Sensor, wireless communication system, and management system

Abstract

To provide a sensor that can be switched in mode automatically in a temperature range where temperature ranges of a plurality of modes overlap with each other, a radio communication system and a management system.SOLUTION: A sensor comprises a temperature measuring resistance part 31, a control part 32, a switch part 36, a radio communication part 34, first wiring 37 including a first resistance 371, and second wiring 38 including a second resistance 381. The control part 32 sets the switch part 36 which is set to the second mode to a first mode when measured temperature T varies from temperature higher than first threshold temperature TT1 to temperature lower than the first threshold temperature TT1, and sets the switch part 36 which is set to the first mode to the second mode when the measured temperature T varies from temperature lower than the second threshold temperature TT2 to temperature higher than the second threshold temperature TT2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor, a wireless communication system, and a management system.

Background Art

[0002] A showcase installed in a store is for displaying products at an appropriate temperature. As a device for monitoring the temperature of the showcase, a sensor for measuring temperature is widely used. Patent Document 1 discloses a conventional sensor for a showcase. In this sensor, it is possible to set three modes in which the upper limit temperature and the lower limit temperature are different from each other.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above-described sensor, when a part of the temperature ranges of a plurality of modes overlaps, it is impossible to automatically switch the mode in this overlapping temperature range.

[0005] The present invention has been conceived under the above circumstances, and provides a sensor capable of automatically switching modes in a temperature range where parts of the temperature ranges of a plurality of modes overlap, a wireless communication system that gives a well-timed notification when an alert is issued, and a management system that learns the types of abnormal patterns that issue alerts.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The sensor provided by the first aspect of the present invention includes a temperature - sensitive resistor section, a control section, a switch section, a wireless communication section, a first wiring including a first resistor, and a second wiring including a second resistor having a resistance value smaller than that of the first resistor. The switch section has a first contact, a second contact, and a third contact. The first wiring is connected to the first contact and the control section. The second wiring is connected to the second contact and the control section. The temperature - sensitive resistor section is connected to the third contact. The switch section has a first mode of conducting between the first contact and the third contact and a second mode of conducting between the second contact and the third contact. In the first mode, measurement is performed in a first temperature range that is equal to or higher than the first - mode lower - limit temperature and equal to or lower than the first - mode upper - limit temperature. In the second mode, measurement is performed in a second temperature range that is equal to or higher than the second - mode lower - limit temperature, which is higher than the first - mode lower - limit temperature and equal to or lower than the first - mode upper - limit temperature, and equal to or lower than the second - mode upper - limit temperature, which is higher than the first - mode upper - limit temperature. A first threshold temperature that is equal to or higher than the second - mode lower - limit temperature and equal to or lower than the first - mode upper - limit temperature and a second threshold temperature that is equal to or higher than the second - mode lower - limit temperature and lower than the first threshold temperature are set. The control section sets the switch section to the first mode when, in the state set to the second mode, the measured temperature changes from a temperature higher than the first threshold temperature to a temperature lower than the first threshold temperature, and sets the switch section to the second mode when, in the state set to the first mode, the measured temperature changes from a temperature lower than the second threshold temperature to a temperature higher than the second threshold temperature.

[0007] The wireless communication system provided by the second aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of relay units each having a storage unit, a wireless communication unit, and a control unit, a plurality of sensors each having a resistance temperature detector, a control unit, a switch unit, and a wireless communication unit, a control device that controls the operations of the plurality of relay units and the plurality of sensors each set with an identification address, and a setting device that sets operation conditions of the plurality of relay units and the plurality of sensors in the control device and displays measurement data of the plurality of sensors. In the wireless communication system, the period in which the setting device reads the measurement data from the control device is shorter than the measurement period of the sensors.

[0008] The wireless communication system provided by the third aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of relay units each having a storage unit, a wireless communication unit, and a control unit, a plurality of sensors each having a resistance temperature detector, a control unit, a switch unit, and a wireless communication unit and each attached to a showcase, a control device that controls the operations of the plurality of relay units and the plurality of sensors each set with an identification address, and a setting device that sets operation conditions of the plurality of relay units and the plurality of sensors in the control device and displays measurement data of the plurality of sensors. In the wireless communication system, when the measured temperature of the sensor exceeds the management temperature, the control device transmits a control signal to change the measurement period of the sensor from a first period to a second period shorter than the first period, and the setting device determines that the showcase to which the sensor having become the second period is attached is in a defrosting operation.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the measured temperature becomes equal to or higher than a warning temperature higher than the management temperature during the period in which the sensor is set to the second period, or when the period set to the second period continues for a predetermined period or longer, the setting device determines that the showcase is malfunctioning.

[0010] The management system provided by the fourth aspect of the present invention includes a wireless communication system provided by the third aspect of the present invention arranged in a store, and transmits measurement data from the control device or the setting device of the wireless communication system to the cloud. The cloud has a communication unit, a processing unit, and a storage unit. The communication unit receives the measurement data and stores the measurement data from each sensor installed in the showcase in the store in the storage unit. The processing unit learns the implementation status of the defrosting operation of the showcase to which each sensor is attached based on the setting status of the first cycle and the second cycle of each sensor, and determines whether the showcase is in a normal state where the defrosting operation is being performed or an abnormal state including a failure.

Advantages of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, the mode can be automatically switched in a temperature range where parts of the temperature ranges of a plurality of modes overlap each other.

[0012] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] <First Embodiment> FIGS. 1 to 17 show a sensor, a wireless communication system, and a management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 9, the wireless communication system A1 of the present embodiment includes a wireless communication network Cn1 including a plurality of lighting fixtures L, a plurality of sensors D, and a control device Ct, and a setting device Sd that sets identification addresses used in the wireless communication network Cn1 for the plurality of lighting fixtures L and the plurality of sensors D. The wireless communication system A1 is a system that realizes wireless communication via a plurality of lighting fixtures L and a plurality of sensors D as a plurality of relay units.

[0016] 〔Relay Unit〕 The relay unit is a unit for realizing wireless communication in the wireless communication system A1 by relaying wireless communication. The specific configuration of the relay unit is not limited at all, and it only needs to have a wireless communication relay function, and various devices such as a dedicated wireless relay unit, a lighting fixture having a wireless communication function, a sensor, and a wireless tag can be mentioned.

[0017] 〔Lighting Fixture L〕 The lighting fixture L is a specific example of the relay unit in the present invention. A plurality of lighting fixtures L are used, for example, for indoor lighting and are installed at various locations such as on the ceiling, wall surface, floor surface, etc. Also, the lighting fixture L may be configured for outdoor lighting. The specific form of the lighting fixture L is not limited at all, and various forms such as straight tube lighting, high ceiling lighting, ceiling light, downlight, base light, spotlight, etc. can be appropriately adopted. In the following description, when describing the general configuration of the lighting fixture L, it is referred to as the lighting fixture L, and when distinguishing a plurality of lighting fixtures L, symbols such as lighting fixture L1, ··· lighting fixture Ln may be appropriately used. The plurality of lighting fixtures L1 to Ln in FIGS. 1 and 2 may have the same configuration, a part of them may be common, or they may have different configurations and different forms. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the case where the plurality of lighting fixtures L1 to Ln have the same configuration will be described as an example.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the lighting fixture L. The lighting fixture L includes a light source unit 11, a control board 10, a control module 120, a storage unit 13, a communication module 140, and a power supply unit 15.

[0019] The light source unit 11 is a part that performs a light-emitting function in the lighting fixture L1 and has a light quantity that satisfies the lighting use for illuminating the surroundings. The specific configuration of the light source unit 11 is not limited at all. For example, it consists of a substrate and a plurality of LEDs mounted in a row on the substrate. Also, the lighting fixture L1 appropriately has a transparent or translucent cover (not shown) that transmits the light from the light source unit 11. In addition, when a dedicated wireless relay unit is used as the relay unit, the light source unit 11 does not have a light quantity capable of exhibiting a lighting function for illuminating the surroundings, and functions, for example, as an indicator for notifying the operation status.

[0020] The control board 10 is a board on which a control module 120, a storage unit 13, and a communication module 140 are mounted. The control board 10 has, for example, a base material made of an insulating material and a wiring pattern (both not shown) formed on the base material. The control module 120, the storage unit 13, and the communication module 140 are conductively joined to the wiring pattern by, for example, solder or the like, and are appropriately conductive to each other through the wiring pattern.

[0021] The control module 120 is a module having a control unit 12 and is mounted on the control board 10. In addition to the control unit 12, the control module 120 may appropriately have a storage unit and input / output units (both not shown). The control unit 12 is for controlling each part of the lighting fixture L based on a lighting control signal or the like from the control device Ct. The specific configuration of the control unit 12 is not particularly limited and is, for example, composed of a CPU.

[0022] The storage unit 13 is for storing information necessary for the control of the control module 120 (control unit 12) and is, for example, composed of a semiconductor memory. Note that the storage unit 13 is not limited to being mounted on the control board 10 and may be built in a dongle detachably provided to the housing of the lighting fixture L.

[0023] The communication module 140 is a module having a wireless communication unit 14 and is mounted on the control board 10 in the present embodiment. The wireless communication unit 14 is a communication unit for performing wireless communication with the control device Ct, other relay units (lighting fixture L, sensor D), and the setting device Sd, and transmits and receives wireless signals. The wireless communication unit 14 is connected to the control unit 12 by, for example, UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) communication, but is not limited thereto.

[0024] To exemplify the functions of the wireless communication unit 14, it receives an identification signal from a setting device Sd, a control signal from a control device Ct, etc., to be described later, and transmits the signals included in the received data to the control unit 12. Further, it transmits various signals and an acknowledgment signal indicating reception to the setting device Sd, the control device Ct, etc. Further, it may transmit a status signal indicating the operation status of the lighting fixture L to the control device Ct.

[0025] In the present embodiment, the unique information of each of the plurality of lighting fixtures L is stored in the wireless communication unit 14. Specific examples of the unique information are not particularly limited, and for example, it is a MAC (Media Access Control) address or position information. Note that the unique information may be stored in a component of the wireless communication unit 14, or may be stored in the storage unit 13, for example. When the wireless communication unit 14 recognizes that a received signal is a signal for its own device's unique information, or when it is transmitted to all units as so-called broadcast communication, the wireless communication unit 14 transmits the signal to the control unit 12.

[0026] The wireless communication unit 14 performs wireless communication with the setting device Sd, the control device Ct, and other relay units (lighting fixture L, sensor D) using a predetermined protocol. The communication frequency of the wireless communication using the predetermined protocol is not limited at all, and for example, the 920 MHz band, 2.4 GHz band, 5 GHz band, etc. are exemplified. Also, specific examples of the predetermined protocol are not particularly limited, and for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) including BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), ZigBee (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), etc. are exemplified. In order to perform wireless communication according to the predetermined protocol, an identification address is set in the wireless communication unit 14.

[0027] The power supply unit 15 is for supplying the electric power necessary for the operation of the light source unit 11, the control unit 12 (control module 120), the wireless communication unit 14 (communication module 140), etc. The power supply unit 15 has, for example, a function as an AC / DC converter that converts commercial AC 100V or 200V power into DC power, a voltage conversion function, etc.

[0028] 〔Sensor D〕 Sensor D is another specific example of the relay unit in the present invention. Sensor D functions as a temperature sensor. The installation locations of a plurality of Sensor Ds are not limited at all and can be attached to various locations such as the ceiling, wall surface, floor surface, etc., or various devices installed indoors and outdoors, or built-in. In the following description, when describing the general configuration of Sensor D, it is referred to as Sensor D, and when distinguishing a plurality of Sensor Ds, symbols such as Sensor D1, ··· Sensor Dn may be appropriately used. The plurality of Sensor D1 to Dn in FIGS. 1 and 2 may have the same configuration, may partially share each other, or may have different configurations and different forms. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the case where a plurality of Sensor D1 to Dn have the same configuration will be described as an example.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of Sensor D. Sensor D includes a temperature measuring resistor unit 31, a control circuit board 30, a control module 320, a storage unit 33, a communication module 340, a power supply unit 35, a switch unit 36, a first wiring 37, and a second wiring 38. Note that since the control circuit board 30, the control module 320 (control unit 32), the storage unit 33, and the communication module 340 (wireless communication unit 34) have the same basic configuration as the control circuit board 10, the control module 120 (control unit 12), the storage unit 13, and the communication module 140 (wireless communication unit 14) of the lighting fixture L, the description will be omitted as appropriate.

[0030] The temperature measuring resistor unit 31 is a part for exerting the temperature measuring function of Sensor D. The temperature measuring resistor unit 31 has, for example, a resistor made of metal or metal oxide. The resistance value of the resistor changes according to the ambient temperature. That is, based on the resistance value of the temperature measuring resistor unit 31, the temperature of the environment where Sensor D is arranged can be measured. The temperature measuring resistor unit 31 of the present embodiment is provided outside the housing (not shown) that houses other components of Sensor D via a cable.

[0031] The control unit 32 generates a measurement signal including measurement data using the temperature measuring resistor unit 31, and performs a process of causing the wireless communication unit 34 (communication module 340) to transmit it. Further, based on the operating conditions included in the control signal from the control device Ct described later, the conditions for the temperature measurement process using the temperature measuring resistor unit 31 are appropriately set. Examples of the operating conditions in the sensor D include the period for transmitting a measurement signal including measurement data using the temperature measuring resistor unit 31, and the mode setting of the switch unit 36 described later.

[0032] The switch unit 36 is electrically interposed between the temperature measuring resistor unit 31 and the control module 320, and switches the connection state between the temperature measuring resistor unit 31 and the control module 320. The switch unit 36 has a first contact 361, a second contact 362, and a third contact 363. The temperature measuring resistor unit 31 is connected to the third contact 363. The switch unit 36 has a first mode in which the first contact 361 and the third contact 363 are electrically connected, and a second mode in which the second contact 362 and the third contact 363 are electrically connected, and the first mode and the second mode can be selectively set. The first mode and the second mode are automatically switched, for example, by a command from the control unit 32 (control module 320).

[0033] The first wiring 37 is connected to the first contact 361 of the switch unit 36 and the control module 320 (control unit 32). The first wiring 37 includes a first resistor 371. The second wiring 38 is connected to the second contact 362 of the switch unit 36 and the control module 320 (control unit 32). The second wiring 38 includes a second resistor 381. The resistance value of the second resistor 381 is smaller than the resistance value of the first resistor 371. That is, the resistance value of the first resistor 371 is larger than the resistance value of the second resistor 381.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, in the present embodiment, the sensor D is attached to a showcase Sc installed indoors such as a store.

[0035] The showcase Sc is used to display products such as food at the storefront or the like. Generally, the showcase Sc has a function of keeping the products warm, and there are refrigeration uses, freezing uses, etc. The showcase Sc of this embodiment can be switched between a refrigeration mode and a freezing mode. In addition, the showcase Sc of this embodiment performs a defrosting operation for removing frost attached inside the cabinet or the like. In the illustrated example, the showcase Sc has a housing 80, a top portion 81, a plurality of shelf portions 82, a power supply unit 83, a cable 84, and a lighting lamp 85.

[0036] The housing 80 is the main body portion of the showcase Sc. The housing 80 has, for example, a structural member for supporting the top portion 81 and the plurality of shelf portions 82. Further, the housing 80 may include a cooling device (not shown) for cooling the products.

[0037] The top portion 81 is provided at the uppermost position of the showcase Sc and covers the plurality of shelf portions 82 from above. A lighting lamp 85 is attached to the lower surface of the tip of the top portion 81.

[0038] The plurality of shelf portions 82 are parts for displaying products and are arranged in the vertical direction. A lighting lamp 85 is attached to the lower surface of each shelf portion 82.

[0039] The power supply unit 83 supplies power for operating the sensor D. For example, the power supply unit 83 converts commercial AC 100V power into DC 24V power suitable for lighting the sensor D. In the illustrated example, the power supply unit 83 is provided above the top portion 81, but this is just an example, and the configuration and installation position of the power supply unit 83 are not particularly limited.

[0040] The sensor D is arranged, for example, on the upper surface of the top portion 81. Further, the temperature measuring resistor portion 31 is arranged, for example, below the top portion 81 via a cable extending from the main body of the sensor D. The temperature measuring resistor portion 31 is arranged at a position where it can measure the temperature of the product display space, which is the space to be refrigerated or frozen in the showcase Sc.

[0041] In this embodiment, when the setting method described later is completed, as shown in FIG. 9, a wireless communication network Cn1, which is a mesh network, is constructed by a plurality of lighting fixtures L, a plurality of sensors D, and a control device Ct. A predetermined protocol is used, for example, for transferring various data between the plurality of lighting fixtures L and the plurality of sensors D. Therefore, a protocol that can ensure the transfer speed and reliability required for their data transfer and can construct a mesh network is selected. After the wireless communication network Cn1 is constructed, for example, a control signal from the control device Ct is transmitted to each lighting fixture L and each sensor D via the wireless communication network Cn1. Further, the control device Ct may transfer data to an external storage device such as a cloud outside the wireless communication network Cn1 using a commercial communication line. In this case, the wireless communication network Cn1, the control device Ct constituting the same, and the plurality of relay units can function as an edge computer that performs processes such as data noise removal and data generation.

[0042] 〔Setting device Sd〕 The setting device Sd is a device for setting the identification addresses and operating conditions of a plurality of relay units in the wireless communication system A1. Further, the setting device Sd may function to display or store the state of at least any one of the plurality of lighting fixtures L, the plurality of sensors D, and the plurality of showcases Sc. The specific configuration of the setting device Sd is not limited in any way. The specific configuration of the setting device Sd is not limited at all, and examples include a desktop PC, a notebook PC, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, and the like.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 5, the setting device Sd of this embodiment includes a display unit 51, a control unit 52, a storage unit 53, a wireless communication unit 54, a power supply unit 55, and an operation unit 58.

[0044] The display unit 51 is for displaying information and images necessary for operations of the setting device Sd. The display unit 51 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

[0045] The wireless communication unit 54 functions to perform wireless communication with a plurality of relay units and the control device Ct. The wireless communication unit 54 transmits, for example, an identification signal described later to the plurality of relay units and also transmits a setting signal described later to the control device Ct. The wireless communication unit 54 is for performing wireless communication using a predetermined protocol. The communication frequency of the wireless communication using the predetermined protocol is not limited in any way, and examples include the 920 MHz band, 2.4 GHz band, 5 GHz band, etc. Also, specific examples of the predetermined protocol are not particularly limited, and examples include Bluetooth (registered trademark) including BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), ZigBee (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), etc. Note that the protocol used when the wireless communication unit 54 performs wireless communication with the plurality of relay units and the control device Ct is preferably the same as the protocol used in the wireless communication network Cn1 after the wireless communication system A1 is constructed, but different protocols may also be used.

[0046] The control unit 52 is for controlling each part of the setting device Sd. The specific configuration of the control unit 52 is not particularly limited, and it consists of, for example, a CPU. The storage unit 53 is for storing information such as programs and setting conditions necessary for the control of the control unit 52, and consists of, for example, a semiconductor memory, etc.

[0047] The power supply unit 55 is for supplying the power necessary for the operations of the display unit 51, control unit 52, wireless communication unit 54, operation unit 58, etc. The power supply unit 55 has, for example, a function as an AC / DC converter that converts commercial AC 100V or 200V power into DC power, a voltage conversion function, etc., or is a rechargeable battery. The charging method of the battery may use a contact-type charger or a non-contact-type charger.

[0048] The operation unit 58 is for operating the setting device Sd. The operation unit 58 is, for example, a keyboard and a mouse, etc. Note that when the display unit 51 functions as a touch panel, the operation terminal Te may not be provided with the operation unit 58.

[0049] The setting device Sd holds the unique information of a plurality of relay units, which are stored, for example, in the storage unit 53. The unique information held by the setting device Sd may be, for example, the MAC addresses held by the lighting fixture L and the sensor D.

[0050] 〔Control device Ct〕 The control device Ct controls the operations of a plurality of relay units. In the case of this embodiment, the control device Ct performs lighting control of a plurality of lighting fixtures L and measurement control of a plurality of sensors D. The control device Ct may be installed in the same room as the room where the plurality of relay units are installed, or may be installed in another room or on another floor of the same building, or may be installed in another building. When the control device Ct and the plurality of relay units are separated to a certain extent, the control device Ct and the plurality of relay units may be configured to communicate with each other using not only wireless communication but also wired communication and wireless communication. Note that the wireless communication system A1 only needs to include at least one control device Ct, and may include a plurality of control devices Ct in other configurations.

[0051] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the control device Ct. In this embodiment, the control device Ct includes a display unit 21, a control unit 22, a storage unit 23, a wireless communication unit 24, and a power supply unit 25.

[0052] The display unit 21 is not necessarily required in the operation of the wireless communication system A1 described later, but is used for initial settings and maintenance of the control device Ct. The display unit 21 is, for example, a monitor such as a liquid crystal display, and may further have a touch panel function. Instead of the display unit 21 functioning as a touch panel, the control device Ct may separately include an operation device such as a keyboard or a mouse. Further, in addition to the display unit 21 using the aforementioned monitor, the control device Ct may include an external digital signage connected by HDMI (registered trademark).

[0053] The control unit 22 is a main component for controlling the operations of a plurality of relay units and is for controlling each part of the control device Ct. For example, the control unit 22 transmits a control signal to the wireless communication unit 24 so as to transmit a control signal to the target relay unit. The specific configuration of the control unit 22 is not particularly limited and may be composed of, for example, a CPU. The storage unit 23 is for storing information such as programs and setting conditions necessary for the control of the control unit 22 and is composed of, for example, a semiconductor memory, a hard disk drive, or the like.

[0054] The wireless communication unit 24 is for performing wireless communication with the wireless communication units 14 of a plurality of relay units and the wireless communication unit 54 of the setting device Sd. The frequency band of the wireless communication unit 24 and the standard of the wireless communication to which it conforms are wireless communication using the above-described protocol. When the setting method described later is completed, the control device Ct constitutes a wireless communication network Cn1 together with a plurality of relay units as shown in FIG. 9. The wireless communication unit 24 transmits, for example, a control signal from the control unit 22 to a plurality of relay units via the wireless communication network Cn1. Note that the control device Ct may have a wired or wireless communication circuit connected to the Internet in addition to the wireless communication unit 24.

[0055] The power supply unit 25 is for supplying power necessary for operation to the display unit 21, the control unit 22, the wireless communication unit 24, and the like. The power supply unit 25 has functions such as an AC / DC converter that converts commercial AC 100V or 200V power into DC power and a voltage conversion function.

[0056] The control device Ct holds the unique information of a plurality of relay units, and these are stored, for example, in the storage unit 23. The unique information held by the control device Ct may be, for example, the MAC addresses held by the lighting fixture L and the sensor D.

[0057] Next, an example of a setting method for the wireless communication system A1 will be described below. Note that the following setting method is an example for setting the wireless communication system A1. Various methods can be appropriately adopted as methods for setting the wireless communication system A1.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, a plurality of lighting fixtures L and a plurality of sensors D as a plurality of relay units and a control device Ct are prepared, and settings are made using a setting device Sd. In this example, a plurality of lighting fixtures L1 to Ln and a plurality of sensors D1 to Dn are prepared. As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of lighting fixtures L1 to Ln are provided, for example, on the ceiling of a store at predetermined intervals. The plurality of sensors D1 to Dn are individually attached to a plurality of showcases Sc1 to Scn provided in the store.

[0059] 〔First step S1〕 As shown in FIG. 8, first, the first step S1 is executed. In the first step S1, the identification addresses of a plurality of relay units are determined using the setting device Sd. The first step S1 of the present embodiment includes steps S1-1 to S1-3. In step S1-1, information such as a store, which is the location where a plurality of lighting fixtures L1 to Ln and a plurality of sensors D1 to Dn as a plurality of relay units are installed, is acquired. Then, for example, using image processing software executed by the setting device Sd, a layout diagram of the store is created.

[0060] Next, in step S1-2, on the layout diagram created on the setting device Sd, each of the plurality of lighting fixtures L1 to Ln and the plurality of sensors D1 to Dn as a plurality of relay units is determined for the placement location using an icon or the like. For example, for the lighting fixture L1, a group number "A" and an in-group address "01" are assigned, and the identification address is determined as "A-01". Similarly, for the plurality of lighting fixtures L and the plurality of sensors D, group numbers "A, B, C ···" and in-group addresses "01, 02, 03 ···" are appropriately assigned to determine the identification address of each relay unit. The method for determining the group number and the in-group address is not limited in any way. For example, based on the layout diagram, the same group number may be assigned to those located within a predetermined radius.

[0061] The setting device Sd generates an identification signal including a MAC address and an identification address, which are unique information, for each of the plurality of relay units, and transmits the signal from the wireless communication unit 54 to each relay unit (lighting fixture L or sensor D).

[0062] Next, in step S1-3, in each relay unit (lighting fixture L or sensor D), the wireless communication units 14, 34 of the communication modules 140, 340 receive the identification signal and transfer the identification signal to the control units 12, 32 of the control modules 120, 320. The control units 12, 32 of the control modules 120, 320 that have received the identification signal store the identification address in their respective storage units 13, 33.

[0063] 〔Second step S2〕 Next, the second step S2 is executed. In the second step S2, the operation conditions of each relay unit are determined using the setting device Sd. For example, the identification addresses of each relay unit are displayed on the layout diagram (for example, the layout diagram shown in FIG. 2) displayed on the display unit 51 of the setting device Sd. Then, considering the arrangement status and the like of each relay unit, the operation conditions are determined. For example, when the relay unit is a lighting fixture L, the operation conditions include the dimming rate of the light source unit 11, color adjustment, ON / OFF according to a predetermined schedule, and the like. When the relay unit is a sensor D, the operation conditions include the mode corresponding to the working mode such as the refrigeration mode and the refrigeration mode of the attached showcase Sc, the period of temperature measurement, and the like. These operation conditions are determined for each of the plurality of relay units (a plurality of lighting fixtures L1 to Ln and a plurality of sensors D1 to Dn).

[0064] 〔Third step S3〕 Next, execute the third step S3. In the third step S3, a wireless communication network Cn1 is constructed. The third step S3 of the present embodiment includes steps S3-1 to S3-3. In step S3-1, a setting signal including the identification addresses of the plurality of relay units determined in the first step S1 (steps S1-1 to S1-3) and the operating conditions of the plurality of relay units determined in the second step S2 is transferred to the control device Ct. The transfer of the setting signal may be performed by wired communication using a USB cable in addition to wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Examples of the data format of the setting signal include the CSV data format.

[0065] Next, in step S3-2, for example, when the setting signal is transferred by wireless communication, the wireless communication unit 54 of the control device Ct receives the setting signal. The control unit 52 stores the identification addresses and operating conditions included in the setting signal in the storage unit 53 for each of the plurality of relay units (the plurality of lighting fixtures L1 to Ln and the plurality of sensors D1 to Dn). To distinguish each relay unit, the unique information (MAC address, etc.) of the plurality of relay units included in the setting signal is used.

[0066] Next, in step S3-3, the control device Ct constructs the wireless communication network Cn1 shown in FIG. 9 using the identification addresses of the plurality of relay units. The wireless communication network Cn1 is, for example, a mesh network according to a predetermined protocol. Thereby, the control device Ct and the plurality of relay units (the plurality of lighting fixtures L1 to Ln and the plurality of sensors D1 to Dn) can perform broadcast communication via the wireless communication network Cn1. Note that for the wireless communication in the wireless communication network Cn1, in order to suppress signal loss due to radio wave interference, it is preferable to perform transmission using a plurality of frequencies. For example, broadcast communication is sequentially executed at three frequencies of 2.40 GHz, 2.44 GHz, and 2.48 GHz.

[0067] 〔Fourth step S4〕 Next, the fourth step S4 is executed. In the fourth step S4, a control signal including each operation condition is transmitted from the control device Ct to a plurality of relay units via the wireless communication network Cn1. The fourth step S4 of the present embodiment includes steps S4-1 and S4-2. In step S4-1, the control unit 22 of the control device Ct generates a control signal including the identification addresses and operation conditions of the plurality of relay units. Next, the control unit 22 transmits the control signal by broadcast communication from the wireless communication unit 24 via the wireless communication network Cn1. The plurality of relay units (the plurality of lighting fixtures L1 to Ln and the plurality of sensors D1 to Dn) receive the control signal by the wireless communication units 14 and 34 of the communication modules 140 and 340. The control units 12 and 32 of the control modules 120 and 320 compare and collate the identification address included in the control signal with the identification address of their own unit. When the identification address included in the control signal is different from the identification address of their own unit, each relay unit transfers the control signal to the next relay unit.

[0068] Next, in step S4-2, when the identification address included in the control signal matches the identification address of its own unit, the control units 12 and 32 of the control modules 120 and 320 store the operation conditions included in the control signal in the storage units 13 and 33. If the operation conditions are already stored in the storage units 13 and 33, the control units 12 and 32 of the control modules 120 and 320 rewrite the operation conditions in the storage units 13 and 33 with the operation conditions included in the received control signal.

[0069] By executing the above first step S1 to fourth step S4, the construction of the wireless communication network Cn1 shown in FIG. 9 and the setting of the plurality of relay units (the plurality of lighting fixtures L1 to Ln and the plurality of sensors D1 to Dn) are completed.

[0070] 〔Fifth step S5, sixth step S6, seventh step S7〕 When the first step S1 to the fourth step S4 are completed, for example, the fifth step S5 and the sixth step S6 are executed using the wireless communication network Cn1. In the fifth step S5, a plurality of sensors D1 to Dn measure the temperature for each of the showcases Sc1 to Scn based on their respective operating conditions. Then, the control unit 32 of the control module 320 generates a measurement signal including the measurement data, and transmits the measurement signal from the wireless communication unit 34 of the communication module 340 to the control device Ct via the wireless communication network Cn1. Also, for a plurality of lighting fixtures L1 to Ln, based on the operating conditions included in the control signal, the control unit 12 controls the lighting of the light source unit 11. The lighting control includes, for example, dimming rate, color adjustment, ON / OFF according to a predetermined schedule, etc.

[0071] An example of the fifth step S5 in a plurality of sensors D1 to Dn will be described. The operating conditions of the control signal received by the plurality of sensors D1 to Dn include information regarding the first mode and the second mode. The first mode is a mode in which the switch unit 36 of the sensor D shown in FIG. 4 conducts the first contact 361 and the third contact 363. The second mode is a mode in which the switch unit 36 conducts the second contact 362 and the third contact 363.

[0072] In this example, when the showcase Sc to which the sensor D is attached is in the refrigeration operation state, as the first mode, for example, a refrigeration mode for measuring a temperature range of -30°C to 10°C is assigned. Also, when the showcase Sc is in the refrigerated operation state, as the second mode, for example, a refrigerated mode for measuring a temperature range of -10°C to 30°C is assigned.

[0073] The control unit 32 of the control module 320 controls the switch unit 36 to switch to either the first mode or the second mode based on the operating conditions of the control signal received by the wireless communication unit 34 of the communication module 340. The switching between the first mode and the second mode may be controlled to select either mode according to the operating conditions included in the control signal. In the present embodiment, as will be described later, the temperature ranges of the first mode and the second mode are set, for example, according to the operating conditions of the control signal, and the control unit 32 of the control module 320 compares the temperature measured using the temperature measuring resistor unit 31 with the temperature ranges of the first mode and the second mode, whereby the control unit 32 automatically switches the switch unit 36 to either mode.

[0074] When the control unit 32 of the control module 320 switches the switch unit 36 to the first mode, the control unit 32 of the control module 320 is connected to the temperature measuring resistor unit 31 via the first wiring 37. On the other hand, when the control unit 32 of the control module 320 switches the switch unit 36 to the second mode, the control unit 32 of the control module 320 is connected to the temperature measuring resistor unit 31 via the second wiring 38. That is, when the showcase Sc is in the refrigeration operation state of the first mode, the temperature measuring resistor unit 31 and the control unit 32 are connected via the first resistor 371 having a relatively large resistance value, and when the showcase Sc is in the refrigeration operation state of the second mode, the temperature measuring resistor unit 31 and the control unit 32 are connected via the second resistor 381 having a relatively small resistance value.

[0075] In the sixth step S6, the wireless communication unit 24 of the control device Ct receives the measurement signals from the respective relay units. The control unit 22 performs processes such as storing the measurement data included in the received measurement signals in the storage unit 23 and displaying the data on the display unit 21. A more detailed example of the sixth step S6 will be described later.

[0076] In the seventh step S7, the setting device Sd reads the measurement data stored in the control device Ct. The reading by the setting device Sd is performed, for example, at regular time intervals (cycles). The setting device Sd, for the read measurement data, uses an application, for example, to display a plurality of measurement data in a more visually appealing manner, to display an alert to the store clerk, to output a regular report, etc.

[0077] Next, a configuration example in which the first mode and the second mode of the sensor D are automatically switched will be described below with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0078] The graph shown in FIG. 10 shows the measurement of any one of the sensors D. The horizontal axis is time t and the vertical axis is the measured temperature T. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of automatically switching the first mode and the second mode of the sensor D. In FIG. 10, the temperature range assumed by the sensor D in the first mode as the measurement target is the first temperature range Tr1, and the temperature range assumed by the sensor D in the second mode as the measurement target is the second temperature range Tr2. Note that the sensor D in the first mode may be able to measure a temperature in a range exceeding the first temperature range Tr1, or the sensor D in the second mode may be able to measure a temperature in a range exceeding the second temperature range Tr2. The first temperature range Tr1 is defined by the first mode lower limit temperature TL1 and the first mode upper limit temperature TU1. The first mode lower limit temperature TL1 is the lower temperature of the first temperature range Tr1. The first mode upper limit temperature TU1 is the upper temperature of the first temperature range Tr1. When the first mode corresponds to the refrigeration operation state, the first mode lower limit temperature TL1 is set to, for example, -30°C, and the first mode upper limit temperature TU1 is set to, for example, 10°C.

[0079] The second temperature range Tr2 is defined by a second mode lower limit temperature TL2 and a second mode upper limit temperature TU2. The second mode lower limit temperature TL2 is the temperature at the lower limit of the second temperature range Tr2. The second mode upper limit temperature TU2 is the temperature at the upper limit of the second temperature range Tr2. When the second mode corresponds to the refrigeration operation state, the second mode lower limit temperature TL2 is set to, for example, -10°C, and the second mode upper limit temperature TU2 is set to, for example, 30°C.

[0080] The first temperature range Tr1 and the second temperature range Tr2 are set to ranges where a part of each overlaps with the other. That is, the first mode upper limit temperature TU1 is set to a temperature higher than the second mode lower limit temperature TL2.

[0081] Also, in this embodiment, a first threshold temperature TT1 and a second threshold temperature TT2 are set. The first threshold temperature TT1 is a temperature that is equal to or higher than the second mode lower limit temperature TL2 and equal to or lower than the first mode upper limit temperature TU1. The second threshold temperature TT2 is a temperature that is equal to or higher than the second mode lower limit temperature TL2 and lower than the first threshold temperature TT1. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the first threshold temperature TT1 is set to a temperature slightly lower than the first mode upper limit temperature TU1, and the second threshold temperature TT2 is set to a temperature slightly higher than the second mode lower limit temperature TL2, but this is just an example. For example, the first threshold temperature TT1 may be set to the same temperature as the first mode upper limit temperature TU1, and the second threshold temperature TT2 may be set to the same temperature as the second mode lower limit temperature TL2.

[0082] Also, a warning temperature TW may be further set. The warning temperature TW is higher than the second mode upper limit temperature TU2, and is a temperature that is not expected to be reached by the measured temperature T in a normal state such as refrigeration operation, refrigeration operation, and defrosting operation. In this embodiment, it is set to about 35°C, for example.

[0083] The setting methods for the first mode lower limit temperature TL1, the first mode upper limit temperature TU1, the second mode lower limit temperature TL2, the second mode upper limit temperature TU2, the first threshold temperature TT1, the second threshold temperature TT2, and the warning temperature TW are not limited in any way. In the initial settings of the sensor D, they may be set individually, or the control signal transmitted from either the setting device Sd or the control device Ct may include information for setting these temperatures.

[0084] In this figure, the measurement of each sensor D in the above-described fifth step S5 is performed in a first cycle Pr1 which is a constant time interval. On the other hand, the reading of the measurement data by the setting device Sd in the above-described seventh step S7 is performed in a reading cycle Pra which is a constant time interval. The reading cycle Pra is a shorter cycle than the first cycle Pr1. Also, in this embodiment, the reading cycle Pra is a shorter cycle than a second cycle Pr2 described later.

[0085] At time t1, the sensor D is set to the first mode (step S21: Yes). At this time, the sensor D performs measurement for the first temperature range Tr1 (the hatched range including time t1 in the figure).

[0086] Next, at time t2, the measured temperature T is higher than the second threshold temperature TT2. Also, the measured temperature T at time t2 is lower than the second threshold temperature TT2 (step S22: Yes). The control unit 32 of this sensor D determines that the measured temperature T has changed from a temperature lower than the second threshold temperature TT2 to a temperature higher than the second threshold temperature TT2, and switches the switch unit 36 to the second mode (step S23). Thereby, the sensor D performs measurement for the second temperature range Tr2 (the hatched range including after time t2 in the figure).

[0087] After time t2, in the illustrated graph, the measured temperature T exceeds the first threshold temperature TT1. However, in the illustrated graph, the measured temperature T is lower than the second mode upper limit temperature TU2.

[0088] Next, at time t3, sensor D is set to the second mode (step S21: No, step S24: Yes). At time t4, the measured temperature T is lower than the first threshold temperature TT1. Also, the measured temperature T at time t3 is higher than the first threshold temperature TT1 (step S25: Yes). The control unit 32 of sensor D determines that the measured temperature T has changed from a temperature higher than the first threshold temperature TT1 to a temperature lower than the first threshold temperature TT1, and switches the switch unit 36 to the first mode (step S26). Thereby, sensor D performs measurement for the first temperature range Tr1 (the hatched range including after time t4 in the figure).

[0089] Next, the operation of sensor D will be described.

[0090] In sensor D, when it is set to the first mode, if the measured temperature T changes from a temperature lower than the second threshold temperature TT2 to a temperature higher than the second threshold temperature TT2, the control unit 32 switches the switch unit 36 to the second mode. Also, when it is set to the second mode, if the measured temperature T changes from a temperature higher than the first threshold temperature TT1 to a temperature lower than the first threshold temperature TT1, the control unit 32 switches the switch unit 36 to the first mode. Therefore, even when the first temperature range Tr1 and the second temperature range Tr2 are set to partially overlap, sensor D can automatically switch between the first mode and the second mode without a control command from the control device Ct or the like.

[0091] The showcase Sc to which the sensor D is attached can switch between a refrigeration operation (first mode) when displaying frozen foods and a refrigerated operation (second mode) when displaying refrigerated foods. Generally, the control temperatures in these operations may vary for each type of food such as vegetables, fresh fish, processed meat, and frozen foods based on HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point, a hygiene management method for ensuring the safety of foods, etc.). For example, in order to conduct a special sale of frozen foods on a certain day, the showcase Sc set to the refrigeration operation (first mode) may be set to the refrigerated operation (second mode) the next day after the special sale ends. Thus, even when the refrigeration operation (first mode) and the refrigerated operation (second mode) of the showcase Sc are frequently switched, the user or the like can automatically switch between the first mode and the second mode without performing a setting process on the sensor D attached to this showcase Sc using the setting device Sd or the like.

[0092] Also, as shown in FIG. 10, the reading cycle Pra by the setting device Sd is set to a cycle shorter than the first cycle Pr1 and the second cycle Pr2 which are the measurement cycles of the sensor D. If the reading cycle Pra by the setting device Sd is longer than the first cycle Pr1 and the second cycle Pr2 which are the measurement cycles of the sensor D, there is a possibility that the setting device Sd cannot read any of the measurement data obtained by the sensor D multiple times, resulting in a reading omission. Since the reading cycle Pra of the present embodiment is shorter than the measurement cycle, reading omission can be suppressed. In particular, when performing hygiene management of foods, etc., rapid confirmation is required, so a wireless communication system that gives a timely warning can be provided. Also, the measurement cycle of the sensor D may be the interval at which the control device Ct receives a measurement signal including measurement data transmitted from the sensor D.

[0093] Figure 12 shows an example of the transmission process of the measurement signal of sensor D in step S5. Times t1 to t6 are, for example, the times when step S5 is performed in the above-mentioned first cycle Pr1, and are defined independently of the times in Figure 10. In the n-th measurement signal transmission of (a), a measurement signal including measurement data for a plurality of times is transmitted. In the illustrated example, each measurement signal includes measurement data for three times at consecutive times t1 to t3. The solid white circles in the figure indicate the measurement data included in the measurement signal in this transmission.

[0094] (In the (n + 1)-th measurement signal transmission of (b), a measurement signal including measurement data at times t2 to t4 is transmitted. The black circles in the figure indicate the measurement data for which transmission has already been completed. Here, when data loss occurs in the wireless communication of the wireless communication network Cn1, the (n + 1)-th measurement signal transmission may not be properly completed. In this case, the measurement data at time t4 remains in a state where it has not yet been transmitted. The dashed white circles in the figure indicate the measurement data that should be transmitted and has not yet been transmitted.

[0095] (In the (n + 2)-th measurement signal transmission of (c), a measurement signal including measurement data at times t3 to t5 is transmitted. If this transmission is properly performed, the measurement data at time t4 that was not transmitted in the (n + 1)-th measurement signal transmission is transmitted from sensor D to control device Ct.

[0096] (In the (n + 3)-th measurement signal transmission of (d), a measurement signal including measurement data at times t4 to t6 is transmitted. After this, similar measurement signal transmissions are performed until, for example, a command to temporarily stop or complete the measurement operation is given.

[0097] According to such a configuration, even if accidental data loss occurs in the wireless communication network Cn1, data transmission can be compensated by the next or successive transmissions. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of data storage leakage where any measurement signal (measurement data) is not stored in the storage unit 23 of the control device Ct. Note that the number of measurement signals transmitted in one transmission process is not limited at all, and may be two or four or more.

[0098] FIGS. 13 and 14 show an example of the processing in the above-described sixth step S6 and seventh step S7. FIG. 13 is a graph similar to FIG. 10, and the times t1 to t4 are defined independently of the above-described times. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the processing.

[0099] In step S5 of FIG. 14, the measurement signals from the respective sensors D are transmitted to the control device Ct via the wireless communication network Cn1. At time t1, the switch unit 36 of the sensor D is set to the second mode. Also, the measurement period of this sensor D is set to the first period Pr1. The measured temperature T is included in the second temperature range Tr2 and is lower than the second mode upper limit temperature TU2 (step S6-1: No). In this case, the control device Ct determines that the showcase Sc to which the sensor D is attached is in a normal state of performing refrigeration operation or freezing operation, and continues the measurement by the sensor D (step S6-3).

[0100] Next, at time t2, the measured temperature T exceeds the second mode upper limit temperature TU2 (step S6-1: Yes). When the control device Ct receives the measurement signal including this measurement data, it transmits a control signal to set the measurement period of the sensor D to the second period Pr2 (step S6-2). The control unit 32 of the sensor D that has received this control signal sets the measurement period to the second period Pr2. The second period Pr2 is a shorter period than the first period Pr1, for example, about 1 / 10 of the first period Pr1.

[0101] Further, the setting device Sd reads the setting state of each sensor D from the control device Ct. The setting device Sd determines that the showcase Sc in which the sensor D with the measurement period set to the second period Pr2 is installed is in the defrosting operation (step S7-1). The setting device Sd stores, for example, the fact that the showcase Sc is in the defrosting operation as the operation history of the showcase Sc. Also, depending on a predetermined application, the display unit 51 of the setting device Sd may display that it is in the defrosting operation.

[0102] Next, at time t3, the measured temperature T is lower than the second-mode upper limit temperature TU2. And, including the measured temperature T at time t4, a plurality of consecutive measured temperatures T are lower than the second-mode upper limit temperature TU2. The setting device Sd that has read this situation from the control device Ct determines that the defrosting operation of the showcase Sc to which the sensor D is attached has been completed and has shifted to a refrigeration operation or the like. Then, a control signal for setting the measurement period to the first period Pr1 is transmitted to the sensor D according to an instruction from the setting device Sd. In this sensor D, the measurement period is set to the first period Pr1, and measurements are performed after time t1.

[0103] According to such a configuration, when the measured temperature T becomes higher than the second-mode upper limit temperature TU2, the measurement period of the sensor D is set to the second period Pr2, which is shorter than the first period Pr1. Therefore, it is possible to more closely monitor the history of how the temperature of the subsequent showcase Sc changes. Also, at time t2, by determining that it is in the defrosting operation, users or the like who operate the setting device Sd can more quickly recognize that any of the showcases Sc is presumed to be in the defrosting operation. In particular, when performing hygiene management of food or the like, prompt confirmation is required, so a wireless communication system that gives a well-timed notification for attention can be provided.

[0104] Figures 15 to 17 show other examples of the processing in the above-described sixth step S6 and seventh step S7. Figures 15 and 16 are graphs similar to Figures 10 and 13, and times t1 to t6 are defined independently of the above-described times and are also defined independently in Figures 15 and 16. Figure 17 is a flowchart showing the processing.

[0105] In the example shown in Figure 15, at time t1, the switch unit 36 of sensor D is set to the second mode. Also, the measurement period of this sensor D is set to the first period Pr1. The measured temperature T is included in the second temperature range Tr2 and is lower than the second-mode upper limit temperature TU2 (step S6-1: No). In this case, the control device Ct determines that the showcase Sc to which the sensor D is attached is in a normal state of performing refrigeration operation or freezing operation, and continues the measurement by the sensor D (step S6-3).

[0106] Next, at time t2, the measured temperature T exceeds the second-mode upper limit temperature TU2 (step S6-1: Yes). When the control device Ct receives a measurement signal including this measurement data, it transmits a control signal so as to set the measurement period of the sensor D to the second period Pr2 (step S6-2). The control unit 32 of the sensor D that has received this control signal sets the measurement period to the second period Pr2.

[0107] When the showcase Sc is performing defrost operation, the internal temperature of the showcase Sc is set, for example, near the upper limit temperature TU2 of the second mode and is controlled to a temperature lower than the warning temperature TW. Therefore, the measured temperature T for multiple times becomes a value close to the upper limit temperature TU2 of the second mode. At time t3, the measured temperature T becomes a value lower than the upper limit temperature TU2 of the second mode. However, even after time t3, the measured temperature T remains a value near the upper limit temperature TU2 of the second mode, and at time t4, the measured temperature T becomes a value higher than the upper limit temperature TU2 of the second mode again. When the setting device Sd reads this situation from the control device Ct, the setting device Sd determines that the showcase Sc to which this sensor D is attached is performing defrost operation and the internal temperature is appropriately maintained and controlled at a temperature suitable for defrosting (step S7-1: Yes). Therefore, the setting device Sd causes the control device Ct to transmit a control signal for returning the measurement cycle of this sensor D to the first cycle Pr1 (step S7-2). As a result, after time t4, the sensor D continues to measure at the first cycle Pr1.

[0108] In the example shown in FIG. 16, at time t1, the measured temperature T is lower than the second-mode upper limit temperature TU2 (step S6-1: No), and at time t2, the measured temperature T is higher than the second-mode upper limit temperature TU2 (step S6-1: Yes). Therefore, the measurement period of this sensor D is changed to the second period Pr2 (step S6-2). Further, at time t3, beyond the situation where it can be determined that it is a defrost operation (step S7-1: No), the measured temperature is higher than the warning temperature TW (step S7-3: Yes). When the setting device Sd reads this situation from the control device Ct, the setting device Sd determines that the showcase Sc to which this sensor D is attached is not in a normal state where refrigeration operation, freezing operation, defrost operation, etc. are appropriately set, but is in an abnormal state that does not correspond to any of refrigeration operation, freezing operation, defrost operation, etc. In this case, the setting device Sd notifies that this showcase Sc is in an abnormal state (step S7-5). Specific examples of the notification of the abnormal state include, for example, displaying an alert on the display unit 51 of the setting device Sd, or sending an alert email to the mobile terminal of the store clerk in the store, blinking the lighting fixture L and a warning lamp (not shown), emitting a warning sound from a speaker (not shown), etc.

[0109] When the measured temperature T becomes lower than the second-mode upper limit temperature TU2 at time t4, the control device Ct changes the measurement period of this sensor D to the first period Pr1. Then, at time t5, the measured temperature T is again higher than the second-mode upper limit temperature TU2 (S6-1: Yes). Therefore, the measurement period of this sensor D is changed to the second period Pr2 again (S6-2). In multiple measurements after time t5, the measured temperature T is lower than the warning temperature TW (step S7-3: No). In this case, when the number of times that the measurement period of this sensor D continues to be set to the second period Pr2 reaches a predetermined number of times or more (step S7-4: Yes), the setting device Sd determines that the showcase Sc to which this sensor D is attached is in an abnormal state, for example, at time t6, and notifies it (step S7-5).

[0110] Also in the example shown in FIG. 15, it is possible to more closely monitor the temperature change history of the showcase Sc. Further, at time t2, by determining that it is a defrost operation, users operating the setting device Sd, etc. can more quickly recognize that any of the showcases Sc is presumed to be in a defrost operation. Further, by monitoring the temperature change of the measured temperature T based on the second mode upper limit temperature TU2, when it can be recognized that the showcase Sc is stably performing a defrost operation, the measurement cycle can be set to the first cycle Pr1, and it is possible to avoid the number of measurements becoming excessively large.

[0111] In the example shown in FIG. 16, when the measured temperature T exceeds the warning temperature TW, the showcase Sc is determined to be faulty and notified (step S7-5). Thereby, when the showcase Sc falls into a state different from a stable defrost operation, users operating the setting device Sd, etc. can be made to recognize the abnormality earlier. Further, when the number of measurements performed in the second cycle Pr2 is equal to or more than a predetermined number (step S7-4: Yes), there is a concern that the showcase Sc is not in a stable defrost operation and the temperature inside the storage remains at an unintentionally high temperature. In such a case, by determining that the showcase Sc is faulty (step S7-5), it is possible to more quickly respond to various types of faults of the showcase Sc.

[0112] FIGS. 18-19 FIGS. 18 and 19 show a wireless communication system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The wireless communication system A2 of this embodiment includes a timing unit Tk. Further, the wireless communication system A2 includes an external storage device Es.

[0113] The timing unit Tk constitutes a wireless communication network Cn1 together with the control device Ct and a plurality of relay units. The timing unit Tk holds accurate time information such as standard time by receiving, for example, FM radio waves. The timing unit Tk transmits a time signal including time information via the wireless communication network Cn1.

[0114] The external storage device Es is installed outside the wireless communication network Cn1, such as a server, commercial cloud, etc. For the communication between the external storage device Es and the control device Ct, for example, a commercial Internet line or a dedicated line is used. The external storage device Es can be accessed by external users at any time at a location away from a specific space such as a store where a plurality of lighting fixtures L and a plurality of sensors D constituting the wireless communication system A2 are installed. The control device Ct may, for example, save the collected measurement data in the external storage device Es. The external user can use the information such as the number of staying people stored in the external storage device Es as it is or after arbitrarily processing it in various ways. For example, the external user may display these data on an electronic display board such as digital signage, a large screen (both not shown), or a mobile terminal.

[0115] FIG. 19 shows an operation example of the wireless communication system A2. In step S11, the timing unit Tk transmits a time signal to a plurality of relay units (a plurality of lighting fixtures L1 to Ln and a plurality of sensors D1 to Dn) via the wireless communication network Cn1. Each relay unit performs time synchronization processing of its own unit based on the time information included in the time signal. This time synchronization processing may be executed by all the relay units or by some of the relay units. In the following description, the case where time synchronization processing is executed in a plurality of lighting fixtures L and not in a plurality of sensors D will be described as an example.

[0116] Next, the sensor D1 transmits a measurement signal Sm1 including measurement data M1 (for example, a measured temperature of 5°C) measured in the first period Pr1 (step S12-1). The lighting fixture Ln that has received the measurement signal Sm1 attaches a time stamp (for example, 8:00) to the measurement signal Sm1 and transfers the measurement signal Sm1 via the wireless communication network Cn1 (step S13). The lighting fixture L1 that has received the measurement signal Sm1 transfers the measurement signal Sm1 to the control device Ct via the wireless communication network Cn1 (step S14-1).

[0117] The control device Ct that has received the measurement signal Sm1 from the lighting fixture L1 checks the data volume of the transmission data transmitted from relay units other than the lighting fixture L1, and determines whether to perform the storage process of the measurement data (step S15-1). When the data volume exceeds a predetermined amount, reception of the measurement signal Sm1 from the lighting fixture L1 is prohibited (step S15-2). In response to step S15-2, the lighting fixture L1 repeats the transfer of the measurement signal Sm1 at regular time intervals (for example, every 20 seconds) (step S15-3).

[0118] Also, the sensor Dn transmits a measurement signal Smn including measurement data Mn (for example, measured temperature 4°C) measured in the second cycle Pr2 (step S12-2). The lighting fixture Ln that has received the measurement signal Sm1 assigns a timestamp (for example, 8:20) to the measurement signal Smn, and transfers the measurement signal Smn via the wireless communication network Cn1 (step S16). The lighting fixture L1 that has received the measurement signal Smn transfers the measurement signal Smn to the control device Ct via the wireless communication network Cn1 (step S14-2).

[0119] The control device Ct that has received the measurement signal Sm1 from the lighting fixture L1 checks the data volume of the transmission data transmitted from relay units other than the lighting fixture L1, and determines whether to perform the storage process of the measurement data (step S15-3). When the data volume does not exceed a predetermined amount, the control device Ct receives the measurement signal Sm1 (measurement time 8:00, measured temperature 5°C) and the measurement signal Smn (measurement time 8:20, measured temperature 4°C) (step S15-4).

[0120] Also according to this embodiment, the identification address and the operating conditions can be set using the same setting device. Further, when the number of a plurality of sensors D is large, a large amount of data transmission and reception occurs. Since these data transmissions and receptions are transferred asynchronously, as the amount of data increases, communication traffic becomes congested, and there is concern about data loss and noise generation. According to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the amount of data at the peak of data transmission and reception, and it is possible to level the amount of data. Thereby, data loss and noise generation can be suppressed. Further, since the measurement signal includes a time stamp, even if the reception of the measurement signal by the control device Ct is intentionally prohibited and the reception of the measurement signal by the control device Ct is delayed, it is possible to accurately grasp at which time the measurement data included in the measurement signal was measured.

[0121] FIGS. 20 and 21 show a wireless communication system and a management system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 20, the management system B of this embodiment includes a plurality of wireless communication systems A3 and a cloud CL.

[0122] The wireless communication system A3 includes a wireless communication network Cn1 including a plurality of lighting fixtures L, a plurality of sensors D, and a control device Ct, and a setting device Sd that sets identification addresses used in the wireless communication network Cn1 for the plurality of lighting fixtures L and the plurality of sensors D, and includes components common or similar to those of the wireless communication systems A1 and A2. Further, in the wireless communication system A3, at least one or both of the control device Ct and the setting device Sd communicate with the cloud CL. The communication between the control device Ct or the setting device Sd and the cloud CL may be wireless communication, may be wired communication, or may be a combined communication of both, for example, communication via a public communication network (Internet). Each of the plurality of wireless communication systems A3 is installed in each store constituting, for example, a chain store.

[0123] The cloud CL is constructed by, for example, a commercial cloud service or the like, and includes a processing unit 61, a storage unit 62, and a communication unit 63. The processing unit 61 controls the operation of the cloud CL described later, and for example, a CPU or the like is used. The storage unit 62 stores measurement data and the like from the wireless communication system A3, and a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, or the like is used. The communication unit 63 communicates with a plurality of wireless communication systems A3 via, for example, a public communication network (Internet), and either or both of wired communication and wireless communication are possible.

[0124] FIG. 21 shows an example of the operation of the management system B3. In step S31, each sensor D of the wireless communication system A3 performs temperature measurement and transmits a measurement signal to the control device Ct. In step S32, the control device Ct stores the measurement data included in the received measurement signal in the storage unit 23. In step S33, the setting device Sd reads the measurement data stored in the control device Ct. In this example, in step S34, the setting device Sd transmits the measurement data to the cloud CL. Further, the setting device Sd may transmit to the cloud CL the time-series setting status of the measurement periods (the first period Pr1, the second period Pr2) of each sensor D, the time-series setting status of the first mode and the second mode of each sensor D, the time-series operation status of the refrigeration operation, the freezing operation, the defrosting operation, etc. of each showcase Sc, the occurrence status of abnormal states in each showcase Sc, etc., together with or instead of the measurement data.

[0125] In step S35, the communication unit 63 of the cloud CL receives measurement data and the like transmitted from the wireless communication system A3. In step S36, the processing unit 61 stores the measurement data and the like received by the communication unit 63 in the storage unit 62. In step S37, the processing unit 61 reads the measurement data and the like stored in the storage unit 62 at regular intervals. Then, the processing unit 61 learns the data indicating the historical status of each sensor D and each showcase Sc of each wireless communication system A3, and identifies the state of each showcase Sc. As learning by the processing unit 61, measurement data, the time-series setting status of the measurement periods (first period Pr1, second period Pr2) of each sensor D, the time-series setting status of the first mode and the second mode of each sensor D, the time-series operation status such as refrigeration operation, freezing operation, and defrosting operation of each showcase Sc, the occurrence status of abnormal states in each showcase Sc, etc. are repeatedly read and accumulated. Then, a speculation model of the causal relationship between the measurement data, the time-series setting status of the measurement periods (first period Pr1, second period Pr2) of each sensor D, the time-series setting status of the first mode and the second mode of each sensor D, the time-series operation status such as refrigeration operation, freezing operation, and defrosting operation of each showcase Sc, and the occurrence status of abnormal states in each showcase Sc is constructed. For constructing the speculation model, for example, a conventionally known artificial intelligence program or the like may be used.

[0126] When the data transmitted from the setting device Sd includes information indicating that any one of the showcases Sc is abnormal, or when it is speculated that an abnormality has occurred in a certain showcase Sc based on the identification based on learning, the processing unit 61 transmits an alert signal (step S39). This alert signal is transmitted, for example, from the communication unit 63 to a PC, a server, etc. at the head office of the chain store via the public communication network (Internet).

[0127] According to such a configuration, the operation status of the showcases Sc in each store can be more easily managed by the PC, the server, etc. at the head office via the cloud CL. At the head office, for example, it becomes possible to output a report for HACCP using the operation status of a plurality of showcases Sc in each store that has been accumulated.

[0128] Based on measurement data, the time-series setting status of the measurement periods (first period Pr1, second period Pr2) of each sensor D, the time-series setting status of the first mode and second mode of each sensor D, and the time-series operation status such as refrigeration operation, freezing operation, and defrosting operation of each showcase Sc, by inferring the occurrence of abnormal states in each showcase Sc, in cases where a large number of showcases Sc are installed in a large number of stores, etc., for these multiple showcases Sc, it is possible to grasp the presence or absence of abnormal states based on a unified standard. Also, by learning the operation status of more showcases Sc, the inference accuracy of the occurrence of abnormal states can be improved.

[0129] The sensor, wireless communication system, and management system according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments. The specific configurations of the sensor, wireless communication system, and management system according to the present invention can be freely designed in various ways.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0130] D: Sensor A1, A2, A3: Wireless communication system B: Management system 10: Control board 11: Light source unit 12: Control unit 13: Memory unit 14: Wireless communication unit 15: Power supply unit 21: Display unit 22: Control unit 23: Memory unit 24: Wireless communication unit 25: Power supply unit 30: Control board 31: Resistance temperature detector 32: Control unit 33: Memory unit 34: Wireless communication unit 35: Power supply unit 36: Switch unit 37: First wiring 38: Second wiring 51: Display unit 52: Control unit 53: Memory unit 54: Wireless communication unit 55: Power supply unit 58: Operation unit 61: Processing unit 61 62: Storage unit 62 63: Communication unit 63 80: Housing 81: Top part 82: Shelf part 83: Power supply unit 84: Cable 85: Lighting lamp 120: Control module 140: Communication module 320: Control module 340: Communication module 361: First contact 362: Second contact 363: Third contact 371: First resistor 381: Second resistor Cn1: Wireless communication network Ct: Control device CL: Cloud Es: External storage device L: Lighting fixture M1, Mn: Measurement data Pr1: First period Pr2: Second period Pra: Reading period Sc: Showcase Sd: Setting device T: Measured temperature TL1: First mode lower limit temperature TL2: Second mode lower limit temperature TT1: First threshold temperature TT2: Second threshold temperature TU1: First mode upper limit temperature TU2: Second mode upper limit temperature TW: Warning temperature Te: Operation terminal Tk: Timing unit Tr1: First temperature range Tr2: Second temperature range

Claims

1. A temperature measuring resistor unit, a control unit, a switch unit, a wireless communication unit, a first wiring including a first resistor, and a second wiring including a second resistor having a resistance value smaller than that of the first resistor, wherein the switch unit has a first contact, a second contact, and a third contact, the first wiring is connected to the first contact and the control unit, the second wiring is connected to the second contact and the control unit, the temperature measuring resistor unit is connected to the third contact, the switch unit has a first mode of conducting the first contact and the third contact and a second mode of conducting the second contact and the third contact, in the first mode, measurement in a first temperature range that is equal to or higher than a first mode lower limit temperature and equal to or lower than a first mode upper limit temperature is performed, in the second mode, measurement in a second temperature range that is higher than the first mode lower limit temperature and equal to or lower than the first mode upper limit temperature and equal to or higher than a second mode lower limit temperature and equal to or lower than a second mode upper limit temperature higher than the first mode upper limit temperature is performed, a first threshold temperature that is equal to or higher than the second mode lower limit temperature and equal to or lower than the first mode upper limit temperature and a second threshold temperature that is equal to or higher than the second mode lower limit temperature and lower than the first threshold temperature are set, the control unit when, in a state set to the second mode, the measured temperature changes from a temperature higher than the first threshold temperature to a temperature lower than the first threshold temperature, sets the switch unit to the first mode, and when, in a state set to the first mode, the measured temperature changes from a temperature lower than the second threshold temperature to a temperature higher than the second threshold temperature, sets the switch unit to the second mode, a sensor.

2. A plurality of relay units each having a storage unit, a wireless communication unit, and a control unit, a plurality of sensors each being the sensor according to claim 1, a control device that controls the operations of the plurality of relay units and the plurality of sensors each set with an identification address, a setting device that sets operation conditions of the plurality of relay units and the plurality of sensors in the control device and displays measurement data of the plurality of sensors, a wireless communication system, wherein a period in which the setting device reads the measurement data from the control device is shorter than a measurement period of the sensor, a wireless communication system.

3. A plurality of relay units each having a storage unit, a wireless communication unit, and a control unit, ​ Each is the sensor according to claim 1, and a plurality of sensors each attached to a showcase, A control device that controls the operation of the plurality of relay units and the plurality of sensors each set with an identification address, A wireless communication system comprising: a setting device that sets operating conditions of the plurality of relay units and the plurality of sensors in the control device, and displays measurement data of the plurality of sensors, When the measured temperature of the sensor exceeds the second mode upper limit temperature, the control device transmits a control signal for changing the measurement period of the sensor from the first period to a second period shorter than the first period, The setting device determines that the showcase to which the sensor having the second period is attached is in a defrosting operation. A wireless communication system.

4. When the measured temperature becomes equal to or higher than a warning temperature higher than the second mode upper limit temperature during the period in which the sensor is set to the second period, or when the period set to the second period continues for a predetermined period or more, the setting device determines that the showcase is faulty. The wireless communication system according to claim 3.

5. The wireless communication system according to claim 3 or 4 disposed in a store, Transmitting measurement data to the cloud from the control device or the setting device of the wireless communication system, The cloud has a communication unit, a processing unit, and a storage unit, The communication unit receives the measurement data, Storing the measurement data from each of the sensors installed in the showcase in the store in the storage unit, Based on the setting status of the first period and the second period of each sensor, the processing unit learns the implementation status of the defrosting operation of the showcase to which each sensor is attached, and determines whether the showcase is in a normal state of performing a defrosting operation or an abnormal state including a failure. A management system.

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