COMMUNICATION DEVICE, COMMUNICATION CONTROL SYSTEM, LIGHTING SYSTEM, AND LIGHTING CONTROL SYSTEM

Abstract

To provide a communication device that, even when a host control system and the communication device are not connected to each other and when identification information is not set to lighting devices, can easily check the connection between the communication device and the lighting devices and can easily specify the lighting devices connected to the communication device.SOLUTION: A communication device such as a transmission adapter 20 includes an input unit such as a checking switch 21, a first communication unit 26 that communicates by wire with one or more lighting devices according to a first communication protocol; and a second communication unit 27 that communicates with a control system for controlling the lighting devices according to a second communication protocol different from the first communication protocol. The communication device can operate a first operation mode of outputting a signal for controlling the lighting devices from the first communication unit 26 based on a signal received by the second communication unit 27, and a second operation mode of outputting a signal for controlling the lighting devices from the first communication unit 26 based on information input to the input unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication device, a communication control system, a lighting system, and a lighting control system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes that the control unit controls a lighting control terminal of an equipment system installed in a facility via a communication unit. The communication unit is said to have a function as a network node that connects networks with different communication standards, such as the communication standard between the control unit and the communication unit, and the communication standard between the equipment system and the communication unit. The lighting control terminal controls lighting fixtures (lighting devices) installed in the facility. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-48090 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, a configuration is conceivable in which one or more lighting devices and a communication device are connected by wire, the communication device communicates with the lighting devices using a first communication protocol, and the communication device communicates with a control system using a second communication protocol, and the lighting devices are controlled by the control system via the communication device. On the other hand, when a lighting control system having this configuration is installed in a building, a setting company that sets the operating specifications of the lighting devices may install the control system, and a lighting installer may install the communication device and the lighting devices and wire them together. In this case, if the upper control system and the communication device are not yet connected by wire, or if identification information such as a control address is not set in the lighting devices, the lighting installer cannot easily confirm that the wiring between the lighting devices and the communication device is properly connected. In addition, when multiple communication devices are connected to the control system and each communication device is connected to multiple lighting devices, the wiring becomes complicated, and users such as installers and setting companies cannot easily identify the lighting devices connected to a specific communication device.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a communication device, a communication control system, a lighting system, and a lighting control system that can easily check the connection between a communication device and a lighting device, even when a higher-level control system and the communication device are not connected or when identification information is not set in the lighting device, and that can easily identify a lighting device connected to a communication device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A communication device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an input unit, a first communication unit that communicates via a wired connection with one or more lighting devices using a first communication protocol, and a second communication unit that communicates with a control system that controls the lighting devices using a second communication protocol different from the first communication protocol, and is configured to be operable in a first operating mode in which the first communication unit outputs a signal for controlling the lighting device based on a signal received by the second communication unit, and a second operating mode in which the first communication unit outputs a signal for controlling the lighting device based on information input to the input unit.

[0007] A communication device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a communication control system including the communication device according to the present disclosure and a control system.

[0008] A lighting system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a lighting system including a communication device according to the present disclosure and a lighting device.

[0009] A lighting control system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a lighting control system including the lighting system of the present disclosure and a control system. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to a communication device, a communication control system, a lighting system, and a lighting control system which are aspects of the present disclosure, a lighting device connected to the communication device can be operated based on information input to an input unit of the communication device. This makes it possible to easily check the connection between the communication device and the lighting device and easily identify the lighting device connected to the communication device even when the control system and the communication device are not connected or when identification information is not set in the lighting device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a lighting control system including a transmission adapter that is a communication device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which a user operates a confirmation switch serving as an input unit to confirm connection of a lighting device in a lighting system according to an example of an embodiment; FIG. [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the transmission adapter of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 is a sequence diagram showing the operations of the control system, the transmission adapter, and the lighting device when the transmission adapter in FIG. 1 operates in a first operation mode. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1A is a diagram showing a work procedure performed by a lighting installer when installing a lighting control system according to an embodiment, and FIG. [Figure 6]10 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the transmission adapter and the lighting device when the transmission adapter in FIG. 1 operates in a second operation mode. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a transmission adapter in another embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating operations of the transmission adapter and the lighting device when the transmission adapter operates in a second operation mode in another example of the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating operations of the transmission adapter and the lighting device when the transmission adapter operates in a second operation mode in another example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of a communication device, a communication control system, a lighting system, and a lighting control system according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0013] The subject of the system of the present disclosure includes a computer. The computer executes a program to realize the function of the subject of the system of the present disclosure. The computer includes a processor that operates according to the program as a main hardware configuration. The type of the processor does not matter as long as it can realize the above-mentioned function by executing the program. The processor is composed of one or more electronic circuits including an integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). The multiple electronic circuits may be integrated into one chip or may be provided on multiple chips. The multiple chips may be integrated into one device or may be provided on multiple devices. The program is stored in a non-transitory storage medium such as a computer-readable ROM, an optical disk, or a hard disk drive. The program may be stored in the storage medium in advance, or may be supplied to the storage medium via a wide area communication network including the Internet.

[0014] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a lighting control system 10 including a transmission adapter 20 which is a communication device according to an example of an embodiment. The lighting control system 10 includes a plurality of transmission adapters 20, a plurality of lighting devices 30 which are communicatively connected to each transmission adapter 20 by wire, and a control system 12 which communicates with the plurality of transmission adapters 20. The transmission adapters 20 and the control system 12 are connected by wire, but may be capable of wireless communication. The lighting control system 10 of the present disclosure is installed in a building such as an office building or a shopping center.

[0015] A plurality of lighting devices 30 are connected to each transmission adapter 20 via a transmission line L1. Each lighting device 30 has a communication unit that communicates according to, for example, the DALI (registered trademark) (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) standard, and communicates with the transmission adapter 20 according to the DALI (registered trademark) standard, which is a first communication protocol.

[0016] Furthermore, a plurality of transmission adapters 20 are connected to the control system 12 via a transmission line L2, and the control system 12 and the transmission adapters 20 communicate with each other by a second communication protocol different from the DALI (registered trademark) standard. The control system 12 has an interface provided for communicating with the transmission adapters 20, and a control unit including a processor, memory, and the like. The control system 12 may be integrated into a single device, or may be configured as a plurality of devices connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0017] The transmission adapter 20 functions as a network node for connecting networks having different communication protocols, such as the network between the control system 12 and the transmission adapter 20 and the network between the lighting device 30 and the transmission adapter 20.

[0018] In such a lighting control system 10, the transmission adapter 20 and the control system 12 form a communication control system 14. The transmission adapter 20 and the lighting device 30 form a lighting system 16.

[0019] The lighting control system 10 is not limited to a configuration having a plurality of transmission adaptors 20, and may be configured to have only one transmission adaptor 20.

[0020] Each lighting device 30 has a light source unit, converts commercial AC voltage into DC voltage using a power supply circuit, and turns on or blinks the light source unit using the DC voltage. There is no limitation on the type of each lighting device 30. For example, the lighting device 30 may be a ceiling light, a downlight, a spotlight, or the like.

[0021] For example, 1 to 64 lighting devices 30 can be connected to each transmission adapter 20. Each lighting device 30 has a control address that is identification information of the lighting device 30. The control address is, for example, a short address. The control system 12 uses the control address to control the lighting operation of each lighting device 30.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a user U operates a confirmation switch 21, which is an input unit, to check the connection of the lighting device 30 in the lighting system 16. Each transmission adapter 20 is disposed in an operation panel 60 installed on a wall or the like. Each transmission adapter 20 may be attached to a structure such as a ceiling. When the transmission adapter 20 is attached to the ceiling, it is preferable that the transmission adapter 20 is provided with a communication unit capable of wirelessly communicating with a mobile information terminal such as a smartphone held by the user, so that input for wiring confirmation is performed wirelessly, as in another example of an embodiment described later with reference to FIG. 7. The transmission line L1 connected to the transmission adapter 20 is wired in the ceiling and connected to the lighting device 30 installed on the ceiling part 62. Although only one transmission adapter 20 is shown in FIG. 2, other transmission adapters 20 can be installed in the same manner. In addition, the transmission adapter 20 is provided with a confirmation switch 21 and a power switch 22, which will be described later, so that they can be operated by the user U.

[0023] The transmission adapter 20 will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the transmission adapter 20. The transmission adapter 20 has a first communication unit 26, a second communication unit 27, a communication control unit 25, the confirmation switch 21 and power switch 22, and a storage unit 29.

[0024] The first communication unit 26 communicates with one or more lighting devices 30 by wire in accordance with the DALI (registered trademark) standard. The second communication unit 27 communicates with the control system 12 in accordance with a second communication protocol different from the DALI (registered trademark) standard. The communication control unit 25 controls the communication units 26 and 27.

[0025] The confirmation switch 21 is an operation unit, and is a push button switch, a rocker switch (or a seesaw switch) that switches on and off, or the like. When the confirmation switch 21 is operated by being pressed or the like by the user U or is turned on as an input to the input unit, as described later, the confirmation switch 21 outputs a signal representing the operation to the communication control unit 25. When a signal representing that the confirmation switch 21 has been operated is input, the communication control unit 25 outputs an illumination control signal for turning on or blinking the illumination device 30 to the illumination device 30 connected to the transmission adapter 20 via the second communication unit 27. Therefore, as described later, the user U can easily check the connection between the transmission adapter 20 and the illumination device 30, and can easily identify the illumination device 30 connected to the transmission adapter 20.

[0026] The power switch 22 is an on / off switch for starting or stopping the transmission adapter 20. The power switch 22 is connected to a power supply circuit unit 28 provided inside the transmission adapter 20. The power supply circuit unit 28 is connected to an external power supply 64, and converts commercial AC voltage into DC voltage. When the power switch 22 is turned on, it supplies the DC voltage converted by the power supply circuit unit 28 to the communication control unit 25, etc. When the power switch 22 is a push button, it may be configured so that the switch alternates between on and off when repeatedly pressed.

[0027] The storage unit 29 is connected to the communication control unit 25. The storage unit 29 stores an address of the device itself and an address for control of the lighting device 30 connected to the device itself, etc.

[0028] Furthermore, a first operation mode and a second operation mode are stored in the storage unit 29. The first operation mode is an operation mode when the control system 12 controls the lighting device 30 in a state where both the control system 12 and the lighting device 30 are connected to the transmission adapter 20.

[0029] Specifically, the transmission adapter 20 operates in the first operation mode in accordance with the first operation mode stored in the storage unit 29. In the first operation mode, when a signal received by the second communication unit 27 from the control system 12 includes a control address of the lighting device 30 connected to the transmission adapter 20, the first communication unit 26 transmits a lighting control signal for controlling the lighting device 30 to the lighting device 30, and activates the lighting device 30, i.e., changes the lighting state to either on, blinking, or off in accordance with the lighting control signal.

[0030] 4 is a sequence diagram showing the operations of the control system 12, the transmission adapter 20, and the lighting device 30 when the transmission adapter 20 operates in the first operation mode. First, the control system 12 outputs a lighting control signal for controlling the lighting device 30 identified by the control address to the transmission adapter 20 by communication using the first protocol. Upon receiving the signal, the transmission adapter 20 converts the communication protocol and outputs a lighting control signal to the lighting device 30 at the identified control address according to the DALI (registered trademark) standard. The lighting device 30 that receives the lighting control signal has its lighting state controlled according to the lighting control signal.

[0031] 3, the transmission adapter 20 operates in the second operation mode in accordance with the second operation mode stored in the storage unit 29. The second operation mode is a mode that operates based on an operation by the user U so that the user U can easily check the connection to the lighting device 30 and identify the lighting device 30 connected to the transmission adapter 20 even when the control system 12 is not connected to the transmission adapter 20.

[0032] Specifically, in the second operation mode, a lighting control signal for controlling the lighting device 30 is output from the first communication unit 26 based on information indicating that the confirmation switch 21 has been operated or turned on as information input to the confirmation switch 21. Hereinafter, the operation or on operation of the confirmation switch 21 will be described as the operation of the confirmation switch 21. Also, the second operation mode is configured to be operable when not operating in the first operation mode. Furthermore, the second operation mode is configured to be operable before operation in the first operation mode becomes possible. In the second operation mode, the communication control unit 25 of the transmission adapter 20 causes the first communication unit 26 to output a lighting control signal to all lighting devices 30 connected to the transmission adapter 20 by broadcasting without specifying an address, and operates the lighting devices 30, i.e., causes them to light up or blink according to the content of the preset lighting control signal.

[0033] 5A shows the procedure of a lighting installer during construction before the lighting control system 10 is put into operation, and FIG. 5B shows the procedure of a setup installer. During construction of the lighting control system 10, as shown in FIG. 5A, the lighting installer installs the transmission adapter 20 and the lighting device 30 (Sa1). Next, the lighting installer connects the transmission adapter 20 and the lighting device 30 by wiring, connects wiring for power supply to the lighting device 30, starts power supply to the lighting device 30, and then checks whether the wiring connection between the transmission adapter 20 and the lighting device 30 is normal (Sa2). The wiring connection check between the transmission adapter 20 and the lighting device 30 is performed in a power-on state in which power supply to the lighting device 30 has started.

[0034] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the setting company installs the control system 12, connects the control system 12 to the transmission adapter 20, and then checks whether the wiring is connected properly (Sb1). Next, the setting company connects a setting machine for setting a control address in the lighting device 30 to the transmission adapter 20 (Sb2). The setting machine is a device that outputs a signal for setting a control address in the lighting device 30 to the transmission adapter 20, and is, for example, a personal computer (PC), a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or other mobile information terminal. The setting machine may be connected to the control system 12 or the transmission adapter 20 by wire, or may be capable of communicating with the control system 12 or the transmission adapter 20 by wireless signals.

[0035] Next, the setting agent uses a setting machine to output a signal to the transmission adapter 20 to instruct the transmission adapter 20 to set a random address, which is a temporary address randomly assigned to the connected lighting device 30. As a result, the transmission adapter 20 assigns and sets a random address to the connected lighting device 30 (Sb3). Next, the setting agent uses a setting machine to output a signal to the transmission adapter 20 to instruct the transmission adapter 20 to set a control address, such as a short address, which is an address assigned to the connected lighting device 30 in response to a user's instruction and is overwritten on the random address. At this time, the setting agent turns on the lighting devices 30, for example, in the order of the random addresses, and sets appropriate control addresses for the lit lighting devices 30 according to their positions. As a result, the control addresses are reassigned to the lighting devices 30 (Sb4).

[0036] Next, the setup technician sets operational specifications such as the range of brightness change for each lighting device 30 (Sb5), and then performs an operation check of each lighting device 30 (Sb6).

[0037] As described above, the processes during installation are performed separately by the lighting installer and the installation contractor, so the lighting installer has a request to check the wiring between the lighting device 30 and the transmission adapter 20 even before the installation contractor performs the processes S1b to S6b. That is, the lighting installer has a request to check the wiring between the lighting device 30 and the transmission adapter 20 even when the control system 12 is not connected to the transmission adapter 20, or when the control system 12 is connected but a control address is not set in the lighting device 30. According to the transmission adapter 20 of this example, as described later in FIG. 6, if the wiring is normal, the transmission adapter 20 operates in the second operation mode by simply operating the confirmation switch 21 of the transmission adapter 20, and the lighting device 30 lights up or blinks. This allows the lighting installer to easily check the wiring by looking at the lighting state.

[0038] 6 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the transmission adapter 20 and the lighting device 30 when the transmission adapter 20 operates in the second operation mode. First, the confirmation switch 21 is operated by a user such as a lighting installer in the transmission adapter 20. Based on this, the second operation mode is executed in the transmission adapter 20, and a lighting control signal representing an instruction to turn on and off the lighting devices 30 is output from the transmission adapter 20 to all the lighting devices 30 connected to the transmission adapter 20. At this time, the transmission adapter 20 first outputs a turn-on instruction signal to the lighting devices 30, and then, after a very short predetermined time, the transmission adapter 20 outputs a lighting control signal representing an instruction to turn off the lighting devices 30 to all the lighting devices 30 connected to the transmission adapter 20, and then, after a very short predetermined time, the transmission adapter 20 outputs a lighting control signal representing an instruction to turn on the lighting devices 30, and this is repeated multiple times. As a result, the lighting devices 30 are turned on and off repeatedly for a very short time, thereby blinking. At this time, a control signal instructing the lighting device 30 to blink only once may be output from the transmission adapter 20 to the lighting device 30, so that the transmission adapter 20 that receives the control signal blinks for a predetermined period of time. Although the case where the lighting device 30 is blinked has been described in Fig. 6, a control signal instructing the lighting device 30 to be kept on to check the wiring, that is, a so-called full-on control signal may be output from the transmission adapter 20 to the lighting device 30.

[0039] According to the above-mentioned transmission adapter 20, the communication control system 14 including this transmission adapter 20, the lighting system 16, and the lighting control system 10, the lighting device 30 connected to the transmission adapter 20 can be operated based on information input to the confirmation switch 21 of the transmission adapter 20. As a result, even when the control system 12 and the transmission adapter 20 are not connected or when a control address is not set in the lighting device 30 as identification information, it is possible to easily confirm the connection between the transmission adapter 20 and the lighting device 30 and easily identify the lighting device 30 connected to the transmission adapter 20.

[0040] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which wiring checks and the like are performed before operation of the lighting control system 10 during construction, but after construction and operation of the lighting control system 10, some of the lighting devices 30 may be added or changed, or some of the lighting devices 30 may break down and require replacement. Even in this case, the transmission adapter 20 is configured to be operable as the second operation mode when not operating in the first operation mode, so that by operating the confirmation switch 21, it is possible to easily check the connection between the transmission adapter 20 and the lighting devices 30, and also to easily identify the lighting devices 30 connected to the transmission adapter 20.

[0041] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the transmission adapter 20a in another example of the embodiment. In the configuration of this example, the transmission adapter 20a is not provided with the confirmation switch 21 (FIG. 3), and instead, a third communication unit 24 different from the first and second communication units 26 and 27 is provided inside the transmission adapter 20a. The third communication unit 24 is an input unit and can communicate with a communication terminal by wire or wirelessly. The third communication unit 24 is connected to the communication control unit 25 and is controlled by the communication control unit 25. The communication control unit 25 outputs a lighting control signal for controlling the lighting device 30 to turn on or blink from the first communication unit 26 based on information received by the third communication unit 24 as information input to the third communication unit 24. At this time, for example, a user who checks the wiring between the transmission adapter 20a and the lighting device 30 communicates with the third communication unit 24 using a mobile information terminal such as a personal computer (PC), a smartphone, or a tablet terminal, and inputs a signal to the third communication unit 24 for outputting a lighting control signal from the transmission adapter 20 to the lighting device 30.

[0042] According to the above configuration, the lighting device 30 connected to the transmission adapter 20a can be operated based on information input to the third communication unit 24 of the transmission adapter 20a. As a result, even if the control system 12 and the transmission adapter 20a are not connected or a control address is not set in the lighting device 30, it is possible to easily check the connection between the transmission adapter 20a and the lighting device 30 and easily identify the lighting device 30 connected to the transmission adapter 20a. In this example, other configurations and operations are similar to those of FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0043] 1 to 6 or 7, a lighting control signal for controlling lighting device 30 to light up or blink may be output from first communication unit 26 based on an ON operation of power switch 22. In this case, power switch 22 corresponds to a power input unit, and an ON operation of power switch 22 corresponds to a power input operation to the power input unit.

[0044] According to the above configuration, the lighting device 30 connected to the transmission adapter 20, 20a can be operated based on information indicating an ON operation input to the power switch 22 of the transmission adapter 20, 20a. In this case, the transmission adapter 20, 20a is started by the ON operation of the power switch 22, and a lighting control signal is output from the first communication unit 26. As a result, even if the control system 12 and the transmission adapter 20, 20a are not connected or a control address is not set in the lighting device 30, it is possible to easily check the connection between the transmission adapter 20, 20a and the lighting device 30, and to easily identify the lighting device 30 connected to the transmission adapter 20, 20a. In this case, the confirmation switch 21 in the configurations of Figs. 1 to 6 or the third communication unit 24 in the configuration of Fig. 7 may be omitted. In this case, the number of parts can be reduced.

[0045] FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the transmission adapter 20 and the lighting device 30 when the transmission adapter 20 operates in the second operation mode in another example of the embodiment. In the configuration of this example, unlike the configurations of FIGS. 1 to 6, when the confirmation switch 21 is operated, the transmission adapter 20 outputs a lighting control signal for controlling the lighting device 30 in which a control address is set and the lighting device 30 in which a control address is not set to be in different lighting states as the second operation mode. As a result, the lighting device 30 to which the lighting control signal is output from the transmission adapter 20 operates so that the lighting device 30 in which a control address is set and the lighting device 30 in which a control address is not set are in different lighting states. For example, the lighting device 30 in which a control address is set can be operated in one of lighting and blinking, and the lighting device 30 in which a control address is not set can be operated in the other of lighting and blinking. In addition, the lighting device 30 in which a control address is set and the lighting device 30 in which a control address is not set can be lit so that the lighting colors are different. At this time, the behavior of the transmission adapter 20 may be changed depending on whether a control address has been set for all of the lighting devices 30 connected to the transmission adapter 20 or not, for example, by changing the display or lighting of a display unit or a lighting unit, or by notifying the difference through communication with a mobile terminal, etc. Also, it is possible to light only the lighting devices 30 for which a control address has not been set, and turn off the lighting devices 30 for which a control address has been set.

[0046] According to the above configuration, by operating the confirmation switch 21, the user can recognize whether the control address has been set or not simply by looking at the lighting state of the lighting device 30. In this example, other configurations and operations are the same as those in Fig. 1 to Fig. 6. Note that the configuration of this example may be combined with the configuration of Fig. 7 or a configuration in which the power switch 22 is used as the input section of the transmission adapter 20, 20a.

[0047] FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the transmission adapter 20 and the lighting device 30 when the transmission adapter 20 is operated in the second operation mode in another example of the embodiment. In the configuration of this example, unlike the configurations of FIGS. 1 to 6, the multiple lighting devices 30 connected to the transmission adapter 20 are divided into multiple groups including one or more lighting devices 30. At this time, in this example, when the confirmation switch 21 is operated, the transmission adapter 20 outputs a lighting control signal for controlling the lighting devices 30 in different groups of the lighting devices 30 in the second operation mode so that the lighting devices 30 are in different lighting states. As a result, the lighting devices 30 to which the lighting control signal is output from the transmission adapter 20 operate so that the lighting devices 30 in different groups are in different lighting states. For example, when there are two groups, a first group and a second group, the lighting devices 30 in the first group can be operated in one of lighting and blinking, and the lighting devices 30 in the second group can be operated in the other of lighting and blinking. In addition, the lighting devices may be lit in different lighting colors in the multiple groups.

[0048] According to the above configuration, by operating the confirmation switch 21, the user can recognize the lighting devices 30 in the same group and the lighting devices 30 in different groups simply by looking at the lighting state of the lighting devices 30. In this example, other configurations and operations are similar to those of Figs. 1 to 6. Note that the configuration of this example may be combined with the configuration of Fig. 7 or a configuration in which the power switch 22 is used as an input section of the transmission adapters 20, 20a.

[0049] In each of the above examples, the communication device has been described as a transmission adapter 20 having a first communication unit 26 that communicates with one or more lighting devices 30 via a wired connection in accordance with the DALI (registered trademark) standard, and a second communication unit 27 that communicates with the control system 12 in accordance with a second communication protocol different from the DALI (registered trademark) standard. However, the communication device of the present disclosure is not limited to this, and may be any communication device having first and second communication units that communicate in accordance with different communication protocols. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 10 lighting control system, 12 control system, 14 communication control system, 16 lighting system, 20, 20a transmission adapter, 21 confirmation switch, 22 power switch, 25 communication control section, 26 first communication section, 27 second communication section, 28 power supply circuit section, 29 memory section, 30 lighting device, 60 operation panel, 62 ceiling section, 64 external power supply.

Claims

1. An input unit; A first communication unit that communicates with one or more lighting devices via a first communication protocol; a second communication unit that communicates with a control system that controls the lighting device using a second communication protocol different from the first communication protocol; a first operation mode in which a signal for controlling the lighting device is output from the first communication unit based on a signal received by the second communication unit; a second operation mode in which a signal for controlling the lighting device is output from the first communication unit based on information input to the input unit; Communications equipment.

2. The communication device of claim 1 , wherein the second operating mode is configured to be operable when not operating in the first operating mode.

3. The communications device of claim 2 , wherein the second mode of operation is operable before operation in the first mode of operation is possible.

4. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the second operation mode outputs the signal by broadcasting.

5. The input unit includes an operation unit, The communication device according to claim 1 , wherein the second operation mode outputs a signal for controlling the lighting device from the first communication unit based on information inputted by the operation unit.

6. the input unit includes a third communication unit different from the first communication unit and the second communication unit, The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second operation mode outputs a signal for controlling the lighting device from the first communication unit based on information received by the third communication unit.

7. The input unit includes a power input unit, The communication device according to claim 1 , wherein the second operation mode outputs a signal for controlling the lighting device from the first communication unit based on a power input operation to the power input unit.

8. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second operation mode outputs a signal for controlling the lighting device in which a control address is set and the lighting device in which the control address is not set to be in different lighting states.

9. the one or more lighting devices are a plurality of lighting devices; When the plurality of lighting devices are divided into a plurality of groups, each group including one or more of the lighting devices, The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein in the second operation mode, a signal is output for controlling the lighting devices to be in different lighting states between different groups of the lighting devices.

10. A communication control system comprising: the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and the control system.

11. A lighting system comprising the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and the lighting device.

12. A lighting control system comprising the lighting system of claim 11 and the control system.

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