Gateway device, communication system, communication method, and program

Abstract

To provide a gateway device capable of performing a plurality of types of communication.SOLUTION: A gateway device 50 includes a communication unit 51 capable of communicating with a first communication terminal 41, a server, and a control terminal 60, and a communication control unit 52 that uses the communication unit 51 to perform at least two types of communications in a time-division manner, (1) transmitting a first control signal to the first communication terminal 41, (2) receiving information regarding the second communication terminal transmitted by the first communication terminal 41, (3) transmitting the received information to the server, and (4) receiving a second control signal transmitted by the control terminal 60.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gateway device, a communication system, a communication method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an LED lighting system capable of appropriately controlling a plurality of LED lighting devices based on the detection results of a sensor device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-21932 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention provides a gateway device and the like capable of performing a plurality of types of communication. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A gateway device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a communication unit capable of communicating with a first communication terminal, a server, and a control terminal, and a communication control unit that uses the communication unit to perform at least two types of communications in a time-division manner: (1) transmitting a first control signal to the first communication terminal, (2) receiving information regarding a second communication terminal transmitted by the first communication terminal, (3) transmitting the received information to the server, and (4) receiving a second control signal transmitted by the control terminal.

[0006] A communication system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the gateway device, the first communication terminal, the second communication terminal, and the server, and the at least two communications include (1), (2), and (3).

[0007] A communication method according to one embodiment of the present invention is a communication method executed by a gateway device capable of communicating with a first communication terminal, a server, and a control terminal, which performs at least two of the following communications in a time-division manner: (1) transmitting a first control signal to the first communication terminal, (2) receiving information regarding a second communication terminal transmitted by the first communication terminal, (3) transmitting the received information to the server, and (4) receiving the second control signal transmitted by the control terminal.

[0008] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing the gateway device to execute the communication method. Effect of the Invention

[0009] The gateway device etc. of the present invention can perform a plurality of types of communication. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an indoor space to which the communication system according to the embodiment is applied. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing changes in the communication time ratio. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a first operation example of the gateway device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a second operation example of the gateway device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a third operation example of the gateway device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component arrangement and connection forms, steps, and order of steps shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims will be described as optional components.

[0012] 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 may be omitted or simplified.

[0013] (Embodiment) [composition] First, a configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the communication system according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an indoor space to which the communication system according to an embodiment is applied.

[0014] The communication system 10 is a multi-function communication system that has a function of controlling multiple lighting fixtures 40 based on user operation on a control terminal 60, a function of transmitting sensing data acquired by the sensor terminal 20 to a sensing data visualization server 70, and a function of transmitting signal strength information for estimating the current location of the beacon transmitting terminal 30 to a current location visualization server 80.

[0015] 1 and 2, the communication system 10 includes a sensor terminal 20, a beacon transmitting terminal 30, a plurality of lighting fixtures 40, a plurality of first communication terminals 41, a gateway device 50, a control terminal 60, a sensing data visualization server 70, and a current location visualization server 80. The sensor terminal 20, the beacon transmitting terminal 30, the plurality of lighting fixtures 40, the plurality of first communication terminals 41, the gateway device 50, and the control terminal 60 are located, for example, in an indoor space 90, and the sensing data visualization server 70 and the current location visualization server 80 are located outside the indoor space 90. It is sufficient that the communication system 10 includes at least one lighting fixture 40.

[0016] The sensor terminal 20 senses the environment in the indoor space 90 and transmits the sensing data to the first communication terminal 41 by wireless communication. The sensor terminal 20 is an example of a second communication terminal. Specifically, the sensor terminal 20 senses temperature, humidity, brightness, carbon dioxide concentration, particulate concentration, images, sound, the number of people, and the like, and transmits the data, such as temperature, humidity, brightness, carbon dioxide concentration, particulate concentration, images, sound, or the number of people, as sensing data to the first communication terminal 41. In other words, the sensor terminal 20 is realized by a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an illuminance sensor, a carbon dioxide concentration sensor, a particulate concentration sensor, an image sensor, a sound sensor, or a number of people sensor, or the like.

[0017] The beacon transmitting terminal 30 transmits (transmits) a beacon signal by wireless communication. The beacon signal may also be called an advertisement signal. The beacon signal includes identification information of the beacon transmitting terminal 30. The beacon transmitting terminal 30 is an example of a second communication terminal. The beacon transmitting terminal 30 is realized by, for example, a dedicated beacon transmitter, but may also be realized by a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The beacon transmitting terminal 30 may be carried by a person located in the indoor space 90, or may be attached to an object such as equipment located in the indoor space 90.

[0018] The lighting fixture 40 is a base light that is installed on the ceiling of the indoor space 90 and illuminates the indoor space 90. The form of the lighting fixture 40 is not particularly limited, and may be a ceiling light, a downlight, a spotlight, or the like. The first communication terminal 41 is attached to the lighting fixture 40.

[0019] The first communication terminal 41 performs wireless communication with the multiple sensor terminals 20, the beacon transmitting terminal 30, and the gateway device 50. The first communication terminal 41 is realized by a wireless communication module (wireless communication circuit).

[0020] Specifically, the first communication terminal 41 receives sensing data transmitted by the sensor terminal 20 and transmits the received sensing data to the gateway device 50. That is, the first communication terminal 41 relays the sensing data. The first communication terminal 41 also receives a beacon signal transmitted by the beacon transmitting terminal 30 and measures a received signal strength (RSSI: Received Signal Strength Indicator) of the received beacon signal. The first communication terminal 41 transmits signal strength information including the measured received signal strength and identification information of the first communication terminal 41 to the gateway device 50. That is, the first communication terminal 41 has a function as a beacon receiving terminal.

[0021] Furthermore, first communication terminal 41 receives a first control signal transmitted by gateway device 50. Lighting device 40 to which first communication terminal 41 is attached turns on, turns off, dims, adjusts color, or the like based on the first control signal received by first communication terminal 41. In other words, lighting device 40 is controlled by the first control signal.

[0022] The gateway device 50 communicates wirelessly with a plurality of first communication terminals 41 and a control terminal 60, and also communicates with a sensing data visualization server 70 and a current position visualization server 80 by connecting to a wide area communication network such as the Internet by wired or wireless communication. The gateway device 50 includes a communication unit 51, a communication control unit 52, and a storage unit 53.

[0023] The communication unit 51 is a communication module (communication circuit) capable of communicating with the first communication terminal 41, the control terminal 60, the sensing data visualization server 70, and the current position visualization server 80. The communication unit 51 is realized, for example, by a communication module for performing wireless communication with the multiple first communication terminals 41 and the control terminal 60, and a communication module for connecting to a wide area communication network such as the Internet by wired or wireless communication. The communication unit 51 may be realized by a single communication module (single semiconductor chip).

[0024] The communication control unit 52 uses the communication unit 51 to perform the following operations in a time-division manner: (1) transmit a first control signal to the first communication terminal 41, (2) receive information regarding the second communication terminal transmitted by the first communication terminal 41, (3) transmit the received information regarding the second communication terminal to a server, and (4) receive the second control signal transmitted by the control terminal 60.

[0025] Here, when the second communication terminal is a sensor terminal 20, the information about the second communication terminal is sensing data, and the server is a sensing data visualization server 70. When the second communication terminal is a beacon transmitting terminal 30, the information about the second communication terminal is signal strength information, and the server is a current position visualization server 80.

[0026] The communication control unit 52 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor or a dedicated circuit. The functions of the communication control unit 52 are realized by hardware such as a microcomputer or a processor constituting the communication control unit 52 executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 53.

[0027] The storage unit 53 is a storage device that stores various information necessary for the communication control unit 52 to execute the time-division communication control, such as a computer program executed by the communication control unit 52. The storage unit 53 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory.

[0028] In the communication system 10, the lighting fixtures 40 and the gateway device 50 configure a wireless mesh network. The wireless mesh network may include a plurality of sensor terminals 20.

[0029] Control terminal 60 is a device operated by a user located in indoor space 90 to control lighting fixture 40. Control terminal 60 is, for example, a stationary controller such as a dimmer switch or an operation panel installed on a wall of indoor space 90, but may also be a portable controller. Control terminal 60 may be realized by installing a predetermined application program on a general-purpose portable terminal, or may be a dedicated portable device used in communication system 10. When control terminal 60 transmits a second control signal to gateway device 50 in response to a user's operation, gateway device 50 transmits a first control signal to first communication terminal 41. As a result, lighting fixture 40 is controlled.

[0030] The sensing data visualization server 70 receives sensing data from the gateway device 50 and visualizes the received sensing data. For example, the sensing data includes identification information of the sensor terminal 20, and the sensing data visualization server 70 stores a correspondence between the identification information of the sensor terminal 20 and the installation position (coordinates) of the sensor terminal 20 in the indoor space 90. This allows the sensing data visualization server 70 to associate sensing data acquired by multiple sensor terminals 20 with the position in the indoor space 90 where the sensing data was acquired, and generate a distribution of the sensing data in the indoor space 90.

[0031] A user can access the sensing data visualization server 70 using an information terminal such as a personal computer, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal, and thereby display the distribution of sensing data on the display of the information terminal. In this manner, the sensing data visualization server 70 can visualize the sensing data.

[0032] The current location visualization server 80 receives signal strength information from the gateway device 50, and visualizes the current location of the beacon transmitting terminal 30 (more specifically, the person carrying the beacon transmitting terminal 30, or the object to which the beacon transmitting terminal 30 is attached) based on the received signal strength information.

[0033] For example, the current location visualization server 80 stores a correspondence between the identification information of the first communication terminal 41 and the installation position (coordinates) of the first communication terminal 41 in the indoor space 90. The signal strength information includes the identification information of the first communication terminal 41 and the received signal strength, and the received signal strength can be considered as the distance between the beacon transmitting terminal 30 and the first communication terminal 41. Therefore, the current location visualization server 80 can specify (estimate) the current location of the beacon transmitting terminal 30 in the indoor space 90 by calculating the distance from the installation positions of the multiple first communication terminals 41 to the beacon transmitting terminal 30 based on the signal strength information acquired by the multiple first communication terminals 41.

[0034] By accessing the current location visualization server 80 using an information terminal such as a personal computer, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal, the user can display on the display of the information terminal an image in which the location of the beacon transmitting terminal 30 is superimposed on a map of the indoor space 90. In this way, the current location visualization server 80 can visualize the current location of the beacon transmitting terminal 30.

[0035] [Change time ratio] As described above, the communication control unit 52 uses the communication unit 51 to perform the following in a time-division manner: (1) transmit a first control signal to the first communication terminal 41, (2) receive information about the second communication terminal transmitted by the first communication terminal 41, (3) transmit the received information about the second communication terminal to the server, and (4) receive the second control signal transmitted by the control terminal 60.

[0036] Specifically, the communication control unit 52 divides each unit time into four communication periods, assigns communications (1) to (4) to the four communication periods, and performs any of the communications (1) to (4) assigned to the communication period as needed during the communication period. For example, if the unit time is 4T seconds and the length of each of the four communication periods is T, the communication control unit 52 reserves communication periods (1) to (4) of T seconds each for every 4T seconds, and performs communications (1) to (4) as needed. In this case, the time ratio allocated to each of the communications (1) to (4) is 25%.

[0037] Here, the communication control unit 52 can change the time ratio allocated to each of the communications (1) to (4). For example, a user uses a setting terminal (not shown) communicatively connected to the communication unit 51 of the gateway device 50 to send a command to change the time ratio from the setting terminal to the gateway device 50, thereby changing the time ratio. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the change of the time ratio.

[0038] In this way, the gateway device 50 can change the proportion of time allocated to each of the communications (1) to (4). If the proportion of time is appropriately changed, communication errors can be reduced.

[0039] In changing the time ratio, the time ratio may be directly specified, or a priority may be set for each of the communications (1) to (4), and the communication control unit 52 may change the time ratio allocated to each of the communications (1) to (4) based on the set (predetermined) priority. For example, the priority may be set in three stages, from level 3 (highest priority) to level 1, and the communication control unit 52 may change the time ratio so that the higher the priority of the communication, the larger the time ratio.

[0040] [Example 1: Changing the time ratio according to communication volume] The time ratio allocated to each of the communications (1) to (4) may be changed according to the traffic volume of each of the communications (1) to (4). Such an operation example 1 will be described below. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the operation example 1 of the gateway device 50.

[0041] Initially, the time ratios allocated to the communications (1) to (4) are default settings, such as the equal state shown in FIG.

[0042] In this state, the communication control unit 52 measures the communication volume of each of the communications (1) to (4) for a certain period of time (S11), and after the certain period of time has elapsed, changes the time ratio according to the measured communication volume (S12). The communication control unit 52 changes the time ratio so that the ratio of the communication volume of each of the communications (1) to (4) becomes equal to the time ratio, for example.

[0043] In this way, the gateway device 50 can reduce communication errors by changing the proportion of time allocated to each of the communications (1) to (4) in accordance with the traffic volume of each of the communications (1) to (4).

[0044] [Example 2: Changing the time ratio according to the time period] The ratio of time allocated to each of the communications (1) to (4) may be changed according to the time period. Such an operation example 2 will be described below. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the operation example 2 of the gateway device 50.

[0045] For example, the storage unit 53 of the gateway device 50 stores time table information that specifies the time ratio allocated to each of the communications (1) to (4) during each time period. The time table information can be edited (contents changed) using, for example, a setting terminal (not shown) that is communicatively connected to the communication unit 51 of the gateway device 50.

[0046] The communication control unit 52 determines the current time period (S21), and changes the time ratio by comparing the current time period with the time table information stored in the storage unit 53 (S22).

[0047] In this way, the gateway device 50 can change the proportion of time allocated to each of the communications (1) to (4) depending on the time period.

[0048] For example, if the indoor space 90 is an office space, the lighting fixtures 40 are turned on in the morning when the employees working in the office space arrive at work, and turned off in the evening when the employees leave work. The lighting fixtures 40 may also be turned on and off during the day (lunch break) to reduce power consumption. In this case, it is expected that the amount of communication (1) and (4) for controlling the lighting fixtures 40 (communication for lighting control) increases during the times when employees arrive at work, lunch break, and leave work.

[0049] Therefore, if the timetable information is set so that the proportion of time allocated to communications (1) and (4) during the arrival time, lunch break time, and departure time is greater than the proportion of time allocated to communications (2) and (3), the communications control unit 52 can handle an increase in communication volume resulting from the control of multiple lighting fixtures 40.

[0050] In the above timetable information, the time ratios of the communications (1) to (4) may be directly associated with the time periods, or the priorities of the communications (1) to (4) may be associated with the time periods. In this case, the communication control unit 52 changes the time ratios for each time period so that the higher the priority of the communications, the greater the time ratio.

[0051] [Example 3: Changing the time ratio according to received information] The time ratio allocated to each of the communications (1) to (4) may be changed according to information (signals) received by the gateway device 50. Such an operation example 3 will be described below. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the operation example 3 of the gateway device 50.

[0052] Initially, the time ratios allocated to the communications (1) to (4) are default settings, such as the equal state shown in FIG.

[0053] When information is received by the communication unit 51 (S31), the communication control unit 52 of the gateway device 50 determines whether the received information is information about the second communication terminal sent by the first communication terminal 41, or a second control signal sent by the control terminal 60 (S32).

[0054] When the communication control unit 52 determines that the received information is information related to the second communication terminal (information related to the second communication terminal in S32), it changes the time ratio so that the time ratio allocated to the communications of (2) and (3) (i.e., communications for data transmission to the server) is greater than the time ratio allocated to the communications of (1) and (4) (communications for lighting control) during a certain period of time (S33). On the other hand, when the communication control unit 52 determines that the received information is a second control signal (second control signal in S32), it changes the time ratio so that the time ratio allocated to the communications of (1) and (4) is greater than the time ratio allocated to (2) and (3) during a certain period of time (S34). After the certain period of time has elapsed, the time ratio returns to the default setting.

[0055] In this way, the gateway device 50 can change the proportion of time allocated to each of the communications (1) to (4) depending on the most recently received information (type of received information).

[0056] [Lighting control priority] Meanwhile, gateway device 50 has a function for controlling multiple lighting fixtures 40 and a function for transmitting data to a server, but if multiple lighting fixtures 40 become uncontrollable, this can have a significant adverse effect on people in indoor space 90. For example, if lighting fixtures 40 become uncontrollable while they are turned off, people in indoor space 90 will have difficulty seeing their surroundings, which can be dangerous. For this reason, it is thought that communication for controlling multiple lighting fixtures 40 should be given priority over communication for transmitting data to a server.

[0057] Therefore, in gateway device 50, the time ratio may not be changed, and the time ratio may be fixed so that the time ratio of communications (1) and (4) for controlling multiple lighting fixtures 40 is greater than the time ratio of communications (2) and (3) for transmitting data to the server.

[0058] In addition, the gateway device 50 may employ an algorithm (rule) that allows changes to be made to the time ratios, but that, upon such changes, causes the time ratios of communications (1) and (4) to be greater than the time ratios of communications (2) and (3).

[0059] For example, in the above embodiment, when the user sets the time ratio of communication, the gateway device 50 may have a specification that allows the user to set the time ratio under the restriction that the time ratio of communication of (1) and (4) is greater than the time ratio of communication of (2) and (3) regardless of the time period. Also, the gateway device 50 may have a specification that allows the user to set the time ratio under the restriction that the time ratio of communication of (1) and (4) is greater than the time ratio of communication of (2) and (3) only during a predetermined time period when lighting control is frequently performed (such as the time when the user comes to work, the time period during the lunch break, and the time period when the user leaves work).

[0060] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when the user sets the priority of the communication, the gateway device 50 may have a specification that allows the user to set the priority under the restriction that the priority of the communication of (1) and (4) is higher than the priority of the communication of (2) and (3) regardless of the time period. In other words, the gateway device 50 may have a specification that gives the highest priority to the communication of (1) or (4).

[0061] Furthermore, the gateway device 50 may have a specification that allows the user to set the priority under the restriction that the priority of the communications of (1) and (2) is higher than the priority of the communications of (3) and (4) only during a predetermined time period when lighting control is frequently performed. In other words, the gateway device 50 may have a specification that gives the highest priority to the communications of (1) or (2) during a predetermined time period.

[0062] According to such specifications, the occurrence of communication errors when controlling multiple lighting devices 40 can be reduced, and adverse effects on users can be reduced.

[0063] [Variations] In the above embodiment, it has been described that the communication control unit 52 uses the communication unit 51 to perform the communications (1) to (4) in a time-division manner. However, it is sufficient for the communication control unit 52 to perform at least two of the communications (1) to (4) in a time-division manner, and it is not essential for the communication control unit 52 to perform all of the communications (1) to (4).

[0064] In addition, the communications (1) to (4) may be further subdivided and executed in a time-division manner. For example, the communication (2) may be subdivided into (2-1) receiving sensing data and (2-2) receiving signal strength information. The communication (4) may be subdivided into (4-1) transmitting sensing data and (4-2) transmitting signal strength information.

[0065] Furthermore, the communication control unit 52 may perform communications other than (1) to (4). For example, the communication control unit 52 may perform communications (1) to (5) in a time-division manner by adding (5) reception of information from a server to the communications (1) to (4).

[0066] In the above embodiment, the first communication terminal 41 has been described as being attached to the lighting fixture 40. However, the first communication terminal 41 may be installed in the indoor space 90 separately from the lighting fixture 40.

[0067] Furthermore, the first control signal received by first communication terminal 41 is not limited to a signal for controlling lighting fixture 40, but may be a signal for controlling other devices installed in indoor space 90. The other devices may be, for example, air conditioning equipment, ventilation equipment, or video equipment. Similarly, the second control signal is not limited to a signal for controlling lighting fixture 40, but may be a signal for controlling other devices installed in indoor space 90. Furthermore, the first control signal and the second control signal are signals for controlling the same type of device, but may be signals for controlling different types of devices.

[0068] The communication network used in the communication system 10 described in the above embodiment, i.e., the communication protocols and standards for communication between devices, are merely examples. The communication protocols and standards for communication between devices are not particularly limited.

[0069] [Effects, etc.] Hereinafter, examples of inventions that can be obtained from the disclosure of this specification will be given, and the effects and the like that can be obtained from the inventions will be described.

[0070] Invention 1 is a gateway device 50 including a communication unit 51 capable of communicating with a first communication terminal 41, a server, and a control terminal 60, and a communication control unit 52 that uses the communication unit 51 to perform at least two types of communications in a time-division manner: (1) transmitting a first control signal to the first communication terminal 41, (2) receiving information about the second communication terminal transmitted by the first communication terminal 41, (3) transmitting the received information to the server, and (4) receiving a second control signal transmitted by the control terminal 60.

[0071] Such a gateway device 50 is capable of performing a variety of types of communication.

[0072] Invention 2 is the gateway device 50 of Invention 1, in which the communication control unit 52 changes the time ratios allocated to the at least two communications.

[0073] Such a gateway device 50 can change the time reserved for multiple types of communication.

[0074] A third aspect of the present invention is the gateway device 50 of the second aspect, wherein the communication control unit 52 changes the time ratios allocated to the at least two communications in accordance with the traffic volumes of the at least two communications.

[0075] Such a gateway device 50 can change the time reserved for multiple types of communication depending on the amount of communication.

[0076] Invention 4 is the gateway device 50 of Invention 2, wherein the communication control unit 52 changes the time ratios allocated to the at least two communications in accordance with predetermined priorities for the at least two communications.

[0077] Such a gateway device 50 can change the time reserved for multiple types of communication according to the priority.

[0078] Invention 5 is gateway device 50 as described in Invention 4, in which the first communication terminal 41 is attached to a lighting fixture 40, the first control signal is a signal for controlling the lighting fixture 40, and the at least two communications include (1), with the highest priority being set for (1).

[0079] Such a gateway device 50 can give priority to communication related to lighting control.

[0080] A sixth aspect of the present invention is the gateway device 50 of the second aspect, wherein the communication control unit 52 changes the ratio of the time allocated to each of the at least two communications depending on the time period.

[0081] Such a gateway device 50 can change the time reserved for multiple types of communications depending on the time period.

[0082] A seventh aspect of the present invention is gateway device 50 of any one of the first to sixth aspects, in which first communications terminal 41 is attached to lighting fixture 40, and the first control signal is a signal for controlling lighting fixture 40.

[0083] Such a gateway device 50 can control the lighting fixtures 40.

[0084] Invention 8 is a gateway device 50 of any of Inventions 1 to 7, in which the second communication terminal is a sensor terminal 20 that transmits sensing data to the first communication terminal 41, the above information is sensing data relayed by the first communication terminal 41, and the server visualizes the sensing data.

[0085] Such a gateway device 50 can assist in visualizing the sensing data by transmitting the sensing data.

[0086] Invention 9 is a gateway device 50 of any of Inventions 1 to 7, in which the second communication terminal is a beacon transmitting terminal 30 that transmits a beacon signal to the first communication terminal 41, the above information is signal strength information including a received signal strength of the beacon signal received by the first communication terminal 41 and identification information of the first communication terminal 41, and the server visualizes the position of the beacon transmitting terminal 30 based on the signal strength information.

[0087] Such a gateway device 50 can assist in visualizing the position of the beacon transmitting terminal 30 by transmitting the signal strength information.

[0088] Invention 10 is a communication system 10 comprising a gateway device 50 of any one of Inventions 1 to 9, a first communication terminal 41, a second communication terminal, and a server, and the at least two communications include (1), (2), and (3).

[0089] Such a communication system 10 can perform a variety of types of communication, with the communication partner being either the first communication terminal 41 or a server.

[0090] Invention 11 is a communication method executed by a gateway device 50 capable of communicating with a first communication terminal 41, a server, and a control terminal 60, which performs at least two types of communications in a time-division manner: (1) transmitting a first control signal to the first communication terminal 41, (2) receiving information regarding a second communication terminal transmitted by the first communication terminal 41, (3) transmitting the received information to the server, and (4) receiving a second control signal transmitted by the control terminal 60.

[0091] Such a communication method can carry out multiple types of communication.

[0092] A twelfth aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a gateway device 50 to execute the communication method of the eleventh aspect of the present invention.

[0093] According to such a program, the gateway device 50 can perform a plurality of types of communication.

[0094] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

[0095] For example, in the above embodiment, the process executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit. Also, the order of multiple processes may be changed, or multiple processes may be executed in parallel.

[0096] In the above embodiment, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

[0097] Furthermore, components such as the control unit may be realized by hardware. For example, components such as the control unit may be circuits (or integrated circuits). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or each may be a separate circuit. Furthermore, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0098] Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or may be realized as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0099] For example, the present invention may be realized as the gateway device or communication system of the above-mentioned embodiment, or as a method executed by the gateway device or communication system. The present invention may be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute such a method, or as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium having such a program recorded thereon.

[0100] In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art may think of, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope that does not deviate from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 10. Communication Systems 20 Sensor terminals 30 Beacon transmitter 40 Lighting equipment 41 First communication terminal 50 Gateway Device 51 Communications Department 52 Communication control section 53 Memory section 60 Control Terminal 70 Sensing Data Visualization Server 80 Current location visualization server 90 Indoor space

Claims

1. a communication unit capable of communicating with a first communication terminal, a server, and a control terminal; and a communication control unit that performs at least two of the following communications in a time-division manner using the communication unit: (1) transmitting a first control signal to the first communication terminal; (2) receiving information about a second communication terminal transmitted by the first communication terminal; (3) transmitting the received information to the server; and (4) receiving a second control signal transmitted by the control terminal. Gateway device.

2. The communication control unit changes a time ratio allocated to each of the at least two communications. The gateway device according to claim 1 .

3. The communication control unit changes a time ratio allocated to each of the at least two communications in accordance with a communication volume of each of the at least two communications. The gateway device according to claim 2 .

4. The communication control unit changes a time ratio allocated to each of the at least two communications in accordance with a predetermined priority for each of the at least two communications. The gateway device according to claim 2 .

5. The first communication terminal is attached to a lighting fixture, the first control signal is a signal for controlling the lighting device, The at least two communications include (1), The priority given to (1) above is the highest The gateway device according to claim 4.

6. The communication control unit changes a time ratio allocated to each of the at least two communications according to a time period. The gateway device according to claim 2 .

7. The first communication terminal is attached to a lighting fixture, Each of the first control signal and the second control signal is a signal for controlling the lighting device. The gateway device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. the second communication terminal is a sensor terminal that transmits sensing data to the first communication terminal, the information is the sensing data relayed by the first communication terminal, The server visualizes the sensing data. The gateway device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. the second communication terminal is a beacon transmitting terminal that transmits a beacon signal to the first communication terminal, the information is signal strength information including a received signal strength of the beacon signal received by the first communication terminal and identification information of the first communication terminal, The server visualizes the location of the beacon transmitting terminal based on the signal strength information. The gateway device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

10. A gateway device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The first communication terminal; The second communication terminal; The server, The at least two communications include (1), (2), and (3). Communication systems.

11. A communication method executed by a gateway device capable of communicating with a first communication terminal, a server, and a control terminal, comprising: At least two of the following communications are performed in a time-division manner: (1) transmitting a first control signal to the first communication terminal; (2) receiving information about a second communication terminal transmitted by the first communication terminal; (3) transmitting the received information to the server; and (4) receiving a second control signal transmitted by the control terminal. Communication methods.

12. A program for causing the gateway device to execute the communication method according to claim 11.

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