Lighting System

Abstract

To provide a lighting system that can easily secure resources for use in deterioration determination processing.SOLUTION: A lighting system 10 includes a lighting circuit 41, an index deriving unit 422, a first communication unit 411, a second communication unit 51, and a deterioration determination unit 52. The lighting circuit 41 lights a light source 2 with power supplied from a battery 3. The index deriving unit 422 finds an index that correlates with a degree of battery deterioration. The first communication unit 411 transmits data including the index and a discharge history of the battery. The second communication unit 51 receives the data. The deterioration determination unit 52 performs deterioration determination processing to determine the degree of deterioration of the battery 3 on the basis of the index. The deterioration determination unit 52 controls timing of a notification regarding the degree of deterioration of the battery on the basis of the discharge history.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to lighting systems. [Background technology]

[0002] The conventional lighting device described in Patent Document 1 is an emergency light that is turned on in an emergency such as a power outage, and includes an emergency lighting circuit and a secondary battery as an emergency power source. The emergency lighting circuit uses the secondary battery as a power source to light the light source with a constant current in an emergency such as a power outage of the external power source. In such lighting devices, it is required by law to periodically check whether the light source is turned on for a predetermined period of time using the secondary battery.

[0003] Therefore, in conventional lighting devices, during inspection, the light source is turned on by the secondary battery for a predetermined time, and the voltage of the secondary battery at that time is detected.The detected voltage of the secondary battery is then compared with a threshold value, and the state of the secondary battery is judged based on the comparison result.Some lighting devices have a function of notifying the outside of the secondary battery of abnormalities such as the life of the secondary battery by controlling the lighting of a display monitor based on the judgment result. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-139222 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the lighting device executes a deterioration determination process to determine the degree of deterioration of the battery. However, the control unit that executes the deterioration determination process is built into the lighting device itself, and it is difficult to secure resources that can be used for the deterioration determination process. For this reason, there is a possibility that the accuracy of the deterioration determination process will be low.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a lighting system that can easily secure resources to be used for deterioration determination processing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A lighting system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a lighting circuit, an index derivation unit, a first communication unit, a second communication unit, and a deterioration determination unit. The lighting circuit lights a light source with power supplied from a battery. The index derivation unit finds an index correlated with a degree of deterioration of the battery. The first communication unit transmits data including the index and a discharge history of the battery. The second communication unit receives the data. The deterioration determination unit performs a deterioration determination process that determines a degree of deterioration of the battery based on the index. The deterioration determination unit controls the timing of reporting the degree of deterioration of the battery based on the discharge history. The discharge history of the battery includes at least one of the number of times the battery has been discharged and the amount of discharge of the battery. The deterioration determination unit advances the timing of the notification as at least one of the number of times the battery has been discharged and the amount of discharge of the battery increases. A lighting system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a lighting circuit, an index derivation unit, a first communication unit, a second communication unit, and a deterioration determination unit. The lighting circuit lights a light source with power supplied from a battery. The index derivation unit finds an index correlated with a degree of deterioration of the battery. The first communication unit transmits data including the index and a discharge history of the battery. The second communication unit receives the data. The deterioration determination unit performs a deterioration determination process that determines a degree of deterioration of the battery based on the index. The deterioration determination unit controls the timing of issuing a notification regarding the degree of deterioration of the battery based on the discharge history. The discharge history of the battery includes the amount of discharge of the battery. Effect of the Invention

[0008] As described above, the present disclosure has an effect of easily securing resources to be used for degradation determination processing. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a lighting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing a discharge circuit and a voltage detection unit included in the lighting system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a waveform diagram showing voltage fluctuations during discharging of a battery provided in the lighting system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged waveform diagram of the falling edge of the voltage fluctuation of the battery of the above embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing an equivalent circuit of the battery of the above embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a first example of the battery deterioration determination in the above embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a second example of the battery deterioration determination in the above embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a characteristic diagram showing a change curve of the impedance of the battery. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a part of a lighting fixture included in the lighting system. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the lighting system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] The following embodiments relate generally to a lighting system. More particularly, the following embodiments relate to a lighting system for turning on a light source in an emergency.

[0011] Note that the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0012] (1) Implementation form (1.1) Overview of the lighting system FIG. 1 shows a block configuration of a lighting system 1 including a lighting system 10 of the present embodiment. The lighting system 1 includes a lighting fixture E1, a server 5, and an inspection terminal 6. The lighting fixture E1 includes a light source 2, a battery 3, and a lighting device 4. The lighting system 10 includes a lighting device 4, a server 5, and an inspection terminal 6. The lighting device 4 corresponds to the first device of the present disclosure. The server 5 corresponds to the second device of the present disclosure. The inspection terminal 6 corresponds to the third device of the present disclosure.

[0013] The lighting fixture E1 is a disaster prevention lighting fixture, and is a recessed type emergency light that is recessed into a recessed hole provided in the ceiling of a building. However, the lighting fixture E1 is not limited to a recessed type emergency light. The lighting fixture E1 may be an exposed type emergency light that is directly attached to the ceiling, or a disaster prevention lighting fixture other than an emergency light such as an emergency exit light.

[0014] The light source 2 has a plurality of solid-state light-emitting elements. For example, the light source 2 has an LED array in which a plurality of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) corresponding to a plurality of solid-state light-emitting elements are connected in series. Note that the light source 2 is not limited to a configuration having LEDs as solid-state light-emitting elements. The light source 2 may have other solid-state light-emitting elements, such as organic electroluminescence (OEL) or semiconductor laser diodes (Laser Diodes, LD).

[0015] Battery 3 is a rechargeable storage battery (secondary battery) and corresponds to an emergency power source. Battery 3 is not limited to a specific type of secondary battery, but battery 3 is preferably, for example, a nickel-metal hydride battery or a nickel-cadmium battery. Battery 3 can output emergency power by discharging the stored charge during a power outage. In other words, the power supplied from battery 3 during a power outage is emergency power.

[0016] The lighting device 4 includes a charging circuit 40, a lighting circuit 41, a control circuit 42, and a first communication unit 411. The lighting device 4 preferably further includes an alarm circuit 43 (announcement unit). The lighting device 4 preferably further includes a discharge circuit 44, a DC power supply circuit 45, a power failure detection circuit 46, a receiving unit 47, a monitor lamp 48, an operation unit 49, and a temperature sensor 410.

[0017] The DC power supply circuit 45 is preferably configured with a switching power supply circuit such as a flyback converter, and converts the AC voltage supplied from an external power supply (e.g., a commercial power system) 9 into a DC voltage lower than the effective value of the AC voltage. The charging circuit 40 is preferably configured to operate when power is supplied from the external power supply 9, and to pass a charging current from the DC power supply circuit 45 to the battery 3. The lighting circuit 41 is preferably configured to convert the DC current supplied from the battery 3 into a constant current and supply it to the light source 2. The power failure detection circuit 46 is configured to detect a power failure of the external power supply 9 from the output voltage of the DC power supply circuit 45 and notify the control circuit 42. The external power supply 9 is a 100V or 200V commercial power system.

[0018] The monitor lamp 48 is composed of, for example, a light emitting diode that emits green light. The operation unit 49 has at least one push button switch or the like that is operated by an inspector who performs inspections such as regular inspections and user inspections. The operation unit 49 outputs an operation signal to the control circuit 42 when the push button switch is operated. The receiving unit 47 is configured to receive a wireless signal that uses infrared rays as a communication medium, demodulate a transmission frame from the received wireless signal, and pass it to the control circuit 42. This wireless signal is transmitted from a wireless transmitter that is operated by an inspector or the like.

[0019] The periodic inspection is carried out at legally specified intervals, and aims to check whether the floor illuminance provided by the light source 2 is sufficient by forcibly operating the lighting circuit 41 and discharging the battery 3 for a specified period of time or more. The user inspection aims to check the degree of deterioration of the battery 3 by forcibly operating the discharge circuit 44 and discharging the battery 3 for a short period of time.

[0020] The discharge circuit 44 has a function of discharging the battery 3 during user inspection, which will be described later. Fig. 2 shows an example of the configuration of the discharge circuit 44. The discharge circuit 44 includes an operational amplifier 44a, resistors 44b to 44h, a capacitor 44i, and a transistor 44j. The transistor 44j is an npn-type bipolar transistor.

[0021] A series circuit of a transistor 44j and a resistor 44f is connected between both ends of the battery 3. A reference voltage Vr obtained by dividing the DC control voltage Vc1 by a series circuit of resistors 44b to 44d is input to the positive input terminal of the operational amplifier 44a. This reference voltage Vr corresponds to the target value of the discharge current Ib of the battery 3 when the battery 3 is discharged by the discharge circuit 44. The voltage across resistor 44f is input to the negative input terminal of the operational amplifier 44a via resistor 44h. The voltage across resistor R44f is proportional to the discharge current Ib of the battery 3 and corresponds to the detection value of the discharge current Ib. A parallel circuit of resistor 44g and capacitor 44i is connected between the negative input terminal and the output terminal of the operational amplifier 44a. The output terminal of the operational amplifier 44a is connected to the base of the transistor 44j via resistor 44e.

[0022] The operational amplifier 44a adjusts the base current of the transistor 44j so that the detected value of the discharge current Ib matches the target value. As a result, the discharge circuit 44 can discharge the battery 3 so that the discharge current Ib matches a certain target value. By using the discharge circuit 44 independent of the lighting circuit 41, the light source 2 does not light up when the user checks the light source 2, so that unnecessary lighting of the light source 2 can be prevented.

[0023] The notification circuit 43 is a notification section having a notification function, and includes, for example, a monochrome display element 431, a sound generating section 432 such as a piezoelectric sounder, and a drive circuit 433 that drives the display element 431 and the sound generating section 432. The drive circuit 433 drives the display element 431 to emit light, and drives the sound generating section 432 to generate sound. The notification circuit 43 may use a monitor lamp 48 as a display element.

[0024] The control circuit 42 is configured to have the functions of a voltage detection unit 421, an index derivation unit 422, a timer 423, a notification control unit 424, and an inspection control unit 425.

[0025] The control circuit 42 operates by being supplied with power from an external power source 9, a battery 3, or a control power source. The control circuit 42 preferably includes a computer system. The computer system is mainly composed of a processor and a memory as hardware. At least a part of the functions of the control circuit 42 in the present disclosure is realized by the processor executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, may be provided through an electric communication line, or may be provided by being recorded in a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card, an optical disk, or a hard disk drive that can be read by the computer system. The processor of the computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large scale integrated circuit (LSI). The integrated circuits such as IC or LSI referred to here are called by different names depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSI, VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration), or ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration). Furthermore, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) that is programmed after the manufacture of an LSI, or a logic device that allows reconfiguration of the connection relationship within the LSI or reconfiguration of the circuit partition within the LSI, can also be adopted as a processor. The electronic circuits may be integrated into one chip, or may be distributed among multiple chips. The chips may be integrated into one device, or may be distributed among multiple devices. The computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Thus, the microcontroller is also composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit or a large-scale integrated circuit.

[0026] The control circuit 42 is configured to operate the charging circuit 40 when the power failure detection circuit 46 does not detect a power failure. The control circuit 42 is also configured to stop the charging circuit 40 and supply emergency power from the battery 3 to the lighting circuit 41 when the power failure detection circuit 46 detects a power failure. The lighting circuit 41 supplied with emergency power executes emergency lighting to light the light source 2 with the emergency power. At this time, regardless of the charging state of the battery 3, the charging circuit 40 may be stopped and the lighting circuit 41 may be operated to steadily light the light source 2 (for example, fully lit). Alternatively, if the charge amount of the charging circuit 40 is sufficiently smaller than the discharge amount to the lighting circuit 41 (for example, trickle charging), the charging circuit 40 may not be stopped and the lighting circuit 41 may be operated to steadily light the light source 2 (for example, fully lit).

[0027] Furthermore, when the control circuit 42 receives an operation signal for regular inspection from the operation unit 49, or receives a transmission frame for a regular inspection signal from the receiving unit 47, it determines that an instruction for regular inspection has been given from an inspector or the like. If the battery 3 is fully charged, the control circuit 42 is configured to stop the charging circuit 40 for a predetermined specified time and operate the lighting circuit 41 to discharge the battery 3, thereby performing regular inspection. If the battery 3 is not fully charged, the control circuit 42 first operates the charging circuit 40 to fully charge the battery 3, and then stops the charging circuit 40 for a predetermined specified time and operates the lighting circuit 41 to discharge the battery 3, thereby performing regular inspection. Furthermore, if the battery 3 is not fully charged, the control circuit 42 may operate the charging circuit 40 to charge the battery 3 while operating the lighting circuit 41 for a predetermined specified time to discharge the battery 3. Furthermore, regardless of the charging state of the battery 3, the charging circuit 40 may be stopped and the lighting circuit 41 may be operated to steadily light the light source 2 (for example, fully lit). Furthermore, if the amount of charge in the charging circuit 40 is sufficiently smaller than the amount of discharge to the lighting circuit 41 (for example, trickle charging), the charging circuit 40 may not be stopped and the lighting circuit 41 may be operated to steadily light the light source 2 (for example, fully lit). Note that it is not essential to discharge the battery 3 when performing regular inspection, and regular inspection may be performed without discharging the battery 3.

[0028] When the control circuit 42 receives an operation signal for user inspection from the operation unit 49, or receives a transmission frame for a user inspection signal from the receiving unit 47, it determines that an instruction for user inspection has been given by an inspector or the like. The control circuit 42 is then configured to stop the charging circuit 40 and operate the discharging circuit 44 to discharge the battery 3, thereby performing a user inspection. The control circuit 42 may also periodically perform a user inspection even without an instruction from an inspector or the like.

[0029] The server 5 includes a second communication unit 51, a deterioration determination unit 52, and a storage unit 53. The second communication unit 51 is configured to communicate via a network NT1 including the Internet. The server 5 preferably includes a computer system. The computer system may be a system configured with one or more computers. For example, the functions of the server 5 may be realized by the cloud (cloud computing).

[0030] The inspection terminal 6 is, for example, a personal computer, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal, and is an information terminal managed by an inspector or the like. The inspection terminal 6 includes a third communication unit 61 and an alarm circuit 62. The third communication unit 61 is configured to enable wireless or wired communication with the network NT1. The wireless communication preferably complies with standards such as wireless LAN, Bluetooth, or ZigBee. The wired communication preferably complies with standards such as wired LAN such as Ethernet, BACnet, or RS-485.

[0031] The lighting fixture E1, the server 5, and the inspection terminal 6 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via a network NT1. The lighting fixture E1 has a first communication unit 411, the server 5 has a second communication unit 51, and the inspection terminal 6 has a third communication unit 61, and the first communication unit 411 and the second communication unit 51, and the second communication unit 51 and the third communication unit 61 transmit and receive signals to and from each other via the network NT1.

[0032] (1.2) User Inspection The user inspection will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0033] (1.2.1) Voltage detection The voltage detection unit 421 is electrically connected to the positive and negative electrodes of the battery 3. FIG. 2 shows a part of the configuration of the voltage detection unit 421, which includes a series circuit of resistors 421a to 421c connected between the positive and negative electrodes of the battery 3. The battery voltage Vb, which is the voltage across the battery 3, is divided by the resistors 421a to 421c. The voltage divided by the resistors 421a to 421c is proportional to the battery voltage Vb and corresponds to the detection value of the battery voltage Vb. The voltage detection unit 421 then performs AD conversion on the detection value of the battery voltage Vb to convert the detection value of the battery voltage Vb into a digital value. The voltage detection unit 421 passes the data of the detection value of the battery voltage Vb expressed as a digital value to the index derivation unit 422.

[0034] When user inspection is started, the control circuit 42 discharges the battery 3 while controlling the discharge current Ib to a constant value by the discharge circuit 44. The voltage detection unit 421 detects the battery voltage Vb, and passes the detected value data of the battery voltage Vb to the index derivation unit 422.

[0035] (1.2.2) Indicator derivation FIG. 3 shows a waveform X1 of the battery voltage Vb during discharge. The waveform X1 shows the change in the battery voltage Vb over time. In FIG. 3, when discharge starts at time t1, the battery voltage Vb drops sharply at time t1 and then drops gradually with time until the discharge stops at time t2. Then, the battery voltage Vb rises sharply at time t2. During the discharge period T1 from time t1 to t2, the larger the value of the discharge current Ib (the higher the C rate), the greater the amount of drop in the battery voltage Vb. Note that the discharge period T1 in FIG. 3 is about several msec to several seconds.

[0036] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the waveform X1 in FIG. 3 near time t1. When discharge starts at time t1, the battery voltage Vb falls sharply in a first period T11 from time t1 to time t11. The battery voltage Vb falls at a gradually decreasing slope in a second period T12 from time t11 to time t12. After time t12, the amount of charge stored in the battery 3 decreases with the passage of time, and the battery voltage Vb falls gently. In FIG. 4, the amount of fall in the battery voltage Vb in the first period T11 is ΔVb11. Moreover, the amount of fall in the battery voltage Vb in the second period T12 is ΔVb12.

[0037] FIG. 5 shows an equivalent circuit of the battery 3. The equivalent circuit of the battery 3 is composed of an ideal voltage source 3a with no internal resistance, a first internal resistance 3b corresponding to the solution resistance, a second internal resistance 3c corresponding to the charge transfer resistance, and a capacitor 3d corresponding to the electric double layer. The second internal resistance 3c and the capacitor 3d are connected in parallel to form an RC parallel circuit 3e, and the voltage source 3a, the first internal resistance 3b, and the RC parallel circuit 3e are connected in series. The battery voltage Vb is the voltage across the series circuit of the voltage source 3a, the first internal resistance 3b, and the RC parallel circuit 3e.

[0038] Then, the discharge current Ib immediately after the start of discharge mainly passes through the first internal resistance 3b and the capacitor 3d during the first period T11 (see FIG. 4), and the battery voltage Vb drops sharply. During the first period T11, the internal resistance (DC resistance) of the battery 3 is mainly composed of the first internal resistance 3b. Thereafter, during the second period T12 (see FIG. 4), the discharge current Ib passes through the first internal resistance 3b and the RC parallel circuit 3e, and the battery voltage Vb drops with a gradually decreasing slope. At time t12, which is the end timing of the second period T12, the internal resistance of the battery 3 is mainly composed of the series circuit of the first internal resistance 3b and the second internal resistance 3c. That is, the value of the internal resistance during the second period T12 is greater than the value of the internal resistance during the first period T11. At time t1, which is the start timing of the first period T11, electrical continuity is established between both ends of the battery 3 through the discharge circuit 44, and at time t11, which is the start timing of the second period T12, a discharge current Ib begins to flow from the battery 3 to the discharge circuit 44.

[0039] In general, as the time of use of the battery 3 passes, the battery 3 deteriorates and the capacity of the battery 3 decreases. As the capacity of the battery 3 decreases, the resistance value of the first internal resistor 3b increases. That is, the resistance value of the first internal resistor 3b increases as the deterioration of the battery 3 progresses.

[0040] Therefore, the index derivation unit 422 calculates an index used in a deterioration determination process for determining the deterioration level of the battery 3 based on the amount of decrease ΔVb11 in the battery voltage Vb before and after the battery voltage Vb falls in the first period T11 in which the internal resistance of the battery 3 is mainly constituted by the first internal resistance 3b, and the discharge current Ib. The index is a numerical index that correlates with the deterioration level of the battery 3. By calculating the index based on the amount of decrease ΔVb11 and the discharge current Ib, the index derivation unit 422 can generate an index that can accurately determine the deterioration of the battery 3. As a result, the lighting system 10 can improve the accuracy of determining the deterioration level of the battery 3.

[0041] The index in this embodiment is the impedance of the battery 3. In the first period T11, the internal resistance of the battery 3 is mainly composed of the first internal resistance 3b, so the impedance of the battery 3, which is the index, increases as the battery deterioration progresses. Specifically, the impedance Zb is calculated by the following formula 1. Zb=ΔVb11 / Ib……Formula 1 When the discharge circuit 44 discharges the battery 3, the discharge current Ib is a constant value determined by the specifications of the discharge circuit 44. Therefore, the impedance Zb is proportional to the amount of decrease ΔVb11 in the battery voltage Vb.

[0042] In this index derivation process, the discharge current Ib may be smaller than the current flowing from the battery 3 during emergency lighting of the light source 2. Furthermore, it has been found through experiments that the impedance Zb can be accurately determined in a discharge period T1 of about several msec to several seconds. In this way, by reducing the discharge current Ib and shortening the discharge period T1, it is possible to suppress deterioration of the battery 3 due to user inspection.

[0043] Furthermore, the index derivation unit 422 can generate an index that allows deterioration of the battery 3 to be determined with high accuracy by determining the index based on the falling edge of the battery voltage Vb (the voltage drop across the first internal resistance 3b).

[0044] The length of the first period T11 is approximately equal to a design value determined by the specifications of the battery 3 and the discharge circuit 44. When the control circuit 42 has an RTC (Real Time Clock), it is preferable that the index derivation unit 422 periodically reads the value of the RTC and accumulates the count value to measure the elapsed time from time t1 when the discharge circuit 44 starts discharging. Alternatively, the index derivation unit 422 may have a counter that measures the elapsed time from time t1 by incrementing the count value at a constant period (e.g., the period of a clock frequency). The index derivation unit 422 starts the timing operation by setting the timing at which the discharge circuit 44 is instructed to start discharging as time t1.

[0045] The control circuit 42 starts the user inspection when an instruction for user inspection is received or periodically, and performs the user inspection intermittently. The index derivation unit 422 calculates the impedance Zb of the battery 3, which is an index, every time a user inspection is performed. The first communication unit 411 transmits the data of the impedance Zb calculated by the index derivation unit 422 to the server 5 as battery data.

[0046] In the server 5, the second communication unit 51 receives the data of the impedance Zb, and stores the data of the impedance Zb in the storage unit 53. That is, the storage unit 53 stores the history of the impedance Zb.

[0047] The control circuit 42 may discharge the battery 3 by the discharge circuit 44 multiple times in one user inspection, and the index derivation unit 422 may obtain the impedance Zb for each. In this case, the index derivation unit 422 sets the impedance Zb in the current user inspection to the average value, median value, maximum value, or minimum value of the multiple impedances Zb. As a result, the index derivation unit 422 can obtain the impedance Zb while suppressing the effects of noise.

[0048] (1.2.3) Deterioration judgment The deterioration determination unit 52 executes a deterioration determination process for determining the degree of deterioration of the battery 3. The deterioration determination unit 52 that executes the deterioration determination process is provided in the server 5, not in the lighting device E1 (lighting device 4). The server 5 can be equipped with a computer system with higher computing power than the lighting device E1 (lighting device 4). Therefore, by providing the deterioration determination unit 52 in the server 5, it is easier to secure resources to be used for the deterioration determination process, compared to the case where the deterioration determination unit 52 is provided in the lighting device E1.

[0049] (First example of deterioration judgment) The memory unit 53 stores a history of the impedance Zb, which indicates the amount of change in the impedance Zb. The deterioration determination unit 52 then determines the degree of deterioration of the battery 3 based on the amount of change in the impedance Zb.

[0050] For example, if the battery 3 is a nickel-metal hydride battery, the impedance Zb changes very little for a while after the battery 3 is first used. However, as time passes after the battery 3 is first used, the impedance Zb decreases. As a result, the fully charged capacity of the battery 3 drops to about 70% to 80%, assuming that the initial state is 100%. At this point, the impedance Zb increases suddenly. At this time, the rate at which the impedance Zb increases is more than twice as fast as the initial value (for example, the rate at which the impedance Zb increases until about three years have passed since the battery 3 was first used).

[0051] Therefore, it is preferable that the deterioration determination unit 52 obtains the increase slope of the impedance Zb, and determines that the battery 3 is at the end of its life when the increase slope of the impedance Zb becomes equal to or exceeds a threshold value.

[0052] Specifically, after the lighting device E1 is installed or the battery 3 is replaced with a new one, the control circuit 42 periodically performs a user inspection once per period T2 (for example, one month) as shown in FIG. 6. The timer 423 resets the time value when the user inspection is performed, when the battery 3 is replaced, or each time the user inspection is performed, and starts timing the period T2. Therefore, the memory unit 53 stores a history of the impedance Zb calculated for each period T2. Note that the user inspection may be performed more frequently than the inspection required by law in order to detect initial abnormalities. Also, the user inspection may be performed less frequently during the warranty period of the battery 3 and more frequently outside the warranty period.

[0053] When the control circuit 42 includes an RTC (Real Time Clock), the timer 423 periodically reads the RTC value and accumulates the count value to measure the elapsed time. Alternatively, the timer 423 may be a counter that measures time by incrementing the count value at a fixed period (e.g., the period of the clock frequency).

[0054] The index derivation unit 422 sequentially calculates impedance Zb(1), Zb(2), Zb(3), ..., Zb(m-2), Zb(m-1), Zb(m) for each period T2 (m is a natural number). Therefore, the storage unit 53 stores each data of impedance Zb(1), Zb(2), Zb(3), ..., Zb(m-2), Zb(m-1), Zb(m) as a history of impedance Zb.

[0055] The deterioration determination unit 52 uses Zb(1) to Zb(12) to determine the average value of the increase slope Δα(m) as the initial slope K1. The increase slope Δα(m) is determined by (Zb(m)-Zb(m-1)) / T2. Specifically, when the second impedance Zb(2) is determined, the deterioration determination unit 52 determines the increase slope Δα(2) of the second impedance Zb(2) relative to the first impedance Zb(1). When the third impedance Zb(3) is determined, the deterioration determination unit 52 determines the increase slope Δα(3) of the third impedance Zb(3) relative to the first impedance Zb(1). Thereafter, the deterioration determination unit 52 similarly determines the increase slopes Δα(4) to Δα(12). Then, the deterioration determination unit 52 determines the average value of the increase slopes Δα(2) to Δα(12) as the initial slope K1. The initial slope K1 is an initial value of the increase slope.

[0056] That is, the initial value of the increase slope is found one year (12 months) after the lighting device E1 is installed or the battery 3 is replaced with a new one, and this initial value is set as the initial slope K1. The calculation period for the initial slope K1 is not limited to one year, and may be any period during which the impedance Zb of the battery 3 is stable.

[0057] The deterioration determination unit 52 multiplies the initial gradient K1 by a positive coefficient γ to obtain a threshold value K10. The coefficient γ is preferably a value of 2 or more and 3 or less, for example.

[0058] After determining the initial slope K1, the deterioration determination unit 52 determines the increasing slope Δα(m) for the (m-1)th impedance Zb(m-1) every time the mth (13th or later) impedance Zb(m) is determined. The increasing slope Δα(m) is determined by (Zb(m)-Zb(m-1)) / T2. The deterioration determination unit 52 then compares the increasing slope Δα(m) with a threshold K10. If the increasing slope Δα(m) is equal to or greater than the threshold K10, the deterioration determination unit 52 determines that the battery 3 is in a battery life state where the battery life is nearing the end. If the increasing slope Δα(m) is less than the threshold K10, the deterioration determination unit 52 determines that the battery 3 is in a normal state where it can be used for a while. In FIG. 6, the increasing slope Δα(m1) when m=m1 is equal to or greater than the threshold K10. When the deterioration determination unit 52 determines that the battery is in the end of its battery life state, the second communication unit 51 transmits the determination result of the deterioration determination unit 52 to the lighting fixture E1 and the inspection terminal 6.

[0059] The first communication unit 411 of the lighting device E1 receives the determination result of the deterioration determination unit 52. If the deterioration determination unit 52 determines that the battery 3 is nearing the end of its life, the notification control unit 424 controls the notification circuit 43 to perform a life notification.

[0060] The second communication unit 51 may transmit the determination result immediately when the deterioration determination unit 52 determines that the battery 3 is nearing the end of its life, or may transmit the determination result when a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the determination. If the server 5 has a calendar function, it is preferable that the second communication unit 51 transmits the determination result after it is determined that the battery is in the end of its life, but before the summer season when temperatures become high begins.

[0061] Furthermore, the deterioration determination unit 52 may intermittently determine the increasing slope Δα(m) even after determining that the battery is in the end of its life state. In this case, if a value obtained by multiplying the threshold value K10 by a coefficient σ greater than 1 (e.g., 1.5 or 2) is set to a threshold value K11, the deterioration determination unit 52 determines whether the increasing slope Δα(m) exceeds the threshold value K11. When the increasing slope Δα(m) exceeds the threshold value K11, the second communication unit 51 transmits a replacement notification request to the lighting device E1, recommending replacement of the battery 3. When the first communication unit 411 of the lighting device E1 receives the replacement notification request, the notification control unit 424 controls the notification circuit 43 to perform a replacement notification.

[0062] In the above-mentioned lifespan notification and replacement notification by the notification circuit 43, the display element 431 lights up or flashes. In addition, in the lifespan notification and replacement notification by the notification circuit 43, the sound output unit 432 may output a sound. The sound output by the sound output unit 432 may be, for example, a message for battery 3 lifespan notification, "The battery 3 is nearing the end of its life," a message for battery 3 replacement notification, "Please replace the battery 3," a buzzer sound for lifespan notification, and a buzzer sound for replacement notification.

[0063] Furthermore, the third communication unit 61 of the inspection terminal 6 receives the determination result of the deterioration determination unit 52. The notification circuit 62 of the inspection terminal 6 performs life notification and replacement notification based on the determination result of the deterioration determination unit 52. The notification circuit 62 performs the life notification and replacement notification visually by a display screen. Furthermore, the notification circuit 62 may perform the life notification and replacement notification audibly by sound emitted from a speaker.

[0064] The life notification lets the inspector know that the battery 3 is nearing the end of its life, and makes the inspector aware of the need to prepare for or replace the battery 3. Furthermore, the replacement notification makes the inspector aware of the need to replace the battery 3.

[0065] (Second example of deterioration judgment) A second example of the deterioration determination will now be described.

[0066] The deterioration determination unit 52 obtains the amount of increase in impedance Zb, and determines that the battery 3 is at the end of its life if the amount of increase in impedance Zb becomes equal to or exceeds a threshold value.

[0067] For example, the control circuit 42 performs a user inspection once per period T2 (e.g., one month) as shown in Fig. 7. As a result, the storage unit 53 stores data on impedance Zb(1), Zb(2), Zb(3), ..., Zb(m-2), Zb(m-1), and Zb(m) as a history of impedance Zb.

[0068] The deterioration determination unit 52 obtains an increase amount Δβ(m) from the m-1th impedance Zb(m-1) every time the user inspection is performed and the mth impedance Zb(m) is obtained. The deterioration determination unit 52 obtains a comparison value K2(m+1) by adding the increase amount Δβ(m) to the impedance Zb(m). Then, the deterioration determination unit 52 obtains a difference value by subtracting the comparison value K2(m+1) from the m+1th impedance Zb(m+1), and if the difference value is equal to or greater than the increase amount Δβ(m), the deterioration determination unit 52 determines that the battery 3 is in a battery life state nearing the end of its life. That is, the deterioration determination unit 52 sets a threshold value K20 that is twice the increase amount Δβ(m), and if the increase amount Δβ(m+1) is equal to or greater than the threshold value K20, the deterioration determination unit 52 determines that the battery 3 is in a battery life state near the end. If the increase amount Δβ(m+1) is less than the threshold value K20, the deterioration determination unit 52 determines that the battery 3 is in a normal state that can be used for a while. In FIG. 7, when m=m2+1, the increase amount Δβ(m2+1) is equal to or greater than the threshold K20 (twice the increase amount Δβ(m2)).

[0069] The life notification and replacement notification of the notification circuits 43 and 62 are similar to the first example of deterioration determination described above.

[0070] (1.3) Judgment aid (1.3.1) Temperature-based Judgment Aid The higher the temperature of the battery 3, the faster the deterioration of the battery 3. In other words, the higher the temperature of the battery 3, the more rapidly the battery 3 deteriorates.

[0071] FIG. 8 shows curves Y1 and Y2 of change in impedance Zb of the battery 3 with respect to the power supply use period, which is the period during which the battery 3 is used. The curve Y1 shows the change over time in impedance Zb when the temperature of the battery 3 is Q1° C. The curve Y2 shows the change over time in impedance Zb when the temperature of the battery 3 is Q2° C. The temperature Q2 is higher than the temperature Q1, and the time t22 at which the impedance Zb suddenly increases in the curve Y2 is earlier than the time t21 at which the impedance Zb suddenly increases in the curve Y1. In addition, the time t32 at which the impedance Zb reaches the upper limit value Zbm in the curve Y2 is earlier than the time t31 at which the impedance Zb reaches the upper limit value Zbm in the curve Y1. That is, the increase slope becomes larger earlier in the curve Y2 than in the curve Y1.

[0072] Therefore, it is preferable that the lighting device 4 further includes a temperature sensor 410. The temperature sensor 410 directly or indirectly measures the temperature of the battery 3. For example, the temperature sensor 410 is built into the battery 3 or attached to the surface of the battery 3. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 410 is disposed within the housing of the lighting device 4. Alternatively, a temperature measurement function of a computer system included in the control circuit 42 may be used as the temperature sensor 410.

[0073] The first communication unit 411 of the lighting device 4 transmits the detection result (detected temperature data) of the temperature sensor 410 to the server 5 as one of the battery data. The second communication unit 51 of the server 5 receives the detected temperature data of the temperature sensor 410. When the detected temperature reaches or exceeds a certain temperature, the deterioration determination unit 52 advances the timing of the life notification compared to when the detected temperature is below the certain temperature. For example, if the second communication unit 51 transmits the determination result of the life notification when a predetermined certain time has elapsed after the life notification determination, the timing of the life notification can be advanced by shortening the length of this certain time.

[0074] Furthermore, if the second communication unit 51 transmits the replacement notification determination result at the timing when the increase slope Δα(m) exceeds a threshold K11, which is the threshold K10 multiplied by a coefficient σ greater than 1, the timing of the replacement notification can be advanced by making the coefficient σ smaller.

[0075] (1.3.2) Judgment assistance based on discharge history The rate of deterioration of the battery 3 increases as the number of times and the amount of discharge of the battery 3 increase. In other words, the more the number of times and the amount of discharge of the battery 3 increase, the more rapidly the battery 3 deteriorates.

[0076] Therefore, the control circuit 42 stores a discharge history such as the number of times the battery 3 is discharged and the amount of discharge. The number of times discharge is the number of times discharged due to user inspection, regular inspection, emergency lighting such as a power outage, etc. The amount of discharge is the amount of current (accumulated value of current) discharged due to user inspection, regular inspection, emergency lighting, etc. The control circuit 42 updates the discharge history every time the battery 3 is discharged. The control circuit 42 causes the first communication unit 411 to transmit the discharge history as one piece of battery data every time the discharge history is updated or periodically. The server 5 stores the discharge history such as the number of times discharged and the amount of discharge of the battery 3 in the memory unit 53.

[0077] The deterioration determination unit 52 advances the timing of the life notification as the number of discharges and the amount of discharge increase based on the discharge history. Also, the deterioration determination unit 52 advances the timing of the replacement notification as the number of discharges and the amount of discharge increase based on the discharge history.

[0078] The discharge history may be at least one of the number of discharges and the amount of discharge.

[0079] (1.4) System configuration example 9 shows a portion of lighting fixture E1. Lighting fixture E1 includes a control board B1 and a communication board B2.

[0080] A microcomputer MC1 is mounted on the control board B1. The microcomputer MC1 functions as a voltage detection unit 421, an index derivation unit 422, a timer 423, a notification control unit 424, an inspection control unit 425, and a communication interface (communication IF) 4201. A microcomputer MC2 and a first communication unit 411 are mounted on the communication board B2. The microcomputer MC2 functions as a communication interface (communication IF) 4202 and a storage unit 4203. That is, the microcomputers MC1 and MC2 configure the control circuit 42. Communication between the microcomputers MC1 and MC2 is performed via the communication IFs 4201 and 4202. The storage unit 4203 temporarily stores data such as a discharge history used for judgment assistance.

[0081] Alternatively, the lighting system 10 may include one server 5 and multiple lighting fixtures E1, and the single server 5 may execute a deterioration determination process for the batteries 3 of the multiple lighting fixtures E1 to manage the deterioration levels of the batteries 3 of the multiple lighting fixtures E1. For example, the single server 5 may collectively manage the deterioration levels of the batteries 3 of multiple lighting fixtures E1 installed in a building such as an office building or a commercial building. Alternatively, the single server 5 may manage the deterioration levels of the batteries 3 of the multiple lighting fixtures E1 installed in the building for each floor of the building.

[0082] Fig. 10 shows a specific configuration example of lighting system 10. Note that, in Fig. 10, lighting system 10 includes one server 5 and multiple lighting fixtures E1, but it is sufficient that lighting system 10 includes at least one lighting fixture E1.

[0083] The lighting fixture E1 functioning as an emergency light or an emergency exit light is configured to be able to communicate with a disaster prevention interface 71. The communication between the lighting fixture E1 and the disaster prevention interface 71 is performed by wireless communication or wired communication. The disaster prevention interface 71 is configured to be able to communicate with a multi-manager 72. The communication between the disaster prevention interface 71 and the multi-manager 72 is performed by wireless communication or wired communication. The multi-manager 72 is configured to be able to communicate with the server 5 via the network NT1. The multi-manager 72 is configured to be able to communicate with the inspection terminal 6. The communication between the multi-manager 72 and the inspection terminal 6 is performed by wireless communication or wired communication. The wireless communication preferably complies with a standard such as wireless LAN, Bluetooth, or ZigBee. The wired communication preferably complies with a dedicated standard for inter-instrument communication, a wired LAN such as BACnet or Ethernet, or a standard such as RS-485.

[0084] As described above, the lighting fixture E1 and the server 5 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via the disaster prevention interface 71, the multi-manager 72, and the network NT1. In addition, the server 5 and the inspection terminal 6 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via the network NT1 and the multi-manager 72.

[0085] The wireless transmitter 73 is a portable terminal carried by the inspector. The wireless transmitter 73 has an operation unit such as a push button operated by the inspector, and transmits a wireless signal using infrared or radio waves as a communication medium to the lighting fixture E1 when operated by the inspector. The wireless signal includes instructions for user inspection and instructions for regular inspection. When the lighting fixture E1 receives the wireless signal, it carries out the content of the instruction in the wireless signal.

[0086] (1.5) Periodic Inspection The above-mentioned lighting fixture E1 is a disaster prevention lighting fixture such as an emergency exit light or an emergency lighting fixture. Emergency exit lights and emergency lighting fixtures must be inspected periodically based on laws and regulations. The timing of periodic inspection of emergency exit lights is stipulated in the Fire Service Act, and the timing of periodic inspection of emergency lighting fixtures is stipulated in the Building Standards Act.

[0087] Furthermore, if the storage battery installed in the emergency light has not exceeded a certain number of years since its manufacture, it may not be necessary to inspect the storage battery in the above-mentioned periodic inspection of the emergency light, taking into account the lifespan of the storage battery. In this case, if the storage battery installed in the emergency light has exceeded a certain number of years since its manufacture, it is necessary to carry out the above-mentioned periodic inspection of the emergency light, taking into account the lifespan of the storage battery. For example, if the storage battery is a nickel-cadmium battery, it is necessary to carry out a periodic inspection if it has been more than three years since its manufacture. Also, if the storage battery is a nickel-metal hydride battery, it is necessary to carry out a periodic inspection if it has been more than five years since its manufacture.

[0088] However, in reality, it is difficult to say that regular inspections are performed at appropriate times (for example, at times specified by laws and regulations). Therefore, lighting device E1 of the present embodiment has the following notification function and automatic inspection function in order to perform regular inspections at appropriate times taking into account the lifespan of the storage battery.

[0089] First, as a premise, in lighting fixture E1 according to this embodiment, if the power usage period, which is the usage period of the battery 3, does not exceed a predetermined inspection time, regular inspection of lighting fixture E1 is not required. Therefore, after the power usage period reaches the predetermined inspection time, the control circuit 42 performs the following notification control process and inspection control process.

[0090] The timer 423 has a function of timing the power use period, the uninspected period, and the appliance use period, in addition to the function of timing the period T2 described above.

[0091] The power usage period is the usage period of the battery 3. The measured time of the power usage period is reset when the battery 3 is replaced with a new battery 3.

[0092] The uninspected period is the period after the completion of a regular inspection in which the battery 3 is discharged. The uninspected period is used to determine when to perform another regular inspection on the same battery 3 after a regular inspection has been performed (the second or subsequent regular inspection on the same battery 3, hereinafter referred to as a re-regular inspection). The time count for the uninspected period is reset to zero when a regular inspection is performed or when the battery 3 is replaced.

[0093] The fixture usage period is the usage period of the lighting fixture E1. In this embodiment, the fixture usage period is the elapsed time from the point when the supply of power from the external power source 9 to the lighting device 4 begins. However, the starting point of the fixture usage period may be the point when a new battery 3 is fully charged by the charging circuit 40. Then, when the timer 423 starts timing the fixture usage period, the measured time of the fixture usage period increases from zero as time passes. The measured time of the fixture usage period is not reset when regular inspection is performed.

[0094] The notification control unit 424 performs inspection notification control to cause the notification circuit 43 to issue an inspection notification using the measured time of the power usage period. The inspection notification is a notification that urges a person to carry out the first regular inspection.

[0095] In addition, the notification control unit 424 performs re-inspection notification control to cause the notification circuit 43 to perform a re-inspection notification using the measured time of the uninspected period. The re-inspection notification refers to a notification that urges a person to perform a second or subsequent regular inspection (re-regular inspection) of the battery 3.

[0096] The notification control unit 424 also performs appliance replacement notification control to cause the notification circuit 43 to issue an appliance replacement notification using the measured time of the appliance usage period. The appliance replacement notification is a notification that urges a person to replace the lighting appliance E1.

[0097] The notification control unit 424 also performs device replacement re-notification control to cause the notification circuit 43 to issue a replacement re-notification using the measured time of the device usage period. The device replacement re-notification is a notification that urges a person to replace the lighting device E1 more strongly than the re-inspection notification.

[0098] The inspection control unit 425 also performs automatic inspection control to automatically perform regular inspection by controlling the charging circuit 40 and the lighting circuit 41 based on the measured times of the power supply use period, the non-inspection period, and the appliance use period.

[0099] When the first delay time has elapsed since the inspection notification was executed (eg, started), the inspection control unit 425 executes regular inspection of the battery 3. After the inspection notification is executed, an inspector may perform regular inspection.

[0100] When the regular inspection is completed, the timer 423 starts timing the non-inspection period. When the time counted for the non-inspection period reaches the re-inspection notification time, the notification circuit 43 issues a re-inspection notification. When the second delay time has elapsed since the re-inspection notification was executed (e.g., started), the inspection control unit 425 executes a re-regular inspection of the battery 3. After the re-inspection notification is executed, an inspector may execute a re-regular inspection of the battery 3.

[0101] The inspection control unit 425 then performs a periodic inspection of the lighting device E1 based on the voltage value of the battery 3 and the current value flowing through the light source 2 at the time when a specified time (20 minutes, 30 minutes, or 60 minutes) has elapsed since the start of the periodic inspection, and causes the notification circuit 43 to notify the result of the periodic inspection. For example, if the inspection control unit 425 determines that the battery 3 has deteriorated and is not normal (abnormal), it notifies by at least one of lighting or blinking the display element 431 and audio output from the sound output unit 432. If the inspection control unit 425 determines that the light source 2 has deteriorated and is not normal (abnormal), it notifies by at least one of lighting or blinking the display element 431 and audio output from the sound output unit 432. It is preferable that the notification form performed when an abnormality in the battery 3 is notified and the notification form performed when an abnormality in the light source 2 is notified are mutually different.

[0102] Furthermore, the inspection control unit 425 may determine that the battery 3 is normal if the lighting circuit 41 is operating normally when a specified time has elapsed since the start of regular inspection. The inspection control unit 425 may determine that the battery 3 is not normal (abnormal) if the lighting circuit 41 is not operating normally due to a drop in the output voltage of the battery 3 when the specified time has elapsed.

[0103] (2) Variations If the discharge current Ib at the time of user inspection is a constant value (or an approximately constant value), the index derivation unit 422 may obtain the magnitude of the battery voltage Vb as the index. If the discharge current Ib is a constant value, the magnitude of the battery voltage Vb is proportional to the impedance Zb. Therefore, the deterioration determination unit 52 can determine the deterioration of the battery 3 using the magnitude of the battery voltage Vb as an index instead of the impedance Zb.

[0104] A discharge circuit composed of a lighting circuit 41 and a light source 2 may be used instead of the discharge circuit 44. The control circuit 42 controls the lighting circuit 41, which supplies lighting power to the light source 2 using the discharge power of the battery 3, thereby discharging the battery 3. The control circuit 42 controls the lighting circuit 41 to adjust the discharge current Ib of the battery 3.

[0105] Moreover, instead of the discharge circuit 44, the control power supply circuit of the control circuit 42 may be used as the discharge circuit.

[0106] Furthermore, the lighting system 10 may be configured by appropriately combining the configurations of the above-described embodiments and modifications.

[0107] (3) Summary The lighting system (10) of the first aspect according to the above-described embodiment includes a lighting circuit (41), an index derivation unit (422), a first communication unit (411), a second communication unit (51), and a deterioration determination unit (52). The lighting circuit (41) lights the light source (2) with power supplied from the battery (3). The index derivation unit (422) obtains an index that is correlated with the degree of deterioration of the battery. The first communication unit (411) transmits data including the index. The second communication unit (51) receives the data. The deterioration determination unit (52) performs a deterioration determination process to determine the degree of deterioration of the battery (3) based on the index.

[0108] The above-described lighting system (10) can easily secure resources that can be used for the deterioration determination process.

[0109] In the lighting system (10) of the second aspect according to the above-described embodiment, in the first aspect, it is preferable that the deterioration determining unit (52) determines the degree of deterioration of the battery (3) based on the amount of change in the index.

[0110] The lighting system (10) described above can improve the accuracy of determining the degree of deterioration of the battery (3).

[0111] In the lighting system (10) of the third aspect according to the above embodiment, in the first or second aspect, it is preferable that the data further includes at least one of the temperature of the battery (3) and the discharge history of the battery (3).

[0112] The lighting system (10) described above can perform a deterioration determination process taking into consideration the progress of deterioration of the battery (3) due to at least one of the temperature of the battery (3) and the discharge history of the battery (3).

[0113] In the lighting system (10) of the fourth aspect according to the above-described embodiment, in any one of the first to third aspects, it is preferable that the lighting system (10) further includes a voltage detection unit (421) that detects the battery voltage (Vb) of the battery (3) and generates data on the detected value of the battery voltage (Vb). The index derivation unit (422) calculates an index based on the amount of decrease (ΔVb11) in the detected value before and after the battery voltage (Vb) falls due to the start of discharge of the battery (3) and the discharge current (Ib) of the battery (3).

[0114] The lighting system (10) described above can improve the accuracy of determining the degree of deterioration of the battery (3).

[0115] In the lighting system (10) of the fifth aspect according to the above-described embodiment, in the fourth aspect, it is preferable that the index derivation unit (422) obtains the impedance (Zb) of the battery (3) as the index.

[0116] The above-described lighting system (10) can improve the accuracy of determining the degree of deterioration of the battery (3) by using the impedance (Zb) of the battery (3), which has a high correlation with the deterioration of the battery (3), as an index.

[0117] It is preferable that the lighting system (10) of the sixth aspect according to the above-mentioned embodiment, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, further includes at least one first device (4) having a lighting circuit (41), an index derivation unit (422), and a first communication unit (411), and a second device (5) having a second communication unit (51) and a deterioration determination unit (52).

[0118] The above-described lighting system (10) can easily secure resources that can be used for the deterioration determination process.

[0119] In the lighting system (10) of the seventh aspect according to the above embodiment, in the sixth aspect, it is preferable that the lighting system (10) includes a plurality of first devices (4).

[0120] In the above-mentioned lighting system (10), one second device (5) can manage multiple first devices (4).

[0121] It is preferable that the lighting system (10) of the eighth aspect according to the above-described embodiment further includes a notification circuit (43, 62) that notifies the result of the deterioration determination process in any one of the first to seventh aspects.

[0122] The lighting system (10) described above can notify a user, such as an inspector, of the result of the determination.

[0123] In the lighting system (10) of the ninth aspect according to the above-mentioned embodiment, in the sixth or seventh aspect, it is preferable that the lighting system (10) further includes a third device (6) configured to be able to communicate with the second device (5). The second communication unit (51) transmits a result of the deterioration determination process. The third device (6) includes a third communication unit (61) that receives the result of the deterioration determination process, and an alarm circuit (62) that alarms the result of the deterioration determination process.

[0124] The lighting system (10) described above can notify a user, such as an inspector, of the result of the determination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 10 Lighting System 2 light source 3 batteries 4 Lighting device (first device) 41 Lighting circuit 411 First Communications Department 421 Voltage detection unit 422 Indicator derivation part 43 Announcement Circuit 5 Server (second device) 51 Second Communications Department 52 Deterioration judgment section 6 Inspection terminal (third device) 62 Announcement Circuit Vb Battery voltage ΔVb11 Amount of decrease in detection value Ib discharge current Zb Battery impedance

Claims

1. A lighting circuit that lights the light source with power supplied from a battery; an index derivation unit that calculates an index correlated with a degree of deterioration of the battery; a first communication unit that transmits data including the indicator and a discharge history of the battery; A second communication unit that receives the data; a deterioration determination unit that performs a deterioration determination process to determine a deterioration degree of the battery based on the index, the deterioration determination unit controls a timing for issuing a notification regarding the deterioration degree of the battery based on the discharge history; The discharge history of the battery includes at least one of the number of times the battery has been discharged and the amount of discharge of the battery, The deterioration determination unit advances the timing of the notification as at least one of the number of discharges of the battery and the amount of discharge of the battery increases. Lighting system.

2. A lighting circuit for lighting a light source with power supplied from a battery; an index derivation unit that calculates an index correlated with a degree of deterioration of the battery; a first communication unit that transmits data including the indicator and a discharge history of the battery; A second communication unit that receives the data; a deterioration determination unit that performs a deterioration determination process to determine a deterioration degree of the battery based on the index, the deterioration determination unit controls a timing for issuing a notification regarding the deterioration degree of the battery based on the discharge history; The discharge history of the battery includes a discharge amount of the battery. Lighting system.

3. The notification regarding the degree of deterioration of the battery includes at least one of a battery life notification and a battery replacement notification.

3. A lighting system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The deterioration determination unit determines a degree of deterioration of the battery based on an amount of change in the index. A lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. At least one first device having the lighting circuit, the index derivation unit, and the first communication unit; a second device having the second communication unit and the degradation determination unit. A lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A plurality of the first devices are provided. The lighting system of claim 5.

7. Further comprising an alarm circuit for notifying a result of the deterioration determination process. A lighting system according to any one of the preceding claims.

8. Further comprising a third device configured to be able to communicate with the second device, The second communication unit transmits a result of the deterioration determination process, The third device has a third communication unit that receives a result of the deterioration determination process, and a notification circuit that notifies the result of the deterioration determination process.

7. A lighting system according to claim 5 or 6.

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