Loading system, loading device, and loading method of loading device

Abstract

To provide a loading system capable of easily setting a communication network of a loading device.SOLUTION: A loading system 1 is a loading system 1 that includes multiple loading devices 10. The loading system 1 has a first network N1 and a second network N2 that transmit signals using the same protocol. The loading device 10 includes: a communication unit 11 capable of communicating with other loading devices 10 that are different from the device itself via the first network N1 and the second network N2; and a network determination unit 15 that determines whether the communication signal Sc input to the communication unit 11 is a signal input via either the first network N1 or the second network N2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a load system, a load device, and a method for controlling the load device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a lighting system is known that includes a plurality of lighting devices, a communication device that communicates with the plurality of lighting devices, and a control system that communicates with the plurality of lighting devices via the communication device. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique that can easily check the connection between the communication device and the lighting devices even when the control system and the communication device are not connected or when identification information is not set. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-164424 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, when a new tenant moves into a facility such as a building, the lighting and other aspects of the presentation space are tailored to suit the new tenant, but in a pre-configured environment for the facility, it may not be easy to change the communication network settings for the load devices such as lighting equipment. This can make it difficult to create a presentation space tailored to the new tenant.

[0005] The present invention provides a load system and the like that can easily set up a communication network for load devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One embodiment of the load system of the present invention is a load system comprising a plurality of load devices, the load system having a first network and a second network which transmit signals using the same protocol, and the load devices each comprising a communication unit capable of communicating with other load devices different from the load device itself via the first network and the second network, and a network determination unit which determines whether a communication signal input to the communication unit was input via the first network or the second network.

[0007] One embodiment of a load device of the present invention comprises a communication unit capable of communicating with the outside via a first network and a second network that transmit signals using the same protocol, and a network determination unit that determines whether a communication signal input to the communication unit was input via the first network or the second network.

[0008] One embodiment of the load device control method of the present invention is a control method for a load device capable of communicating with the outside via a first network and a second network that transmit signals using the same protocol, which determines whether a communication signal input to the load device was input via the first network or the second network, and if at least one of a first control command contained in the signal input via the first network and a second control command contained in the signal input via the second network is a control command for the load device itself, performs control based on at least one of the first control command and the second control command. Effect of the Invention

[0009] The load system etc. of the present invention can easily set up a communication network for the load devices. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a load system of a comparative example. [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a load system according to an embodiment; [Diagram 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication network included in a load system and an arrangement of a plurality of load devices. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a plurality of networks and a plurality of load devices. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a load device according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of network key information and command priority information stored in a load device. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a situation in which a network key is set in a load device. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a situation in which a network key is issued. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling a load device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] (Background to this disclosure) The process leading to the present disclosure will be described with reference to comparative examples.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a load system 101 of a comparative example.

[0013] The load system 101 of the comparative example includes a management device 150 and a plurality of load devices 110.

[0014] The management device 150 is a device that manages the operation of a plurality of load devices 110. The load devices 110 are, for example, lighting devices or air conditioners. In a facility 5 such as a building, the network environment of the load system 101 is set when the building is constructed.

[0015] For example, when a new tenant moves into the facility 5, a presentation space such as lighting is created to suit the tenant, but in the environment previously set in the facility 5, it may not be easy to change the communication network settings of the load devices 110 such as lighting devices. Therefore, in order to create a presentation space suited to the tenant, additional work may be required for the environment previously set in the facility 5. Also, if the new tenant creates a network environment different from the environment previously set in the facility, a problem occurs in that the person who operates the facility 5 cannot monitor the load devices 110 used by the new tenant.

[0016] Therefore, for example, if the settings of the communication network installed in the facility 5 could be easily changed, it would be possible to prevent additional construction work from being required for the environment previously set up in the facility 5, and also enable the operator of the facility 5 to monitor the load devices 110 used by new tenants. The load system according to this embodiment has the following configuration so as to easily set up the communication network for the load devices.

[0017] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that each of the embodiments described below shows a preferred specific example of the present invention. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Therefore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims showing the highest concept of the present invention will be described as optional components.

[0018] In addition, each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily a precise illustration. In each drawing, the same reference numerals are used for substantially the same configurations, and duplicated explanations are omitted or simplified.

[0019] (Embodiment) [Outline of load system configuration] The schematic configuration of a load system 1 according to an embodiment will be described.

[0020] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the load system 1 according to the embodiment. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of a plurality of load devices 10 in a facility 5.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the load system 1 includes a plurality of load devices 10, a plurality of gateway devices 40, and a management device 50. The load system 1 includes a plurality of load devices 10, a plurality of gateway devices 40, and a management device 50.

[0022] The management device 50 is a device that manages the operation of the multiple load devices 10, and is provided in a management room of the facility 5.

[0023] The gateway device 40 is a signal converter for enabling communication between the management device 50 and multiple load devices 10. In Fig. 3, one gateway device 40 is installed on each floor, but in reality, two or more gateway devices 40 may be installed on each floor. Note that the multiple gateway devices 40 may be connected to the management device 50 via a router.

[0024] The load devices 10 are communicatively connected to the management device 50 via the gateway device 40. In FIG. 3, some of the multiple load devices 10 are connected to the management device 50 via one gateway device 40, and other parts of the multiple load devices 10 are connected to the management device 50 via another gateway device 40.

[0025] The load devices 10 are, for example, lighting devices or air conditioners, and are installed on each floor of the facility 5. Although 36 load devices 10 are shown in Fig. 3, in reality, 100 or more load devices 10 may be installed on each floor.

[0026] The load system 1 is used by a plurality of users. The plurality of users are divided, for example, into a first group G1 and a second group G2 to which each user belongs. Each group here corresponds to each tenant as described above. Each floor of the facility 5 may be assigned one group or multiple groups. Within a floor assigned to one group, multiple areas such as a work area, a guest room, and a conference room are set, and the multiple load devices 10 are group-controlled for each area.

[0027] The following description will be given by way of example of a plurality of load devices 10 communicatively connected to one gateway device 40. Note that the following relationship also applies to a plurality of load devices 10 communicatively connected to another gateway device 40.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between a plurality of networks N1 and N2 and a plurality of load devices 10. As shown in FIG.

[0029] 4 also shows an operation terminal 60. The operation terminal 60 is a device for performing various operations and settings on the load device 10, and is, for example, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or a remote controller.

[0030] 4, the load system 1 has a first network N1 and a second network N2. The first network N1 and the second network N2 are communication networks that transmit signals using the same protocol (communication rules). The protocol adopted by the first network N1 and the second network N2 is appropriately selected from, for example, Zigbee (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or WiFi (registered trademark).

[0031] In the present embodiment, the first network N1 and the second network N2 have network paths that partially overlap each other. The first network N1 and the second network N2 are wireless networks, and the multiple load devices 10 are devices capable of wireless communication. The load devices 10 transfer signals to other load devices 10 located nearby, for example, by multi-hop communication.

[0032] The plurality of load devices 10 includes a first group of load devices 10a, a second group of load devices 10b, and a common group of load devices 10c. The first group of load devices 10a can communicate only through the first network N1, the second group of load devices 10b can communicate only through the second network N2, and the common group of load devices 10c can communicate only through the first network N1 and the second network N2.

[0033] The first group load device 10a and the common group load device 10c are devices that are installed in advance in the facility 5. The second group load device 10b is not installed in advance in the facility 5, but is owned by the second group G2.

[0034] In the example shown in Fig. 4, the first group G1 is configured to be able to use the load devices 10a of the first group via the first network N1, and the second group G2 is configured to be able to use the load devices 10b of the second group and the load device 10c of the common group via the second network N2. Note that the second group G2 is configured to be unable to operate the load devices 10a of the first group that communicate only via the first network N1, and the first group G1 is configured to be unable to operate the load devices 10b of the second group that communicate only via the second network N2.

[0035] Whether a load device corresponds to the load device 10a of the first group, the load device 10b of the second group, or the load device 10c of the common group is determined by setting a communication network for each load device 10. The setting of this communication network can be easily changed not only during construction of the facility 5 but also after construction.

[0036] In this manner, the load system 1 has the first network N1 and the second network N2 that transmit signals using the same protocol, so that the communication network of the load device 10 can be easily set.

[0037] [Load equipment configuration] The configuration of the load device 10 included in the above load system 1 will be described.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the load device 10. As shown in FIG.

[0039] As shown in the figure, each of the load devices 10 includes a communication unit 11, a control unit 12, a storage unit 13, and an operation unit 14. The control unit 12 includes a network determination unit 15, information transfer units 16a and 16b, control information acquisition units 17a and 17b, and a priority determination unit 18.

[0040] The communication unit 11 is, for example, a wireless module, and communicates with the gateway device 40 and other load devices using a single protocol. The communication unit 11 communicates with the management device 50 via the gateway device 40, and also communicates with other load devices 10 by multi-hop communication. The communication unit 11 receives a communication signal Sc transmitted from the gateway device 40 or the other load devices 10, and outputs the communication signal Sc to the control unit 12.

[0041] The control unit 12 is configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 12 controls the operation unit 14 based on a control command included in the communication signal Sc, thereby controlling the load device 10. The control command will be described later.

[0042] The operation of the operation unit 14 is controlled by the control unit 12. When the load device 10 is a lighting device, the operation unit 14 is a light source of the lighting device. For example, the light source is a plurality of light-emitting diodes that emit white light, red light, green light, or blue light, and the operation unit 14 is dimming-controlled and color-adjusting-controlled by the control unit 12.

[0043] The storage unit 13 stores various information necessary for controlling the load device 10. The storage unit 13 is composed of a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs and data. The functions of each component of the control unit 12 are realized by running the programs stored in the storage unit 13.

[0044] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of network key information ik and command priority information ip stored in the load device 10. In (a) of Fig. 6, network key information ik stored in the storage unit 13 is shown.

[0045] The storage unit 13 has a structure capable of storing two or more types of network keys. For example, the storage unit 13 can store a first network key k1 that enables communication in the first network N1 and a second network key k2 that enables communication in the second network N2. The network key is an encryption key or a security key that enables access to the network.

[0046] The first network key k1 is a key used in the first network N1, and is set in advance in the load device 10a of the first group and the load device 10c of the common group installed in the facility 5. The second network key k2 is a key used in the second network N2, and is set in advance in the load device 10c of the common group installed in the facility 5 and the load device 10b of the second group owned by the second group G2. That is, in this example, only the first network key k1 is stored in the memory unit 13 of the load device 10a of the first group, only the second network key k2 is stored in the memory unit 13 of the load device 10b of the second group, and both the first network key k1 and the second network key k2 are stored in the memory unit 13 of the load device 10c of the common group.

[0047] A third network key k3, which is a key for initial setup or system development, may be stored in the storage unit 13. Moreover, the gateway device 40 may be capable of storing seven or more types of network keys including the above-mentioned first network key k1, second network key k2, and third network key k3.

[0048] The configurations of the network determination unit 15, the information transfer units 16a and 16b, the control information acquisition units 17a and 17b, and the priority determination unit 18 included in the control unit 12 will be described below.

[0049] The network determination unit 15 shown in FIG. 5 determines whether a communication signal Sc input via the communication unit 11 has been input via the first network N1 or the second network N2.

[0050] For example, when the communication signal Sc input via the communication unit 11 includes information on the first network key k1, the network determination unit 15 determines that the communication signal Sc is a signal input via the first network N1, and outputs the communication signal Sc to the information transfer unit 16a. When the communication signal Sc input via the communication unit 11 includes information on the second network key k2, the network determination unit 15 determines that the communication signal Sc is a signal input via the second network N2, and outputs the communication signal Sc to the information transfer unit 16b.

[0051] The information transfer units 16a and 16b transfer the communication signal Sc to another load device different from itself. When the communication signal Sc is a signal input via the first network N1, the information transfer unit 16a outputs the communication signal Sc to the communication unit 11 and transfers the communication signal Sc to another load device via the first network N1. When the communication signal Sc is a signal input via the second network N2, the information transfer unit 16b outputs the communication signal Sc to the communication unit 11 and transfers the communication signal Sc to another load device via the second network N2.

[0052] Furthermore, the information transfer units 16a and 16b determine whether or not the received communication signal Sc contains identification information (see FIG. 5) that specifies the own load device 10. For example, the information transfer units 16a and 16b determine whether or not the communication signal Sc contains identification information that specifies the own load device 10 by detecting whether or not the communication signal Sc contains a communication address of the own load device 10.

[0053] When the communication signal Sc input via the first network N1 contains identification information designating its own load device 10, the information transfer unit 16a outputs the communication signal Sc to the control information acquisition unit 17a. When the communication signal Sc input via the second network N2 contains identification information designating its own load device 10, the information transfer unit 16b outputs the communication signal Sc to the control information acquisition unit 17b.

[0054] The control information acquiring units 17a and 17b acquire information about a control command included in the communication signal Sc. The control command is an instruction to control the operation of the load device 10, and is an instruction indicating, for example, the control content such as dimming, color adjustment, turning on, blinking, and turning off, a control target, a control area, and a control schedule.

[0055] The control commands are included in each communication signal Sc input via the first network N1 and the second network N2. In other words, the communication signal Sc input via the first network N1 includes a first control command c1, and the communication signal Sc input via the second network N2 includes a second control command c2. That is, the control information acquisition unit 17a acquires information about the first control command c1 included in the communication signal Sc. The control information acquisition unit 17b acquires information about the second control command c2 included in the communication signal Sc. The respective pieces of control information acquired by the control information acquisition units 17a and 17b are output to the priority determination unit 18.

[0056] The storage unit 13 described above stores priority information ip regarding the priority of the control command. FIG. 6B shows an example of the priority information ip of the control command. The priority of the control command is set such that the higher the force of enforcement against the load device 10, the higher the priority, and the lower the force of enforcement, the lower the priority. The figure shows an example in which the first priority is a command of the first control command c1 to "force off" the "all load devices", the second priority is a command of the second control command c2 to "manually operate" the "load devices of the second network", the third priority is a command of the second control command c2 to "schedule operate" the "load devices of the second network", and the fourth priority is a command of the first control command c1 to "schedule operate" the "all load devices".

[0057] The priority determination unit 18 determines the priorities of the first control command c1 and the second control command c2 based on the priority information ip stored in the storage unit 13. The control unit 12 controls the actuator 14 based on the control command with the higher priority.

[0058] That is, when at least one of the first control command c1 contained in the communication signal Sc input via the first network N1 and the second control command c2 contained in the communication signal Sc input via the second network N2 is a control command for the control unit 12, the control unit 12 performs control based on at least one of the first control command c1 and the second control command c2. The control unit 12 controls the actuator 14 based on the control command with the higher priority out of the first control command c1 and the second control command c2.

[0059] This allows the load device 10 to be controlled based on the priority of the first control command c1 and the second control command c2. Even if the control commands from the first network N1 and the second network N2 overlap, control can be performed according to the priority. This allows the communication network of the load device 10 to be easily set using the first network N1 and the second network N2.

[0060] [How to set the network key for the load device] A method for setting a network key for the load device 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0061] 7 is a diagram showing an example of a situation in which a network key is set in the load device 10. In addition, the diagram shows the configuration of operation data of the load device 10.

[0062] FIG. 7(a) shows a state in which the first network key k1 is set in the load device 10, but the second network key k2 is not set.

[0063] For example, when a new second group G2 is placed next to the first group G1, it may not be possible to create a presentation space for the second group G2 in the existing network environment. In order to create a presentation space suited to the second group G2 in the location where the second group G2 is placed, for example, to change the presentation area of ​​the second group G2 as shown in Figure 4, the following process is performed.

[0064] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a situation in which a network key is issued.

[0065] First, the manager of facility 5 applies to the facility management computer for the issuance of a network key to obtain a network key to be used by second group G2. The facility management computer issues a network key in response to the usage application from second group G2. The facility management computer issues a different network key in response to each usage application from each group.

[0066] The administrator of the facility 5 obtains the network key issued by a computer for facility management and provides it to the second group G2. In this example, the network key provided by the administrator of the facility 5 becomes the second network key k2. That is, the second group G2 obtains the second network key k2 via the administrator of the facility 5.

[0067] The administrator or the second group G2 uses the operation terminal 60 to write the second network key k2 to the load device 10.

[0068] FIG. 7(b) illustrates a state in which the second network key k2 is set in the load device 10. In FIG.

[0069] The operation terminal 60 writes the second network key k2 to a predetermined load device 10 using a third network (transfer not possible) that enables one-way communication using the third network key k3. The operation terminal 60 may write the second network key k2 via infrared communication, or via a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable or the like.

[0070] The second network key k2 is written to the load device 10 by operation input using this operation terminal 60. For example, when the second network key k2 is written to a load device 10 that has been installed in the facility 5 in advance, that load device becomes the load device 10c of the common group, and when the second network key k2 is written to a load device 10 owned by the second group G2, that load device becomes the load device 10b of the second group. A load device 10 to which the second network key k2 has not been written becomes the load device 10a of the first group. By writing the second network key k2, a performance space suited to the second group G2 can be formed.

[0071] The administrator of the facility 5 is aware that the second group G2 has acquired the second network key k2, and is able to monitor the load devices 10 in the second network N2.

[0072] On the other hand, when the second group G2 leaves the facility 5, the following process is executed.

[0073] First, the second network key k2 is deleted from the load device 10 using the operation terminal 60. When the network key is deleted, it is automatically made unusable, and the managers of the second group G2 and the facility 5 do not need to return the second network key k2 to the facility management computer.

[0074] FIG. 7(c) illustrates a state in which the second network key k2 has been deleted from the load device 10 and only the first network key k1 remains in the storage unit 13 of the load device 10.

[0075] By deleting the second network key k2 from the load device 10, the load device 10 becomes unable to communicate via the second network N2. That is, the load device 10c of the common group and the load device 10b of the second group no longer exist in the load system 1, and all the load devices 10 have the same data structure.

[0076] In this manner, by writing or deleting the first network key k1 and the second network key k2 to or from the load device 10, the settings of the communication network of the load device 10 can be easily performed.

[0077] [Control method of load equipment] Next, a communication setting method for the load system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0078] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a method of controlling the load device 10.

[0079] First, the load device 10 is set so as to be able to communicate via a first network N1 and a second network N2 that transmit signals using the same protocol (step S10). For example, a first network key k1 that enables communication via the first network N1 and a second network key k2 that enables communication via the second network N2 are stored in the storage unit 13 of the load device 10.

[0080] The load device 10 determines whether the communication signal Sc input to the communication unit 11 has been input via the first network N1 or the second network N2 (step S20). For example, if the communication signal Sc includes information related to the first network key k1, the load device 10 determines that the communication signal Sc has been input via the first network N1. Also, if the communication signal Sc includes information related to the second network key k2, the load device 10 determines that the communication signal Sc has been input via the second network N2.

[0081] Then, when the communication signal Sc is a signal input via the first network N1, the load device 10 transfers the communication signal Sc via the first network N1 to another load device 10. Also, when the communication signal Sc is a signal input via the second network N2, the load device 10 transfers the communication signal Sc to another load device 10 via the second network N2 (step S30).

[0082] Next, when at least one of the first control command c1 included in the signal input via the first network N1 and the second control command c2 included in the signal input via the second network N2 is a control command for the load device 10, the load device 10 performs control based on at least one of the first control command c1 and the second control command c2 (step S40). Specifically, the load device 10 controls the actuator 14 based on the control command with the higher priority out of the first control command c1 and the second control command c2.

[0083] These steps S10 to S40 are repeatedly executed to control the load device 10. Note that steps S30 and S40 may be executed in any order.

[0084] (summary) A load system according to the present embodiment will be illustrated.

[0085] The load system 1 of Example 1 is a load system 1 including a plurality of load devices 10. The load system 1 has a first network N1 and a second network N2 that transmit signals using the same protocol. The load device 10 includes a communication unit 11 that can communicate with other load devices 10 different from itself via the first network N1 and the second network N2, and a network determination unit 15 that determines whether a communication signal Sc input to the communication unit 11 has been input via the first network N1 or the second network N2.

[0086] According to this configuration, the load device 10 can use the first network N1 and the second network N2 appropriately to communicate with other load devices 10. This makes it possible to easily set up the communication network of the load device 10 using the first network N1 and the second network N2.

[0087] The load system 1 of Example 2 is the load system described in Example 1, and the load device 10 has a storage unit 13 capable of storing a first network key k1 that enables communication over a first network N1 and a second network key k2 that enables communication over a second network N2. The network determination unit 15 may determine that the communication signal Sc is a signal input via the first network N1 when the communication signal Sc includes information related to the first network key k1, and may determine that the communication signal Sc is a signal input via the second network N2 when the communication signal Sc includes information related to the second network key k2.

[0088] This makes it possible to determine whether the input communication signal Sc has been input via the first network N1 or the second network N2, thereby facilitating the setting of the communication network of the load device 10 using the first network N1 and the second network N2.

[0089] The load system 1 of Example 3 is the load system described in Example 2, and the load device 10 includes information transfer units 16a and 16b that transfer the communication signal Sc to another load device 10. The information transfer units 16a and 16b may transfer the communication signal Sc to the other load device 10 via the first network N1 when the communication signal Sc is a signal input via the first network N1, and may transfer the communication signal Sc to the other load device 10 via the second network N2 when the communication signal Sc is a signal input via the second network N2.

[0090] According to this, the input communication signal Sc can be transferred to another load device 10 via either the first network N1 or the second network N2. This makes it possible to easily set up the communication network of the load device 10 using the first network N1 and the second network N2.

[0091] The load system 1 of Example 4 is the load system described in Example 2 or 3, and the load device 10 includes a control unit 12 that controls its own load device 10. When at least one of a first control command c1 included in a communication signal Sc input via a first network N1 and a second control command c2 included in a communication signal Sc input via a second network N2 is a control command for the control unit 12, the control unit 12 may perform control based on at least one of the first control command c1 and the second control command c2.

[0092] This allows the load device 10 to be controlled based on at least one of the first control command c1 input via the first network N1 and the second control command c2 input via the second network N2. This allows the communication network of the load device 10 to be easily set using the first network N1 and the second network N2.

[0093] The load system 1 of Example 5 is the load system described in Example 4, and the load device 10 includes a priority determination unit 18 that determines the priorities of the first control command c1 and the second control command c2. The control unit 12 may perform control based on the control command with the higher priority out of the first control command c1 and the second control command c2.

[0094] This allows the load device 10 to be controlled based on the priority of the first control command c1 and the second control command c2. Even if the control commands from the first network N1 and the second network N2 overlap, control can be performed according to the priority. This allows the communication network of the load device 10 to be easily set using the first network N1 and the second network N2.

[0095] The load system 1 of Example 6 is a load system described in any of Examples 1 to 5, and the multiple load devices 10 may have a first group of load devices 10a that can communicate only via the first network N1, a second group of load devices 10b that can communicate only via the second network N2, and a common group of load devices 10c that can communicate via both the first network N1 and the second network N2.

[0096] This makes it possible to control the first group of load devices 10a, the second group of load devices 10b, and the common group of load devices 10c using the first network N1 and the second network N2. This makes it possible to easily set up a communication network for the load devices 10 using the first network N1 and the second network N2.

[0097] The load system 1 of Example 7 is the load system described in Example 6, in which the load device 10 is a lighting device capable of wireless communication, and each of the first network N1 and the second network N2 may be a wireless network.

[0098] This enables lighting devices to be controlled using a wireless network, which makes it easy to set up a communication network for the lighting devices.

[0099] The load device 10 of Example 8 includes a communication unit 11 capable of communicating with the outside via a first network N1 and a second network N2 which transmit signals using the same protocol, and a network determination unit 15 which determines whether a communication signal Sc input to the communication unit 11 was input via the first network N1 or the second network N2.

[0100] According to this configuration, the load device 10 can use the first network N1 and the second network N2 appropriately to communicate with other load devices 10. This makes it possible to easily set up the communication network of the load device 10 using the first network N1 and the second network N2.

[0101] A load device 10 of Example 9 is the load device described in Example 8, and has a storage unit 13 capable of storing a first network key k1 that enables communication over the first network N1 and a second network key k2 that enables communication over the second network N2. A network determination unit 15 may determine that the communication signal Sc is a signal input via the first network N1 when the communication signal Sc includes information related to the first network key k1, and may determine that the communication signal Sc is a signal input via the second network N2 when the communication signal Sc includes information related to the second network key k2.

[0102] This makes it possible to determine whether the input communication signal Sc has been input via the first network N1 or the second network N2, thereby facilitating the setting of the communication network of the load device 10 using the first network N1 and the second network N2.

[0103] The load device 10 of Example 10 is the load device described in Example 9, and further includes information transfer units 16a and 16b that transfer the communication signal Sc to another load device 10 different from itself. The information transfer units 16a and 16b may transfer the communication signal Sc to the other load device 10 via the first network N1 when the communication signal Sc is a signal input via the first network N1, and may transfer the communication signal Sc to the other load device 10 via the second network N2 when the communication signal Sc is a signal input via the second network N2.

[0104] According to this, the input communication signal Sc can be transferred to another load device 10 via either the first network N1 or the second network N2. This makes it possible to easily set up the communication network of the load device 10 using the first network N1 and the second network N2.

[0105] The load device 10 of Example 11 is the load device of Example 9, and further includes a control unit 12 that controls its own operation. When at least one of a first control command c1 included in a communication signal Sc input via a first network N1 and a second control command c2 included in a communication signal Sc input via a second network N2 is a control command for the control device 12, the control device 12 may perform control based on at least one of the first control command c1 and the second control command c2.

[0106] This allows the load device 10 to be controlled based on at least one of the first control command c1 input via the first network N1 and the second control command c2 input via the second network N2. This allows the communication network of the load device 10 to be easily set using the first network N1 and the second network N2.

[0107] The load device 10 of Example 12 is the load device described in Example 11, and further includes a priority determination unit 18 that determines the priorities of the first control command c1 and the second control command c2. The control unit 12 may perform control based on the control command with the higher priority out of the first control command c1 and the second control command c2.

[0108] This allows the load device 10 to be controlled based on the priority of the first control command c1 and the second control command c2. Even if the control commands from the first network N1 and the second network N2 overlap, control can be performed according to the priority. This allows the communication network of the load device 10 to be easily set using the first network N1 and the second network N2.

[0109] The load device 10 of Example 13 is the load device according to any one of Examples 8 to 12, and the load device 10 may be a lighting device capable of wireless communication.

[0110] This enables lighting devices to be controlled wirelessly, which makes it easy to set up a communication network for the lighting devices.

[0111] The control method of the load device 10 in Example 14 is a control method of the load device capable of communicating with the outside via a first network N1 and a second network N2 that transmit signals using the same protocol. The control method determines whether a communication signal Sc input to the load device 10 has been input via the first network N1 or the second network N2, and performs control based on at least one of the first control command c1 and the second control command c2 when at least one of the first control command c1 and the second control command c2 included in the signal input via the first network N1 and the signal input via the second network N2 is a control command for the load device 10 itself.

[0112] This allows the load device 10 to be controlled based on at least one of the first control command c1 input via the first network N1 and the second control command c2 input via the second network N2. This allows the communication network of the load device 10 to be easily set using the first network N1 and the second network N2.

[0113] (Other forms) Although the load system has been described above based on the embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to the above embodiment that a person skilled in the art can conceive, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of the embodiment within the scope of the present invention.

[0114] Although an example in which the information transfer unit is divided into two has been shown above, the present invention is not limited thereto and the information transfer unit may be configured as a single piece of hardware. Also, although an example in which the control information acquisition unit is divided into two has been shown above, the present invention is not limited thereto and the control information acquisition unit may be configured as a single piece of hardware. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 1 Resistance System 10 Load equipment 10a Group 1 load equipment 10b Group 2 Load Equipment 10c Common group load equipment 11 Communications Department 12 Control section 13 Storage section 15 Network Judgment Unit 16a Information Transfer Section 16b Information Transfer Section 18 Priority judgment section 40 Gateway Device 50 Management device 60 Operation terminal c1 First control command c2 Second control command k1 First network key k2 Second network key N1 First Network N2 Second Network Sc communication signal

Claims

1. A load system including a plurality of load devices, the load system includes a first network and a second network that transmit signals using the same protocol; The load device is a communication unit capable of communicating with other load devices different from itself via the first network and the second network; a network determination unit that determines whether a communication signal input to the communication unit has been input via the first network or the second network. Load system.

2. the load device has a storage unit capable of storing a first network key enabling communication in the first network and a second network key enabling communication in the second network, The network determination unit is If the communication signal includes information about the first network key, the communication signal is determined to be a signal input via the first network; If the communication signal includes information about the second network key, the communication signal is determined to be a signal input via the second network. The load system of claim 1 .

3. The load device includes an information transfer unit that transfers the communication signal to the other load device, The information transfer unit includes: When the communication signal is a signal input via the first network, the communication signal is transferred to the other load device via the first network; When the communication signal is a signal input via the second network, the communication signal is transferred to the other load device via the second network. The load system of claim 2 .

4. The load device includes a control unit that controls the load device itself, When at least one of a first control command included in the communication signal input via the first network and a second control command included in the communication signal input via the second network is a control command for the control unit, the control unit performs control based on at least one of the first control command and the second control command. The load system of claim 2 .

5. the load device includes a priority determination unit that determines priorities of the first control command and the second control command, The control unit performs control based on the control command having a higher priority out of the first control command and the second control command. The load system of claim 4 .

6. The plurality of load devices include a first group of load devices capable of communicating only through the first network, a second group of load devices capable of communicating only through the second network, and a common group of load devices capable of communicating through each of the first network and the second network. The load system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the load device is a lighting device capable of wireless communication, Each of the first network and the second network is a wireless network. The load system of claim 6.

8. a communication unit capable of communicating with an external device via a first network and a second network that transmit signals using the same protocol; a network determination unit that determines whether a communication signal input to the communication unit has been input via the first network or the second network; A load device comprising:

9. a storage unit capable of storing a first network key enabling communication in the first network and a second network key enabling communication in the second network; The network determination unit is If the communication signal includes information about the first network key, the communication signal is determined to be a signal input via the first network; If the communication signal includes information about the second network key, the communication signal is determined to be a signal input via the second network. The load device according to claim 8 .

10. Further, an information transfer unit is provided for transferring the communication signal to another load device other than the device itself, The information transfer unit includes: When the communication signal is a signal input via the first network, the communication signal is transferred to the other load device via the first network; When the communication signal is a signal input via the second network, the communication signal is transferred to the other load device via the second network. The load device according to claim 9 .

11. Further, a control unit for controlling the operation of the device itself is provided, When at least one of a first control command included in the communication signal input via the first network and a second control command included in the communication signal input via the second network is a control command for the control unit, the control unit performs control based on at least one of the first control command and the second control command. The load device according to claim 9 .

12. a priority determination unit that determines the priority of the first control command and the second control command, The control unit performs control based on the control command having a higher priority out of the first control command and the second control command. The load device according to claim 11.

13. The load device is a lighting device capable of wireless communication. The load device according to any one of claims 8 to 12.

14. A method for controlling a load device capable of communicating with an external device via a first network and a second network that transmit signals using the same protocol, comprising the steps of: determining whether a communication signal input to the load device has been input via the first network or the second network; When at least one of a first control command included in a signal input via the first network and a second control command included in a signal input via the second network is a control command for itself, the device performs control based on at least one of the first control command and the second control command. A method for controlling load equipment.

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