Signal converter, lighting system, and lighting device control method

Abstract

To provide a signal converter and the like that can easily check whether the wiring connection between a signal converter and a wired lighting device is appropriate.SOLUTION: A signal converter 20 is a signal converter connected to one or more lighting devices 10 via a communication network N, and includes a control unit 25 that controls a wired lighting device 10a among the one or more lighting devices 10 that is wired to the signal converter 20. When the signal converter 20 is powered on, and the control unit 25 determines whether the signal converter 20 is participating in the communication network N or not, and outputs a first lighting signal s1 to the wired lighting device 10a to control the wired lighting device 10a with first lighting control when the control unit determines that the signal converter 20 is not participating in the communication network N.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a signal converter connected to a plurality of lighting devices, a lighting system including a plurality of lighting devices and a signal converter, and a method for controlling lighting devices. [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] When a lighting system including a plurality of lighting devices and a signal converter is installed in a facility such as a building, a construction company performs wiring work for the lighting system. However, wiring connections between wired lighting devices among the plurality of lighting devices and the signal converter may not be performed properly. In this case, a problem occurs in that the communication settings, which are a later process, cannot be performed properly. Therefore, if it is possible to check the suitability of the wiring connections between the wired lighting devices and the signal converter during or after the wiring work, it is considered that the above problem can be prevented from occurring.

[0005] The present invention provides a signal converter etc. that allows easy confirmation of the suitability of wiring connection between the signal converter and wired lighting equipment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of a signal converter of the present invention is a signal converter connected to one or more lighting devices via a communication network, and includes a control unit that controls wired lighting devices among the one or more lighting devices that are wired connected to the signal converter, wherein the control unit determines whether the signal converter is connected to the communication network when the signal converter is powered on, and when the control unit determines that the signal converter is not connected to the communication network, outputs a first lighting signal to the wired lighting device for controlling the wired lighting device with a first lighting control.

[0007] One aspect of a lighting system of the present invention is a lighting system comprising one or more lighting devices and a signal converter connected to the one or more lighting devices via a communication network, wherein the one or more lighting devices include wired lighting devices connected to the signal converter by a wired connection, and the signal converter comprises a control unit that controls the wired lighting devices, and when the signal converter is powered on, the control unit determines whether the signal converter is connected to the communication network or not, and when the control unit determines that the signal converter is not connected to the communication network, outputs a first lighting signal to the wired lighting devices for controlling the wired lighting devices with a first lighting control.

[0008] One aspect of a method for controlling a lighting device of the present invention is a method for controlling a lighting device that is wired-connected to a signal converter via a communication network, the method including the steps of: determining whether or not the signal converter has joined the communication network when the signal converter is powered on; and controlling lighting of the lighting device based on a determination result of the determining step, in which, in the lighting control step, if it is determined that the signal converter has not joined the communication network, the lighting device is controlled by a first lighting control, and if it is determined that the signal converter has joined the communication network, the lighting device is controlled by a second lighting control. Effect of the Invention

[0009] The signal converter etc. of the present invention makes it possible to easily check whether the wiring connection between the signal converter and wired lighting equipment is appropriate. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of installation work for a lighting system in a comparative example. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a lighting system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a plurality of lighting devices and a signal converter included in the lighting system. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a wired lighting device and a signal converter. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 illustrates a network key stored in a signal converter. [Figure 6] 4 is a diagram showing the control contents of a first lighting control and a second lighting control stored in a signal converter. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of installation work for a lighting system according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling a lighting device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] (Background to the Invention) The background to the present invention will be described. For example, a lighting system including a plurality of lighting devices, a signal converter, and a gateway device is installed in a facility such as a building. The plurality of lighting devices include wired lighting devices connected to the signal converter by wires and wireless lighting devices connected wirelessly to the gateway device or the like.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of installation work for a lighting system in a comparative example.

[0013] When installing a lighting system in a facility, first, as shown in Fig. 1, a construction company performs wiring work for multiple lighting devices, signal converters, gateway devices, etc. (step S10). Next, a communication setting company performs communication settings for multiple lighting devices, signal converters, gateway devices, etc. (step S30). If this work is performed appropriately, it becomes possible to control multiple lighting devices using the gateway device and signal converters.

[0014] The following description focuses on the wiring connection between the wired lighting equipment and the signal converter among the multiple lighting equipment. The contractor performs wiring work by connecting the power line and the signal line to each of the wired lighting equipment and the signal converter. The contractor also checks whether the power line of the wired lighting equipment is connected by turning on the wired lighting equipment and turning on the wired lighting equipment. Alternatively, the contractor checks whether the power line of the signal converter is connected by turning on the signal converter and turning on the pilot lamp of the signal converter. The contractor also checks whether the signal line is connected by visually checking the signal line connecting the wired lighting equipment and the signal converter.

[0015] However, the wiring connection between the wired lighting device and the signal converter may not be properly performed, for example, if the signal line is connected to the wrong terminal or is broken. In this case, a problem occurs in that the communication setting, which is a later process, cannot be properly performed. Therefore, if it is possible to check the suitability of the wiring connection between the wired lighting device and the signal converter, for example, during or after the wiring work, it is considered that the occurrence of the above problem can be suppressed.

[0016] The signal converter etc. of the present invention has the following configuration so that the suitability of the wiring connection between the signal converter and the wired lighting device can be easily confirmed.

[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 lighting system configuration] The schematic configuration of the lighting system will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Note that the configuration will be described here assuming that wiring connections and communication settings have been properly performed, that is, that commissioning has been properly performed.

[0020] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a lighting system 1 according to an embodiment. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of a plurality of lighting devices 10 and a signal converter 20 included in the lighting system 1. Fig. 3 also shows a management device 50, a gateway device 51, power switches 31 and 32, and an operation terminal 40.

[0021] 2 and 3, the lighting system 1 includes a management device 50, a gateway device 51, lighting devices 10, and a signal converter 20. The lighting system 1 also includes power switches 31 and 32. The lighting devices 10 include wired lighting devices 10a connected to the signal converter 20 by wire, and wireless lighting devices 10b connected wirelessly to the gateway device 51 and the like.

[0022] The management device 50 is a computer device that manages the operation of the multiple lighting devices 10. The management device 50 is connected via a gateway device 51 to the signal converter 20 and the wireless lighting devices 10b.

[0023] The gateway device 51 is a device for enabling communication between the management device 50 and the signal converter 20 and the wireless lighting device 10b. In Fig. 2, one gateway device 51 is installed on each floor, but in reality, two or more gateway devices 51 may be installed on each floor. Each gateway device 51 may be connected to the management device 50 via a router.

[0024] The signal converter 20 is a device for enabling communication between the management device 50 and the wired lighting equipment 10a via the gateway device 51. The signal converter 20 is connected to the wired lighting equipment 10a via a wired network of the communication network N. The signal converter 20 converts a signal output from the gateway device 51 so that it can be read by the wired lighting equipment 10a, and also converts a signal output from the wired lighting equipment 10a so that it can be read by the gateway device 51.

[0025] The wired lighting device 10a is communicatively connected to the signal converter 20 via a wired network of the communication network N. In Fig. 2, the wired lighting device 10a is connected to one gateway device 51 via one signal converter 20, and another wired lighting device 10a is connected to another gateway device 51 via another signal converter 20.

[0026] Although one wired lighting device 10a is shown in FIG. 3, this is an example, and two or more wired lighting devices 10a are actually installed on the ceiling of the facility 5, for example. All of the multiple lighting devices 10 may be wired lighting devices 10a. The lighting devices 10 connected to the signal converter 20 may be multiple lighting devices 10 or one lighting device 10. The lighting devices connected to the signal converter 20 by wired connection may be multiple wired lighting devices 10a or one wired lighting device 10a. Although one signal converter 20 is shown in FIG. 3, this is an example, and two or more signal converters 20 are actually installed on the ceiling of the facility 5, for example.

[0027] A power switch 31 for turning on and off the power of the wired lighting device 10a is connected to the wired lighting device 10a. The power switch 31 is a breaker connected to a commercial power source and is provided outside the wired lighting device 10a. A power switch 32 for turning on and off the power of the signal converter 20 is connected to the signal converter 20. The power switch 32 is a breaker connected to a commercial power source and is provided outside the signal converter 20. A power switch for turning on and off the power of the wireless lighting device 10b is also connected to the wireless lighting device 10b (not shown). These power switches may be a single common power switch.

[0028] The communication connection relationship among the wired lighting devices 10a, the wireless lighting devices 10b, and the signal converter 20 that configure the lighting system 1 will be described.

[0029] 3, the signal converter 20 and the wired lighting device 10a are connected by a signal line Ls. The signal converter 20 and the wired lighting device 10a communicate with each other via a wire. For example, the signal converter 20 and the wired lighting device 10a communicate with each other using a communication signal based on a wired communication standard.

[0030] Moreover, the gateway device 51, the signal converter 20, and the wireless lighting device 10b communicate with each other wirelessly. For example, the wireless communication method may be Zigbee (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or WiFi (registered trademark).

[0031] 3 shows a wireless network N1 that wirelessly connects the signal converter 20 and the wireless lighting device 10b. The signal converter 20 may be directly wirelessly connected to the gateway device 51, or may be connected to the gateway device 51 via the wireless lighting device 10b. The wireless lighting device 10b may be directly wirelessly connected to the gateway device 51, or may be connected to the gateway device 51 via the signal converter 20 and another wireless lighting device 10b.

[0032] The above configuration is realized by the installation work of the lighting system 1, i.e., the wiring work by the installer and the communication setting by the communication setting contractor. The signal converter 20 of the embodiment is configured so that the appropriateness of the wiring connection between the signal converter 20 and the wired lighting device 10a can be easily checked during the installation work of the lighting system 1.

[0033] [Wired lighting equipment and signal converter configuration] The configuration of the wired lighting device 10a among the plurality of lighting devices 10 and the signal converter 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6. FIG.

[0034] 4 is a block diagram showing a plurality of lighting devices 10 and a signal converter 20. The diagram also shows a management device 50, a gateway device 51, and power switches 31 and 32.

[0035] The wired lighting device 10a is, for example, a ceiling light, a downlight or a spotlight.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 4, the wired lighting device 10a includes a communication unit 11, a lighting unit 13, and a control unit 15.

[0037] The communication unit 11 is, for example, a wired module, and communicates with the signal converter 20 via a wire. The communication unit 11 can also communicate with an operation terminal 40, which will be described later.

[0038] The lighting unit 13 has, for example, a plurality of light emitting diodes that emit white light, red light, green light, or blue light.

[0039] The storage unit 18 is realized by, for example, a volatile storage device such as a static RAM or a dynamic RAM, or a non-volatile storage device such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM (Read Only Memory), or a flash memory. A network key k1 that enables communication in the communication network N is stored in the storage unit 18. The network key k1 is an example of data necessary for joining the communication network N.

[0040] The network key k1 is set, for example, by using the operation terminal 40. The network key k1 is set by being transmitted from the operation terminal 40 to the wired lighting device 10a when communication settings for the wired lighting device 10a are made. The operation terminal 40 is a terminal device for performing various operations and settings, and is, for example, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or a remote controller. The operation terminal 40 may set the network key k1 by infrared communication or may set the network key k1 by using a USB cable. In addition, the operation terminal 40 may set the network key k1 to be used in the communication network N by accessing the wired lighting device 10a using another network key for initial setting. The network key k1 is also set in the wireless lighting device 10b and is also stored in a storage unit of the wireless lighting device 10b.

[0041] The control unit 15 is realized by a microcomputer. The control unit 15 may be realized by a processor or a dedicated circuit. The control unit 15 controls the lighting of the lighting unit 13 based on a signal transmitted from the signal converter 20.

[0042] The signal converter 20 is a device that converts a wireless signal into a wired signal or a wired signal into a wireless signal. The signal converter 20 is connected to the wired lighting device 10a and the wireless lighting device 10b via a communication network N.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 4, the signal converter 20 includes a communication unit 21, an indicator lamp 23, a control unit 25, and a storage unit .

[0044] The indicator lamp 23 is an informing unit for informing the presence or absence of a power supply voltage input to the signal converter 20, etc.

[0045] The communication unit 21 is a wired module and a wireless module, and communicates with the wired lighting device 10a via a wired connection and with the wireless lighting device 10b via a wireless connection. The communication unit 21 is connected to the communication unit 11 of the wired lighting device 10a via a signal line Ls. The communication unit 21 can also communicate with the operation terminal 40, which will be described later.

[0046] The storage unit 28 is realized by, for example, a volatile storage device such as a static RAM or a dynamic RAM, or a non-volatile storage device such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, or a flash memory. The storage unit 28 stores the communication address of the signal converter 20, the network key k1 of the communication network N, and the control contents of the lighting control.

[0047] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the network key k1 stored in the signal converter 20. Fig. 5(a) shows a state in which the network key k1 is not stored in the storage unit 28, and Fig. 5(b) shows a state in which the network key k1 is stored in the storage unit 28.

[0048] The network key k1 is an encryption key or a security key that enables access to the communication network N. The network key k1 is set, for example, by being transmitted from the operation terminal 40 to the signal converter 20 when communication settings for the signal converter 20 are made. This network key k1 is the same as the network key k1 stored in the wired lighting device 10a and the wireless lighting device 10b.

[0049] The network key k1 is set, for example, by using the operation terminal 40. The network key k1 is set by being transmitted from the operation terminal 40 to the signal converter 20 when communication settings for the signal converter 20 are made. The operation terminal 40 may set the network key k1 by infrared communication, or may set the network key k1 by using a USB cable. In addition, the operation terminal 40 may set the network key k1 to be used in the communication network N by accessing the signal converter 20 using another network key for initial setting.

[0050] Furthermore, programs are stored in the storage unit 28. The functions of the components of the control unit 25 are realized by operating the programs stored in the storage unit 28.

[0051] The control unit 25 is realized by a microcomputer. Note that the control unit 25 may be realized by a processor or a dedicated circuit.

[0052] The control unit 25 has a power input determination unit 26 and a network entry determination unit 27 .

[0053] The power input determination unit 26 determines whether or not there is a power input to the signal converter 20. In other words, the power input determination unit 26 determines whether or not the power switch 32 connected to the signal converter 20 is turned on. This power input to the signal converter 20 is an activation input that triggers an operation to check whether or not the wiring connection between the signal converter 20 and the wired lighting device 10a is appropriate. When the power supply voltage of the signal converter 20 is input, the power input determination unit 26 outputs a power input signal indicating that the power has been turned on to the network entry determination unit 27.

[0054] When the network entry determination unit 27 receives the power input signal, it determines whether or not the signal converter 20 has entered the communication network N. For example, the network entry determination unit 27 determines whether or not the signal converter 20 has entered the communication network N based on whether or not a network key k1 that enables communication in the communication network N is stored in the storage unit 28.

[0055] The network entry determination unit 27 determines that the signal converter 20 has not entered the communication network N when the network key k1 is not stored in the storage unit 28. Moreover, the network entry determination unit 27 determines that the signal converter 20 has entered the communication network N when the network key k1 is stored in the storage unit 28.

[0056] When the control unit 25 determines that the signal converter 20 is not participating in the communication network N, the control unit 25 controls the wired lighting device 10a by the first lighting control. On the other hand, when the control unit 25 determines that the signal converter 20 is participating in the communication network N, the control unit 25 controls the wired lighting device 10a by the second lighting control. The control unit 25 controls the wired lighting device 10a by the first lighting control by outputting a first lighting signal s1, and controls the wired lighting device 10a by the second lighting control by outputting a second lighting signal s2. The first lighting signal s1 is a control signal different from the second lighting signal s2. The first lighting signal s1 and the second lighting signal s2 are transmitted using the same signal line Ls connecting the signal converter 20 and the wired lighting device 10a.

[0057] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the control contents of the first lighting control and the second lighting control stored in the signal converter 20. As shown in FIG.

[0058] The first lighting control is a lighting control for checking whether the wiring connection between the signal converter 20 and the wired lighting device 10a is appropriate. In the figure, an example of blinking for a certain period of time is shown as the first lighting control. The first lighting control may be a slow fade-in or a dim lighting, etc. The first lighting control is set to a control different from the second lighting control. The control content of the first lighting control can be set and changed using the operation terminal 40 before the power supply of the signal converter 20 is turned on. The control unit 25 outputs the first lighting signal s1 for a predetermined period based on a built-in timer.

[0059] The second lighting control is a control content for lighting the wired lighting devices 10a normally. The second lighting control is, for example, lighting control based on schedule information, and is appropriately set according to the tenants entering the facility 5. The second lighting control may be set using the operation terminal 40, or may be set based on a command output from the management device 50 or the gateway device 51.

[0060] In the present embodiment, when it is determined that the signal converter 20 has not joined the communication network N at the time of power-on of the signal converter 20, the control unit 25 outputs a first lighting signal s1 to the wired lighting device 10a to control the wired lighting device 10a through a first lighting control.

[0061] The time of power input to the signal converter 20 refers to, for example, when the power switch 32 connected to the signal converter 20 is turned on while the power switch 31 connected to the wired lighting device 10a is turned on. In other words, the time of power input to the signal converter 20 refers to a state in which power supply voltage is input to both the signal converter 20 and the wired lighting device 10a.

[0062] The signal converter 20 has not joined the communication network N when, for example, a construction company has completed the wiring work for the wired lighting equipment 10a and the signal converter 20, but the communication setting company has not yet performed the communication setting, that is, when the network key k1 has not been set in the wired lighting equipment 10a and the signal converter 20.

[0063] When it is determined that the signal converter 20 has not joined the communication network N, the control unit 25 outputs the first lighting signal s1 to turn on the wired lighting device 10a under the first lighting control. For example, when the wired lighting device 10a is turned on under the first lighting control, the installer determines that the wiring connection between the wired lighting device 10a and the signal converter 20 is appropriate, and when the wired lighting device 10a is not turned on under the first lighting control, the installer determines that the wiring connection between the wired lighting device 10a and the signal converter 20 is inappropriate. This makes it possible to easily check whether the wiring connection between the signal converter 20 and the wired lighting device 10a is appropriate.

[0064] On the other hand, when it is determined that the signal converter 20 has joined the communication network N at the time of power-on of the signal converter 20 and the wired lighting device 10a, the control unit 25 outputs a second lighting signal s2 to the wired lighting device 10a for controlling the wired lighting device 10a by the second lighting control.

[0065] The signal converter 20 participating in the communication network N means, for example, that a communication setup company has completed the communication setup for the lighting system 1 and the network key k1 has been set in the wired lighting devices 10a, the wireless lighting devices 10b, and the signal converter 20.

[0066] When it is determined that the signal converter 20 has joined the communication network N, the control unit 25 outputs the second lighting signal s2 to enable the wired lighting device 10a to be turned on by the second lighting control. When the wiring connection and communication settings are normal, that is, after the commissioning is completed, the wired lighting device 10a is normally controlled by the second lighting control.

[0067] In this way, the signal converter 20 determines whether or not the signal converter 20 has joined the communication network N when the signal converter 20 is powered on, and if it determines that the signal converter 20 has not joined the communication network N, outputs the first lighting signal s1 to the wired lighting device 10a to control the wired lighting device 10a with the first lighting control.

[0068] For example, if the wired lighting device 10a is turned on based on the first lighting control, the wiring connection is appropriate, and if the wired lighting device 10a is not turned on based on the first lighting control, the wiring connection is inappropriate. This makes it easy to check whether the wiring connection between the signal converter 20 and the wired lighting device 10a is appropriate.

[0069] [Lighting equipment control method] A method for controlling the lighting equipment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0070] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of installation work for the lighting system 1 according to the embodiment.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 7, first, the construction company performs wiring work for the multiple lighting devices 10, the signal converter 20, and the gateway device 51 (step S10). Next, in this embodiment, the construction company checks whether the wiring connection between the wired lighting devices 10a and the signal converter 20 is appropriate (step S20). If the wiring connection is not appropriate, the construction company performs rewiring. If the wiring connection is appropriate, the communication setup company performs communication setting for the multiple lighting devices, the signal converter 20, and the gateway device 51 (step S30). With these constructions, commissioning is completed, and the lighting of the multiple lighting devices 10 is controlled by the gateway device 51 and the signal converter 20 (step S40). Note that, although an example in which the construction company performs step S20 has been shown above, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the communication setup company may perform step S20 before starting the communication setup work.

[0072] A method for controlling the lighting device 10 that can be executed in steps S20 and S40 will be described below.

[0073] 8 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling the lighting device 10. The lighting device 10 shown here is a wired lighting device 10a.

[0074] First, a method for controlling the lighting devices 10 executed in step S20 will be described. In step S20, before communication settings of the lighting system 1 are performed, whether or not the wiring connection between the wired lighting devices 10a and the signal converter 20 is appropriate is confirmed.

[0075] Specifically, by turning on the power switches 31 and 32, a power supply voltage is input to the wired lighting device 10a and the signal converter 20 as shown in Fig. 8 (step S101). When the power supply voltage is input to the signal converter 20, the power supply input determination unit 26 outputs a power supply input signal indicating that the power has been turned on to the network entry determination unit 27.

[0076] Next, it is determined whether the signal converter 20 has joined the communication network N (step S102). The signal converter 20 determines whether the signal converter 20 has joined the communication network N based on whether the network key k1 is stored in the memory unit 28.

[0077] Before step S30, the communication setup agent has not performed communication setup for the multiple lighting devices 10, the signal converter 20, and the gateway device 51, and therefore the network key k1 is not stored in the storage unit 28. The network entry determination unit 27 determines that the signal converter 20 has not entered the communication network N (No in S102).

[0078] The signal converter 20 controls the wired lighting device 10a based on the determination result of step S102 (step S103). In this case, since the signal converter 20 has not joined the communication network N, the signal converter 20 outputs the first lighting signal s1 to turn on the wired lighting device 10a by the first lighting control. The installer checks the lighting state of the wired lighting device 10a. If the wired lighting device 10a is turned on based on the first lighting control, the installer determines that the wiring connection between the wired lighting device 10a and the signal converter 20 is appropriate, and if the wired lighting device 10a is not turned on based on the first lighting control, the installer determines that the wiring connection between the wired lighting device 10a and the signal converter 20 is inappropriate. This makes it possible to easily check whether the wiring connection between the signal converter 20 and the wired lighting device 10a is appropriate.

[0079] If the wiring connection is not appropriate, the installer rewires the wiring. When the wiring connection is appropriate after rewiring, the communication setup contractor sets up communication for the multiple lighting devices, the signal converter 20, and the gateway device 51, as shown in step S30.

[0080] Next, a method for controlling the lighting device 10 executed in step S40 will be described. In step S40, the commissioning is completed and the lighting of the wired lighting device 10a is controlled by the signal converter 20.

[0081] Specifically, by turning on the power switches 31 and 32, a power supply voltage is input to the wired lighting device 10a and the signal converter 20 as shown in Fig. 8 (step S101). When the power supply voltage is input to the signal converter 20, the power supply input determination unit 26 outputs a power supply input signal indicating that the power has been turned on to the network entry determination unit 27.

[0082] Next, it is determined whether the signal converter 20 has joined the communication network N (step S102). The signal converter 20 determines whether the signal converter 20 has joined the communication network N based on whether the network key k1 is stored in the memory unit 28.

[0083] After step S30, the communication setup agent has completed the communication setup of the multiple lighting devices 10, the signal converter 20, and the gateway device 51, and therefore the network key k1 is stored in the storage unit 28. The network entry determination unit 27 determines that the signal converter 20 has entered the communication network N (Yes in S102).

[0084] The signal converter 20 controls the lighting of the wired lighting device 10a based on the determination result of step S102 (step S103a). In this case, since the signal converter 20 has joined the communication network N, the signal converter 20 outputs the second lighting signal s2 to turn on the wired lighting device 10a by the second lighting control. As a result, the lighting of the wired lighting device 10a is controlled based on the schedule information or the like as usual.

[0085] In this way, when it is determined that the signal converter 20 has not joined the communication network N, the wired lighting device 10a is controlled by the first lighting control, so that it is possible to easily check whether the wiring connection between the signal converter 20 and the wired lighting device 10a is appropriate. Also, when it is determined that the signal converter 20 has joined the communication network N, the wired lighting device 10a is controlled by the second lighting control, so that the lighting of the wired lighting device 10a can be controlled normally.

[0086] (summary) A signal converter and the like according to this embodiment will be illustrated.

[0087] The signal converter 20 of Example 1 is a signal converter connected to one or more lighting devices 10 via a communication network N, and includes a control unit 25 that controls a wired lighting device 10a among the one or more lighting devices 10 that is wired to the signal converter 20. When the signal converter 20 is powered on, the control unit 25 determines whether the signal converter 20 is connected to the communication network N or not, and when it determines that the signal converter 20 is not connected to the communication network N, outputs a first lighting signal s1 to the wired lighting device 10a to control the wired lighting device 10a with a first lighting control.

[0088] In this way, when it is determined that the signal converter 20 has not joined the communication network N, the wired lighting device 10a can be turned on by the first lighting control by outputting the first lighting signal s1. Therefore, when the wired lighting device 10a is turned on based on the first lighting control, a person can easily determine that the wiring connection between the wired lighting device 10a and the signal converter 20 is appropriate, and when the wired lighting device 10a is not turned on based on the first lighting control, the person can easily determine that the wiring connection between the wired lighting device 10a and the signal converter 20 is inappropriate. This makes it possible to easily check whether the wiring connection between the signal converter 20 and the wired lighting device 10a is appropriate.

[0089] The signal converter 20 of Example 2 is the signal converter described in Example 1, and the first lighting signal s1 may be a signal different from the second lighting signal s2 for controlling the wired lighting device 10a with the second lighting control when the signal converter 20 is connected to the communication network N.

[0090] According to this, the wired lighting device 10a can be turned on by the first lighting control that is different from the second lighting control when the wired lighting device 10a is connected to the communication network N. This makes it possible to easily check whether the wiring connection between the signal converter 20 and the wired lighting device 10a is appropriate.

[0091] The signal converter 20 of Example 3 is the signal converter described in Example 2, and further includes a storage unit 28 that stores the control contents of the first lighting control and the second lighting control. The control contents of the first lighting control may be changeable before the power is turned on.

[0092] According to this, the control content of the first lighting control can be changed, and the wired lighting device 10a can be turned on by the first lighting control different from the second lighting control. This makes it possible to easily check whether the wiring connection between the signal converter 20 and the wired lighting device 10a is appropriate.

[0093] The signal converter 20 of Example 4 is the signal converter described in Example 2, and the first lighting signal s1 and the second lighting signal s2 may be transmitted using the same signal line Ls that connects the signal converter 20 and the wired lighting device 10a.

[0094] This makes it possible to easily check whether the wiring connection of the same signal line Ls that connects the signal converter 20 and the wired lighting device 10a is appropriate.

[0095] The signal converter 20 of Example 5 is the signal converter according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, and the control unit 25 may output the first lighting signal s1 for a predetermined period.

[0096] By outputting the first lighting signal s1 for a predetermined period in this manner, it is possible to easily check whether the wiring connection between the signal converter 20 and the wired lighting device 10a is appropriate.

[0097] The signal converter 20 of Example 6 is a signal converter described in any of Examples 1 to 5, and the control unit 25 may determine that the signal converter 20 has not joined the communication network N if the data necessary for joining the communication network N is not stored in the signal converter 20, and may determine that the signal converter 20 has joined the communication network N if the above data is stored in the signal converter 20.

[0098] This makes it possible to appropriately determine whether or not the signal converter 20 has joined the communication network N. As a result, for example, when it is determined that the signal converter 20 has not joined the communication network N, it is possible to easily check whether or not the wiring connection between the signal converter 20 and the wired lighting device 10a is appropriate.

[0099] A lighting system 1 of Example 7 includes one or more lighting devices 10 and a signal converter 20 connected to the one or more lighting devices 10 via a communication network N. The one or more lighting devices 10 include a wired lighting device 10a connected to the signal converter 20 by wired connection. The signal converter 20 includes a control unit 25 that controls the wired lighting device 10a. When the signal converter 20 is powered on, the control unit 25 determines whether the signal converter 20 is connected to the communication network N or not, and when the control unit 25 determines that the signal converter 20 is not connected to the communication network N, outputs a first lighting signal s1 to the wired lighting device 10a to control the wired lighting device 10a by a first lighting control.

[0100] In this way, when it is determined that the signal converter 20 has not joined the communication network N, the wired lighting device 10a can be turned on by the first lighting control by outputting the first lighting signal s1. Therefore, when the wired lighting device 10a is turned on based on the first lighting control, a person can easily determine that the wiring connection between the wired lighting device 10a and the signal converter 20 is appropriate, and when the wired lighting device 10a is not turned on based on the first lighting control, the person can easily determine that the wiring connection between the wired lighting device 10a and the signal converter 20 is inappropriate. This makes it possible to easily check whether the wiring connection between the signal converter 20 and the wired lighting device 10a is appropriate.

[0101] The lighting device control method of Example 8 is a method for controlling a lighting device 10 (i.e., a wired lighting device 10a) that is wired-connected to a signal converter 20 via a communication network N. The control method includes a step of determining whether or not the signal converter 20 has joined the communication network N when the signal converter 20 is powered on, and a step of controlling the lighting of the lighting device 10 based on a result of the determination step. In the step of controlling the lighting, if it is determined that the signal converter 20 has not joined the communication network N, the lighting device 10 is controlled by a first lighting control, and if it is determined that the signal converter 20 has joined the communication network N, the lighting device 10 is controlled by a second lighting control.

[0102] In this way, by controlling the lighting device 10 (i.e., the wired lighting device 10a) with the first lighting control when it is determined that the signal converter 20 has not joined the communication network N, it is possible to easily check whether the wiring connection between the signal converter 20 and the lighting device 10 is appropriate. Also, by controlling the lighting device 10 with the second lighting control when it is determined that the signal converter 20 has joined the communication network N, it is possible to control the lighting of the lighting device 10 as usual.

[0103] (Other forms) Although the signal converter and the like have been described above based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to the above embodiments that a person skilled in the art can conceive, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of the embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the control unit 25 outputs the first lighting signal s1 to the wired lighting device 10a when the signal converter 20 is not participating in the communication network N, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 25 may output the first lighting signal s1 to the wired lighting device 10a when the signal converter 20 is not participating in the wireless network N1. That is, the control unit 25 may determine whether the signal converter 20 is participating in the wireless network N1 instead of the communication network N, and determine whether to output the first lighting signal s1 based on the result of the determination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1. Lighting system 10 Lighting equipment 10a wired lighting equipment 10b wireless lighting equipment 11 Communications Department 13 Lighting section 15 Control section 18 Memory section 20 Signal converter 21 Communications Department 25 Control Unit 26 Power input judgment section 27 Network Entry Judgment Unit 28 Memory section Ls signal line N Communication Network s1 First light signal s2 Second lighting signal

Claims

1. A signal converter connected to one or more lighting devices via a communication network, a control unit for controlling a wired lighting device among the one or more lighting devices that is wired to the signal converter; The control unit determines whether the signal converter is participating in the communication network when the signal converter is powered on, and when it is determined that the signal converter is not participating in the communication network, outputs a first lighting signal to the wired lighting device for controlling the wired lighting device by a first lighting control. Signal converter.

2. The first lighting signal is a signal different from a second lighting signal for controlling the wired lighting device by a second lighting control when the signal converter is connected to the communication network.

2. The signal converter according to claim 1.

3. Further, a storage unit is provided for storing control contents of the first lighting control and the second lighting control, The control content of the first lighting control is changeable before the power supply is turned on.

3. A signal converter as claimed in claim 2.

4. The first lighting signal and the second lighting signal are transmitted using the same signal line connecting the signal converter and the wired lighting device.

3. A signal converter as claimed in claim 2.

5. The control unit outputs the first lighting signal for a predetermined period. A signal converter according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The control unit determines that the signal converter has not participated in the communication network when data required for participating in the communication network is not stored in the signal converter, and determines that the signal converter has participated in the communication network when the data is stored in the signal converter. A signal converter according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. A lighting system comprising one or more lighting devices and a signal converter connected to the one or more lighting devices via a communication network, The one or more lighting devices include a wired lighting device that is wired to the signal converter; The signal converter includes a control unit for controlling the wired lighting device, The control unit determines whether the signal converter is participating in the communication network when the signal converter is powered on, and when it is determined that the signal converter is not participating in the communication network, outputs a first lighting signal to the wired lighting device for controlling the wired lighting device by a first lighting control. Lighting system.

8. A method for controlling lighting devices that are wired connected to a signal converter via a communication network, comprising the steps of: determining whether the signal converter is participating in the communication network when the signal converter is powered on; controlling the lighting device based on a result of the determination in the determining step; Including, In the step of controlling lighting, the lighting device is controlled by a first lighting control when it is determined that the signal converter has not joined the communication network, and the lighting device is controlled by a second lighting control when it is determined that the signal converter has joined the communication network. How lighting equipment is controlled.

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