JP2018163862A - Illumination controller, illumination system, and determination support method for radio communication situation - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible to provide an illumination controller, illumination system, and determination support method for a radio communication situation that enable visual, simple, and accurate determination of communication states between a plurality of illumination controllers and an illumination instrument even when the plurality of illumination controllers are in a hidden terminal state.SOLUTION: Illumination controllers 10a and 10b, which are an illumination controller 5 for controlling dimming of illumination instruments 20a to 20d, comprises: a first communication unit 13 for performing radio communication with the illumination instruments 20a to 20d; and a first control unit 12 having a test mode for repeatedly transmitting a command for making dimming states of the illumination instruments 20a to 20d transit from a first state to a second state by taking a first time period, via the first communication unit 13 to the illumination instruments 20a to 20d at a time interval having a second time period shorter than the first time period.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a lighting control device, a lighting system, and a wireless communication status determination support method, and more specifically, a lighting control device that controls dimming of a lighting fixture, a lighting control device and a lighting system including the lighting fixture, and The present invention relates to a determination support method for a wireless communication state between a lighting control device and a lighting fixture.

  In the conventional lighting system, when the lighting control device and the lighting fixture are communicating wirelessly, in order to confirm the wireless communication state, the lighting control device communicates to instruct the lighting fixture to transition to the communication confirmation mode. Send confirmation command. The lighting fixture that has received the communication confirmation command changes the lighting state according to the command. Thereby, it can be discriminate | determined whether a lighting control apparatus and a lighting fixture are in the state which can perform radio | wireless communication.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an illumination system that can reliably perform pairing on an intended illumination fixture even in an environment where many illumination fixtures are installed. This lighting system includes a lighting fixture that changes a lighting state in accordance with a dimming command transmitted by radio waves from a dimming controller (hereinafter referred to as a lighting control device), a lighting control device, and instructs the lighting fixture to enter a communication confirmation mode. An operation controller (hereinafter referred to as a remote controller) that transmits a command to be performed. As a result, even in an environment where many luminaires are installed, the luminaire whose communication status is to be confirmed can be specified by the remote control, and the luminaire that has transitioned to the communication confirmation mode is turned on according to the dimming command. The communication state can be easily visually determined based on whether or not the state is reached.

JP 2017-010898 A

  However, in the lighting system of Patent Document 1, when the lighting fixture is in a state where it can receive a dimming command from a plurality of lighting control devices, it is no longer possible to accurately determine the communication state visually. There is. This is because the dimming commands transmitted from each of the plurality of lighting control devices to the lighting fixture may collide when the plurality of lighting control devices are in positions where they cannot sense radio waves. That is, in the lighting system of Patent Document 1, when a plurality of lighting control devices are in a so-called hidden terminal state, there is a problem that it is difficult to accurately determine the communication state between the lighting fixture and the lighting control device. .

  The present invention provides a lighting control device that can easily and accurately determine a communication state between a plurality of lighting control devices and a lighting fixture even when the plurality of lighting control devices are in a so-called hidden terminal state. A lighting system and a wireless communication status determination support method are provided.

  One form of the lighting control device according to the present invention is a device that controls dimming of a lighting fixture, and a first communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the lighting fixture, and a dimming state of the lighting fixture over a first time. A test mode in which a fade command for making a transition from the first state to the second state is repeatedly transmitted to the lighting apparatus via the first communication unit at a second time interval shorter than the first time. 1 control part.

  Moreover, one form of the lighting system which concerns on this invention is provided with a lighting fixture and the said lighting control apparatus which controls the light control of a lighting fixture.

  Also, one aspect of the wireless communication status determination support method according to the present invention is a method for supporting determination of congestion in wireless communication between a lighting fixture and a lighting control device that controls light control of the lighting fixture by wireless communication. The lighting control device sends a fade command for changing the dimming state of the lighting fixture from the first state to the second state over the first time to the lighting fixture for a second time shorter than the first time. A test step of repeatedly transmitting by wireless communication at a time interval of

  According to the present invention, even when a plurality of lighting control devices are in a so-called hidden terminal state, the lighting control device can easily and accurately determine the communication state between the plurality of lighting control devices and the lighting fixture visually. The lighting system and the wireless communication state determination support method can be provided.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a lighting system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the illumination control device in FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the lighting fixture in FIG. 1. FIG. 4A is a flowchart illustrating an operation in a test mode of the lighting control apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 4B is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the lighting fixture according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing the operation of the lighting fixture according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a communication state determination function of the lighting control apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a timing chart illustrating the operation of the lighting fixture according to the modification of the embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that each of the embodiments described below shows a specific example of the present invention. Numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of components, steps, order of steps, and the like shown in the following embodiments are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, among the constituent elements in the following embodiments, constituent elements that are not described in the independent claims indicating the highest concept of the present invention are described as optional constituent elements. Also, the drawings are not necessarily shown strictly. In each figure, substantially the same configuration is denoted by the same reference numeral, and redundant description is omitted or simplified.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a lighting system 5 according to an embodiment. The lighting system 5 is a system that controls dimming of the lighting fixtures 20a to 20d, and includes a terminal 30, lighting control devices 10a and 10b, and lighting fixtures 20a to 20d.

  The lighting fixtures 20a to 20d (hereinafter also referred to as “lighting fixtures 20a etc.”) perform dimming and toning by executing commands when receiving commands by wireless communication from the lighting control devices 10a and 10b. For example, a ceiling light. Note that “light control” includes at least light control, and may include color control.

  The lighting control device 10a is a controller that controls dimming with respect to the lighting fixtures 20a and 20b by wireless communication. The lighting control device 10b is a controller that controls dimming with respect to the lighting fixtures 20b to 20d by wireless communication. That is, the lighting fixture 20b is installed at a position where radio waves reach from both of the lighting control devices 10a and 10b, and can be controlled from both of the lighting control devices 10a and 10b. However, the illumination control devices 10a and 10b are in a so-called hidden terminal state and are installed at positions where they cannot sense each other's radio waves. Accordingly, the lighting control devices 10a and 10b cannot sense that the other lighting control device transmits a command, and therefore transmit the command without monitoring the operation of the other lighting control device. For this reason, there is a possibility that the command transmitted from the lighting control device 10a and the command transmitted from the lighting control device 10b collide.

  Note that the lighting control devices 10a and 10b not only control dimming for the lighting fixtures 20a to 20d, but also transmit a command for determining the degree of congestion in wireless communication between the lighting control device and the lighting fixture. It also has a function to execute a mode. Furthermore, the lighting control devices 10a and 10b also have a function of determining the degree of congestion in wireless communication between the lighting control device and the lighting fixture.

  The terminal 30 causes the lighting control devices 10a and 10b to perform dimming control, execute a test mode, and determine the degree of congestion by wireless communication or wired communication (in this case, wireless communication). Send instructions to do. The terminal 30 is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the illumination control devices 10a and 10b in FIG. The illumination control devices 10 a and 10 b both have the same configuration, and include a sensor 11, a first control unit 12, and a first communication unit 13.

  The sensor 11 is a sensor for acquiring the lighting state of the lighting fixture in the test mode, and is, for example, an illuminance sensor.

  The first communication unit 13 is a communication interface that wirelessly communicates with the lighting fixture 20a and the terminal 30 and is, for example, a wireless LAN or Bluetooth (registered trademark). In the present embodiment, the first communication unit 13 is a communication interface that combines communication with the lighting fixture 20a and the like and communication with the terminal 30, but each of these two types of communication is separated. May be a communication interface.

  The 1st control part 12 controls light control of lighting fixture 20a etc. by transmitting a command to lighting fixture 20a etc. via the 1st communication part 13 according to directions from terminal 30. In addition, the first control unit 12 sends a command for changing the dimming state of the lighting fixture 20a or the like from the first state to the second state over the first time (hereinafter, this command is referred to as “fade command”), It has a test mode in which it is repeatedly transmitted to the lighting fixture 20a and the like via the first communication unit 13 at a second time interval shorter than the first time. The first state is one of a first dimming state in which the lighting fixture 20a or the like emits light with the maximum brightness, and a second dimming state in which the lighting fixture 20a or the like is turned off. The second state is , The other of the first dimming state and the second dimming state.

  Furthermore, the 1st control part 12 also has a function which determines the congestion degree in the radio | wireless communication between a lighting control apparatus and a lighting fixture based on the lighting state which the sensor 11 detected. Note that the first control unit 12 is realized by, for example, a ROM having a program stored therein, a RAM, a processor for executing the program, and a microcomputer having various input / output ports.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the lighting fixtures 20a to 20d in FIG. The lighting fixtures 20a to 20d all have the same configuration, and include a second communication unit 21, a second control unit 22, and a light source 23.

  The second communication unit 21 is a communication interface that wirelessly communicates with the lighting control devices 10a and 10b, and is, for example, a wireless LAN or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

  The light source 23 is a light source that emits light under the control of the second control unit 22 and is, for example, an LED.

  When the second communication unit 21 receives a command transmitted from the illumination control devices 10a and 10b, the second control unit 22 controls the brightness of the light source 23 by executing the received command. For example, when the second control unit 22 receives a fade command from the lighting control device 10a or 10b, the second control unit 22 causes the light source 23 to shift the dimming state from the first state to the second state over the first time. Control the flowing current. Note that the second control unit 22 is realized by, for example, a ROM having a program stored therein, a RAM, a processor for executing the program, and a microcomputer having various input / output ports.

  Next, operation | movement of the illumination system 5 which concerns on this Embodiment comprised as mentioned above is demonstrated.

  FIG. 4A is a flowchart showing the operation in the test mode of the illumination control apparatuses 10a and 10b according to the present embodiment. Note that the lighting control devices 10a and 10b both have the same function, and therefore, here, the lighting control device 10a will be noted and described as the operation of the lighting control device 10a. The procedure shown in this flowchart is also a wireless communication status determination support method that supports determination of the degree of congestion in wireless communication between the lighting fixture and the lighting control device.

  In the lighting control apparatus 10a, first, when the first control unit 12 receives an instruction to execute the test mode from the terminal 30, the first control unit 12 sends a fade command to the lighting fixtures 20a and 20b via the first communication unit 13 ( S01). That is, the 1st control part 12 transmits the fade command for changing the light control state of a lighting fixture from a 1st state to a 2nd state over 1st time (for example, 5 seconds).

  Subsequently, the first control unit 12 determines whether or not a second time (for example, one second) shorter than the first time has elapsed (S02).

  As a result, if the first control unit 12 determines that the second time has not elapsed (NO in S02), the first control unit 12 repeats the determination in step S02, while if it determines that the second time has elapsed. (YES in S02), a fade command is sent again (S01).

  Thus, in the test mode, the lighting control device 10a performs a fade command for changing the dimming state of the lighting fixture from the first state to the second state over the first time, for a second time shorter than the first time. Repeatedly transmit to the lighting fixtures 20a and 20b at a time interval (test step).

  In addition, when the instruction | indication which complete | finishes a test mode is acquired from the terminal 30, or when the time of predetermined test mode passes, the illumination control apparatus 10a will complete | finish the process shown by FIG. 4A.

  FIG. 4B is a flowchart showing the operation of the lighting fixtures 20a to 20d according to the present embodiment. In addition, since all the lighting fixtures 20a-20d have the same function, it pays attention to the lighting fixture 20b here, and demonstrates as operation | movement of the lighting fixture 20b.

  In the lighting fixture 20b, first, the second control unit 22 determines whether or not the second communication unit 21 has received a command (here, a fade command) transmitted from the lighting control devices 10a and 10b (S10). ).

  As a result, if the second control unit 22 determines that the second communication unit 21 has not received a command (here, a fade command) (NO in S10), the second control unit 22 repeats the determination in step S10. On the other hand, when the second control unit 22 determines that the second communication unit 21 has received a command (here, a fade command) (YES in S10), the second control unit 22 starts executing the received fade command, that is, Fade is started (S11), and the determination in step S10 is repeated.

  In this manner, the lighting fixture 20b immediately starts executing the fade command every time it receives the fade command. That is, even if there is a command that is already being executed, the lighting fixture 20b stops the execution of the command, and starts execution with priority on the currently received fade command.

  FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing the operation of the lighting fixtures 20a to 20d (here, referred to as the lighting fixture 20b) in the test mode (here, the change in the dimming rate). FIG. 5A shows the change in the light control rate in the case where there are few fade command collisions. FIG. 5B shows a change in dimming rate in a case where a fade command collision occurs at a medium frequency. (C) of FIG. 5 shows the change of the light control rate in the case where there are many fade command collisions.

  Further, in this figure, in the test mode, a fade command for changing the dimming state of the luminaire from 100% dimming state (full lighting) to extinguishing over the first time T1 is a time interval of the second time T2. A case of being repeatedly transmitted from the lighting control device to the lighting fixture is illustrated.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, in a case where there are few fade command collisions, most of the fade commands transmitted to the lighting fixture 20b are executed by the lighting fixture 20b. In addition, there are many changes in the dimming rate that transition from the 100% dimming state (fully lit) toward extinguishing. Therefore, in this case, a relatively bright state is maintained.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, in the case where the collision of the fade command occurs at a medium frequency, a part of the fade command transmitted toward the lighting fixture 20b collides and is destroyed, Since it is not executed by the instrument 20b, there are many states in which the dimming rate is reduced as compared with FIG. Therefore, in this case, on average, it is kept darker than (a) in FIG.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5C, in a case where there are many fade command collisions, many of the fade commands transmitted to the lighting fixture 20b are collided and destroyed, and are not executed by the lighting fixture 20b. In addition, as compared with (b) of FIG. Therefore, in this case, on average, it is maintained in a darker state than FIG.

  As described above, in the test mode, the dimming state of the lighting fixture is determined according to the frequency of the collision of the fade command, and the lighting control device and the lighting control device are visually checked by visually checking the dimming state of the lighting fixture in the test mode. The state of communication with the luminaire can be easily and accurately determined.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the communication state determination function of the illumination control devices 10a and 10b according to the present embodiment. Note that the lighting control devices 10a and 10b both have the same function, and therefore, here, the lighting control device 10a will be noted and described as the operation of the lighting control device 10a.

  In the lighting control device 10a, first, the sensor 11 detects the lighting state of the lighting fixture 20b that is the target of the test mode in the test mode (S20). For example, the sensor 11 repeats the measurement of the brightness by the lighting fixture 20b that is the target of the test mode and the transmission to the first control unit 12 at regular time intervals.

  And the 1st control part 12 judges the congestion degree in the radio | wireless communication between a lighting control apparatus and a lighting fixture based on the lighting state which the sensor 11 detected (S21). For example, the first control unit 12 calculates the average value of the measurement results (brightness) for the last five measurements by the sensor 11 and calculates by referring to the relationship between the brightness and the degree of congestion that are associated in advance. The determination of the degree of congestion corresponding to the average value is repeated at regular time intervals.

  Finally, the first control unit 12 sends the determined degree of congestion to the terminal 30 (S23). For example, the first control unit 12 transmits the degree of congestion determined at regular time intervals to the terminal 30. Thereby, on the terminal 30, in the test mode, the congestion degree in the wireless communication between the lighting control device and the lighting fixture is displayed while being updated.

  As described above, the illumination control devices 10a and 10b according to the present embodiment are devices that control dimming of the lighting fixture 20a and the like, and the first communication unit 13 that performs wireless communication with the lighting fixture 20a and the like, A fade command for changing the dimming state of the lighting fixture 20a or the like from the first state to the second state over the first time is sent to the lighting fixture 20a or the like via the first communication unit 13 from the first time. And a first control unit 12 having a test mode for repeatedly transmitting at a short second time interval.

  As a result, the lighting fixture 20a etc. that has received the fade command starts executing the newly received fade command every time it receives the fade command, so that the dimming state of the lighting fixture 20a etc. according to the frequency of the collision of the fade command Changes. That is, when there are few fade command collisions, the frequency with which the fade command is executed increases, and the dimming state of the lighting fixture 20a and the like is maintained close to the first state. On the other hand, when there are many fade command collisions, the frequency with which the fade command is executed decreases, and the light control state of the lighting fixture 20a or the like frequently occurs in a state close to the second state. Therefore, even if the lighting control devices 10a and 10b are in a so-called hidden terminal state, the dimming state of the lighting fixture 20a and the like is determined according to the frequency of the fade command collision. The communication state between and can be easily and accurately determined visually.

  Here, the first state is one of a first dimming state in which the lighting fixture 20a or the like emits light with the maximum brightness, and a second dimming state in which the lighting fixture 20a or the like is turned off. Is the other of the first dimming state and the second dimming state.

  Accordingly, the lighting fixture 20a or the like that has received the fade command causes the dimming state to fade from the state that emits light with the maximum brightness to the state that turns off, or the state that emits light with the maximum brightness from the off state. Fading the dimming state. Therefore, the collision state of the fade command can be confirmed by confirming the brightness of the lighting fixture 20a or the like.

  The lighting control devices 10a and 10b include a sensor 11 that acquires the lighting state of the lighting fixture 20a and the like in the test mode, and the first control unit 12 is based on the lighting state detected by the sensor 11 and the lighting control device. The degree of congestion in wireless communication with a lighting fixture is determined.

  Thereby, in the test mode, the congestion control in the wireless communication is automatically determined by the lighting control devices 10a and 10b without visually confirming the light control state of the lighting fixture 20a.

  In addition, the wireless communication status determination support method according to the present embodiment determines the degree of congestion in wireless communication between the lighting fixtures 20a and the like and the lighting control devices 10a and 10b that control the dimming of the lighting fixture by wireless communication. And the lighting control devices 10a and 10b send a fade command for changing the dimming state of the lighting fixture 20a or the like from the first state to the second state over the first time, and the lighting fixture 20a or the like. In addition, a test step (S01) of repeatedly transmitting by wireless communication at a second time interval shorter than the first time is included.

  As a result, the lighting fixture 20a etc. that has received the fade command starts executing the newly received fade command every time it receives the fade command, so that the dimming state of the lighting fixture 20a etc. according to the frequency of the collision of the fade command Changes. Therefore, even if the lighting control devices 10a and 10b are in a so-called hidden terminal state, the dimming state of the lighting fixture 20a and the like is determined according to the frequency of the fade command collision. The communication state between and can be easily and accurately determined visually.

  As described above, the lighting system, the dimming control device, and the wireless communication status determination support method according to the present invention have been described based on the embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. . Without departing from the gist of the present invention, various modifications conceived by those skilled in the art have been made in the present embodiment, and other forms constructed by combining some components in the embodiment are also within the scope of the present invention. Contained within.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the second control unit 22 of the lighting fixtures 20a to 20b immediately starts executing the fade command every time it receives the fade command. However, in the execution of the fade command, the second control unit 22 may perform peak hold that performs only one of the control for making the light source 23 brighter than the previous state and the control for making the light source 23 darker than the previous state. .

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the peak hold operation performed by the lighting apparatus according to the modification of the embodiment. Here, as in FIG. 5, a timing chart showing the operation of the lighting fixture in the test mode (that is, the change in the dimming rate) is shown.

  As shown in the figure, in the lighting fixture according to the present modification, the second control unit performs control of making the light source 23 brighter than the immediately preceding state and darker than the immediately preceding state in executing the fade command. Only one of them (in this case, the control to make it darker than the previous state) is performed.

  Thereby, in the lighting fixture, the peak of brightness or darkness is held in the execution of the fade command. That is, by checking the brightness or darkness of the luminaire, the degree of wireless communication congestion can be determined.

  In the timing chart of the above embodiment and the modification, the control for making the light source 23 darker than the previous state in the execution of the fade command has been described, but the test mode is started from the extinguished state of the lighting fixture 20a, etc. You may perform control which makes the light source 23 brighter than the last state.

  Thereby, by visually observing the dimming state of the lighting fixture in the test mode, it is possible to easily and accurately determine the communication state between the lighting control device and the lighting fixture.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment and modification, the variable which specified the specific value of 1st time, the 1st dimming state, and the 2nd dimming state may be integrated in a fade command.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment and modification, although the lighting control apparatus 10b showed the example which is a controller which controls light control by wireless communication with respect to the lighting fixtures 20b-20d, the lighting control apparatus 10b is a lighting fixture. It may be a controller that controls dimming only for 20c and 20d. At this time, the lighting fixture 20b is controlled only by the lighting control device 10a, but also receives a radio signal from the lighting control device 10b. Therefore, even in such a case, in the lighting fixture 20b, a command from the lighting control device 10a and a command from the lighting control device 10b may collide.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment and modification, although dimming of the lighting fixture in test mode illustrated the control of brightness, it may be the control of toning instead of or in addition to it. Thereby, the communication state between a lighting control apparatus and a lighting fixture can be determined simply and correctly by visually observing the difference in color tone of the lighting fixture.

  In the above-described embodiment, in the test mode, the example in which the congestion degree in the wireless communication between the lighting control device and the lighting fixture is updated and displayed on the terminal 30 is shown. Also good.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 5 Lighting system 10a, 10b Lighting control apparatus 11 Sensor 12 1st control part 13 1st communication part 20a-20d Lighting fixture 21 2nd communication part 22 2nd control part 23 Light source

Claims (6)

A lighting control device for controlling dimming of a lighting fixture,
A first communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the lighting fixture;
A command for changing the dimming state of the luminaire from the first state to the second state over the first time is sent to the luminaire via the first communication unit, which is shorter than the first time. A lighting control device comprising: a first control unit having a test mode for repeatedly transmitting at a time interval of 2 hours. The first state is one of a first dimming state in which the lighting fixture emits light with maximum brightness, and a second dimming state in which the lighting fixture is turned off,
The lighting control device according to claim 1, wherein the second state is the other of the first dimming state and the second dimming state. Furthermore, a sensor that acquires the lighting state of the lighting fixture in the test mode,
The lighting control device according to claim 1, wherein the first control unit determines a degree of congestion in wireless communication between the lighting control device and the lighting fixture based on the lighting state detected by the sensor. Lighting equipment,
A lighting system comprising: the lighting control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 that controls dimming of the lighting fixture. The lighting fixture is:
A light source;
A second communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the illumination control device;
A second control unit that controls the brightness of the light source by executing the received command when the second communication unit receives the command transmitted from the illumination control device;
5. The illumination system according to claim 4, wherein the second control unit performs only one of a control of making the light source brighter than the immediately preceding state and a control of making the light source darker than the immediately preceding state in executing the command. A wireless communication status determination support method for supporting determination of the degree of congestion in wireless communication between a lighting device and a lighting control device that controls light control of the lighting device by wireless communication,
The lighting control device sends a command for changing the dimming state of the lighting fixture from the first state to the second state over the first time for a second time shorter than the first time. A wireless communication status determination support method including a test step of repeatedly transmitting wireless communication at time intervals.

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