Lighting monitoring system

Abstract

To provide a lighting monitoring system that can reduce the time and costs involved in monitoring a lighting fixture.SOLUTION: A lighting monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a control device and a lighting fixture. The control device includes a monitoring unit that outputs a monitoring signal for acquiring monitoring information, which is information related to the status of the lighting fixture. The lighting fixture includes a response unit that outputs a binary response signal in response to the monitoring signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting monitoring system that monitors a plurality of lighting fixtures arranged in, for example, a tunnel. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, when monitoring a huge number of lighting fixtures installed in tunnels and the like for malfunctions, etc., manual patrols require a large number of times, time, and cost. For this reason, devices that centrally control lighting fixtures and the like are known.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a roadway lighting system in which a tunnel controller controls a large number of lighting fixtures with addresses set. In this roadway lighting system, an unlit lamp is detected by an unlit lamp detection unit provided in the lighting device, and communication history data including the address of the unlit lamp is detected by a status detection unit provided in the tunnel controller. This is intended to facilitate maintenance and inspection work. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-18466 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Thus, there is a demand for technology that can monitor various conditions of lighting fixtures installed in tunnels, etc. Furthermore, since there are a huge number of lighting fixtures installed in tunnels, expressways, etc., it is desirable to shorten the time it takes to monitor each lighting fixture.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a lighting monitoring system that can reduce the time and cost required for monitoring lighting fixtures. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, a lighting monitoring system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a control device and a lighting fixture. The control device has a monitoring section that outputs a monitoring signal for acquiring monitoring information, which is information relating to the status of the lighting fixture. The luminaire has a response section that outputs a binary response signal in response to the monitor signal.

[0008] The lighting monitoring system includes a control device having a monitoring unit that outputs a monitoring signal to acquire monitoring information, which is information related to the status of the luminaire, and a luminaire having a response unit that outputs a binary response signal in response to the monitoring signal, thereby reducing the time and cost required for monitoring the luminaire.

[0009] The monitoring information may include any one of information regarding a malfunction of the luminaire, information regarding the illumination time of the luminaire, information regarding the operation time of the luminaire, or information regarding the current dimming rate of the luminaire.

[0010] The binary response signal may be one of outputting the response signal to the control device and not outputting the response signal to the control device.

[0011] The monitoring signal may be a signal inquiring as to whether the luminaire is out of light. In this case, the response unit may output the response signal to the monitoring signal if the luminaire is out of light, and may not output the response signal to the monitoring signal if the luminaire is not out of light.

[0012] When the response signal to the monitoring signal is output, the monitoring section may output a monitoring signal inquiring whether each of a plurality of channels based on a power supply board of the lighting fixture is malfunctioning.

[0013] The monitoring signal may be a signal inquiring whether the lighting time of the luminaire is equal to or longer than a predetermined time. In this case, the response unit may output the response signal to the monitoring signal if the lighting time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, and may not output the response signal to the monitoring signal if the lighting time is not equal to or longer than the predetermined time.

[0014] When the response signal to the monitoring signal is output, the monitoring unit may output a monitoring signal inquiring whether the lighting time is equal to or longer than an increased time obtained by increasing the specified time by a time unit.

[0015] The monitoring signal may be a signal inquiring whether an operating time of the luminaire is equal to or longer than a predetermined time. In this case, the response unit may output the response signal to the monitoring signal if the operating time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, and may not output the response signal to the monitoring signal if the operating time is not equal to or longer than the predetermined time.

[0016] When the response signal to the monitoring signal is output, the monitoring unit may output a monitoring signal inquiring whether the operating time is equal to or greater than an increased time obtained by increasing the specified time by a time unit.

[0017] The monitoring signal may be a signal inquiring about a current dimming ratio of the luminaire. In this case, the response unit may output the response signal to the monitoring signal when the dimming ratio inquired about by the monitoring signal matches the current dimming ratio of the luminaire, and may not output the response signal to the monitoring signal when the dimming ratio inquired about by the monitoring signal does not match the current dimming ratio of the luminaire.

[0018] The monitoring signal may be a signal inquiring whether the current dimming rate of the luminaire is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. In this case, the response unit may output the response signal to the monitoring signal if the current dimming rate of the luminaire is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, and may not output the response signal to the monitoring signal if the current dimming rate of the luminaire is not equal to or greater than the predetermined value.

[0019] The control device may further include a storage unit that stores the monitoring information. In this case, the storage unit may store the monitoring information for each of the luminaires.

[0020] When the monitoring information for a specific luminaire is not stored in the storage unit, the monitoring unit may output the monitoring signal to the specific luminaire by a dichotomy method.

[0021] When the monitoring information for a specific luminaire is stored in the memory unit, the monitoring unit may output a monitoring signal to the specific luminaire to inquire whether the monitoring information matches the stored monitoring information.

[0022] If no response signal is output to a monitoring signal inquiring whether the information matches the stored monitoring information, the monitoring unit may output the monitoring signal to the specific luminaire using a dichotomy method.

[0023] The lighting monitoring system may further include a user device capable of operating the control device. In this case, the user device may be capable of displaying the monitoring information. Effect of the Invention

[0024] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the time and cost required for monitoring lighting fixtures. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a lighting monitoring system. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a communication method between a control device and a group of lighting fixtures. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a transmission format. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a transmission format. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a lighting fixture. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a lighting monitoring system. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the wiring pattern of the lighting fixture. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a state transition diagram in the reception process of the lighting fixture. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a response output of a lighting fixture. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing monitoring of the dimming rate of a lighting fixture. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a monitoring sequence from the second time onward. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a monitoring sequence for a malfunction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0027] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a lighting monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1A is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the lighting monitoring system. Fig. 1B is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control device and a group of luminaires.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, a lighting monitoring system 100 includes a commercial power source 10, a user device 15, a control device 20, and a group of lighting fixtures 30.

[0029] The commercial power source 10 outputs an AC voltage to the control device 20. For example, the commercial power source 10 is a power source having a voltage of 200 V and a frequency of 50 or 60 Hz. In this embodiment, the voltage from the commercial power source 10 is supplied to the communication conversion unit 23.

[0030] The user device 15 is a terminal operated by a user, such as a PC or a tablet. For example, the user can remotely monitor the group of luminaires 30 arranged in a tunnel via the user device 15. Monitoring means grasping the status of each luminaire in the group of luminaires 30, such as a malfunction, accumulated lighting time, accumulated operation time, or current dimming rate (obtaining information about the status of each luminaire). The user device 15 may also display the current status of the luminaire (monitoring information, described later), such as whether or not there is a malfunction, whether or not the accumulated operation time has exceeded a predetermined time, what the current dimming rate is, etc.

[0031] The user device 15 is not limited, and various terminals may function as the user device 15 and monitor the luminaires by downloading an application related to the lighting monitoring system 100. Also, for example, a dedicated terminal having a switch or the like capable of monitoring the luminaires may be used.

[0032] The control device 20 includes an operation unit 21, a control unit 22, a communication conversion unit 23, and a storage unit 24. In this embodiment, the control device 20 monitors a group of luminaires 30, which will be described later. For example, the control device 20 can monitor the current dimming rate of each luminaire from 0% to 100%.

[0033] The operation unit 21 can monitor each luminaire by inputting an operation by a user, etc. In this embodiment, the operation unit 21 outputs to the control unit 22 a signal input by remote operation from the user device 15 to monitor whether there is a malfunctioning luminaire (malfunction) and how long the accumulated lighting time of the luminaires is (accumulated lighting time).

[0034] The control unit 22 outputs a monitoring signal for acquiring monitoring information, which is information on the status of the luminaire. In this embodiment, the monitoring signal is converted by the communication conversion unit 23 based on the communication method described below.

[0035] The monitoring information includes any one of information regarding a malfunction of a luminaire, information regarding the lighting time of the luminaire, information regarding the operating time of the luminaire, and information regarding the current dimming rate of the luminaire. For example, the monitoring information may include information regarding whether a malfunction has occurred, whether the cumulative lighting time is greater than or equal to a predetermined time, whether the cumulative operating time is greater than or equal to a predetermined time, and the current dimming rate. In this embodiment, the monitoring information is linked to a number (ID) for identifying each luminaire that is set in the luminaire. For example, a luminaire set to ID=5 is linked to the current dimming rate of the luminaire.

[0036] The IDs set for the luminaires may be assigned automatically when the control unit 22 (or the lighting monitoring system 100) is started up, or the IDs for each luminaire may be assigned manually or automatically by user operation input from the user device 15.

[0037] The communication conversion unit 23 converts the monitoring signal output from the control unit 22 into a telegram. In this embodiment, the communication conversion unit 23 outputs the telegram to the lighting fixture group 30 in synchronization with the commercial power source 10. In this embodiment, the telegram is composed of "1" and "0". The telegram is also composed of an 8-bit address assuming a maximum of 100 lighting fixtures can be connected, and 12-bit data based on the number of functions requested in the telegram and the unique data size. Specific examples of telegrams will be described with reference to Figs. 2 to 4.

[0038] The storage unit 24 stores the status of each luminaire in the luminaire group 30. In this embodiment, the storage unit 24 stores monitoring information acquired in response to a monitoring signal.

[0039] The method of storing the monitoring information is not limited. For example, the monitoring information may be updated every time a response to a monitoring signal is obtained, or past monitoring information such as the number of times a particular luminaire has malfunctioned in the past may be accumulated.

[0040] The lighting fixture group 30 is made up of a plurality of lighting fixtures, and the dimming of all or some of the lighting fixtures is controlled based on the message output from the signal conversion unit.

[0041] For example, the lighting fixture group 30 is installed in a location where multiple lighting fixtures are installed, such as a general road or a tunnel on a highway. When the lighting fixture group 30 is installed in a tunnel, the lighting fixtures installed near the tunnel entrance can be classified as entrance lighting 5 and basic lighting 6 installed inside the tunnel, as shown in Fig. 1B. In this case, it is desirable to perform dimming control at different dimming rates for the entrance lighting 5 and the basic lighting 6, such as performing dimming control only for the entrance lighting 5 due to issues such as dark adaptation and photoadaptation.

[0042] In the lighting monitoring system 100, the cable has one signal line 1, two power lines 2 (live and neutral), and one ground line (not shown). Each luminaire adjusts the light intensity of the luminaire by receiving a common message output from the control device 20 via the signal line 1. A specific monitoring example will be described with reference to Figs. 10 to 12.

[0043] The classification of entrance lighting and basic lighting in the lighting fixture group 30 is not limited, and dimming control may be performed arbitrarily. Typically, the lighting fixtures placed in the locations affected by the environment outside the tunnel, such as brightness, are considered to be entrance lighting. Hereinafter, the same reference numerals may be given to the respective lighting fixtures included in the lighting fixture group 30.

[0044] A communication method between the control device 20 and the group of luminaires 30 in such a lighting monitoring system will be described below with reference to Figs.

[0045] [Communication method] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a communication system between the control device 20 and the lighting fixture group 30. As shown in FIG.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 2, in this communication method, communication is performed in synchronization with the frequency of the AC voltage of the commercial power source 10. The control device 20, which is the transmitting side, outputs a data pulse 25 in synchronization with the negative half wave of the AC voltage. The lighting fixture 30, which is the receiving side, regards the data pulse 25 as valid data while synchronizing.

[0047] In this embodiment, in order for the receiving side to perform synchronization, a start code (for example, "1" and "0", hereinafter referred to as "10") is used in the message supplied to the lighting fixture 30. Also, since the signal state in a non-communication state is "0", the receiving side detects the change from "0" to "1" due to the addition of the start code "10" in the message as the start of the message and starts synchronization.

[0048] In this embodiment, the structure of the message is fixed length and consists of an address (positive logic, 8 bits), address inversion (negative logic, 8 bits), data (positive logic, 12 bits), and data inversion (negative logic, 12 bits). Here, address inversion refers to the inversion of each bit of the address. Data inversion refers to the inversion of each bit of the data.

[0049] In this embodiment, the address includes a number for identifying each luminaire. For example, if 100 luminaires are installed, each of the 100 luminaires is assigned a number. In addition, a group address, a broadcast address, etc. may be included in the address.

[0050] In this embodiment, the data is composed of a 4-bit function code and 8-bit unique data corresponding to the function code. For example, the function code includes ID assignment of the luminaire, dimming control, monitoring of the state of the luminaire, etc. In this embodiment, the message includes, as the function code, any of the following: inquiry about a non-lighting fault of channel 1, inquiry about a non-lighting fault of channel 2, inquiry about the accumulated operating time, inquiry about the accumulated lighting time of channel 1, inquiry about the accumulated lighting time of channel 2, or inquiry about the dimming rate. That is, a specific luminaire is designated by the address, and monitoring is performed for a specific luminaire by the data. Of course, an arbitrary number of bits may be set according to the type of function required and the size of the unique data, and the number of bits of the data may be set by adding the type of function and the size of the unique data.

[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in order to eliminate the possibility of erroneously detecting a change from "0" to "1" in a message as a start code, a non-communication period of 21 bits or more is provided between messages.

[0052] For example, suppose the address is "11111111", the address inversion is "00000000", the data is "000000000000", and the data inversion is "111111111111". In this way, the period in which "0" is most likely to occur consecutively within a message (for example, between the address inversion and the data) is limited to 20 bits. In other words, by setting "10" as the starting code after a string of "0"s that exceeds 20 bits, it is possible to eliminate false positives.

[0053] The luminaire 30, which is the receiving side, compares the address and address inversion with the data and data inversion to check whether there is an error in the data. The luminaire also outputs an answerback in synchronization with the negative half wave.

[0054] The format of transmission data in the above communication method will now be described with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG.

[0055] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a transmission format. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a transmission format.

[0056] The format of the message transmitted in Figures 3 and 4 is a start code, address (A0 to A7), address inversion, data (D0 to D11), data inversion, pause cycle (2 bits), answerback (2 bits), and pause cycle (2 bits). In other words, the length of the message is 48 bits, and 46 bits excluding the start code.

[0057] As shown in Fig. 3, the commercial power supply 10 for data transmission is a power supply of AC 200V, 50Hz or 60Hz. Also as shown in Fig. 3, the signal 26 is synchronized with the commercial power supply 10. One bit is transmitted and received in synchronization with the negative half wave of one power cycle. The address is fixed at 16 bits and output sequentially from the lowest. The data is fixed at 24 bits and output sequentially from the lowest. The pause 27 is fixed at 6 bits, and the answerback 35 is output in synchronization with the negative half wave of the power supply for the 3rd and 4th bits.

[0058] In this embodiment, the luminaire 30 indicates a YES to the request by returning an answerback 35 to the control device 20. The luminaire 30 indicates a NO to the request by not returning an answerback 35 to the control device 20. In other words, a binary response is made to the request by the control device 20 (for example, output of a message such as the current dimming rate as a percentage) by either responding or not responding.

[0059] 3, in the signal bit configuration 28, data bits are sent in synchronization with the negative half-wave side of the commercial power supply 10. After sending 8 bits of a positive logic bit address, 8 bits of a negative logic bit address obtained by taking the complement of the positive logic are sent. After sending 12 bits of positive logic bit data, 12 bits of negative logic bit data obtained by taking the complement of the positive logic are sent.

[0060] The receiving side separates the address into positive logic and negative logic from the data bits sent from the sending side, and also separates the data into positive logic and negative logic. Each separated signal is checked to see if it is composed of inverted negative logic bits for all positive logic bits (see signal comparison 36 in Figure 3).

[0061] When the signals match, the positive logic data is determined to be normal data. In FIG. 3, addresses A0 to A7, "11010100", and data "111001001101" are normal data 37.

[0062] Also, as shown in Figure 4, there is a minimum waiting time of 21 bits between the end of a message and the beginning of the next message. Before the message starts, it is synchronized with the negative half wave of the power supply, and if the number "10" is received in the order, the next message will be the beginning of the message.

[0063] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the lighting fixture 30. Fig. 5A is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the lighting fixture 30. Fig. 5B is a diagram showing a schematic structure of the lighting fixture 30.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 5A, the lighting device 30 includes a communication board 31, a power source 32, and an LED board 33.

[0065] The communication board 31 communicates between the control device 20 and the lighting fixture 30. In this embodiment, the communication board 31 acquires a message output by the signal conversion unit 23. In this embodiment, the communication board 31 also outputs a response (answerback) to the message to the signal conversion unit 23.

[0066] The communication board 31 also judges whether the message includes a start condition indicating the start of dimming control. That is, the communication board 31 judges whether the message includes a start code "10" and a non-communication period of 21 bits or more between messages. The specific state transition of the luminaire will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0067] Furthermore, based on the message, the communication board 31 determines the PWM duty ratio of the power supply 32. For example, the communication board 31 may have a conversion table that determines the PWM duty ratio corresponding to a dimming rate of 0% or a dimming rate of 100%.

[0068] The communication board 31 can also store the current status of the lighting fixture. For example, information such as whether the LED board 33 is off, whether the cumulative lighting time is greater than or equal to a predetermined time, whether the cumulative operating time is greater than or equal to a predetermined time, and the current dimming rate are stored.

[0069] The method of detecting a malfunction and the method of measuring the cumulative lighting time, cumulative operation time, and current dimming rate are not limited. For example, the luminaire 30 may have a timer to measure the operation time.

[0070] The power supply 32 performs dimming control of the lighting fixture 30 based on the duty ratio output from the communication board 31. For example, the power supply 32 dims the LED board 33 by constant current control.

[0071] The LED board 33 emits light when a current is applied from the power source 32 .

[0072] As shown in Fig. 5B, a cable 38 and a connector 39 that connects the cable 38 and the lamp 30 are connected to the lamp 30. In Fig. 5B, similar to Fig. 1B, the cable has one signal line 1 and two power lines 2. A ground line (not shown) is also provided.

[0073] The signal line 1 and the power line 2 may have an integrated wiring structure or separate wiring structures.

[0074] In addition, in FIG. 5B, the power input of the power source 32 (power source board) is wired via the communication board 31, but this is not limited thereto, and the power line 2 entering the lighting fixture 30 may be branched and wired to the communication board 31 and the power source 32.

[0075] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the lighting monitoring system 100. Fig. 6A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the lighting monitoring system 100. Fig. 6B is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the lighting monitoring system 100. Fig. 6C is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the lighting monitoring system 100.

[0076] In FIG. 6, the lighting fixture group 30 is made up of 100 lighting fixtures.

[0077] 6A, a power line 42 from a commercial power source 10, which is a power source with a voltage of 200 V and a frequency of 50 or 60 Hz, is a single-phase two-wire line that supplies power to the control device 20 and each of the luminaires 30 via a lighting distribution board 40. In addition, a communication line 41 is connected from the control device 20 to each luminaire 30, and each luminaire 30 is monitored via this communication line 41.

[0078] Of course, this is not limited to the example of Fig. 6A. For example, as shown in Fig. 6B, a configuration may be adopted in which the power line 42 is not connected from the lighting distribution board 40 to each luminaire 30, and the power from the lighting distribution board 40 is input to the control device 20 and distributed from the control device 20 to the luminaires 30. Also, as shown in Fig. 6C, the control device 20 may be built into the lighting distribution board 40, and the power may be distributed inside the lighting distribution board 40 and supplied to each luminaire 30.

[0079] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a wiring pattern of the lighting fixture 30. Fig. 7A is a diagram showing an example of the wiring pattern of the lighting fixture 30. Fig. 7B is a diagram showing an example of the wiring pattern of the lighting fixture 30. Fig. 7C is a diagram showing an example of the wiring pattern of the lighting fixture 30.

[0080] In Fig. 7A, wiring indicating AC-L, AC-N, and signals is connected to the luminaire 30. The AC-L wiring 50 and the AC-N wiring 51 are connected to the luminaire 30 (Nth) shown in Fig. 7A and to a luminaire (N+1th) not shown connected to the luminaire 30, and branch out at each luminaire.

[0081] A wire 52 indicating a signal is sent with a message regarding a monitoring signal from the control device and supplied to the luminaire. In Fig. 7A, the wire indicating a signal is connected to a luminaire (N+1th) via a luminaire (Nth). For example, a message is sent to assign ID=N to the Nth luminaire, and then a message is sent to assign ID=(N+1) to the (N+1)th luminaire. This makes it possible to identify each luminaire, and a specific luminaire can be specified by the address of the message, allowing that luminaire to be monitored.

[0082] In Fig. 7A, the communication board 31 (not shown) may control the opening and closing of the circuit in response to a signal. That is, in the wiring pattern shown in Fig. 7A, a signal from one luminaire to the next luminaire may be cut or transmitted.

[0083] Of course, various wiring patterns may be set without being limited to the example shown in Fig. 7A. For example, in Fig. 7B, the wiring from the luminaire 30 to the next luminaire (AC-L50, AC-N51, and signal 52) may not be branched, and the cables connecting the luminaire 30 to the next luminaire may be successively added. In other words, the example of Fig. 7B does not require the use of a branched cable, and is easy to install.

[0084] Also, for example, FIG. 7C shows an example in which each of the AC-L50, AC-N51, and signal 52 branches off at each luminaire. In the example of FIG. 7C, since there is no need to perform circuit opening and closing control for each luminaire, the number of wires entering the luminaire 30 is reduced from 4 cores to 3 cores compared to the example of FIG. 7A, and cable costs can be reduced. Furthermore, since there is no need to perform circuit opening and closing control for the communication board 31, the board cost can be reduced by deleting the opening and closing control function. Note that in FIG. 7C, IDs that can identify each luminaire cannot be automatically assigned, and must be assigned manually.

[0085] FIG. 8 is a state transition diagram in the reception process of the luminaire 30.

[0086] As shown in Fig. 8, in step 101, the luminaire 30 (communication board 31) is in a state where reception of data pulses is prohibited. This reception prohibition state continues while a "1" is received in a telegram, or while a telegram containing less than 21 consecutive bits of "0" is being output to the luminaire (from step 101 to step 101). In particular, when a "1" is received, the reception counter is cleared, and when a "0" is received, the reception counter is incremented.

[0087] Furthermore, if a "0" is received in the message and the received "0" has been counted up to 20 bits by the receive counter, i.e., if 21 consecutive bits of "0" are received, the device transitions to a receiving state (from step 101 to step 102).

[0088] In step 102, if "1" is received, a transition is made to a start code waiting state (from step 102 to step 103). If "0" is received, the reception ready state continues (from step 102 to step 102).

[0089] In step 103, since "1" has already been received, if "0" is received, it means that the start code "10" has been detected, and the state transitions to the receiving state (from step 103 to step 104). Also, if "1" is received, since the start code has not been detected, the state transitions to the receiving prohibited state (from step 103 to step 101).

[0090] In step 104, a fixed-length 40-bit message (address, address inversion, data, and data inversion) is received. If 40 bits have been received, the state transitions to a response output state (from step 104 to step 105). If 40 bits have not been received, the entire message has not been received, so the receiving state continues (from step 104 to step 104).

[0091] A response corresponding to the message is output in step 105. The specific process of outputting the response will be described with reference to the flow in FIG.

[0092] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the response output of the luminaire 30.

[0093] The communication board 31 judges whether the message received in step 104 in Fig. 8 is normal or abnormal (step 201). In this embodiment, the communication board 31 compares the address of positive logic and the inverted address of negative logic, and compares the data of positive logic and the inverted data of negative logic. If the comparisons of both the address and the data are correct, it is judged to be normal (YES in step 201). If the comparisons of both the address and the data are incorrect, it is judged to be abnormal, and no response is output (NO in step 201, step 206).

[0094] Of the regular messages (address and data) that are determined to be normal, the address is determined (step 202). In this embodiment, if the ID of the luminaire indicated by the address matches the ID of the luminaire that received the address, it is determined that the received address was sent to that luminaire (YES in step 202). If the address is a broadcast address, it is determined that the received address was sent to that luminaire (YES in step 202). If the ID of the luminaire indicated by the address does not match the ID of the luminaire that received the address, the received address is not sent to that luminaire, so no response is output (NO in step 202, step 206).

[0095] As a result of the address determination, the specified luminaire executes processing according to the message (step 203). For example, when a monitoring signal is output to inquire as to whether the current dimming ratio of the luminaire is 60%, a response is made if the current dimming ratio of the luminaire is 60% (YES in step 204, step 205). On the other hand, if the current dimming ratio of the luminaire is not 60%, no response is made (NO in step 204, step 206).

[0096] In step 205, a response indicating that the process has been executed is output from the luminaire to the control device. In this embodiment, during the 6-bit time that is the pause cycle, "1" is sent to the control device as an answerback in the 3rd and 4th bits.

[0097] When the response output ends in step 205 or step 206, the luminaire transitions to a reception prohibited state (step 105 to step 101 in FIG. 8).

[0098] A specific example of monitoring will now be described with reference to FIGS.

[0099] Fig. 10 is a sequence diagram showing monitoring of the dimming ratio of a luminaire. For the sake of explanation, only one luminaire is shown in Fig. 10, and the current dimming ratio of the luminaire 30 is set to 70%. Fig. 10 also shows an example of a case where monitoring is performed immediately after (first time) starting the control device 20 or when the dimming ratio of the luminaire 30 differs from the dimming ratio already grasped due to some factor.

[0100] 10, the control device 20 transmits a message to the luminaire 30 inquiring whether the dimming rate is 50% or more (step 301). Specifically, a specific luminaire 30 is designated by an address, and an inquiry about the current dimming rate is instructed by data.

[0101] Since the current dimming ratio of the luminaire 30 is 70%, the luminaire 30 responds to the message (step 302).

[0102] The control device 20 also transmits a message to the luminaire 30 inquiring whether the dimming rate is 76% or more (step 303). Since the current dimming rate is 70%, the luminaire 30 does not respond to the message (step 304).

[0103] In this manner, in this embodiment, a method such as bisection or binary search is executed, and a monitoring signal is output while narrowing down the dimming ratio range of 0 to 100% by half until it is determined. Also, in this embodiment, the dimming ratio is acquired in 2% increments.

[0104] That is, before the current dimming rate of luminaire 30 is determined to be 70%, the following processing is performed: a monitoring signal to check whether the dimming rate is 62% or more and the response thereto (steps 305, 306), a monitoring signal to check whether the dimming rate is 68% or more and the response thereto (steps 307, 308), a monitoring signal to check whether the dimming rate is 72% or more and no response (steps 309, 310), and a monitoring signal to check whether the dimming rate is 70% or more and the response thereto (steps 311, 312).

[0105] This reveals that the current dimming ratio of the luminaire 30 is 70%. The unit of the dimming ratio to be acquired is not limited, and it may be acquired in increments of 1% or in increments of 4%. For example, when it is acquired in increments of 1%, the inquiry about the current dimming ratio is made seven times.

[0106] The monitoring sequence in FIG. 10 is also performed for the accumulated lighting time and the accumulated operation time. For example, in the case of the accumulated lighting time, the search range of 0 to 255 is performed in units of 1000 hours. The search range of 0 to 255 is because the unique data size corresponding to the function code is 8 bits. Also, since the life of an LED light source is approximately tens of thousands of hours, it is set to (0 to 255) x 1000 hours, which can express up to 200,000 hours with a margin. Of course, it is not limited to this, and the unique data size may be expanded to enable more detailed monitoring, but the accumulated lighting time does not have to be monitored in units of one hour because it is intended to suggest an appropriate replacement time to the user.

[0107] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a monitoring sequence from the second time onwards, Fig. 11A is a diagram showing a monitoring sequence of a dimming ratio, and Fig. 11B is a diagram showing a monitoring sequence of an accumulated time.

[0108] FIG. 11B shows a sequence that can be used for any of an inquiry about the cumulative operating time, an inquiry about the cumulative lighting time of channel 1, and an inquiry about the cumulative lighting time of channel 2.

[0109] 11A, the current dimming rate of the luminaire 30 is stored in the memory unit 24 as 70%. Therefore, the control device 20 transmits a message to the luminaire 30 inquiring whether the current dimming rate is 70% or not (step 401).

[0110] Normally, the dimming ratio of the luminaire 30 stored in the storage unit 24 matches the current dimming ratio of the luminaire 30, so a response is made by the luminaire 30 (step 402).

[0111] However, if the stored dimming ratio of the luminaire 30 does not match the current dimming ratio of the luminaire 30 due to some factor, such as the luminaire 30 being restarted and the dimming ratio becoming an initial value (e.g., 100%), no response is made by the luminaire 30 (steps 403 and 404).

[0112] In this case, the new dimming ratio of the luminaire 30 is monitored by performing the monitoring sequence shown in Fig. 10. Alternatively, a message may be output to the luminaire 30 to perform dimming control so that the dimming ratio of the luminaire 30 becomes the dimming ratio stored in the storage unit 24.

[0113] In FIG. 11B, it is assumed that the monitoring sequence of FIG. 10 has already been used to store in memory unit 24 that the accumulated time of luminaire 30 (accumulated operating time, accumulated lighting time of channel 1, or accumulated lighting time of channel 2) is 1000 hours or more.

[0114] 11B, steps 501 to 504 are a monitoring sequence when there is no change in the accumulated time, and steps 505 to 510 are a monitoring sequence when there is a change in the accumulated time.

[0115] In step 501, the control device 20 transmits a message inquiring whether the accumulated time of the luminaire 30 is 1000 hours or more. In step 502, the luminaire 30 responds by indicating that the accumulated time of the luminaire 30 exceeds 1000 hours.

[0116] In step 503, the control device 20 transmits a message inquiring whether the accumulated time of the luminaire 30 is 2000 hours or more. In step 504, the luminaire 30 does not respond because the accumulated time of the luminaire 30 does not exceed 2000 hours.

[0117] As a result, the fact that the accumulated time of this luminaire 30 is between 1000 hours and less than 2000 hours is stored in the memory unit 24.

[0118] Furthermore, if there is a change in the accumulated time, for example, if a predetermined time has elapsed since the monitoring sequence of steps 501 to 504 ended, step 505 is executed.

[0119] That is, a message is sent to inquire whether the accumulated time of the luminaire 30 is 1000 hours or more, and a response to that message is made (steps 505 and 506). Also, a message is sent to inquire whether the accumulated time of the luminaire 30 is 2000 hours or more, and a response to that message is made (steps 507 and 508). Similarly, a message is sent to inquire whether the accumulated time of the luminaire 30 is 3000 hours or more (step 509), and since the accumulated time of the luminaire 30 does not exceed 3000 hours, no response is made (step 510).

[0120] 11B, a monitoring signal is output to inquire whether the cumulative time is equal to or greater than T (× time unit). If there is a response to that monitoring signal, a monitoring signal is output to inquire whether the cumulative time is equal to or greater than (T+1).

[0121] When there is a response to the monitoring signal of the accumulated time (T+1), the current accumulated time stored in the memory unit 24 becomes (T+1). When there is no response to the monitoring signal of the accumulated time (T+1), the accumulated time remains unchanged, and the current accumulated time stored in the memory unit 24 becomes T.

[0122] In other words, the accumulated time only changes in an increasing direction, and by increasing the time unit of the accumulated time query by 1, two queries will be made under normal circumstances (no change) and three queries will be made if there is a change.

[0123] If there is no response to the monitoring signal for the cumulative time T, the cumulative time is narrowed down again by the bisection method using the monitoring sequence of FIG.

[0124] In this way, by using the bisection method for the first time (Fig. 10), monitoring information can be obtained more stably and quickly than by brute force. In addition, from the second time onwards (Fig. 11), the monitoring method is changed depending on whether there is a change, so time-consuming procedures such as the bisection method can be omitted.

[0125] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a monitoring sequence for a non-faulty electrical wiring. Fig. 12A is a diagram showing a monitoring sequence when no non-faulty electrical wiring occurs. Fig. 12B is a diagram showing a monitoring sequence when a non-faulty electrical wiring occurs.

[0126] 12A, the control device 20 transmits a message to the luminaire 30 to inquire whether the luminaire 30 is experiencing a non-fault condition (step 601). Since the luminaire 30 is not experiencing a non-fault condition, the control device 20 does not respond to the message (step 602).

[0127] This monitoring sequence causes the memory unit 24 to store information indicating that the luminaire 30 is not malfunctioning, and the monitoring sequence is then terminated.

[0128] As shown in Fig. 12B, the control device 20 transmits a message to the luminaire 30 inquiring whether or not there is a non-failure (step 701). In this embodiment, of the two power supply boards (channel 1 and channel 2) mounted on the luminaire 30, channel 2 is faulty. Therefore, the luminaire 30 responds by indicating that there is a non-failure (step 702).

[0129] In response to step 701, the control device 20 outputs a monitoring signal to check whether each channel is experiencing a non-lighting fault. That is, a message is sent to the luminaire 30 to inquire whether channel 1 is experiencing a non-lighting fault (step 703). Since channel 1 is not experiencing a fault, no response is made (step 704).

[0130] Next, the control device 20 transmits a message to the luminaire 30 inquiring as to whether or not channel 2 is malfunctioning (step 705). Since channel 2 is malfunctioning, the luminaire 30 responds (step 706).

[0131] As described above, since the control device monitors the luminaires in accordance with the above communication method, the time and cost required for monitoring the luminaires can be reduced.

[0132] In addition, because each lighting fixture can be monitored remotely, the number of times that people have to patrol the tunnel where the lighting fixtures are installed can be reduced. Also, because remote monitoring identifies abnormalities in lighting fixtures and then allows visual inspection, there is less waste. This reduces the cost and time required for personnel monitoring.

[0133] In addition, since signals are always transmitted from the control device and responses from the luminaire are in two values, the luminaire configuration can be simplified.

[0134] In the present embodiment, the luminaire 30 is monitored by the user device 15, but the present invention is not limited to this. Monitoring may be performed automatically without user operation, i.e., without the user device 15. For example, monitoring may be performed at predetermined time intervals by the operation unit 21, and the results (monitoring information) may be transmitted to the user device 15. In addition, if a malfunction occurs in the luminaire, a notification may be sent to a mobile terminal or the like owned by the user who operates the user device 15.

[0135] In the present embodiment, the cumulative lighting time and cumulative operation time are monitored in units of 1000 hours, but this is not limited to this. For example, they may be set arbitrarily based on the service life of the lighting fixture or the time since the lighting fixture was installed (operated).

[0136] In the present embodiment, the lighting monitoring system 100 is used for lighting fixtures arranged in general roads and tunnels of expressways, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the lighting monitoring system 100 may be used in a case where lighting fixtures such as illuminations are arranged in a row and the state of each of the lighting fixtures is monitored.

[0137] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications can be made, and the configurations of the respective embodiments and modified examples can be combined. For example, in the present embodiment, a lighting monitoring system for collectively controlling a plurality of lighting fixtures in a tunnel or the like has been described, but the lighting monitoring system may also be used in a place where each of a plurality of lighting fixtures is monitored, such as a venue where a plurality of lights are provided. [Explanation of symbols]

[0138] 10…Commercial power supply 20...Control device 22...Control section 23...Communication converter 24...Storage section 30...Lamp group 31…Communication board 100...Lighting monitoring system

Claims

1. A monitoring unit that outputs a monitoring signal for acquiring monitoring information, which is information related to the status of the luminaire. A control device having A response unit that outputs a binary response signal in response to the monitoring signal. With the lighting fixtures A lighting monitoring system comprising:

2. 2. The lighting monitoring system according to claim 1, The monitoring information includes any one of information regarding a malfunction of the luminaire, information regarding the illumination time of the luminaire, information regarding the operation time of the luminaire, or information regarding the current dimming rate of the luminaire. Lighting monitoring system.

3. 2. The lighting monitoring system according to claim 1, The binary response signal is either outputting the response signal to the control device or not outputting the response signal to the control device. Lighting monitoring system.

4. 3. The lighting monitoring system according to claim 2, The monitoring signal is a signal for inquiring whether the lighting fixture is off, The response unit outputs the response signal to the monitoring signal when the luminaire is out of light, and does not output the response signal to the monitoring signal when the luminaire is not out of light. Lighting monitoring system.

5. The lighting monitoring system according to claim 4, The monitoring unit outputs a monitoring signal inquiring whether each of a plurality of channels based on a power supply board of the lighting fixture is in a fault state when the response signal to the monitoring signal is output. Lighting monitoring system.

6. 3. The lighting monitoring system according to claim 2, The monitoring signal is a signal for inquiring whether the lighting time of the lighting device is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, The response unit outputs the response signal to the monitoring signal when the lighting time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, and does not output the response signal to the monitoring signal when the lighting time is not equal to or longer than the predetermined time. Lighting monitoring system.

7. 7. The lighting monitoring system according to claim 6, When the response signal to the monitoring signal is output, the monitoring unit outputs a monitoring signal inquiring whether the lighting time is equal to or longer than an increased time obtained by increasing the predetermined time by a time unit. Lighting monitoring system.

8. 3. The lighting monitoring system according to claim 2, The monitoring signal is a signal for inquiring whether the operating time of the lighting device is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, The response unit outputs the response signal to the monitoring signal when the operation time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, and does not output the response signal to the monitoring signal when the operation time is not equal to or longer than the predetermined time. Lighting monitoring system.

9. 9. The lighting monitoring system according to claim 8, When the response signal to the monitoring signal is output, the monitoring unit outputs a monitoring signal inquiring whether the operating time is equal to or longer than an increased time obtained by increasing the predetermined time by a unit of time. Lighting monitoring system.

10. 3. The lighting monitoring system according to claim 2, The monitoring signal is a signal for inquiring about a current dimming rate of the lighting fixture, The response unit outputs the response signal to the monitoring signal when the dimming rate inquired of in the monitoring signal matches the current dimming rate of the luminaire, and does not output the response signal to the monitoring signal when the dimming rate inquired of in the monitoring signal does not match the current dimming rate of the luminaire. Lighting monitoring system.

11. 3. The lighting monitoring system according to claim 2, The monitoring signal is a signal for inquiring whether the current dimming rate of the lighting fixture is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, The response unit outputs the response signal to the monitoring signal when the current dimming rate of the luminaire is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, and does not output the response signal to the monitoring signal when the current dimming rate of the luminaire is not equal to or greater than the predetermined value. Lighting monitoring system.

12. 2. The lighting monitoring system according to claim 1, The control device further includes a storage unit that stores the monitoring information, The storage unit stores the monitoring information for each of the lighting fixtures. Lighting monitoring system.

13. 13. The lighting monitoring system according to claim 12, When the monitoring information for a specific luminaire is not stored in the storage unit, the monitoring unit outputs the monitoring signal to the specific luminaire by a dichotomy method. Lighting monitoring system.

14. 13. The lighting monitoring system according to claim 12, When the monitoring information for a specific luminaire is stored in the storage unit, the monitoring unit outputs a monitoring signal to inquire of the specific luminaire whether the monitoring information matches the stored monitoring information. Lighting monitoring system.

15. 15. The lighting monitoring system according to claim 14, When a response signal to a monitoring signal inquiring whether the stored monitoring information matches is not output, the monitoring unit outputs the monitoring signal to the specific luminaire by a dichotomy method. Lighting monitoring system.

16. The lighting monitoring system according to claim 1, further comprising: A user device capable of operating the control device, The user device is capable of displaying the monitoring information. Lighting monitoring system.

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