Backup controller, backup system, and backup method

Abstract

To provide a backup controller and the like capable of controlling lighting equipment even when a controller for controlling the lighting equipment fails.SOLUTION: The backup controller (BU controller 100) includes: a detection unit 110 that detects whether or not there is an abnormality in the controller that controls the lighting equipment; and a control unit 120 that is configured so as to, when an abnormality is detected, control the lighting equipment in place of the controller. When the detected abnormality is resolved, the control unit 120 stops the control of the lighting equipment, and the detection unit 110 detects whether there is an abnormality or not.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 The present invention relates to a backup controller, a backup system, and a backup method. 【Background Art】 【0002】 Conventionally, in the field of server systems and the like, redundancy techniques have been used to prepare for abnormalities (such as failures or malfunctions) of server devices. 【0003】 For example, in Patent Document 1, as an example where a redundancy technique is used, a redundant system and a management server for managing this redundant system are disclosed. 【0004】 The redundant system is composed of a plurality of operating servers and cold standby standby servers. The management server that manages the redundant system inquires about the operating status of the plurality of operating servers, and when the response from each operating server contains failure information, it performs processing such as migrating the standby server to hot standby. 【Prior Art Documents】 【Patent Documents】 【0005】 【Patent Document 1】 Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2016-224490 【Summary of the Invention】 【Problems to be Solved by the Invention】 【0006】 By the way, also in a controller for controlling a lighting device, such a redundancy technique is required to prepare for an abnormality of the controller. 【0007】 The present invention provides a backup controller and the like that can control a lighting device even if there is an abnormality in the controller for controlling the lighting device. 【Means for Solving the Problems】 【0008】 A backup controller according to one aspect of the present invention includes a detection unit that detects whether or not there is an abnormality in the controller that controls the lighting device, and a control unit that controls the lighting device in place of the controller when the abnormality is detected, wherein when the detected abnormality is resolved, the control unit stops controlling the lighting device, and the detection unit detects whether or not there is an abnormality. 【0009】 A backup controller according to one aspect of the present invention includes a detection unit that detects whether or not there is an abnormality in the controller that controls the lighting device, and a control unit that controls the lighting device on behalf of the controller when the abnormality is detected, wherein when the abnormality is detected, the detection unit detects whether or not the detected abnormality has been resolved. 【0010】 A backup system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises the backup controller described above and the controller. 【0011】 A backup method according to one aspect of the present invention includes a detection step in which a backup controller detects whether or not there is an abnormality in the controller that controls the lighting device, and a control step in which, if an abnormality is detected, the backup controller controls the lighting device on behalf of the controller, wherein the control step is stopped and the detection step is performed when the detected abnormality is resolved. [Effects of the Invention] 【0012】 The backup controller of the present invention can control the lighting device even if there is a malfunction in the controller that controls the lighting device. [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0013】 [Figure 1]Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a backup system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a flowchart of operation example 1 of the BU controller according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart of operation example 2 of the BU controller according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart of operation example 3 of the BU controller according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart of operation example 4 of the BU controller according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention] 【0014】 The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection configurations of components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, components in the following embodiments that are not described in an independent claim will be described as optional components. 【0015】 Please note that each figure is a schematic diagram and not necessarily a strictly accurate representation. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted or simplified. 【0016】 (Embodiment) [composition] First, the configuration of the backup system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the backup system 1 according to this embodiment. 【0017】 The backup system 1 according to this embodiment is a system for controlling a plurality of lighting devices 601 to 603. Specifically, a plurality of controllers included in the backup system 1 control the plurality of lighting devices 601 to 603. The plurality of controllers include a first controller 401, a second controller 402, and a third controller 403. For example, the first controller 401 controls the lighting device 601, the second controller 402 controls the lighting device 602, and the third controller 403 controls the lighting device 603. When identification is necessary, they are described as the first controller 401, the second controller 402, and the third controller 403, and when identification is not necessary, they may be simply described as controllers. 【0018】 Furthermore, when there is an abnormality in any one of the plurality of controllers, the backup controller (hereinafter referred to as the "BU controller") 100 performs the following processing. In this case, the BU controller 100 controls the lighting device that was being controlled by the one controller in which the abnormality was detected, instead of the one controller in which the abnormality was detected. For example, when an abnormality is detected in the first controller 401, the BU controller 100 controls the lighting device 601 that was being controlled by the first controller 401 in which the abnormality was detected, instead of the first controller 401 in which the abnormality was detected. Here, the abnormality is, for example, a failure or a communication failure, and the controller in which the abnormality was detected cannot control the lighting device. 【0019】 As shown in FIG. 1, the backup system 1 includes a server device 200, a hub device 300, a plurality of controllers (first to third controllers 401 to 403), a plurality of signal converters 501 to 503, and a BU controller 100. As an example, the backup system 1 is used for a lighting show that produces an effect in an outdoor space or an indoor space using the plurality of lighting devices 601 to 603. Also, hereinafter, the first controller 401 will be described as the master controller of the controllers, and each of the second and third controllers 402 and 403 will be described as a slave controller of the controllers. 【0020】 In addition, in this embodiment, the backup system 1 includes a plurality of controllers, but is not limited thereto, and may include one controller. 【0021】 [Server device] First, the server device 200 will be described. The server device 200 is a cloud server that performs information processing for outputting control information for each of a plurality of controllers to control lighting devices. The server device 200 also includes a server communication unit 210 and a server storage unit 220. 【0022】 The server communication unit 210 is a communication module (communication circuit) for the server device 200 to communicate with the hub device 300 via a wide - area communication network such as the Internet. The server communication unit 210 outputs, for example, the above - mentioned plurality of control information stored in the server storage unit 220. The communication performed by the server communication unit 210 may be either wireless communication or wired communication. The communication standard used for communication is not particularly limited either. 【0023】 The server storage unit 220 is a storage device that stores the above - mentioned plurality of control information and various information used for performing the above - mentioned information processing. The server storage unit 220 is realized, for example, by an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or the like. 【0024】 Note that the server device 200 may display an image of the processing performed by the server device 200 on a display device. The display device is, for example, a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel. 【0025】 [Hub device] The hub device 300 is a relay device that connects components to each other via a wide - area communication network. More specifically, the hub device 300 connects the server device 200 to each of a plurality of controllers and the BU controller 100. 【0026】 Note that the connection via the hub device 300 is not limited to the above. For example, the second and third controllers 402 and 403, which are slave units, and the BU controller 100 may not be directly connected to the hub device 300, but rather connected to the hub device 300 via the first controller 401, which is the master unit. 【0027】 [controller] Next, the multiple controllers (first to third controllers 401 to 403) and the BU controller 100 will be described. The first to third controllers 401 to 403 and the BU controller 100 are, for example, general-purpose dimming control devices, but they may also be dedicated devices for the backup system 1. 【0028】 The first to third controllers 401 to 403 are devices that control multiple lighting devices 601 to 603, respectively. Here, the first controller 401 is an example of a controller that controls lighting devices. Each of the first to third controllers 401 to 403 is assigned an identifier for identification in a network such as a wide-area communication network. More specifically, the first to third controllers 401 to 403 are each assigned a different identifier. Note that the identifier includes, but is not limited to, an IP (Internet Protocol) address. 【0029】 Each of the first to third controllers 401 to 403 acquires control information output from the server communication unit 210 of the server device 200 via the hub device 300. Here, the first controller 401 acquires control information for the first controller 401, the second controller 402 acquires control information for the second controller 402, and the third controller 403 acquires control information for the third controller 403. 【0030】 The control information for the first controller 401 may include the identifier of the first controller 401, the control information for the second controller 402 may include the identifier of the second controller 402, and the control information for the third controller 403 may include the identifier of the third controller 403. In other words, the control information may include the identifier of the corresponding controller. 【0031】 Each of the first to third controllers 401 to 403 controls each of the multiple lighting devices 601 to 603 based on the control information acquired for each controller. 【0032】 Furthermore, the relationship between the master unit and the slave units is as follows: The master unit, the first controller 401, outputs signals to the slave units, the second and third controllers 402 and 403, respectively, to synchronize the timing of the lighting effects performed by the first to third controllers 401 to 403. As a result, the first to third controllers 401 to 403, that is, the master unit and the two slave units, can perform lighting effects with synchronized timing. 【0033】 The BU controller 100 is a device that backs up the first to third controllers 401 to 403. Specifically, if the BU controller 100 detects an abnormality in any of the first to third controllers 401 to 403, it controls the lighting device in place of the malfunctioning controller. 【0034】 More specifically, the BU controller 100 includes a detection unit 110, a control unit 120, a communication unit 130, a reception unit 140, a notification unit 150, and a storage unit 160. 【0035】 The detection unit 110 is a processing unit that detects whether or not there is an abnormality in each of the three first to third controllers 401 to 403. In other words, the detection unit 110 monitors the status of each of the three first to third controllers 401 to 403 by confirming through communication with each of them. 【0036】 The control unit 120 is a processing unit that controls the lighting device on behalf of a controller when an abnormality is detected in that controller. For example, if an abnormality is detected in the first controller 401, which includes multiple controllers, the control unit 120 controls the lighting device 601 on behalf of the first controller 401. 【0037】 Furthermore, the detection unit 110 and the control unit 120 are implemented by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a processor. 【0038】 The communication unit 130 is a communication module (communication circuit) that enables the BU controller 100 to communicate with the hub device 300, the first to third controllers 401 to 403, and the multiple lighting devices 601 to 603 via a wide-area communication network such as the Internet. The communication unit 130 acquires multiple pieces of control information, for example, via the hub device 300. More specifically, the communication unit 130 acquires control information for the first controller 401, control information for the second controller 402, and control information for the third controller 403. The communication performed by the communication unit 130 may be either wireless or wired communication. The communication standard used for communication is also not particularly limited. 【0039】 The reception unit 140 is a processing unit that receives an operation indicating that an abnormality detected by the detection unit 110 has been resolved. For example, if an abnormality is detected in the first controller 401 and then resolved, the administrator of the backup system 1 operates the reception unit 140. At this time, the reception unit 140 receives an operation from the administrator indicating that the abnormality has been resolved. Specifically, the reception unit 140 is implemented by a touch panel or the like. 【0040】 The notification unit 150 notifies the administrator of the backup system 1 that predetermined conditions have been met when the operating status of the backup system 1 and the multiple lighting devices 601 to 603 is met. The notification unit 150 is, for example, a sound-emitting device such as a speaker or buzzer that notifies the above by making a sound, but it may also be a light-emitting device that notifies the above by making a light, or a display device that notifies the above by displaying an image. The first notification unit, the second notification unit, and the third notification unit each correspond to the notification unit 150, that is, they are implemented by the notification unit 150. 【0041】 Furthermore, if the notification unit 150 is a display device, the reception unit 140 and the notification unit 150 may be realized by sharing the same display. 【0042】 The memory unit 160 is a storage device that stores multiple pieces of control information acquired by the communication unit 130. More specifically, each of the multiple pieces of control information is stored in the memory unit 160 in a compressed format. The compression format is not particularly limited, but examples include ZIP, LZH, or RAR format. For example, it is preferable that the multiple pieces of control information acquired by the communication unit 130 before the lighting effects by the multiple lighting devices 601 to 603 are stored in the memory unit 160. 【0043】 The memory unit 160 has pre-stored identifiers assigned to each of the first to third controllers 401 to 403. For example, the memory unit 160 stores identification information that associates one controller with the identifier assigned to that controller. 【0044】 Furthermore, the storage unit 160 stores programs executed by the detection unit 110 and the control unit 120, as well as various types of information used for information processing. The storage unit 160 is implemented by, for example, an HDD. Note that the first storage unit and the second storage unit each correspond to the storage unit 160, that is, they are implemented by the storage unit 160. 【0045】 [Lighting equipment] Each of the multiple lighting devices 601 to 603 is controlled by the first to third controllers 401 to 403, respectively, and emits light. By emitting light from the multiple lighting devices 601 to 603, the backup system 1 can create an indoor or outdoor atmosphere. In this embodiment, the backup system 1 controls three lighting devices 601 to 603, but is not limited to this. 【0046】 [Signal converter] Each of the multiple signal converters 501 to 503 is a device that acquires a signal from the corresponding controller among the first to third controllers 401 to 403, converts it, and outputs the converted signal to the corresponding lighting device among the multiple lighting devices 601 to 603. For example, signal converter 501 acquires a signal from the corresponding first controller 401, converts it, and outputs the converted signal to the corresponding lighting device 601. Signal converter 502 corresponds to the second controller 402 and lighting device 602, and signal converter 503 corresponds to the third controller 403 and lighting device 603. Each of the multiple signal converters 501 to 503 converts the signal into a format that the corresponding lighting device can recognize. Here, as an example, each of the multiple signal converters 501 to 503 acquires an Ethernet signal, converts the acquired Ethernet signal into a DMX (Digital MultipleX) signal, and outputs the converted DMX signal. Furthermore, the communication used between the multiple signal converters 501-503 and the multiple lighting devices 601-603, and between the multiple signal converters 501-503 and the first-to-third controllers 401-403, is, for example, wired communication, but may also be wireless communication. The communication standard used for communication is not particularly limited. In addition, in this embodiment, the communication between the controller and the lighting device is communication via the corresponding signal converter, and in the following description, the fact that it is communication via the signal converter may be omitted. In this embodiment, in order for the BU controller 100 to communicate with each of the multiple lighting devices 601-603, it is preferable that a signal converter be provided between the BU controller 100 and each of the multiple lighting devices 601-603. 【0047】 [Example of operation 1] The following describes example 1 of the backup method using the BU controller 100. 【0048】 Figure 2 is a flowchart of operation example 1 of the BU controller 100 according to this embodiment. 【0049】 First, each of the first to third controllers 401 to 403 controls the multiple lighting devices 601 to 603 based on the control information (S10). In other words, a lighting effect is being performed by the multiple lighting devices 601 to 603. If a malfunction occurs in a controller while the lighting effect is being performed, problems will occur such as the lighting devices controlled by the malfunctioning controller ceasing to emit light. 【0050】 Here, the control information for each of the first to third controllers 401 to 403 to control each of the multiple lighting devices 601 to 603 includes lighting device information and characteristic information. The lighting device information is information that indicates the lighting device to be controlled by the corresponding controller. The characteristic information is information for controlling the characteristics of the light emitted by the lighting device, such as the amount of light and chromaticity. The control information may include the identifier of the corresponding controller as described above. 【0051】 Here, as an example, we will describe the control information for the first controller 401. 【0052】 The lighting device information included in the control information for the first controller 401 indicates the lighting device 601 that the first controller 401 controls. This allows the first controller 401 to identify the lighting device 601 as a lighting device controlled by the first controller 401 itself. Furthermore, the first controller 401 controls the light intensity and chromaticity of the light emitted by the lighting device 601 by outputting command signals to the lighting device 601 according to the characteristic information included in the control information for the first controller 401. The control information for the second and third controllers 402 and 403 is similar. 【0053】 Furthermore, the detection unit 110 detects whether or not there is an abnormality in each of the multiple controllers (in this case, the first to third controllers 401 to 403) (S20). In other words, in step S20, the detection unit 110 is monitoring the status of multiple controllers. 【0054】 One method for the detection unit 110 to detect abnormalities in the first to third controllers 401 to 403 is to use the following response confirmation signals. 【0055】 The detection unit 110 controls the communication unit 130 to periodically output a response acknowledgment signal to each of the first to third controllers 401 to 403. The response acknowledgment signal is a signal that controls the first to third controllers 401 to 403, upon receiving the response acknowledgment signal, to output either a first response signal or a second response signal. 【0056】 The first response signal is a signal that each of the first to third controllers 401 to 403 outputs to the communication unit 130 when it is in a state where it can control each of the multiple lighting devices 601 to 603 based on the control information. In other words, each of the first to third controllers 401 to 403 outputs the first response signal to the communication unit 130 if it is in a state where it can control each of the multiple lighting devices 601 to 603 to emit light. 【0057】 The second response signal is a signal output to the communication unit 130 when each of the first to third controllers 401 to 403 is unable to control each of the multiple lighting devices 601 to 603. In other words, each of the first to third controllers 401 to 403 outputs the second response signal to the communication unit 130 unless it is in a state where it can control each of the multiple lighting devices 601 to 603 to emit light. 【0058】 Furthermore, if a controller can communicate with the lighting device it controls, it is determined that the controller is capable of controlling the lighting device. On the other hand, if communication is not possible between the controller and the lighting device it controls, it is determined that the controller is not capable of controlling the lighting device. For example, the determination of whether communication is possible between the controller and the lighting device can be made as follows: The controller outputs a communication confirmation signal to the lighting device, and if the lighting device sends a response signal to the controller, it is determined that communication is possible. If the lighting device does not send a response signal to the controller, it is determined that communication is not possible. 【0059】 If the communication unit 130 receives a second response signal from any of the first to third controllers 401 to 403, the detection unit 110 detects that the controller is unable to control the lighting device. In other words, the detection unit 110 detects that there is a problem with the controller. 【0060】 Similarly, if the communication unit 130 fails to acquire both the first and second response signals from any of the first to third controllers 401 to 403, the detection unit 110 performs the following processing. In this case, the detection unit 110 detects that there is a communication problem with the controller, that is, that there is an abnormality in the controller. 【0061】 The detection unit 110 detects an abnormality in any of the first to third controllers 401 to 403 by using the response confirmation signal in this manner, but the method of detecting an abnormality is not limited to the above. 【0062】 Next, if there is a malfunction in one of the first to third controllers 401 to 403, the detection unit 110 detects that there is a malfunction in that controller based on the method described above (S30). In operation example 1, a malfunction was detected in one controller (first controller 401), but if there is no malfunction in any of the controllers while the lighting effect is being performed, the process in step S20 continues. 【0063】 In step S30, if the detection unit 110 detects an abnormality in any one of the first to third controllers 401 to 403, the control unit 120 controls the lighting device on behalf of that controller (S40). 【0064】 For example, if an abnormality is detected in the first controller 401 in step S30, the control unit 120 controls the lighting device 601 in place of the first controller 401 in step S40. As described above, identification information is stored in the storage unit 160. Based on the identification information stored in the storage unit 160, the BU controller 100 identifies an identifier corresponding to the controller (in this case, the first controller 401) that was detected to be abnormal. The BU controller 100 refers to the identified identifier and the identifiers contained in each of the multiple control information stored in the storage unit 160 to identify the control information for the first controller 401 from among the multiple control information. As a result, the control unit 120 can control the lighting device 601 based on the control information for the first controller 401 stored in the storage unit 160. 【0065】 The control information for the first controller 401 is stored in the storage unit 160 in a compressed format. The control unit 120 then controls the lighting device 601 based on the unpacked information for the first controller 401, which is obtained by unpacking the stored control information for the first controller 401. The unpacked information for the first controller 401, obtained by unpacking the control information, includes lighting device information and characteristic information, similar to the control information. 【0066】 The BU controller 100 (more specifically, the control unit 120) identifies the lighting device 601 as the lighting device controlled by the first controller 401 based on the lighting device information. Furthermore, the control unit 120 controls the amount of light and chromaticity of the light emitted by the lighting device 601 by controlling the communication unit 130 to output a command signal to the lighting device 601 according to the characteristic information contained in the deployment information for the first controller 401. 【0067】 If an abnormality is detected in the second controller 402 in step S30, the control unit 120 will control the lighting device 602 in place of the second controller 402 in step S40. The control unit 120 will control the lighting device 602 based on the expanded information for the second controller 402, which is the expanded control information for the second controller 402 stored in the system. The same procedure will be followed if an abnormality is detected in the third controller 403 in step S30. 【0068】 Furthermore, if an abnormality is detected in any of the first to third controllers 401 to 403 in step S30, the detection unit 110 stops detecting the abnormality (S50). In other words, the detection unit 110 stops the process of detecting whether or not there is an abnormality in each of the multiple controllers (i.e., the process in step S20). More specifically, the detection unit 110 controls the communication unit 130 to stop outputting response confirmation signals to each of the first to third controllers 401 to 403. 【0069】 Next, it is determined whether or not the abnormality in the one controller has been resolved (S60). For example, if the reception unit 140 receives an operation indicating that the detected abnormality in the one controller has been resolved, it is determined that the abnormality in the one controller has been resolved. For example, if the administrator of the backup system 1 learns that an abnormality has been detected in the one controller and takes action to resolve the abnormality in the one controller, the abnormality is resolved. After that, the administrator of the backup system 1 inputs an operation to the reception unit 140 indicating that the detected abnormality in the one controller has been resolved. This allows the reception unit 140 to accept the operation. 【0070】 Furthermore, if it is determined in step S60 that the abnormality of the one controller has been resolved, the deployment information for that one controller is deleted from the storage unit 160. As described above, the control unit 120 controls the lighting device 601 based on the deployment information for the first controller 401, and if it is determined that the abnormality of the first controller 401 has been resolved, the deployment information for the first controller 401 is deleted from the storage unit 160. However, this is not limited to the above, and the deployment information for the one controller does not necessarily have to be deleted from the storage unit 160. 【0071】 If the malfunction in the one controller is resolved (Yes in S60), the control unit 120 stops controlling the lighting device (S70). In other words, in step S40, the control unit 120 controlled the lighting device in place of the controller that had detected a malfunction, but in step S70, the control unit 120 stops controlling that lighting device. 【0072】 If, in step S60, the reception unit 140 does not accept the operation, that is, if it is determined that the abnormality of the one controller has not been resolved (No in S60), the processes in steps S40 and S50 will continue. 【0073】 Furthermore, immediately after the control unit 120 stops controlling the lighting device in step S70, the controller whose malfunction has been resolved resumes controlling the lighting device. Here, the timing of when the control unit 120 stops controlling the lighting device and when the controller resumes controlling the lighting device will be explained. For the purpose of explanation, we will use an example in which a malfunction is detected in the first controller 401 in step S30, and the BU controller 100 (more specifically, the control unit 120) controls the lighting device 601 in step S40. 【0074】 In this example, in step S70, the control unit 120 stops controlling the lighting device 601 based on the timing included in the control information. More specifically, the control unit 120 stops controlling the lighting device 601 based on the timing included in the control information for the first controller 401. The control information for the first controller 401 includes the timing at which the control unit 120 stops controlling the lighting device when the detected abnormality in the first controller 401 is resolved. This timing is, for example, the timing at which one lighting effect scene ends. By stopping the control unit 120 from controlling the lighting device 601 at such a timing, and the first controller 401 resuming control of the lighting device 601, interruptions in the lighting effect are suppressed. 【0075】 Furthermore, in step S70, the notification unit 150 may perform the following processing. When the detected abnormality is resolved (Yes in S60) and the control unit 120 stops controlling the lighting device (S70), the notification unit 150 outputs an audio message indicating that the detected abnormality has been resolved and the control unit 120 has stopped controlling the lighting device. For example, the administrator of backup system 1 can hear the outputted audio message and know that the detected abnormality has been resolved and the control unit 120 has stopped controlling the lighting device. 【0076】 Next, the detection unit 110 detects whether or not there is an abnormality in each of the multiple controllers (in this case, the first to third controllers 401 to 403) (S80). In other words, the process of step S20 is repeated again. After step S80, if the detection unit 110 detects that there is an abnormality in one of the controllers (i.e., the process of step S30 has been performed), the processes from step S40 onwards are performed. 【0077】 As described above, the BU controller 100 according to this embodiment controls the lighting device in place of the controller that has detected an abnormality. For example, let's consider a case where an abnormality such as a malfunction or communication failure is detected in one controller, and that controller becomes unable to control the lighting device. Even in this case, the BU controller 100 controls the lighting device instead, so problems such as the lighting effects by the lighting device stopping are suppressed. In other words, a BU controller 100 that can control the lighting device even if one controller is malfunctioning has been realized. 【0078】 Furthermore, once the malfunction in the single controller is resolved, the BU controller 100 stops controlling the lighting device, as shown in step S70. This prevents the lighting device from being controlled by both the single controller and the BU controller 100. If the lighting device were controlled by both the single controller and the BU controller 100, interference with command signals and other signals would occur, leading to problems such as the lighting device not being properly controlled. In this embodiment, since the BU controller 100 stops controlling the lighting device once the malfunction in the single controller is resolved, such problems are less likely to occur. 【0079】 Furthermore, once the malfunction in the single controller is resolved, as shown in step S80, the BU controller 100 detects whether or not there is a malfunction in the controllers (including the first to third controllers 401 to 403, which comprise multiple controllers). In other words, in this embodiment, even if the BU controller 100 has controlled the lighting device once, it can perform a controller health check again after the malfunction is resolved. 【0080】 [Example of operation 2] The following describes example 2 of the backup method using BU controller 100. 【0081】 Figure 3 is a flowchart of operation example 2 of the BU controller 100 according to this embodiment. 【0082】 Note that Operation Example 2 is an operation performed after an abnormality is detected in the second controller 402 at step S30 of Operation Example 1 shown in Figure 2, and after the processing up to step S80 has been completed. Therefore, in step 40, which is performed before Operation Example 2, the control unit 120 performs the following processing. In step 40, the control unit 120 controls the lighting device 602 on behalf of the second controller 402 based on the expanded information about the second controller 402, which is the expanded control information about the second controller 402 stored in the memory unit 160. Furthermore, in step 60, which is performed before Operation Example 2, the abnormality detected in the second controller 402 is resolved. 【0083】 In the above-described [Operation Example 1], when it was determined in step S60 that the abnormality of one controller had been resolved, the deployment information for that controller was deleted from the storage unit 160. However, in Operation Example 1 performed before Operation Example 2, this information was not deleted. In other words, in Operation Example 1 performed before Operation Example 2, even when it was determined that the abnormality of the second controller 402 had been resolved, the deployment information for the second controller 402 was not deleted from the storage unit 160 and remained stored. 【0084】 Below, we will explain this example of operation 2 using Figure 3. 【0085】 As shown in Figure 3, in step S80, the detection unit 110 performs a process to detect whether or not there is an abnormality in each of the multiple controllers (in this case, the first to third controllers 401 to 403). 【0086】 Here, we will explain the following by dividing it into two cases: (i) when the detection unit 110 detects an abnormality in the second controller 402 again, and (ii) when the detection unit 110 detects an abnormality in the third controller 403. 【0087】 First, let's explain (i). 【0088】 If there is an abnormality in the second controller 402 among the first to third controllers 401 to 403 (in step S80 of Figure 3, "abnormality in the second controller 402"), the detection unit 110 detects that there is an abnormality in the second controller 402 (S130). This case refers to the second time an abnormality has been detected in the second controller 402, or the second time an abnormality has been detected in the second controller 402 in a row. 【0089】 As described above, if the communication unit 130 acquires a second response signal from the second controller 402, or if it does not acquire either the first or second response signal, the detection unit 110 detects that there is an abnormality in the second controller 402. 【0090】 In step S130, if the detection unit 110 detects an abnormality in the second controller 402, the control unit 120 controls the lighting device 602 instead of the second controller 402 (S140). The control unit 120 controls the lighting device 602 based on the expanded information for the second controller 402, which contains the expanded control information for the second controller 402. As described above, in operation example 1, which was performed before operation example 2, the expanded information for the second controller 402 was not deleted from the storage unit 160. Therefore, the control unit 120 controls the lighting device 602 based on the expanded information for the second controller 402 stored in the storage unit 160. In other words, in this case, there is no need to expand the control information for the second controller 402 again. 【0091】 Furthermore, if an abnormality is detected in the second controller 402 in step S130, the detection unit 110 stops detecting the abnormality (S150). 【0092】 Next, it is determined whether or not the abnormality in the second controller 402 has been resolved (S160). At this time, similar to step S60, if the reception unit 140 receives an operation indicating that the abnormality detected in the second controller 402 has been resolved, it is determined that the abnormality in the second controller 402 has been resolved. 【0093】 If it is determined that the abnormality in the second controller 402 has not been resolved (No in S160), then the processing in step S140 and step S150 will continue. 【0094】 Furthermore, if the abnormality in the second controller 402 is resolved (Yes in S160), the control unit 120 stops controlling the lighting device 602 (S170). In other words, in step S140, the control unit 120 controlled the lighting device 602 instead of the second controller 402, which had detected an abnormality, but in step S170, the control unit 120 stops controlling the lighting device 602. 【0095】 Next, the detection unit 110 detects whether or not there is an abnormality in each of the multiple controllers (in this case, the first to third controllers 401 to 403) (S180). In other words, the processes of steps S20 and S80 are repeated again. 【0096】 Furthermore, (ii) will be explained. 【0097】 If there is an abnormality in the third controller 403 among the first to third controllers 401 to 403 (in the case of "abnormality in the third controller 403" in step S80 of Figure 3), the detection unit 110 detects that there is an abnormality in the third controller 403 (S230). This case refers to the case where an abnormality is detected in a different controller (in this case, the third controller 403) than the controller (in this case, the second controller 402) that was detected as abnormal in Operation Example 1, which was performed before Operation Example 2. 【0098】 As described above, if the communication unit 130 acquires a second response signal from the third controller 403, or if it does not acquire either the first or second response signal, the detection unit 110 detects that there is an abnormality in the third controller 403. 【0099】 In step S230, if the detection unit 110 detects an abnormality in the third controller 403, the control unit 120 controls the lighting device 603 instead of the third controller 403 (S240). The control unit 120 controls the lighting device 603 based on the expanded information for the third controller 403, which contains the expanded control information for the third controller 403. 【0100】 As mentioned above, in Operation Example 1, which was performed before Operation Example 2, the deployment information for the third controller 403 was not deleted from the storage unit 160. Therefore, in step S240, the deployment information for the second controller 402 is deleted from the storage unit 160. In other words, in this case, deployment information that is not required for controlling the lighting device (in this case, the deployment information for the second controller 402) is deleted from the storage unit 160. 【0101】 Furthermore, if an abnormality is detected in the third controller 403 in step S230, the detection unit 110 stops detecting the abnormality (S250). 【0102】 Next, it is determined whether or not the abnormality in the third controller 403 has been resolved (S260). At this time, similar to step S60, if the reception unit 140 receives an operation indicating that the abnormality detected in the third controller 403 has been resolved, it is determined that the abnormality in the third controller 403 has been resolved. 【0103】 If it is determined that the abnormality in the third controller 403 has not been resolved (No in S260), then the processing in steps S240 and S250 continues. In other words, the control unit 120 continues to control the lighting device 603 instead of the third controller 403 (S240), and the detection unit 110 continues to stop detecting abnormalities (S250). In this case, since the deployment information for the second controller 402 has been deleted from the storage unit 160 in the first step S240, there is no need to perform the process of deleting the said deployment information in subsequent steps S240. 【0104】 Furthermore, if the malfunction in the third controller 403 is resolved (Yes in S260), the control unit 120 stops controlling the lighting device 603 (S270). In other words, in step S240, the control unit 120 controlled the lighting device 603 instead of the third controller 403, which had detected a malfunction, but in step S270, the control unit 120 stops controlling the lighting device 603. 【0105】 Next, the process in step S180 is performed. 【0106】 In other words, in operation example 2, if the same controller (in this case, the second controller 402) experiences two consecutive malfunctions, the deployment information for that controller (in this case, the deployment information for the second controller 402) is not deleted from the storage unit 160. On the other hand, if a malfunction occurs in one controller (the second controller 402) and that malfunction is resolved, and then another controller (the third controller 403) experiences a malfunction, the following processing is performed on the deployment information. In this case, the deployment information for that controller is deleted from the storage unit 160, the control information for the other controller is deployed, and the deployment information for the other controller is stored in the storage unit 160. 【0107】 [Example of operation 3] The following describes example 3 of the backup method using BU controller 100. 【0108】 Figure 4 is a flowchart of operation example 3 of the BU controller 100 according to this embodiment. 【0109】 In this embodiment, the processes of steps S10 and S20 of Operation Example 1 are performed. That is, each of the first to third controllers 401 to 403 controls each of the multiple lighting devices 601 to 603, and the detection unit 110 detects whether or not there is an abnormality in each of the first to third controllers 401 to 403. 【0110】 While steps S10 and S20 are being performed, the process shown in example operation 3 is executed. 【0111】 In operation example 3, first, the detection unit 110 measures the number of times an abnormality is detected for each of the multiple controllers (S410). That is, the detection unit 110 measures the number of times an abnormality is detected for the first controller 401, the number of times an abnormality is detected for the second controller 402, and the number of times an abnormality is detected for the third controller 403, and stores these values ​​in the storage unit 160. 【0112】 Furthermore, the detection unit 110 determines whether there is a controller among the multiple controllers whose number of detected abnormalities (measured number of times) exceeds a predetermined number (S420). For example, the memory unit 160 stores the predetermined number, which may be 10 times, but is not limited to that. 【0113】 The detection unit 110 refers to a predetermined number of times stored in the storage unit 160 and the number of times an abnormality has been detected for each of the multiple controllers stored in the storage unit 160, and determines whether there is a controller for which the number of times an abnormality has been detected has exceeded the predetermined number. 【0114】 If none of the multiple controllers have exceeded a predetermined number of times an abnormality has been detected (measured), then the process in step S410 is repeated. 【0115】 If there is a controller among the multiple controllers in which the number of times an abnormality has been detected (measured) exceeds a predetermined number (Yes in S420), the notification unit 150 performs the following processing. In this case, the notification unit 150 notifies that there is a controller in which the number of measured times has exceeded a predetermined number (S430). 【0116】 As described above, in step S420, the detection unit 110 determines whether there is a controller among the multiple controllers for which an abnormality has been detected more than a predetermined number of times. Here, we will explain an example in which the detection unit 110 determines that the number of times an abnormality has been detected in the first controller 401 has exceeded a predetermined number (10 times). 【0117】 In this case, the notification unit 150 outputs an audio message indicating that there is a first controller 401 in which the number of times an abnormality has been detected (number of detections) has exceeded a predetermined number (10 times). In other words, here the notification unit 150 outputs an audio message indicating that the first controller 401 is the controller among the multiple controllers in which the number of times an abnormality has been detected has exceeded a predetermined number. 【0118】 Thus, a situation in which a single controller has been detected abnormal more than a predetermined number of times is, for example, when a serious failure occurs in that controller that cannot be easily repaired. For example, by listening to the above-mentioned audio output, the administrator of backup system 1 can understand that the number of times an abnormality has been detected in the first controller 401 has exceeded a predetermined number, and that is, that a serious failure has occurred in the first controller 401. 【0119】 [Example of operation 4] The following describes example 4 of the backup method using the BU controller 100. 【0120】 Figure 5 is a flowchart of Operation Example 4 of the BU controller 100 according to this embodiment. Operation Example 4 differs from Operation Example 1 mainly in that step S50 shown in Operation Example 1 is not performed, and step S61 is performed instead of step 60 shown in Operation Example 1. In the following, the differences from Operation Example 1 will be explained in detail, and the explanation of the common points will be omitted or simplified. 【0121】 In Operation Example 4, the processing from steps S10 to S40 is performed, just as in Operation Example 1. 【0122】 In operation example 4, the process in step S50 is not performed. Here, even if an abnormality is detected in any of the first to third controllers 401 to 403 in step S30, the detection unit 110 does not stop detecting abnormalities. In other words, the detection unit 110 continues to perform the process (processing in S20) of detecting whether or not there is an abnormality in each of the multiple controllers (in this case, the first to third controllers 401 to 403). More specifically, even after the processing in step S40, the detection unit 110 controls the communication unit 130 to periodically output a response confirmation signal to each of the first to third controllers 401 to 403. 【0123】 Next, in Operation Example 4, instead of step S60 shown in Operation Example 1, the detection unit 110 detects whether the detected abnormality has been resolved for the controller in which an abnormality was detected in step S30 (S61). In other words, in Operation Example 4, the detection unit 110 can further detect that the detected abnormality has been resolved. 【0124】 One method for the detection unit 110 to detect whether the detected abnormality has been resolved is to use the response confirmation signal described above. For the sake of explanation, we will use an example in which an abnormality is detected in the first controller 401 in step S30 of operation example 4, and the BU controller 100 (more specifically, the control unit 120) controls the lighting device 601 in step S40. 【0125】 As described above, even after step S30, the detection unit 110 controls the communication unit 130 to periodically output a response confirmation signal to each of the first to third controllers 401 to 403. The response confirmation signal is a signal that controls the first to third controllers 401 to 403, upon receiving the response confirmation signal, to output either a first response signal or a second response signal. 【0126】 If the communication unit 130 acquires a first response signal in step S61 from the first controller 401, which detected an abnormality in step S30, the detection unit 110 detects that the first controller 401 is in a state where it can control the lighting device 601. In other words, in this case, the detection unit 110 detects that the detected abnormality in the first controller 401 has been resolved. 【0127】 On the other hand, in step S61, if the communication unit 130 acquires a second response signal from the first controller 401 in step S30, or if neither the first nor the second response signal is acquired, the detection unit 110 detects the following. In this case, the detection unit 110 detects that the first controller 401 is in a state where it cannot control the lighting device 601, or in other words, that the detected abnormality in the first controller 401 has not been resolved. 【0128】 In the above operation example 1, the reception unit 140 was used to determine whether or not the abnormality in one controller had been resolved. However, in operation example 4, the reception unit 140 is not used, and the detection unit 110 detects that the detected abnormality has been resolved. 【0129】 If the detection unit 110 detects that the detected abnormality in the first controller 401 has been resolved (Yes in S61), the process in step S70 is performed. Immediately after the control unit 120 stops controlling the lighting device in step S70, the controller whose abnormality has been resolved resumes controlling the lighting device. Furthermore, in step S70, if the detected abnormality has been resolved and the control unit 120 has stopped controlling the lighting device, the notification unit 150 may output an audio message indicating that the detected abnormality has been resolved and the control unit 120 has stopped controlling the lighting device. 【0130】 Furthermore, if the detection unit 110 has not detected that the detected abnormality in the first controller 401 has been resolved (No in S61), the processing in step S40 continues. 【0131】 In this embodiment, the backup system 1 is equipped with multiple controllers (first to third controllers 401 to 403), but it is not limited to this, and may be equipped with only one controller. 【0132】 For example, backup system 1 may include a server device 200, a hub device 300, one controller (in this case, a first controller 401), and a BU controller 100. 【0133】 In this case as well, the processes described in Operation Example 1, Operation Example 3, and Operation Example 4 are performed. 【0134】 For example, in operation example 1, in step S10, the first controller 401 controls the lighting device 601 based on the control information. In step S20, the detection unit 110 detects whether or not there is a malfunction in the first controller 401. In step S30, if there is a malfunction in the first controller 401, the detection unit 110 detects that there is a malfunction in the first controller 401. 【0135】 If the detection unit 110 detects an abnormality in the first controller 401 in step S30, the control unit 120 controls the lighting device 601 instead of the first controller 401 in step S40. If an abnormality in the first controller 401 is detected in step S30, the detection unit 110 stops detecting abnormalities in step S50. In step S60, it is determined whether or not the abnormality in the first controller 401 has been resolved. 【0136】 If the malfunction in the first controller 401 is resolved (Yes in S60), in step S70 the control unit 120 stops controlling the lighting device 601. If it is determined that the malfunction in the first controller 401 has not been resolved (No in S60), the processes in steps S40 and S50 continue. In step S80, the detection unit 110 detects whether or not there is a malfunction in the first controller 401. 【0137】 For example, in operation example 3, in step S410, the detection unit 110 measures the number of times an abnormality has been detected in the first controller 401. In step S420, the detection unit 110 determines whether the number of times an abnormality has been detected in the first controller 401 (the number of times measured) has exceeded a predetermined number. If the number of times an abnormality has been detected in the first controller 401 (the number of times measured) has exceeded a predetermined number (Yes in S420), in step S430, the notification unit 150 notifies that the number of times measured for the first controller 401 has exceeded a predetermined number. 【0138】 For example, in Operation Example 4, the processing from steps S10 to S40 is performed in the same way as in Operation Example 1, where the backup system 1 has one controller (in this case, the first controller 401). Furthermore, in step S61, the detection unit 110 detects whether the detected abnormality in the first controller 401, which was detected in step S30, has been resolved. 【0139】 If the detection unit 110 detects that the detected abnormality has been resolved (Yes in S61), in step S70, the control unit 120 stops controlling the lighting device 601. If the detection unit 110 does not detect that the detected abnormality has been resolved (No in S61), the process in step S40 continues. 【0140】 [Effects, etc.] In the BU controller 100 according to the first embodiment, the BU controller 100 includes a detection unit 110 that detects whether or not there is an abnormality in the controller that controls the lighting device, and a control unit 120 that controls the lighting device on behalf of the controller when an abnormality is detected. When the detected abnormality is resolved, the control unit 120 stops controlling the lighting device, and the detection unit 110 detects whether or not there is an abnormality. 【0141】 For example, let's consider a case where a malfunction or communication failure is detected in one controller (for example, the first controller 401), and that controller becomes unable to control the lighting device (for example, the lighting device 601). Even in such a case, the BU controller 100 takes over the control of the lighting device, thus preventing problems such as the lighting effects of the lighting device stopping. In other words, the BU controller 100 is realized that can control the lighting device even if one controller malfunctions. 【0142】 Furthermore, once the malfunction in the single controller is resolved, the BU controller 100 stops controlling the lighting device, as shown in step S70 of Figure 2. This prevents the lighting device from being controlled by both the single controller and the BU controller 100. If the lighting device were controlled by both the single controller and the BU controller 100, interference with command signals and other signals would occur, leading to problems such as the lighting device not being properly controlled. In this embodiment, since the BU controller 100 stops controlling the lighting device once the malfunction in the single controller is resolved, such problems are unlikely to occur. 【0143】 Furthermore, once the malfunction in the single controller is resolved, the BU controller 100 detects whether or not there is a malfunction in the controllers (including the first to third controllers 401 to 403, which comprise multiple controllers), as shown in step S80 of Figure 2. In other words, in this embodiment, even if the BU controller 100 has controlled the lighting device once, it can perform a controller health check again after the malfunction has been resolved. 【0144】 In the BU controller 100 according to the second embodiment, if an abnormality is detected in the first embodiment, the detection unit 110 stops detecting the abnormality. 【0145】 This reduces the processing load on the BU controller 100 when an abnormality is detected. 【0146】 In the BU controller 100 according to the third embodiment, in the first or second embodiment, the detection unit 110 further detects that the detected abnormality has been resolved. When the detection unit 110 detects that the detected abnormality has been resolved, the control unit 120 stops controlling the lighting device, and the detection unit 110 detects whether or not there is an abnormality. 【0147】 This allows the detection unit 110 to detect that the detected anomaly has been resolved. For example, the BU controller 100 itself can automatically detect that the detected anomaly has been resolved without requiring any intervention from the administrator of the backup system 1. 【0148】 In the BU controller 100 according to the fourth embodiment, in the first or second embodiment, the BU controller 100 includes a reception unit 140 that receives an operation indicating that the detected abnormality has been resolved. When an operation is received, the control unit 120 stops controlling the lighting device, and the detection unit 110 detects whether or not there is an abnormality. 【0149】 This makes it clear that the detected anomaly was resolved by utilizing the reception unit 140. 【0150】 In the BU controller 100 according to the fifth embodiment, in any one embodiment of the first to fourth embodiments, the BU controller 100 includes a storage unit 160 (first storage unit) in which control information for the controller to control the lighting device is stored in a compressed format. When an abnormality is detected, the control unit 120 controls the lighting device on behalf of the controller based on the expanded information obtained by expanding the stored control information, and when the detected abnormality is resolved, the expanded information is deleted from the storage unit 160 (first storage unit). 【0151】 As a result, the control information is stored in a compressed format, and the decompressed information is deleted from the storage unit 160, thus allowing for effective use of the storage capacity of the storage unit 160. 【0152】 In the BU controller 100 according to the sixth embodiment, in the fifth embodiment, the control information includes the timing at which the control unit 120 stops controlling the lighting device when the detected abnormality is resolved. The control unit 120 stops controlling the lighting device based on the timing included in the control information. 【0153】 As a result, as shown in Operation Example 1 in Figure 2, the following processing is performed at the timing specified in the control information. At that timing, the control unit 120 stops controlling the lighting device (e.g., lighting device 601), and the controller (e.g., first controller 401) resumes controlling the lighting device (e.g., lighting device 601), thereby suppressing interruptions in the lighting effects. 【0154】 In the BU controller 100 according to the seventh embodiment, in any one embodiment of the first to sixth embodiments, the BU controller 100 includes a notification unit 150 (first notification unit). The detection unit 110 measures the number of times an abnormality has been detected, and the notification unit 150 (first notification unit) notifies that the number of measured occurrences has exceeded a predetermined number when the number of measured occurrences exceeds a predetermined number. 【0155】 Thus, a situation in which a single controller (for example, the first controller 401) has experienced abnormalities more than a predetermined number of times is, for example, when a serious failure occurs in that single controller that cannot be easily repaired. By listening to the above-mentioned audio output, the administrator of the backup system 1 can understand that the number of times abnormalities have been detected in that single controller has exceeded a predetermined number, and that a serious failure has occurred in that single controller. 【0156】 In the BU controller 100 according to the eighth embodiment, in any one embodiment of the first to seventh embodiments, the BU controller 100 includes a notification unit 150 (second notification unit). The notification unit 150 (second notification unit) notifies that the detected abnormality has been resolved and that the control unit 120 has stopped controlling the lighting device when the detected abnormality has been resolved and the control unit 120 has stopped controlling the lighting device. 【0157】 This allows the administrator of backup system 1 to hear the outputted audio and know that the detected anomaly has been resolved and that control unit 120 has stopped controlling the lighting device. 【0158】 In the BU controller 100 according to the ninth embodiment, in the first embodiment, the detection unit 110 detects whether or not there is an abnormality in each of the multiple controllers. The controller according to the first embodiment is the first controller 401 which includes the multiple controllers. If an abnormality is detected in the first controller 401, the control unit 120 controls the lighting device instead of the first controller 401. When the detected abnormality is resolved, the control unit 120 stops controlling the lighting device, and the detection unit 110 detects whether or not there is an abnormality in the multiple controllers. 【0159】 As a result, the BU controller 100 according to this embodiment can control the lighting device even if one of the controllers malfunctions, when multiple controllers (in this case, the first to third controllers 401 to 403) are provided. 【0160】 Furthermore, once the malfunction in the detected controller is resolved, the BU controller 100 stops controlling the lighting device, making it less likely for problems such as interference with command signals to occur. 【0161】 Furthermore, once the malfunction in the one controller is resolved, the BU controller 100 detects whether or not there is a malfunction in the first to third controllers 401 to 403, as shown in step S80 of Figure 2. In other words, in this embodiment, even if the BU controller 100 has controlled the lighting device once, it can perform a monitoring of the controller's status again after the malfunction is resolved. 【0162】 In the BU controller 100 according to the 10th embodiment, in the 9th embodiment, the BU controller 100 includes a storage unit 160 (second storage unit). The storage unit 160 (second storage unit) stores control information for each of the multiple controllers to control the lighting device, with the control information for each of the multiple controllers stored in a compressed format. In this case, the following (i) or (ii) processing is performed when the following first, second, and third conditions are met. The first condition is that an abnormality is detected in the second controller 402, which is included in the multiple controllers. The second condition is that the control unit 120 controls the lighting device on behalf of the second controller 402 based on the expanded information for the second controller 402, which is obtained by expanding the control information for the second controller 402 stored in the storage unit 160 (second storage unit). The third condition is that the abnormality detected in the second controller 402 is resolved. When these first, second, and third conditions are met, the following (i) or (ii) processing is performed. (i) When the detection unit 110 detects again that there is an abnormality in the second controller 402, the control unit 120 controls the lighting device on behalf of the second controller 402 based on the expanded information for the expanded second controller 402. (ii) When the detection unit 110 detects that there is an abnormality in the third controller 403, which includes multiple controllers, the control unit 120 performs the following processing. At this time, the control unit 120 controls the lighting device on behalf of the third controller 403 based on the expanded information for the third controller 403, which is the expanded control information for the third controller 403 stored in the storage unit 160 (second storage unit). The expanded information for the second controller 402 is deleted from the storage unit 160 (second storage unit). 【0163】 As a result, as shown in Operation Example 2 of Figure 3, if the same controller (in this case, the second controller 402) experiences two consecutive malfunctions, the deployment information for that controller (for example, the deployment information for the second controller 402) is not deleted from the storage unit 160. On the other hand, if a malfunction occurs in one controller (the second controller 402) and that malfunction is resolved, and then another controller (the third controller 403) experiences a malfunction, the following processing is performed on the deployment information. In this case, the deployment information for the second controller 402 is deleted from the storage unit 160, the control information for the third controller 403 is deployed, and the deployment information for the third controller 403 is stored in the storage unit 160. Therefore, the storage capacity of the storage unit 160 can be effectively utilized. 【0164】 In the BU controller 100 according to the 11th embodiment, in the 9th or 10th embodiment, the BU controller 100 includes a notification unit 150 (third notification unit). The detection unit 110 measures the number of times an abnormality has been detected for each of the multiple controllers. The notification unit 150 (third notification unit) notifies that there is a controller among the multiple controllers whose measured count exceeds a predetermined number of times. 【0165】 Thus, a situation in which a single controller (for example, the first controller 401) has experienced abnormalities more than a predetermined number of times is, for example, when a serious failure occurs in that single controller that cannot be easily repaired. By listening to the above-mentioned audio output, the administrator of the backup system 1 can understand that the number of times abnormalities have been detected in that single controller has exceeded a predetermined number, and that a serious failure has occurred in that single controller. 【0166】 In the BU controller 100 according to the 12th embodiment, the BU controller 100 includes a detection unit 110 that detects whether or not there is an abnormality in the controller that controls the lighting device, and a control unit 120 that controls the lighting device on behalf of the controller if an abnormality is detected. If an abnormality is detected, the detection unit 110 detects whether or not the detected abnormality has been resolved. 【0167】 For example, let's consider a case where a malfunction or communication failure is detected in one controller (for example, the first controller 401), and that controller becomes unable to control the lighting device (for example, the lighting device 601). Even in such a case, the BU controller 100 takes over the control of the lighting device, thus preventing problems such as the lighting effects of the lighting device stopping. In other words, the BU controller 100 is realized that can control the lighting device even if one controller malfunctions. 【0168】 Furthermore, if an abnormality is detected, the detection unit 110 can detect that the detected abnormality has been resolved. In other words, for example, the BU controller 100 itself can automatically detect that the detected abnormality has been resolved without requiring any intervention from the administrator of the backup system 1. 【0169】 The backup system 1 according to the 13th embodiment comprises a BU controller 100 according to any one of the first to 12 embodiments, and a controller. 【0170】 As described above, the BU controller 100 according to this embodiment can control the lighting device even if one controller malfunctions. Similarly, a backup system 1 equipped with such a BU controller 100 can also control the lighting device even if one controller malfunctions. 【0171】 The backup method according to the 14th embodiment includes a detection step and a control step. In the detection step, the BU controller 100 detects whether or not there is an abnormality in the controller that controls the lighting device. In the control step, if an abnormality is detected, the BU controller 100 controls the lighting device on behalf of the controller. When the detected abnormality is resolved, the control step is stopped and the detection step is performed. 【0172】 For example, let's consider a case where a malfunction or communication failure is detected in one controller (for example, the first controller 401), and that controller becomes unable to control the lighting device (for example, the lighting device 601). Even in such a case, the BU controller 100 takes over the control of the lighting device, thus preventing problems such as the lighting effects of the lighting device stopping. In other words, a backup method is realized that allows the lighting device to be controlled even if one controller malfunctions. 【0173】 Furthermore, the backup method according to this embodiment is performed by the BU controller 100. When the malfunction of the one controller is resolved, the BU controller 100 stops controlling the lighting device, as shown in step S70 of Figure 2. This prevents the lighting device from being controlled by both the one controller and the BU controller 100. If the lighting device were controlled by both the one controller and the BU controller 100, interference with command signals and other signals would occur, leading to problems such as the lighting device not being properly controlled. In this embodiment, since the BU controller 100 stops controlling the lighting device when the malfunction of the one controller is resolved, such problems are unlikely to occur. 【0174】 Furthermore, once the malfunction in the single controller is resolved, the BU controller 100 detects whether or not there is a malfunction in the controllers (including the first to third controllers 401 to 403, which comprise multiple controllers), as shown in step S80 of Figure 2. In other words, in the backup method according to this embodiment, even if the lighting device has been controlled once, the controller's status can be monitored again after the malfunction is resolved. 【0175】 (Other embodiments) Although embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. 【0176】 For example, in the above embodiment, the backup system 1 was implemented by multiple devices, but it may also be implemented as a single device. For example, the backup system 1 may be implemented as a single device corresponding to the BU controller 100. When the backup system 1 is implemented by multiple devices, the components of the backup system 1 may be distributed among the multiple devices in any way. 【0177】 It is preferable that all components of the BU controller 100 be redundant. This allows the BU controller 100 to continue operating even if some of its components malfunction. Specifically, it is preferable that the detection unit 110 and the control unit 120 be configured with multiple microcomputers or multiple processors. 【0178】 Furthermore, in this embodiment, there is a one-to-one correspondence between one controller and one lighting device, meaning that one controller controls one lighting device. However, this is not limited to this configuration, and one controller may control multiple lighting devices. For example, the first controller 401 may control multiple lighting devices, the second controller 402 may control multiple lighting devices, and the third controller 403 may control multiple lighting devices. 【0179】 Although the first controller 401 has been described as the master controller and the second and third controllers 402 and 403 as slave controllers, this is not limited to this configuration. For example, the master controller may be any of the first to third controllers 401 to 403, and any controller that is not the master controller may be a slave controller. 【0180】 Furthermore, the method of communication between devices in the above embodiment is not particularly limited. In addition, a relay device (not shown) may be involved in the communication between devices. 【0181】 Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the processing performed by a specific processing unit may be performed by another processing unit. Also, the order of multiple processing units may be changed, or multiple processing units may be executed in parallel. 【0182】 Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory. 【0183】 Furthermore, each component may be implemented by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or they may be separate circuits. Also, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit. 【0184】 Furthermore, general or specific embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. Alternatively, they may be implemented as any combination of a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium. 【0185】 For example, the present invention may be implemented as a lighting control method executed by a computer, such as a lighting control system, or as a program for causing a computer to execute such a lighting control method. Furthermore, the present invention may be implemented as a program for operating a general-purpose computer as an information terminal in the above embodiment. The present invention may also be implemented as a computer-readable, non-temporary recording medium on which these programs are stored. 【0186】 Furthermore, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to the embodiments that a person skilled in the art could conceive, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols] 【0187】 1. Backup System 100 BU controller 110 Detection unit 120 Control Unit 140 Reception Department 150 Notification Department 160 Storage section 401 First Controller 402 Second Controller 403 Third Controller 601, 602, 603 Lighting devices

Claims

[Claim 1] A detection unit that detects whether or not there is a malfunction in the controller that controls the lighting device, When the aforementioned abnormality is detected, a control unit is provided to control the lighting device instead of the controller, It comprises a first storage unit in which control information is stored, When the detected abnormality is resolved, The control unit stops controlling the lighting device, The detection unit detects whether or not the abnormality exists, The control information includes the timing at which the control unit stops controlling the lighting device when the detected abnormality is resolved. The control unit stops controlling the lighting device based on the timing included in the control information. Backup controller. [Claim 2] If the aforementioned abnormality is detected, the detection unit stops detecting the abnormality. The backup controller according to claim 1. [Claim 3] The detection unit further detects that the detected abnormality has been resolved, When the detection unit detects that the detected abnormality has been resolved, The control unit stops controlling the lighting device, The detection unit detects whether or not the abnormality exists. The backup controller according to claim 1. [Claim 4] It includes a reception unit that accepts an operation indicating that the detected abnormality has been resolved, When the above operation is accepted, The control unit stops controlling the lighting device, The detection unit detects whether or not the abnormality exists. The backup controller according to claim 1. [Claim 5] A backup controller, A detection unit that detects whether or not there is a malfunction in the controller that controls the lighting device, The system includes a control unit that controls the lighting device in place of the controller when the aforementioned abnormality is detected, When the detected abnormality is resolved, The control unit stops controlling the lighting device, The detection unit detects whether or not the abnormality exists, The aforementioned backup controller The controller includes a first storage unit in which control information for controlling the lighting device is stored in a compressed format. If the aforementioned abnormality is detected, the control unit controls the lighting device on behalf of the controller based on the expanded information obtained by expanding the stored control information. When the detected abnormality is resolved, the deployment information is deleted from the first storage unit. Backup controller. [Claim 6] The control information includes the timing at which the control unit stops controlling the lighting device when the detected abnormality is resolved. The control unit stops controlling the lighting device based on the timing included in the control information. The backup controller according to claim 5. [Claim 7] Equipped with a first notification unit, The detection unit measures the number of times the abnormality has been detected, The first notification unit notifies that the number of measured counts has exceeded a predetermined number of counts when the number of measured counts exceeds a predetermined number of counts. The backup controller according to claim 3. [Claim 8] A backup controller, A detection unit that detects whether or not there is a malfunction in the controller that controls the lighting device, The system includes a control unit that controls the lighting device in place of the controller when the aforementioned abnormality is detected, When the detected abnormality is resolved, The control unit stops controlling the lighting device, The detection unit detects whether or not the abnormality exists, The aforementioned backup controller The system includes a second notification unit that notifies the system that the detected abnormality has been resolved and the control unit has stopped controlling the lighting device, once the detected abnormality has been resolved and the control unit has stopped controlling the lighting device. Backup controller. [Claim 9] A backup controller, A detection unit that detects whether or not there is a malfunction in the controller that controls the lighting device, The system includes a control unit that controls the lighting device in place of the controller when the aforementioned abnormality is detected, When the detected abnormality is resolved, The control unit stops controlling the lighting device, The detection unit detects whether or not the abnormality exists, The detection unit detects whether or not the abnormality exists in each of the multiple controllers. The controller that controls the lighting device is a first controller which is included in the plurality of controllers, If the first controller detects the aforementioned abnormality, the control unit shall control the lighting device on behalf of the first controller. When the detected abnormality is resolved, The control unit stops controlling the lighting device, The detection unit detects whether or not the abnormality exists in the plurality of controllers. The aforementioned backup controller Each of the plurality of controllers has a control information for controlling the lighting device, and the control information for each of the plurality of controllers is stored in a compressed format in a second storage unit, When the abnormality is detected in the second controller, which is included in the plurality of controllers, and the control unit controls the lighting device on behalf of the second controller based on the expanded information for the second controller, which is the expanded control information for the second controller stored in the second storage unit, and the abnormality detected in the second controller is resolved, (i) When the detection unit detects again that the second controller has the abnormality, The control unit controls the lighting device on behalf of the second controller based on the deployment information for the deployed second controller. (ii) When the detection unit detects that the abnormality exists in the third controller which is included in the plurality of controllers, The control unit controls the lighting device on behalf of the third controller based on the expanded information for the third controller, which is obtained by expanding the control information for the third controller stored in the second storage unit. The deployment information for the second controller is deleted from the second storage unit. Backup controller. [Claim 10] Equipped with a third notification section, The detection unit measures the number of times the abnormality has been detected for each of the multiple controllers, The third notification unit notifies that there is a controller among the plurality of controllers whose measured count exceeds a predetermined number of times. The backup controller according to claim 9. [Claim 11] The backup controller according to claim 1, The controller comprises Backup system. [Claim 12] A detection step in which the backup controller detects whether or not there is an abnormality in the controller that controls the lighting device, If the aforementioned abnormality is detected, the backup controller controls the lighting device on behalf of the controller in a control step, A first storage step in which control information is stored, When the detected abnormality is resolved, The control step described above is stopped, The above detection step is performed, The control information includes the timing at which the backup controller stops controlling the lighting device when the detected abnormality is resolved. The backup controller stops controlling the lighting device based on the timing included in the control information. Backup method. [Claim 13] A backup method, A detection step in which the backup controller detects whether or not there is an abnormality in the controller that controls the lighting device, The control step includes, if the aforementioned abnormality is detected, the backup controller controls the lighting device on behalf of the controller, When the detected abnormality is resolved, The control step described above is stopped, The above detection step is performed, The aforementioned backup method is The controller includes a first storage step in which control information for controlling the lighting device is stored in a first storage unit in a compressed format. If the aforementioned abnormality is detected, the backup controller controls the lighting device on behalf of the controller based on the deployed information obtained by unpacking the stored control information. When the detected abnormality is resolved, the deployment information is deleted from the first storage unit. Backup method. [Claim 14] A backup method, A detection step in which the backup controller detects whether or not there is an abnormality in the controller that controls the lighting device, The control step includes, if the aforementioned abnormality is detected, the backup controller controls the lighting device on behalf of the controller, When the detected abnormality is resolved, The control step described above is stopped, The above detection step is performed, The aforementioned backup method is When the detected abnormality is resolved and the backup controller stops controlling the lighting device, the system includes a second notification step of notifying that the detected abnormality has been resolved and the backup controller has stopped controlling the lighting device. Backup method. [Claim 15] A backup method, A detection step in which the backup controller detects whether or not there is an abnormality in the controller that controls the lighting device, The control step includes, if the aforementioned abnormality is detected, the backup controller controls the lighting device on behalf of the controller, When the detected abnormality is resolved, The control step described above is stopped, The above detection step is performed, The backup controller detects whether or not the abnormality exists in each of the multiple controllers. The controller that controls the lighting device is a first controller which is included in the plurality of controllers, If the first controller detects the aforementioned abnormality, the backup controller will control the lighting device on behalf of the first controller. When the detected abnormality is resolved, The backup controller stops controlling the lighting device, The backup controller detects whether or not the abnormality exists in the plurality of controllers. The aforementioned backup method is Each of the plurality of controllers is control information for controlling the lighting device, and the second storage step includes a second storage step in which the control information for each of the plurality of controllers is stored in a compressed format in a second storage unit. When the abnormality is detected in the second controller, which is included in the plurality of controllers, and the backup controller controls the lighting device on behalf of the second controller based on the expanded information for the second controller, which is obtained by expanding the control information for the second controller stored in the second storage unit, and the abnormality detected in the second controller is resolved, (i) When the backup controller again detects that the second controller has the abnormality, The backup controller controls the lighting device on behalf of the second controller based on the deployment information for the deployed second controller. (ii) When the backup controller detects that the abnormality exists in the third controller which is included in the plurality of controllers, The backup controller controls the lighting device on behalf of the third controller based on the expanded information for the third controller, which is obtained by expanding the control information for the third controller stored in the second storage unit. The deployment information for the second controller is deleted from the second storage unit. Backup method.

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