Sequentially activated flash lamp system
The chain flash light system addresses undetected communication and power supply issues by integrating lighting control units and power supply units for real-time abnormality monitoring and display, enhancing operational efficiency and maintenance.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/JP2024/043042
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-12-26
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-05
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-03
AI Technical Summary
Existing chain flash light systems at Japanese airports fail to accurately display communication abnormalities on operation consoles, leading to issues with light intensity switching and maintenance inefficiencies due to undetected communication or power supply issues.
A chain flash light system with integrated lighting control units, power supply units, and communication wiring that allows for two-way communication and power distribution, enabling real-time monitoring and display of abnormalities on operation consoles.
Enables accurate detection and prompt resolution of system abnormalities, ensuring smooth operation and efficient maintenance by displaying specific abnormality details on the operation console.
Smart Images

Figure JP2024043042_03072025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Chained flashlight system
[0001] The present invention relates to a chained flashlight system.
[0002] The chain flashing light system, which has traditionally been used at airports in Japan, is a system in which, when a lighting signal is sent from the control center, 29 flashing lights are turned on in sequence from one end of the runway to the other, at approximately 17 milliseconds per light (one cycle is 0.5 seconds).
[0003] In a chain-type flashlight system, a method of communication from a controller is known in which a lighting signal is sent from the controller to a lighting control unit using communication wiring, and information is fed back from the lighting control unit to the controller (Patent Document 1).
[0004] The chain flashlight system shown in Patent Document 1 can monitor abnormalities in the chain flashlight system by having an abnormality detection unit feed back an abnormality signal to the controller if there is an abnormality such as a break in the communication wiring connection. However, while the controller displays the communication abnormality, the higher-end console does not display the communication abnormality, making it impossible to grasp the actual situation, and there are drawbacks such as being unable to change the brightness of the flashlights, etc.
[0005] Re-table No. 2018-139017
[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a chained flashlight system that eliminates problems related to communication in flashlights that use light-emitting elements such as LEDs (hereinafter also referred to as "LED flashlights").
[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the chain flashlight system of the present invention comprises a flashlight, a lighting control unit, communication wiring, a power supply unit, power supply wiring, a controller, and an operation console, wherein the flashlight and the lighting control unit are each a single set, and there are multiple sets, the lighting control unit has a receiving unit, a control unit, and a power supply unit, the communication wiring connects the lighting control unit, the power supply unit, the controller, and the operation console so that information can be communicated between them, the power supply unit distributes power from the power supply wiring to the lighting control unit, the operation console transmits a lighting signal to the lighting control unit through the controller, the receiving unit receives the lighting signal and transmits a signal to the controller indicating that the flashlight has been turned on, the control unit turns on the power supply unit, and the power supply unit turns on the flashlight when powered on, and the operation console displays the content of the signal transmitted from the controller.
[0008] According to the present invention, in a chained flashlight system, abnormal conditions in the chained flashlight system can be accurately identified and solutions can be quickly implemented, thereby ensuring smooth operation of the chained flashlight system.
[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a chain flashlight system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0010] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, an example of a chained flashlight system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
[0011] It should be noted that the examples described below show one specific example of the present invention, and therefore the arrangement, functions, numerical values, etc. of the components described in the examples are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited by these.
[0012] First, an outline of the chain flashlight system (hereinafter also referred to as the "system") in the embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the chain flashlight system (hereinafter also referred to as the "system") in the embodiment.
[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the system 10 includes a flash lamp A1 ~A n , lighting control unit B 1 ~B n The lighting control unit B is provided with a communication wiring C, a power supply unit D, a power wiring E, a controller F, and an operation console G. 1 ~B n are the receiving units b1 and b2, respectively. 1 ~b1 n , control unit b2 1 ~b2 n , power supply unit b3 1 ~b3 n and abnormality detection unit b4 1 ~b4 n Flash lamp A 1 ~A n are the corresponding lighting control units B 1 ~B n and lighting control unit B 1 ~B n is connected to the controller F and the operation console G via a communication wiring C.
[0014] The lighting signal transmitted from the control console G through the controller F and the communication wiring C is sent to the lighting control unit B. 1 ~B n and the lighting control unit B 1 ~B n From there, information is fed back to the controller F and the operation console G via communication wiring C.
[0015] In the system 10, flash lamp A 1 ~A n In order to guide aircraft onto the runway, a flashing light A is installed at the end of the runway opposite to the approach direction of the aircraft, with the entrance end of the runway as the reference point. 1 is placed at the entrance end of the runway. n In Figure 1, arrow AD indicates the approach direction of the aircraft.
[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, in system 10, flash lamp A n and flash lamp A n Lighting control unit B corresponding to nThe number of sets n is 3 when one set is defined as a flashlight A in a chain flashlight as specified by each country of the world. n Specifically, the number of sets n is 2 to 30, and in Japan, the number of sets n is 29. In each set, the lighting control unit B n Flash lamp A connected to n The number of flash lamps is one, but multiple flash lamps may be connected. 1 ~A n are flash lamp A, respectively. 1 ~A n Address information Ia that can identify n It is desirable to have the following.
[0017] In the system 10, the lighting control unit B 1 ~B n are the corresponding flash lamps A 1 ~A n Lighting control unit B controls the lighting of the 1 ~B n are the receiving units b1 and b2, respectively. 1 ~b1 n , control unit b2 1 ~b2 n , power supply unit b3 1 ~b3 n and abnormality detection unit b4 1 ~b4 n In addition, the lighting control unit B 1 ~B n are the lighting control unit B 1 ~B n Address information Ib that can identify n It is desirable that the control unit b2 1 ~b2 n However, the abnormality detection unit b4 1 ~b4 n When the function of the abnormality detection unit b4 is included, 1 ~b4 n When it is not necessary to independently arrange the abnormality detection unit b4 1 ~b4 n need not be deployed as an independent unit.
[0018] Receiving unit b1 1 ~b1 n receives the lighting signal transmitted from the console G through the controller F. 1 ~b1 n Further, the lighting control unit B 1 ~B n It has a transmission function to transmit information such as the lighting signal and the flashing light abnormality signal, and functions as a transmission unit.
[0019] The lighting signal is flashing light A. 1 ~A n This is a signal that instructs the flash lamp A to emit a flash. 1 ~A n Once lit, the light will remain on, so the lighting signal is 1 ~A n Signals and flashing lights A regarding lighting time 1 ~A n The signal usually includes a light-off signal that turns off the light after a certain lighting time. The lighting time is 0.01 to 50 milliseconds.
[0020] Control unit b2 1 ~b2 n is power supply unit b3 1 ~b3 n That is, the control unit b2 1 ~b2 n is the corresponding flash lamp A 1 ~A n The power supply unit b3 receives the lighting signal. 1 ~b3 n Based on the time conditions until the power is turned on, 1 ~b3 n Turn on the power.
[0021] Flashlight A 1 ~A n In the case where the lighting signal is 1 ~A n Signals regarding the lighting time of flashing lamp A 1 ~A nand a light-off signal that turns off the light after a predetermined lighting time, the control unit b2 1 ~b2 n power supply unit b3 based on a signal relating to the lighting time or a light-off signal 1 ~b3 n Turn off the power.
[0022] Power supply unit b3 1 ~b3 n When the power is ON, the corresponding flash lamp A 1 ~A n The power supply units b31 to b3n are 1 ~A n Any known voltage application means can be used as long as it can light the flash lamp A. 1 ~A n is a xenon lamp, the power supply units b31 to b3n further 1 ~A n It is recommended to send a trigger signal to light up the power supply unit b3. 1 ~b3 n It is desirable that the power supply unit b3 includes a known power storage means such as a capacitor. 1 ~b3 n When the power is ON, the power of the storage means is supplied to the corresponding flash lamp A. 1 ~A n By supplying the corresponding flash lamp A 1 ~A n may be turned on.
[0023] Flashlight A 1 ~A n is flashlight A 1 Flashlight A n In the direction, at a predetermined interval T p That is, the control unit b2 n teeth 、 From receiving the lighting signal p Power supply unit b3 after xn seconds n It operates under the time condition of turning on the power of the specified interval T p is about 17 milliseconds, but is not limited to this. 1 ~Bn The time lag may be set in consideration of the time lag that occurs between when the light source receives the simultaneously transmitted light-up signal and when the light source receives the simultaneously transmitted light-up signal.
[0024] The chain flashlight system further includes a power supply unit D and a power wiring E, and a plurality of lighting control units B 1 ~B n are connected to the power supply unit D by the same power wiring E. The power wiring E is a single-phase three-wire system, but may also be a single-phase two-wire system. Power may be supplied to the system by a centralized power transmission from the power supply unit D as shown in FIG. 1, but it is not limited to a single location, and may also be supplied from a commercial power source located at an appropriate location.
[0025] In the system 10, the communication wiring C is a single communication wiring C, which is a wiring capable of two-way communication that serves as both an input communication wiring and an output communication wiring. 1 ~B n At the same time, it functions as a communication wiring for transmitting a lighting signal to the lighting control unit B 1 ~B n It functions as an output communication wiring for feeding back information from the controller F to the operation console G. When there are multiple existing communication wirings, one is used as an input communication wiring and the other is used as an input communication wiring for the lighting control unit B. 1 ~B n The communication wiring C may be an output communication wiring for feeding back information from the control device F to the controller F. The communication wiring C may be a communication wiring such as a metal communication cable or an optical fiber communication cable that is capable of communicating data.
[0026] Next, flash lamp A using the system 10 of this embodiment 1 ~A n The lighting method will be explained below.
[0027] First, when a power-on signal is sent from the console G to an electromagnetic contactor (not shown), the electromagnetic contactor turns on the flash lamp A. 1 ~A n At the same time, AC 200V is distributed to the controller F and AC 100V is distributed to the controller B. At the same time, lighting signals are sent from the controller F through the communication wiring C to the lighting control units B. 1 ~B nare simultaneously transmitted to
[0028] The controller F transmits the lighting signal once or more. When the controller F transmits the lighting signal multiple times, the controller F transmits the lighting signal at predetermined intervals T f The lighting signal is repeatedly transmitted at predetermined intervals T f The standard is about 500 milliseconds, but this is not limiting.
[0029] Next, the lighting control unit B 1 ~B n Receiving unit b1 1 ~b1 n receives the lighting signal transmitted from the controller F. Then, the control unit b2 1 ~b2 n The corresponding flashlight A 1 ~A n The power supply unit b3 receives the lighting signal. 1 ~b3 n Based on the time condition until the power is turned on, power supply unit b3 1 ~b3 n Turn on the power of the corresponding flash lamp A. 1 ~A n will light up.
[0030] To give a specific example, control unit b2 n The time condition is T p Power supply unit b3 after xn seconds n is the time condition for turning on the power supply for a predetermined time T p is about 17 milliseconds, flash lamp A 1 , A 2 , ..., A n will light up approximately 17 milliseconds, approximately 34 milliseconds, . . . , approximately 17×n milliseconds after receiving the light-up signal, respectively.
[0031] Flashlight A 1 ~A n flashing light A near the entrance to the runway 1 is placed near the end of the entrance. n The pilot of the aircraft is to direct the flashing light A. 1 ~A nWhen looking at the aircraft, flashing lights A flash at approximately 17 millisecond intervals along the approach direction of the aircraft (arrow AD direction). 1 ~A n will light up in sequence.
[0032] As described above, the system 10 of this embodiment receives a lighting signal transmitted from the controller F through the console G and transmits it to the receiving unit b1. 1 ~b1 n After receiving the signal, the lighting control unit B 1 ~B n Control unit b2 1 ~b2 n Based on the time condition, flash lamp A 1 ~A n In addition, the system 10 is configured such that one of the plurality of existing communication wirings is connected to all the lighting control units B 1 ~B n Therefore, it is sufficient to use one of the existing communication wirings.
[0033] Furthermore, by providing a communication line or an output line that allows two-way communication, information such as an abnormal signal, which will be described later, can be fed back to the controller F. 1 ~A n and lighting control unit B 1 ~B n This allows for monitoring of the status of the equipment, enabling maintenance to be performed at the appropriate time.
[0034] The system 10 of this embodiment has a power supply unit D and a power wiring E, and a plurality of lighting control units B 1 ~B n is connected to a power supply unit D by a power supply wiring E. The power supply unit D is connected to the flash lamp A via the power supply wiring E. 1 ~A n and lighting control unit B 1 ~B n A general commercial power supply is usually used for the power supply unit D. The power supply wiring E can be appropriately determined based on an existing power distribution system, and examples include a single-phase two-wire system, a single-phase three-wire system, and a three-phase three-wire system.
[0035] In the system 10, the controller F further includes a plurality of lighting control units B 1~B n At the same time, a luminous intensity designation signal is sent to the lighting control unit B via the communication wiring C. 1 ~B n Receiving unit b1 1 ~b1 n receives the luminous intensity designation signal, and the lighting control unit B 1 ~B n Control unit b2 1 ~b2 n is power supply unit b3 1 ~b3 n Flashing light A when power is on 1 ~A n The power supply unit b3 is connected to the power supply unit b1 so that the luminous intensity of the power supply unit b3 is set to the luminous intensity specified by the luminous intensity specifying signal. 1 ~b3 n The power supply of the lighting control unit B is turned on. 1 ~B n Power supply unit b3 1 ~b3 n When the power is ON, the corresponding flash lamp A 1 ~A n It is desirable to light the flash lamp A at the luminous intensity designated by the luminous intensity designation signal. 1 ~A n The luminous intensity of the flash lamp A after power ON 1 ~A n This is the peak luminosity.
[0036] The luminous intensity designation signal may be a signal that designates a specific luminous intensity value, or may be a signal that designates a preset luminous intensity. The preset luminous intensity is not particularly limited, but examples include high lighting (6000 to 20000 cd), medium lighting (600 to 2000 cd), and low lighting (100 to 450 cd). In this way, when the luminous intensity designation signal is a signal that designates a preset luminous intensity, when a lighting signal is transmitted from the console G through the controller F, the flash lamp A 1 ~A n When a light intensity designation signal is sent from controller F, flash lamp A 1 ~A n may be set to flash at medium or low intensity.
[0037] In the system 10 of this embodiment, the controller F can transmit a luminous intensity designation signal, so that the flash lamp A can be set to a desired value depending on the ambient brightness, such as morning, daytime, evening, or night. 1 ~A n The brightness of the flashlight can be adjusted to an appropriate brightness, and the pilot of the aircraft can 1 ~A n This allows you to see the flashes more clearly.
[0038] In the system 10 of this embodiment, a plurality of lighting control units B 1 ~B n further includes an abnormality detection unit b4 1 ~b4 n Abnormality detection unit b4 1 ~b4 n is flashlight A 1 ~A n , receiving unit b1 1 ~b1 n , control unit b2 1 ~b2 n , power supply unit b3 1 ~b3 n , and the controller F, and transmits an abnormality signal to the operation console G via the communication wiring C. 1 ~b4 n is flashlight A 1 ~A n , receiving unit b1 1 ~b1 n , control unit b2 1 ~b2 n , power supply unit b3 1 ~b3 n The means for detecting the voltage value, current value, etc. of each unit can be determined appropriately depending on the type of controller F.
[0039] Abnormality detection unit b4 1 ~b4 n Since the flashing light, unit and equipment in which an abnormality occurs can be easily identified, 1 ~A n Address information Ia n or lighting control unit B 1 ~B n Address information Ibn Flashing Light A 1 ~A n ,Abnormalities in each unit and controller F are indicated by flashing lights A 1 ~A n and abnormalities in each unit, or flashing light A 1 ~A n Also, there is an abnormality such as a disconnection of the connection between each unit and other units. 1 ~b4 n By having this, it is possible to feed back an abnormality signal to the operation console G. 1 ~A n and lighting control unit B 1 ~B n It is possible to monitor abnormalities such as the above and perform maintenance at the appropriate time.
[0040] In the system 10, the controller F transmits one bit of information in the lighting signal with a predetermined pulse signal width. The predetermined pulse signal width is 0.1 to 499.9 milliseconds. Specifically, when the lighting signal is 256 bits of information and is transmitted as one or more signals, the controller F transmits the first one bit of information and then transmits the remaining 255 bits of information in one-bit units at predetermined intervals. The predetermined interval is 2.3 to 1.95 milliseconds. The predetermined interval is the time from the transmission of the nth one bit of information in the lighting signal to the transmission of the (n+1)th one bit of information in the lighting signal. The predetermined interval is preferably constant. The proportion of the signal width (pulse width) occupied by one bit of information in each interval is not particularly limited. The proportion is 50 to 90%. Furthermore, when the system 10 of the embodiment can specify luminous intensity, the controller F may transmit one bit of information in the luminous intensity specification signal with a predetermined pulse signal width in addition to or instead of the lighting signal.
[0041] If the system 10 has a heater, the controller F may transmit 1-bit information in the heating signal with a predetermined pulse signal width, either simultaneously with the lighting signal or independently. 1 ~b4 nIn this case, the abnormality detection unit b4 may receive 1-bit information in the abnormality signal transmitted from the abnormality detection unit b4 with a predetermined pulse signal width. 1 ~b4 n However, it can also be said that one bit of information in the abnormality signal is transmitted with a predetermined pulse signal width. The predetermined pulse signal widths of the light intensity designation signal, heating signal, and abnormality signal are the same as those described above for the light intensity designation signal, heating signal, or abnormality signal, with the term "lighting signal" being replaced with "light intensity designation signal," "heating signal," or "abnormality signal."
[0042] In this way, by the controller F transmitting or receiving one bit of information in each signal at a predetermined pulse signal width, the influence of noise can be reduced even if noise is mixed into each signal due to a surge or the like. Therefore, the system 10 including the controller F, which transmits or receives one bit of information in each signal at a predetermined pulse signal width, is excellent in noise resistance and prevention of signal degradation, and therefore communication lines that are not optical fiber communication cables and communication lines that do not include shielded wires, i.e., existing communication lines, can also be used as the communication line C. Furthermore, by setting the proportion of the signal width in each interval to the above-mentioned proportion, for example, noise resistance can be further improved and degradation of each signal can be further prevented.
[0043] In the system 10, the abnormality detection unit b4 1 ~b4 n When the lighting signal is not transmitted, the flash lamp A 1 ~A n , receiving unit b1 1 ~b1 n , control unit b2 1 ~b2 n , and power supply unit b3 1 ~b3 n An abnormality in at least one of the units is detected.
[0044] In this way, when the lighting signal is not transmitted, the flash lamp A 1 ~A n , receiving unit b1 1 ~b1 n , control unit b2 1 ~b2 n , power supply unit b3 1 ~b3n By detecting the abnormality of flash light A, 1 ~A n Before using flash lamp A, 1 ~A n , lighting control unit B 1 ~B n The above can be replaced, improving maintainability.
[0045] (Modification 1) In the chain flashlight system of the embodiment, if a failure occurs due to a disconnection of the communication wiring C or if an abnormal response occurs in the controller F, the message "Communication Abnormal" is displayed on the touch panel (not shown). 1 ~A n Although the light is on, it is not possible to change the brightness, etc., but there is a problem in that the specific content of the "communication abnormality" cannot be grasped on the operation console G.
[0046] Regarding the above points, the displays "Disconnection detected" and "Communication response abnormality" will be added to the touch panel of the controller F, and the displays "Disconnection detected" and "Communication response abnormality" will be added to the touch panel on the condition that the controller F is powered on. By doing this, the specific details of the power supply abnormality of the controller F will be displayed on the operation console G, and the above deficiency will be resolved.
[0047] (Modification 2) In the chain flashlight system of the embodiment, when the power supply wiring E is broken, the flashlight A 1 ~A n When the flashing light goes out, the flashing light A is displayed on the touch panel (not shown). 1 ~A n In addition, if a lamp malfunctions or an abnormal response occurs in controller F, the touch panel of controller F displays "communication abnormality," but there is a problem in that the specific content of the abnormality cannot be grasped.
[0048] Regarding the above points, the above deficiencies can be resolved by adding the displays "Disconnection detected" and "Abnormal communication response" to the touch panel of controller F, and by displaying "Disconnection detected" and "Abnormal communication response" on the touch panel of controller F when controller F is turned on, and by displaying the specific details of the power supply abnormality of controller F on the operation console G.
[0049] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications of the above-described embodiment are possible.
[0050] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-218979, filed December 26, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0051] According to the present invention, in a chained flashlight system, an abnormal state in the chained flashlight system can be accurately grasped and a solution can be promptly implemented, thereby enabling the chained flashlight system to be operated smoothly.
[0052] 10 Chained Flashing Light System A 1 , A 2 , A n Flashlight AD Approach direction B 1 , B 2 , B n Lighting control unit b1 1 , b1 2 , b1 n Receiving unit b2 1 , b2 2 , b2 n Control unit b3 1 , b3 2 , b3 n Power supply unit b4 1 , b4 2 , b4 n Abnormality detection unit C Communication wiring D Power supply unit E Power wiring F Controller G Operation console
Claims
1. A flash lamp system includes a flash lamp, a lighting control unit, a communication wiring, a power supply unit, a power wiring, a controller, and an operation console. The flash lamp and the lighting control unit are provided as a set, and there are a plurality of such sets. The lighting control unit includes a receiving unit, a control unit, and a power supply unit. The communication wiring connects the lighting control unit, the power supply unit, the controller, and the operation console so that information can be communicated therebetween. The power supply unit distributes power from the power wiring to the lighting control unit. The operation console transmits a lighting signal to the lighting control unit through the controller. The receiving unit receives the lighting signal and transmits a signal indicating that the flash lamp has been lit to the controller. The control unit turns on the power supply of the power supply unit. The power supply unit turns on the flash lamp when the power is on. The operation console displays the content of the signal transmitted from the controller. A chain-type flash lamp system characterized by the above.
2. Further, it has an abnormality detection unit. The abnormality detection unit detects abnormalities in the flash lamp, the receiving unit, the control unit, the power supply unit, and the controller and notifies the controller. The chain-type flash lamp system according to claim 1.
3. The control unit turns on the power supply of the power supply unit based on the time condition from the reception of the lighting signal set for the flash lamp to the power-on of the power supply unit. The chain-type flash lamp system according to claim 1.
4. The controller transmits one-bit information in the lighting signal with a predetermined pulse signal width. The chain-type flash lamp system according to claim 1.
5. The predetermined pulse signal width is 0.1 to 499.9 milliseconds. The chain-type flash lamp system according to claim 4.
6. After the controller finishes transmitting the lighting signal, the waiting time until the lighting report information from the flash lamp is completed is several seconds. The chain-type flash lamp system according to claim 1.
7. The controller has a touch panel. When the abnormality detection unit reports the occurrence of an abnormality in the communication wiring or the controller, the controller displays the content of the abnormality on the touch panel on the condition that the controller is powered on. The chain-type flash lamp system according to claim 2.
8. When the flash light is turned off due to a disconnection of the power supply wiring, or when a response abnormality occurs in the flash light or the lighting control unit, an indication of the abnormality content is added on the touch panel of the controller, and a specific abnormality content is displayed on the touch panel of the controller on the condition that the controller is in the power-on state. The chain flash light system according to claim 7.
9. The power supply wiring is single-phase two-wire type, single-phase three-wire type, or three-phase three-wire type. The chain flash light system according to claim 1.
10. The interval when transmitting one-bit information in the lighting signal with a predetermined pulse signal width is 2.3 to 1.95 milliseconds. The chain flash light system according to claim 1.
11. In each of the intervals, the ratio occupied by the signal width (pulse width) transmitting one-bit information is 50 to 90%. The chain flash light system according to claim 10.
12. The communication wiring is one or two or more. The chain flash light system according to claim 1.
13. The communication wiring is a metal communication cable or an optical fiber communication cable. The chain flash light system according to claim 1.
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