Control system

Abstract

To provide a control system that can add a new function of a functional apparatus later.SOLUTION: A control system according to an embodiment is provided with: a functional apparatus that has a predetermined function; a control unit that is communicably connected to the functional apparatus, and controls the functional apparatus to execute the function; and a host apparatus that is communicably connected to the control unit, and outputs, to the control unit, an execution instruction for instructing execution of the function in the functional apparatus. The host apparatus can extend the function for which the execution instruction is output.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention relates to a control system. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, control systems have been known that have the function of informing people in a building of an emergency situation and guiding them to evacuate by turning on lighting devices installed in the building in an emergency lighting mode in the event of an emergency such as an earthquake. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-134062 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with conventional technologies, it was necessary to incorporate the above functions into the system at the time of design, making it difficult to add new lighting control functions later, for example, so that building managers could respond to various emergency situations. This issue is not limited to functions related to lighting control of lighting devices, but can occur with any device having any function.

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a control system that allows new functions of functional devices to be added later. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A control system according to an embodiment includes a functional device having a predetermined function, a control device communicatively connected to the functional device and controlling the functional device to execute the function, and a host device communicatively connected to the control device and outputting an execution instruction to the control device to instruct the control device to execute the function in the functional device. The host device is capable of expanding the function that is the target of the execution instruction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a control system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the first server according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the association information. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the function information. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a lighting function. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a lighting function. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a lighting function. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a lighting function. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a modified example of the configuration of the control system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The control system described below includes functional devices (lighting devices 50, sensors 60) having predetermined functions, control devices (lighting control devices 30, gateway devices 40) communicatively connected to the functional devices and executing the functions by controlling the functional devices, and upper level devices (first server 10, second server 20) communicatively connected to the control devices and outputting execution instructions to the control devices to instruct them to execute the functions in the functional devices. The upper level devices are capable of expanding the functions that are the targets of the execution instructions.

[0009] When a new functional device is communicatively connected to the control device, the higher-level device described below adds and expands the functions of the functional device to the targets of execution instructions.

[0010] The higher-level device described below expands the functional content of other functional devices that are already connected for communication, based on the functions of the new functional device.

[0011] The higher-level device described below is communicatively connected to the external server 100, and adds and extends new functions based on information received from the external server 100 as targets for execution instructions in functional devices that are already communicatively connected.

[0012] The functional device described below includes at least a sensor 60 that detects the surrounding conditions and a lighting device 50. The upper device performs expansion by adding a new sensor 60 or by adding a lighting control function for the lighting device 50 based on information obtained by the sensor 60.

[0013] The control devices described below include a first control device (lighting control device 30) connected to lighting device 50 using a first communication standard, and a second control device (gateway device 40) connected to sensor 60 using a second communication standard. The higher-level device is connected to each of the first control device and the second control device so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0014] The higher-level device described below receives the detection information detected by the sensor 60 via the second control device, and determines the lighting mode of the lighting device 50 based on the detection information.

[0015] The higher-level device described below controls the lighting device 50 to light up in a specific lighting mode when the sensor 60 or the second control device is abnormal.

[0016] The detection information described below includes the detection value of the sensor 60 and identification information that identifies the sensor 60. If the identification information does not satisfy a predetermined condition, the second control device prohibits the detection information from being transmitted to the higher-level device.

[0017] Hereinafter, a control system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The same components in the embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0018] First, an overview of a control system S according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control system S according to an embodiment. The control system S according to an embodiment is a system that controls functional devices (lighting devices 50 and sensors 60) installed in a predetermined area such as the interior of a predetermined building or outdoors.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the control system S includes a first server 10, a second server 20, a first communication system S10, and a second communication system S20.

[0020] The first server 10 is a higher-level device communicatively connected to the first communication system S10. The first server 10 is, for example, a cloud computing system. The first server 10 acquires information from the first communication system S10 and outputs an execution instruction to control the lighting device 50 of the first communication system S10. Specifically, the first server 10 outputs an execution instruction to the lighting control device 30 of the first communication system S10 to instruct the lighting device 50 to execute a lighting function. Note that the first server 10 may acquire information from the second communication system S20 via the first communication system S10 and control the lighting device 50 of the first communication system S10 or the sensor 60 of the second communication system S20.

[0021] The second server 20 is a higher-level device communicatively connected to the second communication system S20. The second server 20 is, for example, a cloud computing system. The second server 20 acquires information from the second communication system S20 and outputs an execution instruction to control the sensor 60 of the second communication system S20. Specifically, the second server 20 outputs an execution instruction to the gateway device 40 of the second communication system S20 to instruct the sensor 60 to execute a detection function. The second server 20 may acquire information from the first communication system S10 via the second communication system S20 and control the lighting device 50 of the first communication system S10 or the sensor 60 of the second communication system S20. Although FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration separated into the first server 10 and the second server 20, a single server including the first server 10 and the second server 20 may be communicatively connected to both the first communication system S10 and the second communication system S20.

[0022] The first communication system S10 is a system in which a lighting control device 30 and a plurality of lighting devices 50 are communicatively connected. The lighting control device 30 and the lighting devices 50 are communicatively connected, for example, via a transmission path conforming to the DALI (registered trademark) (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) standard (first communication standard). The lighting control device 30 and the first server 10 are communicatively connected via a communication network such as the Internet.

[0023] The lighting control device 30 is communicably connected to a plurality of lighting devices 50, and performs lighting functions by controlling the lighting devices 50 in accordance with execution instructions from the first server 10. The lighting control device 30 is a so-called lighting control panel. The lighting control device 30 is an example of a first control device.

[0024] The lighting device 50 is a functional device having a lighting function. The lighting device 50 performs the lighting function under the control of the lighting control device 30. The lighting device 50 is, for example, a long lighting device (so-called lighting bar) installed on the ceiling inside a building.

[0025] The second communication system S20 is a system in which a gateway device 40 and a plurality of sensors 60 are communicatively connected. The gateway device 40 and the sensors 60 are communicatively connected by wire or wirelessly via a communication network such as the Internet (an example of a second communication standard). The gateway device 40 and the sensors 60 may also be connected by a short-range wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) (an example of a second communication standard).

[0026] The gateway device 40 is communicatively connected to a plurality of sensors 60, and executes a sensor function by controlling the sensors 60 in accordance with execution instructions from the second server 20. The gateway device 40 collects detection information detected by the sensor function and transmits it to the second server 20. Note that the gateway device 40 may transmit the detection information to the first server 10 via the lighting control device 30. The gateway device 40 is an example of a second control device.

[0027] The sensor 60 is a functional device having a sensor function for detecting the surrounding conditions. The sensor 60 executes the sensor function under the control of the gateway device 40. The sensor 60 is, for example, an infrared sensor, a human presence sensor, a camera, a carbon dioxide sensor, a temperature sensor, an earthquake sensor, a smoke sensor, etc. The sensor 60 is installed in the area (inside the building) where the lighting device 50 is installed. Specifically, the sensor 60 is attached directly to the lighting device 50 or installed in the same space (the same room) as the area where the lighting device 50 is installed.

[0028] The first communication system S10 and the second communication system S20 are communicatively connected via a communication network such as the Internet. Specifically, the lighting control device 30 and the gateway device 40 are communicatively connected via the communication network in a wired or wireless manner.

[0029] In such a configuration, the control system S according to the present disclosure is configured to be able to expand the functions of the functional devices. For example, the control system S can add a new sensor function of a sensor 60 by adding a new sensor 60 connected to the gateway device 40. Specifically, in the control system S, the first server 10 and the second server 20 pre-register information (such as identification information and sensor type) of the sensor 60 that can be added, and when a new sensor 60 is communicatively connected to the gateway device 40, the first server 10 and the second server 20 add and expand the sensor function of the new sensor 60 to the targets of execution instructions. In other words, when a new sensor 60 is communicatively connected to the gateway device 40, the first server 10 and the second server 20 instruct the execution of the sensor function of the new sensor 60, thereby enabling detection processing by the new sensor 60.

[0030] Furthermore, in the control system S, the first server 10 and the second server 20 associate information about the lighting function (such as the content of the lighting function) with information about the above-described sensor 60. When a new sensor 60 is communicatively connected to the gateway device 40, the first server 10 and the second server 20 can add and extend the lighting function associated with the information about the sensor 60 to the targets of execution instructions. In other words, when a new sensor 60 is communicatively connected to the gateway device 40, the first server 10 and the second server 20 can output an execution instruction for the lighting function using detection information detected by the new sensor 60. In other words, the first server 10 and the second server 20 extend the functional content of another functional device (lighting device 50) that is already communicatively connected, based on the function of the newly connected functional device (sensor 60). As an example of this, when a camera is newly added as the sensor 60, the first server 10 and the second server 20 can add a lighting function that identifies a suspicious person from a camera image and turns on the lighting device 50 at the location where the suspicious person is located.

[0031] In this way, in the control system S of the present disclosure, the first server 10 and the second server 20 can be expanded to add sensor functions or to add lighting functions in conjunction with the addition of sensor functions, thereby making it possible to add new functions such as sensor functions and lighting functions at a later date.

[0032] Although the above example shows an example in which the lighting function is expanded by adding a new sensor function, the first server 10 and the second server 20 may be connected to an external server for communication and acquire earthquake early warning information, etc. from the external server to expand the lighting function. Details of this point will be described later.

[0033] Furthermore, when transmitting detection information transmitted from the sensor 60 to the first server 10 or the second server 20, if the identification information of the sensor 60 included in the detection information does not satisfy a predetermined condition, the gateway device 40 may not transmit the detection information to the first server 10 or the second server 20. For example, the gateway device 40 stores the identification information of the sensor 60 obtained when the sensor 60 is connected for communication, and if the identification information included in the detection information matches the stored identification information, the gateway device 40 transmits the detection information to the first server 10 or the second server 20. On the other hand, if the identification information included in the detection information does not match the stored identification information, the gateway device 40 prohibits transmission of the detection information to the first server 10 or the second server 20. This makes it possible to avoid erroneous control of the lighting device 50 caused by transmitting detection information of an unauthorized sensor 60 not registered in the first server 10 or the second server 20 to the first server 10 or the second server 20.

[0034] Next, the first server 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the first server 10 according to the embodiment. Note that while FIG. 2 shows the functional configuration of the first server 10, the second server 20 may also have a basically similar functional configuration. The first server 10 includes a communication unit 11, a control unit 12, and a storage unit 13. The first server 10 is also connected to a lighting control device 30 and an external server 100.

[0035] The external server 100 is a server device that provides various types of information, such as earthquake early warning information and weather information.

[0036] The communication unit 11 is realized by, for example, a predetermined communication circuit etc. For example, the communication unit 11 relays communication with the external server 100 and the lighting control device 30 via a network such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or a LAN.

[0037] The storage unit 13 stores a program for realizing control by the control unit 12, association information 131, function information 132, etc. The storage unit 13 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk.

[0038] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the association information 131. The association information 131 is information in which lighting device information, which is information related to the lighting device 50, is associated with sensor information related to the sensor 60. The association information 131 is generated by the control unit 12. As shown in FIG. 3, the association information 131 includes a "linking ID," "lighting device information," and "sensor information."

[0039] The "linking ID" is identification information that identifies each piece of linking information. The "lighting device information" is information about the lighting device 50, and includes a "lighting ID" and "location information." The "lighting ID" is identification information that identifies the lighting device 50. The "location information" is information about the installation location of the lighting device 50. The "lighting device information" is registered in advance by the administrator of the lighting device 50, etc.

[0040] "Sensor information" is information related to the sensor 60 and includes a "sensor ID" and a "sensor type." The "sensor ID" is identification information that identifies the sensor 60. The "sensor type" is information that indicates the type of sensor 60, and is information that distinguishes between, for example, an infrared sensor, a human presence sensor, a camera, a carbon dioxide sensor, a temperature sensor, an earthquake sensor, a smoke sensor, etc. The "sensor information" is registered in advance by an administrator of the sensor 60, or is registered based on information sent from the sensor 60 when a new communication connection is established.

[0041] In the association information 131, the lighting device 50 and the sensor 60 associated with the same association ID have the same installation location. For example, when a sensor 60 is attached to a lighting device 50, the lighting device 50 and the sensor 60 are associated with the same association ID in the association information 131.

[0042] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the function information 132. The function information 132 is information indicating functions that can be executed in the control system S. Note that while Fig. 4 shows the function information 132 related to the lighting function, the function information 132 may further include function information related to the sensor function. The function information 132 is registered in advance by an administrator of the control system S.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 4, the function information 132 includes a "function ID," a "function content," a "lighting control content," and "required information." The "function ID" is identification information that identifies a lighting function. The "function content" is information that indicates the content of the lighting function. The "lighting control content" is information that indicates the content of lighting control, and details will be described later with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8. The "required information" is information (or sensor 60) that is required to enable the lighting function.

[0044] For example, the lighting function "earthquake response" identified by the function ID "F1" is enabled when a communication connection is established with the external server 100 that provides earthquake information and an earthquake sensor. In other words, the first server 10 is added and expanded as a target of an execution instruction for the lighting function "earthquake response" identified by the function ID "F1".

[0045] The control unit 12 is a computing device that executes various types of information processing, and may employ, for example, electronic circuits such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a micro processing unit (MPU), or integrated circuits such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The control unit 12 has an internal memory for storing programs that define various processing procedures and control data, and executes various processes using these. The control unit 12 functions as an acquisition unit 121, a determination unit 122, and a device control unit 123 by running various programs.

[0046] The acquisition unit 121 acquires various types of information. The acquisition unit 121 acquires sensor information. The acquisition unit 121 associates the acquired sensor information with lighting device information to generate associated information 131 and stores the associated information in the storage unit 13. For example, the acquisition unit 121 acquires lighting device information acquired by the sensor 60 from the lighting device 50 from the sensor 60 via the second communication system S20, and associates the acquired lighting device information with the sensor information of the sensor 60. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 121 acquires sensor information acquired by the lighting device 50 from the sensor 60 via the first communication system S10, and associates the acquired sensor information with the lighting device information of the lighting device 50.

[0047] The acquisition unit 121 also acquires detection information detected by the sensor 60 to which an execution instruction is output by the device control unit 123 (described later). The detection information includes the detection value of the sensor 60 and the sensor ID of the sensor 60.

[0048] The acquisition unit 121 also acquires, for example, earthquake early warning information, weather information, and the like from the external server 100.

[0049] The determination unit 122 determines the control content of the lighting device 50 based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit 121. Specifically, the determination unit 122 determines, based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit 121, a function from the function information 132 for which an execution instruction is to be output.

[0050] Furthermore, when an abnormality occurs in the sensor 60 or the gateway device 40, the decision unit 122 controls the lighting devices 50 to light up in a specific lighting mode. The specific lighting mode may be, for example, all lighting devices 50 being constantly lit or flashing. Alternatively, the specific lighting mode may be a specific lighting device 50 being constantly lit or flashing. An abnormality in the sensor 60 or the gateway device 40 can be identified by detecting, for example, a communication breakdown between the sensor 60 and the gateway device 40 (in this case, an abnormality in the sensor 60) or a communication breakdown between the gateway device 40 and a higher-level device (in this case, an abnormality in the gateway device 40). In this way, by controlling the lighting devices 50 to light up in a specific lighting mode when an abnormality occurs in the sensor 60 or the gateway device 40, it is possible to notify the outside of the abnormality in the sensor 60 or the gateway device 40 and avoid a situation in which the lighting devices 50 do not light up due to an abnormality in the sensor 60 or the gateway device 40, thereby reducing visibility for people.

[0051] The device control unit 123 generates an execution instruction to execute the function determined by the determination unit 122 and outputs the execution instruction to the lighting control device 30, thereby causing the lighting control device 30 to control the lighting device 50. Specifically, the device control unit 123 outputs an execution instruction to control the lighting device 50 with the control content of the “lighting control content” for the function determined by the determination unit 122 from the function information 132.

[0052] Here, the lighting function of the lighting device 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 5 to Fig. 8. Fig. 5 to Fig. 8 are diagrams showing examples of the lighting function. In Fig. 5 to Fig. 8, it is assumed that a sensor 60 is attached to each of the lighting devices 50 (six lighting devices).

[0053] 5 shows "lighting control content" for "earthquake response" identified by function ID "F1" in function information 132. That is, in FIG. 5, an earthquake sensor is attached to each lighting device 50 as sensor 60. In the example shown in FIG. 5, when the information acquired by acquisition unit 121 includes earthquake early warning information received from external server 100 and information indicating that shaking has been detected by the earthquake sensor, determination unit 122 determines the lighting function for "earthquake response" identified by function ID "F1" in function information 132 as the target of control, i.e., as the function to be instructed to be executed.

[0054] In this case, the device control unit 123 outputs an execution instruction to control the lighting devices 50 to light up in a specific lighting mode while the earthquake sensor is detecting shaking, i.e., while shaking is occurring. For example, if it is nighttime, the device control unit 123 turns on (or flashes) a predetermined number or more (e.g., more than half) of the lighting devices 50 in the space. This ensures visibility for people in the space even during an earthquake, making it easier for them to take refuge under a desk, for example. Furthermore, if it is daytime, the device control unit 123 turns off all lighting devices 50 in the space. This reduces the risk of secondary disasters, such as fires, occurring after a lighting device 50 fails, because the power supply is stopped by turning off the lighting devices 50.

[0055] Then, when the earthquake sensor no longer detects shaking, that is, when the shaking has subsided, the device control unit 123 turns on (or blinks) the lighting devices 50 located near the evacuation route E. This makes it possible to accurately notify people in the space of the evacuation route E after the earthquake has subsided.

[0056] Next, Fig. 6 shows "lighting control content" for "fire response" identified by function ID "F2" in function information 132. That is, in Fig. 6, sensors (a temperature sensor and a smoke sensor) that detect fires are attached to each lighting device 50 as sensors 60. In the example shown in Fig. 6, when the information acquired by acquisition unit 121 includes information indicating that the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a threshold and that the smoke sensor has detected the generation of smoke, determination unit 122 determines the lighting function for "fire response" identified by function ID "F2" in function information 132 as the target of control, i.e., as the function to be instructed to be executed.

[0057] In this case, the device control unit 123 identifies the location of the fire (the position of the lighting device 50 closest to the fire) based on the sensor IDs of the temperature sensor and the smoke sensor acquired by the acquisition unit 121 and the association information 131. Then, the device control unit 123 controls the lighting device 50 at the identified location of the fire to be in the first lighting mode (off in FIG. 6), and controls the lighting device 50 located near the evacuation route E to be in the second lighting mode (on in FIG. 6). This makes it possible to notify people in the space of the location of the fire and also to notify them of a safe evacuation route E where there is no fire.

[0058] Next, Fig. 7 shows "Lighting Control Contents" for "Responding to Rising CO2" identified by function ID "F3" in function information 132. That is, in Fig. 7, a CO2 sensor that detects carbon dioxide is attached as sensor 60 to each lighting device 50. In the example shown in Fig. 7, when the information acquired by acquisition unit 121 includes information indicating that the concentration of carbon dioxide detected by the CO2 sensor is equal to or greater than a threshold, determination unit 122 determines the lighting function for "Responding to Rising CO2" identified by function ID "F3" in function information 132 as the target of control, i.e., as the function to be instructed to be executed.

[0059] In this case, the device control unit 123 identifies an area where the CO2 concentration is equal to or higher than the threshold value based on the sensor ID of the CO2 sensor acquired by the acquisition unit 121 and the association information 131. Then, the device control unit 123 controls the lighting devices 50 in the identified area of ​​high CO2 concentration to be in a specific lighting mode (lit or blinking in FIG. 7). This makes it possible to notify people in the space of the location of the area of ​​high CO2 concentration and draw their attention.

[0060] Next, FIG. 8 shows the "lighting control content" for "response to suspicious person" identified by the function ID "F4" in the function information 132. That is, in FIG. 8, a camera is attached to each lighting device 50 as the sensor 60. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the determination unit 122 first detects the presence of a suspicious person based on the camera image acquired by the acquisition unit 121. The suspicious person can be detected, for example, by analyzing the camera image and based on the movement of the person captured in the image, their clothing, their entry into a no-entry area, etc. When the determination unit 122 detects a suspicious person, it determines the lighting function for "response to suspicious person" identified by the function ID "F4" in the function information 132 as the target of control, i.e., as the function to be instructed to be executed.

[0061] In this case, the device control unit 123 identifies the position of the suspicious person based on the camera image acquired by the acquisition unit 121, and controls the lighting device 50 that is close to the identified position of the suspicious person to be in a specific lighting mode (lit or blinking in FIG. 8). This makes it possible to notify people in the space of the position of the suspicious person and draw their attention, and also to issue a warning to the suspicious person that they have been detected as a suspicious person by the control system S.

[0062] As described above, the control system S according to the embodiment includes functional devices (lighting devices 50, sensors 60) having predetermined functions, control devices (lighting control devices 30, gateway devices 40) communicatively connected to the functional devices and executing the functions by controlling the functional devices, and higher-level devices (first server 10, second server 20) communicatively connected to the control devices and outputting execution instructions to the control devices to instruct the control devices to execute the functions of the functional devices. The higher-level devices are capable of expanding the functions that are the targets of the execution instructions. As a result, in the control system S according to the present disclosure, the first server 10 and the second server 20 are capable of being expanded to add a sensor function or to add lighting functions in conjunction with the addition of a sensor function, thereby enabling new functions such as sensor functions and lighting functions to be added later.

[0063] 1 is merely an example. Another configuration of the control system S will be described with reference to FIG.

[0064] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a modified example of the configuration of the control system S. Note that in Fig. 9, of the configuration of the control system S shown in Fig. 1, the second communication system S20 and the second server 20 are not shown, but are configured similarly to those in Fig. 1.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 9, the control system S according to the modification is different from the configuration of the first server 10 shown in FIG. 1 in that it is configured as being divided into a cloud server 10a and an edge server 10b.

[0066] 9, the cloud server 10a is configured by cloud computing, that is, is located outside a facility F such as a building where the first communication system S10 is located. The edge server 10b is a server device located inside the facility F where the first communication system S10 is located.

[0067] Cloud server 10a and edge server 10b cooperate to perform the functions of the first server 10 described above. That is, cloud server 10a and edge server 10b share the functions of acquisition unit 121, determination unit 122, and device control unit 123 in control unit 12 of first server 10. For example, cloud server 10a has acquisition unit 121, and edge server 10b has determination unit 122 and device control unit 123. It is possible to arbitrarily set how acquisition unit 121, determination unit 122, and device control unit 123 are allocated to cloud server 10a and edge server 10b.

[0068] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This embodiment can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as the invention described in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 10 First Server 10a Cloud Server 10b Edge Server 11 Communications Department 12 Control Unit 13 Storage section 20 Second Server 30 Lighting control device 40 Gateway Device 50 Lighting equipment 60 sensors 100 external servers 121 Acquisition Department 122 Decision Section 123 Equipment control section 131 Linking Information 132 Feature Information E. Evacuation Route F Facility S Control System S10 First communication system S20 Second Communication System

Claims

1. A functional device having a predetermined function; a control device that is communicatively connected to the functional device and controls the functional device to execute the function; a host device that is communicably connected to the control device and outputs an execution instruction to the control device to instruct the control device to execute the function in the functional device; Equipped with The higher-level device is The function that is the target of the execution instruction can be expanded. Control system.

2. The higher-level device is When a new functional device is connected to the control device for communication, the function of the functional device is added to and expanded as a target of the execution instruction. The control system of claim 1 .

3. The higher-level device is Expanding the functional content of the other functional devices that are already connected for communication based on the function of the new functional device. The control system of claim 2 .

4. the host device is communicatively connected to an external server, The new function based on the information received from the external server is added and expanded as a target of the execution instruction in the functional device that is already connected in communication. The control system of claim 1 .

5. the functional device includes at least a sensor that detects a surrounding situation and a lighting device; The higher-level device is The system is expanded by adding a new sensor or by adding a lighting control function for the lighting device based on information obtained by the sensor. The control system of claim 1 .

6. The control device a first control device connected to the lighting device according to a first communication standard; a second control device connected to the sensor according to a second communication standard; The higher-level device is communicatively connected to each of the first control device and the second control device The control system of claim 5 .

7. The higher-level device is The second control device receives detection information detected by the sensor, and determines the illumination mode of the illumination device based on the detection information. The control system of claim 6.

8. The higher-level device is If the sensor or the second control device is abnormal, the lighting device is controlled to be turned on in a specific lighting mode. The control system of claim 7.

9. the detection information includes a detection value of the sensor and identification information for identifying the sensor; The second control device is If the identification information does not satisfy a predetermined condition, the detection information is prohibited from being transmitted to the higher-level device. The control system of claim 7.

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