Management system, lighting device and wireless tag

Abstract

To provide a management system. a lighting device and a wireless tag which eliminate the need to provide a battery in a wireless tag and are capable of widening an arrangement range of the wireless tag.SOLUTION: A management system comprises a control device, a plurality of relay units and a plurality of wireless tags. The wireless tag wirelessly communicates with the relay unit via a second radio wave. The plurality of relay units includes a second beacon output section which outputs a second beacon signal using a third radio wave. When a self-power-generation section generates power by receiving the third radio wave, the wireless tag transmits unique wireless tag information stored in a storage section from a wireless communication section to the relay unit via the second radio wave by power supply from the self-power-generation section, and the relay unit, upon receiving the wireless tag information. transfers the wireless tag information to the control device via a first wireless communication network.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a management system, a lighting device, and a wireless tag.

Background Art

[0002] Wireless tags are widespread as devices that transmit their own wireless tag information by wireless communication. Patent Document 1 discloses a management system including a plurality of wireless tags and a wireless tag reader. The management system disclosed in the document reads data transmitted from a wireless tag by the wireless tag reader. The wireless tag includes a battery. The wireless tag performs wireless communication using the power supplied from the battery.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When a battery is required for the operation of a wireless tag, the operation stops due to battery depletion, or when the battery is a rechargeable battery, a charging operation is required. Further, when the wireless tag does not exist within a predetermined range from the wireless tag reader, the wireless tag reader cannot read data from the wireless tag.

[0005] The present invention has been conceived under the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a management system, a lighting device, and a wireless tag that do not require a battery for the wireless tag and can expand the arrangement range of the wireless tag.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The management system provided by the first aspect of the present invention is a management system including a control device, a plurality of relay units, and a plurality of wireless tags. The control device and the relay units constitute a first wireless communication network using a first radio wave. The wireless tag has a wireless communication unit, a control unit, a storage unit, and a self-power generation unit. When the self-power generation unit generates power by receiving the first radio wave, the unique wireless tag information stored in the storage unit is transmitted from the wireless communication unit to the relay unit via a second radio wave different from the first radio wave by the power supply from the self-power generation unit. The relay unit that has received the wireless tag information transfers the wireless tag information to the control device via the first wireless communication network.

[0007] The lighting device provided by the second aspect of the present invention is a lighting device that constitutes the relay unit of the management system provided by the first aspect of the present invention, and includes a light source unit, a lighting device side control unit that controls the light source unit, a lighting device side storage unit, a first wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication via the first wireless communication network, a first beacon output unit that transmits a first beacon signal using the first radio wave, and a second wireless communication unit that receives the wireless tag information from the wireless tag using the second radio wave. The first beacon output unit outputs the first beacon signal at a predetermined interval, and transfers a transfer data signal including the wireless tag information received via the second radio wave, unique identification information stored in the lighting device side storage unit, and a time stamp to the control device via the first wireless communication network.

[0008] The wireless tag provided by the third aspect of the present invention is a wireless tag used in the management system provided by the first aspect of the present invention, and is incorporated into a portable item carried by a user.

[0009] The wireless tag provided by the fourth aspect of the present invention is a wireless tag used in the management system provided by the first aspect of the present invention. It is incorporated in a sensor device including a measurement unit. When the self-power generation unit generates power by receiving the first radio wave, the wireless tag information and the measurement data of the measurement unit are transmitted from the wireless communication unit to the relay unit via the second radio wave by the power supply from the self-power generation unit.

[0010] The management system provided by the first aspect of the present invention is a management system including a control device, a plurality of relay units, and a plurality of wireless tags. The control device and the relay unit constitute a first wireless communication network using a first radio wave. The wireless tag wirelessly communicates with the relay unit via a second radio wave different from the first radio wave. The plurality of relay units have a second beacon output unit that outputs a second beacon signal using a third radio wave different from the first radio wave and the second radio wave. The wireless tag has a wireless communication unit, a control unit, a storage unit, and a self-power generation unit. When the self-power generation unit generates power by receiving the third radio wave, the unique wireless tag information stored in the storage unit is transmitted from the wireless communication unit to the relay unit via the second radio wave by the power supply from the self-power generation unit. The relay unit that has received the wireless tag information transfers the wireless tag information to the control device via the first wireless communication network.

Advantages of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, it is not necessary to provide a battery in the wireless tag, and the arrangement range of the wireless tag can be expanded.

[0012] 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

[0013]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] In the present disclosure, terms such as "first", "second", and "third" are used only for identification and are not intended to impose an order on those objects.

[0016] <First Embodiment> Figures 1 to 6 show a management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the management system A1 of this embodiment includes a plurality of lighting devices L, a control device Ct, and a plurality of wireless tags Wt. In addition to these components, the management system A1 also includes a mobile terminal Md, an external storage device Sd, and a clock unit Ut. Note that the management system A1 may be configured not to include all or any of the mobile terminal Md, the external storage device Sd, and the clock unit Ut. The management system A1 is a system that performs management using a plurality of wireless tags Wt.

[0017] 〔Lighting device L (Relay unit)〕 The lighting device L is a specific example of the relay unit in the present invention. The specific example of the relay unit is not limited to the lighting device L. For example, a relay unit with a dedicated configuration obtained by removing the light source unit 11 from the lighting device L described later may be used.

[0018] The plurality of lighting devices L are used, for example, for indoor lighting and are installed at various locations such as ceilings, wall surfaces, and floor surfaces. Also, the lighting device L may be configured 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 lights, downlights, base lights, and spotlights 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 between the plurality of lighting devices L, symbols such as lighting device L1, ··· lighting device Ln may be appropriately used. The plurality of lighting devices L1 to Ln in Figure 1 may have the same configuration, a part of them may be common to each other, or they may have different configurations and different forms. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the case where the plurality of lighting devices L1 to Ln have the same configuration will be described as an example.

[0019] Figure 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 module 14, and a power supply unit 15.

[0020] 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 in any way. For example, it consists 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 the light from the light source unit 11.

[0021] The control unit 12 is for controlling each part of the lighting device L based on a control signal or the like from the control device Ct. The control unit 12 corresponds to the lighting device side control unit in the present invention. The specific configuration of the control unit 12 is not particularly limited. For example, it consists of a CPU. The storage unit 13 is for storing information necessary for the control of the control unit 12 and consists of, for example, a semiconductor memory. The storage unit 13 corresponds to the lighting device side storage unit in the present invention. 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.

[0022] The wireless communication module 14 is a communication unit for performing wireless communication between the control device Ct, other lighting devices L constituting the communication network, and at least one of the plurality of wireless tags Wt, and is a module that transmits and receives wireless signals. The wireless communication module 14 is connected to the control unit 12, for example, by UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) communication, but is not limited to this. The wireless communication module 14 of the present embodiment has a first wireless communication unit 141, a second wireless communication unit 142, and a first beacon output unit 143.

[0023] To exemplify the functions of the wireless communication module 14, it receives data from the control device Ct and transmits a signal (for example, a specified signal) included in the received data to the control unit 12. Also, it transmits an acknowledgment signal indicating that it has received data 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.

[0024] In this embodiment, the unique lighting device ID of each of the plurality of lighting devices L is stored in the wireless communication module 14. Specific examples of the lighting device ID are not particularly limited, and for example, it may be a MAC (Media Access Control) address or location information. The lighting device ID may be stored in any one of the first wireless communication unit 141, the second wireless communication unit 142, and the first beacon output unit 143, or in a component of the wireless communication module 14 other than these, or may be stored in the storage unit 13, for example. When the wireless communication module 14 recognizes that a received signal is a signal for its own lighting device ID, the wireless communication module 14 transmits the signal to the control unit 12.

[0025] The first wireless communication unit 141 is for performing wireless communication with the control device Ct and other lighting devices L using the first radio wave. The wireless communication using the first radio wave is not limited in any way, and in this 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 examples include the 920 MHz band, 2.4 GHz band, 5 GHz band, etc. Also, specific examples of the first protocol are not particularly limited, and examples include Bluetooth (registered trademark) including BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), Zigbee (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or a protocol of an original standard. In this embodiment, a plurality of lighting devices L having the first wireless communication unit 141 and the control device Ct construct a first wireless communication network Cn1, which is a mesh network shown in FIG. 1, using an original protocol with the first radio wave in the 2.4 GHz band, for example. Since the first protocol is used for transferring various data between a plurality of lighting devices L as will be described later, a protocol that can ensure the transfer speed and reliability required for those data transfers and can construct a mesh network is selected.

[0026] Note that in this embodiment, the control device Ct is the root node of the first wireless communication network Cn1. Any one of the plurality of lighting devices L may function as a GM (gate module). The gate module is the root node of the cluster and is connected to the control device Ct. At this time, the gate module constructs a mesh network together with other gate modules and communicates with the control device Ct. The gate module constantly evaluates the communication quality with other gate modules and the control device Ct, and automatically connects to the partner with the best communication quality. Similarly, the lighting device L also constantly evaluates the communication quality with other lighting devices L or the gate module, and automatically connects to the partner with the best communication quality. Both the normal lighting device L and the lighting device L that functions as a gate module have the same hardware configuration. Whether to make the software installed in the lighting device L different, or to switch between operating as a normal lighting device L or as a gate module by mode switching may be possible.

[0027] The second wireless communication unit 142 is for performing wireless communication using the wireless tag Wt and the second radio wave. The second radio wave is a radio wave different from the first radio wave, and the frequency band and protocol are different from each other. The wireless communication using the second radio wave is not limited in any way. In this embodiment, it will be described as wireless communication using the second protocol. The communication frequency of the wireless communication using the second protocol is not limited in any way, and for example, the 920 MHz band, 2.4 GHz band, 5 GHz band, etc. are exemplified. Also, the specific example of the second protocol is 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. As the second protocol, for example, when it is intended to perform wireless communication with a wireless tag Wt located at a short distance, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) is selected.

[0028] The first beacon output unit 143 transmits a first beacon signal by wireless communication using a first radio wave. The communication frequency of the wireless communication using the first radio wave is not limited at all, and for example, the 920 MHz band, 2.4 GHz band, 5 GHz band, etc. are exemplified. Also, specific examples of the protocol used for transmitting the first beacon signal 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.

[0029] The first beacon signal is transmitted at predetermined intervals. The transmission interval of the beacon signal is set, for example, by a setting signal from the control device Ct, and is, for example, 100 to 500 ms. By increasing the output interval, power consumption can be suppressed.

[0030] The first beacon signal transmitted by the first beacon output unit 143 may include identification information (lighting device ID) of the own device of the lighting device L. Also, the first beacon signal may include a timestamp. This identification information may be position information directly indicating the position of the lighting device L, or may be a MAC address or the like.

[0031] 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 module 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.

[0032] 〔Wireless tag Wt〕 The wireless tag Wt is a device to be managed in the management system A1 of this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the wireless tag Wt. The wireless tag Wt of this embodiment includes a control unit 42, a storage unit 43, a wireless communication unit 44, and a self-power generation unit 45. Note that the specific configuration of the wireless tag Wt is not limited in any way, and it may be configured as a chip-shaped dedicated tag device. Alternatively, the wireless tag Wt may be incorporated into a portable item carried by a user. The specific configuration of the portable item is not limited in any way. Examples of the portable item include a card, a tag, a wearable terminal, etc. Specific examples of the card include, for example, a transportation IC card.

[0033] In the following description, when describing the general configuration of the wireless tag Wt, it is referred to as the wireless tag Wt, and when distinguishing a plurality of wireless tags Wt, codes such as wireless tag Wt1, ···, wireless tag Wtn may be appropriately used. The configurations of the plurality of wireless tags Wt1 to Wtn may be the same as each other, a part of them may be common, or they may have different configurations from each other. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the case where the plurality of wireless tags Wt1 to Wtn have the same configuration will be described as an example.

[0034] The control unit 42 is for controlling each part of the wireless tag Wt. The specific configuration of the control unit 42 is not particularly limited, and it is composed of, for example, a CPU. The storage unit 43 is for storing information such as programs and setting conditions necessary for the control of the control unit 42, and is composed of, for example, a semiconductor memory. In this embodiment, unique wireless tag information for each wireless tag Wt is stored in the storage unit 43. Specific examples of the wireless tag information are not limited in any way, and may be, for example, a tag ID.

[0035] The wireless communication unit 44 is for performing wireless communication with the corresponding lighting device L using the above-described second radio wave (second protocol).

[0036] When the self-power generation unit 45 receives the first radio wave (the first beacon signal), it performs self-power generation. This self-power generation is executed by converting the first radio wave into energy. For example, it utilizes the induced current generated by the reception of the first radio wave. The self-power generation unit 45 that performs such self-power generation has, for example, an antenna unit (not shown) in which an induced current is generated by the reception of the first radio wave. The power of the radio wave for generating the electromotive force of the induced current is preferably 5 dBm or more, and further, by receiving a radio wave of 10 dBm or more, it is possible to generate an induced current sufficient to control each part of the wireless tag Wt. The power generated by the self-power generation unit 45 is supplied to the measurement unit 41, the control unit 42, the wireless communication unit 44, and the like.

[0037] 〔Control device Ct〕 The control device Ct performs management control using a plurality of relay units (lighting devices L) and a plurality of wireless tags Wt, and lighting control of the plurality of lighting devices L1 to Ln. In the case of this embodiment, the control device Ct may be installed in the same room as the room where the plurality of relay units (the plurality of lighting devices L1 to Ln) are installed, or may be installed in another room or another floor of the same building, or may be installed in another building. When the control device Ct and the plurality of relay units (the plurality of lighting devices L1 to Ln) are separated to a certain extent, the control device Ct and the plurality of relay units (the plurality of lighting devices L1 to Ln) may be configured to communicate with each other using not only wireless communication but also wired communication and wireless communication. Note that the management system A1 only needs to include at least one control device Ct, and may include a plurality of control devices Ct in other configurations.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the control device Ct. In this embodiment, the control device Ct includes a display unit 21, a control unit 22, a storage unit 23, a wireless communication unit 24, and a power supply unit 25.

[0039] The display unit 21 is not necessarily required in the management process of the management system A1 described later, but is used for the initial settings and maintenance of the control device Ct. The display unit 21 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or the like, and may further have a touch panel function. Instead of the display unit 21 functioning as a touch panel, the control device Ct may separately include an operation device such as a keyboard or a mouse.

[0040] The control unit 22 is a main component for performing management control using a plurality of relay units (lighting devices L) and a plurality of wireless tags Wt, and for controlling the lighting of a plurality of lighting devices L1 to Ln. It 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 control data to the target relay unit (lighting device L). The specific configuration of the control unit 22 is not particularly limited, and it is composed of, for example, 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 composed of, for example, a semiconductor memory or a hard disk drive.

[0041] The wireless communication unit 24 is for performing wireless communication with the first wireless communication unit 141 of the wireless communication modules 14 of a plurality of relay units (a plurality of lighting devices L1 to Ln). 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. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the control device Ct constitutes a first wireless communication network Cn1 together with a plurality of relay units (a plurality of lighting devices L1 to Ln). The wireless communication unit 24 transmits, for example, control data from the control unit 22 to a plurality of relay units (a plurality of lighting devices L1 to Ln) via the first wireless communication network Cn1. Note that the control device Ct may have a wired or wireless communication circuit connected to the Internet in addition to the wireless communication unit 24.

[0042] The power supply unit 25 is for supplying the power necessary for operation to the display unit 21, the control unit 22, the wireless communication unit 24, and the like. The power supply unit 25 has functions such as an AC / DC converter that converts commercial AC 100V or 200V power into DC power, and a voltage conversion function, and the like.

[0043] The control device Ct holds identification information such as the lighting device ID of a plurality of relay units (a plurality of lighting devices L1 to Ln) and the wireless tag information of a plurality of wireless tags Wt, and these are stored in, for example, the storage unit 23. The identification information held by the control device Ct may be, for example, the MAC address as the lighting device ID held by the lighting device L or the tag ID held by the wireless tag Wt.

[0044] 〔Portable terminal Md〕 The portable terminal Md is a terminal operated by the user in the management system A1. For example, the user uses the portable terminal Md to set various conditions and items of the operation of the management system A1. The conditions and items set by the portable terminal Md are not limited in any way. Examples of the conditions and items include matters related to the first wireless communication network Cn1 (selection of relay units, designation of root nodes, etc.), lighting control of each of the plurality of lighting devices L (light quantity, color temperature, ON / OFF schedule, etc.), and the like.

[0045] The portable terminal Md is not particularly limited as long as it has portability and information processing capabilities that can realize user operations, and is, for example, a tablet, a smartphone, a notebook PC, or the like. When a plurality of lighting devices L (relay units) constituting the management system A1 are installed in a wide area, the management system A1 may include a plurality of portable terminals Md.

[0046] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the portable terminal Md. In the present embodiment, the portable terminal Md includes a display unit 31, a control unit 32, a storage unit 33, a wireless communication unit 34, and a power supply unit 35.

[0047] The display unit 31 is for displaying information and images necessary for operations of the mobile terminal Md, etc. The display unit 31 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and in this embodiment, it has a touch panel function. Instead of the display unit 31 functioning as a touch panel, the mobile terminal Md may separately include an operation device such as a keyboard or a mouse, for example.

[0048] The control unit 32 is for controlling each part of the mobile terminal Md. The specific configuration of the control unit 32 is not particularly limited, and it 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 it is composed of, for example, a semiconductor memory or a hard disk drive, etc.

[0049] The wireless communication unit 34 performs wireless communication with the control device Ct. The frequency band of the wireless communication unit 34 and the standard of the wireless communication to which it conforms may be the same as or different from those of the above-described first wireless communication unit 141. For example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark) may be selected. The wireless communication unit 34 may be a wireless communication module built into a tablet or the like as the mobile terminal Md, or may be an external wireless communication module connected to a USB terminal or the like. It may be a wireless communication module built into a tablet or the like as the mobile terminal Md, or may be an external wireless communication module connected to a USB terminal or the like.

[0050] The power supply unit 35 is for supplying the power necessary for operations to the display unit 31, the control unit 32, the wireless communication unit 34, etc. The power supply unit 35 is, for example, a rechargeable battery.

[0051] 〔External storage device Sd〕 The external storage device Sd is installed outside the first wireless communication network Cn1, and is, for example, a server, a commercial cloud, etc. For communication between the external storage device Sd and the control device Ct, for example, a commercial Internet line or a dedicated line, etc. is used. The external storage device Sd is accessible by an external user at any time at a location away from the location where a plurality of lighting devices L (relay units) constituting the management system A1 are installed. The control device Ct may, for example, save the collected measurement data in the external storage device Sd.

[0052] 〔Clock unit Ut〕 The clock unit Ut has a function of acquiring time information by receiving, for example, FM radio waves, and a function of transmitting the time information to the control device Ct by, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark). It has.

[0053] Next, the operation of the management system A1 will be described below.

[0054] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the management system A1.

[0055] In this embodiment, first, time information is synchronized (step S1). The synchronization of time information is performed for the control device Ct and a plurality of lighting devices L (relay units) constituting the first wireless communication network Cn1. Specifically, the clock unit Ut transmits time information, and the control device Ct receives it. The control device Ct creates time data by converting the time information into a first protocol, and transmits the time data to a plurality of lighting devices L (relay units) via the first wireless communication network Cn1. The lighting devices L1 to Ln that have received the time information synchronize the time of their own devices with the time data, and transfer the time data to the next lighting device L.

[0056] Next, the first beacon signal Bs1 is transmitted at predetermined intervals (step S2). Specifically, a plurality of lighting devices L1 to Ln transmit the first beacon signal Bs1 using the first radio wave from the first beacon output unit 143. The first beacon signal Bs1 may include identification information of each lighting device L. The predetermined interval is, for example, 100 to 500 ms.

[0057] Next, in the lighting device L, the self - power generation unit 45 that has received the first beacon signal Bs1 performs self - power generation. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a case where a wireless tag Wt1 is arranged near the lighting device L1 and a wireless tag Wtn is arranged near the lighting device Ln will be described. When the self - power generation unit 45 of the wireless tag Wt1 receives the first beacon signal Bs1 from the lighting device L1, this self - power generation unit 45 performs self - power generation. When the control unit 42 of the lighting device L1 detects self - power generation in the self - power generation unit 45, such as receiving power supply from the self - power generation unit 45, it uses the power from the self - power generation unit 45 to generate a wireless tag information signal Ws1 including the wireless tag information contained in the storage unit 43. Then, the control unit 42 transmits the wireless tag information signal Ws1 to the nearby lighting device L1 from the wireless communication unit 44 by the second protocol (second radio wave). Similarly, the wireless tag Wtn generates a wireless tag information signal Wsn and transmits the wireless tag information signal Wsn to the nearby lighting device Ln from the wireless communication unit 44 by the second protocol (second radio wave) (step S3).

[0058] Next, the plurality of lighting devices L that have received the wireless tag information signals Ws1 to Wsn generate transfer data signals Ts1 to Tsn including the wireless tag information contained in the wireless tag information signals Ws1 to Wsn and the identification information of their own devices. Then, using the first protocol (first radio wave), that is, via the first wireless communication network Cn1, the transfer data signals Ts1 to Tsn are transferred to the control device Ct (step S4).

[0059] Next, in step S5, the control device Ct sequentially receives the transfer data signals Ts1 to Tsn transferred in the first wireless communication network Cn1. Thereby, the control device Ct acquires the identification information of the lighting device L and the wireless tag information of the wireless tag Wt contained in each of the transfer data signals Ts1 to Tsn. By this acquisition, the control device Ct performs a predetermined management process. For example, it is estimated that the lighting device L and the wireless tag Wt corresponding to the identification information and the wireless tag information contained in a certain transfer data signal Ts are in close proximity to each other. In the example shown in FIG. 1, it is estimated that the wireless tag Wt1 is located near the lighting device L1 and the wireless tag Wtn is located near the lighting device Ln.

[0060] When a plurality of wireless tags Wt move over time, by repeating the above steps S2 to S5, it is possible to accumulate the positional relationship between the plurality of lighting devices L and the plurality of wireless tags Wt, that is, the position information of the plurality of wireless tags Wt. In the case of the management system A1 equipped with the clock unit Ut, by executing step S1, the times of the plurality of lighting devices L are synchronized. Then, in step S4, the lighting device L includes a timestamp in the transfer data signal Ts in addition to the identification information and the wireless tag information. Thereby, the control device Ct can accumulate the position information of the plurality of wireless tags Wt in time series. The control device Ct may appropriately store this position information in the external storage device Sd.

[0061] <First Embodiment, First Variant Example> FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 show a first variant example of the management system A1. In this variant example, at least one of the plurality of wireless tags Wt is incorporated in the sensor device Es. The sensor device Es is a device that measures a physical quantity related to the installed environment and transmits the measurement result by wireless communication. FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the sensor device Es. The sensor device Es of the present embodiment includes a measurement unit 41, a control unit 42, a storage unit 43, a wireless communication unit 44, and a self-power generation unit 45. That is, a wireless tag Wt composed of a control unit 42, a storage unit 43, a wireless communication unit 44, and a self-power generation unit 45 is incorporated in the sensor device Es. The specific configuration of the sensor device Es is not limited in any way.

[0062] The measurement unit 41 functions to measure a physical quantity related to the environment of the sensor device Es. The function of the measurement unit 41 is not particularly limited, and various functions such as a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an illuminance sensor, a human presence sensor, an air volume sensor, and a carbon dioxide sensor can be mentioned. Also, the measurement principle of the measurement unit 41 is not limited in any way, and various methods can be adopted, such as a non-contact method using an optical method or an electromagnetic method, a contact method, or a method of measuring by monitoring the state of a specific part built into the measurement unit 41.

[0063] In addition to the function as the control unit 42 of the wireless tag Wt described above, the control unit 42 of this modification example also functions to control the display unit 31. The specific configuration of the control unit 42 is not particularly limited and may be composed of, for example, a CPU. The storage unit 43 is for storing programs necessary for the control of the control unit 42 and information such as setting conditions related to the measurement unit 41, and is composed of, for example, a semiconductor memory or the like.

[0064] Next, the operation of this modification example will be described below with reference to FIG. 8.

[0065] For example, after executing steps S1 and S2 shown in FIG. 6, step S3 shown in FIG. 8 is executed. Here, the sensor device Esn will be described as an example. In the sensor device Esn, when the self-power generation unit 45 performs self-power generation by receiving the first beacon signal Bs1, the control unit 42 generates a wireless tag information signal Wsn. This wireless tag information signal Wsn includes measurement data by the measurement unit 41 together with the wireless tag information. The control unit 42 transmits the generated wireless tag information signal Wsn from the wireless communication unit 44 to the lighting device Ln using the second protocol (second radio wave). The lighting device Ln is, for example, the one closest to the sensor device Esn among a plurality of lighting devices L (relay units).

[0066] In step S4 of this modification example, the control unit 12 of the lighting device Ln that has received the wireless tag information signal Wsn generates a transfer data signal Tsn. This transfer data signal Tsn includes the wireless tag information and measurement data of the wireless tag Wtn included in the wireless tag information signal Wsn, as well as the identification information and timestamp of its own device. The control unit 12 of the lighting device Ln transfers the generated transfer data signal Tsn from the first wireless communication unit 141 to the control device Ct via the first wireless communication network Cn1.

[0067] In step S5, the control device Ct receives the transferred transfer data signal Tsn. The control device Ct, for example, determines that the sensor device Esn exists near the lighting device Ln, and acquires measurement data from the sensor device Esn. By providing a plurality of sensor devices Es, measurement data from the sensor devices Es located near each of the plurality of lighting devices L (relay units) is aggregated at the control device Ct. It is possible to attach a time stamp to these measurement data. The control device Ct may appropriately store these measurement data in the external storage device Sd.

[0068] Note that the specific configuration of the wireless tag Wt is not limited in any way. In the management system A1, a plurality of types of wireless tags Wt with various configurations may be mixed, including wireless tags Wt incorporated in carried items, wireless tags Wt incorporated in sensor devices Es, and the like.

[0069] Next, the operations of the management system A1, the lighting device L, and the wireless tag Wt will be described.

[0070] According to this embodiment, a series of operations in which the wireless tag Wt transmits the wireless tag information signal Ws are performed using the power obtained by the self-power generation of the self-power generation unit 45. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a battery or the like in the wireless tag Wt. Further, the wireless tag information signal Ws from the wireless tag Wt is transmitted to the lighting device L as a relay unit using the second radio wave. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated reading device for reading the wireless tag information of the wireless tag Wt. If a plurality of relay units are installed over a wide area, it is possible to transfer the wireless tag information signals Ws of the wireless tags Wt existing over a wider area to the control device Ct. Therefore, it is not necessary for the wireless tag Wt to be equipped with a battery, and the arrangement range of the wireless tag Wt can be expanded.

[0071] The management system A1 of this embodiment includes a lighting device L that constitutes a relay unit. The lighting device L is a device for achieving purposes such as illuminating a room evenly, and is generally installed evenly over a wide area. For this reason, in a wide area where a plurality of lighting devices L are installed, the wireless tag information signal Ws of the wireless tag Wt can be received.

[0072] When the wireless tag Wt is incorporated into a carried item, the wireless tag Wt can be attached to a user, a mobile device, etc. without any problem. Also, the configuration of self-generating power by the self-power generation unit 45 is suitable for avoiding the carried item incorporating the wireless tag Wt from becoming excessively large or excessively heavy.

[0073] According to a modification in which the wireless tag Wt is incorporated into the sensor device Es, measurement data of the sensor devices Es arranged in a wider range can be efficiently acquired. Also, it is not necessary to provide a battery in the sensor device Es, which is preferable for miniaturization and weight reduction of the sensor device Es.

[0074] <Second Embodiment> Figs. 9 to 11 show a management system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In these figures, the same or similar elements as those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the above embodiment. The management system A2 of this embodiment mainly differs from the above-described embodiment in the configurations of the control device Ct, the relay unit (lighting device L), and the wireless tag Wt.

[0075] Fig. 9 shows an example of the schematic arrangement of the management system A2. In the management system A2, a plurality of lighting devices L (lighting devices L1 to L18) are provided as a plurality of relay units. The plurality of lighting devices L1 to L18 are arranged in a matrix shape on the ceiling of a room, for example, as shown in the figure.

[0076] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the lighting device L of the present embodiment. In the lighting device L of the present embodiment, a second beacon output unit 144 is provided instead of the first beacon output unit 143 in the wireless communication module 14 of the lighting device L of the above-described embodiment.

[0077] The second beacon output unit 144 transmits a second beacon signal by wireless communication using a third radio wave different from the first radio wave and the second radio wave. The communication frequency of the wireless communication using the third radio wave is not limited at all, and for example, the 920 MHz band, 2.4 GHz band, 5 GHz band, etc. are exemplified. Also, specific examples of the protocol used for transmitting the second beacon signal 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. Also, as the third radio wave, it is preferable to select a radio wave with a higher output than the first radio wave or a radio wave that reaches a longer distance.

[0078] The second beacon signal is transmitted at predetermined intervals. The transmission interval of the beacon signal is set, for example, by a setting signal from the control device Ct, and is, for example, 100 to 500 ms. By increasing the output interval, power consumption can be suppressed.

[0079] The second beacon signal transmitted by the second beacon output unit 144 may include identification information (lighting device ID) of the lighting device L itself. Also, the second beacon signal may include a timestamp. This identification information may be position information directly indicating the position of the lighting device L, or may be a MAC address or the like.

[0080] The self-power generation unit 45 of the wireless tag Wt of this embodiment generates self-power by receiving the third radio wave. Such a self-power generation unit 45 may be configured to generate self-power by receiving only the third radio wave, or may also be configured to generate self-power by receiving the first radio wave. When the self-power generation unit 45 generates self-power by receiving at least one of the first radio wave and the third radio wave, for example, the antenna unit (not shown) included in the self-power generation unit 45 may have one shared coil unit, or may have a coil unit for the first radio wave and a coil unit for the third radio wave.

[0081] Next, the operation of the management system A2 will be described below with reference to FIG. 11.

[0082] First, the control device Ct executes step S11. In step S11, the control device Ct generates a setting signal Ds. The setting signal Ds includes information for individually setting the ON / OFF of the second beacon output unit 144 for a plurality of lighting devices L (relay units) (for example, identification information such as a luminaire ID and ON / OFF information associated with the identification information). For example, in the example shown in FIG. 9, a setting signal Ds is generated that sets the second beacon output units 144 of three lighting devices L, namely, lighting devices L1, L11, and L16, to ON and sets the second beacon output units 144 of the remaining lighting devices L to OFF. The second beacon signal is set to transmit a radio wave with a stronger output than the first beacon signal described above, for example, a radio wave of 10 dBm or more. Since it is not output from all of the plurality of arranged lighting devices L, but the lighting devices to be output (in this example, lighting devices L1, L11, and L16) are selected according to the usage environment, even if a radio wave with a large output is output as the second radio wave, there is an effect of preventing interference between the radio waves. In FIGS. 9 and 11, the combination of lighting devices L set to ON and OFF is an example for explanation. The combination of lighting devices L set to ON and OFF can be set in various ways. Also, the number and arrangement of the wireless tags Wt are not limited in any way, and the number and arrangement shown in the figures are for convenience of explanation.

[0083] Next, as shown in FIG. 11, the control device Ct transmits a setting signal Ds (step S12). The control device Ct transmits the setting signal Ds via the first wireless communication network Cn1.

[0084] Any one of the plurality of lighting devices L (in the figure, lighting device L1) receives the setting signal Ds via the first wireless communication network Cn1. Then, the setting signal Ds is transferred to other lighting devices L via the first wireless communication network Cn1 (step S13). As a result, all the lighting devices L constituting the first wireless communication network Cn1 receive the setting signal Ds.

[0085] In the lighting device L, the first wireless communication unit 141 of the wireless communication module 14 receives the setting signal Ds. The control unit 12 refers to the ON / OFF information associated with the identification information of the own device included in the setting signal Ds. When the ON / OFF information associated with the identification information of the own device is ON, the control unit 12 of this lighting device L causes the second beacon output unit 144 of the wireless communication module 14 to transmit the second beacon signal Bs2 at predetermined intervals (step S14). In the example shown in FIG. 11, the lighting devices L1, L11, and L16 are executing step S14.

[0086] On the other hand, when the ON / OFF information associated with the identification information of the own device is OFF, the control unit 12 of this lighting device L sets the second beacon output unit 144 of the wireless communication module 14 to OFF and stops the transmission of the second beacon signal (step S15). In the example shown in FIG. 11, the lighting device L14 is executing step S14. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the control units 12 of a plurality of lighting devices L other than the lighting devices L1, L11, and L16 set the second beacon output unit 144 to OFF.

[0087] When the second beacon signal Bs2 is transmitted at predetermined intervals from each of the lighting devices L1, L11, and L16, the self-power generation unit 45 of the wireless tag Wt that has received this second beacon signal Bs2 performs self-power generation. In the example shown in FIG. 9, a wireless tag Wt exists at the illustrated position, and receives the second beacon signal Bs2 from the nearest lighting device L16 among the lighting devices L1, L11, and L16, and the self-power generation unit 45 performs self-power generation.

[0088] When the control unit 42 of the lighting device L1 detects self-power generation in the self-power generation unit 45, it generates a wireless tag information signal Ws including the wireless tag information contained in the storage unit 43 using the power from the self-power generation unit 45. Then, the control unit 42 transmits the wireless tag information signal Ws to a nearby lighting device L via the second protocol (second radio wave) from the wireless communication unit 44. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the wireless tag information signal Ws is transmitted to the lighting device L14 closest to the wireless tag Wt (step S16).

[0089] The lighting device L14 that has received the wireless tag information signal Ws generates a transfer data signal Ts including the wireless tag information contained in the wireless tag information signal Ws and the identification information of its own device. Then, using the first protocol (first radio wave), that is, via the first wireless communication network Cn1, the transfer data signal Ts is transferred to the control device Ct (step S17).

[0090] Next, in step S18, the control device Ct receives the transfer data signal Ts transferred in the first wireless communication network Cn1. Thereby, the control device Ct acquires the identification information of the lighting device L14 and the wireless tag information of the wireless tag Wt contained in the transfer data signal Ts. By this acquisition, the control device Ct performs a predetermined management process.

[0091] According to this embodiment, it is not necessary to provide a battery for the wireless tag Wt, and the arrangement range of the wireless tag Wt can be expanded. Further, in this embodiment, the second beacon signal Bs2 is transmitted using a third radio wave different from the first radio wave. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the communication quality of the first wireless communication network Cn1 due to the transmission of the second beacon signal Bs2. Also, when the transmission frequency of the second beacon signal Bs2 is increased, it is possible to reduce the influence on the first wireless communication network Cn1. Furthermore, by appropriately selecting the third radio wave, it is possible to cause a wireless tag Wt located at a greater distance to receive the second beacon signal Bs2, and the wireless tag Wt can be arranged over a wider range.

[0092] The management system, lighting device, and wireless tag according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments. The specific configurations of the respective parts of the management system, lighting device, and wireless tag according to the present invention can be freely designed in various ways.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0093] A1, A2: Management system L, L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, L7, L8, L9, L10, L11, L12, L13, L14, L15, L16, L17, L18, Ln: Lighting device Wt, Wt1, Wtn: Wireless tag Es, Esn: Sensor device Es 11: Light source unit 12: Control unit 13: Storage unit 14: Wireless communication module 15: Power supply unit 21: Display unit 22: Control unit 23: Storage unit 24: Wireless communication unit 25: Power supply unit 31: Display unit 32: Control unit 33: Storage unit 34: Wireless communication unit 35: Power supply unit 41: Measurement unit 42: Control unit 43: Memory unit 44: Wireless communication unit 45: Self-power generation unit 141: First wireless communication unit 142: Second wireless communication unit 143: First beacon output unit 144: Second beacon output unit Bs1: First beacon signal Bs2: Second beacon signal Cn1: First wireless communication network Ct: Control device Ds: Setting signal Md: Mobile terminal S1, S11, S12, S13, S14, S15, S16, S17, S18, S2, S3, S4, S5: Steps Sd: External memory device Ts, Ts1, Tsn: Transfer data signal Ut: Clock unit Ws, Ws1, Wsn: Wireless tag information signal

Claims

1. A management system comprising a control device, a plurality of relay units, and a plurality of wireless tags, wherein the control device and the relay units constitute a first wireless communication network using a first radio wave, the wireless tags communicate wirelessly with the relay units via a second radio wave different from the first radio wave, the plurality of relay units have a second beacon output unit that outputs a second beacon signal using a third radio wave different from the first radio wave and the second radio wave, the wireless tag has a wireless communication unit, a control unit, a storage unit, and a self-power generation unit, and when the self-power generation unit generates power by receiving the third radio wave, the unique wireless tag information stored in the storage unit is transmitted from the wireless communication unit to the relay unit via the second radio wave by the power supply from the self-power generation unit, the relay unit that has received the wireless tag information transfers the wireless tag information to the control device via the first wireless communication network.

2. The relay unit is a lighting device, and furthermore, the lighting device comprises a light source unit and a lighting device side control unit that controls the light source unit, the lighting device can be switched between a state of outputting the second beacon signal using the third radio wave and a state of not outputting the second beacon signal, and one or more of the plurality of lighting devices are set to a state of outputting the second beacon signal, when the wireless tag generates power by receiving the third radio wave, the wireless tag information is transmitted from the wireless communication unit to the lighting device via the second radio wave by the power supply from the self-power generation unit, the lighting device that has received the wireless tag information transfers the wireless tag information to the control device via the first wireless communication network. The management system according to claim 1.

3. The third radio wave has a higher output than the first radio wave. The management system according to claim 1.

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