Lighting device and lighting system

Abstract

A lighting device that connects one or more first devices (11) contained in a first local network to one or more second devices (21) contained in a second local network that is different from the first local network, wherein the lighting device comprises: a first processor configured to communicate wirelessly with the one or more first devices (11) via a first communication protocol; a second processor configured to communicate wirelessly with the one or more second devices (21) via a second communication protocol different from the first communication protocol; a controller configured to switch between causing the first processor to communicate wirelessly with the one or more first devices (11) and causing the second processor to communicate wirelessly with the one or more second devices (21); a power supply (143) configured to power a light source (141); and a lighting control (142) configured to control light emission through the light source (141) based on the current from the power supply (143), the control system is further configured such that: when the first processor receives initial information from the one or more first devices (11), it causes the second processor to send the initial information to the one or more second devices (21) via the second communication protocol; and when the second processor receives a second piece of information from the one or more second devices (21), it causes the first processor to send the second piece of information to the one or more first devices (11) via the first communication protocol, and the lighting control (142) is configured to cause the light source (141) to emit light according to one of the lighting scenes, one of which is based on the first information and one of which is based on the second information.

Description

[Field of technology]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lighting device. [State of the art]

[0002] JP 2017-502475 A discloses a lighting system comprising a local lighting system and a remote lighting system. The local lighting system comprises a single group of light sources, and the remote lighting system comprises a different group of light sources and uses a wireless communication method different from that used by the local lighting system. This lighting system connects the local and remote lighting systems via a wide-area computing network, which includes the internet.

[0003] US 2016 / 0337143 A1 discloses a lighting device that uses the physical or virtual separation of elements within the lighting device to isolate a first data part for transmission to a first data network from a second data part for transmission to a second data network. The first data part relates to a first signal generated in response to a first detected state. The second data part can relate to the first signal or to a second signal generated in response to either the first or second detected state. The lighting device uses a first communication interface for transmitting the first data part to the first data network and a second communication interface for transmitting the second data part to the second data network.

[0004] KR1020160079224 A discloses a device and a method for converting a signal to control a lamp switch. The signal conversion device controls a lamp switch, a socket switch, or a gas valve switch using RF communication via a signal conversion transceiver and a Bluetooth-enabled smart device. [Summary of the invention][Technical problem]

[0005] With such a lighting system, communication between the local and remote lighting systems can only take place via the internet; the local and remote lighting systems cannot communicate via local connections. Accordingly, if the local and remote lighting systems use different communication protocols, they are forced to communicate over the internet. This slows down communication between the local and remote lighting systems.

[0006] In view of this, the present disclosure aims to provide a lighting device capable of increasing communication speeds between two different local networks. [Technical solution]

[0007] A lighting device according to the present invention is defined in claims 1 and 9. Preferred embodiments are defined in claims 2 to 8, 10 and 11. [Advantageous effects of the invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to increase communication speeds between two different local networks. [Brief description of the drawings] Fig. Figure 1 schematically represents a lighting system according to embodiment 1; Fig. Figure 2 is a block diagram of a lighting system according to embodiment 1; Fig. 3 represents operations performed by a third lighting device in a lighting system according to embodiment 1; Fig. Figure 4 is a sequence diagram representing operations performed by a lighting system according to embodiment 1; Fig. Figure 5 is a sequence diagram representing operations performed by a lighting system according to embodiment 1; Fig. Figure 6 is a block diagram of a lighting system according to embodiment 2; Fig. 7 represents operations performed by a communication device in a lighting system according to embodiment 2; Fig. Figure 8 is a sequence diagram representing operations performed by a lighting system according to embodiment 2; and Fig. Figure 9 is a sequence diagram representing operations performed by a lighting system according to embodiment 2. [Description of the embodiments]

[0009] The following describes embodiments with reference to the drawings. Each embodiment described below represents a preferred, specific example of the present disclosure. The numerical values, shapes, materials, elements, arrangement and connection of the elements, steps, sequence of steps, etc., specified in the following embodiments are only examples and are therefore not intended to limit the present disclosure. Therefore, among the elements in the following embodiments, those not cited in one of the broadest, independent claims are described as optional elements.

[0010] Please note that the drawings are schematic and not necessarily precise representations. Furthermore, similar reference symbols point to similar elements in the drawings, and overlapping descriptions of these elements are omitted or simplified.

[0011] Lighting devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure are described below. EXECUTION FORM 1 (Configuration)

[0012] Fig. Figure 1 schematically represents a lighting system 1 according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 2 is a block diagram of a lighting system 1 according to embodiment 1.

[0013] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, lighting system 1 includes, for example, a plurality of lighting devices and a third lighting device 30, each lighting device incorporating a wireless communication function. In lighting system 1, a local area network (LAN) is formed from a plurality of lighting devices by neighboring lighting devices communicating wirelessly with each other and forming wireless communication paths. The LAN can be established between lighting devices with a predetermined number of hops. Here, a LAN refers to a network of wireless communication paths between lighting devices.

[0014] Lighting system 1 comprises a first local area network (LAN) 10, a second local area network (LAN) 20, and a third lighting device 30. If the communication protocol used in the first LAN 10 and the communication protocol used in the second LAN 20 are different, a control command for the lighting devices can be shared between the first LAN 10 and the second LAN 20 in lighting system 1. This control command specifies a lighting scene in which one or more combinations of dimming control and color control parameters, such as those for controlling the hue or color temperature of light, are reproduced by the lighting devices.

[0015] Note that in this embodiment the first local network 10 and the second local network 20 are shown by way of example to communicate wirelessly via a third lighting device 30, but a first mesh network can be used as an example for the first local network 10, and a different second mesh network can be used as an example for the second local network 20. (First local network)

[0016] The first local area network 10 is a local area network that includes one or more first lighting devices 11 and is distinct from the second local area network 20. A proportion of the one or more first lighting devices 11 are connected to the third lighting device 30 in such a way that a wireless connection is possible. Each first lighting device 11 is capable of communicating with a communication terminal that is capable of controlling each first lighting device 11. In the first local area network 10, first lighting devices 11 communicate wirelessly with each other using a wireless communication method according to the first communication protocol. The first lighting device 11 is an example of the first device. Note that the first device is not limited to a lighting device and can also be another device such as an air conditioner, a printer, a smartphone, etc.may be.

[0017] Each first lighting device 11 is, for example, a ceiling light or a downlight and is installed in a part of a building, such as a ceiling or a wall. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, each first lighting device 11 includes a first light-emitting module 111, a first communication unit 114, a first lighting control unit 112 and a first power supply unit 113.

[0018] The dimming and color of light emitted by a first light-emitting module 111 is controlled by the first lighting control unit 112. The first light-emitting module 111 comprises a substrate and a plurality of light-emitting elements mounted on the substrate.

[0019] The substrate is an approximately rectangular, printed substrate for mounting the majority of light-emitting elements. Examples of substrates include a resin substrate, which incorporates a resin as a base material; a metal-based substrate, which incorporates a metal as a base material; and a ceramic substrate, which incorporates a ceramic material.

[0020] The light-emitting elements are mounted on the substrate. Each light-emitting element contains a light-emitting diode (LED). In this embodiment, each light-emitting element is an RGB LED element that emits red, green, and blue light. The light-emitting elements are not limited to RGB elements that emit light in the three colors red, green, and blue; the light-emitting elements can be RGBW elements that emit light in the four colors red, green, blue, and white, and they can be BW elements that emit light in the two colors blue and white.

[0021] A first communication unit 114 includes an antenna and a wireless module. The first communication unit 114 in a given first lighting device 11 is located at a position that enables wireless communication with the third lighting device 30. The first communication unit 114 receives a second control command, which, for example, indicates a lighting scene set in the second local network 20, and sends a first control command, which, for example, indicates a lighting scene set in the first local network 10. The first control command is an example of the first information.

[0022] Furthermore, the first communication unit 114 in a given first lighting device 11 communicates wirelessly with the first communication unit 114 contained in another first lighting device 11. This allows each first lighting device 11 to communicate with another nearby lighting device 11. The wireless communication method is, for example, WiFi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or ZigBee (registered trademark) according to IEEE 802.15.1. In this embodiment, wireless communication is carried out over the 2.4 GHz frequency band.

[0023] In this embodiment, the first local network 10 is a ZigBee network that uses mesh routing. ZigBee uses mesh routing to determine an optimal route within the network.

[0024] The first lighting control unit 112 is electrically connected to the first light-emitting module 111, the first communication unit 114, and the first power supply unit 113. For example, the first lighting control unit 112 can control the dimming and color of light emitted by the first light-emitting module 111 by controlling the dimming circuit and the color-adjusting circuit in the first light-emitting module 111.

[0025] The first lighting control unit 112 can, for example, be implemented using a microcomputer that includes a central processing unit (CPU). The first lighting control unit 112 can perform predefined lighting control operations, for example, by executing a suitable program stored in a memory unit. The memory unit can be implemented using non-volatile semiconductor memory such as flash memory or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM).

[0026] The first power supply unit 113 converts alternating current power provided by a supply network into direct current power of a predetermined level, for example by rectifying, smoothing and reducing the alternating current power, and supplies the first light-emitting module 111 with the converted direct current power via the first lighting control unit 112. (Second local network)

[0027] The second local area network 20 is a local area network that includes one or more second lighting devices 21. A proportion of the one or more second lighting devices 21 are wirelessly connected to the third lighting device 30. Each second lighting device 21 is capable of communicating with a communication terminal, which is capable of controlling each second lighting device 21. In the second local area network 20, the second lighting devices 21 communicate wirelessly with each other using a wireless communication method according to a second communication protocol that is different from the first communication protocol. The second lighting device 21 is an example of the second device. Note that the second device is not limited to a lighting device and can also be another device such as an air conditioner, a printer, a smartphone, etc.may be.

[0028] Every second lighting device 21, for example, is a ceiling light or a downlight and is installed in a part of a building, such as a ceiling or a wall. Every second lighting device 21 includes a second light-emitting module 121, a second communication unit 124, a second lighting control unit 122, and a second power supply unit 123.

[0029] The dimming and color of light emitted by a second light-emitting module 121 are controlled by the second lighting control unit 122. The second light-emitting module 121 comprises a substrate and a plurality of light-emitting elements mounted on the substrate.

[0030] The substrate is an approximately rectangular, printed substrate for mounting the majority of light-emitting elements. Examples of substrates include a resin substrate, which incorporates a resin as a base material; a metal-based substrate, which incorporates a metal as a base material; and a ceramic substrate, which incorporates a ceramic material.

[0031] The light-emitting elements are mounted on the substrate. Each light-emitting element contains a light-emitting diode (LED). In this embodiment, each light-emitting element is an RGB LED element that emits red, green, and blue light. The light-emitting elements are not limited to RGB elements that emit light in the three colors red, green, and blue; the light-emitting elements can be RGBW elements that emit light in the four colors red, green, blue, and white, and they can be BW elements that emit light in the two colors blue and white.

[0032] A second communication unit 124 includes an antenna and a wireless module. The second communication unit 124 in a given second lighting device 21 is positioned to enable wireless communication with the third lighting device 30. The second communication unit 124 receives a first control command, which, for example, indicates a lighting scene set in the first local network 10, and sends a second control command, which, for example, indicates a lighting scene set in the second local network 20. The second control command is an example of the second piece of information.

[0033] Furthermore, the second communication unit 124 in a given second lighting device 21 communicates wirelessly with the second communication unit 124 contained in another second lighting device 21. This allows each second lighting device 21 to communicate with another nearby second lighting device 21.

[0034] The wireless communication method is, for example, WiFi (registered trademark) according to IEEE 802.11, or Bluetooth (registered trademark) or ZigBee according to IEEE 802.15.1. In this embodiment, wireless communication is carried out over the 2.4 GHz frequency band.

[0035] In this embodiment, the second local area network 20 is a Bluetooth (registered trademark) mesh network that uses managed flooding to optimize the data forwarded to all nodes connected to the second local area network 20. For example, when a device sends a message (a packet), a receiving device forwards the transmission to surrounding devices so that the message reaches all devices capable of communication. However, if the message is not regulated, it will flood the network. Accordingly, a control mechanism is implemented that, for example, prevents a message that has been sent from being retransmitted or limits the number of times a message can be forwarded.

[0036] The second lighting control unit 122 is electrically connected to the second light-emitting module 121, the second communication unit 124, and the second power supply unit 123. For example, the second lighting control unit 122 can control the dimming and color of light emitted by the second light-emitting module 121 by controlling the dimming circuit and the color-adjusting circuit in the second light-emitting module 121.

[0037] The second lighting control unit 122 can, for example, be implemented using a microcomputer that includes a central processing unit (CPU). The second lighting control unit 122 can perform predefined lighting control operations, for example, by executing a suitable program stored in a memory unit.

[0038] The second power supply unit 123 converts alternating current power provided by a supply network into direct current power of a predetermined level, for example by rectifying, smoothing and reducing the alternating current power, and supplies the second light-emitting module 121 with the converted direct current power via the second lighting control unit 122. (Third lighting device)

[0039] The third lighting device 30 is, for example, a ceiling light or a downlight and is installed in a part of a building, such as a ceiling or a wall. The third lighting device 30 includes a communication device 130, a third light-emitting module 141, a third lighting control unit 142, and a third power supply unit 143.

[0040] The communication device 130 is a gateway device that wirelessly connects one or more first lighting devices 11, contained in the first local area network 10, with one or more second lighting devices 21, contained in the second local area network 20, which is different from the first local area network 10. The communication device 130 can communicate wirelessly bidirectionally with the first local area network 10, which communicates wirelessly using the first communication protocol, and it can communicate wirelessly bidirectionally with the second local area network 20, which communicates wirelessly using the second communication protocol, which is different from the first communication protocol. In other words, the communication device 130 is capable of multiprotocol wireless communication.

[0041] The communication device 130 includes a single integrated semiconductor circuit 32, a third communication unit 34 and a radio frequency (RF) unit 33.

[0042] The single integrated semiconductor circuit 32 is a single IC chip. The integrated semiconductor circuit 32 is, for example, composed of a microprocessor, a ROM, and a RAM. The integrated semiconductor circuit 32 includes a control unit 31 (an example of the controller), a first processor unit 131 (an example of the first processor), and a second processor unit 132 (an example of the second processor).

[0043] Control Unit 31 is a host controller that manages processes executed, for example, by the first processor unit 131 and the second processor unit 132, which are contained within Control Unit 31. Control Unit 31 encompasses the five highest layers of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model. The first processor unit 131 and the second processor unit 132 are located in the lowest, physical layer of the OSI reference model.

[0044] The first processor unit 131 is connected between the control unit 31 and the RF unit 33. The first processor unit 131 communicates wirelessly with one or more first lighting devices 11, which are included in the first local area network 10, using the first communication protocol. The first processor unit 131 uses a communication protocol that does not include an IP stack. Examples of communication protocols that do not include an IP stack are ZigBee and Bluetooth (registered trademark). An IP stack is a stack of IP layers capable of parsing an IP address. In this embodiment, the first processor unit 131 is a ZigBee chip for performing wireless communication using the first communication protocol, i.e., ZigBee.

[0045] The first processor unit 131 sends the second control command to a first lighting device 11 and receives the first control command from a first lighting device 11 by wireless communication with the first lighting device 11 via the RF unit 33 and the third communication unit 34, using the first communication protocol.

[0046] The second processor unit 132 is connected in parallel to the first processor unit 131 between the control unit 31 and the RF unit 33. The second processor unit 132 communicates wirelessly with one or more second lighting devices 21, which are included in the second local area network 20, using the second communication protocol. In other words, the second processor unit 132 uses a communication protocol that is different from the communication protocol used by the first processor unit 131. The second processor unit 132 uses a communication protocol that does not include an IP stack. In this embodiment, the second processor unit is a Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip for performing wireless communication using the second communication protocol, i.e., Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0047] The second processor unit 132 sends the first control command to one or more second lighting devices 21 and receives the second control command from one or more second lighting devices 21 by the third lighting device 30 communicating wirelessly with one or more second lighting devices 21 via the RF unit 33 and the third communication unit 34 using the second communication protocol.

[0048] Accordingly, the control unit 31 switches between instructing the first processor unit 131 to communicate wirelessly with the one or more first lighting devices 11 and instructing the second processor unit 132 to communicate wirelessly with the one or more second lighting devices 21. When the first processor unit 131 receives a first control command from the one or more first lighting devices 11, the control unit 31 instructs the second processor unit 132 to send the first control command to the one or more second lighting devices 21 via the second communication protocol.When the second processor unit 132 receives a second control command from the one or more second lighting devices 21, the control unit 31 causes the first processor unit 131 to send the second control command to the one or more first lighting devices 11 via the first communication protocol.

[0049] In this embodiment, when communication between the first lighting device 11 and the third lighting device 30 takes place via ZigBee, the control unit 31 receives the first control command that the first processor unit 131 received from the one or more first lighting devices 11. The control unit 31 then outputs the first control command received by the first processor unit 131 via ZigBee to the second processor unit 132. The second processor unit 132 sends the received first control command to one or more second lighting devices 21 via Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0050] Furthermore, the control unit 31 performs mutually exclusive wireless communication using the first processor unit 131 and wireless communication using the second processor unit 132. Specifically, the first processor unit 131 and the second processor unit 132 intermittently receive control commands at fixed reception intervals and reception windows. In this embodiment, the reception window in which the first processor unit 131 can receive the first control command is referred to as a scan window, and the reception interval between scan windows is referred to as a scan interval. The same applies to the second processor unit 132. In this embodiment, the scan window of the first processor unit 131 and the scan window of the second processor unit 132 are mutually exclusive.Since the control commands are sent intermittently per scan interval, the third lighting device 30 cannot receive control commands unless the scan windows overlap with the transmission duration of the control commands. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the ZigBee communication between one or more first lighting devices 11 and the third lighting device 30 and the Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication between one or more second lighting devices 21 and the third lighting device 30 are mutually exclusive and are performed alternately. Note that when the terminology "control command" is used here, it refers to both the first and second control commands collectively.

[0051] The third communication unit 34 is connected to the RF unit 33. The third communication unit 34 includes a wireless communication antenna that sends control commands to and receives them from one or more first lighting devices 11 and one or more second lighting devices 21.

[0052] Upon receiving a control command from the first processor unit 131 or the second processor unit 132, the RF unit 33 filters and amplifies the control command, for example, and outputs it to the third communication unit 34. The RF unit 33 filters the first control command, which it received from the one or more first lighting devices 11 via the third communication unit 34, outputs the result to the first processor unit 131, filters the second control command, which it received from the one or more second lighting devices 21 via the third communication unit 34, and outputs the result to the second processor unit 132.

[0053] The RF unit 33 includes a transmit circuit and a receive circuit. The transmit circuit includes, for example, a transmit filter that extracts a transmit band signal specified in the control command, a transmit mixer that up-converts the signal output from the transmit filter into a high-frequency signal, and a preamplifier that amplifies the up-converted high-frequency signal. The receive circuit includes, for example, a receive mixer that converts a high-frequency signal received by the third communication unit 34 from the one or more first lighting devices 11 and the one or more second lighting devices 21 into a low-frequency signal.

[0054] The dimming and color of the light emitted by the third light-emitting module 141 are controlled by the third lighting control unit 142. The third light-emitting module 141 comprises a substrate and a plurality of light-emitting elements mounted on the substrate. The third light-emitting module 141 is an example of the light source.

[0055] The substrate is an approximately rectangular, printed substrate for mounting the majority of light-emitting elements. Examples of substrates include a resin substrate, which incorporates a resin as a base material; a metal-based substrate, which incorporates a metal as a base material; and a ceramic substrate, which incorporates a ceramic material.

[0056] The light-emitting elements are mounted on the substrate. Each light-emitting element contains a light-emitting diode (LED). In this embodiment, each light-emitting element is an RGB LED element that emits red, green, and blue light. The light-emitting elements are not limited to RGB elements that emit light in the three colors red, green, and blue; the light-emitting elements can be RGBW elements that emit light in the four colors red, green, blue, and white, and they can be BW elements that emit light in the two colors blue and white.

[0057] The third lighting control unit 142 stores a control command received by the communication device 130 in a storage unit, such as a memory, and the third light-emitting module 141 also emits light according to the lighting scene indicated in the control command. In other words, when the third lighting control unit 142 receives the first control command, it causes the third light-emitting module 141 to emit light according to a lighting scene based on the first control command. When the third lighting control unit 142 receives the second control command, it causes the third light-emitting module 141 to emit light according to a lighting scene based on the second control command. The third lighting control unit 142 is an example of lighting control.

[0058] The third lighting control unit 142 is electrically connected to the communication device 130, the third light-emitting module 141, and the third power supply unit 143. For example, the third lighting control unit 142 can control the dimming and color of light emitted by the third light-emitting module 141 by controlling the dimming circuit and the color-adjusting circuit in the third light-emitting module 141.

[0059] The third lighting control unit 142 can, for example, be implemented using a microcomputer that includes a central processing unit (CPU). The third lighting control unit 142 can perform predefined lighting control operations, for example, by executing a suitable program stored in a memory unit.

[0060] The third power supply unit 143 converts alternating current power provided by a power grid into direct current power of a predetermined level, for example by rectifying, smoothing, and attenuating the alternating current power, and supplies the third light-emitting module 141 with the converted direct current power via the third lighting control unit 142. The third power supply unit 143 is an example of a power supply. (Operations)

[0061] Next, operations performed by lighting system 1 will be described.

[0062] Fig. 3 represents operations performed by the communication device 130 in a lighting system 1 according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 4 is a sequence diagram representing operations performed by the third lighting device 30 in a lighting system 1 according to embodiment 1.

[0063] Here is an example in which a first control command is sent from one or more first lighting devices 11, contained in the first local network 10, to one or more second lighting devices 21, contained in the second local network 20, as a result of a user operating a control terminal, as in Fig. 4 shown.

[0064] First, the communication device 130 in the third lighting device 30 sends a request to one or more first lighting devices 11 contained in the first local network 10 to receive the first control command indicating a lighting scene set by the user and to be reproduced by one or more first lighting devices 11 (S11). Specifically, the control unit 31 sends a request to one or more first lighting devices 11 via the third communication unit 34.

[0065] Next, as in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 shown, when one or more first lighting devices 11 receive the request sent by the communication device 130 via the first communication unit 114, the one or more first lighting devices 11 send the first control command to the communication device 130 (S1).

[0066] Next, the communication device 130 receives the first control command. The control unit 31 in the communication device 130, which is contained in the third lighting device 30, switches from wireless communication via the first communication protocol to wireless communication via the second communication protocol (S12). In other words, the control unit 31 causes the second processor unit 132 to send the first control command, which the first processor unit 131 received via ZigBee communication between one or more first lighting devices 11 and the third lighting device 30, via Bluetooth (registered trademark) to one or more second lighting devices 21 contained in the second local network 20.Note that the third lighting device 30 stores the received first control command in a storage unit such as a memory, and emits light according to the lighting scene indicated in the first control command.

[0067] Next, the control unit 31 instructs the second processor unit 132 to send the first control command, received by one or more first lighting devices 11 via the third communication unit 34, to one or more second lighting devices 21 contained in the second local network 20 using the second communication protocol (S13). In other words, the second processor unit 132 sends the first control command to one or more second lighting devices 21 via the third communication unit 34 using the second communication protocol.

[0068] Next, one or more second lighting devices 21 receive the first control command from the communication device 130 via the second communication unit 124 (S21). This completes the processing.

[0069] Next, an example is given in which a second control command is sent to one or more first lighting devices 11 contained in the first local network 10 from one or more second lighting devices 21 contained in the second local network 20.

[0070] Fig. Figure 5 is a sequence diagram representing operations performed by a lighting system 1 according to embodiment 1.

[0071] First, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the communication device 130 sends a request to one or more second lighting devices 21 contained in the second local network 20 to receive the second control command indicating a lighting scene set by the user and to be reproduced by one or more second lighting devices 21 (S11).

[0072] Next, when one or more second lighting devices 21 receive the request sent by the communication device 130 via the second communication unit 124, the one or more second lighting devices 21 send the second control command to the communication device 130 (S1).

[0073] Next, the communication device 130 receives the second control command. The control unit 31 in the communication device 130, which is contained in the third lighting device 30, then switches from conducting wireless communication via the second communication protocol to conducting wireless communication via the first communication protocol (S12). In other words, the control unit 31 causes the first processor unit 131 to send the second control command, which the second processor unit 132 received via Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication between one or more second lighting devices 21 and the third lighting device 30, via ZigBee to one or more first lighting devices 11 contained in the first local network 10.Note that if the third lighting device 30 includes a lamp, the third lighting device 30 can store the received second control command in a storage unit such as a memory, and the lamp can emit light according to the lighting scene indicated in the second control command.

[0074] Next, the control unit 31 instructs the first processor unit 131 to send the second control command, received by one or more second lighting devices 21 via the third communication unit 34, to one or more first lighting devices 11 contained in the first local network 10 using the first communication protocol (S13). In other words, the first processor unit 131 sends the second control command to one or more first lighting devices 11 via the third communication unit 34 using the first communication protocol.

[0075] Next, one or more first lighting devices 11 receive the second control command from the communication device 130 via the first communication unit 114 (S101). This completes the processing.

[0076] This allows, as in Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 shows that in lighting system 1 the first local network 10 and the second local network 20, which are different from each other, communicate wirelessly. (Operational advantages)

[0077] Next, the operational advantages of a third lighting device 30 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0078] As described above, a third lighting device 30 according to this embodiment connects one or more first lighting devices 11, contained in a first local area network 10, with one or more second lighting devices 21, contained in a second local area network 20, which is different from the first local area network 10. The third lighting device 30 includes: a first processing unit 131, configured to communicate wirelessly with the one or more first lighting devices 11 via a first communication protocol; a second processing unit 132, configured to communicate wirelessly with the one or more second lighting devices 21 via a second communication protocol, which is different from the first communication protocol;a control unit 31 configured to switch between causing the first processor unit 131 to communicate wirelessly with the one or more first lighting devices 11 and causing the second processor unit to communicate wirelessly with the one or more second lighting devices 21; a power supply unit 143 configured to supply power to a third light-emitting module 141;and a third lighting control unit 142, configured to control the light emission by the third light-emitting module 141 based on the current from the third power supply unit 143. The control unit 31 is further configured such that: when the first processor unit 131 receives a first control command from the one or more first lighting devices 11, it causes the second processor unit 132 to send the first control command to the one or more second lighting devices 21 via the second communication protocol;and when the second processor unit 132 receives a second control command from the one or more second lighting devices 21, it causes the first processor unit 131 to send the second control command to the one or more first lighting devices 11 via the first communication protocol. The lighting control unit 142 is configured to cause the third light-emitting module 141 to emit light according to one of the lighting scenes, one of which is based on the first control command and one of which is based on the second control command.

[0079] Thus, the control unit 31 switches between instructing the first processor unit 131 to communicate wirelessly with the one or more first lighting devices 11 and instructing the second processor unit 132 to communicate wirelessly with the one or more second lighting devices 21. When the first processor unit 131 receives a first control command from one or more first lighting devices 11 via the first communication protocol, the control unit 31 can instruct the second processor unit 132 to send the first control command to one or more second lighting devices 21 via the second communication protocol.When the second processor unit 132 receives a second control command from one or more second lighting devices 21 via the second communication protocol, the control unit 31 can cause the first processor unit 131 to send the second control command to one or more first lighting devices 11 via the first communication protocol. This makes it possible to connect the first local network 10 and the second local network 20, which use different communication protocols.

[0080] The third lighting device 30 connects the first local network 10 and the second local network 20 for communication without using the internet or a cloud server. Accordingly, the configuration according to the present embodiment achieves faster communication speeds between the first local network 10 and the second local network 20 compared to when control commands are sent and received between the first local network 10 and the second local network 20 using the internet or a cloud server.

[0081] Accordingly, with this third lighting device 30, it is possible to increase communication speeds between two different local networks without using the Internet.

[0082] Furthermore, in a third lighting device 30 according to this embodiment, the control unit 31 is configured to perform mutually exclusive wireless communication using the first processor unit 131 and wireless communication using the second processor unit 132.

[0083] In this way, the control unit 31 does not cause the second processor unit 132 to communicate wirelessly with one or more second lighting devices 21 while the first processor unit 131 communicates wirelessly with one or more first lighting devices 11, and it does not cause the first processor unit 131 to communicate wirelessly with one or more first lighting devices 11 while the second processor unit 132 communicates wirelessly with one or more second lighting devices 21. In other words, the control unit 31 does not allow wireless communication between the first processor unit 131 and one or more first lighting devices 11 to occur simultaneously with wireless communication between the second processor unit 132 and one or more second lighting devices 21.This eliminates the need for two or more integrated semiconductor circuits 32 required to achieve simultaneous wireless communication, thus preventing an increase in the size of the third lighting device 30 and preventing rising costs.

[0084] Furthermore, in a third lighting device 30 according to this embodiment, the first processor unit 131 and the second processor unit 132 use a communication protocol that does not include an IP stack.

[0085] Examples of communication protocols that do not include an IP stack are Bluetooth (registered trademark) and ZigBee. Even if different communication protocols are used as the first and second communication protocols, it is possible to establish wireless communication between the first local network 10 and the second local network 20.

[0086] Furthermore, in a third lighting device 30 according to this embodiment, each of the one or more first devices is a first lighting device 11 and each of the one or more second devices is a second lighting device 21. The first information includes a first control command that controls a lighting scene to be reproduced by the one or more first lighting devices 11, and the second information includes a second control command that controls a lighting scene to be reproduced by the one or more second lighting devices 21. The third lighting device 30 further includes a third light-emitting module 141.When the third lighting control unit 142 receives the first control command, the third lighting control unit 142 is configured to cause the third light-emitting module 141 to emit light according to a lighting scene based on the first control command, and when the third lighting control unit 142 receives the second control command, the third lighting control unit 142 is configured to cause the third light-emitting module 141 to emit light according to a lighting scene based on the second control command.

[0087] Thus, the third lighting control unit 142 causes the third light-emitting module 141 to emit light according to a lighting scene based on a control command. This third lighting device 30 can also receive control commands from other lighting devices that use different communication protocols. Accordingly, the third lighting device 30 can reproduce lighting scenes based on control commands received from the first local network 10 and the second local network 20.

[0088] Furthermore, in a third lighting device 30 according to this embodiment, the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol each have a scan window that partially overlap in time. Furthermore, in a third lighting device 30 according to this embodiment, the first communication protocol is ZigBee and the second communication protocol is Bluetooth.

[0089] Furthermore, in a third lighting device 30 according to this embodiment, the first information includes a first control command that controls the operation of one or more first lighting devices 11, and the second information includes a second control command that controls the operation of one or more second lighting devices 21.

[0090] As described above, a third lighting device 30 according to this embodiment connects one or more first lighting devices 11 contained in a first mesh network 10 with one or more second lighting devices 21 contained in a second mesh network 20, which is different from the first mesh network 10.The third lighting device 30 comprises: a first processor unit 131 configured to communicate wirelessly with the one or more first lighting devices 11 via a first communication protocol; a second processor unit 132 configured to communicate wirelessly with the one or more second lighting devices 21 via a second communication protocol different from the first communication protocol; and a control unit 31 configured to switch between causing the first processor unit 131 to communicate wirelessly with the one or more first lighting devices 11 and causing the second processor unit 132 to communicate wirelessly with the one or more second lighting devices 21.The control unit 31 is further configured such that: when the first processor unit 131 receives a first control command from the one or more first lighting devices 11, it causes the second processor unit 132 to send the first control command to the one or more second lighting devices 21 via the second communication protocol; and when the second processor unit 132 receives a second control command from the one or more second lighting devices 21, it causes the first processor unit 131 to send the second control command to the one or more first lighting devices 11 via the first communication protocol.

[0091] Furthermore, a lighting system 1 according to this embodiment includes a communication device 130, one or more first lighting devices 11 and one or more second lighting devices 21.

[0092] Furthermore, a lighting system 1 according to this embodiment includes a lighting device comprising a communication device 130 and a light-emitting module that emits light, one or more first devices, each of which is a first lighting device 11, and one or more second devices, each of which is a second lighting device 21.

[0093] Furthermore, a lighting system 1 according to this embodiment includes a third lighting device 30, one or more first lighting devices 11 and one or more second lighting devices 21. The one or more first lighting devices 11 issue a first control command to the one or more second lighting devices 21, or the one or more second lighting devices 21 issue a second control command to the one or more first lighting devices 11. EXECUTION FORM 2 (Configuration)

[0094] Next, the configuration of a lighting system 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0095] Fig. Figure 6 is a block diagram of a lighting system 1 according to embodiment 2. Fig. 7 represents operations performed by the communication device 230 of a lighting system 1 according to embodiment 2;

[0096] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, in this embodiment the scan windows for Bluetooth (registered trademark) and ZigBee overlap, unlike in embodiment 1, where the scan windows for Bluetooth (registered trademark) and ZigBee are mutually exclusive. Unless otherwise specified, the configuration of the communication device 230 according to this embodiment is the same as that described in embodiment 1. Furthermore, similar elements have similar reference numerals in the drawings, and repeated detailed descriptions of similar elements are omitted.

[0097] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the communication device 230 includes a buffer 235 in addition to the control unit 31, the third communication unit 34 and the RF unit 33.

[0098] Buffer 235 is connected between (i) the first processor unit 131 and the second processor unit 132 and (ii) the RF unit 33. Buffer 235 temporarily stores a control command received by one or more first lighting devices 11 and one or more second lighting devices 21 until it is to be sent to one or more second lighting devices 21 and one or more first lighting devices 11. Buffer 235 supports loss control to ensure that the control command is received reliably. Buffer 235 is an example of a memory.

[0099] When the scan windows for Bluetooth (registered trademark) and ZigBee overlap, for example, when switching between instructing the first processor unit 131 to communicate with one or more first lighting devices 11 and instructing the second processor unit 132 to communicate with one or more second lighting devices 21, there is a time interval for the switchover. Since the received control command is stored in buffer 235, a partial temporal overlap of the Bluetooth (registered trademark) and ZigBee communication during this time interval is not a problem.

[0100] The control unit 31 stores the first control command received by the first processor unit 131 using the first communication protocol in buffer 235. When the control unit 31 instructs the second processor unit 132 to send the first control command to one or more second lighting devices 21 using the second communication protocol, the control unit 31 deletes the first control command from buffer 235. The control unit 31 stores the second control command received by the second processor unit 132 using the second communication protocol in buffer 235. When the control unit 31 instructs the first processor unit 131 to send the second control command to one or more first lighting devices 11 using the first communication protocol, the control unit 31 deletes the second control command from buffer 235.

[0101] Note that because buffer 235 incorporates a queueing function, when control unit 31 instructs the first processor unit 131 to send the second control command to one or more first lighting devices 11 using the first communication protocol, and when control unit 31 instructs the second processor unit 132 to send the first control command to one or more second lighting devices 21 using the second communication protocol, a "backoff" control is performed so that the mesh signal returning after a transmission is not retransmitted. Accordingly, control unit 31 deletes the transmitted control command after a predetermined time interval from the end of the transmission. In other words, control unit 31 does not delete the control command immediately after the end of the transmission.The specified time span, for example, if the queue buffer size is 16, is the time span required to send 16 different messages. (Operations)

[0102] Next, operations performed by lighting system 1 will be described.

[0103] Fig. Figure 8 is a sequence diagram representing operations performed by a lighting system 1 according to embodiment 2.

[0104] Note that repeated descriptions of processes that are the same as those described in embodiment 1 may be omitted.

[0105] First, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the communication device 230, which is contained in the third lighting device 30, sends a request to one or more first lighting devices 11, which are contained in the first local network 10, to receive the first control command indicating a lighting scene set by the user and to be reproduced by one or more first lighting devices 11 (S11).

[0106] Next, as in Fig. 7 and Fig. Figure 8 shows that when one or more first lighting devices 11 receive the request sent by the communication device 230 via the first communication unit 114, the one or more first lighting devices 11 send the first control command to the communication device 230 (S1). Alternatively, sniffing is performed to monitor control commands sent by the communication device 230 for signals sent by the first local network. Sniffing can be implemented at a predetermined time, such as during pinging, and it can be implemented when the communication device 230 switches between protocols.

[0107] Next, in the communication device 230, the third communication unit 34 receives the first control command, and the first control command is stored in the buffer 235 via the RF unit 33 (S211).

[0108] Next, the control unit 31 in the communication device 230, which is contained in the third lighting device 30, switches from conducting wireless communication via the first communication protocol to conducting wireless communication via the second communication protocol (S12).

[0109] Next, the control unit 31 instructs the second processor unit 132 to send the first control command, received by one or more first lighting devices 11 via the third communication unit 34, to one or more second lighting devices 21 contained in the second local network 20 via the second communication protocol (S13). The control unit 31 then instructs the second processor unit 132 to send the first control command to one or more second lighting devices 21 via the second communication protocol and deletes the first control command from the buffer 235 after a predetermined time interval has elapsed since the end of the transmission.

[0110] The destination address of the control command (S1) can in this case be specified as a receiving destination address for the second local network 20 if addressing is possible, and if addressing is not possible (i.e., if an address format is completely different), an address of the second local network 20 stored in the communication device 230 can be specified; the address of the second local network 20 can be stored in a transport message, can be retrieved from the communication device 230, and the destination address can be overwritten with it when a switchover is performed.

[0111] Next, one or more second lighting devices 21 receive the first control command from the communication device 230 via the second communication unit 124 (S21). This completes the processing.

[0112] Next, an example is given in which a second control command is sent to one or more first lighting devices 11 contained in the first local network 10 from one or more second lighting devices 21 contained in the second local network 20.

[0113] Fig. Figure 9 is a sequence diagram representing operations performed by a lighting system 1 according to embodiment 2.

[0114] First, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the communication device 230 sends a request to one or more second lighting devices 21 contained in the second local network 20 to receive the second control command indicating a lighting scene set by the user and to be reproduced by one or more second lighting devices 21 (S11).

[0115] Next, when one or more second lighting devices 21 receive the request sent by the communication device 230 via the second communication unit 124, the one or more second lighting devices 21 send the second control command to the communication device 230 (S121).

[0116] Next, the communication device 230 receives the second control command. In the communication device 230, the second control command is stored in buffer 235 via the RF unit 33 (S211).

[0117] Next, the control unit 31 in the communication device 230 switches from conducting wireless communication via the second communication protocol to conducting wireless communication via the first communication protocol (S12).

[0118] Next, the control unit 31 instructs the first processor unit 131 to send the second control command, received by one or more second lighting devices 21 via the third communication unit 34, to one or more first lighting devices 11 contained in the first local network 10 via the first communication protocol (S13). The control unit 31 then instructs the first processor unit 131 to send the second control command to one or more first lighting devices 11 via the first communication protocol and deletes the second control command from the buffer 235 after a predetermined time interval has elapsed since the end of the transmission.

[0119] Next, one or more first lighting devices 11 receive the second control command from the communication device 230 via the first communication unit 114 (S101). This completes the processing.

[0120] This allows, as in Fig. 8 and Fig. Figure 9 shows that in lighting system 1 the first local network 10 and the second local network 20, which are different from each other, communicate wirelessly. (Operational advantages)

[0121] Next, the operational advantages of a third lighting device 30 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0122] As described above, the third lighting device 30 according to this embodiment further includes the buffer 235. The control unit 31 is further configured such that: it stores the first control command received by the first processor unit 131 via the first communication protocol in the buffer 235 and deletes the first control command from the buffer 235 when it instructs the second processor unit 132 to send the first control command to the one or more second lighting devices 21 via the second communication protocol; and it stores the second control command received by the second processor unit 132 via the second communication protocol in the buffer 235 and deletes the second control command 235 from the buffer when it instructs the first processor unit 131 to send the second control command to the one or more first lighting devices 11 via the first communication protocol.

[0123] Thus, while the first processor unit 131 receives a first control command from one or more first lighting devices 11, the control unit 31 stores the first control command in the buffer 235. Furthermore, while the second processor unit 132 receives a second control command from one or more second lighting devices 21, the control unit 31 stores the second control command in the buffer 235. Accordingly, the third lighting device 30 can prevent the loss of control commands received from one or more first lighting devices and one or more second lighting devices. Moreover, when the first control command is sent to one or more second lighting devices 21 and the second control command is sent to one or more first lighting devices 11, the buffer 235 is not flooded with control commands because the appropriate control command is deleted.This enables stable communication of information between the first local network 10 and the second local network 20.

[0124] The same operational advantages achieved with embodiment 1 can also be achieved with this embodiment. (Other variants, etc.)

[0125] The present disclosure has been described above based on embodiments, but the present disclosure is not limited to the lighting device described above.

[0126] For example, in the communication device according to each of the above embodiments, the control unit is shown by way of example, but not limited to, being connected to the first processor unit and the second processor unit in the integrated semiconductor circuit in Fig. 2 and Fig.6 is connected; the control unit can be connected to the RF unit. In such cases, it is possible to receive control commands from the RF unit.

[0127] Furthermore, each component included in the communication device according to the above embodiments is generally implemented as an LSI circuit, which is an integrated circuit. Each of these components can be individually implemented as a single chip, or a portion or all of the processor units can be implemented as a single chip.

[0128] Furthermore, circuit integration is not limited to LSI; the processor units can be implemented as a dedicated circuit or a generic processor. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), which is programmable after the LSI circuit is manufactured, or a reconfigurable processor whose connections and settings regarding switching cells in the LSI circuit can be reconfigured, can be used.

[0129] One or more of the elements in the above embodiments can be configured by dedicated hardware, or they can be implemented by executing a software program suitable for the element. One or more of the elements can be implemented by a program execution unit, such as a CPU or processor, reading and executing the software program recorded on a recording medium, such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0130] Furthermore, all values ​​used above are only examples presented to describe the present disclosure in detail; the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the exemplary values.

[0131] Furthermore, the block diagrams illustrate an example of the division of function blocks; a plurality of function blocks can be implemented as a single function block, a single function block can be divided into a plurality of function blocks, and parts of a function can be transferred to another function block. Additionally, the functions of a plurality of function blocks that have similar functions can be processed in parallel or by time-division by a single hardware or software component.

[0132] Furthermore, the sequences in which the steps are performed in the flowcharts are only examples presented to describe the present revelation in detail; the steps may be performed in a different order. Additionally, some of the steps may be performed at the same time as (in parallel with) other steps.

[0133] Embodiments achieved by a person skilled in the art by making various modifications to one of the aforementioned embodiments, as well as embodiments realized by arbitrary combination of structural components and functions in embodiments 1 and 2 that do not deviate from the essence of the present disclosure, are contained in the present disclosure. [List of reference symbols] 10 first local network 11 first lighting device (first device) 20 second local network 21 second lighting device (second device) 30 third lighting device (lighting device) 31 Control unit 131 first processor unit 132 second processor unit 141 third light-emitting module (light source) 142 Third lighting control unit (lighting control) 143 Third power supply unit (power supply) 235 buffers (storage)

Claims

[1] A lighting device connecting one or more first devices (11) contained in a first local network to one or more second devices (21) contained in a second local network different from the first local network, the lighting device comprising: a first processor configured to communicate wirelessly with the one or more first devices (11) via a first communication protocol; a second processor configured to communicate wirelessly with the one or more second devices (21) via a second communication protocol different from the first communication protocol; a controller configured to switch between causing the first processor to communicate wirelessly with the one or more first devices (11) and causing the second processor to communicate wirelessly with the one or more second devices (21); a power supply (143) configured to power a light source (141); and a lighting control (142) configured to control light emission through the light source (141) based on the current from the power supply (143), the control system is further configured such that: when the first processor receives initial information from the one or more first devices (11), it causes the second processor to send the initial information to the one or more second devices (21) via the second communication protocol; and when the second processor receives a second piece of information from the one or more second devices (21), it causes the first processor to send the second piece of information to the one or more first devices (11) via the first communication protocol, and the lighting control (142) is configured to cause the light source (141) to emit light according to one of the lighting scenes, one of which is based on the first information and one of which is based on the second information. [2] The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the control is configured to perform mutually exclusive wireless communication using the first processor and wireless communication using the second processor. [3] The lighting device according to claim 1, which further comprises: a memory (235), the control system is further configured such that: it stores the first information received by the first processor via the first communication protocol in the memory (235) and deletes the first information from the memory (235) when it causes the second processor to send the first information to the one or more second devices (21) via the second communication protocol; and it stores the second piece of information received by the second processor via the second communication protocol in the memory (235) and deletes the second piece of information from the memory (235) when it causes the first processor to send the second piece of information to the one or more first devices (11) via the first communication protocol. [4] The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first processor and the second processor are each configured to use a communication protocol that does not include an IP stack. [5] The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each of the one or more first devices (11) is a first lighting device, each of the one or more second devices (21) is a second lighting device, The first piece of information contains a first control command that controls a lighting scene to be reproduced by the one or more first lighting devices. the second piece of information includes a second control command that controls a lighting scene to be reproduced by the one or more second lighting devices, the lighting device further comprises the light source (141), and when the lighting control (142) receives the first control command, the lighting control (142) is configured to cause the light source (141) to emit light according to the lighting scene based on the first control command, and when the lighting control (142) receives the second control command, the lighting control (142) is configured to cause the light source (141) to emit light according to the lighting scene based on the second control command. [6] The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first communication protocol has a scan window and the second communication protocol has a scan window, which partially overlap in time. [7] The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first communication protocol is ZigBee and the second communication protocol is Bluetooth. [8] The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each of the one or more first devices (11) is a first lighting device, each of the one or more second devices (21) is a second lighting device, the first piece of information includes a first control command that controls the operation of one or more first lighting devices, and The second piece of information contains a second control command that controls the operation of one or more second lighting devices. [9] A lighting device connecting one or more first devices (21) contained in a first mesh network with one or more second devices (21) contained in a second mesh network different from the first mesh network, the lighting device comprising: a first processor configured to communicate wirelessly with the one or more first devices (11) via a first communication protocol; a second processor configured to communicate wirelessly with the one or more second devices (21) via a second communication protocol different from the first communication protocol; and a controller configured to switch between causing the first processor to communicate wirelessly with the one or more first devices (11) and causing the second processor to communicate wirelessly with the one or more second devices (21), the control system is further configured such that: when the first processor receives initial information from the one or more first devices (11), it causes the second processor to send the initial information to the one or more second devices (21) via the second communication protocol; and When the second processor receives a second piece of information from the one or more second devices (21), it causes the first processor to send the second piece of information to the one or more first devices (11) via the first communication protocol. [10] A lighting system (1) comprising: the lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 9; the one or more first devices (11), each of the one or more first devices (11) being a first lighting device; and the one or more second devices (21), each of the one or more second devices (21) being a second lighting device. [11] A lighting system (1) comprising: the lighting device according to claim 5; the one or more first lighting devices; and the one or more second lighting devices, wherein the one or more first lighting devices issue the first control command to the one or more second lighting devices, or the one or more second lighting devices issue the second control command to the one or more first lighting devices.

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