Lighting control system, lighting control method, program, display method, and lighting device
The wireless lighting control system addresses the construction load issue in existing systems by enabling wireless communication between control devices and lighting devices, reducing the need for wiring and simplifying setup and management processes.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2023202300
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-11-30
- Publication Date
- 2025-06-11
AI Technical Summary
The existing lighting control systems require extensive wiring work for connecting multiple lighting devices and control devices, which increases the construction load.
A wireless lighting control system that includes a control device capable of wirelessly transmitting setting commands to lighting devices, allowing for pairing and assignment of lighting devices to switches through a mobile terminal, and optionally integrating with a server for scheduling and property information management.
The system reduces the load of system construction by eliminating the need for extensive wiring, simplifying the setup process, and enabling efficient management of lighting schedules and device assignments through a mobile interface.
Smart Images

Figure 2025087956000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting control system, a lighting control method, a program, a display method, and a lighting device.
Background Art
[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a conventional lighting control system. The lighting control system disclosed in the document includes a plurality of lighting devices and a switch device. The plurality of lighting devices and the switch device are wired-connected. Information such as lighting control from the switch device is transmitted to the plurality of lighting devices via the wired connection.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] When constructing the lighting control system disclosed in the document, wiring work for connecting a plurality of lighting devices and a control device is required.
[0005] The present invention has been conceived under the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a lighting control system, a lighting control method, a program, a display method, and a lighting device capable of reducing the load of system construction.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0006] The lighting control system provided by the first aspect of the present invention is a lighting control system including a plurality of lighting devices and a control device. The plurality of lighting devices light up in a first lighting state after being powered on. The control device wirelessly transmits a setting start command signal to the plurality of lighting devices. Among the plurality of lighting devices, the lighting device that receives the setting start command signal lights up in a second lighting state different from the first lighting state. Pairing is performed between the lighting device that lights up in the second lighting state among the plurality of lighting devices and the control device.
[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control device has a plurality of switches and further includes a mobile terminal. Identification information of the plurality of lighting devices for which the pairing has been performed is displayed on a display unit of the mobile terminal. One or more lighting devices are selected from the identification information of the plurality of lighting devices displayed on the display unit. The selected one or more lighting devices light up in a third lighting state different from the first lighting state and the second lighting state. The one or more lighting devices that light up in the third lighting state are assigned to any one of the plurality of switches.
[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a server is provided. A plurality of lighting schedule patterns of the plurality of lighting devices are stored in the server. The mobile terminal downloads the plurality of lighting schedule patterns and displays them on the display unit so that the plurality of lighting schedule patterns can be individually selected. The mobile terminal transmits the lighting schedule pattern selected from the plurality of lighting schedule patterns to the control device. The control device stores the selected lighting schedule pattern.
[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a server is provided, property information including the attributes of the place where the plurality of lighting devices are installed is stored in the server, the portable terminal downloads the property information and displays the property information on a display unit, the portable terminal transmits the property information and setting information regarding the plurality of lighting devices to the server, and the server stores the property information and the setting information.
[0010] The lighting control system provided by the second aspect of the present invention is a lighting control system including a plurality of lighting devices, a control device, and a portable terminal, further including a sensor device that detects environmental information such as the presence or absence of a human body, temperature, and humidity in the place where the plurality of lighting devices are installed. The portable terminal transmits a selection signal in response to the selection of the sensor device, the control device transfers the selection signal, and the sensor device lights an indicator when receiving the selection signal.
[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sensor device has a plurality of sensor units with different detection areas from each other and a plurality of indicators corresponding to the plurality of sensor units. The portable terminal transmits the selection signal in response to the selection of any one of the plurality of detection areas, and the sensor device lights the indicator corresponding to the selected detection area.
[0012] The lighting control method provided by the third aspect of the present invention is a lighting control method for controlling the lighting of a plurality of lighting devices, including the steps of turning on the power of the plurality of lighting devices, the plurality of lighting devices lighting in a first lighting state, the control device wirelessly transmitting a setting start command signal to the plurality of lighting devices, among the plurality of lighting devices, the lighting device that receives the setting start command signal lighting in a second lighting state different from the first lighting state, and pairing the lighting device that lights in the second lighting state among the plurality of lighting devices with the control device.
[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control device has a plurality of switches, and after the step of performing the pairing, the control device includes a step of displaying identification information of the plurality of lighting devices on a display unit of the mobile terminal, a step of selecting one or more lighting devices from the identification information of the plurality of lighting devices displayed on the display unit, a step of lighting the selected one or more lighting devices in a third lighting state different from the first lighting state and the second lighting state, and a step of assigning the one or more lighting devices lit in the third lighting state to any one of the plurality of switches.
[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mobile terminal includes a step of downloading a plurality of lighting schedule patterns of the plurality of lighting devices from a server, a step of displaying the plurality of lighting schedule patterns on a display unit so that they can be individually selected, a step of transmitting the lighting schedule pattern selected from the plurality of lighting schedule patterns to the control device, and a step of the control device storing the selected lighting schedule pattern.
[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the server includes a step of storing property information including attributes of a place where the plurality of lighting devices are installed, a step of the mobile terminal downloading the property information and displaying the property information on a display unit, a step of the mobile terminal transmitting the property information and setting information regarding the plurality of lighting devices to the server, and a step of the server storing the property information and the setting information.
[0016] A lighting control method provided by a fourth aspect of the present invention is a lighting control method for controlling lighting of a plurality of lighting devices. In the mobile terminal, the method includes a step of selecting a sensor device, a step of transmitting a selection signal based on the selection from the mobile terminal to a control device, a step of the control device transferring the selection signal, and a step of the sensor device lighting an indicator when the selection signal is received.
[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the mobile terminal, a step of selecting any one of the plurality of detection areas, a step of transmitting a selection signal based on the selection of the detection area from the mobile terminal to a control device, and a step of the sensor device turning on the indicator corresponding to the selected detection area are provided.
[0018] A program provided by a fifth aspect of the present invention causes a computer provided in a mobile terminal for lighting control of a plurality of lighting devices to display identification information of the plurality of lighting devices on a display unit, select one or more lighting devices from the identification information of the plurality of lighting devices displayed on the display unit, transmit a selection signal for the selected one or more lighting devices, and assign the selected one or more lighting devices to any one of a plurality of switches of a control device.
[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a computer provided in a mobile terminal for lighting control of a plurality of lighting devices downloads a plurality of lighting schedule patterns of the plurality of lighting devices from a server, displays the plurality of lighting schedule patterns on a display unit so that they can be individually selected, and transmits the selected lighting schedule pattern to the control device.
[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a computer provided in a mobile terminal for lighting control of a plurality of lighting devices downloads property information including attributes of the place where the plurality of lighting devices are installed from a server, displays the property information on a display unit, and transmits the property information and setting information related to the plurality of lighting devices to the server.
[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a computer provided in a mobile terminal for lighting control of a plurality of lighting devices is caused to execute a step of calculating energy consumption information about the selected lighting schedule pattern, and a step of displaying the energy consumption information on a display unit.
[0022] A program provided by the sixth aspect of the present invention causes a computer provided in a mobile terminal for lighting control of a plurality of lighting devices to execute a step of displaying identification information and types of the plurality of lighting devices and one or more sensor devices on a display unit, a step of selecting one or more lighting devices and sensor devices from the identification information of the plurality of lighting devices and the one or more sensor devices displayed on the display unit, a step of grouping the selected one or more lighting devices and sensor devices, and a step of transmitting setting information including the result of the grouping to a control device.
[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, before the step of displaying identification information and types of the plurality of lighting devices and one or more sensor devices, a step of downloading from a server the identification information of the plurality of lighting devices and property information including attributes of a place where the plurality of lighting devices are installed is executed, and in the step of displaying identification information and types of the plurality of lighting devices and one or more sensor devices, the identification information and types of the plurality of lighting devices and the one or more sensor devices and the property information are displayed.
[0024] A display method provided by the seventh aspect of the present invention is a display method of a mobile terminal for lighting control of a plurality of lighting devices, and includes a step of downloading from a server property information including attributes of a place where the plurality of lighting devices are installed, and a step of displaying the property information on a display unit.
[0025] The display method provided by the eighth aspect of the present invention is a display method of a mobile terminal for lighting control of a plurality of lighting devices, comprising the steps of: displaying a plurality of lighting schedule patterns downloaded from a server on a display unit so that they can be individually selected; calculating energy consumption information for the selected lighting schedule pattern; and displaying the energy consumption information on the display unit.
[0026] The lighting device provided by the ninth aspect of the present invention is a lighting device comprising a light source unit, a wireless communication unit, and a control unit, further comprising an indicator and a battery, wherein when the wireless communication unit receives a setting start command signal, the control unit lights the indicator with power from the battery.
Advantages of the Invention
[0027] According to the present invention, the load of system construction can be reduced.
[0028] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0029]
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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention
[0030] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
[0031] In the present disclosure, terms such as "first", "second", "third", etc. are used merely for identification and are not intended to assign an order to those objects.
[0032] <First Embodiment> Figures 1 to 8 show a lighting control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The lighting control system A1 of the present embodiment includes a plurality of lighting devices L, a control device Ct, and a mobile terminal Mt. The lighting control system A1 is a system that performs lighting control of a plurality of lighting devices L by the control device Ct using wireless communication.
[0033] 〔Lighting Device L〕 The plurality of lighting devices L are used, for example, for indoor lighting and are installed at various locations such as the ceiling, wall surface, floor surface, and entrances and exits. Further, the lighting device L may be configured to be used for outdoor lighting. The specific form of the lighting device L is not limited at all, and various forms such as straight tube lighting, high ceiling lighting, ceiling light, downlight, base light, spotlight, etc. can be appropriately adopted. In the following description, when describing the general configuration of the lighting device L, it is referred to as the lighting device L, and when distinguishing the plurality of lighting devices L, reference numerals such as L1···Ln may be appropriately used. The plurality of lighting devices L in FIG. 1 may have the same configuration, may partially share each other, or may have different configurations and different forms. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the case where the plurality of lighting devices L have the same configuration will be described as an example.
[0034] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the lighting device L. The lighting device L includes a light source unit 11, a control unit 12, a storage unit 13, a wireless communication unit 14, and a power supply unit 15.
[0035] The light source unit 11 is a part that performs a light emitting function in the lighting device L. The specific configuration of the light source unit 11 is not limited at all, and for example, it is composed of a substrate and a plurality of LEDs mounted in a row on the substrate. Further, the lighting device L appropriately has a transparent or translucent cover (not shown) that transmits light from the light source unit 11.
[0036] The light source unit 11 has, for example, a plurality of types of LEDs that emit different wavelengths. By adjusting the emission ratio of the plurality of types of LEDs, the light source unit 11 can emit light of various color temperatures. The light source unit 11 emits light such as daylight color (6500K), cool white (5000K), warm white (3500K), incandescent color (3000K), etc.
[0037] The control unit 12 is for performing color tone control and dimming control of the lighting device L by controlling the light source unit 11 and the power supply unit 15 based on, for example, an illumination control signal from the control device Ct. The specific configuration of the control unit 12 is not particularly limited and is composed of, for example, a CPU. The storage unit 13 is for storing information necessary for the control of the control unit 12 and is composed of, for example, a semiconductor memory. Note that the storage unit 13 is not limited to being built into the housing (not shown) of the lighting device L and may be detachably provided outside the housing of the lighting device L.
[0038] The wireless communication unit 14 is a communication unit for performing wireless communication with the control device Ct and transmits and receives wireless signals. Also, the wireless communication unit 14 may be configured to perform wireless communication with the wireless communication units 14 of other lighting devices L. The wireless communication unit 14 is connected to the control unit 12 by, for example, UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) communication, but is not limited thereto.
[0039] Illustrating the functions of the wireless communication unit 14, it receives data from the control device Ct and transmits the signals included in the received data to the control unit 12. Also, it transmits an acknowledgment signal indicating that data has been received to the control device Ct. Further, it may transmit a status information signal indicating the operating status of the lighting device L to the control device Ct.
[0040] In the present embodiment, identification information such as the unique lighting device ID of each of the plurality of lighting devices L is stored in the wireless communication unit 14. Specific examples of the identification information are not particularly limited, and for example, a MAC (Media Access Control) address or location information. In the following description, a MAC address is adopted as the identification information of the lighting device L. Note that the identification information may be stored in components other than the wireless communication unit 14, for example, it may be stored in the storage unit 13. The wireless communication unit 14 transmits a signal that it recognizes as a signal for its own lighting device ID among the received signals to the control unit 12.
[0041] The wireless communication by the wireless communication unit 14 is not limited in any way. In the present embodiment, it will be described as wireless communication using the first protocol. The communication frequency of the wireless communication using the first protocol is not limited in any way, and for example, the 920 MHz band, 2.4 GHz band, 5 GHz, 13.56 MHz band, etc. are exemplified. Also, specific examples of the first protocol are not particularly limited, and for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) including BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), Zigbee (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or a protocol of an original standard, etc. are exemplified.
[0042] The power supply unit 15 is for supplying power necessary for operation to the light source unit 11, the control unit 12, the wireless communication unit 14, etc. The power supply unit 15 has, for example, a function as an AC / DC converter that converts commercial AC 100V or 200V power into DC power, a voltage conversion function, etc.
[0043] 〔Control device Ct〕 The control device Ct performs lighting control of the plurality of lighting devices L. In the case of the present embodiment, the control device Ct is installed in a place where wireless communication with the plurality of lighting devices L is possible, such as indoors where the plurality of lighting devices L are installed. The lighting control system A1 only needs to include at least one control device Ct, and may include a plurality of control devices Ct in other configurations.
[0044] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an example of the control device Ct, and FIG. 4 is an external view of an example of the control device Ct. The control device Ct in this example is configured to mainly perform the function of controlling the lighting of a plurality of lighting devices L, which is, for example, referred to as a base module. In the present embodiment, the control device Ct includes a control unit 22, a storage unit 23, a wireless communication unit 24, and a power supply unit 25. Note that the control device Ct may further include a display unit used for initial setting operations and the like of the control device Ct.
[0045] The control unit 22 is a main component for controlling the lighting of a plurality of lighting devices L and is for controlling each part of the control device Ct. For example, the control unit 22 transmits a control signal to the wireless communication unit 24 so as to transmit a lighting control signal to the target lighting device L. The specific configuration of the control unit 22 is not particularly limited and is, for example, composed of a CPU. The storage unit 23 is for storing information such as programs and setting conditions necessary for the control of the control unit 22 and is, for example, composed of a semiconductor memory, a hard disk drive, or the like.
[0046] The wireless communication unit 24 is for performing wireless communication with the wireless communication units 14 of a plurality of lighting devices L. The frequency band of the wireless communication unit 24 and the standard of the wireless communication to which it conforms are wireless communication using the above-described first protocol. The wireless communication unit 24, for example, wirelessly transmits lighting control data from the control unit 22 to a plurality of lighting devices L. Note that in addition to the wireless communication unit 24, the control device Ct has a communication circuit for performing wireless communication or wired communication via a public communication line or a LAN (Local Area Network). The public communication line is configured by, for example, any one of an Internet communication line network, a mobile phone line network conforming to the LTE (Long Term Evolution) standard, 5G, 6G, etc., or a combination thereof.
[0047] The power supply unit 25 is for supplying power necessary for operations to the control unit 22, the wireless communication unit 24, and the like. The power supply unit 25 has functions such as that of an AC / DC converter that converts commercial AC 100V or 200V power into DC power, and a voltage conversion function. In this example, the power supply unit 25 has a plug 251. The plug 251 is plugged into, for example, an outlet to which commercial 100V or 200V power is supplied.
[0048] After pairing described later, the control device Ct holds identification information such as the lighting device ID of a plurality of lighting devices L, and these are stored, for example, in the storage unit 23. The identification information held by the control device Ct may be, for example, a MAC address or location information as the lighting device ID held by the lighting device L.
[0049] FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 show other examples of the control device Ct. The control device Ct in this example has a function as a switch and further includes an operation unit 26. The control device Ct in this example may be attached to, for example, a wall surface or may be attached to a storage space available on the wall surface.
[0050] The operation unit 26 is for a user to operate the lighting state of all or any of the plurality of lighting devices L. The operation unit 26 is a part where an operation by the user is performed, and generates an electrical signal according to the operation of the user. The operation unit 26 is constituted by, for example, a push button, a touch panel, a slider, or the like.
[0051] In the illustrated example, four operation units 26 are provided, and upward and downward arrow shapes are marked on each operation unit 26. Each arrow shape corresponds to an operation for increasing and decreasing, for example, the dimming rate. The numbers such as "1", "2", "3", "4", etc. attached to each operation unit 26 correspond to, for example, each group number when the plurality of lighting devices L are divided into a plurality of groups.
[0052] 〔Mobile terminal Mt〕 The mobile terminal Mt is a terminal for controlling the lighting states of a plurality of lighting devices L in the lighting control system A1. The specific configuration of the mobile terminal Mt is not limited at all, and examples thereof include a notebook PC, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, and the like.
[0053] As shown in FIG. 7, the mobile terminal Mt of the present embodiment includes a display unit 31, a control unit 32, a storage unit 33, a wireless communication unit 34, and a power supply unit 35.
[0054] The display unit 31 is for displaying information and images necessary for operations and the like of the mobile terminal Mt. The display unit 31 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. When the mobile terminal Mt is a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like, the display unit 31 may also serve as an operation unit by being configured as a touch panel. Further, when the mobile terminal Mt is a notebook PC, the mobile terminal Mt may include, for example, a keyboard and a mouse.
[0055] The wireless communication unit 34 performs wireless communication via a public communication line or a LAN (Local Area Network). The wireless communication unit 34 performs wireless communication via, for example, a mobile phone communication network conforming to the LTE standard. Thereby, the mobile terminal Mt can communicate with the control device Ct.
[0056] The control unit 32 is for controlling each part of the mobile terminal Mt. The specific configuration of the control unit 32 is not particularly limited and is composed of, for example, a CPU. The storage unit 33 is for storing information such as programs and setting conditions necessary for the control of the control unit 32 and is composed of, for example, a semiconductor memory.
[0057] The identification information of the mobile terminal Mt may be stored in the storage unit 33 or the wireless communication unit 34. The identification information is a unique mobile terminal ID that the mobile terminal Mt has.
[0058] The power supply unit 35 is for supplying the power necessary for the operations of the display unit 31, the control unit 32, the wireless communication unit 34, etc. The power supply unit 35 has, for example, a function as an AC / DC converter that converts commercial AC 100V or 200V power into DC power, a voltage conversion function, etc., or is a rechargeable battery. The charging method of the battery may be either one using a contact charger or one using a non-contact charger.
[0059] The mobile terminal Mt may further have an imaging unit. The imaging unit is for photographing images of external objects, etc. The imaging unit may, for example, be equipped with a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) sensor. The imaging unit functions to convert external objects, etc. into digital images. Also, the imaging unit may be configured to be able to shoot videos.
[0060] Next, an example of the lighting control method of the lighting control system A1 will be described below with reference to FIG. 8.
[0061] First, turn on the power of the plurality of lighting devices L (step S1-1). The specific operations and operations, etc. for turning on the power of the lighting device L are not limited in any way. For example, the lighting device L may be configured such that the light source unit 11 lights up when connected to an external power source, or may be configured to light up when a predetermined power switch (not shown) etc. is operated after being connected to the external power source.
[0062] When the power of the plurality of lighting devices L is turned on, they light up in the first lighting state (step S1-2). The first lighting state is the lighting state of the lighting device L immediately after the power is turned on, for example, the lighting state stored as an initial setting in the control unit 12, the storage unit 13, etc. when the lighting device L is shipped. When the lighting device L starts receiving a lighting control signal, etc. from the control device Ct, etc., thereafter, lighting according to the instruction content of the lighting control is prioritized over lighting in the first lighting state.
[0063] On one hand, on the mobile terminal Mt, the setter operates the display unit 31 to start the pairing setting operation. In the mobile terminal Mt, the control unit 32 causes the wireless communication unit 34 to transmit a setting start command signal Sg1 (step S2-1). The setting start command signal Sg1 includes an instruction to turn on the lighting device L in the second lighting state in the pairing setting operation.
[0064] The second lighting state is a lighting state different from the first lighting state. The specific combination of the first lighting state and the second lighting state is not limited at all. For example, combinations where the dimming rate of the lighting device L is different between the first lighting state and the second lighting state, combinations where the color mixing rate is different, or combinations where one is a constant lighting state and the other is a blinking lighting state, etc. can be variously selected. In this example, the case where the dimming rate in the first lighting state is 100% and the dimming rate in the second lighting state is 20% will be described.
[0065] The setting start command signal Sg1 transmitted from the mobile terminal Mt is received by the wireless communication unit 24 of the control device Ct. The control unit 22 of the control device Ct converts the setting start command signal Sg1 into a form that can be transmitted by wireless communication according to the first protocol, or reads out the control command signal Sg2 stored in advance in the storage unit 23 and transmits it from the wireless communication unit 24 as this control command signal Sg2. At the time of this transmission, since pairing has not been made yet, it is transmitted as so-called broadcast data without specifying which lighting device L it is targeted at (step S2-2).
[0066] The control command signal Sg2 transmitted from the control device Ct is received by the wireless communication units 14 of the plurality of lighting devices L. In each of the plurality of lighting devices L, when the wireless communication unit 14 receives the control command signal Sg2, the control unit 12 turns on the light source unit 11 in the second lighting state according to the information of the second lighting state included in the control command signal Sg2 (step S2-3: lighting devices L1, L2 in FIG. 8).
[0067] Note that the reception of the control command signal Sg2 by the wireless communication unit 14 may be determined as successful if the received data can be read without error. However, for example, even in the wireless communication unit 14, data regarding the radio wave condition of the control command signal Sg2 (received radio wave intensity or SNR) may be determined as received when it is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. As an example, a value with a margin compared to the lower limit value at which error-free data reception is possible is set as the predetermined value of the received radio wave intensity. In this case, even if the control command signal Sg2 is received without data error, if the received radio wave intensity is below the predetermined value, the lighting state is not changed. By doing so, when the received radio wave intensity is near the lower limit value at which data reception is possible, that is, when the radio wave condition is poor, it can be recognized that measures such as installing the relay unit Ru are necessary.
[0068] In this example, the light source unit 11 of the lighting device L that has received the control command signal Sg2 lights up at a dimming rate of 20%. That is, the light source unit 11 of the lighting device L changes from lighting at a dimming rate of 100% to lighting at a dimming rate of 20%.
[0069] On the other hand, when the control command signal Sg2 from the control device Ct cannot be received, such as when the distance from the control device Ct is far, the lighting device L continues to light in the first lighting state (step S2-4: lighting device Ln in FIG. 8).
[0070] When a lighting device L (lighting device Ln) that cannot receive the control command signal Sg2 is recognized among the plurality of lighting devices L existing within the range for which settings are made, the setter may install the relay unit Ru. The relay unit Ru is a unit that transmits, without changing the content, a signal received by wireless communication of the first protocol by wireless communication of the first protocol. The specific configuration of the relay unit Ru is not limited in any way.
[0071] Figure 1 shows a state where a relay unit Ru is additionally installed. The installation position of the relay unit Ru is not limited in any way, but a position where signals can be sufficiently transmitted to the lighting device Ln that could not be received is preferable. The control command signal Sg2 is transmitted again from the control device Ct (step S4-1). The control command signal Sg2 transmitted at this time is relayed by the relay unit Ru (step S4-2). As a result, in addition to the lighting devices L1, L2, etc., the control command signal Sg2 is normally received by the lighting device Ln at a received radio wave intensity equal to or higher than a predetermined value. As a result, all the lighting devices L existing in the range to be set are lit in the second lighting state (step S4-3).
[0072] When the setter confirms that all the lighting devices L existing in the range to be set are lit in the second lighting state, it is determined that the wireless environment is ready, and the pairing operation is started (step S5).
[0073] The specific content of the pairing operation is not limited in any way. When the above-described wireless communication environment is ready, the identification information (MAC address) of a plurality of lighting devices L to be set can be grasped on the mobile terminal Mt. For example, the setter may prepare numbers for the lighting devices L that can be distinguished and associate these numbers with the identification information (MAC address) of the plurality of lighting devices L. Alternatively, it may be an operation of associating the individual lighting devices L displayed in the layout diagram of the plurality of lighting devices L generated on the mobile terminal Mt with the identification information (MAC address).
[0074] Next, the operation of the lighting control system A1 will be described.
[0075] According to this embodiment, there is no need to perform wiring connection work for signal transmission between the control device Ct and the plurality of lighting devices L. Further, for a lighting device L that can normally receive the control command signal Sg2 from the control device Ct at a received radio wave intensity equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the lighting state changes from the first lighting state to the second lighting state. Therefore, the setter can easily and surely grasp visually which of the plurality of lighting devices L has received the control command signal Sg2. Thus, the load of system construction can be reduced.
[0076] When there is a lighting device L for which the control command signal Sg2 cannot be normally received at a received radio wave intensity equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the setter can immediately improve the wireless environment of the lighting device L by additionally installing a relay unit Ru.
[0077] Also, when the control device Ct is configured as the switch shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the lighting control method of FIG. 8 may be performed as follows.
[0078] Omission of transmission of the setting start command signal Sg1 from the mobile terminal Mt in step S2-1 is possible, and the control command signal Sg2 may be transmitted from the control device Ct. For example, no matter which of the plurality of operation units 26 of the control device Ct is operated, the control unit 22 of the control device Ct causes the wireless communication unit 24 to transmit the control command signal Sg2 as broadcast data. In this case, the control command signal Sg2 may be stored in advance, for example, in the storage unit 23 of the control device Ct.
[0079] According to this example, it is possible to confirm that communication is possible from the control device Ct to the plurality of lighting devices L without an additional device such as a smartphone. That is, even a person who does not have sufficient expertise in network settings, such as a construction worker who installs the control device Ct, the plurality of lighting devices L, etc., can confirm whether communication is possible.
[0080] Figs. 9 to 31 show modified examples and other embodiments of the present invention. In these figures, elements identical or similar to those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the above-described embodiment. Further, the configurations of the respective parts in each modified example and each embodiment can be appropriately combined with each other within a range that does not cause a technical contradiction. Also, the step numbers such as steps S1, S2,... used in the description of each embodiment and modified example are defined individually for each of the embodiments and modified examples, and are not necessarily commonly defined among different embodiments and modified examples.
[0081] Figs. 9 to 12 show a grouping process following the lighting control method (pairing process) of the plurality of lighting devices L described with reference to Fig. 8.
[0082] As shown in Fig. 9, in this example, as the plurality of lighting devices L, lighting devices L1-1, L1-2, L1-3, L2-1,..., L6-1, L6-2, L6-3 are arranged. When the process described with reference to Fig. 8 is performed, these lighting devices L are lit in the second lighting state (dimming rate: 20%) (Fig. 12: step S0).
[0083] As shown in Fig. 10, the identification information (MAC address) of the plurality of lighting devices L is, for example, displayed in a list on the display unit 31 of the mobile terminal Mt. The identification information (MAC address) of the plurality of lighting devices L may be acquired by the mobile terminal Mt by being transmitted from the control device Ct to the mobile terminal Mt. The setter selects an arbitrary one (MAC2) from among the plurality of identification information (MAC addresses) displayed in the list by touching it or the like (step S1). The control unit 32 of the mobile terminal Mt causes the wireless communication unit 34 to transmit a selection signal Sg3 including the selected identification information (MAC address) (step S2-1). The control device Ct converts the received selection signal Sg3 into a first protocol and transmits it from the wireless communication unit 24 (step S2-2).
[0084] The selection signal Sg3 contains information for lighting the lighting device L in a third lighting state. The third lighting state is a lighting state different from the first lighting state and the second lighting state. The specific combinations of the first lighting state, the second lighting state, and the third lighting state are not limited in any way. For example, combinations where the dimming rate of the lighting device L is different, combinations where the color mixing rate is different, or combinations where one of them is in a constant lighting state and the other is in a blinking lighting state, etc. can be variously selected. In this example, a case where the lighting device L is in a constant lighting state with a dimming rate of 100% in the first lighting state, in a constant lighting state with a dimming rate of 20% in the second lighting state, and the third lighting state is a blinking lighting state will be described.
[0085] A plurality of lighting devices L receive the selection signal Sg3. When the identification information (MAC address) included in the selection signal Sg3 matches the identification information (MAC address) of the own device among the plurality of lighting devices L, the control unit 12 lights the light source unit 11 in the third lighting state (step S3-1). In FIG. 9, a case where the lighting device L3-1 is selected and the lighting device L3-1 is blinking is shown (step S3-3). The lighting devices L that have not yet been selected continue to be lit in the first lighting state (step S3-2).
[0086] The setter visually checks the lighting device L3-1 in the third lighting state (flashing). If the lighting device L3-1 in the third lighting state (flashing) is the lighting device L to be grouped, the setter touches the setting button in Fig. 10. As a result, the lighting device L3-1 is set as the lighting device L that is the object of grouping. If the lighting device L3-1 in the third lighting state (flashing) is not the lighting device L to be grouped, the setter touches the MAC2 again to cancel the selection. Then, the setter touches other identification information (MAC address) and checks the lighting device L in the third lighting state in the same manner as the above process. By repeating the operation of checking the lighting device L in the third lighting state and touching the setting button, all the lighting devices L to be grouped are set. Next, as shown in Fig. 11, the identification information of the switch to be assigned to the group to which the currently selected lighting device L belongs is selected (in the figure, SW1).
[0087] The identification information of the switch may be, for example, the MAC address of the control device Ct. Alternatively, when there are a plurality of operation units 26 as in the control device Ct configured as the above switch, the individual identification information corresponding to each operation unit 26 may be displayed.
[0088] When the selection of the switch is completed, the setter touches the setting button in Fig. 11. As a result, the setting of the lighting device L and the control device Ct (switch) that are the objects of the grouping process is completed (Fig. 12: step S4). The control unit 32 of the mobile terminal Mt causes the wireless communication unit 34 to transmit a setting completion signal Sg4. When the control device Ct receives the setting completion signal Sg4 from the mobile terminal Mt, it converts it into the first protocol and transmits the setting completion signal Sg4 (step S5). In this transmission, the MAC addresses of the lighting device L and the control device Ct that are the objects of the grouping process may be the transmission destinations.
[0089] Upon receiving the setting completion signal Sg4, the lighting device L3-1 lights up in a fourth lighting state different from the first to third lighting states (S6-1). The fourth lighting state can be various lighting states similar to the first to third lighting states. In this example, for instance, it is lighting with a dimming rate of 50%. The lighting device L that does not receive the setting completion signal Sg4 maintains the lighting in the second lighting state (step S6-2). In FIG. 9, for example, the lighting devices L1-1 to L1-3, L2-1 to L2-3 are shown as being in the state of lighting in the fourth lighting state (dimming rate 50%) as a result of receiving the setting completion signal Sg4, being the objects of the grouping process.
[0090] In order to realize the grouping process in the lighting control system A1 described above, in the storage unit 33 of the mobile terminal Mt, the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal Mt has steps of displaying the identification information (MAC address) of a plurality of lighting devices L, selecting one or more lighting devices L from the identification information (MAC address) of the plurality of lighting devices L displayed on the display unit 31, transmitting a selection signal Sg3 for the selected one or more lighting devices L, and assigning the selected one or more lighting devices L to any one of a plurality of switches (operation unit 26) of the control device Ct. A program for executing these steps may be stored.
[0091] According to the grouping process in the lighting control system A1, it is possible to confirm whether the lighting device L selected as the object of the grouping process among a plurality of processes is the intended lighting device L by visually observing the lighting device L in the third lighting state. This visual confirmation is for the plurality of actually installed lighting devices L, and it is not necessary to prepare a layout diagram or the like of the plurality of lighting devices L for the grouping process. Therefore, it is possible to perform the grouping process more easily and efficiently. For example, there is an advantage that a person who becomes a user of the plurality of lighting devices L, other than a setter with specialized skills such as performing the installation work of the plurality of lighting devices L, can easily perform the grouping process.
[0092] <Second Embodiment> Figures 13 to 15 show an illumination control system and an illumination control method according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 13, the illumination control system A2 of the present embodiment includes a plurality of lighting devices L, a control device Ct, a mobile terminal Mt, and a cloud CL. Further, the illumination control system A2 may have a configuration in which the above-described relay unit Ru is additionally installed.
[0093] 〔Cloud CL〕 The cloud CL is an example of a server in the illumination control system A2. The server of the present invention may be a cloud CL virtually configured by, for example, a commercial cloud service or the like on the Internet, which is a public communication line, or may be configured by a PC or the like installed at a predetermined location. As shown in FIG. 13, the cloud CL has an analysis unit 61, a storage unit 62, and a communication unit 63. It is desirable that the cloud CL is located in the country. On the other hand, even if the cloud CL is located abroad, if the user uses the mobile terminal Mt in the country and the control device Ct located in the country transmits an illumination control signal to the plurality of lighting devices L, and the functions, roles, and effects obtained by the system in the present invention are in the country, it may be considered as one of the modified examples of the present embodiment.
[0094] The analysis unit 61 performs analysis and control for realizing the illumination control method of the illumination control system A2. For example, a CPU or the like is used for the analysis unit 61.
[0095] The storage unit 62 stores various information in the illumination control system A2, and a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, or the like is used. The communication unit 63 communicates with the mobile terminal Mt, the control device Ct, etc. via a public communication line, and can perform either or both of wired communication and wireless communication.
[0096] As shown in FIG. 15, an administrator or the like uses the inputter PC to transmit a schedule setting signal Sg6 including an illumination schedule pattern to the cloud CL (step S1-1). The cloud CL stores the schedule setting signal Sg6 received by the communication unit 63 in the storage unit 62 (step S1-2). As a result of this process, a plurality of illumination schedule patterns are prepared in the cloud CL.
[0097] In the mobile terminal Mt, the schedule setting signal Sg6 stored in the cloud CL is downloaded (step S2). In this download, a plurality of schedule setting signals Sg6 each including one illumination schedule pattern may be downloaded, or one schedule setting signal Sg6 including a plurality of illumination schedule patterns may be downloaded.
[0098] FIG. 14 shows an example of a plurality of illumination schedule patterns. In the illustrated example, five illumination schedule patterns are shown. In the mobile terminal Mt, these illumination schedule patterns are displayed on the display unit 31 so as to be selectable. Each illumination schedule pattern has, for example, a dimming rate set for each time. The setter touches and selects an illumination schedule pattern suitable for the target illumination device L from the plurality of illumination schedule patterns displayed on the display unit 31 (step S2).
[0099] Also, in the mobile terminal Mt, the control device Ct, and the plurality of illumination devices L, the pairing process described by taking the illumination control system A1 as an example is appropriately executed (step S3).
[0100] The setter may appropriately edit using the mobile terminal Mt so that the selected illumination schedule pattern is more suitable for the target illumination device L. The setter inputs corrections as necessary for lighting conditions such as the lighting time, the extinguishing time, and the dimming rate (step S4). The setter transmits the setting information for which the schedule setting is completed by the selection and correction of the illumination schedule pattern to the cloud CL. The cloud CL stores this setting information (step S5-1).
[0101] Also, when the grouping process described with reference to FIG. 12 is completed, the plurality of lighting devices L are lit in the fourth lighting state (dimming rate: 50%) (step S5-2).
[0102] The set schedule setting signal Sg6 is transmitted from the mobile terminal Mt to the control device Ct. Based on the schedule setting signal Sg6, the control device Ct transmits an illumination control signal Sg7 to the target lighting device L (step S6-1). The plurality of lighting devices L turn on the light source unit 11 based on the illumination control of the received illumination control signal Sg7 (step S6-2).
[0103] In order to implement the processing in the illumination control system A2 described above, in the storage unit 33 of the mobile terminal Mt, the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal Mt has steps of downloading a plurality of illumination schedule patterns of the plurality of lighting devices L from the cloud CL, displaying the plurality of illumination schedule patterns on the display unit 31 so that they can be individually selected, and transmitting the illumination schedule pattern selected from the plurality of illumination schedule patterns to the control device Ct. A program for executing these steps may be stored.
[0104] In this embodiment, a plurality of illumination schedule patterns are prepared in the cloud CL. By operating using the mobile terminal Mt, the setter can select an arbitrary illumination schedule pattern from the plurality of illumination schedule patterns, thereby achieving the main operations for constructing the illumination schedule pattern. For example, compared with the case where the setter creates an illumination schedule pattern by specifying the dimming rate for each time, the burden on the setter can be significantly reduced.
[0105] Figures 16 and 17 show other examples of the lighting control method by the lighting control system A2. In this example, as shown in Figure 17, a user, an administrator, etc. associate property information with a property ID and transmit it to the cloud CL as a property information signal Sg8 (step S1-1). The property information is information including the attributes of the place where a plurality of lighting devices L are installed. Specific examples of the property information include, for example, the size of the property, the height, the number of installed lighting devices L, the type of lighting device L, the number of groups for collective control, the lighting control schedule, the necessity of sensors (human presence, illuminance), and the like.
[0106] The cloud CL stores the property information signal Sg8 transmitted from the inputter PC in the storage unit 62 (step S1-2). In the mobile terminal Mt, the setter downloads the property information signal Sg8 from the cloud CL (step S2-1). In the mobile terminal Mt, as shown in Figure 16, the property information is displayed on the display unit 31. The setter may be able to appropriately modify the property information using the screen display. Also, a setting save button for saving the property information is displayed on the display unit 31 (step S2-2).
[0107] Also, in the mobile terminal Mt, the control device Ct, and the plurality of lighting devices L, the pairing process described by taking the lighting control system A1 as an example is appropriately executed (step S3).
[0108] Next, when the setter touches the setting save button on the display unit 31, a setting information signal Sg9 including the result information of the pairing process, the result information of the grouping process, setting information such as a lighting schedule pattern, etc. is transmitted from the mobile terminal Mt to the cloud CL. The cloud CL stores the setting information included in the received property information signal Sg8 in the storage unit 62 (step S4-2). Thereby, the property information and the setting information can be stored in association with each other.
[0109] After that, normal lighting control is performed on the plurality of lighting devices L. For example, during the repetition of normal lighting control, some trouble may occur in the control device Ct. In this case, for example, it may be replaced with a new control device Ct or the control device Ct may be initialized. Then, using the control device Ct that operates normally, a search based on the property ID is performed on the setting information set in the cloud CL (step S5-1). The cloud CL transmits a setting information signal Sg9 including corresponding property information to the mobile terminal Mt as a result of the search (step S5-2).
[0110] In the mobile terminal Mt, if there is information to be reset, for example, by touching the corresponding location on the display unit 31, etc., the information is selected (step S6-1) and reset (step S6-2). Then, a setting information signal Sg9 including the reset setting information is transmitted from the mobile terminal Mt to the cloud CL. The cloud CL stores the received setting information signal Sg9 in the storage unit 62 (step S6-3).
[0111] In order to realize the processing in the lighting control system A2 described above, in the storage unit 33 of the mobile terminal Mt, the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal Mt is caused to execute steps of downloading property information including the attributes of the place where the plurality of lighting devices L are installed from the cloud CL, displaying the property information on the display unit 31, and transmitting the property information and the setting information regarding the plurality of lighting devices L to the cloud CL. A program may be stored for this purpose.
[0112] According to this example, the result information of the pairing process, the result information of the grouping process, and the setting information such as the lighting schedule pattern are stored in the cloud CL in a state associated with the property ID. Therefore, when the setting information of the control device Ct is lost due to some error or trouble, it can be easily reset using the setting information associated with the property information backed up in the cloud CL.
[0113] Figures 18 and 19 show still another example of the lighting control method by the lighting control system A2. In this example, as shown in FIG. 19, a user, an administrator, etc. set a lighting schedule pattern using the input person's PC and transmit a schedule setting signal Sg6 to the cloud CL (step S1-1). The cloud CL stores the received schedule setting signal Sg6 in the storage unit 62 (step S1-2).
[0114] Next, the mobile terminal Mt downloads the schedule setting signal Sg6 from the cloud CL (step S1-3). Next, the above pairing process is appropriately performed (step S2-1). Next, a plurality of lighting schedule patterns are displayed on the display unit 31, and the setter selects an arbitrary lighting schedule pattern (step S2-2). Further, the setter corrects and inputs lighting conditions such as the lighting time, the extinguishing time, and the dimming rate as necessary (step S3).
[0115] The control unit 32 of the mobile terminal Mt calculates energy consumption information for the set lighting schedule pattern and displays it on the display unit 31 (step S4). As the energy consumption information, for example, the energy consumption amount when the lighting device L lights up for a predetermined period according to the set lighting schedule pattern may be compared with the energy consumption amount when it lights up at a dimming rate of 100% over the entire predetermined period, and the energy saving rate, which is the reduction ratio, may be adopted.
[0116] When the energy saving rate displayed on the display unit 31 is as expected, the setter touches the setting save button in FIG. 18 to complete the setting (step S5). The mobile terminal Mt transmits a setting information signal Sg9 including information associating the lighting schedule pattern and the property ID to the cloud CL and the control device Ct (step S6-1). The cloud CL stores the setting information signal Sg9 in the storage unit 62 (step S6-2), and the control device Ct stores the setting information signal Sg9 in the storage unit 23 (step S6-2).
[0117] In order to implement the processing in the lighting control system A2 described above, a program for causing the storage unit 33 of the mobile terminal Mt to execute a step of calculating energy consumption information about the selected lighting schedule pattern and a step of displaying the energy consumption information on the display unit 31 may be stored.
[0118] According to this example, by applying a lighting schedule pattern to actual lighting control, it is possible to grasp in advance how much energy consumption will occur. Thereby, from the viewpoint of energy consumption, it is possible to determine the suitability of the lighting schedule pattern.
[0119] <Third Embodiment> Figs. 20 to 22 show a lighting control system and a lighting control method according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The lighting control system A3 of this embodiment differs in the configuration of a plurality of lighting devices L from the above-described embodiments.
[0120] As shown in Fig. 21, the lighting device L of this embodiment further includes a battery 16 and an indicator 17. The indicator 17 incorporates, for example, an LED and is arranged so as to appear on the exterior of the lighting device L. The battery 16 may be, for example, a dry battery or a rechargeable secondary battery or the like. The battery 16 outputs electric power capable of operating the control unit 12 and the wireless communication unit 14 and lighting up the indicator 17. That is, the lighting device L of this embodiment is configured such that the indicator 17 can be lit by the battery 16 in a state where it is not yet connected to an external power source that supplies commercial AC 100V or 200V power. Fig. 20 shows an imaginary line of an external power source and wiring for connecting to the external power source, and shows a state where a plurality of lighting devices L are not yet connected to the external power source.
[0121] As shown in FIG. 22, in this embodiment, the setter operates the display unit 31 of the mobile terminal Mt to start the setting. A setting start command signal Sg1 is transmitted from the mobile terminal Mt (step S-1). The control device Ct transfers the setting start command signal Sg1 (step S1-2).
[0122] Each of the plurality of lighting devices L receives the setting start command signal Sg1 using the power of the battery 16 while the external power supply is not yet connected. When the setting start command signal Sg1 can be received, the indicator 17 is lit by the battery 16 (step S1-3). On the other hand, the lighting device L in which the indicator 17 does not light is a lighting device L that cannot receive the setting start command signal Sg1, and it is determined that the wireless environment is not good. In this case, for example, a relay unit Ru is additionally installed (step S2). After the wireless environment of the plurality of lighting devices L is made good through additional installation of the relay unit Ru or the like, the plurality of lighting devices L are connected to an external power supply, and power supply from the external power supply is started (step S3-1). The plurality of lighting devices L light up in the first lighting state (step S3-2). Also, for example, before and after step S3-1, the lighting of the indicator 17 by the battery 16 may be canceled.
[0123] After that, as in steps S4-1 to S4-4 of FIG. 22, by performing the above-described lighting control, it may be confirmed that the wireless environment of the plurality of lighting devices L is good. Then, it is confirmed that the wireless environment of all the lighting devices L is in order, and the pairing operation is started (step S5).
[0124] According to the present embodiment, when it is necessary to perform work for installing a plurality of lighting devices L and electrical work for connecting to an external power supply, after installing the plurality of lighting devices L and before performing the electrical work, it is possible to clarify whether it is necessary to additionally install the relay unit Ru. Thereby, in the electrical work, wiring work for the relay unit Ru and the like can be carried out simultaneously in a lump with the wiring work for the plurality of lighting devices L. Therefore, after completing the wiring work for the plurality of lighting devices L, it is not necessary to perform the wiring work for the relay unit Ru again at another timing, and additional work can be reduced.
[0125] <Fourth Embodiment> Figs. 23 to 26 show a lighting control system and a lighting control method according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The lighting control system A4 of the present embodiment includes a sensor device Es in addition to a plurality of lighting devices L, a control device Ct, a mobile terminal Mt, and a cloud CL.
[0126] 〔Sensor Device Es〕 The sensor device Es measures physical quantities of various objects, and functions as, for example, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a human presence sensor, an illuminance sensor, a carbon dioxide concentration sensor, a magnet sensor, etc. The installation locations of the plurality of sensor devices Es are not limited at all, and they can be attached to various locations such as the ceiling, wall surface, floor surface, door, etc., or to various devices installed indoors and outdoors, or built-in. The sensor device Es measures environmental information such as the presence or absence of a human body, temperature, humidity, illuminance, etc. in a place where a plurality of lighting devices are installed.
[0127] Fig. 24 is a block diagram of the sensor device Es. The sensor device Es includes a sensor unit 51, a control unit 52, a storage unit 53, a wireless communication unit 54, and a power supply unit 55. Also, in the illustrated example, the sensor device Es may include an indicator 56.
[0128] The sensor unit 51 functions to measure the target physical quantity. Examples of the sensor unit 51 include a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a human presence sensor, an illuminance sensor, a magnet sensor, and the like. The measurement principle of the sensor unit 51 is not limited in any way. In this example, the case where the sensor unit 51 is a human presence sensor will be described as an example.
[0129] The control unit 52 is for controlling each part of the sensor device Es. The specific configuration of the control unit 52 is not particularly limited and may be, for example, composed of a CPU. The storage unit 53 is for storing information such as programs and setting conditions necessary for the control of the control unit 52 and is composed of, for example, a semiconductor memory or the like.
[0130] The wireless communication unit 54 is for performing wireless communication with the control device Ct using the first communication protocol described above.
[0131] In this embodiment, the sensor device Es has unique identification information. Specific examples of the identification information are not limited in any way, and for example, a MAC (Media Access Control) address is used. Note that the identification information may be stored in the wireless communication unit 54 or may be stored in the storage unit 53, for example.
[0132] The power supply unit 55 is for supplying the power necessary for operation to the sensor unit 51, the control unit 52, the wireless communication unit 54, and the like. The power supply unit 55 has, for example, a function as an AC / DC converter that converts commercial AC 100V or 200V power into DC power, a voltage conversion function, or the like, or is a rechargeable battery or a dry battery.
[0133] The indicator 56 incorporates, for example, an LED and is arranged so as to appear on the exterior of the sensor device Es.
[0134] Figure 25 shows a state in which the identification information of a plurality of lighting devices L and sensor devices Es is acquired by the mobile terminal Mt mainly in the same manner as the lighting control method of the above-described lighting control system A1. A group setting screen is displayed on the display unit 31 of the mobile terminal Mt. On the group setting screen, the identification information and types of the plurality of lighting devices L and sensor devices Es for which the identification information has been acquired, and a grouping button, are displayed. In this figure, the identification information is the MAC address. The types are assigned attributes such as "lighting device" and "sensor". The setter selects by touching the plurality of lighting devices L and sensor devices Es displayed on the display unit 31, and touches the grouping button. As a result, the selected plurality of lighting devices L and sensor devices Es are grouped together.
[0135] As shown in Figure 26, when the selected and displayed plurality of lighting devices L and sensor devices Es are appropriate, the setter touches the setting button. As a result, the plurality of lighting devices L and sensor devices Es are grouped, and as shown in Figure 23, the setting information signal Sg5 is transmitted from the mobile terminal Mt to the control device Ct. After that, the lighting control signal Sg7 is transmitted from the control device Ct, whereby the lighting control of the plurality of lighting devices L is performed.
[0136] When the lighting control of any one of the lighting devices L is performed according to the detection result of the sensor device Es, for example, the detection signal from the sensor device Es is transmitted to the control device Ct, and based on this detection signal, the lighting control of a predetermined lighting device L is performed.
[0137] In order to implement the processing in the lighting control system A4 described above, the storage unit 33 of the mobile terminal Mt stores a program that causes the mobile terminal Mt to execute steps of displaying identification information and types of a plurality of lighting devices L and one or more sensor devices Es, selecting one or more lighting devices L and sensor devices Es from the identification information of the plurality of lighting devices L and one or more sensor devices Es displayed on the display unit 31, grouping the selected one or more lighting devices L and sensor devices Es, and transmitting setting information including the grouping result to the control device Ct.
[0138] According to the present embodiment, on the group setting screen of the display unit 31, the types of the lighting device L and the sensor device Es are displayed. Thereby, in the grouping process, a plurality of lighting devices L and sensor devices Es can be selected more appropriately.
[0139] In another example of the present embodiment, the information shown in FIG. 27 is stored in the cloud CL. For example, a user or an administrator uses the inputter PC to input identification information (MAC address) and type information of a plurality of lighting devices L and sensor devices Es in association with the property ID and transmits the information to the cloud CL. The cloud CL stores this setting information in the storage unit 62. The information shown in FIG. 27 is an example of the setting information stored in the storage unit 62.
[0140] Next, the mobile terminal Mt downloads the above-described setting information from the cloud CL. The mobile terminal Mt uses the downloaded setting information to display the above-described group setting screen on the display unit 31. In this display, the types of the lighting device L and the sensor device Es are distinguished.
[0141] After that, the lighting device L and the sensor device Es are selected in the same manner as the operation of the group setting screen in the above-described example. Next, the above-described selection signal Sg3 is transmitted from the mobile terminal Mt to the control device Ct. The control device Ct transmits the selection signal Sg3 to the lighting device L or the sensor device Es with the identification information (MAC address) included in the selection signal Sg3.
[0142] Next, the setter visually checks the lighting device L (or the sensor device Es) selected on the display unit 31 and the lighting states of the plurality of actually arranged lighting devices L, and performs pairing processing. Then, when touching the setting completion button on the group setting screen on the display unit 31, the setting information is transmitted from the wireless communication unit 34 to the control device Ct.
[0143] In order to realize the above-described processing, in the storage unit 33 of the mobile terminal Mt, before the step of displaying the identification information and types of the plurality of lighting devices L and one or more sensor devices Es, the identification information of the plurality of lighting devices L and the sensor devices Es and the property information including the attributes of the places where the plurality of lighting devices L are installed are downloaded from the cloud CL, and in the step of displaying the identification information and types of the plurality of lighting devices L and one or more sensor devices Es, the identification information and types of the plurality of lighting devices L and one or more sensor devices Es and the property information are displayed. A program may be stored.
[0144] According to this example, as shown in FIG. 27, in addition to the identification information, the type is displayed. Therefore, the lighting device and the sensor device can be clearly distinguished and selected, and the grouping process can be performed more easily.
[0145] FIG. 28 shows still another example of the lighting control method using the lighting control system A4. In this example, a lighting control method using the indicator 56 of the sensor device Es is performed.
[0146] First, a plurality of lighting devices L are in a state after power-on and are lit in a first lighting state (step S0). Using the input device PC, a user, an administrator, etc. transmit a product information signal Sg10 in which property information and product information such as identification information and type are associated with a property ID to the cloud CL (step S1-1). The cloud CL stores the received product information signal Sg10 in the storage unit 62 (step S1-2). Next, the mobile terminal Mt downloads the product information signal Sg10 from the cloud CL (step S2). The mobile terminal Mt displays the L and the sensor device Es separately on the display unit 31 (step S3). The setter selects any one from the plurality of lighting devices L and sensor devices Es displayed on the display unit 31. The control unit 32 of the mobile terminal Mt causes the wireless communication unit 34 to transmit a selection signal Sg3 targeting the identification information (MAC address) of the selected lighting device L and sensor device Es (step S4-1). The control device Ct that has received the selection signal Sg3 transmits the selection signal Sg3 to the selected identification information (MAC address) (step S4-2).
[0147] When the lighting device L receives the selection signal Sg3, it lights up in a second lighting state (step S4-3). Also, when the sensor device Es receives the selection signal Sg3, it lights up the indicator 56 (step S4-4).
[0148] The setter visually confirms the lighting states of the plurality of lighting devices L and sensor devices Es, and recognizes that the wireless states of the plurality of lighting devices L and sensor devices Es are good. Then, using the mobile terminal Mt, pairing processing is performed (step S5). When the pairing processing settings for all the lighting devices L and sensor devices Es are completed, a setting information signal Sg9 including setting information associated with the property ID of the pairing result is transmitted to the cloud CL and the control device Ct (step S6-1). The cloud CL and the control device Ct each store the setting information signal Sg9.
[0149] Also according to this example, the lighting device and the sensor device can be clearly distinguished and selected, and the grouping process can be performed more easily. Further, it is possible to visually grasp the quality of the wireless environment of the sensor device Es by the lighting of the indicator 56.
[0150] FIGS. 29 and 30 show a first modified example of the lighting control system A4. In the lighting control system A41 of this modified example, the configuration of the sensor device Es is different from that of the sensor device Es of the above-described lighting control system A4.
[0151] The sensor device Es of this modified example has a plurality of sensor units 511, 512, 513, 514. The plurality of sensor units 511, 512, 513, 514 each detect the presence or absence of a human body in individual detection regions Ar1, Ar2, Ar3, Ar4. In the illustrated example, the plurality of detection regions Ar1, Ar2, Ar3, Ar4 are regions that each extend in a direction 90 degrees from the sensor device Es in a plan view. Specific examples of the sensor device Es having a plurality of sensor units 511, 512, 513, 514 for detecting such a plurality of detection regions Ar1, Ar2, Ar3, Ar4 include, for example, the sensor device disclosed in JP-A-2023-102830. However, the specific examples of the sensor device Es having a plurality of sensor units 511, 512, 513, 514 are not limited in any way.
[0152] In this example, a group setting screen is displayed on the display unit 31 of the mobile terminal Mt. On this group setting screen, not the single identification information of the sensor device Es but, for example, a plurality of identification information corresponding to the plurality of sensor units 511, 512, 513, 514 is displayed. As shown in FIG. 30, the setter selects one of the plurality of sensor units 511, 512, 513, 514 by touching it (step S1-1). The mobile terminal Mt changes the display of the selected one among the plurality of sensor units 511, 512, 513, 514 on the display unit 31 and transmits a selection signal Sg3 including the identification information of the selected sensor unit to the sensor device Es (step S1-2). The control device Ct transfers the selection signal Sg3 to the sensor device Es (step S2-1). When the sensor device Es receives the selection signal Sg3, it lights up the indicator 56 (step S2-2). Thereby, it is confirmed that the wireless environment of the sensor device Es is good.
[0153] Next, the setter selects the lighting device L belonging to the same group as the selected sensor unit on the display unit 31. The mobile terminal Mt transmits the selected result as the selection signal Sg3 (step S3-1). The control device Ct transfers the selection signal Sg3 to the selected lighting device L (step S3-2). The plurality of lighting devices L are lit in the second lighting state as a result of the setting start process performed in advance (step S3-0). The lighting device L that has received the selection signal Sg3 lights up in the third lighting state (step S3-3).
[0154] When the setter confirms that the lighting device L lit in the third lighting state is appropriate, on the group setting screen of the display unit 31, the setter touches the grouping button and the setting button in order to complete the setting (step S4). The mobile terminal Mt transmits a setting information signal Sg9 to the control device Ct. When the control device Ct receives the setting information signal Sg9, it stores it in the storage unit 23 (step S5).
[0155] After that, a detection signal Sg11 including the result of human body detection in the detection area Ar1 by the selected sensor unit (for example, sensor unit 511) of the sensor device Es is transmitted from the sensor device Es (step S6-1). The control device Ct transmits an illumination control signal Sg7 based on the detection signal Sg11 for the illumination device L having the same group number as the sensor unit 511 (step S6-2). In the example shown in FIG. 29, the illumination control signal Sg7 is transmitted for a plurality of illumination devices L1-1 to L1-6 included in the detection area Ar1 of the sensor unit 511.
[0156] According to this example, by checking the lighting state of the indicator 56, it is possible to easily grasp the quality of the wireless state of the sensor device Es.
[0157] FIG. 31 shows a second modification example of the illumination control system A4. In the illumination control system A42 of this modification example, the sensor device Es has a plurality of indicators 561, 562, 563, 564. The plurality of indicators 561, 562, 563, 564 individually correspond to the plurality of sensor units 511, 512, 513, 514. That is, the plurality of indicators 561, 562, 563, 564 individually correspond to the plurality of detection areas Ar1, Ar2, Ar3, Ar4.
[0158] It is preferable that the plurality of indicators 561, 562, 563, 564 have different lighting states from each other. For example, the lighting colors of the plurality of indicators 561, 562, 563, 564 may be different from each other. Alternatively, the plurality of indicators 561, 562, 563, 564 may be arranged at positions corresponding to the plurality of detection areas Ar1, Ar2, Ar3, Ar4 on the housing of the sensor device Es or the like.
[0159] In step S2-2 in the example described with reference to FIG. 30, any one of a plurality of indicators 561, 562, 563, 564 corresponding to the selected ones among the plurality of sensor units 511, 512, 513, 514 (the plurality of detection regions Ar1, Ar2, Ar3, Ar4) lights up. Thereby, the setter can easily confirm whether the selected one among the plurality of sensor units 511, 512, 513, 514 (the plurality of detection regions Ar1, Ar2, Ar3, Ar4) was appropriately selected.
[0160] The lighting control system, lighting control method, program, display method, and lighting device according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments. The specific configurations of the lighting control system, lighting control method, program, display method, and lighting device according to the present invention can be freely designed in various ways.
Description of Reference Numerals
[0161] A1, A2, A3, A4, A41, A42: Lighting control system 11: Light source unit 12: Control unit 13: Storage unit 14: Wireless communication unit 15: Power supply unit 16: Battery 17: Indicator 22: Control unit 23: Storage unit 24: Wireless communication unit 25: Power supply unit 26: Operation unit 31: Display unit 32: Control unit 33: Storage unit 34: Wireless communication unit 35: Power supply unit 51: Sensor unit 52: Control unit 53: Storage unit 54: Wireless communication unit 55: Power supply unit 56: Indicator 61: Analysis unit 62: Storage unit 63: Communication unit 141: First communication unit 251: Plug 511, 512, 513, 514: Sensor unit 561, 562, 563, 564: Indicator Ar1, Ar2, Ar3, Ar4: Detection area CL: Cloud Ct: Control device Es: Sensor device L: Lighting device Mt: Mobile terminal Ru: Relay unit Sg1: Setting start command signal Sg2: Control command signal Sg3: Selection signal Sg4: Setting completion signal Sg5: Setting information signal Sg6: Schedule setting signal Sg7: Lighting control signal Sg8: Property information signal Sg9: Setting information signal Sg10: Product information signal Sg11: Detection signal
Claims
1. A lighting control system comprising a plurality of lighting devices and a control device, wherein: The plurality of lighting devices light up in a first lighting state after being powered on; The control device wirelessly transmits a setting start command signal to the plurality of lighting devices; Among the plurality of lighting devices, the lighting device that receives the setting start command signal lights up in a second lighting state different from the first lighting state; Pairing is performed between the lighting device that lights up in the second lighting state among the plurality of lighting devices and the control device.
2. The lighting control system according to claim 1, wherein: The control device has a plurality of switches; The lighting control system further comprises a mobile terminal; Identification information of the plurality of lighting devices for which the pairing has been performed is displayed on a display unit of the mobile terminal; One or more lighting devices are selected from the identification information of the plurality of lighting devices displayed on the display unit; The selected one or more lighting devices light up in a third lighting state different from the first lighting state and the second lighting state; The selected one or more lighting devices that light up in the third lighting state are assigned to any one of the plurality of switches.
3. The lighting control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The lighting control system comprises a server; A plurality of lighting schedule patterns of the plurality of lighting devices are stored in the server; The mobile terminal downloads the plurality of lighting schedule patterns and displays them on the display unit so that the plurality of lighting schedule patterns can be individually selected; The mobile terminal transmits the lighting schedule pattern selected from the plurality of lighting schedule patterns to the control device; The control device stores the selected lighting schedule pattern.
4. The lighting control system according to claim 3, wherein: Property information including the attributes of the place where the plurality of lighting devices are installed is stored in the server; The mobile terminal downloads the property information and displays it on the display unit; The mobile terminal transmits the property information and setting information regarding the plurality of lighting devices to the server; The server stores the property information and the setting information.
5. A lighting control system comprising a plurality of lighting devices, a control device, and a mobile terminal, wherein: The lighting control system further includes a sensor device that detects environmental information in the place where the plurality of lighting devices are installed. The mobile terminal transmits a selection signal in response to the selection of the sensor device. The control device transfers the selection signal. The sensor device lights an indicator when receiving the selection signal.
6. The lighting control system according to claim 5, The sensor device includes a plurality of sensor units with different detection areas from each other, and a plurality of indicators corresponding to the plurality of sensor units. The mobile terminal transmits the selection signal in response to the selection of any one of the plurality of detection areas. The sensor device lights the indicator corresponding to the selected detection area.
7. A lighting control method for controlling the lighting of a plurality of lighting devices, Turning on the power of the plurality of lighting devices. The plurality of lighting devices light up in a first lighting state. The control device wirelessly transmits a setting start command signal to the plurality of lighting devices. Among the plurality of lighting devices, the lighting device that receives the setting start command signal lights up in a second lighting state different from the first lighting state. Pairing the lighting device that lights up in the second lighting state among the plurality of lighting devices with the control device.
8. The lighting control method according to claim 7, The control device has a plurality of switches. After the step of performing the pairing, Displaying the identification information of the plurality of lighting devices on the display unit of the mobile terminal. Selecting one or more lighting devices from the identification information of the plurality of lighting devices displayed on the display unit. The selected one or more lighting devices light up in a third lighting state different from the first lighting state and the second lighting state. Assigning the one or more lighting devices that light up in the third lighting state to any one of the plurality of switches.
9. The lighting control method according to claim 7 or 8, The mobile terminal downloads a plurality of lighting schedule patterns of the plurality of lighting devices from a server. The mobile terminal individually displays the plurality of lighting schedule patterns on the display unit so that they can be selected. The step in which the mobile terminal transmits the selected lighting schedule pattern from the plurality of lighting schedule patterns to the control device; The step in which the control device stores the selected lighting schedule pattern; A lighting control method comprising the above.
10. A lighting control method according to Claim 9, The step in which a server stores property information including the attributes of the place where the plurality of lighting devices are installed; The step in which the mobile terminal downloads the property information and displays the property information on a display unit; The step in which the mobile terminal transmits the property information and setting information regarding the plurality of lighting devices to the server; A lighting control method comprising the steps of: the server storing the property information and the setting information.
11. A lighting control method for controlling the lighting of a plurality of lighting devices, In a mobile terminal, the step of selecting a sensor device; The step of transmitting a selection signal based on the selection from the mobile terminal to a control device; The step in which the control device transfers the selection signal; The step in which the sensor device lights an indicator when the selection signal is received; A lighting control method comprising the above.
12. A lighting control method according to Claim 11, In the mobile terminal, the step of selecting any one of the plurality of detection areas; The step of transmitting the selection signal based on the selection of the detection area from the mobile terminal to a control device; The step in which the sensor device lights the indicator corresponding to the selected detection area; A lighting control method comprising the above.
13. On a computer provided in a mobile terminal for lighting control of a plurality of lighting devices, The step of displaying the identification information of the plurality of lighting devices on a display unit; The step of selecting one or more lighting devices from the identification information of the plurality of lighting devices displayed on the display unit; The step of transmitting a selection signal for the selected one or more lighting devices; The step of assigning the selected one or more lighting devices to any one of a plurality of switches of a control device; A program for causing the above to be executed.
14. A program according to Claim 13, On a computer provided in a mobile terminal for lighting control of a plurality of lighting devices, The step of downloading a plurality of lighting schedule patterns of the plurality of lighting devices from a server; displaying the plurality of lighting schedule patterns on a display unit so that they can be individually selected; transmitting the lighting schedule pattern selected from the plurality of lighting schedule patterns to the control device; A program for causing the above to be executed.
15. The program according to claim 13 or 14, wherein on a computer provided in a mobile terminal for lighting control of a plurality of lighting devices, downloading property information including attributes of the place where the plurality of lighting devices are installed from a server; displaying the property information on a display unit; transmitting the property information and setting information regarding the plurality of lighting devices to the server; A program for causing the above to be executed.
16. The program according to claim 14, wherein on a computer provided in a mobile terminal for lighting control of a plurality of lighting devices, calculating energy consumption information regarding the selected lighting schedule pattern; displaying the energy consumption information on a display unit. A program for causing the above to be executed.
17. on a computer provided in a mobile terminal for lighting control of a plurality of lighting devices, displaying the identification information and types of the plurality of lighting devices and one or more sensor devices on a display unit; selecting one or more lighting devices and sensor devices from the identification information of the plurality of lighting devices and the one or more sensor devices displayed on the display unit; grouping the selected one or more lighting devices and sensor devices; transmitting setting information including the result of the grouping to a control device; A program for causing the above to be executed.
18. The program according to claim 17, wherein before the step of displaying the identification information and types of the plurality of lighting devices and one or more sensor devices, the step of downloading from a server the identification information of the plurality of lighting devices and property information including attributes of the place where the plurality of lighting devices are installed is executed, In the step of displaying the identification information and types of the plurality of lighting devices and one or more sensor devices, the identification information and types of the plurality of lighting devices and one or more sensor devices and the property information are displayed. A program.
19. A display method for a mobile terminal for lighting control of a plurality of lighting devices, The step of downloading property information including the attributes of the place where the plurality of lighting devices are installed from a server; The step of displaying the property information on a display unit; A display method comprising the above.
20. A display method of a mobile terminal for lighting control of a plurality of lighting devices, comprising: The step of displaying a plurality of lighting schedule patterns downloaded from a server on a display unit so that they can be individually selected; The step of calculating energy consumption information about the selected lighting schedule pattern; The step of displaying the energy consumption information on a display unit. A display method comprising the above.
21. A light source unit; A wireless communication unit; A lighting device comprising a control unit, Further comprising an indicator and a battery, When the wireless communication unit receives a setting start command signal, the control unit lights the indicator with power from the battery. A lighting device.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Switching device and switching system
JP7117553B2