Equipment control system, equipment control method, and program

Abstract

The present disclosure addresses the problem of suppressing a decrease in communication reliability. This equipment control system (S1) comprises: a plurality of sensor devices (B1); and a communication device (D1) capable of communicating with the plurality of sensor devices (B1). The plurality of sensor devices (B1) are classified into two or more control groups for which different specific periods are set. Each of the plurality of sensor devices (B1) is associated with at least one piece of controlled equipment. During the specific period set for the control group, from among the two or more control groups, into which each of the plurality of sensor devices (B1) is classified, each of the plurality of sensor devices (B1) transmits, to the communication device (D1), a control command for controlling at least one piece of controlled equipment.

Description

Machine control system, machine control method, and program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a machine control system, a machine control method, and a program, and more particularly, to a machine control system, a machine control method, and a program having a sensor device.

[0002] Conventionally, an illumination system (machine control system) that performs illumination control by wireless communication has been provided. For example, the illumination system described in Patent Document 1 has an illumination fixture (controlled device), a human presence sensor, and an illuminance sensor (sensor device). The illumination system can control the illumination fixture based on the detection result of a person by the human presence sensor and the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor.

[0003] When a conventional machine control system as described above has a plurality of sensor devices, when detection results are transmitted from the plurality of sensor devices, burst traffic may occur, resulting in a decrease in communication reliability.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-50625

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a machine control system, a machine control method, and a program capable of suppressing a decrease in communication reliability.

[0006] A machine control system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a plurality of sensor devices and a communication device communicable with the plurality of sensor devices. The plurality of sensor devices are divided into two or more control groups in which different specific periods are set. Each of the plurality of sensor devices is associated with at least one controlled device, and in the specific period set for the control group in which each of the plurality of sensor devices is divided among the two or more control groups, a control command for controlling the at least one controlled device is transmitted to the communication device.

[0007] A device control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a sorting step of sorting a plurality of sensor devices into two or more control groups, each having a different specific period set; an association step of associating each of the plurality of sensor devices with at least one device to be controlled; and a transmission step of transmitting a control command to a communication device for controlling the at least one device to be controlled during the specific period set in the control group to which each of the plurality of sensor devices is sorted among the two or more control groups.

[0008] A program according to one aspect of this disclosure causes one or more processors to execute the device control method.

[0009] Figure 1 is a system configuration diagram of a device control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a block diagram of the controlled devices in the same device control system. Figure 3 is a block diagram of the sensor device in the same device control system. Figure 4 is a block diagram of the communication device in the same device control system. Figure 5 is a block diagram of the control device in the same device control system. Figure 6 is a block diagram of the setting device in the same device control system. Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram of a mesh network in which the same device control system is used. Figure 8 is an area and zone layout diagram in the same device control system. Figure 9 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of sensor control in the same device control system.

[0010] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples of this disclosure. This disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the effects of this disclosure can be achieved.

[0011] (1) Overview First, an overview of the equipment control system S1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0012] The equipment control system S1 according to this embodiment is a system for controlling controlled equipment and is installed, for example, in commercial facilities such as office buildings and shopping centers, factories, warehouses, and public facilities such as libraries. Note that the above facilities are merely examples, and the location where the equipment control system S1 according to this embodiment is installed is not limited to these facilities.

[0013] The equipment control system S1 according to this embodiment includes a plurality of sensor devices B1 and a communication device D1 capable of communicating with the plurality of sensor devices B1.

[0014] Multiple sensor devices B1 are divided into two or more control groups G1, each with a different specific period dT1 set for it.

[0015] Each of the multiple sensor devices B1 is associated with at least one controlled device.

[0016] Each of the multiple sensor devices B1 transmits a control command to the communication device D1 for controlling at least one controlled device during a specific period dT1 set in the control group G1 to which each of the multiple sensor devices B1 belongs among two or more control groups G1.

[0017] In this context, the controlled device is, for example, a lighting device A1. However, the controlled device is not limited to a lighting device A1; it may also be, for example, an air conditioning device, an audio device, etc.

[0018] With the above configuration, since not all of the multiple sensor devices B1 simultaneously transmit control commands to the communication device D1, burst traffic is less likely to occur, and as a result, a decrease in communication reliability can be suppressed.

[0019] (2) Details Next, the equipment control system S1 according to the embodiment (hereinafter referred to as equipment control system S1) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0020] (2-1) As shown in Figure 1, the system configuration equipment control system S1 includes multiple lighting devices A1, a sensor device B1, a communication device D1, a tablet C1, a handheld remote control C2, and the like.

[0021] Multiple lighting devices A1, sensor devices B1, and communication devices D1 are supplied with AC power from an external power source P1 via a two-wire power supply circuit P11. However, a switch device J1 is inserted into the power supply circuit P11. The switch device J1 is equipped with an operating handle J11 and is configured to turn the connection between the external power source P1 and the power supply circuit P11 on / off each time the operating handle J11 is operated. In other words, when the switch device J1 is turned on, AC power is supplied from the external power source P1 via the power supply circuit P11, and the equipment control system S1 becomes operational. On the other hand, when the switch device J1 is turned off, AC power is not supplied from the external power source P1 via the power supply circuit P11, and the equipment control system S1 becomes inoperable.

[0022] (2-1-1) Lighting device Lighting device A1 has a light source unit 10, a power supply unit 11, a wireless communication unit 12, a storage unit 13, and a control unit 14 (see Figure 2).

[0023] The light source unit 10 has, for example, an LED module configured by mounting multiple LEDs on a substrate. However, the light source units 10 in multiple lighting devices A1 may be of different types. For example, the light source unit 10 includes a light source unit 10 that emits monochromatic illumination light, a light source unit 10 whose color temperature of illumination light is variable, a light source unit 10 whose light color is variable, and a light source unit 10 whose illumination direction can be switched. The light source unit 10 whose color temperature of illumination light is variable has LED modules that emit illumination light of different color temperatures (for example, incandescent and daylight). The light source unit 10 whose light color is variable has LED modules that emit illumination light of different colors such as red light, green light, and blue light. Furthermore, the light source unit 10 whose illumination direction can be switched has, for example, an LED module that emits illumination light toward the floor and an LED module that emits illumination light toward the ceiling or wall.

[0024] The power supply unit 11 includes a power conversion circuit that converts AC power supplied from an external power supply P1 via a power supply line P11 into DC power, and a constant current circuit that operates to match the DC current supplied to the light source unit 10 to a target value. However, the power supply unit 11 may have multiple constant current circuits depending on the type of light source unit 10. That is, a power supply unit 11 paired with a light source unit 10 whose illumination light color temperature is variable has multiple constant current circuits that supply DC current individually to multiple LED modules with different color temperatures. Also, a power supply unit 11 paired with a light source unit 10 whose illumination light color is variable has multiple constant current circuits that supply individual DC current to LED modules with multiple light colors. Furthermore, a power supply unit 11 paired with a light source unit 10 whose irradiation direction can be switched has, for example, a constant current circuit that supplies DC current to an LED module that radiates illumination light toward the floor, and a constant current circuit that supplies DC current to an LED module that radiates illumination light toward the ceiling or wall.

[0025] The wireless communication unit 12 includes a wireless communication circuit, an antenna, and the like. The wireless communication circuit is an integrated circuit configured to perform wireless communication and mesh communication using radio waves as a medium, in accordance with wireless communication standards such as BLE (Bluetooth® low energy). However, the wireless communication circuit may also be configured to perform wireless communication in accordance with wireless communication standards other than BLE, such as Wi-Fi®, ZigBee®, and 920 MHz band low-power radio stations (for telecontrol). The wireless communication circuit is capable of transmitting and receiving wireless signals through the antenna.

[0026] The memory unit 13 has, for example, an electrically rewritable non-volatile semiconductor memory. The memory unit 13 stores multiple scene information. Each of the multiple scene information includes illumination-related information that specifies at least one of the following: illumination intensity, light color, and irradiation direction, and mode specification information that specifies one control mode from among multiple control modes. Here, the power supply unit 11 adjusts the amount of light output by adjusting the DC current supplied to the light source unit 10. The illumination intensity is expressed by the dimming level of the light source unit 10. The dimming level is defined as the ratio of the light amount when the light amount when the rated current is flowed through the light source unit 10 is set to 100%. For example, a dimming level of 50% indicates that the light source unit 10 outputs half the rated amount of light. The light color is defined by the color temperature when the color temperature of the illumination light from the light source unit 10 is variable. However, the illumination-related information that specifies the light color is indicated by the ratio of the light amounts of multiple types of LED modules with different color temperatures. Similarly, if the light color of the light source unit 10 is variable, the lighting information specifying the light color is indicated by the ratio of the light intensity of each LED module of each color. Furthermore, the lighting information specifying the irradiation direction of the light source unit 10 is indicated, for example, by a numerical value corresponding to the irradiation direction (0: downward, 1: upward, etc.).

[0027] The control unit 14 mainly consists of a microcontroller. The control unit 14 is configured to perform various processes related to lighting control by having the microcontroller's processor execute a program for lighting control. The control unit 14 then selects one scene from a plurality of scene information stored in the storage unit 13 based on a wireless signal received by the wireless communication unit 12, and controls the power supply unit 11 based on the selected scene information.

[0028] (2-1-2) Sensor device The sensor device B1 includes a brightness detection unit 20, a human detection unit 21, a sensor control unit 22, a wireless communication unit 23, a memory unit 24, a clock unit 25, etc. (see Figure 3).

[0029] The brightness detection unit 20 includes, for example, a photoelectric conversion element and a signal processing circuit that processes the output signal of the photoelectric conversion element. The brightness detection unit 20 detects reflected light from the floor or desk surface within the detection range as the amount of incident light, converts the detected amount of incident light into a voltage signal (brightness signal), and outputs it to the sensor control unit 22.

[0030] The human detection unit 21 has a passive sensor that detects heat rays (infrared rays) emitted from the human body, generally called a heat ray sensor or PIR (Passive Infrared) sensor. However, the human detection unit 21 may also have an active sensor that detects a person (moving object) by emitting radio waves (microwaves) and receiving the radio waves reflected by an antenna after they hit an object in space, thereby determining whether or not the object is moving. When the human detection unit 21 detects the presence of a person in the detection area, it outputs a human detection signal to the sensor control unit 22.

[0031] Alternatively, the brightness detection unit 20 and the person detection unit 21 may each have a single image sensor, and the system may be configured to detect a person from the difference between the background image acquired by the image sensor and the current image, as well as to detect brightness from the acquired image.

[0032] The sensor control unit 22 primarily consists of a microcontroller. The sensor control unit 22 is configured to perform various processes related to sensor control by having the microcontroller's processor execute a program for sensor control.

[0033] The sensor control unit 22 compares the brightness (illuminance within the detection range) indicated by the brightness signal input from the brightness detection unit 20 with the brightness target value, and creates a control command necessary to keep the difference between the illuminance within the detection range and the brightness target value within a predetermined range. For example, if the difference between the illuminance within the detection range and the brightness target value is greater than the upper limit of the predetermined range, the sensor control unit 22 creates a control command to lower the dimming level in order to reduce the difference between the illuminance within the detection range and the brightness target value. Conversely, if the difference between the illuminance within the detection range and the brightness target value is smaller than the lower limit of the predetermined range, the sensor control unit 22 creates a control command to raise the dimming level in order to reduce the difference between the illuminance within the detection range and the brightness target value. The sensor control unit 22 passes the created control command to the wireless communication unit 23.

[0034] The wireless communication unit 23, like the wireless communication unit 12 of the lighting device A1, includes a wireless communication circuit, an antenna, and the like. The wireless communication circuit is an integrated circuit configured to perform wireless communication and mesh communication in accordance with the same wireless communication standards as the wireless communication circuit of the wireless communication unit 12. The wireless communication circuit can send and receive wireless signals through the antenna. The wireless communication unit 23 transmits messages, including control commands received from the sensor control unit 22, as wireless signals.

[0035] The memory unit 24 has, for example, an electrically rewritable non-volatile semiconductor memory. The memory unit 24 stores multiple scene information. However, each scene information stored by the memory unit 24 will have content that matches the scene information stored by the memory unit 13 of the lighting device A1. More specifically, each scene information stored by the memory unit 24 includes the same mode specification information as the mode specification information stored by the memory unit 13 of the lighting device A1, and information regarding the operation of the sensor device B1.

[0036] The clock unit 25 includes, for example, a real-time clock module. The real-time clock module is an integrated circuit configured to generate and output digital data including the time and date from a clock source. The clock unit 25 outputs the digital data of the time and date (hereinafter referred to as clock data) generated by the real-time clock module to the sensor control unit 22.

[0037] (2-1-3) Communication device The communication device D1 includes a clock unit 40, a schedule storage unit 41, a schedule control unit 42, a wireless communication unit 43, etc. (see Figure 4).

[0038] The clock unit 40 includes, for example, a real-time clock module. The real-time clock module is an integrated circuit configured to generate and output digital data including the time and date from a clock source. The clock unit 40 outputs the digital data of the time and date (hereinafter referred to as clock data) generated by the real-time clock module to the schedule control unit 42.

[0039] The schedule storage unit 41 has an electrically rewritable non-volatile semiconductor memory. The schedule storage unit 41 stores a schedule for lighting control. The schedule includes, for example, a combination of time zones and specification information that specifies scene information.

[0040] The schedule control unit 42 primarily consists of a microcontroller. The schedule control unit 42 is configured to perform various processes related to schedule control by having the microcontroller's processor execute a program for schedule control. The schedule control unit 42 refers to the clock data obtained from the clock unit 40 and the schedule stored in the schedule storage unit 41, and when the current time in the clock data matches the start time of the schedule, it creates a control command from the schedule specification information and passes it to the wireless communication unit 43.

[0041] The wireless communication unit 43, like the wireless communication unit 12 of the lighting device A1, includes a wireless communication circuit, an antenna, and the like. The wireless communication circuit is an integrated circuit configured to perform wireless communication and mesh communication in accordance with the same wireless communication standards as the wireless communication circuit of the wireless communication unit 12. The wireless communication circuit can send and receive wireless signals through the antenna. The wireless communication unit 43 transmits messages, including control commands received from the schedule control unit 42, as wireless signals.

[0042] In addition, when the microcontroller of the schedule control unit 42 is equipped with a real-time clock module, the clock unit may be realized by the real-time clock module of the microcontroller.

[0043] Thus, since the communication device D1 transmits a control command to the lighting device A1 using the clock data as a trigger input, it can also play the role of the control device in the device control system S1.

[0044] (2-1-4) Tablet The tablet C1 is a portable computer system configured by housing a SoC (System on a chip), a touch panel type display device C10, etc. in a rectangular plate-shaped housing C11 (see Fig. 1).

[0045] The SoC is a one-chip semiconductor device equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a modem, etc. The touch panel type display device C10 is, for example, a touch panel type liquid crystal display or a touch panel type organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display.

[0046] In the device control system S1, the tablet C1 is made to play the role of the control device 5 by causing the SoC (CPU) to execute a control program (application program). Also, in the device control system S1, the tablet C1 is made to play the role of the setting device 3 by causing the SoC (CPU) to execute a schedule setting program (application program).

[0047] The control device 5 includes an input reception unit 50, a control unit 51, and a wireless communication unit 52 (see Fig. 5). The input reception unit 50 is realized by the touch panel of the tablet C1. The control unit 51 is realized by the CPU of the tablet C1. The wireless communication unit 52 is realized by the modem of the tablet C1. Note that the wireless communication unit 52 is configured to perform wireless communication compliant with standards such as BLE and Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0048] The setting device 3 includes an input reception unit 30, a wireless communication unit 31, a setting unit 32, and a display unit 33 (see FIG. 6). The input reception unit 30 and the display unit 33 are realized by the touch panel of the tablet C1. The setting unit 32 is realized by the CPU of the tablet C1. As shown in FIG. 6, the setting unit 32 has the functions of a creation unit 321 and a group setting unit 322. The creation unit 321 and the group setting unit 322 will be described in detail in “(2-5) Grouping of Sensor Devices”. The wireless communication unit 31 is realized by the modem of the tablet C1. Note that the wireless communication unit 31 is configured to perform wireless communication compliant with standards such as BLE and Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0049] In this embodiment, the control device 5 and the setting device 3 are realized by the tablet C1, but each of the control device 5 and the setting device 3 may be configured by dedicated hardware and software.

[0050] (2-1-5) Handheld Remote Control The handheld remote control C2 has a main body C20 made of a rectangular parallelepiped synthetic resin molded body (see FIG. 1). The main body C20 is sized to be held by a person with one hand. A plurality (six in the illustrated example) of operation buttons C21 to C26 are provided on the front surface of the main body C20.

[0051] In the device control system S1, the handheld remote control C2 is made to play the role of the control device 5. That is, the handheld remote control C2 incorporates an input reception unit 5, a control unit 51, and a wireless communication communication communication unit 52 that constitute the control device 5 in the main body C20.

[0052] The input reception unit 50 has six tact switches that correspond one-to-one to the six operation buttons C21 to C26. These six tact switches are configured to turn on when the corresponding operation buttons C21 to C26 are pressed. That is, the input reception unit 50 is configured to receive an operation input corresponding to each of the operation buttons C21 to C26 when the tact switch turns on.

[0053] The control unit 51 mainly consists of a microcontroller. The control unit 51 is configured to perform various processes related to lighting control, such as scene selection and switching the lighting device A1 on and off, by having the microcontroller's processor execute a control program.

[0054] The wireless communication unit 52, like the wireless communication unit 12 of the lighting device A1, includes a wireless communication circuit, an antenna, and the like. The wireless communication circuit is an integrated circuit configured to perform wireless communication and mesh communication in accordance with the same wireless communication standards as the wireless communication circuit of the wireless communication unit 12. The wireless communication circuit can send and receive wireless signals through the antenna. The wireless communication unit 52 transmits messages, including control commands received from the control unit 51, as wireless signals.

[0055] (2-2) Mesh Network in Equipment Control System The equipment control system S1 constructs a mesh network in which each of the lighting device A1, sensor device B1, and communication device D1 are communication terminals (nodes). Each node of the mesh network (lighting device A1, sensor device B1, and communication device D1) is assigned a unique network address.

[0056] As shown in Figure 7, the mesh network NW1 in this embodiment forms a partially connected mesh network. The mesh network NW1 has a plurality of subnetworks (four in the illustrated example) SN1, SN2, SN3, and SN4. Each of these plurality of subnetworks SNi (i = 1, 2, 3, 4) has one or more nodes Nij (j = 1, 2, ...). Each of the plurality of nodes Nij can communicate directly with other nodes Nij within the subnetwork SNi to which it belongs, but cannot communicate directly with nodes Nij belonging to a different subnetwork SNi.

[0057] In each subnetwork SNi, one of several node Nij acts as the management node MNi. Each management node MNi can communicate directly with other node Nij within its own subnetwork SNi, and can also communicate directly with other management node MNi belonging to other subnetwork SNi. In other words, all node Nij belonging to each subnetwork SNi can communicate via the management node MNi of its own subnetwork SNi with all node Nij belonging to other subnetwork SNi.

[0058] Furthermore, one of the multiple management nodes MNi acts as the master unit (called the main gateway node). The master unit performs processes such as synchronizing all nodes Nij (including the management node MNi) belonging to the mesh network NW1, and broadcasting messages to the entire mesh network NW1.

[0059] (2-3) Grouping in the Equipment Control System As shown in Figure 8, one equipment control system S1 has one or more areas ARi (i = 1, 2, ..., n). Each area ARi has one or more zones ZNij (j = 1, 2, ...). Each zone ZNij has multiple lighting devices A1 and, if necessary, one sensor device B1. In other words, in each zone ZNij, one sensor device B1 is associated with multiple lighting devices A1. The number of lighting devices A1 associated with one sensor device B1 is determined, for example, based on the communication performance of the sensor device B1. However, there may be only one lighting device A1 in a zone ZNij, and there may be no sensor device B1 at all. Furthermore, the zoning of zones ZNij and areas ARi is independent of the topology of the mesh network NW1. For example, there may be multiple zones ZNij and areas ARi in a single subnetwork SNi. Alternatively, multiple nodes Nij belonging to different subnetworks SNi may reside in a single zone ZNij. Note that a single device control system S1 has at most one communication device D1, but the communication device D1 does not belong to any area ARi or any zone ZNij.

[0060] The equipment control system S1 assigns the communication device D1 the role of the master unit in the mesh network NW1. However, if the equipment control system S1 does not have the communication device D1, it may assign the role of the master unit to either the lighting device A1 or the sensor device B1.

[0061] The control device 5, implemented on tablet C1, can communicate with the management node MNi in the mesh network NW1 via BLE communication when the equipment control system S1 is in operation. The equipment control system S1 assigns the role of management node MNi to the communication device D1, sensor device B1, or lighting device A1. Furthermore, the setting device 3, implemented on tablet C1, can communicate with all nodes (communication device D1, sensor device B1, lighting device A1) and the handheld remote control C2 (control device 5) via BLE communication.

[0062] The control device 5, implemented by the handheld remote control C2, can perform mesh communication with the nodes of the mesh network NW1 (communication device D1, lighting device A1, and sensor device B1) only when transmitting control commands. Furthermore, the control device 5, implemented by the handheld remote control C2, can perform BLE communication with the setting device 3, implemented by the tablet C1.

[0063] (2-4) Scene control in the equipment control system Each lighting device A1 in the equipment control system S1 stores multiple scene information in the storage unit 13. Each of the multiple scene information includes lighting-related information that specifies at least one of the following: illumination light intensity (dimming level), light color (color temperature, etc.), and irradiation direction, and mode specification information that specifies one control mode from among multiple control modes.

[0064] The multiple control modes include a sensor control mode in which the control unit 14 controls the power supply unit 11 of the lighting device A1 based on control commands (control commands based on detection results) transmitted wirelessly by the sensor device B1 and scene information, and a normal control mode in which the control unit 14 controls the power supply unit 11 based on scene information. In the normal control mode, the sensor device B1 does not need to perform detection operations.

[0065] Furthermore, the sensor control modes include a constant brightness mode, a human detection mode, and a brightness and human detection mode. The constant brightness mode is a mode in which the control unit 14 controls the power supply unit 11 to match the brightness detected by the sensor device B1 to a predetermined target value. The human detection mode is a mode in which the control unit 14 controls the power supply unit 11 in accordance with a control command based on the determination result of the presence or absence of a person by the sensor device B1. The brightness and human detection mode is a mode in which the control unit 14 controls the power supply unit 11 in accordance with the brightness detected by the sensor device B1 and a control command based on the determination result of the presence or absence of a person. Note that multiple scene information is assigned a unique scene number, and each scene information is identified by its scene number.

[0066]

[0067] Table 1 shows examples of scene information. For example, in zone ZNn1 of area ARn, the scene information for scene number 1 includes lighting-related information that sets the dimming level of the two lighting devices A1 to 80% and the light color to daylight, as well as mode specification information that sets sensor device B1 and the two lighting devices A1 to normal control mode. The scene information for scene number 2 does not include the dimming level of the two lighting devices A1 in the scene information, but includes lighting-related information that sets the light color to neutral white, and mode specification information that sets sensor device B1 and the two lighting devices A1 to sensor control mode (constant brightness mode). Similarly, the scene information for scene numbers 3 to 7 includes lighting-related information and mode specification information as shown in Table 1. However, the examples shown in Table 1 are just examples of scene information, and depending on the type of lighting device A1 belonging to each area ARi and each zone ZNij, there may be no light color (color tuning) item, or there may be an item for illumination direction (upward, downward).

[0068] Incidentally, the scene information described above is created by the setting device 3 implemented on tablet C1 and set on each lighting device A1. However, for sensor device B1, instead of lighting-related information, information regarding the operation of sensor device B1 is set as scene information. Furthermore, for multiple lighting devices A1 and sensor devices B1 belonging to a single zone ZNij, the same mode specification information is set for the scene information with the same scene number.

[0069] The setting device 3 receives operation inputs related to lighting information and mode specification information, specifically operation inputs indicating dimming level, light color, irradiation direction, etc., and operation inputs for selecting a control mode, via the input reception unit 30 (touch panel of tablet C1). In response to the operation inputs received by the input reception unit 30, the setting device 3 creates scene information including lighting information and mode specification information in the creation unit 321 of the setting unit 32 (CPU of tablet C1). The setting device 3 transmits a wireless signal containing the scene information created in the creation unit 321 to any management node MNi (for example, any sensor device B1). The management node MNi that receives the wireless signal transmits the message (scene information) contained in the wireless signal to the destination node Nij (lighting device A1) via mesh communication. Then, by repeating the transmission of wireless signals containing scene information via BLE communication and mesh communication, the scene information created by the setting device 3 is set in all necessary nodes Nij (lighting device A1, sensor device B1) in the equipment control system S1. The setting device 3 accepts scene information settings on a zone-by-zone basis at the input reception unit 30, and automatically transmits a wireless signal containing the scene information via BLE communication to the management node MNi, but only for the nodes Nij where scene information settings are required. Therefore, operation input for setting scene information to the setting device 3 can be performed on a zone-by-zone or area-by-area basis.

[0070] (2-5) Grouping of Sensor Devices Here, in the equipment control system S1, if area ARi has multiple sensor devices B1, the multiple sensor devices B1 included in area ARi are divided into two or more control groups G1. Each of the two or more control groups G1 is set to have a different specific period dT1, and the sensor devices B1 classified into each control group G1 transmit control commands during the specific period dT1 set for each control group G1. The operation of transmitting control commands during the specific period dT1 of the sensor devices B1 will be explained in detail in "(2-6) Schedule Control in the Equipment Control System".

[0071] The division of multiple sensor devices B1 included in area ARi into two or more control groups G1 is performed by the group setting unit 322 of the setting unit 32 of the setting device 3. The division of multiple sensor devices B1 into two or more control groups G1 in the equipment control system S1 will be explained below using area ARn as an example.

[0072] Area ARn includes zones Znn1 to Znn8. Zones Znn1 to Znn8 have sensor devices B11 to B18. In other words, sensor devices B11 to B18 are divided into two or more control groups G1 by the group setting unit 322. The group setting unit 322 divides sensor devices B11 to B18 into two or more control groups G1, for example, when the input reception unit 30 receives a predetermined operation input from the user. An example of the operation of the group setting unit 322 is described below.

[0073] When the input receiving unit 30 receives a predetermined operation input, the group setting unit 322 generates a unit count acquisition command and causes the wireless communication unit 31 to transmit the unit count acquisition command to the communication device D1.

[0074] When communication device D1 receives a command to acquire the number of units, it communicates with sensor devices B11 to B18 in area ARn and acquires information on the number of sensor devices B1 in area ARn. Here, each of sensor devices B11 to B18 is assigned a unique identification ID, which is stored in the storage unit 24 of each sensor device B1. The identification ID is a number selected from, for example, 1 to 50, and for sensor devices B11 to B18, the identification ID number increases in the order of sensor devices B11 to B18. The identification IDs assigned to sensor devices B11 to B18 may be sequential or not. Communication device D1 acquires information on the number of sensor devices B1 in area ARn and the identification ID of each sensor device.

[0075] The communication device D1 transmits the number of units and the identification ID of each sensor device to the setting device 3 (group setting unit 322).

[0076] When the group setting unit 322 receives the number of units (8 units) and the identification ID of each sensor device, it determines the number of two or more control groups G1 based on the number of units. Specifically, the group setting unit 322 determines the number of two or more control groups G1 such that the number of sensor devices B1 included in each of the two or more control groups G1 is equal. Here, "equal" includes not only a state in which the number of sensor devices B1 included in each of the two or more control groups G1 is exactly the same, but also a state in which there is a difference of a few units. This prevents an imbalance in the number of sensor devices B1 included in each of the two or more control groups G1, and suppresses the occurrence of burst traffic when a control group G1 with a large number of sensor devices B1 communicates with the communication device D1. In this example of operation, the number of sensor devices B11 to B18 in area ARn is 8 units. Therefore, the group setting unit 322 tentatively determines the number of candidate control groups G1 (candidate group number) to be two groups in which each of the two or more control groups G1 contains four sensor devices B1, and four groups in which each of the two or more control groups G1 contains two sensor devices B1.

[0077] The group setting unit 322 displays the provisionally determined candidate number of groups (2 groups, 4 groups) on the display unit 33.

[0078] The user operates the input receiving unit 30 to select a desired number of two or more control groups G1 from the group number candidates displayed on the display unit 33. In this embodiment, the user selects two groups as the number of two or more control groups G1.

[0079] If the user selects 2 groups as the number of control groups G1 of 2 or more, the group setting unit 322 finalizes the number of control groups G1 of 2 or more to 2 groups.

[0080] Next, the group setting unit 322 divides the sensor devices B11 to B14, which are the four sensor devices B1 with the smaller identification IDs among the sensor devices B11 to B18, into control group G11, and the sensor devices B15 to B18, which are the four sensor devices B1 with the larger identification IDs, into control group G12.

[0081] Furthermore, the group setting unit 322 sets specific periods dT11 and dT12, which are different specific periods dT1, for control groups G11 and G12, respectively. Note that specific periods dT11 and dT12 are set with respect to a reference time t0. For example, specific period dT11 is the period between time t0 and time t1, which is 14 seconds after time t0. Also, specific period dT12 is the period between time t2, which is 15 seconds after time t0, and time t3, which is 30 seconds after time t0.

[0082] The group setting unit 322 causes each of the sensor devices B11 to B18 to transmit information regarding the set control group G1 and information regarding the specific period dT11 set for group G1 to the wireless communication unit 43. In other words, the group setting unit 322 causes sensor devices B11 to B14 to transmit information to the wireless communication unit 43 indicating that they have been assigned to control group G11 with a specific period dT11 set. The group setting unit 322 also causes sensor devices B15 to B18 to transmit information to the wireless communication unit 43 indicating that they have been assigned to control group G12 with a specific period dT12 set. The information regarding control group G1 transmitted to each sensor device B1 is stored in the storage unit 24 of each sensor device B1.

[0083] (2-6) Schedule control in the equipment control system The case in which the equipment control system S1 is scheduled by the communication device D1 will be described below. As an example, the control of area ARn having sensor devices B11 to B18 will be described below.

[0084] As an example, let's assume that the schedule storage unit 41 of the communication device D1 stores a schedule to select scene information for scene number 2 from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

[0085] In the communication device D1, the schedule control unit 42 refers to the clock data obtained from the clock unit 40 and the schedule stored in the schedule storage unit 41, and when the current time in the clock data matches 9:00 AM, it passes the schedule specification information (scene number 2) to the wireless communication unit 43 (Figure 9 [1]). The wireless communication unit 43 of the communication device D1 transmits a message containing the specification information received from the schedule control unit 42 to the two lighting devices A1 of each of the sensor devices B11 to B18 and zones Znn1 to Znn8 via mesh communication (Figure 9 [2]).

[0086] Each of the two lighting devices A1 in zones Znn1 to Znn8 of area ARn receives a message transmitted from the communication device D1 via the wireless communication unit 12. The control unit 14 of each of the two lighting devices A1 in zones Znn1 to Znn8 of area ARn reads the scene information for scene number 2, as indicated by the received message, from the storage unit 13. Based on the read scene information, the control unit 14 controls the power supply unit 11 to set the color of the illumination light to daylight white.

[0087] Furthermore, sensor devices B11 to B18 receive messages transmitted from communication device D1 with their respective wireless communication units 43. In this embodiment, sensor devices B11 to B18 receive messages transmitted from communication device D1 with their respective wireless communication units 43 almost simultaneously. Here, the time when sensor devices B11 to B18 receive messages transmitted from communication device D1 becomes the reference time t0 for the specific periods dT11 and dT12 described above.

[0088] Each sensor control unit 22 of sensor devices B11 to B18 reads scene information for scene number 2, as instructed by the message received from communication device D1, from the storage unit 24. Since the scene information for scene number 2 specifies a constant brightness sensor control mode as mode specification information, each sensor control unit 22 operates the brightness detection unit 20 to detect (measure) the brightness (illuminance) of the area to be detected (Figure 9 [3]). Each sensor control unit 22 compares the brightness (voltage value) detected by the brightness detection unit 20 with a target value (reference voltage value). Then, each sensor control unit 22 creates a message (control command) to adjust the dimming level so as to reduce the difference between the detected brightness and the target value.

[0089] Here, each sensor control unit 22 of the sensor devices B11 to B14, which are classified into control group G11, transmits a control command to the communication device D1 during a specific period dT11 (times t0 to t1) set for control group G11. More specifically, each sensor control unit 22 of the sensor devices B11 to B14 included in control group G11 transmits a control command to the communication device D1 at different timings during the specific period dT11 (Figure 9 [4] to [7]). For example, each sensor control unit 22 transmits a control command to the communication device D1 when a time equal to 50 msec multiplied by the identification number of each sensor device B1 has elapsed from time t0. The elapsed time from time t0 is measured by each clock unit 25.

[0090] Furthermore, each sensor control unit 22 of the sensor devices B15 to B18, which are classified into control group G12, transmits a control command to the communication device D1 during a specific period dT12 (times t2 to t3) set for control group G12. More specifically, each sensor control unit 22 of the sensor devices B15 to B18 included in control group G12 transmits a control command to the communication device D1 at different timings during the specific period dT12 (Figure 9 [8] to

[11] ). For example, each sensor control unit 22 transmits a control command to the communication device D1 when a time equal to 50 msec multiplied by the identification number of each sensor device B1 has elapsed from time t2. The elapsed time from time t2 is measured by each clock unit 25.

[0091] In other words, if there are multiple sensor devices B1 included in each control group G1, each of the multiple sensor devices B1 included in each control group G1 transmits a control command to the communication device D1 at different timings during a specific period dT1 set for each control group G1. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of burst traffic among the multiple sensor devices B1 included in each control group G1 during the specific period dT1.

[0092] The communication device D1 generates aggregated control data by aggregating the control commands transmitted from the sensor devices B11 to B18 (Figure 9

[12] ).

[0093] Communication device D1 transmits aggregated control data to two lighting devices A1, each of which is located in zones Znn1 to Znn8. In this embodiment, communication device D1 transmits the data to two lighting devices A1, each of which is located in zones Znn1 to Znn8, via sensor devices B11 to B18 (Figure 9

[13] ). In other words, two lighting devices A1, each of which is located in zones Znn1 to Znn8, receive aggregated control data via sensor devices B11 to B18. Alternatively, two lighting devices A1, each of which is located in zones Znn1 to Znn8, may receive aggregated control data directly from communication device D1.

[0094] The control units 14 of the two lighting devices A1 in each of the zones Znn1 to Znn8 control the power supply unit 11 to increase or decrease the dimming level of the lighting light based on the control commands received from the aggregated control data. In this way, by transmitting the aggregated control data from the communication device D1 to the two lighting devices A1 in each of the zones Znn1 to Znn8, control commands can be transmitted to the two lighting devices A1 in each of the zones Znn1 to Znn8 without fail, regardless of the configuration of the mesh network.

[0095] From this point onward, steps [1] to

[13] in Figure 9 are repeated at predetermined intervals until the current time obtained from the clock unit 40 of the communication device D1 coincides with 6:00 PM.

[0096] (3-1) Modified Examples Next, modified examples of the equipment control system S1 according to the embodiment will be described. However, the basic configuration of the equipment control system S1 of each modified example described below is the same as the basic configuration of the equipment control system S1 according to the embodiment. Therefore, components that are common to the basic configuration of the equipment control system S1 according to the embodiment and components that are substantially common will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their illustrations and descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. In the following description, "substantially common components" means components that differ slightly in shape, size, etc., but have the same function.

[0097] In the above embodiment, the group setting unit 322 determined the number of control groups G1 (two or more) based on the number of sensor devices B1 in area ARi. In contrast, in this modified example, the group setting unit 322 divides the sensor devices B1 in area ARi into two or more control groups G1 specified by a user or the like. The division of the sensor devices B1 into two or more control groups G1 in the equipment control system S1 of this modified example will be explained below, using area ARn as an example.

[0098] For example, if a user operates the input reception unit 30 and specifies a number of control groups G1 (e.g., two), the group setting unit 322 divides the sensor devices B11 to B18 in area ARn into the two specified control groups G1 (G11 and G12).

[0099] The group setting unit 322 sets specific periods dT11 and dT12, which are different specific periods dT1, for control groups G11 and G12, similar to the embodiment described above. The relationship between specific periods dT11 and dT12 is the same as in the embodiment described above. In other words, specific period dT11 is earlier in time than specific period dT12.

[0100] When the group setting unit 322 sets specific periods dT11 and dT12 for control groups G11 and G12, respectively, it associates one sensor device B1 with each of the control groups G11 and G12. This setting is performed in an order from the control group G1 (G11) with the earliest specific period dT1 among the control groups G11 and G12, to the control group G1 (G12) with the latest specific period dT1 among the control groups G11 and G12. Specifically, the group setting unit 322 associates sensor device B11 with control group G11. Next, the group setting unit 322 associates sensor device B12 with control group G12. After associating sensor device B12 with the control group G12 with the latest specific period dT1, the group setting unit 322 associates sensor device B13 with control group G11 again. Next, the group setting unit 322 associates sensor device B14 with control group G12. Similarly, the group setting unit 322 associates one sensor device B1 with each of the control groups G11 and G12. Finally, sensor devices B11, B13, B15, and B17 are associated with control group G11, and sensor devices B12, B14, B16, and B18 are associated with control group G12.

[0101] The group setting unit 322 may also associate one sensor device B1 with each control group G11 and G12 in an order from the control group G1 (G12) with the latest specific period dT1 among the control groups G11 and G12 to the control group G1 (G11) with the earliest specific period dT1 among the control groups G11 and G12.

[0102] This makes it possible to equalize the number of sensor devices B1 included in each of the two or more control groups G1. Furthermore, even if the number of sensor devices B1 is not divisible by the number of control groups G1, it is possible to make the number of sensor devices B1 included in each of the two or more control groups G1 closer to equal. For example, in the above specific example, if the number of sensor devices B1 is 7, then 4 sensor devices B1 will be associated with control group G11, and 3 sensor devices B1 will be associated with control group G12.

[0103] (3-2) Other Modifications The following lists other modifications of the above embodiments.

[0104] Functions similar to those of the equipment control system S1 according to the above embodiment may be implemented by equipment control methods, (computer) programs, or non-temporary recording media on which computer programs are recorded.

[0105] A device control method according to one embodiment includes a sorting step of dividing a plurality of sensor devices B1 into two or more control groups G1, each set with a different specific period dT1; an association step of associating each of the plurality of sensor devices B1 with at least one device to be controlled; and a transmission step of transmitting a control command to a communication device D1 for controlling at least one device to be controlled during the specific period dT1 set in the control group G1 to which each of the plurality of sensor devices B1 is sorted.

[0106] A program according to one embodiment is a program that causes one or more processors to execute the above-described device control method.

[0107] The implementing entity of the equipment control system S1 or equipment control method in this disclosure includes a computer system. The computer system mainly consists of a processor and memory as hardware. The processor executes a program recorded in the memory of the computer system, thereby realizing the function of the implementing entity of the equipment control system S1 or equipment control method in this disclosure. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, provided via a telecommunications line, or provided by being recorded on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card, optical disk, or hard disk drive that can be read by the computer system. The processor of the computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits including semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) or large-scale integrated circuits (LSIs). The integrated circuits such as ICs and LSIs referred to here are named differently depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSIs, VLSIs (Very Large Scale Integrations), or ULSIs (Ultra Large Scale Integrations). Furthermore, FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or logic devices capable of reconfiguring internal junctions or circuit compartments within the LSI, can also be used as processors. Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated onto a single chip or distributed across multiple chips. Multiple chips may be integrated into a single device or distributed across multiple devices. The computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, the microcontroller also consists of one or more electronic circuits, including semiconductor integrated circuits or large-scale integrated circuits.

[0108] Furthermore, it is not essential for the equipment control system S1 to have multiple functions integrated into a single housing; the components of the equipment control system S1 may be distributed across multiple housings.

[0109] Conversely, in the above embodiment, at least some of the functions of the equipment control system S1, which are distributed across multiple devices, may be consolidated into a single housing. For example, some of the functions of the equipment control system S1, which are distributed across the lighting device A1 and the sensor device B1, may be consolidated into a single housing.

[0110] (4) Summary As described above, the equipment control system (S1) of the first embodiment comprises a plurality of sensor devices (B1) and a communication device (D1) capable of communicating with the plurality of sensor devices (B1). The plurality of sensor devices (B1) are divided into two or more control groups (G1) to which different specific periods (dT1) are set. Each of the plurality of sensor devices (B1) is associated with at least one controlled device. Each of the plurality of sensor devices (B1) transmits a control command to the communication device (D1) for controlling at least one controlled device during the specific period (dT1) set in the control group (G1) to which each of the plurality of sensor devices (B1) is divided.

[0111] According to this embodiment, since not all of the multiple sensor devices (B1) transmit control commands to the communication device (D1) at the same time, burst traffic is less likely to occur, and as a result, a decrease in communication reliability can be suppressed.

[0112] In the second embodiment of the device control system (S1), in the first embodiment, the communication device (D1) generates aggregated control data by aggregating a plurality of control commands transmitted from a plurality of sensor devices (B1), and transmits the aggregated control data to at least one controlled device associated with each of the plurality of sensor devices (B1).

[0113] According to this embodiment, control commands can be transmitted without omission to at least one controlled device associated with each of the multiple sensor devices (B1).

[0114] The equipment control system (S1) of the third embodiment further comprises a setting device (3) that divides a plurality of sensor devices (B1) into two or more control groups (G1) in the first or second embodiment. The setting device (3) associates each sensor device (B1) included in the plurality of sensor devices (B1) with two or more control groups (G1) in an order from the control group (G1) with the earliest specific period (dT1) among the two or more control groups (G1) toward the control group (G1) with the latest specific period (dT1), or in an order from the control group (G1) with the latest specific period (dT1) among the two or more control groups (G1) toward the control group (G1) with the earliest specific period (dT1).

[0115] According to this embodiment, the number of sensor devices (B1) included in each of the two or more control groups (G1) can be made equal. Furthermore, even if the number of multiple sensor devices (B1) is not divisible by the number of the two or more control groups (G1), the number of sensor devices (B1) included in each of the two or more control groups (G1) can be made closer to being equal.

[0116] The fourth embodiment of the equipment control system (S1) further comprises a setting device (3) that divides a plurality of sensor devices (B1) into two or more control groups (G1) in any of the first to third embodiments. The setting device (3) determines the number of two or more control groups (G1) based on the number of plurality of sensor devices (B1).

[0117] According to this embodiment, an imbalance occurs in the number of sensor devices (B1) included in each of two or more control groups (G1), and burst traffic can be suppressed when a control group (G1) with a large number of sensor devices (B1) communicates with a communication device (D1).

[0118] In the fifth embodiment of the equipment control system (S1), in the fourth embodiment, the setting device (3) determines the number of two or more control groups (G1) such that the number of sensor devices (B1) included in each of the two or more control groups (G1) is equal.

[0119] According to this embodiment, an imbalance occurs in the number of sensor devices (B1) included in each of two or more control groups (G1), and burst traffic can be suppressed when a control group (G1) with a large number of sensor devices (B1) communicates with a communication device (D1).

[0120] In the sixth embodiment of the equipment control system (S1), if, in any of the first to fifth embodiments, there are multiple sensor devices (B1) among a plurality of sensor devices (B1) and at least one control group (G1) among two or more control groups (G1), each of the plurality of sensor devices (B1) included in at least one control group (G1) transmits a control command to a communication device (D1) at different timings during a specific period (dT1) set for at least one control group (G1).

[0121] According to this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of burst traffic between multiple sensor devices (B1) included in each control group (G1) during a specific period (dT1).

[0122] The seventh embodiment of the device control method includes a sorting step of sorting a plurality of sensor devices (B1) into two or more control groups (G1) to which different specific periods (dT1) are set; an association step of associating each of the plurality of sensor devices (B1) with at least one device to be controlled; and a transmission step of transmitting a control command to a communication device (D1) for controlling at least one device to be controlled during the specific period (dT1) set in the control group (G1) to which each of the plurality of sensor devices (B1) is sorted.

[0123] According to this embodiment, since not all of the multiple sensor devices (B1) transmit control commands to the communication device (D1) at the same time, burst traffic is less likely to occur, and as a result, a decrease in communication reliability can be suppressed.

[0124] The program of the eighth embodiment causes one or more processors to execute the device control method of the seventh embodiment.

[0125] According to this embodiment, since not all of the multiple sensor devices (B1) transmit control commands to the communication device (D1) at the same time, burst traffic is less likely to occur, and as a result, a decrease in communication reliability can be suppressed.

[0126] 3. Setting device B1 Sensor device D1 Communication device dT1 Specific period G1 Control group S1 Equipment control system

Claims

1. A device control system comprising: a plurality of sensor devices; and a communication device capable of communicating with the plurality of sensor devices, wherein the plurality of sensor devices are divided into two or more control groups, each of which has a different specific period set; each of the plurality of sensor devices is associated with at least one controlled device; and during the specific period set in the control group to which each of the plurality of sensor devices is divided, a control command for controlling the at least one controlled device is transmitted to the communication device.

2. The device control system according to claim 1, wherein the communication device generates aggregated control data by aggregating the plurality of control commands transmitted from the plurality of sensor devices, and transmits the aggregated control data to at least one controlled device associated with each of the plurality of sensor devices.

3. The equipment control system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a setting device for dividing the plurality of sensor devices into two or more control groups, wherein the setting device associates one sensor device included in the plurality of sensor devices with each of the two or more control groups in the order from the control group with the earliest specific period to the control group with the latest specific period, or from the control group with the latest specific period to the control group with the earliest specific period.

4. The equipment control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a setting device for dividing the plurality of sensor devices into two or more control groups, wherein the setting device determines the number of the two or more control groups based on the number of the plurality of sensor devices.

5. The device control system according to claim 4, wherein the setting device determines the number of the two or more control groups such that the number of sensor devices included in each of the two or more control groups is equal.

6. If, among the plurality of sensor devices, the number of sensor devices included in at least one of the two or more control groups is multiple, each of the plurality of sensor devices included in the at least one control group transmits the control command to the communication device at different timings during the specific period set for the at least one control group, according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A device control method comprising: a sorting step of sorting a plurality of sensor devices into two or more control groups, each having a different specific period set; an association step of associating each of the plurality of sensor devices with at least one device to be controlled; and a transmission step of transmitting a control command to a communication device for controlling the at least one device to be controlled during the specific period set in the control group to which each of the plurality of sensor devices is sorted among the two or more control groups.

8. A program for causing one or more processors to execute the device control method described in claim 7.

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