JP2008048205A - Luminaire and visible light communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a luminaire whose configuration can be simplified. <P>SOLUTION: An interface 11 receives the electric power on which data signal is superposed from a power line 100. A PLC module 12 extracts the data signal from the electric power. A lighting control circuit 16 modulates the visible light emitted by an LED17 based on the extracted data signal. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a lighting apparatus and a visible light communication method.

  There are various types of communication methods used indoors. In recent years, power line carrier wave communication using a power line of a commercial power source as a communication line has been developed. In power line carrier wave communication, it is possible to perform communication between information devices without providing new wiring for connecting various information devices to the network. Can be reduced.

  A technique using power line carrier wave communication has already been proposed.

  For example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-320228) describes a communication network connection method in which communication is performed using a power line for a lighting fixture attached to a ceiling.

  In this communication network connection system, a network adapter is provided between the lighting fixture and the power line. The network adapter includes a modem that extracts data superimposed on the power line, a wireless unit that transmits the data by wireless communication, and an outlet that supplies power from the power line to the lighting apparatus.

Since the power lines for lighting fixtures are installed in many places indoors, it is possible to further reduce the cost and labor of providing a communication network.
JP 2004-320228 A

  In the communication network connection method described in Patent Document 1, the wireless communication unit includes a communication device such as an LED that outputs infrared rays or a wireless transmitter that outputs radio waves. Therefore, in addition to the lighting fixture, a communication device is provided in the power line for the lighting fixture, so that the configuration becomes large.

  The objective of this invention is providing the lighting fixture and visible light communication method which can simplify a structure.

  In order to achieve the above object, an illumination device of the present invention includes an illumination light source that emits visible light, a reception unit that receives power superimposed with a signal from a power line, and an extraction unit that extracts the signal from the power. And a control unit that modulates visible light emitted from the illumination light source based on the signal extracted by the extraction unit.

  Further, the visible light communication method of the present invention is a visible light communication method performed by a luminaire including an illumination light source that emits visible light, and includes a reception step of receiving power superimposed with a signal from a power line, and the power An extraction step of extracting the signal; and a control step of modulating the visible light emitted from the illumination light source based on the extracted signal.

  According to said invention, the visible light emitted from the light source for illumination is modulated based on the signal superimposed on electric power. For this reason, it is possible to perform visible light communication using the illumination light source without newly providing a light source dedicated to outputting a visible light signal. Therefore, the configuration can be simplified.

  Further, it is preferable that the control unit blinks the illumination light source at a frequency equal to or higher than a predetermined value based on the signal extracted by the extraction unit.

  According to said invention, the light source for illumination blinks with the frequency more than predetermined value based on the extracted signal.

  For this reason, if the predetermined value is set to a frequency that humans feel as continuous visible light (for example, a frequency of 60 Hz or more), the user can feel flashing visible light as continuous visible light. Become. Therefore, it is possible to reduce user discomfort due to blinking of visible light.

  The illumination light source is preferably an LED, an organic EL, an inorganic EL, a carbon nanotube, or a fluorescent lamp.

  According to the present invention, the configuration can be simplified.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, the communication system includes a lighting fixture 1, a receiver 2, and an information device 3.

  The lighting fixture 1 is connected to the power line 100. The power line 100 is a commercial power line. In the power line 100, a data signal is superimposed on the power. It is assumed that the data signal is an analog signal. Commercial power is AC power.

  The lighting fixture 1 includes an interface unit 11, a PLC module 12, a power supply unit 13, a digital modulation circuit 14, and a lighting unit 15.

  The interface unit 11 is an example of a reception unit, for example, a rosette. The interface unit 11 receives power superimposed with a data signal from the power line 100.

  The PLC (Power Line Communications: Power Line Communications) module 12 is an example of an extraction unit. The PLC module 12 extracts a data signal from the power received by the interface unit 11.

  Specifically, the PLC module 12 separates the power received from the interface unit 11 into a data signal and power. The PLC module 12 outputs the data signal to the digital modulation circuit 14, and supplies the power from which the data signal has been removed to the power supply unit 13.

  The power supply unit 13 generates power for the lighting fixture 1 from the power received from the PLC module 12 and supplies the generated power to the digital modulation circuit 14 and the lighting unit 15. For example, the power supply unit 13 generates rectified power (DC current) from the power (AC power) received from the PLC module 12 and supplies the rectified power to the digital modulation circuit 14 and the illumination unit 15.

  The digital modulation circuit 14 converts an analog signal into a digital signal. Specifically, the digital modulation circuit 14 converts a data signal that is an analog signal received from the PLC module into a digital signal, and outputs the converted data signal to the lighting control circuit 16.

  The illumination unit 15 includes a lighting control circuit 16 and an LED 17.

  The lighting control circuit 16 is an example of a control unit.

  The lighting control circuit 16 outputs predetermined visible light from the LED 17 when the data signal is not received from the digital modulation circuit 14. For example, the lighting control circuit 16 outputs a predetermined amount of visible light from the LED 17 continuously.

  When the lighting control circuit 16 receives a data signal from the digital modulation circuit 14, the lighting control circuit 16 blinks the LED 17 based on the data signal, modulates the visible light emitted from the LED 17, and converts the data signal into a visible light signal. Output from.

  In this embodiment, the visible light signal is a digital signal in which different signs are assigned to the lighting and extinguishing of the LED 17. For example, a code “0” is assigned to turn on the LED 17 and a code “1” is assigned to the LED 17 to be turned off. Further, the code “1” may be assigned to turn on the LED 17 and the code “0” may be assigned to turn off the LED 17. The visible light signal is not limited to this example and can be changed as appropriate.

  Further, when the lighting control circuit 16 receives a data signal from the digital modulation circuit 14, it is desirable that the LED 17 blinks at a frequency equal to or higher than a predetermined value.

  If the LED 17 blinks when the LED 17 is outputting a visible light signal, the user may feel uncomfortable. However, since humans perceive visible light flashing at a frequency of 60 Hz or more as continuous visible light, if the predetermined value is 60 Hz or more, even if the LED 17 outputs a data signal as a visible light signal, the user is Pleasure can be reduced.

  The LED 17 is an example of a light source for illumination, and emits visible light. The illumination light source is not limited to the LED, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the illumination light source may be an organic EL, an inorganic EL, a carbon nanotube, or a fluorescent lamp.

  FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the illumination unit 15. In FIG. 2, the same components as those in FIG.

  In FIG. 2, the lighting control circuit 16, the LED 17, and the terminal 18 of the illumination unit 15 are shown.

  The lighting control circuit 16 includes a modulation circuit 16a and a transistor 16b.

  When the data signal is not received from the digital modulation circuit 14, the modulation circuit 16a outputs a control signal indicating ON to the gate of the transistor 16b.

  When the modulation circuit 16a receives a data signal from the digital modulation circuit 14, the modulation circuit 16a outputs a control signal to the gate of the transistor 16b based on the data signal.

  In the transistor 16b, the gate is connected to the modulation circuit 16a, the collector is connected to the cathode of the LED 17, and the emitter is grounded. When the gate of the transistor 16b receives a control signal from the modulation circuit 16a, the transistor 16b switches on and off according to the control signal.

  The LED 17 has an anode connected to the terminal 18 and a cathode connected to the collector of the transistor 16b. The LED 17 is turned on or off according to the on / off state of the transistor 16b.

  The terminal 18 receives power from the power supply unit 13.

  When the receiver 2 receives the visible light signal from the illumination device 1, the receiver 2 demodulates the visible light signal into a data signal. The receiver 2 outputs the data signal to the information device 3 connected to the receiver 2.

  The information device 3 is, for example, a terminal. When the information device 3 receives the data signal, the information device 3 performs processing according to the data signal. For example, the information device 3 displays the data signal or outputs it as sound.

  Next, the operation will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the lighting fixture 1.

  In step S <b> 301, the interface unit 11 receives power superimposed with a data signal from the power line 100 and outputs the power to the PLC module 12. When receiving the power, the PLC module 12 executes step S302.

  In step S302, the PLC module 12 extracts a data signal from the power. When extracting the data signal, the PLC module 12 executes Step S303.

  In step S <b> 303, the PLC module 12 supplies the power from which the data signal has been removed to the power supply unit 13 and outputs the data signal to the digital modulation circuit 14.

  When the power supply unit 13 receives the power, the power supply unit 13 generates power for the lighting fixture 1 from the power. The power supply unit 13 supplies power for the lighting fixture 1 to the digital modulation circuit 14, the lighting control circuit 16, and the LED 17. The digital modulation circuit 14, the lighting control circuit 16, and the LED 17 receive power for the lighting fixture 1 and operate using the power for the lighting fixture 1 as a power source.

  On the other hand, when receiving the data signal, the digital modulation circuit 14 executes Step S304.

  In step S304, the digital modulation circuit 14 converts the data signal into a digital signal and outputs the data signal converted into the digital signal to the modulation circuit 16a of the lighting control circuit 16. When receiving the data signal, the modulation circuit 16a executes Step S305.

  In step S305, the modulation circuit 16a outputs a control signal to the gate of the transistor 16b based on the data signal.

  Since the data signal is a digital signal, it is represented by a code string. For this reason, for example, when the code “0” is assigned to turn on the LED 17 and the code “1” is assigned to the LED 17 to be turned off, the modulation circuit 16 a converts the code “0” in the code string into visible light. When outputting from the LED 17 as a signal, a control signal indicating ON is output to the gate of the transistor 16b. On the other hand, when the code “1” in the code string is output from the LED 17 as a visible light signal, the modulation circuit 16a outputs a control signal indicating OFF to the gate of the transistor 16b.

  When the gate of the transistor 16b receives the control signal, the transistor 16b is turned on / off according to the control signal.

  The LED 17 blinks in response to the on / off state of the transistor 16b, and outputs the data signal to the receiver 2 as a visible light signal. When receiving the visible light signal, the receiver 2 executes Step S306.

  In step S306, the receiver 2 demodulates the visible light signal into a data signal, and outputs the demodulated data signal to the information device 3.

  When the information device 3 receives the data signal, the information device 3 performs processing according to the data signal.

  According to the present embodiment, the interface unit 11 receives power on which a data signal is superimposed from the power line 100. The PLC module 12 extracts a data signal from the power. The lighting control circuit 16 modulates visible light emitted from the LED 17 based on the extracted data signal.

  In this case, the visible light emitted from the LED 17 is modulated based on the signal superimposed on the power. For this reason, even if a light source dedicated to outputting a visible light signal is not newly provided, visible light communication can be performed using the LED 17 that is a light source for illumination. Therefore, the configuration can be simplified.

  In the present embodiment, the lighting control circuit 16 causes the LED 17 to blink at a frequency equal to or higher than a predetermined value based on the signal extracted by the PLC module 12.

  In this case, if the predetermined value is set to a frequency that a person feels as continuous visible light (for example, a frequency of 60 Hz or more), the user can feel the blinking visible light as continuous visible light. Become. Therefore, it is possible to reduce user discomfort due to blinking of visible light.

  Although the LED 17 has been described as the illumination light source, the illumination light source is not limited to the LED 17 and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the illumination light source may be an organic EL, an inorganic EL, a carbon nanotube, or a fluorescent lamp.

  When an organic EL, an inorganic EL, or a carbon nanotube is used as the illumination light source instead of the LED 17, the LED 17 in FIG. 2 may be replaced with an organic EL, an inorganic EL, or a carbon nanotube.

  Hereinafter, an illumination device using a fluorescent lamp instead of the LED 17 will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the illumination unit 15 using a fluorescent lamp instead of the LED 17.

  In FIG. 4, the illumination unit 15 includes a fluorescent lamp 19, an electronic ballast 20, and terminals 21a and 21b.

  The fluorescent lamp 19 is an illumination light source used in place of the LED 17 of FIG.

  An AC voltage is applied to both ends of the fluorescent lamp 19. The fluorescent lamp 19 blinks at a lighting frequency corresponding to the frequency of the AC voltage.

  The frequency of the AC voltage is generally set in the range of 40 kHz to 100 kHz. Further, since the fluorescent lamp 19 blinks twice per cycle of the AC voltage, the lighting frequency of the fluorescent lamp 19 is generally in the range of 80 kHz to 200 kHz, which is twice the frequency of the AC voltage. In addition, the brightness of the fluorescent lamp 19 changes according to the change of the lighting frequency.

  The electronic ballast 20 is an example of the lighting control circuit 16 of the lighting fixture 1 that uses the fluorescent lamp 19 as a light source for illumination.

  The electronic ballast 20 outputs predetermined visible light from the fluorescent lamp 19 by applying an AC voltage having a predetermined frequency to the fluorescent lamp 19 when the data signal is not received from the digital modulation circuit 14. At this time, the fluorescent lamp 19 is lit with a constant brightness.

  In addition, when the electronic ballast 20 receives a data signal from the digital modulation circuit 14, the electronic ballast 20 modulates the visible light emitted from the fluorescent lamp 19 based on the data signal, and converts the data signal from the fluorescent lamp 19 as a visible light signal. Output. Specifically, the electronic ballast 20 modulates visible light emitted from the fluorescent lamp 19 by applying an AC voltage having a frequency corresponding to the data signal to the fluorescent lamp 19.

  In this embodiment, the visible light signal is a digital signal in which different signs are assigned to two different lighting frequencies of the fluorescent lamp 19.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a visible light signal emitted from the fluorescent lamp 19.

  In FIG. 5, the lighting frequency 31, the dimming level 32, and the code | symbol 33 are shown.

  The lighting frequency 31 indicates the lighting frequency of the fluorescent lamp 19. In the lighting frequency 31, two different values (f1 and f2) are shown. The value f1 of the lighting frequency 31 is larger than the value f2 of the lighting frequency 31.

  The dimming level 32 indicates the brightness of the fluorescent lamp 19. It is assumed that the fluorescent lamp becomes brighter as the value of the light control level 32 is larger. The value of the light control level 32 is determined according to the value of the lighting frequency 31. Since the value “f1” of the lighting frequency 31 is larger than the value “f2” of the lighting frequency 31, the dimming level 32 is higher when the lighting frequency 31 is the value “f1” than when the lighting frequency 31 is the value “f2”. Will be bigger.

  Reference numeral 33 denotes a visible light signal output from the fluorescent lamp 19. In reference numeral 33, “0” is assigned to the value “f1” of the lighting frequency 31, and “1” is assigned to the value “f2” of the lighting frequency 31.

  In addition, since the value of the light control level 32 is determined according to the value of the lighting frequency 31, the visible light signal is a digital signal in which different signs are assigned to two different brightnesses of the fluorescent lamp 19. Can also be considered.

  Further, the visible light signal output from the fluorescent lamp 19 is not limited to the example described with reference to FIG.

  Terminals 21 a and 22 b receive power from power supply unit 13.

  The power supply unit 13 generates rectified power for the amount supplied to the digital modulation circuit 14 from the power (AC power) received from the PLC module 12 and supplies the rectified power to the digital modulation circuit 14. Further, the power supply unit 13 supplies power (AC power) obtained by removing the rectified power from the received power to the electronic ballast 20 via the terminals 21a and 21b.

  Next, the operation of the communication system using the fluorescent lamp 19 as an illumination light source will be described. In the following, processing different from that in FIG. 3 will be mainly described.

  In step S <b> 304, when the digital modulation circuit 14 converts the data signal into a digital signal, the digital modulation circuit 14 outputs the data signal converted into the digital signal to the electronic ballast 20 of the lighting control circuit 16. When electronic ballast 20 receives the data signal, electronic ballast 20 performs the following operation.

  The electronic ballast 20 applies an alternating current having a frequency corresponding to the data signal to the fluorescent lamp 19.

  For example, in FIG. 5, when the electronic ballast 20 outputs the code “0”, the electronic ballast 20 applies an AC voltage having a frequency half the value “f1” of the lighting frequency 31 to the fluorescent lamp 19. When outputting “1”, an AC voltage having a frequency half the value “f2” of the lighting frequency 31 is applied to the fluorescent lamp 19.

  The fluorescent lamp 19 blinks at a lighting frequency that is twice the frequency of the applied AC voltage, and outputs the data signal as a visible light signal. When receiving the visible light signal, the receiver 2 executes Step S306.

  In the embodiment described above, the illustrated configuration is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the configuration.

It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the lighting fixture of one Example of this invention. It is the block diagram which showed an example of the illumination part. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of a lighting fixture. It is the block diagram which showed the other example of the illumination part. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of a visible light signal.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Lighting apparatus 2 Receiver 3 Information apparatus 11 Interface part 12 PLC module 13 Power supply part 14 Digital modulation circuit 15 Illumination part 16 Lighting control circuit 16a Modulation circuit 16b Transistor 17 LED
18 terminal 19 fluorescent lamp 20 electronic ballast 21a terminal 21b terminal 100 power line

Claims (6)

An illumination light source that emits visible light;
A receiving unit that receives power superimposed with a signal from a power line;
An extractor for extracting the signal from the power;
And a control unit that modulates visible light emitted from the illumination light source based on the signal extracted by the extraction unit. The lighting fixture according to claim 1,
The said control part is a lighting fixture which blinks the said light source for illumination on the frequency more than predetermined value based on the signal extracted in the said extraction part. The lighting fixture according to claim 1 or 2,
The illumination light source is a lighting fixture that is an LED, an organic EL, an inorganic EL, a carbon nanotube, or a fluorescent lamp. A visible light communication method performed by a luminaire including an illumination light source that emits visible light,
An accepting step for receiving power superimposed with a signal from the power line;
Extracting the signal from the power; and
And a control step of modulating the visible light emitted from the illumination light source based on the extracted signal. The visible light communication method according to claim 4,
In the control step, the visible light communication method of causing the illumination light source to blink at a frequency equal to or higher than a predetermined value based on the extracted signal. The visible light communication method according to claim 4 or 6,
The visible light communication method, wherein the illumination light source is an LED, an organic EL, an inorganic EL, a carbon nanotube, or a fluorescent lamp.

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