Equipment Control System

Abstract

To provide an apparatus control system capable of unifying the return timing of the devices to be supplied with the power by restoring the devices earlier than before and to be controllable when the power supply to PoE is cut off.SOLUTION: An apparatus control system 10 includes: a power supply unit 20 having multiple connection ports; a radio module 60 connected to one of the multiple connection ports 21 to receive the power supplied from the power supply unit via the connection port; and a battery unit 90 that supplies the power to the power supply unit or radio module when the power supply from the power source to the power supply unit is cut off.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention is a PoE (Power over This paper relates to a device control system based on Ethernet (registered trademark). [Background technology]

[0002] PoE is a technology that allows a power supply device to send and receive data and supply power to a power receiving device in parallel through a standard cable that complies with the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard. By using PoE, it is possible to install a power receiving device even in a place where it is difficult to secure a power source, and it is also possible to reduce the cost related to the power wiring. In recent years, the power that can be supplied by PoE has been increased, and the range of devices that can be used as power receiving devices is expanding. Patent Document 1 discloses technology related to PoE. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6693002 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Previously, when power supply to PoE was cut off, it took time for the powered devices to recover, and the timing for the recovery of the powered devices was not standardized.

[0005] The present invention provides a device control system that enables power receiving devices to be restored and controlled earlier than conventionally when power supply to PoE is cut off, and that can standardize the timing of restoration of power receiving devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An equipment control system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a power supply device having a plurality of connection ports, a wireless module connected to one of the plurality of connection ports and operating by receiving power from the power supply device via the connection port, and a battery device that supplies power to the power supply device or the wireless module when power supply from a power source to the power supply device is cut off. Effect of the Invention

[0007] The device control system of the present invention can restore and control the power receiving devices earlier than conventional devices when the power supply to PoE is cut off, and can unify the timing for restoring the power receiving devices. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a device control system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation of the device control system according to the embodiment when power supply to a power supply device is cut off. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of adjusting the power used for charging depending on the amount of power consumption of the power receiving device in the device control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of changing the number of power receiving devices depending on the remaining charge amount of the device control system according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of adjusting the dimming of a lighting device depending on the remaining charge level of the device control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of changing the number of power receiving devices depending on the length of time during which a power supply interruption occurs in the device control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of changing the dimming level of a lighting device depending on the length of time that a power supply interruption has occurred in the device control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing another functional configuration of the device control system according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating control of a power receiving device by a wireless module of a device control system according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is another flowchart illustrating the operation of adjusting the power used for charging depending on the amount of power consumption of the power receiving device in the device control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is another flowchart illustrating the operation of changing the number of power receiving devices depending on the remaining charge amount of the device control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is another flowchart showing the operation of adjusting the dimming of a lighting device depending on the remaining charge level of the device control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is another flowchart showing the operation of changing the number of power receiving devices depending on the length of time during which a power supply interruption occurs in the device control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is another flowchart illustrating the operation of changing the dimming level of a lighting device depending on the length of time that a power supply interruption has occurred in the device control system according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component arrangement and connection forms, steps, and order of steps shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims will be described as optional components.

[0010] In addition, each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily a precise illustration. In each drawing, the same reference numerals are used for substantially the same configurations, and duplicated explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) [composition] First, an overview of the device control system according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the device control system according to the embodiment. The device control system 10 according to the first embodiment is a PoE system (a system based on PoE) that controls a target device by utilizing a PoE mechanism. The device control system 10 includes a power supply device 20 (PSE: Power Sourcing Equipment), one or more power receiving devices (PD: Powered Devices), a battery device 90, and a wireless module 60. The power receiving devices are devices having a PD interface, and in FIG. 1, the lighting device 30, the disaster prevention device 40, and the camera 50 each correspond to the power receiving device. The power receiving devices may be audio devices (speakers), video devices, wireless devices, sensors, user interface devices, or the like.

[0012] The power supply device 20 includes a plurality of connection ports 21, a control unit 22, a storage unit 23, and a detection unit 24. The plurality of connection ports 21 are connection structures (connectors) to which standard cables 70 conforming to the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard are connected. Specifically, the standard cables 70 are so-called LAN (Local Area Network) cables or the like. The power receiving devices are electrically connected to the connection ports 21 via the standard cables 70. The power receiving devices (lighting devices 30, disaster prevention devices 40, cameras 50, and air conditioners) are supplied with power from the power supply device 20 via the standard cables 70, and can communicate with the power supply device 20 via the standard cables 70.

[0013] The control unit 22 supplies power to the power receiving device connected to the connection port 21. The control unit 22 also controls the power receiving device connected to the connection port 21 by transmitting a control signal to the power receiving device via the standard cable 70. The control unit 22 is specifically realized by a microcomputer or a processor, and is built into the power supply device 20. The functions of the control unit 22 are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor constituting the control unit 22 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 23.

[0014] The storage unit 23 is a storage device that stores the computer programs and various information necessary for controlling the power receiving device, etc. The storage unit 23 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory.

[0015] The detector 24 detects whether the power supplied to the power supply device 20 is DC power or AC power.

[0016] The lighting device 30 operates by receiving power supply from the power supply device 20. The lighting device 30 is, for example, a lighting device that illuminates an indoor space, and more specifically, is a base light, a system ceiling light, a down light, a spot light, or an emergency light. The specific embodiment of the lighting device 30 is not particularly limited. The device control system 10 includes one lighting device 30, but may include two or more lighting devices 30. The lighting device 30 includes a light-emitting element 31 and a light-emission control unit 32.

[0017] The light emitting element 31 constitutes a light source of the lighting device 30. The light emitting element 31 is, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) element.

[0018] The light-emission control unit 32 converts the power supplied from the power supply device 20 into power suitable for the light emission of the light-emitting element 31, and supplies the converted power to the light-emitting element 31. Specifically, the light-emission control unit 32 applies a voltage to the light-emitting element 31. The light-emission control unit 32 is realized by a DC-DC converter circuit or the like.

[0019] The disaster prevention device 40 includes a sensor 41 and a detection control unit 42. The detection control unit 42 is a processor that operates by receiving power supply from the power supply device 20. The detection control unit 42 may include a communication circuit. The detection control unit 42 receives a signal from the power supply device 20 and operates based on the received signal. In addition, the sensor 41 transmits a detected signal to the detection control unit 42. The detection control unit 42 performs an operation of detecting an object through the sensor 41. The detection control unit 42 may communicate with the power supply device 20.

[0020] The camera 50 includes an imaging element 51 and an imaging control unit 52. The imaging element 51 converts light into an electrical signal by photoelectric conversion due to the photoelectric effect, thereby converting an image into an electrical signal. The imaging control unit 52 is a processor that operates by receiving power supply from the power supply device 20. The imaging control unit 52 may include a communication circuit. The imaging control unit 52 receives a signal from the power supply device 20 and operates based on the received signal. The imaging control unit 52 captures an image of a target through the imaging element 51. The imaging control unit 52 may communicate with the power supply device 20.

[0021] The battery device 90 includes a battery 91, a battery control unit 92, a battery detection unit 93, and a battery storage unit 94. The battery 91 is a secondary battery that is charged before use. The battery 91 is, for example, a lithium ion battery, but may be a nickel-metal hydride battery. The battery 91 includes an electrode and an active material. The battery 91 may include an electrolyte instead of the active material. The battery control unit 92 performs control so as to supply power to the power supply device 20 when the power supply is cut off. Here, the battery control unit 92 is a specific example of a control unit included in the battery device 90. The battery detection unit 93 detects that power supplied from the system power supply to the battery device 90 has been cut off.

[0022] The battery device 90, during normal operation (when the system power supply is not interrupted), receives AC power from the system power supply and supplies the received AC power to the power supply device 20. At the same time, the battery device 90 charges a battery 91 provided in the battery device 90 with the AC power received from the system power supply.

[0023] On the other hand, when the power supply is cut off (when the system power supply is cut off), the battery device 90 supplies the DC power that has been charged in the battery 91 to the power supply equipment 20 by discharging the battery 91.

[0024] The battery device 90 may operate in cooperation with a wireless module 60, which will be described later.

[0025] The wireless module 60 includes a signal receiving unit 62 and a wireless control unit 61. The wireless module 60 may also include a switch unit 63. The signal receiving unit 62 is a wireless communication circuit that operates by receiving power supplied from the power supply device 20. The signal receiving unit 62 performs wireless communication with an external information terminal or the like, and receives a turn-on instruction signal for instructing to turn on the lighting device 30, a turn-off instruction signal for instructing to turn off the lighting device 30, and a dimming instruction signal for instructing to dim (adjust the brightness) the lighting device 30. Note that the communication standard of the wireless communication performed by the signal receiving unit 62 is not particularly limited. The wireless control unit 61 controls the signal receiving unit 62. The wireless control unit 61 may also perform an abnormality report of the power receiving device by wireless communication.

[0026] The wireless control unit 61 controls turning on and off the power supply to the power receiving device by controlling the on and off of the switch unit 63. The wireless control unit 61 may individually turn on and off the power supply to a plurality of power receiving devices. The wireless control unit 61 also controls the power receiving devices by transmitting control signals to the power receiving devices. Specifically, the wireless control unit 61 is realized by a microcomputer or a processor, and is built into the wireless module 60. The functions of the wireless control unit 61 are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor constituting the wireless control unit 61 executing a computer program stored in a storage unit (not shown) included in the wireless module 60.

[0027] The switch unit 63 is a switch device for turning on and off the power supply from the power supply device 20 to the power receiving device. The switch unit 63 is realized by a relay element, a power semiconductor element, or the like. The switch unit 63 may be a switch that can individually turn on and off the power supply to a plurality of power receiving devices.

[0028] [Operation when power supply is cut off] Next, a description will be given of the operation of the device control system 10 when the power supply to the power supply device 20 is interrupted. Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the device control system 10 according to the embodiment when the power supply to the power supply device 20 is interrupted.

[0029] First, the detection unit 24 detects whether or not the power supply to the power supply device 20 has been interrupted (step S100).

[0030] When the detection unit 24 detects that the power supply to the power supply device 20 has been cut off (Yes in step S100), the control unit 22 supplies the power received from the battery device 90 to the power receiving device (step S101). That is, the power supply device 20 that has received power from the battery device 90 supplies power to the power receiving device. At this time, the battery control unit 92 of the battery device 90 discharges the battery 91 and supplies the discharged power to the power supply device 20. Here, the power receiving device is, for example, the wireless module 60 and the lighting device 30.

[0031] When the detection unit 24 detects that the power supply to the power supply device 20 is not interrupted (No in step S100), the control unit 22 supplies the power received from the power source to the power receiving device (step S102). That is, the power supply device 20 that receives power from the power source supplies power to the power receiving device. Here, the power source is, for example, a power grid. Here, the power receiving device is, for example, the wireless module 60 and the lighting device 30.

[0032] Next, the wireless module 60 controls the power receiving device (step S103). The wireless module 60 controls the power receiving device based on a signal received by wireless communication. For example, the signal receiving unit 62 of the wireless module 60 receives a signal to start the power receiving device, and the wireless control unit 61 controls to start the power receiving device. In the case where the power receiving device is a lighting device 30, when the signal receiving unit 62 of the wireless module 60 receives a signal to turn on the lighting device 30, the wireless control unit 61 controls to turn on the lighting device 30.

[0033] [Adjusting the power used for charging based on the power consumption of the receiving device] Next, adjustment of the power used for charging depending on the power consumption of the power receiving device of the device control system 10 will be described. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of adjusting the power used for charging depending on the power consumption of the power receiving device of the device control system according to the embodiment. The power supply device 20 performs the following operation while supplying power to the power receiving device.

[0034] The control unit 22 determines whether the power consumption of the power receiving device is greater than a predetermined value (step S200). The control unit 22 may obtain the value of the power consumption of the power receiving device from an interface unit provided in the power receiving device.

[0035] When the control unit 22 determines that the power consumption of the power receiving device is greater than the predetermined value (Yes in step S200), the battery control unit 92 reduces the power used to charge the battery device 90 (step S201). For example, the battery control unit 92 receives information on the power consumption of the power receiving device from the power supply device 20, and performs control so as to reduce the power used to charge the battery 91.

[0036] When the control unit 22 determines that the power consumption of the power receiving device is not greater than the predetermined value (No in step S200), the control unit 22 maintains the power used for charging the battery device 90 (step S202).

[0037] [Change the number of receiving devices depending on remaining charge] Next, an operation of changing the number of power receiving devices depending on the remaining charge of the battery device 90 of the device control system 10 will be described. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of changing the number of power receiving devices depending on the remaining charge of the battery device 90 of the device control system according to the embodiment. The power supply device 20 performs the following operation while the battery device 90 is supplying power to the power receiving devices.

[0038] The control unit 22 determines whether the remaining charge of the battery device 90 is equal to or less than a predetermined value (step S300). The control unit 22 may receive a signal from a battery control unit 92 of the battery device 90 to determine whether the remaining charge of the battery 91 is equal to or less than a predetermined value. The battery control unit 92 may transmit a signal indicating the value of the remaining charge of the battery 91 to the control unit 22.

[0039] When the control unit 22 determines that the remaining charge of the battery device 90 is equal to or less than a predetermined value (Yes in step S300), the control unit 22 reduces the number of power receiving devices to which power from the battery 91 of the battery device 90 is supplied (step S301). At this time, the control unit 22 may transmit a battery operation stop signal to the battery device 90 to reduce the number of power receiving devices to which power is supplied from the battery device 90.

[0040] When the control unit 22 determines that the remaining charge of the battery device 90 is not equal to or less than a predetermined value (No in step S300), the control unit 22 maintains the number of power receiving devices that supply power from the battery 91 of the battery device 90 (step S302). At this time, the control unit 22 may maintain the number of power receiving devices that supply power from the battery device 90 without transmitting a battery operation stop signal to the battery device 90.

[0041] [Change dimming ratio based on remaining battery charge] Next, an operation of changing the dimming level of the lighting device 30 depending on the remaining charge of the battery device 90 in the device control system 10 will be described. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of adjusting dimming of the lighting device depending on the remaining charge of the device control system according to the embodiment. The power supply device 20 performs the following operation while the battery device 90 is supplying power to the power receiving device.

[0042] The control unit 22 determines whether the remaining charge of the battery device 90 is equal to or lower than a predetermined value (step S400). The control unit 22 may receive a signal from the battery control unit 92 of the battery device 90 to determine whether the remaining charge of the battery 91 is equal to or lower than a predetermined value.

[0043] When the control unit 22 determines that the remaining charge of the battery device 90 is equal to or less than a predetermined value (Yes in step S400), the control unit 22 dims the light of the lighting device 30, which is a power receiving device (step S401). That is, the control unit 22 reduces the dimming level of the lighting device 30, which is a power receiving device. At this time, the signal transmission unit 25 may transmit a signal related to the dimming level to the lighting device 30, which is a power receiving device.

[0044] When the control unit 22 determines that the remaining charge of the battery device 90 is not equal to or less than the predetermined value (No in step S400), the control unit 22 maintains the dimming of the lighting device 30, which is the power receiving device (step S402). In other words, the control unit 22 maintains the dimming level of the lighting device 30, which is the power receiving device.

[0045] [Change in the number of power receiving devices depending on the time when the power supply was interrupted] Next, an operation of changing the number of power receiving devices depending on the length of time that the power supply to the power supply device 20 of the device control system 10 is interrupted will be described. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of changing the number of power receiving devices depending on the length of time that the power supply interruption occurred in the device control system according to the embodiment. The power supply device 20 performs the following operation while the battery device 90 is supplying power to the power receiving devices.

[0046] The control unit 22 determines whether the length of time during which the power supply to the power supply device 20 was interrupted is equal to or longer than a predetermined time (step S500). For example, the detection unit 24 detects whether power is being supplied to the power supply device 20, and the control unit 22 acquires the result of detection by the detection unit 24. Then, the control unit 22 determines whether the length of time during which the power supply to the power supply device 20 was interrupted is equal to or longer than a predetermined time based on the acquired result.

[0047] When the control unit 22 determines that the length of time during which the power supply to the power supply device 20 has been cut off is equal to or longer than a predetermined time (Yes in step S500), the power supply device 20 reduces the number of power receiving devices to which it supplies power (step S501). At this time, the control unit 22 may transmit a battery operation stop signal to the battery device 90 to reduce the number of power receiving devices to which power is supplied from the battery device 90.

[0048] When the control unit 22 determines that the length of time during which the power supply to the power supply device 20 has been cut off is not equal to or longer than a predetermined time (No in step S500), the power supply device 20 maintains the number of power receiving devices to which it supplies power (step S502). At this time, the control unit 22 may maintain the number of power receiving devices to which power is supplied from the battery device 90 without transmitting a battery operation stop signal to the battery device 90.

[0049] [Change in dimming ratio depending on the time when the power supply was interrupted] Next, an operation of changing the dimming level of the lighting device 30 depending on the length of time that the power supply to the power supply device 20 of the device control system 10 is interrupted will be described. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation of changing the dimming level of the lighting device depending on the length of time that the power supply interruption occurred in the device control system according to the embodiment. The power supply device 20 performs the following operation while the battery device 90 is supplying power to the power receiving device.

[0050] The control unit 22 determines whether the length of time during which the power supply to the power supply device 20 was interrupted is equal to or longer than a predetermined time (step S600). The detection unit 24 may detect the presence or absence of power supply to the power supply device 20 from a power grid or the like, and the control unit 22 may obtain the result of the detection by the detection unit 24 and determine the length of time during which the power supply from the power grid to the power supply device 20 was interrupted.

[0051] When the control unit 22 determines that the length of time during which the power supply to the power supply device 20 has been interrupted is equal to or longer than the predetermined time (Yes in step S600), the control unit 22 dims the lighting device 30, which is a power receiving device (step S601). That is, the control unit 22 reduces the dimming level of the lighting device 30, which is a power receiving device. At this time, the signal transmission unit 25 may transmit a signal related to the dimming level to the lighting device 30, which is a power receiving device.

[0052] When the control unit 22 determines that the length of time during which the power supply to the power supply device 20 has been interrupted is not equal to or longer than the predetermined time (No in step S600), the control unit 22 maintains the dimming of the lighting device 30, which is a power receiving device (step S602). In other words, the control unit 22 maintains the dimming level of the lighting device 30, which is a power receiving device.

[0053] (Embodiment 2) [composition] Next, an overview of a device control system according to embodiment 2 will be described. Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing another functional configuration of the device control system according to the embodiment. Note that a description of the configuration common to embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0054] The device control system 10 according to the second embodiment is a PoE system (a system based on PoE) that controls a target device by utilizing the PoE mechanism. The device control system 10 includes a power supply device 20, one or more power receiving devices, a battery device 90, and a wireless module 60. The power receiving device is a device having a PD interface, and in FIG. 8, the lighting device 30, the disaster prevention device 40, and the camera 50 each correspond to the power receiving device. The power receiving device may be an audio device (speaker), a video device, a wireless device, a sensor, a user interface device, or the like.

[0055] In the second embodiment, the battery device 90 is connected to the power supply device 20 via the connection port 21. The battery device 90 is connected to the wireless module 60 and the like at a position opposite to the power supply device 20. The wireless module 60 is further connected to the lighting device 30 and the like at a position opposite to the position where the battery device 90 is connected to the power supply device 20. The wireless module may be connected to a plurality of lighting devices 30. The battery device 90 may be connected to the power receiving device without going through the wireless module 60 (not shown). The wireless module 60 receives a signal from the outside by wireless communication and controls the power receiving device connected to the wireless module 60 by wired communication.

[0056] [Power consumption of battery equipment and power receiving devices] The battery device 90 may include an interface unit such as a PD interface as described below. The interface unit such as a PD interface included in the battery device 90 is realized by, for example, a battery storage unit 94. The battery storage unit 94 stores information about the power receiving device read by the power supply device 20. The battery storage unit 94 stores a power consumption value that is greater than the sum of the power consumption required for charging the battery device 90 and the power consumption of the power receiving device as information about the power receiving device. The power supply device 20 supplies power to the battery device 90 and the power receiving device based on the information about the power receiving device acquired from the battery control unit 92 that also functions as an interface unit. In this way, the power supply device 20 can acquire information about the power receiving device from the battery control unit 92 that also functions as an interface unit, and supply power sufficient to cover both the power consumption required for charging the battery device 90 and the power consumption of the power receiving device.

[0057] [Control of power receiving devices using wireless modules] Next, a description will be given of control of the power receiving device by the wireless module 60. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing control of the power receiving device by the wireless module 60 of the device control system 10 according to the embodiment.

[0058] First, the wireless control unit 61 determines whether the signal receiving unit 62 has received a signal to start the operation of the power receiving device (step S700). For example, the signal receiving unit 62 of the wireless module 60 receives a signal to start the operation of the power receiving device from the outside via wireless communication. Then, the wireless control unit 61 of the wireless module 60 determines whether the signal receiving unit 62 has received the signal from the outside. Specifically, the signal receiving unit 62 of the wireless module 60 receives a signal from the outside instructing to turn on the lighting device 30. Then, the wireless control unit 61 of the wireless module 60 determines whether the signal receiving unit 62 has received a signal from the outside instructing to turn on the lighting device 30.

[0059] When the wireless control unit 61 determines that the signal receiving unit 62 has received a signal to start the operation of the power receiving device (Yes in step S700), the wireless control unit 61 causes the battery device 90 to supply power to the power receiving device (step S701). At this time, the wireless control unit 61 controls the power receiving device to start the operation of the power receiving device. That is, the power receiving device receives power supply from the battery device 90, and then receives control from the wireless control unit 61 to start the operation of the power receiving device, and starts its operation. For example, the lighting device 30, which is the power receiving device, receives power supply from the battery device 90, and then receives control from the wireless control unit 61 to turn on the lighting device 30, and turns on.

[0060] At this time, the wireless control unit 61 may control the multiple power receiving devices so that the operation start timings of the multiple power receiving devices controlled by the wireless module 60 are unified. Also, the wireless control unit 61 may control the power receiving device that it controls so that the operation start timings of the power receiving devices controlled by other wireless modules 60 and the power receiving device that it controls are unified.

[0061] Next, the wireless control unit 61 causes the power supply device 20 to supply power to the power receiving device (step S702). That is, the wireless control unit 61 causes the power supply device 20, which has received power from the power grid, to supply the power received from the power grid to the power receiving device. That is, the wireless control unit 61 switches the device supplying power to the power receiving device from the battery device 90 to the power supply device 20.

[0062] When the wireless control unit 61 determines that the signal receiving unit 62 has not received a signal to start the operation of the power receiving device (No in step S700), the wireless control unit 61 ends the operation.

[0063] [Adjusting the power used for charging based on the power consumption of the receiving device] Next, a description will be given of the adjustment of the power used for charging depending on the power consumption of the power receiving device of the device control system 10. Fig. 10 is another flowchart showing the operation of adjusting the power used for charging depending on the power consumption of the power receiving device of the device control system according to the embodiment.

[0064] The control unit 22 determines whether the power consumption of the power receiving device is greater than a predetermined value (step S800). The control unit 22 may obtain the value of the power consumption of the power receiving device from an interface unit provided in the battery device 90, or may obtain the value of the power consumption of the power receiving device from an interface unit provided in the power receiving device.

[0065] When the control unit 22 determines that the power consumption of the power receiving device is greater than a predetermined value (Yes in step S800), the control unit 22 reduces the power used to charge the battery device 90 (step S801). For example, the control unit 22 transmits a signal to the battery device 90 to instruct the battery device 90 to reduce the power used to charge the battery device 90. Then, the battery detection unit 93 of the battery device 90 receives the signal, and performs control so that the battery control unit 92 reduces the power used to charge the battery 91.

[0066] When the control unit 22 determines that the power consumption of the power receiving device is not greater than the predetermined value (No in step S800), the control unit 22 maintains the power used for charging the battery device 90 (step S802).

[0067] [Change the number of receiving devices depending on remaining charge] Next, a description will be given of an operation of changing the number of power receiving devices depending on the remaining charge of the battery device 90 of the device control system 10. Fig. 11 is another flowchart showing an operation of changing the number of power receiving devices depending on the remaining charge of the battery device 90 of the device control system according to the embodiment.

[0068] The battery control unit 92 determines whether the remaining charge of the battery device 90 is equal to or less than a predetermined value (step S900). The battery control unit 92 may receive a signal from the battery control unit 92 of the battery device 90 to determine whether the remaining charge of the battery 91 is equal to or less than a predetermined value. The battery control unit 92 may transmit a signal indicating the value of the remaining charge of the battery 91 to the battery control unit 92.

[0069] When the battery control unit 92 determines that the remaining charge of the battery device 90 is equal to or less than a predetermined value (Yes in step S900), the battery control unit 92 reduces the number of power receiving devices to which power from the battery 91 of the battery device 90 is supplied (step S901). At this time, the battery control unit 92 may transmit a signal to some of the power receiving devices to be controlled to stop their operation, thereby reducing the number of power receiving devices to which power is supplied from the battery device 90.

[0070] When the battery control unit 92 determines that the remaining charge of the battery device 90 is not equal to or less than a predetermined value (No in step S900), the battery control unit 92 maintains the number of power receiving devices to which power from the battery 91 of the battery device 90 is supplied (step S902). At this time, the battery control unit 92 may maintain the number of power receiving devices to which power is supplied from the battery device 90 without transmitting a signal to the power receiving devices to stop their operation.

[0071] The operations from step S900 to step S902 may be performed by the wireless control unit 61 instead of the battery control unit 92.

[0072] [Change dimming ratio based on remaining battery charge] Next, a description will be given of an operation of changing the dimming level of the lighting device 30 depending on the remaining charge of the battery device 90 in the device control system 10. Fig. 12 is another flowchart showing an operation of adjusting dimming of the lighting device depending on the remaining charge of the device control system according to the embodiment.

[0073] The battery control unit 92 determines whether the remaining charge of the battery device 90 is equal to or less than a predetermined value (step S1000). The battery control unit 92 may receive a signal from the battery control unit 92 of the battery device 90 and determine whether the remaining charge of the battery 91 is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

[0074] When the battery control unit 92 determines that the remaining charge of the battery device 90 is equal to or less than a predetermined value (Yes in step S1000), the battery control unit 92 dims the light of the lighting device 30, which is a power receiving device (step S1001). That is, the battery control unit 92 reduces the dimming level of the lighting device 30, which is a power receiving device. At this time, the signal transmission unit 25 may transmit a signal related to the dimming level to the lighting device 30, which is a power receiving device.

[0075] When the battery control unit 92 determines that the remaining charge of the battery device 90 is not equal to or less than the predetermined value (No in step S1000), the battery control unit 92 maintains the dimming of the lighting device 30, which is the power receiving device (step S1002). In other words, the battery control unit 92 maintains the dimming level of the lighting device 30, which is the power receiving device.

[0076] The operations from step S900 to step S902 may be performed by the wireless control unit 61 instead of the battery control unit 92.

[0077] [Change in the number of power receiving devices depending on the time when the power supply was interrupted] Next, an operation of changing the number of power receiving devices depending on the length of time that the power supply to the power supply device 20 of the device control system 10 is interrupted will be described. Fig. 13 is another flowchart showing the operation of changing the number of power receiving devices depending on the length of time that the power supply interruption occurred in the device control system according to the embodiment.

[0078] The battery control unit 92 determines whether the length of time during which the power supply to the power supply device 20 has been cut off is equal to or longer than a predetermined time (step S1100). For example, the detection unit 24 detects whether power is being supplied to the power supply device 20, and the battery control unit 92 acquires the result of detection by the detection unit 24. Then, the battery control unit 92 determines whether the length of time during which the power supply to the power supply device 20 has been cut off is equal to or longer than a predetermined time based on the acquired result.

[0079] When the battery control unit 92 determines that the length of time during which the power supply to the power supply device 20 has been interrupted is equal to or longer than a predetermined time (Yes in step S1100), the battery control unit 92 reduces the number of power receiving devices to which power is supplied (step S1101). At this time, the battery control unit 92 may transmit a signal to the power receiving devices to stop their operation, thereby reducing the number of power receiving devices to which power is supplied from the battery device 90.

[0080] When the battery control unit 92 determines that the length of time during which the power supply to the power supply device 20 has been interrupted is not equal to or longer than the predetermined time (No in step S1100), the battery control unit 92 maintains the number of power receiving devices to which power is supplied (step S1102). At this time, the battery control unit 92 may maintain the number of power receiving devices to which power is supplied from the battery device 90 without transmitting a signal to the power receiving devices to stop the operations.

[0081] [Change in dimming ratio depending on the time when the power supply was interrupted] Next, an operation of changing the dimming level of the lighting device 30 depending on the length of time that the power supply to the power supply device 20 of the device control system 10 was interrupted will be described. Fig. 14 is another flowchart showing the operation of changing the dimming level of the lighting device depending on the length of time that the power supply was interrupted in the device control system according to the embodiment.

[0082] The battery control unit 92 determines whether the length of time during which the power supply to the power supply device 20 was interrupted is equal to or longer than a predetermined time (step S600). The detection unit 24 may detect the presence or absence of power supply to the power supply device 20 from a system power source or the like, and the battery control unit 92 may acquire the result of detection by the detection unit 24 and determine the length of time during which the power supply from the system power source to the power supply device 20 was interrupted.

[0083] When the battery control unit 92 determines that the length of time during which the power supply to the power supply device 20 has been interrupted is equal to or longer than the predetermined time (Yes in step S600), the battery control unit 92 dims the light of the lighting device 30, which is a power receiving device (step S601). That is, the battery control unit 92 reduces the dimming level of the lighting device 30, which is a power receiving device. At this time, the signal transmission unit 25 may transmit a signal related to the dimming level to the lighting device 30, which is a power receiving device.

[0084] When the battery control unit 92 determines that the length of time during which the power supply to the power supply device 20 has been interrupted is not equal to or longer than the predetermined time (No in step S600), the battery control unit 92 maintains the dimming of the lighting device 30, which is a power receiving device (step S602). In other words, the battery control unit 92 maintains the dimming level of the lighting device 30, which is a power receiving device.

[0085] [Effects, etc.] The device control system 10 of the present disclosure includes a power supply device 20 having a plurality of connection ports, a wireless module 60 connected to one of the plurality of connection ports 21 and operating by receiving power supply from the power supply device 20 via the connection port 21, and a battery device 90 that supplies power to the power supply device 20 or the wireless module 60 when power supply from a power source to the power supply device 20 is cut off.

[0086] As a result, the device control system 10 of the present disclosure is able to restore and control the power receiving devices more quickly than before when the power supply to the power supply device 20 is cut off, and can unify the timing for restoring the power receiving devices.

[0087] Also, for example, in the device control system 10 of the present disclosure, the power supply device 20 is connected to a power source via a battery device 90, and the battery device 90 supplies power to the power supply device 20 when the power supply from the power source to the power supply device 20 is cut off, and the device control system 10 further includes a power receiving device connected to another one of the multiple connection ports 21, and the wireless module 60 controls the power receiving device based on a signal received by wireless communication.

[0088] As a result, in the device control system 10 of the present disclosure, when the power supply to the power supply device 20 is cut off, power is supplied to the power supply device 20 from the battery device 90, making it possible to restore and control the power receiving device more quickly than before, and making it possible to unify the timing for restoring the power receiving device.

[0089] Also, for example, in the device control system 10 of the present disclosure, the power supply device 20 reduces the power used to charge the battery device 90 when the power consumption of the power receiving device is greater than a predetermined value.

[0090] This enables the device control system 10 to ensure the power consumption required for the power receiving device.

[0091] Also, for example, the device control system 10 of the present disclosure includes a plurality of power receiving devices, and the power supply device 20 changes the number of power receiving devices to which it supplies power depending on the remaining charge of the battery device 90.

[0092] This allows the device control system 10 to supply power preferentially to a power receiving device that has a high need for power.

[0093] Also, for example, in the device control system 10 of the present disclosure, the power receiving device is the lighting device 30, and the power supply device 20 changes the dimming level of the lighting device 30 in accordance with the remaining charge level of the battery device 90.

[0094] This allows the device control system 10 to adjust the power consumption of the power receiving device according to the remaining charge of the battery device 90.

[0095] Also, for example, the device control system 10 of the present disclosure includes a plurality of power receiving devices, and the power supply device 20 changes the number of power receiving devices to which it supplies power depending on the time during which power supply from the power source to the power supply device 20 is interrupted.

[0096] This allows the device control system 10 to supply power preferentially to a power receiving device that has a high need for power.

[0097] Also, for example, in the device control system 10 of the present disclosure, the power receiving device is the lighting device 30, and the power supplying device 20 changes the dimming level of the lighting device 30 depending on the time during which power supply from the power source to the power supplying device 20 is interrupted.

[0098] This allows the device control system 10 of the present disclosure to adjust the power consumption of the power receiving device according to the remaining charge of the battery device 90.

[0099] Also, for example, in the device control system 10 of the present disclosure, the wireless module 60 is connected to one of the multiple connection ports 21 via a battery device 90, and the battery device 90 supplies power to the wireless module 60 when the power supply from the power source to the power supply device 20 is cut off, and the device control system 10 further includes a power receiving device connected to the wireless module 60, and the wireless module 60 controls the power receiving device based on a signal received by wireless communication.

[0100] As a result, the device control system 10 of the present disclosure is able to restore and control the power receiving devices more quickly than before when the power supply to the power supply device 20 is cut off, and can unify the timing for restoring the power receiving devices.

[0101] Also, for example, in the device control system 10 of the present disclosure, when the wireless module 60 receives a signal instructing the power receiving device to start operating while power supply from the power source to the power supplying device 20 is maintained, the wireless module 60 discharges the battery in the battery device 90 to supply power to the power receiving device, and then supplies the power obtained via one of the multiple connection ports to the power receiving device.

[0102] This allows the device control system 10 of the present disclosure to unify the timing at which the power receiving devices start operating.

[0103] Also, for example, in the device control system 10 of the present disclosure, the battery device 90 further includes an interface unit for the power supply device 20 to read information regarding the power receiving device, and the interface unit stores, as the information regarding the power receiving device, a power consumption value that is greater than the sum of the power consumption required to charge the battery device 90 and the power consumption of the power receiving device.

[0104] As a result, the device control system 10 of the present disclosure can read information about the power receiving device from the battery memory unit 94, which also functions as an interface unit, and supply sufficient power to cover both the power consumption required to charge the battery device 90 and the power consumption of the power receiving device.

[0105] Also, for example, in the device control system 10 of the present disclosure, the battery device 90 has a battery 91 and a battery control unit 92, and the battery control unit 92 reduces the power used to charge the battery 91 when the power consumption of the power receiving device is greater than a predetermined value.

[0106] This enables the device control system 10 to ensure the power consumption required for the power receiving device.

[0107] Also, for example, in the device control system 10 of the present disclosure, a plurality of power receiving devices are connected to the wireless module 60, and the battery device 90 has a battery 91 and a battery control unit 92, and the battery control unit 92 changes the number of power receiving devices to which power is supplied depending on the remaining charge of the battery 91.

[0108] This allows the device control system 10 to supply power preferentially to a power receiving device that has a high need for power.

[0109] Also, for example, in the device control system 10 of the present disclosure, the power receiving device is the lighting device 30, the battery device 90 has a battery 91 and a battery control unit 92, and the battery control unit 92 changes the dimming level of the lighting device 30 in accordance with the remaining charge of the battery 91.

[0110] This allows the device control system 10 to adjust the power consumption of the power receiving device according to the remaining charge of the battery device 90.

[0111] Also, for example, in the device control system 10 of the present disclosure, a plurality of power receiving devices are connected to the wireless module 60, and the battery device 90 has a battery 91 and a battery control unit 92, and the battery control unit 92 changes the number of power receiving devices to which power is supplied depending on the time during which power supply from the power source to the power supply device 20 is interrupted.

[0112] This allows the device control system 10 to supply power preferentially to a power receiving device that has a high need for power.

[0113] Also, for example, in the device control system 10 of the present disclosure, the power receiving device is the lighting device 30, the battery device 90 has a battery 91 and a battery control unit 92, and the battery control unit 92 changes the dimming level of the lighting device 30 depending on the time during which power supply from the power source to the power supply device 20 is cut off.

[0114] This allows the device control system 10 to adjust the power consumption of the power receiving device according to the remaining charge of the battery device 90.

[0115] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

[0116] For example, in the above embodiment, the device control system is realized by a plurality of devices, but may be realized as a single device. For example, the device control system may be realized as a single device corresponding to a power supply device, or may be realized as a single device corresponding to a power receiving device (such as a wireless device or a lighting device). When the device control system is realized by a plurality of devices, the components of the device control system described in the above embodiment may be distributed in any manner among the plurality of devices.

[0117] In the above embodiment, the processes executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit. The order of multiple processes may be changed, or multiple processes may be executed in parallel.

[0118] In the above embodiment, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

[0119] Furthermore, each component may be realized by hardware. Each component may be a circuit (or an integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or each may be a separate circuit. Furthermore, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit, or a dedicated circuit.

[0120] Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or may be realized as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0121] For example, the present invention may be realized as the power supply device or the power receiving device of the above-mentioned embodiment. Also, the present invention may be realized as a control method of the device control system of the above-mentioned embodiment. The present invention may be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute such a control method, or as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0122] In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art may think of, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope that does not deviate from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 10. Equipment Control System 20 Power supply equipment 21 Connection Port 30 Lighting equipment 40 Disaster prevention equipment 50 Camera 60 Wireless Module 90 Battery Equipment 91 Battery

Claims

1. A device control system, comprising: A power supply device having a plurality of connection ports; a wireless module that is connected to one of the plurality of connection ports and operates by receiving power supplied from the power supply device via the connection port; a battery device that supplies power to the power supply device or the wireless module when power supply from a power source to the power supply device is interrupted; the wireless module is connected to one of the plurality of connection ports via the battery device; the battery device supplies power to the wireless module when power supply from the power source to the power supply device is interrupted; the device control system further includes a power receiving device connected to the wireless module by a wired connection; the wireless module controls the power receiving device through wired communication based on a signal received from an external device through wireless communication; Equipment control system.

2. the power supply device is connected to the power source via the battery device; the battery device supplies power to the power supply device when power supply from the power source to the power supply device is interrupted; the device control system further includes a power receiving device connected to another one of the plurality of connection ports; The wireless module controls the power receiving device based on a signal received by wireless communication. The device control system according to claim 1 .

3. the power supply device reduces power used for charging the battery device when a power consumption of a power receiving device connected to another one of the plurality of connection ports is greater than a predetermined value.

3. The device control system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The device control system includes a plurality of power receiving devices, each of the plurality of power receiving devices is connected to a connection port of the plurality of connection ports to which no other device is connected; the power supply device changes the number of the power receiving devices to which the power is supplied in accordance with the remaining charge of the battery device. The device control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A power supply device having a plurality of connection ports; a wireless module that is connected to one of the plurality of connection ports and operates by receiving power supplied from the power supply device via the connection port; a battery device that supplies power to the power supply device or the wireless module when power supply from a power source to the power supply device is interrupted; a lighting device is connected to another of the plurality of connection ports; The power supply device changes a dimming ratio of the lighting device in accordance with a remaining charge of the battery device. Equipment control system.

6. The device control system includes a plurality of power receiving devices, each of the plurality of power receiving devices is connected to a connection port of the plurality of connection ports to which no other device is connected; the power supply device changes the number of the power receiving devices to which power is supplied depending on a time during which power supply from the power source to the power supply device has been interrupted. The device control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A power supply device having a plurality of connection ports; a wireless module that is connected to one of the plurality of connection ports and operates by receiving power supplied from the power supply device via the connection port; a battery device that supplies power to the power supply device or the wireless module when power supply from a power source to the power supply device is interrupted; a lighting device is connected to another of the plurality of connection ports; the power supply device changes a dimming level of the lighting device in accordance with a time during which power supply from the power source to the power supply device has been interrupted. Equipment control system.

8. An equipment control system, comprising: A power supply device having a plurality of connection ports; a wireless module that is connected to one of the plurality of connection ports and operates by receiving power supplied from the power supply device via the connection port; a battery device that supplies power to the power supply device or the wireless module when power supply from a power source to the power supply device is interrupted; the wireless module is connected to one of the plurality of connection ports via the battery device; the battery device supplies power to the wireless module when power supply from the power source to the power supply device is interrupted; The device control system further includes a power receiving device connected to the wireless module, The wireless module includes: Controlling the power receiving device based on a signal received by wireless communication; When the signal instructing the start of operation of the power receiving device is received while the power supply from the power source to the power supplying device is being maintained, the battery device discharges a battery included in the battery device to supply power to the power receiving device, and then supplies the power obtained via one of the plurality of connection ports to the power receiving device. Equipment control system.

9. An equipment control system, comprising: A power supply device having a plurality of connection ports; a wireless module that is connected to one of the plurality of connection ports and operates by receiving power supplied from the power supply device via the connection port; a battery device that supplies power to the power supply device or the wireless module when power supply from a power source to the power supply device is interrupted; the wireless module is connected to one of the plurality of connection ports via the battery device; the battery device supplies power to the wireless module when power supply from the power source to the power supply device is interrupted; The device control system further includes a power receiving device connected to the wireless module, The wireless module controls the power receiving device based on a signal received by wireless communication; The battery device further includes an interface unit for the power supply device to read information about the power receiving device, the interface unit stores, as the information related to the power receiving device, a power consumption value that is greater than a sum of a power consumption required for charging the battery device and a power consumption of the power receiving device; Equipment control system.

10. The battery device includes a battery and a control unit. The control unit reduces power used to charge the battery when power consumption of the power receiving device is greater than a predetermined value.

10. The device control system according to claim 8 or 9.

11. a plurality of the power receiving devices are connected to the wireless module; The battery device includes a battery and a control unit. The control unit changes the number of the power receiving devices to which power is supplied in accordance with a remaining charge of the battery. The device control system according to any one of claims 8 to 10.

12. An equipment control system, comprising: A power supply device having a plurality of connection ports; a wireless module that is connected to one of the plurality of connection ports and operates by receiving power supplied from the power supply device via the connection port; a battery device that supplies power to the power supply device or the wireless module when power supply from a power source to the power supply device is interrupted; the wireless module is connected to one of the plurality of connection ports via the battery device; the battery device supplies power to the wireless module when power supply from the power source to the power supply device is interrupted; The device control system further includes a power receiving device connected to the wireless module, The wireless module controls the power receiving device based on a signal received by wireless communication; the power receiving device is a lighting device, The battery device includes a battery and a control unit. The control unit changes a dimming level of the lighting device according to a remaining charge of the battery. Equipment control system.

13. a plurality of the power receiving devices are connected to the wireless module; The battery device includes a battery and a control unit. The control unit changes the number of the power receiving devices to which power is supplied depending on a time during which power supply from the power source to the power supply device is interrupted. The device control system according to any one of claims 8 to 12.

14. 1. An equipment control system, comprising: A power supply device having a plurality of connection ports; a wireless module that is connected to one of the plurality of connection ports and operates by receiving power supplied from the power supply device via the connection port; a battery device that supplies power to the power supply device or the wireless module when power supply from a power source to the power supply device is interrupted; the wireless module is connected to one of the plurality of connection ports via the battery device; the battery device supplies power to the wireless module when power supply from the power source to the power supply device is interrupted; The device control system further includes a power receiving device connected to the wireless module, The wireless module controls the power receiving device based on a signal received by wireless communication; the power receiving device is a lighting device, The battery device includes a battery and a control unit. The control unit changes a dimming level of the lighting device according to a time during which power supply from the power source to the power supply device is interrupted. Equipment control system.

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