JP2022160755A - Wireless communication system setting method, wireless communication system, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a wireless communication system setting method, a wireless communication system, and a program that can more appropriately perform the setting of a plurality of relay units without going through a wired communication network.SOLUTION: A method for setting identification addresses for a plurality of lighting fixtures L1 to Ln having relay units using a setting device Sd having a display unit and a capture unit in a wired communication system having a control device Ct includes: setting the plurality of lighting fixtures to an initial setting mode in which light source units of the plurality of lighting fixtures are turned on and unique signals containing unique information on the respective units are transmitted; bringing the capture unit closer to a setting target lighting fixture; receiving the unique signals from the plurality of lighting fixtures with the capture unit; causing the display unit to display permutation information for the plurality of lighting fixtures based on received signal strength of the unique signals; estimating the setting target lighting fixture based on the permutation information; and transmitting an identification signal including an identification address to the estimated lighting fixture.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present invention relates to a wireless communication system setting method, a wireless communication system, and a program.

2. Description of the Related Art Wireless communication systems that transmit and receive various signals using wireless communication are widely used. Patent Literature 1 discloses an example of a conventional wireless communication system setting method. The setting method for a wireless communication system disclosed in this document is a setting method for a wireless communication system including a plurality of wireless adapters and wireless equipment. In this setting method, a setting device is used to perform pairing between the wireless adapter and the wireless device. The setting device selects a wireless device to be paired based on the received radio wave intensity between the wireless device and the wireless adapter, and performs pairing processing.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-005209

In the wireless communication system described above, multiple wireless adapters are connected to a wired communication network along with a controller. Therefore, it is necessary to build a wired communication network including a plurality of wireless adapters prior to pairing for realizing wireless communication.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been conceived under the circumstances described above. The object is to provide a communication system and program.

A setting method for a wireless communication system provided by a first aspect of the present invention is a setting method for a wireless communication system that uses a setting device having a display unit and a capturing unit to set identification addresses for a plurality of relay units. wherein each of the plurality of relay units has a light source section, and the plurality of relay units are placed in an initialization mode for lighting the light source section and transmitting a unique signal containing information unique to each unit. a first step of making the acquisition unit approach the relay unit to be set, receiving the unique signals from the plurality of relay units by the acquisition unit, and based on the received signal strength of the unique signals a second step of displaying the permutation information of the plurality of relay units obtained on the display unit; and estimating the relay unit to be set based on the permutation information, and assigning an identification address to the estimated relay unit. and a third step of transmitting an identification signal comprising:

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the second step, the relay unit presumed to be a setting target is selected based on the permutation information displayed in the permutation display area of the display section. The information of the selected relay unit is displayed in the setting display area, and in the third step, the relay unit estimated to be the setting object displayed in the setting display area is selected and given to the relay unit. By determining the identification address to be set and operating the setting button, the identification signal is transmitted from the capturing section to the relay unit which is assumed to be the setting target.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, after the second step and before the third step, the relay unit estimated to be the setting object displayed in the setting display area is selected and the flashing button is pressed. By operating, the capturing unit transmits a blinking signal for blinking the light source unit to the relay unit that is assumed to be the setting target, and the relay unit that is in the blinking lighting state is the relay unit that is the setting target. If they match, the third step is executed, and if the relay unit in the blinking state does not match the relay unit to be set, the second step is executed.

A wireless communication system provided by a second aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of relay units each having a light source section, a power supply section, a control section, and a wireless communication section, and lighting states of the light source sections of the plurality of relay units. A wireless communication system comprising a control device for controlling the The relay unit includes a normal mode in which the wireless communication section receives a lighting control signal from the control device, and the control section controls the lighting state of the light source section according to the lighting control signal; An initial setting mode in which the light source unit is turned on, a unique signal including unique information of each unit is transmitted from the wireless communication unit, and an identification address is allowed to be changed, and the normal mode is switched by a switching signal from the setting device. In mode, modification of the identification address is prohibited.

A program provided according to a third aspect of the present invention has a display unit and a capture unit, and is used for setting identification addresses for a plurality of relay units. , a process of setting a setting display area and a command designation area; and permutation information of the plurality of relay units based on received signal strengths of the unique signals from the plurality of relay units received by the capturing section in the permutation display area. a process of displaying information of the relay unit selected based on the permutation information displayed in the permutation display area in the setting display area; and a process of displaying a capture button and blinking in the command designation area a process of displaying a button and a setting button; a process of receiving unique signals from the plurality of relay units by the capture unit when the capture button is operated; a process of transmitting a blinking signal from the capture unit to the relay unit estimated to be the setting target based on the permutation information; and the relay unit estimated to be the setting target when the setting button is operated. and a process of transmitting an identification signal including an identification address from the capture unit.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, a plurality of relay units can be set more appropriately, without using a wired communication network.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description given below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a system configuration diagram showing a radio communication system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a relay unit of the wireless communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a setting device for a wireless communication system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a control device of a wireless communication system according to a first embodiment of the invention; FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a setting method for the wireless communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of a setting method for a wireless communication system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display unit of an example of a setting method for the wireless communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display unit of an example of a setting method for the wireless communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display unit of an example of a setting method for the wireless communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display unit of an example of a setting method for the wireless communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display unit of an example of a setting method for the wireless communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display unit of an example of a setting method for the wireless communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of a setting method for a wireless communication system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of a setting method for a wireless communication system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing another example of the setting method of the wireless communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display unit of another example of the setting method of the wireless communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention; (a) to (c) are diagrams showing display units of still another example of the setting method of the wireless communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display unit of still another example of the setting method of the wireless communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display unit of still another example of the setting method of the wireless communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram showing a radio communication system according to a second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a setting device for a wireless communication system according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.

<First embodiment>
1 to 14 show a wireless communication system, a wireless communication system setting method, and a program according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the wireless communication system A1 of this embodiment includes a plurality of lighting fixtures L, a setting device Sd, and a control device Ct. The wireless communication system A1 is a system that realizes wireless communication via a plurality of lighting fixtures L as a plurality of relay units.

[Lighting equipment L]
The lighting fixture L is a specific example of the relay unit in the present invention. The relay unit is a unit for realizing wireless communication in the wireless communication system A1 by relaying wireless communication. The specific configuration of the relay unit is not limited at all as long as it has a relay function for wireless communication, and various devices such as a dedicated wireless relay unit, a lighting fixture having a wireless communication function, and a sensor can be mentioned. In this embodiment, the case where the relay unit is the lighting fixture L will be described as an example.

A plurality of lighting fixtures L are used for indoor lighting, for example, and are installed in various locations such as ceilings, walls, and floors. Moreover, the lighting fixture L may be configured to be used for outdoor lighting. The specific form of the lighting fixture L is not limited at all, and various forms such as straight tube lighting, high ceiling lighting, ceiling light, downlight, base light, spotlight, etc. can be appropriately adopted. In the following description, when describing the general configuration of the lighting fixture L, it will be referred to as lighting fixture L, and when distinguishing between a plurality of lighting fixtures L, lighting fixtures L1, . may be used. The plurality of lighting fixtures L1 to Ln in FIG. 1 may have the same configuration, may have a part in common with each other, or may have different configurations and different forms. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, a case in which a plurality of lighting fixtures L1 to Ln have the same configuration will be described as an example.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the lighting fixture L. As shown in FIG. The lighting fixture L includes a light source section 11 , a control section 12 , a storage section 13 , a wireless communication section 14 and a power supply section 15 .

The light source unit 11 is a part that performs a light-emitting function in the lighting fixture L1, and has a light amount that satisfies lighting applications for illuminating the surroundings. The specific configuration of the light source unit 11 is not limited at all, and for example, it is composed of a substrate and a plurality of LEDs mounted in a row on the substrate. Moreover, the lighting fixture L1 appropriately has a transparent or translucent cover (not shown) that allows the light from the light source section 11 to pass therethrough. Note that when a dedicated wireless relay unit is used as the relay unit, the light source unit 11 does not have an amount of light capable of exhibiting a lighting function for illuminating the surroundings, and functions as an indicator for notifying the operating status, for example.

The control section 12 is for controlling each section of the lighting fixture L based on a lighting control signal or the like from the control device Ct. A specific configuration of the control unit 12 is not particularly limited, and is composed of a CPU, for example. The storage unit 13 is for storing information required for control of the control unit 12, and is composed of a semiconductor memory, for example. Note that the storage unit 13 is not limited to being built in a housing (not shown) of the lighting fixture L, and may be built in a dongle that is detachably mounted on the housing of the lighting fixture L. FIG.

The control unit 12 switches the lighting fixture L between the normal mode and the initial setting mode. The normal mode is a mode for controlling the lighting state of the light source unit 11 such as lighting/extinguishing, dimming/toning, etc. according to a lighting control signal from the control device Ct. In normal mode, changing the identification address of each unit is prohibited. In the initial setting mode, the light source unit 11 is turned on, a unique signal including unique information of each unit is transmitted from the wireless communication unit 14, and the identification address is allowed to be changed.

The wireless communication unit 14 is a communication unit for performing wireless communication with the control device Ct, the other lighting fixtures L and the setting device Sd forming the communication network, and transmits and receives wireless signals. The wireless communication unit 14 is connected to the control unit 12 by, for example, UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) communication, but is not limited to this.

As an example of the function of the wireless communication unit 14 , it receives an identification signal from the setting device Sd, a switching signal from the control device Ct, etc., which will be described later, and transmits a signal included in the received data to the control unit 12 . Further, it transmits a specific signal (to be described later) and an acknowledgment signal indicating the reception to the setting device Sd, the control device Ct, and the like. Also, a status signal indicating the operation status of the lighting fixture L may be transmitted to the control device Ct.

In the present embodiment, unique information possessed by each of the plurality of lighting fixtures L is stored in the wireless communication unit 14 . A specific example of unique information is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a MAC (Media Access Control) address or location information. Note that the unique information may be stored in a component of the wireless communication unit 14, or may be stored in the storage unit 13, for example. When the wireless communication unit 14 recognizes that the received signal is the signal for the unique information of its own device, or when the wireless communication unit 14 transmits the signal to all units as a so-called broadcast communication, it transmits the signal to the control unit 12. do.

The wireless communication unit 14 performs wireless communication with the setting device Sd, the control device Ct, and other lighting fixtures L using a predetermined protocol. A communication frequency for wireless communication using a predetermined protocol is not limited at all, and 920 MHz band, 2.4 GHz band, 5 GHz band, etc. are exemplified. Further, specific examples of the predetermined protocol are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include Bluetooth (registered trademark) including BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), ZigBee (registered trademark), and Wi-Fi (registered trademark). An identification address is set in the wireless communication unit 14 in order to perform wireless communication according to a predetermined protocol. The identification address is appropriately changed and set in the initialization mode, and is prohibited from being changed in the normal mode.

In this embodiment, when the setting method described later is completed, as shown in FIG. 14, a wireless communication network Cn1, which is a mesh network, is constructed by a plurality of lighting fixtures L having wireless communication units 14 and the control device Ct. be. A predetermined protocol is used, for example, to transfer various types of data between a plurality of lighting fixtures L, so a protocol that can build a mesh network is selected while ensuring the transfer speed and reliability required for those data transfers. be done. After the wireless communication network Cn1 is constructed, for example, a control signal from the control device Ct is transmitted to each lighting fixture L via the wireless communication network Cn1.

The power supply unit 15 is for supplying electric power necessary for the operations of the light source unit 11, the control unit 12, the wireless communication unit 14, and the like. The power supply unit 15 has, for example, a function as an AC/DC converter that converts commercial AC 100V or 200V power into DC power, a transformation function, and the like.

[Setting device Sd]
The setting device Sd is a device for setting a plurality of lighting fixtures L in the wireless communication system A1. A specific configuration of the setting device Sd is not limited at all. The setting device Sd preferably has a configuration that is easy for the user to carry when performing the setting method described later. The setting device Sd of this embodiment includes an operation terminal Te and a capture unit Cp. However, the setting device Sd is not limited to the configuration including the operation terminal Te and the capture unit Cp, and is configured as a device (for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal) in which the components described below are accommodated in one housing. may A notebook PC can be given as an example of the operation terminal Te of the present embodiment. The operation terminal Te having such a configuration is suitable for improving user's operability. Further, in the case of this embodiment, a program for executing a setting method of the wireless communication system A1, which will be described later, is installed in the notebook PC constituting the operation terminal Te.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the operation terminal Te of this embodiment includes a display section 51 , a control section 52 , a storage section 53 , an input/output section 54 , a power supply section 55 and an operation section 58 .

The display unit 51 is for displaying information and images necessary for operating the operation terminal Te (setting device Sd). The display unit 51 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

The input/output unit 54 performs input/output of electrical signals with the capturing unit Cp. For example, one end of a cable is connected to the input/output unit 54 . The other end of this cable is connected to the catch Cp. As the cable, for example, a USB cable is exemplified.

The control unit 52 is for controlling each unit of the operation terminal Te (setting device Sd). A specific configuration of the control unit 52 is not particularly limited, and includes, for example, a CPU. The control unit 52 acquires, for example, the RSSI value, which is the received signal strength of the unique signal from the lighting device L, from the capturing unit Cp. Further, the control unit 52 performs processing for displaying a predetermined image and information on the display unit 51 in a setting method to be described later.

The storage unit 53 is for storing information such as programs and setting conditions necessary for controlling the control unit 52, and is made up of, for example, a semiconductor memory.

The power supply unit 55 is for supplying electric power necessary for operation to the display unit 51, the control unit 52, the input/output unit 54, the capturing unit Cp, and the like. The power supply unit 55 is, for example, one having a function as an AC/DC converter for converting commercial 100V or 200V AC power into DC power, a transformation function, or the like, or a rechargeable battery. The battery may be charged using either a contact charger or a non-contact charger.

The operation unit 58 is for the user to operate the operation terminal Te (setting device Sd). Operation unit 58 is, for example, a keyboard and a mouse. In addition, when the display unit 51 functions as a touch panel, the operation terminal Te does not have to include the operation unit 58 .

The capture unit Cp is for receiving and capturing unique signals from a plurality of lighting fixtures L. FIG. The specific configuration of the capture unit Cp is not limited at all, and in this embodiment, it is connected to the operation terminal Te via a cable. The capture unit Cp includes an input/output unit 56 and a wireless communication unit 57 . The capturing unit Cp has an antenna (one component of the wireless communication unit 57) for receiving a unique signal from the lighting fixture L to be set in the setting method described later. The trapping part Cp has, for example, a telescopic structure so that the antenna can be easily brought closer to the lighting fixture L to be set.

The wireless communication unit 57 has a function of receiving unique signals from the plurality of lighting fixtures L. As shown in FIG. The wireless communication unit 57 is for performing wireless communication using a predetermined protocol. A communication frequency for wireless communication using a predetermined protocol is not limited at all, and 920 MHz band, 2.4 GHz band, 5 GHz band, etc. are exemplified. Further, specific examples of the predetermined protocol are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include Bluetooth (registered trademark) including BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), ZigBee (registered trademark), and Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The protocol used when the wireless communication unit 57 receives unique signals from the plurality of lighting fixtures L may be the same as the protocol used in the wireless communication network Cn1 after the wireless communication system A1 is constructed. , may be different protocols. In addition to the wireless communication unit 57, the operation terminal Te may have a wireless communication unit (not shown) for performing wireless communication with a plurality of lighting fixtures L, the control device Ct, or a public network.

The wireless communication unit 57 outputs the received signal strength of the received unique signal. A specific example of the received signal strength is an RSSI value, but is not limited to this. Wireless communication section 57 outputs the received signal strength to control section 52 .

The input/output unit 56 connects the capture unit Cp and the operation terminal Te to exchange signals and the like between them. In this embodiment, the other end of the cable described above is connected to the input/output unit 56 . By using the cable, it is possible to separate the capture unit Cp from the operation terminal Te, which is a notebook PC, within the range of the length of the cable. This is suitable for bringing the capture unit Cp closer to the lighting fixture L to be set in the setting method of the wireless communication system A1, which will be described later.

[Control device Ct]
The control device Ct performs lighting control of a plurality of lighting fixtures L. FIG. In the case of this embodiment, the control device Ct may be installed in the same room as the room in which the plurality of lighting fixtures L are installed, or may be installed in another room or another floor in the same building. may be located in another building. When the control device Ct and the plurality of lighting fixtures L are separated from each other to some extent, the control device Ct and the plurality of lighting fixtures L are configured to communicate with each other using not only wireless communication but also wired communication and wireless communication. There may be. Note that the wireless communication system A1 may include at least one control device Ct, and may include a plurality of control devices Ct in another configuration.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the control device Ct. In this embodiment, the control device Ct includes a display section 21 , a control section 22 , a storage section 23 , a wireless communication section 24 and a power supply section 25 .

The display unit 21 is not necessarily required in the setting method of the wireless communication system A1, which will be described later, but is used for initial setting, maintenance, etc. of the control device Ct. The display unit 21 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or the like, and may further have a touch panel function. Further, instead of the display unit 21 functioning as a touch panel, the control device Ct may be separately provided with operation devices such as a keyboard and a mouse. Furthermore, as the display unit 21 or in addition to the display unit 21, an external digital signage connected via HDMI may be provided.

The control unit 22 is a main component that performs lighting control of the plurality of lighting fixtures L, and is for controlling each unit of the control device Ct. For example, the control unit 22 transmits a control signal to the wireless communication unit 24 so as to transmit control data to the lighting fixture L of interest. A specific configuration of the control unit 22 is not particularly limited, and is composed of, for example, a CPU. The storage unit 23 stores information such as programs and setting conditions necessary for controlling the control unit 22, and is composed of, for example, a semiconductor memory or a hard disk drive.

The wireless communication unit 24 is for performing wireless communication with the wireless communication units 14 of the plurality of lighting fixtures L and the wireless communication unit 57 of the setting device Sd. The frequency band of the wireless communication unit 24 and the standard of wireless communication to be complied with are wireless communication using the above-described protocol. When the setting method described later is completed, the control device Ct configures a wireless communication network Cn1 together with a plurality of lighting fixtures L, as shown in FIG. The wireless communication unit 24, for example, transmits control data from the control unit 22 to the plurality of lighting fixtures L via the wireless communication network Cn1. In addition to the wireless communication unit 24, the control device Ct may have a wired or wireless communication circuit for connecting to the Internet.

The power supply unit 25 is for supplying power required for operation to the display unit 21, the control unit 22, the wireless communication unit 24, and the like. The power supply unit 25 has a function as an AC/DC converter that converts, for example, commercial 100V or 200V AC power into DC power, a transformation function, and the like.

The control device Ct holds unique information such as lighting fixture IDs of a plurality of lighting fixtures L, which are stored in the storage unit 23, for example. The unique information held by the control device Ct may be, for example, a MAC address as a lighting fixture ID held by the lighting fixture L.

Next, the setting method of the wireless communication system A1 and the above program will be described.

A program is installed in the setting device Sd (operation terminal Te) in order to implement the setting method of the wireless communication system A1 of the present embodiment. The program causes the setting device Sd to execute the following processes. Each process will be described as a first step S1 to a third step S3, which will be described later. That is, the program performs a process of setting a permutation display area Ar1, a setting display area Ar2, and a command designation area Ar3 on the display unit 51, and a process of setting the permutation display area Ar1 to specific signals from a plurality of relay units (lighting fixtures L). a process of displaying the permutation information of a plurality of relay units (lighting fixtures L) based on the received signal strength received by the capturing unit Cp, and the permutation information displayed in the permutation display area Ar1 in the setting display area Ar2. A process of displaying information on the selected relay unit (lighting fixture L), a process of displaying a capture button Bt1, a flashing button Bt2 and a setting button Bt3 in the command designation area Ar3, and a , a process of receiving unique signals from a plurality of relay units (lighting fixtures L) by the capturing unit Cp1, and a relay unit ( A process of transmitting a blinking signal from the capturing unit Cp to the lighting fixture L), and transmitting an identification address from the capturing part Cp to the relay unit (the lighting fixture L) that is assumed to be a setting target when the setting button Bt3 is operated. transmitting an identification signal including; Note that the program is an example of a program used to implement the setting method of the wireless communication system A1, and a program with another configuration may be used. Also, a part of the processing of the program may be installed in, for example, the control device Ct and executed by the control device Ct.

[First step S1]
First, the first step S1 shown in FIG. 5 is executed. A first step S1 is a step of setting a plurality of lighting fixtures L shown in FIG. 1 to an initial setting mode. A switching signal is transmitted to all lighting fixtures L from the control device Ct (or the setting device Sd). This switching signal is a signal instructing to set each lighting fixture L to the initial setting mode. The switching signal is transmitted to all the lighting fixtures L by broadcast communication, for example. At this time, it is preferable to perform transmission using a plurality of frequencies in order to suppress loss of signals due to radio wave interference. For example, it transmits at three frequencies of 2.40 GHz, 2.44 GHz, and 2.48 GHz. When all frequencies have been transmitted, the transmission of the switching signal ends.

Upon receiving the switching signal, the lighting fixture L controls the control unit 12 to switch to the initial setting mode. That is, the light source unit 11 is turned on, and the wireless communication unit 14 periodically outputs a unique signal including the unique information (for example, MAC address) of the own unit. The control unit 12 sets the wireless communication unit 14 to output a unique signal, for example, once every 20 seconds. In addition, when the installed lighting fixture L is already in the initial setting mode, the mode is maintained as it is without changing. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 6, the plurality of lighting fixtures L are switched to the initial setting mode.

[Second step S2]
Next, the second step S2 shown in FIG. 5 is executed. For example, the user carries the setting device Sd and brings the capturing part Cp close to the lighting fixture L to be set, as shown in FIG. In the illustrated example, the lighting fixture L1 is set.

As shown in FIG. 7, the display unit 51 of the setting device Sd displays a permutation display area Ar1, a setting display area Ar2, and a command designation area Ar3. The permutation display area Ar1 is an area for displaying permutation information based on signal reception intensities of a plurality of lighting fixtures L. FIG. The setting display area Ar2 is an area for displaying information on the lighting fixture L estimated to be the lighting fixture L to be set based on the permutation information of the permutation display area Ar1. The command designation area Ar3 is an area for user operation input in the setting method of the present embodiment, and displays a capture button Bt1, a flashing button Bt2, and a setting button Bt3.

With the catching part Cp close to the lighting device L1, the user operates the catching button Bt1 displayed in the command designation area Ar3 of the display unit 51 of the operation terminal Te as shown in FIG. The operation mode of the capture button Bt1 is not limited at all, and may be a click operation using a mouse, a pressing operation using a keyboard, or an operation of touching the setting button Bt3 when the display unit 51 is a touch panel. not. This point also applies to the flashing button Bt2 and the setting button Bt3.

When the capture button Bt1 is operated, as shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 52 of the operation terminal Te (setting device Sd) determines, for example, RSSI get the value. Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the permutation information based on the RSSI values of the plurality of lighting fixtures L is displayed in the permutation display area Ar1. The specific configuration of the permutation information is not limited at all, as long as it is information obtained by comparing the RSSI values of a plurality of lighting fixtures L with each other. In the illustrated example, the lighting fixtures L are numbered in descending order of RSSI value. 1 to N are assigned and arranged in this order. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the distance from the trapping part Cp is such that the lighting fixture L1 is the closest, and the lighting fixtures L2, . . . Therefore, in the order display area Ar1 of FIG. 9, the lighting fixtures L1 to Ln are displayed in order. Also, the information items included in the permutation information are not limited at all. In the illustrated example, No. indicating the permutation. (number), the MAC address included in the unique signal of each lighting fixture L, the group and identification address set by this setting method, and the RSSI value are displayed. Note that when the permutation information of a plurality of lighting fixtures L is displayed by operating the capture button Bt1, a blank or 0 is displayed because the group and identification address have not been set. Here, the group is a group number set for each of a plurality of clusters when the wireless communication network Cn1 is a mesh network, and the identification address is a network address determined by the protocol adopted in the wireless communication network Cn1. is.

[Third step S3]
Next, the third step S3 shown in FIG. 5 is executed. In the third step S3, the lighting fixture L to be set is estimated based on the permutation information. A method for estimating the lighting fixture L to be set is not limited at all. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the user selects No. in the permutation information. The lighting fixture L1 displayed as 1, that is, the lighting fixture L1 with the largest RSSI value, is assumed to be the lighting fixture L to be set, and the row displaying the lighting fixture L1 in the permutation display area Ar1 is touched. Correspondingly, the estimated information of the lighting fixture L is transferred to the setting display area Ar2 and displayed. The information of the lighting fixture L displayed in the setting display area Ar2 is not limited at all. In the illustrated example, the same information items as those displayed in the permutation display area Ar1 are displayed, but the information items displayed in the permutation display area Ar1 and the setting display area Ar2 match each other. may be different.

Next, as shown in FIG. 11, an identification address or the like is set for the lighting fixture L (lighting fixture L1) displayed in the setting display area Ar2. In the illustrated example, a pull-down input menu is set for the group and identification address in the setting display area Ar2. The user selects and inputs a group and an identification address to be assigned to the lighting fixture L estimated as a setting target from each input menu. The input of the address and the identification address is not limited to using the pull-down input menu. For example, a system in which the user inputs numerical values or the like from a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel type display unit 51 may be used. Alternatively, a program installed in the setting device Sd (operation terminal Te) may automatically set the group and identification address according to a predetermined setting rule. In the illustrated example, as shown in FIG. 12, group "A" and identification address "01" are input for the estimated lighting fixture L. FIG.

Then, as shown in FIG. 5, an identification signal including an identification address is transmitted. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, this process is performed by selecting the line corresponding to the lighting fixture L displayed in the setting display area Ar2 and operating the setting button Bt3 in the command specifying area Ar3. The selection of the row corresponding to the lighting fixture L displayed in the setting display area Ar2 may be executed by a user's touch or the like, or may be automatically performed by a program installed in the setting device Sd (operation terminal Te). may be selected.

When the user operates the setting button Bt3, as shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 52 displays the estimated specific information (MAC address) of the lighting fixture L (L1) and the identification address including the input group and identification address. A signal is transmitted from the wireless communication unit 57 to the estimated lighting fixture L (lighting fixture L1). A specific example of the identification signal is a signal generally called an acknowledge signal (ACK signal).

[Fourth step S4]
Next, as shown in FIG. 5, when the unique information (MAC address) included in the received identification signal of the plurality of lighting fixtures L matches the unique signal of its own unit, the control unit 12 stores the Save group "A" and identification address "01". Then, the control unit 12 causes the wireless communication unit 14 to transmit a setting completion signal notifying that the setting of the identification address and the like has been completed to the setting device Sd. The setting device Sd transmits a switching signal for switching the setting-completed lighting fixture L1 from the initial setting mode to the normal mode from the wireless communication unit 57 to the lighting fixture L1. In the lighting fixture L1 that has received the switching signal, the controller 12 performs processing for switching from the initial setting mode to the normal mode. As shown in FIG. 13, the lighting fixture L1 in the normal mode is turned off in which the lighting of the light source unit 11 is stopped. Further, in lighting fixture L1, changing the group and identification address is prohibited. Note that, as indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 5, the switching signal to the lighting fixture L1 may be transmitted from the control device Ct instead of the setting device Sd.

[Fifth step S5]
When the second step S2 to the fourth step S4 for the lighting fixture L1 are completed, the user repeats the second step S2 to the fourth step S4 for the lighting fixtures L2 to Ln. As a result, group and identification settings are sequentially completed for the lighting fixtures L2 to Ln. When the processing of all lighting fixtures L to be set is completed, the setting device Sd transmits a setting information signal to the control device Ct. The setting information signal contains the group and identification address of each of the plurality of lighting fixtures L. FIG. As a result, as shown in FIG. 14, a wireless communication network Cn1 is constructed by the plurality of lighting fixtures L and the control device Ct. All of the plurality of lighting fixtures L forming the wireless communication network Cn1 are in the normal mode. Therefore, when the fifth step S5 is completed, all of the plurality of lighting fixtures L are in the off state. Then, lighting control of a plurality of lighting fixtures L can be performed by lighting control processing such as transmitting a lighting control signal from the control device Ct to a predetermined lighting fixture L as appropriate.

Note that, in the present embodiment, the control device Ct is the root node of the wireless communication network Cn1. Any one of the plurality of lighting fixtures L may function as a GM (gate module). The gate module is the root node of the cluster and connects to the controller Ct. At this time, the gate module constructs a mesh network together with other gate modules and is connected to the control device Ct for communication. The gate module constantly evaluates the communication quality with other gate modules and the control device Ct, and automatically connects to the partner with the best communication quality. Similarly, lighting fixture L constantly evaluates the communication quality with other lighting fixtures L or gate modules, and automatically connects to the partner with the best communication quality. A normal lighting fixture L and a lighting fixture L functioning as a gate module have the same hardware configuration. The software installed in the luminaire L may be changed, or the mode may be switched to operate as a normal luminaire L or to operate as a gate module.

The wireless communication system A1 may also include a clock unit (not shown) that can communicate with the wireless communication network Cn1. The clock unit is a unit that outputs time information. For example, by receiving standard time radio waves provided in the frequency band of FM radio, the time information may be adjusted and output as time information. Each relay unit synchronizes the time information in its own unit based on the time information from the clock unit. For example, by including time information in the unique signal transmitted from each relay unit, processing such as excluding the unique signal transmitted at the wrong timing in the setting device Sd becomes possible.

15 and 16 show another example of the setting method of the wireless communication system of this embodiment. In this example, in addition to the setting method described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 14, sixth step S6 to eighth step S8 are executed.

[Sixth step S6]
After completing the second step S2 described above and before executing the third step S3, as shown in FIG. Operate the flashing button Bt2. The control unit 52 transmits a blinking signal for blinking the light source unit 11 from the wireless communication unit 57 of the capturing unit Cp to the lighting fixture L1 estimated to be the setting target. This transmission is done by direct communication, for example by specifying the MAC address of the luminaire L1.

[Seventh step S7]
When the lighting fixture L that has received the blinking signal recognizes that the MAC address of its own unit is included in the blinking signal, the control unit 12 controls the light source unit 11 to blink. On the other hand, when the MAC address of the own unit is not included in the flashing signal, the lighting in the initialization mode is maintained.

[Eighth step S8]
The user confirms whether any of the lighting fixtures L is blinking from a position where the lighting fixtures L can be visually observed. If the lighting fixture L (the lighting fixture L1) to be set in the first step S1 is blinking, the process proceeds to the above-described third step S3. On the other hand, if the lighting fixture L (the lighting fixture L1) to be set is not blinking, the above-described second step S2 is executed again. That is, the above-described processing such as bringing the catching part Cp close to the lighting fixture L to be set (the lighting fixture L1) and operating the catching button Bt1 is executed.

Next, the radio communication system A1, the setting method of the radio communication system A1, and the operation of the program will be described.

According to this embodiment, setting for configuring the wireless communication network Cn1 of the wireless communication system A1 using a plurality of relay units (lighting fixtures L) is performed by using the setting device Sd having the capture unit Cp as means, Sequential execution using received signal strength. In this setting method, after arranging a plurality of lighting fixtures L as a plurality of relay units at respective suitable locations, the capturing part Cp of the setting device Sd is brought close to the lighting fixture L to be set, and the first A setting method including steps S1 to S3 is performed. In particular, by bringing the capturing part Cp of the setting device Sd close to the lighting fixture L and executing the above-described first step S1 and second step S2, the relay unit (the lighting fixture L) to be set is determined by the received signal strength. more reliably identifiable. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently and reliably perform the setting processing necessary for constructing the wireless communication network Cn1 while sequentially specifying a plurality of relay units without using a wired communication network. Further, since the relay unit to be set can be identified by approaching the setting device Sd or the relay unit (lighting fixture L) for setting the capturing unit Cp, wireless communication is not output from the setting device Sd. work can proceed.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 13, the lighting fixture L is controlled to be lit in the initial setting mode, and is controlled to be extinguished when switched to the normal mode. As a result, the user operating the setting device Sd or the like can determine which of the plurality of lighting fixtures L is in the initial setting mode in which the lighting fixture L is turned on, and which lighting fixture L is in the initial setting mode. It is possible to easily visually confirm whether the light is in the normal mode or not. When setting several hundred lighting fixtures L installed on one floor, it is possible to visually confirm the progress of the work by turning on/off the lights.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, by executing the sixth step S6 to the eighth step S8 with the flashing button Bt2, it is estimated which lighting fixture L among the plurality of lighting fixtures L is the target of the setting process. It is possible to easily confirm by visual observation whether or not there is any. This is preferable for improving the processing efficiency, since it is possible to recognize that the estimation is incorrect before the setting process is completed when a lighting fixture L different from the user's intention is set.

A plurality of relay units (lighting fixtures L) can set and change their identification addresses in the initial setting mode, and are prohibited from changing their identification addresses in the normal mode. As a result, it is possible to prevent the identification address from being erroneously rewritten when a plurality of relay units (lighting fixtures L) are used for normal lighting purposes.

The processing of the setting device Sd in the above setting method can be realized by installing the above program. Therefore, there is no need to prepare a dedicated device as the setting device Sd, and it is possible to configure the setting device Sd using a general-purpose notebook PC, smartphone, tablet terminal, or the like. General-purpose notebook PCs, smart phones, tablet terminals, and the like are suitable for users to carry, and have the advantage of being easy to set identification addresses.

Figures 17-21 illustrate yet another example and other embodiment of the present invention. In these figures, the same or similar elements as in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the above embodiment.

<First embodiment, first modification>
17 and 18 show a first modification of the setting method for the wireless communication system A1. This modified example differs from the example described above with respect to assignment of identification addresses.

FIG. 17(a) shows a layout drawing Lt1 of a room or the like in which a plurality of relay units are arranged. The layout drawing Lt1 is a CAD drawing, its captured image, or the like. For example, the layout drawing Lt1 is displayed on the display unit 51 of the operation terminal Te by image processing software or the like. Next, as shown in FIG. 17B, a placement area Lt11 is set on the placement drawing Lt1. The placement area Lt11 is an area in which a plurality of relay units forming the wireless communication system A1 are placed. In setting the layout area Lt11, the size and shape of the room, the layout of the power sources, and the like are taken into consideration. In the illustrated example, a region surrounded by a thick dashed line in the drawing is selected as the placement region Lt11. Next, as shown in FIG. 17C, a placement image Lt2 representing the environment and configuration of the placement area Lt11 is created. The layout image Lt2 selectively shows walls, doorways, furniture fixtures, etc. related to the layout of a plurality of relay units in the layout region Lt11. The layout image Lt2 may be created using image processing software or other spreadsheet software.

Next, as shown in FIG. 18, a plurality of relay units are arranged on the screen. In the illustrated example, a plurality of lighting fixtures L and a plurality of sensors D are included as a plurality of relay units. The luminaire L has the same configuration as in the examples described above. The sensor D has a detector (not shown) in addition to the configuration of the lighting fixture L described above. The detection unit detects various quantities, and for example, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a motion sensor, a carbon dioxide concentration sensor, etc. are appropriately selected. Moreover, in the sensor D, the light source section 11 may function as an indicator for notifying the operating state of the sensor D. FIG.

Alphabets and numbers given to the plurality of lighting fixtures L1 to L15 and the plurality of sensors D1 to D3 in the drawing are the above-described group and identification addresses. A group and an identification address are given to each relay unit according to the arrangement of the plurality of lighting fixtures L1 to L15 and the plurality of sensors D1 to D3. Groups A, B, and C each constitute a cluster of wireless communication network Cn1. A relay unit whose identification address is "01" is set as a gateway module (GM) in each group (each cluster). This setting information may be used in the third step S3 described above.

Display items indicating the attributes of the plurality of lighting fixtures L1 to L15 and the plurality of sensors D1 to D3 may be added to the above-described permutation display area Ar1 and setting display area Ar2. As the display items, words such as "lighting equipment" and "sensor" are displayed as attributes of the relay unit.

According to this modification, too, it is possible to efficiently and reliably perform the setting processing necessary for constructing the wireless communication network Cn1 while sequentially specifying a plurality of relay units without using a wired communication network. Also, it is possible to set groups and identification addresses based on the actual arrangement of a plurality of relay units (a plurality of lighting fixtures L and a plurality of sensors D). As a result, even when the number of relay units increases, groups and identification addresses can be appropriately set.

<First Embodiment, Second Modification>
FIG. 19 shows a second modification of the setting method for the wireless communication system A1. This modified example differs from the example described above with respect to assignment of identification addresses.

In this modified example, an automatic setting screen As1 is displayed on the display section 51 . The automatic setting screen As1 has, for example, a plurality of columns arranged in the X direction and a plurality of rows arranged in the Y direction. Each column-row intersection region is configured as a rectangular cell. In addition, the layout image Lt2 in the above example is displayed in the background of the automatic setting screen As1.

For example, the origin O is set at the intersection of the first column in the X direction and the first row in the Y direction. Then, the width of each column and the height of each row are made to correspond to a predetermined length in the actual room. Next, each relay unit is generated on the automatic setting screen As1 from the position of the relay unit with respect to the origin O and the shape, size, orientation, etc. of the relay unit. This generation may be performed sequentially for each relay unit, or may be automatically generated collectively by fetching layout information of a plurality of relay units prepared in advance by the automatic setting screen As1. .

Next, a group and an identification address are set for each of the plurality of relay units. For example, by setting a rule to set one gateway module (GM) within a predetermined range (a range within a radius of 15 m, etc.), a gateway module (GM) is automatically set from a plurality of relay units. A hatched relay unit (lighting fixture L) in the drawing is set as a gateway module (GM).

Next, a plurality of relay units forming the same group (cluster) together with the gateway module (GM) are given the same group and a unique identification address. Assignment of identification addresses may be performed automatically according to rules based on, for example, the distance from the gateway module (GM).

By repeating the above process, groups and identification addresses can be automatically set for a plurality of relay units arranged on the automatic setting screen As1. This setting information may be used in the third step S3 described above.

According to this modification, too, it is possible to efficiently and reliably perform the setting processing necessary for constructing the wireless communication network Cn1 while sequentially specifying a plurality of relay units without using a wired communication network. Also, it is possible to automatically or semi-automatically set groups and identification addresses of a plurality of relay units (lighting fixtures L) based on the arrangement of the plurality of relay units (lighting fixtures L). Thereby, the burden on the user can be reduced.

<Second embodiment>
FIG. 20 shows a wireless communication system and its setting method according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The wireless communication system A2 of this embodiment differs from the above-described embodiment in the configuration of the setting device Sd.

In the setting device Sd in the wireless communication system A1, the operation terminal Te and the capture unit Cp are connected by a USB cable or the like. The display unit 51, the control unit 52, the storage unit 53, the power supply unit 55, and the like are accommodated in the same housing. Examples of such a setting device Sd include a smart phone and a tablet terminal.

The setting device Sd of this embodiment may further include a detector 591 . The detection unit 591 detects the orientation of the setting device Sd using geomagnetism or the like. For example, as shown in FIG. 20, when the user grips the setting device Sd and extends the gripped hand toward the lighting fixture L1 to be set, from the detection information (position, angle, etc.) of the detection unit 591, It can be determined whether the setting device Sd is directed to any of the lighting fixtures L. FIG. This determination may be used, for example, to determine whether to start receiving the unique signal in the second step S2 described above. That is, even when the above-described capture button Bt1 is operated, if it is not determined from the detection information of the detection unit 591 that the setting device Sd is approaching any of the lighting fixtures L, the unique signal is not received. It may be a process that does not start. If the detection signal from the detection unit 591 indicates that the setting device Sd has been appropriately moved from this state, the processing may be such that the reception of the unique signal is started.

Further, when the flashing button Bt2 and the setting button Bt3 are operated, the detection signal from the detection unit 591 may be incorporated into the conditions for starting the processing corresponding to each operation.

Also, the setting device Sd may be configured to have a notification unit 592 . The notification unit 592 is, for example, a speaker, an indicator lamp, a vibration mechanism, or the like in a smart phone. For example, the control unit 52 may control the notification unit 592 to notify the start of reception when the reception of the unique signal in the second step S2 is started.

According to the present embodiment as well, it is possible to efficiently and reliably perform the setting processing necessary for constructing the wireless communication network Cn1 while sequentially specifying a plurality of relay units without using a wired communication network. Further, by adopting the detection information of the detection unit 591 as a condition for whether or not to receive the unique signal, it is possible to prevent unintended unique signal reception or the like. In addition, by using the notification unit 592 to notify execution of a specific process, the user can more intuitively grasp the progress of the setting method.

The wireless communication system setting method, wireless communication system, and program according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments. The specific configuration of the wireless communication system setting method, wireless communication system, and program according to the present invention can be modified in various ways.

A1, A2: wireless communication system 11: light source unit 12: control unit 13: storage unit 14: wireless communication unit 15: power supply unit 21: display unit 22: control unit 23: storage unit 24: wireless communication unit 25: power supply unit 51 : Display unit 52 : Control unit 53 : Storage unit 54 : Input/output unit 55 : Power supply unit 56 : Input/output unit 57 : Wireless communication unit 58 : Operation unit 591 : Detection unit 592 : Notification unit A : Group Ar1 : Sequence display area Ar2: Setting display area Ar3: Command designation area As1: Automatic setting screen B: Group Bt1: Capture button Bt2: Blinking button Bt3: Setting button C: Group Cn1: Wireless communication network Cp: Capture unit Cp1: Capture unit Ct: Control device D, D1, D2, D3: Sensors L, L1, L2, Ln: Lighting equipment Lt1: Layout drawing Lt11: Layout area Lt2: Layout image O: Origin S1: First step S2: Second step S3: Third step S4 : 4th step S5 : 5th step S6 : 6th step S7 : 7th step S8 : 8th step Sd : setting device Te : operation terminal

Claims (5)

A wireless communication system setting method for setting identification addresses to a plurality of relay units using a setting device having a display unit and a capture unit, comprising:
Each of the plurality of relay units has a light source,
a first step of setting the plurality of relay units to an initialization mode in which the light source section is turned on and a unique signal including unique information of each unit is transmitted;
The capture unit is brought close to the relay unit to be set, the capture unit receives the specific signals from the plurality of relay units, and the permutation of the plurality of relay units is performed based on the received signal strength of the specific signals. a second step of displaying information on the display;
a third step of estimating the relay unit to be set based on the permutation information and transmitting an identification signal including an identification address to the estimated relay unit;
A method of configuring a wireless communication system, comprising: In the second step, the relay unit presumed to be a setting target is selected based on the permutation information displayed in the permutation display area of the display section, and the relay unit selected in the setting display area of the display section. display information about the
In the third step, by selecting the relay unit estimated to be the setting object displayed in the setting display area, determining the identification address to be given to the relay unit, and operating the setting button, 2. The setting method for a wireless communication system according to claim 1, wherein said identification signal is transmitted from said acquisition unit to said relay unit which is assumed to be a setting target. After the second step and before the third step,
By selecting the relay unit that is assumed to be the setting target displayed in the setting display area and operating a flashing button, the light source unit flashes from the capturing unit to the relay unit that is assumed to be the setting target. Send a blinking signal to light up,
if the relay unit in the blinking lighting state matches the relay unit to be set, executing the third step;
3. The wireless communication system setting method according to claim 2, wherein said second step is executed when said relay unit in a blinking lighting state does not match said relay unit to be set. a plurality of relay units each having a light source unit, a power supply unit, a control unit, and a wireless communication unit;
A wireless communication system comprising a control device that controls lighting states of the light source units of the plurality of relay units,
further comprising a setting device having a display unit and a capturing unit that performs wireless communication, and performing processing for setting identification addresses of the plurality of relay units;
The relay unit is
a normal mode in which the wireless communication unit receives a lighting control signal from the control device, and the control unit controls the lighting state of the light source unit according to the lighting control signal;
a switching signal from the setting device for an initial setting mode in which the control unit turns on the light source, transmits a unique signal including unique information of each unit from the wireless communication unit, and permits a change of an identification address; switch by
The wireless communication system, wherein in the normal mode, changing the identification address is prohibited. A setting device having a display unit and a capture unit and used for setting identification addresses for a plurality of relay units,
A process of setting a permutation display area, a setting display area, and a command designation area in the display unit;
a process of displaying, in the permutation display area, permutation information of the plurality of relay units based on received signal strengths of the unique signals from the plurality of relay units received by the capturing unit;
a process of displaying information of the relay unit selected based on the permutation information displayed in the permutation display area in the setting display area;
a process of displaying a capture button, a flashing button and a setting button in the command designation area;
a process of receiving unique signals from the plurality of relay units by the capturing unit when the capturing button is operated;
a process of transmitting a blinking signal from the capture unit to the relay unit that is estimated to be a setting target based on the permutation information when the blinking button is operated;
and a process of transmitting an identification signal including an identification address from the capture unit to the relay unit that is estimated to be a setting target when the setting button is operated.

Images