Luminaire, lighting system, control method, and program

Abstract

To provide a lighting fixture or the like capable of suppressing unintended behavior by a plurality of control signals.SOLUTION: Each of luminaires 20 included in the mesh network includes light source 24, obtainer 221 which obtains a first control signal including information indicating a priority, controller 222 which performs control based on the first control signal obtained by obtainer 221, and determiner 223 which determines which of a first priority included in the first control signal and a second priority included in a second control signal different from the first control signal is higher, when the second control signal is obtained before a predetermined period elapses from a start of the control based on the first control signal, when the determiner 223 determines that the first priority is higher than the second priority, the controller 222 does not execute the control based on the second control signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lighting fixture, a lighting system, a control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] A technology has been disclosed in which a plurality of lighting fixtures that illuminate an indoor space are controlled by transmitting control signals for controlling the lighting fixtures via a mesh network (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-133218 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 has the problem that when a lighting fixture receives two or more control signals with different contents at relatively short intervals, if it executes control based on the last control signal it received, it may be controlled to a state different from the state desired by the user.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a lighting fixture, a lighting system, a control method, and a program that can prevent unintended behavior due to multiple control signals. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of a lighting device according to the present disclosure is a lighting device that forms a mesh network and includes: a light source; an acquisition unit that acquires a control signal including information indicating a priority; a control unit that executes control based on the control signal acquired by the acquisition unit; and a determination unit that, when a second control signal different from the acquired first control signal is acquired before a predetermined period of time has elapsed since control based on the acquired first control signal began, determines which of the first priority included in the first control signal and the second priority included in the second control signal is higher; and when the determination unit determines that the first priority is higher than the second priority, the control unit does not execute control based on the second control signal.

[0007] Furthermore, one aspect of a lighting fixture according to the present disclosure is a lighting fixture that forms part of a mesh network, and includes a light source, an acquisition unit that acquires a control signal including information indicating priority, a control unit that executes control based on the control signal acquired by the acquisition unit, and a determination unit that determines the type of the control signal and the source device that sent the control signal, wherein when the control unit acquires a second control signal that is different from the first control signal before a predetermined period of time has elapsed since starting control based on the acquired first control signal, and the determination unit determines that the type of the first control signal and the type of the second control signal match and that the source device of the first control signal and the source device of the second control signal are different, the control unit does not execute control based on the second control signal.

[0008] Furthermore, one aspect of a lighting system according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of the lighting devices described above and a control terminal that transmits a control signal for controlling one or more of the lighting devices.

[0009] Furthermore, one aspect of the control method according to the present disclosure is a control method executed by lighting fixtures that constitute a mesh network, and includes an acquisition step of acquiring a control signal including information indicating priority, a control step of executing control based on the control signal acquired in the acquisition step, and a determination step of determining which of the first priority included in the first control signal or the second priority included in the second control signal is higher when a second control signal different from the acquired first control signal is acquired before a predetermined period of time has elapsed since control based on the acquired first control signal began, and in the control step, if it is determined in the determination step that the first priority is higher than the second priority, control based on the second control signal is not executed.

[0010] Furthermore, one aspect of the control method according to the present disclosure is a control method executed by lighting fixtures that constitute a mesh network, comprising an acquisition step of acquiring a control signal including information indicating priority, a control step of executing control based on the control signal acquired in the acquisition step, and a determination step of determining the type of the control signal and the source device that sent the control signal, wherein in the control step, if a second control signal different from the first control signal is acquired before a predetermined period of time has elapsed since control based on the acquired first control signal was started, and if it is determined in the determination step that the type of the first control signal and the type of the second control signal match and that the source device of the first control signal and the source device of the second control signal are different, control based on the second control signal is not executed.

[0011] The present disclosure can be realized not only as the above-described control method, but also as a program for causing a computer to execute the above-described control method, and further as a computer-readable recording medium storing the program. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The lighting fixture, lighting system, control method, and program according to the present disclosure can prevent unintended behavior due to multiple control signals. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a lighting system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the lighting system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the content of a control signal according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first operation example of the lighting device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the second operation example of the lighting device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the third operation example of the lighting device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the fourth operation example of the lighting device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] (Embodiment) Hereinafter, embodiments of a lighting fixture, a lighting system, a control method, and a program according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that each of the embodiments described below represents a preferred specific example of the present disclosure. The numerical values, components, component placement and connection configurations, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components not recited in independent claims will be described as optional components constituting a preferred embodiment.

[0015] It should be noted that the drawings are schematic diagrams and are not necessarily strict illustrations. In addition, in the drawings, substantially the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

[0016] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a lighting system according to an embodiment. Each circle in Fig. 1 corresponds to one lighting fixture 20 or one control terminal 30 (in other words, a communication node). In a mesh network 40, when information is transmitted from one communication node to another, the information is transmitted, for example, by a routing method, but may also be transmitted by other methods such as a flooding method.

[0017] 1, control terminal 30 transmits control signals to lighting fixtures 20. A control signal transmitted from control terminal 30 to one lighting fixture 20 is then transmitted to other lighting fixtures 20 via mesh network 40. In this way, control terminal 30 can transmit control signals to multiple lighting fixtures 20 that make up mesh network 40.

[0018] Generally, when lighting device 20 receives a control signal, it is controlled based on the received control signal.

[0019] Here, when the lighting system 10 has multiple control terminals 30, for example, immediately after a control signal is transmitted from a control terminal 30a provided at one end of the space in which the mesh network 40 is provided, a control signal may be transmitted from another control terminal 30b provided at the opposite end of the space.

[0020] In such a case, taking into consideration the time required for a control signal to be transmitted through mesh network 40, a lighting fixture 20 located near control terminal 30a will receive the control signal transmitted from control terminal 30a after the control signal transmitted from control terminal 30b, and thus the lighting fixture 20 will ultimately be controlled based on the control signal transmitted from control terminal 30b. Similarly, a lighting fixture 20 located near control terminal 30b will receive the control signal transmitted from control terminal 30a after the control signal transmitted from control terminal 30b, and thus the lighting fixture 20 will ultimately be controlled based on the control signal transmitted from control terminal 30a.

[0021] In other words, lighting device 20 is not controlled based on the control signal transmitted from nearby control terminal 30. This poses a problem in that lighting device 20 may be controlled to a state different from the user's desired state. Therefore, lighting device 20 according to the present disclosure does not execute control based on a subsequently received control signal under predetermined conditions (described in detail below). This type of lighting device 20 can prevent lighting device 20 from behaving in a way that is unintended by the user due to multiple control signals.

[0022] [composition] First, the configuration of a lighting system according to the present embodiment will be described. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a lighting system 10 according to the embodiment. Lighting system 10 includes a plurality of lighting fixtures 20 and a plurality of control terminals 30.

[0023] In the lighting system 10, the lighting fixtures 20 and the control terminals 30 each have wireless capabilities, and the lighting fixtures 20 and the control terminals 30 form a wireless mesh network 40 (hereinafter simply referred to as mesh network 40). The wireless mesh network 40 is an example of a wireless network.

[0024] The mesh network 40 may include devices other than the plurality of lighting fixtures 20 and the plurality of control terminals 30. For example, the mesh network 40 may include devices such as an environmental sensor or a projector (not shown).

[0025] The information transmitted through the mesh network 40 is, for example, control information for controlling the turning on, turning off, or dimming of the lighting fixtures 20. Furthermore, when the mesh network 40 includes an environmental sensor, the measurement values ​​(sensing information) of the environmental sensor are transmitted.

[0026] First, the lighting fixture 20 will be described. The lighting fixture 20 has a wireless communication function, and multiple lighting fixtures 20, together with multiple control terminals 30, form a mesh network 40. The lighting fixture 20 is, for example, a base light installed on the ceiling of an indoor space to illuminate the indoor space. The lighting fixture 20 has a function of irradiating the indoor space with light based on a control signal acquired via the mesh network 40. The lighting fixture 20 also has a function of relaying the acquired control signal to other lighting fixtures 20 via the mesh network 40. The lighting fixture 20 is not particularly limited in form, and may be a ceiling light, downlight, spotlight, or the like. Specifically, the lighting fixture 20 includes a communication unit 21, an information processing unit 22, a memory unit 23, and a light source 24.

[0027] The communication unit 21 is a wireless communication circuit that enables the lighting fixture 20 to communicate wirelessly (more specifically, via radio waves) with the control terminal 30 and other lighting fixtures 20. The communication unit 21 communicates via a mesh network 40 that is made up of multiple lighting fixtures 20 and one or more control terminals 30. Specifically, the communication unit 21 performs wireless communication in accordance with a communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy (BLE) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) mesh.

[0028] Information processing unit 22 performs information processing and the like for operating lighting device 20. Information processing unit 22 operates lighting device 20, for example, by controlling light source 24. Information processing unit 22 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor or a dedicated circuit. The functions of information processing unit 22 are realized by hardware such as a microcomputer or processor constituting information processing unit 22 executing a computer program (software) stored in storage unit 23. Information processing unit 22 specifically includes an acquisition unit 221, a control unit 222, a determination unit 223, and an output unit 224.

[0029] The acquisition unit 221 acquires a control signal.

[0030] The control unit 222 executes control based on the acquired control signal.

[0031] The determination unit 223 determines whether the acquired control signal satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0032] The output unit 224 transmits the acquired control signal to other lighting fixtures 20.

[0033] Storage unit 23 is a storage device that stores control signal information related to the control signal acquired by acquisition unit 221, and various information necessary for operation of lighting device 20. Storage unit 23 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory.

[0034] The light source 24 emits white light into the indoor space so that the lighting fixture 20 can illuminate the indoor space. The light source 24 is realized by, for example, an LED element, but may also be realized by other light-emitting elements such as a semiconductor laser, an organic EL element, or an inorganic EL element.

[0035] Next, the control terminal 30 will be described. The control terminal 30 has wireless communication capabilities and forms a mesh network 40 together with a plurality of lighting fixtures 20 and other control terminals 30. The control terminal 30 is, for example, a remote controller for controlling the lighting fixtures 20. The control terminal 30 may be portable. Specifically, the control terminal 30 includes a communication unit 31, an information processing unit 32, a storage unit 33, and an operation reception unit 34.

[0036] The communication unit 31 is a wireless communication circuit that enables the control terminal 30 to perform wireless communication (more specifically, radio wave communication) with the lighting fixtures 20 and other control terminals 30. The communication unit 31 performs communication via a mesh network 40 that is configured by multiple lighting fixtures 20 and one or more control terminals 30. Specifically, the communication unit 31 performs wireless communication in accordance with a communication standard such as BLE or Bluetooth (registered trademark) mesh.

[0037] Information processing unit 32 performs information processing and the like to enable control terminal 30 to transmit control signals for controlling lighting fixtures 20. Information processing unit 32 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor or a dedicated circuit. The functions of information processing unit 32 are realized by hardware such as a microcomputer or processor constituting information processing unit 32 executing a computer program (software) stored in storage unit 33. Information processing unit 32 specifically includes an acquisition unit 321, a control unit 322, and an output unit 323.

[0038] The acquisition unit 321 acquires operations accepted by the operation acceptance unit 34, control signals transmitted by other control terminals 30, and the like.

[0039] The control unit 322 generates a control signal to be transmitted based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit 321 .

[0040] Output unit 323 outputs a control signal for controlling lighting device 20 and the like.

[0041] Storage unit 33 is a storage device that stores setting information set in control terminal 30 and information necessary for information processing, such as computer programs executed by information processing unit 32. Storage unit 33 is realized, for example, by a semiconductor memory. The computer programs stored in storage unit 33 include dedicated application programs for operating control terminal 30 as a control terminal for lighting fixtures 20.

[0042] The operation accepting unit 34 accepts user operations and is realized by, for example, a push button or the like.

[0043] Here, a description will be given of a case where a user configures the control terminal 30. Using a configuration terminal (not shown), the user configures the control target and control content of the control signal that is transmitted when, for example, the user operates the operation reception unit 34 of each of the multiple control terminals 30.

[0044] The setting terminal is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), etc. The setting terminal may also be a dedicated remote controller used in the lighting system 10.

[0045] The setting terminal communicates with one of the devices that make up the mesh network 40 using, for example, a communication protocol different from that of the mesh network 40. By transmitting this communication via the mesh network 40, any control terminal 30 can be set.

[0046] [Control signal] A specific description will be given of the control signal transmitted by the control terminal 30. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the content of the control signal according to the embodiment.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 3, the control signal includes information indicating "dst", "src", "opcode", and "data".

[0048] "dst" indicates the destination of the control signal. The destination is information for identifying the lighting fixture 20 that is to be controlled by the control signal. The destination is, for example, identification information set for each lighting fixture 20 that is to be controlled. Furthermore, if a group of multiple lighting fixtures 20 is set in advance, the destination may be group identification information for identifying the group.

[0049] "src" indicates the source address of the control signal. The source address is information for identifying the control terminal 30 that sent the control signal. A source address is set for each control terminal 30. "src" can also be used to determine the priority of the control signal (details will be described later).

[0050] The "opcode" indicates the type of control signal. The type of control signal indicates how the lighting device 20 that received the control signal will be controlled. Examples of types of control signal include "remote control," "preset playback," and "scene control."

[0051] The "data" indicates the detailed control value of the control signal. The lighting device 20 operates the light source 24 based on the control value included in the control signal. The "data" may also include information indicating the priority of the control signal.

[0052] The control signal may further include other information used for authentication and checking, such as the time when the control signal was transmitted and the number of times the control signal was transmitted over the mesh network 40.

[0053] When lighting device 20 receives a control signal, it updates the control signal information stored in storage unit 23. The control signal information may be information that associates the time at which a control signal is received with the control signal itself, or information that associates the time at which a control signal is received with information indicating the type of control signal and the priority of the control signal.

[0054] The control signal information may be set to an initial value. The initial value of the control signal information may be, for example, "none" for the type of control signal, "lowest" for the priority of the control signal, and "after a predetermined period of time has elapsed" for the time at which the control signal is accepted. The initial value of the control signal information is set so that the control signal acquired when the control signal information has the initial value can be accepted as a result of determining whether a predetermined condition, which will be described later, is satisfied.

[0055] [Example 1] When lighting device 20 receives multiple control signals, if control is executed based on the later-acquired control signal, the lighting device may be controlled to a state different from the state desired by the user. Here, lighting device 20 in lighting system 10 can prevent unintended behavior due to multiple control signals by determining whether or not to execute control based on the later-acquired control signal based on predetermined conditions such as priority.

[0056] The following describes a first operational example of such lighting device 20. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first operational example of lighting device 20 according to the embodiment.

[0057] First, the control signal information stored in memory unit 23 is set to an initial value. Next, acquisition unit 221 of lighting device 20 acquires a first control signal (S101). The first control signal transmitted by communication unit 31 of control terminal 30 is transmitted over mesh network 40 and acquired by acquisition unit 221 via communication unit 21.

[0058] Next, the control unit 222 updates the control signal information stored in the storage unit 23 based on the first control signal acquired by the acquisition unit 221 (S102). Specifically, the control unit 222 stores the type and priority of the first control signal, as well as time information about the time when the control signal information was updated, in the storage unit 23. Note that instead of storing the time information, a timer that counts the elapsed time may be started.

[0059] Next, control unit 222 receives a first control signal (S103). Control unit 222 controls lighting device 20 based on the received first control signal. That is, if the destination of the first control signal includes lighting device 20, control unit 222 controls the dimming state of light source 24, etc., based on the first control signal. If the destination of the first control signal includes another lighting device 20, output unit 224 transmits the first control signal to the other lighting device 20 via communication unit 21.

[0060] The process of step S103 is executed immediately after the process of step S102 is executed. Note that the process of step S102 may be executed after the process of step S103 is executed.

[0061] Thereafter, the acquisition unit 221 acquires a second control signal that is different from the first control signal (S104).

[0062] When the acquisition unit 221 acquires the second control signal, the determination unit 223 determines whether the destination of the second control signal is a group (S105). The determination unit 223 refers to the "dst" portion of the control signal shown in Fig. 3 and determines whether the destination matches group identification information indicating a group.

[0063] If it is determined that the destination is not a group (No in S105), control unit 222 accepts the second control signal (S110). That is, if the control target of the second control signal is one specific lighting fixture 20, control unit 222 accepts the second control signal and controls lighting fixture 20 based on the second control signal. If the destination of the second control signal is that lighting fixture 20, control unit 222 controls the dimming state of light source 24, etc., based on the second control signal. If the destination of the second control signal is another lighting fixture 20, output unit 224 transmits the second control signal to the other lighting fixture 20 via communication unit 21.

[0064] If it is determined that the destination is a group (Yes in S105), the determination unit 223 determines whether or not a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the first control signal was received (S106). The determination unit 223 determines whether or not a predetermined period of time has elapsed from the time stored in the storage unit 23 in step S102 until the acquisition unit 221 acquires the second control signal in step S104. Note that the determination unit 223 may determine whether or not the predetermined period of time has elapsed by referring to the counting started in step S102.

[0065] The predetermined period is, for example, 15 seconds, but may also be 5 seconds or 1 minute. The predetermined period is set depending on the size of the space in which the lighting system 10 is installed, the number and locations of the communication nodes that make up the mesh network 40, etc. The predetermined period may be longer than the time required for a control signal to be transmitted from a communication node at the edge of the mesh network 40 to all of the communication nodes that make up the mesh network 40.

[0066] If it is determined that a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the first control signal was received (Yes in S106), the control unit 222 updates the control signal information stored in the storage unit 23 (S109). Specifically, the control unit 222 stores the type and priority of the second control signal, as well as time information about the time when the control signal information was updated. Note that instead of storing the time information, the control unit 222 may reset the count of a timer that counts the elapsed time and restart the count.

[0067] After updating the control signal information, the control unit 222 receives a second control signal (S110).

[0068] If it is determined that a predetermined period of time has not elapsed since the first control signal was received (No in S106), the determination unit 223 determines whether the first priority is higher than the second priority and whether the types of the control signals match (S107). The first priority is the priority of the first control signal, and the second priority is the priority of the second control signal. The second priority being higher than the first priority indicates that the user has set it so that control based on the first control signal is executed with priority over control based on the second control signal.

[0069] The priority is included in at least one of the "src" portion and the "data" portion of the control signal shown in Fig. 3. The determination unit 223 determines which of the first priority and the second priority is higher by referring to the priority of the control signal stored in the storage unit 23 and the priority of the acquired second control signal.

[0070] The type of control signal is included in the "opcode" portion of the control signal shown in Fig. 3. The determination unit 223 determines whether the types of the control signal match by referring to the type of the first control signal stored in the storage unit 23 and the type of the acquired second control signal. Note that the "opcode" values ​​do not need to match, and multiple "opcode" values ​​may be associated as the same type of control signal.

[0071] If it is determined that the first priority is higher than the second priority and that the type of the first control signal matches the type of the second control signal (Yes in S107), the control unit 222 discards the second control signal (S108). If the second control signal is discarded, the control unit 222 does not execute control based on the second control signal, and does not update the control signal information.

[0072] Note that if the second control signal is discarded, control based on the second control signal is not executed, and therefore output unit 224 does not transmit the second control signal to other lighting devices 20; however, output unit 224 may transmit the second control signal to other lighting devices 20.

[0073] If it is determined that the first priority is lower than or equal to the second priority, or that the type of the first control signal is different from the type of the second control signal (No in S107), control unit 222 updates the control signal information stored in storage unit 23 (S109) and accepts the second control signal (S110). That is, if the destination of the second control signal includes the lighting device 20, control unit 222 controls the dimming state of light source 24, etc., based on the second control signal. If the destination of the second control signal includes another lighting device 20, output unit 224 transmits the second control signal to the other lighting device 20 via communication unit 21.

[0074] According to the above-described operation, when lighting device 20 receives multiple control signals, if the control signal received later has a lower priority, lighting device 20 will not execute control based on the control signal received later. This prevents lighting device 20 from behaving unintentionally due to multiple control signals.

[0075] [Example 2] In the first operational example, a determination is made as to whether the destination of the second control signal is a group, but the determination as to whether the destination is a group does not have to be made. In other words, a determination as to whether to accept the second control signal may be made even if the destination is not a group.

[0076] The following describes a second example of operation of lighting device 20. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the second example of operation of lighting device 20 according to the embodiment.

[0077] First, the control signal information stored in storage unit 23 is set to an initial value. Next, acquisition unit 221 of lighting device 20 acquires a first control signal (S201), and control unit 222 updates the control signal information stored in storage unit 23 based on the first control signal acquired by acquisition unit 221 (S202) and accepts the first control signal (S203). Control unit 222 controls lighting device 20 based on the accepted first control signal. That is, if the destination of the first control signal includes lighting device 20, control unit 222 controls the dimming state of light source 24, etc., based on the first control signal. If the destination of the first control signal includes another lighting device 20, output unit 224 transmits the first control signal to the other lighting device 20 via communication unit 21.

[0078] Thereafter, the acquiring unit 221 acquires a second control signal that is different from the first control signal (S204).

[0079] When the acquisition unit 221 acquires the second control signal, the determination unit 223 determines whether or not a predetermined period has elapsed since the first control signal was received (S205).

[0080] If it is determined that a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the first control signal was received (Yes in S205), the control unit 222 updates the control signal information stored in the storage unit 23 (S208). Specifically, the control unit 222 stores the type and priority of the second control signal, as well as time information about the time when the control signal information was updated. Note that instead of storing the time information, the control unit 222 may reset the count of a timer that counts the elapsed time and restart the count.

[0081] After updating the control signal information, the control unit 222 receives a second control signal (S209). The control unit 222 executes control based on the received second control signal.

[0082] If it is determined that a predetermined period of time has not elapsed since the first control signal was received (No in S205), the determination unit 223 determines whether the first priority is higher than the second priority and whether the types of the control signals match (S206).

[0083] If it is determined that the first priority is higher than the second priority and that the type of the first control signal matches the type of the second control signal (Yes in S206), the control unit 222 discards the second control signal (S207). If the second control signal is discarded, the control unit 222 does not execute control based on the second control signal, and does not update the control signal information.

[0084] Note that if the second control signal is discarded, control based on the second control signal is not executed, and therefore output unit 224 does not transmit the second control signal to other lighting devices 20; however, output unit 224 may transmit the second control signal to other lighting devices 20.

[0085] If it is determined that the first priority is lower than or equal to the second priority, or that the type of the first control signal is different from the type of the second control signal (No in S206), control unit 222 updates the control signal information stored in storage unit 23 (S208) and accepts the second control signal (S209). That is, if the destination of the second control signal includes the lighting device 20, control unit 222 controls the dimming state of light source 24 based on the second control signal. If the destination of the second control signal includes another lighting device 20, output unit 224 transmits the second control signal to the other lighting device 20 via communication unit 21.

[0086] Through the above-described operation, lighting device 20 can be prevented from behaving unintentionally due to multiple control signals.

[0087] [Example 3] In the first operational example, if the destination of the second control signal is not a group, the control signal information is updated based on the second control signal. However, if the destination of the second control signal is not a group, the control signal information may be updated to its initial value. In other words, if a control signal for controlling one lighting device 20 is received, a subsequently acquired control signal may be accepted.

[0088] The following describes Operation Example 3 of such lighting device 20. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of Operation Example 3 of lighting device 20 according to an embodiment.

[0089] First, the control signal information stored in storage unit 23 is set to an initial value. Next, acquisition unit 221 of lighting device 20 acquires a first control signal (S301). Control unit 222 updates the control signal information stored in storage unit 23 based on the first control signal acquired by acquisition unit 221 (S302) and accepts the first control signal (S303). Control unit 222 controls lighting device 20 based on the accepted first control signal. That is, if the destination of the first control signal includes lighting device 20, control unit 222 controls the dimming state of light source 24, etc., based on the first control signal. If the destination of the first control signal includes another lighting device 20, output unit 224 transmits the first control signal to the other lighting device 20 via communication unit 21.

[0090] Thereafter, the acquiring unit 221 acquires a second control signal that is different from the first control signal (S304).

[0091] When the acquisition unit 221 acquires the second control signal, the determination unit 223 determines whether the destination of the second control signal is a group (S305). The determination unit 223 refers to the "dst" portion of the control signal shown in Fig. 3 and determines whether the destination matches group identification information indicating a group.

[0092] If it is determined that the destination is not a group (No in S305), the control unit 222 updates the control signal information stored in the storage unit 23 to the initial value (S309).

[0093] If it is determined that the destination is a group (Yes in S305), the determining unit 223 determines whether or not a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the first control signal was received (S306).

[0094] If it is determined that a predetermined period of time has not elapsed since the first control signal was received (No in S306), the determination unit 223 determines whether the first priority is higher than the second priority and whether the types of the control signals match (S307).

[0095] If it is determined that the first priority is higher than the second priority and that the type of the first control signal matches the type of the second control signal (Yes in S307), the control unit 222 discards the second control signal (S308). If the second control signal is discarded, the control unit 222 does not execute control based on the second control signal, and does not update the control signal information.

[0096] Note that if the second control signal is discarded, control based on the second control signal is not executed, and therefore output unit 224 does not transmit the second control signal to other lighting devices 20; however, output unit 224 may transmit the second control signal to other lighting devices 20.

[0097] If it is determined that a predetermined period of time has elapsed since receiving the first control signal (Yes in S306), and if it is determined that the first priority is lower than or equal to the second priority or that the type of control signal is different (No in S307), control unit 222 updates the control signal information stored in storage unit 23 based on the second control signal (S309) and receives the second control signal (S310). That is, if the destination of the second control signal includes the lighting device 20, control unit 222 controls the dimming state of light source 24, etc., based on the second control signal. If the destination of the second control signal includes another lighting device 20, output unit 224 transmits the second control signal to the other lighting device 20 via communication unit 21.

[0098] Through the above-described operation, lighting device 20 can be prevented from behaving unintentionally due to multiple control signals.

[0099] [Example 4] In operation example 1, whether to accept a control signal is determined based on the priority of the control signal, but whether to accept a control signal may also be determined based on the source device of the control signal that sent the control signal, rather than the priority of the control signal.

[0100] The following describes Operation Example 4 of such lighting device 20. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of Operation Example 4 of lighting device 20 according to the embodiment.

[0101] First, the control signal information stored in storage unit 23 is set to an initial value. Next, acquisition unit 221 of lighting device 20 acquires a first control signal (S401), and control unit 222 updates the control signal information stored in storage unit 23 based on the first control signal acquired by acquisition unit 221 (S402) and accepts the first control signal (S403). Control unit 222 controls lighting device 20 based on the accepted first control signal. That is, if the destination of the first control signal includes lighting device 20, control unit 222 controls the dimming state of light source 24, etc., based on the first control signal. If the destination of the first control signal includes another lighting device 20, output unit 224 transmits the first control signal to the other lighting device 20 via communication unit 21.

[0102] Thereafter, the acquiring unit 221 acquires a second control signal that is different from the first control signal (S404).

[0103] When the acquisition unit 221 acquires the second control signal, the determination unit 223 determines whether the destination of the second control signal is a group (S405). The determination unit 223 refers to the "dst" portion of the control signal shown in Fig. 3 and determines whether the destination matches group identification information indicating a group.

[0104] If it is determined that the destination is not a group (No in S405), the control unit 222 accepts a second control signal (S410).

[0105] If it is determined that the destination is a group (Yes in S405), the determining unit 223 determines whether or not a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the first control signal was received (S406).

[0106] If it is determined that a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the first control signal was received (Yes in S406), the control unit 222 updates the control signal information stored in the memory unit 23 (S409) and receives a second control signal (S410).

[0107] If it is determined that a predetermined period of time has not elapsed since the first control signal was received (No in S406), the judgment unit 223 determines whether the source addresses of the control signals match and whether the types of the control signals match (S407).

[0108] The source address of the control signal is the “src” portion of the control signal shown in Fig. 3. The determination unit 223 checks the source address of the first control signal by referring to the control signal information stored in the storage unit 23, and determines whether or not it matches the source address of the second control signal acquired by the acquisition unit 221.

[0109] If it is determined that the source address of the first control signal and the source address of the second control signal are different and that the type of the first control signal and the type of the second control signal match (Yes in S407), the control unit 222 discards the second control signal (S408). If the second control signal is discarded, the control unit 222 does not execute control based on the second control signal, and does not update the control signal information.

[0110] Note that if the second control signal is discarded, control based on the second control signal is not executed, and therefore output unit 224 does not transmit the second control signal to other lighting devices 20; however, output unit 224 may transmit the second control signal to other lighting devices 20.

[0111] If it is determined that the source address of the first control signal and the source address of the second control signal match, or that the types of the first control signal and the second control signal are different (No in S407), control unit 222 updates the control signal information stored in storage unit 23 (S409) and accepts the second control signal (S410). That is, if the destinations of the second control signal include the lighting device 20, control unit 222 controls the dimming state of light source 24, etc., based on the second control signal. If the destinations of the second control signal include another lighting device 20, output unit 224 transmits the second control signal to the other lighting device 20 via communication unit 21.

[0112] According to the above operation, when lighting device 20 receives multiple control signals, if the control signals are transmitted from different devices, lighting device 20 will not execute control based on the control signal received later.

[0113] For example, when a user attempts to control lighting device 20 using control terminal 30, if the user makes an incorrect operation and then sends a control signal using the same control terminal 30 repeatedly, lighting device 20 can execute control based on the control signal acquired later.

[0114] Therefore, lighting device 20 like this can prevent unintended behavior due to multiple control signals.

[0115] [Effects, etc.] The technologies derived from the disclosure of this specification are, for example, the following technologies. Below, the technologies derived from the disclosure of this specification will be described together with the effects and the like obtained by the technologies.

[0116] Technique 1 is a lighting fixture 20 that constitutes a mesh network 40, and includes a light source 24, an acquisition unit 221 that acquires a control signal including information indicating a priority, a control unit 222 that executes control based on the control signal acquired by the acquisition unit 221, and a determination unit 223 that determines which of the first priority included in the first control signal and the second priority included in the second control signal is higher when a second control signal different from the acquired first control signal is acquired before a predetermined period of time has elapsed since control based on the acquired first control signal began, and when the determination unit 223 determines that the first priority is higher than the second priority, the control unit 222 does not execute control based on the second control signal.

[0117] When lighting device 20 receives multiple control signals, if the control signal received later has a lower priority, lighting device 20 will not execute control based on the control signal received later. This makes it possible to prevent lighting device 20 from behaving unintentionally due to multiple control signals.

[0118] Technique 2 is lighting device 20 of technique 1, in which determination unit 223 further determines whether the type of the first control signal matches the type of the second control signal, and control unit 222 does not execute control based on the second control signal when determination unit 223 determines that the first priority is higher than the second priority and that the type of the first control signal matches the type of the second control signal.

[0119] When lighting device 20 receives multiple control signals, if the control signal received later has a lower priority and is the same type as the control signal, lighting device 20 will not execute control based on the control signal received later. This makes it possible to prevent lighting device 20 from behaving unintentionally due to multiple control signals.

[0120] Technique 3 is lighting device 20 according to Technique 1 or 2, in which control unit 222 executes control based on the second control signal when there is one lighting device 20 that is the control target of the second control signal.

[0121] Such lighting device 20 performs control based on the control signal it receives later if the control signal it receives controls only one lighting device 20, i.e., if the control signal is not addressed to a group. Such lighting device 20 can prevent unintended behavior due to multiple control signals.

[0122] Technique 4 relates to a lighting fixture 20 that constitutes a mesh network 40, and includes a light source 24, an acquisition unit 221 that acquires a control signal including information indicating a device that has transmitted the control signal, a control unit 222 that executes control based on the control signal acquired by the acquisition unit 221, and a determination unit 223 that determines the type of control signal and the device that has transmitted the control signal. When the control unit 222 acquires a second control signal that is different from the first control signal before a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start of control based on the acquired first control signal, and the determination unit 223 determines that the type of the first control signal and the type of the second control signal match and that the device that has transmitted the first control signal and the device that has transmitted the second control signal are different, the lighting fixture 20 does not execute control based on the second control signal.

[0123] When lighting device 20 receives multiple control signals and determines that the control signals originate from different devices, lighting device 20 will not execute control based on the control signal received later. This makes it possible to prevent lighting device 20 from behaving unintentionally due to multiple control signals.

[0124] Technique 5 is a lighting system 10 including a plurality of lighting fixtures 20 according to techniques 1 to 3, and a control terminal 30 that transmits control signals to control one or more lighting fixtures 20.

[0125] When lighting system 10 receives multiple control signals, it will not execute control based on the last-acquired control signal if the last-acquired control signal satisfies a predetermined condition related to priority, etc. This lighting system 10 can prevent lighting device 20 from behaving unintendedly due to multiple control signals.

[0126] Technology 6 is a lighting system 10 comprising a plurality of Technology 4 lighting fixtures 20 and a control terminal 30 that transmits control signals to control one or more lighting fixtures 20.

[0127] When lighting system 10 receives multiple control signals, it will not execute control based on the later-received control signal if the later-received control signal satisfies a predetermined condition related to the device that sent the signal. With lighting system 10, it is possible to prevent lighting fixture 20 from behaving unintendedly due to multiple control signals.

[0128] Technique 7 is a control method executed by lighting fixtures 20 that constitute a mesh network 40, and includes an acquisition step of acquiring a control signal including information indicating priority, a control step of executing control based on the control signal acquired in the acquisition step, and a determination step of determining which of the first priority included in the first control signal or the second priority included in the second control signal is higher when a second control signal different from the acquired first control signal is acquired before a predetermined period of time has elapsed since control based on the acquired first control signal was started, and in the control step, if it is determined in the determination step that the first priority is higher than the second priority, the control based on the second control signal is not executed.

[0129] In this control method, when multiple control signals are received, if the last control signal received has a lower priority, control based on the last received control signal is not executed. Therefore, this control method can prevent lighting device 20 from behaving unintendedly due to multiple control signals.

[0130] Technique 8 is a program for causing a computer to execute the control method of technique 7.

[0131] Such a program can help prevent lighting fixture 20 from behaving unintentionally due to multiple control signals.

[0132] Technique 9 is a control method executed by lighting fixtures 20 that constitute a mesh network 40, and includes an acquisition step of acquiring a control signal including information indicating priority, a control step of executing control based on the control signal acquired in the acquisition step, and a determination step of determining the type of control signal and the source device that transmitted the control signal. In the control step, if a second control signal different from the first control signal is acquired before a predetermined period has elapsed since control based on the acquired first control signal was started, and it is determined in the determination step that the type of the first control signal and the type of the second control signal match and that the source device of the first control signal and the source device of the second control signal are different, the control method does not execute control based on the second control signal.

[0133] In this control method, if multiple control signals are received and it is determined that the devices that sent the multiple control signals are different, control based on the control signal received later is not executed. With this type of lighting device 20, it is possible to prevent unintended behavior due to multiple control signals.

[0134] Technique 10 is a program for causing a computer to execute the control method of technique 9.

[0135] Such a program can help prevent unintended behavior due to multiple control signals.

[0136] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiments have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0137] For example, in the above embodiment, the lighting system is realized by a plurality of devices. When the lighting system is realized by a plurality of devices in this way, the components (particularly functional components) of the lighting system may be distributed among the plurality of devices in any manner.

[0138] Furthermore, the method of communication between the devices in the above-described embodiments is not particularly limited. Furthermore, a relay device (such as a gateway device) (not shown) may be involved in the communication between the devices.

[0139] In the above-described embodiment, the processing performed by a specific processing unit may be performed by another processing unit. The order of multiple processing operations may be changed, or multiple processing operations may be performed in parallel.

[0140] In the above-described embodiments, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for that component, or by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0141] Furthermore, each component may be realized by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or each may be a separate circuit. Furthermore, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0142] Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present disclosure may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or may be realized as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0143] For example, the present disclosure may be realized as a control method executed by a computer such as the lighting system of the above-described embodiment, or as a program for causing a computer to execute the control method (in other words, a computer program product).Furthermore, the present disclosure may be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0144] In addition, this disclosure also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art would think of, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope that does not deviate from the intent of this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0145] 10. Lighting System 20 Lighting fixtures 221 Acquisition Department 222 Control Unit 223 Judgment section 24 Light source 30 Control Terminal 40 Mesh Network

Claims

1. A lighting fixture that forms part of a mesh network, A light source and an acquisition unit that acquires a control signal including information indicating priority; a control unit that executes control based on the control signal acquired by the acquisition unit; a determination unit that, when a second control signal different from the acquired first control signal is acquired before a predetermined period has elapsed since control based on the acquired first control signal was started, determines which of a first priority included in the first control signal and a second priority included in the second control signal is higher; the control unit does not execute control based on the second control signal when the determination unit determines that the first priority is higher than the second priority. Lighting fixtures.

2. The determination unit further determines whether or not the type of the first control signal matches the type of the second control signal; the control unit does not execute control based on the second control signal when the determination unit determines that the first priority is higher than the second priority and that the type of the first control signal matches the type of the second control signal.

10. The lighting fixture of claim 1.

3. the control unit, when the number of the lighting devices to be controlled by the second control signal is one, executes control based on the second control signal.

3. A lighting fixture according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A lighting fixture that forms part of a mesh network, A light source and an acquisition unit that acquires a control signal including information indicating priority; a control unit that executes control based on the control signal acquired by the acquisition unit; a determination unit that determines the type of the control signal and a source device that has transmitted the control signal; When the control unit acquires a second control signal different from the first control signal before a predetermined period has elapsed since starting control based on the acquired first control signal, if the determination unit determines that the type of the first control signal and the type of the second control signal match and that a source device of the first control signal and a source device of the second control signal are different, the control unit does not execute control based on the second control signal. Lighting fixtures.

5. A plurality of lighting fixtures according to claim 1 or 2; a control terminal that transmits control signals to control one or more of the lighting devices; Lighting system.

6. A plurality of lighting fixtures according to claim 4; a control terminal that transmits control signals to control one or more of the lighting devices; Lighting system.

7. A control method executed by lighting fixtures that form a mesh network, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring a control signal including information indicating priority; a control step of executing control based on the control signal acquired in the acquisition step; and a determining step of determining which of a first priority included in the first control signal and a second priority included in the second control signal is higher when a second control signal different from the first control signal is obtained before a predetermined period of time has elapsed since control based on the obtained first control signal was started, In the control step, when it is determined that the first priority is higher than the second priority, the control based on the second control signal is not executed. Control method.

8. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 7.

9. A control method executed by lighting fixtures that form a mesh network, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring a control signal including information indicating priority; a control step of executing control based on the control signal acquired in the acquisition step; a determination step of determining a type of the control signal and a source device that has transmitted the control signal; In the control step, when a second control signal different from the first control signal is acquired before a predetermined period has elapsed since control based on the acquired first control signal was started, if it is determined in the determination step that the type of the first control signal and the type of the second control signal match and that the device that sent the first control signal and the device that sent the second control signal are different, the control based on the second control signal is not executed. Control method.

10. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 9.

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