JP2022174446A - Management system, lighting device, and wireless tag - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a management system, a lighting device, and a wireless tag that eliminate the need to equip the wireless tag with a battery and can expand an arrangement range of the wireless tag.SOLUTION: A management system A1 includes a control device Ct, a plurality of relay units (lighting devices L), and a plurality of wireless tags Wt. The control device Ct and the lighting devices L construct a first wireless communication network Cn1 using a first wireless radio wave. Each of the wireless tags Wt includes a wireless communication unit 44, a control unit 42, a storage unit 43, and a self-power generation unit 45. When the self-power generation unit 45 generates power by receiving the first wireless radio wave, by power supply from the self-power generation unit 45, the wireless tag Wt transmits unique wireless tag information stored in the storage unit 43 from the wireless communication unit 44 to a lighting device L via a second wireless radio wave different from the first wireless radio wave. The lighting device L that has received the wireless tag information transfers the wireless tag information to the control device Ct via the first wireless communication network Cn1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a management system, a lighting device and a wireless tag.

Wireless tags are widely used as devices that transmit their own wireless tag information by wireless communication. Patent Literature 1 discloses a management system including a plurality of wireless tags and a wireless tag reader. The management system disclosed in the document reads data transmitted from wireless tags by a wireless tag reader. A wireless tag is equipped with a battery. A wireless tag performs wireless communication using power supplied from a battery.

JP 2018-026030 A

If the operation of the wireless tag requires a battery, the operation will be stopped due to the dead battery, or if the battery is a rechargeable battery, charging work will be forced. Also, if the wireless tag is not within a predetermined range from the wireless tag reader, the data from the wireless tag cannot be read by the wireless tag reader.

The present invention has been conceived under the circumstances described above. Its task is to provide tags.

A management system provided by a first aspect of the present invention is a management system comprising a control device, a plurality of relay units, and a plurality of wireless tags, wherein the control device and the relay units are: A first wireless communication network using one radio wave is configured, the wireless tag has a wireless communication unit, a control unit, a storage unit, and a self-power generation unit, and the self-power generation unit transmits the first radio wave When power is generated by receiving, the unique wireless tag information stored in the storage unit is transmitted to the wireless communication unit through a second wireless wave different from the first wireless wave by power supply from the self-power generation unit. to the relay unit, and the relay unit having received the wireless tag information transfers the wireless tag information to the control device via the first wireless communication network.

A lighting device provided by the second aspect of the present invention is a lighting device that constitutes the relay unit of the management system provided by the first aspect of the present invention, comprising: a light source unit; a lighting device-side control unit, a lighting device-side storage unit, a first wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication via the first wireless communication network, and a first beacon signal using the first wireless radio wave a first beacon output unit; and a second wireless communication unit that receives the wireless tag information from the wireless tag using the second wireless radio wave. 1 beacon signal is output, and a transfer data signal including the wireless tag information received via the second wireless radio wave, the unique identification information stored in the lighting device side storage unit, and a time stamp, Transfer to the controller via the first wireless communication network.

A wireless tag provided by the third aspect of the present invention is a wireless tag used in the management system provided by the first aspect of the present invention, and is incorporated in a portable item carried by a user.

A wireless tag provided by the fourth aspect of the present invention is a wireless tag used in the management system provided by the first aspect of the present invention, the wireless tag being incorporated in a sensor device having a measurement unit, When the self-power generation unit generates power by receiving the first radio wave, the wireless tag information and the measurement data of the measurement unit are transmitted via the second radio wave by power supply from the self-power generation unit. It is transmitted from the wireless communication section to the relay unit.

A management system provided by a first aspect of the present invention is a management system comprising a control device, a plurality of relay units, and a plurality of wireless tags, wherein the control device and the relay units are: A first wireless communication network using one radio wave is configured, the wireless tag wirelessly communicates with the relay unit via a second radio wave different from the first radio wave, and the plurality of relay units are: It has a second beacon output unit that outputs a second beacon signal using a third radio wave different from the first radio wave and the second radio wave, and the wireless tag includes a radio communication unit, a control unit, and a memory. and a self-power generating unit, and when the self-power-generating unit generates power by receiving the third radio wave, the unique wireless tag stored in the storage unit is supplied with power from the self-power-generating unit. Information is transmitted from the wireless communication section to the relay unit via the second radio wave, and the relay unit that has received the wireless tag information transmits the wireless information to the control device via the first wireless communication network. Transfer tag information.

According to the present invention, it is possible to eliminate the need to equip the wireless tag with a battery and expand the arrangement range of the wireless tag.

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 management system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. It is a block diagram showing a lighting device of a management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing a wireless tag of a management system according to a first embodiment of the invention; FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the control apparatus of the management system which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram showing a mobile terminal of the management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a sequence diagram of the management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing sensor devices of a first modified example of the management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention; It is a sequence diagram of the 1st modification of the management system based on 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic layout diagram showing a management system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure; It is a block diagram which shows the illuminating device of the management system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a sequence diagram of the management system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

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

The terms "first", "second", "third", etc. in this disclosure are used for identification purposes only and are not intended to impose any order on the objects.

<First Embodiment>
1 to 6 show a management system according to a first embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the management system A1 of this embodiment includes a plurality of lighting devices L, a control device Ct, and a plurality of wireless tags Wt. In addition to these components, the management system A1 also includes a mobile terminal Md, an external storage device Sd, and a clock unit Ut. Note that the management system A1 may be configured without all or any of the mobile terminal Md, the external storage device Sd, and the clock unit Ut. The management system A1 is a system that performs management using a plurality of wireless tags Wt.

[Lighting device L (relay unit)]
The lighting device L is a specific example of a relay unit in the present invention. A specific example of the relay unit is not limited to the lighting device L. For example, a dedicated relay unit may be used in which the light source unit 11 is removed from the lighting device L described below.

A plurality of lighting devices L are used for indoor lighting, for example, and are installed in various locations such as ceilings, walls, and floors. Moreover, the lighting device L may be configured to be used for outdoor lighting. The specific form of the lighting device L is not limited at all, and various forms such as straight tube lighting, high ceiling lighting, ceiling light, downlight, base light, and spotlight can be appropriately employed. In the following description, when describing the general configuration of the lighting device L, it will be referred to as lighting device L, and when distinguishing between a plurality of lighting devices L, lighting devices L1, . may be used. The plurality of lighting devices 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 the plurality of lighting devices L1 to Ln have the same configuration will be described as an example.

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

The light source unit 11 is a part of the lighting device L that performs a light emitting function. 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. In addition, the illumination device L appropriately has a transparent or translucent cover (not shown) that allows the light from the light source section 11 to pass therethrough.

The control section 12 is for controlling each section of the lighting device L based on a control signal or the like from the control device Ct. The controller 12 corresponds to the lighting device side controller in the present invention. 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. The storage unit 13 corresponds to the lighting device side storage unit in the present invention. Note that the storage unit 13 is not limited to being built in the housing (not shown) of the lighting device L, and may be detachably provided outside the housing of the lighting device L.

The wireless communication module 14 is a communication unit for performing wireless communication with the control device Ct, other lighting devices L forming a communication network, and at least one of a plurality of wireless tags Wt, and is a module that transmits and receives wireless signals. is. The wireless communication module 14 is connected to the control unit 12 by, for example, UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) communication, but is not limited to this. The wireless communication module 14 of this embodiment has a first wireless communication unit 141 , a second wireless communication unit 142 and a first beacon output unit 143 .

As an example of the function of the wireless communication module 14 , it receives data from the control device Ct and transmits a signal (for example, a designated signal) included in the received data to the control unit 12 . Also, an acknowledge signal indicating that the data has been received is transmitted to the control device Ct. Also, a status information signal indicating the operation status of the lighting device L may be transmitted to the control device Ct.

In this embodiment, the wireless communication module 14 stores a unique lighting device ID of each of the plurality of lighting devices L. FIG. A specific example of the lighting device ID is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a MAC (Media Access Control) address or location information. Note that the lighting device ID may be stored in any one of the first wireless communication unit 141, the second wireless communication unit 142, and the first beacon output unit 143, or in a component of the wireless communication module 14 other than these. , for example, may be stored in the storage unit 13 . The wireless communication module 14 transmits the signal to the control unit 12 when recognizing that it is a signal for the lighting device ID of its own device among the received signals.

The first wireless communication unit 141 is for performing wireless communication with the control device Ct and other lighting devices L using the first wireless radio waves. Wireless communication using the first radio wave is not limited at all, and in the present embodiment, wireless communication using the first protocol will be described. A communication frequency for wireless communication using the first protocol is not limited at all, and examples thereof include a 920 MHz band, a 2.4 GHz band, and a 5 GHz band. In addition, the specific example of the first protocol is not particularly limited, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) including BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), Zigbee (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or proprietary protocol are exemplified. In the present embodiment, a plurality of lighting devices L having the first wireless communication unit 141 and the control device Ct are connected in the mesh network shown in FIG. A certain first wireless communication network Cn1 is constructed. Since the first protocol is used to transfer various data between a plurality of lighting devices L as described later, it is possible to construct a mesh network while ensuring the transfer speed and reliability required for the data transfer. A protocol is selected.

Note that, in the present embodiment, the control device Ct is the root node of the first wireless communication network Cn1. Any one of the lighting devices 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 device L constantly evaluates the communication quality with other lighting devices L or gate modules, and automatically connects to the partner with the best communication quality. The general lighting device L and the lighting device L functioning as a gate module have the same hardware configuration. The software installed in the lighting device L may be changed, or the lighting device L may be operated as a normal lighting device L or operated as a gate module by mode switching.

The second radio communication unit 142 is for performing radio communication using the radio tag Wt and the second radio wave. The second radio wave is a radio wave different from the first radio wave, and has a different frequency band and protocol. Wireless communication using the second radio wave is not limited at all, and in the present embodiment, wireless communication using the second protocol will be described. A communication frequency for wireless communication using the second protocol is not limited at all, and examples thereof include a 920 MHz band, a 2.4 GHz band, and a 5 GHz band. In addition, specific examples of the second protocol are not particularly limited, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) including BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), Zigbee (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or proprietary protocol, etc. are exemplified. As the second protocol, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) is selected when wireless communication is intended with the wireless tag Wt located at a short distance.

The 1st beacon output part 143 transmits a 1st beacon signal by radio|wireless communication using a 1st radio wave. The communication frequency of wireless communication using the first radio wave is not limited at all, and examples include the 920 MHz band, 2.4 GHz band, and 5 GHz band. In addition, the specific example of the protocol used to transmit the first beacon signal is not particularly limited, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) including BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), Zigbee (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark) , or proprietary protocol.

The first beacon signal is transmitted at predetermined intervals. The beacon signal transmission interval is set by a setting signal or the like from the controller Ct, and is, for example, 100 to 500 ms. Power consumption can be suppressed by lengthening the output interval.

The first beacon signal transmitted by the first beacon output unit 143 may include identification information (lighting device ID) of the lighting device L itself. Also, the first beacon signal may include a time stamp. This identification information may be position information that directly indicates the position of the lighting device L, or may be a MAC address or the like.

The power supply unit 15 is for supplying electric power necessary for operation to the light source unit 11, the control unit 12, the wireless communication module 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.

[Wireless tag Wt]
The wireless tag Wt is a device to be managed in the management system A1 of this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the wireless tag Wt. The wireless tag Wt of this embodiment includes a control unit 42 , a storage unit 43 , a wireless communication unit 44 and a self-power generation unit 45 . The specific configuration of the wireless tag Wt is not limited at all, and it may be configured as a chip-like dedicated tag device. Alternatively, the wireless tag Wt may be incorporated in a portable item carried by the user. The specific configuration of the portable item is not limited at all. Portable items include, for example, cards, tags, wearable terminals, and the like. A specific example of the card is a transportation IC card.

In the following description, when describing the general structure of the wireless tag Wt, the wireless tag Wt will be referred to as the wireless tag Wt. It may be used as appropriate. The plurality of wireless tags Wt1 to Wtn may have the same configuration, may share a part of each other, or may have different configurations. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, a case where a plurality of wireless tags Wt1 to Wtn have the same configuration will be described as an example.

The control unit 42 is for controlling each unit of the wireless tag Wt. A specific configuration of the control unit 42 is not particularly limited, and is composed of a CPU, for example. The storage unit 43 is for storing information such as programs and setting conditions necessary for controlling the control unit 42, and is composed of a semiconductor memory or the like, for example. In this embodiment, the storage unit 43 stores unique wireless tag information for each wireless tag Wt. A specific example of the wireless tag information is not limited at all, and may be, for example, a tag ID.

The wireless communication unit 44 performs wireless communication with the corresponding lighting device L using the above-described second wireless radio wave (second protocol).

The self-power generation unit 45 performs self-power generation upon receiving the first radio wave (first beacon signal). This self-power generation is performed by converting the energy of the first radio wave, for example, using an induced current generated by receiving the first radio wave. The self-power generation section 45 that performs such self-power generation has an antenna section (not shown) that generates an induced current by receiving the first radio wave, for example. The power of the radio wave for generating the induced current is preferably 5 dBm or more, and furthermore, by receiving radio waves of 10 dBm or more, it is possible to generate an induced current sufficient to control each part of the wireless tag Wt. can. The electric power self-generated by the self-power generation unit 45 is supplied to the measurement unit 41, the control unit 42, the wireless communication unit 44, and the like.

[Control device Ct]
The control device Ct performs management control using a plurality of relay units (lighting devices L) and a plurality of wireless tags Wt, and lighting control of the plurality of lighting devices L1 to Ln. 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 relay units (plurality of lighting devices L1 to Ln) are installed, or may be installed in another room in the same building. or another floor, or in another building. When the control device Ct and the plurality of relay units (the plurality of lighting devices L1 to Ln) are separated from each other to some extent, the control device Ct and the plurality of relay units (the plurality of lighting devices L1 to Ln) can communicate not only wirelessly , may be configured to communicate with each other using wired communication and wireless communication. Note that the management 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 used for initial setting, maintenance, etc. of the control device Ct, although it is not necessarily required in the management processing of the management system A1, which will be described later. 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.

The control unit 22 is a main component that performs management control using a plurality of relay units (lighting devices L) and a plurality of wireless tags Wt, and lighting control of the plurality of lighting devices L1 to Ln. It is for controlling each part. For example, the control unit 22 transmits a control signal to the wireless communication unit 24 so as to transmit the control data to the target relay unit (lighting device L). 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 section 24 is for performing wireless communication with the first wireless communication section 141 of the wireless communication module 14 of a plurality of relay units (plurality of lighting devices L1 to Ln). The frequency band of the wireless communication unit 24 and the wireless communication standard conforming thereto are wireless communication using the first protocol described above. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the control device Ct constitutes a first wireless communication network Cn1 together with a plurality of relay units (a plurality of lighting devices L1 to Ln). The wireless communication unit 24, for example, transmits control data from the control unit 22 to a plurality of relay units (a plurality of lighting devices L1 to Ln) via the first 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 identification information such as lighting device IDs of a plurality of relay units (a plurality of lighting devices L1 to Ln) and wireless tag information of a plurality of wireless tags Wt, which are stored in the storage unit 23, for example. It is The identification information held by the control device Ct may be, for example, a MAC address as a lighting device ID held by the lighting device L or a tag ID held by the wireless tag Wt.

[Mobile terminal Md]
The mobile terminal Md is a terminal operated by a user in the management system A1. For example, the user uses the portable terminal Md to set various conditions and items for the operation of the management system A1. Conditions and items set by the mobile terminal Md are not limited at all. Conditions and items include, for example, matters related to the first wireless communication network Cn1 (relay unit selection, route node designation, etc.), lighting control of each of the plurality of lighting devices L (light intensity, color temperature, ON/OFF schedule, etc.). ), etc.

The mobile terminal Md is not particularly limited as long as it has portability, information processing capability, etc. that can implement user operations, and is, for example, a tablet, a smart phone, a notebook PC, or the like. In addition, when a plurality of lighting devices L (relay units) constituting the management system A1 are installed in a wide area, the management system A1 may include a plurality of mobile terminals Md.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the mobile terminal Md. In this embodiment, the mobile terminal Md includes a display section 31 , a control section 32 , a storage section 33 , a wireless communication section 34 and a power supply section 35 .

The display unit 31 is for displaying information and images necessary for operating the mobile terminal Md. The display unit 31 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and has a touch panel function in this embodiment. In place of the display unit 31 functioning as a touch panel, the mobile terminal Md may additionally include an operating device such as a keyboard or a mouse.

The control section 32 is for controlling each section of the mobile terminal Md. A specific configuration of the control unit 32 is not particularly limited, and is composed of, for example, a CPU. The storage unit 33 is for storing information such as programs and setting conditions necessary for controlling the control unit 32, and is composed of a semiconductor memory, a hard disk drive, or the like, for example.

The wireless communication unit 34 performs wireless communication with the control device Ct. The frequency band of the wireless communication unit 34 and the wireless communication standard to be complied with may be the same as or different from the above-described first wireless communication unit 141. For example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark) is selected. . Note that the wireless communication unit 34 may be a wireless communication module built in a tablet or the like as the mobile terminal Md, or may be an external wireless communication module connected to a USB terminal or the like.

The power supply unit 35 is for supplying power required for operation to the display unit 31, the control unit 32, the wireless communication unit 34, and the like. Power supply unit 35 is, for example, a rechargeable battery.

[External storage device Sd]
The external storage device Sd is installed outside the first wireless communication network Cn1, and is, for example, a server, a commercial cloud, or the like. For communication between the external storage device Sd and the control device Ct, for example, a commercial Internet line, a dedicated line, or the like is used. The external storage device Sd can be accessed at any time by an external user at a location away from the location where the plurality of lighting devices L (relay units) constituting the management system A1 are installed. The control device Ct may store, for example, the collected measurement data in the external storage device Sd.

[Clock unit Ut]
The clock unit Ut has a function of acquiring time information, for example, by receiving FM radio waves, and a function of transmitting the time information to the control device Ct, for example, via Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

Next, the operation of the management system A1 will be explained below.

FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing operations of the management system A1.

In this embodiment, first, time information is synchronized (step S1). Synchronization of time information is performed for the control device Ct and a plurality of lighting devices L (relay units) that constitute the first wireless communication network Cn1. Specifically, the clock unit Ut transmits time information, and the control device Ct receives it. The control device Ct creates time data by converting the time information into the first protocol, and transmits the time data to a plurality of lighting devices L (relay units) via the first wireless communication network Cn1. The lighting devices L1 to Ln that have received the time information synchronize the time of their own devices with the time data, and transfer the time data to the next lighting device L.

Next, the first beacon signal Bs1 is transmitted at predetermined intervals (step S2). Specifically, the lighting devices L1 to Ln transmit the first beacon signal Bs1 from the first beacon output unit 143 using the first radio wave. The first beacon signal Bs1 may include identification information of each lighting device L. FIG. The predetermined interval is, for example, 100-500 ms.

Next, in the lighting device L, the self-power generation unit 45 that receives the first beacon signal Bs1 performs self-power generation. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the case where the wireless tag Wt1 is arranged near the lighting device L1 and the wireless tag Wtn is arranged near the lighting device Ln will be described. When the self-power generation unit 45 of the wireless tag Wt1 receives the first beacon signal Bs1 from the lighting device L1, the self-power generation unit 45 performs self-power generation. When the control unit 42 of the lighting device L1 detects self-power generation in the self-power generation unit 45, such as receiving power supply from the self-power generation unit 45, the control unit 42 uses the electric power from the self-power generation unit 45 and stores it in the storage unit 43. An RFID tag information signal Ws1 containing RFID tag information is generated. Then, the control unit 42 transmits the wireless tag information signal Ws1 from the wireless communication unit 44 to the nearby lighting device L1 using the second protocol (second radio wave). Similarly, the RFID tag Wtn generates the RFID tag information signal Wsn, and transmits the RFID tag information signal Wsn from the wireless communication unit 44 to the nearby lighting device Ln by the second protocol (second radio wave) (step S3). ).

Next, the plurality of lighting devices L that have received the RFID tag information signals Ws1 to Wsn generate transfer data signals Ts1 to Tsn containing the RFID tag information included in the RFID tag information signals Ws1 to Wsn and the identification information of their own devices. do. Then, the transfer data signals Ts1 to Tsn are transferred to the control device Ct using the first protocol (first radio wave), that is, via the first radio communication network Cn1 (step S4).

Next, in step S5, the control device Ct sequentially receives the transfer data signals Ts1-Tsn transferred in the first wireless communication network Cn1. Thereby, the control device Ct acquires the identification information of the lighting device L and the wireless tag information of the wireless tag Wt included in each of the transfer data signals Ts1 to Tsn. By this acquisition, the control device Ct performs a predetermined management process. For example, it is estimated that the lighting device L and the wireless tag Wt corresponding to the identification information and the wireless tag information included in a transfer data signal Ts are located close to each other. In the example shown in FIG. 1, it is estimated that the wireless tag Wt1 is located near the lighting device L1 and the wireless tag Wtn is located near the lighting device Ln.

When the plurality of wireless tags Wt move over time, the positional relationship between the plurality of lighting devices L and the plurality of wireless tags Wt, that is, the position of the plurality of wireless tags Wt, is determined by repeating the above steps S2 to S5. It is possible to accumulate information. In the case of the management system A1 having the clock unit Ut, the times of the plurality of lighting devices L are synchronized by executing step S1. Then, in step S4, the lighting device L causes the transfer data signal Ts to include a time stamp in addition to the identification information and the wireless tag information. Thereby, the control device Ct can accumulate the position information of the plurality of wireless tags Wt in time series. The control device Ct may appropriately store this position information in the external storage device Sd.

<First embodiment, first modification>
7 and 8 show a first modification of the management system A1. In this modified example, at least one of the plurality of wireless tags Wt is incorporated in the sensor device Es. The sensor device Es is a device that measures physical quantities related to the environment in which it is installed and transmits the measurement results by wireless communication. FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the sensor device Es. The sensor device Es of this embodiment includes a measurement unit 41 , a control unit 42 , a storage unit 43 , a wireless communication unit 44 and a self-power generation unit 45 . That is, the sensor device Es incorporates a wireless tag Wt comprising a control unit 42, a storage unit 43, a wireless communication unit 44, and a self-power generation unit 45. FIG. A specific configuration of the sensor device Es is not limited at all.

The measurement unit 41 has a function of measuring physical quantities relating to the environment of the sensor device Es. The functions of the measurement unit 41 are not particularly limited, and include various functions such as a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an illuminance sensor, a motion sensor, an air volume sensor, and a carbon dioxide sensor. In addition, the measurement principle of the measurement unit 41 is not limited at all, such as a non-contact method using an optical method or an electromagnetic method, a contact method, or a method of measuring by monitoring the state of a specific part built in the measurement unit 41. , various methods can be adopted.

The control unit 42 of this modified example performs the function of controlling the display unit 31 in addition to the function as the control unit 42 of the wireless tag Wt described above. A specific configuration of the control unit 42 is not particularly limited, and is composed of a CPU, for example. The storage unit 43 is for storing information such as programs necessary for controlling the control unit 42 and setting conditions related to the measurement unit 41, and is composed of, for example, a semiconductor memory.

Next, the operation of this modified example will be described below with reference to FIG.

For example, after executing steps S1 and S2 shown in FIG. 6, step S3 shown in FIG. 8 is executed. Here, the sensor device Esn will be described as an example. In the sensor device Esn, when the self-power generation unit 45 receives the first beacon signal Bs1 and performs self-power generation, the control unit 42 generates the RFID tag information signal Wsn. The wireless tag information signal Wsn includes the wireless tag information as well as the data measured by the measuring unit 41 . The control unit 42 transmits the generated RFID tag information signal Wsn from the wireless communication unit 44 to the lighting device Ln using the second protocol (second radio wave). The lighting device Ln is, for example, the one closest to the sensor device Esn among the plurality of lighting devices L (relay units).

In step S4 of this modification, the controller 12 of the lighting device Ln that has received the wireless tag information signal Wsn generates the transfer data signal Tsn. This transfer data signal Tsn includes the wireless tag information and measurement data of the wireless tag Wtn included in the wireless tag information signal Wsn, as well as the identification information and time stamp of its own device. The control unit 12 of the lighting device Ln transfers the generated transfer data signal Tsn from the first wireless communication unit 141 to the control device Ct via the first wireless communication network Cn1.

At step S5, the controller Ct receives the transferred transfer data signal Tsn. The control device Ct acquires, for example, the presence of the sensor device Esn near the lighting device Ln and the measurement data obtained by the sensor device Esn. By providing the plurality of sensor devices Es, the control device Ct aggregates the measurement data from the sensor devices Es located close to each of the plurality of lighting devices L (relay units). These measurement data can be accompanied by time stamps. The control device Ct may appropriately store these measurement data in the external storage device Sd.

Note that the specific configuration of the wireless tag Wt is not limited at all. In the management system A1, a plurality of types of wireless tags Wt with various configurations, such as the wireless tags Wt incorporated in the items to be carried and the wireless tags Wt incorporated in the sensor device Es, may coexist.

Next, the actions of the management system A1, lighting device L, and wireless tag Wt will be described.

According to this embodiment, the series of operations in which the wireless tag Wt transmits the wireless tag information signal Ws is performed using power obtained by the self-power generation of the self-power generation unit 45 . Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a battery or the like in the wireless tag Wt. Also, the wireless tag information signal Ws from the wireless tag Wt is transmitted to the lighting device L as a relay unit using the second radio wave. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated reader for reading the wireless tag information of the wireless tag Wt. By installing a plurality of relay units in a wide range, it is possible to transfer the wireless tag information signals Ws of the wireless tags Wt present in a wider range to the control device Ct. Therefore, the wireless tag Wt does not need to be equipped with a battery, and the wireless tag Wt can be arranged in a wider range.

The management system A1 of this embodiment includes a lighting device L that constitutes a relay unit. The lighting device L is a device for achieving the purpose of illuminating the interior of a room, and is generally installed evenly over a wide area. Therefore, the wireless tag information signal Ws of the wireless tag Wt can be received in a wide range where the plurality of lighting devices L are installed.

When the wireless tag Wt is incorporated in a carried item, the wireless tag Wt can be attached to a user, a mobile device, or the like without any trouble. Also, the configuration in which self-power generation is performed by the self-power generation unit 45 is suitable for avoiding excessively large or heavy weight of a carried article in which the wireless tag Wt is incorporated.

According to the modification in which the wireless tag Wt is incorporated in the sensor device Es, it is possible to efficiently acquire the measurement data of the sensor devices Es arranged over a wider range. Moreover, there is no need to provide a battery in the sensor device Es, which is preferable for reducing the size and weight of the sensor device Es.

<Second embodiment>
9 to 11 show a management system according to a second embodiment of the 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. The management system A2 of this embodiment differs from the above-described embodiment mainly in the configuration of the control device Ct, the relay unit (lighting device L), and the wireless tag Wt.

FIG. 9 shows an example of the schematic layout of the management system A2. In the management system A2, a plurality of lighting devices L (lighting devices L1 to L18) are provided as a plurality of relay units. A plurality of lighting devices L1 to L18 are arranged in a matrix as shown, for example, on the ceiling of a room.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the illumination device L of this embodiment. The lighting device L of this embodiment is provided with a second beacon output unit 144 instead of the first beacon output unit 143 in the wireless communication module 14 of the lighting device L of the above-described embodiment.

The second beacon output unit 144 transmits a second beacon signal by wireless communication using a third radio wave different from the first radio wave and the second radio wave. The communication frequency of wireless communication using the third radio wave is not limited at all, and examples include the 920 MHz band, 2.4 GHz band, and 5 GHz band. In addition, the specific example of the protocol used to transmit the second beacon signal is not particularly limited. , or proprietary protocol. As the third radio wave, it is preferable to select a radio wave having a higher output than the first radio wave or a radio wave reaching a longer distance.

The second beacon signal is transmitted at predetermined intervals. The beacon signal transmission interval is set by a setting signal or the like from the controller Ct, and is, for example, 100 to 500 ms. Power consumption can be suppressed by lengthening the output interval.

The second beacon signal transmitted by the second beacon output unit 144 may include identification information (lighting device ID) of the lighting device L itself. Also, the second beacon signal may include a time stamp. This identification information may be position information that directly indicates the position of the lighting device L, or may be a MAC address or the like.

The self-power-generating part 45 of the wireless tag Wt of this embodiment self-power-generates by receiving the third radio wave. Such a self-power generating unit 45 may be configured to generate power by receiving only the third radio wave, or may be configured to generate power by receiving the first radio wave. . When the self-power generation unit 45 receives at least one of the first radio wave and the third radio wave to generate power by itself, for example, the antenna unit (not shown) of the self-power generation unit 45 has one common coil unit. Alternatively, it may have a coil portion for the first radio wave and a coil portion for the third radio wave.

Next, the operation of management system A2 will be described below with reference to FIG.

First, the control device Ct executes step S11. At step S11, the control device Ct generates a setting signal Ds. The setting signal Ds is information for individually setting ON/OFF of the second beacon output unit 144 for a plurality of lighting devices L (relay units) (for example, identification information such as a lamp ID, and information linked to the identification information). ON/OFF information) is included. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 9, the second beacon output units 144 of the three lighting devices L of the lighting devices L1, L11, and L16 are set to ON, and the second beacon output units 144 of the remaining lighting devices L are turned on. A setting signal Ds for setting to OFF is generated. The second beacon signal is set to transmit a radio wave having a stronger output than the first beacon signal described above, for example, a radio wave of 10 dBm or more. Since the lighting devices (in this example, lighting devices L1, L11, and L16) are selected according to the usage environment, instead of outputting from all of the plurality of lighting devices L, the second wireless radio wave Even if a radio wave with a large output is output, it has the effect of preventing mutual radio wave interference. 9 and 11, the combination of lighting devices L set to ON and OFF is an example for explanation. Various combinations of lighting devices L can be set to ON and OFF. Also, the number and arrangement of the wireless tags Wt are not limited at all, and the illustrated number and arrangement are for convenience of explanation.

Next, as shown in FIG. 11, the control device Ct transmits the setting signal Ds (step S12). The control device Ct transmits the setting signal Ds via the first wireless communication network Cn1.

One of the plurality of lighting devices L (lighting device L1 in the figure) receives the setting signal Ds via the first wireless communication network Cn1. Then, the setting signal Ds is transferred to another lighting device L via the first wireless communication network Cn1 (step S13). Thereby, all the lighting devices L forming the first wireless communication network Cn1 receive the setting signal Ds.

In the lighting device L, the first wireless communication unit 141 of the wireless communication module 14 receives the setting signal Ds. The control unit 12 refers to the ON/OFF information linked to the identification information of the device itself included in the setting signal Ds. When the ON/OFF information linked to the identification information of the own fixture is ON, the control unit 12 of the lighting device L outputs the second beacon signal Bs2 from the second beacon output unit 144 of the wireless communication module 14 at predetermined intervals. (step S14). In the example shown in FIG. 11, lighting devices L1, L11, and L16 are executing step S14.

On the other hand, when the ON/OFF information linked to the identification information of the own fixture is OFF, the control unit 12 of the lighting device L sets the second beacon output unit 144 of the wireless communication module 14 to OFF. The transmission of the beacon signal is stopped (step S15). In the example shown in FIG. 11, lighting device L14 executes step S14. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9, the controllers 12 of the plurality of lighting devices L other than the lighting devices L1, L11, and L16 set the second beacon output units 144 to OFF.

When the second beacon signal Bs2 is transmitted from each of the lighting devices L1, L11, and L16 at predetermined intervals, the self-power generation unit 45 of the wireless tag Wt that receives the second beacon signal Bs2 performs self-power generation. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the wireless tag Wt is present at the position shown, receives the second beacon signal Bs2 from the closest lighting device L16 among the lighting devices L1, L11, and L16, and self-generates power. The unit 45 self-generates power.

When the control unit 42 of the lighting device L1 detects the self power generation in the self power generation unit 45, the control unit 42 uses the electric power from the self power generation unit 45 to generate the RFID tag information signal Ws including the RFID tag information contained in the storage unit 43. Generate. Then, the control unit 42 transmits the wireless tag information signal Ws from the wireless communication unit 44 to the nearby lighting device L using the second protocol (second radio wave). In the example shown in FIG. 9, the wireless tag information signal Ws is transmitted to the lighting device L14 closest to the wireless tag Wt (step S16).

The lighting device L14 that has received the RFID tag information signal Ws generates a transfer data signal Ts that includes the RFID tag information included in the RFID tag information signal Ws and the identification information of its own device. Then, the transfer data signal Ts is transferred to the control device Ct using the first protocol (first radio wave), that is, via the first radio communication network Cn1 (step S17).

Next, in step S18, the control device Ct receives the transfer data signal Ts transferred in the first wireless communication network Cn1. Thereby, the control device Ct acquires the identification information of the lighting device L14 and the wireless tag information of the wireless tag Wt included in the transfer data signal Ts. By this acquisition, the control device Ct performs a predetermined management process.

According to this embodiment as well, it is possible to eliminate the need to equip the wireless tag Wt with a battery and expand the arrangement range of the wireless tag Wt. Moreover, in this embodiment, the second beacon signal Bs2 is transmitted using a third radio wave different from the first radio wave. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the transmission of the second beacon signal Bs2 from lowering the communication quality of the first wireless communication network Cn1. Also, when the transmission frequency of the second beacon signal Bs2 is increased, it is possible to reduce the influence on the first wireless communication network Cn1. Furthermore, by appropriately selecting the third radio wave, it is possible to cause the RFID tag Wt located at a longer distance to receive the second beacon signal Bs2, so that the RFID tags Wt can be arranged in a wider range.

The management system, lighting device, and wireless tag according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments. The specific configuration of each part of the management system, the lighting device, and the wireless tag according to the present invention can be modified in various ways.

A1, A2: Management system L, L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, L7, L8, L9, L10, L11, L12, L13, L14, L15, L16, L17, L18, Ln: Lighting device Wt, Wt1, Wtn: wireless tags Es, Esn: sensor device Es
11: light source unit 12: control unit 13: storage unit 14: wireless communication module 15: power supply unit 21: display unit 22: control unit 23: storage unit 24: wireless communication unit 25: power supply unit 31: display unit 32: control unit 33 : Storage unit 34 : Wireless communication unit 35 : Power supply unit 41 : Measurement unit 42 : Control unit 43 : Storage unit 44 : Wireless communication unit 45 : Self power generation unit 141 : First wireless communication unit 142 : Second wireless communication unit 143 : First beacon output unit 144 : Second beacon output unit Bs1 : First beacon signal Bs2 : Second beacon signal Cn1 : First wireless communication network Ct : Control device Ds : Setting signal Md : Portable terminals S1, S11, S12, S13, S14, S15, S16, S17, S18, S2, S3, S4, S5: Step Sd: External storage devices Ts, Ts1, Tsn: Transfer data signal Ut: Clock units Ws, Ws1, Wsn: Wireless tag information signal

Claims (5)

a controller;
a plurality of relay units;
A management system comprising a plurality of wireless tags,
The control device and the relay unit configure a first wireless communication network using a first wireless radio wave,
The wireless tag is
a wireless communication unit, a control unit, a storage unit, and a self-power generation unit; and when the self-power generation unit generates power by receiving the first radio wave, the power supply from the self-power generation unit causes the storage unit to generate power. transmitting the unique wireless tag information stored in the wireless communication unit to the relay unit via a second wireless wave different from the first wireless wave,
The management system according to claim 1, wherein the relay unit that has received the wireless tag information transfers the wireless tag information to the control device via the first wireless communication network. A lighting device that constitutes the relay unit of the management system according to claim 1,
a light source;
a lighting device-side control unit that controls the light source unit;
a lighting device-side storage unit;
a first wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication via the first wireless communication network;
a first beacon output unit that transmits a first beacon signal using the first radio wave;
a second wireless communication unit that receives the wireless tag information from the wireless tag using the second wireless radio wave;
The first beacon output unit outputs the first beacon signal at predetermined intervals,
transferring a transfer data signal including the wireless tag information received via the second wireless radio wave, the unique identification information stored in the lighting device side storage unit, and a time stamp through the first wireless communication network; to the controller via. A wireless tag used in the management system according to claim 1,
A wireless tag embedded in a portable item carried by a user. A wireless tag used in the management system according to claim 1,
It is incorporated in a sensor device with a measuring unit,
When the self-power generation unit generates power by receiving the first radio wave, power supply from the self-power generation unit causes the wireless tag information and the measurement data of the measurement unit to pass through the second radio wave. and a wireless tag transmitted from the wireless communication unit to the relay unit. a controller;
a plurality of relay units;
A management system comprising a plurality of wireless tags,
The control device and the relay unit configure a first wireless communication network using a first wireless radio wave,
the wireless tag wirelessly communicates with the relay unit via a second wireless wave different from the first wireless wave;
The plurality of relay units have a second beacon output section that outputs a second beacon signal using a third radio wave different from the first radio wave and the second radio wave,
The wireless tag is
a wireless communication unit, a control unit, a storage unit, and a self-power generation unit; and when the self-power generation unit generates power by receiving the third radio wave, the power supply from the self-power generation unit causes the storage unit to generate power. transmitting the unique wireless tag information stored in the wireless communication unit to the relay unit via the second wireless radio wave;
The management system according to claim 1, wherein the relay unit that has received the wireless tag information transfers the wireless tag information to the control device via the first wireless communication network.

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