Gateway device and lighting control system

Abstract

To provide a gateway device and a lighting control system by which even sensors that do not comply with the communication standards of a mesh-shaped communication network can be incorporated and used in the mesh-shaped communication network.SOLUTION: A gateway device used in a lighting control system including a plurality of lighting fixtures that constitute a mesh-shaped communication network by performing bidirectional radio communication includes a receiving unit for receiving a detection result transmitted from a sensor that is not adaptable to the mesh-shaped communication network, and a radio communication unit for converting the detection result of the sensor received by the receiving unit into a signal compliant with the communication standard of the mesh-shaped communication network, and periodically transmitting the converted signal to the plurality of lighting features regardless of the reception timing of the signal from the sensor of the receiving unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a gateway device and a lighting control system. [Background technology]

[0002] Lighting control systems are being considered that use multiple lighting fixtures capable of two-way wireless communication to form a mesh communication network among the multiple lighting fixtures to control their operation. For example, systems are being considered that incorporate a human body detection sensor into the mesh communication network and transmit the detection results of the human body detection sensor to the multiple lighting fixtures to switch the multiple lighting fixtures on and off, or that incorporate an illuminance sensor into the mesh communication network and transmit the detection results of the illuminance sensor to the multiple lighting fixtures to change the brightness of the light emitted from the multiple lighting fixtures.

[0003] However, in order to incorporate various sensors such as human body detection sensors and illuminance sensors into a mesh communication network as described above, it is necessary to use sensors that comply with the communication standards of the mesh communication network. This limits the freedom in sensor selection, and it is desirable for lighting control systems to be able to incorporate and use sensors that do not comply with the communication standards of the mesh communication network into the mesh communication network. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-057160 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The embodiments of the present invention provide a gateway device and a lighting control system that enable sensors that do not comply with the communication standards of a mesh communication network to be incorporated into and used in a mesh communication network. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to an embodiment, a gateway device used in a lighting control system including a plurality of lighting fixtures that establish a mesh-like communication network by performing two-way wireless communication includes: a receiving unit that receives detection results transmitted from sensors that are not compatible with the mesh-like communication network; and a wireless communication unit that converts the detection results of the sensors received by the receiving unit into signals that comply with a communication standard of the mesh-like communication network, and periodically transmits the converted signals to the plurality of lighting fixtures regardless of the timing at which the receiving unit receives signals from the sensors. The sensor that is not compatible with the mesh-like communication network is a human body detection sensor that detects a human body, and the wireless communication unit performs an operation of periodically transmitting a presence signal indicating that the human body detection sensor has detected a human body to the plurality of lighting devices in accordance with a detection result of the human body detection sensor, and periodically transmitting an absence signal indicating that the human body detection sensor has not detected a human body to the plurality of lighting devices, the plurality of lighting devices turning on in response to receiving the presence signal and turning off in response to receiving the absence signal, and having a holding time when switching from the on state to the off state, and the wireless communication unit periodically transmits the presence signal or the absence signal at a transmission interval that is shorter than the shortest holding time of the plurality of lighting devices. A gateway device is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] A gateway device and a lighting control system are provided that allow even sensors that do not comply with the communication standards of a mesh communication network to be incorporated into the mesh communication network and used. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a lighting control system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a gateway device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 4 is a flowchart schematically illustrating an example of an operation of the gateway device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart schematically illustrating an example of an operation of the gateway device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart schematically illustrating an example of an operation of the gateway device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a gateway device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of linking information. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Each embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The drawings are schematic or conceptual, and the relationship between the thickness and width of each part, the size ratio between parts, etc. are not necessarily the same as those in reality. Furthermore, even when the same part is shown, the dimensions and ratios may be different depending on the drawing. In the present specification and the drawings, elements similar to those described above with reference to the previous drawings are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0010] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a lighting control system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the lighting control system 2 includes a gateway device 10, a plurality of lighting fixtures 12, and a lighting fixture 14 with a camera.

[0011] The multiple lighting fixtures 12 form a mesh-like communication network by performing two-way wireless communication. For example, the lighting fixtures 12 broadcast signals received by the lighting fixtures 12 to other lighting fixtures 12 (other nodes forming the mesh-like communication network) that are within communication distance. As described above, the multiple lighting fixtures 12 can input a control signal input to one of the multiple lighting fixtures 12 to each of the multiple lighting fixtures 12 by sequentially transmitting broadcast signals between adjacent lighting fixtures 12. This allows the lighting control system 2 to control the operation of each of the multiple lighting fixtures 12 by transmitting a control signal to one of the multiple lighting fixtures 12. For example, it is possible to control the on / off switching of each of the multiple lighting fixtures 12 and the brightness of the light emitted from each of the multiple lighting fixtures 12.

[0012] The lighting fixtures 12 are, for example, Bluetooth mesh-compatible fixtures. However, the communication standard for the lighting fixtures 12 is not limited to Bluetooth mesh and may be any communication standard that allows for bidirectional communication with other nearby lighting fixtures 12 to build a mesh-like communication network.

[0013] The camera-equipped lighting fixture 14 has a lighting unit 20 and a camera 22 (sensor). The camera-equipped lighting fixture 14 is used by being attached to the ceiling of the same room as the multiple lighting fixtures 12, for example.

[0014] Like other lighting fixtures 12, the lighting unit 20 emits light to illuminate a room or the like. The lighting unit 20 also forms part of a mesh communication network, for example, by performing two-way wireless communication with multiple lighting fixtures 12. Like the multiple lighting fixtures 12, the lighting unit 20 is also a Bluetooth mesh-compatible fixture. This allows the lighting control system 2 to control the operation of the lighting unit 20 of the camera-equipped lighting fixture 14 in the same way as the multiple lighting fixtures 12.

[0015] The camera 22 takes pictures of the interior of the room from the ceiling and outputs the captured image data to the outside. More specifically, the image data is image data of moving images. The camera 22 may be configured to output, for example, image data of moving images and image data of still images.

[0016] In the camera-equipped lighting fixture 14, image data (video images) from the camera 22 can be used for crime prevention, safety management, and the like. Furthermore, in the camera-equipped lighting fixture 14, compared to when the camera 22 is installed on the ceiling by itself, electrical work and wiring work can be reduced, making it easier to install the camera 22 on the ceiling. Furthermore, by providing the camera 22 integrally with the lighting unit 20, the presence of the camera 22 can be made less noticeable.

[0017] Furthermore, camera 22 detects a human body by performing image processing on the captured image data. In other words, camera 22 detects the presence or absence of a person in a room where multiple lighting fixtures 12 and camera-equipped lighting fixtures 14 are installed. In this way, camera 22 functions as a human body detection sensor in lighting control system 2.

[0018] The camera 22 communicates with the gateway device 10 and transmits the human body detection result to the gateway device 10. At this time, the camera 22 communicates with the gateway device 10 using a communication standard different from the communication standard of the mesh communication network of the multiple lighting fixtures 12. The camera 22 is, for example, a device that does not support Bluetooth mesh. In this case, communication between the camera 22 and the gateway device 10 may be wired or wireless. The communication standard between the camera 22 and the gateway device 10 may be any communication standard that allows the human body detection result to be appropriately transmitted to the gateway device 10.

[0019] The image data is output to the outside via a communication path different from the communication with the gateway device 10. The camera 22 outputs the image data to an external terminal via wired communication, for example. The camera 22 may output the image data to a mobile terminal such as a smartphone via wireless communication such as Wi-Fi, for example. The image data may be output using a communication device different from the communication device that outputs the detection results, or may be output using the same communication device as the communication device that outputs the detection results.

[0020] The gateway device 10 communicates with the camera 22 and also establishes part of a mesh communication network by performing bidirectional wireless communication with the multiple lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20. The gateway device 10 is, for example, a device that supports Bluetooth mesh. The gateway device 10 receives the human body detection results from the camera 22 and transmits the received detection results using a communication standard that complies with the mesh communication network. This allows the lighting control system 2 to input the detection results of the camera 22, which does not support the communication standard of the mesh communication network, to the multiple lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20.

[0021] The lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting unit 20 change their illumination states in response to the input detection results from the camera 22. For example, the lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting unit 20 turn on when the detection result from the camera 22 indicates that a human body is detected, and turn off when the detection result from the camera 22 indicates that no human body is detected. This allows the lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting unit 20 to be switched on and off depending on whether a person has entered the room. Note that the control of the lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting unit 20 to change their illumination states in response to the detection results from the camera 22 is not limited to turning on when a human body is detected and turning off when no human body is detected. The control of the lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting unit 20 to change their illumination states in response to the detection results from the camera 22 may be, for example, turning on at a lower brightness when no human body is detected than when a human body is detected. Furthermore, the lighting unit 20 does not necessarily have to be a device compatible with a mesh communication network. For example, the lighting unit 20 may be configured to change its illumination state by directly receiving detection results from the camera 22.

[0022] The lighting control system 2 further includes, for example, a control terminal 30, a server 32, a mobile terminal 34, switches 36 and 38, and the like.

[0023] Control terminal 30 is a terminal for configuring settings related to multiple lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20. The settings related to multiple lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20 include, for example, configuring groups of multiple lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20, and configuring the brightness of multiple lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20. When groups are configured, for example, it is possible to turn on and off or change the brightness for each group. When brightness is set, multiple lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20 emit light with a brightness according to the setting. Brightness settings may be configured, for example, by hour. However, the settings related to multiple lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20 are not limited to those described above, and any settings related to multiple lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20 may be configured.

[0024] The control terminal 30 communicates with the server 32. The control terminal 30 transmits setting data representing settings for the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting unit 20 to the server 32. The server 32 stores the setting data transmitted from the control terminal 30. The server 32 may be, for example, a physical server or a virtual server constructed within a physical server. The server 32 may also be configured, for example, by combining a plurality of servers. In other words, the server 32 is a cloud. Communication between the control terminal 30 and the server 32 may be wired or wireless. Any communication method may be used for communication between the control terminal 30 and the server 32.

[0025] The mobile terminal 34 communicates with the server 32, as well as with the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting unit 20. The mobile terminal 34 receives setting data stored in the server 32 from the server 32 and transmits the received setting data to at least one of the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting unit 20. The plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting unit 20 then transmit the setting data received from the mobile terminal 34 to each of the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting unit 20 via the mesh communications network. As a result, the settings input via the control terminal 30 are updated in each of the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting unit 20. However, the setting data may also be transmitted from the mobile terminal 34 to each of the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting unit 20, for example.

[0026] The communication between the server 32 and the mobile terminal 34 may be, for example, wireless communication such as 4G using a base station, or wireless communication using Wi-Fi, etc. The communication between the server 32 and the mobile terminal 34 may be any wireless communication.

[0027] Communication between the mobile terminal 34 and the lighting fixtures 12 and lighting unit 20 is wireless communication using, for example, Bluetooth advertising. Any wireless communication that allows appropriate communication may be used for communication between the mobile terminal 34 and the lighting fixtures 12 and lighting unit 20. However, it is preferable to use a communication method that uses, for example, a wireless communication device for building a mesh-type communication network, and does not require the lighting fixtures 12 and lighting unit 20 to have separate wireless communication devices.

[0028] The switch 36, for example, establishes part of a mesh-like communication network by performing bidirectional wireless communication with the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20. The switch 36 is also, for example, a Bluetooth mesh-compatible device. The switch 36 transmits, for example, signals to turn the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20 on and off and to control the brightness of the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20. The switch 36 also receives, for example, setting data via the mesh-like communication network. This allows the switch 36 to, for example, turn on and off the lights for each group when groups are set up.

[0029] The switch 38 transmits signals to, for example, the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting unit 20. The switch 38 transmits signals to the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting unit 20 via wireless communication using, for example, Bluetooth advertising. The switch 38 is, for example, an EnOcean wireless remote control switch that uses energy harvesting. The switch 38 transmits signals, for example, to switch the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting unit 20 on and off and to transmit signals regarding the brightness of the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting unit 20. The switch 38 is used, for example, to switch all of the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting unit 20 on and off.

[0030] As such, lighting control system 2 does not require a controller or the like to control each of the multiple lighting fixtures 12 and lighting unit 20. When the multiple lighting fixtures 12 and lighting unit 20 receive the detection results from camera 22 or signals from switches 36, 38, they change their lighting states by performing control based on pre-set setting data. As a result, lighting control system 2 can control the lighting states of the multiple lighting fixtures 12 and lighting unit 20 with a simpler configuration than when a controller or the like is provided.

[0031] The control terminal 30, server 32, mobile terminal 34, and switches 36 and 38 may be provided as needed or may be omitted. The mobile terminal 34 may be a terminal dedicated to the lighting control system 2, or may be a personal smartphone of a person in charge of setting up the lighting fixtures 12. Similarly, the control terminal 30 may be a personal terminal of a person in charge of setting up the lighting fixtures 12. The server 32 may be, for example, a server provided by a business operator other than the owner of the lighting fixtures 12. Only one of the switches 36 and 38 may be provided, or may not be provided if, for example, lighting is controlled based solely on the detection results of the camera 22.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the gateway device according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the gateway device 10 includes a receiving unit 50, a converting unit 52, a wireless communication unit 54, and a power supply circuit 56.

[0033] The power supply circuit 56 is connected to the power supply PS. The power supply circuit 56 converts the power supplied from the power supply PS into power appropriate for each unit of the gateway device 10 and supplies the converted power to each unit of the gateway device 10. The receiving unit 50, the conversion unit 52, and the wireless communication unit 54 operate based on the power supplied from the power supply circuit 56. The power supply PS is, for example, a commercial power supply. The power of the power supply PS is, for example, AC power. The power supply circuit 56 converts the AC power of the power supply PS into DC power and supplies the converted DC power to the receiving unit 50, the conversion unit 52, and the wireless communication unit 54. However, the power supply PS is not limited to the above and may be any power source. The power supply circuit 56 may have any configuration that can convert and supply power from the power supply PS to properly operate each unit of the gateway device 10.

[0034] The receiving unit 50 receives the human body detection results transmitted from the camera 22. In other words, the receiving unit 50 is an input interface. As described above, communication between the camera 22 and the receiving unit 50 (gateway device 10) may be wired or wireless. The communication standard between the camera 22 and the receiving unit 50 may be any communication standard that allows the detection results to be appropriately transmitted to the receiving unit 50. The receiving unit 50 inputs the received detection results from the camera 22 to the conversion unit 52.

[0035] The conversion unit 52 converts the detection result input from the receiving unit 50 into a signal of a predetermined format compatible with the wireless communication unit 54, and inputs the converted signal to the wireless communication unit 54. The conversion unit 52 converts, for example, a signal of a wired communication or wireless communication standard received by the receiving unit 50 into a serial communication signal, and inputs the converted signal to the wireless communication unit 54.

[0036] The wireless communication unit 54 performs two-way wireless communication with the multiple lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20. The wireless communication unit 54 converts the detection results of the camera 22 received by the receiving unit 50 into signals that comply with the communication standards of the mesh communication network made up of the multiple lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20, and transmits the converted signals to the multiple lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20. More specifically, the wireless communication unit 54 transmits the converted signals to another node that is within the communication range. Note that transmitting to the multiple lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20 does not mean transmitting to each of the multiple lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20, but rather means transmitting to only those of the multiple lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20 that are within the communication range.

[0037] By transmitting signals as described above, the wireless communication unit 54 enables the gateway device 10 to operate in the same manner as a sensor compatible with the mesh communication network. Through the operation of the wireless communication unit 54, the gateway device 10 behaves as a sensor compatible with the mesh communication network in the lighting control system 2. In the lighting control system 2, when viewed from the side of the multiple lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting unit 20, the gateway device 10 can be recognized as a sensor compatible with the mesh communication network.

[0038] The wireless communication unit 54 includes, for example, sensor firmware 60 and a storage unit 62. As described above, the sensor firmware 60 is a program that enables the sensor to perform the same operations as a sensor compatible with a mesh communication network, or a device such as a programmable logic device that incorporates the program.

[0039] The storage unit 62 stores information necessary for wireless communication compliant with the communication standard of the mesh communication network. The storage unit 62 stores information such as key information representing a network key of the mesh communication network, a security parameter called an IV index, and a unicast address assigned by a provisioner. This information is stored in the storage unit 62, for example, by a provisioning process performed in advance on the gateway device 10. The storage unit 62 is, for example, a rewritable non-volatile storage element such as a flash memory. Note that the information stored in the storage unit 62 is not limited to the above and may be any information necessary for wireless communication compliant with the communication standard of the mesh communication network.

[0040] The wireless communication unit 54 operates based on the sensor firmware 60 and the information stored in the memory unit 62, thereby converting the detection results of the camera 22 into signals that comply with the communication standards of the mesh communication network, as described above, and transmitting the converted signals to the multiple lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20.

[0041] FIG. 3 is a flowchart schematically illustrating an example of the operation of the gateway device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 shows a schematic example of the operation of the gateway device 10 in a case where the camera 22 outputs a presence signal indicating that a human body has been detected only when the camera 22 detects a human body, and where the lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting units 20 have a hold time when switching from a lit state to an off state.

[0042] When wireless communication unit 54 of gateway device 10 starts operating in response to the supply of power from power supply circuit 56, it first transmits an absence signal indicating that no human body has been detected to multiple lighting fixtures 12 and lighting unit 20 (step S101 in FIG. 3 ). Wireless communication unit 54 periodically transmits the absence signal to multiple lighting fixtures 12 and lighting unit 20. At this time, wireless communication unit 54 transmits the absence signal at a transmission interval that is shorter than the shortest hold time of multiple lighting fixtures 12 and lighting unit 20.

[0043] After starting to transmit the absence signal, the wireless communication unit 54 determines whether or not it has received a presence signal from the camera 22 (step S102 in FIG. 3). If it has not received a presence signal from the camera 22, the wireless communication unit 54 continues to periodically transmit the absence signal.

[0044] On the other hand, when wireless communication unit 54 receives a presence signal from camera 22, it transmits the presence signal to the lighting devices 12 and lighting unit 20 (step S103 in FIG. 3). Wireless communication unit 54 periodically transmits the presence signal to the lighting devices 12 and lighting unit 20. In this case, wireless communication unit 54 also transmits the presence signal at a transmission interval shorter than the shortest hold time of the lighting devices 12 and lighting unit 20.

[0045] In this way, the wireless communication unit 54 periodically transmits a presence signal or an absence signal regardless of the timing of reception of the signal (detection result) from the camera 22 by the receiving unit 50. This allows the gateway device 10 in the lighting control system 2 to appropriately behave as a sensor compatible with a mesh communication network.

[0046] After starting transmission of the presence signal, the wireless communication unit 54 determines whether or not the transmission of the presence signal from the camera 22 has stopped (step S104 in FIG. 3). If the transmission of the presence signal from the camera 22 has not stopped, the wireless communication unit 54 continues the operation of periodically transmitting the presence signal.

[0047] On the other hand, when the transmission of the presence signal from camera 22 stops, wireless communication unit 54 returns to the operation of transmitting the absence signal to the plurality of lighting devices 12 and lighting unit 20. Thereafter, wireless communication unit 54 repeatedly executes the above operation.

[0048] The lighting devices 12 and the lighting unit 20 are turned on in response to a presence signal and turned off in response to an absence signal, and have a hold time when switching from the on state to the off state. The length of the hold time may be changeable, for example, by setting data.

[0049] When the signal periodically transmitted from wireless communication unit 54 switches from a presence signal to an absence signal, for example, multiple lighting devices 12 and lighting unit 20 start timing a predetermined hold time from the timing of the switch from the presence signal to the absence signal. Multiple lighting devices 12 and lighting unit 20 maintain their lit state while timing the hold time. If the absence signal continues to be transmitted until the end of timing the hold time, multiple lighting devices 12 and lighting unit 20 switch from their lit state to their extinguished state when the end of timing the hold time. On the other hand, if the absence signal switches back to a presence signal before the end of timing the hold time, multiple lighting devices 12 and lighting unit 20 end timing the hold time and continue their lit state.

[0050] In this case, if multiple lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20 have holding times, as described above, wireless communication unit 54 transmits the presence or absence signal at a transmission interval shorter than the shortest holding time of multiple lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20. This prevents, for example, a situation in which a presence signal is switched to an absence signal and then the absence signal is switched back to a presence signal immediately after the holding time has elapsed, causing multiple lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20 to turn off and then immediately turn back on again, which could cause flickering to be observed by people entering the room.

[0051] As described above, in the gateway device 10 according to this embodiment, the wireless communication unit 54 converts the detection results of the camera 22 received by the receiving unit 50 into signals that comply with the communication standards of the mesh communication network made up of the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20, and periodically transmits the converted signals to the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20, regardless of the timing at which the receiving unit 50 receives the signal from the camera 22.

[0052] As a result, in the gateway device 10 according to this embodiment and the lighting control system 2 using the same, even cameras 22 (sensors) that do not comply with the communication standards of the mesh communication network can be incorporated into the mesh communication network and used. This, for example, increases the degree of freedom in selecting cameras 22 (sensors). For example, it eliminates the need to develop new cameras that comply with the communication standards of the mesh communication network, and can suppress increases in the costs of the lighting control system 2.

[0053] (Second embodiment) FIG. 4 is a flowchart schematically illustrating an example of the operation of the gateway device according to the second embodiment. 4 shows a schematic example of the operation of gateway device 10 when camera 22 outputs a presence signal and an absence signal, and when multiple lighting fixtures 12 and lighting unit 20 have a hold time when switching from a lit state to an extinguished state. Note that components that are substantially the same in function and configuration as those in the above embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0054] When the wireless communication unit 54 of the gateway device 10 starts operating in response to the supply of power from the power supply circuit 56, it first waits for reception of a signal from the camera 22 (sensor) (step S201 in FIG. 4).

[0055] When wireless communication unit 54 receives a signal from camera 22, it periodically transmits a signal corresponding to the signal from camera 22 to the plurality of lighting devices 12 and lighting unit 20 (steps S202 and S203 in FIG. 4 ). That is, when wireless communication unit 54 receives a presence signal from camera 22, it periodically transmits a presence signal to the plurality of lighting devices 12 and lighting unit 20, and when wireless communication unit 54 receives an absence signal from camera 22, it periodically transmits an absence signal to the plurality of lighting devices 12 and lighting unit 20. When the signal from camera 22 is switched, wireless communication unit 54 switches the signals to be transmitted to the plurality of lighting devices 12 and lighting unit 20 accordingly.

[0056] In this case, the wireless communication unit 54 also periodically transmits a presence signal or an absence signal, regardless of the timing of reception of a signal (detection result) from the camera 22 of the receiving unit 50. Also in this case, the wireless communication unit 54 also transmits an absence signal at a transmission interval shorter than the shortest hold time of the multiple lighting devices 12 and the lighting unit 20. Thereafter, the wireless communication unit 54 repeatedly executes the above-described operations.

[0057] In this way, the camera 22 (human body detection sensor) may be configured to output only a presence signal, or may be configured to output both a presence signal and an absence signal, or the camera 22 (human body detection sensor) may be configured to output only an absence signal.

[0058] (Third embodiment) FIG. 5 is a flowchart schematically illustrating an example of the operation of the gateway device according to the third embodiment. Fig. 5 shows a schematic example of the operation of the gateway device 10 when the camera 22 outputs only a presence signal and the gateway device 10 has a holding time. Note that the operations from steps S301 to S304 in Fig. 5 are substantially the same as the operations from steps S101 to S104 described with reference to Fig. 3, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0059] When the transmission of the presence signal from the camera 22 stops, the wireless communication unit 54 starts measuring a predetermined holding time, and determines whether the holding time has elapsed (step S305 in FIG. 5).

[0060] If the holding time has not elapsed, the wireless communication unit 54 continues the operation of periodically transmitting the presence signal and determines whether or not the transmission of the presence signal from the camera 22 has stopped. In other words, if the holding time has not elapsed, the wireless communication unit 54 continues the operation of periodically transmitting the presence signal and determines whether or not the transmission of the presence signal from the camera 22 has resumed.

[0061] If wireless communication unit 54 receives a presence signal from camera 22 before the holding time has elapsed, it stops counting the holding time and continues to periodically transmit the presence signal. On the other hand, if the holding time has elapsed since the timing at which the transmission of the presence signal from camera 22 stopped, wireless communication unit 54 returns to transmitting an absence signal to multiple lighting devices 12 and lighting unit 20. Thereafter, wireless communication unit 54 repeatedly performs the above-described operations.

[0062] In this way, wireless communication unit 54 switches the signal transmitted to multiple lighting fixtures 12 and lighting unit 20 from a presence signal to an absence signal after a predetermined hold time has elapsed from the time when camera 22's detection result changes from a state in which a human body is detected to a state in which a human body is not detected. This allows gateway device 10 to manage the hold time. In this way, the hold time may be managed by multiple lighting fixtures 12 and lighting unit 20, or may be managed by gateway device 10.

[0063] (Fourth embodiment) FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a gateway device according to the fourth embodiment. 6, in gateway device 10a, receiver 50 is configured to be able to receive detection results from multiple cameras 22 (sensors). In this example, lighting control system 2 includes multiple camera-equipped lighting fixtures 14. Receiver 50 inputs the detection results of each of the multiple cameras 22 to converter 52.

[0064] The converter 52 converts each of the multiple detection results input from the receiver 50 into a signal of a predetermined format compatible with the wireless communication unit 54, and inputs the converted signal to the wireless communication unit 54. The converter 52, for example, inputs the multiple detection results to the wireless communication unit 54 with a time lag. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the receiver 50 receives detection results from three cameras 22, camera 1 to camera 3, the converter 52 inputs the detection results of the three cameras 22 to the wireless communication unit 54 with a time lag, such as the detection result of camera 1, the detection result of camera 2, and the detection result of camera 3.

[0065] The wireless communication unit 54 converts the detection results of each of the multiple cameras 22 into signals that comply with the communication standard of the mesh communication network, and transmits the converted signals toward the multiple lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting unit 20. For example, based on input from the conversion unit 52, the wireless communication unit 54 transmits each of the signals of the multiple cameras 22 with a time lag. For example, the wireless communication unit 54 transmits each of the signals of the multiple cameras 22 with a time lag, such as a signal of the detection result of camera 1, a signal of the detection result of camera 2, and a signal of the detection result of camera 3.

[0066] The gateway device 10a further includes a storage unit 70. The storage unit 70 stores association information 72. The storage unit 70 is connected to the wireless communication unit 54. This allows the wireless communication unit 54 to read the association information 72 stored in the storage unit 70.

[0067] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the linking information. As shown in FIG. 7, the linking information 72 stores sensor information representing multiple cameras 22 and group information representing groups to which the multiple cameras 22 belong, in association with each other. In other words, the linking information 72 stores sensor information and group information in association with each other. The linking information 72 is, for example, table data. FIG. 7 shows an example in which camera 1 and camera 2 belong to group 1, and camera 3 belongs to group 2. The groups are groups set for multiple lighting devices 12 and lighting units 20. In other words, the group information is information indicating to which of multiple groups set for multiple lighting devices 12 and lighting units 20 the multiple cameras 22 belong.

[0068] For example, when multiple lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20 are configured using a mobile terminal 34, the configuration data is input to the gateway device 10a via a mesh communication network, and the linking information 72 is stored in the memory unit 70 based on the configuration data.

[0069] The wireless communication unit 54 converts the detection results of each of the multiple cameras 22 into a signal that complies with the communication standard of the mesh communication network, and when transmitting the converted signal to the multiple lighting fixtures 12 and lighting unit 20, includes group information in the converted signal based on the linking information 72 stored in the memory unit 70.

[0070] The lighting states of the lighting fixtures 12 and lighting unit 20 change according to the detection results of the cameras 22 in the group to which they belong. This makes it possible to control the lighting states of the lighting fixtures 12 and lighting unit 20 for each group when multiple cameras 22 (sensors) are provided and the cameras 22 are grouped. This can, for example, further enhance the convenience of the lighting control system 2.

[0071] In the above embodiments, the camera 22 provided in the camera-equipped lighting fixture 14 is shown as an example of a sensor used in the lighting control system 2. The sensor used in the lighting control system 2 is not limited to the camera 22 provided in the camera-equipped lighting fixture 14, and may be a camera provided separately from the lighting fixture (lighting unit 20).

[0072] In each of the above embodiments, the camera 22 is shown as an example of a human body detection sensor. The human body detection sensor is not limited to a camera, and may be, for example, a pyroelectric sensor or a radio wave sensor. The human body detection sensor is not limited to the above, and may be any sensor that can appropriately detect a human body entering a room.

[0073] In each of the above embodiments, the camera 22 is used as a human body detection sensor. However, the camera 22 is not limited to this and may be used, for example, as an illuminance sensor. For example, the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting unit 20 may perform an operation such as turning off when the brightness is above a predetermined level and turning on when the brightness is below the predetermined level based on the detection result of the illuminance sensor. The illuminance sensor is not limited to a camera and may be an illuminance sensor using a photoelectric element.

[0074] The sensors used in the lighting control system 2 are not limited to those described above, and may be any sensors necessary for controlling the lighting states of the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20.

[0075] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 2...Lighting control system, 10, 10a...Gateway device, 12...Lighting fixture, 14...Lighting fixture with camera, 20...Lighting unit, 22...Camera, 30...Control terminal, 32...Server, 34...Mobile terminal, 36, 38...Switch, 50...Receiving unit, 52...Conversion unit, 54...Wireless communication unit, 56...Power supply circuit, 60...Sensor firmware, 62...Memory unit, 70...Memory unit, 72...Linking information

Claims

1. A gateway device used in a lighting control system having a plurality of lighting fixtures that establish a mesh-like communication network by performing two-way wireless communication, a receiving unit that receives detection results transmitted from sensors that do not support the mesh communication network; a wireless communication unit that converts the detection results of the sensors received by the receiving unit into signals that comply with a communication standard of the mesh communication network, and periodically transmits the converted signals to the plurality of lighting fixtures regardless of the timing at which the receiving unit receives the signals from the sensors; Equipped with the sensor that does not correspond to the mesh communication network is a human body detection sensor that detects a human body, the wireless communication unit performs an operation of periodically transmitting, to the plurality of lighting devices, a presence signal indicating that the human body detection sensor has detected a human body, in response to a detection result of the human body detection sensor, and an operation of periodically transmitting, to the plurality of lighting devices, an absence signal indicating that the human body detection sensor has not detected a human body; the plurality of lighting devices are turned on in response to reception of the presence signal and turned off in response to reception of the absence signal, and have a hold time when switching from the on state to the off state; The gateway device is characterized in that the wireless communication unit periodically transmits the presence signal or the absence signal at a transmission interval shorter than the shortest holding time of the plurality of lighting fixtures.

2. A gateway device used in a lighting control system having a plurality of lighting fixtures that establish a mesh-like communication network by performing two-way wireless communication, a receiving unit that receives detection results transmitted from sensors that do not support the mesh communication network; a wireless communication unit that converts the detection results of the sensors received by the receiving unit into signals that comply with a communication standard of the mesh communication network, and periodically transmits the converted signals to the plurality of lighting fixtures regardless of the timing at which the receiving unit receives the signals from the sensors; Equipped with the sensor that does not correspond to the mesh communication network is a human body detection sensor that detects a human body, the wireless communication unit performs an operation of periodically transmitting, to the plurality of lighting devices, a presence signal indicating that the human body detection sensor has detected a human body, in response to a detection result of the human body detection sensor, and an operation of periodically transmitting, to the plurality of lighting devices, an absence signal indicating that the human body detection sensor has not detected a human body; The plurality of lighting devices are turned on in response to receiving the presence signal, and turned off in response to receiving the absence signal, The gateway device is characterized in that the wireless communication unit switches the signal to be transmitted to the plurality of lighting fixtures from the presence signal to the absence signal after a predetermined retention time has elapsed from the time when the detection result of the human body detection sensor switches from a state in which a human body is detected to a state in which a human body is not detected.

3. a storage unit that stores association information that associates and stores sensor information representing the plurality of sensors that do not correspond to the mesh communication network with group information representing a group to which the plurality of sensors belong; the receiving unit is capable of receiving detection results from a plurality of the sensors; 3. The gateway device according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication unit converts the detection results of each of the plurality of sensors into signals that comply with a communication standard of the mesh communication network, and when transmitting the converted signals to the plurality of lighting fixtures, includes the group information in the converted signals based on the linking information stored in the memory unit.

4. A plurality of lighting fixtures that build a mesh-like communication network by performing two-way wireless communication; a sensor that does not support the mesh-like communication network; A gateway device; Equipped with The gateway device a receiving unit that receives detection results transmitted from sensors that do not support the mesh communication network; a wireless communication unit that converts the detection results of the sensors received by the receiving unit into signals that comply with a communication standard of the mesh communication network, and periodically transmits the converted signals to the plurality of lighting fixtures regardless of the timing at which the receiving unit receives the signals from the sensors; and the sensor that does not correspond to the mesh communication network is a human body detection sensor that detects a human body, the wireless communication unit performs an operation of periodically transmitting, to the plurality of lighting devices, a presence signal indicating that the human body detection sensor has detected a human body, in response to a detection result of the human body detection sensor, and an operation of periodically transmitting, to the plurality of lighting devices, an absence signal indicating that the human body detection sensor has not detected a human body; the plurality of lighting devices are turned on in response to reception of the presence signal and turned off in response to reception of the absence signal, and have a hold time when switching from the on state to the off state; A lighting control system characterized in that the wireless communication unit periodically transmits the presence signal or the absence signal at a transmission interval shorter than the shortest holding time of the plurality of lighting fixtures.

5. A plurality of lighting fixtures that build a mesh-like communication network by performing two-way wireless communication; a sensor that does not support the mesh-like communication network; A gateway device; Equipped with The gateway device a receiving unit that receives detection results transmitted from sensors that do not support the mesh communication network; a wireless communication unit that converts the detection results of the sensors received by the receiving unit into signals that comply with a communication standard of the mesh communication network, and periodically transmits the converted signals to the plurality of lighting fixtures regardless of the timing at which the receiving unit receives the signals from the sensors; and the sensor that does not correspond to the mesh communication network is a human body detection sensor that detects a human body, the wireless communication unit performs an operation of periodically transmitting, to the plurality of lighting devices, a presence signal indicating that the human body detection sensor has detected a human body, in response to a detection result of the human body detection sensor, and an operation of periodically transmitting, to the plurality of lighting devices, an absence signal indicating that the human body detection sensor has not detected a human body; The plurality of lighting devices are turned on in response to receiving the presence signal, and turned off in response to receiving the absence signal, A lighting control system characterized in that the wireless communication unit switches the signal to be transmitted to the multiple lighting fixtures from the presence signal to the absence signal after a predetermined retention time has elapsed from the time when the detection result of the human body detection sensor switches from a state in which a human body is detected to a state in which a human body is not detected.

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