JP2022088481A - Communication device, communication system, device control system, communication control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication device, a communication system, a device control system, a communication control method, and a program that enable coordination among a plurality of second systems to be readily accomplished.

SOLUTION: A plurality of interfaces 3 are connected to a transmission line 12 to perform communication by a superposition signal Si0. Each of the plurality of interfaces 3 is configured to transfer a signal (a second signal Si2) received from a corresponding second system 2 of a plurality of second systems 2 to another second system 2 by the superposition signal Si0 though another interface 3. When the interface 3 transmits the superposition signal Si0 to another interface 3 among the plurality of interfaces 3, the interface 3 transmits the superposition signal Si0 after including destination information in the superposition signal Si0. The destination information is information to specify a second system 2 to be a signal transfer destination among the plurality of second systems 2.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present disclosure generally relates to communication devices, communication systems, device control systems, communication control methods and programs. More specifically, the present invention relates to a communication device, a communication system, a device control system, a communication control method and a program used in a communication system including a first system and a plurality of second systems.

Patent Document 1 describes a communication system in which a slave unit and a superposed communication means are connected in parallel to a master unit via a two-wire communication line. The master unit sends a first signal whose positive and negative polarities change to the communication line. The slave unit uses the first signal as a power source and communicates with the master unit by the first signal. The superimposed communication means uses the first signal as a power source and communicates with the master unit by the second signal superimposed on the first signal.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-055371

The communication system described in Patent Document 1 does not have a function of controlling communication between a plurality of second systems when a plurality of second systems (subsystems) are connected to the first system including the master unit. , It is difficult to realize cooperation between a plurality of second systems.

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above reasons, and an object of the present invention is to provide a communication device, a communication system, a device control system, a communication control method, and a program capable of easily realizing cooperation between a plurality of second systems.

The communication device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure is used as one of the plurality of interfaces in a communication system including a first system, a plurality of interfaces, and a second system. The first system includes one or more first terminals connected to a transmission line. The plurality of interfaces are connected to the transmission line and communicate with each other by a superposed signal. Each of the plurality of second systems includes one or more second terminals that communicate by signals. The plurality of second systems are asynchronous with each other and are connected to the plurality of interfaces in a one-to-one correspondence. Each of the plurality of interfaces is such that the signal received from the corresponding second system among the plurality of second systems is transferred to the other second system via the other interface by the superimposed signal. It is configured. When the communication device transmits the superimposed signal to another interface among the plurality of interfaces, the communication device superimposes destination information for specifying a second system to which the signal is transferred among the plurality of second systems. The superimposed signal is transmitted by being included in the signal.

The communication device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure is used as one of the plurality of interfaces in a communication system including a first system, a plurality of interfaces, and a second system. The first system includes one or more first terminals connected to a transmission line. The plurality of interfaces are connected to the transmission line and communicate with each other by a superposed signal. Each of the plurality of second systems includes one or more second terminals that communicate by signals. The plurality of second systems are asynchronous with each other and are connected to the plurality of interfaces in a one-to-one correspondence. Each of the plurality of interfaces is such that the signal received from the corresponding second system among the plurality of second systems is transferred to the other second system via the other interface by the superimposed signal. It is configured. When the communication device receives the superimposed signal from another interface of the plurality of interfaces, the communication device corresponds to the corresponding second of the plurality of second systems based on the destination information included in the superimposed signal. Determines whether to send the signal to the system.

The communication system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the plurality of interfaces, the first system, and the plurality of second systems. The plurality of interfaces include the communication device.

The device control system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the communication system. The one or more first terminals include a collective control terminal that collectively controls a plurality of devices, and the one or more second terminals include an individual control terminal that individually controls the plurality of devices for each device. ..

In the communication control method according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, when a superimposed signal is transmitted to another interface among a plurality of interfaces in a communication system, the destination information is included in the superimposed signal and the superimposed signal is transmitted. To control. The destination information is information that identifies the second system to which the signal is transferred among the plurality of second systems. In the communication control method, each of the plurality of interfaces receives the signal from the corresponding second system among the plurality of second systems, and the superimposed signal is used for the other second system via the other interface. Control to transfer to the system. The communication system includes a first system, the plurality of interfaces, and the plurality of second systems. The first system includes one or more first terminals connected to the transmission line. The plurality of interfaces are connected to the transmission line and communicate with each other by the superimposed signal. The plurality of second systems each include one or more second terminals that communicate by the signal. The plurality of second systems are asynchronous with each other and are connected to the plurality of interfaces in a one-to-one correspondence.

In the communication control method according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, when a superimposed signal is transmitted to another interface among a plurality of interfaces in a communication system, the destination information is included in the superimposed signal and the superimposed signal is transmitted. The first interface is controlled so as to be used. The destination information is information that identifies the second system to which the second signal is transferred among the plurality of second systems. The communication control method determines whether or not to transmit the second signal to the corresponding second system among the plurality of second systems when the superimposed signal is received from another interface among the plurality of interfaces. The second interface is controlled to determine. In the second interface, it is determined whether or not to transmit the second signal based on the destination information included in the superimposed signal. The communication system includes a first system, the plurality of interfaces, and the plurality of second systems. The first system includes one or more first terminals that communicate with each other by a first signal transmitted through the transmission line. The plurality of interfaces are connected to the transmission line and communicate with the superimposed signal superimposed on the first signal. The plurality of interfaces include the first interface and the second interface. The plurality of second systems include one or more second terminals that communicate with each other by the second signal. The plurality of second systems are asynchronous with each other and are connected to the plurality of interfaces in a one-to-one correspondence. Each of the plurality of interfaces transfers the second signal received from the corresponding second system among the plurality of second systems to the other second system via the other interface by the superimposed signal. ..

The program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer system to execute the communication control method.

The present disclosure has an advantage that cooperation between a plurality of second systems can be easily realized.

FIG. 1 is a schematic system configuration diagram showing a communication system and a device control system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic waveform diagram showing a signal format of the first signal used in the first system of the same communication system. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the interface of the same communication system. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a data format of superimposed signals used in the same communication system. FIG. 5 is a schematic system configuration diagram showing a communication system according to the second embodiment.

(Embodiment 1)
(1) Overview The communication system according to the present embodiment is used in a facility such as an office building, a store, a hospital, a school or a factory, and is used for device control for controlling a device such as a lighting fixture installed in the facility. Configure the system. In the present embodiment, a case where the device control system using the communication system is a lighting control system for controlling the lighting equipment will be described as an example.

As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 10 according to the present embodiment includes a first system 1, a plurality of (here, two) second systems 2A and 2B, and a plurality of (here, two) interfaces 3A. It is equipped with 3B. Hereinafter, when the plurality of second systems 2A and 2B are not particularly distinguished, each of the plurality of second systems 2A and 2B is referred to as "second system 2". Similarly, when the plurality of interfaces 3A and 3B are not particularly distinguished, each of the plurality of interfaces 3A and 3B is referred to as "interface 3". In the present embodiment, the first system 1 constitutes a "main system" which is a higher system in the communication system 10, and each second system 2 constitutes a "subsystem" which is a lower system in the communication system 10. do. Therefore, in the first system 1 which is the main system, a plurality of second systems 2 can be managed in an integrated manner.

Here, the interface 3 is a communication device having at least a communication function. In other words, the communication device is used in the communication system 10 as one of the plurality of interfaces 3.

The first system 1 includes one or more (here, four) first terminals 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D. Hereinafter, when a plurality of first terminals 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D are not particularly distinguished, each of the plurality of first terminals 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D is referred to as "first terminal 11". The first terminal 11 communicates by the first signal transmitted through the (first) transmission line 12.

The second system 2A includes one or more (here, three) second terminals 21A, 21B, 21E. Further, the other second system 2B includes one or more (here, three) second terminals 21C, 21D, 21F. Hereinafter, when a plurality of second terminals 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D, 21E, 21F are not particularly distinguished, each of the plurality of second terminals 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D, 21E, 21F is referred to as "second". It is called "terminal 21". The second terminal 21 communicates with the second signal Si2 transmitted through the (second) transmission line 22.

Here, the plurality of second systems 2A and 2B are asynchronous with each other. In the present embodiment, the second terminal 21 included in each second system 2 communicates with another second terminal 21 included in the same second system 2 by the second signal Si2 transmitted through the transmission line 22. As a result, the second system 2 operates independently. That is, the second system 2 constructs an independent system. In the present embodiment, the plurality of independent second systems 2 are connected to the transmission line 12 of the first system 1 via the interface 3, so that the plurality of second systems 2 can cooperate with each other. It becomes.

As an example in FIG. 1, a plurality of (here, two) lighting fixtures 4A and 4B are connected to the first terminal 11A, and a plurality of (here, two) lighting fixtures 4C are connected to the first terminal 11B. , 4D is connected. Further, the lighting fixture 4A is connected to the second terminal 21A, the lighting fixture 4B is connected to the second terminal 21B, the lighting fixture 4C is connected to the second terminal 21C, and the lighting fixture 4D is connected to the second terminal 21D. Is connected. Hereinafter, when a plurality of lighting fixtures 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D are not particularly distinguished, each of the plurality of lighting fixtures 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D is referred to as "lighting fixture 4". These plurality of lighting fixtures 4 constitute a plurality of devices to be controlled by the device control system 100 using the communication system 10. In the present embodiment, the lighting fixture 4 as a control target will be described as not being included in the components of the communication system 10.

The plurality of interfaces 3A and 3B are connected to the transmission line 12 and communicate with each other by the superimposed signal Si0 superimposed on the first signal. The term "superimposition" as used in the present disclosure means that a plurality of signals transmitted on the same transmission line overlap each other. That is, the superimposed signal Si0 is a signal transmitted on the transmission line 12 together with the first signal in a state where the transmission line 12 is superimposed on the first signal to be transmitted. The plurality of second systems 2 are connected to the plurality of interfaces 3 in a one-to-one correspondence. In this embodiment, as an example, the second system 2A is associated with the interface 3A and is connected to the interface 3A. The second system 2B is associated with the interface 3B and is connected to the interface 3B. In other words, the second system 2A is connected to the transmission line 12 of the first system 1 via the interface 3A, and the second system 2B is connected to the transmission line 12 of the first system 1 via the interface 3B.

In this way, the interface 3 and the second system 2 are associated with each other on a one-to-one basis, and one interface 3 and one second system 2 form a pair. Hereinafter, among the plurality of second systems 2, the second system 2 corresponding to the specific interface 3, that is, the second system 2 directly connected to the specific interface 3, is referred to as the "second subordinate" of the interface 3. Also called "system 2". In the present embodiment, the second system 2A is under the control of the interface 3A, and the second system 2B is under the control of the interface 3B.

Then, each of the plurality of interfaces 3A and 3B receives the second signal Si2 received from the corresponding second system 2 among the plurality of second systems 2A and 2B by the superimposed signal Si0 via the other interface 3. It is configured to transfer to another second system 2. That is, the interface 3A transfers the second signal Si2 received from the corresponding second system 2A to the other second system 2B via the other interface 3B by the superimposed signal Si0. On the other hand, the interface 3B transfers the second signal Si2 received from the corresponding second system 2B to the other second system 2A via the other interface 3A by the superimposed signal Si0.

In short, the second system 2A is connected to the common transmission line 12 of the first system 1 via the interface 3A and the second system 2B is connected to the common transmission line 12 via the interface 3B. Therefore, when the plurality of interfaces 3A and 3B communicate with each other by the superimposed signal Si0, data can be exchanged between different second systems 2A and 2B. As a result, even when the first system 1 is in operation, the transmission line 12 common to the first system 1 can be provided by using the superimposed signal Si0 superimposed on the first signal used in the first system 1. By using this, a plurality of second systems 2A and 2B can be linked.

By the way, in the communication system 10 according to the present embodiment, the communication protocols of the plurality of second systems 2A and 2B, that is, the protocols of the second signal Si2 are common (same) protocols among the plurality of second systems 2. be. Therefore, if the communication system 10 transmits a signal from the first system 1 to the second system 2 without limitation, there is a concern that the traffic of the second system 2 will increase. Therefore, in the communication system 10 according to the present embodiment, each of the plurality of interfaces 3 (communication devices) has a signal filtering function, so that a plurality of signals (data) to be transferred from the first system 1 to the second system 2 are transmitted. It is limited by each of the interfaces 3 of.

The "filtering function" referred to in the present disclosure is a function of passing only specific data in the interface 3 for at least "downlink communication" from the first system 1 to the second system 2.

Specifically, the interface 3 that relays "uplink communication" from the second system 2 to the first system 1 includes the destination information in the superimposed signal Si0 and transmits the superimposed signal Si0. The destination information is information that identifies the second system 2 that is the transfer destination of the second signal Si2 among the plurality of second systems 2. That is, when the interface 3 transmits the superimposed signal Si0 to the other interface 3, the interface 3 transfers the destination information specifying the second system 2 to which the second signal Si2 is transferred among the plurality of second systems 2 to the superimposed signal Si0. Including, the superimposed signal Si0 is transmitted.

Further, the interface 3 that relays "downlink communication" from the first system 1 to the second system 2 passes data from the first system 1 side to the second system 2 side by analyzing the superimposed signal Si0. Decide whether or not. That is, when the interface 3 receives the superimposed signal Si0 from the other interface 3, the interface 3 is second to the corresponding second system 2 of the plurality of second systems 2 based on the destination information included in the superimposed signal Si0. Determines whether or not to transmit the signal Si2. In short, the interface 3 sets the second signal Si2 in the second system 2 when the destination information included in the superimposed signal Si0 received from the other interface 3 corresponds to the second system 2 under its own control. By transmitting, data is passed.

As described above, in the communication system 10, the superimposed signal Si0 transmitted to the transmission line 12 contains the destination information, and the data is passed from the first system 1 side to the second system 2 side based on the destination information. It becomes possible to control whether or not to make it. Therefore, according to the communication system 10, there is an advantage that cooperation between a plurality of second systems 2 (subsystems) can be easily realized while suppressing an increase in traffic of the second system 2.

(2) Configuration Next, the configuration of the communication system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

As described above, the communication system 10 includes a first system 1, a plurality of (here, two) second systems 2, and a plurality of (here, two) interfaces 3.

(2.1) First system The first system 1 includes a plurality of (here, four) first terminals 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D. The plurality of first terminals 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D are all electrically connected to the two-wire transmission line 12. The plurality of first terminals 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D include three types of terminals, a "control terminal", a "monitoring terminal", and a "transmission unit". In the example of FIG. 1, the first terminals 11A and 11B are control terminals, the first terminal 11C is a monitoring terminal, and the first terminal 11D is a transmission unit.

The first terminals 11A and 11B as control terminals control the equipment (lighting equipment 4) to be controlled by the equipment control system 100. As an example in FIG. 1, the first terminals 11A and 11B are separate from the lighting fixture 4 to be controlled. Each of the first terminals 11A and 11B controls a relay built in the first terminals 11A and 11B or a remote control relay according to a message transmitted from the first terminal 11D as a transmission unit, and controls a lighting fixture 4 Has a function to control on / off of. The "telegram" referred to in the present disclosure is a set of data transmitted and received between devices, which is described according to a predetermined format. In the example of FIG. 1, the first terminal 11A has a plurality of (here, two) lighting fixtures 4A by turning on / off a relay (or a remote control relay) provided on the power supply path to the lighting fixtures 4A and 4B. , 4B is a "batch control terminal" that collectively controls. The first terminal 11B collectively controls a plurality of (here, two) lighting fixtures 4C and 4D by turning on / off a relay (or remote control relay) provided on the power supply path to the lighting fixtures 4C and 4D. It is a "batch control terminal". However, not limited to this example, the first terminals 11A and 11B as control terminals may be integrally configured with the lighting fixture 4 to be controlled, and can control dimming or toning of the lighting fixture 4. It may have a function to perform. Each of the first terminals 11A and 11B has a memory for storing its own address assigned individually. When each of the first terminals 11A and 11B has a plurality of relays, a memory unique to each relay is stored in the memory.

The first terminal 11C as a monitoring terminal is composed of, for example, a switch device or a sensor device that is attached to a wall or the like and accepts a user's operation. The sensor device referred to here is, for example, a motion sensor, an illuminance sensor, a temperature sensor, or the like. The first terminal 11C as a monitoring terminal becomes the first terminal 11D as a transmission unit when a specific event occurs, for example, a switch detects a user's operation or a sensor detects the presence of a person. Send a message to it. In the example of FIG. 1, the first terminal 11C is a switch device that accepts a user's operation, and when a user's operation is detected by any of a plurality of switches, a telegram corresponding to the operated switch is transmitted. The first terminal 11C has a memory for storing its own address assigned individually. When the first terminal 11C has a plurality of switches, a unique address for each switch is stored in the memory.

The first terminal 11D as a transmission unit repeatedly transmits, for example, the first signal Si1 in the signal format as shown in FIG. 2 to the two-wire transmission line 12. Further, the first terminal 11D as a transmission unit has a memory that stores the correspondence between the addresses of the first terminals 11 other than the first terminal 11D. Here, the first signal Si1 is a time-division type signal having a voltage waveform divided into a plurality of regions in the time axis direction. In the example of FIG. 2, the first signal Si1 has an interrupt band T1, a short circuit detection band T2, a rest band T3, a spare interrupt band T4, a spare band T5, a transmission band T6, and a reply band T7. It is a multipolar (± 24V) time-division multiplex signal consisting of seven regions of. Here, a series of sections starting from the interrupt band T1 in the first signal Si1 and ending with the reply band T7 is defined as one frame.

The interrupt band T1 is a period for detecting the presence or absence of an interrupt signal described later, and the short circuit detection band T2 is a period for detecting a short circuit. The rest zone T3 is a period for when the processing is not in time. The preliminary interrupt zone T4 is a period for detecting the presence or absence of a secondary interrupt, and the spare interrupt zone T5 is a period set according to the interrupt zone T1 and the short circuit detection zone T2. The transmission band T6 is a period for the first terminal 11D (transmission unit) to transmit data to the other first terminal 11, and the reply band T7 is the period for the first terminal 11D (transmission unit) to transmit data from the other first terminal 11. It is a period for receiving the return data of.

The first terminal 11D as a transmission unit always transmits the first signal Si1 whose mode data is the normal mode, and periodically changes the address data included in the transmission band T6 of the first signal Si1. Constant polling is performed to sequentially access the other plurality of first terminals 11. At the time of constant polling, the first terminal 11 whose address data included in the transmission band T6 matches its own address receives the message included in the transmission band T6, and sends the message in the next reply band T7. 1 Send to terminal 11D. Here, the first terminal 11 returns a message by a current mode signal synchronized with the reply band T7 of the first signal Si1. The "current mode signal" referred to in the present disclosure is represented by a current change caused by switching between a state in which the lines of the two-wire transmission line 12 are open and a state in which a low impedance element is connected between the lines. It is a signal. As a result, one or more first terminals 11 included in the first system 1 communicate with the first signal Si1 transmitted through the transmission line 12. The operating power of the internal circuit of the first terminal 11 other than the first terminal 11D is generated by rectifying and stabilizing the first signal Si1.

(2.2) Second system The second system 2A includes a plurality of (here, three) second terminals 21A, 21B, 21E. The plurality of second terminals 21A, 21B, 21E are all electrically connected to the two-wire transmission line 22 in the second system 2A. The second system 2B includes a plurality of (here, three) second terminals 21C, 21D, and 21F, similarly to the second system 2A. The plurality of second terminals 21C, 21D, and 21F are all electrically connected to the two-wire transmission line 22 in the second system 2B. As an example in this embodiment, the second systems 2A and 2B are systems compliant with the DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) standard. The plurality of second terminals 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D, 21E, 21F include two types of terminals, a "slave" and a "master". In the example of FIG. 1, the second terminals 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D are slaves, and the second terminals 21E and 21F are masters, respectively.

The second terminals 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D as slaves control the equipment (lighting equipment 4) to be controlled by the equipment control system 100. As an example in FIG. 1, the second terminals 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D are separate from the lighting fixture 4 to be controlled. Each of the second terminals 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D turns on the lighting fixture 4 connected to the second terminals 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D according to the message transmitted from the second terminals 21E, 21F as the master. It has a function to control / off, dimming, toning, etc. In the example of FIG. 1, the second terminal 21A is connected to the lighting fixture 4A, the second terminal 21B is connected to the lighting fixture 4B, and each of the second terminals 21A and 21B is a plurality of units (here, two units). It is an "individual control terminal" that individually controls the lighting fixtures 4A and 4B of the above for each lighting fixture 4. The second terminal 21C is connected to the lighting fixture 4C, the second terminal 21D is connected to the lighting fixture 4D, and each of the second terminals 21C and 21D is connected to a plurality of (here, two) lighting fixtures 4C and 4D. It is an "individual control terminal" that individually controls each lighting fixture 4. However, not limited to this example, the second terminals 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D as slaves may be integrally configured with the lighting fixture 4 to be controlled. Each of the second terminals 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D has a memory for storing its own address assigned individually.

The second terminals 21E and 21F as masters are composed of, for example, a switch device or a sensor device that is attached to a wall or the like and accepts a user's operation. The sensor device referred to here is, for example, a motion sensor, an illuminance sensor, a temperature sensor, or the like. The second terminals 21E and 21F as masters are the second terminals 21A, 21B and 21C when a specific event occurs, for example, a switch detects a user's operation or a sensor detects the presence of a person. , 21D sends a message. In the example of FIG. 1, each of the second terminals 21E and 21F is a switch device that accepts a user's operation, and when a user's operation is detected by any of a plurality of switches, a telegram corresponding to the operated switch is displayed. To send. Each of the second terminals 21E and 21F has a memory for storing its own address assigned individually.

One or more second terminals 21 included in the second system 2 communicate with the second signal Si2 transmitted through the transmission line 22. Here, the communication protocol of the second system 2, that is, the protocol of the second signal Si2 is different from at least the communication protocol of the first system 1, that is, the protocol of the first signal Si1. However, as described above, the communication protocols of the plurality of second systems 2A and 2B are common (same) protocols among the plurality of second systems 2.

(2.3) Interfaces A plurality of (here, two) interfaces 3A and 3B are all electrically connected to the transmission line 12 of the first system 1. In the present embodiment, the plurality of interfaces 3A and 3B adopt the same configuration as each other, and each of the plurality of interfaces 3A and 3B also serves as a first interface and a second interface. The first interface is an interface 3 that relays "uplink communication" from the second system 2 to the first system 1. The second interface is an interface 3 that relays "downlink communication" from the first system 1 to the second system 2. That is, each of the plurality of interfaces 3A and 3B has a function of relaying "upstream communication" and a function of relaying "downlink communication".

The plurality of interfaces 3A and 3B are configured to be communicable with each other via the transmission line 12 by the superimposed signal Si0 superimposed on the first signal Si1. Further, the interface 3A is electrically connected to the transmission line 22 of the second system 2A. The interface 3B is electrically connected to the transmission line 22 of the second system 2B. As a result, a plurality of (here, two) second systems 2A and 2B that are asynchronous to each other are connected to the transmission line 12 of the first system 1 via the interfaces 3A and 3B. As a result, the plurality of second systems 2A and 2B independent of each other can cooperate with each other via the interfaces 3A and 3B and the transmission line 12.

As shown in FIG. 3, each interface 3 includes a control unit 30, a rectifier 31, a superposed signal transmitting unit 32, a superposed signal receiving unit 33, a first signal transmitting unit 34, and a first signal receiving unit 35. , A second signal transmission / reception unit 36, and an insulation circuit 37.

The control unit 30 controls the superimposed signal transmitting unit 32, the superimposed signal receiving unit 33, the first signal transmitting unit 34, the first signal receiving unit 35, and the second signal transmitting / receiving unit 36. The control unit 30 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a microcomputer whose main configuration is a memory. In other words, the control unit 30 is realized by a computer having a CPU and a memory, and the computer functions as the control unit 30 by executing a program stored in the memory by the CPU. Although the program is recorded in advance in the memory of the control unit 30 here, it may be recorded and provided through a telecommunication line such as the Internet or a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card.

The rectifier 31 is composed of a diode bridge (denoted as "DB" in FIG. 3).
The rectifier 31 is electrically connected to the transmission line 12 of the first system 1.

The superimposed signal transmission unit 32 is connected to the transmission line 12 of the first system 1 via the rectifier 31. The superimposed signal transmission unit 32 transmits the superimposed signal Si0 superimposed on the first signal Si1. The superimposed signal Si0 is a signal having a sufficiently high frequency as compared with the first signal, and the amount of data that can be transmitted per frame (of the first signal) is sufficiently large. Therefore, the communication using the superimposed signal Si0 can increase the communication speed as compared with the communication using the first signal, and is suitable for transmitting information having a relatively large amount of data such as an analog amount. FIG. 2 and the like merely schematically show how the superimposed signal Si0 is superimposed on the first signal Si1, and actually, the waveform obtained by synthesizing the superimposed signal Si0 on the first signal Si1 as shown in the figure. The signal of is not generated in the transmission line 12.

The superimposed signal receiving unit 33 is connected to the transmission line 12 of the first system 1 via the rectifier 31. The superimposed signal receiving unit 33 receives the superimposed signal Si0 superimposed on the first signal Si1.

The first signal transmission unit 34 is connected to the transmission line 12 of the first system 1 via the rectifier 31. The first signal transmission unit 34 transmits the first signal Si1.

The first signal receiving unit 35 is connected to the transmission line 12 of the first system 1 via the rectifier 31. The first signal receiving unit 35 receives the first signal Si1.

The second signal transmission / reception unit 36 is electrically connected to the transmission line 22 of the second system 2 under the interface 3. The second signal transmission / reception unit 36 can perform communication in accordance with the communication protocol of the second system 2. The second signal transmission / reception unit 36 transmits and receives the second signal Si2 to and from the second terminal 21 included in the second system 2 under the interface 3 via the transmission line 22. That is, the second signal transmission / reception unit 36 transmits / receives a message to / from the second terminal 21 in both directions by wire communication using the second signal Si2.

The insulation circuit 37 is inserted between the control unit 30 and the second signal transmission / reception unit 36. The insulation circuit 37 electrically insulates the control unit 30 and the second signal transmission / reception unit 36.

The interface 3 configured as described above transfers the second signal Si2 received from the subordinate second system 2 to the other second system 2 via the other interface 3 by the superimposed signal Si0. That is, the interface 3A transfers the second signal Si2 received from the subordinate second system 2A to the other second system 2B via the other interface 3B by the superimposed signal Si0. On the other hand, the interface 3B transfers the second signal Si2 received from the subordinate second system 2B to the other second system 2A via the other interface 3A by the superimposed signal Si0.

Further, when transmitting the superimposed signal Si0, the interface 3 adjusts the timing of transmitting the superimposed signal Si0 according to the state of the transmission line 12. That is, when the interface 3 receives the second signal Si2 from the subordinate second system 2, the interface 3 does not immediately transmit the superimposed signal Si0, but temporarily stores the data contained in the second signal Si2. It functions as a buffer for transmitting the superimposed signal Si0 by observing the timing. For example, if the first terminal 11 of the first system 1 is communicating at the time when the second signal Si2 is received from the second system 2 under the interface 3, the interface 3 waits until the communication of the first terminal 11 is completed. After that, the superimposed signal Si0 is transmitted.

Specifically, the control unit 30 of the interface 3 has a function of monitoring the first signal Si1 by the first signal receiving unit 35 and analyzing the transmission status (hereinafter referred to as “state”) of the first signal Si1. is doing. The interface 3 determines from the analysis result of the state by the control unit 30 whether or not it is in the superimposition possible band suitable for superimposing the superimposition signal Si0, and at the timing determined to be the superimposition possible band, the interface 3 is sent to the superimposition signal transmission unit 32. And the superimposed signal Si0 is transmitted.

As an example in the present embodiment, the superimposing band is a region (section) of the rest band T3, the preliminary interrupt band T4, the spare band T5, and the reply band T7 in the first signal Si1. That is, the rest band T3, the preliminary interrupt band T4, the spare band T5, and the reply band T7 are less likely to affect the first signal Si1 even if the superimposed signal Si0 is superimposed, and the superimposed signal Si0 is also affected by the first signal Si1. Hard to receive. In particular, in the reply band T7, the signal level of the first signal Si1 is stable for a longer time than in other regions, and the ratio of the first signal Si1 to one frame is large. Are suitable.

In the other regions (interruption band T1, short circuit detection band T2, and transmission band T6), the time during which the signal level of the first signal Si1 is stable is relatively short, and when the superimposed signal Si0 is superimposed, the first signal is superimposed. Si1 is easily affected, and the superimposed signal Si0 is also easily affected by the first signal Si1. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the interrupt band T1, the short circuit detection band T2, and the transmission band T6 are regions that are not used for superimposing the superimposition signal Si0 (hereinafter, referred to as “non-superimposition band”).

Further, the control unit 30 determines that even if the reply band T7 is used, the reply band T7 used for returning the current mode signal from the first terminal 11 cannot be superimposed. That is, the interface 3 uses the reply band T7 in which the current mode signal is not returned from the first terminal 11 for superimposing the superimposition signal Si0 as a superimposition possible band suitable for superimposing the superimposition signal Si0. Therefore, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the current mode signal is returned in the region recognized as the reply band T7 by the first signal receiving unit 35, and superimposes the reply band T7 on which the return band T7 is not returned. Judge.

Further, as will be described in detail in the column of "(3) Operation", the interface 3 has a signal filtering function, so that the signal (telegram) to be transferred from the first system 1 to the second system 2 is transmitted to each interface 3. To limit. That is, each interface 3 has a "filtering function" for passing only specific data for "downlink communication" from the first system 1 to the second system 2, thereby suppressing an increase in traffic of the second system 2. do.

(3) Operation Next, the operation of the communication system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, the three operations of the operation of the first system 1, the operation of the second system 2, and the cooperation operation between the plurality of second systems 2 in the communication system 10 will be described in order.

(3.1) Operation of the first system First, the operation of the first system 1 will be described. Here, in the communication system 10 of FIG. 1, the operation of the first system 1 when the switch corresponding to the first terminal 11A is operated by the first terminal 11C as a monitoring terminal will be described.

The first terminal 11C generates an interrupt signal when a specific event such as a switch being operated occurs. When the first terminal 11D as a transmission unit detects an interrupt signal generated in the first terminal 11C in the interrupt band T1 of the first frame of the first signal Si1, it is included in the transmission band T6 of the first signal Si1. Switch mode data from normal mode to interrupt polling mode. In the interrupt polling mode, the first terminal 11D identifies the address of the first terminal 11C from which the interrupt signal is generated by acquiring the address of the first terminal 11C from which the interrupt signal is generated. Then, the first terminal 11D transmits a reply request message to the first terminal 11C from which the interrupt signal is generated, and receives a monitoring message (monitoring message) from the first terminal 11C by the current mode signal. do.

Upon receiving the monitoring message from the first terminal 11C, the first terminal 11D transmits a control message (control message) to the first terminal 11A corresponding to the address included in the monitoring message. The control message transmitted at this time includes at least the control content and the address to which the control message is addressed. The first terminal 11A, which has received the control message, controls the lighting fixtures 4A and 4B to be controlled on / off according to the control content of the control message.

As described above, in the first system 1, when a specific event occurs in the first terminal 11C as a monitoring terminal and an interrupt signal is generated, the first terminal 11D as a transmission unit is changed to a second terminal as a control terminal. A control message is transmitted to the terminal 11A. In short, in the first system 1, the first terminal 11C and the first terminal 11A communicate with each other via the first terminal 11D as a transmission unit according to the protocol of the polling selection method. As a result, for example, when the switch of the first terminal 11C is operated, the relay is controlled by the first terminal 11A corresponding to this switch, so that the lighting fixtures 4A and 4B corresponding to this switch are controlled.

(3.2) Operation of the second system Next, the operation of the second system 2 will be described. Here, in the communication system 10 of FIG. 1, the operation of the second system 2A when the switch corresponding to the second terminal 21A is operated by the second terminal 21E as a master will be described.

When a specific event such as a switch being operated occurs, the second terminal 21E transmits a control message (control message) corresponding to the operated switch to the transmission line 22 as a second signal Si2. This second signal Si2 is transmitted toward the second terminal 21A corresponding to the operated switch. The control message transmitted at this time includes at least the control content and the address to which the control message is addressed. Upon receiving the control message, the second terminal 21A controls, for example, on / off of the lighting fixture 4A to be controlled according to the control content of the control message.

As described above, in the second system 2A, when a specific event occurs in the second terminal 21E as a master, a control message is transmitted to the second terminal 21A as a slave. In short, in the second system 2, the second terminal 21E and the second terminal 21A directly communicate with each other. As a result, for example, when the switch of the second terminal 21E is operated, the second terminal 21A corresponding to this switch is controlled, so that the lighting fixture 4A corresponding to this switch is controlled.

(3.3) Coordination operation between a plurality of second systems Next, a cooperation operation between a plurality of second systems 2 will be described. Here, in the communication system 10 of FIG. 1, the second terminal 21E as the master of the second system 2A operates the switch corresponding to the second terminal 21C of the other second system 2B. The cooperative operation of the system 2A and the second system 2B will be described.

When a specific event such as a switch being operated occurs, the second terminal 21E transmits a control message (control message) corresponding to the operated switch to the transmission line 22 as a second signal Si2. This second signal Si2 is transmitted toward the second terminal 21C corresponding to the operated switch. The control message transmitted at this time includes at least the control content and the address to which the control message is addressed.

Here, since the second terminal 21C does not exist on the transmission line 22 of the second system 2A to which the second terminal 21E is connected, the control message is the interface 3A, the transmission line 12 of the first system 1, and the interface 3B. Is transmitted to the second terminal 21C through this order. That is, first, the interface 3A connected to the second system 2A receives the second signal Si2 transmitted from the second terminal 21E, and thereby acquires the control message from the subordinate second system 2A. The interface 3A that has acquired the control message includes the control message in the superimposed signal Si0 superimposed on the first signal Si1, and transmits the superimposed signal Si0 to the interface 3B through the transmission line 12 of the first system 1. .. At this time, the interface 3A adjusts the timing of transmitting the superimposed signal Si0 according to the state of the transmission line 12. For example, as described above, the interface 3A transmits the superimposition signal Si0 in accordance with the superimposition possible band including the rest band T3, the preliminary interrupt band T4, the spare band T5, or the reply band T7 of the first signal Si1.

Further, at this time, the interface 3A includes the destination information for specifying the second system 2 which is the transfer destination of the second signal Si2 among the plurality of second systems 2 in the superimposed signal Si0, and transmits the superimposed signal Si0. As an example, the data format of the superimposed signal Si0 transmitted from the interface 3A has a structure schematically shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 4, the superimposed signal Si0 has a header area R1, a data area R2, and a check area R3 as its data format (data structure). In the header area R1, for example, an identifier (address) for specifying the source is stored. In the data area R2, for example, the main body of the telegram including the control telegram is stored. For example, checksum data for error checking is stored in the check area R3.

In the present embodiment, the destination information is stored in the header area R1 among these plurality of areas. As an example, the destination information includes a unique identifier (individual address) set in the second system 2 (here, the second system 2B) which is the transfer destination of the second signal Si2. That is, the interface 3A acquires the address of the second terminal 21C, which is the destination of the control message, included in the control message by analyzing the control message acquired from the second system 2A under the control. Based on the address of the second terminal 21C, the interface 3A identifies the second system 2B including the second terminal 21C and generates the destination information including the identifier of the second system 2B. The interface 3A includes the generated destination information in the superimposed signal Si0. These processes are executed by the control unit 30 of the interface 3.

When the interface 3B receives the superimposed signal Si0 from the interface 3A, the interface 3B includes the control message included in the superimposed signal Si0 in the second signal Si2 and transmits the control message to the transmission line 22 of the subordinate second system 2B. At this time, the interface 3B determines whether or not to transmit the second signal Si2 to the corresponding second system 2 among the plurality of second systems 2 based on the destination information included in the superimposed signal Si0. That is, the interface 3B that has received the superimposed signal Si0 does not transmit the control message to the subordinate second system 2B without limitation, but transmits the control message to the subordinate second system 2B by analyzing the superimposed signal Si0. Decide whether to do it or not.

As an example, the interface 3B analyzes the destination information stored in the header area R1 of the superimposed signal Si0, and if the destination information includes the identifier (individual address) of the second system 2B under its own control, the interface 3B is under the control. The second signal Si2 is transmitted to the second system 2B. If the destination information does not include the identifier of the second system 2B under its control, the interface 3B does not transmit the second signal Si2 to the second system 2B under its control. The interface 3 stores the identifier of the second system 2 under it in a memory or the like. These processes are executed by the control unit 30 of the interface 3.

When the second terminal 21C receives the second signal Si2 from the interface 3B, the second terminal 21C controls, for example, on / off of the lighting fixture 4C to be controlled according to the control content of the control message.

As described above, the interface 3A transfers the second signal Si2 (control message) received from the subordinate second system 2A to the other second system 2B via the other interface 3B by the superimposed signal Si0. .. Therefore, when a specific event occurs in the second terminal 21E as a master in the second system 2A, a control message is transmitted to the second terminal 21C as a slave in the other second system 2B. As a result, for example, when the switch of the second terminal 21E is operated, the second terminal 21C corresponding to this switch is controlled, so that the lighting fixture 4C corresponding to this switch is controlled. Therefore, by connecting a plurality of second systems 2A and 2B independent of each other to the transmission line 12 of the first system 1 via the interface 3, it is possible to cooperate between the plurality of second systems 2A and 2B. Become.

By the way, the destination information is not limited to the identifier (address) unique to the second system 2 which is the transfer destination of the second signal Si2, and includes information other than the identifier unique to the second system 2 as described below. You may be.

As a first example, the destination information may include group information that identifies a group of the second system 2 that is the transfer destination of the second signal Si2 among the plurality of second systems 2. The "group" as used in the present disclosure means an individual group when a plurality of second systems are classified into two or more groups. There are various ways of classifying groups, but for example, a plurality of second systems 2 are classified according to the use of the second system 2, the jurisdiction area of the second system 2, and the like. Applications of the second system 2 include, for example, lighting control, air conditioning control, measurement, and the like. As the area under the jurisdiction of the second system 2, for example, there is an area set for each dwelling unit of an apartment house, a floor unit of a building, or the like. When such group information is used as destination information, the destination information specifies the second system 2 which is the transfer destination of the second signal Si2 among the plurality of second systems 2 in group units.

That is, when a plurality of second systems 2 are classified into two or more groups according to usage or the like, the interface 3A uses the group information for specifying the second system 2 as the transfer destination as the destination information in the superimposed signal Si0. Including, the superimposed signal Si0 can be transmitted. The interface 3B analyzes the received superimposed signal Si0, and outputs the second signal Si2 to the subordinate second system 2B only when the destination information includes the group information of the group to which the second system 2B under its control belongs. Send. The interface 3 stores the group information to which the second system 2 under it belongs in a memory or the like. The group information may be manually input by the user by, for example, a DIP switch provided in the interface 3, or may be set by a setting terminal or the like and input to the interface 3.

As a second example, the destination information may include the attribute information of the second system 2 which is the transfer destination of the second signal Si2 among the plurality of second systems 2. The "attribute information" referred to in the present disclosure is information that identifies the attributes of the second system 2, and is information that each of the plurality of interfaces 3 acquires from the corresponding second system 2 of the plurality of second systems 2. Is. There are various types of attributes, but for example, as in the above-mentioned group, the attributes are determined according to the use of the second system 2, the jurisdiction area of the second system 2, and the like. The interface 3 acquires attribute information from the second system 2 under its control periodically or irregularly. When such attribute information is used as the destination information, the destination information specifies the second system 2 which is the transfer destination of the second signal Si2 among the plurality of second systems 2 in the attribute unit.

That is, when a plurality of second systems 2 are classified into two or more attributes depending on the intended use or the like, the interface 3A uses the attribute information for specifying the second system 2 as the transfer destination as the destination information in the superimposed signal Si0. Including, the superimposed signal Si0 can be transmitted. The interface 3B analyzes the received superimposed signal Si0 and transmits the second signal Si2 to the subordinate second system 2B only when the destination information includes the attribute information of the subordinate second system 2B. The interface 3 stores the attribute information acquired from the second system 2 under its control in a memory or the like. The attribute information may be manually input by the user by, for example, a DIP switch or the like provided in the second system 2, or may be set by a setting terminal or the like and input to the second system 2.

As a third example, the destination information may include range information that defines a range of unique identifiers (individual addresses) set in each of the plurality of second systems 2. That is, when the unique identifier set in each of the plurality of second systems 2 is represented by a sequence such as "0001", "0002" and "0003", a sequence such as "0002" to "0015". The range of can be specified. The information that defines the range of such an identifier is the range information. When such range information is used as destination information, the destination information specifies the second system 2 which is the transfer destination of the second signal Si2 among the plurality of second systems 2 in units of identifiers.

That is, the interface 3A includes the range information for specifying the second system 2 as the transfer destination in the superimposed signal Si0 as the destination information, so that the plurality of second systems 2 are collectively designated as the transfer destination of the second signal Si2. , The superimposed signal Si0 can be transmitted. The interface 3B analyzes the received superimposed signal Si0, and only when the destination information includes the range information corresponding to the identifier of the second system 2B under its control, the second signal Si2 under the second system 2B under its control. To send. Therefore, according to the range information, the plurality of second systems 2 can be collectively designated as the transfer destination of the second signal Si2.

As described above, the communication system 10 according to the present embodiment includes a first system 1, a plurality of interfaces 3, and a plurality of second systems 2. The first system 1 includes one or more first terminals 11 that communicate with each other by the first signal Si1 transmitted through the transmission line 12. The plurality of interfaces 3 are connected to the transmission line 12 and communicate with each other by the superimposed signal Si0 superimposed on the first signal Si1. Further, the plurality of interfaces 3 include a first interface (3A) and a second interface (3B). Each of the plurality of second systems 2 includes one or more second terminals 21 that communicate with each other by a second signal. The plurality of second systems 2 are asynchronous with each other and are connected to the plurality of interfaces 3 in a one-to-one correspondence. Each of the plurality of interfaces 3 transmits the second signal received from the corresponding second system 2 among the plurality of second systems 2 to the other second system 2 via the other interface 3 by the superimposed signal Si0. Forward. The first interface (3A) is configured to include the destination information in the superimposed signal Si0 and transmit the superimposed signal Si0 when transmitting the superimposed signal Si0 to the other interface (3B) of the plurality of interfaces 3. There is. The destination information is information that identifies the second system 2 that is the transfer destination of the second signal Si2 among the plurality of second systems 2. When the second interface (3B) receives the superimposed signal Si0 from the other interface (3A) of the plurality of interfaces 3, the second interface (3B) transmits the second signal Si2 to the corresponding second system 2 of the plurality of second systems 2. It is configured to decide whether or not to send. The second interface (3B) determines whether or not to transmit the second signal Si2 based on the destination information included in the superimposed signal Si0.

(4) Modification Example 1 is only one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The first embodiment can be changed in various ways depending on the design and the like as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Further, the same function as the communication system 10 according to the first embodiment may be embodied by a communication control method, a (computer) program, a non-temporary recording medium on which the program is recorded, or the like. In the communication control method according to one aspect, when the superimposed signal Si0 is transmitted to the other interface (3B) of the plurality of interfaces 3 in the communication system 10, the destination information is included in the superimposed signal Si0 and the superimposed signal Si0 is transmitted. The first interface (3A) is controlled so as to do so. The destination information is information that identifies the second system 2 that is the transfer destination of the second signal Si2 among the plurality of second systems 2. In the communication control method, when the superimposed signal Si0 is received from the other interface (3A) of the plurality of interfaces 3, the second signal Si2 is transmitted to the corresponding second system 2 of the plurality of second systems 2. The second interface (3B) is controlled so as to determine whether or not. The second interface (3B) determines whether or not to transmit the second signal Si2 based on the destination information included in the superimposed signal Si0. The communication system 10 referred to here includes a first system 1, a plurality of interfaces 3, and a plurality of second systems 2. The first system 1 includes one or more first terminals 11 that communicate with each other by the first signal Si1 transmitted through the transmission line 12. The plurality of interfaces 3 are connected to the transmission line 12 and communicate with each other by the superimposed signal Si0 superimposed on the first signal Si1. Further, the plurality of interfaces 3 include a first interface (3A) and a second interface (3B). Each of the plurality of second systems 2 includes one or more second terminals 21 that communicate with each other by a second signal. The plurality of second systems 2 are asynchronous with each other and are connected to the plurality of interfaces 3 in a one-to-one correspondence. Each of the plurality of interfaces 3 transmits the second signal received from the corresponding second system 2 among the plurality of second systems 2 to the other second system 2 via the other interface 3 by the superimposed signal Si0. Forward. The (computer) program according to one aspect is a program for causing a computer system to execute the above-mentioned communication control method.

Hereinafter, modified examples of the first embodiment are listed. The modifications described below can be applied in combination as appropriate.

The communication system 10 in the present disclosure includes a computer system in, for example, an interface 3. The computer system mainly consists of a processor and a memory as hardware. The function as the communication system 10 in the present disclosure is realized by the processor executing the program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, may be provided through a telecommunications line, and may be recorded on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card, optical disk, hard disk drive, etc. that can be read by the computer system. May be provided. The processor of a computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large scale integrated circuit (LSI). A plurality of electronic circuits may be integrated on one chip, or may be distributed on a plurality of chips. A plurality of chips may be integrated in one device, or may be distributed in a plurality of devices.

Further, for example, a plurality of functions provided in the communication system 10 may be integrated in one housing or may be distributed in a plurality of housings. As an example, a plurality of functions in the interface 3 may be integrated in one housing or may be distributed in a plurality of housings. Further, at least a part of the functions of the communication system 10 may be realized by, for example, a cloud (cloud computing) or the like. Further, in the first embodiment, at least a part of the functions of the communication system 10 distributed in a plurality of devices may be integrated in one housing.

Further, the communication system 10 and the device control system 100 are not limited to facilities such as office buildings, stores, hospitals, schools or factories, and may be introduced into houses such as apartment houses or detached houses, for example.

Further, in the example of FIG. 1, the communication system 10 includes two second systems 2 and two interfaces 3, but the communication system 10 is not limited to this example, and the communication system 10 includes each of the second system 2 and the interface 3. You may have three or more. Similarly, the number of the first terminals 11 in the first system 1, the number of the second terminals 21 in the second system 2, and the number of devices (lighting fixtures 4) to be controlled are not limited to the example of FIG. , Can be changed as appropriate.

Further, the first system 1 is not limited to a system in which a plurality of first terminals 11 communicate with each other via the first terminal 11 as a transmission unit according to a polling selection protocol. For example, the first system 1 may be configured such that a plurality of first terminals 11 directly communicate with each other by the first signal Si1.

Further, each of the plurality of second systems 2 does not have to be a system compliant with the DALI standard, and the communication method of the second terminal 21 is, for example, wireless communication using radio waves as a transmission medium, optical communication, or the like. There may be. When the communication method of the second terminal 21 is wireless communication, the free space for wireless communication becomes the transmission line 22 of the second system 2. Further, each of the plurality of second systems 2 is not limited to a system that controls the device (lighting device 4) to be controlled by the device control system 100, and at least a part of the plurality of second systems 2 is, for example, for example. It may be a measurement system, a monitoring system, or the like.

Further, at least a part of the first terminals 11 may have a communication function with the interface 3 by the superimposed signal Si0. In this case, not only the cooperation between the plurality of second systems 2 but also the exchange of data between the first system 1 (the first terminal 11) and the second system 2 (the second terminal 21) is possible. It becomes.

Further, the device control system 100 using the communication system 10 is not limited to the lighting control system, and the control target of the device control system 100 is, for example, an air conditioner, a ventilation fan, an electric shutter, an air purifier, a water heater, a television receiver, and the like. It may be a washing machine, a refrigerator, or the like. Further, the communication system 10 is not essential to be used in the device control system 100 in the first place, and may be used in, for example, a measurement system or a monitoring system.

Further, in the communication system 10, it is not essential that the first system 1 constitutes the main system and each second system 2 constitutes a subsystem. For example, even if each second system 2 constitutes a main system. good.

Further, in the first embodiment, the lighting fixture 4 to be controlled is not included in any of the components of the communication system 10 and the device control system 100, but is not limited to this configuration. That is, the luminaire 4 may be included in any of the components of the communication system 10 and the device control system 100.

(Embodiment 2)
The communication system 10 according to the present embodiment is a communication system according to the first embodiment in that each of the plurality of interfaces 3 has a signal filtering function for "uplink communication" from the second system 2 to the first system 1. Different from 10. Hereinafter, the same configurations as those in the first embodiment will be designated by a common reference numeral and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

Specifically, the interface 3 determines whether or not the message is passed from the second system 2 side to the first system 1 side by analyzing the second signal Si2 from the second system 2 for uplink communication. decide.

In the present embodiment, whether or not each of the plurality of interfaces 3 transmits the superimposed signal Si0 to the transmission line 12 according to the second signal Si2 received from the corresponding second system 2 among the plurality of second systems 2. It is configured to determine. As an example, the interface 3 determines whether or not to pass a telegram from the second system 2 side to the first system 1 side based on the value of the uplink flag included in the second signal Si2 from the second system 2. For example, if the value of the uplink flag is "1", the interface 3 passes a telegram from the second system 2 side to the first system 1 side, and if the value of the uplink flag is "0", the second system Do not allow the telegram to pass from the 2nd side to the 1st system 1 side.

In short, in the present embodiment, the interface 3 has a filtering function for passing only a specific message for both uplink communication and downlink communication. The uplink flag is set, for example, at the second terminal 21 which is the source of the telegram.

According to the communication system 10 according to the present embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, it is possible to pass only a specific message on each interface 3. In the example of FIG. 5, the communication system 10 includes two interfaces 3C, 3D and two second systems 2C, 2D. The second system 2C is connected to the transmission line 12 of the first system 1 via the interface 3C, and the second system 2D is connected to the transmission line 12 of the first system 1 via the interface 3D.

In the example of FIG. 5, the interfaces 3A and 3B determine whether or not to transmit the superimposed signal Si0 to the transmission line 12 according to the second signal Si2 received from the subordinate second systems 2A and 2B, respectively. .. Here, the value of the uplink flag included in the second signal Si2 from the second system 2A is "1", and the value of the uplink flag included in the second signal Si2 from the second system 2A is "0". Suppose. Therefore, when the interface 3A receives the second signal Si2 from the subordinate second system 2A, the interface 3A transmits the superimposed signal Si0 to the transmission line 12. On the other hand, the interface 3B does not transmit the superimposed signal Si0 (shown by the broken line in FIG. 5) to the transmission line 12 even if the second signal Si2 is received from the subordinate second system 2B.

Further, in the example of FIG. 5, the interfaces 3C and 3D transmit the second signal Si2 to the subordinate second systems 2C and 2D based on the destination information included in the superimposed signal Si0 received from the transmission line 12, respectively. It is decided whether or not to do it. Here, the destination information included in the superimposed signal Si0 received by the interface 3C includes the identifier of the subordinate second system 2C, and the destination information included in the superimposed signal Si0 received by the interface 3D is subordinate. It is assumed that the identifier of the second system 2D is not included. Therefore, when the interface 3C receives the superimposed signal Si0 from the transmission line 12, the interface 3C transmits the second signal Si2 to the subordinate second system 2C. On the other hand, the interface 3D does not transmit the second signal Si2 (shown by the broken line in FIG. 5) to the subordinate second system 2D even if the superimposed signal Si0 is received from the transmission line 12.

According to the communication system 10 of the present embodiment, the increase in the traffic of the first system 1 can be suppressed by the filtering function of the uplink communication.

The configuration (including the modified example) described in the second embodiment can be appropriately combined with various configurations (including the modified example) described in the first embodiment.

(summary)
As described above, the communication device according to the first aspect is a plurality of communication devices (10) including a first system (1), a plurality of interfaces (3), and a second system (2). It is used as one of the interfaces (3) of. The first system (1) includes one or more first terminals (11) that communicate with each other by a first signal (Si1) transmitted through a transmission line (12). The plurality of interfaces (3) are connected to the transmission line (12) and communicate with each other by the superimposed signal (Si0) superimposed on the first signal (Si1). Each of the plurality of second systems (2) includes one or more second terminals (21) that communicate with each other by a second signal (Si2). The plurality of second systems (2) are asynchronous with each other and are connected to the plurality of interfaces (3) in a one-to-one correspondence. Each of the plurality of interfaces (3) uses a superimposed signal (Si0) to input a second signal (Si2) received from the corresponding second system (2) among the plurality of second systems (2) to another interface. It is configured to transfer to another second system (2) via (3). When transmitting the superimposed signal (Si0) to the other interface (3) of the plurality of interfaces (3), the communication device includes the destination information in the superimposed signal (Si0) and transmits the superimposed signal (Si0). It is configured in. The destination information is information that identifies the second system (2) that is the transfer destination of the second signal (Si2) among the plurality of second systems (2).

According to this aspect, the plurality of second systems (2) are connected to the transmission line (12) of the common first system (1) via the interface (3), respectively. Therefore, by communicating with the plurality of interfaces (3) by the superimposed signal (Si0), data can be exchanged between the plurality of second systems (2). As a result, even when the first system (1) is in operation, by using the superimposed signal (Si0) superimposed on the first signal (Si1) used in the first system (1), the first system can be used. A plurality of second systems (2) can be linked by using a transmission line (12) common to the system (1). Moreover, since the superimposed signal (Si0) transmitted to the transmission line (12) includes destination information, data is transferred from the first system (1) side to the second system (2) side based on this destination information. It becomes possible to control whether or not to pass. Therefore, according to the communication device, there is an advantage that cooperation between a plurality of second systems (2) can be easily realized while suppressing an increase in traffic of the second system (2).

The communication device according to the second aspect is a communication system (10) including a first system (1), a plurality of interfaces (3), and a second system (2), and a plurality of interfaces (3). Used as one. The first system (1) includes one or more first terminals (11) that communicate with each other by a first signal (Si1) transmitted through a transmission line (12). The plurality of interfaces (3) are connected to the transmission line (12) and communicate with each other by the superimposed signal (Si0) superimposed on the first signal (Si1). Each of the plurality of second systems (2) includes one or more second terminals (21) that communicate with each other by a second signal (Si2). The plurality of second systems (2) are asynchronous with each other and are connected to the plurality of interfaces (3) in a one-to-one correspondence. Each of the plurality of interfaces (3) uses a superimposed signal (Si0) to input a second signal (Si2) received from the corresponding second system (2) among the plurality of second systems (2) to another interface. It is configured to transfer to another second system (2) via (3). When the communication device receives the superimposed signal (Si0) from the other interface (3) of the plurality of interfaces (3), the communication device becomes the corresponding second system (2) of the plurality of second systems (2). It is configured to determine whether or not to transmit two signals (Si2). The communication device determines whether or not to transmit the second signal (Si2) based on the destination information included in the superimposed signal (Si0).

According to this aspect, the plurality of second systems (2) are connected to the transmission line (12) of the common first system (1) via the interface (3), respectively. Therefore, by communicating with the plurality of interfaces (3) by the superimposed signal (Si0), data can be exchanged between the plurality of second systems (2). As a result, even when the first system (1) is in operation, by using the superimposed signal (Si0) superimposed on the first signal (Si1) used in the first system (1), the first system can be used. A plurality of second systems (2) can be linked by using a transmission line (12) common to the system (1). Moreover, since the superimposed signal (Si0) transmitted to the transmission line (12) includes destination information, data is transferred from the first system (1) side to the second system (2) side based on this destination information. It becomes possible to control whether or not to pass. Therefore, according to the communication device, there is an advantage that cooperation between a plurality of second systems (2) can be easily realized while suppressing an increase in traffic of the second system (2).

In the communication device according to the third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the plurality of second systems (2) are classified into two or more groups. The destination information includes group information that identifies a group of the second system (2) that is a transfer destination of the second signal (Si2) among the plurality of second systems (2).

According to this aspect, whether or not to pass data from the first system (1) side to the second system (2) side can be specified for each group of the second system (2).

In the communication device according to the fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, each of the plurality of interfaces (3) is from the corresponding second system (2) among the plurality of second systems (2). , It is configured to acquire the attribute information for specifying the attribute of the second system (2). The destination information includes the attribute information of the second system (2) which is the transfer destination of the second signal (Si2) among the plurality of second systems (2).

According to this aspect, it becomes possible to specify whether or not to pass data from the first system (1) side to the second system (2) side in the attribute unit of the second system (2).

In the communication device according to the fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, a unique identifier is set for each of the plurality of second systems (2), and the destination information includes the range of the identifier. Includes specified range information.

According to this aspect, it is possible to collectively specify whether or not to pass data from the first system (1) side to the second system (2) side for a plurality of second systems (2).

In the communication device according to the sixth aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, a unique identifier is set for each of the plurality of second systems (2), and the destination information includes the identifier.

According to this aspect, it is possible to individually specify whether or not to pass data from the first system (1) side to the second system (2) side for each of the plurality of second systems (2). Become.

The communication interface according to the seventh aspect also serves as a first interface (3A) which is a communication device according to the first aspect and a second interface (3B) which is a communication device according to the second aspect. ..

According to this aspect, since the functions of both the first interface (3A) and the second interface (3B) can be realized by one communication interface, the construction of the communication system (10) becomes easy.

The communication system according to the eighth aspect includes a first system (1), a plurality of interfaces (3), and a second system (2). The first system (1) includes one or more first terminals (11) that communicate with each other by a first signal (Si1) transmitted through a transmission line (12). The plurality of interfaces (3) are connected to the transmission line (12) and communicate with each other by the superimposed signal (Si0) superimposed on the first signal (Si1). The plurality of interfaces (3) include a first interface (3A) and a second interface (3B). Each of the plurality of second systems (2) includes one or more second terminals (21) that communicate with each other by a second signal (Si2). The plurality of second systems (2) are asynchronous with each other and are connected to the plurality of interfaces (3) in a one-to-one correspondence. Each of the plurality of interfaces (3) uses a superimposed signal (Si0) to input a second signal (Si2) received from the corresponding second system (2) among the plurality of second systems (2) to another interface. It is configured to transfer to another second system (2) via (3). When the first interface (3A) transmits the superimposed signal (Si0) to the other interface (3B) of the plurality of interfaces (3), the first interface (3A) includes the destination information in the superimposed signal (Si0) and the superimposed signal (Si0). Is configured to send. The destination information is information that identifies the second system (2) that is the transfer destination of the second signal (Si2) among the plurality of second systems (2). When the second interface (3B) receives the superimposed signal (Si0) from the other interface (3A) of the plurality of interfaces (3), the second interface (3B) corresponds to the second system (2) of the plurality of second systems (2). It is determined whether or not to transmit the second signal (Si2) to 2). The second interface (3B) determines whether or not to transmit the second signal (Si2) based on the destination information included in the superimposed signal (Si0).

According to this aspect, the plurality of second systems (2) are connected to the transmission line (12) of the common first system (1) via the interface (3), respectively. Therefore, by communicating with the plurality of interfaces (3) by the superimposed signal (Si0), data can be exchanged between the plurality of second systems (2). As a result, even when the first system (1) is in operation, by using the superimposed signal (Si0) superimposed on the first signal (Si1) used in the first system (1), the first system can be used. A plurality of second systems (2) can be linked by using a transmission line (12) common to the system (1). Moreover, since the superimposed signal (Si0) transmitted to the transmission line (12) includes destination information, data is transferred from the first system (1) side to the second system (2) side based on this destination information. It becomes possible to control whether or not to pass. Therefore, according to the communication system (10), there is an advantage that cooperation between a plurality of second systems (2) can be easily realized while suppressing an increase in traffic of the second system (2).

The device control system (100) according to the ninth aspect includes the communication system (10) according to the eighth aspect. One or more first terminals (11) include a collective control terminal that collectively controls a plurality of devices, and one or more second terminals (21) are individual controls that individually control a plurality of devices for each device. Including terminals.

According to this aspect, the plurality of second systems (2) are connected to the transmission line (12) of the common first system (1) via the interface (3), respectively. Therefore, by communicating with the plurality of interfaces (3) by the superimposed signal (Si0), data can be exchanged between the plurality of second systems (2). As a result, even when the first system (1) is in operation, by using the superimposed signal (Si0) superimposed on the first signal (Si1) used in the first system (1), the first system can be used. A plurality of second systems (2) can be linked by using a transmission line (12) common to the system (1). Moreover, since the superimposed signal (Si0) transmitted to the transmission line (12) includes destination information, data is transferred from the first system (1) side to the second system (2) side based on this destination information. It becomes possible to control whether or not to pass. Therefore, according to the device control system (100), there is an advantage that cooperation between a plurality of second systems (2) can be easily realized while suppressing an increase in traffic of the second system (2).

In the device control system (100) according to the tenth aspect, in the ninth aspect, each of the plurality of devices is a lighting fixture (4).

According to this aspect, various control of the luminaire (4) becomes possible.

The communication control method according to the eleventh aspect is the first method as follows when transmitting a superposed signal (Si0) to another interface (3B) among a plurality of interfaces (3) in the communication system (10). Controls the interface (3A). That is, the first interface (3A) is controlled so as to include the destination information in the superimposed signal (Si0) and transmit the superimposed signal (Si0). The destination information is information that identifies the second system (2) that is the transfer destination of the second signal (Si2) among the plurality of second systems (2). The communication control method controls the second interface (3B) as follows when receiving the superimposed signal (Si0) from the other interface (3A) of the plurality of interfaces (3). That is, the second interface (3B) is controlled so as to determine whether or not to transmit the second signal (Si2) to the corresponding second system (2) among the plurality of second systems (2). The second interface (3B) determines whether or not to transmit the second signal (Si2) based on the destination information included in the superimposed signal (Si0). The communication system (10) includes a first system (1), a plurality of interfaces (3), and a plurality of second systems (2). The first system (1) includes one or more first terminals (11) that communicate with each other by a first signal (Si1) transmitted through a transmission line (12). The plurality of interfaces (3) are connected to the transmission line (12) and communicate with each other by the superimposed signal (Si0) superimposed on the first signal (Si1). The plurality of interfaces 3 include a first interface (3A) and a second interface (3B). Each of the plurality of second systems (2) includes one or more second terminals (21) that communicate with each other by a second signal (Si2). The plurality of second systems (2) are asynchronous with each other and are connected to the plurality of interfaces (3) in a one-to-one correspondence. Each of the plurality of interfaces (3) uses a superimposed signal (Si0) to input a second signal (Si2) received from the corresponding second system (2) among the plurality of second systems (2) to another interface. Transfer to another second system (2) via (3).

According to this aspect, the plurality of second systems (2) are connected to the transmission line (12) of the common first system (1) via the interface (3), respectively. Therefore, by communicating with the plurality of interfaces (3) by the superimposed signal (Si0), data can be exchanged between the plurality of second systems (2). As a result, even when the first system (1) is in operation, by using the superimposed signal (Si0) superimposed on the first signal (Si1) used in the first system (1), the first system can be used. A plurality of second systems (2) can be linked by using a transmission line (12) common to the system (1). Moreover, since the superimposed signal (Si0) transmitted to the transmission line (12) includes destination information, data is transferred from the first system (1) side to the second system (2) side based on this destination information. It becomes possible to control whether or not to pass. Therefore, according to the communication control method, there is an advantage that cooperation between a plurality of second systems (2) can be easily realized while suppressing an increase in traffic of the second system (2).

The program according to the twelfth aspect is a program for causing a computer system to execute the communication control method according to the eleventh aspect.

According to this aspect, the plurality of second systems (2) are connected to the transmission line (12) of the common first system (1) via the interface (3), respectively. Therefore, by communicating with the plurality of interfaces (3) by the superimposed signal (Si0), data can be exchanged between the plurality of second systems (2). As a result, even when the first system (1) is in operation, by using the superimposed signal (Si0) superimposed on the first signal (Si1) used in the first system (1), the first system can be used. A plurality of second systems (2) can be linked by using a transmission line (12) common to the system (1). Moreover, since the superimposed signal (Si0) transmitted to the transmission line (12) includes destination information, data is transferred from the first system (1) side to the second system (2) side based on this destination information. It becomes possible to control whether or not to pass. Therefore, according to the above program, there is an advantage that cooperation between a plurality of second systems (2) can be easily realized while suppressing an increase in traffic of the second system (2).

Not limited to the above aspects, various configurations (including modifications) of the communication system (10) according to the first and second embodiments include a communication device, a communication interface, a device control system (100), a communication control method, a program, or a communication device. It can be embodied on a non-temporary recording medium or the like on which the program is recorded.

The configurations according to the second to sixth aspects are not essential configurations for communication devices and can be omitted as appropriate.

1 1st system 2,2A, 2B, 2C, 2D 2nd system 3,3A, 3B, 3C, 3D interface (communication device, communication interface, first interface, second interface)
4,4A, 4B, 4C, 4D Lighting equipment (equipment)
10 Communication system 11, 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D First terminal (collective control terminal)
12 Transmission lines 21,21A, 21B, 21C, 21D, 21E, 21F Second terminal (individual control terminal)
100 Equipment control system Si0 Superimposition signal Si1 1st signal Si2 2nd signal

Claims (7)

A first system that includes one or more first terminals connected to a transmission line,
A plurality of interfaces connected to the transmission line and communicating by superimposed signals,
A communication device used as one of the plurality of interfaces in a communication system including a plurality of second systems including one or more second terminals each communicating by a signal.
The plurality of second systems are asynchronous with each other and are connected to the plurality of interfaces in a one-to-one correspondence.
Each of the plurality of interfaces is such that the signal received from the corresponding second system among the plurality of second systems is transferred to the other second system via the other interface by the superimposed signal. It is configured and
When transmitting the superimposed signal to another interface among the plurality of interfaces, the superimposed signal includes destination information for specifying a second system to which the signal is transferred among the plurality of second systems. A communication device configured to transmit superimposed signals. A first system that includes one or more first terminals connected to a transmission line,
A plurality of interfaces connected to the transmission line and communicating by superimposed signals,
A communication device used as one of the plurality of interfaces in a communication system including a plurality of second systems including one or more second terminals each communicating by a signal.
The plurality of second systems are asynchronous with each other and are connected to the plurality of interfaces in a one-to-one correspondence.
Each of the plurality of interfaces is such that the signal received from the corresponding second system among the plurality of second systems is transferred to the other second system via the other interface by the superimposed signal. It is configured and
When the superimposed signal is received from another interface among the plurality of interfaces, the signal is transmitted to the corresponding second system among the plurality of second systems based on the destination information included in the superimposed signal. A communication device that is configured to determine whether or not to transmit. With the plurality of interfaces including the communication device according to claim 1 or 2.
With the first system
A communication system including the plurality of second systems. The communication system according to claim 3 is provided.
The one or more first terminals include a batch control terminal that collectively controls a plurality of devices.
The one or more second terminals are device control systems including individual control terminals that individually control the plurality of devices for each device. A first system that includes one or more first terminals connected to a transmission line,
A plurality of interfaces connected to the transmission line and communicating by superimposed signals,
It is equipped with a plurality of second systems including one or more second terminals, each of which communicates by a signal.
In a communication system in which the plurality of second systems are asynchronous with each other and are connected in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of interfaces.
Each of the plurality of interfaces is such that the signal received from the corresponding second system among the plurality of second systems is transferred to the other second system via the other interface by the superimposed signal. Control and
When transmitting the superimposed signal to another interface among the plurality of interfaces, the superimposed signal includes destination information for specifying a second system to which the signal is transferred among the plurality of second systems. A communication control method that controls the transmission of superimposed signals. A first system that includes one or more first terminals connected to a transmission line,
A plurality of interfaces including a first interface and a second interface, which are connected to the transmission line and communicate with each other by superimposed signals.
It is equipped with a plurality of second systems including one or more second terminals, each of which communicates by a signal.
The plurality of second systems are asynchronous with each other and are connected to the plurality of interfaces in a one-to-one correspondence.
Each of the plurality of interfaces is a communication system that transfers the signal received from the corresponding second system among the plurality of second systems to the other second system via the other interface by the superimposed signal. In
When transmitting the superimposed signal to another interface among the plurality of interfaces, the superimposed signal includes destination information for specifying a second system to which the signal is transferred among the plurality of second systems. The first interface is controlled so as to transmit a superimposed signal, and the first interface is controlled.
When the superimposed signal is received from another interface among the plurality of interfaces, the signal is sent to the corresponding second system among the plurality of second systems based on the destination information included in the superimposed signal. A communication control method for controlling the second interface so as to determine whether or not to transmit. For computer systems
A program for executing the communication control method according to claim 5 or 6.

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