Street lighting systems and street lighting devices

Abstract

The present invention provides an outdoor lighting system capable of appropriately controlling the on / off state of multiple outdoor lighting devices, and outdoor lighting devices used in the said outdoor lighting system. [Solution] The street lighting system 1 comprises a plurality of street lighting devices 20 installed outdoors, and a connection device 10 that enables wireless communication between each of the plurality of street lighting devices 20. Each of the plurality of street lighting devices 20 comprises a photovoltaic power generation unit 21, a power storage unit 22, a light source 23, and a street lighting control unit 24. While the operation of each of the plurality of light sources 23 in the plurality of street lighting devices 20 is electrically independent of each other, when the time reaches a preset on-time and off-time, the timing of turning on and off the light source 23 is controlled by each street lighting control unit 24 of the plurality of street lighting devices 20 via wireless communication between the connection device 10 and each of the street lighting devices 20.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an external lighting system including a plurality of external lighting devices and an external lighting device used in the external lighting system.

Background Art

[0002] In various stores, facilities, etc., it is important to install external lights outdoors to adjust the brightness. For example, an external lighting device (hereinafter referred to as a "solar external light") that lights a light source using the electric power generated by a solar power generation unit by sunlight is also known. By using a solar external light, energy saving can be achieved.

[0003] As one type of external lighting device, a device provided with a sensor for detecting the brightness of the installation environment is known. In this case, when the brightness of the installation environment detected by the sensor decreases, the light source is lit. When the brightness of the installation environment detected by the sensor increases, the light source is turned off.

[0004] Further, the external lighting device described in Patent Document 1 periodically adjusts the time setting of a timer based on the GPS signal received by a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver. By synchronizing the timers of a plurality of external lighting devices installed at distant locations, synchronization of lighting and turning off of the plurality of external lighting devices is achieved

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The inventor of the present invention conducted trials and studies on a technology for appropriately controlling the on / off state of multiple streetlights. First, the inventor of the present invention installed multiple streetlights outdoors, each of which controls the on / off state of the light source based on the brightness detection results of the installation environment. In this case, when some of the multiple streetlights were turned on, the light from the turned-on streetlights was detected by the sensors of the other streetlights, resulting in a problem where the on / off timing of the multiple streetlights could not be appropriately controlled (for example, they could not be synchronized). Furthermore, even when the multiple streetlights were installed with sufficient spacing between them, it was difficult to adequately control the on / off timing of the multiple streetlights due to the differences in the installation environment of each streetlight (for example, differences in whether or not they are in the shadow of a building).

[0007] One possible approach is to install a clock in each of the multiple streetlights and control the timing of their on / off cycles by having each streetlight turn on or off at predetermined times. However, in this case, if the clocks in each streetlight are out of sync, the on / off timing of the multiple streetlights will be out of sync. Therefore, the inventor of the present invention considered installing a receiver (e.g., a GPS receiver or a radio wave receiver for a radio-controlled clock) in each of the multiple streetlights and synchronizing the time managed by each streetlight based on the accurate time information obtained by the receiver. However, this method requires installing a receiver in each of the multiple streetlights, which increases the overall cost. Furthermore, if some of the receivers in the multiple streetlights do not function properly (e.g., if the signal or radio wave reception environment is not good), it becomes difficult to adequately control the on / off timing of the multiple streetlights.

[0008] Furthermore, the inventor of the present invention also considered connecting each of the multiple streetlights to the internet and having each streetlight obtain accurate time information via the internet. However, in this case as well, it would be necessary to install a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card in each streetlight, which would increase the overall cost. As described above, it has been difficult to properly control the on and off of multiple streetlights with conventional technology.

[0009] A typical object of this disclosure is to provide a street lighting system capable of appropriately controlling the on and off of multiple street lighting devices, and street lighting devices used in the street lighting system, by solving at least one of the above problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A first aspect of a street lighting system provided by a typical embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a plurality of street lighting devices installed outdoors, and a connection device capable of wirelessly communicating with each of the plurality of street lighting devices, wherein each of the plurality of street lighting devices comprises a photovoltaic unit that generates electricity by receiving sunlight, a power storage unit that stores the electricity generated by the photovoltaic unit, a light source that can be lit by the electricity stored in the power storage unit, and a street lighting control unit that controls the street lighting device, wherein the drives of each of the plurality of light sources in the plurality of street lighting devices are electrically independent of each other, and when the time reaches a preset lighting time and extinguishing time, the timing of lighting and extinguishing of the light sources by the street lighting control unit of the plurality of street lighting devices is controlled via wireless communication between the connection device and each of the street lighting devices.

[0011] A second aspect of the street lighting system provided by a typical embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a plurality of street lighting devices installed outdoors, and a connection device capable of wirelessly communicating between each of the plurality of street lighting devices, wherein each of the plurality of street lighting devices comprises a photovoltaic unit that generates electricity by receiving sunlight, a power storage unit that stores the electricity generated by the photovoltaic unit and is electrically connected to a light source to supply power to the light source for lighting the light source, and a street lighting control unit that controls the street lighting device, wherein the driving of each of the plurality of light sources electrically connected to the power storage unit of each of the plurality of street lighting devices is electrically independent of each other, and when the time reaches a preset lighting time and extinguishing time, the timing of lighting and extinguishing of the light sources by the street lighting control unit of the plurality of street lighting devices is controlled via wireless communication between the connection device and each of the street lighting devices.

[0012] A third aspect of the street lighting system provided by a typical embodiment of this disclosure comprises a plurality of street lighting devices installed outdoors, and a main street lighting device capable of wirelessly communicating with each of the plurality of street lighting devices, wherein each of the plurality of street lighting devices comprises a photovoltaic unit that generates electricity by receiving sunlight, a power storage unit that stores the electricity generated by the photovoltaic unit, a light source that can be lit by the electricity stored in the power storage unit, a street lighting timekeeping unit that measures the time, and a street lighting control unit that controls the street lighting devices, wherein the main street lighting device comprises a photovoltaic unit that generates electricity by receiving sunlight, a power storage unit that stores the electricity generated by the photovoltaic unit, a light source that can be lit by the electricity stored in the power storage unit, and a connection control unit that controls the main street lighting device, wherein each of the street lighting devices uses the electricity stored in the power storage unit of each of the street lighting devices as control power for executing the control by the street lighting control unit. The main streetlight device uses the power stored in the power storage unit of the main streetlight device as control power for executing the control by the connection control unit. The connection control unit acquires accurate time information, and when the time based on the acquired accurate time information reaches the preset on-time and off-time, it controls the timing of the on-time and off-time of the light sources of the plurality of streetlight devices via wireless communication between the connection device and each of the streetlight devices. The streetlight control unit acquires the preset on-time and off-time information via wireless communication and stores it in the storage unit when a wireless connection is established between the streetlight devices and the main streetlight device. When the time being measured by the streetlight timing unit reaches the on-time and off-time stored in the storage unit, and a wireless connection is not established between the streetlight devices and the main streetlight device, it turns on and off the light sources.

[0013] The streetlighting devices provided in typical embodiments of this disclosure are used in streetlighting systems of the first to third embodiments.

[0014] According to the street lighting system and street lighting device described herein, the turning on and off of multiple street lighting devices is appropriately controlled. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a plan view showing the schematic configuration of the street lighting system 1 of this embodiment, and a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the street lighting device 20. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the system configuration of the street lighting system 1 of this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart of the connection device processing performed by the connection device 10 of this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart of the streetlight device processing performed by the streetlight device 20 of this embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart of the management server processing performed by the management server 40 in this embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart of the management server processing performed by the modified management server 40. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] <Overview> The streetlight system illustrated in this disclosure comprises a plurality of streetlights installed outdoors and a connection device capable of wireless communication between each of the plurality of streetlights. Each of the plurality of streetlights comprises a photovoltaic unit, a power storage unit, a light source, and a streetlight control unit. The photovoltaic unit generates electricity by receiving sunlight. The power storage unit stores the electricity generated by the photovoltaic unit. The light source can be lit using the electricity stored in the power storage unit. The streetlight control unit is responsible for controlling the streetlights. While the operation of each of the plurality of light sources in the plurality of streetlights is electrically independent of each other, when the time reaches a preset on-time and off-time, the timing of turning on and off the light source by the streetlight control unit of each of the plurality of streetlights is controlled via wireless communication between the connection device and each streetlight.

[0017] According to the streetlight system illustrated in this disclosure, when the time reaches the on-time and off-time, the timing of the on-time and off-time of multiple streetlights is appropriately controlled via wireless communication between the connecting device and each streetlight. Therefore, the timing of the on-time and off-time of multiple streetlights can be appropriately controlled without providing a configuration for obtaining accurate time information for each of the multiple streetlights. Furthermore, if the time is managed individually for each of the multiple streetlights, the time managed for each of the multiple streetlights may be out of sync, resulting in the on-time and off-time also being out of sync with the appropriate timing. In contrast, according to the streetlight system of this disclosure, the on-time and off-time of multiple streetlights is controlled with high precision. Therefore, the on-time and off-time of multiple streetlights can be appropriately controlled with a simple configuration. For example, it is possible to accurately synchronize the on-time and off-time of multiple streetlights. Also, for example, when turning multiple streetlights on or off sequentially, it is possible to set the on-time or off-time of each streetlight to an appropriate timing.

[0018] The specific method for controlling the timing of turning on and off multiple streetlights can be selected as appropriate. For example, multiple light sources may be turned on when the time measured by the timing unit becomes the turn-on time, and multiple light sources may be turned off when the time measured by the timing unit becomes the turn-off time. Alternatively, the timing of turning off multiple light sources may be controlled by turning them off after a predetermined time has elapsed since they were turned on. Alternatively, multiple light sources may be turned on when the elapsed time after the time measured by the timing unit becomes the reference time reaches a predetermined time between the reference time and the turn-on time. Multiple streetlights may be turned on sequentially after the time measured by the timing unit becomes the turn-on time. Each of the multiple streetlights may be identified, and the turn-on and turn-off times of each streetlight may be controlled individually.

[0019] The connection device may function as a main outdoor lighting device by including a solar power generation unit, a power storage unit, a light source, and a connection control unit. When the time reaches the lighting time and the extinguishing time, the lighting and extinguishing timings of the light source by the outdoor lighting control units of a plurality of outdoor lighting devices and the connection control unit of the main outdoor lighting device are controlled via wireless communication between the main outdoor lighting device and each outdoor lighting device.

[0020] In this case, by making one of the plurality of outdoor lighting devices be the main outdoor lighting device that also serves as the connection device, the configuration of the outdoor lighting system is easily simplified compared to the case where a connection device is provided separately from the outdoor lighting devices. Furthermore, since the connection device itself also functions as a main outdoor lighting device, the lighting around the installation position of the outdoor lighting system is performed more efficiently. However, it is also possible to provide a connection device separately from the outdoor lighting devices.

[0021] The main outdoor lighting device may use the power stored in the power storage unit of the main outdoor lighting device for the control power for executing the control by the connection control unit. Also, the outdoor lighting device may use the power stored in the power storage unit of the outdoor lighting device for the control power for executing the control by the outdoor lighting control unit.

[0022] In this case, without power supply from the outside to each of the main outdoor lighting device and the plurality of outdoor lighting devices, various controls and the lighting of the light source are both executed by the power generated by the solar power generation unit and stored in the power storage unit. Therefore, the outdoor lighting system can be easily installed in various outdoor locations. For example, it is possible to install the main outdoor lighting device and the plurality of outdoor lighting devices even at a location where the environment for power supply from the outside is not well - established. Also, since power supply from the outside is not required, energy conservation is also achieved.

[0023] The storage capacity of the main streetlight unit's battery compartment may be greater than that of the battery compartments of the other streetlight units. If the battery in the main streetlight unit's battery compartment is depleted, communication between the main streetlight unit and the other streetlight units will not be established. However, by making the storage capacity of the main streetlight unit's battery compartment greater than that of the other streetlight units, the problem of communication between the main streetlight unit and the other streetlight units not being established is suppressed. Therefore, the control of the multiple streetlight units becomes easier to perform in a more stable state.

[0024] Furthermore, the power generation capacity of the solar power generation unit of the main streetlighting unit may be higher than that of the solar power generation units of the other streetlighting units. In this case as well, the inability to establish communication connections between the main streetlighting unit and the other streetlighting units will be further suppressed.

[0025] However, the control power for the main streetlight unit may be supplied from an external source. In this case, even if the amount of electricity stored in the energy storage unit is depleted, the communication connection between the main streetlight unit and the multiple streetlight units will be maintained.

[0026] Furthermore, the connecting device may establish communication connections between multiple streetlights without including a solar power generation unit, a power storage unit, or a light source. Even in this case, the control of the multiple streetlights will be performed appropriately.

[0027] The connection device may include a connection control unit that controls the connection device. The connection control unit may acquire accurate time information and, when the time based on the acquired accurate time information becomes the on-time and off-time, control the timing of the on-time and off-time of the light sources by the light control units of multiple streetlights via wireless communication between the connection device and each streetlight device.

[0028] In this case, a connecting device, which communicates with multiple streetlights, controls the timing of turning the streetlights on and off. Furthermore, the connecting device acquires accurate time information, and the timing of turning the light sources on and off is controlled based on the acquired accurate time information. Thus, the timing of turning the streetlights on and off is appropriately controlled with a simple configuration.

[0029] The connection device may further include an internet connection unit for internet communication. The connection control unit may obtain accurate time information from the internet connected by the internet connection unit, and when the time based on the obtained accurate time information becomes the on-time and off-time, it may control the timing of the on-time and off-time of the light sources by the light control units of the multiple light fixtures via wireless communication between the connection device and each light fixture.

[0030] When obtaining accurate time information using a receiver (for example, a GPS receiver or a radio receiver for a radio-controlled clock), it may not be possible to obtain accurate time information depending on the reception environment, such as the signal or radio waves. However, when obtaining accurate time information from the internet, accurate time information is obtained simply by connecting the device to the internet. Therefore, the turning on and off of multiple streetlights will be performed at a more accurate time.

[0031] The specific method by which the internet connection unit connects the connected device to the internet can be selected as appropriate. For example, the internet connection unit may include a SIM card slot for inserting a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card. The internet connection unit may connect to the internet by directly connecting the connected device to a mobile network based on the information on the SIM card inserted in the SIM card slot. Alternatively, the internet connection unit may connect the connected device to the internet via wireless LAN (e.g., Wi-Fi) or wired LAN. It goes without saying that the frequency at which the connected device adjusts the time being measured by the main timekeeping unit can be selected as appropriate. For example, the time may be adjusted every 24 hours.

[0032] However, it is also possible to change the method by which the connecting device obtains accurate time information. For example, the connecting device may be equipped with a GPS receiver. The connection control unit may obtain accurate time information based on the GPS signal received by the GPS receiver. In this case, accurate time information will be appropriately obtained if the conditions for receiving a GPS signal are met. Alternatively, the connecting device may be equipped with a receiver that receives radio waves for a radio-controlled clock. The connection control unit may obtain accurate time information based on the radio waves for a radio-controlled clock received by the receiver. In this case, accurate time information will be appropriately obtained if the conditions for receiving radio waves for a radio-controlled clock are met.

[0033] The connecting device may further include a main timing unit for measuring time. The connection control unit of the connecting device may acquire accurate time information and adjust the time measured by the main timing unit to the accurate time based on the acquired accurate time information. When the time measured by the main timing unit becomes the time to turn on and the time to turn off the lights, the connection control unit may control the timing of turning on and off the light sources of the multiple light sources by the light control units of the multiple light sources via wireless communication between the connecting device and each street light device. In this case, since the main timing unit of the connecting device measures the accurate time, the light sources of the multiple light sources are turned on and off at more accurate timings. Also, even if the connecting device is temporarily unable to acquire time information, the time is measured by the main timing unit of the connecting device, so the timing of turning on and off the multiple light sources is appropriately controlled.

[0034] However, the connecting device does not need to have a main timing unit. In this case, the connecting control unit may control the timing of the on and off of the light sources by the light control units of multiple streetlights via wireless communication between the connecting device and each streetlight unit when the time obtained from an external source (for example, time obtained via the Internet) becomes the on and off time.

[0035] Each of the multiple streetlight devices may further include a streetlight timing unit for timing. The streetlight control unit of each streetlight device may, when a wireless communication connection is established with the connecting device, acquire information on preset on-time and off-times via wireless communication and store it in a memory unit. When a wireless communication connection is not established with the connecting device, the streetlight control unit may perform a communication failure process to turn the light on and off when the time being timed by the streetlight timing unit becomes the on-time and off-times stored in the memory unit.

[0036] In this case, even if wireless communication between the connecting device and the streetlight device fails to be established, the light source will turn on and off when the time measured by the streetlight timing unit in the streetlight device reaches the on-time and off-time. Therefore, the problem of at least one streetlight device's light source failing to turn on and off due to communication failure is appropriately avoided. For example, if the time is measured by the connecting device, and there is a discrepancy between the time measured by the connecting device and the time measured by the streetlight device, the timing of the on-time and off of streetlight devices that are not connected may be slightly out of sync with the timing of the on-time and off of other streetlight devices. However, the worst-case scenario of some streetlight devices failing to turn on and off is appropriately avoided.

[0037] The streetlight control unit may adjust the time managed by the streetlight timing unit based on time information obtained via wireless communication, while a wireless communication connection with the connecting device is established.

[0038] In this case, when a communication connection is established, the time measured by the streetlight timing unit is adjusted to the accurate time. Therefore, even if the wireless communication connection between the connecting device and the streetlight unit cannot be established, the time discrepancy measured by the streetlight unit will be minimal, at least immediately after the communication connection is lost. Thus, even if the wireless communication connection between the connecting device and the streetlight unit cannot be established, the timing of turning on and off of multiple streetlight units will be more easily synchronized.

[0039] The specific method by which the streetlight control unit of the streetlight device adjusts the time measured by the streetlight timing unit can be appropriately selected. For example, the streetlight control unit may acquire time information managed by the main timing unit of the connecting device via wireless communication and adjust the time measured by the streetlight timing unit based on the acquired time information. In this case, the time measured by the connecting device and the time measured by the streetlight device will match more accurately. Therefore, even if wireless communication between the connecting device and the streetlight device cannot be established, the timing of turning on and off of multiple streetlight devices will be more easily synchronized. Alternatively, if the streetlight device is connected to the internet, the streetlight control unit may acquire accurate time information from the internet and adjust the time measured by the streetlight timing unit based on the acquired time information.

[0040] The streetlight system may be connected via the Internet to a management device that manages the streetlight system (for example, at least one of a personal computer, smartphone, mobile terminal, or server). The connection control unit of the connection device may obtain information on the on-time and off-time set in the management device via the Internet.

[0041] In this case, the administrator managing the streetlight system can control the on-time and off-time of the streetlight system's light sources by setting the on-time and off-time on the management device, without having to operate the connection device or the streetlight device itself. Therefore, even if, for example, the connection device is installed outdoors, the administrator can easily and appropriately manage the on-time and off-time.

[0042] Furthermore, the streetlight system may prohibit the process of setting the on-time and off-time while a wireless communication connection has not been established between at least one streetlight device and the connecting device. In this case, the problem of different on-time and off-times occurring between streetlight devices with and without a communication connection is suppressed. Therefore, even if a wireless communication connection failure occurs, the timing of on-time and off-time of multiple streetlight devices can be controlled more appropriately.

[0043] The connecting device may further include an internet connection unit for internet communication, allowing it to connect to a management device that manages the streetlight system via the internet. When the time reaches the on-time and off-time, the timing of the on-time and off-time of the light sources may be controlled by the streetlight control units of multiple streetlights in accordance with instructions transmitted from the management device via wireless communication between the connecting device and each streetlight.

[0044] In this case, a management device capable of communicating with connected devices via the internet controls the timing of turning on and off multiple streetlights. Therefore, the timing of turning on and off multiple streetlights is appropriately controlled with a simple configuration.

[0045] The management device may output information on the amount of energy stored in the energy storage unit and information indicating the status of the light source for each of the multiple street lighting devices (which may include the main street lighting device mentioned above) via the internet. In this case, at least one of the amount of energy stored in the energy storage unit and the status of the light source for each of the multiple street lighting devices will be appropriately managed by the management device. Therefore, for example, an administrator can easily and appropriately understand the status of the street lighting devices through the management device without having to directly check the status of each of the multiple street lighting devices installed outdoors.

[0046] The specific method for outputting information on the power storage unit's energy consumption and information indicating the state of the light source to the management device can be appropriately selected. For example, the connecting device may acquire at least one of the information on the power storage unit's energy consumption and information on the state of the light source from each of the multiple streetlights and output the acquired information to the management device via the network. Alternatively, if each of the multiple streetlights is connected to the internet, the streetlights themselves may output the information to the management device. Furthermore, the specific form of the information on the state of the light source can also be appropriately selected. For example, information on at least one of the current and voltage applied to the light source may be output to the management device as information indicating the state of the light source.

[0047] Furthermore, the management device may perform an alert notification process to notify the administrator if at least one of the information regarding the power consumption of the outdoor lighting device's energy storage unit and the information indicating the status of the light source meets the conditions indicating a malfunction. In this case, the administrator can more easily and appropriately identify when a malfunction occurs in the outdoor lighting device.

[0048] If a wireless communication failure occurs between at least one of the multiple streetlights and the connecting device, the management device may acquire information indicating that a connection failure has occurred. In this case, the administrator can easily and appropriately understand that a wireless communication failure has occurred between the streetlights and the connecting device through the management device. Therefore, the possibility of the streetlight system continuing to be used while a wireless communication failure is occurring is appropriately reduced.

[0049] Furthermore, the management device may perform an alert notification process that notifies the administrator of a connection failure if a wireless communication failure occurs between at least one of the multiple streetlight devices and the connecting device. In this case, the administrator can more easily and appropriately recognize that a wireless communication connection failure has occurred.

[0050] The specific configuration of the management device can also be selected as appropriate. For example, a dedicated application for managing the streetlight system may be installed on a device such as a personal computer (PC), smartphone, or mobile terminal, and the device on which the application is installed may function as at least part of the management device. In this case, the administrator can properly manage the streetlight system by operating the application. The management device may also include a server that processes various types of information. In this case, the management device, which is the server, may manage multiple streetlight systems. Alternatively, the administrator may manage the streetlight system by logging into the management device, which is the server, via a web browser or the like.

[0051] The wireless communication method (wireless standard) between each street light device and the connecting device may be Wi-SUN (Wireless Smart Utility Network). Wi-SUN uses a frequency band below 1 GHz, known as the Sub-GHz band (for example, 868 MHz in Europe, 915 MHz in the United States, and 920 MHz in Japan), so compared to the 2.4 GHz band used by Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, wireless signals can easily penetrate obstacles and have a longer communication range. In addition, the power consumption required for wireless communication is low. Furthermore, with Wi-SUN, the connecting device and multiple street light devices form a mesh network, so even if a communication problem occurs in some devices, the network is automatically rebuilt via an alternative route. Therefore, it becomes easier to establish a proper communication connection between the connecting device and multiple street light devices. Consequently, it becomes easier to properly control multiple street light devices.

[0052] However, it is also possible to change the wireless communication method between each street light device and the connecting device. For example, Wi-Fi or similar technologies may be used for communication between each street light device and the connecting device.

[0053] Alternatively, a street lighting system may be constructed by adding components other than the light source of the street lighting system described in this disclosure (for example, a photovoltaic power generation unit, an energy storage unit, and a street lighting control unit) to the light source of a street light that has been installed for some time. In this case, by utilizing the existing light source, a street lighting system that can appropriately control the timing of turning on and off multiple street lighting devices can be installed at low cost.

[0054] One embodiment of the streetlight system disclosed herein comprises a plurality of streetlight devices installed outdoors and a main streetlight device capable of wireless communication between each of the plurality of streetlight devices. Each of the plurality of streetlight devices comprises a photovoltaic unit that generates electricity by receiving sunlight, a power storage unit that stores the electricity generated by the photovoltaic unit, a light source that can be lit using the electricity stored in the power storage unit, a streetlight timekeeping unit that measures the time, and a streetlight control unit that controls the streetlight devices. The main streetlight device comprises a photovoltaic unit that generates electricity by receiving sunlight, a power storage unit that stores the electricity generated by the photovoltaic unit, a light source that can be lit using the electricity stored in the power storage unit, and a connection control unit that controls the main streetlight device. Each streetlight device uses the electricity stored in its own power storage unit as control power to perform control by the streetlight control unit. The main streetlight device uses the electricity stored in its own power storage unit as control power to perform control by the connection control unit. The connection control unit acquires accurate time information, and when the time based on the acquired accurate time information reaches the preset on-time and off-time, it controls the timing of the on-time and off-time of the light sources by the light control units of multiple light sources via wireless communication between the connection device and each light source. When a wireless communication connection is established between the light source and the main light source, the light control unit acquires the preset on-time and off-time information via wireless communication and stores it in the memory unit. When a wireless communication connection is not established between the light source and the main light source, the light control unit turns the light source on and off when the time being measured by the light time unit reaches the on-time and off-time stored in the memory unit.

[0055] In this case, when a wireless communication connection is established between the connecting device and each streetlight, the timing of turning on and off multiple streetlights is appropriately controlled based on accurate time information. Furthermore, even if a wireless communication connection is not established between the connecting device and each streetlight, although the accuracy of the on / off timing may be slightly reduced, the worst-case scenario of some streetlights failing to turn on or off is appropriately avoided. For example, if the streetlight system disclosed herein is installed in a store, the possibility of customers being misled into believing the store is closed because the streetlights do not turn on at the appropriate time can be appropriately reduced. Also, the possibility of the streetlights remaining on after the store closes, causing inconvenience to nearby residents, can be appropriately reduced.

[0056] <Embodiment> Hereinafter, one typical embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. First, with reference to Figure 1, the schematic configuration of the street lighting system 1 and street lighting device 20 of this embodiment will be described. The street lighting system 1 of this embodiment is used to adjust the brightness of the outdoors of various facilities (e.g., store 2). The street lighting system 1 comprises a connection device 10 and a plurality of street lighting devices 20. The connection device 10 can communicate wirelessly with each of the plurality of street lighting devices 20. Each street lighting device 20 comprises a photovoltaic power generation unit 21, a power storage unit 22, and a light source 23. The photovoltaic power generation unit 21 generates electricity by receiving sunlight. The power storage unit 22 stores the electricity generated by the photovoltaic power generation unit 21. The power storage unit 22 may be detachable from the street lighting device 20. In this case, a deteriorated power storage unit 22 can be replaced. In addition, a power storage unit 22 with a capacity appropriate for the facility can be appropriately attached to the street lighting device 20. The light source 23 can be lit by the electricity stored in the power storage unit 22. In the streetlight system 1 of this embodiment, when the time is set to turn on, the timing of turning on the light sources 23 of the multiple streetlights 20 is controlled via wireless communication between the connection device 10 and each streetlight 20. Also, when the time is set to turn off, the timing of turning off the light sources 23 of the multiple streetlights 20 is controlled via wireless communication between the connection device 10 and each streetlight 20.

[0057] Furthermore, the connection device 10 of this embodiment is connected to the Internet 5. The connection device 10 can obtain accurate time information via the Internet 5 (for example, from a website). Based on the time obtained from the accurate time information, the connection device 10 can appropriately control (for example, synchronize) the timing of turning on and off the light sources of the multiple streetlight devices 20.

[0058] Furthermore, the streetlight system 1 of this embodiment includes a management server 40 and a management terminal 50 for managing the system. The management terminal 50 is used by an administrator who manages the streetlight system 1 (for example, an administrator within the store 2). The connection device 10, the management server 40, and the management terminal 50 are interconnected via the Internet 5.

[0059] Referring to Figure 2, an example of the electrical configuration of the street lighting system 1 of this embodiment will be described. In section 2, for the sake of simplicity, we will illustrate the case where the street lighting system 1 comprises two street lighting devices 20. However, it goes without saying that the street lighting system 1 may also comprise three or more street lighting devices 20.

[0060] (Street lighting equipment) Each of the multiple streetlight devices 20 includes a solar power generation unit 21, a power storage unit 22, a light source 23, a streetlight control unit 24, and a wireless communication unit 25. The streetlight control unit 24 is a controller (e.g., a CPU) that is responsible for controlling each streetlight device 20 (e.g., controlling the turning on and off of the light source 23). The driving of the light source 23 provided in each of the multiple streetlight devices 20 is controlled electrically independently of the driving of the light source 23 of the other streetlight devices 20. In other words, each streetlight device 20 controls the driving (turning on and off) of its own light source 23 by its own streetlight control unit 24. The wireless communication unit 25 is an interface for wirelessly communicating between the streetlight devices 20 and the connection device 10.

[0061] Furthermore, each of the streetlight devices 20 in this embodiment includes a streetlight timing unit 26 and a memory unit 27. The streetlight timing unit 26 is a clock that measures the time. As will be described in detail later, in this embodiment, if a malfunction occurs in the streetlight system 1, the timing of turning the light source 23 on and off may be controlled based on the time measured by the streetlight timing unit 26. The memory unit 27 is a non-volatile memory that can retain its contents even if the power supply is interrupted. The memory unit 27 stores various information and data.

[0062] In this embodiment, the streetlight device 20 uses electricity generated by the solar power generation unit 21 and stored in the energy storage unit 22 for all the power required within the device, including the power to light the light source 23 and the control power to perform the control by the streetlight control unit 24. Therefore, the streetlight device 20 can be installed even in locations where an external power supply environment is not available. Furthermore, since an external power supply is not required, energy savings are also achieved.

[0063] (Connection device) The connection device 10 can communicate wirelessly with each of the multiple streetlights 20 within the streetlight system 1. The connection device 10 comprises a connection control unit 14 and a wireless communication unit 15. The connection control unit 14 is a controller (e.g., a CPU) that manages various controls of the connection device 10. The wireless communication unit 15 is an interface for wirelessly communicating with each of the multiple streetlights 20.

[0064] Furthermore, the connection device 10 of this embodiment functions as a main streetlight device, which is one of the streetlight devices, by comprising a solar power generation unit 11, a power storage unit 12, and a light source 13. Therefore, the configuration of the streetlight system 1 is easily simplified compared to the case where a connection device is provided separately from the multiple streetlight devices 20. As mentioned above, the solar power generation unit 11 generates electricity by receiving sunlight. The power storage unit 12 can store the electricity generated by the solar power generation unit 11. The light source 13 can be lit by the electricity stored in the power storage unit 12.

[0065] Furthermore, the connection device (main street light device) 10 of this embodiment includes a main timekeeping unit 16 and a storage unit 17. The main timekeeping unit 16 is a clock that keeps time. The storage unit 17 is a non-volatile memory that can retain its contents even when the power supply is cut off. The storage unit 17 stores various information and data.

[0066] Furthermore, the connection device 10 of this embodiment includes an internet connection unit 18. The internet connection unit 18 connects the connection device 10 to the internet 5. As an example, the internet connection unit 18 of this embodiment includes a SIM card insertion unit 19 for inserting a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card. Based on the information of the SIM card inserted in the SIM card insertion unit 19, the internet connection unit 18 connects to the internet 5 by directly connecting the connection device 10 to the mobile network. Therefore, if the installation environment of the streetlight system 1 is an environment where a mobile network can be used, the streetlight system 1 can be properly connected to the internet 5 even if other conditions for connecting to the internet 5 (e.g., the presence of a LAN) are not met.

[0067] The connection device 10 in this embodiment uses a protocol different from the Internet communication protocol used by the Internet connection unit 18 to perform wireless communication with multiple streetlight devices 20. Therefore, the connection device 10 in this embodiment functions as a gateway device.

[0068] In this embodiment, Wi-SUN is used as the wireless communication method (wireless standard) between the connection device 10 and the multiple streetlight devices 20. Wi-SUN uses a frequency band of 1 GHz or less, known as the Sub-GHz band (for example, 868 MHz in Europe, 915 MHz in the United States, and 920 MHz in Japan), so compared to the 2.4 GHz band used by Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, wireless signals can more easily penetrate obstacles and have a longer communication range. In addition, the power consumption required for wireless communication is low. Furthermore, with Wi-SUN, the connection device 10 and the multiple streetlight devices 20 form a mesh network, so even if a communication problem occurs in some devices, the network is automatically rebuilt via an alternative route. Therefore, it becomes easier to establish a proper communication connection between the connection device 10 and the multiple streetlight devices 20. Thus, it becomes easier to properly control the multiple streetlight devices 20.

[0069] The connection device (main street light device) 10 of this embodiment, like the street light device 20, uses power generated by the solar power generation unit 11 and stored in the power storage unit 12 for all the power required within the device, including power to light the light source 13 and control power to perform control by the connection control unit 14. Therefore, the connection device 10 can be installed even in locations where an environment for external power supply is not available.

[0070] In this embodiment, if the power storage unit 12 of the connection device (main street light device) 10 runs out of power, a communication connection between the connection device 10 and the multiple street light devices 20 cannot be established. If a communication connection cannot be established between the connection device 10 and the multiple street light devices 20, it becomes difficult to control (for example, synchronize) the timing of turning on and off the multiple street light devices 20 (including the connection device 10) with high precision. In response to this, in this embodiment, the power storage capacity of the power storage unit 12 of the connection device 10 is set to be larger than the power storage capacity of the power storage unit 22 of each of the multiple street light devices 20. As a result, the problem of being unable to establish a communication connection between the connection device 10 and the multiple street light devices 20 is appropriately suppressed. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the power generation capacity of the photovoltaic power generation unit 11 of the connection device 10 is set higher than the power generation capacity of the photovoltaic power generation unit 21 of the other street light devices 20. As a result, the problem of being unable to establish a communication connection between the connection device 10 and the multiple street light devices 20 is further suppressed.

[0071] (Management device) The streetlight system 1 of this embodiment further includes a management device 30 for managing the streetlight system 1. The specific configuration of the management device 30 can be selected as appropriate. Figure 2 illustrates a case where a management server 40 and a management terminal 50 are used as the management device 30.

[0072] The management server 40 manages the streetlight system 1 by processing various information. As an example, in this embodiment, a server of a manufacturer providing cloud services (a so-called cloud server) is used as the management server 40. However, a server other than a cloud server may be used as the management server 40. The management server 40 may be located in a country different from the country where the connection device 10 and the multiple streetlight devices 20 are installed. The management server 40 includes a control unit 41 that performs various processing controls and a communication interface (not shown). The control unit 41 includes a CPU 42, which is a controller that manages the control, and a storage device 33 that can store programs and data. The communication interface connects the management server 40 to external devices (for example, the connection device 10, the streetlight devices 20, and the management terminal 50, etc.) via the internet 5.

[0073] The management terminal 50 is used by an administrator who manages the streetlight system 1. The management terminal 50 exemplified in this embodiment is a device (for example, at least one of a smartphone, PC, and mobile terminal) on which a dedicated application for managing the streetlight system 1 is installed. However, the configuration of the management terminal 50 can be changed. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the administrator manages the streetlight system 1 by logging into the management server 40 via a web browser on the management terminal 50. The management terminal 50 includes a control unit 51 that performs various control processing and a communication interface (not shown). The control unit 51 includes a CPU 52, which is a controller that manages the control, and a storage device 53 that can store programs and data. The communication interface connects the management terminal 50 to an external device (for example, the management server 40) via the internet 5. The management terminal 50 also includes an operation unit 54 and a display unit 55. The operation unit 54 is operated by the administrator to input various instructions into the management terminal 50. The control unit 54 can use at least one of the following: a touch panel, various buttons, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. A microphone or the like may be used in conjunction with, or in place of, the control unit 54 for inputting various instructions. The display unit 55 displays various images. Alternatively, an externally connected control unit and display unit may be used instead of the control unit 54 and display unit 55 provided on the management terminal 50.

[0074] (Connection device processing) Referring to Figure 3, the connection device processing performed by the connection device 10 of this embodiment will be described. The connection control unit 14 of the connection device 10 executes the connection device processing illustrated in Figure 3 according to the connection control program stored in the storage unit 17.

[0075] First, the connection control unit 14 determines whether the connection device 10 has established a connection to the Internet 5 (S11). If the connection to the Internet 5 by the Internet connection unit 18 has established a connection (S11: YES), the connection control unit 14 obtains accurate time information from the Internet 5 (S12). In S12, for example, the information may be obtained from a website that publishes accurate time information. Also, if the management server 40 holds accurate time information, in S12 the information may be obtained from the management server 40. Based on the accurate time information obtained in S12, the connection control unit 14 adjusts the time being measured by the main timing unit 16 of the connection device 10 to the accurate time (S13). Therefore, regardless of the radio wave reception environment such as GPS, the time being measured by the main timing unit 16 is adjusted to the accurate time simply by the connection device 10 being connected to the Internet 5. Note that the process in S12 may be executed at appropriately determined processing intervals (for example, every 24 hours).

[0076] Next, the connection control unit 14 acquires information indicating the status of at least one of the power storage unit 12 and light source 13 of the connection device (main street light device) 10 (hereinafter referred to as "main street light status information") and outputs it to the management server 40 via the Internet 5 (S14). As a result, the status of the connection device (main street light device) 10 is appropriately managed by the management device 30 (in this embodiment, the management server 40 and the management terminal 50). Therefore, for example, an administrator can appropriately understand the status of the connection device 10 through the management device 30 without directly checking the status of the connection device (main street light device) 10 installed outdoors. The main street light status information in this embodiment includes at least one of the following: information on the amount of power stored in the power storage unit 12 of the connection device 10, and information indicating the status of the light source 13 (for example, information on the current value and voltage value of the light source 13). The main street light status information may also include information indicating the status of the photovoltaic power generation unit 11 of the connection device 10.

[0077] Next, the connection control unit 14 determines whether at least one of the on-time and off-time (hereinafter referred to as "on / off time") of the light sources 23 of the multiple streetlight devices 20 (including the light source 13 of the main streetlight device 10) has been set by the management device 30 (management terminal 50 in this embodiment) (S16). As will be described in detail later, in this embodiment, the administrator can set the on / off time for each of one or more streetlight systems 1 managed by the management server 40 by operating the operation unit 54 of the management terminal 50. When the on / off time for a particular streetlight system 1 is set in the management terminal 50, the management server 40 outputs the information of the set on / off time to the connection device 10 of the corresponding streetlight system 1. When the connection control unit 14 receives the set on / off time as input (S16: YES), it stores the input on / off time in the storage unit 17 (S17). Therefore, the administrator can manage the on / off times of the light sources 13 and 23 of the outdoor lighting system 1 by setting the on / off times on the management device 30 (management terminal 50 in this embodiment) without having to operate the connection device 10 and the outdoor lighting device 20. Thus, even if, for example, the connection device 10 is installed outdoors, the administrator can easily and appropriately manage the on / off times.

[0078] Next, the connection control unit 14 determines whether wireless communication has been successfully established with at least one of the multiple streetlight devices 20 included in the streetlight system 1 (S19). If wireless communication has not been successfully established with at least one of the streetlight devices 20 (S19: NO), the connection control unit 14 outputs information to the management server 40 via the Internet 5 indicating that a wireless communication connection failure has occurred with the specific streetlight device 20 (S20). Therefore, the administrator can easily and appropriately grasp that a wireless communication connection failure has occurred between the specific streetlight device 20 and the connection device 10 using the management device 30 (management terminal 50 in this embodiment). Thus, the possibility of the streetlight system 1 continuing to be used while a wireless communication connection failure is occurring is appropriately reduced.

[0079] Next, the connection control unit 14 determines whether the time being measured by the main timing unit 16 of the connection device 10 has become the on / off time stored in the storage unit 17 in S17 (S22). If the on / off time has not yet arrived (S22: NO), the process returns to S11, and the processes from S11 to S25 are repeated. If the time being measured by the main timing unit 16 becomes the on / off time (S22: YES), the connection control unit 14 turns on or off the light source 13 of the connection device 10 (S24). In other words, the connection control unit 14 turns on the light source 13 when the on time arrives, and turns off the light source 13 when the off time arrives (the same applies hereafter). Furthermore, the connection control unit 14 turns on or off the light sources 23 of the multiple streetlight devices 20 via wireless communication between the connection device 10 and the multiple streetlight devices 20 (S25). After that, the process returns to S11.

[0080] As described above, according to the streetlight system 1 of this embodiment, when the time becomes the on-time and off-time, the timing of on-time and off-time of the multiple streetlight devices 20 (including the main streetlight device 10) is appropriately controlled (precisely synchronized in this embodiment) via wireless communication between the connection device 10 and each streetlight device 20. Therefore, the timing of on-time and off-time of the multiple streetlight devices 20 is appropriately controlled without providing a configuration for acquiring accurate time information for each of the multiple streetlight devices 20. Furthermore, if the time is managed individually for each of the multiple streetlight devices 20, the time managed for each of the multiple streetlight devices 20 may be out of sync, resulting in the on-time and off-time also being out of sync with the appropriate timing. In contrast, according to the streetlight system 1 of this embodiment, the timing of on-time and off-time of the multiple streetlight devices 20 is controlled with high precision. Therefore, the timing of on-time and off-time of the multiple streetlight devices 20 is appropriately controlled with a simple configuration.

[0081] As described above, in this embodiment, the time measured by the main timing unit 16 is adjusted based on accurate time information. As a result, the drift of the time measured by the main timing unit 16 over time is appropriately suppressed. Therefore, the timing of turning on and off of the multiple streetlight devices 20 (including the main streetlight device 10) is appropriately controlled to a more accurate time.

[0082] In this embodiment, even if the connection device 10 is not connected to the Internet 5 (S11: NO), when the time on the main timing unit 16 of the connection device 10 reaches the on / off time (S22), the on / off control of the multiple light sources 13 and 23 is performed (S24, S25). In other words, because the connection device 10 is equipped with a main timing unit 16, the control of the light sources 13 and 23 is performed even if there is a connection failure to the Internet 5. Therefore, even if there is a connection failure to the Internet 5, although there is a possibility that the time measured by the main timing unit 16 may be off, the situation in which the light sources 13 and 23 are not turned on or off is appropriately avoided.

[0083] (Streetlight equipment processing) Referring to Figure 4, the streetlight device processing performed by each of the multiple streetlight devices 20 in this embodiment will be described. The streetlight control unit 24 of the streetlight device 20 executes the streetlight device processing illustrated in Figure 4 according to the streetlight control program stored in the storage unit 27. In this embodiment, the connection device 10 functions as a gateway device, making it possible to connect each of the multiple streetlight devices 20 to the Internet 5.

[0084] First, the streetlight control unit 24 determines whether wireless communication with the connection device 10 has been successfully established (S31). If wireless communication has been successfully established (S31: YES), the streetlight control unit 24 obtains accurate time information from the connection device 10 or the Internet 5 (S32). For example, the streetlight control unit 24 may obtain the time being measured by the main timing unit 16 of the connection device 10 via wireless communication. Alternatively, the streetlight control unit 24 may obtain accurate time information from the Internet 5. Based on the accurate time information obtained in S32, the streetlight control unit 24 adjusts the time being measured by the streetlight timing unit 26 to the accurate time (S33). Therefore, even if wireless communication between the connection device 10 and the streetlight device 20 cannot be established, at least immediately after the communication connection is lost, the time discrepancy measured by the streetlight device 20 will be minimal.

[0085] Next, the streetlight control unit 24 acquires information indicating the status of at least one of the energy storage unit 22 and the light source 23 (hereinafter referred to as "streetlight status information") and outputs it to the management server 40 via the Internet 5 (S34). As a result, the status of the streetlight device 20 is appropriately managed by the management device 30 (in this embodiment, the management server 40 and the management terminal 50). Therefore, for example, an administrator can appropriately understand the status of the streetlight device 20 through the management device 30 without directly checking the status of the streetlight device 20 installed outdoors. The streetlight status information in this embodiment includes at least one of the following: information on the amount of energy stored in the energy storage unit 22 of the streetlight device 20, and information indicating the status of the light source 23 (for example, information on the current value and voltage value of the light source 23). Note that the streetlight status information may also include information indicating the status of the photovoltaic power generation unit 21 of the streetlight device 20.

[0086] Next, the streetlight control unit 24 determines whether or not an instruction to turn the light source 13 on or off has been received via wireless communication with the connection device 10 (S36). If no instruction to turn the light on or off has been received (S36: NO), the process returns to S31. If an instruction to turn the light source 13 on or off has been received via wireless communication with the connection device 10 (S36: YES), the streetlight control unit 24 turns the light source 13 on or off according to the instruction (S37). As described above, in this embodiment, the instruction to turn the light source 13 on or off via wireless communication is executed synchronously for multiple streetlight devices 20. As a result, the timing of turning the lights on and off for the multiple streetlight devices 20 is appropriately synchronized.

[0087] Furthermore, the streetlight control unit 24 stores the time at which the light source 13 is turned on or off in the storage unit 27 as the set on-time or off-time (S38). It is also possible to change the method of storing the on-time and off-time in the storage unit 27. For example, the streetlight control unit 24 may acquire information on the on-time and off-time from the connection device 10 or the management device 30 (e.g., the management server 40) while a wireless communication connection with the connection device 10 is established, and store the acquired on-time and off-time in the storage unit 27. After that, the process returns to S31.

[0088] Furthermore, if wireless communication with the connection device 10 is not properly established (S31: NO), the street light control unit 24 determines whether the time being measured by the street light timing unit 26 has reached the on / off time stored in the storage unit 27 (S40). If the time being measured by the street light timing unit 26 has reached the on / off time (S40), the street light control unit 24 turns the light source 23 on or off (S41). The process then returns to S31. In other words, even if wireless communication between the connection device 10 and the street light device 20 cannot be established, if the time being measured by the street light timing unit 26 of the street light device 20 reaches the on / off time stored in the storage unit 27, the light source 23 will be turned on and off. Therefore, the problem of the light source 23 of at least one of the street light devices 20 not turning on or off due to a communication failure is appropriately avoided. For example, if the time is measured by the connection device 10, and there is a discrepancy between the time measured by the connection device 10 and the time measured by the streetlight device 20, the timing of the on / off of streetlight devices 20 that are not connected to the communication system may be slightly out of sync with the on / off timing of the other streetlight devices 20. However, the worst-case scenario of some streetlight devices 20 not turning on or off is appropriately avoided.

[0089] Furthermore, the time measured by the streetlight timing unit 26 is adjusted to the correct time while wireless communication with the connecting device 10 is properly established. Therefore, even if a wireless communication failure occurs between the connecting device 10 and the streetlights 20, the timing of the on and off of the multiple streetlights 20 is appropriately suppressed.

[0090] (Management server processing) Referring to Figure 5, the management server processing performed by the management server 40 in this embodiment will be described. The CPU 42 of the management server 40 executes the management server processing illustrated in Figure 5 according to the management server control program stored in the storage device 43.

[0091] First, the CPU 42 determines whether an instruction to set at least one of the on-time and off-time has been input to the management terminal 50 (S51). In this embodiment, the administrator can set the on-time and off-time for each of one or more streetlight systems 1 managed by the management server 40 by operating the operation unit 54 of the management terminal 50. When the on-time and off-time for a particular streetlight system 1 is set in the management terminal 50 (S51:YES), the CPU 42 outputs the set on-time and off-time information to the connection device 10 of the corresponding streetlight system 1.

[0092] Next, the CPU 42 determines whether or not streetlight status information for the streetlight device 20 (including the main streetlight device 10) has been input via the Internet 5 (S54). If streetlight status information is input (S54: YES), the CPU 42 stores the input streetlight status information in the storage device 43 (S55). The CPU 42 determines whether or not at least one of the input streetlight status information satisfies the conditions indicating that a malfunction has occurred (S56). If the conditions indicating a malfunction have occurred are met (S56: YES), the CPU 42 executes an alert notification process to notify the administrator that a malfunction has occurred in the streetlight device 20 (S57). Therefore, the administrator can more easily and appropriately grasp that a malfunction has occurred in the streetlight device 20.

[0093] Next, the CPU 42 determines whether or not information indicating the wireless communication connection status between the connection device 10 and each of the streetlight devices 20 has been input (S59). If information indicating the connection status has been input (S59: YES), the CPU 42 stores the input information in the storage device 43 (S60). Based on the input information, the CPU 42 determines whether or not a wireless communication connection failure has occurred between at least one of the streetlight devices 20 and the connection device 10 (S61). If a connection failure has occurred (S61: YES), the CPU 42 executes an alert notification process to notify the administrator that a wireless communication connection failure has occurred (S62). Therefore, the administrator can more easily and appropriately grasp that a wireless communication connection failure has occurred.

[0094] Next, the CPU 42 determines whether an instruction to display the status of a specific streetlight system 1 from among the multiple streetlight systems 1 has been input by the administrator (S64). In this embodiment, the administrator can input an instruction to display the status of a specific streetlight system 1 to the management server 40 via the management terminal 50 by operating the operation unit 54 of the management terminal 50. When an instruction to display the status is input (S64: YES), the CPU 42 generates a screen displaying the status of the streetlight system 1 specified by the administrator from among the multiple streetlight systems 1, based on the information stored in the storage device 43 in S55, S60, etc. (S65). The CPU 42 outputs the generated screen to the management terminal 50 (S66). Therefore, the administrator can appropriately grasp the status of a specific streetlight system 1 on the management terminal 50.

[0095] <Example of transformation> A modified example of the above embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a flowchart of the management server processing executed by the management server 40 in the modified example. In the above embodiment, when the time measured by the main timing unit 16 of the connection device 10 becomes the on / off time, the connection device 10 controls the on / off of the multiple streetlights 20 via wireless communication between the connection device 10 and each streetlight 20 (synchronized with high precision in the above embodiment). In contrast, in the modified example shown in Figure 6, the management server 40 controls the on / off of the multiple streetlights 20 via wireless communication between the connection device 10 and each streetlight 20. In this modified example, the connection device 10 omits processing S22 to S25 of the connection control processing in Figure 3, but the other processing in Figure 3 can be executed as is. Also, in this modified example, the streetlight 20 can execute the streetlight processing in Figure 4 as is. Furthermore, among the multiple processes shown in Figure 6, the processes shown in S51 to S66 can employ the same processes as those described in S51 to S66 of Figure 5. Therefore, the explanation of S51 to S66 will be omitted below.

[0096] As shown in Figure 6, the CPU 42 determines whether the time has become the time for turning the lights on or off (S68). The current time referenced in S68 may be the exact time obtained via the Internet 5, or the time being kept by the management server 40. When the time becomes the time for turning the lights on or off (S68: YES), the CPU 42 turns on or off the light sources 13, 23 of the multiple streetlights 20 (including the main streetlight 10) via wireless communication between the connection device 10 and the multiple streetlights 20 (S69). As described above, the device that controls the turning the lights on and off of the multiple streetlights 20 is not limited to the connection device 10.

[0097] The technologies disclosed in the above embodiments and modifications are merely examples. Therefore, it is possible to modify the technologies exemplified in the above embodiments and modifications. For example, it is possible to implement only a portion of the technologies exemplified in the above embodiments and modifications.

[0098] In the above embodiments and modifications, the case in which the connection device 10 also functions as the main streetlight device is illustrated. However, it is also possible to provide a connection device separately from the streetlight device. Furthermore, in the above embodiments and modifications, the case in which the connection device 10 is connected to the Internet 5 is illustrated. However, even if the connection device 10 is not connected to the Internet 5, it is possible to appropriately control the timing of turning on and off of multiple streetlight devices 20 as long as a wireless communication connection is established between the connection device 10 and each streetlight device 20.

[0099] In the above embodiments and variations, the time measured by the main timing unit 16 of the connection device 10 is adjusted to the accurate time based on accurate time information obtained from the Internet 5. However, it is also possible to change the method for adjusting the time measured by the main timing unit 16 to the accurate time. For example, the connection device 10 may be equipped with a GPS receiver. The connection control unit 14 may obtain accurate time information based on the GPS signal received by the GPS receiver and adjust the time measured by the main timing unit 16 to the accurate time based on the obtained accurate time information. In this case, if the conditions for receiving a GPS signal are met, the time measured by the main timing unit 16 will be adjusted to the accurate time. Alternatively, the connection device 10 may be equipped with a receiver that receives radio waves for a radio-controlled clock. The connection control unit 14 may obtain accurate time information based on the radio waves for a radio-controlled clock received by the receiver and adjust the time measured by the main timing unit 16 to the accurate time based on the obtained accurate time information. In this case, if conditions are in place to receive radio waves for the radio-controlled clock, the time being measured by the main timekeeping unit 16 will be adjusted to the correct time.

[0100] In the above embodiment, when the time measured by the main timing unit 16 of the connection device 10 becomes the on / off time, the connection device 10 controls the on / off of the multiple streetlights 20 via wireless communication between the connection device 10 and each streetlight 20. In another modified example, the management server 40 controls the on / off of the multiple streetlights 20 via wireless communication between the connection device 10 and each streetlight 20. However, it is also possible to change the method for controlling the on / off of the multiple streetlights 20. For example, each of the streetlight control units 24 of the multiple streetlights 20 may adjust the time measured by the streetlight timing unit 26 to the correct time via wireless communication with the connection device 10. Furthermore, each streetlight control unit 24 may control the on / off of the light source 13 when the time measured by the streetlight timing unit 26 becomes the on / off time. Alternatively, each of the streetlight control units 24 of the multiple streetlight devices 20 may set a timer via wireless communication with the connection device 10 to determine the timing for turning the light source 13 on or off, and control the turning on or off of the light source 13 when the timer has elapsed. In this case as well, the timing of turning on and off of the multiple streetlight devices 20 will be appropriately controlled.

[0101] In the above embodiment, the timing of the lighting and flashing of the multiple streetlights 20 is synchronized (matched) via wireless communication between the connection device 10 and the streetlights 20. However, it is sufficient that the timing of the lighting and flashing of the multiple streetlights 20 is appropriately controlled via wireless communication between the connection device 10 and the streetlights 20; it is not necessarily required that the timing of the lighting and flashing of the multiple streetlights 20 be synchronized. For example, the multiple streetlights 20 may be lit sequentially as time progresses.

[0102] Furthermore, multiple streetlight systems 1 may be installed in a single facility (for example, a store). In this case as well, each of the connection devices 10 of the multiple streetlight systems 1 obtains accurate time information via the Internet 5 and controls the timing of the on / off switching of the multiple streetlight devices 20 contained within each streetlight system 1, thereby appropriately controlling the timing of the on / off switching of the numerous streetlight devices 20 in the facility. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 1. Outdoor lighting system 5. Internet 10. Connection device (main street light device) 11. Solar Power Generation Department 12 Energy Storage Unit 13 Light source 14 Connection Control Unit 16 Main timing unit 17 Memory section 18 Internet connection section 20 Streetlights 21 Solar Power Generation Department 22 Energy Storage Unit 23 Light source 24. Streetlight Control Unit 26 Streetlight timing unit 30 Management device 40 Management Server 50 Management terminals

Claims

1. Multiple outdoor lighting fixtures, A connection device that can communicate wirelessly with each of the aforementioned multiple streetlight devices, Equipped with, Each of the aforementioned multiple streetlight devices is The solar power generation unit generates electricity by receiving sunlight, A storage unit for storing electricity generated by the aforementioned solar power generation unit, A light source that can be lit by the power stored in the aforementioned power storage unit, The streetlight control unit which is responsible for controlling the streetlight device, Equipped with, While the driving of each of the multiple light sources provided by the multiple streetlight devices is electrically independent of each other, An outdoor lighting system characterized in that, when the time reaches a preset on-time and off-time, the timing of the on-time and off-time of the light sources of the multiple outdoor lighting devices is controlled by the outdoor lighting control unit of the multiple outdoor lighting devices via wireless communication between the connecting device and each of the outdoor lighting devices.

2. The streetlight system according to claim 1, The aforementioned connection device, The solar power generation unit generates electricity by receiving sunlight, A storage unit for storing electricity generated by the aforementioned solar power generation unit, A light source that can be lit by the power stored in the aforementioned power storage unit, A connection control unit which is responsible for controlling the aforementioned connection device, By being equipped with this, it functions as the main streetlighting device. An outdoor lighting system characterized in that, when the time reaches the aforementioned lighting time and the aforementioned extinguishing time, the timing of the lighting and extinguishing of the light sources is controlled by the outdoor lighting control units of the plurality of outdoor lighting units and the connection control unit of the main outdoor lighting unit via wireless communication between the main outdoor lighting unit and each of the outdoor lighting units.

3. The streetlight system according to claim 2, The main streetlight device uses the power stored in the power storage unit of the main streetlight device as control power for executing the control by the connection control unit. The street lighting system is characterized in that the street lighting device uses the power stored in the power storage unit of the street lighting device as control power for executing the control by the street lighting control unit.

4. The streetlight system according to claim 1, The aforementioned connection device, It includes a connection control unit that is responsible for controlling the aforementioned connection device, The aforementioned connection control unit, An outdoor lighting system characterized by acquiring accurate time information, and when the time based on the acquired accurate time information becomes the on-time and off-time, controlling the timing of the on-time and off-time of the light source by the outdoor lighting control unit of the plurality of outdoor lighting devices via wireless communication between the connecting device and each of the outdoor lighting devices.

5. The streetlight system according to claim 4, The aforementioned connection device, It is further equipped with an internet connection unit for internet communication, The aforementioned connection control unit, An outdoor lighting system characterized by obtaining accurate time information from the internet connected by the internet connection unit, and when the time based on the obtained accurate time information becomes the on-time and off-time, controlling the timing of the on-time and off-time of the light source by the outdoor lighting control unit of the plurality of outdoor lighting units via wireless communication between the connection device and each of the outdoor lighting units.

6. The streetlight system according to claim 1, Each of the aforementioned multiple streetlight devices is It further includes a street light timekeeping unit for keeping time, The aforementioned street light control unit is With a wireless communication connection established between the street light device and the connecting device, the pre-set information regarding the on-time and off-time is acquired via wireless communication and stored in the storage unit. An outdoor lighting system characterized in that, when the wireless connection between the outdoor lighting device and the connecting device has not been established, the light source is turned on and turned off when the time being measured by the outdoor lighting time unit reaches the on-time and off-time stored in the storage unit.

7. The streetlight system according to claim 6, The aforementioned street light control unit is A streetlight system characterized in that, while a wireless communication connection is established with the aforementioned connecting device, the time being measured by the streetlight timing unit is adjusted based on time information acquired via wireless communication.

8. The streetlight system according to claim 4, The management device that manages the aforementioned streetlight system can be connected via the internet. The streetlight system is characterized in that the connection control unit acquires information on the lighting time and the lighting off time set in the management device via the Internet.

9. The streetlight system according to claim 1, The aforementioned connection device, By further including an internet connection unit for internet communication, it becomes possible to connect to a management device that manages the streetlight system via the internet. An outdoor lighting system characterized in that, when the time reaches the aforementioned lighting time and the aforementioned extinguishing time, the timing of the lighting and extinguishing of the light sources by the outdoor lighting control units of the plurality of outdoor lighting units is controlled in accordance with instructions transmitted from the management device via wireless communication between the connecting device and each of the outdoor lighting units.

10. The streetlight system according to claim 1, The management device that manages the aforementioned streetlight system can be connected via the internet. A street lighting system characterized by outputting to the management device via the internet at least one of the following: information on the amount of electricity stored in the power storage unit of each of the plurality of street lighting devices, and information indicating the status of the light source.

11. The streetlight system according to claim 1, The management device that manages the aforementioned streetlight system can be connected via the internet. A street lighting system characterized in that, when a wireless communication connection failure occurs between at least one of the plurality of street lighting devices and the connecting device, information indicating that a wireless communication connection failure has occurred is acquired by the management device.

12. The streetlight system according to claim 1, A street lighting system characterized in that the wireless communication method between each of the street lighting devices and the connecting device is Wi-SUN.

13. Multiple outdoor lighting fixtures, A connection device that can communicate wirelessly with each of the aforementioned multiple streetlight devices, Equipped with, Each of the aforementioned multiple streetlight devices is The solar power generation unit generates electricity by receiving sunlight, A power storage unit that stores the electricity generated by the solar power generation unit and is electrically connected to a light source, and supplies power to the light source to light up the light source, The streetlight control unit which is responsible for controlling the streetlight device, Equipped with, The drives of each of the multiple light sources electrically connected to the power storage unit of each of the multiple streetlight devices are electrically independent of each other, An outdoor lighting system characterized in that, when the time reaches a preset on-time and off-time, the timing of the on-time and off-time of the light sources of the multiple outdoor lighting devices is controlled by the outdoor lighting control unit of the multiple outdoor lighting devices via wireless communication between the connecting device and each of the outdoor lighting devices.

14. Multiple outdoor lighting fixtures, A main streetlight unit capable of wirelessly communicating with each of the aforementioned multiple streetlight units, Equipped with, Each of the aforementioned multiple streetlight devices is The solar power generation unit generates electricity by receiving sunlight, A storage unit for storing electricity generated by the aforementioned solar power generation unit, A light source that can be lit by the power stored in the aforementioned power storage unit, A street light timekeeping unit that measures the time, The streetlight control unit which is responsible for controlling the streetlight device, Equipped with, The main streetlight device is The solar power generation unit generates electricity by receiving sunlight, A storage unit for storing electricity generated by the aforementioned solar power generation unit, A light source that can be lit by the power stored in the aforementioned power storage unit, The connection control unit which is responsible for controlling the main streetlight device, Equipped with, Each of the streetlight devices uses the power stored in the power storage unit of each of the streetlight devices as control power for executing the control by the streetlight control unit. The main streetlight device uses the power stored in the power storage unit of the main streetlight device as control power for executing the control by the connection control unit. The aforementioned connection control unit, The system acquires accurate time information, and when the time based on the acquired accurate time information reaches the preset on-time and off-time, it controls the timing of the on-time and off-time of the light source by the light control unit of each of the multiple light fixtures via wireless communication between the connecting device and each of the light fixtures. The aforementioned street light control unit is With a wireless communication connection established between the street light device and the main street light device, the pre-set information regarding the on-time and off-time is acquired via wireless communication and stored in the memory unit. An outdoor lighting system characterized in that, when a wireless connection between the aforementioned outdoor lighting device and the main outdoor lighting device has not been established, the light source is turned on and turned off when the time being measured by the outdoor lighting timekeeping unit reaches the on-time and off-time stored in the storage unit.

15. A street lighting device used in the street lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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