COMMUNICATION DEVICE, COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, CONTROL SYSTEM, COMMUNICATION CONTROL METHOD, AND PROGRAM

Abstract

To provide a communication apparatus capable of improving the convenience of a user.SOLUTION: A communication apparatus 3 includes a first communication unit 31, a second communication unit 32, a third communication unit 33, and a setting unit 344. A first communication unit 31 communicates with a higher system. The second communication unit 32 communicates with a subordinate system. The third communication unit 33 communicates with a setting terminal that performs settings related to the lower system. The setting unit 344 sets the third communication unit 33 to be enabled or disabled.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a communication device, a communication system, a control system, a communication control method, and a program. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a communication device capable of communicating with a higher-level system and a lower-level system, a communication system and a control system including the communication device, a communication control method using the communication device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a control system including a control unit, a communication unit, and a power supply unit. The control unit includes a control unit that controls one or more equipment systems installed in a facility, an acquisition unit that acquires at least one of information related to the control unit and information related to other units connected to the control unit, and an output unit that notifies or outputs the information acquired by the acquisition unit to a predetermined output destination. The communication unit controls communication of the equipment system. The power supply unit supplies power to the control unit. The equipment system is equipment related to lighting fixtures or air conditioning equipment installed in the facility, or equipment related to power measurement of equipment installed in the facility. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-48090 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a device control system such as the control system described in Patent Document 1, there are cases where improvement in user convenience is desired.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to improve user convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A communication device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a first communication unit, a second communication unit, a third communication unit, and a setting unit. The first communication unit communicates with a higher-level system. The second communication unit communicates with a lower-level system including a lighting load. The third communication unit wirelessly communicates with a setting terminal that configures the lower-level system. The setting unit configures whether the third communication unit is enabled or disabled. The first communication unit and the second communication unit use different communication protocols, and the second communication unit communicates with the lighting loads using a DALI (registered trademark) protocol (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface).

[0007] A communication system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the communication device and the lower system.

[0008] A control system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the communication device and the upper system that controls the lower system.

[0009] A communication control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a communication control method executed by a communication device including a first communication unit that communicates with a higher-level system, a second communication unit that communicates with a lower-level system including a lighting load, and a third communication unit that wirelessly communicates with a setting terminal that configures the lower-level system, the communication control method including enabling or disabling the third communication unit. The first communication unit and the second communication unit use different communication protocols, and the second communication unit communicates with the lighting loads using a DALI (registered trademark) protocol (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface).

[0010] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the communication control method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The present disclosure has the advantage of making it possible to improve user convenience. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a device control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a communication device in the device control system. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an operation example of the communication device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] (1) Overview A device control system 100 including a communication device 3 of this embodiment will be described below. The device control system 100 is used in a facility in which one or more electrical devices 5 are installed, and is a system for controlling these electrical devices 5. The facility is, for example, a non-residential facility such as an office building, a store, a hospital, a school, or a factory. However, the facility is not limited thereto, and may also be a residential facility such as an apartment building or a detached house. The electrical devices 5 are, for example, lighting fixtures, air conditioning equipment, power measuring instruments, etc. installed in the facility.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the device control system 100 includes a communication device 3, a first system 1, and a second system 2.

[0015] The first system 1 constitutes a higher-level system (main system) within the device control system 100. The first system 1 includes one or more (here, multiple) first devices 10. The first devices 10 are connected to a first transmission path 19. In this embodiment, the first system 1 generates control content for the electrical device 5. For example, when the first system 1 receives an operation from a user via an operating instrument 12 or detects a pre-specified environmental change via a monitoring instrument 13, the first system 1 generates control content according to the operation content or the detection content.

[0016] The first system 1 also has a function of making settings related to the second system 2. The first system 1 transmits a setting signal (hereinafter also referred to as a “first setting signal”) including setting information related to the setting of the second system 2 to the first transmission path 19.

[0017] The second system 2 constitutes a lower system (subsystem) within the device control system 100. The second system 2 includes one or more (here, a plurality) second devices 20. The second devices 20 are connected to a second transmission path 29. In this embodiment, the electric device 5 is included in the second system 2 as the second device 20. The operation of the electric device 5 is controlled, for example, in accordance with the control content generated by the first system 1.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the communication device 3 includes a first communication unit 31, a second communication unit 32, a third communication unit 33, and a setting unit 344.

[0019] The first communication unit 31 communicates with the first system 1 (higher system). The first communication unit 31 communicates with the first system 1 via the first transmission path 19. The first communication unit 31 receives, for example, a control signal including control content from the first system 1 via the first transmission path 19. The first communication unit 31 also receives a first setting signal from the first system 1 via the first transmission path 19.

[0020] The second communication unit 32 communicates with the second system 2 (lower system). The second communication unit 32 communicates with the second system 2 via the second transmission path 29. The second communication unit 32 transmits, for example, a control signal including control content to the second system 2 via the second transmission path 29.

[0021] The third communication unit 33 communicates with the setting terminal 4. The third communication unit 33 communicates with the setting terminal 4 wirelessly. The setting terminal 4 is a terminal for making settings related to the second system 2 (lower system). The third communication unit 33 receives from the setting terminal 4 a setting signal (hereinafter also referred to as a "second setting signal") including setting information related to the setting of the second system 2.

[0022] The setting unit 344 sets whether the third communication unit 33 is enabled or disabled.

[0023] As described above, the communication device 3 further includes the third communication unit 33 in addition to the first communication unit 31 and the second communication unit 32 for communicating with the higher-level system and the lower-level system, respectively. Therefore, according to the communication device 3 of this embodiment, when the first system 1 (higher-level system) has not yet been installed or an abnormality has occurred in the first system 1 and the first system 1 is unable to configure the second system 2 (lower-level system), the setting terminal 4 can configure the second system 2. This makes it possible to improve user convenience.

[0024] However, if the third communication unit 33 is always enabled, a third party other than the administrator / user of the device control system 100 may be able to configure the second system 2 using a terminal device or the like that can communicate with the third communication unit 33. This may result in a decrease in security of the communication device 3 and the device control system 100. In response to this, in the communication device 3 of this embodiment, the setting unit 344 sets the third communication unit 33 to be enabled or disabled. Therefore, by enabling the third communication unit 33 only when it is necessary to configure the second system 2 using the setting terminal 4, for example, it is possible to prevent a decrease in security due to the third communication unit 33 being always enabled. This makes it possible to improve convenience for administrators and the like.

[0025] (2)Details The device control system 100 according to the embodiment will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, each of the plurality of electrical devices 5 whose operation is controlled by the device control system 100 is a lighting fixture 51. As described above, the device control system 100 includes a first system 1 (higher system), a second system 2 (lower system), and a communication device 3. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 , the setting terminal 4 is included as a component of the device control system 100, but the setting terminal 4 does not have to be included as a component of the device control system 100.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, in the device control system 100, a plurality of communication devices 3 (only two are shown in FIG. 1) and a plurality of second systems 2 (only two are shown in FIG. 1) may be provided for one first system 1. The second systems 2 and the communication devices 3 are in one-to-one correspondence. Each of the plurality of second systems 2 is connected to the first system 1 via a corresponding communication device 3. Hereinafter, a second system 2 directly connected to a communication device 3 will also be referred to as a "second system 2 subordinate to" this communication device 3.

[0027] (2.1) First System The first system 1 (higher system) includes a plurality of first devices 10. Each of the plurality of first devices 10 is connected to a first transmission path 19. Also, a communication device 3, more specifically, a first communication unit 31 of the communication device 3, is connected to the first transmission path 19.

[0028] The plurality of first devices 10 includes a controller 11. The plurality of first devices 10 further includes an operating device 12 (labeled as a "switch" in FIG. 1) and a monitoring device 13 (labeled as a "sensor" in FIG. 1).

[0029] The operating instrument 12 is connected to the controller 11 via a first transmission line 19. The monitoring instrument 13 is connected to the controller 11 via the first transmission line 19. Furthermore, the controller 11 is connected to the communication device 3 via the first transmission line 19.

[0030] The first transmission path 19 is, for example, a two-wire transmission path. The controller 11 communicates with other devices, such as the communication device 3, via the first transmission path 19 using a communication method that uses voltage changes. The controller 11 communicates with the operating tool 12, the monitoring tool 13, and the communication device 3 according to a first communication protocol. The first communication protocol is, for example, a polling-selection protocol. The controller 11 periodically transmits a voltage signal for polling to the first transmission path 19. A state in which the communication device 3 periodically receives the voltage signal for polling transmitted from the controller 11 is an example of a state in which communication is established between the first system 1 and the communication device 3. Note that, although FIG. 1 illustrates the controller 11, the operating tool 12, the monitoring tool 13, and the communication device 3 as being connected by a single first transmission path 19, this is not limiting. For example, the first transmission line 19 connecting the controller 11, the operating device 12, and the monitoring device 13 and the first transmission line 19 connecting the controller 11 and the communication device 3 may be separate transmission lines.

[0031] The controller 11 includes a processing unit, a first communication unit, and a second communication unit.

[0032] The processing unit includes a computer system having one or more processors and a memory. The functions of the processing unit are realized by the processor of the computer system executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be recorded in the memory, provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet, or provided by being recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card.

[0033] The first communication unit is a communication interface for communicating via a first transmission path 19. The first communication unit is connected to the first transmission path 19. The second communication unit is a communication interface for communicating via a third transmission path 39, which will be described later. The second communication unit is connected to the third transmission path 39.

[0034] The controller 11 is a device for controlling the operation of one or more (plural) electrical devices 5 (lighting fixtures 51) installed in the facility. Each of the electrical devices 5 (lighting fixtures 51) is included as a second device 20 in one of a plurality of second systems 2. The controller 11 controls the operation of the second device 20 (lighting fixtures 51) included in the second system 2 subordinate to the communication device 3 by transmitting a control signal to the communication device 3.

[0035] The control device 12 is a device operated by a user. The control device 12 is, for example, a wall switch, a dimmer, or the like. When the control device 12 is operated, the controller 11 controls (changes) the operation of the lighting device 51 corresponding to the operated control device 12, depending on the operation on the control device 12. For example, when a switch serving as the control device 12 is turned on, the controller 11 turns on the lighting device 51 corresponding to this switch.

[0036] Specifically, the operating implement 12 has an address individually assigned to it. When the operating implement 12 receives an operation from a user, the operating implement 12 transmits an interrupt signal according to a polling selection method, and transmits an operation signal including its own address (the operating implement 12) and the received operation content (e.g., turning on a switch) to the controller 11.

[0037] Controller 11 stores in its memory the address of each controlled device 12 in association with the addresses of one or more lighting devices 51. When controller 11 receives an operation signal from a controlled device 12, it identifies the lighting device 51 corresponding to that controlled device 12 based on the address included in the operation signal, and also identifies the control content corresponding to the operation content. Controller 11 generates a control signal including the address and control content of the identified lighting device 51, and transmits it to first transmission path 19. Communication device 3 receives the control signal via first transmission path 19 and transmits the received control signal to lighting device 51 to control (change) the operation of lighting device 51.

[0038] The first system 1 may include a plurality of operating devices 12. The operating devices 12 may be located at different locations within the facility. Two or more of the operating devices 12 may be provided in the same housing (e.g., two or more rocker switches attached to the same mounting bracket).

[0039] Monitoring device 13 is a device that monitors the environment of a specified monitoring area within a facility. Monitoring device 13 is, for example, a motion sensor, an illuminance sensor, etc. When monitoring device 13 detects a change in the environment, controller 11 controls (changes) the operation of lighting device 51 corresponding to monitoring device 13 that detected the change in environment. For example, when a motion sensor serving as monitoring device 13 detects that a person has entered the monitoring area, controller 11 turns on lighting device 51 corresponding to this motion sensor. For example, when an illuminance sensor serving as monitoring device 13 detects that the illuminance in the monitoring area has increased to or above a predetermined value, controller 11 turns off or dims lighting device 51 corresponding to this illuminance sensor.

[0040] Specifically, the monitoring devices 13 have individually assigned addresses. When a change in the environment within the monitoring area is detected, the monitoring devices 13 transmit an interrupt signal according to a polling selection method, and transmit a monitoring signal including their own (monitoring device 13) address and the detected content (for example, a person entering the monitoring area) to the controller 11.

[0041] The controller 11 stores in its memory the address of each monitoring device 13, linked to the addresses of one or more lighting devices 51. When the controller 11 receives a monitoring signal from a monitoring device 13, it identifies the lighting device 51 corresponding to that monitoring device 13 based on the address included in the monitoring signal, and also identifies the control content corresponding to the detected content. The controller 11 generates a control signal including the address and control content of the identified lighting device 51, and transmits it to the first transmission path 19. This controls (changes) the operation of the lighting device 51. Note that the one or more lighting devices 51 associated with the monitoring device 13 may partially or completely overlap with the one or more lighting devices 51 associated with the control device 12.

[0042] The first system 1 may include a plurality of monitoring devices 13. The plurality of monitoring devices 13 may be located at different locations within the facility. Two or more of the plurality of monitoring devices 13 may be provided in the same housing.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 1, the first system 1 (host system) further includes a monitoring device 6. The monitoring device 6 is, for example, a computer or a server device installed in a control room or the like of a facility where electrical equipment 5 (lighting fixtures 51) is installed. The monitoring device 6 is connected to the controller 11 via a third transmission path 39. The controller 11 communicates with the monitoring device 6 in accordance with a third communication protocol. The third communication protocol is, for example, the Ethernet (registered trademark) protocol.

[0044] The monitoring device 6 acquires information on the operating state of the electrical appliance 5, for example, from the controller 11. This allows a facility manager or the like to check the operating state of the electrical appliance 5 using the monitoring device 6.

[0045] Furthermore, when a facility manager or the like wishes to perform special control on the electrical appliances 5, the manager can cause the monitoring device 6 to transmit an instruction signal to the controller 11, thereby causing the electrical appliances 5 to perform the special control. Examples of special control include schedule control, in which the electrical appliances 5 are operated according to a preset control schedule, and stop control, in which unused electrical appliances 5 are turned off. The controller 11 generates a control signal according to the instruction signal from the monitoring device 6 and transmits it to the first transmission path 19.

[0046] The monitoring device 6 further has a function for configuring the second system 2. Examples of the configuration of the second system 2 include setting the addresses of the second devices 20 included in the second system 2, and setting a device group consisting of two or more second devices 20 out of the multiple second devices 20 included in the second system 2. The monitoring device 6 transmits a configuration signal (first configuration signal) including configuration information related to the configuration of the second system 2 to the controller 11. The controller 11 transmits the first configuration signal from the monitoring device 6 to the communication device 3. The communication device 3 configures the subordinate second system 2 in accordance with the first configuration signal.

[0047] (2.2) Second System The second system 2 is connected to the first system 1 via a communication device 3. In this embodiment, a plurality of second systems 2 are connected to the first system 1 via the corresponding communication device 3. Since the plurality of second systems 2 (subsystems) have the same configuration, the following description will focus on one second system 2. In this embodiment, the second system 2 is a system that complies with the DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) (registered trademark) standard.

[0048] The second system 2 includes a plurality of second devices 20. Each of the plurality of second devices 20 is connected to a second transmission path 29. Also, a communication device 3, more specifically, a second communication unit 32 of the communication device 3, is connected to the second transmission path 29.

[0049] The second transmission path 29 is, for example, a two-wire transmission path. The communication device 3 communicates with the plurality of second devices 20 in accordance with a second communication protocol. The second communication protocol is, for example, a protocol for the DALI standard (hereinafter referred to as the "DALI protocol"). In this way, the first system 1 and the second system 2 have different communication protocols. Note that, although FIG. 1 illustrates the communication device 3 and the plurality of second devices 20 as being connected by one second transmission path 29, this is not limiting. For example, the communication device 3 and the plurality of second devices 20 may be individually connected by multiple second transmission paths 29.

[0050] In this embodiment, each of the plurality of second devices 20 is a lighting fixture 51 (electrical equipment 5). The lighting fixture 51 is installed on the ceiling of a room in the facility, for example.

[0051] Lighting fixture 51 includes a light source, a lighting processing unit, and a storage unit. The storage unit stores its own address, which is individually assigned to it. The address is stored in the storage unit, for example, in response to an address setting signal transmitted from communication device 3 via second transmission path 29. The lighting processing unit controls the light source to turn on / off, dim, adjust color, etc. When the control signal transmitted from communication device 3 via second transmission path 29 contains its own address (lighting fixture 51), the lighting processing unit controls the light source in accordance with the control content included in the control signal.

[0052] (2.3) Communication equipment In this embodiment, a plurality of communication devices 3 are provided in a one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of second systems 2. Since the plurality of communication devices 3 have the same configuration, the following description will focus on one communication device 3.

[0053] The communication device 3 is installed, for example, on the ceiling of a room in the facility. The communication device 3 and a first system 1 (higher system) constitute a control system of the present disclosure. The communication device 3 and a subordinate second system 2 (lower system) constitute a communication system of the present disclosure.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 2, the communication device 3 includes a first communication unit 31, a second communication unit 32, a third communication unit 33, a processing unit 34, and a storage unit 35.

[0055] The first communication unit 31 is a communication interface for wired communication with the first system 1. The first transmission path 19 is connected to the first communication unit 31. The first communication unit 31 communicates with the controller 11 via the first transmission path 19, i.e., wired. The first communication unit 31 communicates with the controller 11 in accordance with a polling-selection protocol (first communication protocol).

[0056] The second communication unit 32 is a communication interface for wired communication with the subordinate second system 2. A second transmission path 29 is connected to the second communication unit 32. The second communication unit 32 communicates with a plurality of second devices 20 (lighting fixtures 51) via the second transmission path 29, i.e., in a wired manner. The second communication unit 32 communicates with the controller 11 in accordance with the DALI protocol (second communication protocol). In this way, the first communication unit 31 and the second communication unit 32 have different communication protocols.

[0057] The third communication unit 33 is a communication interface for communicating with the setting terminal 4. The third communication unit 33 communicates wirelessly with the setting terminal 4. The third communication unit 33 communicates with the setting terminal 4 in accordance with a protocol suitable for short-range wireless communication, for example, a protocol used in Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0058] The processing unit 34 includes a computer system having one or more processors and a memory. The functions of the processing unit 34 are realized by the processor of the computer system executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be recorded in the memory, or may be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet, or may be recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card and provided.

[0059] The storage unit 35 includes, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), etc. The storage unit 35 may be integrated with the memory of the processing unit 34.

[0060] The memory unit 35 stores various information. The information stored in the memory unit 35 includes an address unique to the communication device 3. The information stored in the memory unit 35 includes information about the subordinate second system 2. The information about the subordinate second system 2 may include information about a plurality of lighting fixtures 51 (electrical devices 5) as a plurality of second devices 20 included in the subordinate second system 2, for example, the addresses of each lighting fixture 51. The information about the subordinate second system 2 may include information about a device group configured by two or more second devices 20 out of the plurality of second devices 20 included in the subordinate second system 2. The information about the subordinate second system 2 may include the address of the device group.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 2, the processing unit 34 includes an operation control unit 341, an acquisition unit 342, a registration unit 343, and a setting unit 344.

[0062] The operation control unit 341 controls the operation of the second device 20 (lighting fixture 51) included in the subordinate second system 2. The operation control unit 341 receives a control signal from the controller 11 via the first communication unit 31. As described above, the control signal is a signal transmitted from the controller 11 to the first transmission path 19 in response to a user's operation on the control fixture 12, detection of an environmental change by the monitoring fixture 13, and an instruction signal from the monitoring device 6. Upon receiving the control signal, the operation control unit 341 determines whether the lighting fixture 51 (second device 20) having the address included in the control signal is included in the subordinate second system 2. If the lighting fixture 51 having the address included in the control signal is included in the subordinate second system 2, the operation control unit 341 controls the operation of the lighting fixture 51 in accordance with the control content included in the control signal. The operation control unit 341 controls the operation of the lighting fixture 51 by transmitting the control signal via the second communication unit 32. As described above, the first system 1 and the second system 2 use different communication protocols, and therefore the operation control unit 341 has a function of converting the protocol between the first system 1 and the second system 2.

[0063] The acquisition unit 342 acquires setting information. The setting information is information for configuring the second system 2 (information indicating the setting contents of the second system 2). The acquisition unit 342 receives a setting signal (first setting signal) from the controller 11 via the first communication unit 31, and acquires the setting information included in the first setting signal. The acquisition unit 342 further receives a setting signal (second setting signal) from the setting terminal 4 via the third communication unit 33, and acquires the setting information included in the second setting signal. As described above, the third communication unit 33 can be switched between enabled and disabled, and therefore the acquisition unit 342 can acquire setting information from the setting terminal 4 only when the third communication unit 33 is enabled.

[0064] The registration unit 343 performs settings related to the second system 2 based on the setting information acquired by the acquisition unit 342. For example, the registration unit 343 registers the address of the communication device 3 in the storage unit 35 based on the acquired setting information. The registration unit 343 also registers the addresses of each of the plurality of lighting fixtures 51 included in the subordinate second system 2 in the storage unit 35 based on the acquired setting information. The registration unit 343 also transmits an address setting signal to each of the plurality of second devices 20 (lighting fixtures 51) included in the subordinate second system 2 based on the acquired setting information, and stores the address in the storage unit of each second device 20 (lighting fixture 51). The registration unit 343 also registers information about the device group in the storage unit 35 based on the acquired setting information. The setting information included in the second setting signal (the setting content of the second system 2 that can be set by the second setting signal) may be the same as or different from the setting information included in the first setting signal.

[0065] The setting unit 344 sets whether the third communication unit 33 is enabled or disabled. That is, the setting unit 344 switches the third communication unit 33 between enabled and disabled.

[0066] The third communication unit 33 being enabled means a state in which the third communication unit 33 can receive a setting signal (second setting signal) from the setting terminal 4 via communication, and the registration unit 343 can make settings related to the second system 2 based on the setting information included in the received second setting signal. In other words, the third communication unit 33 being enabled means a state in which the user can make settings related to the second system 2 using the setting terminal 4.

[0067] The third communication unit 33 being disabled means a state in which the user cannot use the setting terminal 4 to perform settings related to the second system 2. Here, the third communication unit 33 being disabled includes a state in which the functions of at least some of the hierarchical levels of the communication layer of the third communication unit 33 are stopped. The third communication unit 33 being disabled can be, for example, any of the following first to third disabled states.

[0068] The first disabled state is a state in which communication with external devices by the third communication unit 33 is physically disabled. In the first disabled state, for example, the power supply to the third communication unit 33 is turned off (the supply of power to the third communication unit 33 is stopped), thereby physically disabling communication by the third communication unit 33.

[0069] The second invalid state is a state in which the third communication unit 33 can communicate with an external device but does not acquire any information from the external device. In the second invalid state, for example, the processing unit 34 discards all packets (including headers) received by the third communication unit 33 through communication. In the second invalid state, the setting terminal 4 can recognize that the third communication unit 33 is capable of wireless communication, but cannot actually exchange information with the third communication unit 33.

[0070] The third invalid state is a state in which the third communication unit 33 can communicate with an external device, but the processing unit 34 acquires only a portion of the information. The portion of the information acquired by the processing unit 34 is, for example, the address of the external device.

[0071] In this way, the setting unit 344 may disable the third communication unit 33 by stopping the function of a lower layer of the communication layer (first disabled state, second disabled state). The lower layer of the communication layer is, for example, the physical layer in the OSI reference model. Alternatively, the setting unit 344 may disable the third communication unit 33 by stopping the function of a higher layer of the communication layer (third disabled state). The lower layer of the communication layer is, for example, the application layer in the OSI reference model. From the viewpoint of ensuring security for the device control system 100, it is preferable that the third communication unit 33 be disabled in the first disabled state or the second disabled state.

[0072] The setting unit 344 sets the third communication unit 33 to be enabled or disabled depending on the connection state with the first system 1.

[0073] Specifically, when communication between the first communication unit 31 and the first system 1 (host system) is established, the setting unit 344 disables the third communication unit 33. In this embodiment, when a voltage signal for polling is periodically transmitted from the controller 11 to the first communication unit 31, the setting unit 344 determines that communication between the first communication unit 31 and the first system 1 is established. As described above, the registration unit 343 can configure settings related to the second system 2 based on the first configuration signal transmitted from the monitoring device 6. Therefore, by disabling the third communication unit 33 when settings related to the second system 2 can be configured using the monitoring device 6, it is possible to improve the security of the device control system 100 while maintaining user convenience.

[0074] On the other hand, if communication between the first communication unit 31 and the first system 1 is not established, the setting unit 344 enables the third communication unit 33. In this embodiment, if the controller 11 does not transmit a voltage signal for polling for a predetermined waiting time, the setting unit 344 determines that communication between the first communication unit 31 and the first system 1 is not established. In this way, by enabling the third communication unit 33 when settings related to the second system 2 cannot be made using the monitoring device 6, user convenience can be improved.

[0075] Furthermore, after communication between the first communication unit 31 and the first system 1 (host system) is established and the third communication unit 33 is set to disabled, if a predetermined condition (hereinafter also referred to as an "activation condition") is satisfied, the setting unit 344 activates the third communication unit 33. In other words, after communication between the first communication unit 31 and the first system 1 is established and the third communication unit 33 is set to disabled, the setting unit 344 keeps the third communication unit 33 disabled until the activation condition is satisfied.

[0076] The activation condition may include, for example, not transmitting a voltage signal for polling from the controller 11 for a predetermined waiting time. The activation condition may include, for example, receiving a specific signal from the first system 1 (controller 11). The specific signal is a signal transmitted from the controller 11 when, for example, an administrator or the like operates the monitoring device 6 to input an instruction to activate the third communication unit 33. The activation condition may include, for example, operating a switch button provided on the housing of the communication device 3.

[0077] After the enabling condition is satisfied and the third communication unit 33 is set to enabled, the setting unit 344 again sets the third communication unit 33 to disabled when a canceling condition is satisfied. The canceling condition is, for example, when the transmission of a voltage signal for polling from the controller 11 is resumed, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the third communication unit 33 was set to enabled, when a specific signal is received from the first system 1 (controller 11), etc.

[0078] (2.4) Setting terminal The setting terminal 4 is a device used to perform settings related to the second system 2 (lower system). The setting terminal 4 is used to transmit a setting signal (second setting signal) to the communication device 3.

[0079] The setting terminal 4 is an information terminal. The setting terminal 4 is, for example, a portable device carried by a user. The setting terminal 4 is, for example, a general-purpose device such as a smartphone. Note that the setting terminal 4 is not limited to a smartphone, but may also be a portable information terminal such as a tablet terminal, a personal computer (desktop computer, laptop computer, etc.), a wristwatch-type terminal device, a smart TV, etc. Furthermore, the setting terminal 4 is not limited to a general-purpose device, but may also be a dedicated device.

[0080] The setting terminal 4 includes a communication unit, an input unit, a presentation unit, and a processing unit.

[0081] The communication unit is a communication interface for communicating with the communication device 3. The communication unit communicates wirelessly with the communication device 3. The communication unit communicates with the communication device 3 in accordance with a protocol suitable for short-range wireless communication, for example, a protocol used in Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0082] The input unit is used to input information to the setting terminal 4. The input unit has, for example, a touch pad and / or one or more buttons.

[0083] The presentation unit is used to present information from the setting terminal 40. The presentation unit includes an image display device for displaying information. The image display device is, for example, a thin display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The touchpad of the input unit and the image display device of the presentation unit may form a touch panel.

[0084] The processing unit includes a computer system having one or more processors and a memory. The functions of the processing unit are realized by the processor of the computer system executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be recorded in the memory, provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet, or provided by being recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card.

[0085] The processing unit is configured to perform overall control of the setting terminal 4, i.e., to control the operations of the communication unit, input unit, and presentation unit. The processing unit causes the communication unit to transmit a second setting signal in response to an appropriate operation on the input unit by the user.

[0086] (3) Example of operation An example of the operation of the communication device 3 will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0087] When the communication device 3 is turned on and power supply to the communication device 3 starts, the communication device 3 determines whether communication between the first communication unit 31 and the first system 1 has been established (ST1).

[0088] For example, when the equipment control system 100 is installed in a facility, the communication device 3 and the second system 2 (plurality of lighting fixtures 51 and second transmission path 29) of the equipment control system 100 may have already been installed, but the first system 1 (plurality of first devices 10 including the controller 11 and first transmission path 19) may not have been installed. In this case, communication is not established between the first communication unit 31 and the first system 1 (ST1: No). In this case, the communication device 3 sets the third communication unit 33 to be enabled (ST2).

[0089] When the third communication unit 33 is enabled, the communication device 3 receives a second setting signal from the setting terminal 4 via the third communication unit 33 (ST3: Yes), and performs settings related to the second system 2 based on the setting information contained in the second setting signal (ST4).

[0090] Thereafter, when the construction of the first system 1 is completed and communication is established between the first communication unit 31 and the first system 1 (ST1: Yes), the communication device 3 disables the third communication unit 33 (ST5).

[0091] With communication established between the first communication unit 31 and the first system 1, the communication device 3 waits for a control signal from the controller 11 (ST6). When the control signal is received from the controller 11 (ST6: Yes), the communication device 3 controls the second device 20 (lighting fixture 51) included in the subordinate second system 2 based on the control content included in the control signal (ST7).

[0092] Furthermore, with communication between the first communication unit 31 and the first system 1 established, the communication device 3 determines whether the activation condition is satisfied (ST8). If the activation condition is satisfied (ST8: Yes), the communication device 3 (forcibly) activates the third communication unit 33 (ST9). If the third communication unit 33 is activated and the communication device 3 receives a second setting signal from the setting terminal 4 via the third communication unit 33 (ST10: Yes), the communication device 3 performs settings related to the second system 2 based on the setting information included in the second setting signal (ST11). Thereafter, if the deactivation condition is satisfied (ST12), the communication device 3 again deactivates the third communication unit 33 (ST13) and waits for a control signal.

[0093] Although omitted in Figure 3, when the communication device 3 receives a first setting signal from the controller 11 after the third communication unit 33 has been disabled (ST5), it configures the subordinate second system 2 based on the setting information contained in the first setting signal.

[0094] As described above, in the communication device 3 of this embodiment, the setting unit 344 enables the third communication unit 33 when communication between the first communication unit 31 and the first system 1 is not established. This allows the user to configure the second system 2 using the setting terminal 4, for example, during installation of the device control system 100. Furthermore, after communication between the first communication unit 31 and the first system 1 is established, the setting unit 344 disables the third communication unit 33. This makes it possible to improve the security of the communication device 3 and the device control system 100.

[0095] Furthermore, since the third communication unit 33 performs wireless communication, even if the communication device 3 is placed in a high place such as the ceiling of a facility, the user can easily configure the second system 2 using the setting terminal 4.

[0096] (4) Variations The above embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure, and various modifications can be made to the above embodiment depending on the design and the like as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0097] A function similar to that of the setting unit 344 of the communication device 3 may be embodied as a communication control method, a (computer) program, or a non-transitory recording medium on which a program is recorded.

[0098] A communication control method according to one embodiment is executed by a communication device 3 including a first communication unit 31 that communicates with a higher-level system, a second communication unit 32 that communicates with a lower-level system, and a third communication unit 33 that communicates with a setting terminal 4 that performs settings related to the lower-level system. The communication control method includes setting the third communication unit 33 to be enabled or disabled.

[0099] A program according to one aspect is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the above-described communication control method. The program may be recorded on a non-transitory recording medium.

[0100] In the device control system 100 of the present disclosure, the processing unit 34 and the like include a computer system. The computer system is primarily composed of a processor and memory as hardware. The processor executes a program stored in the memory of the computer system to realize the functions of the processing unit 34 and the like of the present disclosure. The program may be pre-stored in the memory of the computer system, provided via a telecommunications line, or provided in a non-transitory recording medium readable by the computer system, such as a memory card, optical disk, or hard disk drive. The processor of the computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). The integrated circuits, such as ICs and LSIs, are referred to by different names depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSIs, very large-scale integrations (VLSIs), and ultra-large-scale integrations (ULSIs). Furthermore, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), which are programmable after the LSI is manufactured, or logic devices that allow the reconfiguration of internal connections or circuit partitions within the LSI, can also be used as processors. The electronic circuits may be integrated into one chip or distributed across multiple chips. The chips may be integrated into one device or distributed across multiple devices. The computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, the microcontroller is also composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit or a large-scale integrated circuit.

[0101] Furthermore, it is not essential for the present disclosure that multiple functions of the processing unit 34 and the like are concentrated in one housing, and the components of the processing unit 34 and the like may be distributed across multiple housings. Furthermore, at least some of the functions of the device control system 100 may be realized by the cloud (cloud computing) or the like.

[0102] Conversely, in an embodiment, at least some of the functions of the appliance control system 100 that are distributed across multiple devices may be integrated into a single housing.

[0103] In one modified example, the setting unit 344 may disable the third communication unit 33 based on an external input. The external input may be, for example, a specific signal transmitted from the first system 1 (controller 11). The external input may be, for example, an operation on a switch button provided on the housing of the communication device 3. The setting unit 344 may enable or disable the third communication unit 33 based solely on the external input, regardless of whether communication between the first communication unit 31 and the first system 1 has been established. Alternatively, the setting unit 344 may disable or enable the third communication unit 33 based solely on whether communication between the first communication unit 31 and the first system 1 has been established, regardless of the external input. Alternatively, the setting unit 344 may be configured to disable the third communication unit 33 both when there is an external input and when communication between the first communication unit 31 and the first system 1 has been established.

[0104] In one variant, in a configuration in which the controller 11 applies a DC voltage between a pair of wires that make up the first transmission path 19 and transmits a control signal by switching the voltage value of this DC voltage, the state in which communication is established between the first communication unit 31 and the first system 1 (upper system) may be a state in which a DC voltage is applied between the pair of wires of the first transmission path 19.

[0105] In one variant, the state in which communication is established between the first communication unit 31 and the first system 1 (host system) may be a state in which a signal for alive check is periodically transmitted from the first system 1.

[0106] In one modified example, the electrical device 5 may be a device other than the lighting fixture 51, such as an air conditioner or a power meter.

[0107] In one variation, a plurality of controllers 11 may be connected to the monitoring device 6. Each of the plurality of controllers 11 may be connected to one or more communication devices 3 and a subordinate second system 2. The second devices 20 connected to the plurality of controllers 11 may be different types of devices for each controller. For example, a plurality of lighting fixtures 51 may be connected to a lighting controller for controlling the lighting fixtures 51 via one or more communication devices 3, and a plurality of air conditioners may be connected to an air conditioning controller for controlling the air conditioners via one or more communication devices 3.

[0108] In one modified example, the second device 20 may be a device other than the electrical appliance 5, such as a dimmer or relay inserted in a power supply path to the lighting fixture 51.

[0109] In one modified example, the second system 2 (subsystem) under one communication device 3 may include different types of electrical devices 5 (for example, lighting fixtures 51 and air conditioners).

[0110] In one modified example, the communication method of the third communication unit 33 may be a communication method other than Bluetooth, such as a Wi-fi (registered trademark) communication method or a wired communication method.

[0111] (5) Mode As described above, the communication device (3) of the first aspect includes a first communication unit (31), a second communication unit (32), a third communication unit (33), and a setting unit (344). The first communication unit (31) communicates with a higher-level system (first system 1). The second communication unit (32) communicates with a lower-level system (second system 2). The third communication unit (33) communicates with a setting terminal (4) that performs settings related to the lower-level system. The setting unit (344) sets the third communication unit (33) to be enabled or disabled.

[0112] According to this aspect, the setting terminal (4) can be used to perform settings related to the lower system (second system), which makes it possible to improve user convenience.

[0113] In the communication device (3) of the second aspect, in the first aspect, the setting unit (344) sets the third communication unit (33) to be disabled when communication between the first communication unit (31) and the higher-level system is established.

[0114] According to this aspect, it is possible to prevent a decrease in security caused by the third communication unit (33) being always active.

[0115] In the communication device (3) of the third aspect, in the second aspect, the setting unit (344) sets the third communication unit (33) to enabled when a predetermined condition is satisfied after the communication between the first communication unit (31) and the higher-level system is established and the third communication unit (33) is set to disabled.

[0116] According to this aspect, the third communication unit (33) can be set to be valid as needed, thereby improving user convenience.

[0117] In the communication device (3) of the fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, the setting unit (344) sets the third communication unit (33) to be disabled based on an external input.

[0118] According to this aspect, it is possible to prevent a decrease in security caused by the third communication unit (33) being always active.

[0119] In the communication device (3) of the fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the disabling of the third communication unit (33) includes a state in which the functions of at least some of the hierarchical layers of the communication layer of the third communication unit (33) are stopped.

[0120] According to this aspect, it is possible to disable the third communication unit (33) by stopping at least a part of the communication of the communication layer.

[0121] In the communication device (3) of the sixth aspect, in the fifth aspect, the setting unit (344) disables the third communication unit (33) by stopping the function of the lower layer of the communication layer.

[0122] According to this aspect, it is possible to improve security.

[0123] In the communication device (3) of the seventh aspect, in the fifth aspect, the setting unit (344) disables the third communication unit (33) by stopping the function of the upper layer of the communication layer.

[0124] According to this aspect, it is possible to improve security.

[0125] In the communication device (3) of the eighth aspect, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the first communication unit (31) and the second communication unit (32) have different communication protocols.

[0126] According to this aspect, the communication device (3) performs protocol conversion, thereby improving user convenience.

[0127] In the communication device (3) of the ninth aspect, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, the lower system includes a lighting load (lighting fixture 51).

[0128] According to this aspect, it is possible to improve convenience for the user.

[0129] A communication system according to a tenth aspect includes the communication device (3) according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, and a subordinate system.

[0130] According to this aspect, it is possible to improve convenience for the user.

[0131] The control system of the eleventh aspect includes the communication device (3) of any one of the first to ninth aspects, and a host system that controls the lower system.

[0132] According to this aspect, it is possible to improve convenience for the user.

[0133] A twelfth aspect of the communication control method is a communication control method executed by a communication device (3) including a first communication unit (31) that communicates with a higher-level system, a second communication unit (32) that communicates with a lower-level system, and a third communication unit (33) that communicates with a setting terminal (4) that performs settings related to the lower-level system. The communication control method includes setting the third communication unit (33) to be enabled or disabled.

[0134] According to this aspect, it is possible to improve convenience for the user.

[0135] A program according to a thirteenth aspect is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the communication control method according to the twelfth aspect.

[0136] According to this aspect, it is possible to improve convenience for the user. [Explanation of symbols]

[0137] 1. System 1 (host system) 2. Second system (lower system) 3. Communications equipment 31 First Communications Department 32 Second Communications Department 33 Third Communications Department 344 Settings 4 Setting terminal 51 Lighting equipment (lighting load)

Claims

1. a first communication unit that communicates with a higher-level system; a second communication unit that communicates with a lower-level system including the lighting load; a third communication unit that wirelessly communicates with a setting terminal that performs settings related to the lower system; a setting unit that sets the third communication unit to be enabled or disabled; Equipped with the first communication unit and the second communication unit have different communication protocols; The second communication unit communicates with the lighting load using a DALI (registered trademark) (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) protocol. Communication equipment.

2. the setting unit sets the third communication unit to be invalid when communication between the first communication unit and the higher-level system is established; The communication device according to claim 1 .

3. the setting unit sets the third communication unit to be valid when a predetermined condition is satisfied after the communication between the first communication unit and the higher-level system is established and the setting unit sets the third communication unit to be invalid. The communication device according to claim 2 .

4. the setting unit sets the third communication unit to be disabled based on an external input. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The disabling of the third communication unit includes a state in which functions of at least a part of a communication layer of the third communication unit are stopped. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. the setting unit disables the third communication unit by stopping a function of a lower layer of the communication layer. The communication device according to claim 5 .

7. the setting unit disables the third communication unit by stopping a function of an upper layer of the communication layer. The communication device according to claim 5 .

8. A communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 7; the subsystem; Equipped with Communication system.

9. A communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 7; the upper system controlling the lower system; Equipped with Control system.

10. A communication control method executed by a communication device comprising: a first communication unit that communicates with a higher-level system; a second communication unit that communicates with a lower-level system including a lighting load; and a third communication unit that wirelessly communicates with a setting terminal that performs settings related to the lower-level system, setting the third communication unit to be enabled or disabled, the first communication unit and the second communication unit have different communication protocols; The second communication unit communicates with the lighting load using a DALI (registered trademark) (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) protocol. Communication control method.

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

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