JP2023147452A - Gateway device and lighting control system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a gateway device and a lighting control system by which even sensors that do not comply with the communication standards of a mesh-shaped communication network can be incorporated and used in the mesh-shaped communication network.SOLUTION: A gateway device used in a lighting control system including a plurality of lighting fixtures that constitute a mesh-shaped communication network by performing bidirectional radio communication includes a receiving unit for receiving a detection result transmitted from a sensor that is not adaptable to the mesh-shaped communication network, and a radio communication unit for converting the detection result of the sensor received by the receiving unit into a signal compliant with the communication standard of the mesh-shaped communication network, and periodically transmitting the converted signal to the plurality of lighting features regardless of the reception timing of the signal from the sensor of the receiving unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a gateway device and a lighting control system.

A lighting control system that controls the operation of a plurality of lighting fixtures by using a plurality of lighting fixtures capable of two-way wireless communication and constructing a mesh-like communication network using the plurality of lighting fixtures has been studied. For example, by incorporating a human body detection sensor into a mesh-like communication network and transmitting the detection results of the human body detection sensor to multiple lighting fixtures, it is possible to turn on and off multiple lighting fixtures, or to connect an illuminance sensor to a mesh-like communication network. Consideration is being given to changing the brightness of light emitted from multiple lighting fixtures by incorporating them into a communication network and transmitting the detection results of the illuminance sensor to multiple lighting fixtures.

However, in order to incorporate various sensors such as a human body detection sensor and an illuminance sensor into a mesh communication network as described above, it is necessary to use sensors that comply with the communication standards of the mesh communication network. For this reason, the degree of freedom in sensor selection is low, and in lighting control systems, it is desirable to be able to incorporate and use sensors in the mesh communication network even if they do not comply with the communication standards for the mesh communication network. It is rare.

JP2021-057160A

Embodiments of the present invention provide a gateway device and a lighting control system that allow even sensors that do not comply with the communication standards of the mesh communication network to be incorporated into the mesh communication network and used.

According to an embodiment, there is provided a gateway device for use in a lighting control system including a plurality of lighting fixtures that construct a mesh-like communication network by performing bidirectional wireless communication, a receiving unit that receives a detection result transmitted from an incompatible sensor; and a receiving unit that converts the detection result of the sensor received by the receiving unit into a signal compliant with the communication standard of the mesh communication network, and converts the converted signal. A gateway device is provided, comprising: a wireless communication section that periodically transmits to the plurality of lighting fixtures regardless of the timing at which the reception section receives a signal from the sensor.

A gateway device and a lighting control system are provided that allow even sensors that do not comply with the communication standards of the mesh communication network to be incorporated into the mesh communication network and used.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically representing a lighting control system according to a first embodiment. 1 is a block diagram schematically representing a gateway device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart schematically representing an example of the operation of the gateway device according to the first embodiment. 12 is a flowchart schematically representing an example of the operation of the gateway device according to the second embodiment. 12 is a flowchart schematically representing an example of the operation of the gateway device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically representing a gateway device according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram schematically representing an example of linking information.

Each embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.
Note that the drawings are schematic or conceptual, and the relationship between the thickness and width of each part, the size ratio between parts, etc. are not necessarily the same as those in reality. Furthermore, even when the same part is shown, the dimensions and ratios may be shown differently depending on the drawing.
In the present specification and each figure, the same elements as those described above with respect to the existing figures are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations are omitted as appropriate.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically representing a lighting control system according to a first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the lighting control system 2 includes a gateway device 10, a plurality of lighting fixtures 12, and a camera-equipped lighting fixture 14.

The plurality of lighting fixtures 12 construct a mesh-like communication network by performing bidirectional wireless communication. The lighting fixture 12 transmits the received signal, for example, by broadcast communication to other lighting fixtures 12 (another node constructing a mesh-like communication network) existing within a communicable distance. As described above, in the plurality of lighting fixtures 12, by sequentially transmitting broadcast communication between neighboring fixtures, a control signal input to any one of the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 is transmitted to each of the plurality of lighting fixtures 12. can be entered. Thereby, the lighting control system 2 can control the operation of each of the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 by transmitting a control signal to any one of the plurality of lighting fixtures 12. For example, it is possible to control turning on and off of each of the plurality of lighting fixtures 12, the brightness of light emitted from each of the plurality of lighting fixtures 12, and the like.

The plurality of lighting fixtures 12 are, for example, fixtures compatible with Bluetooth mesh. However, the communication standard for the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 is not limited to Bluetooth mesh, but may be any communication standard that allows a mesh-like communication network to be constructed by performing two-way communication with other nearby lighting fixtures 12. good.

The camera-equipped lighting fixture 14 includes a lighting section 20 and a camera 22 (sensor). The camera-equipped lighting fixture 14 is used by being attached to the ceiling of the same room as the plurality of lighting fixtures 12, for example.

The lighting unit 20, like the other lighting fixtures 12, irradiates light to illuminate a room or the like. Further, the lighting unit 20 constructs a part of a mesh-like communication network by, for example, performing bidirectional wireless communication with a plurality of lighting fixtures 12. The lighting unit 20 is also a device compatible with Bluetooth mesh, like the plurality of lighting devices 12. Thereby, the lighting control system 2 can also control the operation of the lighting unit 20 of the camera-equipped lighting fixture 14 in the same manner as the plurality of lighting fixtures 12.

The camera 22 photographs the interior of the room from the ceiling and outputs the photographed image data to the outside. More specifically, the image data is image data of a moving image. For example, the camera 22 may be configured to be able to output image data of moving images and image data of still images.

In the camera-equipped lighting fixture 14, image data (moving images) from the camera 22 can be used for crime prevention, safety management, etc., for example. Furthermore, the camera-equipped lighting fixture 14 can reduce electrical work, wiring work, etc. and make it easier to install the camera 22 on the ceiling, compared to the case where the camera 22 is installed alone on the ceiling. Furthermore, by providing the camera 22 integrally with the illumination unit 20, the presence of the camera 22 can be made less noticeable.

Further, the camera 22 detects a human body by performing image processing on the captured image data. In other words, the camera 22 detects the presence or absence of a person in the room where the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the camera-equipped lighting fixture 14 are installed. Thereby, the camera 22 functions as a human body detection sensor in the lighting control system 2.

The camera 22 communicates with the gateway device 10 and transmits the human body detection result to the gateway device 10 . At this time, the camera 22 communicates with the gateway device 10 using a communication standard different from the communication standard of the mesh-like communication network formed by the plurality of lighting devices 12 . The camera 22 is, for example, a device that does not support Bluetooth mesh. In this case, communication between the camera 22 and the gateway device 10 may be wired or wireless. The communication standard between the camera 22 and the gateway device 10 may be any communication standard that can appropriately transmit the human body detection result to the gateway device 10.

The image data is output to the outside via a communication path different from the communication with the gateway device 10. The camera 22 outputs image data to an external terminal via wired communication, for example. The camera 22 may output image data to a mobile terminal such as a smartphone via wireless communication such as Wi-Fi, for example. The output of the image data may be performed using a communication device different from the communication device that outputs the detection results, or may be performed using the same communication device as the communication device that outputs the detection results.

The gateway device 10 communicates with the camera 22 and also establishes a part of a mesh-like communication network by performing bidirectional wireless communication with the plurality of lighting devices 12 and the lighting unit 20. The gateway device 10 is, for example, a device compatible with Bluetooth mesh. The gateway device 10 receives the detection result of a human body from the camera 22, and transmits the received detection result using a communication standard based on a mesh communication network. Thereby, in the lighting control system 2, the detection results of the camera 22 that does not comply with the communication standard of the mesh communication network can be input to the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting unit 20.

The plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting section 20 change their lighting states according to the input detection results of the camera 22. For example, the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting section 20 are turned on when the detection result of the camera 22 indicates that a human body has been detected, and are turned off when the detection result of the camera 22 is that no human body has been detected. Thereby, the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20 can be switched on and off depending on whether or not someone has entered the room. Note that the control of changes in the lighting state according to the detection results of the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the camera 22 of the lighting unit 20 is not limited to control to turn on the light when a human body is detected and turn off the light when no human body is detected. . The control of changes in the lighting state according to the detection results of the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the camera 22 of the lighting unit 20 may be, for example, control to turn on the lighting at a lower brightness when a human body is not detected than when a human body is detected. Further, the lighting section 20 does not necessarily have to be a device compatible with a mesh communication network. The illumination unit 20 may be configured to change the lighting state by directly receiving the detection result from the camera 22, for example.

The lighting control system 2 further includes, for example, a control terminal 30, a server 32, a mobile terminal 34, switches 36 and 38, and the like.

The control terminal 30 is a terminal for making settings regarding the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting section 20. Settings regarding the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20 include, for example, setting of groups of the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20, settings of brightness of the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20, and the like. When groups are set, for example, it is possible to switch on and off or change the brightness for each group. When the brightness is set, the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting section 20 emit light with a brightness according to the setting. The brightness may be set, for example, on a time-by-time basis. However, the settings regarding the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting section 20 are not limited to the above, and may be any settings regarding the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting section 20.

The control terminal 30 communicates with the server 32. The control terminal 30 transmits setting data representing settings regarding the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting section 20 to the server 32. The server 32 stores the setting data sent from the control terminal 30. The server 32 may be, for example, a physical server or a virtual server built within a physical server. Further, the server 32 may be configured by combining a plurality of servers, for example. In other words, the server 32 is a cloud. Communication between the control terminal 30 and the server 32 may be wired or wireless. Communication between the control terminal 30 and the server 32 may be any type of communication.

The mobile terminal 34 communicates with the server 32 and also communicates with the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting section 20. The mobile terminal 34 receives the setting data stored in the server 32 from the server 32, and transmits the received setting data to at least one of the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting section 20. The plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20 transmit the setting data received from the mobile terminal 34 to each of the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20 via a mesh communication network. Thereby, the settings input on the control terminal 30 are reflected on each of the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting section 20. However, the setting data may be transmitted from the mobile terminal 34 to each of the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20, for example.

Communication between the server 32 and the mobile terminal 34 may be, for example, wireless communication such as 4G using a base station, wireless communication using Wi-Fi, etc. Communication between the server 32 and the mobile terminal 34 may be any wireless communication.

Communication between the mobile terminal 34 and the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and lighting section 20 is, for example, wireless communication using Bluetooth advertisement. Communication between the mobile terminal 34 and the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting unit 20 may be any wireless communication that can perform communication appropriately. However, communication between the mobile terminal 34 and the plurality of lighting devices 12 and the lighting section 20 is performed using, for example, a wireless communication device for constructing a mesh-like communication network. It is preferable to adopt a communication method that does not require a separate wireless communication device.

The switch 36 constructs a part of a mesh-like communication network by, for example, performing bidirectional wireless communication with the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting unit 20. The switch 36 is also a device compatible with Bluetooth mesh, for example. The switch 36 transmits, for example, switching on and off of the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting section 20, and a signal indicating the brightness of the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting section 20. Further, the switch 36 receives setting data via, for example, a mesh communication network. Thereby, the switch 36 enables switching between lighting and turning off the lights for each group, for example, when groups are set.

The switch 38 transmits signals to the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting section 20, for example. The switch 38 transmits signals to the plurality of lighting devices 12 and the lighting unit 20 by wireless communication using, for example, Bluetooth advertising. The switch 38 is, for example, an EnOcean wireless remote control switch that utilizes energy harvesting. The switch 38, for example, turns on and off the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting section 20, and transmits a signal indicating the brightness of the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting section 20. The switch 38 is used, for example, to turn on and off the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting section 20 as a whole.

In this way, in the lighting control system 2, there is no need to provide a controller or the like for controlling each of the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20. Upon receiving detection results from the camera 22 or signals from the switches 36 and 38, the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20 change their lighting states by controlling them based on preset setting data. As a result, the lighting control system 2 can control the lighting states of the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20 with a simpler configuration than when a controller or the like is provided.

Note that the control terminal 30, server 32, mobile terminal 34, and switches 36 and 38 are provided as necessary and can be omitted. The mobile terminal 34 may be a terminal dedicated to the lighting control system 2, or may be a smartphone of an individual such as a person in charge of setting the plurality of lighting fixtures 12. Similarly, the control terminal 30 may also be a terminal of an individual such as a person in charge of setting the plurality of lighting fixtures 12. The server 32 may be, for example, a server provided by another business entity different from the owner of the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 or the like. Only one of the switches 36 and 38 may be provided, or may not necessarily be provided, for example, when controlling lighting etc. based only on the detection result of the camera 22.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically representing the gateway device according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 2, the gateway device 10 includes a receiving section 50, a converting section 52, a wireless communication section 54, and a power supply circuit 56.

Power supply circuit 56 is connected to power supply PS. The power supply circuit 56 converts the power supplied from the power supply PS into power suitable for each part of the gateway device 10, and supplies the converted power to each part of the gateway device 10. The receiving section 50, the converting section 52, and the wireless communication section 54 operate based on power supplied from the power supply circuit 56. The power supply PS is, for example, a commercial power supply. The power of the power supply PS is, for example, AC power. For example, the power supply circuit 56 converts the AC power of the power supply PS into DC power, and supplies the converted DC power to the receiving section 50, the converting section 52, and the wireless communication section 54. However, the power source PS is not limited to the above, and may be any power source. The configuration of the power supply circuit 56 may be any configuration capable of appropriately operating each part of the gateway device 10 by converting and supplying power from the power supply PS.

The receiving unit 50 receives the human body detection result transmitted from the camera 22. In other words, the receiving unit 50 is an input interface. As described above, communication between the camera 22 and the receiving unit 50 (gateway device 10) may be wired or wireless. The communication standard between the camera 22 and the receiving section 50 may be any communication standard that can appropriately transmit the detection result to the receiving section 50. The receiving unit 50 inputs the received detection result of the camera 22 to the converting unit 52.

The conversion unit 52 converts the detection result input from the reception unit 50 into a signal in a predetermined format suitable for the wireless communication unit 54, and inputs the converted signal to the wireless communication unit 54. The converting unit 52 converts, for example, a signal of a standard for wired communication or wireless communication received by the receiving unit 50 into a signal for serial communication, and inputs the converted signal to the wireless communication unit 54 .

The wireless communication unit 54 performs bidirectional wireless communication with the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting unit 20. The wireless communication unit 54 converts the detection result of the camera 22 received by the reception unit 50 into a signal compliant with the communication standard of the mesh communication network formed by the plurality of lighting devices 12 and the lighting unit 20, and transmits the converted signal to a plurality of signals. The information is transmitted to the lighting equipment 12 and lighting section 20 of. More specifically, the wireless communication unit 54 transmits the converted signal to another node within a communicable range. Note that transmitting to a plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20 does not mean transmitting to each of a plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20, but rather to transmitting to a plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20 that are capable of communication. means to transmit to devices within range.

By transmitting signals as described above, the wireless communication unit 54 can perform the same operation as a sensor compatible with a mesh communication network. Through the operation of the wireless communication unit 54, the gateway device 10 acts as a sensor compatible with a mesh communication network in the lighting control system 2. In the lighting control system 2, when viewed from the side of the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting section 20, the gateway device 10 can be recognized as a sensor compatible with a mesh-like communication network.

The wireless communication unit 54 includes, for example, sensor firmware 60 and a storage unit 62. As described above, the sensor firmware 60 is a program that enables the sensor to perform the same operations as a sensor compatible with a mesh communication network, or a device such as a programmable logic device incorporating the program.

The storage unit 62 stores information necessary for performing wireless communication compliant with the communication standard of a mesh communication network. The storage unit 62 stores information such as, for example, key information representing a network key of a mesh communication network, a security parameter called an IV index, and a unicast address assigned by a provisioner. These pieces of information are stored in the storage unit 62 by, for example, a provisioning process performed on the gateway device 10 in advance. The storage unit 62 is, for example, a rewritable nonvolatile storage element such as a flash memory. Note that the information stored in the storage unit 62 is not limited to the above, and may be any information necessary for performing wireless communication compliant with the communication standard of a mesh communication network.

By operating based on the sensor firmware 60 and the information stored in the storage unit 62, the wireless communication unit 54 converts the detection results of the camera 22 into a signal compliant with the communication standard of the mesh communication network, as described above. and transmits the converted signal to the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting section 20.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart schematically representing an example of the operation of the gateway device according to the first embodiment.
In FIG. 3, the camera 22 outputs a presence signal indicating a state in which a human body has been detected only when a human body is detected, and the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting section 20 are held when switching from a lit state to an unlit state. An example of the operation of the gateway device 10 when the gateway device 10 has a time period is schematically shown.

When the wireless communication unit 54 of the gateway device 10 starts operating in response to the supply of power from the power supply circuit 56, it first sends an absence signal indicating a state in which no human body is detected to the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting unit 20. (Step S101 in FIG. 3). The wireless communication unit 54 periodically transmits an absence signal to the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting unit 20. At this time, the wireless communication unit 54 transmits the absence signal at a transmission interval shorter than the shortest retention time of the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting unit 20.

After starting the transmission of the absence signal, the wireless communication unit 54 determines whether a presence signal has been received from the camera 22 (step S102 in FIG. 3). When the wireless communication unit 54 does not receive a presence signal from the camera 22, it continues to periodically transmit an absence signal.

On the other hand, when the wireless communication unit 54 receives the presence signal from the camera 22, it transmits the presence signal to the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting unit 20 (step S103 in FIG. 3). The wireless communication unit 54 periodically transmits the presence signal to the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting unit 20. Also in this case, the wireless communication unit 54 transmits the presence signal at a transmission interval shorter than the shortest retention time of the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting unit 20.

In this way, the wireless communication unit 54 periodically transmits the presence signal or absence signal regardless of the timing at which the reception unit 50 receives the signal (detection result) from the camera 22. Thereby, in the lighting control system 2, the gateway device 10 can appropriately act as a sensor compatible with a mesh communication network.

After starting the transmission of the presence signal, the wireless communication unit 54 determines whether the transmission of the presence signal from the camera 22 has stopped (step S104 in FIG. 3). If the transmission of the presence signal from the camera 22 has not stopped, the wireless communication unit 54 continues the operation of periodically transmitting the presence signal.

On the other hand, when the transmission of the presence signal from the camera 22 is stopped, the wireless communication unit 54 returns to the operation of transmitting the absence signal to the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting unit 20. Thereafter, the wireless communication unit 54 repeatedly executes the above operation.

The plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20 are turned on in response to reception of a presence signal, turned off in response to reception of an absence signal, and have a retention time when switching from a lighted state to an off state. The length of the retention time may be changed by, for example, setting data.

When the signal periodically transmitted from the wireless communication unit 54 switches from a presence signal to an absence signal, the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20, for example, perform a predetermined timing from the timing of switching from the presence signal to the absence signal. Start counting the retention time. The plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting section 20 maintain the lighting state while the holding time is being counted. When the transmission of the absence signal is continued until the measurement of the retention time is finished, the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting unit 20 are switched from the lighting state to the unlit state at the end of the measurement of the retention time. On the other hand, if the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20 switch from the absent signal to the present signal again before the measurement of the holding time is finished, the counting of the holding time is finished and the lighting state is continued.

At this time, if the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20 have retention times, the wireless communication unit 54 transmits data at a transmission interval shorter than the shortest retention time of the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20, as described above. to send a presence or absence signal. As a result, for example, after the presence signal is switched to the absence signal, the absence signal is switched again to the presence signal immediately after the elapse of the holding time, and the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20 are turned off once, and then immediately turned on. By doing so, it is possible to prevent flickering from being observed by people entering the room.

As described above, in the gateway device 10 according to the present embodiment, the wireless communication unit 54 transmits the detection results of the camera 22 received by the reception unit 50 through mesh communication between the plurality of lighting devices 12 and the lighting unit 20. It converts the signal into a signal compliant with the communication standard of the network, and periodically transmits the converted signal to the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting section 20 regardless of the timing at which the signal from the camera 22 of the receiving section 50 is received.

As a result, in the gateway device 10 according to the present embodiment and the lighting control system 2 using the same, even the camera 22 (sensor) that does not comply with the communication standard of the mesh communication network can be incorporated into the mesh communication network. can be used. Thereby, for example, the degree of freedom in selecting the camera 22 (sensor) can be increased. For example, it is possible to save the effort of developing a new camera that complies with the communication standard of the mesh communication network, and to suppress an increase in the cost of the lighting control system 2.

(Second embodiment)
FIG. 4 is a flowchart schematically showing an example of the operation of the gateway device according to the second embodiment.
In FIG. 4, the gateway device 10 is shown in a case where the camera 22 outputs a presence signal and an absence signal, and the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20 have a holding time when switching from a lighting state to an off state. An example of the operation is schematically shown. Components that are substantially the same in function and configuration as those in the above embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

When the wireless communication unit 54 of the gateway device 10 starts operating in response to the supply of power from the power supply circuit 56, it first waits to receive a signal from the camera 22 (sensor) (step S201 in FIG. 4).

Upon receiving the signal from the camera 22, the wireless communication unit 54 periodically transmits a signal corresponding to the signal from the camera 22 to the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting unit 20 (steps S202 and S203 in FIG. 4). . That is, when the wireless communication unit 54 receives a presence signal from the camera 22, the wireless communication unit 54 periodically transmits the presence signal to the plurality of lighting devices 12 and the lighting unit 20, and when it receives a presence signal from the camera 22. In this case, an absence signal is periodically transmitted to the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting section 20. When the signal from the camera 22 is switched, the wireless communication unit 54 switches the signal transmitted to the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and the lighting unit 20 in response to the switching.

Also in this case, the wireless communication unit 54 periodically transmits the presence signal or absence signal regardless of the timing at which the reception unit 50 receives the signal (detection result) from the camera 22. Also in this case, the wireless communication unit 54 transmits the absence signal at a transmission interval shorter than the shortest retention time of the plurality of lighting devices 12 and lighting units 20. Thereafter, the wireless communication unit 54 repeatedly executes the above operation.

In this way, the camera 22 (human body detection sensor) may be configured to output only a presence signal, or may be configured to output a presence signal and an absence signal, or the camera 22 (human body detection sensor) may be configured to output a presence signal and an absence signal. It is also possible to have a configuration in which only the data is output.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 5 is a flowchart schematically showing an example of the operation of the gateway device according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 5 schematically represents an example of the operation of the gateway device 10 when the camera 22 outputs only the presence signal and the gateway device 10 has a holding time. Note that the operations from steps S301 to S304 in FIG. 5 are substantially the same as the operations from steps S101 to S104 described with reference to FIG. 3, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

When the transmission of the presence signal from the camera 22 is stopped, the wireless communication unit 54 starts counting a predetermined holding time, and determines whether the holding time has elapsed (step S305 in FIG. 5).

If the holding time has not elapsed, the wireless communication unit 54 continues the operation of periodically transmitting the presence signal, and determines whether the transmission of the presence signal from the camera 22 has stopped. In other words, if the retention time has not elapsed, the wireless communication unit 54 continues the operation of periodically transmitting the presence signal and determines whether the transmission of the presence signal from the camera 22 has been resumed. judge.

If the wireless communication unit 54 receives a presence signal from the camera 22 before the retention time elapses, it stops counting the retention time and continues to periodically transmit the presence signal. On the other hand, if the holding time has elapsed from the timing of stopping the transmission of the presence signal from the camera 22, the wireless communication unit 54 returns to the operation of transmitting the absence signal to the plurality of lighting devices 12 and the lighting unit 20. . Thereafter, the wireless communication unit 54 repeatedly executes the above operation.

In this way, the wireless communication unit 54 communicates with the plurality of lighting devices 12 and lighting after a predetermined holding time has elapsed from the timing when the detection result of the camera 22 switches from the state in which a human body has been detected to the state in which no human body has been detected. The signal transmitted to the unit 20 is switched from a presence signal to an absence signal. Thereby, the retention time can be managed on the gateway device 10 side. In this way, the retention time may be managed on the side of the plurality of lighting devices 12 and the lighting section 20, or may be managed on the side of the gateway device 10.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically representing a gateway device according to the fourth embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 6, in the gateway device 10a, the receiving unit 50 is configured to be able to receive detection results from a plurality of cameras 22 (sensors). In this example, the lighting control system 2 includes a plurality of camera-equipped lighting fixtures 14. The receiving unit 50 inputs each detection result of the plurality of cameras 22 to the converting unit 52.

The conversion unit 52 converts each of the plurality of detection results input from the reception unit 50 into a signal in a predetermined format according to the wireless communication unit 54, and inputs the converted signal to the wireless communication unit 54. For example, the conversion unit 52 inputs a plurality of detection results to the wireless communication unit 54 while shifting them in time. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the receiving unit 50 receives the detection results of the three cameras 22, camera 1 to camera 3, the conversion unit 52 converts the detection result of camera 1, the detection result of camera 2, The detection results of the three cameras 22, such as the detection results of the camera 3, are inputted to the wireless communication unit 54 while being shifted in time.

The wireless communication unit 54 converts each detection result of the plurality of cameras 22 into a signal compliant with the communication standard of the mesh communication network, and transmits the converted signal toward the plurality of lighting devices 12 and the lighting unit 20. . For example, the wireless communication unit 54 transmits the signals of the plurality of cameras 22 while shifting the signals from each of the cameras 22 based on the input from the conversion unit 52, for example. The wireless communication unit 54 transmits the respective signals of the plurality of cameras 22 in a temporally shifted manner, for example, a signal of the detection result of the camera 1, a signal of the detection result of the camera 2, a signal of the detection result of the camera 3, etc. do.

The gateway device 10a further includes a storage section 70. The storage unit 70 stores linking information 72. The storage unit 70 is connected to the wireless communication unit 54. Thereby, the wireless communication unit 54 can read the linking information 72 stored in the storage unit 70.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram schematically representing an example of linking information.
As shown in FIG. 7, the linking information 72 stores sensor information representing the plurality of cameras 22 and group information representing the group to which the plurality of cameras 22 belong, in a linked manner. In other words, the association information 72 stores sensor information and group information in association with each other. The linking information 72 is, for example, table data. FIG. 7 shows an example in which camera 1 and camera 2 belong to group 1, and camera 3 belongs to group. A group is a group set for a plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20. In other words, the group information is information indicating to which group the plurality of cameras 22 belong among the plurality of groups set in the plurality of lighting devices 12 and the lighting section 20.

The linking information 72 is, for example, set data that is input to the gateway device 10a via a mesh communication network when setting a plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20 using the mobile terminal 34. is stored in the storage unit 70 based on the following.

The wireless communication unit 54 converts each detection result of the plurality of cameras 22 into a signal compliant with the communication standard of the mesh communication network, and transmits the converted signal toward the plurality of lighting devices 12 and the lighting unit 20. At this time, group information is included in the converted signal based on the linking information 72 stored in the storage unit 70.

The plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20 change their lighting states according to the detection results of the cameras 22 of the group to which they belong. As a result, when a plurality of cameras 22 (sensors) are provided and groups are set for the plurality of cameras 22, it is possible to control the lighting state of each of the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20 for each group. It becomes possible. Thereby, for example, the convenience of the lighting control system 2 can be further improved.

Note that in each of the above embodiments, the camera 22 provided in the camera-equipped lighting fixture 14 is shown as an example of a sensor used in the lighting control system 2. The sensor used in the lighting control system 2 is not limited to the camera 22 provided in the camera-equipped lighting fixture 14, but may be a camera provided separately from the lighting fixture (lighting unit 20).

In each of the above embodiments, the camera 22 is shown as an example of a human body detection sensor. The human body detection sensor is not limited to a camera, and may be, for example, a pyroelectric sensor or a radio wave sensor. The human body detection sensor is not limited to the above, and may be any sensor that can appropriately detect a human body that has entered a room.

In each of the embodiments described above, the camera 22 is used as a human body detection sensor. The camera 22 is not limited to this, and may be used, for example, as an illuminance sensor. For example, the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20 may perform operations such as turning off the lights when the brightness is above a predetermined level and turning on the lights when the brightness is less than a predetermined level, based on the detection results of the illuminance sensor. The illuminance sensor is not limited to a camera, and may be an illuminance sensor using a photoelectric element.

The sensors used in the lighting control system 2 are not limited to those described above, and may be any sensors necessary for controlling the lighting states of the plurality of lighting fixtures 12 and lighting units 20.

Although several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and gist of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

2... Lighting control system, 10, 10a... Gateway device, 12... Lighting fixture, 14... Lighting fixture with camera, 20... Lighting section, 22... Camera, 30... Control terminal, 32... Server, 34... Mobile terminal, 36, 38... Switch, 50... Receiving unit, 52... Conversion unit, 54... Wireless communication unit, 56... Power supply circuit, 60... Sensor firmware, 62... Storage unit, 70... Storage unit, 72... Linking information

Claims (5)

A gateway device used in a lighting control system equipped with a plurality of lighting fixtures that constructs a mesh-like communication network by performing two-way wireless communication, the gateway device comprising:
a receiving unit that receives a detection result transmitted from a sensor that is not compatible with the mesh communication network;
Converting the detection result of the sensor received by the receiving unit into a signal compliant with the communication standard of the mesh communication network, and transmitting the converted signal regardless of the timing at which the receiving unit receives the signal from the sensor. a wireless communication unit that periodically transmits data to the plurality of lighting devices;
A gateway device comprising: The sensor not compatible with the mesh communication network is a human body detection sensor that detects a human body,
The wireless communication unit periodically transmits a presence signal indicating a state in which the human body detection sensor has detected a human body to the plurality of lighting fixtures according to a detection result of the human body detection sensor; performing an operation of periodically transmitting an absence signal to the plurality of lighting fixtures indicating that the detection sensor is not detecting a human body;
The plurality of lighting fixtures are turned on in response to receiving the presence signal, turned off in response to reception of the absence signal, and have a holding time when switching from the turned on state to the unlit state,
The gateway device according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication unit periodically transmits the presence signal or the absence signal at a transmission interval shorter than the shortest holding time of the plurality of lighting devices. The sensor not compatible with the mesh communication network is a human body detection sensor that detects a human body,
The wireless communication unit periodically transmits a presence signal indicating a state in which the human body detection sensor has detected a human body to the plurality of lighting fixtures according to a detection result of the human body detection sensor; performing an operation of periodically transmitting an absence signal to the plurality of lighting fixtures indicating that the detection sensor is not detecting a human body;
The plurality of lighting fixtures are turned on in response to reception of the presence signal, and turned off in response to reception of the absence signal,
The wireless communication unit transmits the detection result of the human body detection sensor to the plurality of lighting fixtures after a predetermined holding time has elapsed from the timing when the detection result of the human body detection sensor was switched from a state in which a human body was detected to a state in which a human body was not detected. 2. The gateway device according to claim 1, wherein the signal to be sent is switched from the presence signal to the absence signal. further comprising a storage unit storing association information that associates and stores sensor information representing a plurality of the sensors that do not correspond to the mesh communication network and group information representing a group to which the plurality of sensors belong;
The receiving unit is capable of receiving detection results from a plurality of the sensors,
The wireless communication unit converts the detection results of each of the plurality of sensors into a signal compliant with the communication standard of the mesh communication network, and when transmitting the converted signal to the plurality of lighting fixtures, 4. The gateway device according to claim 1, wherein the group information is included in the converted signal based on the association information stored in the storage unit. Multiple lighting fixtures that create a mesh-like communication network by performing two-way wireless communication,
a sensor that is not compatible with the mesh communication network;
a gateway device;
Equipped with
The gateway device includes:
a receiving unit that receives a detection result transmitted from a sensor that is not compatible with the mesh communication network;
Converting the detection result of the sensor received by the receiving unit into a signal compliant with the communication standard of the mesh communication network, and transmitting the converted signal regardless of the timing at which the receiving unit receives the signal from the sensor. a wireless communication unit that periodically transmits data to the plurality of lighting devices;
A lighting control system comprising:

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