Relay device, lighting system, communication system, lighting control system, address setting method, program for relay device, setting device, and program for setting device

Abstract

To provide a relay device that can improve user convenience when configuring a lighting device, and to provide a lighting system, a communication system, a lighting control system, an address setting method, a program for a relay device, a setting device, and a program for the setting device.SOLUTION: In a relay device 2, a control unit 20 performs an address request process that causes one or more lighting devices 3 to generate a random address corresponding to the one or more lighting devices 3 in one of a plurality of operation modes. The plurality of operation modes include a condition specification mode and a simultaneous specification mode. The condition specification mode is an operation mode in which a second communication unit 22 transmits a first address generation request requesting a random address generation from a lighting device 3 that satisfies a predetermined condition among the one or more lighting devices 3. The simultaneous specification mode is an operation mode in which the second communication unit 22 transmits a second address generation request requesting all of the one or more lighting devices 3 to generate random addresses.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a relay device, a lighting system, a communication system, a lighting control system, an address setting method, a program for a relay device, a setting device, and a program for a setting device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a control system including a control unit and a communication unit. The control unit controls one or more facility systems installed in a facility, and also performs management and monitoring of a power supply unit and a communication unit. The communication unit controls the communication of the facility system.

[0003] Specifically, the communication unit is a device for communication between the facility system and the control unit. For example, the communication unit has a function as a network node for connecting networks having different communication standards. Also, by the communication unit relaying the communication between the control unit and the facility system, the control unit can control the facility system.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In a control system such as Patent Document 1, when the facility system includes at least one lighting fixture, various setting processes of the lighting fixture may be performed via a relay device (communication unit).

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a relay device, a lighting system, a communication system, a lighting control system, an address setting method, a program for a relay device, a setting device, and a program for a setting device that can improve user convenience when performing setting processing for lighting devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A relay device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a first communication unit, a second communication unit, and a control unit. The first communication unit communicates with a setting device. The second communication unit communicates with one or more lighting devices. The control unit controls at least the second communication unit. The control unit performs an address request process in which the one or more lighting devices generate a random address, which is a random address corresponding to the one or more lighting devices, in one of a plurality of operating modes. The plurality of operating modes include a condition specification mode and a simultaneous specification mode. The condition specification mode is an operating mode in which the second communication unit sends a first address generation request to the lighting device among the one or more lighting devices that satisfies predetermined conditions, requesting the generation of the random address. The simultaneous specification mode is an operating mode in which the second communication unit sends a second address generation request to all of the one or more lighting devices, requesting the generation of the random address.

[0008] A lighting system according to one aspect of this disclosure comprises the relay device described above and one or more lighting devices.

[0009] A communication system according to one aspect of this disclosure comprises the relay device described above and a master unit that communicates with the relay device.

[0010] A lighting control system according to one aspect of this disclosure comprises the above-described communication system and one or more lighting devices.

[0011] An addressing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a method for addressing one or more lighting devices. The addressing method includes a random addressing step in which an address request process is performed in one of a plurality of operating modes to cause the one or more lighting devices to generate a random address, which is a random address corresponding to the one or more lighting devices. The plurality of operating modes include a condition specification mode and a simultaneous specification mode. The condition specification mode is an operating mode that causes one or more lighting devices that satisfy predetermined conditions to send a first address generation request requesting the generation of the random address. The simultaneous specification mode is an operating mode that causes all of the one or more lighting devices to send a second address generation request requesting the generation of the random address.

[0012] A relay device program according to one aspect of this disclosure causes a computer system to execute the address setting method described above.

[0013] A setting device according to one aspect of the present disclosure communicates with the first communication unit of the relay device described above. The setting device includes a fourth communication unit that communicates with the first communication unit. The fourth communication unit sends mode designation information to the relay device for the control unit to select one of the plurality of operating modes.

[0014] An address setting method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an address setting method performed by a setting device that communicates with the first communication unit of the relay device described above. The address setting method includes a mode specification step of sending an address setting request to the first communication unit, which includes mode specification information specifying one of the plurality of operation modes as the operation mode when the control unit performs the address request processing.

[0015] A program for a setting device according to one aspect of this disclosure causes a computer system to execute the address setting method described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] As described above, in the present disclosure, there is an effect that the convenience of the user can be improved when performing the setting process of the lighting device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a lighting system including a relay device and a setting device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the relay device and the setting device described above. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a random address setting screen displayed by the setting device described above. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing the operation in the condition specification mode in the lighting system described above. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing the operation in the batch specification mode in the lighting system described above. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a short address setting screen displayed by the setting device described above. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing the short address setting process in the lighting system described above. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a group address setting screen displayed by the setting device described above. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing the group address setting process in the lighting system described above. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an operation setting screen displayed by the setting device described above. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a relay device address setting screen displayed by the setting device described above. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an IP address setting screen displayed by the setting device described above. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an initialization screen displayed by the setting device described above. [Figure 14]Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the address setting method performed by the relay device according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the address setting method performed by the setting device according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] The following embodiments generally relate to relay devices, lighting systems, communication systems, lighting control systems, address setting methods, relay device programs, setting devices, and setting device programs. More specifically, they relate to relay devices, lighting systems, communication systems, lighting control systems, address setting methods, relay device programs, setting devices, and setting device programs that relay the settings of lighting devices.

[0019] The following embodiments are merely examples of embodiments of this disclosure. This disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the effects of this disclosure can be achieved.

[0020] (Embodiment) (1) Lighting systems, communication systems, lighting control systems The lighting system 100, which includes the relay device 2 and setting device 7 of this embodiment, will be described with reference to Figure 1.

[0021] The lighting system 100 is used in facilities where one or more lighting devices 3 are installed, and is a system for controlling the lighting devices 3. The facilities are primarily intended to be non-residential facilities such as office buildings, shops, hospitals, schools, or factories. However, the facilities are not limited to non-residential facilities; they may also be residential facilities such as apartment buildings or detached houses.

[0022] The lighting system 100 includes a central monitoring system AS and multiple equipment systems BS.

[0023] The central monitoring system AS is configured to communicate with multiple equipment systems BS via a communication line W1. The central monitoring system AS monitors and controls the multiple equipment systems BS by communicating with them via the communication line W1. The central monitoring system AS includes a controller unit having communication functions with the equipment systems BS, monitoring functions for the equipment systems BS, and control functions for the equipment systems BS, and a power supply unit that supplies power to the controller unit. The communication via the communication line W1 is, for example, communication compliant with the Ethernet® protocol. Furthermore, the central monitoring system AS may be configured to communicate with servers and gateway devices on a wide-area communication network, including the Internet.

[0024] The equipment system BS comprises a transmission unit 1, a relay device 2, a lighting device 3, a protocol converter 4, an operating unit 5, and a sensor 6.

[0025] The transmission unit 1 is connected to communication lines W1, W2, and W3, respectively. The transmission unit 1 communicates with the central monitoring system AS via communication line W1, with the relay device 2 via communication line W2, and with the protocol converter 4 via communication line W3. The transmission unit 1 communicates with the central monitoring system AS via communication line W1, for example, according to the Ethernet protocol. The transmission unit 1 communicates with the relay device 2 via communication line W2, for example, according to a predetermined communication protocol using voltage signals or current signals. The transmission unit 1 communicates with the protocol converter 4 via communication line W4, for example, according to the RS485 protocol. The transmission unit 1 monitors and controls the lighting device 3, the operation unit 5, and the sensor 6, which are indirectly connected to the transmission unit 1 via communication lines W2 and W4. In this embodiment, the lighting device 3 is connected to the transmission unit 1 via the relay device 2. The operation unit 5 and the sensor 6 are connected to the transmission unit 1 via the protocol converter 4.

[0026] The relay device 2 is connected to communication lines W2 and W3, respectively. The relay device 2 communicates with the transmission unit 1 via communication line W2 and with the lighting device 3 via communication line W3. The relay device 2 communicates with the transmission unit 1 via communication line W2 according to a predetermined communication protocol, for example. The relay device 2 communicates with the lighting device 3 via communication line W3 according to a protocol, for example, DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) (registered trademark). The relay device 2 then performs protocol conversion of signals between communication lines W2 and W3.

[0027] The protocol converter 4 is connected to communication lines W4 and W5, respectively. The protocol converter 4 communicates with the transmission unit 1 via communication line W4 and with the operation unit 5 and sensor 6 via communication line W5. The protocol converter 4 communicates with the transmission unit 1 via communication line W4 according to, for example, the RS485 protocol. The protocol converter 4 communicates with the operation unit 5 and sensor 6 via communication line W5 according to, for example, the polling selection protocol. The protocol converter 4 performs protocol conversion of signals between communication lines W4 and W5. If the communication functions of the operation unit 5 and sensor 6 are compatible with the communication protocol used on communication line W2, the operation unit 5 and sensor 6 may be connected directly to the transmission unit 1 without going through the protocol converter 4.

[0028] The operation unit 5 includes at least one touch panel and / or switch for controlling the lighting device 3, such as turning it on, off, adjusting its brightness, and adjusting its color. The operation unit 5 stores the operation details as event data and sends the event data to the communication line W5 when it receives a polling response.

[0029] Sensor 6 includes at least one of the following: a motion sensor that detects the presence or absence of a person in the illuminated space illuminated by the lighting device 3, and an illuminance sensor that detects the illuminance of the illuminated space. Sensor 6 stores the detection result as event data and sends the event data to the communication line W5 in response to polling.

[0030] In this embodiment, the transmission unit 1 periodically transmits a voltage signal (transmission request) for polling to the communication line W5 via the protocol converter 4, thereby sequentially calling either the operation unit 5 or the sensor 6. The called operation unit 5 or sensor 6 sends the event data it holds to the communication line W5. The transmission unit 1 receives the event data via the protocol converter 4. The transmission unit 1 creates control data to control the lighting device 3 according to the event data and transmits the control data to the communication line W3 via the relay device 2. When the lighting device 3 receives the control data addressed to it, it performs operations such as turning on, turning off, dimming, and color adjustment based on the control data.

[0031] Furthermore, the lighting device 3 transmits status data indicating its own state (such as being on, off, dimmed, or color-adjusted) to the communication line W2 via the relay device 2. Upon receiving the status data, the transmission unit 1 performs monitoring processing of the lighting device 3 using the status data.

[0032] Furthermore, the lighting system 100 includes a communication system 200. The communication system 200 includes a relay device 2 and a master unit that communicates with the relay device 2. In this embodiment, the transmission unit 1 functions as the master unit. Note that the master unit may be a device other than the transmission unit 1.

[0033] Furthermore, the lighting system 100 includes a lighting control system 300. The lighting control system 300 includes a communication system 200 and one or more lighting devices 3.

[0034] In such a lighting system 100, the setting device 7 performs various settings for the lighting device 3 and the relay device 2. The setting device 7 is an information terminal such as a personal computer, tablet terminal, or smartphone, and is detachably connected to the first end of the communication line W6. The second end of the communication line W6 is detachably connected to the relay device 2. The setting device 7 and the relay device 2 can communicate with each other via the communication line W6. The setting device 7 can perform various settings for the lighting device 3 via the relay device 2 and various settings for the relay device 2 through user operation. Communication between the setting device 7 and the relay device 2 via the communication line W6 is performed according to, for example, the Ethernet protocol. Note that communication between the setting device 7 and the relay device 2 is not limited to wired communication, but may also be wireless communication. The wireless communication is preferably wireless communication conforming to standards such as Wi-Fi® standard compliant wireless LAN (Local Area Network), Bluetooth®, Bluetooth low energy, ZigBee®, or license-free low-power wireless (specified low-power wireless).

[0035] If the setting device 7 does not have a communication interface (IF) that corresponds to the communication protocol of the relay device 2, the setting device 7 and the relay device 2 may communicate via devices that correspond to communication with the relay device 2 and communication with the setting device 7, respectively.

[0036] Furthermore, the relay device 2 and the setting device 7 are configured as shown in Figure 2 to improve user convenience when performing the setting process for the lighting device 3.

[0037] The relay device 2 comprises a first communication unit 21, a second communication unit 22, and a control unit 20. The first communication unit 21 communicates with the setting device 7. The second communication unit 22 communicates with one or more lighting devices 3. The control unit 20 controls at least the second communication unit 22. The control unit 20 performs an address request process in which one or more lighting devices 3 generate a random address, which is a random address corresponding to one or more lighting devices 3, in one of several operating modes. The multiple operating modes include a condition specification mode and a simultaneous specification mode. The condition specification mode is an operating mode in which the second communication unit 22 sends a first address generation request requesting one or more lighting devices 3 that meet predetermined conditions to generate a random address. The simultaneous specification mode is an operating mode in which the second communication unit 22 sends a second address generation request requesting all one or more lighting devices 3 to generate a random address.

[0038] The setting device 7 communicates with the first communication unit 21 of the relay device 2. The setting device 7 includes a fourth communication unit 71 that communicates with the first communication unit 21. The fourth communication unit 71 sends mode specification information to the relay device 2 for the control unit 20 to select one of several operating modes.

[0039] The relay device 2 and setting device 7, having the configuration described above, can improve user convenience when performing the setting process for the lighting device 3. In particular, the relay device 2 and setting device 7 can improve user convenience when performing the setting process for random addresses.

[0040] (2) Details The following describes the details of the control, monitoring, and various settings of the lighting device 3 in the lighting system 100.

[0041] (2.1) Control and monitoring of lighting equipment As shown in Figure 2, the relay device 2 comprises a control unit 20, a first communication unit 21, a second communication unit 22, and a third communication unit 23.

[0042] The control unit 20 controls the operation of the first communication unit 21, the second communication unit 22, and the third communication unit 23.

[0043] The control unit 20 includes a computer system. In this computer system, some or all of the functions of the control unit 20 are realized by a processor, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit), reading and executing software (program for relay devices) stored in memory. The computer system has a processor that operates according to the software as its main hardware configuration. The type of processor does not matter as long as it can realize its functions by executing software. The processor consists of one or more electronic circuits, including semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) or LSIs (Large Scale Integrations). Here, we refer to them as ICs and LSIs, but the name changes depending on the degree of integration, and they may also be called system LSIs, VLSIs (Very Large Scale Integrations), or ULSIs (Ultra Large Scale Integrations). Field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) that are programmed after the manufacture of the LSI, or reconfigurable logic devices that allow for the reconfiguration of internal junction relationships or the setup of internal circuit compartments of the LSI, can also be used for the same purpose. Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated onto a single chip, or they may be provided on multiple chips. Multiple chips may be integrated into a single device, or they may be provided on multiple devices.

[0044] The first communication unit 21 has a communication interface function for communicating with the fourth communication unit 71 of the setting device 7 via the communication line W6. Communication via the communication line W6 is performed according to the Ethernet protocol.

[0045] The second communication unit 22 is configured to communicate with the lighting device 3 via the communication line W3. Communication via the communication line W3 is performed according to the DALI protocol. In this case, the lighting device 3 is controlled in accordance with the DALI standard. For example, each lighting device 3 can be assigned an address, enabling individual control of each lighting device 3. It is also possible to control multiple lighting devices 3 as a group (group control). Furthermore, bidirectional communication via the communication line W3 allows not only control of the lighting device 3 but also to check the status and operation of the lighting device 3.

[0046] The third communication unit 23 is configured to communicate with the transmission unit 1 via the communication line W2. Communication via the communication line W2 is performed according to a predetermined communication protocol using voltage signals or current signals.

[0047] In such a relay device 2, when the third communication unit 23 receives control data transmitted from the transmission unit 1, the control unit 20 creates a DALI standard signal containing the control data. The second communication unit 22 sends the signal containing the control data to the communication line W3 according to the DALI protocol. When the lighting device 3 receives the control data addressed to it, it performs operations such as turning on, turning off, dimming, and color adjustment based on the control data.

[0048] Furthermore, the lighting device 3 sends a signal containing status data indicating its own status (such as on, off, dimming, or color adjustment) to the communication line W3 in accordance with the DALI protocol. In the relay device 2, when the second communication unit 22 receives the status data, the control unit 20 creates a signal according to a predetermined communication standard that includes the status data. The third communication unit 23 sends a signal containing the status data to the communication line W2 in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol. When the transmission unit 1 receives the status data, it performs monitoring processing of the lighting device 3 using the status data.

[0049] In other words, the control of the lighting device 3 using control data and the monitoring of the lighting device 3 using monitoring data are performed through communication between the transmission unit 1 and the relay device 2, and between the relay device 2 and the lighting device 3.

[0050] Communication, monitoring, and control of the relay device 2 and lighting device 3 in the lighting system 100 described above require various settings for the relay device 2 and lighting device 3. Therefore, the setting device 7 performs various settings for the relay device 2 and lighting device 3 through user operation. The settings include setting the address and operation settings of lighting device 3, setting the address of relay device 2, and initializing the relay device 2 and lighting device 3.

[0051] (2.2) Configuration process The setting device 7 is an information terminal such as a personal computer, tablet, or smartphone, and is operated by the user. As shown in Figure 2, the setting device 7 comprises a control unit 70, a fourth communication unit 71, a display unit 72, and an operation unit 73.

[0052] The control unit 70 includes a computer system. In this computer system, some or all of the functions of the control unit 70 are realized by a processor such as a CPU or MPU reading and executing software (a program for the setting device) stored in memory. The computer system has a processor that operates according to the software as its main hardware configuration. The type of processor does not matter as long as it can realize its functions by executing software. The processor consists of one or more electronic circuits, including semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) or LSIs. Here, we refer to them as ICs and LSIs, but the name changes depending on the degree of integration, and they may also be called system LSIs, VLSIs, or ULSIs. Field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) that are programmed after the manufacture of the LSI, or reconfigurable logic devices that allow for the reconfiguration of junction relationships inside the LSI or the setup of circuit compartments inside the LSI, can also be used for the same purpose. Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated on a single chip or provided on multiple chips. Multiple chips may be aggregated in a single device or provided in multiple devices.

[0053] The control unit 70 then controls the operation of the fourth communication unit 71, the display unit 72, and the operation unit 73. The control unit 70 has a setting application pre-installed, and by running the setting application, it displays various image data for the setting process on the display unit 72.

[0054] The fourth communication unit 71 has a communication interface function for communicating with the first communication unit 21 of the relay device 2 via the communication line W6. Communication via the communication line W6 is performed according to the Ethernet protocol, for example. In the relay device 2, the control unit 20 performs protocol conversion of signals between the communication line W2 and the communication line W3. That is, the control unit 20 converts the Ethernet protocol-compliant signal received by the first communication unit 21 into a DALI protocol-compliant signal and sends it from the second communication unit 22 to the communication line W3. The control unit 20 also converts the DALI protocol-compliant signal received by the second communication unit 22 into an Ethernet protocol-compliant signal and sends it from the first communication unit 21 to the communication line W6.

[0055] The display unit 72 is a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and displays image data. The image data includes, for example, operation screens for executing and stopping setting processes performed by the setting device 7 via the relay device 2, as well as notification screens for the execution process and results of the setting processes.

[0056] The operation unit 73 has a user interface function that accepts user input. The operation unit 73 has at least one user interface, such as a touch panel display, a keyboard, and a mouse. The user performs operations on the operation unit 73 to execute setting processes.

[0057] The user then operates the control unit 73 while viewing the screen displayed on the display unit 72 to perform operations such as executing and stopping the setting process, as well as to confirm the process and results of the setting process.

[0058] (2.2.1) Addressing the lighting device In the lighting system 100, the address of the lighting device 3 is used for control, monitoring, and communication with the lighting device 3. Therefore, during construction, renovation, and maintenance of the lighting system 100, an address setting process is performed for the lighting device 3. In the address setting process for the lighting device 3, the address of the lighting device 3 is set in the following order: random address, short address, and group address. The random address is a temporary address used in the address setting process, while the short address and group address are the addresses used for actual control, monitoring, and communication with the lighting device 3 after the address setting process.

[0059] In the following, we will explain the address settings for the four lighting devices 3 connected to the same relay device 2 via communication line W3 in Figures 1 and 2. To distinguish between the four lighting devices 3, they will be referred to as lighting devices 31, 32, 33, and 34, respectively.

[0060] (Random address) In the address setting process for lighting device 3, first, a random address for lighting device 3 is set. In this embodiment, lighting device 3 has a function to generate a random address, which is a random address using random numbers or the like. When lighting device 3 receives an address generation request, it generates a random address for itself. The length of the random address is 3 bytes, and the random address is represented as "0x** ** **".

[0061] Specifically, when the address setting process for the lighting device 3 is started in the setting device 7, the display unit 72 displays the random address setting screen G1 shown in Figure 3. The random address setting screen G1 is a screen for setting the random address of the lighting device 3. The random address setting screen G1 includes a setting button SB1 and a radio button RB1.

[0062] The setting button SB1 is a button for sending an address setting request from the fourth communication unit 71 of the setting device 7. When the setting button SB1 is pressed by the user, the control unit 70 of the setting device 7 causes the fourth communication unit 71 to send an address setting request over the communication line W6. That is, the setting device 7 sends an address setting request from the fourth communication unit 71 to the relay device 2. The address setting request includes mode specification information indicating the operating mode selected by the radio button RB1, which will be described later.

[0063] In the relay device 2, when the first communication unit 21 receives an address setting request, the control unit 20 determines the selected operating mode based on the mode specification information included in the address setting request. The control unit 20 generates an address generation request corresponding to the determined operating mode and has the second communication unit 22 send the address generation request to the communication line W3. In other words, the relay device 2 transmits the address generation request from the second communication unit 22 to the lighting device 3.

[0064] Upon receiving an address generation request, the lighting device 3 decides whether or not to generate a random address for itself based on the address generation request. If the lighting device 3 generates a random address, it stores the data of its random address in the memory it has.

[0065] Here, before pressing the setting button SB1, the user operates radio button RB1 to select one of several operating modes. The multiple operating modes include condition specification mode and simultaneous specification mode. Radio button RB1 in Figure 3 is a button for selecting either simultaneous specification mode or simultaneous specification mode. Then, when the control unit 70 sends an address setting request, it includes mode specification information indicating the operating mode selected by radio button RB1 in the address setting request.

[0066] The condition specification mode is an operation mode that requests the generation of a random address from lighting device 3 among the four lighting devices 31-34 that meet predetermined conditions. In this embodiment, the predetermined condition for the condition specification mode is "random address not set". That is, the condition specification mode in this embodiment is an operation mode that requests the generation of a random address from lighting device 3 that does not have a random address set (does not hold a random address). Note that the predetermined condition for the condition specification mode is not limited to "random address not set", and may be other conditions.

[0067] The simultaneous assignment mode is an operating mode that requests the generation of random addresses from all four lighting devices 31-34 under the control of relay device 2 (i.e., connected to the second communication unit 22 of relay device 2).

[0068] Figure 4 will be used to explain the operation in condition specification mode.

[0069] First, when the condition specification mode is selected by operating the radio button RB1 on the random address setting screen G1, and the setting button SB1 is pressed, the setting device 7 sends an address setting request Ya1 containing the mode specification information of the condition specification mode to the relay device 2. Upon receiving the address setting request Ya1, the relay device 2 generates a first address generation request Yb1 as an address generation request corresponding to the condition specification mode. The relay device 2 sends the first address generation request Yb1 over the communication line W3 (broadcast). The first address generation request Yb1 is an address generation request that lighting device 3, one of the four lighting devices 31-34 under the control of the relay device 2, which does not have a random address set, generate a random address. Upon receiving the first address generation request Yb1, lighting devices 31-34 decide whether or not to generate a random address. In this case, lighting devices 31 and 33 do not have random addresses set, while lighting devices 32 and 34 have random addresses set. Therefore, lighting devices 31 and 33 each generate a random address for themselves (step S1). Lighting devices 32 and 34 do not generate a random address for themselves.

[0070] The lighting devices 31 and 33 each store the generated random address data in the memory provided in the lighting devices 31 and 33.

[0071] Figure 5 will be used to explain the operation in simultaneous designation mode.

[0072] First, when the simultaneous assignment mode is selected by operating the radio button RB1 on the random address setting screen G1, and the setting button SB1 is pressed, the setting device 7 sends an address setting request Ya2 containing mode specification information indicating the simultaneous assignment mode to the relay device 2. Upon receiving the address setting request Ya2, the relay device 2 generates a second address generation request Yb2 as an address generation request corresponding to the simultaneous assignment mode. The relay device 2 sends the second address generation request Yb2 over the communication line W3 (broadcast). The second address generation request Yb2 is an address generation request that all four lighting devices 31-34 under the control of the relay device 2 generate random addresses. Upon receiving the second address generation request Yb2, the lighting devices 31-34 perform the random address generation process (step S2). That is, all of the lighting devices 31-34 generate random addresses for their own devices.

[0073] Lighting devices 31-34 each store the generated random address data in the memory provided by the lighting devices 31-34. At this time, lighting device 3, which has already set a random address, discards the set random address and stores a new random address.

[0074] (Short address) After setting a random address as described above, it is preferable that the control unit 20 of the relay device 2 communicates with the lighting devices 31-34 via the second communication unit 22 using the random address, thereby transmitting short address data for identifying the lighting devices 31-34 to the lighting devices 31-34. The length of the short address is shorter than the length of the random address.

[0075] Furthermore, it is preferable that the control unit 20 transmits the short address data to the lighting devices 31-34 based on the short address notification received from the setting device 7 via the first communication unit 21.

[0076] Specifically, after the random address setting process, the setting device 7 displays the short address setting screen G2 shown in Figure 6 on the display unit 72. The short address setting screen G2 is a screen for setting the short address of the lighting device 3. The short address setting screen G2 includes an acquisition button SB21, a temporary assignment button SB22, a setting button SB23, a blinking start button SB24, and a blinking stop button SB25. Furthermore, the short address setting screen G2 includes display areas R21 and R22, and an input field N21.

[0077] At the top of the short address setting screen G2, the acquisition button SB21, temporary assignment button SB22, and setting button SB23 are arranged horizontally. At the left end of the short address setting screen G2 is the display area R21 for random addresses. To the right of the display area R21, corresponding to the random addresses displayed in the display area R21, are the flashing start button SB24 and the flashing stop button SB25. In the right half of the short address setting screen G2, the short address display area R22 and the input field N21 are arranged horizontally, corresponding to the random addresses displayed in the display area R21.

[0078] The short address setting process will be explained using Figure 7.

[0079] The acquisition button SB21 (see Figure 6) is a button for sending an address acquisition request Yc1 from the fourth communication unit 71 of the setting device 7. When the acquisition button SB21 is pressed by the user, the control unit 70 of the setting device 7 causes the fourth communication unit 71 to send an address acquisition request Yc1 over the communication line W6. In other words, the setting device 7 sends an address acquisition request Yc1 from the fourth communication unit 71 to the relay device 2.

[0080] In the relay device 2, when the first communication unit 21 receives the address acquisition request Yc1, the control unit 20 causes the second communication unit 22 to send the address acquisition request Yd1 over the communication line W3. In other words, the relay device 2 transmits (broadcasts) the address acquisition request Yd1 from the second communication unit 22 to all of its subordinate lighting devices 3.

[0081] Upon receiving the address acquisition request Yd1, the lighting devices 31-34 read their own random addresses from memory and send the data Ye1 of the read random address to the communication line W3. In other words, the lighting devices 31-34 transmit the data Ye1 of the random address to the relay device 2.

[0082] In the relay device 2, the second communication unit 22 receives the random address data Ye1, and the control unit 20 acquires the random address data Ye1. That is, the control unit 20 acquires the random address data Ye1 generated by the lighting devices 31-34 via the second communication unit 22. Once the control unit 20 acquires the random address data Ye1, it causes the first communication unit 21 to send the random address data Yf1 over the communication line W6. That is, the control unit 20 transmits the random address data Yf1 to the setting device 7 via the first communication unit 21.

[0083] In the setting device 7, when the fourth communication unit 71 receives the random address data Yf1, the control unit 70 stores the random address data Yf1 in the memory provided by the setting device 7. Then, as shown in Figure 6, the control unit 70 displays each random address of the lighting devices 31-34 in the display area R21 of the short address setting screen G2. The display area R21 is located at the left end of the short address setting screen G2, and the random addresses of the lighting devices 31-34 are displayed arranged vertically.

[0084] The user inputs the setting value for the short address into the input field N21 by operating the control unit 73 of the setting device 7 (step S3 in Figure 7). The input field N21 corresponds one-to-one with the random address displayed in the display area R21, and the setting value for the short address corresponding one-to-one with the random address is input. The short addresses of each of the lighting devices 31-34 are set to different values ​​from each other. In this embodiment, the short address is represented by a positive integer in the range of 1-64. That is, the length of the short address represented by a positive integer in the range of 1-64 is shorter than the length of the 3-byte random address.

[0085] Then, when the setting button SB23 is pressed by the user, the control unit 70 of the setting device 7 transmits a short address notification Yg1 from the fourth communication unit 71 to the relay device 2. The short address notification Yg1 contains data of a pair of random addresses and short addresses. The pair of random addresses and short addresses included in the short address notification Yg1 is the pair of random addresses and short addresses associated on the short address setting screen G2.

[0086] In the relay device 2, when the first communication unit 21 receives the short address notification Yg1, the control unit 20 causes the second communication unit 22 to send short address notifications Yh1-Yh4 over the communication line W3. That is, the relay device 2 transmits short address notifications Yh1-Yh4 from the second communication unit 22 to the lighting device 3. Short address notification Yh1 contains data of a pair of the lighting device 31's random address and short address. Short address notification Yh2 contains data of a pair of the lighting device 32's random address and short address. Short address notification Yh3 contains data of a pair of the lighting device 33's random address and short address. Short address notification Yh4 contains data of a pair of the lighting device 34's random address and short address. Lighting devices 31-34, upon receiving short address notifications Yh1-Yh4, store the short address associated with their own random address in memory as their own short address.

[0087] To the right of the display area R21, a flashing start button SB24 and a flashing stop button SB25 are located, corresponding to the random addresses of the lighting devices 31-34.

[0088] When the flashing start button SB24 is pressed by the user, the control unit 70 of the setting device 7 generates a flashing start signal that instructs the flashing operation as control data addressed to the random address corresponding to the pressed flashing start button SB24. The control unit 70 has the fourth communication unit 71 send the generated flashing start signal to the communication line W6. In other words, the setting device 7 transmits the flashing start signal from the fourth communication unit 71 to the relay device 2.

[0089] In the relay device 2, when the first communication unit 21 receives a blinking start signal, the control unit 20 causes the second communication unit 22 to send a blinking start signal to the communication line W3. Among the lighting devices 31-34, lighting device 3, which has a random address that is the destination of the blinking start signal, blinks its light source when it receives the blinking start signal. Therefore, the user can easily identify the lighting device 3 corresponding to the random address displayed in the display area R1 of the short address setting screen G2.

[0090] When the flashing stop button SB25 is pressed by the user, the control unit 70 of the setting device 7 generates a flashing stop signal, which instructs the user to stop the flashing operation, as control data addressed to the random address corresponding to the pressed flashing stop button SB25. The control unit 70 then sends the generated flashing stop signal from the fourth communication unit 71 to the communication line W6. In other words, the setting device 7 transmits the flashing stop signal from the fourth communication unit 71 to the relay device 2.

[0091] In relay device 2, when the first communication unit 21 receives a blinking stop signal, the control unit 20 causes the second communication unit 22 to send a blinking stop signal to communication line W3. Among the lighting devices 31-34, lighting device 3, which is the recipient of the blinking stop signal, turns off its light source when it receives the blinking stop signal.

[0092] Upon receiving the address acquisition request Yd1, lighting devices 31-34, if a short address has already been set, read both the random address and the short address from memory and send both the random address data Ye1 and the short address data to the communication line W3. Relay device 2 relays the short address data, just like the short address data Ye1, and sends it to setting device 7. When setting device 7 receives the short address data, it displays it in the display area R22 of the short address setting screen G2. In other words, if a short address has already been set for lighting device 3, the set short address will be displayed in the display area R22.

[0093] Additionally, when the temporary assignment button SB22 is pressed by the user, the short address setting value is automatically and temporarily entered into the input field N21.

[0094] (Group address) After setting the short address as described above, it is preferable that the control unit 20 of the relay device 2 communicates with the lighting devices 31-34 via the second communication unit 22 using a random address or a short address, thereby transmitting data of a group address to identify the group to which the lighting devices 31-34 belong.

[0095] Furthermore, it is preferable that the control unit 20 transmits the group address data to the lighting devices 31-34 based on the notification of the group address received from the setting device 7 via the first communication unit 21.

[0096] Specifically, after the short address setting process, the setting device 7 displays the group address setting screen G3 shown in Figure 8 on the display unit 72. The group address setting screen G3 is a screen for setting the group address of the lighting device 3. The group address setting screen G3 includes an acquisition button SB31, a setting button SB32, and a confirmation button SB33. Furthermore, the group address setting screen G3 includes display areas R31, R32, and an input area M31.

[0097] In the upper left of the group address setting screen G3, the acquire button SB31 and the set button SB32 are arranged side by side horizontally. At the left edge of the group address setting screen G3 is a display area R31 where short addresses are displayed vertically. In the display area R32, which extends to the right from the top edge of display area R31, group addresses are displayed horizontally. To the right of display area R31 and below display area R32 is an input area M31 where radio buttons are arranged in a grid.

[0098] The group address setting process will be explained using Figure 9.

[0099] The acquisition button SB31 (see Figure 8) is a button for sending an address acquisition request Yi1 from the fourth communication unit 71 of the setting device 7. When the acquisition button SB31 is pressed by the user, the control unit 70 of the setting device 7 causes the fourth communication unit 71 to send an address acquisition request Yi1 over the communication line W6. In other words, the setting device 7 sends the address acquisition request Yi1 from the fourth communication unit 71 to the relay device 2.

[0100] In the relay device 2, when the first communication unit 21 receives the address acquisition request Yi1, the control unit 20 causes the second communication unit 22 to send the address acquisition request Yj1 over the communication line W3. In other words, the relay device 2 transmits (broadcasts) the address acquisition request Yj1 from the second communication unit 22 to all of its subordinate lighting devices 3.

[0101] Upon receiving the address acquisition request Yj1, the lighting devices 31-34 read their own short addresses from memory and send the data Yk1 of the read short addresses to the communication line W3. In other words, the lighting devices 31-34 transmit the data Yk1 of the short addresses to the relay device 2.

[0102] In the relay device 2, the second communication unit 22 receives the short address data Yk1, and the control unit 20 acquires the short address data Yk1. That is, the control unit 20 acquires the short address data Yk1 of each of the lighting devices 31-34 via the second communication unit 22. Once the control unit 20 acquires the short address data Yk1, it causes the first communication unit 21 to send the short address data Ym1 over the communication line W6. That is, the control unit 20 transmits the short address data Ym1 to the setting device 7 via the first communication unit 21.

[0103] In the setting device 7, when the fourth communication unit 71 receives the short address data Ym1, the control unit 70 stores the short address data Ym1 in the memory provided by the setting device 7. Then, as shown in Figure 8, the control unit 70 displays the short addresses of the lighting devices 31-34 in the display area R31 of the group address setting screen G3. The display area R31 is located at the left end of the group address setting screen G3, and the short addresses of the lighting devices 31-34 are displayed in a vertical order. In Figure 8, the short addresses of the lighting devices 31-34 are "1", "2", "3", and "4".

[0104] The user sets the group addresses corresponding to the short addresses "1", "2", "3", and "4" of the lighting devices 31-34 in the input area M31 by operating the control unit 73 of the setting device 7 (step S4 in Figure 9). In this embodiment, the group addresses are represented by positive integers in the range of 1 to 16. The input area M31 has 16 radio buttons, each corresponding to a group address 1 to 16, corresponding to each short address "1", "2", "3", and "4" of the lighting devices 31-34. The user inputs the group addresses corresponding to each short address "1", "2", "3", and "4" of the lighting devices 31-34 by selecting one of the 16 radio buttons for each short address "1", "2", "3", and "4" of the lighting devices 31-34. Note that the number of short addresses associated with one group address may be one or more. That is, the number of lighting devices 3 included in one group may be one or more.

[0105] Then, when the setting button SB32 is pressed by the user, the control unit 70 of the setting device 7 sends a group address notification Yn1 from the fourth communication unit 71 to the relay device 2. The group address notification Yn1 contains data of a pair of short addresses and group addresses. The pair of short addresses and group addresses included in the group address notification Yn1 is the pair of short addresses and group addresses that were associated on the group address setting screen G3.

[0106] In the relay device 2, when the first communication unit 21 receives the group address notification Yn1, the control unit 20 causes the second communication unit 22 to send group address notifications Yp1-Yp4 over the communication line W3. That is, the relay device 2 sends group address notifications Yp1-Yp4 from the second communication unit 22 to the lighting device 3. Group address notification Yp1 contains data of a pair of the short address and group address of lighting device 31. Group address notification Yp2 contains data of a pair of the short address and group address of lighting device 32. Group address notification Yp3 contains data of a pair of the short address and group address of lighting device 33. Group address notification Yp4 contains data of a pair of the short address and group address of lighting device 34. Lighting devices 31-34, having received group address notifications Yp1-Yp4 respectively, store the group address associated with their own short address in memory as their own group address.

[0107] Below the display area R32, confirmation buttons SB33 are located, corresponding to each group address.

[0108] When the confirmation button SB33 is pressed by the user, the control unit 70 of the setting device 7 generates a blinking signal that instructs a blinking operation for a certain period of time as control data addressed to the group address corresponding to the pressed confirmation button SB33. The control unit 70 causes the generated blinking signal to be sent from the fourth communication unit 71 to the communication line W6. In other words, the setting device 7 transmits the blinking signal from the fourth communication unit 71 to the relay device 2.

[0109] In the relay device 2, when the first communication unit 21 receives a blinking signal, the control unit 20 causes the second communication unit 22 to send a blinking signal over the communication line W3. Among the lighting devices 31-34, the lighting device 3 assigned the group address to which the blinking signal is intended will blink its light source for a certain period of time upon receiving the blinking signal. Therefore, the user can easily identify the lighting device 3 for each group.

[0110] When lighting devices 31-34 receive the address acquisition request Yj1, if a group address has already been set, they read the group address along with their own short address from memory and send both the group address data and the short address data Yk1 to the communication line W3. Relay device 2 relays the group address data, just like the short address data Yk1, and sends it to setting device 7. When setting device 7 receives the group address data, it reflects it in the input area M31 of the group address setting screen G3. In other words, if a group address has already been set for lighting device 3, the set group address will be reflected in the input area M31.

[0111] (2.2.2) Lighting device operation settings In the lighting system 100, the dimming rate, color temperature, operation in case of abnormality, and operation at startup are set for each lighting device 3.

[0112] The control unit 20 of the relay device 2 preferably transmits operation setting data via the second communication unit 22 to set the operation details of one or more lighting devices 3 for all of them, for each short address, or for each group address.

[0113] The operation setting data preferably includes the dimmable range of one or more lighting devices 3, or the dimmable range and color adjustable range of one or more lighting devices 3.

[0114] The operation setting data preferably includes the dimming value at the start of one or more lighting devices 3, or the dimming value and color temperature value at the start of one or more lighting devices 3. Note that the start of a lighting device 3 refers, for example, to the time when the supply of drive power to the lighting device 3 begins. The dimming value and color temperature value at the start are the dimming value and color temperature value when the lighting device 3 is lit from the time it starts up until it receives control data.

[0115] The operation setting data preferably includes the dimming value in the event of a malfunction in one or more lighting devices 3, or the dimming value and color temperature value in the event of a malfunction in one or more lighting devices 3. A malfunction in a lighting device 3 includes, for example, a communication malfunction in which communication between the lighting device 3 and the relay device 2 becomes impossible. The dimming value and color temperature value in the event of a malfunction are the dimming value and color temperature value at which the lighting device 3 turns on when it cannot receive control data.

[0116] Specifically, when the operation setting process for the lighting device 3 is started in the setting device 7, the display unit 72 displays the operation setting screen G4 shown in Figure 10. The operation setting screen G4 is a screen for setting the dimmable range, color adjustable range, dimming and color adjustment values ​​in case of abnormality, and dimming and color adjustment values ​​at startup for the lighting device 3. The operation setting screen G4 includes an acquisition button SB41, a setting button SB42, a display area R41, and input fields 41-N44.

[0117] The acquisition button SB41 is used to acquire the short address and group address of each of the four lighting devices 31-34 under the control of the relay device 2. When the acquisition button SB41 is pressed by the user, the setting device 7 sends an address acquisition request to the relay device 2, and the relay device 2 sends an address acquisition request to the lighting device 3. Upon receiving the address acquisition request, the lighting devices 31-34 read their own short address and group address from memory and send the read short address and group address data to the relay device 2. The relay device 2 sends the short address and group address data to the setting device 7. When the setting device 7 receives the short address and group address data, the control unit 70 stores the short address and group address data in the memory provided by the setting device 7.

[0118] The user then uses the operation unit 73 to select one of the following as the setting target to be displayed in the display area R41: all of the lighting devices 3, each short address, or each group address. In other words, the user can choose one of the following as the operation setting: batch setting of all lighting devices 3, individual setting for each short address, or group setting for each group address. In Figure 10, the user has selected each short address as the setting target to be displayed in the display area R41, and individual setting for each short address is selected.

[0119] The user inputs setting values ​​into input fields N41-N44 by operating the control unit 73. Input field N41 is used to input the upper and lower limits of the dimming rate, which represent the normal dimming range of the lighting device 3. Input field N42 is used to input the upper and lower limits of the color temperature, which represent the normal color temperature range of the lighting device 3. Input field N43 is used to input the dimming rate and color temperature, which represent the dimming value and color temperature in the event of a malfunction of the lighting device 3. Input field N44 is used to input the dimming rate and color temperature, which represent the dimming value and color temperature at startup of the lighting device 3. The control unit 70 generates operation setting data, which includes the setting values ​​in input fields 41-N44.

[0120] A setting button SB42 is provided for each setting target displayed in the display area R41. In Figure 10, a setting button SB42 is provided for each short address. When a setting button SB42 is pressed by the user, the setting device 7 transmits operation setting data for each short address to the relay device 2, and the relay device 2 transmits operation setting data to the lighting device 3.

[0121] The lighting device 31-34 stores in memory the following data based on the operation setting data corresponding to its own device: the dimmable range and color adjustable range under normal conditions, the dimming value and color adjustment value at startup, and the dimming value and color adjustment value in abnormal conditions. The lighting device 31-34 then operates according to the data stored in memory.

[0122] In Figure 10, the settings to be displayed in display area R41 are selected by short address, but it may also be possible to set all lighting devices 3 under the relay device 2 together, or set them as a group by group address.

[0123] Additionally, input fields N43 and N44 are equipped with checkboxes CB41 corresponding to each setting value. When the user places a check mark in a checkbox by operating the control unit 73, the corresponding setting value becomes active, and when the checkbox is left blank, the corresponding setting value becomes inactive.

[0124] (2.2.3) Address setting of relay device (Relay device address) In the lighting system 100, a relay device address is also assigned to the relay device 2. The relay device address is an address used by the higher-level system to identify the relay device 2. In this embodiment, the transmission unit 1 and the central monitoring system AS correspond to the higher-level system.

[0125] Therefore, it is preferable that the control unit 20 of the relay device 2 receives the relay device address via the first communication unit 21.

[0126] Specifically, when the setting device 7 starts the process of setting the relay device address of relay device 2, the display unit 72 displays the relay device address setting screen G5 shown in Figure 11. The relay device address setting screen G5 is a screen for setting the relay device address of relay device 2. The relay device address setting screen G5 includes an acquisition button SB51, a setting button SB52, and an input field N51.

[0127] The acquisition button SB51 is used to obtain the relay device address already set on relay device 2 from relay device 2. When the acquisition button SB51 is pressed by the user, the setting device 7 sends a request to relay device 2 to obtain the relay device address. Upon receiving the request, relay device 2 reads its own relay device address from memory and sends the read relay device address data to the setting device 7. When the setting device 7 receives the relay device address data, it displays the relay device address in input field N51. If relay device 2 does not yet have a relay device address set, input field N51 will be blank.

[0128] The user inputs the relay device address setting value into input field N51 by operating the operation unit 73. That is, the user inputs the relay device address setting value into an empty input field N51, or overwrites the setting value of a new relay device address in input field N51 where an already set relay device address is displayed. In this embodiment, the relay device address is represented by a positive integer in the range of 1 to 256. The relay device addresses are set to different values ​​for each relay device 2.

[0129] When the setting button SB52 is pressed by the user, the setting device 7 sends a relay device address notification to the relay device 2. The relay device address notification includes the data of the setting value of the relay device address entered in the input field N51.

[0130] In the relay device 2, when the first communication unit 21 receives a relay device address notification, the control unit 20 stores the relay device address in memory.

[0131] (Network address) In the lighting system 100, the relay device 2 is assigned an IP address (Internet Protocol address). The IP address is a network address used to identify the relay device 2 on the internet.

[0132] Therefore, it is preferable for the control unit 20 of the relay device 2 to receive the IP address via the first communication unit 21.

[0133] Specifically, when the setting device 7 starts the process of setting the IP address of the relay device 2, the display unit 72 displays the IP address setting screen G6 shown in Figure 12. The IP address setting screen G6 is a screen for setting the IP address of the relay device 2. The IP address setting screen G6 includes an acquisition button SB61, a setting button SB62, and input fields N61 and N62.

[0134] The acquisition button SB61 is used to acquire the IP address and subnet mask already set on the relay device 2 from the relay device 2. When the acquisition button SB61 is pressed by the user, the setting device 7 sends an IP address acquisition request to the relay device 2. Upon receiving the IP address acquisition request, the relay device 2 reads its own IP address and subnet mask from memory and sends the retrieved IP address and subnet mask data to the setting device 7. When the setting device 7 receives the IP address and subnet mask data, it displays the IP address in input field N61 and the subnet mask in input field N62. If the relay device 2 does not yet have an IP address and subnet mask set, input fields N61 and N62 will be blank.

[0135] The user enters the IP address setting value into input field N61 by operating the control unit 73. That is, the user enters the IP address setting value into an empty input field N61, or overwrites an already set IP address in input field N61 with a new IP address setting value. Each relay device 2 is set to a different IP address.

[0136] Furthermore, the user inputs the subnet mask setting value into input field N62 by operating the control unit 73. That is, the user can input the subnet mask setting value into the blank input field N62, or overwrite the previously set subnet mask in input field N62 with a new subnet mask setting value.

[0137] When the setting button SB62 is pressed by the user, the setting device 7 sends an IP address notification to the relay device 2. The IP address notification includes the IP address entered in input field N61 and the subnet mask entered in input field N62.

[0138] In the relay device 2, when the first communication unit 21 receives an IP address notification, the control unit 20 stores the IP address and subnet mask in memory.

[0139] Furthermore, when the relay device 2 connects to the internet, default values ​​for the IP address and subnet mask are set. Therefore, the relay device 2 may be configured to have a selector switch, such as a DIP switch, that can be operated by the user, allowing it to choose whether to use the default values ​​or the values ​​set by the setting device 7 for the IP address and subnet mask.

[0140] (2.2.4) Initialization The lighting system 100 allows the settings of the lighting device 3 and the relay device 2 to be initialized.

[0141] Specifically, when the initialization process starts in the setting device 7, the display unit 72 displays the initialization screen G7 shown in Figure 13. The initialization screen G7 is a screen for initializing the settings of the lighting device 3 and the relay device 2. The initialization screen G7 includes an initialization button SB71 and a setting field CB71.

[0142] The settings section CB71 contains a checkbox for selecting either the lighting device 3 or the relay device 2 as the target for initialization. The user selects either the lighting device 3 or the relay device 2 as the target for initialization by operating the control unit 73.

[0143] The initialization button SB71 is used to initialize the initialization target (lighting device 3 or relay device 2) selected in the setting field CB71. When the initialization button SB71 is pressed by the user, the setting device 7 sends an initialization request to the initialization target. If the initialization target is lighting device 3, the random address, short address, group address, and operation details of all lighting devices 3 under relay device 2 are reset to the factory default settings of lighting device 3. If the initialization target is relay device 2, the IP address and subnet mask of relay device 2 are reset to the factory default settings of relay device 2.

[0144] (3) Address setting method executed by the relay device The address setting method performed by the relay device 2 described above is summarized in the flowchart in Figure 14. The relay device program stored in the relay device 2's memory causes the relay device 2's computer system to execute this address setting method.

[0145] The address setting method includes a random address setting step S11. Preferably, the address setting method further includes a short address setting step S12 and a group address setting step S13.

[0146] In the random address setting step S11, the control unit 20 of the relay device 2 performs an address request process in which it causes one or more lighting devices 3 to generate a random address corresponding to one or more lighting devices 3, using one of several operating modes. The multiple operating modes include a condition specification mode and a simultaneous specification mode. The condition specification mode is an operating mode in which the control unit 20 causes one or more lighting devices 3 that meet predetermined conditions to send a first address generation request Yb1 (see Figure 4) requesting the generation of a random address. The simultaneous specification mode is an operating mode in which the control unit 20 causes one or more lighting devices 3 to send a second address generation request Yb2 (see Figure 5) requesting the generation of a random address.

[0147] In the short address setting step S12, the control unit 20 communicates with one or more lighting devices 3 via the second communication unit 22 using a random address, thereby transmitting short address notifications Yh1-Yh4 (see Figure 7) containing short address data to one or more lighting devices 3.

[0148] In the group address setting step S13, the control unit 20 communicates with one or more lighting devices 3 via the second communication unit 22 using a random address or a short address, and transmits group address notifications Yp1-Yp4 (see Figure 9) containing the group address data to one or more lighting devices 3.

[0149] The address setting method described above can improve user convenience when performing the setting process for the lighting device 3.

[0150] (4) Address setting method executed by the setting device The address setting method performed by the setting device 7 described above is summarized in the flowchart in Figure 15. The setting device program stored in the setting device 7's memory causes the setting device 7's computer system to execute this address setting method.

[0151] The address setting method is an address setting method performed by a setting device 7 that communicates with the first communication unit 21 of the relay device 2, and includes a random address setting request step S21. Preferably, the address setting method further includes a short address notification step S22 and a group address notification step S23.

[0152] In the random address setting request step S21, the control unit 70 of the setting device 7 causes the fourth communication unit 71 to send an address setting request Ya1 (see Figure 4) or an address setting request Ya2 (see Figure 5) to the first communication unit 21. The address setting requests Ya1 and Ya2 include mode specification information that specifies one of several operating modes as the operating mode when the control unit 20 of the relay device 2 processes the address request.

[0153] In the short address notification step S22, the control unit 70 causes the fourth communication unit 71 to transmit the short address notification Yg1 (see Figure 7) to the first communication unit 21.

[0154] In the group address notification step S23, the control unit 70 causes the fourth communication unit 71 to send the group address notification Yn1 (see Figure 9) to the first communication unit 21.

[0155] The address setting method described above can improve user convenience when performing the setting process for the lighting device 3.

[0156] (5) First variation The control unit 20 of the relay device 2 may transmit group address data to one or more lighting devices 3 by communicating with one or more lighting devices 3 via the second communication unit 22 using a random address.

[0157] Specifically, the group address notification Yn1 shown in Figure 9 contains data for pairs of random addresses and group addresses, and the group address notifications Yp1-Yp4 also each contain data for pairs of random addresses and group addresses.

[0158] (6) Second variation The operation setting data is not limited to including the dimmable range and color adjustable range of the lighting device 3, but may also include the dimmable range of the lighting device 3.

[0159] The operation setting data is not limited to including the dimming value and color temperature value at the time of startup of the lighting device 3, but may also include the dimming value at the time of startup of the lighting device 3.

[0160] The operation setting data is not limited to including the dimming value and color temperature value in the event of a malfunction of the lighting device 3, but may also include the dimming value in the event of a malfunction of the lighting device 3.

[0161] (7) Third variation Multiple operating modes may include other operating modes in addition to the condition specification mode and the batch specification mode.

[0162] The setting function of the lighting device 3 via the relay device 2 by the setting device 7 may include a short address deletion function.

[0163] The setting device 7 may also include a function to check the dimming and color adjustment operations of the lighting device 3 as a setting function for the lighting device 3 via the relay device 2.

[0164] The configuration function of the relay device 2 by the configuration device 7 may include a firmware update function for the relay device 2.

[0165] The setting device 7 may also have a DALI message transmission function as a communication function with respect to the relay device 2.

[0166] Communication via the communication line W5 in Figure 1 may be performed using a time-division multiplexing (DPP) transmission method. For example, the NMAST® communication standard can be adopted as the communication protocol for the DPP transmission method. The protocol converter 4, the operation unit 5, and the sensor 6 send bipolar (±24V) DPP signals as wired signals to the communication line W5, and transmit operation signals and control signals, etc., by pulse width modulation.

[0167] Furthermore, communication for monitoring and controlling the operation unit 5 and sensors 6 via the communication line W4 in Figure 1 by the transmission unit 1 may be achieved by sending a communication signal of a predetermined protocol over the RS485 physical layer.

[0168] Furthermore, the configurations of the above-described embodiments and each of the modified examples can be combined as appropriate.

[0169] (8) Summary As described above, the relay device (2) of the first embodiment comprises a first communication unit (21), a second communication unit (22), and a control unit (20). The first communication unit (21) communicates with a setting device (7). The second communication unit (22) communicates with one or more lighting devices (3). The control unit (20) controls at least the second communication unit (22). The control unit (20) performs an address request process in which one or more lighting devices (3) generate a random address, which is a random address corresponding to one or more lighting devices (3), in one of a plurality of operating modes. The plurality of operating modes include a condition specification mode and a simultaneous specification mode. The condition specification mode is an operating mode in which the second communication unit (22) sends a first address generation request (Yb1) requesting lighting devices (3) that satisfy predetermined conditions among one or more lighting devices (3) to generate a random address. The simultaneous designation mode is an operating mode in which the second communication unit (22) sends a second address generation request (Yb2) to all of one or more lighting devices (3), requesting the generation of random addresses.

[0170] The aforementioned relay device (2) can improve user convenience when performing the setting process for the lighting device (3).

[0171] In the relay device (2) of the second embodiment, in the first embodiment, it is preferable that the control unit (20) obtains random address data generated by one or more lighting devices (3) via the second communication unit (22).

[0172] The relay device (2) described above can relay data with random addresses generated by the lighting device (3).

[0173] In the relay device (2) of the third embodiment, in the second embodiment, it is preferable that the control unit (20) transmits random address data to the setting device (7) via the first communication unit (21).

[0174] The relay device (2) described above can relay the random address data generated by the lighting device (3) to the setting device (7).

[0175] In the relay device (2) of the fourth embodiment, in any one of the first to third embodiments, it is preferable that the control unit (20) transmits short address data for identifying one or more lighting devices (3) to one or more lighting devices (3) by communicating with one or more lighting devices (3) via the second communication unit (22) using a random address. The length of the short address is shorter than the length of the random address.

[0176] The relay device (2) described above can notify the lighting device (3) of the short address data of the lighting device (3).

[0177] In the relay device (2) of the fifth embodiment, in the fourth embodiment, it is preferable that the control unit (20) transmits short address data to one or more lighting devices (3) based on the short address notification (Yg1) received from the setting device (7) via the first communication unit (21).

[0178] The relay device (2) described above can relay short-address data between the setting device (7) and the lighting device (3).

[0179] In the relay device (2) of the sixth embodiment, in the fourth or fifth embodiment, the control unit (20) preferably transmits data of a group address to identify the group to which the one or more lighting devices (3) belong by communicating with one or more lighting devices (3) via the second communication unit (22) using a random address or a short address.

[0180] The relay device (2) described above can notify the lighting device (3) of the group address data of the lighting device (3).

[0181] In the relay device (2) of the seventh embodiment, in the sixth embodiment, it is preferable that the control unit (20) transmits group address data to one or more lighting devices (3) based on the group address notification (Yn1) received from the setting device (7) via the first communication unit (21).

[0182] The relay device (2) described above can relay group address data between the setting device (7) and the lighting device (3).

[0183] In the relay device (2) of the eighth embodiment according to the embodiment, in the sixth embodiment, it is preferable that the control unit (20) transmits operation setting data via the second communication unit (22) to set the operation content of one or more lighting devices (3) for all of the lighting devices (3), for each short address, or for each group address.

[0184] The relay device (2) described above can appropriately set the destination for transmitting operation setting data.

[0185] In the relay device (2) of the ninth embodiment, in the eighth embodiment, the operation setting data preferably includes the dimmable range of one or more lighting devices (3), or the dimmable range and color adjustable range of one or more lighting devices (3).

[0186] The relay device (2) described above can relay the setting of the dimmable range for the lighting device (3), or it can relay the setting of both the dimmable range and the color adjustable range for the lighting device (3).

[0187] In the relay device (2) of the tenth embodiment, in the eighth embodiment, the operation setting data preferably includes the dimming value at the start of one or more lighting devices (3), or the dimming value and color temperature value at the start of one or more lighting devices (3).

[0188] The relay device (2) described above can relay the setting of the dimming value at startup for the lighting device (3), or it can relay the setting of the dimming value and color temperature value at startup for the lighting device (3).

[0189] In the relay device (2) of the 11th embodiment, in the 8th embodiment, the operation setting data preferably includes the dimming value in the event of a malfunction of one or more lighting devices (3), or the dimming value and color temperature value in the event of a malfunction of one or more lighting devices (3).

[0190] The relay device (2) described above can relay the setting of the dimming value in case of an abnormality for the lighting device (3), or it can relay the setting of the dimming value and color temperature value in case of an abnormality for the lighting device (3).

[0191] The relay device (2) of the twelfth embodiment preferably further comprises a third communication unit (23) that communicates with a higher-level system (1, AS) in any one of the first to eleventh embodiments. The control unit (20) receives a relay device address via the first communication unit (21) for the higher-level system (1, AS) to identify the relay device (2).

[0192] The relay device (2) described above is configured with a relay device address.

[0193] In the relay device (2) of the 13th embodiment, in the 12th embodiment, it is preferable that the control unit (20) receives a network address via the first communication unit (21) that is different from the relay device address and is used to identify the relay device (2) on the Internet.

[0194] The relay device (2) described above is configured with a network address.

[0195] In the relay device (2) of the 14th embodiment, in any one of the first to 13th embodiments, it is preferable that the control unit (20) transmits an initialization request via the second communication unit (22) to initialize the operation of one or more lighting devices (3).

[0196] The relay device (2) described above can relay initialization requests to the lighting device (3).

[0197] In the relay device (2) of the 15th embodiment, in any one of the first to 14th embodiments, it is preferable that the control unit (20) selects one of a plurality of operating modes based on mode designation information received from the setting device (7) via the first communication unit (21).

[0198] The relay device (2) described above can switch its operating mode in response to instructions from the setting device (7).

[0199] A lighting system (100) according to the sixteenth embodiment comprises a relay device (2) according to any one of the first to fifteenth embodiments and one or more lighting devices (3).

[0200] The aforementioned lighting system (100) can improve user convenience when performing the setting process for the lighting device (3).

[0201] A communication system (200) according to the 17th embodiment comprises a relay device (2) according to any one of the first to 15 embodiments, and a master unit (1) that communicates with the relay device (2).

[0202] The aforementioned communication system (200) can improve user convenience when performing the setting process for the lighting device (3).

[0203] A lighting control system (300) according to the 18th embodiment comprises a communication system (200) according to the 17th embodiment and one or more lighting devices (3).

[0204] The aforementioned lighting control system (300) can improve user convenience when performing setting operations for the lighting device (3).

[0205] An address setting method according to a 19th embodiment is an address setting method for one or more lighting devices (3). The address setting method includes a random address setting step (S11). The random address setting step (S11) performs an address request process in which one or more lighting devices (3) generate a random address, which is a random address corresponding to one or more lighting devices (3), in one of a plurality of operating modes. The plurality of operating modes include a condition specification mode and a simultaneous specification mode. The condition specification mode is an operating mode in which the second communication unit (22) sends a first address generation request (Yb1) requesting lighting devices (3) that satisfy predetermined conditions among one or more lighting devices (3) to generate a random address. The simultaneous specification mode is an operating mode in which the second communication unit (22) sends a second address generation request (Yb2) requesting all of the one or more lighting devices (3) to generate a random address.

[0206] The address setting method described above can improve user convenience when performing the setting process for the lighting device (3).

[0207] The relay device program of the 20th embodiment causes the computer system to execute the address setting method of the 19th embodiment.

[0208] The aforementioned relay device program can improve user convenience when performing the setting process for the lighting device (3).

[0209] The setting device (7) of the 21st embodiment communicates with the first communication unit (21) of any one of the relay devices (2) of the first to 15 embodiments. The setting device (7) includes a fourth communication unit (71) that communicates with the first communication unit (21). The fourth communication unit (71) sends mode designation information to the relay device (2) for the control unit (20) to select one of a plurality of operating modes.

[0210] The aforementioned setting device (7) can improve user convenience when the relay device (2) performs setting processing for the lighting device (3).

[0211] The 22nd embodiment of the address setting method is an address setting method performed by a setting device (7) that communicates with a first communication unit (21) of any one of the first to 15th embodiments of the relay device (2). The address setting method includes a mode specification step (S21) in which the control unit (20) sends an address setting request (Ya1, Ya2) to the first communication unit (21) which includes mode specification information that specifies one of a plurality of operating modes as the operating mode when the control unit (20) performs address request processing.

[0212] The address setting method described above can improve user convenience when the relay device (2) performs the setting process for the lighting device (3).

[0213] The setting device program of the 23rd embodiment causes the computer system to execute the address setting method of the 22nd embodiment.

[0214] The above-mentioned program for the setting device can improve user convenience when the relay device (2) performs the setting process for the lighting device (3). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0215] 100 Lighting Systems 200 Communication Systems 300 Lighting Control System 1. Transmission unit (higher-level system, master unit) 2. Relay device 20 Control Unit 21. First Communications Department 22. Second Communications Department 3. Lighting equipment 7 Setting device 71. 4th Communications Department Yb1 First Address Generation Request Yb2 Second Address Generation Request Yg1 Short Address Notification Yn1 Group Address Notification AS Central Monitoring System (Higher-Level System) S11 Random Address Setting Step S21 Mode selection step

Claims

1. A first communication unit that communicates with the setting device, A second communication unit that communicates with one or more lighting devices, It comprises at least a control unit that controls the second communication unit, The control unit performs an address request process in which it causes one or more lighting devices to generate a random address, which is a random address corresponding to one or more lighting devices, in one of a plurality of operating modes. The aforementioned multiple operating modes are: A condition specification mode that causes the second communication unit to send a first address generation request requesting the generation of the random address to one or more lighting devices that satisfy predetermined conditions, A simultaneous designation mode includes a mode in which the second communication unit causes all of the one or more lighting devices to send a second address generation request requesting the generation of the random address. Relay device.

2. The control unit acquires the random address data generated by one or more lighting devices via the second communication unit. The relay device according to claim 1.

3. The control unit transmits the random address data to the setting device via the first communication unit. The relay device according to claim 2.

4. The control unit communicates with one or more lighting devices via the second communication unit using the random address, thereby transmitting short address data for identifying one or more lighting devices to one or more lighting devices. The length of the aforementioned short address is shorter than the length of the aforementioned random address. The relay device according to claim 1.

5. The control unit transmits the short address data to one or more lighting devices based on the notification of the short address received from the setting device via the first communication unit. The relay device according to claim 4.

6. The control unit communicates with the one or more lighting devices via the second communication unit using the random address or the short address, thereby transmitting data of a group address to identify the group to which the one or more lighting devices belong. The relay device according to claim 4.

7. The control unit transmits the data of the group address to one or more lighting devices based on the notification of the group address received from the setting device via the first communication unit. The relay device according to claim 6.

8. The control unit transmits, via the second communication unit, operation setting data that sets the operation details of one or more lighting devices for all of the one or more lighting devices, for each short address, or for each group address. The relay device according to claim 6.

9. The operation setting data includes the dimmable range of the one or more lighting devices, or the dimmable range and color adjustable range of the one or more lighting devices. The relay device according to claim 8.

10. The operation setting data includes the dimming value at the start of one or more lighting devices, or the dimming value and color temperature value at the start of one or more lighting devices. The relay device according to claim 8.

11. The operation setting data includes the dimming value in the event of a malfunction of one or more lighting devices, or the dimming value and color temperature value in the event of a malfunction of one or more lighting devices. The relay device according to claim 8.

12. It further includes a third communication unit that communicates with a higher-level system. The control unit receives the relay device address via the first communication unit for the higher-level system to identify the relay device. The relay device according to claim 6.

13. The control unit receives, via the first communication unit, a network address that is different from the relay device address and is used to identify the relay device on the internet. The relay device according to claim 12.

14. The control unit transmits an initialization request via the second communication unit to initialize the operation of one or more lighting devices. The relay device according to claim 8.

15. The control unit selects one of the plurality of operating modes based on the mode specification information received from the setting device via the first communication unit. The relay device according to claim 1.

16. A relay device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, The one or more lighting devices described above, Lighting system.

17. A relay device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, The system comprises a master unit that communicates with the relay device. Communication system.

18. The communication system according to claim 17, The one or more lighting devices described above, Lighting control system.

19. A method for addressing one or more lighting devices, The process includes a random address setting step in which an address request process is performed in one of several operating modes to cause one or more lighting devices to generate a random address which is a random address corresponding to one or more of the lighting devices, The aforementioned multiple operating modes are: A condition specification mode that causes one or more of the aforementioned lighting devices that satisfy predetermined conditions to send a first address generation request requesting the generation of the random address, A simultaneous designation mode that causes all of the one or more lighting devices to send a second address generation request requesting the generation of the random address, is included. How to set the address.

20. Cause the computer system to execute the address setting method described in claim 19. Program for relay devices.

21. A setting device that communicates with the first communication unit of the relay device according to claim 1, It comprises a fourth communication unit that communicates with the first communication unit, The fourth communication unit sends mode designation information to the relay device for the control unit to select one of the plurality of operating modes. Setting device.

22. An address setting method performed by a setting device that communicates with the first communication unit of the relay device according to claim 1, The control unit includes a random address setting request step in which it sends an address setting request to the first communication unit, which includes mode specification information specifying one of the plurality of operation modes as the operation mode when the control unit performs the address request processing. How to set the address.

23. Cause the computer system to execute the address setting method described in claim 22. Program for configuration devices.

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