Lighting control system, lighting device, lighting control method and program

Abstract

The objective of this disclosure is to suppress the occurrence of malfunctions under specific circumstances. [Solution] The lighting control system comprises a plurality of control devices and one or more lighting devices A1 that can communicate wirelessly with each of the plurality of control devices. The lighting device A1 includes a light source unit 10 that irradiates the lighting space with lighting light, a power supply unit 11 that supplies power to the light source unit 10, a wireless communication unit 12 that receives wireless signals, and a control unit 14 that controls the power supply unit 11 based on control commands included in the wireless signals. The control unit 14 selectively executes a plurality of control modes, including a first control mode and a second control mode. When executing the first control mode, the control unit 14 controls the power supply unit 11 based on control commands included in wireless signals transmitted from the plurality of control devices. When executing the second control mode, the control unit 14 controls the power supply unit 11 based only on a specific control command included in the wireless signals transmitted from any of the control devices.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lighting control system, a lighting device, a lighting control method, and a program, and more particularly to a lighting control system, a lighting device, a lighting control method, and a program that perform lighting control by wireless communication.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a lighting control system that performs lighting control by wireless communication has been provided for the purpose of construction work savings in new construction and renovation. For example, the lighting system (lighting control system) described in Patent Document 1 has lighting fixtures (lighting devices), a lighting control remote control (control device), a human presence sensor, an illuminance sensor, and the like.

[0003] The lighting control remote control has a plurality of buttons that correspond one-to-one with a plurality of scenes. A scene indicates that the lighting fixture is lit at a specific dimming rate and color temperature. That is, when any button is operated, a lighting control command for lighting the lighting fixture at the dimming rate and color temperature of the scene corresponding to the operated button is transmitted from the lighting control remote control to the lighting fixture.

[0004] In addition, the lighting control system can also control the lighting fixture based on the detection result of a person by the human presence sensor and the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor. In this case, the detection operations of the human presence sensor and the illuminance sensor are turned on / off in response to a control command transmitted from the lighting control remote control or other devices.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] By the way, in the lighting control system described above, if the dimming rate of a lighting fixture is changed while the illuminance sensor is detecting illuminance, for example, there is a risk that a malfunction may occur in the illuminance detection.

[0007] Therefore, under certain circumstances (for example, while detecting illuminance), it may be desirable to restrict lighting control.

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a lighting control system, lighting device, lighting control method, and program that can suppress the occurrence of malfunctions under specific circumstances. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A lighting control system according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a plurality of control devices and one or more lighting devices that can communicate wirelessly with each of the plurality of control devices. The lighting device includes a light source unit that irradiates a lighting space with lighting light, a power supply unit that supplies power to the light source unit, a wireless communication unit that receives wireless signals, and a control unit that controls the power supply unit based on control commands included in the wireless signals. Each of the plurality of control devices is capable of transmitting the wireless signals including the control commands. The control unit selectively executes a plurality of control modes, including a first control mode and a second control mode. While executing the first control mode, the control unit controls the power supply unit based on the control commands included in the wireless signals transmitted from the plurality of control devices. While executing the second control mode, the control unit controls the power supply unit based only on specific control commands included in the wireless signals transmitted from any of the plurality of control devices.

[0010] A lighting device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is provided in the lighting control system. The control unit, while executing the second control mode, controls the power supply unit based solely on the specific control command.

[0011] A lighting control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a lighting control method in a lighting control system. The lighting control method causes the control unit to selectively execute one of a plurality of control modes, including a first control mode and a second control mode. The lighting control method causes the control unit, while executing the first control mode, to control the power supply unit based on the control commands included in the wireless signals transmitted from the plurality of control devices. The lighting control method causes the control unit, while executing the second control mode, to control the power supply unit based only on a specific control command included in the wireless signals transmitted from one of the plurality of control devices.

[0012] A program according to one aspect of this disclosure causes a computer system to execute the lighting control method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] The lighting control system, lighting device, lighting control method, and program disclosed herein have the effect of suppressing the occurrence of malfunctions under specific circumstances. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a system configuration diagram of a lighting control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [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 scheduling 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 an explanatory diagram of the mesh network used in the lighting control system described above. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a diagram showing the layout of areas and zones in the lighting control system described above. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the sensor control of the above lighting control system. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the schedule control of the above lighting control system. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the calibration of the brightness detection unit in the above lighting control system. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the calibration of the brightness detection unit in the above lighting control system.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail 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 can be made according to the design and the like as long as the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0016] (1) Overview The lighting control system S1 according to the embodiment includes a plurality of control devices and one or more lighting devices A1 that can communicate wirelessly with each of the plurality of control devices (see FIG. 1). The lighting control system S1 according to the embodiment is installed in, for example, commercial facilities such as office buildings and shopping centers, factories, warehouses, and public facilities such as libraries. However, these facilities are merely examples and do not limit the places where the lighting control system S1 according to the embodiment is installed. <0OO0094> Each of the plurality of control devices can transmit a wireless signal including a control command. The plurality of control devices in the embodiment include a tablet C1, a handy remote control C2, and a schedule device D1.

[0018] The lighting device A1 includes a light source unit 10 that illuminates the lighting space with illumination light, a power supply unit 11 that supplies power to the light source unit 10, a wireless communication unit 12 that receives wireless signals, and a control unit 14 that controls the power supply unit 11 based on control commands included in the wireless signals (see Figure 2). The light source unit 10 has, for example, an LED module configured by mounting multiple LEDs on a substrate. The LED module may be composed of multiple types of LEDs with different light colors. The power supply unit 11 includes, for example, a power conversion circuit that converts AC power supplied from an external power supply P1 into DC power. The power supply unit 11 is configured to dim (or adjust the color) the light source unit 10 by increasing or decreasing the power (DC current) supplied from the power conversion circuit to the light source unit 10. The wireless communication unit 12 is configured to perform wireless communication using radio waves as the medium.

[0019] The control unit 14, for example, has a microcontroller as its main component. The control unit 14 is configured to perform various processes related to lighting control by causing the microcontroller's processor to execute a program for lighting control.

[0020] The control unit 14 selectively executes one of several control modes, including a first control mode and a second control mode. When executing the first control mode, the control unit 14 controls the power supply unit 11 based on control commands included in the radio signals transmitted from the multiple control devices. When executing the second control mode, the control unit 14 controls the power supply unit 11 based only on specific control commands included in the radio signals transmitted from one of the multiple control devices (for example, tablet C1).

[0021] However, under certain circumstances, for example, when the control unit 14 of the lighting device A1 is executing a second control mode, the lighting control system S1 according to the embodiment controls the power supply unit 11 based only on specific control commands included in the wireless signal transmitted from one of the control devices (tablet C1). In other words, even if the control unit 14 executing the second control mode receives a control command other than the specific control command, it does not control the power supply unit 11 based on that control command. Therefore, the lighting control system S1 according to the embodiment can suppress the occurrence of malfunctions under certain circumstances.

[0022] (2)Details Next, the lighting control system S1 according to the embodiment (hereinafter referred to as lighting control system S1) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0023] (2-1) System Configuration As shown in Figure 1, the lighting control system S1 includes multiple lighting devices A1, a sensor device B1, a scheduling device D1, a tablet C1, a handheld remote control C2, and the like.

[0024] Multiple lighting devices A1, sensor devices B1, and scheduling devices D1 are supplied with AC power from an external power source P1 via a two-wire power supply circuit P11. However, a switch device J1 is inserted into the power supply circuit P11. The switch device J1 is equipped with an operating handle J11 and is configured to switch the connection state between the external power source P1 and the power supply circuit P11 on / off each time the operating handle J11 is operated. In other words, when the switch device J1 is turned on, AC power is supplied from the external power source P1 via the power supply circuit P11, and the lighting control system S1 becomes operational. On the other hand, when the switch device J1 is turned off, AC power is not supplied from the external power source P1 via the power supply circuit P11, and the lighting control system S1 becomes inoperable.

[0025] (2-1-1) Lighting device The lighting device A1 includes a light source unit 10, a power supply unit 11, a wireless communication unit 12, a storage unit 13, and a control unit 14 (see Figure 2).

[0026] The light source unit 10 has, for example, an LED module configured by mounting multiple LEDs on a substrate. However, the light source units 10 in multiple lighting devices A1 may be of different types. For example, the light source unit 10 includes a light source unit 10 that emits monochromatic illumination light, a light source unit 10 whose color temperature of illumination light is variable, a light source unit 10 whose light color is variable, and a light source unit 10 whose illumination direction can be switched. The light source unit 10 whose color temperature of illumination light is variable has LED modules that emit illumination light of different color temperatures (for example, incandescent and daylight). The light source unit 10 whose light color is variable has LED modules that emit illumination light of different colors such as red light, green light, and blue light. Furthermore, the light source unit 10 whose illumination direction can be switched has, for example, an LED module that emits illumination light toward the floor and an LED module that emits illumination light toward the ceiling or wall.

[0027] The power supply unit 11 includes a power conversion circuit that converts AC power supplied from an external power supply P1 via a power supply line P11 into DC power, and a constant current circuit that operates to match the DC current supplied to the light source unit 10 to a target value. However, 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 individual DC current to LED modules with multiple light colors. Furthermore, a power supply unit 11 paired with a light source unit 10 whose irradiation direction can be switched 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.

[0028] The wireless communication unit 12 includes a wireless communication circuit, an antenna, and the like. The wireless communication circuit is an integrated circuit configured to perform wireless communication and mesh communication using radio waves, in accordance with wireless communication standards such as BLE (Bluetooth® low energy). However, 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®, and 920MHz band low-power radio stations (for telecontrol). The wireless communication circuit is capable of transmitting and receiving wireless signals through the antenna.

[0029] The memory unit 13 has, for example, an electrically rewritable non-volatile semiconductor memory. The memory unit 13 stores, for example, multiple scene information and feasibility information for a second control mode. Each of the multiple scene information includes illumination-related information that specifies at least one of the following: illumination light intensity, light color, and irradiation direction, and mode specification information that specifies one control mode from among multiple control modes. Here, the power supply unit 11 adjusts the amount of illumination light output by the light source unit 10 by adjusting the DC current supplied to the light source unit 10. The amount of illumination light 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 the light amount of the light source unit 10 is half the light amount when the rated current is flowed through it. 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 illumination-related information that specifies the light color is indicated by the ratio of the light amounts of 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 (0: downward, 1: upward, etc.). The feasibility information for the second control mode will be described later.

[0030] The control unit 14 mainly 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 a plurality of scene information stored in the storage unit 13, and controls the power supply unit 11 based on the selected scene information.

[0031] Furthermore, the control unit 14 selectively executes one of several control modes, including a first control mode and a second control mode. When executing the first control mode, the control unit 14 controls the power supply unit 11 based on control commands included in wireless signals transmitted from multiple control devices (such as the tablet C1, handy remote control C2, and scheduling device D1, which will be described later). When executing the second control mode, the control unit 14 controls the power supply unit 11 based only on specific control commands included in wireless signals transmitted from one of the multiple control devices (tablet C1).

[0032] (2-1-2) Sensor device 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, a storage unit 24, and the like (see Figure 3).

[0033] The brightness detection unit 20 includes, for example, a photoelectric conversion element and a signal processing circuit that 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.

[0034] The human detection unit 21 has a passive sensor that detects heat rays (infrared rays) emitted from the human body, generally called a heat ray sensor or PIR (Passive Infrared) sensor. However, the human detection unit 21 may also have an active 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.

[0035] Alternatively, the brightness detection unit 20 and the person detection unit 21 may be configured to have a single image sensor, detect a person from the difference between the background image acquired by the image sensor and the current image, and also detect brightness from the acquired image.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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 passes the created control command to the wireless communication unit 23.

[0038] The wireless communication unit 23, like the wireless communication unit 12 of the lighting device A1, includes a wireless communication circuit, antenna, etc. 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, as wireless signals.

[0039] The memory unit 24 has, for example, an electrically rewritable non-volatile semiconductor memory. The memory unit 24 stores multiple scene information. However, each scene information stored by the memory unit 24 will match the scene information stored by the memory unit 13 of the lighting device A1. More specifically, each scene information stored by the memory unit 24 includes the same mode specification information as the mode specification information stored by the memory unit 13 of the lighting device A1, and information regarding the operation of the sensor device B1. The sensor device B1 is also included among the multiple control devices.

[0040] (2-1-3) Scheduling device The scheduling device D1 includes a clock unit 40, a schedule storage unit 41, a schedule control unit 42, a wireless communication unit 43, and the like (see Figure 4).

[0041] 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 referred to as clock data) generated by the real-time clock module to the schedule control unit 42.

[0042] 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 time zones and specification information that specifies scene information.

[0043] 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 passes it to the wireless communication unit 43.

[0044] The wireless communication unit 43, like the wireless communication unit 12 of the lighting device A1, includes a wireless communication circuit, an antenna, and the like. 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 43 transmits messages, including control commands received from the schedule control unit 42, via wireless signals.

[0045] 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.

[0046] However, since the scheduling device D1 transmits control commands to the lighting device A1 using clock data as a trigger input, it also plays the role of a control device in the lighting control system S1.

[0047] (2-1-4) Tablet The tablet C1 is a portable computer system consisting of a System on a Chip (SoC), a touch panel display device C10, and other components housed in a rectangular, flat enclosure C11 (see Figure 1).

[0048] An SoC is a single-chip semiconductor device that incorporates a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), modem, and other components. A touch panel display device C10 is, for example, a touch panel liquid crystal display or a touch panel organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

[0049] In the lighting control system S1, the tablet C1 acts as the control device 5 by having the SoC (CPU) execute a control program (application program). In addition, the lighting control system S1 allows various information, including schedule information for schedule control, to be set for the lighting device A1, sensor device B1, scheduling device D1, handheld remote control C2, etc., by having the SoC (CPU) execute a schedule setting program (application program).

[0050] The control device 5 includes an input receiving unit 50, a control unit 51, and a wireless communication unit 52 (see Figure 5). 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).

[0051] In this embodiment, the control device 5 is implemented using tablet C1, but the control device 5 may also be configured with dedicated hardware and software.

[0052] (2-1-5) Handheld remote control The handheld remote control C2 has a main body C20 made of a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped synthetic resin molded body (see Figure 1). 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 incorporates the input receiving unit 50, control unit 51, and wireless communication unit 52 that constitute the control device 5 into the main unit C20.

[0054] The input receiving unit 50 has six tact switches that correspond one-to-one with six operation buttons C21 to C26. These 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 receive 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, antenna, etc. 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, as 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 scheduling device D1 acting as a communication terminal (node). Each node in the mesh network (lighting device A1, sensor device B1, and scheduling 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 these 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] (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. However, a zone ZNij may contain only one lighting device A1, and may not contain a sensor device B1. Furthermore, the zoning of zones ZNij and areas ARi is independent of the topology of the mesh network NW1. For example, a single subnetwork SNi may contain multiple zones ZNij and areas ARi. Alternatively, multiple nodes Nij belonging to different subnetworks SNi may reside in a single zone ZNij. Note that a lighting control system S1 has at most one scheduling device D1, but the scheduling device D1 does not belong to any area ARi or any zone ZNij.

[0062] The lighting control system S1 assigns the scheduling device D1 the role of the master unit in the mesh network NW1. However, if the lighting control system S1 does not have the scheduling device D1, it may assign the role of the master unit to either the lighting device A1 or the sensor device B1.

[0063] 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 the scheduling device D1, sensor device B1, or lighting device A1. Furthermore, tablet C1 can communicate with all nodes (scheduling device D1, sensor device B1, lighting device A1) and the handheld remote control C2 (control device 5) via BLE communication.

[0064] The control device 5, implemented with the handheld remote control C2, can perform mesh communication with the nodes of the mesh network NW1 (scheduling device D1, lighting device A1, and sensor device B1) only when transmitting control commands. Furthermore, the control device 5, implemented with the handheld remote control C2, can perform BLE communication with the tablet C1.

[0065] (2-4) Scene control in lighting control systems Each lighting device A1 in the lighting control system S1 stores multiple scene information in the storage unit 13. Each of the multiple scene information includes lighting-related information that specifies at least one of the following: illumination light intensity (dimming level), light color (color temperature, etc.), and irradiation direction, and mode specification information that specifies one control mode from among multiple control modes.

[0066] The multiple control modes include a sensor control mode in which the control unit 14 controls the power supply unit 11 of the lighting device A1 based on control commands (control commands based on detection results) transmitted wirelessly by the sensor device B1 and scene information, and a normal control mode in which the control unit 14 controls the power supply unit 11 based on scene information. In the normal control mode, the sensor device B1 does not need to perform detection operations.

[0067] Furthermore, the sensor control modes include a constant brightness mode, a human detection mode, and a brightness and human detection mode. The constant brightness mode is a mode in which the control unit 14 controls the power supply unit 11 to match the brightness detected by the sensor device B1 to a predetermined target value. The human detection mode is a mode in which the control unit 14 controls the power supply unit 11 in accordance with a control command based on the determination result of the presence or absence of a person by the sensor device B1. The brightness and human detection mode is a mode in which the control unit 14 controls the power supply unit 11 in accordance with the brightness detected by the sensor device B1 and a control command based on the determination result of the presence or absence of a person. Note that multiple scene information is assigned a unique scene number, and each scene information is identified by its scene number.

[0068] [Table 1]

[0069] Table 1 shows examples of scene information. For example, in zone ZNn1 of area ARn, the scene information for scene number 1 includes lighting-related information that sets the dimming level of the two lighting devices A1 to 80% and the light color to daylight, as well as mode specification information that sets sensor device B1 and the two lighting devices A1 to normal control mode. The scene information for scene number 2 does not include the dimming level of the two lighting devices A1 in the scene information, but includes lighting-related information that sets the light color to neutral white, and mode specification information that sets sensor device B1 and the two lighting devices A1 to sensor control mode (constant brightness mode). Similarly, the scene information for scene numbers 3 to 7 includes the lighting-related information and mode specification information shown in Table 1, respectively. However, the examples shown in Table 1 are just examples of scene information, and depending on the type of lighting device A1 belonging to each area ARi and each zone ZNj, there may be no light color (color tuning) item, or there may be an item for illumination direction (upward, downward).

[0070] Here, tablet C1 can set different control settings for each of the six operation buttons C21 to C26 on the handheld remote control C2. For example, tablet C1 can set control settings for the four operation buttons C21 to C24 of the handheld remote control C2 to select four different scene information (scene information with scene numbers 1 to 4), and set control settings for one operation button C25 to turn off and the remaining operation button C26 to turn on.

[0071] The handheld remote control C2 (control device 5) stores the control settings configured on the tablet C1 for multiple operation buttons C21 to C26 in the built-in memory of the microcontroller that constitutes the control unit 51.

[0072] The handheld remote control C2 (control device 5) receives operation inputs (equivalent to trigger inputs) corresponding to operation buttons C21 to C26 when operation buttons C21 to C26 are pressed, and these inputs are received by the input receiving unit 50. For example, when the input receiving unit 50 receives an operation input corresponding to operation button C21, the control unit 51 reads the control content for selecting scene information for scene number 1 from the built-in memory and transmits the read control content (a control command to select scene information for scene number 1) via mesh communication to a nearby node (for example, sensor device B1 in area AR1).

[0073] Upon receiving a control command transmitted from the handheld remote control C2 (control device 5), sensor device B1 confirms the destination of the received control command and performs mesh communication to transmit the wireless signal (a wireless signal including the control command) to all nodes Nij belonging to the destination. For example, if the destination is all nodes belonging to area AR1, the wireless signal is transmitted to all nodes Nij belonging to area AR1 (a total of 16 lighting devices A1 and 2 sensor devices B1) (see Figure 8). In this case, the destination of the wireless signal is set to mean all nodes Nij belonging to area AR1.

[0074] In each lighting device A1 that receives a wireless signal, if the destination of the wireless signal is either to its own group or to itself, the control unit 14 reads scene information for scene number 1 from the storage unit 13 based on the control command received from the wireless communication unit 12. Then, the control unit 14 controls the power supply unit 11 based on the scene information for scene number 1 that it has read, thereby dimming the light source unit 10 to a dimming level of 80% and adjusting the color of the light source unit 10 to daylight color.

[0075] When controlling a scene using tablet C1 (control device 5), the input receiving unit 50 receives the operation input for scene selection and transmits a control command including the scene number corresponding to the received operation input to an arbitrary management node MNi (for example, sensor device B1 in area AR1) via BLE communication. The management node MNi, upon receiving the wireless signal transmitted from tablet C1, checks the destination of the received wireless signal and performs mesh communication so that the wireless signal (wireless signal including control command) is transmitted to all nodes Nij belonging to the destination. For example, if the destination is all nodes belonging to area AR1, the wireless signal is transmitted to all nodes Nij belonging to area AR1 (a total of 16 lighting devices A1 and 2 sensor devices B1) (see Figure 8). In this case, the destination of the wireless signal is set to mean all nodes Nij belonging to area AR1.

[0076] (2-5) Sensor control in lighting control systems Next, we will explain the operation of the lighting control system S1 when scene information for which a sensor control mode is specified is selected.

[0077] For example, consider a scenario where a control command is sent from the control device 5 (tablet C1 or handheld remote control C2) to two lighting devices A1 and one sensor device B1 belonging to zone ZNn1 of area ARn, instructing them to select scene information for scene number 2. As shown in Table 1, the scene information for scene number 2 includes lighting-related information that sets the light color to daylight white without changing the dimming levels of the two lighting devices A1, and mode specification information that sets sensor device B1 and the two lighting devices A1 to sensor control mode (constant brightness mode).

[0078] In the control device 5, the input receiving unit 50 receives an operation input to select scene information for scene number 2 (Figure 8 [1]). Based on the operation input received by the input receiving unit 50, the control unit 51 of the control device 5 creates a control command to select scene information for scene number 2 (Figure 8 [2]). The control unit 51 passes the created control command to the wireless communication unit 52. The wireless communication unit 52 transmits a message containing the control command received from the control unit 51 to an arbitrary management node MNi (for example, sensor device B1) via BLE communication (Figure 9 [3]).

[0079] When the sensor device B1 receives a message transmitted from the control device 5 via the wireless communication unit 23, it transmits the received message to the two lighting devices A1 via mesh communication (Figure 8 [4]).

[0080] The two lighting devices A1 receive messages transmitted from the sensor device B1 via the wireless communication unit 12. The control units 14 of the two lighting devices A1 read scene information for scene number 2, as indicated by the received message, from the storage unit 13. Based on the read scene information, the control unit 14 controls the power supply unit 11 to set the color of the illumination light to daylight white (Figure 8 [5]).

[0081] Meanwhile, after sending a message to the two lighting devices A1, the sensor control unit 22 of the sensor device B1 reads the scene information for scene number 2, as instructed by the message received from the control device 5, from the storage unit 24. Since the scene information for scene number 2 specifies a constant brightness sensor control mode as mode specification information, the sensor control unit 22 operates the brightness detection unit 20 to detect (measure) the brightness (illuminance) of the detection target area (Figure 8 [6]). The sensor control unit 22 compares the brightness (brightness signal) detected by the brightness detection unit 20 with the target value (reference voltage value). Then, the sensor control unit 22 creates a message (control command) to adjust the dimming level so as to reduce the difference between the detected brightness and the target value. The sensor control unit 22 transmits the created message (control command) to the two lighting devices A1 via mesh communication from the wireless communication unit 23 (Figure 8 [7]).

[0082] The two lighting devices A1 receive messages transmitted from the sensor device B1 via the wireless communication unit 12. The control units 14 of the two lighting devices A1 control the power supply unit 11 to increase or decrease the dimming level of the lighting light based on the received messages (control commands) (Figure 8 [8]).

[0083] After the sensor device B1 sends a message to the two lighting devices A1, it operates the brightness detection unit 20 again to detect (measure) the brightness (illuminance) of the area to be detected (Figure 8 [9]). The sensor control unit 22 compares the brightness (brightness signal) detected by the brightness detection unit 20 with the target value (reference voltage value), and if the difference between the two is not within a predetermined range, it creates a message (control command) to adjust the dimming level to reduce the difference. On the other hand, if the difference between the two is within a predetermined range, the sensor control unit 22 creates a message (control command) to maintain the current dimming level. The sensor control unit 22 transmits the created message (control command) to the two lighting devices A1 via mesh communication from the wireless communication unit 23 (Figure 8

[10] ).

[0084] Subsequently, sensor control is repeatedly performed using the sensor device B1 to control the two lighting devices A1 so that the difference between the brightness detected by the brightness detection unit 20 and the target value is kept within a predetermined range.

[0085] Furthermore, if the human detection mode is selected instead of the constant brightness mode for sensor control, the sensor control unit 22 of sensor device B1 controls lighting device A1 to lower the dimming level when the human detection unit 21 does not detect a person, and controls lighting device A1 to raise the dimming level when the human detection unit 21 detects a person. Furthermore, the sensor control unit 22 of sensor device B1 does not instruct lighting device A1 to lower the dimming level until a certain period of time has elapsed since the human detection unit 21 stopped detecting a person, and if the human detection unit 21 does not detect a person within that period of time, it controls lighting device A1 to lower the dimming level.

[0086] Furthermore, if a mode combining brightness detection and human detection is selected as the sensor control, the sensor control unit 22 of the sensor device B1 controls the lighting device A1 to increase the dimming level when the human detection unit 21 detects a person. In addition, the sensor control unit 22 controls the lighting device A1 to keep the difference between the detection result (brightness) of the brightness detection unit 20 and the target value within a predetermined range when a person is detected (including the time until a certain period of time has elapsed since human detection stopped).

[0087] (2-6) Schedule control in lighting control systems Next, we will explain the operation of schedule control by the scheduling device D1 in the lighting control system S1.

[0088] As an example, let's assume that the schedule storage unit 41 of the scheduling device D1 stores a schedule that sequentially selects scene information for scene number 2 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, and scene information for scene number 3 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and we will explain the case of controlling zone ZNn1.

[0089] In the scheduling device D1, the scheduling 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 9:00 AM, it passes the schedule specification information (scene number 2) to the wireless communication unit 43 (Figure 9 [1]). The wireless communication unit 43 of the scheduling device D1 transmits a message containing the specification information received from the scheduling control unit 42 to the sensor device B1 and the two lighting devices A1 via mesh communication (Figure 9 [2]).

[0090] The two lighting devices A1 receive messages transmitted from the scheduling device D1 via the wireless communication unit 12. The control units 14 of the two lighting devices A1 read the scene information for scene number 2, as indicated by the received message, from the storage unit 13. Based on the read scene information, the control unit 14 controls the power supply unit 11 to set the color of the illumination light to daylight white (Figure 9 [3]).

[0091] Meanwhile, the sensor control unit 22 of the sensor device B1 reads the scene information for scene number 2, as instructed by the message received from the scheduling device D1, from the storage unit 24. Since the scene information for scene number 2 specifies a constant brightness sensor control mode as mode specification information, the sensor control unit 22 operates the brightness detection unit 20 to detect (measure) the brightness (illuminance) of the area to be detected (Figure 9 [4]). The sensor control unit 22 compares the brightness (voltage value) detected by the brightness detection unit 20 with the target value (reference voltage value). Then, the sensor control unit 22 creates a message (control command) to adjust the dimming level so as to reduce the difference between the detected brightness and the target value. The sensor control unit 22 transmits the created message (control command) to the scheduling device D1 via mesh communication from the wireless communication unit 23 (Figure 9 [5]).

[0092] The scheduling device D1 receives a message (control command) from the sensor device B1 and transmits a message containing the control command from the sensor device B1 to the two lighting devices A1 at the appropriate time (Figure 9 [6]).

[0093] The two lighting devices A1 receive messages transmitted from the scheduling device D1 via the wireless communication unit 12. The control units 14 of the two lighting devices A1 control the power supply unit 11 to increase or decrease the dimming level of the lighting light based on the received messages (control commands) (Figure 9 [7]).

[0094] Subsequently, sensor control is repeatedly performed using the sensor device B1 to control the two lighting devices A1 so that the difference between the brightness detected by the brightness detection unit 20 and the target value is kept within a predetermined range.

[0095] The schedule control unit 42 passes the schedule specification information (scene number 3) to the wireless communication unit 43 when the current time obtained from the clock unit 40 matches 10:00 AM (Figure 9 [8]). The wireless communication unit 43 of the schedule device D1 transmits a message containing the specification information received from the schedule control unit 42 to the sensor device B1 and the two lighting devices A1 via mesh communication (Figure 9 [9]).

[0096] The two lighting devices A1 receive messages transmitted from the scheduling device D1 via the wireless communication unit 12. The control units 14 of the two lighting devices A1 read the scene information for scene number 3, as indicated by the received message, from the storage unit 13. Based on the read scene information, the control unit 14 controls the power supply unit 11 to set the dimming level of the illumination light to 60% and the color of the illumination light to white (Figure 9

[10] ).

[0097] Meanwhile, the sensor control unit 22 of the sensor device B1 reads the scene information for scene number 3, as instructed by the message received from the scheduling device D1, from the storage unit 24. Since the normal control mode is specified as the mode specification information in the scene information for scene number 3, the sensor control unit 22 stops brightness detection by the brightness detection unit 20 (Figure 9

[11] ).

[0098] As described above, the lighting control system S1 performs schedule control by the scheduling device D1 based on a predetermined schedule, thus eliminating the need for human operation and improving ease of use.

[0099] Incidentally, when the control unit 14 of each lighting device A1 is running in normal control mode, it does not accept control commands transmitted by the sensor device B1 and does not change the lighting state (it does not change the current supplied from the power supply unit 11 to the light source unit 10) because it is not in sensor control mode. However, when the control unit 14 is running in normal control mode, if it receives a specific control command transmitted from any of the control devices 5 (tablet C1 and handheld remote control C2), it can control the power supply unit 11 based on the received specific control command and change the lighting state. In this case, the normal control mode corresponds to the second control mode. Note that when the control unit 14 of each lighting device A1 is running in normal control mode (second control mode), it stores in the storage unit 13 whether or not to execute each of a plurality of control commands, including a specific control command (application / failure information).

[0100] Furthermore, when the constant brightness sensor control mode is in operation, the control unit 14 of each lighting device A1 only receives control commands for constant brightness sensor control transmitted by sensor device B1, and does not accept other control commands (such as control commands for control device 5, or control commands for human detection sensor control transmitted by sensor device B1). Similarly, when the human detection sensor control mode is in operation, the control unit 14 of each lighting device A1 only receives control commands for human detection sensor control transmitted by sensor device B1, and does not accept other control commands (such as control commands for control device 5, or control commands for constant brightness sensor control transmitted by sensor device B1). In this case, the constant brightness and human detection sensor control modes correspond to the second control mode.

[0101] However, the control unit 14 of each lighting device A1 receives control commands (control commands specifying scene information) transmitted by the scheduling device D1, regardless of which control mode is being executed.

[0102] However, under certain circumstances, for example, when the control unit 14 of the lighting device A1 is executing a second control mode, the lighting control system S1 accepts only specific control commands, such as specific control commands included in the wireless signals transmitted from the scheduling device D1 and the sensor device B1. Therefore, the lighting control system S1 can suppress the occurrence of malfunctions under certain circumstances. Here, a malfunction under certain circumstances is one such malfunction where, for example, when the brightness detection unit 20 of the sensor device B1 is detecting brightness, a control command to raise or lower the dimming level is transmitted from the control device 5, causing the control unit 14 of the lighting device A1 to control the power supply unit 11 to raise or lower the dimming level, resulting in a decrease in the brightness detection accuracy of the brightness detection unit 20.

[0103] (2-6) Calibration operation of the brightness detection unit By the way, in order for the lighting control system S1 to have the sensor device B1 perform constant brightness sensor control (first sensor control mode), it is necessary to calibrate the detection result (voltage value of the brightness signal) of the brightness detection unit 20. That is, when external light (such as sunlight coming in through a window) shines into the illuminated space and the illuminance of the detection target (floor surface, desk surface, etc. in the illuminated space) changes, the brightness detection unit 20 needs to detect this change and be able to determine the dimming level at that time. Therefore, it is necessary to set in advance the correlation between the brightness (voltage value) detected by the brightness detection unit 20 and the actual brightness of the illuminated space (dimming level of lighting device A1), and this process is called calibration. The calibration of the brightness detection unit 20 (second sensor control mode) involves turning on all lighting devices A1 installed in the lighting space (excluding non-dimmable lighting devices A1) at multiple dimming levels (for example, 100% and 5% (lower limit of dimming level)) when no ambient light is illuminating the lighting space. Based on the detection results (voltage values) of the brightness detection unit 20 at each time, the correlation between the voltage value detected by the brightness detection unit 20 (detection result) and the dimming level is stored in the storage unit 24 of the sensor device B1. Then, in constant brightness sensor control, the relationship between the voltage value of brightness and the dimming level determined by calibration is referred to, and the brightness of the lighting space is determined from the detection results (voltage values) of the brightness detection unit 20. If there is a difference between the determined brightness and the target value (target value of the dimming level), the lighting devices A1 are controlled so that the difference is kept within a predetermined range. For example, if the target dimming level is 70%, and the brightness of the illuminated space, as determined by the detection result of the brightness detection unit 20, is 50%, the control unit 14 of the lighting device A1 controls the power supply unit 11 so that the brightness reaches the target value of 70%.

[0104] Furthermore, during calibration, the sensor control unit 22 and the control unit 14 of the lighting device A1 do not accept any control commands other than those related to calibration transmitted from the control device 5 (tablet C1), such as control commands instructing changes to the dimming level during calibration or cancellation of calibration. Therefore, the lighting control system S1 can perform accurate calibration by suppressing control to unintended lighting conditions during calibration, and consequently, can achieve highly accurate constant brightness control.

[0105] The calibration operation of the brightness detection unit 20 will be explained below with reference to the sequence diagrams in Figures 10 and 11. However, the processes [1] to

[12] in Figure 11 are the same as the processes [1] to

[12] in Figure 10.

[0106] If calibration is not performed, the sensor control unit 22 of sensor device B1 is not executing any sensor control mode. Therefore, when a wireless signal containing an arbitrary control command (for example, a control command instructing the selection of a first sensor control mode) is transmitted from the control device 5 (tablet C1 and handheld remote control C2) (Figure 10 [1]), the sensor control unit 22 of sensor device B1 executes the first sensor control mode based on the received control command (Figure 10 [2]).

[0107] Similarly, if calibration has not been performed on lighting device A1, the control unit 14 of lighting device A1 is running in a first control mode (e.g., normal control mode). Therefore, when a radio signal containing an arbitrary control command is transmitted from scheduling device D1 ([1] in Figure 10), the control unit 14 of lighting device A1 controls the power supply unit 11 based on the received control command ([3] in Figure 10).

[0108] The control device 5 (tablet C1) transmits a wireless signal containing a control command instructing the sensor device B1 to start calibration to an arbitrary management node (e.g., scheduling device D1) via BLE communication (Figure 10 [4]).

[0109] When the scheduling device D1 receives a control command to start calibration transmitted from the control device 5 via the wireless communication unit 43, it confirms the destination and transmits it to the sensor device B1 via mesh communication (Figure 10 [5]).

[0110] The sensor control unit 22 of the sensor device B1 switches to calibration mode based on the control command received from the control device 5 (Figure 10 [6]).

[0111] When calibrating the sensor device B1, the control device 5 (tablet C1) specifies all lighting devices A1 as the destination of the control command to send a control command to all lighting devices A1 that sets the control mode of all lighting devices A1 to the second control mode (calibration mode) and controls the dimming level to a level suitable for calibration (e.g., 100%), and transmits it via BLE communication to any management node (e.g., scheduling device D1) (Figure 10 [7]).

[0112] When the scheduling device D1 receives a control command transmitted from the control device 5 via the wireless communication unit 43, it confirms the destination and transmits it to all lighting devices A1 via mesh communication (Figure 10 [8]).

[0113] The control unit 14 of the lighting device A1 switches to a second control mode (calibration mode) based on a control command and controls the power supply unit 11 to set the dimming level to a specified level (for example, 100%) (Figure 10[9]).

[0114] The control device 5 (tablet C1) transmits a wireless signal via BLE communication to any management node (e.g., scheduling device D1) that includes a control command instructing the sensor device B1 to start the first brightness detection for calibration (

[10] in Figure 10).

[0115] When the scheduling device D1 receives a control command from the control device 5 to start the first brightness detection for calibration via the wireless communication unit 43, it confirms the destination and transmits it to the sensor device B1 via mesh communication (Figure 10

[11] ).

[0116] The sensor control unit 22 of the sensor device B1 performs the first brightness detection for calibration based on the control command (

[12] in Figure 10).

[0117] Here, suppose that during calibration, a control command for lighting control, for example, a control command instructing the execution of scene control for scene number 3, is transmitted from the scheduling device D1 (Figure 11

[13] ). The sensor control unit 22 of the sensor device B1 ignores the control command received from the scheduling device D1 and continues to execute the calibration because calibration is in progress (Figure 11

[14] ). The control unit 14 of the lighting device A1 ignores the control command received from the scheduling device D1 and does not change the lighting state because calibration mode (second control mode) is in progress (Figure 11

[15] ).

[0118] During calibration, all lighting devices A1 are controlled to their rated dimming levels, and then brightness detection is performed multiple times at different dimming levels to derive the correlation between the dimming level and the brightness detection result (voltage value). Therefore, processes [7] to

[12] in Figure 10 are repeated as many times as necessary to derive the correlation.

[0119] After completing the brightness detection for calibration as needed, the control device 5 sends a calibration completion instruction to all lighting devices A1 and sensor devices B1. Specifically, the control device 5 sends a control command to all lighting devices A1 to switch them to the first control mode (normal control mode), specifying all lighting devices A1 as the destination of the control command and sending it via BLE communication to an arbitrary management node (for example, scheduling device D1) (

[13] in Figure 10).

[0120] When the scheduling device D1 receives a control mode switching control command transmitted from the control device 5 via the wireless communication unit 43, it confirms the destination and transmits it to all lighting devices A1 via mesh communication (

[14] in Figure 10).

[0121] The control unit 14 of the lighting device A1 switches to a first control mode (normal control mode) based on a control command. At this time, the control unit 14 may continue to light the light source unit 10 at the original dimming level, or it may control the power supply unit 11 to set the dimming level to 100%, or less than 100% (for example, 70%) (Figure 10

[15] ).

[0122] Furthermore, the control device 5 (tablet C1) transmits a wireless signal containing a control command to indicate the end of calibration to any management node (e.g., scheduling device D1) via BLE communication (Figure 10

[16] ).

[0123] When the scheduling device D1 receives a control command for the completion of calibration transmitted from the control device 5 via the wireless communication unit 43, it confirms the destination and transmits it to the sensor device B1 via mesh communication (Figure 10

[17] ).

[0124] The sensor control unit 22 of sensor device B1 completes calibration based on the control command and stops brightness detection. Upon receiving the control command to complete calibration, the sensor control unit 22 of sensor device B1 stores in the storage unit 24 the correlation between the brightness detection result (voltage value) obtained by the brightness detection unit 20 during the calibration period and the corresponding brightness of the illuminated space (dimming level of the lighting device) (Figure 10

[18] ).

[0125] The control device 5 sends a control command to an arbitrary management node (e.g., scheduling device D1) via BLE communication instructing the sensor device B1 to report the calibration result (Figure 10

[19] ).

[0126] When the scheduling device D1 receives a control command transmitted from the control device 5 via the wireless communication unit 43, it confirms the destination and transmits it to the sensor device B1 via mesh communication (Figure 10

[20] ).

[0127] When the sensor control unit 22 receives a control command instructing it to report the results, it returns information on whether the calibration of the brightness detection unit 20 was successful (Figure 10

[21] ,

[22] ). The control device 5 checks the calibration success or failure result received from the sensor device B1 and determines that the calibration is complete if it was successful (Figure 10

[23] ).

[0128] Furthermore, if the control device 5 receives a response from the sensor device B1 indicating a calibration failure, or if the sensor device B1 does not return a detection result within a predetermined time (for example, a few seconds to tens of seconds) from the time a control command instructing the sensor device B1 to report the calibration results is sent, the control device 5 determines that the calibration has failed. If the control device 5 determines that the calibration has failed, it executes the series of processes from the start of calibration to the confirmation of the results again.

[0129] Once calibration is complete, the control unit 14 of the lighting device A1 executes a first control mode (for example, normal control mode). Therefore, when a wireless signal containing an arbitrary control command is transmitted from the scheduling device D1 (

[24] in Figure 10), the control unit 14 of the lighting device A1 controls the power supply unit 11 based on the received control command (

[26] in Figure 10).

[0130] Similarly, once calibration is complete, sensor device B1 will receive a wireless signal containing an arbitrary control command from scheduling device D1 and operate according to the command (Figure 10

[25] ).

[0131] However, under certain circumstances (during calibration of the brightness detection unit 20), the lighting control system S1 controls the power supply unit 11 based only on control commands included in the wireless signal transmitted from a specific control device, such as the scheduling device D1, thereby suppressing the occurrence of malfunctions during calibration.

[0132] (3) Modified lighting control system Next, several modifications of the lighting control system S1 according to the embodiment will be described. However, the basic configuration of the lighting control system S1 of each modification described below is the same as the basic configuration of the lighting control system S1 according to the embodiment. Therefore, components that are common to or substantially common with the basic configuration of the lighting control system S1 according to the embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their illustration and description will be omitted as appropriate. In the following description, "substantially common components" means components that differ slightly in shape, size, etc., but have the same function.

[0133] (3-1) Variation 1 In the lighting control system S1 of Modified Example 1, the control unit 14 of each lighting device A1 receives not only the control commands for constant brightness sensor control transmitted by the sensor device B1, but also the control commands of the control device 5 (tablet C1 and handheld remote control C2) while the constant brightness sensor control mode is being executed. Similarly, the control unit 14 of each lighting device A1 receives not only the control commands for human detection sensor control transmitted by the sensor device B1, but also the control commands of the control device 5 while the human detection sensor control mode is being executed.

[0134] The lighting control system S1 of the modified example 1 allows the lighting state to be changed using the tablet C1 and the handheld remote control C2 even while the sensor control mode is running, thus improving usability.

[0135] (3-2) Modification 2 The lighting control system S1 of the modified example 2 has a system configuration that excludes the scheduling device D1 from the lighting control system S1 of the embodiment. In other words, the lighting control system S1 of the modified example 2 comprises a plurality of lighting devices A1, a sensor device B1, a tablet C1, and a handheld remote control C2.

[0136] In the modified example 2, the lighting control system S1 assigns the role of master unit in the mesh network to one of the multiple management nodes (lighting device A1 or sensor device B1).

[0137] Furthermore, the management node, which acts as the master unit, controls the wireless communication unit 12 to cause the control unit 14 of the other lighting device A1 to transmit a wireless signal containing a control command instructing it to select a control mode (first control mode and second control mode). In other words, the management node in modified example 2 operates as a substitute for the scheduling device D1 in the schedule control shown in Figure 9. Although it does not perform schedule-based control like the scheduling device D1, it uses an internal timer or the like to switch the sensor device B1 and lighting device A1 to constant brightness sensor control at predetermined timings.

[0138] However, in the modified example 2, the lighting control system S1 has one of the multiple management nodes act as a substitute for a specific control device (scheduling device D1), thus simplifying the system configuration while suppressing the occurrence of malfunctions under specific circumstances.

[0139] (4) Lighting control method and program according to the embodiment The lighting control method according to the embodiment causes the control unit 14 to selectively execute one of a plurality of control modes, including a first control mode and a second control mode. Furthermore, the lighting control method according to the embodiment causes the control unit 14, while executing the first control mode, to control the power supply unit 11 based on control commands included in wireless signals transmitted from a plurality of control devices. Moreover, the lighting control method according to the embodiment causes the control unit 14, while executing the second control mode, to control the power supply unit 11 based only on control commands included in wireless signals transmitted from a specific control device (scheduling device D1) among the plurality of control devices.

[0140] However, the lighting control method according to this embodiment, under specific circumstances, for example, when the control unit 14 of the lighting device A1 is executing a second control mode, controls the power supply unit 11 based only on control commands included in the wireless signal transmitted from a specific control device (scheduling device D1), thereby suppressing the occurrence of malfunctions under specific circumstances.

[0141] Furthermore, the program according to the embodiment is a computer program for causing a computer system to execute the lighting control method according to the embodiment. The computer system in the embodiment can be realized by a microcontroller that constitutes the control unit 14 of the lighting device A1.

[0142] However, the program according to this embodiment can suppress the occurrence of malfunctions under specific circumstances.

[0143] (5) Summary A lighting control system (S1) according to a first aspect of the present disclosure comprises a plurality of control devices (5; scheduling device D1) and one or more lighting devices (A1) that can communicate wirelessly with each of the plurality of control devices. The lighting device (A1) includes a light source unit (10) that irradiates the lighting space with lighting light, a power supply unit (11) that supplies power to the light source unit (10), a wireless communication unit (12) that receives wireless signals, and a control unit (14) that controls the power supply unit (11) based on control commands included in the wireless signals. Each of the plurality of control devices is capable of transmitting wireless signals including control commands. The control unit (14) selectively executes a plurality of control modes, including a first control mode and a second control mode. When executing the first control mode, the control unit (14) controls the power supply unit (11) based on control commands included in wireless signals transmitted from the plurality of control devices. When executing the second control mode, the control unit (14) controls the power supply unit (11) based only on specific control commands included in wireless signals transmitted from any of the plurality of control devices.

[0144] The lighting control system (S1) according to the first embodiment controls the power supply unit (11) based only on specific control commands included in the wireless signal transmitted from one of the control devices, under specific circumstances, for example, when the control unit (14) of the lighting device (A1) is executing a second control mode. As a result, the lighting control system (S1) according to the first embodiment can suppress the occurrence of malfunctions under specific circumstances.

[0145] A lighting control system (S1) according to a second aspect of the present disclosure can be realized in combination with the first aspect. In the lighting control system (S1) according to the second aspect, it is preferable that at least one of the plurality of control devices (scheduling device D1) transmits a wireless signal including a control command that instructs the control unit (14) to select a control mode to be executed.

[0146] The lighting control system (S1) according to the second embodiment allows the control unit (14) to select a control mode based on the instructions of the control command transmitted from the control device (scheduling device D1). As a result, the lighting control system (S1) according to the second embodiment can be made more user-friendly.

[0147] A lighting control system (S1) according to a third aspect of the present disclosure can be realized in combination with the first or second aspect. In the lighting control system (S1) according to the third aspect, it is preferable that one of the plurality of control devices (5) has a wireless communication unit (52) that transmits a wireless signal, an input receiving unit (50) that receives operation input, and a control unit (51) that controls the wireless communication unit (52) to transmit a wireless signal including a control command based on the operation input.

[0148] The lighting control system (S1) according to the third embodiment allows the control unit (14) of the lighting device (A1) to control the power supply unit (11) based on the operation input received by the input receiving unit (50) of the control device (5). As a result, the lighting control system (S1) according to the third embodiment can control the lighting device (A1) based on human operation, thereby improving ease of use.

[0149] A lighting control system (S1) according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized in combination with any of the first to third aspects. In the lighting control system (S1) according to the fourth aspect, it is preferable that one of the plurality of control devices (scheduling device D1) includes a wireless communication unit (43) that transmits wireless signals and a schedule control unit (42) that controls the wireless communication unit (43) to transmit wireless signals including control commands according to a pre-set schedule.

[0150] The lighting control system (S1) according to the fourth embodiment allows the control unit (14) to control the power supply unit (11) according to a predetermined schedule. As a result, the lighting control system (S1) according to the fourth embodiment can control the lighting device (A1) automatically without human intervention, thereby improving ease of use.

[0151] A lighting control system (S1) according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized in combination with any of the first to fourth aspects. The lighting control system (S1) according to the fifth aspect preferably comprises a plurality of lighting devices (A1). A control unit (14) of one of the plurality of lighting devices (A1) preferably controls a wireless communication unit (12) to cause a control unit (14) of another lighting device (A1) to transmit a wireless signal including a control command instructing the selection of a control mode.

[0152] The fifth aspect of the lighting control system (S1) can simplify the system configuration while suppressing the occurrence of malfunctions under specific circumstances.

[0153] A lighting control system (S1) according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized in combination with any of the first to fifth aspects. The lighting control system (S1) according to the sixth aspect preferably further comprises one or more sensor devices (B1). The sensor device (B1) preferably includes a wireless communication unit (23) that transmits and receives wireless signals, a brightness detection unit (20) that detects the brightness of the lighting space of the lighting device (A1), and a sensor control unit (22) that controls the wireless communication unit (23) to transmit a wireless signal including a control command for controlling the lighting device (A1) based on the detection result of the brightness detection unit (20). The sensor control unit (22) preferably selectively executes a plurality of sensor control modes, including a first sensor control mode and a second sensor control mode. When the sensor control unit (22) is executing the first sensor control mode, it is preferable that it creates a control command for controlling the lighting device (A1) based on the detection result of the brightness detection unit (20) and controls the wireless communication unit (23) to transmit a wireless signal including the created control command. When the sensor control unit (22) is executing the second sensor control mode, it is preferable to perform calibration using the detection result of the brightness detection unit (20). It is preferable that the sensor control unit (22) associates the brightness of the illuminated space with the detection result of the brightness detection unit (20) through calibration.

[0154] The lighting control system (S1) according to the sixth embodiment associates the brightness of the illuminated space with the detection result of the brightness detection unit (20) by calibration using the second sensor control mode, thereby improving the accuracy of brightness detection when the sensor control unit (22) executes the first sensor control mode.

[0155] A lighting control system (S1) according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure can be realized in combination with a sixth aspect. In the lighting control system (S1) according to the seventh aspect, it is preferable that a sensor control unit (22) executing a first sensor control mode creates a control command to control a lighting device (A1) so as to match the brightness detected by a brightness detection unit (20) to a predetermined target value, and controls a wireless communication unit (23) to transmit a wireless signal including the created control command.

[0156] The lighting control system (S1) according to the seventh embodiment can keep the brightness of the illuminated space constant.

[0157] A lighting control system (S1) according to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized in combination with a seventh aspect. In the lighting control system (S1) according to the eighth aspect, it is preferable that one of the plurality of control devices (scheduling device D1) includes a wireless communication unit (43) that transmits wireless signals and a schedule control unit (42) that controls the wireless communication unit (43) to transmit wireless signals including control commands according to a preset schedule.

[0158] The lighting control system (S1) according to the eighth embodiment can automatically control the lighting device (A1) according to a pre-set schedule, thereby improving ease of use.

[0159] The lighting control systems (S1) according to the ninth and tenth embodiments of this disclosure can be realized in combination with the sixth or seventh embodiment. In the lighting control systems (S1) according to the ninth and tenth embodiments, it is preferable that the control unit of either control device controls the wireless communication unit to transmit a wireless signal including a control command to instruct the sensor control unit (22) to select a second sensor control mode.

[0160] The lighting control system (S1) according to the ninth and tenth embodiments allows for remote instruction to the sensor control unit (22) to select a second sensor control mode, thereby improving ease of use.

[0161] A lighting control system (S1) according to the eleventh aspect of this disclosure can be realized in combination with any of the sixth to ninth aspects. In the lighting control system (S1) according to the eleventh aspect, it is preferable that the sensor control unit (22) executing the first sensor control mode creates control commands based only on specific control commands.

[0162] The lighting control system (S1) according to the 11th embodiment allows the sensor control unit (22) to generate control commands for controlling the lighting device (A1) based on a specific control command, even while the first sensor control mode is being executed. As a result, the lighting control system (S1) according to the 11th embodiment can be made more user-friendly.

[0163] A lighting control system (S1) according to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized in combination with any of the sixth to eleventh aspects. In the lighting control system (S1) according to the twelfth aspect, it is preferable that the sensor control unit (22) executing the second sensor control mode creates control commands based only on specific control commands.

[0164] The lighting control system (S1) according to the twelfth embodiment allows the sensor control unit (22) to generate control commands for controlling the lighting device (A1) based on a specific control command, even while the second sensor control mode is being executed. As a result, the lighting control system (S1) according to the twelfth embodiment can be made more user-friendly.

[0165] A lighting control system (S1) according to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized in combination with any of the sixth to twelfth aspects. In the lighting control system (S1) according to the thirteenth aspect, the control unit (14) of the lighting device (A1) preferably controls the power supply unit (11) based only on specific control commands when the sensor control unit (22) is executing a first sensor control mode or a second sensor control mode.

[0166] The lighting control system (S1) according to the 13th embodiment allows the control unit (14) to control the power supply unit (11) based on a specific control command, even while the first sensor control mode and the second sensor control mode are being executed. As a result, the lighting control system (S1) according to the 13th embodiment can be made more user-friendly.

[0167] A lighting control system (S1) according to a 14th aspect of this disclosure can be realized in combination with any of the 6th to 13th aspects. In the lighting control system (S1) according to the 13th aspect, the sensor device (B1) is preferably included in a plurality of control devices.

[0168] The lighting control system (S1) according to the 14th embodiment can transmit specific control commands from the sensor device (B1).

[0169] A lighting device (A1) according to a 15th aspect of the present disclosure comprises a lighting control system (S1) according to any of the 1st to 14th aspects. A control unit (14) executing a second control mode controls a power supply unit (11) based only on specific control commands.

[0170] The lighting device (A1) according to the 15th embodiment can suppress the occurrence of malfunctions under specific circumstances.

[0171] A lighting control method according to the 16th aspect of this disclosure is a lighting control method in a lighting control system (S1) according to any of the 1st to 14th aspects. The lighting control method according to the 16th aspect causes a control unit (14) to selectively execute one of a plurality of control modes, including a first control mode and a second control mode. The lighting control method according to the 16th aspect causes the control unit (14), while executing the first control mode, to control the power supply unit (11) based on control commands included in wireless signals transmitted from a plurality of control devices. The lighting control method according to the 16th aspect causes the control unit (14), while executing the second control mode, to control the power supply unit (11) based only on specific control commands included in wireless signals transmitted from one of the plurality of control devices.

[0172] The lighting control method according to the 16th embodiment controls the power supply unit (11) based only on specific control commands included in the wireless signal transmitted from one of the control devices, under specific circumstances, for example, when the control unit (14) of the lighting device (A1) is executing a second control mode. As a result, the lighting control method according to the 16th embodiment can suppress the occurrence of malfunctions under specific circumstances.

[0173] A program relating to the 17th aspect of this disclosure causes a computer system to execute a lighting control method relating to the 16th aspect.

[0174] The program according to the 17th embodiment can suppress the occurrence of malfunctions under specific circumstances. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0175] S1 Lighting Control System A1 Lighting device B1 Sensor device D1 Schedule device (control device) 5 Control device 10 Light source section 11 Power supply section 12 Wireless Communication Section 14 Control Unit 20 Brightness detection unit 22 Sensor Control Unit 23 Wireless Communication Department 42 Schedule Control Unit 43 Wireless Communication Section 50 Input reception section 51 Control Unit 52 Wireless Communication Section

Claims

1. Multiple control devices, One or more lighting devices that can communicate wirelessly with each of the aforementioned plurality of control devices, Equipped with, The aforementioned lighting device is A light source unit that illuminates the space with illumination light, A power supply unit that supplies power to the light source unit, A wireless communication unit that receives wireless signals, A control unit that controls the power supply unit based on a control command included in the wireless signal, It has, Each of the aforementioned plurality of control devices is capable of transmitting the wireless signal including the control command, The control unit selectively executes a plurality of control modes, including a first control mode and a second control mode. While executing the first control mode, the control unit controls the power supply unit based on the control commands included in the wireless signals transmitted from the plurality of control devices. While executing the second control mode, the control unit controls the power supply unit based only on specific control commands included in the wireless signal transmitted from one of the plurality of control devices. Lighting control system.

2. At least one of the plurality of control devices transmits the radio signal which includes the control command that instructs the control unit to select the control mode to be executed. The lighting control system according to claim 1.

3. One of the plurality of control devices is A wireless communication unit that transmits the aforementioned wireless signal, An input receiving unit that accepts operation inputs, A control unit that controls the wireless communication unit to transmit the wireless signal including the control command based on the operation input, Having, The lighting control system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. One of the plurality of control devices is A wireless communication unit that transmits the aforementioned wireless signal, A schedule control unit controls the wireless communication unit to transmit the wireless signal including the control command according to a pre-set schedule, Having, The lighting control system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The lighting device comprises multiple such devices, The control unit of one of the plurality of lighting devices controls the wireless communication unit to cause the control unit of another of the plurality of lighting devices to transmit the wireless signal including the control command that instructs the selection of the control mode. The lighting control system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. It further comprises one or more sensor devices, The aforementioned sensor device is A wireless communication unit that transmits and receives the aforementioned wireless signals, The lighting device includes a brightness detection unit that detects the brightness of the illuminated space, A sensor control unit controls the wireless communication unit to transmit the wireless signal including a control command for controlling the lighting device based on the detection result of the brightness detection unit, It has, The sensor control unit selectively executes a plurality of sensor control modes, including a first sensor control mode and a second sensor control mode. While executing the first sensor control mode, the sensor control unit creates a control command for controlling the lighting device based on the detection result of the brightness detection unit, and controls the wireless communication unit to transmit the wireless signal including the created control command. While executing the second sensor control mode, the sensor control unit performs calibration using the detection result of the brightness detection unit. The sensor control unit, through calibration, associates the brightness of the illuminated space with the detection result of the brightness detection unit. The lighting control system according to claim 1 or 2.

7. While executing the first sensor control mode, the sensor control unit creates a control command for controlling the lighting device so that the brightness detected by the brightness detection unit matches a predetermined target value, and controls the wireless communication unit to transmit the wireless signal including the created control command. The lighting control system according to claim 6.

8. One of the plurality of control devices is A wireless communication unit that transmits the aforementioned wireless signal, A schedule control unit controls the wireless communication unit to transmit the wireless signal including the control command according to a pre-set schedule, Having, The lighting control system according to claim 7.

9. The control unit of any of the control devices controls the wireless communication unit to transmit the wireless signal including the control command for instructing the sensor control unit to select the second sensor control mode. The lighting control system according to claim 6.

10. The control unit of any of the control devices controls the wireless communication unit to transmit the wireless signal including the control command for instructing the sensor control unit to select the second sensor control mode. The lighting control system according to claim 7.

11. While executing the first sensor control mode, the sensor control unit creates the control command based only on the specific control command. The lighting control system according to claim 6.

12. The sensor control unit, while executing the second sensor control mode, creates the control command based only on the specific control command. The lighting control system according to claim 6.

13. The control unit of the lighting device controls the power supply unit based only on the specific control command when the sensor control unit is executing the first sensor control mode or the second sensor control mode. The lighting control system according to claim 6.

14. The sensor device is included in the plurality of control devices, The lighting control system according to claim 6.

15. A lighting device comprising the lighting control system according to claim 1 or 2, While executing the second control mode, the control unit controls the power supply unit based only on the specific control command. Lighting device.

16. A lighting control method in a lighting control system according to claim 1 or 2, The control unit is made to selectively execute one of the multiple control modes, including the first control mode and the second control mode. The control unit, while executing the first control mode, is instructed to control the power supply unit based on the control commands included in the wireless signals transmitted from the plurality of control devices. The control unit, while executing the second control mode, is instructed to control the power supply unit based only on specific control commands included in the wireless signal transmitted from one of the plurality of control devices. Lighting control method.

17. The computer system is made to execute the lighting control method described in claim 16. program.

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