JP2013048014A - Illumination device, and illumination system, control device, base station device, and terminal device using illumination device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology for implementing simultaneous processing while suppressing power consumption.SOLUTION: A plurality of illumination devices 16 and terminal devices 12 execute radio communication and lighting by being connected to batteries charged with power generated by photovoltaic power generation, and by being driven by the batteries. Each of the plurality of terminal devices 12 specifies a power saving mode in which the device can communicate intermittently and a communication mode in which communication is possible longer than in the power saving mode; and executes lighting of the terminal devices 12 by receiving a lighting instruction when the communication is possible. The control device 10 transmits a migration instruction to the communication mode to a terminal device 12 in the power saving mode when receiving notification showing that the terminal device 12 has been capable of communicating from the terminal device 12. The control device 10 transmits the lighting instruction to terminal devices 12 having been migrated to the communication mode when the number of the terminal devices 12 having been migrated to the communication mode by the migration instruction has been equal to or more than a given value.

Description

  The present invention relates to lighting technology, and more particularly, to lighting devices connected by a wireless network and a lighting system, control device, base station device, and terminal device using the same.

  In recent years, a solar power generation device has attracted attention as a new power generation device. Such a solar power generation apparatus is applied to various systems. For example, in a security monitoring system with a camera, electric power generated by a solar power generator is charged in a storage battery, and the electric power is used as a power source for a network camera and a projector. The network camera is connected to the Internet via a portable telephone line. In such a configuration, when an intrusion occurs, an intruder is illuminated by a projector, and an image taken by a network camera is notified to the setting destination by e-mail (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-167047 A

  When the solar power generation device and the storage battery are installed in the street light, power is supplied by the street light alone, and a power cable or the like to the street light becomes unnecessary. As a result, street lamps can be easily installed. In order to control lighting and extinguishing of a plurality of street lamps, it is necessary to transmit a control signal to each street lamp. A wireless communication system such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) is suitable for omitting a cable for transmitting a control signal. That is, a base station device and a terminal device are installed in the street light. In order to efficiently execute communication in the wireless communication system, for example, base station devices and terminal devices are arranged in a hierarchy.

  Therefore, communication between base stations is performed by a plurality of base station devices, and at least one terminal device is connected to each base station device. In such a configuration, when synchronizing lighting times of a plurality of street lamps, control signals are transmitted all at once. However, in particular, for the purpose of reducing power consumption, the terminal device is not always in a communicable state and operates so as to switch between a communicable state and a communicable state. Therefore, even if a control signal is transmitted, a terminal device in a state where communication is impossible cannot receive the control signal. Thus, it is difficult to achieve both low power consumption and simultaneous lighting.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique for realizing simultaneous processing while suppressing power consumption.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an illumination system according to an aspect of the present invention is connected to a storage battery that stores power generated by solar power generation and is driven by the storage battery to perform wireless communication and lighting. A lighting device and a control device that transmits a lighting instruction to each of the plurality of lighting devices by wireless communication. Each of the plurality of lighting devices stipulates a power saving mode in which communication is possible intermittently and a communication mode in which the communication period is longer than that in the power saving mode. When the control device receives a notification that communication is possible from the lighting device in the power saving mode, the control device transmits an instruction to shift to the communication mode to the lighting device. A second instruction that transmits a lighting instruction to the lighting device that has shifted to the communication mode when the number of lighting devices that have shifted to the communication mode is greater than or equal to a certain value due to the shift instruction from the first instruction unit. And an instruction unit.

  Another embodiment of the present invention is a lighting device. This device is an illuminating device that is connected to a storage battery that stores electric power generated by solar power generation and is driven by the storage battery. The lighting unit and a lighting instruction for lighting the lighting unit are wirelessly communicated. A communication unit that receives from the control device, and a control unit that controls the communication unit to be able to communicate intermittently. A control part acquires the electric power generation amount of photovoltaic power generation, and lengthens the period which can communicate, so that electric power generation amount decreases.

  Yet another embodiment of the present invention is a control device. In this apparatus, a plurality of base station apparatuses perform inter-base station communication, and each of the plurality of terminal apparatuses is connected to any one of the base station apparatuses, and information on a period until a predetermined process is started A generating unit that generates a packet signal including the generated information, and a notification unit that notifies the packet signal generated in the generating unit to a plurality of terminal devices via at least one base station device, Is provided. The notification unit reports the packet signal to each of the plurality of terminal devices a plurality of times before the processing is started, and the generation unit, according to each notification timing of the packet signal that is notified a plurality of times from the notification unit, The value of the period included in each packet signal and until the process is started is adjusted.

  Yet another aspect of the present invention is a base station apparatus. This device communicates with another base station device through inter-base station communication, and also communicates with at least one terminal device, and a packet signal received by the communication unit from another base station device through inter-base station communication. A period until a predetermined process is started by extracting information on a period until the predetermined process is started from a packet signal including information on a period until the predetermined process is started. And a generator for generating a packet signal including information on the period adjusted by the controller. The communication unit relays the packet signal by transmitting the packet signal generated by the generation unit.

  Yet another embodiment of the present invention is a terminal device. This device includes a communication unit that performs communication with a base station device in a first cycle, and a communication unit that is a packet signal from the base station device and information regarding a period until a predetermined process is started. And a control unit that extracts information regarding a period until a predetermined process is started when an included packet signal is received, and outputs the extracted information. The communication unit performs communication with the base station apparatus in a second cycle shorter than the first cycle when receiving a packet signal including information on a period until a predetermined process is started. By changing the power cycle, the packet signal is received a plurality of times before the process is started, and in the information extracted by the control unit, each packet is received according to the transmission timing of the packet signal received a plurality of times. The value of the period included in the signal and until the processing is started is adjusted.

  It should be noted that any combination of the above-described constituent elements and a conversion of the expression of the present invention between a method, an apparatus, a system, a recording medium, a computer program, etc. are also effective as an aspect of the present invention.

  According to the present invention, simultaneous processing can be realized while suppressing power consumption.

It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the illumination system which concerns on the Example of this invention. FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams showing the configuration of the illumination device of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the control apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the table memorize | stored in the memory | storage part of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the base station apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the terminal device of FIG. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the table memorize | stored in the process part of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the transmission procedure of the lighting instruction | indication by the control apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the lighting procedure by the terminal device of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the control procedure of the communication period by the terminal device of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the control apparatus which concerns on the modification of this invention. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for controlling image quality by the control device of FIG. 11. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the table which concerns on another modification of this invention. It is a figure which shows the data structure of another table which concerns on another modification of this invention. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the table memorize | stored in the process part which concerns on another modification of this invention. It is a sequence diagram which shows the communication procedure by the illumination system which concerns on another modification of this invention. It is a sequence diagram which shows the communication procedure of the illumination system following the communication procedure shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the communication system which concerns on another modification of this invention. FIGS. 19A and 19B are diagrams showing the configuration of the illumination device of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the control apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the base station apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the terminal device of FIG. It is a sequence diagram which shows the lighting procedure by the communication system of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the transmission procedure by the control apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the transmission procedure by the base station apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the reception procedure by the terminal device of FIG.

  Before describing the present invention in detail, an outline will be described. Embodiments of the present invention relate to an illumination system including a plurality of base station devices and a plurality of terminal devices. The plurality of base station apparatuses perform inter-base station communication with each other, and each base station apparatus connects terminal apparatuses. Here, the base station apparatus and the terminal apparatus are connected by, for example, a wireless LAN. In addition, each of the base station device and the terminal device is installed in a lighting device connected to the solar power generation device. The lighting device may have an imaging function. Furthermore, a control device for controlling the lighting system is connected to one of the base station devices. For example, the terminal device is connected to the control device via a plurality of base station devices. A control apparatus receives the information regarding the residual amount of the storage battery of an illuminating device from a terminal device etc. In addition, the control device transmits a signal for instructing lighting (hereinafter, referred to as “lighting instruction”) to the terminal device or the like.

  In particular, in order to light a plurality of lighting devices all at once, the control device multicasts a lighting instruction. When the base station apparatus receives the lighting instruction, the base station apparatus transfers the instruction signal to another base station apparatus or terminal device and lights the lighting device. When the terminal device receives the lighting instruction, the terminal device turns on the lighting device. On the other hand, a terminal device driven by solar power generation is desired to reduce power consumption. In order to realize low power consumption, the operation mode of the terminal device is a mode that is always in a communicable state (hereinafter referred to as “communication mode”), an incommunicable state, and a communicable state. Two modes to be switched (hereinafter referred to as “power saving mode”) are defined. The terminal device basically operates in the power saving mode, and operates in the communication mode as necessary. Even if the lighting instruction is transmitted to the terminal device operating in the power saving mode, the lighting instruction is not received if the terminal device is in a state where communication is impossible. Therefore, simultaneous lighting is not realized. In order to cope with this, the illumination system according to the present embodiment executes the following processing.

  In the power saving mode, the terminal device transmits a communication enable notification to the control device when the terminal device transitions from a communication disabled state to a communicable state. When receiving a notification that communication is possible a predetermined period before the timing of simultaneous lighting, the control device sends a signal for instructing the terminal device to shift to the communication mode (hereinafter referred to as “transition instruction”). Send. The terminal device that has received the shift instruction can always communicate by shifting to the communication mode. When all the terminal devices shift to the communication mode by repeating the above processing, the control device multicasts a lighting instruction.

  FIG. 1 shows an overview of a lighting system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The illumination system 100 includes a first terminal device 12a, a second terminal device 12b, a third terminal device 12c, a fourth terminal device 12d, an Nth terminal device 12n, and a base station device 14 collectively referred to as a control device 10 and a terminal device 12. And the first base station apparatus 14a, the second base station apparatus 14b, the third base station apparatus 14c, the Mth base station apparatus 14m, the M + 1th base station apparatus 14m + 1, and the first illumination apparatus 16 16a, second illumination device 16b, third illumination device 16c, Mth illumination device 16m, M + 1 illumination device 16m + 1, M + 2 illumination device 16m + 2, M + 3 illumination device 16m + 3, M + 4 illumination device 16m + 4, M + N + 1 illumination device 16m + n + 1. Including.

  The control device 10 includes an interface capable of receiving instructions from the user, generates information corresponding to the received instructions (hereinafter referred to as “instruction information”), and outputs the generated information to the entire lighting system 100. . Therefore, the output of the instruction information corresponds to notification. An example of the instruction is an instruction for lighting a lighting device 16 described later, and an example of the generated instruction information is information indicating an instruction to turn on the lighting device 16. This corresponds to the lighting instruction described above. The control device 10 is configured by a PC, for example. The control device 10 outputs instruction information. Since the destination of the instruction information is the entire lighting system 100, the output of the instruction information corresponds to notification. In addition, the control device 10 collects information regarding each lighting device 16 via the terminal device 12 and the base station device 14. The information regarding each lighting device 16 is, for example, information about the remaining capacity of the storage battery of the lighting device 16.

  The terminal device 12 corresponds to a wireless LAN terminal device, and the base station device 14 corresponds to a wireless LAN base station device. A plurality of base station apparatuses 14 perform inter-base station communication, and each of the plurality of terminal apparatuses 12 is connected to one of the base station apparatuses 14. Among the plurality of base station apparatuses 14, the (M + 1) th base station apparatus 14m + 1 is connected to the control apparatus 10 and receives instruction information from the control apparatus 10. The (M + 1) th base station apparatus 14m + 1 transmits a packet signal including the instruction information to another one of the plurality of base station apparatuses 14, for example, the third base station apparatus 14c. Note that the terminal device 12 may be connected to the control device 10 instead of the base station device 14.

  The 3rd base station apparatus 14c transfers a packet signal to other base station apparatuses 14 using communication between base stations. The third base station device 14c also transmits a packet signal to the directly connected terminal device 12, for example, the fourth terminal device 12d. Further, the third base station apparatus 14c controls the lighting apparatus 16 described later according to the content of the instruction information included in the packet signal. Other base station apparatuses 14 operate in the same manner. The first terminal apparatus 12a to the Nth terminal apparatus 12n receive the packet signal from the base station apparatus 14. These terminal devices 12 also control a lighting device 16 to be described later according to the content of the instruction information included in the packet signal.

  The lighting device 16 includes a solar power generation device, and stores the generated power in a storage battery. Moreover, the illuminating device 16 turns on illumination with the charged electric power. Here, the illumination device 16 is connected to the terminal device 12 or the base station device 14, and turns on or off the illumination based on an instruction from the terminal device 12 or the base station device 14. The illumination device 16 includes an imaging device, and may capture moving images and still images (hereinafter collectively referred to as “images”). Note that the terminal device 12 and the base station device 14 are also driven by the power charged in the storage battery of the lighting device 16. A combination of one of the terminal device 12 and the base station device 14 and the lighting device 16 corresponds to the street lamp described above.

  The terminal device 12 and the base station device 14 transmit the packet signal including information and images related to the remaining amount of the storage battery in the lighting device 16. These packet signals are transferred so as to follow the reverse path to the packet signal including the instruction information, and are received by the control device 10. As a result, the control device 10 can manage information regarding the remaining amount of the storage battery in each lighting device 16. In addition, the control device 10 can acquire an image captured by each lighting device 16. Further, as described above, each of the plurality of terminal devices 12 defines the power saving mode and the communication mode. Here, it can be said that the communication mode is a mode in which the communication period is longer than that in the power saving mode. The communicable period corresponds to a Wake up period. Further, the long communication period may be that communication is always possible or communication is possible continuously. When the terminal device 12 is communicable, that is, in a communicable state in the power saving mode or in the communication mode, the terminal device 12 lights the lighting device 16 by receiving a lighting instruction.

  2A to 2B show the configuration of the illumination device 16. In FIG. 2A, the lighting device 16 includes a solar panel 20, a storage battery 22, a lighting unit 24, an imaging device 26, and a control unit 28. The solar panel 20 corresponds to the above-described solar power generation device, and generates power upon receiving sunlight. The storage battery 22 stores the electric power generated in the solar panel 20. The storage battery 22 supplies power to the entire lighting device 16 and also supplies power to the connected terminal device 12 or base station device 14. Since a well-known technique should just be used for the solar panel 20 and the storage battery 22, description is abbreviate | omitted here.

  The illumination unit 24 is turned on or off based on an instruction from the control unit 28. It may blink. The control unit 28 receives instructions to turn on and off the illumination unit 24 from the terminal device 12 and the base station device 14 (not shown). The control unit 28 controls the operation of the illumination unit 24 according to the received instruction. Further, the control unit 28 acquires the amount of power generated by the solar panel 20 and the remaining amount of the storage battery 22, and reports information related to the remaining amount to the terminal device 12 and the base station device 14 (not shown). Here, the control unit 28 may periodically acquire the power generation amount or the remaining amount, or may acquire the power generation amount or the remaining amount according to an instruction from the terminal device 12 or the base station device 14 (not shown). Good.

  The imaging device 26 captures an image. The image is acquired as digital data. The imaging device 26 may periodically perform imaging, or may perform imaging in response to an instruction from the terminal device 12 or the base station device 14 (not shown). The imaging device 26 may output an image to the terminal device 12 and the base station device 14 (not shown) via the control unit 28, or may store the image in a built-in storage medium. As shown in the illumination device 16 in FIG. 2B, the imaging device 26 may be omitted from the configuration in FIG. Thereby, the structure of the illuminating device 16 becomes simple.

  This configuration can be realized in terms of hardware by a CPU, memory, or other LSI of any computer, and in terms of software, it is realized by a program having a communication function loaded in the memory. Describes functional blocks realized by collaboration. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will understand that these functional blocks can be realized in various forms by hardware only, software only, or a combination thereof.

  FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the control device 10. The control device 10 includes a communication unit 30, a management unit 32, a determination unit 34, an instruction unit 36, a storage unit 38, a collection unit 40, and a control unit 42. The communication unit 30 receives a packet signal generated by a management unit 32 and an instruction unit 36 which will be described later. The communication unit 30 is connected to the (M + 1) th base station apparatus 14m + 1 in FIG. 1 via a cable or a wireless LAN, and transmits a packet signal to the (M + 1) th base station apparatus 14m + 1. As described above, since the (M + 1) th base station apparatus 14m + 1 transmits a packet signal to another base station apparatus 14 by inter-base station communication, the packet signal passes through at least one base station apparatus 14 and is transmitted to a plurality of terminal apparatuses. 12 is transmitted. Therefore, the transmission of the packet signal in the communication unit 30 can be said to be a notification of the packet signal.

  The communication unit 30 receives a packet signal from the (M + 1) th base station apparatus 14m + 1. The packet signal includes information on the remaining amount of the storage battery 22 acquired by the lighting device 16 (not shown) and an image captured by the lighting device 16 (not shown). In addition, a notification that the terminal device 12 (not shown) can communicate is included. This corresponds to a transition from a state where communication is not possible to a state where communication is possible when the terminal device 12 is in the power saving mode. As described above, the packet signal reaches the communication unit 30 by being transferred by the terminal device 12 or the base station device 14. The communication unit 30 outputs information about the remaining amount of the storage battery 22 and an image to the collection unit 40. Further, the communication unit 30 outputs a notification that communication is possible to the management unit 32.

  The collection unit 40 receives information about the remaining amount of the storage battery 22 and an image from the communication unit 30. That is, the collection unit 40 collects information on the remaining amount of the storage battery 22 that drives the base station device 14 from each base station device 14. The same applies to information relating to the remaining amount of the storage battery 22 that is driving the terminal device 12. The collection unit 40 stores these pieces of information in the storage unit 38 in order to manage information about the remaining amount of the storage battery 22 in units of the lighting device 16. In addition, the collection unit 40 stores the image in the storage unit 38 in units of the lighting device 16.

  The storage unit 38 is a storage medium for storing various information and images according to instructions from the collection unit 40. Since information and images are digital data, the storage unit 38 is configured by, for example, a hard disk. FIG. 4 shows the data structure of the table stored in the storage unit 38. As shown, a device column 200, a remaining amount column 202, and a mode column 204 are included. In the device column 200, a base station device 14 to be managed and a base station device 14 connected to the lighting device 16 is shown. The device column 200 also shows the terminal device 12 that is a management target and is connected to the lighting device 16. In the remaining capacity column 202, the remaining capacity of the storage battery 22 connected to the base station apparatus 14 and the terminal apparatus 12 shown in the apparatus column 200 is shown. The mode column 204 will be described later. Returning to FIG.

  The management unit 32 receives a notification that communication is possible from the communication unit 30. This corresponds to receiving a notification that communication is possible from the terminal device 12 in the power saving mode. The notification that communication is possible includes information for identifying the terminal device 12 that is the transmission source. The management unit 32 specifies the transmission source terminal device 12 by acquiring information for identifying the transmission source terminal device 12. The management unit 32 generates a packet signal including the migration instruction with the identified terminal device 12 as a destination, and outputs the packet signal to the communication unit 30. In addition, the management unit 32 stores in the storage unit 38 that the transferred terminal device 12 has shifted from the power saving mode to the communication mode.

  By such processing, the “communication mode” is indicated for the identified terminal device 12 in the mode column 204 of FIG. On the other hand, the “power saving mode” is indicated for the terminal device 12 in the power saving mode. For example, when the terminal device 12 shifts from the communication mode to the power saving mode, a packet signal indicating the shift to the power saving mode is transmitted from the terminal device 12. The management unit 32 receives the packet signal via the base station device 14 and the communication unit 30 to obtain a notification of transition to the power saving mode. The management unit 32 changes the mode column 204 of the storage unit 38 to “power saving mode” for the terminal device 12 of the transmission source. When the management unit 32 outputs the migration instruction, the management unit 32 outputs a message to that effect to the determination unit 34.

  When the determination unit 34 is notified of the output of the migration instruction from the management unit 32, the determination unit 34 checks the contents of the table stored in the storage unit 38. In particular, the determination unit 34 confirms whether or not the number of terminal devices 12 that have shifted to the communication mode is greater than or equal to a certain level by confirming the contents of the mode column 204. All the terminal devices 12 may be more than a certain amount. At that time, the determination unit 34 confirms whether all the terminal devices 12 have shifted to the communication mode. The determination part 34 outputs that to the instruction | indication part 36, when the terminal device 12 more than fixed is transfering to communication mode.

  When the determination unit 34 is notified by the determination unit 34 that a certain number or more of terminal devices 12 have transitioned to the communication mode, the instruction unit 36 generates a packet signal including a lighting instruction, and sends the packet signal to the communication unit 30. Output. Here, since the packet signal is multicast-transmitted, the destination of the packet signal is the terminal device 12 that has shifted to the communication mode with the base station device 14. Further, the instruction unit 36 outputs the packet signal including the lighting instruction a plurality of times, so that the packet signal is transmitted a plurality of times.

  The control unit 42 controls the operation of the entire control device 10. Moreover, the control part 42 is provided with the interface with a user, and receives the instruction | indication from a user via an interface. As described above, an example of an instruction from the user is information regarding the time when the lighting unit 24 of the lighting device 16 (not shown) should be turned on, and information regarding the time when the lighting unit 24 of the lighting device 16 (not shown) should be turned off. Also good. Here, for ease of explanation, it is assumed that the instruction is an instruction related to the operation of the illumination unit 24. When the light is turned off, only the operation of the illumination unit 24 in FIGS. 2A to 2B is different. Otherwise, the same operation as that in the case of turning on is performed.

  FIG. 5 shows the configuration of the base station apparatus 14. The base station apparatus 14 includes a communication unit 60, a processing unit 62, a management unit 66, and a control unit 72. The base station device 14 is connected to and driven by the storage battery 22 charged with power generated by solar power generation. The communication unit 60 communicates with another base station device 14 through communication between base stations and also communicates with at least one terminal device 12. The communication unit 60 performs a frequency conversion process, a modulation / demodulation process, an amplification process, an AD conversion process, a DA conversion process, and the like, and a known technique may be used for these, and a description thereof is omitted here. Through such processing, the communication unit 60 receives the packet signal and transmits the packet signal. Such a packet signal includes, for example, a transition instruction and a lighting instruction.

  The processing unit 62 is connected to the lighting device 16 (not shown) and executes processing for the lighting device 16. The processing unit 62 receives the lighting instruction received in the communication unit 60. The processing unit 62 instructs the lighting device 16 to turn on based on the lighting instruction. The processing unit 62 instructs the lighting device 16 to output information related to the amount of power generated by the solar panel 20, output information related to the remaining amount of the storage battery 22, and output an image. When the processing unit 62 outputs information on the amount of power generated by the solar panel 20, information on the remaining amount of the storage battery 22, or an image received from the lighting device 16, the processing unit 62 includes information or an image on the remaining amount of the storage battery 22. The communication unit 60 is instructed to generate a signal.

  On the other hand, when the base station apparatus 14 corresponds to the (M + 1) th base station apparatus 14m + 1 in FIG. 1, the processing unit 62 performs an interface function with the control apparatus 10 (not shown). The management unit 66 manages information on the terminal device 12 communicating with the communication unit 60 and information on the path of communication between base stations. The management unit 66 updates the information when the communication path between base stations is changed. The control unit 72 controls the operation timing of the entire base station apparatus 14.

  FIG. 6 shows the configuration of the terminal device 12. The terminal device 12 includes a communication unit 80, a processing unit 82, a management unit 84, and a control unit 86. The terminal device 12 is connected to and driven by the storage battery 22 charged with power generated by solar power generation. The communication unit 80 executes the same processing as that of the communication unit 60 in FIG. Unlike the communication unit 60, the communication unit 80 does not perform inter-base station communication. Here, the communication target of the communication unit 80 is the base station device 14.

  That is, the communication unit 80 communicates with the base station device 14 capable of performing inter-base station communication, and communicates with the control device 10 via a path formed by inter-base station communication from the base station device 14. In this way, the communication unit 80 receives the packet signal from the base station device 14. The packet signal includes, for example, a transition instruction and a lighting instruction. In addition, the communication unit 80 transmits a packet signal to the base station device 14. The packet signal includes, for example, a notification of communication possible and a notification of transition to the power saving mode.

  The processing unit 82 performs the same processing as the processing unit 62 of FIG. Further, the processing unit 82 defines a power saving mode and a communication mode as operation modes of the communication unit 80. As described above, in the power saving mode, since communication is possible intermittently, communication is possible over a predetermined period, and communication is not possible over a subsequent period. Further, a communicable state and a communicable state are repeated. In the communication mode, the communicable period is longer than in the power saving mode. For example, communication is always possible. The processing unit 82 selects either the power saving mode or the communication mode, and instructs the communication unit 80 to operate in the selected mode.

  The processing unit 82 determines the transition from the communication mode to the power saving mode if the communication unit 80 does not execute communication for a predetermined period when the communication mode is set. The processing unit 82 outputs a notification of transition to the power saving mode to the communication unit 80 and instructs the communication unit 80 to shift to the power saving mode. On the other hand, when the processing unit 82 receives the transition instruction via the communication unit 80 while the power saving mode is set, the processing unit 82 determines the transition from the power saving mode to the communication mode. The processing unit 82 instructs the communication unit 80 to shift to the communication mode. Note that when the communication unit 80 becomes communicable when the power saving mode is set, the processing unit 82 causes the communication unit 80 to transmit a communication enable notification.

  Here, the processing unit 82 receives information on the amount of power generation and information on whether or not the illumination unit 24 is lit from the storage battery 22. The processing unit 82 adjusts a communicable period in the power saving mode based on information on the power generation amount and information on whether or not the illumination unit 24 is lit. FIG. 7 shows the data structure of the table stored in the processing unit 82. As illustrated, an illumination column 210, a power generation amount column 212, and a period column 214 are included. In the illumination column 210, conditions for the state of the illumination unit 24 are shown. Here, as the conditions, “ON” that is lit and “OFF” that is unlit are shown. The conditions for the power generation amount column 212 are shown. Here, the conditions are “above threshold value” and “less than threshold value”. This condition is defined only when the illumination field 210 is “OFF”.

  The period column 214 shows the period value. The period is indicated as a communicable period during a certain period. Here, it is assumed that C1 <C2 <C3. That is, the smaller the power generation amount, the longer the communicable period. Moreover, when the illumination unit 24 is turned on, the communicable period is shortened. Returning to FIG. The processing unit 82 selects the period C1 when the illumination unit 24 is ON. When the illumination unit 24 is OFF and the remaining amount is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the processing unit 82 selects the period C2. When the illumination unit 24 is OFF, the processing unit 82 selects the period C3 if the remaining amount is less than the threshold value. Note that when the communication unit 80 is communicable and the packet signal including the lighting instruction is received, the processing unit 82 turns on the illumination unit 24.

  In addition, after the illumination part 24 turns ON, the period which can communicate may be lengthened, so that electric power generation amount increases. That is, the relationship between the power generation amount and the communicable period is reversed depending on whether the illumination unit 24 is ON or OFF. Such control is for facilitating reception of the transition instruction. The management unit 84 controls a communication target in the communication unit 80. The control unit 86 controls the operation timing of the entire terminal device 12.

  An outline of the operation of the illumination system 100 having the above configuration will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for transmitting a lighting instruction by the control device 10. If it is not within a certain period of the scheduled lighting time (N in S10), it waits. If it is within a certain period of the scheduled lighting time (Y in S10) and the communication unit 30 does not receive a communication enable notification from the terminal device 12 (N in S12), it waits. When the communication unit 30 receives a notification that communication is possible from the terminal device 12 (Y in S12), the management unit 32 unicasts an instruction to shift to the communication mode to the terminal device 12 (S14). If the number of terminal devices 12 in the communication mode is not equal to or greater than a certain number in the determination unit 34 (N in S16), the process returns to step 12. If the number of terminal devices 12 in the communication mode is equal to or greater than a certain number (Y in S16), the instruction unit 36 multicasts a lighting instruction (S18).

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a lighting procedure by the terminal device 12. The communication unit 80 operates in the power saving mode (S30). The communication unit 80 transmits a communication enable notification to the control device 10 (S32). If the communication unit 80 does not receive an instruction to shift to the communication mode from the control device 10 (N in S34), the process returns to step 30. When the communication unit 80 receives an instruction to shift to the communication mode from the control device 10 (Y in S34), the processing unit 82 shifts the communication unit 80 to the communication mode (S36). If the communication unit 80 does not receive a lighting instruction from the control device 10 (N in S38), the communication unit 80 stands by. If the communication unit 80 receives a lighting instruction from the control device 10 (Y in S38), the processing unit 82 turns on the lighting device 16 (S40).

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a communication period control procedure performed by the terminal device 12. If the lighting device 16 is not turned on (N in S70) and the power generation amount is not equal to or greater than the threshold (N in S72), the processing unit 82 sets the period to C3 (S74). If the power generation amount is equal to or greater than the threshold value (Y in S72), the processing unit 82 sets the period to C2 (S76). If the illumination device 16 is turned on (Y in S70), the processing unit 82 sets the period to C3 (S78).

  Next, a modified example will be described. The modification relates to an illumination system including a base station device and a terminal device, as in the embodiment. The modification is intended for a case where an image captured by the lighting device is transmitted from the base station device or the terminal device to the control device. Depending on the image quality, the image transmission rate varies. If the quality of the images transmitted from each of the plurality of base station devices and the plurality of terminal devices is high, the transmission capacity required for the communication system increases. Therefore, there is a possibility that those images cannot be transmitted by the communication system. On the other hand, depending on the installation location and time of the lighting device, it may be desired to improve the image quality.

  In order to cope with this, the control device according to the modified example defines three stages of high, medium, and low as the image quality. The lighting device instructs each lighting device to capture an image with medium quality. The base station device and the terminal device transmit medium quality images. On the other hand, when it is desired to transmit a high quality image from one lighting device, the control device instructs the lighting device to transmit a high quality image. On the other hand, the control device instructs other lighting devices to transmit a low-quality image. The illumination system 100 according to the modification is the same type as that in FIG. 1, the base station device 14 is the same type as that in FIG. 5, and the terminal device 12 is the same type as that in FIG. Below, it demonstrates centering on the difference with an Example.

  FIG. 11 shows the configuration of the control device 10 according to a modification of the present invention. The control device 10 includes a communication unit 30, an instruction unit 36, a storage unit 38, a collection unit 40, a control unit 42, and a quality adjustment unit 44. The storage unit 38 stores information related to the quality of the image captured by each lighting device 16. Here, as described above, any one of “high”, “medium”, and “low” is set in each lighting device 16 as the information regarding the quality of the image. Medium quality is defined by a predetermined frame rate and resolution. High quality is a higher frame rate than medium quality and is defined at high resolution. On the other hand, the low quality is a frame rate lower than the medium quality and is defined at a low resolution. Note that, instead of a low-quality image, stop of imaging may be defined. Based on the information stored in the storage unit 38, the quality adjustment unit 44 extracts information on the quality of the image captured by each lighting device 16. In the initial state, medium quality is set for all the lighting devices 16.

  The control unit 42 receives an instruction from the user to capture a high-quality image with respect to one lighting device 16. The control unit 42 sets an image to be captured by the lighting device 16 with high quality according to the instruction. The control unit 42 stores the set content in the storage unit 38. The quality adjustment unit 44 extracts the contents stored in the storage unit 38. The quality adjusting unit 44 determines to change the quality of the image of one lighting device 16 to high quality and to change the image of the other lighting device 16 to low quality. The quality adjustment unit 44 stores in the storage unit 38 that the image to be captured by the other lighting device 16 is set to low quality.

  The quality adjustment unit 44 outputs the determined content to the instruction unit 36. The instruction unit 36 generates a packet signal including the content received from the quality adjustment unit 44. More specifically, the instruction unit 36 generates a packet signal including an instruction for changing to high quality, with the base station device 14 or the terminal device 12 connected to one lighting device 16 as a destination. In addition, the instruction unit 36 generates a packet signal including an instruction for changing to low quality, with the base station device 14 and the terminal device 12 connected to the other lighting devices 16 as destinations. The instruction unit 36 outputs the packet signal to the communication unit 30.

  When the image quality for one lighting device 16 is changed from high quality to medium quality in the storage unit 38, the quality adjusting unit 44 changes the image quality for the other lighting devices 16 from low quality to medium quality. The quality adjustment unit 44 stores the changed content in the storage unit 38 and outputs the changed content to the instruction unit 36. The instruction unit 36 generates a packet signal including an instruction for changing to medium quality, with the base station apparatus 14 and the terminal apparatus 12 connected to all the lighting apparatuses 16 as destinations.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for controlling image quality by the control device 10. If there is a lighting device 16 that is transmitting a high quality image (Y in S90), the quality adjusting unit 44 lowers the quality of the image from the other lighting device 16 (S92). If there is no lighting device 16 that transmits an image with high quality (N in S90), the quality adjustment unit 44 makes the quality of the image medium (S94).

  Next, another modification will be described. Another modification relates to a lighting system including a base station device and a terminal device, as before. Another modification is directed to a terminal device that transmits an image or switches between a communication mode and a power saving mode. As described above, the terminal device is driven by the storage battery. On the other hand, if the remaining amount of the storage battery is reduced, there is a possibility that it cannot be illuminated even at night. In order to reduce the occurrence of such a situation, another modification performs the following operation.

  The terminal device acquires the remaining amount of the storage battery, and reduces the quality of the image being captured when the remaining amount decreases. By reducing the quality, the data capacity of the image to be transmitted is reduced, and the period for transmission is shortened. Further, if the remaining amount of the terminal device decreases, the period during which communication can be performed in the power saving mode is shortened. As described above, the power consumption is reduced by shortening the period for transmission. The lighting system 100 according to another modification is the same type as that in FIG. 1, the lighting device 16 is the same type as that in FIG. 3, the base station device 14 is the same type as in FIG. It is the same type as FIG. Below, it demonstrates centering on the difference from before.

  The processing unit 82 of the terminal device 12 in FIG. 6 acquires the remaining amount of the storage battery 22 (not shown). In addition, the processing unit 82 stores in advance a table in which the remaining amount and the image quality are associated with each other. FIG. 13 shows a data structure of a table according to another modification of the present invention. As shown, a condition column 220 and a quality column 222 for the remaining amount are included. In the remaining amount condition column 220, a threshold value to be compared with the acquired remaining amount is shown. Here, two threshold values, a first threshold value and a second threshold value, are defined. Further, it is assumed that the first threshold value> the second threshold value. The quality column 222 indicates the image quality to be applied when the condition in the condition column 220 for the remaining amount is met. Returning to FIG.

  If the acquired remaining amount is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, the processing unit 82 sets high quality as the image quality and instructs the lighting device 16 (not shown) to that effect. Further, if the acquired remaining amount is less than the first threshold value and greater than or equal to the second threshold value, the processing unit 82 sets medium quality as the quality of the image, and that is not shown in the lighting device 16. To instruct. If the acquired remaining amount is less than the second threshold value, the processing unit 82 sets low quality as the image quality and instructs the lighting device 16 to that effect. Further, the processing unit 82 stores in advance a table in which the remaining amount is associated with a communicable period.

  FIG. 14 shows the data structure of another table according to another modification of the present invention. As illustrated, a condition column 230 for the remaining amount and a transmission period column 232 are included. Since the condition column 230 for the remaining amount is the same as the condition column 220 for the remaining amount, the description is omitted here. In addition, as the condition column 230 for the remaining amount, a threshold different from the threshold in the condition column 220 for the remaining amount may be defined. The transmission period column 232 indicates a period to be applied when the condition in the condition column 230 for the remaining amount is met. As described above, this period corresponds to a period during which communication is possible in the power saving mode. Returning to FIG.

  The processing unit 82 sets a long period of time if the acquired remaining amount is equal to or greater than the first threshold value. If the acquired remaining amount is less than the first threshold value and greater than or equal to the second threshold value, the processing unit 82 sets a middle period, and the processing unit 82 sets the acquired remaining amount to the second threshold value. If it is less than the threshold, a short period is set. Note that the base station apparatus 14 may also store the same table as in FIG. 13 and adjust the image quality according to the remaining amount.

  Next, another modification will be described. Another modification relates to a lighting system including a base station device and a terminal device, as before. As described above, the base station device executes communication between base stations and also performs communication with the terminal device. Therefore, the traffic in the base station device tends to increase, and the power consumption of the storage battery tends to increase. Here, when one of the base station devices stops operating due to a decrease in the remaining capacity of the storage battery, the terminal device or base station device connected to the control device via the base station device communicates with the control device. become unable. As a result, control of each lighting device by the control device is not performed. In order to cope with this, the communication system according to the present embodiment executes the following processing.

  A base station device (hereinafter referred to as a “handover source base station device”) disconnects communication with a connected terminal device and maintains only inter-base station communication when the remaining capacity of the storage battery falls below a threshold value. To do. The terminal device stores in advance a list of base station devices to be connected. The terminal device whose communication has been disconnected refers to the list, selects a base station device with a low priority (hereinafter referred to as “handover destination base station device”), and starts communication with the handover destination base station device. When the remaining capacity of the storage battery becomes sufficiently large, the handover source base station apparatus notifies that the terminal apparatus can be connected. The terminal apparatus that has received the notification disconnects communication with the handover destination base station apparatus and starts communication with the handover source base station apparatus. As a result, the network configuration of the communication system returns to the original state. The illumination system 100 according to another modification is the same type as that in FIG. 1, the illumination device 16 is the same type as in FIG. 3, the base station device 14 is the same type as in FIG. Is the same type as in FIG. Below, it demonstrates centering on the difference from before.

  The processing unit 82 of the terminal device 12 in FIG. 6 stores in advance a table indicating the priority order of the base station devices 14 to be connected. FIG. 15 shows the data structure of the table stored in the processing unit 82. This corresponds to the table stored in the processing unit 82 in the third terminal device 12c of FIG. As shown, a priority column 240 and a base station device column 242 are included. In the priority column 240, “1” and “2” are shown as the priority. Here, “1” has a high priority and “2” has a low priority. Moreover, a priority “3”... Lower than “2” may be provided. In the base station apparatus column 242, the base station apparatus 14 corresponding to the priority order shown in the priority order column 240 is shown. Returning to FIG. The processing unit 82 of the third terminal apparatus 12c preferentially selects the second base station apparatus 14b based on the table shown in FIG. 15, and when the second base station apparatus 14b cannot be connected, The base station device 14c is selected.

  When the remaining capacity of the storage battery 22 is less than the threshold value in the handover source base station apparatus, communication with the terminal apparatus 12 is disconnected. If the communication unit 80 cannot execute communication with the handover source base station apparatus for a certain period, the communication unit 80 notifies the processing unit 82 to that effect. Based on the table, the processing unit 82 selects, as a handover destination base station device, a base station device 14 having a priority lower than the priority of the handover source base station device. The processing unit 82 instructs the communication unit 80 to communicate with the handover destination base station apparatus. The communication unit 80 communicates with the handover destination base station apparatus by transmitting a connection request to the handover destination base station apparatus.

  On the other hand, when the remaining capacity of the storage battery 22 exceeds the threshold in the handover source base station device, the handover source base station device transmits a packet signal including a notification that the terminal device 12 can be connected. Note that the threshold value here may be set separately from the threshold value when determining disconnection of the terminal device 12. When the communication unit 80 receives the packet signal and the processing unit 82 confirms the notification from the handover source base station device having a higher priority than the priority of the connected handover destination base station device, And instructing handover from the handover destination base station apparatus to the handover source base station apparatus. The communication unit 80 performs handover from the handover destination base station apparatus to the handover source base station apparatus according to the instruction.

  FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram showing a communication procedure by the illumination system 100 according to still another modified example of the present invention. The second base station device 14b and the third terminal device 12c communicate (S50). The second base station device 14b detects that the remaining amount of the storage battery 22 has become lower than the threshold value (S52). The second base station device 14b disconnects communication with the third terminal device 12c (S54). The third terminal apparatus 12c selects the base station apparatus 14 having a low priority (S56). The third terminal apparatus 12c transmits a connection request to the third base station apparatus 14c (S58). The third terminal apparatus 12c and the third base station apparatus 14c communicate (S60).

  FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram showing a communication procedure of illumination system 100 following the communication procedure shown in FIG. The third terminal apparatus 12c and the third base station apparatus 14c communicate (S100). The second base station device 14b detects that the remaining amount of the storage battery 22 has reached the threshold value (S102). The second base station apparatus 14b notifies the detection result to the third terminal apparatus 12c (S104). The third terminal apparatus 12c disconnects communication with the third base station apparatus 14c (S106). The third terminal apparatus 12c transmits a connection request to the second base station apparatus 14b (S108). The second base station device 14b and the third terminal device 12c communicate (S110).

  According to the embodiment of the present invention, since the terminal device in the power saving mode is shifted to the communication mode, the lighting instruction can be transmitted to the terminal device operating in the power saving mode. Further, since the lighting instruction is transmitted when the number of terminal devices operating in the communication mode exceeds a certain number, simultaneous lighting can be realized. Moreover, since it operate | moves in a power saving mode until it transfers to communication mode, the power consumption of a terminal device can be suppressed. In addition, both power consumption and simultaneous lighting can be achieved. Further, since the length of the communicable period in the power saving mode is adjusted according to the power generation amount, power consumption can be suppressed. Further, if the generated power is reduced, the length of the communicable period in the power saving mode is shortened, so that power consumption can be suppressed. Further, when the light is on, the length of the communicable period in the power saving mode is shortened, so that power consumption can be suppressed.

  In addition, when a high-quality image is transmitted, the quality of the image from another lighting device is lowered, so that an increase in traffic volume can be suppressed. Moreover, since an increase in traffic volume is suppressed, power consumption can be suppressed. Further, if the remaining amount of the storage battery is acquired and the remaining amount is reduced, the quality of the image being taken is lowered, so that the data capacity of the image to be transmitted can be reduced. Further, since the data capacity of the image to be transmitted is reduced, the period for transmission can be shortened. In addition, since the period for transmission is shortened, power consumption can be suppressed. Further, if the remaining amount of the storage battery is acquired and the remaining amount is reduced, the period in which communication is possible in the power saving mode can be shortened. In addition, since the period during which communication is possible in the power saving mode is shortened, power consumption can be suppressed.

  Moreover, since the base station apparatus in which the remaining amount of the storage battery is lower than the threshold value does not execute communication with the terminal apparatus but only performs inter-base station communication, power consumption can be suppressed. Moreover, since the power consumption is suppressed, the execution period of communication between base stations can be extended. In addition, since the execution period of inter-base station communication is extended, a wireless network can be stably formed even when the base station apparatus operates with a storage battery. Moreover, since the process in a base station apparatus is performed, a process can be simplified. Further, since the terminal device that has been disconnected from the base station device selects another base station device according to the priority order, the next connection target can be easily determined. Further, since the terminal device is connected to a base station device having a low priority, communication can be maintained. Further, when the remaining amount in the original base station apparatus becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value, the terminal apparatus reconnects to the original base station apparatus, so that the shape of the original wireless network can be maintained.

  In the above, this invention was demonstrated based on the Example. This embodiment is an exemplification, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the combination of each component and each processing process, and such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention. .

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the quality adjustment unit 44 changes the image quality setting for the other lighting devices 16 in accordance with the image quality setting for one lighting device 16. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of illumination devices 16 may be permitted to capture high-quality images. At this time, if the number of lighting devices 16 that are capturing high-quality images is less than a predetermined value, the quality adjusting unit 44 performs medium-quality imaging without changing the image quality settings for the other lighting devices 16. Let it run. According to this modification, a plurality of types of high quality images can be acquired.

  Next, another modification will be described. In another modification, when the photovoltaic power generation device and the storage battery are installed in the street lamp, the street lamp alone is supplied with power, and a power cable or the like to the street lamp becomes unnecessary. As a result, street lamps can be easily installed. In order to control lighting and extinction of a plurality of street lamps, it is necessary to transmit a control signal to each street lamp. A wireless communication system such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) is suitable for omitting a cable for transmitting a control signal. That is, a base station device and a terminal device are installed in the street light. When synchronizing lighting times of a plurality of street lamps, control signals are transmitted all at once. However, when a wireless system is used, an error may occur in transmission of the control signal. In addition, if the terminal device operates intermittently in order to reduce power consumption, the control signal cannot be received. Therefore, in order to operate a plurality of street lamps all at once, some adjustment is required for transmission of the control signal.

  This invention is made | formed in view of such a condition, The objective is to provide the technique which transmits a control signal so that a several street lamp may be operated simultaneously.

  Still another modified example of the present invention relates to a communication system including a plurality of base station apparatuses and a plurality of terminal apparatuses. The plurality of base station apparatuses perform inter-base station communication with each other, and each base station apparatus connects terminal apparatuses. Here, the base station apparatus and the terminal apparatus are connected by, for example, a wireless LAN. In addition, each of the base station device and the terminal device is installed in a lighting device connected to the solar power generation device. Furthermore, the control device is connected to one of the base station devices via the terminal device.

  In such a configuration, the control device transmits an instruction signal in order to turn on the plurality of lighting devices all at once. Upon receiving the instruction signal, the base station apparatus transfers the instruction signal to another base station apparatus or terminal device and turns on the lighting device. When lighting is performed immediately after receiving the instruction signal, the lighting timing varies depending on the number of relays. Furthermore, since the control signal is a radio signal, if an error occurs in the received signal, the base station apparatus or the like that cannot receive the control signal is not lit. In order to cope with this, the communication system according to still another modification executes the following processing.

  The control device transmits a packet signal including information (hereinafter referred to as “instruction information”) related to a period until lighting is turned on. For example, the instruction information indicates a period of 10 seconds. The base station device or terminal device that has received such a packet signal turns on the illumination after the period indicated by the instruction information, for example, 10 seconds. Further, the control device transmits a packet signal including the instruction information a plurality of times. The value of the period included in the instruction information is adjusted according to the transmission timing of the packet signal. For example, when the packet signal is transmitted 11 times at 1 sec intervals, the value of the instruction information is 10 sec, 9 sec, and 8 sec in order from the packet signal transmitted first. The base station device and the terminal device can recognize the instruction information if any one of the packet signals transmitted a plurality of times is received.

  Here, the terminal device operates intermittently in order to reduce power consumption. Therefore, even if a packet signal is transmitted during the pause, the terminal device cannot receive the packet signal. Further, the longer the pause period, the longer the packet signal transfer delay. To cope with this, the base station apparatus transmits a packet signal including the instruction information after reducing the value of the instruction information in accordance with the transfer delay of communication between base stations and the suspension period of the terminal apparatus. To do.

  FIG. 18 shows an outline of a communication system 1100 according to still another modification of the present invention. The communication system 1100 includes a control device 1010, a first terminal device 1012a, a second terminal device 1012b, a third terminal device 1012c, a fourth terminal device 1012d, a fifth terminal device 1012e, and an Nth terminal device, which are collectively referred to as a terminal device 1012. 1012n, first base station apparatus 1014a, collectively referred to as base station apparatus 1014, second base station apparatus 1014b, third base station apparatus 1014c, Mth base station apparatus 1014m, and first illumination apparatus 1016a collectively referred to as illumination apparatus 1016 , Second illumination device 1016b, third illumination device 1016c, Mth illumination device 1016m, M + 1 illumination device 1016m + 1, M + 2 illumination device 1016m + 2, M + 3 illumination device 1016m + 3, M + 4 illumination device 1016m + 4, M + N + 1 illumination device 1016m + n + 1 .

  The control device 1010 includes an interface capable of receiving an instruction from the user, generates information according to the received instruction, and outputs the generated information. An example of the instruction is information regarding the time when the lighting device 1016 described later is to be turned on, and an example of the generated information is the above-described instruction information. The control device 1010 is configured by a PC, for example. The control device 1010 outputs the instruction information over a plurality of times while shifting the output timing. Since the destination of the instruction information is the entire communication system 1100, the output of the instruction information corresponds to notification. In addition, the control device 1010 collects information regarding each lighting device 1016 via the terminal device 1012 and the base station device 1014. The information regarding each illuminating device 1016 is information about the remaining amount of the storage battery of the illuminating device 1016, for example.

  The terminal device 1012 corresponds to a wireless LAN terminal device, and the base station device 1014 corresponds to a wireless LAN base station device. A plurality of base station devices 1014 execute inter-base station communication, and each of the plurality of terminal devices 1012 is connected to one of the base station devices 1014. Among the plurality of terminal devices 1012, the first terminal device 1012a is connected to the control device 1010 and receives instruction information from the control device 1010. The first control apparatus 1010a transmits a packet signal including instruction information. One of the plurality of base station devices 1014, for example, the third base station device 1014c receives the packet signal from the first terminal device 1012a.

  The third base station apparatus 1014c transfers the packet signal to another base station apparatus 1014 using inter-base station communication. The third base station apparatus 1014c also transmits a packet signal to the directly connected terminal apparatus 1012, for example, the fifth terminal apparatus 1012e. Here, the third base station apparatus 1014c adjusts the content of the instruction information included in the packet signal at the time of transfer and transmission. Details of the adjustment will be described later. Further, the third base station apparatus 1014c controls a lighting apparatus 1016 described later according to the content of the instruction information included in the packet signal. Other base station apparatuses 1014 operate in the same manner. The second terminal apparatus 1012b to the Nth terminal apparatus 1012n receive the packet signal from the base station apparatus 1014. These terminal devices 1012 also control a lighting device 1016 described later according to the content of the instruction information included in the packet signal.

  The lighting device 1016 includes a solar power generation device, and stores the generated power in a storage battery. In addition, the lighting device 1016 turns on the lighting with the charged power. Here, the lighting device 1016 is connected to the terminal device 1012 or the base station device 1014, and turns on or off the lighting based on an instruction from the terminal device 1012 or the base station device 1014. Further, the illumination device 1016 includes an imaging device, and may capture a moving image or a still image (hereinafter collectively referred to as “image”). Note that the terminal device 1012 and the base station device 1014 are also driven by the power charged in the storage battery of the lighting device 1016. A combination of one of the terminal device 1012 and the base station device 1014 and the lighting device 1016 corresponds to the street light described above.

  Here, the terminal device 1012 and the base station device 1014 transmit information and images relating to the remaining amount of the storage battery in the lighting device 1016 in a packet signal. These packet signals are transferred so as to follow a path opposite to the packet signal including the instruction information, and are received by the control device 1010. As a result, the control device 1010 manages information related to the remaining amount of storage battery in each lighting device 1016. In addition, the control device 1010 acquires an image captured by each lighting device 1016.

  FIGS. 19A and 19B show the configuration of the illumination device 1016. FIG. In FIG. 19A, the lighting device 1016 includes a solar panel 1020, a storage battery 1022, a lighting unit 1024, an imaging device 1026, and a control unit 1028. The solar panel 1020 corresponds to the above-described solar power generation device, and generates power upon receiving sunlight. Storage battery 1022 stores the electric power generated in solar panel 1020. The storage battery 1022 supplies power to the entire lighting device 1016 and also supplies power to the connected terminal device 1012 or base station device 1014. Since a well-known technique should just be used for the solar panel 1020 and the storage battery 1022, description is abbreviate | omitted here.

  The illumination unit 1024 is turned on or off based on an instruction from the control unit 1028. It may blink. The control unit 1028 receives instructions for turning on and off the illumination unit 1024 from a terminal device 1012 and a base station device 1014 (not shown). The control unit 1028 controls the operation of the illumination unit 1024 according to the received instruction. In addition, the control unit 1028 acquires the remaining amount of the storage battery 1022 and reports information related to the remaining amount to the terminal device 1012 and the base station device 1014 (not shown). Here, the control unit 1028 may periodically acquire the remaining amount, or may acquire the remaining amount in accordance with an instruction from the terminal device 1012 or the base station device 1014 (not shown).

  The imaging device 1026 captures the above-described image. The image is acquired as digital data. The imaging device 1026 may periodically perform imaging, or may perform imaging in response to an instruction from a terminal device 1012 or a base station device 1014 (not shown). Further, the imaging device 1026 may output an image to the terminal device 1012 and the base station device 1014 (not shown) via the control unit 1028, or may store the image in a built-in storage medium. In the illumination device 1016 in FIG. 19B, the imaging device 1026 is omitted from the configuration in FIG. The configuration of the lighting device 1016 is simplified.

  This configuration can be realized in terms of hardware by a CPU, memory, or other LSI of any computer, and in terms of software, it is realized by a program having a communication function loaded in the memory. Describes functional blocks realized by collaboration. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will understand that these functional blocks can be realized in various forms by hardware only, software only, or a combination thereof.

  FIG. 20 shows the configuration of the control device 1010. The control device 1010 includes a communication unit 1040, a management unit 1042, a control unit 1044, a generation unit 1046, and an input unit 1048. The communication unit 1040 includes a reception unit 1050 and a notification unit 1052. The input unit 1048 has an interface with the user, and receives an instruction from the user for the interface. As described above, an example of an instruction from the user is information regarding the time when the lighting unit 1024 of the lighting device 1016 (not shown) should be turned on, and information regarding the time when the lighting unit 1024 of the lighting device 1016 (not shown) should be turned off. Also good. Here, for ease of explanation, it is assumed that the instruction is an instruction related to the operation of the illumination unit 1024. In the case of turning off, only the operation in the illumination unit 1024 in FIGS. 19A and 19B is different, and otherwise the same operation as in the case of turning on is executed. Input unit 1048 outputs the received instruction to control unit 1044. The control unit 1044 controls the overall operation of the control device 1010. When control unit 1044 receives an instruction from input unit 1048, control unit 1044 outputs the received instruction to generation unit 1046.

  Upon receiving an instruction from the control unit 1044, the generation unit 1046 generates instruction information. Here, as described above, the instruction information is information regarding a period until a predetermined process is started in the lighting device 1016 connected to the base station device 1014 and the terminal device 1012 (not shown). Further, the predetermined process is turning on and off. The period is shown as, for example, 10 seconds until the start, and can be said to be an offset until the predetermined process is started. The generation unit 1046 generates a packet signal including instruction information. The generation unit 1046 generates a plurality of instruction information, and includes the instruction information one by one in each of a plurality of packet signals having different notification timings. In that case, the production | generation part 1046 adjusts the value of the period in the instruction information contained in each packet signal according to each alerting | reporting timing of the packet signal alert | reported several times.

  That is, the generation unit 1046 adjusts the value of the period so that the instruction information included in the packet signal to be notified later shortens the period. Here, it is assumed that the notification interval of the packet signal is constant. Therefore, the generation unit 1046 adjusts the value of the period so that the value corresponding to the predetermined interval is subtracted from the value of the period in the instruction information included in the packet signal broadcast last time. The generation unit 1046 sequentially outputs packet signals including the instruction information to the notification unit 1052.

  The notification unit 1052 receives the packet signal generated by the generation unit 1046. The notification unit 1052 is connected to the first terminal device 1012a in FIG. 18, and transmits a packet signal to the first terminal device 1012a. As described above, since the first terminal apparatus 1012a transmits a packet signal to the base station apparatus 1014, the packet signal is notified to a plurality of terminal apparatuses 1012 via at least one base station apparatus 1014. Therefore, it can be said that transmission of the packet signal in the notification unit 1052 is notification of the packet signal. The notification unit 1052 notifies a plurality of terminal devices 1012 of a packet signal including instruction information a plurality of times before processing in the lighting device 1016 (not shown) is started. As described above, the notification unit 1052 notifies the packet signal including the instruction information at regular intervals.

  Similarly to the notification unit 1052, the reception unit 1050 is connected to the first terminal device 1012a in FIG. 18, and receives a packet signal from the first terminal device 1012a. The packet signal includes information on the remaining amount of the storage battery 1022 acquired by the lighting device 1016 (not shown) and an image captured by the lighting device 1016 (not shown). As described above, the packet signal reaches the reception unit 1050 by being transferred by the terminal device 1012 or the base station device 1014. The reception unit 1050 outputs information regarding the remaining amount of the storage battery 1022 and an image to the management unit 1042.

  The management unit 1042 receives information about the remaining amount of the storage battery 1022 and an image from the reception unit 1050. The management unit 1042 manages information regarding the remaining amount of the storage battery 1022 in units of lighting devices 1016. In addition, the management unit 1042 stores an image in units of lighting devices 1016. When any remaining amount is lower than the threshold value, the management unit 1042 identifies the lighting device 1016 corresponding to the remaining amount. The management unit 1042 outputs information regarding the identified lighting device 1016 to the control unit 1044. When the control unit 1044 receives information related to the specified lighting device 1016 from the management unit 1042, the control unit 1044 instructs the generation unit 1046 to generate a packet signal including an instruction to turn off the lighting device 1016.

  FIG. 21 shows the configuration of base station apparatus 1014. The base station apparatus 1014 includes a communication unit 1060, a processing unit 1062, a derivation unit 1064, a management unit 1066, an adjustment unit 1068, a generation unit 1070, and a control unit 1072. The communication unit 1060 communicates with another base station apparatus 1014 through inter-base station communication and also communicates with at least one terminal apparatus 1012. The communication unit 1060 executes a frequency conversion process, a modulation / demodulation process, an amplification process, an AD conversion process, a DA conversion process, and the like, and any known technique may be used for these, and a description thereof is omitted here. Through such processing, the communication unit 1060 receives the packet signal and transmits the packet signal. Such a packet signal includes, for example, instruction information.

  The processing unit 1062 is connected to a lighting device 1016 (not shown) and executes processing for the lighting device 1016. The processing unit 1062 receives instruction information received by the communication unit 1060. The processing unit 1062 starts a timer so as to go to 0 from the period corresponding to the instruction information. Note that the period corresponding to the instruction information is adjusted according to the notification timing of each of the packet signals received a plurality of times. Here, when the processing unit 1062 receives the instruction information from the communication unit 1060 after starting the timer, the processing unit 1062 may ignore the instruction information. When the timer reaches 0, the processing unit 1062 instructs the lighting device 1016 to turn on. The processing unit 1062 instructs the lighting device 1016 to output information regarding the remaining amount of the storage battery 1022 or output an image. When the processing unit 1062 receives information or an image related to the remaining amount of the storage battery 1022 from the lighting device 1016, the processing unit 1062 instructs the generation unit 1070 to generate a packet signal including the information or image related to the remaining amount of the storage battery 1022.

  The management unit 1066 manages information of the terminal device 1012 communicating with the communication unit 1060. Note that the information of the terminal device 1012 may be supplied from the communication unit 1060. Here, it is assumed that the terminal device 1012 defines at least two operation modes. The first is the first period mode, and the second is the second period mode. In the first cycle mode, the terminal device 1012 performs communication in the first cycle, and in the second cycle mode, the terminal device 1012 performs communication in the second cycle shorter than the first cycle. As described above, the terminal device 1012 operates with power supplied from the lighting device 1016. Therefore, the terminal device 1012 is required to reduce power consumption. To cope with this, the terminal device 1012 operates in the first period mode when the necessity for communication is small. The management unit 1066 stores the first cycle when the terminal device 1012 is operating in the first cycle mode, and manages the schedule for the next operation of the terminal device 1012. Here, the management is performed in units of the terminal device 1012.

  The derivation unit 1064 receives a packet signal from the other base station device 1014 by the communication unit 1060 through inter-base station communication, and then the communication unit 1060 transmits a packet signal to another base station device 1014 through the inter-base station communication. Deriving the delay time until When the delay time varies according to the processing amount of the base station apparatus 1014, the deriving unit 1064 derives the delay time as appropriate.

  The adjustment unit 1068 extracts the instruction information from the packet signal that is received from the other base station apparatus 1014 by the communication unit 1060 through the inter-base station communication and includes the instruction information, and corresponds to the instruction information. The period during which lighting is started, that is, the period until lighting starts, is adjusted. Here, the period is adjusted in the following two ways. The first is to reduce the period until the lighting is started so as to reflect the first period managed by the management unit 1066, that is, the first period in which the communication unit 1060 should communicate with the terminal device 1012. . More specifically, the deriving unit 1064 derives the difference between the scheduled timing at which the terminal device 1012 next operates and the current timing, and subtracts the difference from the period until the lighting is started, whereby the lighting is performed. A new period until it is started is generated. This processing is performed in units of the terminal device 1012.

  The second is to reduce the period until lighting is started so that the delay time derived by the deriving unit 1064 is reflected. Specifically, the deriving unit 1064 newly generates a period until lighting is started by subtracting the delay time from the period until lighting is started. This process is performed for communication between base stations.

  The generation unit 1070 generates a packet signal including information related to the period adjusted by the adjustment unit 1068. The generation unit 1070 generates another packet signal in accordance with the adjustment process in the adjustment unit 1068. For the first process of the adjustment unit 1068, the generation unit 1070 generates a packet signal for each terminal device 1012. This is because these packet signals have different periods until lighting is started. Further, for the second processing of adjustment unit 1068, generation unit 1070 generates a packet signal to be transferred to base station apparatus 1014. The generation unit 1070 outputs the packet signal to the communication unit 1060.

  The communication unit 1060 relays the packet signal by transmitting the packet signal generated by the generation unit 1070. When transmitting the packet signal generated for the first process of the adjustment unit 1068, the communication unit 1060 delays the transmission timing until the next scheduled timing at which the terminal device 1012 operates. The control unit 1072 controls the operation timing of the entire base station apparatus 1014.

  FIG. 22 shows the configuration of the terminal device 1012. The terminal device 1012 includes a communication unit 1080, a detection unit 1082, a processing unit 1084, a mode management unit 1086, and a control unit 1088. The communication unit 1080 executes the same processing as that of the communication unit 1060 in FIG. Here, the communication target of communication unit 1080 is base station apparatus 1014. Further, the communication unit 1080 executes communication in the first cycle mode or the second cycle mode in accordance with an instruction from the mode management unit 1086. As described above, in the first cycle mode, the communication unit 1080 performs communication in the first cycle, and in the second cycle mode, performs communication in the second cycle shorter than the first cycle.

  The mode management unit 1086 manages the operation mode of the communication unit 1080 and instructs the communication unit 1080 to operate in the first period mode or the second period mode. When the mode management unit 1086 basically selects the first cycle mode and receives from the detection unit 1082 that the packet signal including the instruction information has been detected, the mode management unit 1086 switches from the first cycle mode to the second cycle. Change to mode. The mode management unit 1086 selects the second cycle mode over a predetermined period, and then returns from the second cycle mode to the first cycle mode. As a result, the communication unit 1080 may receive the packet signal a plurality of times before lighting is started by the lighting device 1016 (not shown).

  The detection unit 1082 confirms the content of the packet signal received by the communication unit 1080 and detects reception of the packet signal including the instruction information. When the detection unit 1082 detects reception, the detection unit 1082 notifies the mode management unit 1086 accordingly. In addition, the detection unit 1082 outputs the instruction information to the processing unit 1084. Since the processing unit 1084 performs the same processing as the processing unit 1062 of FIG. 21, the description thereof is omitted here. On the other hand, when the terminal device 1012 is the first terminal device 1012 a in FIG. 18, the processing unit 1084 receives a packet signal from the control device 1010 (not shown) and outputs the packet signal to the communication unit 1080. The control unit 1088 controls the operation timing of the entire terminal device 1012.

  An outline of the operation of the communication system 1100 configured as above will be described. FIG. 23 is a sequence diagram showing a lighting procedure by the communication system 1100. Here, in order to simplify the description, descriptions of the terminal device 1012 connected to the control device 1010, the base station device 1014, the lighting device 1016 connected to the terminal device 1012, and the like are omitted. The control device 1010 generates a packet signal (hereinafter referred to as “instruction signal”) including instruction information (S1010). The control device 1010 transmits an instruction signal (S1012).

  The instruction signal is transmitted from the control apparatus 1010 to the base station apparatus 1014 (S1014). The base station apparatus 1014 receives the instruction signal (S1016). After modifying the content of the instruction signal (S1018), the base station apparatus 1014 transmits the instruction signal (S1020). The instruction signal is transmitted from the base station apparatus 1014 to the terminal apparatus 1012 (S1022). The terminal device 1012 receives the instruction signal (S1024). The base station device 1014 and the terminal device 1012 turn on the illumination device 1016 (not shown) (S1026, S1028).

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a transmission procedure by the control device 1010. The generation unit 1046 sets X to the initial value Csec (S1040). The generation unit 1046 causes the communication unit 1040 to transmit an instruction signal instructed to be turned on after Xsec (S1042). If X is not 0 sec (N in S1044), the generation unit 1046 subtracts P from X (S1046), and returns to Step 1042. On the other hand, if X is 0 sec (Y in S1044), the process is terminated.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a transmission procedure by the base station apparatus 1014. The communication unit 1060 receives the instruction signal (S1060). The management unit 1066 detects a period until the terminal device 1012 operates (S1062). The adjustment unit 1068 subtracts the period until operation from the period included in the instruction signal (S1064). If the operation time of the terminal device 1012 does not come (N in S1066), the generation unit 1070 and the communication unit 1060 stand by. If the operation time of the terminal device 1012 arrives (Y in S1066), the generation unit 1070 and the communication unit 1060 transmit an instruction signal (S1068).

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating a reception procedure by the terminal device 1012. In response to an instruction from the mode management unit 1086, the communication unit 1080 operates in the first period mode (S1080). If the detection unit 1082 does not detect reception of the instruction signal in the communication unit 1080 (N in S1082), the communication unit 1080 continues the operation in the first period mode. If the detection unit 1082 detects the reception of the instruction signal at the communication unit 1080 (Y of S1082), the communication unit 1080 operates in the second period mode according to the instruction of the detection unit 1082 (S1084). The communication unit 1080 receives the subsequent instruction signal (S1086). The processing unit 1084 instructs lighting (S1088).

  According to the embodiment of the present invention, since the instruction information is notified a plurality of times, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the instruction information cannot be notified even when any of the packet signals including the instruction information is not received. Further, since the content of the instruction information is adjusted according to the notification timing of the packet signal including the instruction information, the instruction information can be notified if even one instruction information is received. In addition, since the possibility of notifying instruction information is improved, it is possible to further increase the consistency of the operation timings of the processes for a plurality of lighting devices. Further, since the period corresponding to the instruction signal is adjusted when the packet signal including the instruction signal is relayed, the consistency of the period until the start of processing can be improved.

  In addition, since the period is adjusted in consideration of the delay time in the relay processing, the influence of the delay time in the relay processing can be reduced. In addition, since the period is adjusted in consideration of the period until the terminal device operates, even when the terminal device is not operating, the consistency of the period until the start of processing can be improved. Even if the terminal device is not operating, the consistency of the period until the start of the process is improved, so that the terminal device can perform an intermittent operation. Moreover, since the terminal device is caused to perform an intermittent operation, the power consumption of the terminal device can be reduced. Further, when a packet signal including instruction information is received, the intermittent operation cycle is shortened, so that additional information can be received immediately.

  In the above, this invention was demonstrated based on the Example. This embodiment is an exemplification, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the combination of each component and each processing process, and such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention. .

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Control apparatus, 12 Terminal apparatus, 14 Base station apparatus, 16 Illumination apparatus, 20 Solar panel, 22 Storage battery, 24 Illumination part, 26 Imaging apparatus, 28 Control part, 30 Communication part, 32 Management part, 34 Determination part, 36 Instruction Unit, 38 storage unit, 40 collection unit, 42 control unit, 44 quality adjustment unit, 60 communication unit, 62 processing unit, 66 management unit, 72 control unit, 74 detection unit, 80 communication unit, 82 processing unit, 84 management unit 86 Control unit, 100 lighting system.

Claims (9)

A plurality of lighting devices connected to a storage battery charged with power generated by solar power generation and driven by the storage battery to perform wireless communication and lighting; and
A control device that transmits a lighting instruction by wireless communication to each of the plurality of lighting devices,
Each of the lighting devices defines a power saving mode in which communication is intermittently possible, and a communication mode in which a communication period is longer than that in the power saving mode, and communication is possible. Execute the lighting by receiving the lighting instruction,
The controller is
When receiving a notification that communication is possible from the lighting device in the power saving mode, a first instruction unit that transmits an instruction to shift to the communication mode to the lighting device;
A second instruction unit that transmits a lighting instruction to the lighting device that has shifted to the communication mode when the number of lighting devices that have shifted to the communication mode has reached a certain level or more due to the shift instruction from the first instruction unit; Lighting system characterized by   The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the second instruction unit transmits a lighting instruction a plurality of times by multicast. A lighting device connected to and driven by a storage battery charged with power generated by solar power generation,
An illumination unit;
A communication unit that receives a lighting instruction for lighting the illumination unit from the control device by wireless communication; and
A control unit that controls the communication unit to be able to communicate intermittently;
The said control part acquires the electric power generation amount of solar power generation, and the period which can be communicated is lengthened, so that the electric power generation amount decreases.   The said control part shortens the period which can communicate, if the said illumination part is lighted, The illuminating device of Claim 3 characterized by the above-mentioned. A plurality of base station apparatuses perform communication between base stations, and each terminal apparatus is connected to one of the base station apparatuses, and generates information on a period until a predetermined process is started. A generating unit that generates a packet signal including the received information;
A notification unit for reporting the packet signal generated in the generation unit to the terminal device via at least one base station device;
The notification unit notifies a packet signal to each of the terminal devices a plurality of times before processing is started,
The generation unit adjusts a value of a period included in each packet signal and until a process is started, according to each notification timing of the packet signal that is notified a plurality of times from the notification unit. A control device characterized by that. A communication unit that communicates with other base station devices by inter-base station communication, and also communicates with at least one terminal device;
Predetermined processing is started from a packet signal received by the communication unit from another base station device through inter-base station communication and including information on a period until the predetermined processing is started. An adjustment unit that extracts information about a period until a predetermined process and adjusts a period until a predetermined process is started;
A generating unit that generates a packet signal including information on the period adjusted in the adjusting unit;
The base station apparatus, wherein the communication unit relays the packet signal by transmitting the packet signal generated by the generation unit. The communication unit communicates with the terminal device at a predetermined cycle,
The base station apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the adjustment unit reduces a period until a predetermined process is started so as to reflect a predetermined period in which the communication unit should communicate with the terminal device. . Derivation of a delay time from when the communication unit receives a packet signal from another base station device through inter-base station communication to when the communication unit transmits a packet signal to another base station device through inter-base station communication A derivation unit
The base station apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the adjustment unit reduces a period until a predetermined process is started so as to reflect the delay time derived by the deriving unit. A communication unit that performs communication with the base station device in the first period;
The period until the predetermined process is started when the communication unit receives a packet signal that is a packet signal from the base station apparatus and includes information on the period until the predetermined process is started. And a control unit that extracts information about and outputs the extracted information,
The communication unit performs communication with the base station apparatus in a second cycle shorter than the first cycle when receiving a packet signal including information on a period until a predetermined process is started. By changing the cycle to be received, the packet signal is received multiple times before the processing is started,
In the information extracted by the control unit, the value of the period included in each packet signal and until the process is started is adjusted according to the transmission timing of each packet signal received multiple times. The terminal device characterized by the above-mentioned.

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