Sensor, radio communication system and management system

Abstract

To provide a sensor capable of automatically switching a mode in a temperature range in which temperature ranges of a plurality of modes partially overlap, a radio communication system and a management system.SOLUTION: A radio communication system includes a sensor mounted to a showcase, a control device that controls an operation of the sensor and a setting device that displays measurement data obtained by the sensor. When a temperature measured by the sensor exceeds a management temperature, the control device transmits a control signal for changing a measurement cycle of the sensor from a first cycle to a second cycle shorter than the first cycle, and the setting device determines that the showcase mounted with the sensor of which management cycle is changed to the second cycle is in a defrosting operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor, a wireless communication system, and a management system. [Background technology]

[0002] Showcases installed in stores are used to display products at an appropriate temperature. Temperature measuring sensors are widely used as devices for monitoring the temperature of the showcases. Patent Document 1 discloses a conventional sensor for showcases. This sensor can be set to three modes, each with a different upper and lower limit temperature. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-220946 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-described sensor, when the temperature ranges of a plurality of modes partially overlap, it is not possible to automatically switch modes in this overlapping temperature range.

[0005] The present invention was conceived in light of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its objective is to provide a sensor that can automatically switch modes in a temperature range where the temperature ranges of multiple modes partially overlap, a wireless communication system that issues timely alerts when necessary, and a management system that learns the types of abnormal patterns that will trigger alerts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A sensor provided by a first aspect of the present invention includes a resistance temperature detector, a control unit, a switch unit, a wireless communication unit, a first wiring including a first resistor, and a second wiring including a second resistor having a resistance value smaller than that of the first resistor, wherein the switch unit has a first contact, a second contact, and a third contact, the first wiring is connected to the first contact and the control unit, the second wiring is connected to the second contact and the control unit, the resistance temperature detector is connected to the third contact, the switch unit has a first mode in which the first contact and the third contact are brought into electrical continuity, and a second mode in which the second contact and the third contact are brought into electrical continuity, and in the first mode, measurements are made in a first temperature range that is equal to or higher than a first mode lower limit temperature and equal to or lower than a first mode upper limit temperature, and in the second mode, a first threshold temperature equal to or greater than the second mode lower limit temperature and equal to or less than the first mode upper limit temperature, and a second threshold temperature equal to or greater than the second mode lower limit temperature and less than the first threshold temperature, and a second threshold temperature equal to or greater than the second mode lower limit temperature and less than the first threshold temperature are set, and the control unit, while in the second mode, sets the switch unit to the first mode when the measured temperature changes from a temperature higher than the first threshold temperature to a temperature lower than the first threshold temperature, and also sets the switch unit to the second mode when the measured temperature changes from a temperature lower than the second threshold temperature to a temperature higher than the second threshold temperature, while in the first mode.

[0007] A wireless communication system provided by a second aspect of the present invention comprises a plurality of relay units, each having a memory unit, a wireless communication unit, and a control unit; a plurality of sensors, each having a temperature resistance unit, a control unit, a switch unit, and a wireless communication unit; a control device that controls the operation of the plurality of relay units and the plurality of sensors, each of which has an identification address; and a setting device that sets the operating conditions of the plurality of relay units and the plurality of sensors in the control device and displays the measurement data of the plurality of sensors, wherein the period at which the setting device reads the measurement data from the control device is shorter than the measurement period of the sensors.

[0008] A wireless communication system provided by a third aspect of the present invention comprises a plurality of relay units, each having a memory unit, a wireless communication unit, and a control unit; a plurality of sensors, each having a temperature measuring resistor unit, a control unit, a switch unit, and a wireless communication unit, and each attached to a showcase; a control device that controls the operation of the plurality of relay units and the plurality of sensors, each having an identification address set; and a setting device that sets the operating conditions of the plurality of relay units and the plurality of sensors in the control device and displays the measurement data of the plurality of sensors, wherein when the measured temperature of the sensor exceeds a control temperature, the control device transmits a control signal to change the measurement period of the sensor from a first period to a second period that is shorter than the first period, and the setting device determines that the showcase to which the sensor is attached, which has set the second period, is in defrosting operation.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the setting device determines that the showcase is malfunctioning if the measured temperature of the sensor reaches or exceeds a warning temperature higher than the control temperature during the period set to the second cycle, or if the period set to the second cycle continues for a predetermined period or longer.

[0010] The management system provided by the fourth aspect of the present invention includes a wireless communication system provided by the third aspect of the present invention that is placed in a store, and transmits measurement data from the control device or the setting device of the wireless communication system to a cloud, the cloud having a communication unit, a processing unit, and a storage unit, the communication unit receives the measurement data and stores the measurement data from each of the sensors installed in the showcases in the store in the storage unit, and the processing unit learns the status of defrosting operation of the showcase to which each of the sensors is attached based on the setting status of the first cycle and the second cycle of each of the sensors, and identifies whether the showcase is in a normal state performing defrosting operation or an abnormal state including a malfunction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to automatically switch between modes in a temperature range in which the temperature ranges of a plurality of modes partially overlap each other.

[0012] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a wireless communication system before executing a setting method for a wireless communication system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a layout diagram showing a wireless communication system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram showing a lighting fixture of a wireless communication system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing a sensor of a wireless communication system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a block diagram showing a setting device of a wireless communication system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a block diagram showing a control device of a wireless communication system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a showcase in which a sensor of a wireless communication system according to a first embodiment of the present invention is provided. [Figure 8] 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a setting method for the wireless communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of a setting method for a wireless communication system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 4 is a graph showing an example of measurements by a sensor in the wireless communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of the wireless communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 4 is a graph showing an operation of the wireless communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 6 is a graph showing another example of measurements by the sensor of the wireless communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the wireless communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 6 is a graph showing another example of measurements by the sensor of the wireless communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 6 is a graph showing another example of measurements by the sensor of the wireless communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the wireless communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a system configuration diagram showing a wireless communication system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] 10 is a sequence diagram showing an operation of a wireless communication system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a system configuration diagram showing a wireless communication system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21]10 is a sequence diagram showing an operation of a wireless communication system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0015] First Embodiment 1 to 17 show a sensor, a wireless communication system, and a management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 9, the wireless communication system A1 of this embodiment is configured with a wireless communication network Cn1 including a plurality of lighting fixtures L, a plurality of sensors D, and a control device Ct, and a setting device Sd that sets identification addresses to be used in the wireless communication network Cn1 to the plurality of lighting fixtures L and the plurality of sensors D. The wireless communication system A1 is a system that realizes wireless communication via a plurality of lighting fixtures L and a plurality of sensors D as a plurality of relay units.

[0016] [Relay unit] The relay unit is a unit for realizing wireless communication in the wireless communication system A1 by relaying wireless communication. The specific configuration of the relay unit is not limited in any way as long as it has a wireless communication relay function, and examples of the relay unit include a dedicated wireless relay unit, and various devices having a wireless communication function, such as lighting fixtures, sensors, and wireless tags.

[0017] [Lighting equipment L] The lighting fixture L is a specific example of a relay unit of the present invention. The lighting fixtures L are used, for example, for indoor lighting and are installed in various locations such as ceilings, walls, and floors. The lighting fixture L may also be configured for outdoor lighting. The specific form of the lighting fixture L is not limited, 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, the lighting fixture L will be referred to as lighting fixture L when describing its general configuration, and reference symbols such as lighting fixture L1, ..., lighting fixture Ln will be used as appropriate to distinguish between the multiple lighting fixtures L. The multiple lighting fixtures L1 to Ln in FIGS. 1 and 2 may have the same configuration, may share some common features, or may have different configurations or forms. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the multiple lighting fixtures L1 to Ln will be described as having the same configuration.

[0018] 3 is a block diagram of the lighting fixture L. The lighting fixture L includes a light source unit 11, a control board 10, a control module 120, a storage unit 13, a communication module 140, and a power supply unit 15.

[0019] The light source unit 11 is a part of the lighting device L1 that performs the light-emitting function and has a light output sufficient for lighting the surroundings. The specific configuration of the light source unit 11 is not limited in any way and may include, for example, a substrate and a plurality of LEDs mounted in a row on the substrate. The lighting device L1 may also have a transparent or translucent cover (not shown) that transmits light from the light source unit 11. Note that when a dedicated wireless relay unit is used as the relay unit, the light source unit 11 does not have a light output sufficient to perform the lighting function of illuminating the surroundings, but rather functions as an indicator that notifies, for example, of the operating status.

[0020] The control board 10 is a board on which the control module 120, the storage unit 13, and the communication module 140 are mounted. The control board 10 has a base material made of, for example, an insulating material and a wiring pattern (all not shown) formed on the base material. The control module 120, the storage unit 13, and the communication module 140 are conductively joined to the wiring pattern by, for example, solder, and are appropriately conductive to each other via the wiring pattern.

[0021] Control module 120 is a module that includes control unit 12 and is mounted on control board 10. In addition to control unit 12, control module 120 may also include a storage unit and an input / output unit (neither of which are shown) as appropriate. Control unit 12 controls each part of lighting fixture L based on a lighting control signal or the like from control device Ct. The specific configuration of control unit 12 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a CPU.

[0022] Storage unit 13 is for storing information necessary for controlling control module 120 (control unit 12), and is made up of, for example, a semiconductor memory. Note that storage unit 13 is not limited to being mounted on control board 10, and may be built into a dongle that is detachably attached to the housing of lighting fixture L.

[0023] The communication module 140 is a module having a wireless communication unit 14, and in this embodiment, is mounted on the control board 10. The wireless communication unit 14 is a communication unit for wirelessly communicating with the control device Ct, other relay units (lighting fixtures L, sensors D), and setting device Sd, and transmits and receives wireless signals. 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 to this.

[0024] Examples of functions of the wireless communication unit 14 include receiving an identification signal from the setting device Sd (described later) and a control signal from the control device Ct, and transmitting a signal included in the received data to the control unit 12. The wireless communication unit 14 also transmits various signals and acknowledgement signals indicating reception to the setting device Sd and the control device Ct. The wireless communication unit 14 may also transmit a status signal indicating the operating status of the lighting fixture L to the control device Ct.

[0025] In this embodiment, unique information of each of the multiple lighting fixtures L is stored in the wireless communication unit 14. Specific examples of the unique information are not particularly limited, and include, for example, a Media Access Control (MAC) address and location information. The unique information may be stored in a component of the wireless communication unit 14, or may be stored in the storage unit 13, for example. When the wireless communication unit 14 recognizes a received signal as a signal corresponding to the unique information of its own device, or when the signal is transmitted to all units as so-called broadcast communication, the wireless communication unit 14 transmits the signal to the control unit 12.

[0026] The wireless communication unit 14 performs wireless communication with the setting device Sd, the control device Ct, and other relay units (lighting fixtures L, sensors D) using a predetermined protocol. The communication frequency of the wireless communication using the predetermined protocol is not limited in any way, and examples thereof include the 920 MHz band, the 2.4 GHz band, and the 5 GHz band. Specific examples of the predetermined protocol are also not particularly limited, and examples thereof include Bluetooth (registered trademark) including BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), ZigBee (registered trademark), and Wi-Fi (registered trademark). In order to perform wireless communication according to the predetermined protocol, an identification address is set in the wireless communication unit 14.

[0027] The power supply unit 15 is for supplying power necessary for the operation of the light source unit 11, the control unit 12 (control module 120), the wireless communication unit 14 (communication module 140), etc. The power supply unit 15 has a function as an AC / DC converter that converts commercial AC 100V or 200V power into DC power, a voltage transformation function, etc.

[0028] [Sensor D] Sensor D is another specific example of a relay unit in the present invention. Sensor D functions as a temperature sensor. The installation locations of the multiple sensors D are not limited in any way, and they may be attached to or built into various locations such as ceilings, walls, and floors, or various devices installed indoors and outdoors. In the following description, when describing the general configuration of sensor D, it will be referred to as sensor D, and when distinguishing between multiple sensors D, symbols such as sensor D1, ..., sensor Dn may be used as appropriate. The multiple sensors D1 to Dn in FIGS. 1 and 2 may have the same configuration, may share some common features with each other, or may have different configurations or forms. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, a case will be described in which the multiple sensors D1 to Dn have the same configuration.

[0029] 4 is a block diagram of sensor D. Sensor D includes a resistance temperature sensor 31, a control board 30, a control module 320, a memory unit 33, a communication module 340, a power supply unit 35, a switch unit 36, a first wiring 37, and a second wiring 38. Note that the control board 30, the control module 320 (control unit 32), the memory unit 33, and the communication module 340 (wireless communication unit 34) have the same basic configuration as the control board 10, the control module 120 (control unit 12), the memory unit 13, and the communication module 140 (wireless communication unit 14) of lighting fixture L, and therefore their description will be omitted where appropriate.

[0030] The resistance temperature detector 31 is a component that enables the sensor D to perform its temperature measurement function. The resistance temperature detector 31 has a resistor made of, for example, metal or metal oxide. The resistance value of the resistor changes depending on the ambient temperature. In other words, the temperature of the environment in which the sensor D is placed can be measured based on the resistance value of the resistance temperature detector 31. In this embodiment, the resistance temperature detector 31 is provided outside a housing (not shown) that houses other components of the sensor D, via a cable.

[0031] The control unit 32 generates a measurement signal including measurement data obtained using the resistance temperature detector 31 and transmits it from the wireless communication unit 34 (communication module 340). The control unit 32 also appropriately sets the conditions for the temperature measurement process using the resistance temperature detector 31 based on the operating conditions included in a control signal from the control device Ct, which will be described later. Examples of the operating conditions for the sensor D include the period for transmitting the measurement signal including measurement data obtained using the resistance temperature detector 31 and the mode setting of the switch unit 36, which will be described later.

[0032] The switch unit 36 ​​is electrically interposed between the resistance temperature detector 31 and the control module 320 and switches the connection state between the resistance temperature detector 31 and the control module 320. The switch unit 36 ​​has a first contact 361, a second contact 362, and a third contact 363. The resistance temperature detector 31 is connected to the third contact 363. The switch unit 36 ​​has a first mode in which the first contact 361 and the third contact 363 are electrically connected, and a second mode in which the second contact 362 and the third contact 363 are electrically connected, and can be selectively set between the first mode and the second mode. The first mode and the second mode are automatically switched, for example, by a command from the control unit 32 (control module 320).

[0033] The first wiring 37 is connected to a first contact 361 of the switch unit 36 ​​and the control module 320 (control unit 32). The first wiring 37 includes a first resistor 371. The second wiring 38 is connected to a second contact 362 of the switch unit 36 ​​and the control module 320 (control unit 32). The second wiring 38 includes a second resistor 381. The resistance value of the second resistor 381 is smaller than the resistance value of the first resistor 371. In other words, the resistance value of the first resistor 371 is larger than the resistance value of the second resistor 381.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, in this embodiment, the sensor D is attached to a showcase Sc installed inside a store or the like.

[0035] A showcase Sc is used to display products such as food in a storefront or the like. Showcases Sc generally have the function of keeping products warm, and are used for refrigeration and freezing, and the showcase Sc of this embodiment can be switched between refrigeration mode and freezing mode. The showcase Sc of this embodiment also performs a defrosting operation to remove frost that has adhered to the interior of the cabinet or the like. In the illustrated example, the showcase Sc has a housing 80, a top section 81, multiple shelves 82, a power supply section 83, cables 84, and lighting lamps 85.

[0036] The housing 80 is the main body of the showcase Sc. The housing 80 has structural members for supporting, for example, a top section 81 and a plurality of shelves 82. The housing 80 may also include a cooling device (not shown) for cooling the products.

[0037] The top part 81 is provided at the top of the showcase Sc, and covers from above the plurality of shelf parts 82. An illumination lamp 85 is attached to the underside of the tip of the top part 81.

[0038] The shelves 82 are arranged in a vertical direction and are used to display products. An illumination lamp 85 is attached to the underside of each shelf 82.

[0039] The power supply unit 83 supplies power for operating the sensor D. For example, the power supply unit 83 converts commercial AC 100V power into DC 24V power suitable for lighting the sensor D. In the illustrated example, the power supply unit 83 is provided above the ceiling unit 81, but this is just one example, and the configuration and installation position of the power supply unit 83 are not particularly limited.

[0040] The sensor D is disposed, for example, on the upper surface of the top part 81. The temperature measuring resistance unit 31 is disposed, for example, below the top part 81 via a cable extending from the main body of the sensor D. The temperature measuring resistance unit 31 is disposed in a position where it can measure the temperature of the product display space, which is the space to be refrigerated or frozen in the showcase Sc.

[0041] In this embodiment, when the setting method described below is completed, as shown in FIG. 9 , a wireless communication network Cn1, which is a mesh network, is established by the lighting fixtures L, the sensors D, and the control device Ct. The predetermined protocol is used, for example, to transfer various data between the lighting fixtures L and the sensors D. Therefore, a protocol capable of establishing the mesh network while ensuring the transfer speed and reliability required for the data transfer is selected. After the wireless communication network Cn1 is established, for example, a control signal from the control device Ct is transmitted to each lighting fixture L and each sensor D via the wireless communication network Cn1. The control device Ct may also transfer data to an external storage device, such as a cloud, outside the wireless communication network Cn1 using a commercial communication line. In this case, the wireless communication network Cn1 and the control device Ct and multiple relay units constituting the wireless communication network Cn1 can function as an edge computer that performs processes such as data noise removal and data generation.

[0042] [Setting device Sd] The setting device Sd is a device for setting the identification addresses and operating conditions of multiple relay units in the wireless communication system A1. The setting device Sd may also have the function of displaying and saving the status of at least one of the multiple lighting fixtures L, the multiple sensors D, and the multiple showcases Sc. The specific configuration of the setting device Sd is not limited in any way. The specific configuration of the setting device Sd is not limited in any way, and examples thereof include a desktop PC, a notebook PC, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, etc.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 5, the setting device Sd of this embodiment includes a display unit 51, a control unit 52, a storage unit 53, a wireless communication unit 54, a power supply unit 55, and an operation unit 58.

[0044] The display unit 51 is for displaying information and images necessary for operating the setting device Sd, etc. The display unit 51 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

[0045] The wireless communication unit 54 performs the function of wirelessly communicating with the multiple relay units and the control device Ct. The wireless communication unit 54 transmits, for example, an identification signal (described later) to the multiple relay units and a setting signal (described later) to the control device Ct. The wireless communication unit 54 is used for wireless communication using a predetermined protocol. The communication frequency of the wireless communication using the predetermined protocol is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include the 920 MHz band, the 2.4 GHz band, and the 5 GHz band. Specific examples of the predetermined protocol are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include Bluetooth (registered trademark) including BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), ZigBee (registered trademark), and Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Note that the protocol used by the wireless communication unit 54 when wirelessly communicating with the multiple relay units and the control device Ct is preferably the same as the protocol used in the wireless communication network Cn1 after the wireless communication system A1 is established, but may be a different protocol.

[0046] The control unit 52 is for controlling each unit of the setting device Sd. The specific configuration of the control unit 52 is not particularly limited, and it may be composed of a CPU, for example. The storage unit 53 is for storing information such as programs and setting conditions required for the control of the control unit 52, and may be composed of a semiconductor memory, for example. It consists of the following:

[0047] Power supply unit 55 supplies the power necessary for the operation of display unit 51, control unit 52, wireless communication unit 54, operation unit 58, etc. Power supply unit 55 may have a function as an AC / DC converter that converts commercial AC 100V or 200V power into DC power, a voltage transformation function, or may be a rechargeable battery. The battery may be charged using either a contact charger or a contactless charger.

[0048] The operation unit 58 is for operating the setting device Sd. The operation unit 58 is, for example, a keyboard and a mouse. Note that if the display unit 51 functions as a touch panel, the operation terminal Te does not need to include the operation unit 58.

[0049] The setting device Sd holds unique information of a plurality of relay units, and this information is stored, for example, in the storage unit 53. The unique information held by the setting device Sd may be, for example, the MAC addresses held by the lighting fixtures L and the sensors D.

[0050] [Control device Ct] The control device Ct controls the operation of the multiple relay units. In this embodiment, the control device Ct controls the lighting of the multiple lighting fixtures L and the measurement of the multiple sensors D. The control device Ct may be installed in the same room as the room in which the multiple relay units are installed, or in another room or another floor of the same building, or in another building. When the control device Ct and the multiple relay units are separated by a certain distance, the control device Ct and the multiple relay units may communicate with each other using not only wireless communication but also wired communication and wireless communication. Note that the wireless communication system A1 is only required to include at least one control device Ct, and may also include multiple control devices Ct in other configurations.

[0051] 6 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.

[0052] The display unit 21 is not necessarily required for the operation of the wireless communication system A1, which will be described later, but is used for initial setup and maintenance of the control device Ct. The display unit 21 is, for example, a monitor such as a liquid crystal display, and may further have a touch panel function. Also, instead of the display unit 21 functioning as a touch panel, the control device Ct may be provided with a separate operation device such as a keyboard or mouse. Furthermore, in addition to the display unit 21 that uses the monitor described above, the control device Ct may also use an external digital device connected via HDMI (registered trademark). It may also be equipped with tal signage.

[0053] The control unit 22 is a main component that controls the operation of multiple relay units, and controls each unit of the control device Ct. For example, the control unit 22 transmits a control signal to the wireless communication unit 24 so that the control signal is transmitted to the target relay unit. The specific configuration of the control unit 22 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a CPU. The storage unit 23 stores information such as programs and setting conditions required for the control of the control unit 22, and may be, for example, a semiconductor memory or a hard disk drive.

[0054] The wireless communication unit 24 is for performing wireless communication with the wireless communication units 14 of the multiple relay units and the wireless communication unit 54 of the setting device Sd. The frequency band of the wireless communication unit 24 and the wireless communication standard it complies with are wireless communication using the above-mentioned protocol. When the setting method described below is completed, the control device Ct configures a wireless communication network Cn1 together with the multiple relay units, as shown in FIG. 9. The wireless communication unit 24, for example, transmits control signals from the control unit 22 to the multiple relay units via the wireless communication network Cn1. Note that the control device Ct may have a wired or wireless communication circuit for connecting to the Internet in addition to the wireless communication unit 24.

[0055] 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, etc. The power supply unit 25 has a function as an AC / DC converter that converts commercial AC 100V or 200V power into DC power, a voltage transformation function, etc.

[0056] The control device Ct has unique information of a plurality of relay units, which is stored, for example, in the storage unit 23. The unique information held by the control device Ct may be, for example, the MAC addresses held by the lighting fixtures L and the sensors D.

[0057] Next, an example of a method for setting up the wireless communication system A1 will be described below. Note that the following setting method is an example for setting up the wireless communication system A1. As a method for setting up the wireless communication system A1, various methods can be appropriately adopted.

[0058] As shown in Fig. 1, in this embodiment, a plurality of lighting fixtures L and a plurality of sensors D as a plurality of relay units, and a control device Ct are prepared, and setting is performed using a setting device Sd. In this example, a plurality of lighting fixtures L1-Ln and a plurality of sensors D1-Dn are prepared. As shown in Fig. 2, the plurality of lighting fixtures L1-Ln are installed at predetermined intervals on the ceiling of a store, for example. The plurality of sensors D1-Dn are individually attached to a plurality of showcases Sc1-Scn installed in the store.

[0059] [First step S1] As shown in FIG. 8, first, a first step S1 is executed. In the first step S1, identification addresses of a plurality of relay units are determined using the setting device Sd. The first step S1 of this embodiment includes steps S1-1 to S1-3. In step S1-1, information about a store or the like where a plurality of lighting fixtures L1 to Ln and a plurality of sensors D1 to Dn are installed as a plurality of relay units is acquired. Then, for example, image processing software executed on the setting device Sd is used to create a layout diagram of the store.

[0060] Next, in step S1-2, the locations of the lighting fixtures L1-Ln and the sensors D1-Dn serving as relay units are determined using icons or the like on the layout diagram created on the setting device Sd. For example, lighting fixture L1 is assigned a group number "A" and an intra-group address "01," and its identification address is determined as "A-01." Similarly, the lighting fixtures L and the sensors D are assigned group numbers "A, B, C..." and intra-group addresses "01, 02, 03..." as appropriate, and the identification addresses of each relay unit are determined. The method for determining the group numbers and intra-group addresses is not limited in any way. For example, the same group number may be assigned to lighting fixtures L and sensors located within a predetermined radius based on the layout diagram.

[0061] The setting device Sd generates an identification signal including a MAC address and an identification address, which are unique information, for each of the multiple relay units, and transmits the signal from the wireless communication unit 54 to each relay unit (lighting fixture L or sensor D).

[0062] Next, in step S1-3, in each relay unit (lighting fixture L or sensor D), the wireless communication unit 14, 34 of the communication module 140, 340 receives the identification signal and transfers it to the control unit 12, 32 of the control module 120, 320. Having received the identification signal, the control unit 12, 32 of the control module 120, 320 stores the identification address in the respective memory unit 13, 33.

[0063] [Second step S2] Next, a second step S2 is executed. In the second step S2, the setting device Sd is used to determine the operating conditions of each relay unit. For example, the identification address of each relay unit is displayed on a layout diagram (for example, the layout diagram shown in FIG. 2) displayed on the display unit 51 of the setting device Sd. Next, the operating conditions are determined in consideration of the layout situation of each relay unit, etc. For example, if the relay unit is a lighting fixture L, the operating conditions include the dimming rate of the light source unit 11, color adjustment, ON / OFF according to a predetermined schedule, etc. If the relay unit is a sensor D, the operating conditions include a mode corresponding to an operation mode such as a freezing mode or a refrigeration mode of the attached showcase Sc, a temperature measurement cycle, etc. These operating conditions are determined for each of the multiple relay units (the multiple lighting fixtures L1 to Ln and the multiple sensors D1 to Dn).

[0064] [Third step S3] Next, a third step S3 is executed. In the third step S3, a wireless communication network Cn1 is constructed. The third step S3 of this embodiment includes steps S3-1 to S3-3. In step S3-1, a setting signal including the identification addresses of the multiple relay units determined in the first step S1 (steps S1-1 to S1-3) and the operating conditions of the multiple relay units determined in the second step S2 is transferred to the control device Ct. The transfer of the setting signal may be performed by wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or by wired communication using a USB cable. The data format of the setting signal may be, for example, CSV data format.

[0065] Next, in step S3-2, if the setting signal is transferred by wireless communication, for example, the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device Ct receives the setting signal. The control unit 52 stores the identification address and operating conditions included in the setting signal for each of the multiple relay units (the multiple lighting fixtures L1-Ln and the multiple sensors D1-Dn) in the storage unit 53. To distinguish each relay unit, unique information (such as a MAC address) of the multiple relay units included in the setting signal is used.

[0066] Next, in step S3-3, the control device Ct uses the identification addresses of the multiple relay units to construct the wireless communication network Cn1 shown in FIG. 9. The wireless communication network Cn1 is, for example, a mesh network based on a predetermined protocol. This enables broadcast communication between the control device Ct and the multiple relay units (the multiple lighting fixtures L1-Ln and the multiple sensors D1-Dn) via the wireless communication network Cn1. Note that wireless communication in the wireless communication network Cn1 preferably uses multiple frequencies to reduce signal loss due to radio interference. For example, broadcast communication is sequentially performed using three frequencies: 2.40 GHz, 2.44 GHz, and 2.48 GHz.

[0067] [Fourth step S4] Next, a fourth step S4 is executed. In the fourth step S4, a control signal including each operating condition is transmitted from the control device Ct to the multiple relay units via the wireless communication network Cn1. The fourth step S4 in this embodiment includes steps S4-1 and S4-2. In step S4-1, the control unit 22 of the control device Ct generates a control signal including the identification addresses and operating conditions of the multiple relay units. Next, the control unit 22 transmits the control signal from the wireless communication unit 24 via the wireless communication network Cn1 by broadcast communication. The multiple relay units (the multiple lighting fixtures L1 to Ln and the multiple sensors D1 to Dn) receive the control signal via the wireless communication units 14 and 34 of the communication modules 140 and 340. The control units 12 and 32 of the control modules 120 and 320 compare the identification address included in the control signal with the identification address of the control unit itself. If the identification address included in the control signal is different from the identification address of the control unit itself, each relay unit forwards the control signal to the next relay unit.

[0068] Next, in step S4-2, if the identification address included in the control signal matches the identification address of the own unit, the control unit 12, 32 of the control module 120, 320 stores the operating conditions included in the control signal in the memory unit 13, 33. If the operating conditions are already stored in the memory unit 13, 33, the control unit 12, 32 of the control module 120, 320 rewrites the operating conditions in the memory unit 13, 33 with the operating conditions included in the received control signal.

[0069] By executing the above first step S1 to fourth step S4, the construction of the wireless communication network Cn1 shown in FIG. 9 and the setting of the multiple relay units (the multiple lighting fixtures L1 to Ln and the multiple sensors D1 to Dn) are completed.

[0070] [Fifth step S5, sixth step S6, seventh step S7] After the first step S1 to the fourth step S4 are completed, for example, a fifth step S5 and a sixth step S6 are executed using the wireless communication network Cn1. In the fifth step S5, the plurality of sensors D1 to Dn measure the temperature of each of the showcases Sc1 to Scn based on their respective operating conditions. Then, the control unit 32 of the control module 320 generates a measurement signal including the measurement data, and transmits the measurement signal from the wireless communication unit 34 of the communication module 340 to the control device Ct via the wireless communication network Cn1. Furthermore, the control unit 12 controls the lighting of the light source units 11 of the plurality of lighting fixtures L1 to Ln based on the operating conditions included in the control signal. The lighting control includes dimming rate, color adjustment, and ON / OFF according to a predetermined schedule.

[0071] An example of the fifth step S5 for the plurality of sensors D1 to Dn will be described. The operating conditions of the control signals received by the plurality of sensors D1 to Dn include information regarding a first mode and a second mode. The first mode is a mode in which the switch unit 36 ​​of the sensor D shown in FIG. 4 brings the first contact 361 and the third contact 363 into conduction. The second mode is a mode in which the switch unit 36 ​​brings the second contact 362 and the third contact 363 into conduction.

[0072] In this example, when the showcase Sc to which the sensor D is attached is in a freezing operation state, a freezing mode that measures a temperature range of, for example, -30°C to 10°C is assigned as the first mode. Also, when the showcase Sc is in a refrigerating operation state, a refrigerating mode that measures a temperature range of, for example, -10°C to 30°C is assigned as the second mode.

[0073] The control unit 32 of the control module 320 controls the switch unit 36 ​​to switch between the first mode and the second mode based on the operating conditions of the control signal received by the wireless communication unit 34 of the communication module 340. The switching between the first mode and the second mode may be controlled so as to select one of the modes based on the operating conditions included in the control signal. In this embodiment, as will be described later, the temperature ranges of the first mode and the second mode are set, for example, based on the operating conditions of the control signal, and the control unit 32 of the control module 320 compares the temperature measured using the resistance temperature detector 31 with the temperature ranges of the first mode and the second mode, thereby automatically switching the switch unit 36 ​​to one of the modes.

[0074] When the control unit 32 of the control module 320 switches the switch unit 36 ​​to the first mode, the control unit 32 of the control module 320 is connected to the temperature resistance unit 31 via the first wiring 37. On the other hand, when the control unit 32 of the control module 320 switches the switch unit 36 ​​to the second mode, the control unit 32 of the control module 320 is connected to the temperature resistance unit 31 via the second wiring 38. That is, when the showcase Sc is in a freezing operation state in the first mode, the temperature resistance unit 31 and the control unit 32 are connected via a first resistor 371 having a relatively large resistance value, and when the showcase Sc is in a refrigerating operation state in the second mode, the temperature resistance unit 31 and the control unit 32 are connected via a second resistor 381 having a relatively small resistance value.

[0075] In a sixth step S6, the wireless communication unit 24 of the control device Ct receives the measurement signals from each relay unit. The control unit 22 performs processes such as storing the measurement data included in the received measurement signals in the memory unit 23 and displaying the data on the display unit 21. A more detailed example of the sixth step S6 will be described later.

[0076] In a seventh step S7, the setting device Sd reads the measurement data stored in the control device Ct. The setting device Sd reads the measurement data, for example, at regular time intervals (cycles). The setting device Sd uses an application, for example, to display multiple pieces of the read measurement data together for easier viewing, to display alerts to store staff, to output periodic reports, etc.

[0077] Next, a configuration example in which the sensor D is automatically switched between the first mode and the second mode will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0078] The graph shown in FIG. 10 shows measurements by one of the sensors D, with the horizontal axis representing time t and the vertical axis representing the measured temperature T. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of automatically switching between the first mode and the second mode of the sensor D. In FIG. 10, the temperature range assumed to be measured by the sensor D in the first mode is the first temperature range Tr1, and the temperature range assumed to be measured by the sensor D in the second mode is the second temperature range Tr2. Note that the sensor D in the first mode may be capable of measuring temperatures in a range exceeding the first temperature range Tr1, and the sensor D in the second mode may be capable of measuring temperatures in a range exceeding the second temperature range Tr2. The first temperature range Tr1 is defined by a first-mode lower-limit temperature TL1 and a first-mode upper-limit temperature TU1. The first-mode lower-limit temperature TL1 is the lower-limit temperature of the first temperature range Tr1. The first-mode upper-limit temperature TU1 is the upper-limit temperature of the first temperature range Tr1. When the first mode corresponds to a refrigeration operation state, the first mode lower limit temperature TL1 is set to, for example, -30°C, and the first mode upper limit temperature TU1 is set to, for example, 10°C.

[0079] The second temperature range Tr2 is defined by a second mode lower limit temperature TL2 and a second mode upper limit temperature TU2. The second mode lower limit temperature TL2 is the lower limit temperature of the second temperature range Tr2. The second mode upper limit temperature TU2 is the upper limit temperature of the second temperature range Tr2. When the second mode corresponds to a refrigeration operation state, the second mode lower limit temperature TL2 is set to, for example, -10°C, and the second mode upper limit temperature TU2 is set to, for example, 30°C.

[0080] The first temperature range Tr1 and the second temperature range Tr2 are set to ranges that partially overlap each other, that is, the first mode upper limit temperature TU1 is set to a temperature higher than the second mode lower limit temperature TL2.

[0081] In this embodiment, a first threshold temperature TT1 and a second threshold temperature TT2 are set. The first threshold temperature TT1 is a temperature that is equal to or higher than the second mode lower limit temperature TL2 and equal to or lower than the first mode upper limit temperature TU1. The second threshold temperature TT2 is a temperature that is equal to or higher than the second mode lower limit temperature TL2 and lower than the first threshold temperature TT1. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the first threshold temperature TT1 is set to a temperature slightly lower than the first mode upper limit temperature TU1, and the second threshold temperature TT2 is set to a temperature slightly higher than the second mode lower limit temperature TL2, but this is just an example. For example, the first threshold temperature TT1 may be set to a temperature equal to the first mode upper limit temperature TU1, and the second threshold temperature TT2 may be set to a temperature equal to the second mode lower limit temperature TL2.

[0082] A warning temperature TW may also be set. The warning temperature TW is higher than the second mode upper limit temperature TU2 and is a temperature that the measured temperature T is not expected to reach in normal conditions such as freezing operation, refrigeration operation, and defrosting operation. In this embodiment, the warning temperature TW is set to, for example, about 35°C.

[0083] The first mode lower limit temperature TL1, the first mode upper limit temperature TU1, the second mode lower limit temperature TL2, the second mode upper limit temperature TU2, the first threshold temperature TT1, the second threshold temperature TT2, and the warning temperature TW may be set individually during initial setup of the sensor D, or information for setting these temperatures may be included in a control signal transmitted from either the setting device Sd or the control device Ct.

[0084] In the figure, measurements by each sensor D in the above-mentioned fifth step S5 are performed at a first period Pr1, which is a fixed time interval. Meanwhile, reading of measurement data by the setting device Sd in the above-mentioned seventh step S7 is performed at a reading period Pra, which is a fixed time interval. The reading period Pra is a period shorter than the first period Pr1. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the reading period Pra is a period shorter than a second period Pr2, which will be described later.

[0085] At time t1, the sensor D is set to the first mode (step S21: Yes), and performs measurements within a first temperature range Tr1 (the shaded range including time t1 in the figure).

[0086] Next, at time t2, the measured temperature T is higher than the second threshold temperature TT2. The measured temperature T at time t2 is also lower than the second threshold temperature TT2 (step S22: Yes). The control unit 32 of this sensor D determines that the measured temperature T has changed from a temperature lower than the second threshold temperature TT2 to a temperature higher than the second threshold temperature TT2, and switches the switch unit 36 ​​to the second mode (step S23). This causes the sensor D to perform measurements within a second temperature range Tr2 (the shaded range in the figure that includes time t2 and after).

[0087] After time t2, the measured temperature T exceeds the first threshold temperature TT1 in the graph shown in the figure. However, the measured temperature T is lower than the second mode upper limit temperature TU2 in the graph shown in the figure.

[0088] Next, at time t3, sensor D is set to the second mode (step S21: No, step S24: Yes). At time t4, the measured temperature T is lower than the first threshold temperature TT1. Furthermore, the measured temperature T at time t3 is higher than the first threshold temperature TT1 (step S25: Yes). The control unit 32 of sensor D determines that the measured temperature T has changed from a temperature higher than the first threshold temperature TT1 to a temperature lower than the first threshold temperature TT1, and switches the switch unit 36 ​​to the first mode (step S26). As a result, sensor D performs measurements within a first temperature range Tr1 (the shaded range in the figure that includes time t4 and after).

[0089] Next, the function of the sensor D will be described.

[0090] In the sensor D, when the sensor is set to the first mode, if the measured temperature T changes from a temperature lower than the second threshold temperature TT2 to a temperature higher than the second threshold temperature TT2, the control unit 32 switches the switch unit 36 ​​to the second mode. Also, when the sensor is set to the second mode, if the measured temperature T changes from a temperature higher than the first threshold temperature TT1 to a temperature lower than the first threshold temperature TT1, the control unit 32 switches the switch unit 36 ​​to the first mode. Therefore, even if the first temperature range Tr1 and the second temperature range Tr2 are set to partially overlap, the sensor D can automatically switch between the first mode and the second mode without relying on a control command from the control device Ct or the like.

[0091] The showcase Sc to which the sensor D is attached can be switched between a freezing operation (first mode) for displaying frozen foods and a refrigerating operation (second mode) for displaying refrigerated foods. Generally, the temperature control for these operations may differ for each food, such as vegetables, fresh fish, processed meat, and frozen foods, based on HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point, a hygiene management method for ensuring food safety). For example, a showcase Sc may be set to freezing operation (first mode) one day to hold a special sale on frozen foods, but the next day, the sale ends and the showcase Sc may be set to refrigerating operation (second mode). Even if the showcase Sc frequently switches between freezing operation (first mode) and refrigerating operation (second mode), the sensor D attached to the showcase Sc can be automatically switched between the first mode and the second mode without a user or the like having to perform a setting process using a setting device Sd or the like.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 10 , the reading period Pra of the setting device Sd is set to a period shorter than the first period Pr1 and the second period Pr2, which are the measurement periods of the sensor D. If the reading period Pra of the setting device Sd were longer than the first period Pr1 and the second period Pr2, which are the measurement periods of the sensor D, the setting device Sd might not be able to read some of the measurement data from the sensor D, resulting in a reading omission. By making the reading period Pra shorter than the measurement period in this embodiment, reading omissions can be reduced. In particular, when performing sanitation management of food, etc., prompt confirmation is required, so a wireless communication system that issues timely warnings can be provided. Furthermore, the measurement period of the sensor D may be the interval at which the control device Ct receives a measurement signal containing measurement data transmitted from the sensor D.

[0093] FIG. 12 shows an example of the transmission process of the measurement signal of sensor D in step S5. Times t1 to t6 are times at which step S5 is performed, for example, in the first cycle Pr1 described above, and are defined independently of the times in FIG. 10. In the nth measurement signal transmission in (a), a measurement signal containing multiple measurement data is transmitted. In the example shown, each measurement signal contains three measurement data points measured at consecutive times t1 to t3. The solid white circles in the figure indicate the measurement data contained in the measurement signal in that transmission.

[0094] In (b), the (n+1)th measurement signal transmission is a measurement signal including measurement data from times t2 to t4. The black circles in the figure indicate measurement data that has already been transmitted. If data loss occurs in the wireless communication of the wireless communication network Cn1, the (n+1)th measurement signal transmission may not be completed properly. In this case, the measurement data at time t4 has not yet been transmitted. The dashed white circles in the figure indicate measurement data that should have been transmitted but has not yet been transmitted.

[0095] In the (n+2)th measurement signal transmission (c), a measurement signal including measurement data from times t3 to t5 is transmitted. If this transmission is performed properly, the measurement data at time t4, which was not transmitted in the (n+1)th measurement signal transmission, is transmitted from the sensor D to the control device Ct.

[0096] In the (d) (n+3)th measurement signal transmission, a measurement signal including measurement data from time t4 to t6 is transmitted. After this, similar measurement signal transmissions are continued until, for example, a command to temporarily stop or complete the measurement operation is issued.

[0097] With this configuration, even if data loss occurs accidentally in the wireless communication network Cn1, it is possible to compensate for the data loss by the next or next transmission. Therefore, it is possible to prevent any measurement signal (measurement data) from being not stored in the memory unit 23 of the control device Ct, resulting in data storage omissions. Note that there is no limitation on the number of measurement signals transmitted in one transmission process, and it may be two, four or more.

[0098] Figures 13 and 14 show an example of the processing in the sixth step S6 and seventh step S7 described above. Figure 13 is a graph similar to Figure 10, and times t1 to t4 are defined independently of the above-mentioned times. Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the processing.

[0099] In step S5 of FIG. 14, a measurement signal from each sensor D is transmitted to the control device Ct via the wireless communication network Cn1. At time t1, the switch unit 36 ​​of the sensor D is set to the second mode. Furthermore, the measurement cycle of this sensor D is set to the first cycle Pr1. The measured temperature T is included in the second temperature range Tr2 and is a value lower than the second mode upper limit temperature TU2 (step S6-1: No). In this case, the control device Ct determines that the showcase Sc to which the sensor D is attached is in a normal state performing refrigeration or freezing operation, and continues measurement by the sensor D (step S6-3).

[0100] Next, at time t2, the measured temperature T exceeds the second mode upper limit temperature TU2 (step S6-1: Yes). When the control device Ct receives the measurement signal including this measurement data, it sends a control signal to set the measurement period of the sensor D to a second period Pr2 (step S6-2). Upon receiving this control signal, the control unit 32 of the sensor D sets the measurement period to the second period Pr2. The second period Pr2 is a period shorter than the first period Pr1, for example, approximately 1 / 10 of the first period Pr1.

[0101] The setting device Sd also reads the setting state of each sensor D from the control device Ct. The setting device Sd determines that the showcase Sc in which the sensor D, whose measurement cycle is set to the second cycle Pr2, is installed is in defrosting operation (step S7-1). The setting device Sd stores, for example, the fact that the showcase Sc is in defrosting operation as the operation history of the showcase Sc. Furthermore, a predetermined application may be used to display on the display unit 51 of the setting device Sd that the showcase Sc is in defrosting operation.

[0102] Next, at time t3, the measured temperature T is lower than the second mode upper limit temperature TU2. Including the measured temperature T at time t4, multiple consecutive measured temperatures T are lower than the second mode upper limit temperature TU2. The setting device Sd, which reads this situation from the control device Ct, determines that the defrosting operation of the showcase Sc to which the sensor D is attached has been completed and that the showcase Sc has transitioned to refrigeration operation or the like. Then, in response to an instruction from the setting device Sd, a control signal for setting the measurement cycle to a first cycle Pr1 is sent to the sensor D. The sensor D sets the measurement cycle to the first cycle Pr1, and measurements are taken from time t1 onwards.

[0103] According to this configuration, when the measured temperature T becomes higher than the second mode upper limit temperature TU2, the measurement cycle of the sensor D is set to a second cycle Pr2 that is shorter than the first cycle Pr1. This makes it possible to more precisely monitor the history of the temperature change of the showcase Sc thereafter. Furthermore, by determining that the defrosting operation is in progress at time t2, a user operating the setting device Sd can more quickly recognize that one of the showcases Sc is in the defrosting operation. In particular, when managing food hygiene, a prompt confirmation is required, and therefore a wireless communication system that issues timely alerts can be provided.

[0104] Figures 15 to 17 show other examples of the processing in the sixth step S6 and seventh step S7 described above. Figures 15 and 16 are graphs similar to Figures 10 and 13, and times t1 to t6 are defined independently of the above-mentioned times, and are also defined independently in Figures 15 and 16. Figure 17 is a flowchart showing this processing.

[0105] 15, at time t1, the switch unit 36 ​​of the sensor D is set to the second mode. The measurement cycle of this sensor D is set to the first cycle Pr1. The measured temperature T is included in the second temperature range Tr2 and is a value lower than the second mode upper limit temperature TU2 (step S6-1: No). In this case, the control device Ct determines that the showcase Sc to which the sensor D is attached is in a normal state performing refrigeration or freezing operation, and continues measurement by the sensor D (step S6-3).

[0106] Next, at time t2, the measured temperature T exceeds the second mode upper limit temperature TU2 (step S6-1: Yes). When the control device Ct receives the measurement signal including this measurement data, it sends a control signal to set the measurement period of the sensor D to the second period Pr2 (step S6-2). Upon receiving this control signal, the control unit 32 of the sensor D sets the measurement period to the second period Pr2.

[0107] When the showcase Sc is performing a defrosting operation, the temperature inside the showcase Sc is set, for example, near the second mode upper limit temperature TU2 and controlled to a temperature lower than the warning temperature TW. Therefore, the measured temperature T multiple times becomes a value close to the second mode upper limit temperature TU2. Then, at time t3, the measured temperature T becomes a value lower than the second mode upper limit temperature TU2. However, even after time t3, the measured temperature T remains near the second mode upper limit temperature TU2, and at time t4, the measured temperature T again becomes a value higher than the second mode upper limit temperature TU2. When the setting device Sd reads this situation from the control device Ct, the setting device Sd determines that the showcase Sc to which the sensor D is attached is performing a defrosting operation and that the temperature inside the showcase Sc is being appropriately maintained and controlled at a temperature suitable for defrosting (step S7-1: Yes). Therefore, the setting device Sd causes the control device Ct to transmit a control signal that returns the measurement cycle of the sensor D to the first cycle Pr1 (step S7-2). As a result, from time t4 onwards, the sensor D continues measurement at the first cycle Pr1.

[0108] In the example shown in FIG. 16, at time t1, the measured temperature T is lower than the second mode upper limit temperature TU2 (step S6-1: No), and at time t2, the measured temperature T is higher than the second mode upper limit temperature TU2 (step S6-1: Yes). Therefore, the measurement cycle of this sensor D is changed to the second cycle Pr2 (step S6-2). Furthermore, at time t3, the situation where it can be determined that the defrosting operation is in progress is exceeded (step S7-1: No), and the measured temperature is higher than the warning temperature TW (step S7-3: Yes). When the setting device Sd reads this situation from the control device Ct, the setting device Sd determines that the showcase Sc to which this sensor D is attached is not in a normal state in which refrigeration operation, freezing operation, defrosting operation, etc. are appropriately set, but is in an abnormal state that does not correspond to any of refrigeration operation, freezing operation, defrosting operation, etc. In this case, the setting device Sd notifies that this showcase Sc is in an abnormal state (step S7-5). Specific examples of notification of an abnormal condition include displaying an alert on the display unit 51 of the setting device Sd, sending an alert email to a mobile terminal of a store employee, flashing a lighting fixture L or a warning light (not shown), or emitting a warning sound from a speaker (not shown).

[0109] When the measured temperature T falls below the second mode upper limit temperature TU2 at time t4, the control device Ct changes the measurement cycle of this sensor D to the first cycle Pr1. Then, at time t5, the measured temperature T is again higher than the second mode upper limit temperature TU2 (S6-1: Yes). Therefore, the measurement cycle of this sensor D is again changed to the second cycle Pr2 (S6-2). In multiple measurements after time t5, the measured temperature T is lower than the warning temperature TW (step S7-3: No). In this case, if the measurement cycle of this sensor D continues and the number of times set to the second cycle Pr2 becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined number (step S7-4: Yes), the setting device Sd determines that the showcase Sc to which this sensor D is attached is in an abnormal state, for example, at time t6, and issues an alert (step S7-5).

[0110] 15, it is also possible to more precisely monitor the history of temperature changes in the showcase Sc. Furthermore, by determining that the defrosting operation is in progress at time t2, a user operating the setting device Sd can more quickly recognize that one of the showcases Sc is in the defrosting operation. Furthermore, by monitoring the temperature change in the measured temperature T based on the second mode upper limit temperature TU2, when it can be recognized that the showcase Sc is stably performing the defrosting operation, the measurement cycle can be set to the first cycle Pr1, thereby preventing the number of measurements from becoming excessively large.

[0111] In the example shown in FIG. 16, when the measured temperature T exceeds the warning temperature TW, the showcase Sc is determined to have malfunctioned and an alarm is issued (step S7-5). This allows the user operating the setting device Sd to become aware of the abnormality more quickly when the showcase Sc falls into a state other than stable defrosting operation. Furthermore, when the number of measurements in the second cycle Pr2 is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (step S7-4: Yes), there is a concern that the showcase Sc is not performing stable defrosting operation and the temperature inside the cabinet has unintentionally remained at a high temperature. In such cases, by determining that the showcase Sc has malfunctioned (step S7-5), various types of malfunctions of the showcase Sc can be dealt with more quickly.

[0112] Figures 18 and 19 18 and 19 show a wireless communication system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The wireless communication system A2 of this embodiment includes a timing unit Tk and an external storage device Es.

[0113] The timing unit Tk, together with the control device Ct and multiple relay units, constitutes a wireless communication network Cn1. The timing unit Tk holds accurate time information such as standard time by receiving, for example, FM radio waves. The timing unit Tk transmits a time signal including the time information via the wireless communication network Cn1.

[0114] The external storage device Es is installed outside the wireless communication network Cn1 and may be, for example, a server or a commercial cloud. Communication between the external storage device Es and the control device Ct is performed via, for example, a commercial internet line or a dedicated line. The external storage device Es is accessible at any time by an external user located away from a specific space, such as a store, where multiple lighting fixtures L and multiple sensors D constituting the wireless communication system A2 are installed. The control device Ct may, for example, store collected measurement data in the external storage device Es. The external user can use the information stored in the external storage device Es, such as the number of visitors, in various ways, either directly or after processing it as desired. For example, the external user may display this data on an electronic bulletin board such as digital signage, a large screen (neither of which is shown), or a mobile terminal.

[0115] FIG. 19 shows an example of the operation of the wireless communication system A2. In step S11, the timing unit Tk transmits a time signal to multiple relay units (multiple lighting fixtures L1-Ln and multiple sensors D1-Dn) via the wireless communication network Cn1. Each relay unit performs a time adjustment process for its own unit based on the time information contained in the time signal. This time adjustment process may be performed by all relay units or may be performed by only some of the relay units. In the following explanation, we will explain an example where the time adjustment process is performed by multiple lighting fixtures L but not by multiple sensors D.

[0116] Next, the sensor D1 transmits a measurement signal Sm1 including measurement data M1 (e.g., a measured temperature of 5°C) measured in, for example, the first period Pr1 (step S12-1). Upon receiving the measurement signal Sm1, the lighting fixture Ln assigns a timestamp (e.g., 8:00) to the measurement signal Sm1 and forwards it via the wireless communication network Cn1 (step S13). Upon receiving the measurement signal Sm1, the lighting fixture L1 forwards it to the control device Ct via the wireless communication network Cn1 (step S14-1).

[0117] Upon receiving the measurement signal Sm1 from the lighting fixture L1, the control device Ct checks the amount of data transmitted from relay units other than the lighting fixture L1 and determines whether to store the measurement data (step S15-1). If the amount of data exceeds a predetermined amount, the control device Ct prohibits reception of the measurement signal Sm1 from the lighting fixture L1 (step S15-2). In response to step S15-2, the lighting fixture L1 repeatedly transfers the measurement signal Sm1 at regular intervals (e.g., every 20 seconds) (step S15-3).

[0118] The sensor Dn then transmits a measurement signal Smn containing measurement data Mn (e.g., a measured temperature of 4°C) measured during the second period Pr2 (step S12-2). Upon receiving the measurement signal Smn, the lighting fixture Ln assigns a timestamp (e.g., 8:20) to the measurement signal Smn and forwards it via the wireless communication network Cn1 (step S16). Upon receiving the measurement signal Smn, the lighting fixture L1 forwards it to the control device Ct via the wireless communication network Cn1 (step S14-2).

[0119] The control device Ct receives the measurement signal Sm1 from the lighting fixture L1, checks the amount of data transmitted from relay units other than the lighting fixture L1, and determines whether to store the measurement data (step S15-3). If the amount of data does not exceed a predetermined amount, the control device Ct receives the measurement signal Sm1 (measured at 8:00, temperature 5°C) and the measurement signal Smn (measured at 8:20, temperature 4°C) from the lighting fixture L1 (step S15-4).

[0120] According to this embodiment, the identification addresses and operating conditions can be set using the same setting device. Furthermore, when there are a large number of sensors D, a large amount of data is transmitted and received. Because this data transmission and reception is asynchronous, an increase in the amount of data can lead to congestion in communication traffic, raising concerns about data loss and noise. According to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the amount of data transmitted and received during peak periods and to level out the amount of data. This can prevent data loss and noise. Furthermore, since the measurement signal includes a timestamp, even if the control device Ct intentionally prohibits data reception and delays reception of the measurement signal by the control device Ct, it is possible to accurately determine the time at which the measurement data included in the measurement signal was measured.

[0121] 20 and 21 show a wireless communication system and a management system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 20, a management system B according to this embodiment includes a plurality of wireless communication systems A3 and a cloud CL.

[0122] The wireless communication system A3 is configured with a wireless communication network Cn1 including multiple lighting fixtures L, multiple sensors D, and a control device Ct, and a setting device Sd that sets identification addresses used in the wireless communication network Cn1 for the multiple lighting fixtures L and multiple sensors D, and includes components common to or similar to those of the wireless communication systems A1 and A2. In the wireless communication system A3, at least one of the control device Ct and the setting device Sd, or both, communicate with the cloud CL. Communication between the control device Ct or the setting device Sd and the cloud CL may be wireless, wired, or a combination of both, for example, via a public communication network (the Internet). Each of the multiple wireless communication systems A3 is installed in, for example, each store that makes up a chain store.

[0123] The cloud CL is constructed, for example, by a commercial cloud service or the like, and includes a processing unit 61, a storage unit 62, and a communication unit 63. The processing unit 61 controls the operation of the cloud CL, which will be described later, and may include, for example, a CPU. The storage unit 62 stores measurement data and the like from the wireless communication system A3, and may include, for example, a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, or the like. The communication unit 63 communicates with multiple wireless communication systems A3, for example, via a public communication network (the Internet), and is capable of either or both wired communication and wireless communication.

[0124] 21 shows an example of the operation of the management system B3. In step S31, each sensor D of the wireless communication system A3 measures temperature and transmits a measurement signal to the control device Ct. In step S32, the control device Ct stores the measurement data contained in the received measurement signal in the memory unit 23. In step S33, the setting device Sd reads the measurement data stored in the control device Ct. In this example, in step S34, the setting device Sd transmits the measurement data to the cloud CL. In addition to or instead of the measurement data, the setting device Sd may transmit to the cloud CL the time-series setting status of the measurement cycle (first cycle Pr1, second cycle Pr2) of each sensor D, the time-series setting status of the first mode and second mode of each sensor D, the time-series operating status of each showcase Sc, such as refrigeration operation, freezing operation, and defrosting operation, the occurrence status of an abnormal state in each showcase Sc, and the like, in addition to or instead of the measurement data.

[0125] In step S35, the communication unit 63 of the cloud CL receives the measurement data and the like transmitted from the wireless communication system A3. In step S36, the processing unit 61 stores the measurement data and the like received by the communication unit 63 in the storage unit 62. In step S37, the processing unit 61 reads the measurement data and the like stored in the storage unit 62 at regular intervals. The processing unit 61 then learns data indicating the historical status of each sensor D and each showcase Sc of each wireless communication system A3, and identifies the state of the showcase Sc. The learning by the processing unit 61 involves repeatedly reading and accumulating the measurement data, the time-series setting status of the measurement cycle (first cycle Pr1, second cycle Pr2) of each sensor D, the time-series setting status of the first mode and second mode of each sensor D, the time-series operating status of each showcase Sc, such as refrigeration operation, freezing operation, and defrosting operation, the occurrence status of an abnormal state in each showcase Sc, and the like. Then, an inference model is constructed of the causal relationship between the measurement data, the time-series setting status of the measurement cycles (first cycle Pr1, second cycle Pr2) of each sensor D, the time-series setting status of the first mode and second mode of each sensor D, the time-series operating status of each showcase Sc such as refrigeration operation, freezing operation, defrosting operation, etc., and the occurrence status of an abnormal state in each showcase Sc. For example, a conventionally known artificial intelligence program or the like may be used to construct the inference model.

[0126] If the data transmitted from the setting device Sd includes information indicating that any one of the showcases Sc is abnormal, or if it is estimated by learning-based identification that an abnormality has occurred in a certain showcase Sc, the processing unit 61 transmits an alert signal (step S39). This alert signal is transmitted, for example, from the communication unit 63 via a public communication network (the Internet) to a PC or server at the headquarters of the chain store.

[0127] With this configuration, the operational status of the showcases Sc at each store can be more easily managed via the cloud CL using a PC or server at the headquarters. For example, the headquarters can use the accumulated operational status of multiple showcases Sc at each store to output a HACCP report.

[0128] By predicting the occurrence of an abnormal state in each showcase Sc based on the measurement data, the time series setting status of the measurement cycle (first cycle Pr1, second cycle Pr2) of each sensor D, the time series setting status of the first mode and second mode of each sensor D, and the time series operating status of each showcase Sc such as refrigeration operation, freezing operation, defrosting operation, etc., when a large number of showcases Sc are installed in a large number of stores, it is possible to grasp the occurrence of an abnormal state for these multiple showcases Sc using a unified standard. Furthermore, by learning the operating status of a larger number of showcases Sc, the accuracy of predicting the occurrence of an abnormal state can be improved.

[0129] The sensor, wireless communication system, and management system according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the specific configurations of the sensor, wireless communication system, and management system according to the present invention can be freely designed and modified in various ways. [Explanation of symbols]

[0130] D: Sensor A1, A2, A3: Wireless communication system B: Management system 10: Control board 11: Light source section 12: Control section 13: Storage section 14: Wireless communication unit 15: Power supply section 21:Display section 22: Control section 23: Storage section 24: Wireless communication unit 25: Power supply section 30: Control board 31: Resistance thermometer section 32: Control section 33: Storage section 34: Wireless communication unit 35: Power supply section 36: Switch section 37: 1st wiring 38: 2nd wiring 51: Display section 52: Control unit 53: Storage section 54: Wireless communication unit 55: Power supply section 58:Operation section 61: Processing unit 61 62: Storage section 62 63: Communications Department 63 80: Housing 81: Heaven 82:Shelf 83: Power supply section 84: Cable 85: Lighting 120: Control module 140: Communication module 320: Control module 340: Communication module 361: First contact point 362: Second contact point 363: Third contact point 371: 1st resistance 381: 2nd resistor Cn1: Wireless communication network Ct: Control device CL: Cloud Es :External storage device L:Lighting equipment M1, Mn: Measurement data Pr1: 1st period Pr2: 2nd period Pra: Reading period Sc: Showcase Sd: Setting device T: Measurement temperature TL1: First mode lower limit temperature TL2: Second mode lower limit temperature TT1: First threshold temperature TT2: Second threshold temperature TU1: 1st mode upper limit temperature TU2: Second mode upper limit temperature TW: Warning temperature Te: Operation terminal Tk: Timing unit Tr1: First temperature range Tr2: Second temperature range

Claims

1. a sensor attached to the showcase; a control device for controlling the operation of the sensor; a setting device that displays the measurement data of the sensor, When the measured temperature of the sensor exceeds a management temperature, the control device transmits a control signal to change the measurement cycle of the sensor from a first cycle to a second cycle that is shorter than the first cycle; The setting device determines that the showcase to which the sensor that has entered the second cycle is attached is in defrosting operation.

2. The wireless communication system of claim 1, wherein the setting device determines that the showcase is malfunctioning if the measured temperature of the sensor during the period set to the second cycle is equal to or higher than a warning temperature higher than the control temperature, or if the period set to the second cycle continues for a predetermined period or longer.

3. 3. The wireless communication system according to claim 1, A wireless communication system, wherein a cycle at which the setting device reads the measurement data from the control device is shorter than the second cycle of the sensor.

4. a wireless communication system according to claim 1 or 2, which is installed in a store; transmitting measurement data from the control device or the setting device of the wireless communication system to a cloud; The cloud has a communication unit, a processing unit, and a storage unit, the communication unit receives the measurement data, storing the measurement data from the sensor installed in the showcase in the store in the storage unit; A management system in which the processing unit learns the status of defrosting operation of the showcase to which the sensor is attached based on the setting status of the first cycle and the second cycle of the sensor, and identifies whether the showcase is in a normal state performing defrosting operation or an abnormal state.

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