Lighting control system, lighting control method, and program

Abstract

This notifies that a communication failure has occurred between the communication device and the lighting device. [Solution] The lighting control system comprises a communication device and a lighting device A1. The communication device has a first wireless communication unit. The first wireless communication unit periodically transmits wireless signals to the lighting device A1. The lighting device A1 comprises a light source unit 10, a control unit 14, a second wireless communication unit, and a counting unit 141. The control unit 14 controls the light source unit 10. The second wireless communication unit receives wireless signals. The counting unit 141 initializes the count value when the second wireless communication unit can receive a wireless signal, and adds or subtracts the count value when the second wireless communication unit cannot receive a wireless signal. When the count value from the counting unit 141 exceeds a threshold, the control unit 14 performs predetermined lighting control on the light source unit 10.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lighting control system, a lighting control method, and a program. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a lighting control system, a lighting control method, and a program including a communication device and a lighting device capable of wireless communication with the communication device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a lighting system that performs lighting control by wireless communication. The lighting system described in Patent Document 1 includes a lighting fixture, a human presence sensor, and an illuminance sensor. In the lighting system described in Patent Document 1, the lighting fixture is controlled based on the detection result of a person by the human presence sensor and the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a lighting system (lighting control system) as described in Patent Document 1, a wireless signal may be periodically transmitted to a lighting fixture (lighting device). In this case, it is desired to be able to notify that a communication failure has occurred between the lighting fixture and the communication device.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a lighting control system, a lighting control method, and a program capable of notifying that a communication failure has occurred between a communication device and a lighting device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A lighting control system according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a communication device and a lighting device. The lighting device is wirelessly connected to the communication device. The communication device has a first wireless communication unit. The first wireless communication unit periodically transmits wireless signals to the lighting device. The lighting device comprises a light source unit, a control unit, a second wireless communication unit, and a counting unit. The control unit controls the light source unit. The second wireless communication unit receives the wireless signals. The counting unit initializes a count value when the second wireless communication unit is able to receive the wireless signals, and adds or subtracts the count value when the second wireless communication unit is unable to receive the wireless signals. When the count value obtained by the counting unit exceeds a threshold, the control unit performs predetermined lighting control on the light source unit.

[0007] A lighting control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a wireless communication step, a control step, and a count step. In the wireless communication step, a periodically transmitted wireless signal is received. In the control step, a light source is controlled based on the wireless signal received in the wireless communication step. In the count step, a count value is initialized if the wireless signal is received, and the count value is added to or subtracted if the wireless signal is not received. In the control step, if the count value obtained in the count step exceeds a threshold, a predetermined lighting control is performed on the light source.

[0008] A program according to one aspect of this disclosure is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the lighting control method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a lighting control system, a lighting control method, and a program make it possible to notify a communication failure between a communication device and a lighting device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1]Figure 1 is a system configuration diagram of a lighting control system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram of the lighting equipment in the same lighting control system. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram of the sensor device in the same lighting control system. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram of the communication device in the same lighting control system. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a block diagram of the control device in the same lighting control system. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a block diagram of the setting device in the lighting control system described above. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram of the mesh network used in the lighting control system described above. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a diagram showing the arrangement of areas and zones in the lighting control system described above. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart of the wireless communication method performed by the lighting control system described above. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart of a wireless communication method performed by a lighting control system according to a modified example of the embodiment 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, a lighting control system, lighting control method, and program according to the embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0012] (Embodiment) (1) Overview First, an overview of the lighting control system S1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1, 2, and 4.

[0013] The lighting control system S1 according to the embodiment is installed in commercial facilities such as office buildings and shopping centers, factories, warehouses, public facilities such as libraries, etc. Note that the above facilities are just examples, and the places where the lighting control system S1 according to the embodiment is installed are not limited to the above facilities.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the lighting control system S1 according to the embodiment includes a communication device D1 and a lighting device A1. The lighting device A1 can communicate wirelessly with the communication device D1. As shown in FIG. 4, the communication device D1 has a wireless communication unit 43. The wireless communication unit 43 periodically transmits a wireless signal to the lighting device A1. As shown in FIG. 2, the lighting device A1 includes a light source unit 10, a control unit 14, a wireless communication unit 12, and a count unit 141. The control unit 14 controls the light source unit 10. The wireless communication unit 12 receives a wireless signal. The count unit 141 initializes the count value when the wireless communication unit 12 can receive the wireless signal periodically transmitted from the communication device D1, and adds or subtracts the count value when the wireless communication unit 12 cannot receive the wireless signal. When the count value by the count unit 141 exceeds a threshold value, the control unit 14 performs predetermined lighting control on the light source unit 10. In the present embodiment, the wireless communication unit 43 corresponds to the first wireless communication unit, and the wireless communication unit 12 corresponds to the second wireless communication unit.

[0015] In the lighting control system S1 according to the embodiment, when the count value by the count unit 141 exceeds a threshold value, by performing predetermined lighting control on the light source unit 10, it becomes possible to notify that a communication failure has occurred between the communication device D1 and the lighting device A1.

[0016] (2) Details Next, each component of the lighting control system S1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0017] (2.1) System configuration As shown in FIG. 1, the lighting control system S1 according to the embodiment includes, for example, a plurality of lighting devices A1, a sensor device B1, a communication device D1, a tablet C1, and a handy remote control C2.

[0018] The plurality of lighting devices A1, the sensor device B1, and the communication device D1 are supplied with AC power from an external power source P1 through a two-wire power supply line P11. In the example of FIG. 1, a switch device J1 is inserted into the power supply line P11. The switch device J1 includes an operation handle J11 and is configured to turn on or off the connection state between the external power source P1 and the power supply line P11 each time the operation handle J11 is operated. That is, when the switch device J1 turns on the connection state between the external power source P1 and the power supply line P11, AC power is supplied from the external power source P1 through the power supply line P11 and the lighting control system S1 becomes operable. On the other hand, when the switch device J1 turns off the connection state between the external power source P1 and the power supply line P11, AC power is not supplied from the external power source P1 through the power supply line P11, so the lighting control system S1 becomes inoperable.

[0019] (2.1.1) Lighting Device As shown in FIG. 2, each of the plurality of lighting devices A1 has a light source unit 10, a power supply unit 11, a wireless communication unit 12, a storage unit 13, and a control unit 14. The wireless communication unit 12 corresponds to the second wireless communication unit as described above.

[0020] The light source unit 10 has, for example, an LED module configured by mounting multiple LEDs on a substrate. Note that the multiple light source units 10 in multiple lighting devices A1 may be of different types. For example, the multiple light source units 10 include a light source unit 10 that emits monochromatic illumination light, a light source unit 10 with a variable color temperature of illumination light, a light source unit 10 with a variable light color of illumination light, and a light source unit 10 with a switchable illumination direction. The light source unit 10 with a variable color temperature of illumination light has LED modules that emit illumination light of different color temperatures (e.g., incandescent and daylight). The light source unit 10 with a variable light color of illumination light has LED modules that emit illumination light of different colors, such as red, green, and blue light. Furthermore, the light source unit 10 with a switchable illumination direction has, for example, an LED module that emits illumination light towards the floor and an LED module that emits illumination light towards the ceiling or wall.

[0021] The power supply unit 11 includes, for example, a power conversion circuit and a constant current circuit. The power conversion circuit converts AC power supplied from an external power supply P1 via a power supply line P11 into DC power. The constant current circuit operates to match the DC current supplied to the light source unit 10 to a target value. The power supply unit 11 may have multiple constant current circuits depending on the type of light source unit 10. That is, a power supply unit 11 paired with a light source unit 10 whose illumination light color temperature is variable has multiple constant current circuits that supply DC current individually to multiple LED modules with different color temperatures. Also, a power supply unit 11 paired with a light source unit 10 whose illumination light color is variable has multiple constant current circuits that supply DC current individually to LED modules with multiple light colors. Furthermore, a power supply unit 11 paired with a light source unit 10 whose irradiation direction is switchable has, for example, a constant current circuit that supplies DC current to an LED module that radiates illumination light toward the floor, and a constant current circuit that supplies DC current to an LED module that radiates illumination light toward the ceiling or wall.

[0022] The wireless communication unit 12 includes a wireless communication circuit and an antenna. The wireless communication circuit is an integrated circuit configured to perform wireless communication compliant with wireless communication standards, such as BLE (Bluetooth® low energy), and mesh communication using radio waves as a medium. The wireless communication unit 12 receives radio signals that are periodically transmitted from the wireless communication unit 43 of the communication device D1, which will be described later.

[0023] The wireless communication circuit may be configured to perform wireless communication in accordance with wireless communication standards other than BLE, such as Wi-Fi®, ZigBee®, or 920MHz band low-power radio stations (for telecontrol). The wireless communication circuit is capable of transmitting and receiving wireless signals through the antenna.

[0024] The memory unit 13 has, for example, an electrically rewritable non-volatile semiconductor memory. The memory unit 13 stores multiple scene information. Each of the multiple scene information includes lighting-related information and mode specification information. The lighting-related information is information for specifying at least one of the following: illumination light intensity, light color, and irradiation direction. The mode specification information is information for specifying one control mode from among multiple control modes. Here, the power supply unit 11 adjusts the amount of light output by adjusting the DC current supplied to the light source unit 10. The illumination light intensity is expressed by the dimming level of the light source unit 10. The dimming level is defined as the ratio of the light amount when the light amount when the rated current is flowed through the light source unit 10 is set to 100%. For example, a dimming level of 50% indicates that half the rated light amount is output from the light source unit 10. The light color is defined by the color temperature when the color temperature of the illumination light from the light source unit 10 is variable. However, the lighting-related information that specifies the light color is indicated by the ratio of the light amounts for multiple types of LED modules with different color temperatures. Similarly, if the light color of the light source unit 10 is variable, the lighting information specifying the light color is indicated by the ratio of light intensity for each color LED module. Furthermore, the lighting information specifying the irradiation direction of the light source unit 10 is indicated, for example, by a numerical value corresponding to the irradiation direction (e.g., 0: downward, 1: upward). Multiple scene information can be set and changed using the setting device 3 (see Figure 6), which will be described later.

[0025] The control unit 14 primarily consists of a microcontroller. The control unit 14 is configured to perform various processes related to lighting control by having the microcontroller's processor execute a program for lighting control. Based on the wireless signal received by the wireless communication unit 12, the control unit 14 selects one scene from among multiple scene information stored in the memory unit 13 and controls the power supply unit 11 based on the selected scene information. As the power supply unit 11 is controlled, the light source unit 10, which is supplied with DC power from the power supply unit 11, is also controlled. In other words, the control unit 14 controls the light source unit 10 based on the wireless signal received by the wireless communication unit 12.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 14 includes a counting unit 141. The counting unit 141 initializes and adds to the count value. More specifically, the counting unit 141 initializes (resets) the count value when the wireless communication unit 12 is able to receive the wireless signal periodically transmitted from the communication device D1, and adds to the count value when the wireless communication unit 12 is unable to receive the wireless signal. In other words, the counting unit 141 counts the number of times the wireless communication unit 12 has been unable to receive the wireless signal.

[0027] The control unit 14 then controls the light source unit 10 based on the count value from the count unit 141. More specifically, the control unit 14 performs a predetermined lighting control on the light source unit 10 when the count value from the count unit 141 exceeds a threshold. In this embodiment, the threshold is 5 as an example. Therefore, the control unit 14 performs a predetermined lighting control on the light source unit 10 when the count value from the count unit 141 exceeds 5, in other words, when the wireless communication unit 12 fails to receive the wireless signal 5 times in a row.

[0028] Here, the predetermined lighting control is, for example, a blinking control that makes the light source unit 10 blink. The first lighting control, which is the predetermined lighting control, is different from the second lighting control, which is the lighting control performed before the first lighting control. In this embodiment, as an example, the second lighting control is a turn-off control that turns off the light source unit 10. That is, the control unit 14 controls the light source unit 10, which is in the off state, to a blinking state when the count value from the count unit 141 exceeds 5.

[0029] Furthermore, as described above, the lighting control system S1 according to this embodiment includes a plurality of lighting devices A1. The predetermined lighting control is determined individually for each of the plurality of lighting devices A1. In this embodiment, as an example, the predetermined lighting control for each of the plurality of lighting devices A1 is the same lighting control, which is a flashing control.

[0030] (2.1.2) Sensor device As shown in Figure 3, the sensor device B1 includes a brightness detection unit 20, a human detection unit 21, a sensor control unit 22, a wireless communication unit 23, and a storage unit 24.

[0031] The brightness detection unit 20 includes, for example, a photoelectric conversion element and a signal processing circuit. The signal processing circuit processes the output signal of the photoelectric conversion element. The brightness detection unit 20 detects reflected light from the floor or desk surface within the detection range as the amount of incident light, converts the detected amount of incident light into a voltage signal (brightness signal), and outputs it to the sensor control unit 22.

[0032] The human detection unit 21 includes a passive type sensor that detects heat rays (infrared rays) emitted from the human body, generally called a heat ray sensor or PIR (Passive Infrared) sensor. The human detection unit 21 may also include an active type sensor that detects a person (moving object) by emitting radio waves (microwaves) and receiving the radio waves reflected by an antenna after they hit an object in space, thereby determining whether or not the object is moving. When the human detection unit 21 detects the presence of a person in the detection area, it outputs a human detection signal to the sensor control unit 22.

[0033] The brightness detection unit 20 and the person detection unit 21 may each have a single image sensor, and may be configured to detect a person from the difference between the background image acquired by the image sensor and the current image, as well as to detect brightness from the acquired image.

[0034] The sensor control unit 22 primarily consists of a microcontroller. The sensor control unit 22 is configured to perform various processes related to sensor control by having the microcontroller's processor execute a program for sensor control.

[0035] The sensor control unit 22 compares the brightness (illuminance within the detection range) indicated by the brightness signal input from the brightness detection unit 20 with the brightness target value, and creates a control command necessary to keep the difference between the illuminance within the detection range and the brightness target value within a predetermined range. For example, if the difference between the illuminance within the detection range and the brightness target value is greater than the upper limit of the predetermined range, the sensor control unit 22 creates a control command to lower the dimming level in order to reduce the difference between the illuminance within the detection range and the brightness target value. Conversely, if the difference between the illuminance within the detection range and the brightness target value is smaller than the lower limit of the predetermined range, the sensor control unit 22 creates a control command to raise the dimming level in order to reduce the difference between the illuminance within the detection range and the brightness target value. The sensor control unit 22 outputs the created control command to the wireless communication unit 23.

[0036] The wireless communication unit 23, like the wireless communication unit 12 of the lighting device A1, includes a wireless communication circuit and an antenna. The wireless communication circuit is an integrated circuit configured to perform wireless communication and mesh communication in accordance with the same wireless communication standards as the wireless communication circuit of the wireless communication unit 12. The wireless communication circuit can send and receive wireless signals through the antenna. The wireless communication unit 23 transmits messages, including control commands received from the sensor control unit 22, via wireless signals.

[0037] The memory unit 24 has, for example, an electrically rewritable non-volatile semiconductor memory. The memory unit 24 stores multiple scene information. Each scene information stored in the memory unit 24 matches the scene information stored in the memory unit 13 of the lighting device A1. More specifically, each scene information stored in the memory unit 24 includes the same mode specification information as the mode specification information stored in the memory unit 13 of the lighting device A1, and information regarding the operation of the sensor device B1.

[0038] (2.1.3) Communication equipment As shown in Figure 4, the communication device D1 includes a clock unit 40, a schedule storage unit 41, a schedule control unit 42, and a wireless communication unit 43. The wireless communication unit 43 corresponds to the first wireless communication unit, as described above.

[0039] The clock unit 40 includes, for example, a real-time clock module. The real-time clock module is an integrated circuit configured to generate and output digital data including the time and date from a clock source. The clock unit 40 outputs the digital data of the time and date (hereinafter also referred to as "clock data") generated by the real-time clock module to the schedule control unit 42. In other words, the clock unit 40 measures the current time.

[0040] The schedule storage unit 41 has an electrically rewritable non-volatile semiconductor memory. The schedule storage unit 41 stores a schedule for lighting control. The schedule includes, for example, a combination of a time period and a designation information specifying scene information. That is, the schedule storage unit 41 stores multiple time periods and multiple control commands for the light source unit 10 in a one-to-one correspondence. In this embodiment, the schedule storage unit 41 corresponds to the storage unit.

[0041] The schedule control unit 42 primarily consists of a microcontroller. The schedule control unit 42 is configured to perform various processes related to schedule control by having the microcontroller's processor execute a program for schedule control. The schedule control unit 42 refers to the clock data obtained from the clock unit 40 and the schedule stored in the schedule storage unit 41, and when the current time in the clock data matches the start time of the schedule, it creates a control command from the schedule specification information and outputs it to the wireless communication unit 43. Therefore, the wireless signal output from the wireless communication unit 43 includes a control command associated with the time that matches the current time among the multiple control commands stored in the schedule storage unit 41. In other words, the wireless signal includes a control command for the light source unit 10.

[0042] The wireless communication unit 43, like the wireless communication unit 12 of the lighting device A1, includes a wireless communication circuit and an antenna. The wireless communication circuit is an integrated circuit configured to perform wireless communication and mesh communication in accordance with the same wireless communication standards as the wireless communication circuit of the wireless communication unit 12. The wireless communication circuit is capable of sending and receiving wireless signals through the antenna. The wireless communication unit 43 transmits messages, including control commands received from the schedule control unit 42, as wireless signals. The wireless communication unit 43 also periodically transmits the above wireless signals to the lighting device A1. In other words, the lighting control system S1 according to this embodiment includes a communication device D1 and a lighting device A1 that can communicate wirelessly with the communication device D1.

[0043] Furthermore, if the microcontroller of the schedule control unit 42 is equipped with a real-time clock module, the clock function may be implemented using the real-time clock module of the microcontroller.

[0044] As described above, the communication device D1 transmits control commands to the lighting device A1 using clock data as a trigger input, and therefore can also play the role of a control device in the lighting control system S1.

[0045] (2.1.4) Tablet As shown in Figure 1, the tablet C1 is a portable computer system configured by housing, for example, an SoC (System on a chip) and a touch panel display device C10 in a rectangular, plate-shaped enclosure C11.

[0046] An SoC is a single-chip semiconductor device that incorporates a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and a modem, among other components. The touch panel display device C10 is, for example, a touch panel liquid crystal display or a touch panel organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

[0047] In the lighting control system S1, the tablet C1 acts as the control device 5 (see Figure 5) by having the SoC (CPU) execute a control program (application program). In addition, in the lighting control system S1, the tablet C1 acts as the setting device 3 (see Figure 6) by having the SoC (CPU) execute a schedule setting program (application program) and a threshold change program.

[0048] As shown in Figure 5, the control device 5 includes an input receiving unit 50, a control unit 51, and a wireless communication unit 52. The input receiving unit 50 is implemented by the touch panel of the tablet C1. The control unit 51 is implemented by the CPU of the tablet C1. The wireless communication unit 52 is implemented by the modem of the tablet C1. The wireless communication unit 52 is configured to perform wireless communication compliant with standards such as BLE and Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0049] As shown in Figure 6, the setting device 3 includes an input receiving unit 30, a wireless communication unit 31, and a creation unit 32. The input receiving unit 30 is implemented by the touch panel of the tablet C1. The creation unit 32 is implemented by the CPU of the tablet C1. The wireless communication unit 31 is implemented by the modem of the tablet C1. The wireless communication unit 31 is configured to perform wireless communication compliant with standards such as BLE and Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0050] The creation unit 32 sets and modifies multiple scene information, and sets and modifies the threshold of the count unit 141 of the lighting device A1, in addition to setting and modifying the predetermined lighting control described above. That is, the lighting control system S1 according to the embodiment further includes a setting device 3 that sets and modifies predetermined lighting control.

[0051] In this embodiment, the control device 5 and the setting device 3 are implemented using a tablet C1, but the control device 5 and the setting device 3 may each be configured with dedicated hardware and software.

[0052] (2.1.5) Handheld remote control As shown in Figure 1, the handheld remote control C2 has a main body C20 made of a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped synthetic resin molded body. The main body C20 is small enough for a person to hold in one hand. Multiple (six in the illustrated example) operation buttons C21 to C26 are provided on the front of the main body C20.

[0053] In the lighting control system S1, the handheld remote control C2 is assigned the role of the control device 5. Specifically, the handheld remote control C2 houses the input receiving unit 50, the control unit 51, and the wireless communication unit 52 that constitute the control device 5, within the main body C20.

[0054] The input receiving unit 50 has six tact switches that correspond one-to-one with six operation buttons C21 to C26. The six tact switches are configured to turn on when the corresponding operation buttons C21 to C26 are pressed. In other words, the input receiving unit 50 is configured to accept operation inputs corresponding to each operation button C21 to C26 when the tact switches are turned on.

[0055] The control unit 51 mainly consists of a microcontroller. The control unit 51 is configured to perform various processes related to lighting control, such as scene selection and switching the lighting device A1 on and off, by having the microcontroller's processor execute a control program.

[0056] The wireless communication unit 52, like the wireless communication unit 12 of the lighting device A1, includes a wireless communication circuit and an antenna. The wireless communication circuit is an integrated circuit configured to perform wireless communication and mesh communication in accordance with the same wireless communication standards as the wireless communication circuit of the wireless communication unit 12. The wireless communication circuit can send and receive wireless signals through the antenna. The wireless communication unit 52 transmits messages, including control commands received from the control unit 51, via wireless signals.

[0057] (2.2) Mesh network in lighting control system The lighting control system S1 constructs a mesh network with each of the lighting device A1, sensor device B1, and communication device D1 acting as a communication terminal (node). Each node in the mesh network (lighting device A1, sensor device B1, and communication device D1) is assigned a unique network address.

[0058] In this embodiment, the mesh network NW1 forms a partially connected mesh network, as shown in Figure 7. The mesh network NW1 has multiple (four in the illustrated example) subnetworks SN1, SN2, SN3, and SN4. Each of the multiple subnetworks SNi (i=1,2,3,4) has one or more nodes Nij (j=1,2,…). Each of the multiple nodes Nij can communicate directly with other nodes Nij within its own subnetwork SNi, but cannot communicate directly with nodes Nij belonging to a different subnetwork SNi.

[0059] In each subnetwork SNi, one of several nodes Nij acts as the management node MNi. Each management node MNi can communicate directly with other nodes Nij within its own subnetwork SNi, and also with other management nodes MNi belonging to other subnetwork SNi. In other words, all nodes Nij belonging to each subnetwork SNi can communicate via the management node MNi of its own subnetwork SNi with all nodes Nij belonging to other subnetwork SNi.

[0060] Furthermore, one of the multiple management nodes MNi acts as the master unit. The master unit performs processes such as synchronizing all nodes Nij (including the management node MNi) belonging to the mesh network NW1, and broadcasting messages to the entire mesh network NW1.

[0061] Here, we assume that communication device D1 (management node MN1) is the master unit, and in one subnetwork SN2, management node MN2 is sensor device B1, and the three nodes N21, N22, and N23 are lighting devices A1. In this case, each lighting device A1 communicates with communication device D1, which is management node MN1, via sensor device B1, which is management node MN2. For example, if sensor device B1 and communication device D1 can communicate, but sensor device B1 cannot communicate with any of the lighting devices A1 (hereinafter referred to as "this lighting device A1"), the wireless signal transmitted from communication device D1 to this lighting device A1 cannot be received by this lighting device A1. Therefore, if this lighting device A1 fails to receive the above wireless signal five times in a row, only this lighting device A1 will blink. Also, if sensor device B1 and communication device D1 cannot communicate, the wireless signal transmitted from communication device D1 to each lighting device A1 cannot be received by each lighting device A1. Therefore, if each lighting device A1 fails to receive the above wireless signal five times in a row, all three lighting devices A1 will start flashing.

[0062] (2.3) Grouping in lighting control systems As shown in Figure 8, a lighting control system S1 has one or more areas ARi (i=1,2,…,n). Each area ARi has one or more zones ZNij (j=1,2,…). Each zone ZNij contains multiple lighting devices A1 and, if necessary, one sensor device B1. Note that each zone ZNij may contain only one lighting device A1, and may not contain a sensor device B1.

[0063] Furthermore, the zoning of zone ZNij and area ARi is independent of the topology of the mesh network NW1. For example, multiple zones ZNij and area ARi may exist in one subnetwork SNi. Alternatively, multiple nodes Nij belonging to different subnetworks SNi may exist in one zone ZNij. Note that a single lighting control system S1 has at most one communication device D1, but the communication device D1 does not belong to any area ARi or any zone ZNij.

[0064] The lighting control system S1 assigns the communication device D1 the role of the master unit in the mesh network NW1. If the lighting control system S1 does not have the communication device D1, it may assign the role of the master unit to either the lighting device A1 or the sensor device B1.

[0065] The control device 5, implemented on tablet C1, can communicate with the management node MNi in the mesh network NW1 via BLE communication when the lighting control system S1 is in operation. The lighting control system S1 assigns the role of management node MNi to either sensor device B1, lighting device A1, or communication device D1. Furthermore, the setting device 3, implemented on tablet C1, can communicate with all nodes (communication device D1, sensor device B1, lighting device A1) and the handheld remote control C2 via BLE communication.

[0066] The control device 5, implemented by the handheld remote control C2, can perform mesh communication with the nodes of the mesh network NW1 (lighting device A1, sensor device B1, and communication device D1) only when transmitting control commands. Furthermore, the control device 5, implemented by the handheld remote control C2, can perform BLE communication with the setting device 3, implemented by the tablet C1.

[0067] (3) Lighting control method Next, a lighting control method according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 9. The lighting control method according to the embodiment is executed, for example, by the lighting control system S1 according to the embodiment. However, the entity executing the lighting control method is not limited to the lighting control system S1.

[0068] As shown in Figure 9, the lighting control method according to the embodiment includes a wireless communication step (step ST2), control steps (steps ST4, ST7), and counting steps (steps ST3, ST5). In the wireless communication step, a periodically transmitted wireless signal is received. In the control step, the light source unit 10 is controlled based on the wireless signal received in the wireless communication step. In the counting step, the count value is initialized if a wireless signal is received, and the count value is incremented if a wireless signal is not received. In the control step, if the count value obtained in the counting step exceeds a threshold, a predetermined lighting control is performed on the light source unit 10.

[0069] In the lighting control method according to this embodiment, in the control step, if the count value obtained in the count step exceeds a threshold, predetermined lighting control is performed on the light source unit 10, making it possible to notify the communication device (D1) and the lighting device (A1) that a communication failure has occurred.

[0070] The lighting control method performed by the lighting control system S1 will be described below with reference to Figure 9.

[0071] The control unit 14 of the lighting device A1 waits for the periodic duration to determine whether it has received a periodic radio signal from the communication device D1 (step ST1). While waiting to receive, the control unit 14 determines whether the radio communication unit 12 has received the radio signal transmitted from the communication device D1 (step ST2). If the radio communication unit 12 has received the radio signal (step ST2: Yes), the count unit 141 of the control unit 14 initializes (resets) the count value (step ST3). Then, the control unit 14 performs a second lighting control according to the control command of the radio signal from the communication device D1 (step ST4). The second lighting control is a power-off control that turns off the light source unit 10, as described above.

[0072] On the other hand, if the wireless communication unit 12 is unable to receive a wireless signal (step ST2: No), the counting unit 141 increments the count value (step ST5). The control unit 14 then determines whether the count value of the counting unit 141 is greater than or equal to a threshold (step ST6). If the count value is less than the threshold (step ST6: No), the control unit 14 does nothing. If the count value is greater than or equal to the threshold (step ST6: Yes), the control unit 14 performs the first lighting control (step ST7). As described above, the first lighting control is a blinking control that blinks the light source unit 10.

[0073] (4) Effects In the lighting control system S1 according to this embodiment, when the count value from the counting unit 141 exceeds a threshold, a predetermined lighting control is performed on the light source unit 10, making it possible to notify the communication device D1 and the lighting device A1 that a communication failure has occurred. In particular, when the predetermined lighting control is flashing control, there is an advantage in that it is easy to understand that a communication failure has occurred between the communication device D1 and the lighting device A1.

[0074] Furthermore, in the lighting control system S1 according to this embodiment, since the first lighting control and the second lighting control are different, there is an advantage in that it is easier to identify when a communication failure occurs between the communication device D1 and the lighting device A1.

[0075] Furthermore, in the lighting control system S1 according to this embodiment, predetermined lighting control can be individually determined for each of the multiple lighting devices A1.

[0076] Furthermore, in the lighting control system S1 according to this embodiment, the setting device 3 makes it possible to set and change predetermined lighting control settings.

[0077] Furthermore, in the lighting control system S1 according to the embodiment, the communication device D1 transmits a wireless signal for lighting control according to the schedule setting, thereby enabling desired lighting control to be performed on the light source unit 10.

[0078] Furthermore, in the lighting control system S1 according to the embodiment, the threshold value can be changed by the setting device 3.

[0079] (5) Variant The embodiments described above are merely one of many embodiments of this disclosure. The embodiments described above can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the objectives of this disclosure are achieved. Furthermore, functions similar to those of the lighting control system S1 according to the embodiments described above may be embodied in the lighting control method, (computer) program, or non-temporary recording medium on which the program is stored. A program according to one embodiment is a program that causes one or more processors to execute the lighting control method described above. Such a program makes it possible to notify the communication device D1 and the lighting device A1 that a communication failure has occurred.

[0080] The following lists some modifications of the above-described embodiment. The modifications described below can be combined and applied as appropriate.

[0081] (5.1) Variation 1 In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 14 performs predetermined lighting control on the light source unit 10 when the count value from the count unit 141 exceeds a threshold. Alternatively, the control unit 14 may perform predetermined lighting control on the light source unit 10 when the count value from the count unit 141 exceeds a threshold and the light source unit 10 is in a predetermined control state. The operation of the lighting control system S1 according to Modification 1 will be described below with reference to Figure 10.

[0082] The control unit 14 of the lighting device A1 determines whether the light source unit 10 is in a predetermined control state (step ST11). Here, the predetermined control state is determined by the state of the light source unit 10 and the control method for the light source unit 10. The control method for the light source unit 10 includes, for example, schedule control by the communication device D1 and tablet control by the tablet C1. Schedule control is lighting control based on clock data acquired from the clock unit 40 of the communication device D1 and the schedule stored in the schedule storage unit 41 of the communication device D1. Tablet control is lighting control in response to input operations on the tablet C1. The state of the light source unit 10 is, for example, the off state where the light source unit 10 is turned off.

[0083] Next, if the light source unit 10 is in a predetermined control state (step ST11: Yes), the control unit 14 waits for the specified period to determine whether it has received a periodic radio signal from the communication device D1 (step ST12). While waiting to receive, the control unit 14 determines whether the radio communication unit 12 has received the radio signal transmitted from the communication device D1 (step ST13). If the radio communication unit 12 has received the radio signal (step ST13: Yes), the count unit 141 of the control unit 14 initializes (resets) the count value (step ST14). Then, the control unit 14 performs the second lighting control according to the control command of the radio signal from the communication device D1 (step ST15). If the light source unit 10 is not in a predetermined control state (step ST11: No), the control unit 14 returns to step ST11.

[0084] On the other hand, if the wireless communication unit 12 is unable to receive a wireless signal (step ST13: No), the counting unit 141 increments the count value (step ST16). The control unit 14 then determines whether the count value of the counting unit 141 is equal to or greater than a threshold (step ST17). If the count value is less than the threshold (step ST17: No), the control unit 14 does nothing. If the count value is equal to or greater than the threshold (step ST17: Yes), the control unit 14 performs the first lighting control (step ST18).

[0085] According to the lighting control system S1 of the modified example 1, when the count value from the counting unit 141 exceeds a threshold and the light source unit 10 is in a predetermined control state, it is possible to notify the communication device D1 and the lighting device A1 that a communication failure has occurred by performing a predetermined lighting control on the light source unit 10.

[0086] Furthermore, according to the lighting control system S1 of the modified example 1, it is possible to determine whether or not the light source unit 10 is in a predetermined control state based on the state of the light source unit 10 and the control method applied to the light source unit 10.

[0087] (5.2) Other variations The following lists other modifications of the embodiments described above.

[0088] The implementing entity of the lighting control system S1 or lighting control method in this disclosure includes a computer system. The computer system mainly consists of a processor and memory as hardware. The processor executes a program recorded in the memory of the computer system, thereby realizing the function of the implementing entity of the lighting control system S1 or lighting control method in this disclosure. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, provided via a telecommunications line, or provided on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card, optical disk, or hard disk drive that can be read by the computer system. The processor of the computer system consists of one or more electronic circuits including semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) or large-scale integrated circuits (LSIs). The integrated circuits referred to here, such as ICs or LSIs, are named differently depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSIs, VLSIs (Very Large Scale Integration), or ULSIs (Ultra Large Scale Integration). Furthermore, FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) that are programmed after the manufacture of the LSI, or logic devices that allow for the reconfiguration of junction relationships or circuit compartments within the LSI, can also be used as processors. Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated onto a single chip or distributed across multiple chips. Multiple chips may be integrated onto a single device or distributed across multiple devices. The computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, the microcontroller also consists of one or more electronic circuits, including semiconductor integrated circuits or large-scale integrated circuits.

[0089] Furthermore, it is not essential for the lighting control system S1 to have multiple functions integrated into a single housing; the components of the lighting control system S1 may be distributed across multiple housings.

[0090] Conversely, in the above-described embodiment, at least some of the functions of the lighting control system S1, which are distributed across multiple devices, may be consolidated into a single housing. For example, some of the functions of the lighting control system S1, which are distributed across lighting device A1 and sensor device B1, may be consolidated into a single housing.

[0091] In the above-described embodiment, the first lighting control is a flashing control that causes the light source unit 10 to blink, and the second lighting control is a shut-off control that turns off the light source unit 10. In contrast, for example, the first lighting control may be a lighting control that turns on the light source unit 10, and the second lighting control may be a shut-off control that turns off the light source unit 10. Alternatively, for example, the first lighting control may be a shut-off control that turns off the light source unit 10, and the second lighting control may be a lighting control that turns on the light source unit 10. The lighting state can be achieved by lighting the light source unit 10 at an illuminance corresponding to the dimming rate, for example, the dimming rate may be 100%, or it may be any desired value less than 100%.

[0092] A predetermined lighting control may be part of multiple scene information sets. In other words, a predetermined lighting control may be included in multiple scene information sets.

[0093] In the embodiment described above, the counting unit 141 constantly adds or resets the count value. In contrast, the counting unit 141 may add or reset the count value, for example, when the light source unit 10 is in a predetermined control state.

[0094] In the embodiment described above, the counting unit 141 adds to the count value when the wireless communication unit 12 is unable to receive a wireless signal. Conversely, the counting unit 141 may subtract from the count value when the wireless communication unit 12 is unable to receive a wireless signal.

[0095] (Appearance) This specification discloses the following aspects:

[0096] The lighting control system (S1) according to the first embodiment comprises a communication device (D1) and a lighting device (A1). The lighting device (A1) is wirelessly capable of communicating with the communication device (D1). The communication device (D1) has a first wireless communication unit (43). The first wireless communication unit (43) periodically transmits wireless signals to the lighting device (A1). The lighting device (A1) comprises a light source unit (10), a control unit (14), a second wireless communication unit (12), and a count unit (141). The control unit (14) controls the light source unit (10). The second wireless communication unit (12) receives wireless signals. The count unit (141) initializes the count value when the second wireless communication unit (12) is able to receive a wireless signal, and adds or subtracts the count value when the second wireless communication unit (12) is unable to receive a wireless signal. When the count value from the count unit (141) exceeds a threshold, the control unit (14) performs predetermined lighting control on the light source unit (10).

[0097] According to this embodiment, when the count value from the counting unit (141) exceeds a threshold, predetermined lighting control is performed on the light source unit (10), making it possible to notify the communication device (D1) and the lighting device (A1) that a communication failure has occurred.

[0098] In the lighting control system (S1) according to the second embodiment, in the first embodiment, the counting unit (141) adds or subtracts a count value when the light source unit (10) is in a predetermined control state.

[0099] According to this embodiment, the counting unit (141) can add or subtract a count value when the light source unit (10) is in a predetermined control state.

[0100] In the third embodiment of the lighting control system (S1), in the first embodiment, the control unit (14) performs predetermined lighting control when the count value from the count unit (141) exceeds a threshold and the light source unit (10) is in a predetermined control state.

[0101] According to this embodiment, when the count value from the counting unit (141) exceeds a threshold and the light source unit (10) is in a predetermined control state, it becomes possible to notify the communication device (D1) and the lighting device (A1) that a communication failure has occurred.

[0102] In the lighting control system (S1) according to the fourth embodiment, in the second or third embodiment, a predetermined control state is determined by the state of the light source unit (10) and the control mode applied to the light source unit (10).

[0103] According to this embodiment, it is possible to determine whether the light source unit (10) is in a predetermined control state based on the state of the light source unit (10) and the control mode applied to the light source unit (10).

[0104] In the fifth aspect of the lighting control system (S1), in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the first lighting control, which is a predetermined lighting control, is different from the second lighting control, which is the lighting control performed before the first lighting control.

[0105] According to this embodiment, by performing a first lighting control different from the second lighting control, it becomes possible to notify the communication device (D1) and the lighting device (A1) that a communication failure has occurred.

[0106] The lighting control system (S1) according to the sixth embodiment includes a plurality of lighting devices (A1), including a lighting device (A1), in any one of the first to fifth embodiments. The predetermined lighting control is determined individually for each of the plurality of lighting devices (A1).

[0107] According to this embodiment, it becomes possible to individually determine predetermined lighting control for each of the multiple lighting devices (A1).

[0108] In the lighting control system (S1) according to the seventh embodiment, in any one of the first to sixth embodiments, the predetermined lighting control includes flashing control that causes the light source unit (10) to flash.

[0109] According to this embodiment, by blinking the light source unit (10), it becomes possible to notify the communication device (D1) and the lighting device (A1) that a communication failure has occurred.

[0110] The lighting control system (S1) according to the eighth embodiment includes a setting device (3) in any one of the first to seventh embodiments. The setting device (3) performs predetermined setting and modification of lighting control.

[0111] According to this embodiment, the setting device (3) makes it possible to set and change predetermined lighting controls.

[0112] In the lighting control system (S1) according to the ninth embodiment, the setting device (3) further sets and changes thresholds, as in the eighth embodiment.

[0113] According to this embodiment, the setting device (3) makes it possible to set and change thresholds.

[0114] In the lighting control system (S1) according to the tenth embodiment, in any one of the first to ninth embodiments, the wireless signal includes a control command to the light source unit (10).

[0115] According to this embodiment, it becomes possible to transmit control commands to the light source unit (10) by wireless signal.

[0116] In the lighting control system (S1) according to the eleventh embodiment, in any one of the first to tenth embodiments, the communication device (D1) further comprises a clock unit (40) and a storage unit (41). The clock unit (40) measures the current time. The storage unit (41) stores multiple times and multiple control commands for the light source unit (10) in one-to-one correspondence. The wireless signal includes a control command among the multiple control commands that is associated with the time that matches the current time.

[0117] According to this embodiment, it becomes possible to control the lighting according to the current time.

[0118] The twelfth embodiment of the lighting control method includes a wireless communication step (ST2, ST13), a control step (ST4, ST7, ST15, ST18), and a count step (ST3, ST5, ST14, ST16). In the wireless communication step (ST2, ST13), a periodically transmitted wireless signal is received. In the control step (ST4, ST7, ST15, ST18), the light source unit (10) is controlled based on the wireless signal received in the wireless communication step (ST2, ST13). In the count step (ST3, ST5, ST14, ST16), the count value is initialized if a wireless signal is received, and the count value is added or subtracted if a wireless signal is not received. In the control step (ST4, ST7, ST15, ST18), if the count value obtained in the count step (ST3, ST5, ST14, ST16) exceeds a threshold, a predetermined lighting control is performed on the light source unit (10).

[0119] According to this embodiment, when the count value obtained by the count step (ST3, ST5, ST14, ST16) exceeds a threshold, predetermined lighting control is performed on the light source unit (10), making it possible to notify the communication device (D1) and the lighting device (A1) that a communication failure has occurred.

[0120] The program relating to the 13th embodiment is a program that causes one or more processors to execute the lighting control method of the 12th embodiment.

[0121] According to this embodiment, it is possible to notify the communication device (D1) and the lighting device (A1) that a communication failure has occurred.

[0122] The configurations relating to the second to eleventh aspects are not essential to the lighting control system (S1) and can be omitted as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0123] 3. Setting device 5 Control device 10 Light source section 12. Radio Communication Department (2nd Radio Communication Department) 14 Control Unit 40 Clock Department 41. Schedule memory unit (memory unit) 43. Radio Communication Department (1st Radio Communication Department) 141 Count section 421 Changes A1 Lighting device D1 Communication device S1 Lighting Control System ST2, ST13 Step (Wireless Communication Step) ST4, ST7, ST15, ST18 Steps (Control Steps) ST3, ST5, ST14, ST16 Step (Count Step)

Claims

1. Communication equipment and The system comprises a communication device and a lighting device capable of wireless communication, The aforementioned communication device is It has a first wireless communication unit that periodically transmits wireless signals to the aforementioned lighting device, The aforementioned lighting device is Light source section, A control unit for controlling the light source unit, A second wireless communication unit that receives the aforementioned wireless signal, The system includes a counting unit that initializes the count value when the second wireless communication unit is able to receive the wireless signal, and adds or subtracts the count value when the second wireless communication unit is unable to receive the wireless signal, The control unit performs a predetermined lighting control on the light source unit when the count value obtained by the counting unit exceeds a threshold. Lighting control system.

2. The counting unit adds or subtracts the count value when the light source unit is in a predetermined control state. The lighting control system according to claim 1.

3. The control unit performs the predetermined lighting control when the count value from the counting unit exceeds the threshold and the light source unit is in a predetermined control state. The lighting control system according to claim 1.

4. The predetermined control state is determined by the state of the light source unit and the control mode applied to the light source unit. The lighting control system according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The aforementioned predetermined lighting control, the first lighting control, is different from the lighting control performed before the first lighting control, the second lighting control. A lighting control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The system includes multiple lighting devices, including the aforementioned lighting device. The predetermined lighting control is determined individually for each of the plurality of lighting devices. A lighting control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The predetermined lighting control includes flashing control that causes the light source to flash, A lighting control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The system further includes a setting device for setting and changing the predetermined lighting control settings. A lighting control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. The setting device further performs setting and changing the threshold. The lighting control system according to claim 7.

10. The wireless signal includes a control command for the light source unit. A lighting control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

11. The aforementioned communication device is The clock section that measures the current time, The system further includes a storage unit that stores multiple time periods and multiple control commands for the light source unit in a one-to-one correspondence, The wireless signal includes a control command among the plurality of control commands that is associated with a time that matches the current time. A lighting control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

12. A wireless communication step of receiving a periodically transmitted wireless signal, A control step that controls the light source unit based on the wireless signal received in the wireless communication step, The system includes a count step that initializes the count value when the wireless signal is received, and adds or subtracts the count value when the wireless signal is not received. In the control step, if the count value obtained in the count step exceeds a threshold, a predetermined lighting control is performed on the light source unit. Lighting control method.

13. A program for causing one or more processors to execute the lighting control method described in claim 12.

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