Wireless communication systems, wireless communication methods, and programs

Abstract

To easily synchronize multiple second communication terminals. [Solution] The wireless communication system comprises a first communication terminal and a second communication terminal 200 capable of wireless communication with the first communication terminal. The first communication terminal has a first wireless communication unit that periodically transmits wireless signals according to a predetermined timetable. The second communication terminal 200 has a second wireless communication unit (wireless communication unit 23) and a timer unit 25. The second wireless communication unit receives wireless signals. The timer unit 25 measures time triggered by the second wireless communication unit receiving a wireless signal. The second communication terminal 200 performs a first process until the time measured by the timer unit 25 reaches a predetermined time, and then performs a second process when the predetermined time is reached. The first and second processes are processes related to lighting control.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wireless communication system, a wireless communication method, and a program. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a wireless communication system, a wireless communication method, and a program including a plurality of communication terminals.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a communication system (wireless communication system) including a master device (first communication terminal) and a plurality of slave devices (second communication terminals). In the communication system described in Patent Document 1, each of the plurality of slave devices can be synchronized with each other by matching the time count of each of the plurality of slave devices with the time count of the master device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the communication system (wireless communication system) described in Patent Document 1, as described above, processing for synchronizing a plurality of slave devices (second communication terminals) with each other is required in each of the plurality of slave devices.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a wireless communication system, a wireless communication method, and a program capable of easily synchronizing a plurality of second communication terminals with each other.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A wireless communication system according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a first communication terminal and a second communication terminal. The second communication terminal is wirelessly connected to the first communication terminal. The first communication terminal has a first wireless communication unit. The first wireless communication unit periodically transmits a wireless signal according to a predetermined timetable. The second communication terminal has a second wireless communication unit and a timer unit. The second wireless communication unit receives the wireless signal. The timer unit measures time triggered by the second wireless communication unit receiving the wireless signal. The second communication terminal performs a first process until the time measured by the timer unit reaches a predetermined time, and when the time reaches the predetermined time, it performs a second process different from the first process. The first and second processes are processes related to lighting control.

[0007] A wireless communication system according to another aspect of the present disclosure comprises a communication device, a sensor device, and a lighting device. The sensor device and the lighting device are wirelessly connected to the communication device. The communication device has a first wireless communication unit. The first wireless communication unit periodically transmits a first wireless signal according to a predetermined timetable. The sensor device has a second wireless communication unit, a timer unit, a sensor, and a generation unit. The second wireless communication unit receives the first wireless signal. The timer unit measures time triggered by the second wireless communication unit receiving the first wireless signal. The sensor measures the illuminance in the space where the lighting device is installed until the time measured by the timer unit reaches a predetermined time. When the time reaches the predetermined time, the generation unit generates a control command to match the illuminance with a reference illuminance based on the measurement result of the sensor. The second wireless communication unit transmits a second wireless signal, including the control command, to the lighting device. The lighting device has a light source unit, a third wireless communication unit, and a control unit. The third wireless communication unit receives the first wireless signal and the second wireless signal. The control unit controls the light source unit. The control unit has a reception mode in which it receives the control command generated by the generation unit triggered by the third wireless communication unit receiving the first wireless signal. The control unit controls the light source unit according to the second wireless signal received in the reception mode.

[0008] A wireless communication method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a wireless communication step, a timer step, and a processing step. In the wireless communication step, a wireless signal is received that is transmitted periodically according to a predetermined timetable. In the timer step, time is measured triggered by the receipt of the wireless signal in the wireless communication step. In the processing step, a first process is performed until the time measured in the timer step reaches a predetermined time, and when the time reaches the predetermined time, a second process different from the first process is performed. The first and second processes are processes related to lighting control.

[0009] A program according to one aspect of this disclosure is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the wireless communication method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a wireless communication system, wireless communication method, and program make it possible to easily synchronize multiple second communication terminals. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a system configuration diagram of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of this system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram of the lighting device in the wireless communication system described above. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram of the sensor device in the wireless communication system described above. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram of the communication equipment in the wireless communication system described above. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a block diagram of the control device in the wireless communication system described above. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a block diagram of the setting device in the wireless communication system described above. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram of the mesh network used in the wireless communication system described above. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a diagram showing the layout of areas and zones in the wireless communication system described above. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the wireless communication system described above. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of a wireless communication system according to a modified example of the embodiment 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Hereinafter, a wireless communication system, a wireless communication method, and a program according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the configuration described in the following embodiment is merely an example of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiment, and various modifications can be made according to design and the like as long as the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0013] (Embodiment) (1) Overview First, an overview of the wireless communication system S1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 3, and 4.

[0014] The wireless communication system S1 according to the embodiment is installed, for example, in commercial facilities such as office buildings and shopping centers, factories, warehouses, public facilities such as libraries, and the like. Note that the above facilities are merely examples, and the places where the wireless communication system S1 according to the embodiment is installed are not limited to the above facilities.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the wireless communication system S1 according to the embodiment includes a first communication terminal 100 and a second communication terminal 200. The second communication terminal 200 can perform wireless communication with the first communication terminal 100. As shown in FIG. 4, the first communication terminal 100 has a wireless communication unit 43. The wireless communication unit 43 periodically transmits a wireless signal according to a predetermined time table. As shown in FIG. 3, the second communication terminal 200 has a wireless communication unit 23 and a timer unit 25. The wireless communication unit 23 receives the wireless signal. The timer unit 25 measures time triggered by the wireless communication unit 23 receiving the wireless signal. The second communication terminal 200 performs a first process until the time measured by the timer unit 25 reaches a predetermined time, and performs a second process when the above time reaches the predetermined time. The first process and the second process are processes related to lighting control. In the present embodiment, the wireless communication unit 43 corresponds to the first wireless communication unit, and the wireless communication unit 23 corresponds to the second wireless communication unit.

[0016] In the wireless communication system S1 according to the embodiment, the second communication terminal 200 measures time triggered by receiving a wireless signal transmitted from the first communication terminal 100, and performs the first process and the second process based on the measured time. Therefore, in the second communication terminal 200, there is no need for a process for synchronizing with other second communication terminals 200. As a result, it becomes possible to easily synchronize a plurality of second communication terminals 200 with each other.

[0017] (2) Details Next, each component of the wireless communication system S1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0018] (2.1) System configuration As shown in FIG. 1, the wireless communication system S1 according to the embodiment includes, for example, a plurality of lighting devices A1, a sensor device B1, a communication device D1, a tablet C1, and a handy remote control C2. That is, the wireless communication system S1 according to the embodiment includes a communication device D1, and a sensor device B1 and a lighting device A1 that can perform wireless communication with the communication device D1. In the present embodiment, as an example, the wireless communication system S1 is used for a lighting control system (hereinafter, also referred to as "lighting control system S1") that controls a plurality of lighting devices A1.

[0019] The plurality of lighting devices A1, the sensor device B1, and the communication device D1 are supplied with AC power from an external power source P1 through a two-wire power supply line P11. In the example of FIG. 1, a switch device J1 is inserted into the power supply line P11. The switch device J1 includes an operation handle J11, and is configured to turn on or off the connection state between the external power source P1 and the power supply line P11 each time the operation handle J11 is operated. That is, when the switch device J1 turns on the connection state between the external power source P1 and the power supply line P11, AC power is supplied from the external power source P1 through the power supply line P11, and the wireless communication system S1 becomes operable. On the other hand, when the switch device J1 turns off the connection state between the external power source P1 and the power supply line P11, AC power is not supplied from the external power source P1 through the power supply line P11, so the wireless communication system S1 becomes inoperable.

[0020] In this embodiment, communication device D1 functions as the first communication terminal 100. Also in this embodiment, sensor device B1 functions as the second communication terminal 200. That is, the wireless communication system S1 according to this embodiment comprises the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200 which is capable of wireless communication with the first communication terminal 100. Also in this embodiment, each of the multiple lighting devices A1 functions as the third communication terminal 300.

[0021] (2.1.1) Lighting devices Each of the multiple lighting devices A1, as shown in Figure 2, has a light source unit 10, a power supply unit 11, a wireless communication unit 12, a storage unit 13, and a control unit 14. Each of the multiple lighting devices A1 functions as a third communication terminal 300 in the wireless communication system S1, as described above.

[0022] The light source unit 10 has, for example, an LED module configured by mounting multiple LEDs on a substrate. Note that the multiple light source units 10 in multiple lighting devices A1 may be of different types. For example, the multiple light source units 10 include a light source unit 10 that emits monochromatic illumination light, a light source unit 10 with a variable color temperature of illumination light, a light source unit 10 with a variable light color of illumination light, and a light source unit 10 with a switchable illumination direction. The light source unit 10 with a variable color temperature of illumination light has LED modules that emit illumination light of different color temperatures (e.g., incandescent and daylight). The light source unit 10 with a variable light color of illumination light has LED modules that emit illumination light of different colors, such as red, green, and blue light. Furthermore, the light source unit 10 with a switchable illumination direction has, for example, an LED module that emits illumination light towards the floor and an LED module that emits illumination light towards the ceiling or wall.

[0023] The power supply unit 11 includes, for example, a power conversion circuit and a constant current circuit. The power conversion circuit converts AC power supplied from an external power supply P1 via a power supply line P11 into DC power. The constant current circuit operates to match the DC current supplied to the light source unit 10 to a target value. The power supply unit 11 may have multiple constant current circuits depending on the type of light source unit 10. That is, a power supply unit 11 paired with a light source unit 10 whose illumination light color temperature is variable has multiple constant current circuits that supply DC current individually to multiple LED modules with different color temperatures. Also, a power supply unit 11 paired with a light source unit 10 whose illumination light color is variable has multiple constant current circuits that supply DC current individually to LED modules with multiple light colors. Furthermore, a power supply unit 11 paired with a light source unit 10 whose irradiation direction is switchable has, for example, a constant current circuit that supplies DC current to an LED module that radiates illumination light toward the floor, and a constant current circuit that supplies DC current to an LED module that radiates illumination light toward the ceiling or wall.

[0024] The wireless communication unit 12 includes a wireless communication circuit and an antenna. The wireless communication circuit is an integrated circuit configured to perform wireless communication compliant with wireless communication standards, such as BLE (Bluetooth® low energy), and mesh communication using radio waves as a medium. The wireless communication circuit may also be configured to perform wireless communication compliant with wireless communication standards other than BLE, such as Wi-Fi®, ZigBee®, or 920MHz band low-power radio stations (for telecontrol). The wireless communication circuit can transmit and receive wireless signals through the antenna. The wireless communication unit 12 receives a first wireless signal transmitted from the wireless communication unit 43 (see Figure 4) of the communication device D1 described later, and a second wireless signal transmitted from the wireless communication unit 23 (see Figure 3) of the sensor device B1 described later. That is, in the wireless communication system S1 according to this embodiment, the wireless communication unit 43 of the communication device D1 corresponds to the first wireless communication unit, the wireless communication unit 23 of the sensor device B1 corresponds to the second wireless communication unit, and the wireless communication unit 12 corresponds to the third wireless communication unit. Furthermore, the wireless communication system S1 according to this embodiment further comprises a third communication terminal 300 capable of wirelessly communicating with each of the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200.

[0025] The memory unit 13 has, for example, an electrically rewritable non-volatile semiconductor memory. The memory unit 13 stores multiple scene information. Each of the multiple scene information includes lighting-related information and mode specification information. The lighting-related information is information for specifying at least one of the following: illumination light intensity, light color, and irradiation direction. The mode specification information is information for specifying one control mode from among multiple control modes. Here, the power supply unit 11 adjusts the amount of light output by adjusting the DC current supplied to the light source unit 10. The illumination light intensity is expressed by the dimming level of the light source unit 10. The dimming level is defined as the ratio of the light amount when the light amount when the rated current is flowed through the light source unit 10 is set to 100%. For example, a dimming level of 50% indicates that half the rated light amount is output from the light source unit 10. The light color is defined by the color temperature when the color temperature of the illumination light from the light source unit 10 is variable. However, the lighting-related information that specifies the light color is indicated by the ratio of the light amounts for multiple types of LED modules with different color temperatures. Similarly, if the light color of the light source unit 10 is variable, the lighting information specifying the light color is indicated by the ratio of the light intensity of each LED module of each color. 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.).

[0026] The control unit 14 primarily consists of a microcontroller. The control unit 14 is configured to perform various processes related to lighting control by having the microcontroller's processor execute a program for lighting control. Based on the wireless signal received by the wireless communication unit 12, the control unit 14 selects one scene from among multiple scene information stored in the memory unit 13 and controls the power supply unit 11 based on the selected scene information. As the power supply unit 11 is controlled by the control unit 14, the light source unit 10, which is supplied with DC power from the power supply unit 11, is also controlled by the control unit 14. In other words, the control unit 14 controls the light source unit 10.

[0027] Here, the control unit 14 has an acceptance mode as an operating mode. The acceptance mode is a mode in which the control unit 14 receives a control command generated by the generation unit 221 of the sensor device B1, triggered by the wireless communication unit 12 receiving a first wireless signal. In the acceptance mode, the control unit 14 receives the control command from the second wireless signal received by the wireless communication unit 12 and controls the light source unit 10 according to the received control command.

[0028] (2.1.2) Sensor device As shown in Figure 3, the sensor device B1 includes a brightness detection unit 20, a human detection unit 21, a sensor control unit 22, a wireless communication unit 23, a storage unit 24, and a timer unit 25. As described above, the sensor device B1 functions as a second communication terminal 200 in the wireless communication system S1. That is, the wireless communication system S1 according to this embodiment includes a plurality of second communication terminals 200.

[0029] The brightness detection unit 20 includes, for example, a photoelectric conversion element and a signal processing circuit. The signal processing circuit processes the output signal of the photoelectric conversion element. The brightness detection unit 20 detects reflected light from the floor or desk surface within the detection range as the amount of incident light, converts the detected amount of incident light into a voltage signal (brightness signal), and outputs it to the sensor control unit 22. The brightness detection unit 20 measures the illuminance of the light emitted from the lighting device A1 and the ambient light (for example, sunlight entering through a window in a building) in the space where the lighting device A1 is installed (illuminated space), for example, until a predetermined time measured by the timer unit 25 is reached. In other words, in this embodiment, the brightness detection unit 20 corresponds to the sensor. In short, the sensor device B1, which is the second communication terminal 200, further has a sensor (brightness detection unit 20).

[0030] The human detection unit 21 includes a passive type sensor that detects heat rays (infrared rays) emitted from the human body, generally called a heat ray sensor or PIR (Passive Infrared) sensor. The human detection unit 21 may also include an active type sensor that detects a person (moving object) by emitting radio waves (microwaves) and receiving the radio waves reflected by an antenna after they hit an object in space, thereby determining whether or not the object is moving. When the human detection unit 21 detects the presence of a person in the detection area, it outputs a human detection signal to the sensor control unit 22.

[0031] The brightness detection unit 20 and the person detection unit 21 may each have a single image sensor, and may be configured to detect a person from the difference between the background image acquired by the image sensor and the current image, as well as to detect brightness from the acquired image.

[0032] 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.

[0033] As shown in Figure 3, the sensor control unit 22 includes a generation unit 221. The generation unit 221 compares the brightness (illuminance within the detection range) indicated by the brightness signal input from the brightness detection unit 20 with a brightness target value and creates control commands 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 generation unit 221 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 generation unit 221 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 generation unit 221 outputs the created control commands to the wireless communication unit 23. In other words, when the time measured by the timer unit 25 reaches a predetermined time, the generation unit 221 generates a control command to match the illuminance with the reference illuminance (brightness target value) based on the measurement result of the brightness detection unit 20.

[0034] Here, the sensor device B1, which is the second communication terminal 200, performs the first process until the time measured by the timer unit 25 reaches a predetermined time (the first time T1 described later), and then performs the second process once the predetermined time has been reached. The first process is, for example, the process in which the brightness detection unit 20 measures the illuminance. That is, the first process is the process of sensing a predetermined space (the space in which the lighting device A1 is installed) using the sensor (brightness detection unit 20). The second process is, for example, the process of having the wireless communication unit 23 transmit a second wireless signal, including a control command generated by the generation unit 221, to the communication device D1, which is the first communication terminal 100. That is, in the second process, the wireless communication unit 23 transmits request information requesting a predetermined lighting control to the first communication terminal 100. As described above, the first and second processes are processes related to lighting control.

[0035] The wireless communication unit 23, which corresponds to the second wireless communication unit, includes a wireless communication circuit and an antenna, similar to the wireless communication unit 12 of the lighting device A1. 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 a message containing control commands received from the sensor control unit 22 to the lighting device A1 via a second wireless signal. The wireless communication unit 23 also receives a first wireless signal transmitted from the wireless communication unit 43 (see Figure 4) of the communication device D1. The first wireless signal includes, for example, control commands related to brightness measurement by the brightness detection unit 20. The second wireless signal includes, for example, control commands related to brightness control for the light source unit 10 of the lighting device A1.

[0036] The memory unit 24 has, for example, an electrically rewritable non-volatile semiconductor memory. The memory unit 24 stores multiple scene information. Each scene information stored in the memory unit 24 matches the scene information stored in the memory unit 13 of the lighting device A1. More specifically, each scene information stored in the memory unit 24 includes the same mode specification information as the mode specification information stored in the memory unit 13 of the lighting device A1, and information regarding the operation of the sensor device B1.

[0037] The timer unit 25 measures time. More specifically, the timer unit 25 measures time when the wireless communication unit 23 receives a first wireless signal. When the time being measured reaches a predetermined time, the timer unit 25 outputs information to the sensor control unit 22 indicating that the predetermined time has been reached.

[0038] (2.1.3) Communication equipment As shown in Figure 4, the communication device D1 includes a clock unit 40, a schedule storage unit 41, a schedule control unit 42, and a wireless communication unit 43. As described above, the communication device D1 functions as the first communication terminal 100 in the wireless communication system S1.

[0039] The clock unit 40 includes, for example, a real-time clock module. The real-time clock module is an integrated circuit configured to generate and output digital data including time and date from a clock source. The clock unit 40 outputs the digital data of time and date (hereinafter also referred to as "clock data") generated by the real-time clock module to the schedule control unit 42. In other words, the first communication terminal 100 further includes a clock unit 40 that measures the current time.

[0040] The schedule storage unit 41 has an electrically rewritable non-volatile semiconductor memory. The schedule storage unit 41 stores a schedule for lighting control. The schedule includes, for example, a combination of time zones and specification information that specifies scene information. That is, the schedule storage unit 41 stores multiple time zones and multiple control commands in a one-to-one correspondence.

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

[0042] The wireless communication unit 43, like the wireless communication unit 12 of the lighting device A1, includes a wireless communication circuit and an antenna. The wireless communication circuit is an integrated circuit configured to perform wireless communication and mesh communication in accordance with the same wireless communication standards as the wireless communication circuit of the wireless communication unit 12. The wireless communication circuit is capable of sending and receiving wireless signals through the antenna. The wireless communication unit 43 transmits a message containing control commands received from the schedule control unit 42 by a first wireless signal. More specifically, the wireless communication unit 43 periodically transmits the first wireless signal according to a predetermined timetable. The first wireless signal includes, as described above, control commands related to brightness measurement by the brightness detection unit 20, for example. Here, the first wireless signal is transmitted unilaterally from the communication device D1, which is the first communication terminal 100, to the sensor device B1, which is the second communication terminal 200. The first wireless signal also includes control commands to the sensor device B1, which is the second communication terminal 200, as described above.

[0043] Table 1 shows an example of a timetable. In the example in Table 1, the wireless communication unit 43 periodically transmits the first and third wireless signals at one-minute intervals. More specifically, the wireless communication unit 43 transmits the first wireless signal at 0:00 and the third wireless signal at 0:45.

[0044] [Table 1]

[0045] Furthermore, the wireless communication unit 43 receives a second wireless signal. The second wireless signal is a wireless signal different from the first wireless signal and is a wireless signal resulting from the second processing described above. Based on the received second wireless signal, the wireless communication unit 43 transmits a third wireless signal that includes a control command to the third communication terminal 300. The control command to the third communication terminal 300 is, for example, a control command relating to dimming control for the light source unit 10 of the lighting device A1.

[0046] 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.

[0047] As described above, the communication device D1 transmits control commands to the lighting device A1 using clock data as a trigger input, and therefore can also play the role of a control device in the lighting control system S1.

[0048] (2.1.4) Tablet As shown in Figure 1, the tablet C1 is a portable computer system configured by housing, for example, an SoC (System on a chip) and a touch panel display device C10 in a rectangular, plate-shaped enclosure C11.

[0049] An SoC is a single-chip semiconductor device that incorporates a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and a modem, among other components. The touch panel display device C10 is, for example, a touch panel liquid crystal display or a touch panel organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

[0050] In the wireless communication system S1, the tablet C1 acts as the control device 5 (see Figure 5) by having the SoC (CPU) execute a control program (application program) and a schedule setting program (application program). In addition, in the wireless communication system S1, the tablet C1 acts as the setting device 3 (see Figure 6) by having the SoC (CPU) execute a schedule setting program (application program).

[0051] As shown in Figure 5, the control device 5 includes an input receiving unit 50, a control unit 51, and a wireless communication unit 52. The input receiving unit 50 is implemented by the touch panel of the tablet C1. The control unit 51 is implemented by the CPU of the tablet C1. The wireless communication unit 52 is implemented by the modem of the tablet C1. The wireless communication unit 52 is configured to perform wireless communication compliant with standards such as BLE and Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0052] As shown in Figure 6, the setting device 3 includes an input receiving unit 30, a wireless communication unit 31, and a creation unit 32. The input receiving unit 30 is implemented by the touch panel of the tablet C1. The creation unit 32 is implemented by the CPU of the tablet C1. The wireless communication unit 31 is implemented by the modem of the tablet C1. The wireless communication unit 31 is configured to perform wireless communication compliant with standards such as BLE and Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0053] The creation unit 32 creates scene information, including lighting-related information and mode specification information, in response to the operation input received by the input receiving unit 30. The creation unit 32 also creates schedule information, including time information and scene information, in response to the operation input received by the input receiving unit 30.

[0054] In this embodiment, the control device 5 and the setting device 3 are implemented using a tablet C1, but the control device 5 and the setting device 3 may each be configured with dedicated hardware and software.

[0055] (2.1.5) Handheld remote control As shown in Figure 1, the handheld remote control C2 has a main body C20 made of a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped synthetic resin molded body. The main body C20 is small enough for a person to hold in one hand. Multiple (six in the illustrated example) operation buttons C21 to C26 are provided on the front of the main body C20.

[0056] In the wireless communication system S1, the handheld remote control C2 is assigned the role of the control device 5. Specifically, the handheld remote control C2 houses the input receiving unit 50, the control unit 51, and the wireless communication unit 52 that constitute the control device 5, within the main body C20.

[0057] The input receiving unit 50 has six tact switches that correspond one-to-one with six operation buttons C21 to C26. The six tact switches are configured to turn on when the corresponding operation buttons C21 to C26 are pressed. In other words, the input receiving unit 50 is configured to accept operation inputs corresponding to each operation button C21 to C26 when the tact switches are turned on.

[0058] 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.

[0059] The wireless communication unit 52, like the wireless communication unit 12 of the lighting device A1, includes a wireless communication circuit and an antenna. The wireless communication circuit is an integrated circuit configured to perform wireless communication and mesh communication in accordance with the same wireless communication standards as the wireless communication circuit of the wireless communication unit 12. The wireless communication circuit can send and receive wireless signals through the antenna. The wireless communication unit 52 transmits messages, including control commands received from the control unit 51, via wireless signals.

[0060] (2.2) Mesh networks in wireless communication systems The wireless communication system S1 constructs a mesh network with each of the following devices acting as a communication terminal (node): lighting device A1, sensor device B1, and communication device D1. Each node in the mesh network (lighting device A1, sensor device B1, and communication device D1) is assigned a unique network address.

[0061] In this embodiment, the mesh network NW1 forms a partially connected mesh network, as shown in Figure 7. The mesh network NW1 has multiple (four in the illustrated example) subnetworks SN1, SN2, SN3, and SN4. Each of the multiple subnetworks SNi (i=1,2,3,4) has one or more nodes Nij (j=1,2,…). Each of the multiple nodes Nij can communicate directly with other nodes Nij within its own subnetwork SNi, but cannot communicate directly with nodes Nij belonging to a different subnetwork SNi.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] (2.3) Grouping in wireless communication systems As shown in Figure 8, a single wireless communication system S1 has one or more areas ARi (i=1,2,…,n). Each area ARi has one or more zones ZNij (j=1,2,…). Each zone ZNij contains multiple lighting devices A1 and, if necessary, one sensor device B1. Note that each zone ZNij may contain only one lighting device A1, and may not contain a sensor device B1.

[0065] Furthermore, the zoning of zone ZNij and area ARi is independent of the topology of the mesh network NW1. For example, multiple zone ZNij and area ARi may exist in one subnetwork SNi. Alternatively, multiple node Nij belonging to different subnetworks SNi may exist in one zone ZNij. Note that a single wireless communication system S1 has at most one communication device D1, but the communication device D1 does not belong to any area ARi or any zone ZNij.

[0066] In the wireless communication system S1, communication device D1 acts as the master unit in the mesh network NW1. If communication device D1 is not available, the wireless communication system S1 may also use either lighting device A1 or sensor device B1 to act as the master unit.

[0067] When the wireless communication system S1 is in operation, tablet C1 can communicate with the management node MNi in the mesh network NW1 via BLE communication. The wireless communication system S1 assigns the role of management node MNi to either sensor device B1, lighting device A1, or communication device D1. Furthermore, tablet C1 can communicate with all nodes (communication device D1, sensor device B1, lighting device A1) and handheld remote control C2 via BLE communication.

[0068] The handheld remote control C2 can perform mesh communication with the nodes of the mesh network NW1 (lighting device A1, sensor device B1, and communication device D1) only when transmitting control commands. Additionally, the handheld remote control C2 can perform BLE communication with the tablet C1.

[0069] (3) Wireless communication method Next, a wireless communication method according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 9. The wireless communication method according to the embodiment is performed, for example, by the wireless communication system S1 according to the embodiment. However, the entity that performs the wireless communication method is not limited to the wireless communication system S1.

[0070] The wireless communication method according to the embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, includes a wireless communication step, a timer step, and a processing step. In the wireless communication step, a wireless signal is received that is transmitted periodically according to a predetermined timetable. In the timer step, time is measured triggered by the receipt of the wireless signal in the wireless communication step. In the processing step, a first process is performed until the time measured in the timer step reaches a predetermined time, and when the predetermined time is reached, a second process different from the first process is performed. The first and second processes are processes related to lighting control.

[0071] In the wireless communication method according to this embodiment, time is measured triggered by the reception of a wireless signal in the wireless communication step, and the first and second processes are performed based on the measured time. Therefore, the second communication terminal 200 does not need to perform any processing to synchronize with other second communication terminals 200, and as a result, it becomes possible to easily synchronize multiple second communication terminals 200 with each other.

[0072] The operation of the wireless communication system S1 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 9.

[0073] First, the first communication terminal 100, which is the communication device D1, transmits a first radio signal to the second communication terminal 200, which is the lighting device A1 and the sensor device B1, at time t1 (Figure 9 [1]). As described above, the first radio signal includes a control command related to brightness measurement, so the sensor device B1, upon receiving the first radio signal, starts brightness measurement by the brightness detection unit 20 (Figure 9 [2]). The brightness detection unit 20 continues to measure brightness until time t2, when the first time period T1 has elapsed. In other words, in this embodiment, the first time period T1 corresponds to a predetermined time. On the other hand, the lighting device A1 does nothing even after receiving the first radio signal.

[0074] When the first time T1 has elapsed, at time t2, the sensor device B1 transmits a second wireless signal containing the measurement result of the brightness detection unit 20 to the communication device D1 (Figure 9 [3]).

[0075] Upon receiving the second radio signal, communication device D1 transmits a third radio signal to the second communication terminal 200, which consists of lighting device A1 and sensor device B1, at time t3 (Figure 9 [4]). As described above, the third radio signal includes a control command for lighting device A1, so upon receiving the third radio signal, lighting device A1 performs dimming control on the light source unit 10 (Figure 9 [5]). On the other hand, sensor device B1 does nothing even after receiving the third radio signal.

[0076] (4) Effects In the wireless communication system S1 according to this embodiment, the second communication terminal 200 triggers time upon receiving a wireless signal transmitted from the first communication terminal 100, and performs first and second processing based on the time measured. Therefore, the second communication terminal 200 does not need to perform any processing to synchronize with other second communication terminals 200, and as a result, it becomes possible to easily synchronize multiple second communication terminals 200 with each other.

[0077] Furthermore, in the wireless communication system S1 according to this embodiment, the first radio signal is transmitted unilaterally from the first communication terminal 100 to the second communication terminal 200, which has the advantage that the second communication terminal 200 only needs to perform signal reception until it receives the first radio signal. In particular, since the first radio signal includes a control command for the second communication terminal 200, the second communication terminal 200 can perform operations in accordance with the control command included in the first radio signal.

[0078] Furthermore, in the wireless communication system S1 according to this embodiment, the first wireless signal includes a control command associated with a time that matches the current time from among a plurality of control commands stored in the schedule storage unit 41. Therefore, the second communication terminal 200 can perform schedule control in accordance with the current time.

[0079] Furthermore, in the wireless communication system S1 according to this embodiment, the wireless communication unit 43, which corresponds to the first wireless communication unit, transmits a third wireless signal that includes a control command to the second communication terminal 200 based on the second wireless signal. As a result, the second communication terminal 200 can perform operations in accordance with the control command included in the third wireless signal.

[0080] Furthermore, in the wireless communication system S1 according to the embodiment, the first process is the process of sensing a predetermined space using a sensor (brightness detection unit 20), which enables sensing of a predetermined space using the sensor.

[0081] Furthermore, according to the wireless communication system S1 of the embodiment, it is possible to transmit request information requesting a predetermined lighting control to the first communication terminal 100.

[0082] (5) Variant The embodiments described above are merely one of many embodiments of this disclosure. The embodiments described above can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the objectives of this disclosure are achieved. Furthermore, functions similar to those of the wireless communication system S1 according to the embodiments described above may be embodied in the wireless communication method, (computer) program, or non-temporary recording medium on which the program is recorded. A program according to one embodiment is a program that causes one or more processors to execute the wireless communication method described above. With such a program, the second communication terminal 200 does not need to perform processing to synchronize with other second communication terminals 200, and as a result, it becomes possible to easily synchronize multiple second communication terminals 200 with each other.

[0083] The following lists some modifications of the above-described embodiment. The modifications described below can be combined and applied as appropriate.

[0084] (5.1) Variation 1 In the above-described embodiment, the lighting device A1 and the sensor device B1 are provided separately, but for example, the lighting device A1 may have a brightness detection unit. In this case, the lighting device A1 becomes the second communication terminal 200. The operation of the wireless communication system S1 according to Modification 1 will be described below with reference to Figure 10.

[0085] First, the first communication terminal 100, which is the communication device D1, transmits a first radio signal to the second communication terminal 200, which is the lighting device A1, at time t1 (Figure 10 [1]). As described above, the first radio signal includes a control command related to brightness measurement, so upon receiving the first radio signal, the lighting device A1 starts brightness measurement using the brightness detection unit (Figure 10 [2]). The brightness detection unit continues to measure brightness until time t2, when the first time T1 has elapsed.

[0086] After the first time T1 has elapsed, the lighting device A1 controls the dimming of the light source unit 10 so that the illuminance measured by the brightness detection unit matches the reference illuminance (Figure 10 [3]).

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

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

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

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

[0091] In the above-described embodiment, the wireless communication unit 23 of the sensor device B1 transmits a second wireless signal containing request information requesting a predetermined lighting control (brightness control based on the measurement result of the brightness detection unit 20) to the communication device D1, which is the first communication terminal 100, during the second processing described above. Alternatively, the wireless communication unit 23 may transmit the second wireless signal to the lighting device A1, which is the third communication terminal 300. That is, the wireless communication unit 23 may transmit request information requesting a predetermined lighting control to the third communication terminal 300 (lighting device A1) during the second processing described above. In this case as well, it is possible to transmit request information to the third communication terminal 300 (lighting device A1).

[0092] (Appearance) This specification discloses the following aspects:

[0093] The wireless communication system (S1) according to the first embodiment comprises a first communication terminal (100) and a second communication terminal (200). The second communication terminal (200) is capable of wireless communication with the first communication terminal (100). The first communication terminal (100) has a first wireless communication unit (43). The first wireless communication unit (43) periodically transmits wireless signals according to a predetermined timetable. The second communication terminal (200) has a second wireless communication unit (23) and a timer unit (25). The second wireless communication unit (23) receives wireless signals. The timer unit (25) measures time triggered by the reception of a wireless signal by the second wireless communication unit (23). The second communication terminal (200) performs a first process until the time measured by the timer unit (25) reaches a predetermined time, and when the predetermined time is reached, it performs a second process different from the first process. The first and second processes are processes related to lighting control.

[0094] According to this embodiment, the second communication terminal (200) measures time triggered by receiving a wireless signal transmitted from the first communication terminal (100), and performs the first and second processes based on the measured time. Therefore, the second communication terminal (200) does not need to perform any processing to synchronize with other second communication terminals (200), and as a result, it becomes possible to easily synchronize multiple second communication terminals (200).

[0095] In the wireless communication system (S1) according to the second embodiment, in the first embodiment, the wireless signal is transmitted unilaterally from the first communication terminal (100) to the second communication terminal (200).

[0096] This embodiment has the advantage of suppressing congestion caused by bidirectional communication between the second communication terminal (200) and the first communication terminal (100).

[0097] In the wireless communication system (S1) according to the third embodiment, in the first or second embodiment, the wireless signal includes a control command to the second communication terminal (200).

[0098] According to this embodiment, the second communication terminal (200) can perform operations in response to control commands included in the wireless signal.

[0099] In the wireless communication system (S1) according to the fourth embodiment, in the third embodiment, the first communication terminal (100) further comprises a clock unit (40) and a storage unit (41). The clock unit (40) measures the current time. The storage unit (41) stores multiple times and multiple control commands, including the control command mentioned above, in a one-to-one correspondence. The wireless signal includes a control command among the multiple control commands that is associated with the time that matches the current time.

[0100] According to this embodiment, the second communication terminal (200) can perform schedule control in accordance with the current time.

[0101] The wireless communication system (S1) according to the fifth embodiment further comprises a third communication terminal (300) in any one of the first to fourth embodiments. The third communication terminal (300) is capable of wireless communication with the first communication terminal (100). The first wireless communication unit (43) receives a second wireless signal, which is different from the first wireless signal, which is a radio signal, due to the second processing. The first wireless communication unit (43) further transmits a third wireless signal, which includes a control command to the third communication terminal (300), based on the received second wireless signal.

[0102] According to this embodiment, the third communication terminal (300) can perform operations in response to control commands included in the third radio signal.

[0103] In the wireless communication system (S1) according to the sixth embodiment, in any one of the first to fifth embodiments, the second communication terminal (200) further includes a sensor (20). The first process is the process of sensing a predetermined space using the sensor (20).

[0104] According to this embodiment, it becomes possible to sense a predetermined space using the sensor (20).

[0105] The wireless communication system (S1) according to the seventh embodiment further comprises a third communication terminal (300) in any one of the first to sixth embodiments. The third communication terminal (300) is capable of wireless communication with the second communication terminal (200). In the second processing, the second wireless communication unit (23) transmits request information requesting a predetermined lighting control to the first communication terminal (100) or the third communication terminal (300).

[0106] According to this embodiment, it becomes possible to transmit request information to the first communication terminal (100) or the third communication terminal (300).

[0107] The wireless communication system (S1) according to the eighth embodiment comprises a communication device (D1), a sensor device (B1), and a lighting device (A1). The sensor device (B1) and the lighting device (A1) are wirelessly connected to the communication device (D1). The communication device (D1) has a first wireless communication unit (43). The first wireless communication unit (43) periodically transmits a first wireless signal according to a predetermined timetable. The sensor device (B1) has a second wireless communication unit (23), a timer unit (25), a sensor (20), and a generation unit (221). The second wireless communication unit (23) receives the first wireless signal. The timer unit (25) measures time triggered by the second wireless communication unit (23) receiving the first wireless signal. The sensor (20) measures the illuminance in the space where the lighting device (A1) is installed until the time measured by the timer unit (25) reaches a predetermined time. The generation unit (221) generates a control command to match the illuminance with the reference illuminance based on the measurement result of the sensor (20) when the above time reaches a predetermined time. The second wireless communication unit (23) transmits a second wireless signal including the control command to the lighting device (A1). The lighting device (A1) includes a light source unit (10), a third wireless communication unit (12), and a control unit (14). The third wireless communication unit (12) receives the first wireless signal and the second wireless signal. The control unit (14) controls the light source unit (10). The control unit (14) has a reception mode in which it accepts the control command generated by the generation unit (221) triggered by the third wireless communication unit (12) receiving the first wireless signal. The control unit (14) controls the light source unit (10) according to the second wireless signal received in the reception mode.

[0108] In this embodiment, each of the sensor device (B1) and the lighting device (A1) performs various processes triggered by receiving a first wireless signal transmitted from the communication device (D1). Therefore, no processing is required to synchronize the sensor device (B1) and the lighting device (A1), and as a result, it becomes possible to easily synchronize the sensor device (B1) and the lighting device (A1).

[0109] The wireless communication method according to the ninth embodiment comprises a wireless communication step, a timer step, and a processing step. In the wireless communication step, a wireless signal is received that is transmitted periodically according to a predetermined timetable. In the timer step, time is measured triggered by the receipt of the wireless signal in the wireless communication step. In the processing step, a first process is performed until the time measured in the timer step reaches a predetermined time, and when the predetermined time is reached, a second process different from the first process is performed. The first process and the second process are processes related to lighting control.

[0110] In this embodiment, time is measured triggered by the reception of a wireless signal in the wireless communication step, and the first and second processes are performed based on the measured time. Therefore, the second communication terminal (200) does not need to perform any processing to synchronize with other second communication terminals (200), and as a result, it becomes possible to easily synchronize multiple second communication terminals (200).

[0111] The program according to the tenth embodiment is a program that causes one or more processors to execute the wireless communication method according to the ninth embodiment.

[0112] According to this embodiment, the second communication terminal (200) does not need to perform any processing to synchronize with other second communication terminals (200), and as a result, it becomes possible to easily synchronize multiple second communication terminals (200) with each other.

[0113] The configurations relating to the second to eighth aspects are not essential to the wireless communication system (S1) and can be omitted as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0114] 10 Light source section 12. Radio Communication Department (3rd Radio Communication Department) 14 Control Unit 20 Brightness detection unit (sensor) 23. Radio Communication Department (2nd Radio Communication Department) 25 Timer section 40 Clock Department 41. Schedule memory unit (memory unit) 43. Radio Communication Department (1st Radio Communication Department) 100 First communication terminal 200 Second communication terminal 221 Generation part 300 Third communication terminal A1 Lighting device B1 Sensor device D1 Communication device S1 Wireless Communication System

Claims

1. First communication terminal and The system comprises a second communication terminal that can communicate wirelessly with the first communication terminal, The first communication terminal is, It has a first wireless communication unit that periodically transmits wireless signals according to a predetermined timetable, The aforementioned second communication terminal is A second wireless communication unit that receives the aforementioned wireless signal, The second wireless communication unit has a timer unit that measures time triggered by the reception of the wireless signal, The first process is performed until the time measured by the timer unit reaches a predetermined time. When the aforementioned time reaches the predetermined time, a second process different from the first process is performed. The first and second processes are processes related to lighting control. Wireless communication system.

2. The aforementioned wireless signal is transmitted unilaterally from the first communication terminal to the second communication terminal. The wireless communication system according to claim 1.

3. The wireless signal includes a control command to the second communication terminal. The wireless communication system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first communication terminal is, The clock section that measures the current time, The system further includes a storage unit that stores multiple time periods and multiple control commands, including the aforementioned control commands, in a one-to-one correspondence. The wireless signal includes a control command among the plurality of control commands that is associated with a time that matches the current time. The wireless communication system according to claim 3.

5. The system further comprises a third communication terminal capable of wireless communication with the first communication terminal, The first wireless communication unit is, Unlike the first radio signal which is the aforementioned radio signal, the second radio signal obtained by the second processing is received. A third radio signal is further transmitted, which includes a control command to the third communication terminal based on the received second radio signal. The wireless communication system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The second communication terminal further includes a sensor, The first process is the process of sensing a predetermined space using the sensor. The wireless communication system according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The system further comprises a third communication terminal capable of wireless communication with the second communication terminal, The second wireless communication unit transmits request information requesting a predetermined lighting control to the first communication terminal or the third communication terminal during the second processing. The wireless communication system according to claim 1 or 2.

8. Communication equipment and The system comprises a sensor device and a lighting device that can communicate wirelessly with the aforementioned communication device, The aforementioned communication device is It has a first radio communication unit that periodically transmits a first radio signal according to a predetermined timetable, The aforementioned sensor device is A second wireless communication unit that receives the first wireless signal, A timer unit that measures time triggered when the second wireless communication unit receives the first wireless signal, Until the time measured by the timer unit reaches a predetermined time, a sensor measures the illuminance in the space where the lighting device is installed. The system includes a generation unit that, when the aforementioned time reaches the predetermined time, generates a control command to match the illuminance with a reference illuminance based on the measurement results of the sensor, The second wireless communication unit transmits the second wireless signal, including the control command, toward the lighting device. The aforementioned lighting device is Light source section, A third wireless communication unit that receives the first wireless signal and the second wireless signal, It includes a control unit for controlling the light source unit, The control unit, The third wireless communication unit has a reception mode in which it receives the control command generated by the generation unit as a trigger when it receives the first wireless signal, The light source unit is controlled according to the second wireless signal received in the reception mode. Wireless communication system.

9. A wireless communication step of receiving a radio signal that is transmitted periodically according to a predetermined timetable, A timer step that measures time triggered by receiving the wireless signal in the wireless communication step, The processing step includes performing a first process until the time measured in the timer step reaches a predetermined time, and then performing a second process different from the first process when the time reaches the predetermined time, The first and second processes are processes related to lighting control. Wireless communication method.

10. A program for causing one or more processors to execute the wireless communication method described in claim 9.

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