance beyond the communication range of the short-distance wireless communication unit; and a control unit that switches the operation of the light-emitting device according to the operation mode received by the long-distance wireless communication unit. The control unit may also include a function of receiving the light-emitting mode transmitted from the long-distance wireless communication unit. The operation mode may also include controlling the transmission mode of the light-emitting device according to the received light-emitting mode. The operation of multiple light-emitting devices can be centrally controlled through long-distance wireless communication. For example, the light-emitting devices held by multiple users in the venue can be temporarily extinguished by wireless operation, and the organizer can use a device serving as an ignition torch to ignite (light up) the device of the appropriate user, so that the light is spread to the surrounding area like a torch relay. In addition, instead of controlling like a torch relay, it is also possible to perform a control such as changing the display (lighting) of the devices of multiple users at the same time.

Another aspect of the present invention is a system comprising a plurality of the above-mentioned light emitting devices, and further comprising a system control unit configured to transmit information received by the light emitting devices via a long-distance wireless communication unit.

Another different embodiment of the present invention is a method for controlling a portable lighting device, comprising the following steps.

1. Use a short-range wireless communication unit to send and receive light patterns with other light-emitting devices.

2. In response to a switching instruction caused by at least one of an activity using the lighting device and an activity using another lighting device, start controlling the lighting device according to the lighting pattern received by the short-range wireless communication unit.

The control method may further include: storing the received light emission pattern in a memory; and starting the short-range wireless communication unit to transmit the light emission pattern stored in the memory according to the switching instruction.

The control method may also include: issuing a switching instruction by contacting another light-emitting device; and/or generating a switching instruction when a sensor that detects movement of the light-emitting device detects activity using the light-emitting device. The switching instruction may also be sent via a short-range wireless communication unit.

The control method may further include switching the operation of the light emitting device according to an operation mode received by a long-distance wireless communication unit, wherein the long-distance wireless communication unit receives information transmitted from a remote location beyond the communication range of the short-distance wireless communication unit.

In the case where the light-emitting device has computer resources such as a CPU and a memory, the control method can be provided as a program (program product) for controlling the CPU. An example is a portable terminal including a display device such as a liquid crystal panel. The display portion can be used as a light-emitting portion, and the program (program product) for the portable terminal includes a command for executing the following: sending and receiving light-emitting patterns with other portable terminals via a short-range wireless communication unit; and starting to control the portable terminal according to the light-emitting pattern received by the short-range wireless communication unit based on a switching instruction caused by at least one of an activity using the portable terminal and an activity using other portable terminals. The program (program product) can be provided via the Internet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a penlight.

FIG2 is a diagram showing a light receiving and emitting unit for short-range communication.

FIG3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a motion detection unit.

FIG4 is a flowchart showing control of the penlight.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing how light is transmitted between penlights.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing different ways of transmitting light between penlights.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a system including a plurality of penlights.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 shows a penlight as an example of a light-emitting device. This penlight 1 is generally slender, cylindrical, or rod-shaped. Its upper half comprises a light-emitting unit 10, and its lower half comprises a handle (grip) 20 connected to the light-emitting unit 10. The light-emitting unit 10 includes a translucent or transparent housing 11, a light-emitting element housed within the housing 11 (in this example, an LED 12), and a light-emitting and receiving unit 15 for short-range communication (or very short-range communication). Examples of short-range communication methods include visible light communication and infrared communication.

Figures 2(a) and (b) illustrate an example of a light-receiving and light-emitting unit 15. The light-receiving and light-emitting unit 15, which transmits and receives information, includes a sensor matrix 17, which includes photoelectric sensors and light-emitting elements (LEDs for visible light communication or infrared light communication) for receiving and emitting light; and a reflector 18, which inputs or outputs visible light or infrared light, serving as a communication medium, to or from the sensor matrix 17. By adjusting the sensitivity of the photoelectric sensors in the sensor matrix 17 and the output of the light-emitting elements for communication, the light-receiving and light-emitting unit 15 enables communication within a distance of approximately tens of centimeters, within reach of a hand. In systems where light is transmitted by touch, the communication distance of the light-receiving and light-emitting unit 15 is preferably within a range of 20 to 100 cm. In systems where light is thrown at each other, the communication distance of the light-receiving and light-emitting unit 15 is preferably within a visually recognizable distance of several to tens of meters. For example, the communication distance of the light-receiving and light-emitting unit 15 can be adjusted by controlling the sensitivity of the sensor matrix 17.

One of the different examples of the light-receiving and light-emitting unit 15 is a unit in which a plurality of sensor units 16 including photoelectric sensors and LEDs for receiving and emitting light are arranged around the unit as shown in FIG2(b). The light-receiving and light-emitting unit 15 shown in FIG2(a) and (b) is of the following type: it is capable of communicating approximately equally with other pen-type flashlights 1 in all directions around the axis of the pen-type flashlight 1. The light-receiving and light-emitting unit 15 can also be a short-range wireless communication unit with directionality, for example, the communicable direction can be made consistent with the axial direction of the pen-type flashlight 1. It is possible to specify other pen-type flashlights 1 for communication. In addition, the communicable distance (communication range) can also have a specific distribution, and it is also possible that if it is a pen-type flashlight 1 far away, a specific pen-type flashlight 1 is specified for communication, and if it is a pen-type flashlight 1 nearby, communication is carried out in a state with less directionality.

As a light-emitting element for visible light communication, an LED 12 that illuminates (emit light or display color) the housing 11 of the light-emitting unit 10 may be used. Furthermore, the short-range wireless communication system that can be incorporated into the penlight 1 is not limited to visible light communication or infrared communication. Wireless communication using weak radio waves (such as NFC and ZigBee) or communication using a different medium such as sound waves may also be possible.

The penlight 1 also includes a short-range wireless communication unit (short-range communication unit) 21, which transmits and receives information (data) via the light-emitting and receiving unit 15; a touch sensor (touch detection unit) 22; a drive unit (LED driver) 23, which controls the light-emitting LED 12; and a wireless communication unit 25, which uses radio waves of an appropriate frequency band to communicate with the remote end of the short-range communication unit. Examples of the touch sensor 22 include an accelerometer (G-sensor), a vibration switch, an inductive switch (a combination of a reed switch and an electromagnetic coil), or a magnetic sensor, as long as it can sense when the penlight 1 touches another penlight or a different object (a human body). In this example, the touch sensor 22 is an accelerometer that also functions as a motion detection sensor (performance detection sensor) to detect the movement of the handle 20.

An example of the wireless communication unit 25 is a wireless communication unit such as wireless LAN or Wi-Fi with a communication range of approximately 10m to 100m or more. The wireless communication unit 25 only needs to be able to exchange information at a relatively long distance (long distance) relative to the communication range of the short-range wireless communication unit 21.

The penlight 1 also includes a CPU 30, a memory 50, and a battery 40. The memory 50 stores a program (program product) 59 executed by the CPU 30. By executing the program 59, the CPU 30 operates as a control unit having various functions. One of the functions implemented by the CPU 30 is to control the light-emitting unit 10, specifically the light emission (output) of the LED 12, according to the light emission pattern M. Specifically, the CPU (control unit) 30 includes a first function 31 for controlling the light-emitting unit 10 according to the light emission pattern M acquired by the short-range communication unit 21; a second function 32 for controlling the light-emitting unit 10 according to the light emission pattern M acquired by the wireless communication unit 25; and an activity detection unit 90 for detecting activity and outputting a switching instruction (switching signal, action instruction) S1 to control the first function 31.

In this manual, the term "lighting pattern" refers to information (data) that controls or regulates (defines) the method, style, manner, color, and sequence of light emission by the penlight 1 (the light-emitting portion 10 of the penlight 1). A lighting pattern can be communicated using either numerical information (lighting ID) or text-based commands, as long as the information (data) is appropriately interpretable between other penlights.

The activity detection unit 90 includes: a touch detection unit (first detection unit) 91, which detects through the acceleration sensor 22 that the pen-shaped flashlight 1 touches other pen-shaped flashlights 1 and outputs a switching indication S1; and a second detection unit 92, which detects that the user has performed an action (activity, performance) of moving the pen-shaped flashlight 1 to control the light (luminescence) of the pen-shaped flashlight 1 or other pen-shaped flashlights 1 and issues a switching indication S1.

The second detection unit 92 includes: a third detection unit 93, which detects whether the user moves the pen-shaped flashlight 1 by receiving light or extracting light to control the pen-shaped flashlight 1 (controls the activity, internal action instructions, and internal factors of his own pen-shaped flashlight 1); and a fourth detection unit 94, which detects whether the user moves the pen-shaped flashlight 1 by throwing light or throwing the pen-shaped flashlight itself to control other pen-shaped flashlights 1 (controls the activity, external action instructions, and external factors of other pen-shaped flashlights 1).

The activity detection unit 90 also includes: a switching indication sending unit (switching indication communicating unit) 95, which sends (communicates) a switching indication (switching signal) S1 through the short-range communication unit 21 when the fourth detection unit 94 detects an activity that controls other pen-shaped flashlights 1; and a switching indication receiving unit 96, which receives the switching indication S1 from other pen-shaped flashlights 1 through the short-range communication unit 21.

The light-emitting mode M (light-emitting ID) reflected on the light-emitting unit 10 by the switching instruction S1 includes a plurality of IDs, and the plurality of IDs specify a plurality of display modes including turning the light-emitting unit 10 on and off (lighting up, extinguishing). The display modes controlled according to the light-emitting mode M include lighting in white, lighting in a specified color, repeatedly displaying a plurality of colors according to a specified algorithm or randomly, or fading in and out when the color display is switched. The light-emitting mode M (light-emitting ID) only needs to specify a state (action, display, control) that can be achieved by the LED 12 and the drive unit 23 of the light-emitting unit 10. The light-emitting mode M containing any one of the IDs representing the plurality of display modes is provided or communicated by the communication unit 21 or 25, and the light-emitting device 1 emits light according to the light-emitting mode M communicated by the switching instruction S1. The light-emitting device 1 also includes an interface 39 that can be used by the user to set the light-emitting ID, and can set the light-emitting mode M desired by the user in the memory 50.

The first function (first function unit, first unit) 31 includes a first lighting pattern receiving function (first lighting pattern receiving unit) 33 that stores the lighting pattern M received via the short-range communication unit 21 as the next lighting pattern to be emitted (the received lighting pattern, the next lighting pattern) M2 in the memory 50; and a first switching function (first switching unit) 34 that starts controlling the light emitting unit 10 according to the received lighting pattern M2 to change the lighting mode of the light emitting unit 10. When the activity detection unit 90 detects activity and outputs a switching instruction S1 as an action instruction, the first switching unit 34 sets the next lighting pattern M2 to the currently active lighting pattern M1 and controls the light emitting unit 10. The first switching unit 34 includes a transmission function (transmission unit) that outputs information including the currently active lighting pattern M1 via the short-range wireless communication unit 21 simultaneously or sequentially.

Specifically, this penlight (light-emitting device) 1 includes a near-field wireless communication unit 21 and a control unit 30. The control unit 30 controls the operation of the light-emitting portion 10 when detecting an indication of an operation caused by the motion of another device. The control unit 30 includes a function 33 for storing the received light-emitting pattern M in memory 50 when the near-field wireless communication unit 21 receives first information including an operating light-emitting pattern M from the light-emitting portion of the other device. Furthermore, a first function 31 for controlling the light-emitting portion 10 of the device 1 according to the received light-emitting pattern when the activity detection unit (external operation detection unit) 90 detects contact with the other device, for example, outputs information including the operating light-emitting pattern M via the near-field wireless communication unit 21.

The second function (second function unit, second unit) 32 includes a second switching function (second switching unit, wireless control function, wireless control unit) 35 for controlling the light emitting unit 10 by setting the lighting pattern M received via the wireless communication unit 25 as the currently active lighting pattern M1; and a third function (third unit) 36 for controlling the switching of the light emitting unit 10 in response to a switching instruction S1 output by the activity detection unit 90 in response to detection of activity. The third function 36 includes a second lighting pattern receiving function 37 for storing the lighting pattern M received via the wireless communication unit 25 as the next lighting pattern to be emitted (the received lighting pattern, the next lighting pattern) M2 in the memory 50; and a third switching function (third switching unit) 38 for controlling the light emitting unit 10 by setting the next lighting pattern M2 to the currently active lighting pattern M1 when the activity detection unit 90 detects activity.

That is, the second information received via the wireless communication unit 25 may also include the next lighting pattern M2 to be executed. The second functional unit 32 includes a function 37 for storing the next lighting pattern M2 in the memory 50 if the received second information includes the next lighting pattern M2; and a third switching function 38 for controlling the light emitting unit 10 of the penlight 1 by selecting the next lighting pattern M2 when the activity detection unit 90 detects contact with another device or other activity. Users of each penlight 1 can change the behavior of the light emitting unit 10 of their respective penlights 1 by touching or contacting their respective penlights or performing some other action while holding the grip 20 of the penlight 1. Furthermore, users can enjoy the changes in color or display caused by tapping their own penlight 1 or contacting another user's penlight 1.

Figure 3 shows an activity detection unit 90 that indicates the movement of the penlight 1 with a switching instruction S1. Activity detection unit 90 supplies switching instructions S1 to first switching unit 34 and third switching unit 38 based on a predetermined activity involving the use of the penlight 1 and a predetermined activity involving the use of another (other) penlight 1. When the acceleration sensor 22 detects contact with another penlight 1, touch detection unit 91 outputs switching instruction S1. Whether the user of the penlight 1 is moving and touching the other penlight 1, the other person is moving, or both are moving and detecting contact, touch detection unit 91 outputs switching signal S1.

When the acceleration sensor 22 identifies (detects) that the user is moving his own penlight 1 in a manner such as to receive or extract light (flame) from the light-emitting portion 10 of the other party's penlight 1, the third detection unit 93 outputs a switching instruction S1 to control the light-emitting portion 10 of his own penlight 1.

When the acceleration sensor 22 detects an action in which a user grasps the handle 20 and throws or releases the penlight 1 with the light emitting unit 10 toward an opponent, the fourth detection unit 94 outputs a switching instruction S1 to the switching instruction transmission unit (switching instruction communication unit) 95. The acceleration sensor 22 can capture an action that resembles the light (flame) from the light emitting unit 10 flying toward the opponent's penlight 1 as a sudden change in the acceleration of the handle 20. The motion detected by the motion detection unit 90 is merely an example and is not limited thereto.

When the fourth detection unit 94 detects an action indicating the movement of another penflash 1, the switching instruction transmitting unit 95 transmits information (first information, movement command, movement instruction command, command) 98 including a switching instruction (movement instruction) S1 to the other penflash 1 via the short-range wireless communication unit 21. Upon receiving the movement command 98 from the other penflash 1 via the short-range wireless communication unit 21, the switching instruction receiving unit 96 supplies the switching instruction S1 to the first switching unit 34 and the third switching unit 38.

FIG4 shows an example of a control method for penlight 1. This control method is provided as a program 59 and is executed by being loaded into CPU 30. In step 61, near-field communication unit 21 receives information. If information (first information) including a light pattern M is received in step 62, then in step 63, the light pattern M received by first light pattern receiving unit 33 is stored in memory 50 as the next light pattern M2. The light pattern M received by near-field communication unit 21 is a light pattern M currently being used by another penlight 1 operating within the communication distance of near-field communication unit 21.

If the information received by the near-field communication unit 21 in step 64 includes a switching instruction S1, the switching instruction receiving unit 96 outputs the switching instruction S1 in step 65. If the motion detection unit 90 detects a touch in step 66, the switching instruction S1 is output. Furthermore, if the motion detection unit 90 detects an action of operating the penlight 1 in step 70, the switching instruction S1 is output. Based on the switching instruction S1, in step 67, the first switching unit 34 or the third switching unit 38 sets the next lighting pattern M2 stored in the memory 50 to the active lighting pattern M1, thereby controlling the light emitting unit 10. For example, if the received lighting pattern M2 is a mode that causes the light emitting unit 10 to emit light like flames, the lighting pattern M2 received by touching the other penlight 1 is set as the active lighting pattern M1, and the light emitting unit 10 displays the color of flames and oscillates.

If the short-range communication unit 21 becomes capable of communication in step 68 , the first switching unit 34 transmits information (communication packet) for short-range communication including the operating light-emitting pattern M1 to other surrounding penlights 1 in step 69 .

When the activity detection unit 90 detects the operation of another person's penlight 1 in step 71 , the switching instruction sending unit 95 generates an action instruction command 98 including a switching instruction S1 and sends the action instruction command 98 to other surrounding penlights 1 in step 72 .

When the wireless communication unit 25 receives information (second information, wireless communication packet) containing the light pattern M in step 73, the second functional unit 32 determines in step 74 based on the information contained in the wireless communication packet whether the received light pattern M is the light pattern M1 for immediate operation or the next light pattern M2. If the received light pattern M is the next light pattern M2, the second light pattern receiving unit 37 stores the received light pattern M as the next light pattern M2 in the memory 50 in step 75. On the other hand, if the received light pattern M is the light pattern M for immediate operation, the second switching unit 35 controls the light emitting unit 10 using the received light pattern M as the currently operating light pattern M1 in step 76. For example, if the received light pattern M for immediate operation is the off mode, the second switching unit 35 turns off the light emitting unit 10.

The second functional unit 32 includes a function for receiving and interpreting commands instructing other actions, including or excluding the lighting mode M. For example, the second functional unit 32 can receive a command via the wireless communication unit 25 to switch the operating mode of the penlight 1 between a mode in which the lighting state is switched by detecting an activity and a mode in which the lighting state is switched based on wireless instructions without detecting an activity, or between a mode in which the lighting state is switched based on detecting an activity and a mode in which the lighting state is switched locally by the user without detecting an activity.

Figure 5 shows multiple penlights 1 being lit like a torch relay. The penlights 1 have a size and structure that allows for safe waving, with a total length of less than 250 mm. The light-emitting portion 10 has a diameter of approximately 15 mm, and the device portion (handle) 20 has a diameter of approximately 25 mm, making it easy to hold. They are equipped with four batteries 40, and the circuit board carrying the CPU 30 and memory 50 can be compacted to approximately 15 mm x 40 mm, making it easily retractable within the handle 20.

As shown in FIG5(a), penflash 1a is emitting light in a lighting pattern (electronic candle lighting pattern) Mc, which uses an amber-based color to create a flickering image of flames. When another penflash 1a approaches its own penflash 1b and enters the communication range (e.g., within reach) of its short-range communication unit 21, which uses visible light or infrared light as a medium (e.g., within hand reach), its own penflash 1b receives the communication packet containing the lighting pattern Mc and stores the received lighting pattern Mc in memory 50 as the next lighting pattern M2.

When another penlight 1a touches your own penlight 1b, as shown in Figure 5(b), the first switching unit 34 of your own penlight 1b uses the previously received lighting pattern Mc as the active lighting pattern M1 and begins controlling the light-emitting unit 10. Consequently, as shown in Figure 5(c), your own penlight 1b emits light in the electronic candle lighting mode Mc. Simultaneously, the first switching unit 34 transmits a communication packet containing the active lighting pattern Mc to the surrounding area via the short-range communication unit 21. Therefore, when your own penlight 1b is brought close to and touches another person's penlight 1, it also emits light in the electronic candle lighting mode Mc.

When a penlight 1 receives a lighting pattern (lighting ID) via near-field communication, the receiving penlight 1 enters a standby state for lighting. When the accelerometer 22 detects a touch, lighting is turned on. Furthermore, transmission of the timed lighting pattern is also turned on. Therefore, by using a penlight 1, rather than turning each penlight 1 on and off individually, users can instead turn each penlight 1 on and off through collaboration with other users or instructions from other users. In this example, this involves touching the light-emitting portions 10 of the penlights 1 together, causing the other penlight 1 to illuminate in the same manner as their own penlight 1.

FIG6 illustrates different situations in which multiple penlights 1 are illuminated. As shown in FIG6(a), when another user's penlight 1a approaches one's own penlight 1b and enters the communication range of the short-range communication unit 21, for example, a distance clearly discernible by the naked eye (visually), one's own penlight 1b receives a communication packet containing the light emission pattern Mc and stores it in memory 50.

When the other user waves the penlight 1a toward the user's penlight 1b as shown in FIG. 6( b ), the activity detection unit 90 of the penlight 1a detects the activity, and the switching instruction sending unit 95 sends a command 98 including a switching instruction S1 via the short-range communication unit 21 .

As shown in Figure 6(d), when the switching instruction receiving unit 96 of the user's penflash 1b receives a command 98 including a switching instruction S1, it outputs the switching instruction S1, causing the user's penflash 1b to illuminate in the same lighting pattern Mc as the other user's penflash 1a. Simultaneously, the first switching unit 34 transmits a communication packet including the active lighting pattern Mc to the surrounding area via the short-range communication unit 21. Therefore, when the user's penflash 1b is waved toward a different penflash 1, that penflash 1 also illuminates in the same lighting pattern Mc.

When a user waves their penlight 1b to receive light from another user's penlight 1a, as shown in FIG6(c), their penlight 1b's motion detection unit 90 outputs a switching instruction S1. Consequently, similar to FIG6(d), their penlight 1b emits light in the same light emission pattern Mc as the other user's penlight 1a.

Therefore, with respect to this penlight 1, by waving it toward another person in a manner that throws light, it is possible to cause penlights 1 located nearby or at a certain distance to successively light up in the same color or pattern, and also to cause penlights 1 located nearby or at a certain distance to successively turn off in the same color or pattern. Furthermore, by holding the penlight 1 and performing an action such as receiving light, it is possible to cause the penlight 1 to light up in the same color or pattern as the penlight 1 located nearby or at a certain distance.

Furthermore, the penlight 1 can transmit light when the motion of one's own penlight 1b is synchronized with that of another user's penlight 1a, for example, when a throwing motion is synchronized with a receiving motion. For example, control can be implemented such that the lighting mode is switched when the timing of receiving a command 98 including a switching instruction S1 via the near-field communication unit 21 and the timing of outputting the switching instruction S1 through the movement of one's own penlight 1 coincide within a predetermined time difference. Furthermore, by limiting the types of synchronized movements or performances, players can throw light at each other in a game-like manner.

FIG7 shows a system 85 comprising multiple penlights 1 and a system control unit 80 that wirelessly transmits communication packets containing lighting patterns to control the multiple penlights 1. First, the system control unit 80 transmits an off pattern to the multiple penlights 1, thereby extinguishing the penlights 1. In each penlight 1, the second functional unit 32 interprets the off pattern as a lighting pattern for immediate execution, and the second switching unit 35 switches the operation of the light emitting portion 10.

Next, a penflash 1, previously illuminated in the illumination pattern Mc, is brought close to or into contact with another penflash 1. Alternatively, the penflash 1 is waved toward the other penflash 1. By repeating these actions (movements) between users holding penflashes 1, the penflashes 1 can be illuminated in succession using the same display pattern. Thus, by sensing contact (touch) between penflashes and controlling the timing of illumination, a torch-passing performance can be enjoyed by a large number of users. Furthermore, by throwing fire from a distance to illuminate the other penflash 1 and transmitting light, a magic wand-like pattern of illumination can be used to continuously illuminate the penflash 1, allowing a large number of users to enjoy the experience.

As described above, multiple penlights 1 can be temporarily extinguished and then successively lit to enjoy the transfer of flames or other colors of light. Alternatively, multiple penlights 1 can be extinguished one after another while they are lit. Furthermore, multiple penlights 1 lit in different patterns can be brought into alignment with a specific pattern by approaching and touching them or virtually throwing light (flames) at each other.

The penlight 1 can also receive a lighting pattern M from the system control unit 80 at any time via the wireless communication unit 25 and control the lighting (color and display) of the penlight 1 according to the lighting pattern M. Thus, the lighting of multiple penlights 1 can be controlled synchronously, or a random lighting pattern M can be wirelessly transmitted to cause multiple penlights 1 to emit light at random colors and timings.

Furthermore, the system control unit 80 can transmit the next lighting pattern M to multiple penlights 1. By touching the penlights 1 against each other, tapping them, or waving them, the penlights 1 can be individually illuminated in the next lighting pattern M at various timings. This allows multiple penlights 1 to be used in various performances, allowing for concerts and competitions where the audience and the stage become one, and the audience members themselves become one.

In the above content, the pen-shaped flashlight 1 is used as an example for explanation, but the portable light-emitting device can be any device as long as it includes a light-emitting part, and it can also be a portable terminal that uses a display unit such as a liquid crystal display panel as a light-emitting unit. The same performance as described above can be enjoyed by downloading or attaching a program including the above-mentioned functions to a portable terminal such as a smartphone. Functions such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or infrared communication possessed by smartphones can be used as short-range communication of the present invention. In addition, the acceleration sensor possessed by smartphones can be used to detect contact between smartphones or detect other activities. Therefore, it is also possible to use smartphones to enjoy the above-mentioned light games such as the torch relay and other programs.

Light-emitting devices that include a light-emitting unit specifically for illumination or lighting are not limited to penlights and may also be spherical, disc-shaped, or other shaped lamps. They may also include a handle connected to the light-emitting unit, or the light-emitting unit may be directly grasped. Light-emitting devices may also be wearable lamps such as watches, or terminals that include display functions.

The above-described performance is an example of a performance performed using the light-emitting device of the present invention. Other activities can also be linked to the transmission and reception of light, and various performances and games can be enjoyed using the light-emitting device of the present invention.

Claims (15)

1. A portable light-emitting device, comprising: A short-range wireless communication unit that transmits and receives light emission modes with other light-emitting devices; An activity detection unit outputs a switching indication caused by at least one of the activities using the light-emitting device and the activities using other light-emitting devices; A memory that stores the next emission pattern received by the near-field wireless communication unit; and A switching unit, which, according to the switching instruction, begins to control the light-emitting device according to the light-emitting pattern stored in the memory. 2. The light-emitting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also has a transmitting unit that, according to the switching instruction, initiates the transmission of the light emission pattern stored in the memory by the near-field wireless communication unit. 3. The light-emitting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The activity detection unit has a first detection unit that issues the switching instruction by contacting other light-emitting devices. 4. The light-emitting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the activity detection unit comprises: A sensor that detects the movement of the light-emitting device; and The second detection unit generates the switching instruction when the sensor detects activity using the light-emitting device. 5. The light-emitting device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The activity detection unit has a handover indication sending unit, which sends the handover indication through the short-range wireless communication unit. 6. The light-emitting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also has a unit for setting new light emission modes. 7. The light-emitting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it further comprises: A long-range wireless communication unit that receives information from a distance beyond the communication range of the short-range wireless communication unit; and The control unit switches the operation of the light-emitting device according to the operating mode received by the long-distance wireless communication unit. The operating mode includes a mode that immediately controls the light-emitting device based on the received light-emitting pattern. 8. The light-emitting device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The control unit includes the function of receiving the light emission pattern transmitted from the long-distance wireless communication unit. 9. A system having a plurality of light-emitting devices according to claim 7 or 8, It also has a system control unit that transmits information received by the long-distance wireless communication unit. 10. A method for controlling a portable light-emitting device, comprising: The light emission pattern is transmitted and received with other light-emitting devices via a short-range wireless communication unit. The next emission pattern received by the near-field wireless communication unit is stored in the memory; The switching indication output step outputs a switching indication caused by at least one of the activities of using the light-emitting device and using other light-emitting devices; and According to the switching instruction, control of the light-emitting device is initiated based on the light-emitting mode stored in the memory. 11. The control method according to claim 10, characterized in that it further comprises: According to the switching instruction, the near-field wireless communication unit begins transmitting the light emission pattern stored in the memory. 12. The control method according to claim 10, wherein the switching indication output step includes: The switching instruction is emitted by contacting other light-emitting devices. 13. The control method according to claim 10, wherein the switching indication output step includes: The switching instruction is generated when activity using the light-emitting device is detected by a sensor that detects the movement of the light-emitting device. 14. The control method according to claim 13, characterized in that it further comprises: The handover instruction is transmitted via the short-range wireless communication unit. 15. The control method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that it further comprises: The operation of the light-emitting device is switched according to the operation mode received by the long-range wireless communication unit, which receives information from a distance beyond the communication range of the short-range wireless communication unit. The operating mode includes a mode that immediately controls the light-emitting device based on the received light-emitting pattern.